Unlike Zhao Youliang's simple sentiments, Liao Zhiyuan, who was well-versed in fortune telling, had a serious expression on his face.

"Brother Quantum, this old man should have long since died and returned to the underworld, so why is he so energetic?!"

"Moreover, judging from his appearance, he is not a kind person, but rather a malicious one."

"There's absolutely no reason for the underworld to extend the lifespan of someone like that!"

Zhao Youliang clearly agreed with Liao Zhiyuan's words.

Because when the townspeople talk about Qi Zhigang's grandfather, they all say in unison, "He's utterly despicable!"

Beating the disabled, kicking down widows' doors, digging up graves of childless people... they were simply committing all sorts of evil deeds.

To put it simply, Grandpa Qi Zhigang is over eighty years old, and last year he still climbed over the wall of the girls' restroom at school to peek!

If it weren't for the fact that the five major surnames wielded considerable influence in the town, the police would have arrested him eight times over!

......

Realizing that Zhao Youliang and the other man were staring at him, Qi Zhigang stopped and grinned at them.

"What a pity, you two good-for-nothings aren't my bloodline, so you're useless."

After saying this nonsensical thing, Qi Zhigang's grandfather continued jogging slowly into the distance.

Zhao Youliang was taken aback: "Xiao Liao, what does that old bastard mean?"

"How could this be so inexplicable?"

Liao Zhiyuan is a "professionally trained" person, so he obviously understands the ins and outs of the field much better than Zhao Youliang, who is a "latecomer".

After thinking for a moment, he said, "It's not certain yet."

"Brother Quantum, once Qi Zhigang gets back, we need to go to his house to check on him right away."

After Zhao Youliang finished his morning meditation, Qi Zhigang returned from the hospital.

Also returning was his second uncle's body—of course, he had died despite all efforts to save him.

Because the situation was so bizarre, Zhao Youliang disregarded Qi Zhigang's grief and pulled him aside to ask him questions.

"Old Qi, how did your second uncle die? What did your hospital diagnose him?"

Qi Zhigang knew that Zhao Youliang wouldn't speak without reason, and considering that his father had also been listless these past two days, he quickly answered.

"My internal medicine colleague diagnosed him with 'sudden multiple organ failure'... My uncle has always been in good health, how could this happen?"

Hearing Qi Zhigang's words, Liao Zhiyuan's expression became even more serious.

"Brother Gang, could you take us to your house? Especially your grandfather's room."

“Sure, of course. You and Quantum aren’t strangers.” Qi Zhigang nodded in agreement and immediately led the two of them toward his home.

Qi Zhigang's old house is a traditional rural courtyard.

Before the family split up, Lao Qi's entire family lived there.

Grandpa Qi Zhigang lived in two separate rooms located at the far end of the courtyard.

As the three of them approached the two old houses, they immediately felt a chilling aura.

Just as they were about to go inside to check, Qi Zhigang's grandfather suddenly walked in from outside.

He stared at Zhao Youliang with wary eyes, while questioning Qi Zhigang.

"Gangzi, what are you doing bringing outsiders here with me?"

Qi Zhigang, being a dutiful son, quickly stepped forward to help him up while answering.

"Grandpa, why did you come out...? We're fine."

"Things have been pretty strange lately, so we invited Quantum and the other guy to come to our house for a look."

Just as Qi Zhigang was helping his grandfather up, the old man instinctively dodged to the side.

She seemed unwilling to let her own grandson get too close.

These little actions naturally did not escape the notice of Zhao Youliang and Liao Zhiyuan.

The two exchanged a thoughtful glance.

Just then, upon hearing Qi Zhigang's words, Old Man Qi suddenly became excited.

"Strange? What's so strange about it! It's just a few people dying!"

"Get out of here right now, and don't wander around my house!"

"If you dare come again, I'll have your legs broken! Get out!!"

"This..." Qi Zhigang didn't expect his grandfather, who was usually quite kind to him, to have such a big reaction today, and immediately looked embarrassed.

Fortunately, Zhao Youliang had seen the harsh realities of life since childhood, so he didn't mind at all.

Instead of getting angry, she pulled Liao Zhiyuan outside.

As they walked, he comforted the embarrassed Qi Zhigang, saying, "It's okay, Lao Qi. We're just taking a stroll."

"Since your grandfather won't allow it, then let's go to my house for a drink together."

"Oh, by the way, is your second uncle's funeral still going on? If so, we'll all come and help."

Zhao Youliang's words were ostensibly addressed to Qi Zhigang, but in reality, they were a test of Old Man Qi's attitude.

As things have unfolded to this point, he has a vague idea of ​​the reason.

I can't be sure because I haven't seen it with my own eyes.

Sure enough, when Old Man Qi heard Zhao Youliang's words, he became even more excited.

"I'm not dead yet, so the second son's funeral can't be held!"

"How old is he? Why is someone under sixty holding a funeral!"

"They shouldn't have brought them back from the hospital. They should have just taken them to the crematorium and buried them somewhere!"

Old Qi's behavior, coupled with his words, further confirmed Zhao Youliang's suspicions.

Liao Zhiyuan and Liao Zhiyuan exchanged a quick glance and whispered in unison, "Borrow lifespan!"

He then stopped talking and quickly left with the bewildered Qi Zhigang.

After leaving the Qi family's old house, Qi Zhi hesitated for a moment before asking.

"Quantum, what did you mean by 'borrowing lifespan' just now?"

"Are you saying that my second uncle was killed by my grandfather?"

Zhao Youliang nodded deeply: "It's not just your second uncle, but also your deceased eldest uncle, and even you and your father!"

"Old Qi, forgive me for being blunt, but it seems your grandpa really is a scoundrel!!"

Borrowing lifespan is a mysterious and enigmatic practice, the most common of which involves borrowing lifespan from one's descendants, such as the case of Grandpa Qi Zhigang.

In addition to these, there are three other methods: borrowing lifespan from future generations, borrowing lifespan from heaven and earth, and deceiving the heavens and crossing the sea.

The most famous "borrowing lifespan" event in Chinese history is the story of Zhuge Liang lighting the Seven Star Lamp in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms to borrow lifespan from heaven and earth.

Unfortunately, at the last moment, Wei Yan suddenly barged in and ruined everything, causing all their efforts to be in vain.

Of the four methods of borrowing lifespan mentioned above, the most immoral is forcibly borrowing lifespan from one's descendants, which is the method Old Man Qi is using.

That's why his eldest and second sons died violent deaths one after another, and Qi Zhigang and his sons will also be nearing the end of their lives.

"What?! How could Grandpa...?"

After hearing Zhao Youliang's explanation, Qi Zhigang's face was filled with disbelief.

Clearly, treating his juniors in such a vicious way was completely beyond Qi Zhigang's imagination.

As the saying goes: Kind people can never imagine how bad people can be!

Therefore, one should not have the intention to harm others, but one must always be wary of others!

"Liangzi, Zhiyuan, are you two sure my grandfather is really borrowing our lifespans to keep himself alive?!"

Zhao Youliang and his companion nodded deeply: "Old Qi, if you don't believe me, just secretly install a camera in your grandfather's room and you'll see!"

Note: This book is set in modern society, so please don't get confused...