Chapter 20: The Curly-Haired Kid’s Hidden Talent

Lin Jiuyuan was escorted to the second-floor living room, where he finally met the real boss of the Taotie Delicacies.

The boss was… four and a half years old. With soft curls, chubby cheeks, and bright, pretty eyes, he sat perched on a little sofa, staring curiously at Lin Jiuyuan.

Lin had to lower his gaze to make eye contact, suddenly overwhelmed by a bizarre mix of absurdity and helplessness.

This was not what he’d imagined. He’d prepared himself for all kinds of scenarios but meeting a preschooler as the mastermind? Never.

It wasn’t his first time hearing about Yun Tao, though. The name was practically a legend on Shanhai Street. Everyone called Yun Tao the “Little Boss,” but Lin Jiuyuan had assumed it was just a nickname—like when shop cats are jokingly called “managers.”

But this? This adorable little kid was the actual boss? That red-haired, brooding guy wasn’t pulling his leg, was he?

“You’re offering all your savings for us to take on a part-time gig?” Yun Tao propped his little face on his hands, giving Lin a once-over before letting out a dramatic “Wow! Big spender! But can you sit down? My neck’s getting sore from looking up at you.”

The kid’s voice was crisp and articulate—he was clearly sharp for his age. Lin Jiuyuan, feeling slightly unsure of himself, awkwardly sat down.

Now came the tricky part: should he really lift his hair and show the kid the demonic handprint on his forehead? What if he scared the poor child into tears?

Unaware of Lin’s internal dilemma, Yun Tao found the seated posture much more convenient for conversation. At that moment, Lin Xiao hurried in, clearly on edge. Ever since learning that the comic artist carried three sealed demons in his body, Lin Xiao’s wariness had reached new heights.

“Boss,” Lin Xiao said cautiously, “the discounted Worry-Free cake? It was sold to this guy.”

Lin Jiuyuan nodded politely in acknowledgment. “Lin Jiuyuan. Thank you for the cake—it’s helped me a lot.”

“Yeah, I heard from Brother Sui,” Yun Tao replied, clearly impatient to wrap things up. “So, what exactly is this ‘part-time gig’ you need?”

Lin hesitated for a moment before brushing back his hair to reveal the handprint on his forehead. “I’ve got three demons sealed inside me. I’m wondering if there’s any way you can help… get rid of them.”

The handprint belonged to the first demon sealed within him. Over the years, the talismans restraining it had weakened, and its presence had grown stronger.

Yun Tao hopped off the sofa and walked right up to Lin. Tugging lightly on his sleeve, he gestured for Lin to bend down.

Lin Jiuyuan leaned forward, bringing the monstrous handprint closer to Yun Tao’s line of sight. The demonic energy in the seal seemed to sense something unusual—it flared up, transforming into sharp claws that pulled at Lin’s skin, sending waves of pain through his body. His face twisted as he gritted his teeth to endure it.

Dark, bone-chilling energy shrouded Lin Jiuyuan, turning his eyes a cold, ghostly gray. Even the cursed marks on his arms began to stir restlessly.

Yun Tao, however, remained completely unfazed. Lin Jiuyuan, worried he might’ve scared the kid, reached out to guide him away, only to freeze when he noticed Yun Tao’s eyes changing.

The harmless amber hue bled into a striking, inhuman gold.

In those glowing eyes, Lin Jiuyuan saw… hunger.

A primal, bottomless hunger.

Lin Jiuyuan’s soul trembled—not just his. The three demons inside him cowered in terror, their screams reverberating in his mind. His lips parted, but no words came out.

Meanwhile, Yun Tao smiled faintly and raised a tiny hand to cover one of Lin Jiuyuan’s eyes. “I’m going to handle this personally now. If you’re scared, just close your eyes.”

Lin Jiuyuan obeyed, squeezing his eyes shut, his back drenched in cold sweat.

Suddenly, a sharp pain flared on his wrist, like teeth sinking into his skin. Lin Jiuyuan broke out in more sweat but didn’t dare peek. In the suffocating darkness, he felt an overwhelmingly menacing presence envelop him.

His ears rang with the shrieks of his demons as something vicious tore them from his body. The raw, domineering force left not a single trace of their ghostly energy behind.

Yun Tao let go of Lin’s wrist. “All done.”

Lin Jiuyuan opened his eyes. The ominous gray that had clouded his vision was gone. He blinked as sweat trickled into one eye, stinging him enough to make him shut it again.

Yun Tao licked his tiny tiger teeth. “Thanks for the meal, big brother. I’m stuffed.”

Lin Jiuyuan sat frozen, too shaken to move.

It finally hit him—this “little boss” was none other than Taotie, one of the Four Ancient Fiends. The legendary beast that could devour anything.

Those thousand-year-old demons, which had troubled generations of the Lin family, were nothing more than appetizers to Taotie.

Yun Tao’s appearance didn’t change much—still as doll-like and adorable as ever. But the oppressive aura of his ancient beast lineage remained palpable. Even with his exceptional constitution, Lin Jiuyuan was just an ordinary mortal, far from achieving immortality. His vision darkened, and he fainted.

Lin Xiao had already reverted to his true form, trembling on the carpet with his tail tucked. It was Tai Sui who reacted first, catching Lin Jiuyuan before he toppled onto Yun Tao.

“Humans are so fragile,” Yun Tao said, frowning. “You think he’ll dock my pay for this?”

Tai Sui smirked. “No way. He fainted just looking at you—he wouldn’t dare.”

“Good,” Yun Tao said with satisfaction, patting his belly. “That was delicious. I hope we get more part-time gigs like this.”

When Lin Jiuyuan woke up, he found himself lying in an unfamiliar room. Groggily sitting up, he was startled when a red fox leapt onto the bed, narrowing its eyes at him.

Those eyes were far too intelligent to belong to a regular fox. What’s more, its entire being exuded an unmistakable demonic aura, making no effort to hide its power. This fox had at least a few centuries of cultivation—powerful enough to give even his uncle trouble.

Alarmed, Lin’s fingers secretly began forming a protective sigil under the blanket. “Great Immortal, have I done something to offend you?”

“Don’t recognize me?”

Lin Xiao spoke, and Lin Jiuyuan instantly recognized the voice—it was the same fox from the restaurant.

“You’re lying on my bed,” Lin Xiao said with a sigh. “But hey, what can I do? I’m at the bottom of the food chain here. C’mon, the boss is waiting for you.”

Without waiting for a reply, Lin Xiao hopped down and padded out of the room.

Lin Jiuyuan followed, soon finding himself back in the familiar living room. Memories of what had happened before he fainted came rushing back.

He’d had the audacity to seek help from Taotie… and then passed out like a fool.

Swallowing nervously, Lin Jiuyuan glanced at his wrist. There was no wound—just two faint red marks, like tiny cinnabar moles. Rolling up his sleeve, he saw that the cursed handprint was gone. The talismans sealing the demons had disappeared as well.

Lin Jiuyuan followed Lin Xiao out into the courtyard, where Yun Tao was busy playing with two cats using a feather toy. One was a striking black cat with snowy white paws, while the other had a full coat of pristine white fur, so stunning it instantly lifted one’s mood just by looking at it.

“Oh, you’re awake?” Yun Tao glanced at Lin Jiuyuan briefly before going back to teasing the cats. “Your side gig’s done. Don’t forget to send the payment.”

The intimidating aura of a Taotie was nowhere to be found. Yun Tao now looked just like any regular kid. But Lin Jiuyuan still vividly remembered the terror he’d felt earlier. Straightening his posture, he asked respectfully, “Should I scan the payment code from your store?”

“Go ahead.”

Ding! Five thousand yuan was transferred.

Yun Tao froze for a moment, counting the digits on his fingers. “This… this is all your savings?”

It wasn’t like he was looking down on five thousand yuan, but Yun Tao had thought this would be a major transaction!

Wait a second. Was this comic artist actually poorer than he was?

Lin Jiuyuan scratched his head, feeling a bit awkward. “I just graduated this year. When I was fifteen, I sealed an evil spirit inside me, which caused some… side effects. I couldn’t take on too many freelance gigs. Whatever money I made drawing comics went into buying gear.”

There was another reason, one he didn’t mention—he’d always assumed he didn’t have long to live, so saving money had never seemed worthwhile.

Yun Tao realized he’d never asked how much Lin Jiuyuan could afford to pay, and the latter hadn’t mentioned it either. Five thousand yuan… yeah, that was way below what a Taotie deserved.

But then again, what would be a fair price for the services of a taotie? Five million?

Lin Jiuyuan quickly offered, “Senior Yun… uh, TaoTao, I can write you an IOU.”

Whatever Yun Tao thought his life was worth, Lin Jiuyuan was willing to spend the rest of his days repaying this debt.

Waving his tiny hand, Yun Tao dismissed the offer. “Nah, don’t bother. I got a good meal out of it. Just hit me up the next time you’ve got work like this. I’ll even give you a 20% discount as a returning customer.”

“Senior, I can’t possibly—” Lin Jiuyuan tried to insist, only for Tai Sui to clap him on the shoulder.

“Time to head out,” Tai Sui said. “Boss needs his nap.”

It was only then that Lin Jiuyuan noticed Yun Tao wasn’t as energetic as before. His lashes, thick and curly, drooped halfway down, making him look a little sleepy.

That schedule… very kid-like. Kind of cute.

Lin Jiuyuan shook his head hard, trying to banish the thought. This is a taotie! How can you call a taotie cute? That’s playing with fire! Even the smallest taotie is still a ferocious beast!

At dawn, Taotie Delicacies opened its doors right on schedule.

Yun Tao sat at the entrance, eating a steamed bun. The bun, made by Tai Sui, was absurdly oversized—bigger than Yun Tao’s face. He could barely hold it with two hands.

Stuffed with barbecued pork and half a boiled egg, the thin skin gave way to an explosion of juicy, flavorful filling. It was ridiculously delicious.

“Nom—” Yun Tao took a huge bite, puffing out both cheeks like a squirrel storing food for the winter. His amber eyes half-closed in satisfaction.

“Good morning, Little Boss,” someone called out, smiling as they approached.

The newcomer was clean-cut with short hair that revealed a smooth forehead and bright black eyes. Twin symmetrical beauty marks sat just below his eyes, and he wore a crisp white short-sleeved shirt. His exposed arms were so pale they looked like they’d been drawn straight out of a manga.

Yun Tao didn’t recognize him. He asked through a mouthful of bun, “Who’re you, handsome brother?”

The young man grinned, flashing sharp canines. “It’s me, Lin Jiuyuan.”

Once, he had willingly offered his body as a cage for evil spirits, sealing them inside himself. The talismans that kept those spirits bound had also trapped him. Seven years later, he had finally broken free and could stand in the sunlight again, his true self.

The world no longer cloaked in shadows was… so beautiful.

The uncles, aunties, and grandparents buying breakfast recognized Lin Jiuyuan quickly. They started whispering among themselves.

“Isn’t that the comic artist from Number 19? He changed his hairstyle—looks like a whole new person!”

Auntie Ying chimed in, “Young Lin, this haircut suits you! You look so much sharper.”

Grandma Liu nodded approvingly. “Such a handsome face. Covering it up with hair was a waste.”

Another neighbor uncle gave practical advice. “Don’t stay cooped up at home all day drawing. Get some fresh air more often.”

Now that Lin Jiuyuan no longer had to worry about his residual negative energy affecting others, he didn’t avoid people as much. Smiling, he responded to everyone one by one. Gone was the withdrawn, gloomy man they used to see; this was someone reborn.

It was obvious to everyone—the comic artist had changed.

And for the better.

After finishing his bun, Yun Tao went to wash his hands. Lin Jiuyuan followed, helping him dry them with a practiced hand.

“You’re not busy today?” Yun Tao asked.

Since eating that signature cake, Lin Jiuyuan ought to be hustling to build his career.

“I spent all my savings,” Lin Jiuyuan replied.

“And?”

Lin Jiuyuan’s eyes curved in a smile. “I heard your shop offers free meals and housing. Little Boss, I don’t need wages or lodging. Can I stay on as a part-timer?”

Yun Tao blinked in surprise. So, Lin Jiuyuan did have ambition—he’d come to apply for a job.

The new “worry-free” cakes were selling well, and the dessert shop’s business was booming. They really could use more hands. Plus, Lin Jiuyuan wasn’t an ordinary person. Since they didn’t have to hide their true nature from him, he’d be convenient to work with. Just like Lin Xiao.

“Well, I guess that could work,” Yun Tao said, sneaking a lick of his tiger teeth. “But you’ve got to tell me—where can I find more evil spirits like the one from yesterday? Not that I’m doing this to fill my belly or anything; it’s all about giving them a proper send-off.”

Lin Jiuyuan thought for a moment. “There are still four more like that back at my family home.”

Yun Tao gave him a thumbs-up. “Wow, big customer!”

Lin Jiuyuan: “…”

That was the weirdest compliment he’d ever received. Not the kind of “wealth” he’d want to flaunt.

“Little Boss, are you sure you want to… eat—I mean, exorcise those spirits?”

Yun Tao grinned. “Why wouldn’t I? Food’s food.”

Lin Jiuyuan got the message and immediately called his father.

“Dad, I need a favor for a job interview.”

His father, unaware the spirits inside Lin Jiuyuan had already been dealt with, responded with a flurry of questions. “I thought you rented a place to draw comics? Why are you job-hunting? What do you need help with? Are you short on money?”

Lin Jiuyuan said calmly, “My boss wants to visit the Blood Well.”

“Future boss,” he corrected himself.

“What?!” His father’s voice shot up in alarm. “How could you bring that up, let alone invite someone to see it? Explain yourself!”

If he hadn’t known his son’s character so well, Lin’s father would’ve been on the verge of a stroke.

“I can’t explain it over the phone,” Lin Jiuyuan said. “I’ll tell you in person.”

His father reluctantly agreed. “When are you coming?”

Lin Jiuyuan turned to Yun Tao, who replied, “The sooner, the better. How about tonight?”

And just like that, the plan was set.

That evening, with another “feast” on the horizon, Yun Tao was in a great mood. He gave Lin Jiuyuan’s hand a pat, striking a boss-like pose. “Jiuyuan, you’ve got potential. I’ve got high hopes for you!”

Too bad his naturally cute appearance undermined any attempts to look authoritative—it just made him look even cuter.

“Thanks for the praise, Boss.” Lin Jiuyuan asked earnestly, “So… can I start my internship today?”

What kind of dream employee was this? So motivated, so eager. Of course, Yun Tao wasn’t going to let him down. “Sure thing. Come with me to the bakery to help out. I’ll whip you up a feast for lunch.”

Yun Tao led him to the bakery and introduced him to Feifei. “Feifei-jie, I found you a little apprentice.”

Feifei turned around, her white ponytail swinging in a graceful arc. “Welcome, welcome.”

Her appearance overlapped perfectly with the stunning white cat from the previous night, especially her lake-green eyes. Lin Jiuyuan couldn’t hide his surprise. “You’re the white cat from last night!”

Feifei tossed him an apron. “You mean Master Feifei. That’s what you should call me.”

Lin Jiuyuan fumbled to catch the apron, and just like that, his apprenticeship began.

Yun Tao hadn’t heavily advertised the new Worry-Free Cakes. He’d simply posted an update introducing a discounted combo: the cake paired with a lychee iced drink. He also casually mentioned, “Order through the mini-app, and we’ll deliver within a three-kilometer radius.”

After launch, the comments were all about how cute the packaging was. The box featured Feifei on one side and a ferocious Taotie on the other. The handles were cleverly designed to look like their gaping mouths. The creative design was a hit.

Seeing the enthusiastic response, Yun Tao went ahead and customized some plushie Feifei and Taotie keychains through the store’s system. These limited-edition giveaways, included with combo purchases, proved irresistible to modern-day youths—especially those drawn to collectibles. Orders skyrocketed. Some long-time customers from farther away even hired couriers to snag them, and students on summer break joined in with gusto.

By the end of the day, reviews for the Worry-Free Cake were flooding in, even better than those for the Worry-Free Scallion Oil Noodles.

• “Look at this adorable little Taotie plushie I got—it’s so soft and squishy!”
• “The Feifei keychain is absolutely divine! I put it on my desk, and it’s been keeping me calm and focused all day.”
• “Folks, I’m telling you, the Worry-Free Cake buff is real. Bought a combo for my team yesterday, and today we finally broke through a problem that had us stuck for weeks!”
• “This cake made me cry. It’s that good. Honestly better than most dessert shops. Please release more flavors—maybe even a sugar-free option?”
• “Had afternoon tea with friends at Taotie Delicacies. The glasshouse aesthetic is perfect for photos!”

Business was booming that day.

Lin Jiuyuan’s first day interning at Taotie Delicacies was busy, fulfilling, and drenched in the scent of cakes. The most unforgettable part was the simple yet heartfelt welcome from his coworkers: two lavish spirit-infused meals prepared just for him.

His body, worn down by years of ghostly corruption, felt revitalized. For the first time in forever, Lin Jiuyuan felt like a bamboo shoot breaking through the soil, drinking in the sun and growing like crazy.

Yun Tao didn’t bother rushing the system for task settlement—it was always slow, and today, there were bigger fish to fry.

Putting on his little outdoor shoes, Yun Tao informed Yun Fenghe, “I’m heading to Jiuyuan’s house with Tai Sui tonight to… uh, ‘visit.’ We’re staying over.”

Yun Fenghe, unaware of the real reason, simply reminded him, “Don’t stay up too late.”

Yun Tao nodded obediently.

Then Yun Fenghe turned to Tai Sui. “If TaoTao falls asleep, make sure he doesn’t catch a cold.”

Tai Sui let out a soft “Mm.”

The Lin family’s ancestral home was in an old village out in the suburbs, far from Shanhai Street. After taking the subway and transferring to a bus, they finally arrived at Linjia Village under a bright full moon.

Lin Jiuyuan’s father drove to the village entrance to pick them up. As a fire-wielding Taoist, he didn’t wear robes or grow his hair long. To an outsider, he looked like an ordinary middle-aged man.

He intended to greet the guests first, but seeing how different Lin Jiuyuan looked now, he couldn’t help blurting out, “Jiuyuan, what happened?”

Lin Jiuyuan, now with cropped hair and a casual short-sleeve shirt, bore none of the ghostly handprints or intricate talismans that had once marred his body. His father felt as though he was looking at the son he’d known seven years ago. Tears nearly welled up in his eyes. Had his son encountered some miraculous stroke of fortune?

“Boss helped me exorcise the evil spirits in my body,” Lin Jiuyuan explained.

Naturally, Father Lin turned to Tai Sui to express his gratitude.

But Lin Jiuyuan interrupted, “Dad, you’re thanking the wrong person.”

Awkwardly, Father Lin clamped his mouth shut. If not the red-haired young man, then that left only… his gaze lowered, landing on the small child with fluffy curls, a panda backpack, and a pair of bright, innocent eyes.

From the moment they arrived, Father Lin had noticed this little one, assuming he was Tai Sui’s younger brother and had been brought along due to a lack of childcare options.

Now it turned out this small, curly-haired boy was the great benefactor who’d saved his son?

Father Lin was stunned. For a while, he didn’t know how to react. He simply stood there, wide-eyed, staring at the little one.

After a few moments of this silent standoff, the little boy couldn’t take it anymore. He lazily drooped his head and muttered, “If we keep this up, I’m going to end up with a stiff neck.”