Chapter 5, Preliminary Understanding

Indeed, Xia Xia expressed her tacit consent

Ten thousand miles

I only got to know him when I was seven years old. That year, some strange things happened at our school, and later, during my university years, there were some supernatural events. However, I cannot share those with you at the moment, as your mental state is unstable and it would frighten you. I will find an opportunity to tell you later. In any case, believe me, he can indeed see things that we cannot, and he has the ability to drive them away.

I couldn't find you at the clinic this afternoon, and I was afraid to call your mobile because I thought you might be busy with your case. He said, "How is today?"

You probably don't know, but his name comes from "The Book of Jin - Ruan Zhan Encounters a Ghost." It is said that this ancient Ruan Zhan was a skeptic of ghosts. Later, he encountered a person who debated with him on this topic. In the end, that person lost the debate but told Ruan Zhan that he was a ghost and transformed into one before leaving. Ruan Zhan was so shocked that he fell ill and later passed away. I don't know why his father gave him this name; perhaps it is a metaphor for some innate ability he possessed, much like how if you are born in summer, you might be named Xia Xia. My parents hoped for my great success, so they named me Wan Li.

At night, Wanli called.

I believe that is due to the fact that you became friends at a very young age

After hanging up the phone, Xiaoxia began to worry again. Should she sleep? She would have nightmares, and she couldn't bear to be frightened by the same things again. Should she stay awake? She had to go to work tomorrow, and right now she felt heavy all over, extremely uncomfortable.

That could take all night to explain! Instead, let’s talk about Ruan Zhan. Aren't you interested in knowing why we are friends and why I say he has the ability to communicate with spirits?

Why do you seem so listless? Did you not sleep well again last night

Hello, let's be reasonable. I mentioned earlier that he is averse to trouble and is very likely to disagree. However, I did not expect you to be angry; he has always had a good reputation among women

Twice

So he is saying he won't agree to help you

Indeed. However, after he graduated, he disappeared without a trace. Later, when I came to work in this city, I unexpectedly ran into him again. At that time, he had opened that bar, and I don't know why he didn't pursue his profession. But you see, after all the twists and turns, we always end up meeting; it seems we are destined to be friends, and there's no escaping that.

Fear! How can one not be afraid! However, my curiosity was too great and overcame my fear. Speaking of which, our connection is indeed profound. We were in the same class from elementary school to middle school, and during high school, when boys and girls were separated into different classes, we were still desk mates. After my family moved to Chongqing during high school, I kept in touch with him, who remained in our hometown, but later he stopped replying to my letters. I thought we had lost contact, but unexpectedly, when I attended university in Beijing, I encountered him again, still in the same department.

It is all your fault, after all. Knowing full well that he has that kind of personality, you still refused to accompany me. Xia thought again of Ruan Zhan's polite yet firm refusal, and couldn't help but feel her self-esteem wounded

What other words of praise can you express all at once

Indeed. She has been very tired these days, but because she is afraid of having nightmares again, she feels a bit anxious about going to bed every day. Now she is contemplating whether she should simply stop sleeping altogether

"Why not go? The more he fears trouble, the more it will annoy him! And then it will kill him!" Wanli followed along with Xiaoxia's words. He knew that when Xiaoxia got angry, she could be quite childish; comforting her was less effective than provoking her sense of revenge and competitiveness. He still couldn't determine whether Xiaoxia's recent endless nightmares were a psychological issue or something supernatural, so he was determined to uncover the truth.

Then let this be a bedtime story. He and I have been friends for many years; in fact, we have known each other since we were seven, and now it has been twenty-four years. He is not his father's biological son; he was picked up by his father when he was five years old and was later adopted. I don't know if he remembers anything from before he was five, as he has never mentioned it. His adoptive father was originally a Taoist priest, but during the Cultural Revolution, when all supernatural beings and feudal superstitions were to be eradicated, he had to return to secular life and later settled in our town. His father is well-versed in classical literature and eclectic knowledge, and even his name was taken from ancient texts.

"He also studies psychology?" Xiao Xia exclaimed in surprise. No wonder he is so good at disguising himself, but that cannot escape her keen insight.

It is good to be a little angry, as it can help to transfer other negative emotions

It is still just that way

Stop talking nonsense; his name, while a bit unusual, is not profound in any way

How did you know he has that kind of ability? Late at night, Xia Xia did not dare to utter the word "ghost," yet this was precisely what she was most curious about regarding the relationship between Wan Li and Ruan Zhan

Alright, alright, don't be angry anymore. Tomorrow—no, I can't make it tomorrow. How about the day after tomorrow? The day after tomorrow, I will go with you to find him. This guy really has no respect for me; he doesn't even consider who is asking him for help. Lawyer Yue is just asking him for a small favor; isn't that showing him some regard!

You just don't understand. Wanli sensed Xiaoxia's reluctance and quickly expressed his thoughts, saying, "Regardless of the circumstances, I want to help you even if it means betraying him, because I promised not to disclose his matters. He will be angry at my betrayal of the promise, so my involvement would actually worsen the situation. Once he calms down a bit, my appearance would have a better chance. And *books*" He will be angry at my betrayal of the promise, so my involvement would actually worsen the situation. Once he calms down a bit, my appearance would have a better chance. And *books*"

Do not doubt those you employ, and do not employ those you doubt. I do not know if anyone is better than him, but I only know him, so this is the only way I can assist you. Do not overthink it, get a good night's sleep, and the day after tomorrow we will go find him. Whether there are dates or not, let's give it a try. Alright, I am going to hang up now, good night

Have you gone to find Ruan Zhan?" Wan Li tentatively asked, "You haven't forgotten, have you, my friend who can communicate with the spirit world?

But can he really help me

Cut it out, don't you want to see who I am?

Indeed, this is a key factor. No matter how much children resist the outside world, they always find it easy to make friends with one another. If I were to meet him only after he becomes an adult, he would probably treat me as you described—outwardly kind and gentle, yet truly distant.

Those women are blind, but I am not. In fact, I asked someone for help; helping is a matter of goodwill, while not helping is a matter of duty, and it is not entirely out of consideration for you. What do I have to be angry or complain about? They are not obligated to help me. Yet, I am infuriated by his demeanor. He smiles so beautifully and so kindly, yet in reality, he rejects everything and is indifferent to all matters. He appears to be a gentle prince, but in truth, he is an evil sorcerer! He smiles so beautifully and so kindly, yet in reality, he rejects everything and is indifferent to all matters. He appears to be a gentle prince, but in truth, he is an evil sorcerer! There is no warmth, no compassion, no conscience!" Xia Xia was furious, although she knew that when asking for favors, one should be humble and that the outcome is uncertain. However, just thinking of Ruan Zhan's face made her even angrier, though she did not know why.

Aren't you afraid? How can you still be friends with him?

I will not go

It seems that you have already sought him out

"Do you have any friends who can communicate with spirits? I have indeed met one of your very irritating friends." As soon as Ruan Zhan was mentioned, Xiao Xia was suddenly engulfed by an inexplicable rage, instantly transforming from a half-dead state to one of almost explosive fury

Indeed, your keen intuition is your greatest strength; you should choose to accompany me. It would be a pity to become a lawyer.

"In fact, to be fair, you cannot blame him too much." Wan Li also spoke well of Ruan Zhan, "Everyone has their own temperament and disposition. Ruan Zhan is not an easy person to understand, even I cannot fully grasp him. However, I did not expect that you could see through his facade so quickly; that is quite impressive!"

You clearly know the outcome yet still ask me to go? Are you deliberately trying to embarrass me

Not interested, "Xia Xia pouted, but her curiosity was itching inside.

Good night

Forget it! Let it be!

"It sounds like you have been pursuing him all along," Xia Xia remarked sarcastically

Oh? It really does seem that way. He is quite passive when it comes to emotions. I think if it weren't for the fact that we have known each other for a long time, and that I am a very understanding and kind person, it would have been difficult for us to become friends.