Folk Strange Stories Part 1: The Witch Ancestor of Miao Township Chapter 13 Section 3: Signing a Contract

What are you looking at me for? You've got the wrong person. I glared at him irritably, then turned to the chubby and slim guys with a wry smile, "Director Gao, Director Hao, it seems that we are indeed a family in the Bureau of Folklore Affairs Research, able to live together for ninety-nine years, enduringly, till we're old and still working. It's quite a blessing. However, we're afraid we won't live to see the end of the contract."

"Heh heh, Xiao Shen, you have a good sense of humor. What's the big deal about a ninety-nine-year contract? It's like a secured job, you know? In this day and age, who complains about the length of a contract?" Director Gao Liang continued, "I've heard that you guys saw and heard some unusual things at the Altar of the Dian People. Are things better now?"

Before I could respond, my companion's face had already changed color. "How did you know? At first, I thought it was just my imagination, but then I saw all sorts of weird things after I got out. I've been too afraid to go out at night recently. Last week was the fifteenth day of the seventh month, and I didn't even dare to open the windows."

"Are you exaggerating a bit? Is it really that bad?" I looked at his exaggerated expression and said.

Unexpectedly, Director Gao Liang turned his gaze to me and continued, "How can Sun Desheng (my companion) compare to you? You were born with the ability to see those things, you've gotten used to it over time. He's only recently become sensitive to those things."

Director Gao Liang left me speechless with a few sentences. I've never mentioned my ability to anyone, how could he know?

Director Gao Liang seemed satisfied with our reactions, he looked at both of us with a smile and said, "Now that you're in the Bureau of Folklore Affairs Research, we're family. Whether it's a natural talent or a newfound trouble, we, as your family, will help you resolve it."

I hesitated with the pen, while my companion hesitated for a moment but then signed his name on the contract. Director Gao Liang watched him sign the contract and then turned to me, "Xiao Shen, do you have any questions?"

I scratched my head and said, "Director Gao Liang, to be honest, I'm not very familiar with government agencies. After leaving school, I went straight into the military camp. I'm not entirely clear about the functions and powers of the Bureau of Folklore Affairs Research. Could you please give me a brief introduction?"

"Heh heh, Xiao Shen, you're quite interesting," Gao Liang smiled at me and continued, "Explaining our functions to outsiders is a bit difficult, but since both you and Xiao Sun have awakened your 'third eyes,' you've already come into contact with the scope of our bureau's work." He paused for a moment, his smile becoming more serious, "Simply put, the Bureau of Folklore Affairs Research deals with events that science can't explain. For example, the incidents at the Dead Man's Pool in Yunnan. In fact, when we met in Yunnan, you had already guessed something, right, Xiao Shen?"

"Heh heh, I only guessed when I saw you." I chuckled awkwardly. Sometimes it's best to stay silent about certain things.

Feeling that it was about time to leave, I said politely, "Director Gao Liang, to be honest, I don't think I'm quite suited for the work at the Bureau of Folklore Affairs Research. I don't want to take up too much of your valuable time. I apologize."

Director Gao Liang's reaction surprised me a bit. He simply smiled and seemed quite indifferent to whether I stayed or left, "There's nothing to apologize for. Job hunting is a two-way choice after all. Xiao Shen, I wish you find a better job." He then stood up and shook my hand.

Just as I thought it was about time to go, Director Gao Liang casually stopped me, saying, "Xiao Shen, don't be in a rush to leave. I suddenly remembered something important that I need to tell you."

"Uh?" I was already halfway up, bending awkwardly. I didn't understand his meaning. He continued, "I've heard that your 'third eye' is innate. In your childhood, you had some experiences related to it. Later, someone gave you advice to use black dog blood to wash your hair, attempting to block your 'third eye,' right?"

"Please go on, don't be shy." Did you send people to my hometown to investigate? You didn't need to delve into things so thoroughly. Seeing my expression of surprise, Director Gao Liang smiled again and continued, "But the person who gave you that advice wasn't well-informed. The 'third eye' is inherently divine, while black dog blood is used to repel evil. Using it to block the 'divine' is futile."

He sighed with a wry smile, then continued, "Using black dog blood to wash your hair might seem like it's blocking the 'third eye,' but it's actually just polluting it. Over time, your 'third eye' will reappear."