Chapter Three: Assistance

One week later.

The weather gradually turned cooler, and I switched from short sleeves to thin long sleeves.

That day, after finishing my work, Auntie Si hurriedly knocked on my door.

Trouble? Judging by Auntie Si’s anxious expression, I couldn’t help but wonder.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

Auntie Si knew I had the ability to see spirits. She pleaded for my help, saying a relative of hers seemed to be haunted by a ghost recently and wanted me to intervene.

“Xiao Chen, Auntie Si knows you have the gift of seeing the supernatural. I happen to have something that needs your help.”

“Please, don’t hesitate to tell me.”

I listened carefully as she explained.

“It’s like this,” she began slowly.

It turned out that a distant relative’s second daughter had been possessed by a ghost during her wedding. At the ceremony, she danced wildly and erratically, unable to hold her head up. Her appearance was bizarre, and though those around her tried to stop her, she seemed deaf to their pleas, frenzied at all hours. The family suspected hereditary mental illness and canceled the engagement.

Hearing this, I rubbed my chin thoughtfully. It was clear—this was indeed the work of a spirit!

“Alright, Auntie Si, send me their address. I’ll take a look.”

She gave me some money and the address.

We lived in the countryside, but the place I needed to visit was in the city.

Before I left, Auntie Si told me that if I could find a stable job in the big city, it wouldn’t be a bad thing; life in the countryside required enduring hardship.

I chuckled. No matter where you are, hardship is hardship.

“Xiao Chen, take good care of yourself,” she said worriedly.

I smiled politely. “I will, Auntie Si. Don’t worry.”

...

Arriving in the city, I couldn’t help but be amazed.

The urban environment was indeed different from what I had imagined—beautiful surroundings, convenient transportation, and everyone dressed so fashionably, a stark contrast to myself.

Yet I felt no disappointment; business came first.

Following the address Auntie Si gave me, I went to the Lu family’s residence.

It was a large building with many apartments. I took the elevator to the eighth floor.

When I opened the door, someone outside asked, “Who are you?”

“Oh, I’m Auntie Si’s niece. She sent me to exorcise a ghost.”

They had already been informed, but didn’t expect me to arrive so soon. Could it be that this young girl was truly skilled?

“Oh, please come in,” said a woman in her forties or fifties, likely the lady of the house.

“Would you like some water?” she gracefully offered me a glass.

I smiled faintly. “Thank you, but no, let’s get to work.”

She then led me to her daughter’s room.

“This is the place. I don’t know what happened. She was fine before, but at the wedding, it was as if she was possessed. Since then, she locks herself in this room, which is pitch dark inside. It’s truly terrifying.”

I stepped inside. Indeed!

The darkness was so thick it felt like I couldn’t see my own hand. The young woman, about in her twenties, was facing me as if she had sensed my arrival. Suddenly, with a look, the door slammed shut.

Inside, it was just the two of us.

Her eyes were wide open, twisted and frightening, as if possessed. Without moving her head, her body spun a full 360 degrees.

I was stunned, swallowing hard.

Feigning calm, I said, “Who are you? Why have you possessed this girl? Come out now.”

I shouted.

The female spirit continued to stare at me, making the hairs on my neck stand on end.

“Fine, if you won’t speak, I’ll make you.”

In an instant, I recited a spell. It was as if a beam of light pierced the girl’s body. Then I heard a cry, and the ghost revealed itself.