43 Chapter 43 (Two in One)
◎God damn Ye Ba Pi!◎
The detention operation on the ship was nearing its end. Old Li was frantic, "Is it still impossible to contact Consultant Tushan?"
A figure quickly appeared by the river. Tu Shansui hid in a corner, took a deep breath, and tied up his long hair, as if nothing had happened.
He gripped the small tablet in his palm; the stone was icy cold. After returning to its original form, the fuzz that his arm couldn't suppress was now under control.
As he walked out, his voice was still cold and calm. "What's the matter?"
Old Li was overjoyed. "The advisor is back! I heard you're planning on going to other restricted areas to escort these zombies. Can I go with you?"
"Can."
The white-haired young man said simply, "Tonight?"
"So urgent?" Old Li was startled, then quickly agreed, "Okay, I'll contact the airport right away."
The sooner we get the zombies back to the restricted area, the better. The consultant still needs to rush over to confirm the situation in the restricted area, so this arrangement is absolutely perfect.
Tu Shansui nodded slightly, walked past her into the cabin, staring at the sealed zombies, wondering what he was thinking.
Old Li felt something was strange and couldn't help but take a few more glances.
The consultant remained indifferent, without any change. But...
Inexplicably, it feels a little softer and more human.
Did I see it wrong?
-
The plane took off overnight and arrived at its destination at dawn.
The zombies in the container were re-encased in boxes as tall as a man, and the team dragged the boxes through the thick barbed wire. The stone tablet marking Restricted Area 2 stood not far away. In front of the tablet were densely packed giant black boxes, layer upon layer, one behind the other.
It’s like layers upon layers of…high walls and coffin mountains.
The further you go in, the more the box looks like a coffin, and the older and darker it becomes.
A group of small carts covered with thin black metal drove out of the high wall. Some people holding dim candles stood beside the carts and walked out together.
The cart drove along the track into a closed warehouse not far away. The middle-aged woman followed it to the edge of the high wall made of coffins and stopped. Her pale face was faintly covered with a layer of gray, and she bowed to Tu Shansui.
She watched silently as the new zombie box was placed on the cart and drove along the track. Her figure followed the cart and gradually disappeared into the high wall.
Watching the box and the figure disappear, Tu Shansui touched the small tablet in his palm, confirmed that the state of the restricted area was similar to the last time he woke up, and turned to leave.
The plane took off again, but it was still hard to adapt to the dizziness from being at high altitude.
Tu Shansui suppressed the urge to vomit and rushed to the next restricted area without stopping.
The interception line of restricted area No. 3 is much newer than other places. There is a row of small pavilions next to the stone tablet, which look like the lighting and offering halls commonly seen in Taoist temples.
But the stepped altars were empty, with no statues, no oil lamps, and no memorial tablets. Instead, thick layers of grayish-white ash piled up on the steps, emitting a strong smell of smoke and sandalwood.
The ashes were growing thicker, as if an invisible figure somewhere else had been burning incense and candles for years.
The old woman with sparse white hair was kneeling on the mat. She was too old and her legs and feet were not as flexible. She staggered when she stood up and had to hold on to the mottled paint table to keep her balance.
The old man carefully wiped the empty incense burner at the bottom of the altar. Hearing footsteps behind him, he turned around and smiled, "You're here. What brings you here in such a hurry?"
Beyond her, one could vaguely see the peaks and ridges, pavilions, and grand halls behind the stone tablet of Restricted Area No. 3. It had a majestic aura, like a dragon coiling and a tiger crouching, resembling a towering fairyland. It was completely different from the ruined Restricted Area No. 1.
If it weren't for the heavy barbed wire fences and the fog that blurred the entire area, it would look like some famous scenic spot.
Or rather, it used to be.
More than a decade ago, the Stupendous Monument moved strangely. When Tushan Sui last woke up, this place was still called...
Longhu Mountain.
The restricted area was silent and lifeless, with only the sound of incense ashes.
"Zhang Qingyi." Tu Shansui thought for a moment and added, "Director Zhang."
"I met a strange person. Her strange aura was very faint, not like a weird person, and certainly not like a weird creature."
The strange and eerie aura in Jiang City came from Ye Ping'an. It was so elusive that people doubted whether it really existed. Even he almost didn't notice it at the first time.
But Ye Ping'an is a human being, a living human being.
Director Zhang looked at the white-haired young man gently, like an experienced elder looking at a confused young man.
Although he knew that he was actually older than everyone else, during his long sleep, he didn't look much different from when he first woke up.
Her eyes showed understanding, "Did you see a turning point?
"No, you don't need to tell me. You and the monument are one. Use your heart to feel and judge. Is the strange thing a disaster or an opportunity?"
The old man smiled and sighed, "'The gods are dead'. That's what you said when you first found us, just as the strangeness was beginning to revive. It's also been proven true in repeated forbidden zone incidents both domestically and internationally."
"People died, gods died, and the world...is dying too. We've doubted, we've collapsed, we've tried to delay death. We've used the weird to fight the weird, and some have decided to embrace the weird and coexist with it early, but no one has found a way to bring the world back to life.
"When the Beyond Grade A anomaly warning came, many people in the bureau thought the end had come. But you see, we are still alive. Any hope in a desperate situation is precious."
A vague flash of inspiration flashed through Tu Shansui's mind, but he couldn't catch it.
He clenched the small tablet in his hand, "I didn't find the weird one."
"The Investigation Bureau found no abnormalities either."
Director Zhang meticulously collected all the ashes on the altar into the incense burner and kowtowed to the altar again.
She pointed to the waiting car in the distance and said to Tu Shansui, "Fox Fairy, oh Fox Fairy, the road ahead is long. Let's go back to the bureau. You haven't read the files from these years. Maybe there will be some clues in them."
-
The No. 3 restricted area was dead silent in the early morning, but the morning at Jiang City Food Street was exceptionally lively.
The aroma of pork rib soup wafted out from the crack of the restaurant door, and the people looking out the door couldn't help swallowing.
"Boss Ye! Boss Ye! Do you really provide food and accommodation? How much is the salary?"
"Don't worry about the salary. I can come for two hours every day. Give me something to eat and I can pay you whatever you want. Slurp!"
"Go away, your intentions are not pure. I'm the only one who's here sincerely to do odd jobs. I can cut vegetables, boss, look at me! It's just that, hey, it's just that I eat a little too much, boss, you don't mind, right?"
"Boss Ye, you're short of laborers, but are you short of investment? I can invest in you to open a few more stores, and you just need to cook for me a few more times!"
“…”
The purpose of the noise was clear: just to get a meal.
Outside the crowd, Zheng Xin, who had just arrived at the scene according to the task arrangement, turned green in the face.
Are these people crazy? Is it really necessary to fight for a small job like this, just for a delicious meal? Is this a job search or a fan meeting?
Zheng Xin sent a message: [Master Lu, there are too many applicants. Is this the only way to enter the store?]
Being a customer, an investor, or even trying to seduce a shop owner is better than humiliating yourself and competing with this bunch of weird people for a job, right?!
Bai Lu seemed to have been staring at this place and quickly replied: "Your mission is to confirm whether she has any strange objects, what they are, and whether she has any connection with the Investigation Bureau. No matter what means you use, you must enter the store. Once inside, any losses caused by using strange objects will be compensated with sacrifices."
There was a lot of news about the Jiang City Music Festival, but the cosplayer who had a sudden epileptic seizure wasn't a big deal. But last night, after being questioned by the president, he learned that a zombie ship had passed through Jiang City and had been inexplicably intercepted.
Finally, he came back and just confirmed that Tu Shansui had left. This was a godsend! If he didn't figure out Ye Ping'an's secret, the other strongholds that had been disrupted would hate him to death.
But the thug who went crazy shortly after breaking into the store always made Bai Lu very uneasy. Originally planning to send a member with a clean identity to infiltrate, he finally arranged to send a ghost master. His other abilities were not strong, but the ghost was very hidden, so he was enough to save his life and bring out the news.
Bai Lu's face was gloomy: "Only success is allowed, failure is not. The faster you complete the task, the more divine fragments you can choose from. Even if you change into your current ghost skin, I can arrange it."
Zheng Xin's breathing became rapid. He clutched his cell phone and looked at the young woman who was surrounded and questioned.
He looks very good. Even though he has a strange item, it is not very strong and he has not used it for long.
No matter how you look at it, it seems unremarkable. Combined with the information collected during the meeting, it doesn't seem to be anything special.
The contact time with the diners was too short, and the previous person who proposed investment had been rejected by Ye Pingan. So...
During the brief exchange of messages, seeing that Ye Ping'an was about to be overwhelmed by the enthusiastic inquiries outside the door, Zheng Xin touched the cool and delicate skin on his face and decided to go for it!
Zheng Xin got off the car and hurried to join the competition. With one more person in the crowd, some people were immediately dissatisfied.
"What are you doing?! You're in a hurry to eat, don't you know you have to queue up to apply..." His annoyed complaints faded into astonishment the moment he turned around and saw Zheng Xin. "Handsome guy, are you here to apply for a job too?"
Where did this handsome boy come from?
He was handsome, but not in a dazzling way. He looked like a guy next door, approachable and approachable. His face was a bit too pale, but that gave him a vampire-like beauty.
Zheng Xin smiled, "I'm here to see Boss Ye."
The female student looked at him blankly, "Oh, then go ahead. My name is An Qi..."
Zheng Xin was not surprised at all and walked forward proudly.
【E933-Peach Blossom Face】!
Beauty is a scarce resource, and people are always more willing to give preferential treatment to those with good looks. Even without using tricks, with just a slight influence of that thin and delicate trick skin, his future is much smoother than before.
Zheng Xin walked to the front smoothly and showed Ye Pingan a warm smile, "Boss Ye, I——"
Regardless of orientation, normal people will not reject someone who greets people with a smile, and will not reject a beautiful woman with a smile at the first time.
“Don’t cut in line.”
Ye Ping'an took the rolled-up recruitment notice in his hand, tapped his shoulder and pushed it aside.
Ye Ping'an just felt it was an eyesore.
All men think they're handsome, but this guy is even more impressive. He's a stick-like figure, his face a moonscape, and his self-proclaimed handsome smile is so greasy you could squeeze out gutter oil.
No matter what the guests look like, Ye Ping'an will usually just respect and bless them.
But the employees who come to apply for the job... it's bad enough that they're ugly, but they start to disobey the store rules before they're even hired. How can that be acceptable!
Zheng Xin was interrupted before he could finish his words and was pushed aside in confusion.
How could she push him away? Just looking at Ye Ping'an's actions, disgust was written all over his face from his fingers to his hair. This was completely humiliating!
Even though he was a ghost controler and hadn't been affected by the ghost, with his changed appearance, he would still be disliked?!
As Zheng Xin was pushed aside, the crowd that had made way for him came to their senses. "Handsome guy, aren't you here to apply for a job? Then wait until the boss is done. Or should we go sit somewhere else?"
His charm was still in effect, and Zheng Xin confirmed that there was no problem with the monster.
That should be because he was just disliked because he didn't comply with the requirements?
After owning the strange object, Zheng Xin hadn't been disdained for a long time. Even if it wasn't a mission, he wanted Ye Pingan to pay the price!
Zheng Xin reluctantly lowered his head and said, "I... am here to apply for a job."
"Get in line." Ye Ping'an didn't even raise his head. "Next one, what's your work experience? What's your salary expectation? What time can you start work every day?"
Zheng Xin took a deep breath and endured it.
Let’s queue up! With his image advantage, he can at least be one of the choices, and everything will be easy once he enters the store.
The recruitment notice posted by Ye Ping'an attracted a large crowd of people in just one night.
The old customers mixed with the new customers at the barbecue stall. Most of them were there to join in the fun or were just there to eat. Only a few of them were there sincerely to apply for the job.
After ticking and marking on the list for a long time, Ye Pingan pointed out a few of them and said, "Thank you all for participating. Please follow me in and discuss the specific salary and job content. Those who have work experience will be shown later."
Zheng Xin was not chosen, and immediately became anxious. He took the initiative to sell, "What about me? Boss, although I don't have any work experience, I can learn, and I can even be a receptionist!"
It's a mission that only allows success and not failure, he can't even not get through the door!
Ye Ping'an's expression was indescribable.
Still asking? With the same salary requirements, why would you choose someone with no kitchen experience and no image? And a receptionist? They have absolutely no self-awareness.
Ye Pingan: "If the demand doesn't match, you can ask other places if they are hiring."
A man in a suit and tie outside the crowd said with his eyes shining, "Yeah, right, young man, we are from the MCN incubation base. Are you interested in being a host?"
The corner of Ye Ping'an's mouth twitched.
Are they really that picky when it comes to incubating influencers? Um, maybe it's a track with an alternative aesthetic?
"Hey, we just earn our money through hard work. We don't have as many opportunities as you do..." Several people who were selected to enter the next round of interviews looked at Zheng Xin enviously.
Zheng Xin gritted his teeth and risked his life, "Boss Ye, what's wrong with me? Tell me, I can change it!"
"Choose me! I can do any job!"
Hidden behind the crowd, two reserve investigators noticed the changes at the interview scene and were puzzled. "Why does this guy... seem so anxious? The bureau is worried that Boss Ye is being targeted by those organizations. Could it be him? His face is pale. Could he be a ghost controler?"
"Hiss... then we can't let him get close to Boss Ye!"
With suspicion, the way they looked at Zheng Xin changed from admiration to nervousness.
Stifling their voices, they questioned from behind the crowd, "Your face is so pale, and you look weak. What kind of work can you do?"
"I... I have strength!" Zheng Xin grabbed the registration table moved to the door and tried to show his biceps.
"You can't lift this."
It would have been fine if Ye Ping'an didn't stop him, but as soon as he opened his mouth, Zheng Xin used all his strength to hold up the table.
Bang!
The wooden table was lifted slightly, then slammed back to the ground. A heavy, dull thud struck Zheng Xin's shoulder, causing him to stagger, as if a mountain had fallen upon him.
how so? !
The wooden table was very ordinary. He watched Ye Ping'an carry it out of the lobby with one hand. How could it be so heavy?
"Hey, my table! I told you I couldn't lift it, but you still have to try?"
Ye Ping'an took a deep breath, held the fallen table, put it back on the ground steadily, and touched the edge of the table that hit Zheng Xin with heartache.
Ye Pingan looked at him unkindly, "The table is broken, you have to pay for it."
Zheng Xin:?
I was nearly knocked to my knees by the impact. Do you have any sympathy? The table isn't cracked or falling over, so what's broken?
Following Ye Ping'an's finger, he looked for a long time before he saw a scratch on the paint surface.
...This is clearly a sign of daily use at the restaurant, right?! How could this owner be so deceptive?
Zheng Xin was so angry that he wanted to curse.
But on second thought, this seems to be a good opportunity to get closer!
"I...I'll pay them back," Zheng Xin said quickly. "I only want half of my salary!"
Ye Pingan was disdainful, "Are you telling me you're going to lose money?"
The few people selected for the interview were anxious, "That's right! The salary is yours, and you say it's compensation? Boss, ignore him, let him pay the money first!"
Are you sick? You are like cattle and horses, but you still want to disrupt the market by involution?
Zheng Xin was so angry that he fell backwards, "I don't want the salary!"
That should be fine!
Eh? Free labor!
Ye Ping'an fell into silence.
Seeing that Ye Ping'an looked somewhat persuaded, Zheng Xin continued, forcing a smile. "I've heard that Mr. Ye has excellent skills. I'm hoping to learn a few tricks from you, if nothing else. Let me be your apprentice. I can endure any hardship! I can pay the tuition every month."
The selected interviewee was furious.
Who can beat the idea of working for nothing? Restaurant apprentices still have to be paid a basic salary!
The more the reserve investigator looked at him, the more he felt there was something wrong with Zheng Xin. He interrupted him loudly and emphasized again, "Boss Ye, he looks so weak, he can't do any work!"
Zheng Xin's expression was almost contorted. Why was everyone trying to make things difficult for him?
Zheng Xin: "I don't want money."
Investigators: "He's clumsy!"
Zheng Xin: "I don't want money to pay for tuition."
The diners who were there were stunned, looking at Zheng Xin like he was a fool: "Is it really that serious? Isn't it too much to fight for a meal?"
Ye Pingan listened, his eyes brightening, "How much is the tuition per month?"
Zheng Xin: This stingy guy really wants money?
Zheng Xin: “…One hundred.”
Noticing Ye Ping'an's disgusted look, he quickly changed his words, "This is compensation. The tuition fee is one thousand per month."
Ye Ping'an's eyes lit up, he put away the registration list, and made the decision on the spot, "It's you. Young man, you're aware of the situation. No need for a trial period, just come in and sign the contract!"
No one is perfect, so it doesn't matter if you are ugly. It's hard to find someone who can bring their own food and still work.
"Thank you! Thank you! Boss, I will do my best." Zheng Xin responded with gritted teeth and lowered his head to hide the murderous intent in his eyes.
Damn you capitalists... and these bastards who are stirring up trouble. You dare to agree to such a request? Once we find out, you'll all be dead!
Hearing the confirmation, the reserve investigators exchanged helpless glances and said, "Boss Ye insisted on sending someone. Forget it, let's continue to see what happens."
The crowd in front of the store dispersed, and the diners who were waiting for their meals by smelling the food asked what time the meal would be served, and then went shopping happily.
Ye Ping'an led the new employee in. Zheng Xin took a quick look around but didn't find anything special.
"You..." Ye Ping'an went through the possible tasks in his mind, "Go to the kitchen and wash the vegetables first. After washing the vegetables, practice cutting them. Today's snack is mashed potatoes. When you are busy, just serve the dishes and clear the table."
So simple?
Zheng Xin couldn't wait to go to the kitchen, "Okay, boss."
"Have you forgotten something?" Ye Ping'an called him.
Zheng Xin felt a chill on his back.
Could it be that Ye Ping'an's greed for money was just an act, and his purpose had actually been seen through, and he just wanted to lure him in and kill him?
Zheng Xin stopped where he was and didn't turn around, touching his face hesitantly.
We haven't investigated everything yet, so we won't be able to complete the mission if we start now. But saving our lives is the most important thing!
A hand stretched out from behind him and shook.
Ye Pingan urged impatiently, "Didn't you hear me? Pay me back!"
Zheng Xin let out a long sigh, smiled apologetically, and turned around. "I'll transfer the money right away. I'll transfer it right away."
Ye Ping'an was satisfied. "Okay, go wash your hands and go wash the potatoes. Aunt Qin harvested these spring potatoes, so wash them carefully."
With the help of a handyman, the days of washing fruits and vegetables in a dishwasher are over. The electricity bill is much more expensive than that of a handyman.
Zheng Xin looked at the bag of potatoes and his eyes went dark.
Whoever washes it is a fool! While Ye Ping'an was away, he quickly searched the kitchen.
Hearing a slight noise outside, Zheng Xin pretended to sit back in front of the basin and picked up the brush to wash.
Buzz——
Zheng Xin breathed a sigh of relief. Oh, it turned out to be a sweeping and mopping robot.
Zheng Xin took a piece of cloth and covered the robot's camera.
After a quick search, I found the kitchen was spotless, nothing unusual. There wasn't even a secret storage room, it was a completely normal restaurant.
Zheng Xin was absentmindedly thinking about where to check next. After Ye Ping'an finished unpacking the newly delivered beverage boxes, he came in and saw the new employee slacking off.
"Xiao Zheng, what are you washing? There's still mud on it. Is that considered washing it? Hurry up and wash it again. Do you still want to eat today?"
Zheng Xin: …
Just wait for me!
Zheng Xin swallowed his anger and said, "I've never washed it before. The boss taught me and I understand. It will be done right away. It will be done right away."
"Xiao Zheng! You can't peel or cut the skin?"
"Xiao Zheng! Why are you so slow? Send this pot of spare ribs to table 3!"
“…”
Amidst the life-threatening shouts, Zheng Xin had barely even sat down when he was busy like a top on his first day at work.
As the night deepens, the shop closes.
He pulled out a hidden communicator, and Bai Lu's message flashed: [How's the situation? Have you contacted the owner and gained his trust?]
Zheng Xin was overcome with grief for a moment.
This capitalist is treating me like an animal! I've been busy since this morning, working twelve hours a day, and I only had ten minutes to eat!
The promised rice rolls were real, but what we ate was mashed potatoes with the skins on that I had cut myself.
He was so hungry that his stomach was sticking to his back. When he finally got to eat, he found the mashed potatoes with only a spoonful of broth delicious.
The promise of free accommodation was indeed true, but when he went to ask about it, he found out that they were sleeping on a chair in the lobby.
Zheng Xin tried to get an empty room on the second floor, but was told that there was no room left.
Boss Ye said confidently, "In the summer, just cover yourself with a piece of cloth. You won't catch a cold anyway. I'm just running the shop on the first floor. You can sleep in if you want. If you don't want to, you can sleep in the carriage."
…Staying in the lobby is better than sleeping in the car, which is closer to the second floor that hasn’t been checked yet.
Zheng Xin endured it.
Zheng Xin shed bitter tears when she spoke of this: [God damn it, she is not a human being, she is a devil, she is a damned Ye Ba Pi!]
[That's enough.] Bai Lu coldly interrupted the pop-up messages, [So you didn't notice the connection between her strange creature and the Investigation Bureau?]
Zheng Xin finally calmed down his resentment. [Yes.]
Zheng Xin: [I didn't notice anything suspicious. But after closing that night, Ye Ping'an had me light a purifying candle for over ten minutes, claiming it was for "odor removal and aromatherapy." She must have been a master secretly trained by the Bureau, to be willing to use purifying candles like this to prevent sneak attacks and accidents. But her greed ruined her, allowing me to defeat her from the inside.]
Bai Lu perked up: "No, don't do it right away. You've already been high-profile enough by entering the store today. You've definitely been targeted by the Bureau of Investigation. Observe for a few more days, try to find the suspicious creature, and then make targeted arrangements."
Bai Lu: [Don't worry, you'll stay for three days at most. We still need you at the new base.]
Still waiting?
Zheng Xin was reluctant, but thinking of the consequences of being caught by the Investigation Bureau, he reluctantly agreed.
Footsteps were heard and a flashlight beam swept across his face.
Zheng Xin was startled and pressed the button in his hand for a second, "Boss Ye?"
"Go to sleep quickly and stop playing with your phone." Ye Ping'an yawned. "Get up at four tomorrow to clean the tables and chairs. At five, learn how to process the pork chops with me to drain the blood. At six, start washing vegetables and chopping... I'm still busy."
Zheng Xin just breathed a sigh of relief after confirming that his identity was not discovered, but his scalp started tingling when he heard about tomorrow's arrangements.
Four o'clock???
Damn Ye Ba Pi! I wish I could work eighteen hours a day, just to get food and lodging!?
He endured it for three days.
Zheng Xin nodded in agreement.
The next morning, I was lifted from my bed made of chairs. A devilish voice came from above my head, "Wake up, it's time to work."
One day, two days, three days.
Zheng Xin was already thin, and after three days, he was exhausted and hungry. Dark circles formed under his eyes, and he slipped into the restroom like a ghost, sending a message: "The strange creature hasn't been found yet, but people from Jiang City come to eat every day. Sometimes it's the investigators, sometimes their deputy team leader. Bai Xian has also been here. I almost got caught, but luckily I managed to get away. I eavesdropped on their conversations, and Ye Ping'an definitely had a hand in the previous strange incidents, but it wasn't a big deal."
Ye Ping'an is just a bit stronger. The monster is probably an E-level control directional controller. It's the third day! Don't worry about the arrangements. Bai Lu, what are you waiting for? Are you afraid of the Investigation Bureau?
The search for strange creatures in the store has made no progress.
Zheng Xin didn't find an opportunity to go up to the second floor, so he urged Bai Lu to arrange a surprise attack, and his urgency became more and more urgent day by day.
If he doesn't hurry up, his hands will almost break from cutting vegetables!
After listening carefully to his description of the search process, Bai Lu's doubts were greatly dispelled.
Sure enough, it was no accident that the thief was frightened before, but the ghost in the store was obviously not that powerful.
Bai Lu: [In E-level, the [Funeral Clothes] and [Paper Dolls] I can arrange are quite aggressive.]
Before the message was even finished, Zheng Xin couldn't wait to say, "Funeral clothes! This is it. It's perfect. Ye Ping'an has been talking about buying clothes online lately. Damn Ye Baopi, for making me spend my hard-earned money on clothes! Sneak into the courier and kill the expert trained by the Investigation Bureau. No one will know, and I'll be free!"
He had heard of [Funeral Clothes], which had similar rules to C-level shrouds but was weaker. Most importantly, it was about to be revived, and the risk factor was extremely high.
【Author’s words】
Well... since ancient times, undercover agents can do the job (bushi)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
