C22 The Mysteries of His Life

The note bore a significant connection to my origins. The first part recounted how my foster father found me amidst a pile of corpses. The latter half detailed the mundane aspects of my upbringing. My foster father was a stoic man, typically stern with me, yet his written words brimmed with affection.

I composed myself and focused on the initial section of the note, which highlighted two crucial elements. The first was the place where I was discovered, known as Hundred Ghost Slope—a name that evoked a sense of horror and mystery, fitting for the eerie birthplace I emerged from among the dead.

The second element concerned a brush that was clutched in my hand when I was found, serving as my sole memento. Its appearance resembled that of a typical writing instrument, except it lacked a nib and featured only an elongated handle. The handle's material was peculiar, resembling sandalwood yet cold like metal to the touch.

Why was I holding a brush shaft? It was unusual, as children typically wore auspicious charms like longevity locks. My foster father had advised a visit to Hundred Ghost Slope when the time was right, suggesting that new insights might have surfaced over the years.

After perusing the contents of the wooden box and the will, I respectfully reinterred my foster father's remains and eradicated the bloodstains, tidying the house. With his passing, the six hundred thousand yuan held less significance. Surveying the familiar surroundings, I resolved to donate five hundred thousand yuan to Old Master Jiaang's kin.

I located his children's contact information in Old Master Jiaang's home and reached out. The phone was promptly answered by his eldest daughter. Without omission, I recounted the details of Old Master Jiaang's demise. Unexpectedly, she exhibited no grief upon learning of her father's death. Instead, her words betrayed an unsettling eagerness for his end.

Reflecting on Old Master Jiaang's kindness and the care he had shown us, I felt a surge of indignation and couldn't restrain myself from rebuking her.

Upon hearing my reprimand, Old Master Jiaang's eldest daughter expressed her dissatisfaction over the phone, "It's precisely because that old coot was always dragging corpses around and engaging in such ominous activities that my mother passed away early, and it's why we siblings have had nothing but bad luck. If he had passed away sooner, our family might have had a chance to turn our fortunes around. And who are you to weigh in on our family matters anyway?"

I was so infuriated by her words that I nearly smashed the phone. The only reason her siblings were able to establish themselves in the county was due to Old Master Jiaang's support.

The person on the other end, sensing my silence, became even more audacious, "Moreover, your father's death involves you too. And since you and your father have stayed in our house for such a long time, shouldn't you provide some compensation and pay for lodging?"

To be honest, I was tempted to hang up right then and not give them a dime. But the image of Old Master Jiaang's stooped silhouette softened my resolve.

"I have half a million as compensation for you. Give me your bank account number, and I'll make the transfer when I visit the county tomorrow," I stated icily.

The mention of half a million instantly transformed their demeanor. They were not only effusive in their thanks but also apologized for their earlier behavior, even suggesting that I could stay in Old Master Jiaang's home for as long as I wished.

I let out a few mocking laughs, hung up the phone, and exhaled deeply. Such is the nature of humanity.

Having resolved that issue, I purchased a coffin with Old Master Jiaang's modest savings and temporarily interred my foster father's remains in the backyard.

That night, I sat in my foster father's room in quiet contemplation, cradling the wooden box. I hadn't set up a mourning hall or conducted a proper funeral after his passing.

Yet, I was certain that my foster father's spirit would understand. Time was running short for me, and the tasks I faced in the next three years were daunting.