Forbidden Eyes of Deception

Chapter One: The Incident

After graduating from university, Lin Ran had been living in the provincial capital due to work requirements, while his parents remained in the countryside. Every year during the holidays, Lin Ran would return home to reunite with his parents. As their only child, Lin Ran was the center of his parents’ attention and concern.

“Ran, hurry up and get out of bed! After breakfast, you’re coming with me to your third aunt’s house!” His mother’s nagging voice drifted in from the kitchen before Lin Ran had even woken properly.

“We’re going to my third aunt’s? What for?” Lin Ran asked, still groggy.

“You nosy boy, why do you ask so many questions? Listen to me, when we’re at your third aunt’s, don’t speak out of turn!” His mother shot him a stern glare, fire-poker in hand. The message was clear: disagree, and the poker would do the talking.

“Fine, fine, I get it. Superstitious old ways—she’s just a fraud,” Lin Ran responded absentmindedly, muttering under his breath. This so-called third aunt was what villagers called a “spirit medium,” someone who “interpreted incense.” Whenever someone in the village fell ill or lost a cow, they would run to her. Such tricks might fool the villagers, but Lin Ran, a graduate from a prestigious university, would have none of it.

“What did you say? I’m superstitious? You ungrateful brat, grown up now and think you can ignore your mother? Do you have any idea your very life was saved by your third aunt? You heartless little beast!” At his words, his mother’s anger exploded. She stormed i