“What? Where are you moving to? Don't tell me it's to that guy Lin Ze's place?”
“Yeah, that guy's got too many problems, someone needs to keep an eye on him. It's too much trouble for me to keep running back and forth, so I'll just stay there for now.”
Makoto's expression was very unhappy. Her sister cared more about Lin Ze than she did about her. Her sister was already always busy with his affairs, leaving no time for her. Now she was moving in, leaving her completely unattended. No one would tell her to go to bed early and stop staying up late playing games, no one would manage her behavior at home, no one would nag and lecture her by her side… Wait, that actually sounds pretty good.
Makoto's expression gradually became excited. She even eagerly started packing Qin Zi's luggage.
“You seem pretty eager for me to leave, Makoto.” Qin Zi's eyes narrowed, and her meaningful words froze Makoto's excited expression.
“No… no, I'm not.”
“Heh, think you can finally get away with doing whatever you want now that I'm gone? I've already planned out your study schedule for the next few weeks, and I'll be back to check up on you randomly. If you don't meet the standard, you know what the consequences will be.”
“No!”
Lin Ze and Makoto were both not easy to handle. “I feel like I've gotten much older lately, heh. I'll be worn down by the two of you sooner or later.”
“Absolutely not, Qin Zi, you'll live a long and healthy life.”
“I calculated that I should be able to live to be a hundred and… well, never mind. Did you bring someone here? Should I avoid them?”
“It would probably be good for you to avoid them…”
Before Qin Zi could understand what Lin Ze meant, three even more troublesome girls walked in, saying they were interrupting.
“Qin Zi?” Gako's surprised voice sounded.
Qin Zi was stunned. She instantly managed her facial expression, showing a warm and kind smile. “Gako? Long time no see, come in and play.”
“Yeah, yeah, Qin Zi, are you moving in here? Can I help you?”
“No, Lin Ze will help me carry my stuff upstairs later, there's not much. I can do it myself.” Gako seemed to be doing well, so Qin Zi didn't bother checking her with her spirit again. As long as Lin Ze, the stabilizer, was here, there shouldn't be any problems.
Behind them were Hanako, her gaze fixed on Qin Zi, and a slightly bewildered Fujiang. Qin Zi regretted coming today. “I need to do some calculations later. I feel like I've been cursed lately.” Her inner _tucao_ didn't affect her outwardly approachable image. “Lin Ze, I know Hanako, who is this?”
“Ah, this is my friend Kawakami Fujiang. Fujiang, this is my sister, Higashi Qin Zi.”
Fujiang believed her aura was like that of a true noblewoman. But the aura of Lin Ze's sister was more like that of a powerful leader… or a gang boss?
Although Qin Zi seemed easy to get along with, her aura and facial scar were undeniable. Her eyes also gave off a sense of being able to see through people. In an instant, Fujiang imagined Qin Zi calmly directing her subordinates to bury people.
“Qin Zi, nice to meet you!” Abandoning all her arrogance, Fujiang felt like she had encountered a natural nemesis. She greeted Qin Zi respectfully.
This was Qin Zi's first time seeing Fujiang up close. She didn't see anything different about her. In every sense, Fujiang was like a normal person standing in front of her. But this was precisely what made Qin Zi feel creeped out. Whether it was what Lin Ze said or her own investigations, Fujiang was definitely not a normal person. Fortunately, she was still a child at the moment.
“Nice to meet you, welcome to play.” Qin Zi could only suppress her countless thoughts for now.
“Qin Zi, nice to meet you. Thank you for helping me last time.” Finally it was Hanako's turn. As soon as she spoke, she expressed her gratitude. She had always been grateful to Lin Ze's sister for helping her awaken, but unfortunately she had never met her before.
“You're welcome, how is Hanako doing now?”
“Thanks to your concern, I am now in excellent health.”
This wasn't someone to be taken lightly either. While not as formidable as the other two, if she hadn't been taken care of back then, she would have become a huge problem later. A legend that had escaped the rules, even just one Slit-Mouthed Woman was already a huge problem for exorcists. To this day, she was still well hidden.
And once Ghost Hanako merged with her, she would be even stronger. Thankfully, Hanako's kindness would also influence Ghost Hanako, at least she wouldn't do evil. But this was only possible if Hanako herself always maintained a kind heart.
No, Qin Zi was getting a headache. “Well, you guys can stay here and play for a while. Don't be shy to ask Lin Ze for anything you need. Lin Ze, help me carry my things to my room upstairs, I'll go and tidy up.”
Lin Ze carried some drinks and snacks for Gako and the others. Then he carried things upstairs with Qin Zi.
“I really feel like I'm only going to live to be a hundred.”
“It’s alright, I'm watching over them, Qin Zi, you don't need to worry.”
“I wouldn't worry if you weren't watching, but with you watching, I worry even more.” Qin Zi took a box out of her suitcase and handed it to Lin Ze. “The thing I mentioned last time, the Boundary Breaker Pike. I got it from a monk. It's their treasure, just like its name, it can break through barriers. But it has a condition. It can only break a barrier when the connection between the barrier and its owner is severed. You have the Eight Foot, so most ghosts can't hurt you. But if you encounter a ghost with a barrier, and you can't kill it, you'll be trapped alive. With this, as long as you use it the moment the Eight Foot disperses the barrier, you can break it directly.”
“You wouldn't usually need this, but it's good to be prepared. It's not big when it's folded up, you can carry it around easily. You just twist it like this and it will spring out.” Qin Zi demonstrated it to Lin Ze, then handed him the talismans at the bottom of the box.
“I've prepared some physical _Jingang Fu_ and defensive talismans for you to ward off ghosts. These are not easy to make, but I have a lot in my inventory. The Boundary Breaker Pike itself can also be used as an offensive magic weapon. Combined with talismans, ordinary ghosts won't be able to win against you. Plus the Eight Foot, sigh… you finally have some ability to protect yourself.”
Qin Zi had considered teaching Lin Ze exorcism, but he was more important as someone to be with Gako and the others. And this wasn't something you could learn in a day or two. Fortunately, he had later subdued the Eight Foot. Combined with what she had given him, he now had Gako to protect his consciousness, the Eight Foot to protect him in the real world, and magical items. At least he was safe in normal situations.
“Qin Zi, thank you, I don't even know how to thank you.” Lin Ze was genuinely grateful. No matter what Qin Zi's reasons were, she had clearly given him benefits, and she had been protecting and helping him all along.
“Alright, if you really want to thank me, then just live a good life and take care of Gako and the others. I'll be satisfied. Go out and keep them company. I'll tidy up myself, let me have some peace and quiet.” Qin Zi was wary of his gratitude, so she dragged him out the door.
Lin Ze went to the Eight Foot's room and took a look, but didn't bother her while she was playing on her phone.
After putting everything away, Lin Ze felt like he was finally getting somewhere! But the girls in the living room, eagerly waiting for him, made him feel defeated. “I can't handle them, I can't handle them.”