Because of Gu Qingqiu's strong insistence (persistent pestering), Qi Huaijin still kept her. However, unlike the other ghosts, he did not leave Gu Qingqiu in the incense shop, but carried her in the obsidian bracelet on his wrist. However, he would drive Gu Qingqiu away when taking a bath or going to sleep.

Gu Qingqiu felt that Qi Huaijin's attitude towards her had gradually softened, and he was no longer so resistant to getting close to her, but no matter what, he would not make any verbal promises.

As time went on, Gu Qingqiu stopped being in a hurry. Anyway, there was nothing wrong with staying by Qi Huaijin's side, and her experience bar was still increasing.

Qi Huaijin is different from the male protagonists Gu Qingqiu has encountered before. Perhaps it is because of the world setting here and Qi Huaijin's insistence on his professional identity that he is unable to establish a romantic relationship with a partner from the underworld, even if he is really moved.

It's said that the emperor isn't worried, but the eunuchs are. Gu Qingqiu calmed down, but the male protagonist system couldn't sit still.

Male Protagonist System: [Host, how come you still have the mood to play a match-3 game?]

Gu Qingqiu: [Hmm? Qi Huaijin went to sleep. What can I do? Just sit here and stare blankly?]

Male Protagonist System: [Don't think I don't know. The host tried it before; you can open the door to his bedroom by sticking the yellow talisman given by Qi Huaijin on the doorknob.]

Gu Qingqiu: [Yes, but I triggered the restriction he set as soon as I opened the door. He woke up immediately and kicked me out.]

Male protagonist system: [He wouldn't let the host kiss or hug him, but the host did anyway, and nothing happened.]

Gu Qingqiu: [Oh dear, you don't understand. Qi Huaijin is a very, very traditional person. He wouldn't accept sleeping in the same bed as me.]

Male Protagonist System: [How will you know if you don't try, Host?]

Gu Qingqiu: [I'm afraid if I anger him, he won't even let me into the house...]

Male protagonist system: [When did you become so cautious, host?]

Gu Qingqiu: [Oh dear, it's just that there hasn't been a suitable opportunity yet. Didn't you say yesterday that your experience bar progress had already reached 74%? There's still plenty of time.]

Male Protagonist System: [Yes, but the experience bar was already at 74% a week ago.]

Gu Qingqiu: [Okay, I'll figure something out.]

But unexpectedly, something changed the very next day.

Chujiang has always been a popular spot for tourists and fishermen. Even though the government has warned people not to approach dangerous waters, it can't stop people from challenging nature. Today, a tourist fell into the river, which prompted three citizens to jump in to rescue him, but they also got themselves caught in the accident.

In other words, four people are currently missing in the Chu River, and it seems their chances of survival are slim.

The search boats searched the river several times but couldn't find the body. The police and government took the matter very seriously and dispersed the crowds of onlookers, fearing that something else might happen.

The special incident handling team immediately convened an emergency meeting. Such unexpected situations had occurred many times on the Chu River, but considering the hidden door that appeared out of nowhere, they could not treat it as an ordinary accident before reaching a conclusion. They also consulted several masters to obtain the birth dates and times of the victims from their families to search for them.

As expected, the four people had indeed perished, but their whereabouts could not be found; it was as if they had vanished into thin air.

When Qi Huaijin arrived, many masters and police officers had already gathered at the scene.

Many people cast hopeful glances at Qi Huaijin, but after burning the talisman in his hand, Qi Huaijin shook his head slightly.

In the past, it was common practice for the families of the victims to use their birth dates and times to locate the bodies. Although this might not lead to a specific location, it would provide a general direction, such as the southwest corner of a mountain or the east bank of a river. However, this time, Qi Huaijin could not find any results, as if these four people did not exist in this world at all.

Qi Huaijin even brought a string of pearls to the scene. The ghost living inside was a water ghost, but after being released into the middle reaches of the Chu River and returning, he looked distressed and said that he had not sensed any of his kind.

After thinking for a moment, Gu Qingqiu decided to go back to the Chujiang King's Palace. So she said goodbye to Qi Huaijin and prepared to leave.

"Where are you going?" Qi Huaijin had been frowning more frequently these past few days, as this was the first time he had encountered such a tricky situation.

Gu Qingqiu wasn't going to tell the truth for the time being, otherwise she would be giving people false hope if she hadn't received the news herself. She could only vaguely say that she felt a bit tired of looking at Jiang these past few days and wanted to go somewhere else.

Qi Huaijin seemed unhappy, "You get bored with new things really quickly."

"Huh?" Gu Qingqiu had already taken a step out when she turned back to look at Qi Huaijin.

Qi Huaijin realized something and composed himself. "Go on, it'll be dawn soon if we don't leave now."

It was indeed getting late. Afraid of delaying her journey, Gu Qingqiu didn't exchange any more pleasantries, simply nodded and drifted away.

Unbeknownst to her, Qi Huaijin stared at her departing figure for a long time before finally letting out a sigh that dissipated into the wind.

How could he not understand the little ghost girl's feelings for him? Even if he tried to deceive himself, the feeling of his heart racing when he was stared at by those pure, dark eyes was undeniable.

But he was a sorcerer, and the first thing his master told him when he became an apprentice was that he must not develop any feelings for any ghosts, let alone love or friendship. In theory, even pity should not exist. He always restrained himself and kept his distance from the ghosts in his incense shop. Even though he had taken them in for so long, he treated them as employees or as superiors and subordinates.

He provides shelter for these ghosts, and the ghosts do his bidding.

Even Shuyi, who had been with him the longest, was never brought home by him.

He initially made an exception because Gu Qingqiu saved him, but later, he watched himself fall deeper and deeper into her trap.

Knowing it was a mistake, he pretended not to care and didn't respond to Gu Qingqiu's declarations of love, yet he still kept her by his side at all times. Now, even if she wanted to leave, he couldn't find the words to stop her.

It must be very painful when your enthusiasm goes unrequited. Over time, your enthusiasm turns into pain. If he is not prepared to agree, breaking up is the best option.

But... why does my heart hurt so much?

Qi Huaijin clutched his chest, his body swayed involuntarily, and he squatted down, his face pale.

The guard on night watch saw this and quickly came over to help Qi Huaijin up. "Master Qi! Are you alright? Did you overexert yourself with the rituals these past two days? Let me help you to your room to rest."

"It's nothing." Qi Huaijin declined the guard's offer. "It's just that the wind by the river is too strong. It gave me a headache after being exposed to it for a while. I'll be fine after a nap."

"Okay, then you should get some rest." The guard smiled and waved to Qi Huaijin.

Qi Huaijin nodded silently.

When I wake up from my nap... will the little ghost girl come back?