Chapter 10, The Broken Financial Path

In the evening, the two of us set off for the street where the house was located. At the intersection, Qin Yiheng first drew an open circle on the ground with chalk, then piled the paper money inside the circle, set it on fire, and had me poke it with a stick while reciting phrases like sending money to grandpa and reminding grandpa to check for it.

He comforted me by saying: "In any case, even if there is something, it is merely seeking wealth and does not necessarily intend to harm anyone"

The price this time is indeed significantly higher than we had anticipated, which has left us somewhat hesitant. After discussing for quite some time, we were unable to come up with any mature suggestions. Qin Yiheng then said, "Let’s wait a few more days and observe a bit more; perhaps we will discover something."

Qin Yiheng nodded slightly and said, "That is exactly the meaning, but the most important thing now is those spirit money, including the other spirit money that was burned at this intersection, all of which have been collected into that house. Although it is not clear what exactly is inside that house at the moment, it can be inferred that the house serves as a way station for the underworld. A way station is a place in ancient times for the transfer of information, documents, letters, and for resting and changing horses, which is actually quite similar to the local post office today.

Two people stood by the roadside chatting for a while, both feeling extremely cold, and then hurried back to the hotel. On the way back, I was still entangled in the issue of the two people who had died earlier. Qin Yiheng said: "Since the people are already dead and died in another city, the only way to find out why they died is to summon their souls. However, summoning such souls is not only difficult and labor-intensive, but there is also the concern that if they are summoned, it might bring trouble upon oneself. Therefore, it is better not to take this risk for such a trivial curiosity. However, he now knows the reason behind that house and can also speculate about those two people."

After experiencing this many times, I have developed a slight sense of intuition. Typically, when entering a problematic house, one feels a sense of oppression, an indescribable discomfort. However, this house does not evoke such feelings. Although I am currently very interested in this property, I can only silently pretend to contemplate, with the aim of negotiating a lower price

Qin Yiheng also remarked that this was quite strange, but he could not articulate a reason for it, unless we were to go in and take a look right now. Upon hearing this, I hesitated; to be frank, although my previous experiences had made me less timid, I still had an instinctive fear of waiting in a house at midnight to encounter ghosts

According to Qin Yiheng, these shadowy funds are collected and consolidated, and then uniformly arranged for distribution. This indeed sounds very efficient in terms of work, but none of us have ever witnessed it firsthand, so we cannot ascertain its authenticity

There are many reasons for a shop to incur losses, such as poor management, pressure from commercial competition, and even factors related to feng shui and metaphysics; in any case, the reasons are numerous. If a shop is losing money, the probability that it is due to the influence of malevolent spirits is extremely low. Firstly, malevolent spirits rarely disrupt financial matters, as wealth does not hold direct significance for them. Of course, this does not rule out the existence of some deceased misers. I have long heard a rumor about a miser who was extremely stingy, practically refusing to part with a single cent, and one day he suddenly died of a heart attack. His children wanted to divide the inheritance but could not find the bankbook that he was supposed to have. The family searched for a long time without success, although it is possible that the old man had hidden the bankbook well during his lifetime. However, what is peculiar is that when the children burned a lot of gold and silver treasures for this old man, they muttered, "The money in the mortal realm is of no use to him; it is better to leave it for the children, who can exchange it for some money in the underworld." After muttering this, when they went to look for the bankbook again, they easily found it. This rumor has reached my ears through word of mouth, and I do not know if it has been embellished by others, but I believe there is some truth to it. However, this house is clearly unrelated to the miser, so everything must be personally investigated to discern the truth.

I asked him, what did you see?

Firstly, the Ba Zi of those two individuals is certainly of a Yin nature, though it may not necessarily be the most Yin type. Perhaps they were simply experiencing a period of bad luck, such as having passed through the hips of a menstruating woman.

He told me that this is different from what we had anticipated

Upon arriving locally, it was just morning. After disembarking from the plane, we went directly to meet the owner of the property. After a brief negotiation, before showing us the house, the other party quoted a price. I did not expect him to propose such a high price, which made me somewhat hesitant

In the afternoon, we went to buy a lot of paper money and gold ingots, and then Qin Yiheng suddenly decided to buy a large handful of goji berries, insisting that I swallow them whole, claiming that they could strengthen the yang and prevent me from inadvertently attracting any unfortunate spirits.

I just asked him what he discovered

Early the next morning, we pretended to still be very interested in the property and called the owner to show us around. When the door was opened, I had expected to sense something this time; however, the house appeared completely normal, with sunlight streaming through the windows, and it looked nothing like a problematic property.

Qin Yiheng and I made some simple preparations before setting off. Along the way, both of us communicated with the library and felt that this house would not be difficult to handle. Although two people who had worked there had died, they did not die inside the house, so this house cannot be considered a haunted house.

Subsequently, the two of us discussed the issue of how both individuals took the money from their respective units and left, ultimately choosing to commit suicide by train. I am quite concerned, as I feel that although there is a significant time gap between these two individuals, it may not be mere coincidence. However, Qin Yiheng is quite optimistic, stating that there are many instances in the world where different paths lead to the same destination. Nevertheless, my concerns are not unfounded, as it is quite possible that there is some connection between these two individuals. Upon further reflection, the age difference between the two is not substantial, making it impossible to deduce that the second deceased worker is the reincarnation of the first deceased individual. Qin Yiheng remains optimistic, reiterating that there are many instances in the world where different paths lead to the same destination. However, my concerns are not unfounded, as it is quite possible that there is some connection between these two individuals. Upon further reflection, the age difference between the two is not substantial, making it impossible to deduce that the second deceased worker is the reincarnation of the first deceased individual.

Thus, we first returned to the hotel and discussed it further. Qin Yiheng analyzed, "Because when we entered to take a look earlier, it was not a day for burning paper money or for worship, it is possible that the things inside only return on these specific days. Therefore, it is necessary to go back to the house the next day to take another look."

After staying for a few days, the two of us would visit that house every morning and evening, mostly just observing from the outside. After several visits, I still feel that there is no resentment inside; this house should be safe.

Joss paper is not taken away by someone, but rather collected by someone

After that, there was a period of calm for several years, until recent years when a similar incident occurred at the steel mill. A young worker who had just joined the factory not long ago stole a portion of the steel at night and fled the next day, seemingly out of fear of punishment. What is astonishing is that this young worker also died in Tianjin, and he committed suicide in the same manner as the previous manager

Due to the previous incidents involving the administrator that stirred considerable attention in this city, when the worker died, people easily linked the two events together. Subsequently, the steel mill inexplicably began to incur losses and soon went out of business. A car wash was then opened at the same location, but it continued to operate at a loss. Many people claimed that this warehouse was cursed, and over time, no one was willing to rent the place. The steel mill inexplicably began to incur losses and soon went out of business. A car wash was then opened at the same location, but it continued to operate at a loss. Many people claimed that this warehouse was cursed, and over time, no one was willing to rent the place.

Secondly, both individuals were indeed very greedy, desiring to steal public property. However, by some twist of fate, they were targeted by the underworld officials. In the end, they were likely treated as mounts for the underworld officials, accompanying them to deliver items to that location. Ultimately, their souls had almost dissipated, unable to return to the realm of the living, perhaps due to having exhausted their lifespan, and they perished on the path to the underworld

I can only stand by and watch, while contemplating the words he just said. According to his analysis, the money from the underworld will all be collected by this house. Could it be that losing money in business here is also due to this reason? Indeed, there seems to be something sinister inside that is very fond of wealth, not sparing the money from either the world of the living or the world of the dead. However, at this moment, no one can provide a clear explanation.

I found it quite puzzling, but I could also guess that he was referring to the connection between this house and those who burn cold clothes.

This property is not a residential house; strictly speaking, it is a warehouse converted from a former state-owned canteen. However, due to its favorable location in a large city in the central region, both Qin Yiheng and I believe it can be transformed into a car wash, thus it holds considerable potential

Qin Yiheng continued along this topic: "The construction of many roads, even the laying of railway tracks, is based on certain rules for site selection. Factors such as geography, terrain, policies, and even funding play a role, but there is also an element of information involved, which is Feng Shui. From the site selection for ancient capitals in China to the opening of various roads, these have all been summarized through deduction, calculation, and computation. Therefore, to this day, we can observe a phenomenon: cities that were once capitals of ancient dynasties have never experienced large-scale natural disasters, and the same applies to roads. These so-called metaphysical concepts may seem mysterious and inscrutable, but it cannot be denied that they contain many elements that we cannot comprehend."

Hearing him say this made me feel somewhat reassured. After thinking it over, I realized it would be a good opportunity to pay my respects to my deceased grandfather. Usually, it is the family who goes to burn incense during the memorial time, so I rarely have the chance to go myself. This time, I would also like to express my filial piety.

Qin Yiheng thought for a moment and said, "I cannot say for certain, but I have noticed that the burnt paper money has all been sent to this residence."

Qin Yiheng explained, "This is definitely different. A literal understanding can actually reveal this. If we use a very 'human' way of saying it, what is taken by force is illegal, while what is collected is legal. Do you understand this way of putting it?"

Moreover, the reason why this property is currently neglected is that those who rent it for business purposes incur losses. There are numerous reasons for these losses, and at most, it is merely related to feng shui. Qin Yiheng and I discussed that perhaps if we purchase this property, we could find a way to bring some good fortune, and then rent it out to a superstitious owner, allowing us to at least make a profit from the price difference.

If he is not mistaken, those illicit funds are being funneled back from somewhere and then distributed by the underlings. Therefore, it is not difficult to understand why doing business in this location would result in losses. The so-called financial path is, to put it bluntly, a path of the underworld, which we cannot see or touch. This place has long been occupied by the underworld, so it is bound to block the financial path. No matter how you arrange your fortune or layout your feng shui, unless you truly possess extraordinary abilities, it is simply a fantasy for an ordinary person to expect a feng shui arrangement to make the underworld officials give way. This place has long been occupied by the underworld, so it is bound to block the financial path. No matter how you arrange your fortune or layout your feng shui, unless you truly possess extraordinary abilities, it is simply a fantasy for an ordinary person to expect a feng shui arrangement to make the underworld officials give way.

Upon his remark, I pondered for a moment and roughly understood his meaning. So, according to what he said, did we just encounter the little ghost come to collect money?

Qin Yiheng made another round as usual, this time he was very meticulous, yet he still found nothing. There was no other option, we pretended to go back to raise funds, briefly dealt with the property owner, and then returned to the hotel

The wind that night was quite strong, and many pieces of paper ash were blown up, scattering all over my face. I could only endure it and continue to burn all the joss paper. Qin Yiheng had been watching me silently from the side. Once all the joss paper was burned, I noticed he was still frowning at the paper ash.

I completely did not understand what he said, is there a significant difference between taking away and collecting? Isn't the money still in someone else's hands?

Fortunately, he did not insist on proceeding; he merely stated that we cannot buy this house at least for now. Before leaving, Qin Yiheng also bought some paper money and burned it by the roadside, explaining to me: "This is burned for the lonely souls and wild ghosts who do not receive money from anyone, and I should not get involved, as this is not something that just anyone can burn."

The house had not witnessed any deaths in the past; rather, a cafeteria manager suddenly went absent from work and took with him the few funds that were in the safe at the time. There was no news of him, neither alive nor dead. It was not until a month later that this manager appeared in Tianjin, walking directly towards an oncoming train, committing suicide. At the time of his death, he was penniless, without any personal belongings, not even an identification card. His family stated that there were no signs before he left; he merely told his young daughter that he was going out to buy groceries and did not take any luggage or clothing with him. Subsequently, after the state-owned enterprise underwent restructuring, the cafeteria was converted into a warehouse and rented out to a small steel rolling mill.

I was also taken aback upon hearing this. So, are there people in this house who are robbing the dead of their money?

Now that he has explained it this way, I feel somewhat disheartened. In other words, it means that this property should not be purchased, as there is no profit to be made. Qin Yiheng also expressed his helplessness; however, this is indeed an unavoidable situation. We do not possess such great capabilities, and we cannot earn this money.

I actually agree with what he said, since it will be during the day anyway, at least it brings some comfort to my heart, and there will be no need to be anxious.

I have considered that those who have experience in burning paper money for deceased friends know that in many places, the custom is to burn a piece of paper with the name of the recipient written on it, or simply to burn an envelope before burning the paper money. Additionally, most people will burn some small money for wandering souls and ghosts while burning paper for their deceased relatives, hoping that it will not take away the wealth of their own family members.

The property owner is a man in his forties, not particularly anxious, and has no intention of lowering the price. I suggested that we go back and think it over, and we would respond later. This time we did not make excuses, as we indeed needed to consider it; at the very least, the two of us needed to exchange opinions.

Qin Yiheng indeed hoped to inspect the house before making any plans, so the group went directly to view the property. This house is not small, with a total area of nearly 500 square meters, including all corners and edges. However, it is completely empty inside, making it feel particularly spacious upon entering. Following Qin Yiheng, we took a proper tour around, and he nodded at me, indicating that it was quite clean here

However, just as we were about to make the decision to purchase this house, we truly discovered its peculiarities. It was quite a coincidence; one night, as we routinely went to check outside the house, we happened to coincide with the day for burning winter clothes for the deceased. Many people were burning paper money and ingots at the crossroads. Qin Yiheng gasped and patted me, saying, "It seems that our wait these past few days was justified; this house is indeed somewhat strange"

Upon returning to the hotel, Qin Yiheng used a calculator to do some calculations. Based on the local market price at that time, purchasing the property at the price offered by the owner was actually quite profitable. However, we must first understand why this property was losing money in business. He said: "From a feng shui perspective, there is nothing wrong with the external environment. Moreover, the interior of the house is completely open, with no partitions made of tables and chairs, so there is no issue with feng shui. Therefore, it is evident that the losses incurred from using this property for business are mostly due to operational issues. However, having learned from past lessons, I believe we should not make hasty decisions and should continue to observe, as there may be overlooked issues that have not yet been discovered." He reiterated: "From a feng shui perspective, there is nothing wrong with the external environment. Moreover, the interior of the house is completely open, with no partitions made of tables and chairs, so there is no issue with feng shui. Therefore, it is evident that the losses incurred from using this property for business are mostly due to operational issues. However, having learned from past lessons, I believe we should not make hasty decisions and should continue to observe, as there may be overlooked issues that have not yet been discovered."

Having listened to his suggestion, I believe it is a viable approach; however, I am also concerned that if any issues arise, the two of us may not be able to handle it.

This time, both of us were completely confused; neither of us expected that the house, despite not being ominous, would become an obstacle. After pondering for a long time, Qin Yiheng said: "Actually, there is another way. We can also buy some paper money and gold ingots, and go to that intersection at night to burn them. This time, we will burn them for our deceased relatives, and then we will see what happens."

The construction of every road, particularly the ancient paths, is most evident, as they are developed methodically according to these principles. Moreover, a road is not solely traversed by people; thus, the two individuals who perished on the railway track essentially died on the path of shadows