Unlike the previous ones he hired, who acted like some sort of wise hermits but couldn’t solve any problems at all, this one seemed different.

Not only did he waste money on them, but the business lost by the restaurant during this time was the real blow.

Dai Qing sat on the bus, heading home, clutching the jade pendant tightly in her hand, repeatedly inspecting it. She knew this pendant could store things, but she wondered—could she enter it herself?

She said aloud, “I want to go in,” while staring intently at the pendant. Nothing happened.

Clearly, as a living person, she couldn’t enter.

Still, she wasn’t ready to give up. She stared at the stool in front of her and said, “Collect.” The stool disappeared into thin air. Dai Qing was overjoyed. She summoned the stool back and tried several more times, finally figuring out the rules.

This mystical pendant couldn’t store living beings, but objects and spirits could be stored inside.

Who would’ve thought her grandfather left her such a treasure?

Holding the jade pendant, she inspected it carefully before cautiously hanging it around her neck. Afterward, she went to the bank, opened an account, and deposited her money.

On the way back, she stopped by the market to prepare for dinner.

Feeling happy today, she splurged on a bass fish, planning to steam it. Since she was observing a year of mourning for her grandfather, she avoided pork, beef, and lamb. Chicken and fish, being white meat, were allowed.

Just as she finished preparing the ingredients, there was a knock on the door.

Dai Qing, thinking it was Aunt Wang, tied her apron and went to open the door. Seeing Liu Ming standing there with a grin, her face immediately turned cold.

“What are you doing at my house?” she asked, her tone frosty.

“I bought this at the park. Thought you might like it,” Liu Ming said, enthusiastically holding out a stick of candied hawthorn. “I figured young ladies like you would enjoy it, so I brought it over.”

Not wanting to waste any words on someone so shameless, Dai Qing slammed the door shut right in his face.

Liu Ming stood there, stunned. “…”

This girl, why won’t she listen to reason?

Staring at the closed metal door, his face darkened, and a sinister look flashed in his eyes. Refusing his kindness, was she? Well, then he’d have to teach her a lesson.

He was determined to get both the girl and the house.

“Excuse me, comrade, you don’t seem to be from around here. Are you looking for someone or lost?” Aunt Wang, wearing a red armband, scrutinized Liu Ming as she politely asked.

“If you’re looking for someone, just ask me. I know everyone in this neighborhood.”

Snapping back to reality, Liu Ming noticed the red armband on her arm and quickly smiled, “Oh, I was just passing by. I’ll be on my way soon, Auntie.”

“If you’ve got no business here, you’d best head home. It’s getting dark, time for dinner,” Aunt Wang nodded, not making things difficult for him.

Liu Ming walked a few steps, then stopped. “Actually, Auntie, I wanted to ask about someone—does Dai Qing live alone? I heard her grandfather passed away recently, and I thought she might be lonely, so I came to check on her.”

“Don’t let her quiet demeanor fool you. Little Qing’s quite capable… wait, who are you, and why are you asking about her?” Aunt Wang suddenly grew suspicious, her gaze turning sharp.

“Please don’t misunderstand, Auntie. We’re coworkers. I also work at the textile factory and have known her for a while. I just heard about her family situation and wanted to cheer her up.” Liu Ming explained with a smile, holding out the candied hawthorn.

“I was planning to take her boating at the park today, but she had something come up. So, I brought her this to make her happy.”

Aunt Wang glanced at the candied hawthorn, her expression softening a bit. He seemed to be telling the truth.