Chapter 98

The photographer lost the tape, and ultimately, the ghost house story was not broadcast on the Binhai TV station. Even if they had the tape, they wouldn't have aired it, as such content promoting feudal superstitions would never be allowed.

However, not broadcasting it doesn't mean no one knew about it. Someone picked up the tape, and the next day, a video about the ghost house appeared online.

The content of the tape was spread on the internet, along with many videos shot by netizens on their phones, which were almost simultaneously uploaded, sparking heated discussions online.

The post detailed the story of the ghost house, starting with residents fleeing after encountering ghosts, followed by the police and journalists moving in, only to end up with several people hospitalized with high fevers, leading to a full evacuation.

The TV station's tape was the most convincing, showing that even fluorescent lights couldn't provide adequate lighting in the courtyard, a phenomenon that was hard to explain.

There was also the powerful searchlight, which could only illuminate a short distance, all of which were abnormal phenomena.

Some people online said it was a publicity stunt, but their arguments were clearly baseless. Many Binhai netizens left comments confirming that the ghost house story was true, and many people were still in the hospital.

The Li Shuqin, who was hailed by netizens as a fighter, was also hospitalized with her son, and her mental state was unclear. After learning that her mother was hospitalized, Guangzi immediately offered to entrust the house to Ding Ning to negotiate with the developer, accepting their offer.

A video of the TV station's female host being hospitalized was also secretly filmed, which added more credibility to the story, as she was a public figure in Binhai.

In Binhai City, the ghost house story was widely discussed, and the compound became a no-go area for outsiders.

After the police and journalists left, Ding Ning immediately contacted Yue Ge'er, asking each household to sign the demolition agreement. The walls of the compound were then marked with large "demolish" signs, effectively abandoning it.

Ding Ning believed that the ghost house story would die down in a few days, and not many people would continue to focus on the abandoned compound. He planned to return to school for a few days and come back when things calmed down, which should be fine.

However, Ding Ning overlooked one thing: his appearance in the video had caught the attention of some people.

*****

"Useless! Who told you to bring San Yan here! Your lives aren't even worth the things you lost, you can go dig mines in Africa!"

Inside the headquarters of the Ship Gang, the largest gang in Fenglu Garden, several thugs knelt on the ground, not daring to breathe loudly as they watched the man pacing back and forth like a lion. Behind the man, a safe door was open, with some important documents missing.

"Boss, this isn't entirely unsolvable. Although San Yan got our documents, I know that kid, he would never report it to the police," a thin middle-aged man tried to calm the enraged young man.

"I agree with you, but we can't take the risk. Those documents are too important, and the treasure is too valuable. They involve our upcoming operation and our contacts abroad. We can't afford to lose them. We must find San Yan, get the documents back, or eliminate him."

"Boss, look at this," the middle-aged man went to the computer, opened a website, and quickly found a video.

"This is the recent ghost house story. The person in the video is the one who's with San Yan. It's said that San Yan recognized him as his big brother. The image isn't very clear, but I'm sure it's him. He even bought San Yan's house. His name is Ding Ning, a student at Binhai No. 1 High School. San Yan is an orphan. He knows our secret, and he knows the boss won't let him go. He doesn't have many people to turn to, so I think he might go to Ding Ning."

"Hmm, good. We've already consolidated the gangs in Fenglu Garden and control the docks. Our goods can enter Binhai, and we can send our stuff abroad. The big boss has high hopes for me. We can't afford any mistakes in this favorable situation. The item has already arrived in Binhai. We can start the operation now. I need that treasure back in perfect condition. Find Ding Ning, find San Yan, and bring them back."

The young man lit a cigarette and slowly gave the order.

****

Ding Ning didn't know he was being watched. He told Yue Ge'er about buying the steel, specifying the types and quantities he needed.

Yue Ge'er sent people to Zhaoyang to purchase the steel, and they should return in a day or two.

Once the ghost house story calmed down, Yue Ge'er would bring back the Bixin Liu, and then they could start the alchemy furnace. But without a spirit well and no elixirs, Ding Ning had nothing to do for now, so he decided to go back to school. He hadn't shown up since the start of the semester.

Wearing his school uniform and carrying his backpack, Ding Ning left the compound and took a bus to Binhai No. 1 High School.

It was Monday, and classes were in session. Ding Ning arrived early, just as students were entering the school.

He went directly to Class 1-8.

When he entered the classroom, he saw a sea of young faces, making him feel young again.

Meng Xiaowen wasn't in the classroom, but Wang Ruo was at his desk. He saw Ding Ning enter, paused for a moment, and then stood up, asking, "Are you Ding Ning?"

"What? You don't recognize me after a few days?"

"No, no, it's just that you've changed a lot. Come on, your seat is still reserved for you."

Wang Ruo was very friendly to Ding Ning. He had become class president thanks to Ding Ning's help through Meng Xiaowen. He immediately invited Ding Ning to sit down.

A girl sitting next to Wang Ruo glanced at Ding Ning and asked, "Hey, who's this?"

"A classmate, Ding Ning."

"Didn't you say Ding Ning was fat? He doesn't look fat at all, and he's quite good-looking."

"People change, you know. What? Are you interested?"

"It's not easy for me, Wen Na, to be interested. Ding Ning looks okay, but he's still a bit fat. I'll keep an eye on him."

"Ha, you think you can observe him? He might be the one observing you."

Wang Ruo had seen that Meng Xiaowen had a good impression of Ding Ning. Wen Na was a talented girl, but she was no match for Meng Xiaowen. Ding Ning wouldn't be interested in her.

Ignoring Wen Na, Wang Ruo came to Ding Ning's side. "Ding Ning, you haven't been here for a while, but Meng Xiaowen and the teacher have been excusing you. When the teacher comes, you don't need to say anything. He won't ask many questions. Just be low-key. The teacher thinks you might be a rich kid, and he's quite proud. Just don't anger him, and you'll be fine."

"Don't worry, I just want to attend classes quietly and won't say anything."

"That's good. By the way, we have an activity tonight, I..."

Before Wang Ruo could finish, footsteps were heard outside, and the teacher entered.

The teacher was a stern middle-aged man, around fifty, wearing large black-rimmed glasses. He habitually pushed his glasses up and scanned the room.

The noisy classroom immediately quieted down, and everyone sat up straight.

"Hmm... We have a new student today. Please introduce yourself."

Seeing the teacher look at him, Ding Ning stood up. "Hello, my name is Ding Ning."

After introducing himself, Ding Ning sat down, not needing to say more.

"So, you're Ding Ning. Good, I know. Now, let's start the class."

The teacher taught English, and Ding Ning had some interest in it. Many foreigners spoke English, and he might need to interact with them in the future. It was good to understand what they were saying.

The teacher didn't ask Ding Ning any questions during the class, treating him as if he were invisible.

The class passed in silence, and the teacher left after it ended. The classroom became lively again.

As soon as the class ended, Wang Ruo ran to Ding Ning. "Ding Ning, I didn't finish what I was saying. It's Meng Xiaowen's birthday tonight, and the class is celebrating. You should come too."

Ding Ning had nothing to do, and the steel hadn't arrived yet, but he wasn't used to being with these people. He was about to decline when a voice came from the side.

"Wang Ruo, Wen Na, it's not just Meng Xiaowen's birthday today, it's also her coming-of-age ceremony. It's being held at Night Blue, and many government officials and social elites are expected to attend. Our principal will be just a follower there, so we should be selective about who goes to avoid any embarrassment."

Ding Ning looked over and saw a thin boy with a Korean-style haircut, who looked quite handsome, like a Korean drama lead.

Many girls' eyes lit up at the sound of his voice, indicating he was quite popular.

"Night Blue, it's said to be very expensive, isn't it? It's owned by Jin Mingshun, right?"

"Not officially, but in reality, yes. Jin Mingshun's father is the deputy secretary of the city committee, and they need to avoid suspicion."

"Going to such a high-end place, I'm a bit nervous."

Ding Ning looked at the boy and felt a bit contemptuous. The boy seemed too pretentious. What? Am I going to be embarrassing? Although his words were subtle, Ding Ning could sense something off. This was likely one of Meng Xiaowen's suitors, instinctively repelling any male who approached her, unless they were completely non-threatening.

Moreover, this boy seemed to have a strong background, with a father who was the deputy secretary of the city committee, a high-ranking official. What? Does he think I'm a threat to him?

Before Ding Ning could respond, a clear voice came from the door. "Ding Ning, will you come?"

Ding Ning turned around and saw Meng Xiaowen standing at the door in her school uniform, looking like a lotus, her eyes full of surprise as she looked at him.