Master Lin's expression turned serious at Ethan's words.
"I think you should reconsider. Sometimes, in matters like this, it's better to let things be than to act hastily."
"I've already made up my mind," Ethan replied firmly. "The feng shui master at the time said that the coffin must be exhumed and reburied twenty years later. Only then will it bring the greatest benefit to our family."
Hearing this, Master Lin stopped trying to persuade him.
"Then we'll begin the exhumation in three days," he said.
Mr. Ren spoke again. "What should we prepare for the ritual?"
Without Daniel around to create chaos, there was no risk of an embarrassing scene like in the movies.
Ethan took out a prepared checklist and handed it to Mr. Ren. It contained all the items needed for the exhumation, down to the smallest details.
Mr. Ren examined it carefully. "Master Lin, no problem. I'll make sure everything is properly arranged."
At that moment, the middle-aged man in the black suit approached Mr. Ren. "Sir, Mr. Huang is here, over there."
Mr. Ren turned to Master Lin. "I'll go greet a friend. You two carry on." He added to the assistant, "Bring some egg tarts for them to enjoy."
After Mr. Ren left, the waiter brought over their coffee. Master Lin stared at the brown liquid, sniffing the faint bitter aroma.
Ethan knew his master's taste well. He picked up some sugar cubes. "Master, let me adjust the sweetness for you. Too much sugar isn't good for your health."
Master Lin nodded in appreciation. Ethan dropped two cubes into his cup and stirred with the small spoon. He did the same for his own coffee. This was before instant coffee existed, so the flavors crafted by the barista had a delicate richness that could not be replicated.
Seeing Ethan so attentive and refined, sipping coffee with such elegance, Master Lin silently compared him to the spoiled young men he had seen before and gave him an unspoken approval.
Just then, Mr. Ren returned, and the waiter brought the egg tarts.
"Here, try these. Master Lin, don't be shy. The egg tarts are excellent."
Ethan handed one to Master Lin, reminding him to enjoy it. Thanks to Ethan's intervention, there was no awkward mishap with "pure egg tarts" like in the movie.
When their discussion concluded, Ren Tingting spoke up. "Father, I want to buy some cosmetics."
Seeing her earnest expression, Mr. Ren smiled helplessly.
"By the way, Father, I still don't know where to buy cosmetics in town," she added, turning her gaze toward Ethan, who had just finished his tart.
Master Lin and Mr. Ren both noticed her intent. Master Lin said, "Ethan, why don't you take Miss Ren with you?"
Mr. Ren smiled warmly. "Thank you, Master Lin. And thank you, Little Taoist Ethan."
Hearing the subtle undertone, Master Lin shook his head quietly.
Urged by Ren Tingting, Ethan accompanied her out of the café. On the way, she asked if he had ever been abroad.
"I haven't traveled outside the country," Ethan replied, "but I've met many foreigners and know a fair bit about foreign lands."
Her eyes lit up with curiosity, and she pressed him for more details. Ethan, slightly helpless, explained as they walked. Drawing on knowledge he had gleaned from English merchants and memories from his previous life, he painted a realistic picture of life abroad, shattering the idealized notions she had harbored.
Ethan planned to take Ren Tingting to a cosmetics shop run by Evan's aunt. At that moment, Evan's aunt was giving instructions to Evan about a young lady from the Yihong Courtyard who would be coming to the shop. Then she left to buy groceries, leaving Evan bored at the counter.
Thanks to Ethan's careful guidance, none of the awkward incidents from the movie occurred.
At the shop entrance, Ethan and Ren Tingting happened to meet Evan's aunt.
"Ethan is here! Evan is inside the shop," she said, then noticed Ren Tingting in her pink dress and her eyes lit up. "Oh! Ethan, who is this lovely young lady? Finally, you're catching on!"
Since the group had known Evan's aunt since childhood, and were all from modest backgrounds, familiarity allowed them to call her "Aunt" comfortably.
"Please, Aunt, don't joke. This is Mr. Ren's daughter, Ren Tingting," Ethan explained.
Ren Tingting blushed slightly and gave a polite bow.
Evan's aunt, smiling, patted Ethan's shoulder and then left, leaving him slightly puzzled. Ethan didn't dwell on it and led Ren Tingting into Bao Xiang Zhai, the cosmetics shop.
Inside, Evan, propping his chin on his hands, noticed them immediately. A smile spread across his face, and he was about to greet Ethan when he saw Ren Tingting behind him. He shook his head in admiration.
"Wow, so beautiful! Senior Brother, who is she?"
Ethan introduced them properly. "This is Mr. Ren's daughter, Ren Tingting. And this is my third junior disciple, Evan."
Ren Tingting greeted politely, and Ethan explained her reason for visiting. Evan then proceeded to introduce the shop's products.
Evan knew the merchandise thoroughly, able to describe each item in detail, impressing Ren Tingting, who praised him repeatedly.
They selected a few items while chatting and laughing. Evan carefully packaged their choices. He considered giving the items for free, but Ren Tingting insisted on paying. After minor negotiation, she received an eight percent discount.
Evan watched them leave, slightly envious. At this point, he had reached the sixth stage of body refinement but had not yet built his foundation. He could not risk losing his primordial energy. To engage in intimate relations without affecting cultivation, he would need to reach the Golden Core stage first. He encouraged himself to train diligently so he could someday find a partner. Thinking of this, Evan chuckled aloud, startling a customer behind him.
Outside Bao Xiang Zhai, Ethan met Mr. Ren and Master Lin. After a brief conversation, Ethan accompanied Master Lin back home.
Three days remained until the exhumation and reburial. During this period, Ren Tingting often saw Ethan and Daniel in town, shopping or running errands. She always chatted with Ethan for a while, making Daniel quite envious.
Time flew by. On the day of the ritual, Mr. Ren and Ren Tingting waited at the foot of the hill. Master Lin and Ethan arrived punctually. Master Lin, dressed in a Taoist robe, exuded authority. Ethan, alongside him, was serious and respectful.
They each carried ritual implements. For the exhumation and reburial, they brought compasses, peachwood swords, Bagua mirrors, ceremonial robes, fly whisks, and more.
The Ren family had prepared the necessary offerings: the three sacrificial animals, wine, incense, and spirit money. Once both parties met, they would ascend the hill together, ready for the ritual.