Chapter 87: Attitude
Shao Yu was startled by the scene before him, never expecting his younger sister to suddenly faint. Mu Lichuan, seeing this, immediately knew it was the backlash of a curse.
"She’s not sick, she’s been cursed. You could also call it witchcraft," Mu Lichuan said, looking at Shao Xiaoya’s pained expression.
At these words, Shao Yu sneered. "Even doctors from abroad couldn’t diagnose my sister’s condition, and you’re just a student." He didn’t believe in superstitions, only science.
Back then, his mother had invited so-called "masters" to perform rituals, but none of them worked. He never thought Mu Lichuan would be one of those superstitious types.
"What does being a student matter? Aren’t you one too? Besides, if it weren’t for our connection, I wouldn’t even bother." Finding the one who cast the curse wouldn’t be easy.
He didn’t fully understand these things himself, he was only going by the yin energy around the girl and the backlash in her heart. Since the other party wasn’t willing to accept his help, there was no need to meddle.
"You just want to get close to Xiaoya, to our Shao family. Let me tell you—" Before Shao Yu could finish, his sister, now awake and in pain, opened her eyes.
Shao Xiaoya’s lips were bitten bloody. "Brother, he’s my friend. Please respect him!"
Mu Lichuan was somewhat impressed by her reaction. "Shao Xiaoya, I’m sorry. It was my fault for triggering the curse inside you, causing you this pain." If it was his responsibility, he wouldn’t deny it.
Witchcraft was usually an ancient method of revenge. The girl before him likely hadn’t made enemies herself, the most probable explanation was that her elders had. The grudges between wealthy families could be as dramatic as those in an imperial harem. He couldn’t sense any "gu" in her heart, so it was likely a curse.
[Gu (蛊): a legendary Chinese poison or dark magic involving venomous creatures (snakes, scorpions) sealed in a vessel to create a deadly toxin or curse, historically feared in folklore for its mind-control and lethal properties, and later metaphorically describing manipulative schemes.]
Shao Xiaoya forced a weak smile before succumbing to the pain again, unable to respond.
Seeing his sister’s suffering, Shao Yu felt guilty but only grew more resentful toward Mu Lichuan. This guy’s background was untraceable, where did he even come from?
Mu Lichuan watched as Shao Yu carried his sister away, his expression unreadable, then headed home.
The evil spirit incident at the airport needed to be reported to the "Cleaning Company." He wondered if it was related to Mount Le and the others. As for Xiao Mo, he had vanished again.
Even though Xiao Mo had told him many things, Mu Lichuan felt there were still secrets being kept. For now, they relied on each other, but once Xiao Mo’s body was found, they would part ways.
The terrorist attack at the airport had left three dead and dozens injured. Despite efforts to suppress the news, it had leaked, casting a tense atmosphere over the capital.
When Shao Xiaoya returned home, she fell into a deep coma. Even after a full day and night, she remained unconscious. Her condition left Shao Yiyun’s wife, Su Xiaoran, in constant tears.
"Shao Yu, what exactly happened?" Su Xiaoran had nearly died giving birth to Shao Xiaoya, leaving her health fragile. The family usually kept major incidents from her.
Shao Yu explained, "She was probably frightened by the terrorist attack at the airport." He knew his mother moved in elite circles and must have already heard.
"You hid it well. But even if she was scared, would she stay unconscious like this? The doctors can’t find anything wrong." Su Xiaoran’s face darkened.
Her daughter must be under some evil spell, there was no other explanation. She knew her husband and son didn’t believe in such things, but her daughter’s condition defied logic.
Shao Yu had no answer. "When Xiaoya collapsed at the airport, a classmate of ours said she’d been cursed."
He hadn’t wanted to mention it, but given his sister’s unprecedented state, the words slipped out.
"Then invite that classmate to help!" Su Xiaoran frowned at her son’s hesitation. "You must have yelled at him, didn’t you?"
As a mother, she would pay any price to see her daughter wake up.
"Mom, he’s just a middle schooler. What could he possibly know? We’ve had Taoists perform rituals before, none of them worked." Shao Yu thought his mother was too superstitious.
"Give me his address!" Su Xiaoran had no patience for debates with science believers.
Shao Yu immediately regretted his words and opened his mouth to retract them, but his mother's sharp voice sliced through his hesitation.
"Enough! Is your sister’s life less important than your pride?"
Defeated, Shao Yu finally gave her Mu Lichuan’s address.
When Mu Lichuan returned home, he found his grandfather chatting amiably with a middle-aged noblewoman. "You must be Young Master Mu?"
"Mn. Hello." He nodded coolly, eyeing the gifts on the sofa—clearly, she wanted something.
His address was only registered with the company and school. Even He Chen and the others would arrange meetings elsewhere, never visiting his home directly.
"Lichuan, Xiaoran here needs your help," Mu Xiaoran said.
This surprised Mu Lichuan, his great-grandfather rarely spoke up for others unless he genuinely liked them.
"That’s right, Young Master Mu. I’m Shao Xiaoya’s mother. First, I must apologize for Shao Yu’s behavior. He takes after his father, stubborn and proud." Su Xiaoran’s apology was sincere.
"You’re too kind, Auntie." Mu Lichuan understood, Shao Xiaoya’s condition must have worsened.
Su Xiaoran admired the young man’s composure. "Lichuan, I’ve heard you can dispel evil forces. Please help Xiaoya." As a mother, she would give anything for her child’s safety.
Mu Lichuan hesitated. "I can’t promise success, but I’ll try." He did like that innocent girl.
"Of course! I’ll compensate you fairly." She wouldn’t ask for help without payment.
"Shao Xiaoya and I have a connection." That was all he said before grabbing his bag and following her.
Meanwhile, Shao Yiyun returned home. Hearing his son’s account, he scowled. "Nonsense!" He and his wife clashed often over beliefs. If word got out, it would cause a scandal. Last time, she’d publicly hired Taoists to "call back" their daughter’s soul, earning him a reprimand from superiors.
"Dad..." Shao Yu didn’t know what to say.
"Young Master Mu, this way." Su Xiaoran led Mu Lichuan inside, her demeanor respectful.
"Mu Lichuan?" Shao Yu’s voice turned icy. He hadn’t expected this arrogant guy to actually come.
Mu Lichuan nodded slightly. Shao Yiyun, a square-jawed military man, exuded a fierce aura that intimidated most.
"What are you doing?" Su Xiaoran snapped at her husband.
"I should be asking you! Are you gambling with our daughter’s life? Young Master Mu, we’ll send Xiaoya abroad for treatment. You may leave." Shao Yiyun was slightly impressed by the boy’s unflinching demeanor, if only he weren’t a fraud.
Su Xiaoran’s eyes blazed. "Shao Yiyun, I invited him here. Who are you to dismiss my guest?"
Ignoring them, she turned to Mu Lichuan. "Let’s go see Xiaoya."
As they passed Shao Yiyun, Mu Lichuan remarked coolly, "The killing intent around you is strong. You’ve taken many lives. Karma circulates, such retribution often falls on descendants."
This level of bloodlust was rare. The man was undoubtedly a soldier, and the resentment clinging to him would bring consequences.
Su Xiaoran shuddered. "Young Master Mu, are you saying Xiaoya’s suffering is because of him?"
Before Shao Yiyun could react, Shao Yu exploded. "Mu Lichuan, stop spouting lies! I knew you were trouble!"
Su Xiaoran glared. "Shao Yu! Shao Yiyun! If either of you dares interfere, I’ll kill myself right here!" She meant every word.
"Mom!"
"Xiaoran!"
Their protests fell on deaf ears as she ushered Mu Lichuan upstairs.
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