"Perhaps it's the demons," I surmised. I had previously reached out to the demon clans in the northeast region for assistance on a forum. Although the plea for help was later rescinded and the group disbanded, it was possible that some curious spirits might still come to "the holy land" to investigate.
The reason it was a holy land was likely because they believed I, the "reincarnated Bai Ze," had made my debut by destroying Jiuxian Cave, thus making it my point of origin.
Indeed, it was also a holy land, for the true reincarnated Bai Ze had indeed made their debut from this very place!
I immediately decided to return to Fucheng and asked Ya Nan to liaise with Yao Yao and the others. Their team was numerous, and I requested they split into several groups, entering Fucheng from different directions.
Our tentative rendezvous point was Milan Western Patisserie, where we would have dinner and then discuss where to establish our base of operations.
Lin Xi had already departed, but she informed me that her sister, Lin Chi, was still stationed at the headquarters of Shakespeare in Fucheng. If I encountered any problems, I could contact her to gain command of the nearby Shakespeare forces. Although Lin Chi was the "Director Lin" in charge of underworld affairs, her position was high, equivalent to that of the head of Shakespeare's Northeast region, and with the aura of a "Headquarters Spirit Leader," her authority was even greater.
Chen Lu had also gone home to "protect" her family's safety. Before parting, Lin Xi called the person in charge of Shakespeare in Shengjing and had them establish contact with Chen Lu, requesting that Shakespeare in Shengjing provide real-time protection for the Chen family. While Shakespeare's strength wasn't formidable, Mohe wouldn't easily attack Shakespeare personnel, especially since the instigators of Song Wenzhi's incapacitation were me and Lin Xi, and Chen Lu was not heavily involved.
After bidding farewell to the three beautiful women, only the Whale God Diana and Chen Ke remained by my side. I returned the rental car and rented a common, dilapidated Santana instead. With a creaking sound, I drove the two of them into Fucheng via a back road. By the time we reached the city center, it was already four o'clock. Yao Yao and the others and I had arranged to meet at Milan Western Patisserie at six, so there was still some time. I paid a visit to Song Lei's home, but his sister, Song Miao, was not there. I left her a note with Chen Ke's phone number.
Song Miao had not participated in my actions in Fucheng at all, so Mohe had no reason to investigate her, a high school student. Peeking through the glass, I saw Song Miao's school uniform hanging on the wall. I pondered for a moment and thought that perhaps I could introduce Song Miao to Ni Taimai. Although one was human and the other a demon, both were third-year high school students and should find common ground to discuss study tips and work together for the big exam next June. With this thought, I left Ni Taimai's WeChat ID for Song Miao, letting them contact each other on their own.
Leaving Song Miao's home, I spent a considerable sum at a small street-side shop to buy a new SIM card. After inserting it, I came out and inadvertently noticed a rather large real estate agency across the street. I asked them to wait in the car while I casually crossed the street to see if there were any suitable houses that could serve as our base.
It was a legitimate company with a receptionist. When asked about my needs, I said I was looking to rent a place, and they inquired about specific requirements.
I thought for a moment: "Money is not an issue; the bigger the space, the better. Our team is quite large."
"Is it for office use or living?" the receptionist asked with a smile, without getting up.
"Ideally, it could serve both purposes," I replied.
The receptionist was surprisingly astute. Her eyes lit up: "Boss, you're in the live-streaming e-commerce business, aren't you!"
"...How did you guess?" I asked cautiously.
"Live-streaming e-commerce is so popular nowadays! A single live-streaming room, with many hosts taking turns, requires a place to rest, a place to store goods, a display area for the live stream, and a place to eat, right? That's why you have such special needs! Besides, Fucheng's agate and agricultural products have been selling exceptionally well in the national market recently. Many teams from the south have set up in Fucheng! It's a case of being close to the water and getting the moon first! I'm just making an educated guess. If I'm wrong and have underestimated your business, please don't take offense!"
I nodded and smiled, "You've guessed correctly. We are indeed in that business. Please, miss, help me look for a suitable place."