Velvet Chains of a Tycoon

They found a small print shop to print the contract, and after both parties confirmed there were no errors, they signed it.

Qin Ran received her copy of the contract and asked the agent, "Does it start from today?"

The agent replied, "The starting date on the contract is today, so it naturally starts from today. If you don't want to move in today, we can print another contract with the starting date as tomorrow."

"Let's make it today. I have something to do tomorrow."

After confirming the date, Qin Ran asked the agent about the previous question, "Are there any houses known for tragic events for sale in the city area?"

"Yes, such houses aren't just in the suburbs; there are murder cases in the city too."

The agent smiled and added, "But there are no such houses in the city currently looking for people willing to stay overnight for testing. I'll let you know if there are any in the future."

Qin Ran chuckled, "No, I was just wondering if these houses in the city are also sold at a much lower price than the market value."

The agent laughed, "Miss Qin, there's a reason why these houses are cheap. You should focus on staying here for the next three months first. To be honest, I'm really worried that you won't last three months."

Qin Ran raised an eyebrow, "Do I look like someone who's so fragile?"

The agent said, "This has nothing to do with being fragile. The second owner was a big, strong man, but he didn't last either. You should be careful. When you move in this afternoon, buy some protective charms. At the very least, hang a Bagua mirror—a traditional Chinese symbol believed to ward off evil—on the front door."

Qin Ran: "Okay, got it."

She didn't believe in ghosts or evil spirits, so why would she buy such things? A Bagua mirror? That thing couldn't even fool people, let alone ghosts.

Returning to Songhu Garden, Qin Ran started packing her luggage.

"Mr. Lu, I'm sorry, but I'm moving into the haunted house. As you saw, the contract is for three months, and I'll move back here after that."

Lu Sheng smiled, "It's fine, I'll move in with you."

"What?"

Qin Ran was so shocked her eyes nearly popped out, "Mr. Lu, you're not joking, right?"

Lu Sheng replied, "Why would I joke? Didn't you see I'm packing my things too?"

Qin Ran sighed, "Mr. Lu, there's no need for you to move in with me."

Lu Sheng was firm, "We are in a marriage of convenience. Wherever you go, I should follow."

Qin Ran was torn between laughter and exasperation, "Mr. Lu, our marriage is just for show. We both did it to deal with our respective situations. There's no need to play this tragic couple act."

Lu Sheng pouted, "You know it's to deal with family issues, right? If Grandfather finds out we're married and comes to check, and sees me living here alone, wouldn't that give us away?"

Qin Ran: "When he comes, you can say I'm on a business trip or something."

Lu Sheng: "What if he asks when you'll be back? I can't keep saying you're on a business trip for three months, can I?"

Qin Ran: "But the Dongjiang villa (located in the outskirts) is far from the city. It will be inconvenient for you to commute."

Lu Sheng: "It's fine. I usually work late, and by the time I get off, it's past rush hour. Driving on the expressway at night is smooth, and it only takes about half an hour."

Qin Ran pursed her lips, "Fine, suit yourself."

Lu Sheng smiled, though he wouldn't tell Qin Ran that he was moving in because he was extremely curious about ghosts. He had seen many things in his life, but never a ghost. He was eager to see what real-life ghosts were like compared to those in horror movies. Curiosity was human nature, and he was no exception.

Qin Ran's belongings were minimal—just a few sets of clothes and some daily necessities, all fitting into one suitcase and two shopping bags. Lu Sheng's things were even less, fitting into a single suitcase.

By the time they drove back to the Dongjiang villa, it was already evening. The house was still being cleaned, with several housekeepers busy inside.

As Qin Ran carried her suitcase into the hall, she heard a middle-aged man's voice from upstairs.

"Hurry up, everyone! The sun is setting soon. We must finish cleaning before sunset. I'm telling you, ghosts are afraid of sunlight..."

Qin Ran didn't know what to say. The middle-aged man came down and greeted her warmly.

"Miss Qin, you moved in so quickly?"

Qin Ran replied, "Not really, it's almost dark. By the way, is it convenient to buy groceries around here?"

The middle-aged man immediately pointed to the west gate and enthusiastically explained, "Yes, it's very convenient. Just go left when you leave, and cross the intersection. Grocery stores are within a ten-minute walk or a short bike ride."

With his introduction, Qin Ran learned that the surrounding area was quite accessible.

Seeing that the house wasn't fully cleaned yet, Qin Ran told Lu Sheng, "Stay here, I'll go buy some groceries."

Lu Sheng looked outside, "It's the first day, and we don't have anything. Let's eat out tonight."

Qin Ran thought about it and agreed. The house was empty, and it would be hard to buy everything they needed right away.

Half an hour later, the sun finally set, and the five housekeepers finished cleaning the four-story villa, including the basement. The newly cleaned villa was luxuriously beautiful. Qin Ran sat on the waxed leather sofa and closed her eyes.

"Such a nice house, it's a shame we can only stay for three months."

Lu Sheng looked at her and pursed his lips, "Do you really like this kind of house?"

"Who wouldn't? Am I a fool?"

Qin Ran smiled, "Anyone with good eyesight and a functioning brain would like it, right?"

Lu Sheng: "..." This woman was too straightforward, lacking any subtlety. But somehow, her directness was endearing.

Ignoring Lu Sheng's thoughts, Qin Ran excitedly headed upstairs. Soon, her cheerful voice echoed from above.

"Mr. Lu, both the second and third floors have master bedrooms. We can each take a floor. Do you want the second or third floor?"

Lu Sheng casually replied, "It's up to you. Ladies first, you choose."

He was mainly there out of curiosity, wanting to see a ghost. Once he saw one, he planned to move out and wouldn't actually stay for three months.

"I'll take the third floor then."

Qin Ran ran to the third-floor terrace and admired the river view, "This terrace is great, much larger than the balcony on the second floor. I love standing here and looking at the scenery."

She wanted to set up a swing on the terrace, where she could sit in the evening, enjoy the breeze, and look at the stars. She had heard that there would be a rare meteor shower in mid-September, and many people were already reserving spots on Mount Wutong, which cost 188 RMB per person.

But she could watch the meteor shower from her own terrace, which was much more romantic than standing on Mount Wutong.