TRYMBPIETM 77: Hilarious Filial Piety (3)

The reason Chi Qingning was able to land a cameo role in Wanxiang was largely due to the fact that the movie was based on the massacre that wiped out Linxi Village—and Madam Chi’s hometown was precisely Linxi Village.

Before the casting process, Chi Qingning had crammed a lot of knowledge about Linxi Village’s customs and traditions from Fan Tao, which allowed him to stand out during the audition.

Of course, another major reason Fang Mingge chose him was Chi Qingning’s solid grasp of Daoist ritual practices.

Although Chi Qingning’s memory had already become somewhat muddled from past events, deep in his subconscious, he still retained some vague impressions of the formations Chi Qingzhou had walked through.

Through his clumsy imitation of Chi Qingzhou, he became the actor who understood ritual practices the best and the ritualist who could act the best. Taking all factors into account, wasn’t the role naturally his?

After securing the role Chi Qingning had been thrilled for a long time.

Most people in the industry had no idea where Fang Mingge had come from. They only knew that his debut film, Collapse, had taken the scene by storm, sweeping multiple major domestic awards.

His third film, The Bones Are Withered, soared to new heights, winning several top-tier international awards and propelling one Best Actress and two Best Supporting Actor winners into the spotlight.

His fourth film had a more artistic tone. While it didn’t perform well at the box office, it raked in awards left and right, achieving recognition at film festivals both domestic and international.

No actor would pass up the opportunity to work with Fang Mingge.

Chi Qingning saw himself as an actor, so of course, he wanted to be part of Fang Mingge’s production.

Though his role in Wanxiang was merely a cameo, it was still a tremendous boost for both him and his company.

Everyone knew that Fang Mingge never cast based on popularity or fame. He only cared about whether an actor’s skills and image fit the role.

There were times when his entire cast consisted of complete nobodies.

For Fang Mingge to select Chi Qingning meant that Chi Qingning had the capability.

Chi Qingning had been overjoyed—until he followed the crew into Linghe Village for filming, and that excitement gradually faded.

It wasn’t because Fang Mingge was too demanding, nor because the crew members were difficult to get along with, and certainly not because he couldn’t adapt to the living conditions.

He was simply scared out of his wits!

As memories of the eerie occurrences during Wanxiang’s filming surfaced, Chi Qingning shuddered.

He could no longer sit still. Suddenly, he shot to his feet and anxiously paced around the living room.

“My mom went alone? That won’t do! Where’s my suitcase? I have to go find her!”

Regardless of how mysterious his mother’s identity was, no matter how his elder brother seemed to have developed an opinion about him, and even if he wasn’t the Chi family’s biological son—after all the care he had received over the years, he couldn’t just sit by and watch his mother head into danger alone.

Chi Qingning spun around, searching for his still-unpacked suitcase. Aunt Yu, startled by his sudden action, took a few seconds to react before rushing forward to stop him.

“Oh no, no, you can’t! Madam specifically instructed before she left that you’re not allowed to follow her. If someone must go, then let Mr. Xiaoyuan go.”

Chi Qingning halted. “Huh?”

Aunt Yu wasn’t aware of what Chi Qingning had experienced. Seeing him pause, she breathed a slight sigh of relief and continued offering suggestions.

“Mr. Qingning, if you’re really worried, why not give Mr. Xiaoyuan a call? He’s already been discharged from the hospital and seems fine walking around and doing things. He can completely accompany Madam.”

“Oh… I see.” Chi Qingning responded dryly. “Big Brother’s injuries are healed?”

Aunt Yu: “Yes.”

Chi Qingning hesitated for a long time before forcing out a sentence under Aunt Yu’s puzzled gaze: “That’s great. But there’s no need to call him. Big Brother has always been very filial to Mom—he doesn’t need me to remind him.”

Aunt Yu found nothing suspicious about this. “That works too.”

Chi Qingning smiled but, in the next second, swiftly strode forward, grabbed his suitcase without hesitation, and rushed toward the villa’s entrance.

Aunt Yu was dumbfounded. “Eh—eh? Mr. Qingning, where are you going? Madam already said you don’t have to follow her!”

I never planned to follow her!

If Big Brother decides not to follow Mom back to her hometown, then staying in the villa is basically putting my head on the chopping block!

Even if Big Brother doesn’t intend to make a move on me for now, just living under the same roof as him will shorten my lifespan!

As he frantically dashed out of the affluent residential area, Chi Qingning thought to himself.

Sorry, Mom, but I really don’t want to get killed by Big Brother.

Since you’re a grand shaman and even gave birth to someone as powerful Second Brother, handling a few bizarre incidents should be a piece of cake, right?

You and Dad have always loved me so much—I’m sure you’ll understand my dilemma… right?

…

That night, upon returning to Hexing City, Xing Shuangzhan temporarily fell into a deep sleep to fully integrate with his body.

Chi Qingzhou curiously observed him for a while before realizing that, with Xing Shuangzhan asleep, he would have to face Yi Shangxiao alone in a couple of days.

Pressing his lips together, he was clearly displeased.

He didn’t like being separated from Xing Shuangzhan.

Thinking about how they had once been apart for a long time made him dislike it even more.

Chi Qingzhou absentmindedly played with a strand of Xing Shuangzhan’s long hair that had fallen by his cheek, suddenly feeling a little irritated.

Should he go find a few vengeful ghosts and persuade them to be more warm and friendly toward humans?

Just as this thought flashed through his mind, his phone rang.

He picked it up and saw that it was Chi Xiaoyuan calling.

Through the receiver, Chi Xiaoyuan’s voice was slightly distorted by the radio waves.

“Qingzhou, your variety show should be finished filming by now, right? Are you back in Hexing City? I heard from the housekeeper that you haven’t been staying at home.”

Chi Qingzhou caught the hint of impatience in his tone and slowly raised an eyebrow.

What’s gotten into his brother today? Not friendly at all.

“I’m staying at my own place,” he replied calmly, then shifted the topic. “Brother, are you out of the hospital? Have you gone to the temple to pray?”

Chi Xiaoyuan was momentarily speechless on the other end, falling silent for a few seconds.

Chi Qingzhou waited patiently for a while and then heard Chi Xiaoyuan stiffly change the subject.

“The housekeeper said that Qingning went home this afternoon, but then he also went back to his own place, saying he had work at the company. Did you guys pick up a new job?”

“Nope, Brother.” Chi Qingzhou turned his head and blinked at his own blurry reflection in the glass, silently curling his lips. “So, Brother, did you take my advice and go to the temple?”

Chi Xiaoyuan: “…”

He took two deep breaths on the other end of the line, but his tone remained far from calm.

He answered evasively, “Since you’re not busy with work right now, make sure to come home more often. Dad’s getting older and prefers having his children around.”

Chi Qingzhou’s eyes curved with amusement. “Got it, Brother. So, did you go to the temple or not?”

“Beep—beep—”

The call ended. Chi Xiaoyuan had actually hung up on him.

Chi Qingzhou clicked his tongue.

He had just been in a better mood and hadn’t even had the chance to remind his brother to be kind and friendly, yet his brother hung up on him. How rude.

Tilting his head slightly, Chi Qingzhou decided that before calling his brother back, he might as well call another family member first.

He dialed Chi Jianming’s number. It rang for a while before finally being answered.

“Dad,” Chi Qingzhou greeted politely.

Chi Jianming’s voice sounded a little tired. “Qingzhou? What’s the matter?”

Chi Qingzhou spoke with obedient sincerity. “Brother just called me and said that you want us all at home. Dad, do you miss me?”

“Huh?” Chi Jianming seemed taken aback, pausing for two seconds before responding, “Oh… yes, of course, I miss you all.”

Chi Qingzhou chuckled softly. “I miss you too, Dad. So, did you follow my advice and go to the temple to get rid of bad luck?”

Chi Jianming: “…”

Heavy breathing came from the other end of the line. After several seconds, Chi Jianming finally spoke again, gritting his teeth.

“What nonsense are you spouting?! This is the modern age, and you’re still so superstitious! Enough, if you miss home, then come back yourself, but don’t bring up this nonsense anymore!”

Chi Qingzhou responded with a simple “Oh, I see.” Then, as if it were an afterthought, he added, “But Dad, did you go or not?”

Chi Jianming: “…”

Chi Jianming: “Shut up! Shut up! You unfilial son, are you trying to drive me mad?!”

A furious roar came from the phone, and Chi Jianming ranted for several minutes before finally hanging up in rage.

Chi Qingzhou’s eyes crinkled with laughter.

Dad was so lively today. At his age, having this much energy must mean he was living a happy life with a loving wife and filial children.

Hopefully, Dad would be just as spirited tomorrow.

Satisfied, Chi Qingzhou nodded to himself and then dialed Fan Tao’s number.

Unexpectedly, the call rang until it automatically disconnected without being answered.

Chi Qingzhou: “Hmm?”

Surprised, he glanced at his phone and redialed.

Still, no one picked up.

Chi Qingzhou instinctively narrowed his eyes. The shadow beneath his feet began to expand, gradually spreading across the entire room.

“No answer…” he murmured. “Is it because she’s not at home? Then where would Mom go?”

Given that her protective charms might have lost their effect…

“Would she have gone to Linxi Village, where the fire happened years ago, or… to Linghe Village?”

…

Although he hadn’t been able to reach Fan Tao, Chi Qingzhou wasn’t too concerned.

With her identity, they were bound to reunite somewhere soon.

Two days later, Guan Xihua finally got in touch with Yi Shangxiao.

Just as Chi Qingzhou had predicted, as soon as Guan Xihua mentioned Chi Qingzhou’s name, Yi Shangxiao eagerly agreed and immediately scheduled the earliest possible meeting.

Guan Xihua instinctively said, “Alright, then we’ll book a flight for tomorrow—”

“What flight?!” Yi Shangxiao interrupted without hesitation. “How could I trouble Teacher Chi to make the trip? Of course, I’ll go to Hexing City instead!”

“Nine-thirty! The morning after tomorrow at nine-thirty! I’ll be there on time!”

Guan Xihua opened his mouth to say something, but Yi Shangxiao simply hung up.

He was left speechless, staring at Chi Qingzhou with an expression full of mixed emotions.

“Qingzhou… judging from Yi Shangxiao’s attitude, he seems pretty respectful toward you, huh?”

So, is there something else you’re not telling me?