Chapter 13: Face to Face Confrontation

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After his transformation, Tang Xu gradually distanced himself from everything of his past. His account hadn’t been logged into for years; his phone number had changed, and he had forgotten the password. Yan Ye had to put in some effort to help him recover that old account.

Indeed, there was a group named “Tang Xu National Fan Support Association.” It once had about three thousand members, but now only a scattered one or two hundred remained, many of which were likely abandoned accounts.

The last message in the group was posted a year ago.

Logically, Tang Xu’s current situation prevented him from interacting with the real world—he had to rely on Yan Ye to act on his behalf.

Tang Xu’s memorial service was scheduled for three days later.

The company showed some humanity; judging from the news, the venue was chosen with care—high-end and classy.

It was said that colleagues, friends from the company, and artists who had collaborated with him would attend.

Jin Yuanbao mocked him.

“Congratulations, this is the peak of your fame in this lifetime.”

Tang Xu twitched at the corner of his eye.

Such sarcasm was unnecessary.

Three days later, Yan Ye posed as a friend of Tang Xu to attend the memorial service.

The man beside her was making a fuss non-stop.

“Amazing. I never thought I’d get to see my own memorial in this lifetime.”

Chen Xing had pulled out all the stops, inviting plenty of media. Regardless of whether they had good or bad relations with Tang Xu, everyone came to make a scene and ride the wave of attention.

Yan Ye disliked mingling in crowds and found a corner to stay in. Tang Xu, meanwhile, wandered around, mercilessly complaining.

“What kind of flowers are these? I don’t like any of them. And who are these people? I barely know any of them. Crying so sadly in front of my coffin—what a bad omen.”

He had few friends when alive, but now his memorial was filled with distinguished guests.

The irony was sharp.

Yan Ye watched for a while, bored, and decided to step outside for some fresh air. Turning around, she spotted someone standing by a nearby column, watching her for who knew how long.

“Do you still have connections with the Paranormal Bureau?”

Tang Xu was puzzled by her sudden question but understood once he saw Xu Zhitian.

“Huh, he’s here too?”

“Are you close?”

“I know him, but he doesn’t know me. He’s the heir of the Xu family. You know the Xu family, right? They hold a top-tier position in Jing City, wielding great power and influence. I didn’t know at first, but I saw Han Lu walking with him a few times at the company. Han Lu obviously fawns over him. I don’t get it—why would he come to my insignificant memorial?”

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As they spoke, Xu Zhitian approached Yan Ye.

Tang Xu immediately shut his mouth. Whether it was his imagination or not, he felt Xu Zhitian could see him, and with a murderous intent.

“You’ve been staring here for a while. What are you muttering to yourself alone?”

It wasn’t work hours, so Xu Zhitian dressed casually. Unlike during missions, he wasn’t overbearing, nor did he exude the pressure he usually did in the Paranormal Bureau’s building.

“I knew the deceased. What about you? Do you know him too?”

If Xu Zhitian claimed to know him, it was a lie.

“I’m here to investigate.”

“Isn’t that the police’s job? Since when does the Paranormal Bureau get involved?”

Wait, that was odd. There was something important Yan Ye had overlooked: Tang Xu had never mentioned the cause of his death.

The Paranormal Bureau only handled unnatural deaths.

With others nearby, Yan Ye couldn’t pry further.

When Xu Zhitian was called away, she quickly leaned in to ask.

“Do you know how you died?”

Tang Xu looked dazed.

“I think I…” How did I die again? Did I just fall suddenly? No, that’s not right! He couldn’t remember at all, but calmly accepted his death.

“How did I die again?”

He only remembered being unwilling to die, feeling he had many unfinished matters. Then, inexplicably, a memory surfaced—an address, the end of which was Yan Ye’s shop.

What he wanted, Yan Ye could help him achieve.

Everything unfolded very naturally.

“So, you think my death was suspicious?”

Normally, the deceased would know how they died, unless someone deliberately erased that memory.

“I don’t know, nor do I want to know. I’m just a merchant—if you pay, I give you goods. That’s all.”

Tang Xu wanted to say more, but seeing Yan Ye’s lack of interest, he dared not provoke her.

Having been in the industry for years, he was adept at reading people.

Yan Ye clearly didn’t want to discuss that topic.

She moved inside; Tang Xu followed.

Yan Ye rolled her eyes.

“I’m going to the restroom. You coming?”

Tang Xu stopped, quickly waving his hand.

“No, no, you go ahead! I’ll wait outside.”

He obediently stood still after saying that.

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Yan Ye entered the restroom. A woman was touching up her makeup in front of the mirror, her phone casually placed on the sink, showing an ongoing call.

When someone entered, Dong Zhenzhen paid no mind and continued talking.

After tracing a circle with her lipstick, she pursed her lips, satisfied with her reflection.

“So boring. I told them I wouldn’t come, but they forced me. Just some insignificant actress—what a waste of my time. Later, I’ll have to pretend to cry in front of the media. Please, how can I cry? I barely have time to laugh.”

“Then finish up with the media quickly and come find me. I found a great restaurant. It’s hard to get a reservation, but I managed to snag one. I heard many directors and rich second-generation heirs love eating there.”

...

After hanging up, Dong Zhenzhen put her lipstick away and didn’t rush to leave. She glanced at the stall Yan Ye had entered and kicked the closed door.

“You didn’t hear a thing just now. If I find out anyone’s gossiping outside, I’ll make sure you can’t survive in this circle.”

Most people here today were from Chen Xing. Few outranked her, and those below didn’t dare provoke her.

If they were outsiders, she wouldn’t fear them at all.

The noise outside quieted. Yan Ye pushed open the door, washed her hands, and walked out.

Had anything happened just now?

Oh! Someone’s dog wasn’t on a leash and was barking wildly.

Tang Xu rushed up to her as she came out.

Passing by Dong Zhenzhen, who had left earlier, his head buzzed. Scenes flickered before his eyes—fragments flashing through his mind.

Arguments, insults, shoving.

Some people stood high and mighty, while he knelt like a dog, apologizing under their pressure.

Crimson blood flooded his mind.

He looked back at Dong Zhenzhen’s retreating figure, his expression growing more ferocious.

Suddenly, a fierce wind whipped through the memorial hall, lights flickered, and various objects swayed back and forth. Two lamps in front of the coffin fell and shattered, their flames instantly igniting the partially burnt joss paper.

The crowd panicked and fled.

Tang Xu’s path was blocked. A pitch-black gun barrel pressed against his forehead.

Just as he thought he was about to be shot in the head, Yan Ye swiftly pulled his soul aside.

The bullet whizzed past his ear, and a strand of Yan Ye’s long hair fell to the ground.

Xu Zhitian, holding the gun, stared at her in shock.