Chapter 252: A New Addition to the Family
"Are you sure you want to do this? Even if you don't kill him, with everything he's done, he'll only get this life. There won't be a next," Yang Haoran said with a smile.
"When I could tolerate him, I tried my best. I hoped that one day he would turn over a new leaf, but after all these years, I can no longer bear it. Some women can endure a life of suffering in silence, but once despair takes root in their hearts and they harden, they become crueler than any man, and I am that kind of woman. So now, I just want him dead!"
The female ghost's expression was icy, her milky white eyes filled with frenzied killing intent. The pitiful demeanor she had shown earlier was solely because she couldn't let go of her child, allowing her to cry and kneel, begging Yang Haoran. However, now that she had Yang Haoran's promise and her deepest worries were resolved, facing the man she hated to her bones, the resentment and hatred in her heart were reignited.
She was an Evil Spirit; her resentment was many times stronger than that of an ordinary Spirit. If a few words could pacify her, she wouldn't be an Evil Spirit.
"The child is still here. Have you considered the harm this might cause him? He's too young to understand now, but when he does, will he resent you for this instead?"
Yang Haoran's words caused the female ghost's expression to stiffen. She looked at the trembling, bruised little boy, then spoke, "I imagine the child would wish this scum dead too!"
"That's just your own thought. Regardless, this man is his biological father. Can you guarantee that his perception of his father won't change in the future? Killing him would not only affect your son but could also lead you to eternal damnation. Is it worth it for a piece of trash? " Yang Haoran asked with a smile.
The female ghost fell silent this time, but her killing intent remained undiminished. After a long moment, she finally looked at Yang Haoran, her expression respectful as she spoke, "Emissary of Death, let's go. I'm afraid if I stay here any longer, I won't be able to resist killing him."
Yang Haoran's words did not lessen the female ghost's killing intent towards Song Laoyao. The reason she changed her mind ultimately came down to the child. If it weren't for the little boy beside her, she might have chosen eternal damnation just to kill Song Laoyao directly.
The next morning, a passerby discovered Song Laoyao embedded in the wall. By then, he was barely clinging to life. A kind passerby called the police and an ambulance, and he was subsequently sent to the hospital.
Yang Haoran's kick wouldn't kill him, but whether the terrifying scenes he experienced in the illusion would drive him insane was another matter entirely.
Yang Haoran's convenience store hadn't opened on time for a long while, but today was an exception. The store opened early, though it wasn't Yang Haoran sitting behind the counter, but a small boy.
This boy was none other than Kang, the little fellow Yang Haoran had brought back last night.
The female ghost believed that Song Laoyao had no right to be the child's father, so when she returned last night, she changed the boy's surname.
According to the female ghost, she was already dead, and Yang Haoran was the little boy's adoptive parent. Therefore, she strongly wished for the boy to take Yang Haoran's surname.
Yang Haoran initially refused the female ghost's request. If the boy took his surname, the meaning would change, and the weight of this responsibility would subtly increase. So, he was unwilling.
However, he ultimately couldn't resist the female ghost's tearful pleas. Since he had already done a good deed, he decided to see it through, and in the end, he agreed. Yet, after the boy's surname was changed, the name still felt a little awkward to him.
Children his age were still asleep in their beds at this hour, but Kang was already helping Yang Haoran mind the shop.
This wasn't something Yang Haoran demanded. Rather, the little fellow woke up earlier than a rooster. According to him, he woke up at this time every day, and if he didn't get up to do chores, he would definitely be beaten. Over time, he had formed this habit.
Yang Haoran had no intention of spoiling the child. Since he was awake, he simply let him help watch the shop, while he himself got up to prepare breakfast for the two of them.
It was best to experience hardship early. Although the process was somewhat cruel, it would benefit the child in the future. Yang Haoran couldn't always stay by his side; one day he would leave. Only by letting him mature as early as possible could the child survive better when that day came.
The Yin Qi Kang had accumulated last night had already been cleared by Yang Haoran, and his filthy body had also been thoroughly washed clean. As for the bruises and wounds on his body, Yang Haoran expended his Spirit Power to resolve them all.
After being cleaned up, the grimy little fellow looked like a completely different person. He wasn't exactly fair-skinned and tender, but he looked no different from a normal child from a normal family.
Since Yang Haoran didn't have children's clothes, he could only let Kang temporarily wear his own clothes. Although they were ill-fitting, the little fellow was unusually happy, because he had never worn such fine clothing.
Yang Haoran's clothes were all cheap street vendor items, but in the little fellow's eyes, these garments were his dream come true.
Wearing oversized clothes, Kang sat obediently inside the counter, motionless, his expression somewhat restrained.
Around his neck hung a pendant. It wasn't a Death God Pendant, but a miniaturized Soul-Gathering Bead, and inside this bead, a Soul Thread drifted.
This Soul Thread was the manifestation of the little boy's mother's Spirit Body.
Since the soul was not to be sent to the Underworld until the end of the year, Yang Haoran did not separate the mother and son during this period, but allowed them to be together in this way.
Yang Haoran hadn't placed any seals on the Soul-Gathering Bead. Sounds from the outside could enter the Soul-Gathering Bead, and sounds from inside the Soul-Gathering Bead could also be transmitted to the outside.
Furthermore, if the female ghost wished, she could come out of the Soul-Gathering Bead at any time to be with her child.
Yang Haoran truly put thought into allowing the mother and son to have more time together.
The snacks and drinks on the shelves were a great temptation to the little fellow, but he strenuously resisted looking at them, staring intently outside instead.
Yang Haoran had just instructed him to call him if a customer came to buy something, so he dared not slack off even a little.
A luxury car pulled up outside the convenience store. Old Master Wu stepped out alone, carrying large bags.
Kang had seen Old Master Wu last night, so he recognized him. Seeing him approach the convenience store with bags in hand, he quickly jumped down from his chair and ran behind the green curtain.
"Uncle Yang, that old grandpa from last night is here," Kang stammered. It wasn't that he was naturally stuttering, but rather that he was a bit timid, so he spoke hesitantly.
"Alright, I know," Yang Haoran replied with a smile, then washed his hands and walked out. Kang timidly followed behind him.
"Boss, I knew you didn't have children's clothes here, so I prepared some," Old Master Wu said with a smile, placing the large bags on the counter.
Yang Haoran glanced at the sky. It was only faintly light outside, so he smiled and nodded at Old Master Wu, saying, "Old Master Wu, that's very thoughtful of you. I just finished making breakfast; let's eat together."
Old Master Wu agreed without a second thought. Eating was a small matter, but he certainly wouldn't miss such an opportunity to spend more time with the boss.
Breakfast was simple. Old Master Wu's true intention wasn't in the meal, so he only ate symbolically. Kang, however, ate very happily. For him, such a simple breakfast was already a rare delicacy.
"Eat slowly, don't choke. Tonight, Uncle Yang will take you out for a big meal," Yang Haoran said with a smile.
"Tha-thank you, Uncle Yang," Kang happily nodded his small head.
"You eat slowly. I'm going out with Grandpa Wu to discuss something."
After instructing the little fellow, Yang Haoran led Old Master Wu outside the convenience store.
"Have all the arrangements been made? " Yang Haoran asked with a smile.
"Everything is arranged. All our people have been notified and will arrive this afternoon to receive the Soul Qi infusion. The location for the evening gathering has also been set; it's our family's hotel. As for the Spirit Police, we'll have to invite them a bit later; it's still too early now," Old Master Wu replied respectfully.
Yang Haoran smiled and nodded, then spoke, "I remember several of Lecheng's best hotels belong to your family, don't they?"
Old Master Wu chuckled awkwardly, saying, "Those are just external possessions. You're making fun of me, Boss."
"Old Master Wu, you're too humble. You've managed to build such a vast family business in the mortal world through your own efforts; I believe you can achieve the same in our world," Yang Haoran said with a smile.
"Boss, you jest. I'm already old. Although I've shed my mortal identity, I don't have many years left to live. I dare not hope for more," Old Master Wu responded with a sigh, smiling.
"I know what you're worried about. Don't worry, as long as I'm still here, if that day truly comes, I will find a way for you."
Although Yang Haoran's words were casual, they invigorated Old Master Wu's spirit.
"Thank you, Emissary of Death! " Old Master Wu quickly bowed in gratitude as he came to his senses.
"I should be the one thanking you. Without you, my Lecheng Underworld Office wouldn't be on the right track so quickly. I've always been clear about grudges and favors; you treat me well, I'll treat you well. If you truly have trouble, how could I stand by and do nothing?"
Although Yang Haoran still spoke casually, Old Master Wu could feel the sincerity in his words. Both he and Yang Haoran were deeply calculating individuals, but being calculating didn't mean they never showed a sincere side to anyone.
"As long as you are willing, Boss, I hope to share more of your burdens," Old Master Wu's words also held an added layer of sincerity.
Yang Haoran's smile deepened. He said, "You will. There will certainly be more troubles in the future. When that time comes, even if you don't say anything, I'll still find you to share them."
Old Master Wu was very happy, but he didn't continue the topic, instead bringing up another matter.
"Boss, are you really going to keep Kang by your side? If not, you can hand him over to me, and I'll arrange for someone to take care of him."
Yang Haoran shook his head, refusing Old Master Wu's kind offer.
"Let him stay by my side for now. If one day I need to travel far, then I'll have to trouble you to look after him for me. But I shouldn't be traveling far for a while."
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