"Lin Yinuo, why did you break your leg?"
"Yeah, tell us, you're too much. Something this big happened and you didn't tell us."
"Exactly, exactly. We're brothers, aren't we? How could you not tell me you were hospitalized."
The barrage of questions left Lin Yinuo unsure how to answer. Although these people were genuinely concerned about his health, if they knew the reason he broke his leg, they would surely form a mob and come to the hospital to mock him.
Could he tell them that he was so scared by a female ghost that he fell from his upper bunk and broke his leg?
What's more, because it involved supernatural matters, he couldn't tell his teachers or classmates it was because of a female ghost. He could only say he fell off the bed because he wasn't sleeping well.
Could he let them know such a reason? Absolutely not. If they found out, they would probably laugh at him for the rest of his life.
It really couldn't be blamed on him for being timid. Who wouldn't be scared if a female ghost floated directly down from the ceiling while they were sleeping soundly and faced them directly?
He usually jumped off his bed. The Lin family members had all learned martial arts, so a height like this was nothing. But it was just his bad luck.
"Alright, Yinuo is already upset about his broken leg. Let's not rub salt in his wounds," Lin Yan said, ending the topic.
"The list is finalized. I'll send it to the elders now."
"Okay."
"I have no objections."
"Me too."
...
After the Lin family finalized their list, they began to inquire about the lists from other families and sects.
Upon discovering that the participants were all old acquaintances, they stopped inquiring, preferring to retain some element of surprise.
Fu Yao stayed at the temple for a night and even participated in the morning chants with the monks.
She felt much lighter, and the heavy, stagnant feeling after waking from nightmares had almost disappeared. Her sleep had also improved significantly.
However, she knew this might only be a temporary fix, so she went to find the monk who had given her the protective charm.
"Master, this is the protective charm you gave me," Fu Yao placed the amulet she had brought before the monk. "It protected me from a disaster and became like this."
Fu Yao looked at the protective charm with a mixture of regret and lingering fear. Regret that the charm was so effective, yet could only be used once. Fear that if she hadn't paid attention to it, she would have been in danger.
"I noticed a dark aura around you, benefactor, so I gave you this protective charm. I didn't expect the trouble you encountered to be more serious than I imagined," the monk said with a sigh as he looked at Fu Yao's face.
"Then, Master, do you have a way to save me?" Fu Yao's hand, hanging by her side, clenched tightly.
"This humble monk's abilities are limited and I fear I cannot resolve benefactor's crisis," the monk shook his head.
"Didn't Master save me once? Why do you say you can't resolve my crisis?" Fu Yao couldn't believe it.
"The dark aura on your face is growing heavier. A single protective charm cannot resolve it. Even if I gave you many more, it would be futile."
"Then, can Master show me a way?" Was it about money? Although her savings weren't much, she could pre-emptively take her salary for the next six months.
"No one in Guanyin Temple can help benefactor resolve this matter. If benefactor wishes to fully resolve it, you may need to seek help outside the temple."
Fu Yao was stunned. She actually didn't want to leave Guanyin Temple right now. Here, she felt refreshed and could sleep well. She didn't know what would happen if she left.
She also feared that the entity from her dreams would appear before her, and she would have no weapon to defend herself.
"I will help benefactor post a task. If benefactor shares your experience and sets a reward, some capable fellow practitioners will surely come forward."
"Fellow practitioners?" Fu Yao didn't understand why she was talking about Taoism when she had come to a Buddhist temple.
"Rest assured, benefactor. This is a legitimate organization, affiliated with the state," the monk reassured Fu Yao while giving her a few more protective charms.
He stood up, took his phone from a nearby cabinet, opened an app, and began to post the task.
After typing the title, he turned the phone to Fu Yao, asking her to fill in her experiences.
"Is this okay?" Fu Yao was very curious.
"Yes, Heavenly Masters will come to help you solve this problem, so benefactor only needs to wait for replies with peace of mind."
After the monk explained it clearly to Fu Yao, she understood. Nevertheless, she was still very grateful to the master.
Thus, Fu Yao's predicament was posted on the Special Events Handling Bureau's software.
Holding the protective charms given by the monk, Fu Yao returned home filled with apprehension. She knew she was safe for the next few days. The last time she stayed at the temple for a day, she didn't have nightmares for several days.
This time, she had stayed at the temple for a night, so it should last even longer. But Fu Yao didn't want to stay at home anymore. She packed a few clothes, her toiletries, and moved to a hotel near her company.
Although she would be alone in the hotel, at least she knew there were other people living nearby, and she could call the hotel staff at any time. If anything happened, it would definitely be better than living alone at home.
Nothing happened on the first night in the hotel. With the protective charms, Fu Yao felt she slept very well.
The next day, after waking up, she checked all the protective charms and, finding no changes, went to work with peace of mind.
She booked a hotel for many consecutive days, planning to stay until this matter was resolved before returning home.
"Hello, is this Ms. Fu Yao?" Fu Yao received a call from an unknown number during her lunch break.
"I am Fu Yao, may I ask what this is about?"
"We are from the Special Events Handling Bureau. We would like to confirm your current location so we can send someone to assist you." The person on the other end was polite, and their tone made Fu Yao feel comfortable.
"I'm currently staying at a hotel," Fu Yao stated the hotel's name.
"Alright, we will send someone over as soon as possible. Please stay in a crowded place during the day, and do not take off your protective charm when you sleep at night."
"Okay, thank you." Fu Yao hung up the phone, feeling a bit relieved. Someone would be coming to save her soon.
However, that very night, Fu Yao had another dream. The crying in the dream became clearer and closer.
"Ayao, Ayao." That familiar voice also seemed to be right by her ear.
Fu Yao dared not respond. The older generation always said that if you encounter such a stranger or something you don't know calling you, never respond, or your soul will be snatched away.
But the call grew closer and closer. Several times, Fu Yao almost unconsciously wanted to answer, but in the next moment, she covered her mouth, preventing herself from making any sound.