Chapter 2, Old Acquaintance

"Shut your mouth," the woman in white, known as Sister Quan'er, immediately interrupted Tan Xuan's words

"Stop being so glib," Sister Quan said with a smile and a scold. She was aware of Tan Xiao's experiences growing up and did not feel the need to explain further. "In any case, you haven't suffered any loss; you'll understand in the future"

Sister Quan'er placed her hand on Tan Xuan's shoulder and comforted him, saying: "Xiao Xuanzi, don't worry. Although we do not know the whereabouts of Mr. Guan, this is still a good thing, as it at least indicates that he is still alive"

The person beside Gou Ge spoke up: "It won't take long, we need to take him to the state for registration, and it's just right to take your car back, so we won't have to go through the trouble ourselves"

"You are impressive." Tan Xuan gave a thumbs up and then laughed heartily, "Well, you all keep busy, and we can arrange to meet again when you have time."

The man behind Tan Xuan also spoke up, saying: "Pah, pah! Don't speak nonsense with that broken mouth of yours. Don't you know what kind of person you are? Your crow's mouth seems to be blessed, while we are not like you, sent back to our hometown. We are here on official business"

Tan Xuan gazed at the road and the river surface in the night, dumbfounded, "What on earth is happening?"

Tan Xuan was driving aimlessly down the street. He neither accepted any new orders nor sought out those in a hurry to return home at night. He simply drove slowly, the car moving forward while his thoughts drifted back to the past

The streets in the early morning have finally quieted down. Those who were once full of energy at midnight have either gone to sleep or succumbed to intoxication. Only a scant few remain on the streets, displaying their drunken states, uncertain whether they are homeless or have simply forgotten where home is, occasionally adding a few untimely shouts and some unsightly mess to the tranquil night.

Tan Xuan wanted to clarify the matter, but unfortunately, the two individuals behind him clearly had no intention of providing further explanation, and the "party involved" was even less capable of expressing himself.

Are skewers delicious? They are just passable. Tan Xuan is not someone who is overly particular; he is simply looking to fill his stomach and sees no need to be too serious about it. If he truly cared about the taste, he wouldn't come to a place like this.

Oh dear

Pah! Ge Gou let out a heavy snort, filled with disdain, "In this day and age, there are too many people seeking fame and reputation, but they are merely employing some deceptive tricks that they believe to be flawless. I have seen plenty of such individuals. When doing bad deeds, they always wish to remain undetected, yet when doing good, they want the whole world to know. It is simply that everyone turns a blind eye. What are they serving? Does he even deserve it? Just go through the motions and report back, that’s all that’s needed. If he disobeys, I will still make him submit, let’s see who suffers."

In the vast crowd, how many encounters drift like floating duckweed, a hurried glance, and strangers remain strangers

As the dishes he ordered gradually arrived at the table, Tan Xuan focused all his thoughts on what was in front of him, using one hand to hold a skewer and starting to eat heartily. With so many matters in the world, it was not his concern; he had his own life to live, and managing himself was the key.

Tan Xuan fundamentally does not buy into his rhetoric, and still smilingly said: "You who are on official duty must distinguish between public and private matters. If you are here specifically to see me, not only do I not want any money, but we should also have a good gathering. However, you are currently on official business. I have a relationship with you, but I do not have any connections with your superiors... We do not mix public and private interests, but we also cannot incur losses, right?"

Are you truly on official business this time, and not just to meet me for a special reason

Tan Xuan chuckled and said, "I can solve it, but I'm not as professional as you all. Moreover, I have already resigned, so my actions lack a formal backing. Even if I do a good job, it might easily lead people to think that I am meddling in others' affairs, which is entirely a thankless task."

Having failed to do a good deed along the way, Tan Xuan could only drive back honestly. As for whether he would really take matters into his own hands in the future, Tan Xuan did not care. After all, he would deal with it when the time came; he would not neglect his responsibilities.

Tan Xuan smiled faintly, not denying it, "Aren't you all working? Don't let this delay your work. We can gather again when there is another opportunity."

I hope he is alright The circle once again gazed in the direction where Tan Xuan had disappeared, with unreserved concern flashing in his eyes

When Tan Xuan glanced at the rearview mirror, he fell silent and slapped his forehead hard with his hand

While discussions may be lively, it is imperative not to delay a friend's serious business, especially since they are still our clients. We must prioritize their urgent needs. The return journey was considerably faster than the outbound trip. There were no unusual occurrences along the way, and Tan Xuan drove at breakneck speed, delivering the three "passengers" to a city god temple located in the old town of Chunzhou.

Tan Xuan shook his head and said with a bitter smile, "What are you all talking about? It sounds as if I have given up completely. Although I no longer engage in my previous profession, I am now self-reliant and still a very ambitious and promising young man, you know?"

Elder brother, where are you going? Are you taking a vehicle?

What can be hidden in the heart is not considered a matter, at least not at this moment; it only counts when it can no longer be concealed

Tan Xuan glanced at the serious expression of Sister Quan, and although the situation was unusual, he did not take it to heart at all. With an indifferent look, he said: "Let's talk about future matters later. If I really encounter it, I won't stand by and do nothing. As long as no one complains about me being a dog catching a mouse, that's fine."

What does it mean

Sister Quan'er gazed at the night outside the car, her eyes flickering with a red light, which quickly returned to normal. She turned to Tan Xuan and quietly reminded, "If we are to leave, then let us leave. The deliberate dispersal of the ghostly aura is clearly intentional; this matter is somewhat unusual. Heizi and I currently have official business to attend to, so it is not advisable to waste time investigating this further. You should be more vigilant in the future. Since you have had contact with them, it is impossible for you to avoid involvement. When it is your turn to take action, you cannot push it away."

What is a "nightly good man"? A good man is not someone’s husband, and a nightly good man is certainly not a public husband. A good man is a person who does good for the sake of goodness, while a nightly good man is someone who appears at night; however, they do not do good for the sake of goodness, but rather evil for the sake of evil, and their targets are all entities that are not human.

Brother Gou, Sister Quan, you need not worry about me. I have simply been in contact with more people and have gained some understanding of the ways of the world. I do not take action because I fear inadvertently disrupting others' good fortunes, as this is a livelihood for some. However, it is different for you; capturing ghosts is inherently your responsibility, and no one can escape the consequences.

Once an agreement is reached, it becomes a transaction. Tan Xuan certainly would not delay his friend's important matters, so he started the car and hit the road again. Moreover, there was no need for urging; the speed was significantly faster than on the way there. Of course, the atmosphere in the car was also markedly different from the journey there. The trip to the destination was filled with gloom, while the return was filled with laughter and joy, especially when the two heard about Tan Xiao's encounter with ghosts on the night road, which made them laugh uncontrollably.

Sister Quan'er looked at her companion with some surprise, shook her head, and did not speak further. After a moment, the two turned around, one on the left and one on the right, pulling along the person they had always regarded as invisible into the entrance of the City God Temple

The person beside Gou Ge also spoke up, saying: "Yes, regardless of whether you are in the good graces of the gentleman, you should not choose to turn a blind eye to matters that require your attention due to personal grievances. Mr. Guan certainly would not wish for you to be this way..."

Hearing Sister Quan's loyalty, Tan Xuan chuckled mischievously and said, "Alright, as long as you say that."

Tan Xuan understood that the girl was anxious to return just to catch a final glimpse of someone, so he did not take up her time with any explanations, allowing her to see a "warm" person, ensuring that her hurried return was not in vain. He merely advised her to avoid walking alone at night during those days when she felt unwell, which could be seen as a reciprocation of her kind intentions. He appreciated the girl's goodwill, but could not accept it; she was afraid of ghosts, but he was not. If he were to be frightened by ghosts to the point of being unable to walk home at night, it would truly be a source of ridicule for some.

Tan Xuan shook his head, "At that time, the passengers in the car were quite frightened, so I didn't make a fuss about it, and only a ghost appeared outside, while the others did not come out. When we pass by there later, could you please take care of it, Sister Quan? The recent disturbances have had quite a negative impact."

Then it will be up to Sister Quan'er, striving to take all those things in one go said Tan Xuan with a cheerful smile

Before Tan Xuan could ask, Sister Quan'er interjected, her previous playful demeanor replaced by a serious expression, saying: "Are you inquiring about your master's whereabouts? If so, you need not ask; we have no news regarding the old gentleman."

What is going on with you? Tan Xuan glanced at the indistinct figure between the man and woman, her face revealing an unmistakable disdain. Tan Xuan was not disgusted by his condition, but rather by his identity. Although she was driving a ride-hailing car, not just anyone could get into her vehicle.

He? Sister Quan'er chuckled and said, "He really isn't sitting idly; your pulling him is indeed not in vain."

Sister Quan smiled and said, "We were ordered to come out for work, and we took in this newcomer, planning to bring him back. We didn't expect to find you here, so we came over to catch up with you."

The food stall was not crowded, and Tan Xuan casually ordered some skewers and a bottle of drink, then sat there waiting to comfort his internal organs

After the laughter subsided, a teasing voice came from the back row, "What’s the matter, Xiao Xuanzi? Seeing us makes you scratch your head; are you happy or not happy?"

Tan Xuan's transformation was too rapid, leaving Sister Quan somewhat unaccustomed. She glared at Tan Xuan and said, "You don't need to nag about this; when have you ever seen a fish slip through the net under my command"

Watching Tan Xuan's car swiftly disappear down the street, Sister Quan let out a sigh and turned to the tall man beside her, asking, "Do you think Xiao Xuan really wants to let go?"

Indeed, considering it from a different perspective, why worry about matters that have yet to yield results? What if the old gentleman is going to find you a master’s wife? He might even bring back a junior disciple for you later

The two individuals next to the car doors are old friends of Tan Xuan. Although they belong to different identities and exist in different dimensions, they became friends over time due to their extensive interactions during their previous work and having shared both hardships and joys together. The two of them are specifically responsible for the reception work over there, while the person in the middle is clearly the subject of their reception this time. However, since Tan Xuan left his original position, he has had little contact with his past and has not been in touch with them.

Tan Xuan's mood changed faster than flipping a book, which made Brother Gou unhappy. His already dark face seemed to darken even more, almost shining with anger. He slammed his hand on the back of Tan Xuan's chair and shouted, "Hey! Are you still planning to ask us for the fare?"

Seeing that the two did not respond, Tan Xuan could only sigh and continue, "To be honest, I do not blame anyone. My master and I have lived this kind of life in the bureau, and even when something goes wrong, it is within reason. At worst, it would just be honorable; I can only blame my own lack of ability. It is only when things actually happen that I realize I am not as strong as I expected... As for our director, I have even less resentment. She has always taken good care of me and has been very tolerant. Everyone in the bureau, inside and out, relies on her to worry about everything... I am currently driving for a ride-hailing service, and not only did she help me with the paperwork, but she also accompanied me to buy the car..."

Thinking of the girl from earlier, who repeatedly urged herself to wait until dawn before driving back to Jiangzhou, Tan Xuan couldn't help but shake his head and smile wryly. The girl still did not believe that she had fallen asleep and had a nightmare, but she did not force Tan Xuan to believe that she had truly seen a ghost; she merely advised him gently not to drive while fatigued, suggesting it would be best to wait until dawn to return to Jiangzhou

You rascal..." Sister Quan chuckled as she patted the chair

I go ... ... " The man nodded in agreement while looking up at the car, but he immediately waved his hand and said, "Forget it, I won't share a ride with others"

Concerns are more difficult to address than challenges

After delivering the girl to the entrance of the Central Hospital in Tongyu County, the transaction between the two was considered complete. One was a driver, the other a passenger; after a journey, they did not even know each other's names.

The voices of the man and woman behind me sounded simultaneously, good heavens, the previous sentence was about demotion, and the next one mentioned layoffs, this crow's mouth is indeed astonishing. However, their startled reactions caused the unfortunate person in the middle to scream incessantly

Sister Quan'er, this is my car for picking people up. You and Brother Gou are friends, so it's fine for you to sit, but what is he doing here?" Tan Xuan pointed at the person in the middle and the woman in white, saying this, because he knew that she was the one who kept her word, so he needed to reason with her

"If you don't want to talk, then let me ask you something." Tan Xuan knew that there would be no conclusion to the question, so he changed the subject

The man in black, known as Brother Gou, snorted and said in a muffled voice, "We were sent here to welcome this great benefactor, as it is said that he did many good deeds during his lifetime. They are worried that he might suffer on the way, so they dispatched us here."

The night breeze is cool, endless worries seep into the heart, silently contemplating, the beloved resides only in the heart

Sister Quan'er tapped on Tan Xuan's seat and said discontentedly: "Xiao Xuanzi, what do you mean? Are you trying to drive us away?"

Brother Gou still wanted to refute, but Sister Quan stopped him and said with a smile: "What Xiao Xuanzai said makes sense. We are taking a taxi for official business, so why should we use personal connections? This money is due, and we cannot let Xiao Xuanzai work hard for nothing. From here to Jiangzhou, especially at this late hour, it should be five hundred."

Tan Xuan's expression suddenly fell. Although his master had disappeared for two years, during this time he had asked many people and received the same answers. However, hearing this from these two non-human beings made the little hope he had left diminish even further.

Sister Quan'er no longer smiled, looking at Tan Xiao with a face full of regret. "Xiao Xuanzi, I and your brother Guo have learned about the events from back then. I hope you won't take it the wrong way when I say a few words to you. Don't blame your director for your master's disappearance; she has her own difficulties. Over the past two years, she has also been searching for your master's whereabouts through her own channels. Everyone knows the bond between you and your master, and we all understand your feelings. You made quite a scene in your bureau, and while you have resigned, you should not harbor any resentment. Moreover, you should not involve yourself in those matters just because you are no longer in the Liang Ren Bureau. Don't forget, you are Muye Liangren, and eliminating evil is your duty."

Sister Quan let out a hum, pretending to be angry, and said: "So now you remember your Sister Quan, huh? I don't care about that. You can solve it yourself, can't you?"

Three figures unexpectedly appeared in the back seat of the car, two of which were illusory and one real. Among them, the two figures, one black and one white, were ones he was exceedingly familiar with.

Sister Quan's expression darkened, "Whoever dares to have an opinion can come find me."

Gou Ge glanced at his companion, curled his lips, and said, "What trouble could a notorious Night Lord possibly be in."

Shut up

"Where did this foolish thing come from? Didn't you check the almanac before going out? How dare you find a substitute and bring it to the head of your midnight gentleman? Didn't you handle it easily?" Sister Quan laughed brightly, her delicate white face nearly blooming with laughter.

Tan Xuancai did not believe that he had any connection with that person, as he was an orphan, raised by his master since childhood. Even his surname was derived from the only sandalwood round pendant he possessed, which was given to him by his master. He had no idea who his ancestors were or where his hometown was, let alone anything else. At most, he considered the place where he was found as his hometown.

"Isn't it ridiculous? Am I not a relative of mine?" Tan Xuan curled her lips and said, "So, did you two go through all the trouble to drag him out from my family's ancestral grave? If that's the case, I thank you both. It's just right that you have worked hard; take me to recognize the grave."

In a matter of moments, a variety of skewers, both meat and vegetarian, were completely devoured. After satisfying his hunger, Tan Xuanshui patted his belly, settled the bill, and found a dark corner to relieve himself. Feeling light and relaxed, he leisurely returned to the car, preparing to head back to Jiangzhou under the cover of night. If luck was on his side, he might encounter a couple of passengers for the "weary bird returning to the nest" service on his way back.

Gege took a cigarette from Yeshun and put it in his mouth, "I didn't smell even a hint of ghostly presence, nor did I find any signs of a struggle. It doesn't seem like your companions have been here. I guess those guys were so intimidated by your imposing stature that they moved out overnight."

Tan Xuan chuckled and teased, "So this is quite an impressive person, isn't it? He might even be a distinguished guest of your leader. You all must serve him well and certainly do not neglect him"

After Tan Xuan got into the car and had not yet settled down, he noticed a drunken man standing not far from the roadside ahead. His keen professional insight made it clear to him that this was a person intending to take a taxi after drinking, so he immediately drove the car a few steps forward and stopped beside the man

Alright. Tan Xuan nodded; it is indeed rare for such unamusing jokes to come from Ge Ge's mouth. Regardless, one should not entertain guests with a suppressed mood

After the "passengers" got off, Tan Xuan greeted them and left. As for the agreed fare, Tan Xuan neither asked for it nor brought it up again, because he knew that since his two friends had promised, they would not fail to pay. However, they would not hand it over to him personally, as their money was not in circulation here; they would use other means to transfer it to him.

In response to the warning from the man in black, Tan Xuan chuckled and, still lacking in tact, said: "So it turns out you are on official business. I thought the layoffs had also occurred over there with the two of you appearing here."

Tan Xuan drove along the road and found a semi-open large food stall, a place that exists in every city, providing a meal for those who are still striving for a living at night. Of course, they are also doing it for their own livelihood

Tan Xuan's intentions were good, but soon reality left him utterly disappointed. Although he had enlisted the help of extraordinary allies, making a few small profits was merely a trivial matter. However, when he arrived by the river, he found it completely clean; not only were there no sinister ghosts playing tricks, but even the wandering spirits and wild ghosts nearby were nowhere to be seen

"Coming here is for work, and seeing you taking some time to handle personal matters is not a big deal," Brother Gou said, restoring his cold expression and speaking very seriously

"Are you getting in my car?" Tan Xuan's expression suddenly turned as bitter as a bitter melon. Sister Quan might be joking when she spoke, but Gege rarely jokes; his dark face seemed to convey the message "I am very serious." Of course, with his complexion, any writing would have to be in white.

Sister Quan'er glanced at Tan Xuan's profile, let out a sigh, and said, "It's good that you've come to terms with it. Just stop the car when you pass by there later."

Tan Xuan was completely speechless and had no desire to refute Brother Gou's teasing

"What kind of person still needs Gou Ge and Juan Jie to take action together? They even traveled such a long distance." Tan Xuan glanced at the person in the middle again. To have these two personally involved, it seems this person is not ordinary. However, looking at the other party's wealthy appearance and blank expression, along with their weak and unstable aura, it is clear they are a 'newcomer.' Yet, they do not seem like a villain of great malice, certainly not someone worth the personal effort of these two.

Gou Ge snorted coldly and said loudly: "Nonsense! It would be strange if he could think it through; this kid is sometimes even more stubborn than I am."

"Yes, yes, when Sister Quan'er takes action, not a blade of grass will grow. No, no, even gods and ghosts are astonished." Tan Xuan was shamelessly flattering. After all, there are professionals who can eliminate the threat, and it's free of charge, so Tan Xuan didn't mind giving a few heartfelt compliments.

Tan Xuan's expression changed rapidly; he turned his head and immediately revealed a particularly sincere smile. "Sister Quan'er, what are you talking about? Of course, I am happy, just overly excited. How did you all come here? What happened? Have you also been demoted?"

Tan Xuan smiled, a joyful smile, "It is still Quan'er who is understanding and reasonable. Five hundred it is, since it will be reimbursed by the public funds anyway. I won't be polite with you; if I suffer a loss, I will accept it. Later, I will prepare some invoices for you to take back for reimbursement."

"Carpool?" Tan Xuan frowned and said, "How much have you had to drink? Everything looks double to me. Buddy, I'm all alone."

Oh, I see. Tan Xuan took a deep breath and nodded, then a mischievous smile appeared on his face. As the old saying goes, 'Blood is thicker than water, but one must be clear about accounts.' Since you are working, you cannot ride in my car for free.