Chapter 5: The Golden Treasure Pillow

Liu Xiangxiang began to unpack the small bag she had brought with her. Meng Donghe thought to himself that she must have brought some food, as in movies, these ghost-catching masters always carry a baked pancake or something similar with them, and those who are better off even bring a flask of liquor.

Lao Pu obtained the treasure of his dreams and was filled with excitement. He quickly wrote a check and handed it to Meng Donghe, saying: "Here, this is yours. Is this the jade pillow?"

Liu Xiangxiang has already gotten up to open the refrigerator, while Meng Donghe covers his face, unable to bear looking at Liu Xiangxiang's expression. He feels ashamed; having reached this point in life, it truly feels like a failure. He can be certain that his image in Liu Xiangxiang's mind has dropped another ten percent.

As Meng Donghe took out the jade pillow, Old Pu's eyes widened in astonishment, and he exclaimed repeatedly, "This is the Golden Treasure Divine Pillow! Where did you get it from?"

Having tucked the check away, Meng Donghe stood up to leave, but Lao Pu grabbed him again: "In the future, if there are such items, do not deliver them to others; I, Lao Pu, will take them all. The price is negotiable"

The matter was handled very smoothly, as if aided by heaven. That evening, Meng Donghe brought the jade pillow to the designated antique shop. The shop owner, named Lao Pu, was in his fifties, a capable businessman. As agreed, the intermediary would receive a commission of 3% from the transaction, while the price would be negotiated between the two parties.

As Meng Donghe stepped out of the antique shop, he inexplicably felt a chill at the back of his neck. It was already late at night, the time when all manner of spirits roamed. Meng Donghe focused his gaze and looked around; this glance proved significant, as he indeed spotted one.

Meng Donghe was completely ignorant about antiques: "Where does this come from, and how much can it sell for"

"This is the dowry that Li Shimin prepared for his daughter. How much do you think it is worth?" Liu Xiangxiang said somewhat helplessly: "My father is a person of high principles; these treasures have been passed down through our family for generations. He cherishes them and would never sell them. If it weren't for encountering a penniless person like you, I wouldn't do anything against his wishes."

I truly do not know how to say it; it is something passed down from a friend’s ancestors. Meng Donghe pondered for a moment and jokingly said with a smile: "I heard that her ancestors were ghost catchers, who accomplished tasks for others and obtained it that way"

I am hungry, is there anything to eat? Liu Xiangxiang's words reminded Meng Donghe that he only had enough money for a month's rent, plus one dollar and fifty cents. He had spent the last three days just hanging around at the barbecue place!

Meng Donghe felt belittled by Liu Xiang and Tu Shuxiang, harboring a bellyful of anger. As he stepped out, he planned to catch a small ghost to show them that he was not merely a recipient of Uncle Liu's true teachings. The old ghost, who was loitering in front of Lao Pu's antique shop, appeared to be well-fed and simple-minded, full of resentment but lacking any murderous intent, making him an ideal target.

"Done, done, are you giving cash or writing a check?" Meng Donghe was extremely anxious; now the rent could be used first. After deducting the intermediary's commission, he and his senior sister would live without worries.

Cash? '' Old Pu touched his nose: `` Young man, is this your first time here? As per the usual practice, a check. ''

Indeed, looking at the empty refrigerator, Liu Xiangxiang's face turned pale. She unceremoniously unplugged it, saying, "Since it is empty, there is no need to waste electricity."

Meng Donghe chuckled softly and said, "Alright"

"Tell me, how much money do you have left?" Liu Xiangxiang's voice was as cold as a piece of ice

Hello, anyway, it is not up to me to decide. I do not even know where this thing came from, nor do I know where to obtain it.

If the rent has been paid, only one dollar and fifty cents remain

Old Pu snatched it away, examining and scrutinizing it for a full ten minutes, then set it down and earnestly asked Meng Donghe: "In our line of work, there is a rule not to inquire about the origins of items, but today I am asking you as a favor, please tell me, where did you get this?"

Oh, it really is true. Then Lao Pu became excited: "Your friend's ancestors must have served the emperor; this is indeed a dowry bestowed by the emperor for his daughter, a rare treasure among thousands. I have always said that this golden treasure pillow is not a legend, it is not a legend..."

Meng Donghe carefully placed the jade pillow into an inconspicuous cardboard box, which was a thoughtful decision; the more valuable something is, the less it should be flaunted. Seeing his meticulousness, Liu Xiangxiang was somewhat surprised and began to have a slight change of opinion about Meng Donghe. Since he was someone her father valued, there must be a reason for it.

One, one, one million? Meng Donghe could not believe it and repeatedly shook his head

Silence, both individuals chose silence.

Sigh, I have been looked down upon again. "This must be dealt with; it can only be taken to the black market." Fortunately, Meng Donghe knows a barbecue guy, and from him, he learned quite a bit about the underworld. That kid has good relations with several gangsters.

Old Pu extended a finger and said: "One million, how about that?"

So, how about Boss Pu? What is the price? As soon as Meng Donghe mentioned money, his tongue became somewhat tied.

Meng Donghe extended his left and right index and middle fingers, bringing them together. Focusing his mind and channeling his energy, he felt a surge of heat accumulating. He pointed towards the lingering specter, reciting softly: "Supreme Tai Shang Star, transformation without pause. Exorcise evil and bind spirits, protect life and safeguard the body. Wisdom clear and pure, mind and spirit at peace. The three souls eternal, the spirit never lost. Urgent, as per the decree!"

"I apologize, I apologize, this is my first time, and I don't quite understand the rules." Meng Donghe was able to take it up and put it down, believing that this is how one should conduct oneself. However, he still stole a glance; indeed, it was a check, and he felt he had a good grasp of it.

What was taken out was merely a jade pillow, edged in gold, inlaid with jade, appearing extraordinarily luxurious. Liu Xiangxiang threw it into Meng Donghe's arms: "This jade pillow, worth its weight in gold, was given to me by my father. Now, given our current situation, we have no choice but to consider parting with it."

Meng Donghe hurriedly replied to Old Pu: "From now on, it has nothing to do with me." Suddenly remembering that he hadn't checked the authenticity of the check, he began to scrutinize it closely. This time, Old Pu was displeased: "Go out and inquire about me with the library. Am I, Old Pu, a person who lacks integrity? If you don't believe me, then don't come at all."

Meng Donghe remembered that he had not stepped in any dog feces, so how did he end up with such incredible luck? Two hundred thousand, a sum he had never seen in his entire life. He excitedly stood up to embrace the golden treasure pillow, but his hand was caught on a crooked nail on the antique shelf, instantly slicing through a piece of flesh, and bright red blood dripped down. It fell precisely onto the jade pillow. In his excitement, Meng Donghe did not notice that the blood quickly seeped into the jade pillow, leaving no trace behind, which was indeed strange. Within the jade pillow, a current of air surged, and a green light suddenly shot out from it.

Before he could finish his sentence, Lao Pu put on a look of "I have no way to deal with you" and said: "Double it, two million, deal. This is a firm price. Once you step out of this door, no one will know the origin of this Golden Treasure Divine Pillow, and it will be a loss. You won't find anyone offering this price anywhere else. So, young man, what do you say?"

"Well, let you find someone to handle it," Liu Xiangxiang said anxiously. "We need to be quick, otherwise, we will starve to death and end up as ghostly messengers in the underworld."