Luo Yan's mother was named Fang Linxuan. According to Luo Yan, her mother had once been a top beauty on Huaxia's ranking lists and, many years ago, had even won an international pageant.
Fang Linxuan smiled. "That's all in the past. Now, I'm just a fading flower, old and worn."
Luo Yan giggled. "Mom! If I can maintain myself half as well as you at your age, I'll be thanking my lucky stars."
Visibly pleased, Fang Linxuan said, "Well, you'll have to work hard then."
Chu Hao watched, a pang of envy in his heart. The relationship between this mother and daughter was exceptionally good. This was the kind of family he longed for, but alas... it seemed out of reach in this lifetime.
Finally, they arrived at a villa in the city center. The estate was quite substantial, comparable even to the vastness of Hongyun Deep. Chu Hao couldn't help but be astounded; Luo Yan's family was incredibly wealthy. She was the very definition of "fair, rich, and beautiful."
"Silly boy, stop gawking," Luo Yan said with a laugh.
Chu Hao straightened his posture. "What's so surprising? I have a villa too."
"Bragging again, are we?"
Why doesn't anyone believe me when I tell the truth? I really do own a villa.
The villa was magnificent, boasting various amenities and a considerable number of servants, much like the residences of wealthy and noble families depicted in television dramas.
Chu Hao couldn't resist asking, "Sister Luo Yan, what exactly does your family do?"
Luo Yan replied, "We run a company. What are you thinking about, silly boy?"
Chu Hao stated bluntly, "I was just thinking, whoever marries you would really hit the jackpot, wouldn't they?"
Fang Linxuan, who was driving, chuckled. "Master Chu, are you interested in becoming my live-in son-in-law?"
Luo Yan blinked. "I might just give you that chance, you know."
Mother and daughter, singing the same tune. Are they trying to set a trap for me?
But how could Brother Hao be intimidated by you? Chu Hao thought, then said, "Sister Luo Yan, you're certainly beautiful, but the wife I'm looking for needs inner beauty. Outer beauty alone makes one just a decorative vase. However, I can give *you* a chance. Show me your true self, and who knows, maybe we'll actually hit it off."
Luo Yan was speechless. You're giving *me* a chance? Why don't you just drop dead!
Fang Linxuan laughed. "Master Chu, what about me? Perhaps I should just go with you."
What the hell! You're practically an old goblin already, and you still want to hit on a young sprout like me? Have you no shame? Chu Hao broke out in a cold sweat.
Luo Yan giggled. "My mom is single, you know."
Damn! This mother-daughter duo is really something else! Chu Hao suddenly lost the desire to speak as the two women laughed, their delight evident.
After they exited the car, a sarcastic voice drifted from outside the villa. "Luo Yan, you really haven't changed a bit, have you? Already found yourself a new young stud."
A woman, about a seven or eight out of ten in looks and around twenty-eight years old, appeared. She wore heavy makeup, a short skirt, and carried herself with a flamboyant air. It was Luo Yan's cousin, Luo Yun.
Chu Hao sized up Luo Yun. This woman's features look unnatural; she's clearly had plastic surgery. Her chin is too sharp, her eyes are too sharp, her nose is too sharp, and her forehead isn't smooth. She's the classic example of a 'husband-jinxing' face.
Luo Yan responded coolly, "You can't put it that way. I'm only twenty-five. It's perfectly reasonable for a young beauty like me to attract another young stud. Unlike you, already past your prime. Speaking of which, you can't even find a boyfriend, can you? Well, that makes sense. Dressing up like you're soliciting on the streets every day—who would want you?"
"You!" Luo Yun glared, her eyes practically shooting flames.
The tension is so thick the moment they meet. They really are arch-rivals.
Luo Yun sneered. "Who says I can't find a boyfriend? Yuzhen, come over here."
A man emerged from the villa. When Chu Hao and Luo Yan saw him, they were both rendered speechless.
Isn't that the guy from the high-speed train station? The one Chu Hao kicked, who flew into a rage out of humiliation and even claimed to be some private detective?
The moment Gao Yuzhen saw Chu Hao, his anger flared. He gritted his teeth. "Kid, what a small world."
Luo Yan burst out laughing. "Oh, Luo Yun, the caliber of boyfriends you find is really declining."
Luo Yun retorted angrily, "Luo Yan, a filthy mouth like yours can't utter decent words! What are you talking about?"
Luo Yan folded her arms and sneered, "I'm just speaking the truth."
The animosity between the two women was so intense; Luo Yun was grinding her teeth in hatred.
"What's all this ruckus about?"
Just then, an elderly man walked out, accompanied by a middle-aged man in a long gown. The latter had angular features, white hair, and sharp, spirited eyes.
Both young women immediately fell silent.
Luo Yan's grandfather sighed. "You two, always at each other's throats the moment you meet. Tomorrow is my ninetieth birthday. Can't you let an old man like me enjoy it in peace?"
Luo Yan quickly said, "We'll listen to Grandfather."
Luo Yan's grandfather, now in a better mood, said, "Master Kong, I'll have to trouble you for the birthday celebration tomorrow."
"Old Master Luo, you're too kind. I'm merely assisting Miss Luo Yun," Master Kong replied with a smile.
Luo Yan's grandfather chuckled. "That child Luo Yun is indeed thoughtful."
Luo Yun beamed, casting a smug glance at Luo Yan. Master Kong was the Feng Shui Master whom Luo Yun had invited; the man clearly possessed some genuine skill.
Luo Yan said, "Grandfather, I've also found a Feng Shui Master."
"Oh?" Luo Yan's grandfather smiled. "And where might he be?"
Luo Yan turned, but Chu Hao was nowhere in sight. The fellow had wandered off to the edge of the swimming pool and was intently studying the water.
Luo Yan was exasperated. "Chu Hao! Chu Hao!" she called out.
Hearing her, Chu Hao sauntered over.
Everyone eyed him with curiosity. This young man was a Feng Shui Master? He seemed far too young.
Unexpectedly, Chu Hao's first words were, "Old Master Luo, has someone died in this swimming pool before?"
Everyone was taken aback.
Gao Yuzhen was inwardly delighted. Isn't this kid courting death? How dare he claim someone died here? Utter nonsense! The Luo Family is so wealthy; if someone had died here, they would've moved out ages ago. How could they still be living here?
Old Master Luo's expression soured, but he gave a slight nod. "Yes."
Luo Yan's demeanor shifted instantly, her face paling. "Ah-Hao," she stammered, "what... what have you discovered?"
Chu Hao merely smiled without answering, his gaze fixed on Old Master Luo. There was a Feng Shui Formation below, suppressing a water Ghost. He saw all this through his Yin Yang Eye. The Formation looked ancient, deliberately set up by someone to keep the water Ghost subdued.
Hearing Chu Hao's question, Old Master Luo's mood clearly deteriorated. He let out a cold snort, turned, and walked away. It was evident he now had a very poor impression of Chu Hao.
Master Kong glanced at Chu Hao, offered a faint smile, and also departed.
Luo Yan grabbed Chu Hao's arm. "Ah-Hao, what... what did you see?"
Chu Hao lowered his voice. "Beneath this very pool, a Ghost is suppressed."
Luo Yan began to tremble all over, her voice thick with emotion. "Then... then that must be my father."
What? Luo Yan's father?
It turned out that Luo Yan's father had died in the swimming pool a long time ago.
Fang Linxuan approached them, shaking her head. "Luo Yan, go inside first. I need to speak with Master Chu."
Luo Yan wouldn't budge, on the verge of tears from agitation. "Mom! Have you two been hiding something from me?"
Fang Linxuan sighed. "Just go inside for now. Don't get too worked up."
Luo Yan retorted angrily, "How can I not be worked up? That's my dad!"
Fang Linxuan shook her head firmly. "That's not your dad, I can assure you of that. For now, just go inside."
Luo Yan was stunned. If it's not Dad, then who is in the pool?