Chapter 9: Did You Hear the Crying?

The first meeting with his sister had turned so unpleasant, but Yan Qiao calmly explained, “They’ll come to you on their own. Sit and eat.”

Yan Qiao was hungry. Her face showed no emotion.

Li Xun’s cold voice cut in. “May I join you for dinner?”

“Of course! It’s an honor to have you, President Li,” Yan Zhengtian replied formally.

“Then let’s sit.”

The family sat down. Li Xun’s presence cast a solemn atmosphere over the table, but Yan Hao’s curiosity couldn’t be contained. “A-Qiao, what did you mean earlier about Sister-in-Law?”

Yan Jue, distracted and anxious about his fiancée, snapped to attention. “What’s ‘evil spirit possession’?”

Yan Qiao turned to her eldest brother, pulled out a talisman from her pocket, and held it out. Su Min, sitting beside her, interjected, “Give your sister two hundred yuan.”

Without question, Yan Jue handed her two hundred-dollar bills. Yan Hao grumbled inwardly—he’d paid five hundred.

Once Yan Jue took the talisman, an immediate calm washed over him, easing his earlier agitation. His gaze toward his sister softened with newfound respect. Though this was their first meeting, the family’s anticipation of her return had erased any sense of distance.

Yan Qiao spoke evenly, “First, tell me what you did on your trip. Did anything unusual happen?”

“We attended a folk culture festival in a neighboring province. There were activities, tours, and local food,” Yan Jue explained.

Yan Chen suddenly exclaimed, “Wait! Now that I think about it, Sister-in-Law has been acting strangely!”

“She’s been quiet and distracted. Sometimes… she made odd movements. I thought it was just the trip affecting her,” Yan Jue admitted, dread creeping into his voice.

Yan Hao blurted, “A-Qiao, when you said ‘evil spirit possession,’ did she… get haunted by something?”

“Preliminary judgment: yes. Heavy dark energy clings to her. You and Second Brother are also affected.”

Yan Qiao paused. “Did you visit any unusual places? Graveyards? Burial sites?”

“Yes!” Yan Chen recalled. “There was a mountain covered in graves—old and new. Some people were holding rituals there.”

The room chilled as the story unfolded.

Yan Jue’s composure cracked. “A-Qiao, is Zhiyin in danger? Please save her!”

“Going now is pointless. Her mother won’t let me near her. Wait—she’ll come seeking help soon.” Yan Qiao sipped her tea, unperturbed.

“Big Brother, don’t worry. A-Qiao won’t let anything happen to Sister-in-Law!” Yan Hao reassured him.

Yan Jue, usually stoic like his father, struggled to hide his fear.

Li Xun, shockingly, added, “Young Master Yan, your sister is skilled. Trust her.”

Yan Jue’s tension eased slightly—Li Xun’s endorsement carried weight. The talismans and medicine had visibly improved Li Xun’s health, as even his assistant had noted.

Su Min chimed in, “A-Jue, trust your sister! She’d never harm you. Finish your meal and rest—you both look exhausted.”

The planned family dinner now included Li Xun, stifling Yan Hao’s usual chatter. Yan Zhengtian discussed business politely, though the Yan family’s dealings with the Li dynasty were minimal.

Yan Qiao ate quietly, Su Min piling her plate with food. The meal ended uneventfully.

Meanwhile, at the Shen Residence

Shen Zhiyin went straight to bed after returning home. Normally, she’d protest being dragged away from Yan Jue, but tonight, she stayed silent.

The Shens doted on their only daughter, despite Mrs. Shen’s sharp tongue. As night fell, an eerie wind rattled the windows.

Mrs. Shen nudged her husband. “Lao Shen, doesn’t Zhiyin seem… off?”

Shen Guohao dismissed her. “She’s tired from the trip. Let her sleep.”

Mrs. Shen frowned but dropped it. “Why is the Li family involved with them? That girl even has Li Xun’s favor!”

Shen Guohao snorted. “Rumors say he’s dying by thirty. Maybe he’s desperate. No one dares scam the ‘King of Hell’—except her.”

“If only our Zhiyin had such luck!” Mrs. Shen sighed.

“Enough. She loves Yan Jue. Let them be.”

Mrs. Shen huffed but relented.

Late Night

A howling wind woke Mrs. Shen. She shook her husband. “Do you hear crying?”

“No. Go back to sleep,” he mumbled.

The weeping grew louder. Mrs. Shen threw on a robe and followed the sound to her daughter’s room.

The door was ajar. She pushed it open—and screamed.