Maybe I can even buy her a few books to teach her accounting, so she can fill out tax forms.
Lucien remembered reading an interesting theory in his previous life.
If ghosts really existed, they would inevitably be discovered.
Because these things aren't protected by labor laws, have no human rights, and don't get tired, they're the perfect choice for the sweatshops of capitalists to tighten screws.
Thinking about it that way, it seems really useful… cough cough cough… this is too hellish.
Lucien quickly shook his head, dispelling these wicked thoughts.
There aren't many jobs in the shop to begin with.
Besides, it's not like he can't afford to hire people; there's no need to be so stingy.
As for the astrologer, Lucien has other uses for her.
At the same time, a notification came to his mind at the right time.
[You have subdued an evil spirit for your own use, which provides valuable experience for subduing other evil spirits in the future.]
[You will be more adept at subduing evil spirits in the future.]
This reward is quite good.
But he just doesn't know how many evil spirits in this free land are qualified to become his subordinates, like the astrologer?
Before Lucien could continue his reflections, another notification sounded in his mind.
[Due to the contract with you, which overwrote the previous contract, your aura has attracted the attention of beings in the darkness.]
He'd been targeted again.
Lucien was already used to this.
Exorcists were easily resented by evil beings, and Eastern exorcists of different kinds were even more likely to be targeted.
The contract was already signed; if the other party wanted to come, so be it.
Lucien put away the tarot cards in front of him and sat down cross-legged.
As the exorcism continued, Lucien would inevitably encounter more evil spirits.
How could he not continue to improve his strength?
Cultivation couldn't stop for a moment.
He opened his shop to do business in the early morning and cultivated until the early morning after closing.
This routine made his days quite fulfilling.
Hailey and the others soon brought their payment, and the chubby boy obediently gave them $100,000.
The latter brought a somewhat thin young man.
Only after learning that the young man was the chubby boy's roommate, named Peter Parker, did Lucien notice that the chubby boy's appearance was somewhat familiar.
After repeatedly confirming that the young man couldn't scale walls, Lucien finally felt relieved.
Although it incorporated elements of a horror film, thankfully it didn't blend into any strange or bizarre worlds.
...
"The detective asked me to ask you something."
Carl, dressed in a patrol officer's uniform, sat at the counter, took Lucien's tea, thanked him, and continued the previous topic.
"What is it? Another paranormal event?"
"No. He wants you to serve as a special crime consultant for the Los Angeles Police Department, just on paper."
Carl shrugged.
"Once a person's perspective broadens, it's hard to ignore certain things."
"Many things, detectives want to investigate thoroughly, but they're all arbitrarily dismissed as accidents or suicides by their superiors."
Hearing this, Lucien shook his head.
"He's like this; nothing can change that."
He was well aware of the detective's obsession with catching the killer.
But he didn't understand the operating logic of this country.
Often, it wasn't that the higher-ups didn't know, but that they felt taking action was worse than not taking any.
Digging deeper, it boils down to whether it's worth it.
Train derailments are commonplace; why haven't they been resolved? Is it because the railway company doesn't know?
The reason is that the repair costs are too high, while the compensation offered to the deceased's family is insignificant compared to that.
So far, there haven't been any large-scale strange incidents.
If a major overhaul were to occur, causing public panic, who would bear the responsibility?
As for the deaths, it can simply be ruled an accident.
After all, there are plenty of missing persons every year; a few more won't make a difference.
"If anything happens, just let the Vatican handle it."
"So, Lucien, what do you think?"
"I'll think about it."
Lucien didn't refuse directly.
"The detective said if you don't agree immediately, then forget it."
Karl's tone was relaxed.
"For you, this shop is the most important thing, and the detective certainly knows that."
"Any special arrangements recently?"
Karl said, pulling a coupon from his pocket.
"The other day, didn't the detective introduce you to a bunch of silly college students?"
"He thinks those guys are mentally unstable and must have caused you a lot of trouble, so he's giving you a travel coupon."
Karl stood up, adjusting his police vest.
"I've brought what I needed, and delivered the items, so I won't bother you any longer."
"Bye."
After a brief farewell, Karl walked out of the shop to continue his daily patrol.
Lucien glanced at the address.
A small town in Washington State.
He roughly searched his memory.
That area was different from the dry, rainless California; it was often shrouded in mist.
This town was usually surrounded by forests.
Whether to go or not was still undecided.
He'd keep it for now.
Lucien put it down.
But just then, Lucien suddenly had a strange feeling.
Was it the travel voucher from earlier?
Lucien was a little confused.
No, it was the person outside the door.
Lucien looked up and saw a young woman push open the door of the antique shop.
She seemed distracted, not even looking at the shop's contents, but heading straight for the counter.
If she wasn't here to buy anything, then she was here for an exorcism…
"Excuse me, are you Master Fan Su?"
"Yes, I am."
Lucien nodded.
"I've heard you're very prestigious in the paranormal world… I've come to you this time because I want you to help me get rid of some strange things in my body."
"It might sound a bit far-fetched, but I seem to have awakened some special powers recently."
The woman spoke hesitantly, seemingly ashamed to mention it.
Special powers?
Lucien carefully examined her, confirming that she wasn't joking.
"What's so special about it?"
"When I'm angry and focused, I can see the other person's cardiovascular system, and other tissues. I feel like I could even destroy them..."
"...Sorry, I feel like I'm going crazy, but it's true."
"Because, because..."
The woman hesitated for a long time before finally gritting her teeth and speaking.
"A while ago, my boss was severely injured by this power and is still in the hospital..."
Hearing this, Lucien became interested.
Hearing this, Lucien suddenly noticed a faint glow in Lucien's eyes, and then his gaze became as sharp as if it could penetrate her body.
After a short while, the light in Lucien's eyes faded, and his gaze toward the woman held less doubt.
The woman did indeed possess a mysterious power within her, but the source of that power was not good.