A Kindred Spirit and a New Path

As soon as Bai Wanwan opened the door, the aunt immediately approached, her face etched with concern as she carefully observed Bai Wanwan.

“Wanwan, if you’ve fallen into debt, we’ll repay it bit by bit. You’re still so young. Please, don’t let despair consume you and lead you down an irreversible path.”

Hearing the landlady’s heartfelt words, Bai Wanwan couldn’t help but let a faint smile grace her lips.

From Bai Wanwan’s memories, it was this very landlady who had taken her in after her family’s bankruptcy.

The landlady had once been an unassuming servant within Bai Wanwan’s family, her life plagued by a husband who was an alcoholic, a gambler, and an abuser. It had been the Bai family who helped her escape that dire situation.

Indeed, countless individuals had received assistance from the Bai family over the years. Yet, while they had expressed profound gratitude during the family’s prosperity, they had scattered like frightened birds and beasts the moment the Bai family fortunes collapsed.

This particular landlady, however, was exceptionally kind to Bai Wanwan. Possessing two old, vacant apartments in the urban village, she had, upon learning of Bai Wanwan’s homelessness, immediately prepared one for her to reside in.

This was the very rental room Bai Wanwan now occupied. Though undeniably old and somewhat dilapidated, it boasted complete utilities, essential furniture, a balcony, a separate bathroom, and a toilet, all meticulously maintained and spotlessly clean.

This apartment had always been a source of income for the landlady’s family, yet she had rented it to Bai Wanwan without collecting a single cent. Frankly, Bai Wanwan felt a pang of guilt over her generosity.

Despite Bai Wanwan’s reservations, the landlady remained incredibly warm-hearted. Not only did she waive the rent, but she also went so far as to find a real estate agent with Bai Wanwan, signing a formal rental contract. The 900 yuan agency fee was personally covered by the landlady, the rent column explicitly stated ‘zero,’ and the lease term was set as indefinite.

This elaborate gesture was intended to clearly convey her stance, assuring Bai Wanwan that she could live there with complete peace of mind, knowing she would never be asked to leave.

This heartwarming act also served as a powerful signal to Bai Wanwan, a silent promise that even if her world crumbled, the landlady would be there to help shoulder the burden.

It was a plea for Bai Wanwan never to surrender to despair.

Regrettably, the original Bai Wanwan had, in the end, succumbed. Whether she had starved to death or been overwhelmed by the crushing psychological pressure, the current Bai Wanwan couldn’t definitively say.

Otherwise, this body wouldn’t have fallen to her to inherit.

“It’s alright, Auntie. I’ve recently taken on some work, offering fortune-telling and feng shui consultations. The owner of Jinbaihan is here specifically to consult me about feng shui.”

Upon hearing Bai Wanwan’s words, the landlady visibly stiffened, taken aback.

Primarily, she hadn’t anticipated Bai Wanwan possessing such abilities. Yet, considering the Bai family’s vast wealth and influence, it seemed only natural for their sole young mistress to be exceptionally knowledgeable.

‘As long as she can live honestly and independently, using her own two hands, then she’s a good child,’ the landlady mused.

“Is that so? Well, as long as you don’t stray onto the wrong path. That Jinbaihan place… it does seem to have a rather ominous aura about it.”

The landlady herself harbored a degree of superstition regarding such matters and had even conducted a bit of her own research.

“Lately, there have been so many reports of fatalities in Baimarket, all originating from Jinbaihan. I don’t know what that owner is thinking; why aren’t they fleeing quickly? What’s the point of clinging to that dilapidated nightclub? They might just lose their life there!”

“Wanwan, you must be careful when you go. If anything feels amiss, don’t hesitate to call Auntie.”

Since Bai Wanwan was venturing out to earn a living, the landlady found no reason to deter her.

Moreover, a profound sense of relief and joy filled the landlady, delighted that Bai Wanwan was finally taking the initiative to venture outside.

In the days prior, Bai Wanwan had been consumed by a bleak despondency that was truly alarming.

“Come to Auntie’s for dinner tonight. Don’t overexert yourself, and remember to drink plenty of water.”

“I understand,” Bai Wanwan replied.

Heeding the landlady’s earnest advice, Bai Wanwan hurried down the stairs.

As she descended, she indeed spotted a two-tone Maybach parked below, flanked by two men in black suits, sunglasses, and earpieces.

Anyone unaware of the situation might have easily mistaken them for characters from *The Matrix*.

“Miss Bai! No, Master Bai, please, this way.”

Before Bai Wanwan could even utter a word, an exquisitely dressed, mature woman emerged from the Maybach.

She appeared to be roughly the same age as Liu Hanzhi, possessing a beautiful face and impeccably refined attire, projecting the unmistakable image of a distinguished socialite or a woman of considerable wealth.

“I am the proprietor of Jinbaihan. Mr. Liu Guochang personally recommended you to me.”

“I understand you possess the means to resolve the urgent predicament facing my Jinbaihan establishment…”

The elegant woman critically surveyed Bai Wanwan from head to toe, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. For the young woman standing before her looked undeniably like… a child.