Over the course of five days, Lin Zitong and Yan Shouyi accomplished many things.
Everything was in preparation for the sect leader succession ceremony five days later.
During these five days, the talismans sold by the Luyun Sect continued to create ripples.
Strange incidents occurred frequently throughout Rongcheng, and terrifying rumors spread among the populace, causing widespread unease. Even the bustling Wanbao Street saw a dismal business, with few daring to venture out after dark.
Meanwhile, Xia Zhi and his team were struggling. Starting from the second day, they received various reports. Initially, they were genuine paranormal events, and seeking help from the Folklore Research Association quickly resolved them.
However, as things escalated, some bored individuals began filing false reports. Often, after Xia Zhi and his colleagues rushed to the scene, they found no ghosts, only minor squabbles between couples throwing tantrums.
Yet, these matters were critical, and even knowing they might be pranked, Xia Zhi insisted that all police officers not be perfunctory. Any report received must be investigated on-site.
This led to Xia Zhi not getting proper rest for several consecutive days, his once fair complexion appearing sallow.
Five days passed in the blink of an eye.
Today was the day Lu Xin was to hold the succession ceremony at the Lushan Sect. Upon waking, Yan Shouyi specifically checked the almanac, confirming it was indeed an auspicious day for a sacrificial event.
Waking early, Yan Shouyi saw A Gong downstairs packing his belongings to leave. Standing on the balcony upstairs, Yan Shouyi couldn't help but ask:
"A Gong, where are you going? Don't forget we're here to support the stinky girl today!"
A Gong, with dark circles under his eyes and looking drained, asked:
"When are Old Wang and Old He coming back? I can't hold on much longer."
"Can't hold on?"
"Officer Xia Zhi's side has frequently needed our assistance these past few days, and I've had to go over there from time to time. Last night, I even went to Guling on the way and spent the whole night with Jiaren. I just returned to the research association when Officer Xia Zhi called again..."
Yan Shouyi slapped his forehead at the mention of this.
I almost forgot, A Gong is a man with a wife!
During these past few days, Luo Ning and Zhao Yiyao had entered seclusion successively. The only one who could help Xia Zhi solve problems was A Gong. Second Uncle Wei Changqing disdained to intervene, and Long Feicheng, Old Jin, and Weng Qianxiang lacked the capability.
Thus, the burden fell solely on A Gong's shoulders, bearing a pressure far beyond his years.
Yan Shouyi said guiltily, "Hold on for one more day, Old Wang and the others will be back tomorrow."
"Alright..."
A Gong nodded numbly and walked away with his head down.
Watching A Gong's dejected back, Yan Shouyi suddenly sighed, "When we feel we are living comfortably, it must be because someone is bearing the burden for us. A Gong, true man! Keep it up!"
Turning back, Lin Zitong had finished washing up and was neatly dressed, sitting at the vanity table and combing her long hair.
Although she had recovered her energy and looked vibrant, a hint of worry still lingered between her brows.
Seeing this, Yan Shouyi came behind Lin Zitong, took her wooden comb, and gently began to comb her hair:
"Don't worry, I checked the almanac when I woke up. Today is suitable for succeeding as sect leader!"
Lin Zitong gave Yan Shouyi in the mirror a playful glare, "That's natural. Lu Xin also knows how to pick dates."
"She's preparing the way for you," Yan Shouyi chuckled. "Today, you are the protagonist."
Lin Zitong's expression softened slightly. She pursed her lips and asked:
"Has everyone arrived?"
"They're on the morning flight. Little Long and Grandpa have gone to pick them up. Everything is arranged, and we're on time."
Hearing the definitive answer, the worry in Lin Zitong's brows finally vanished.
She sweetly yet somewhat disdainfully snatched the comb back from Yan Shouyi's hand, saying, "You're so clumsy. Let Hua Ying do it."
Saying this, Lin Zitong summoned Taohua Ying. Taohua Ying smiled softly and helped Lin Zitong with her appearance.
Standing beside them, Yan Shouyi had to admit that while his hands were so exquisite they could carve lifelike wooden sculptures, when it came to arranging a woman's hairstyle, all his skills and experience were useless. The three thousand strands of trouble would only become a tangled mess in his hands.
"This is something only we women can do properly."
Taohua Ying braided a dignified and graceful hairstyle for Lin Zitong, the style leaning towards the classical, adorned with an exquisite jade hairpin.
After her makeup was done, Lin Zitong shed her youthful immaturity, exuding an aura of elegance and nobility, like a princess from ancient times.
Lian He couldn't help but float out, gazing at Lin Zitong entranced, murmuring to herself, "Miss looks like a princess..."
Although Princess Yu Shu was also stunningly beautiful, her appearance was entirely different from Lin Zitong's. The reason for Lian He's remark was that Lin Zitong's current demeanor greatly resembled that of Princess Yu Shu.
Taohua Ying also looked on with envy. Although this was her own makeup creation, her eyes held a hint of nostalgia, as if seeing Lin Zitong now reminded her of how beautiful and youthful she herself had been when she was alive.
"Truly beautiful," Taohua Ying praised.
Lin Zitong looked at Yan Shouyi, her beautiful eyes blinking, waiting for the dense fellow's compliment.
Yan Shouyi, however, showed no reaction, simply staring at her blankly.
"So stupid!" Taohua Ying scolded in a low voice, full of frustration, and then waved her hand in front of Yan Shouyi, "Young Master, Miss is waiting for your praise!"
Yan Shouyi snapped back to reality. Instead of complimenting Lin Zitong immediately, he said with a completely serious expression, "I was zoning out just now. Seeing you like this, I couldn't help but recall our wedding day. You were just as beautiful then as you are today."
A woman's most beautiful moment is her wedding day. Although Yan Shouyi did not directly compliment Lin Zitong, it greatly pleased her.
Taohua Ying, who had been filled with frustration, was momentarily stunned. Then, she smiled charmingly, "I thought Young Master was Bronze, but it turns out he's a King. No wonder he could win over our Miss!"
Lin Zitong's pretty face blushed, and Lian He chimed in agreement.
Yan Shouyi, not to be outdone, retorted, "Your Miss was the one who pursued me!"
Lin Zitong glared at Yan Shouyi, "Is that true?"
"..."
Yan Shouyi wisely fell silent.