Mysterious Revival

If it had been any other supernatural event, Yang Jian wouldn't have been interested. Having finally returned to Dachang City, he planned to rest for a while and live a more peaceful life.

But the Ghost Door Knocker incident was different.

This supernatural event had always nagged at his mind.

It wasn't just because he had nearly died during the Ghost Door Knocker incident back at No. 7 Middle School, but through his investigations, he discovered that the old ghost in the incident was likely a vengeful spirit formed from the resurrection of a Republic of China Period ghost handler, carrying something that could uncover past secrets.

Yang Jian was curious and wanted to obtain this secret, so he paid more attention to it.

However, the Ghost Door Knocker incident had occurred quite some time ago, around half a year past; the fact that this supernatural event hadn't been resolved in all that time was very telling.

"I'm afraid the current Ghost Door Knocker incident is very close to an S-grade supernatural event now. The danger level might not be as high as the Hungry Ghost or Ghost Painting incidents, but it won't be far off," Yang Jian's gaze flickered as he analytically assessed the situation in his mind.

Wang Xin, who had lost an arm, didn't blame Yang Jian for his ruthless actions, as he didn't have the right to. After all, one needed to be prepared for the possibility of death when meeting such a person.

How could one dare to make the journey without the courage and determination to face death?

At this moment, Wang Xin suddenly stood up and then knelt before Yang Jian, his head knocking against the ground: "On behalf of our headquarters, I sincerely hope that Mr. Yang Jian will help with the Ghost Door Knocker incident. Even just a little bit of information support would suffice, please."

As he knelt, the seven or eight men in black suits behind him also knelt down, their heads pressed firmly to the ground, not daring to lift them.

Yang Jian sat on the sofa, his face calm as he watched these men kneel before him. He seemed unmoved, but his mind was contemplating and calculating.

Whether or not to get involved with the Ghost Door Knocker incident.

Of course, it wasn't about helping them, but rather, he would have to deal with the Ghost Door Knocker incident sooner or later. This time was just a suitable opportunity because he could fleece these people in the process, and most crucially, he was still within the protection period of the Ghost Cabinet.

Even though there were only two days left, a direct flight to Kobe City, Japan would only take a few hours.

In this era of global integration, distance was no longer an issue.

"You want to get important information about the Ghost Door Knocker incident from me?"

Yang Jian suddenly sneered; "You've done your preparation well, investigating me thoroughly, knowing that I was involved in the Ghost Door Knocker incident before. But I obtained that information at the risk of my life, why should I just hand it over to you for nothing?"

"Mr. Yang can name his price. As long as it's within our power, we will not refuse," said Wang Xin, still kneeling, as he tentatively raised his head and asked tightly.

Yang Jian touched the fruit knife in his hand he had yet to put down and pondered for a moment; "I'm not the type to make outrageous demands. After all, solving a supernatural event is good for the whole world. Who knows when that ghost thing might show up in our country again. How about this, add one more Ghost Porcelain, and I'll sell you the information regarding the Ghost Door Knocker incident."

"This, this condition is simply impossible for us to meet. We are willing to invest one and a half billion in your company, Mr. Yang. What do you think?" Wang Xin said.

He converted the supernatural asset into money and upped the ante as well.

Yang Jian's gaze turned icy: "Investing in my company, so does that mean I need to give you shares? Moreover, money is of little use to me now. You really like to push your luck, begging on your knees yet so assertive in negotiation, showing no sincerity at all, only thinking about your own advantage."

"I truly apologize, that wasn't my intention. I presumptuously assumed Mr. Yang's company, being newly established, might be in need of funds. As for the Ghost Porcelain, I simply don't have the authority, as the group leader, to make decisions concerning it. I truly can't meet your request regarding that. And I've never thought about the matter of shares," said Wang Xin in a panic, knocking his head against the ground once more.

"Captain Yang, he's testing you; don't be fooled by their act," Zang Hua whispered softly, his voice suppressed.

Yang Jian remained calm, "I know, they're observing my reaction, probably thinking I'm young and easy to trick. Every word is a ruse, but these little schemes can't stand the light of day. Just like Wang Ye, who played a little trick and ended up losing his life."

"Ordinary people are like this; they never understand to maintain enough awe towards someone like me. After all, they're not only dealing with people but ghosts too. Perhaps some have already disregarded their own lives, coming here with a determination to die but never considering that their death could affect many things and that it won't all just end with their demise."

He didn't keep his voice down, intentionally letting Wang Xin hear.

The kneeling Wang Xin stiffened, feeling immense unease.

"Let's end today's conversation here; I've seen your sincerity. I hope you can deal with the Ghost Door Knocker incident quickly. Now, you may go," Yang Jian said, not wasting any more words, and began to usher them out directly.

He also needed time to consider whether or not to get involved in this Ghost Door Knocker incident.

At the same time, it added some pressure on them.

If he seemed too eager, who knows what tricks these people might play.

"Captain Yang..." Wang Xin became anxious; he had come on a mission, and now that it had gone wrong, it would be difficult for him to explain himself upon returning.

Yang Jian interrupted him, "No more words; I don't want to continue talking to you today. If you don't leave, I don't mind throwing all of you out of the building. If you still wish to talk, remember to bring sincerity next time, not a mind full of schemes."

Having said that, his ghostly eye stared at them intently.

If Wang Xin and his group didn't leave, Yang Jian would indeed throw them all out.

You can't be too nice to these kinds of people.

"Yes, I'm very sorry for the disturbance today. I'll come to visit another day," Wang Xin said, his face looking a little embarrassed, as he slowly stood up and bowed deeply to Yang Jian.

Yang Jian waved his hand in impatience and said at the same time, "It seems that your subordinate doesn't listen very well. He seemed to draw a gun on me just now. I don't want to see this person next time."

"As you wish, Captain Yang," Wang Xin said through clenched teeth, turning back to glare fiercely at his subordinate.

Challenging authority is a grave disrespect.

Such rude behavior in an important situation is unforgivable, especially if it could jeopardize the whole operation.

"I take my leave, Captain Yang."

Wang Xin retreated to the door, bowed deeply once more, then closed the door and turned to leave.

Not long after exiting the building, Wang Xin came to a halt, his expression turning vicious as he spun around and slapped his subordinate hard.

"Smack."

The subordinate reeled, nearly toppling to the ground from the slap, but quickly steadied himself, head bowed, silent.

"You damned fool, drawing your gun in front of Yang Jian; do you want to get us all killed? His kind of being considers firearms mere toys. Have you forgotten what I've taught you before?" Wang Xin slapped him hard again.

The subordinate's mouth bled, his face swelling up, yet he still stood straight, head lowered, "I'm truly very sorry for causing trouble for the team leader."

Wang Xin turned around with a face full of anger and continued walking.

His subordinates hurriedly followed behind him.

But after not walking far, Wang Xin stopped once again, and the subordinates closely behind him immediately came to a halt as well.

"Yang Jian said he didn't want to see you again. When you get back, you should know what to do. Don't let me down again. I'll take care of your family," said Wang Xin with a grim expression.

"Yes... Yes," the subordinate trembled, replying with a pale face.

The others remained silent, not feeling anything amiss, simply taking it as due course. After all, this colleague had brought trouble to everyone, even indirectly leading to the failure of this negotiation, and made it necessary to increase the stakes for future interactions with Yang Jian.

"Bastard, bastard..."

Wang Xin could not help but curse as he left, his ferocious demeanor sharply contrasting with the humble, smiling face he had shown earlier in the building.

Meanwhile,

Yang Jian was thoughtfully looking at the Ghost Door Knocker case file left on the table.

Zang Hua noticed and reminded him, "Although I know, Captain Yang, that you nearly lost your life in this paranormal event, please don't get angry. Some matters require a cool head to consider. The actions of Wang Xin and his men had no other intention, but to simply find a solution to this paranormal event."

"And as the most authoritative person, you naturally would be visited. So, I suggest that you, Captain Yang, should reconsider and perhaps it wouldn't hurt to give them that intelligence file."

"As you mentioned before, if that paranormal event escapes their control and spreads to our country, especially during this sensitive period, that would be bad news," continued Zang Hua.

Zang Hua knew that headquarters was busy dealing with the Ghost Painting case, and the captain's plans were not going as smoothly as hoped. If another large-scale paranormal event were to arise domestically, it would certainly add insult to injury.

Therefore, he was suggesting to Yang Jian that he should assist Wang Xin while simultaneously alleviating the pressure here.

Zang Hua was confident that headquarters would agree with his approach, since some issues have to be considered from the bigger picture.

"You make sense, but these people may seem like they're asking for help, yet they're scheming inside. I have a very poor impression of them," said Yang Jian, "Of course, personal emotions can influence one's judgement, but I've always been clear-headed."

"Are you saying that you were intentionally difficult, Captain Yang?" asked Zang Hua seriously. "Why is that? The negotiation could have continued."

Yang Jian called out, "You can come out now. Zhang Liqin, help me clean up the dining cart."

"Is the meeting over?" Jiang Yan cautiously poked her head out, looking around.

Being in a safe house, she had no clue about the situation outside.

"We're still talking, but those people have left. There's nothing special going on now," Yang Jian said as he gestured to the table: "Take this safety box into the safe house."

"Alright," Jiang Yan replied with a giggle, and then she came over to take away the safety box containing Ghost Porcelain.

Zhang Liqin was busy cleaning the dishes and tidying up.

"By the way, Jiang Yan, how is your Japanese?" Yang Jian suddenly asked.

Jiang Yan said with feigned confidence, "Not bad, I've been studying. What's up?"

"Say a few phrases for me to hear."

"Sugoi, idainiye, aimetsu...." Jiang Yan frowned in concentration and spoke seriously.

Yang Jian waved his hand dismissively, "Okay, that's enough. I can speak that much too, and you're a university student. Your level is not even as good as Zhang Wei's; he even knows how many floors to carry a bag of rice up to."

"Also, did you mess with Zhang Wei's computer again?"

"No, absolutely not, I swear," pledged Jiang Yan with a blush on her face, raising her hand to swear.

Zhang Liqin smiled on the side but did not reveal anything.

Zang Hua watched the two of them and stayed silent. He had already seen the full files on these two; both Zhang Liqin and Jiang Yan had no issues in their backgrounds. Working here was just a personal stance of Yang Jian's - these were private matters he didn't want to interfere with, and he treated them politely on a regular basis.

"Captain Yang, let's continue the topic we were discussing," he suggested.

Yang Jian replied, "You don't need to worry so much. They will come looking for me again. Right now, they're probably more anxious than I am. Plus, can't I make a little extra on the side? I have a whole family to support."

"I didn't realize you already had a plan, Captain Yang. It seems I've said too much," said Zang Hua with a self-deprecating laugh.

It appeared that Yang Jian was more composed than expected and not so impulsive.

"However, we still need to pay attention to the Ghost Painting case. Keep an eye on it, Zang Hua. If the Ghost Painting issue isn't resolved, it's likely to move, and I definitely don't want that thing suddenly showing up in Dachang City," Yang Jian warned.

"I've always had colleagues on the lookout for any news, and they'll definitely notify you right away, Captain Yang," assured Zang Hua.

Yang Jian nodded, "That's good. Since there's nothing else, you can go ahead with your other tasks."

"Okay, I'll be in the office downstairs. If there's anything, Captain Yang can find me there. I'm always around, and if I'm not, a colleague will surely be on duty," said Zang Hua as he stood up and left.

After he left, Yang Jian picked up the Ghost Door Knocker file from the coffee table and carefully began to read.

He was looking to see if anything else had been updated in the file.

Quite soon,

he saw a photograph.

It was of a dark, lifeless town with an especially oppressive and eerie atmosphere.

This must be within the Ghost Domain of the Door Knocking Ghost. However, the photo did not successfully capture the Door Knocking Ghost, only vaguely showing many small black dots in the sky.

Flipping to the other side,

those black dots, enlarged through computer technology, turned out to be heads of the dead with eyes shut and pale faces. Some were men, some women, some freshly deceased, and some blackened and decomposed—apparently not all killed at the same time.

"The Dead Man's Head balloon incident is indeed still part of the Ghost Door Knocker case," Yang Jian mused with a slight change in his expression: "Things are getting complicated, and from the looks of these photos, the Ghost Domain of the Door Knocking Ghost... is quite large."

He continued to review the file, becoming more certain that his previous speculations were correct.