The Exorcist

Book 7: Chapter 7: Strange expression

Its like this, Big Sis Lu. Bao Da Tong swallowed. The death are gone. Those who cannot let go are not just hurting themselves, but also make it painful for the departed.

But he hasnt departed, I can feel it. Every night he stands in front of my window, but I just cannot grab hold of him! I cant, no matter how desperately I try. Lu Yan looked at her hand, her expression vexed and full of despair. He seemedto be suffering, but hes unable to speak. I know he must have encountered some trouble! I want to speak with him, but cant do anything about it!

Big Sis Lu, how about this? Ill hold a ritual for your husband for free. He will definitely reach the other side safely. You should also be strong, even if its just for your child. Bao Da Tong felt a lot of sympathy for Lu Yan, but didnt know how to comfort her.

He had been living with his father deep in the mountains the entire time. He had learned a lot about Daoism and had weathered rough storms before. However, he had always been very passionate, and wasnt able to remain unaffected in the face of human misery and helplessness. Although he was usually eloquent, he didnt know what to say at this moment.

He definitely has something to tell me. I also have something to tell him, about our child!

Big Sis Lu, apart from special circumstances, it is impossible for the world of the living to communicate with that of the dead. Otherwise, things will devolve into chaos. Its better if youtry to accept that.

Seeing Bao Da Tong unwilling to help, Lu Yans lips trembled as she glared at him. She seemed about to say something but ended up lowering her face into her hands and started sobbing. She cried brokenheartedly by also desperately tried to restrain herself. The result was grief-stricken sobbing while her shoulders shook incessantly.

Wan Li was always softhearted and looked towards Bao Da Tong at seeing the situation. His gaze was just as stricken as Lu Yans, making Bao Da Tongs heart clench sourly. After a while, he finally sighed and patted Lu Yans shoulder. Big Sis Lu, dont be sad anymore. Ill help you.

His words were like a spell, making her stop crying immediately. She looked up, her voice both startled and happy. Really? Mr. Bao, youre willing to help me?

Bao Da Tong nodded. Yes, Ill help you. But I must say I cannot guarantee success. Based on your desolate aura, your husband must have passed away a while ago. If he has already reincarnated, then you can only grieve and firmly move on. If he is really still lingering as you say, I hope seeing him wont be unbearable, and you wont try to force him to stay. Alright?

Lu Yan hurriedly nodded, forcefully wiping away her tears, as if this action indicated her willingness to comply.

The dead cannot come back to life. A meeting like this will only make it harder. I must ask again, are you sure you want to see him?

Yes, please proceed, Mr. Bao.

You wont regret it?

Definitely not.

Fine. Ill have someone escort you home first. Bao Da Tong said sternly. Im guessing your child isnt that old and the two of you live alone. Its already late, you shouldnt leave your child home alone. Let me know when youre free tomorrow and Ill bring my assistant over to take a look. Then we can decide on the next step. Will that work?

Lu Yan stood up, her expression a little agitated. Bao Da Tongs guess had clearly been correct, increasing her trust and gratitude towards him. Thank you, Mister Bao. I have to work tomorrow, but will be home by six. If its not an issue, Id like to treat Mister Bao to a simple meal. Would seven oclock work?

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Absolutely. Before Bao Da Tong could speak, Wan Li responded.

He was afraid Bao Da Tong would refuse her offer of a meal. Although Bao Da Tong might have meant well, Lu Yan was currently emotionally frail. If she could do something for Bao Da Tong, her mood would be much improved. Therefore, this was the best method to do so.

What Doctor Wan says goes. Bao Da Tong also stood up. Then Ill have to trouble Doctor Wan to escort Big Sis Lu home.

No, no need to trouble yourself. I can go back by myself. Lu Yan was rather reserved.

Wan Li looked outside the window. There were no cars on the road, and not even any bikes. He smiled amiably and said, No need to be polite. Theres no more public transportation at this time. Let me bring you back.

Seeing Wan Li and Lu Yan off, Liu Tie who had been eavesdropping the whole time said, Big Bro Wan is really a kindhearted man.

Am I not? Bao Da Tong glanced at him askew.

Bao Bao is a swindler. The mischievous Ni Yang imitated the way the female customers called Bao Da Tong. Dont hit me, Big Bro Wan is the one who said you were a swindler. Then again, Big Bro Bao really does seem to have some skills. How did you know she lived alone, and that her child was still at home? Was that something you can tell from her aura?

What aura? Bao Da Tong scolded. You can tell from her appearance if youre attentive enough. Miss Lus expression was sorrowful and lonely, and also a little alarmed. Its clearly due to a sense of unease from living alone. She said he husband passed away and she only had one child. Seeing how young she was, how old could her child be? Furthermore, during our conversation she looked at her watch twice, clearly worried about something. Let me also tell you that she isnt wearing a ring. If Im not mistaken, she might very well not have been officially married.

Big Bro Bao is Sherlock Holmes. Ni Yang praised. However, you spoke with such confidence. Are you able to do it?

Big Sis Xiao Xia said Big Bro Bao uses tricks to convince people. Liu Tie said. However, that woman was so pitiful. I wouldnt be able to reject her either!

Knowing Liu Tie and Ni Yang werent in the loop regarding Ruan Zhan and himself, and also knowing it wasnt appropriate for them to find out, Bao Da Tong went with the flow. Therefore, there are different perspectives on lying. Sometimes a white lie is necessary. If it helps her find peace, there isnt anything bad about lying. Bao Da Tong walked to the stairs as he spoke. But the two of you should remember to always face your weaknesses head on. Its better to resolve your own problems.

After speaking, he quickly walked up the stairs.

He had to recite the Daoist scriptures several times because had gone against his fathers teachings of not helping people communicate with the dead. Daoism emphasized letting nature take its course, and there was nothing more natural than life and death in this world! His actions wouldnt help Lu Yan have an easier time moving on.

The next night, Bao Da Tong, Xiao Xia and Wan Li arrived at Lu Yans house together.

Which floor does she live on? Bao Da Tong paused and asked.

She said the third floor.

She said?

She didnt allow me to go up yesterday. Wan Li responded, his head almost bumping into the object protruding from the wall.

This was a suburban area that wasnt really close to the city. Apart from single-storied houses, the majority of the buildings were three-storied old-fashioned tube-shaped apartments. It was already midnight yesterday when he brought Lu Yan home. There were no street lamps here. Lu Yan carried a flashlight with her, and therefore didnt allow him to escort her to the door.

Shes a pure and innocent woman, and even has a child. Of course she wouldnt provoke a sex fiend like you for no reason. Bao Da Tong chuckled. Despite walking in the dark hallway of the building, he didnt forget to attack Wan Li when presented the opportunity.

Only after entering did they notice there were few tenants in this building. In the long and dark hallway, only a few doors had lights coming from underneath. The rest were all pitch black. Although it was no longer raining this night, the weather was very gloomy and there were no lights in the hallway. Therefore, the three basically had to grope around in the dark to find their way upstairs. Xiao Xia didnt know if it was due to the unfamiliar and dark environment or if it was just in her mind, but she kept feeling as if something was breathing faintly nearby.

Its still better than falling into the hands of a bar pet like you. Wan Li retorted.

After finally making it to the third floor in the dark, they saw there were even less occupied apartments. Only three doors were lit in total. Following Lu Yans provided instructions, they found the innermost apartment. They noticed that this floor only had stairs on one end, which meant Lu Yans place was at the dead end of the long and dark hallway.

At the entryway, Lu Yan was visibly timid as she opened the door.

Welcome, please come in.

Xiao Xia nodded and entered ahead of Bao Da Tong and Wan Li. She felt a little uneasy and kept getting chills down her back. She only relaxed after entering the bright room and having the door shut tightly behind her.

It was a small one-room apartment with plain and neat decor. There was a table already covered in sumptuous dishes. However, there was no bed, so the inner room was clearly the bedroom.

Sit wherever you like, we can eat right away. Ill call lil Tong out to meet you all. Lu Yan smiled ingratiatingly, before opening in the door to the room and bringing a child out.

This is my son. His name is lil Tong and hes five years old. She dotingly stroked the boys head. Lil tong, hurry and greet the uncles and auntie.

The child didnt make a sound, merely pulling at his moms clothes. Xiao Xia felt her heart was about to break at the sight of the child.

He was pale and skinny like his mom. However, his features were extremely pretty. Dark brows and a pert nose adorned his delicate face and his mouth was a perfect arc. He had large, glittering eyes and his expression contained the childish fear of strangers along with innocence. He was adorable with no imperfections, making it hard to tell if this was a little boy or a little girl. He felt just like a miniature person from an anime.

However, the child sat in a wheelchair!

At that moment, Xiao Xia felt the creator was extremely cruel. Why would such a wonderful and harmless things be crippled!?

Really, this child isnt greeting people. My apologies, hes a little shy around strangers. Lu Yan explained apologetically.

No worries at all. Itll be fine once we get to know each other. Xiao Xia hurriedly smiled and walked over, crouching down. Lil Tong, right? This auntie brought some chocolate for you!

Because she knew Lu Yan had a child who had lost his father, Xiao Xia felt extreme sympathy for the mother and son. Therefore, she prepared some candy. She just hadnt expected that the pair was more tragic than expected. Such a cute child was actually handicapped.

Lil Tong looked at the candy and then looked at his mother. Only after receiving permission did he timidly receive the candy and smile at Xiao Xia. The childish smile almost melted Xiao Xias heart. She made up her mind to help this mother and son pair.

The meal passed just like that. Although Lu Yan and her son were both very shy, luckily Bao Da Tong had very thick skin and Wan Li was extremely good with words. Therefore, they all had a good time. Perhaps the lively atmosphere affected Lil Tong. He seemed extremely happy and even offered some food to Xiao Xia. Whenever Wan Li took care of Xiao Xia, he had to do the same for Lu Yan, doing his best to avoid upsetting the woman who had lost her husband.

After the meal, Xiao Xia insisted on helping Lu Yan with the dishes while also asking what was wrong with Lil Tongs legs.

He was still fine before he was four. He walked very fast! Lu Yan concealed the tears in her eyes. One day he suddenly couldnt anymore. For the sake of curing his legs, I even sold the house. I spent a year going to all the famous hospitals in the country but none of them could figure out what was wrong. The doctors said it might be neurological, or maybe something had happened that affected him psychologically. Regardless, hes currently unable to walk. Im thinking perhaps one day, his legs will suddenly be healed just like how they suddenly stopped working. Very foolish of me, right? But I really dont know what to do!

Is Lil Tongnot attending kindergarten or preschool?

Hes unable to move independently. No school is willing to take him. Lu Yan lowered her head.

Itll be fine. I will figure out a way to help you. Xiao Xia didnt know what to say at the moment and could only comfort Lu Yan. She hurriedly finished the dishes. Ill go play with Lil Tong for a bit while you discuss business with them.

Due to her childs illness, Lu Yan must be having financial difficulties. Since she had sold the house, she could only rent this place. The environment was rather poor here. It was remote, dark and especially unsafe. But as a single mother without much education, she could only find a job as a retail worker. She naturally had no money to live in a better place.

Especially since the child couldnt go to school or even walk. He had to stay in the empty house every day, unable to enjoy the sun or play like other children. Being locked up day after day, when even eating or using the bathroom was a challenge. It was too pitiful!

Although she wasnt a psychiatrist, she could tell Lil Tong had some signs of autism. It was hard to blame him. He was so young but had to deal with loneliness and neglect. It must be very frightening and painful. This made Xiao Xia think of Ruan Zhan. He must have had an even harder time as a child, right? Not only was he shunned by adults and children alike, he even had to deal with resentment and malice.

It was a shame she didnt meet him earlier. She hadnt been able to give him warmth, to give him love. Well, she would first help this pitiful pair, help Lil Tong!

Lil Tong, how about this auntie tell you a story? She walked over and picked Lil Tong up in her arms. The soft body and sweet aroma particular to children stimulated Xiao Xias motherly instincts. She patiently and gently held him as she told all the childrens tales she knew, one after another. However long the discussions outside took would be however long she would tell stories.

Lil Tong, you have to be the like the third little pig, ok? You have to build a very, very stable house. That way, the bad guys wont be able to get in. She stroked Lil Tongs soft hair as she gently spoke.

Really?

A voice rang out by Xiao Xias ear. It was young and tender, but the tone was very weird. Xiao Xia instinctively turned to look and happened to see Lil Tong smiling right at her.

The glance felt like an ice awl burrowing from the top of Xiao Xias head to her feet, making her heart constrict!

Lil Tong was no longer Lil Tong!

The face was still his, but his expression had changed. She couldnt describe clearly how it had changed, but felt that the expression did not match Lil Tongs cute little face. It was cold, malicious, calculating, cunning and sophisticated. It was an expression only an adult should have, one that was extremely scheming at that.There was also the excitement and bloodlust of a beast that had spotted its prey.

Ah.

She let out a soft cry and instinctively flung Lil Tong from her arms. He thudded to the floor.

At the same time, the door behind her opened with a creak.

Xiao Xia sucked in a breath and saw Lu Yan pounce over from behind. Lil Tong, how did you end up falling from the bed? Are you hurt anywhere? She frantically picked up her son and looked him over, her face filled with alarm.

What happened? Wan Li and Bao Da Tong also stuck their heads inside.

Xiao Xia watched everything in a daze since her mind was still in shock. As Lu Yan held Lil Tong, Xiao Xia once again saw his face!

The child was still the same child. What mature expression? Instead, it was aggrieved, panicked and teary, as if he couldnt understand why the gentle aunty would suddenly throw him away. This made Xiao Xia feel a wave of guilt and self-reproach!