Chapter 34: “Don’t Touch Him—He’s Dirty!”

Chen Younan’s party was a last-minute idea, but once he spoke, no one in the circle dared to turn him down.

So the parking area inside the estate was full of luxury cars, with people stepping out and hurrying in as if afraid to miss a dramatic show.

Anyone who could survive in this circle was basically a fence-sitter—skilled at playing all sides.

Most of them were idle rich kids who, before inheriting their families’ businesses, had too much money and time.

So regardless of which faction they supported, if there was drama, they’d show up for the gossip.

Plus, Chen Younan said that Xie Shiyu’s “famous” fiancée would also be attending tonight’s party, which piqued their curiosity even more.

Tu Shanjiu sat calmly in the car, not in a rush to get out.

She studied the building in front of her.

Unlike the Xie family’s classical Chinese garden style with its pavilions and terraces, the Chen estate was European in design—castle-like, lavishly gilded, and full of moneyed ostentation.

Her gaze lingered briefly on a window at the far end of the third floor before moving away.

She was here to catch a ghost. And also, she wanted to get a read on the behavior and character of Southern City’s elite.

After all, their conduct would determine how much payment she’d demand from their families in the future.

Before coming, she had deliberately flipped through the White Ledger. There were quite a few people in Southern City who owed the Tu Shan family debts.

Seeing her observing the Chen family’s main building, Xie Jingzhou and Xie Jingting didn’t dare speak or urge her to get out.

They were afraid she’d turn and say, “Shh. Don’t talk. The ghost is right behind you.”

Xie Jingting checked the time. It was almost 8:30 p.m.—the time Chen Younan had mentioned.

He exchanged a glance with Xie Jingzhou, and both brothers chose to quietly wait for Tu Shanjiu’s lead.

---

Meanwhile, on the third floor of the Chen residence.

Chen Younan, the host of tonight’s party, was struggling to choose an outfit.

He had always competed with Xie Jingting.

Whenever they attended events or banquets, he insisted on dressing better—just to outshine him.

But eight out of ten times, he’d still lose the spotlight to Xie Jingting.

Since this party was organized on a whim, he didn’t have any tailored suits prepared.

So he’d been pacing around his walk-in closet for ages, unable to decide.

With time running out, he randomly picked something, threw it on, and was about to leave.

After all, his goal tonight wasn’t to stand out—it was to make Tu Shanjiu lose face in front of everyone.

Just as he was getting dressed, there was a soft thud from behind a fingerprint-locked cabinet door.

It was quiet, but he still heard it.

He frowned, turned around, and muttered, “What the hell? Is the lock broken?”

That cabinet had been making odd noises the past few days. But every time he opened it, it only contained his collection—nothing else.

This time was no different. He checked again and found nothing unusual.

He suspected the fingerprint lock might be malfunctioning.

I really need to get someone to replace this lock, he thought.

Then his eyes fell on a navy-blue antique gown that had originally been hanging on the second display rack—but now it had somehow shifted to the first row.

He frowned. “Weird. I remember hanging that in the back after I tried it on last time. Did I remember wrong?”

Just then, his phone buzzed on the glass display case, startling him.

He cursed and turned to pick it up.

“They’re here? Alright, I’m coming down now.”

He quickly pulled on a jacket and left.

Bang! The door slammed shut.

---

“Hehehe… Aw, why’d he leave? I was just about to make a move.”

“Hehehe… Ah well. He’s already in the bag. No rush. I’ll finish him off when he returns.”

---

Back in the glasshouse in the rear garden of the main residence—

That’s where the party was being held.

Colorful lights danced through the darkness, and heavy metal music blared from high-end speakers—creating a wildly energetic vibe.

Tu Shanjiu had just reached the entrance and felt like her skull was about to be blown off.

Even her feet could feel the ground vibrating beneath the bass.

She couldn’t understand what was so enjoyable about a party like this, but that didn’t stop her from respecting other people’s tastes.

Xie Jingting and Xie Jingzhou stood protectively on either side of her like two guardian generals, forming a wall that practically shouted: No one gets close to her.

Tu Shanjiu wanted to say it was unnecessary. After all, there weren’t many people in the world who could best her in a fight.

As the three of them entered, the music inside suddenly stopped.

Tu Shanjiu let out a breath and rubbed her pounding temples.

“That’s Xie Shiyu’s fiancée?”

“No way. Xie Shiyu’s really doing that well?”

“Tch, what’s the big deal? Just a bumpkin. Look at what she’s wearing to a party—what is that, pajamas?”

“Her outfit? I think it’s quite elegant, actually. Looks comfortable. I’d love to know what brand it is—I want one.”

“You guys don’t get it. That’s called Zen-style Hanfu. In other words—‘spiritual cultist’ fashion.”

“Right! I almost forgot. She’s that… what’s it called again?”

“Knife-Barterer.”

“Oh yeah, right, that! The ones who lend you a knife, leave you with some cryptic phrase, and then come back to collect payment once the prophecy comes true.”

“Tch. Playing pretend with ghosts and nonsense. What era are we in? Still peddling feudal superstitions?”

“You’re really judging her by appearances? I think she seems fine. And you haven’t even talked to her—trashing someone like that is just wrong.”

“Oh, what? Your Yu family just closed a deal with the Xie family recently, so you’re here kissing up?”

“And what if we are? Your Su family wouldn’t even get the chance to lick their boots.”

“You—!”

“Alright, everyone quiet down—Young Master Chen is here.”

Chen Younan entered through the back door.
“Sister-in-law, you’ve arrived! Apologies for not greeting you sooner—I was upstairs changing. Hope you don’t mind.”

Before Tu Shanjiu could speak, Xie Jingting snapped, clearly annoyed:
“I told you not to call her that! Sister-in-law! Do you not understand human language?”

The crowd, originally just watching the show, was now truly confused.

“What’s going on? Didn’t Xie Jingting used to get all dark-faced whenever someone said ‘sister-in-law’? Why’s he protecting her now?”

“Could it be that Xie Shiyu’s fiancée is really cunning? Otherwise, how’d she win over the famously difficult Xie Jingting in just a few days?”

“Tsk, we must’ve underestimated her. Even country girls can be sly. Still, she’s a bumpkin at the end of the day. Xie Jingting’s probably just saving face for the family.”

“Just putting on a show?”

“Obviously.”

The gossip wasn’t too loud, but it wasn’t quiet either.

Everyone could hear bits and pieces.

Xie Jingting’s face turned ugly.

Chen Younan stepped closer, smirking as he leaned in and whispered:
“I love that look on your face—like you just swallowed a turd. Your sister-in-law sure has thick skin, pretending not to hear any of it.”

“F*ck off.” Xie Jingting raised his foot to kick him.

Tu Shanjiu finally moved.

She reached out, grabbed Xie Jingting, and pulled him behind her.

“Don’t touch him—he’s dirty.”