Ji Mengran brought her phone out from her bag, planning to capture the moment she discovered anything strange with Ji Nuan so she could bring it back to show Mo Jingshen.

Yet, after walking in for so long, she still did not hear any noise. Cars could not enter the narrow path ahead, yet the car did not drive out. If it could not continue heading inwards, where was it parked?

The paths within this abandoned district were complicated like a small maze. Ji Mengran had walked for ten minutes when she came to a dead end.

The sky gradually turned dark, and her heart felt uncertain. She turned around and began to head back. Just as she was about to use her phone to light up the path ahead, all of a sudden, a tall and thin figure suddenly appeared from the side, obstructing her path.

Ji Mengran jumped in surprise, stopping in her tracks. She raised her head to see it was actually the female bodyguard that had blocked her way in the studio today. Her back instantly felt cold.

Previously, in the parking lot, she did not notice there was someone else in the car. From a distance, she could only see Ji Nuan’s car being driven away and had quickly followed. She completely did not expect this female bodyguard would also be inside!

“You…” Ji Mengran took a step back as she was confronted by Feng Ling’s cold gaze.

“Meng Ran, you were following me?” She had only just taken two steps backward when she abruptly heard Ji Nuan’s voice from behind. It was extremely close.

Ji Mengran abruptly stiffened, her body trembling. She did not dare to turn around to face her.

She took another look at the female bodyguard in front of her and came to the realization that she had been tricked by Ji Nuan!

Feng Ling stood before her and did not speak, smiling coldly. The panic caused Ji Mengran to loosen her grip around her phone. Feng Ling stretched her arm out and slammed it against Ji Mengran’s wrist.

“Ah!” A numbing, sharp pain ran through Ji Mengran’s arm, and her phone fell from her hand. Feng Ling quickly grabbed her phone and casually tossed it in her pocket.

“What are you doing! Return my phone to me!” Ji Mengran was alarmed and rushed forward to snatch it back.

However, she could not match up to Feng Ling’s speed. She had only rushed forward when the short-haired woman had already taken two steps back, causing her to almost fall to the ground.

Ji Mengran barely steadied herself, forcefully suppressing the anxiety in her heart. After thinking about it, she glanced back and upon meeting Ji Nuan’s composed gaze, she subconsciously curled her hands into fists.

Noticing Ji Mengran’s frightened countenance, Ji Nuan mildly curved her lips.

From the instant the car had left the studio, she had noticed the car following them. Previously, Feng Ling had informed her of Ji Mengran’s visit during the day. She easily came to the conclusion that Ji Mengran was overly suspicious and had secretly followed behind.

The whole detour took them through so many winding paths toward the most isolated and abandoned area in Hai Cheng. Yet, Ji Mengran was still far too curious and had chased the whole way without considering if it would be dangerous.

Ji Nuan smiled without much warmth, coldly saying, “After following me for so long, did you find out anything?”

Ji Mengran could no longer treat Ji Nuan as she used to. She diligently and fearfully began to explain herself, “Big sister, don’t misunderstand me. It was Dad who was worried that you wouldn’t be able to manage after taking over a studio. He wanted me to come and help, but I was blocked by your people at the door today.”

Ji Mengran carefully glanced at that female bodyguard.

Feng Ling coldly eyed her. Ji Mengran immediately felt guilty and shifted her face back to Ji Nuan.

“Earlier, I was near your studio when I saw your car driving away. I was curious, so I followed behind. After all, Dad previously said he was worried you would lose all the money you’ve invested and feared you would meet some difficulties in the business world where everyone is constantly trying to outwit one another.”

Ji Nuan crossed her arms around her chest, smiling mildly at her without saying a word.

Even though Ji Mengran knew her excuse was somewhat clumsy, she could only stubbornly hold onto her words. She broke out in a cold sweat despite the biting wind blowing by.

“The sister that is eager for me to embarrass myself in front of the Mo family would actually spare the effort to show concern for me just because of a few words from Dad?” Ji Nuan raised her brows, smiling. “So, it turns out Dad is really concerned I might embarrass him. I’ll have to give him a call tonight to reassure him.”

Hearing that Ji Nuan planned to give their father a call, Ji Mengran’s expression instantly stiffened.

“Big sister, I know the previous incident at the Mo family was my fault. Dad has already reprimanded me for it, and I was also punished to stay at home for several days.” Ji Mengran spoke as though she had suffered through many grievances, “If it weren’t because Auntie Shen had begged on my behalf, perhaps I would still be locked at home. Will you please forgive me, it’s not as if you suffered any harm from that incident. Both of us are sisters, let’s not hold onto such a small conflict…”

Ji Nuan stared at her mildly, dragging her words out. “Forgive you? Just like how when you stole my favorite dress away when we were young and begged for my forgiveness after dirtying it; the next day, you were unrepentant and continued taking my other dresses?”

Hearing Ji Nuan bringing up their childhood, Ji Mengran borrowed the topic to say, “Big sister, we’re blood-related sisters. We lost our mother when we were young and grew up together. So…”

“Enough.” Ji Nuan had lost all patience for her. “I don’t have the mood to act as a pair of affectionate sisters with you.”

Ji Mengran was startled. When she understood Ji Nuan did not plan to give her anymore face, she angrily began to shout at her, “Ever since you married into the Mo family you’ve completely placed yourself above others, haven’t you? You stopped me from entering the Yu Garden without any proper reason, repeatedly acted guarded around me, and even targeted me when you returned to the Ji home! I only wanted to embarrass you at the Mo home because I was unhappy with you, but you’ve actually remembered it and bear a grudge against me!”

“Ji Mengran, your ability as a thief to scream, ‘stop the thief,’ is indeed formidable,” Ji Nuan lightly mocked. “Do you really have no idea why I stopped you from visiting the Yu Garden?”

Ji Mengran’s expression did not change, but her eyes were warily fixed on Ji Nuan…

“Did you actually think Mo Jingshen would read the messages you sent him? That I’ve really been taking the medicine prescribed by the ‘so-called’ psychiatrist? Do you really think your little schemes are so well-hidden?” Ji Nuan lowered her eyes and coldly sneered.

Ji Mengran was startled. Her lips moved, but she could not come up with an explanation in time.

Ji Nuan approached her, carefully looking at her ‘so-called blood-related sister.’ Her lips then curved into an enigmatic smile.

Seeing her smile, Ji Mengran instinctively tried to take a step back. However, the female bodyguard suddenly moved closer, frightening Ji Mengran into shouting, “What are you guys trying to do!”

Feng Ling smoothly pushed Ji Mengran behind a brick wall by the side. Not waiting to hear Ji Mengran’s shriek, Ji Nuan expressionlessly turned to leave.

Ji Mengran was heavily pressed onto the brick wall, her back slammed painfully against it. Her expression was pale and frightened as she stared at the short-haired woman before her. “I warn you; you’re not allowed to touch me! If you dare to do anything to me here, I’ll sue you! I’ll sue you until your ancestors aren’t able to rest in peace!”

Feng Ling coldly narrowed her eyes at her. “I haven’t even done anything. What are you shouting for?”

Ji Mengran’s complexion alternated between turning red and pale; her hands were holding her own clothes in a death grip. She was terrified that she would be beaten up and was so nervous her fingers had begun to turn white.

“Don’t be afraid. Mrs. Mo doesn’t plan on taking your life.” Feng Ling smiled coldly. “But the Ji family’s Second Miss’s thirst for knowledge is too great. We can’t let you return without any rewards. Since you’ve already come, don’t be in such a hurry to leave.”

“You, what do you mean…” The iciness in her eyes caused Ji Mengran’s lips to tremble.

Feng Ling brought out Ji Mengran’s phone from her pocket. The moment she saw it, Ji Mengran reached out to snatch it. “Return that to me!”

Before her hands could even touch it, she watched as her phone slipped from Feng Ling’s grip. She was unable to catch it in time, and it fell heavily onto the ground.

Ji Mengran felt that things were taking a turn for the worse and quickly bent to pick it up. However, her phone was abruptly pressed under Feng Ling’s feet. An ominous cracking sound rang out.

Ji Mengran’s body trembled. She slowly raised her head, resisting the urge to cry. Her shivering body straightened and attempted to take a step back but only succeeded in knocking against the brick wall behind her.

“Do you know where this is?” Feng Ling’s tone was cold.

Ji Mengran subconsciously glanced around, answering guiltily, “It’s an area vacated a long time ago.”

Feng Ling’s figure was tall. She glanced at her as though looking down on her. “After being vacated for so long, it’s never been redeveloped or rebuilt. Has the Ji family’s Second Miss never heard of the reason behind this?”

Ji Mengran’s expression gradually shifted from fear to panic. She abruptly shifted her eyes to meet Feng Ling’s gaze.

If she recalled correctly, this area had been developed into a brand-new residential area several years ago. Many people had moved into this area, but after a short period of time, rumors of ghost sightings and frequent strange occurrences drove several occupants to move out. This piece of land had actually been an unmarked burial site used by unscrupulous developers. It was only the passage of time that caused people to forget and purchase the homes here.

However, the fear of the new rumors of ghost sightings kept people from further approaching. Afterward, all of the new occupants moved out, and because the rumors of strange phenomena worsened, this place was subsequently demolished. Even till this day, no property developer has dared to occupy this land.

Right now, the land they were standing on was that hundred-year-old, unmarked burial site, and these demolished brick walls were…

“According to the weather forecast, it’ll be raining tonight. Did the Ji family’s Second Miss bring an umbrella? Otherwise, it’ll be bad if you catch a cold while staying here alone.” Feng Ling snatched over Ji Mengran’s purse as she spoke, opening the zip to pour its contents onto the ground. As the things fell noisily on the floor, she lowered her eyes to look at the array of cosmetics and bank cards. With a sneer, she kicked them away, smiling imperceptibly. “You really didn’t bring an umbrella. It seems like you’ll be soaked tonight.”

“You want me to stay here alone?” A chill ran down Ji Mengran’s back. Her lips were pale from fright, and she did not pay her damaged things any mind.

“You won’t exactly be alone.” Feng Ling suddenly smiled coldly, throwing her a nasty look. “Tonight, there might be a large crowd of people rising from the ground to accompany you. Miss Ji doesn’t have to be too fearful.”

“What exactly are you trying to do! I don’t want to stay here! Move aside! Let me go!” Ji Mengran’s body was covered in goosebumps as she shrieked, raising a hand to push her aside and escape.

Feng Ling avoided her hands, grabbing her wrist and throwing her heavily back against the brick wall.

“Here’s a simple warning for you. In the future, if you dare to follow Mrs. Mo, I’m afraid the consequences won’t be as simple as being left here for a night,” Feng Ling coldly said. “Miss Ji, have a good evening.”

“What are you doing! Come back! Give me your phone!” Ji Mengran was terrified she would really be left here. Right now, she had nothing on her, and it was impossible to call a car. She threw herself forward to grab Feng Ling, as though she had lost her mind.

However, she was cruelly pushed away by Feng Ling and could only stumble back to sit on the ground.

—-

A few minutes later, Feng Ling returned to the car and spoke to Ji Nuan. “Mrs. Mo, we can leave now.”

From beginning to end, Xiao Ba was unaware of the situation. However, she saw that Ji Nuan appeared deep in thought, her expression cold. She did not dare to ask anything. When Feng Ling returned, she glanced at the time and softly said, “Boss Nuan, the people should still be at Xi Min Square. Are we still going?”

“We’re going.” Ji Nuan closed the files in her hands. “Let’s go.”

—-

Ji Mengran struggled for a long time before she finally stood up, moving forward step by step. She thought to return to the cab she had taken here, but this abandoned place was like a maze. After looking for a long while, she finally returned to where she came from, but the driver had already left out of impatience.

The sky had turned entirely dark, and as she was told, it began to rain. The formerly dark evening had now turned foggy. The cold wind gradually began to hit against her back, accompanied by the sharp, whining sounds of wind passing through the cracks in the brick walls. Each sound was even more terrifying than the one before.

Ji Mengran’s face had turned white from the lack of blood. She hastily walked away from the area. However, even after arriving at a somewhat wide traffic road, she could not see any cars passing by.

This was, after all, Hai Cheng’s most deserted and forsaken area. Typically, no one would pass by it. Even the Hai Cheng’s highway entrance did not reach this place, and it was even rarer for a car to drive through here.

Recalling that Ji Nuan had intentionally driven through half of Hai Cheng to bring her here, Ji Mengran hatefully glared at the dark, wasteland and shouted in rage, “Ji Nuan, you better wait and see! Aaah!!!!”

The surroundings were so quiet her voice did not even echo. There was only wind blowing from behind her back.

The cold rain landed on her face, drip by drip. Ji Mengran hugged herself tightly in the cold as she gravely and fearfully glancing back at the demolished wasteland.

Recalling the ghost sightings and strange phenomenon she had previously heard of, her legs weakened with fear.

Ji Mengran gritted her teeth, turned away, and no longer dared to look. Standing under the rain, gradually turning heavier, she walked along the road while enduring the cold wind cutting her from behind. All of a sudden, a slanted brick wall inside the wasteland collapsed, frightening Ji Mengran into falling backward and landing on her butt—