[September 6th, Friday, 5:30 PM]

"Seriously, why do I still have to fulfill teacher duties even though I’ve left school?"

Driving on the highway, Teacher Gan Xia complained unhappily.

"Because it’s a club activity, so Little Gan Xia has to participate, and you’re not really that unwilling, are you?"

Banai teased Teacher Gan Xia, who was driving.

"We had a great time last time we went out together too."

"Good grief... But Duanmu, are you sure?"

Gan Xia helplessly glared at Banai, then quickly changed the subject.

"Will there really be handsome guys?"

"There should be."

Duanmu Huai glanced at his phone.

"Mr. Ueno is a famous folklore scholar with deep knowledge of Japanese folklore and history, and he has connections with many major directors in the entertainment industry. Many successful people will attend the opening of his museum this time."

"That’s good... Hmm, hmm... This increases my chances..."

Hearing Duanmu Huai’s answer, Teacher Gan Xia’s eyes twinkled brightly—a nearly thirty-year-old single woman doesn’t miss any chance to meet a good man.

Currently, everyone was heading to the home of the folklore scholar Ueno Tree, introduced to Duanmu Huai by Director Qingshui. This gentleman is said to be over seventy years old. He has spent his life passionately researching Japan’s ancient folklore and history, boasting impressive achievements in both areas. He is well-versed in both official and unofficial histories and is also a professor of Tokyo University’s history department.

However, compared to being called a historian, Mr. Ueno seems to prefer the title of folklore scholar. In fact, the main reason Duanmu Huai is going this time is to attend the opening ceremony at Mr. Ueno’s invitation.

It is said that Mr. Ueno has opened a museum in the suburbs, displaying souvenirs from his lifelong folklore research, with the opening scheduled for tomorrow. Given Mr. Ueno’s past guidance on folklore and historical aspects for various TV shows and films, he certainly has some fame in the entertainment industry.

When Duanmu Huai approached Director Qingshui, the latter had just learned about this event and mentioned it to Mr. Ueno, who then enthusiastically sent an invitation to Duanmu Huai, welcoming him to the opening ceremony.

So Duanmu Huai called Banai and Chitanda. Of course, since they are minors, an adult was needed to accompany them, hence inviting the advisor teacher, Little Gan Xia.

Originally, Little Gan Xia didn’t want to go, but upon hearing that such an occasion would have many young talents... well, now she was more enthusiastic than anyone else.

Although to Duanmu Huai, an older single female teacher looking as youthful as himself doesn’t seem to have much chance of success.

But... who knows?

Because even if there’s a 99% chance of failure, there’s still a 1% possibility of success, right?

"My father has met Mr. Ueno before."

Chitanda spoke up at this point.

"The gentleman seems quite spirited, and he loves telling ghost stories."

"Really?"

"Hmm..."

Chitanda’s expression was unusually complex; she doesn’t like stories where people die, so naturally, ghost stories don’t pique her interest. Perhaps Mr. Ueno had once caught her to tell ghost stories, which might indeed have been quite taxing for Chitanda.

In fact, Chitanda was originally a bit reluctant to come this time, but it seems like her father wanted her to greet Mr. Ueno, so she had no choice but to come.

"Is it here?"

"The navigation should be correct."

By the time the group arrived at their destination following the navigation, it was over an hour later.

"Is this the museum?"

Banai looked curiously at the tall building in front of them, appearing somewhat surprised. This was understandable; not only was Banai surprised, but others were too since when you mention a museum, people usually think of grandiose buildings.

However, the building in front of them is less of a museum, and more of a mansion apartment, with ivy-covered walls and an old-style design that shows its long history. If it weren’t for the words "Baixue Hall" on the mansion, no one would mistake this place for a museum.

"Did we get lost?"

Teacher Gan Xia picked up her phone and squinted doubtfully at the map, but by this time, Duanmu Huai had already hung up the call.

"This is the place, follow me."

While speaking, Duanmu Huai led the group to the entrance of Baixue Hall and pressed the doorbell. Soon after, someone opened the door and walked out.

A woman who looked to be in her twenties appeared, wearing a dress and looking very simple and elegant. Upon seeing Duanmu Huai, she hesitated for a moment.

"Oh? Are you Miss Duanmu Ai?"

"Yes."

Duanmu Huai bowed slightly.

"I’m Duanmu Ai from Mei PRO Office, and I’m honored to be invited by Mr. Ueno to attend the opening ceremony."

Seeing Duanmu Huai’s reaction, Banai and Chitanda quickly bowed to greet her too.

"Ah, welcome, everyone. Please come in."

As she spoke, the woman welcomed them inside.

Upon entering the house, everyone felt even more peculiar. Although this presented itself like a museum hall, it also had the layout of a typical home. This left everyone uncertain whether they should follow the etiquette of visiting someone’s home or go through the museum’s visiting procedures...

"Ah, please, there’s no need to worry."

The woman obviously noticed everyone’s confusion and hurriedly smiled to dispel it.

"This entire first floor is a museum, so please feel free to explore."

"First floor? Isn’t the second floor?"

"The second floor is where the teacher lives... ah, I haven’t introduced myself yet. My name is Sakura Kahi, and I’m a student under Mr. Ueno."

The woman named Sakura Kahi was a female college student, a disciple of Mr. Ueno, which explained why she was here to greet the guests—well, that was quite normal.

According to Sakura Kahi’s introduction, this place was a museum and also the home of Mr. Ueno. It truly was eye-opening. At least Duanmu Huai couldn’t figure out why anyone would want to combine their home with a museum. But eccentric people do eccentric things, and Duanmu Huai wasn’t concerned with the old man’s mental health.

According to the design of the mansion, the first floor originally had a lounge, reception room, dining room, and other places, but now these areas had been cleared out and turned into exhibition halls. Even in the corridors, exhibition cabinets were placed on both sides, and exhibition platforms were fixed to the walls.

The items inside were diverse and varied, including everything. Based on Miss Sakura Kahi’s introduction, these exhibits were categorized into types such as toys, daily items, flowers and trees, insects and animals, etc., even pots, bowls, and pans were included. Of course, these exhibits were not just placed there; below each item was a descriptive plaque. The plaques detailed folklore or stories related to the exhibits.

Duanmu Huai looked at a few—a pillow that would kill whoever slept on it, a cursed Ichimatsu doll, and a comb that would cause baldness...

It was, indeed, quite interesting.

Banai viewed them with great interest, unlike Chitanda, who seemed cautious, afraid to come close, as if these exhibits were highly toxic and touching them could be fatal.

As for Teacher Gan Xia... well, she was only concerned about when her good man would show up.

Even the dining room in the mansion was transformed into a café style, and when Sakura Kahi opened the door, Duanmu Huai saw several guests already seated inside—likely those who had arrived earlier.

"Hey? Miss Duanmu? You’ve come too?"

Seeing Duanmu Huai appear, several individuals seemed rather surprised, and Duanmu Huai nodded.

"Yes, I’ve come at the invitation of Mr. Ueno to attend the opening ceremony—these are members of my club and the advisor teacher."

"Club... oh, right, I almost forgot Miss Duanmu, you’re still a high school student."

One of the big guys patted his head and laughed.

Soon, the other few also stepped forward, introducing themselves to Duanmu Huai. Although they were older than Duanmu Huai in age, in terms of social status, that was another matter entirely.

Among the four present were Composer Maekura, Mr. Ueno’s university colleague, Literature Professor Sato, and, like Duanmu Huai, Entertainment Industry Producer Sangtian, and the burly man who greeted Duanmu Huai earlier—Detective Dashan from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Investigation Division.

Besides them were Mr. Ueno’s students, other than Sakura Kahi, who greeted Duanmu Huai and others at the door, there were Ueda Mika and Miyamoto Takashi.

Compared to the neatly dressed Sakura Kahi, Ueda Mika’s attire was flamboyant, with bleached blonde hair, resembling a playful Spicy Girl.

Miyamoto Takashi was a bespectacled student, seemingly reticent, particularly nervous facing Duanmu Huai, Banai, and Chitanda as his face turned red. He managed to greet them with difficulty before retreating.

While Duanmu Huai was greeting them, Chitanda silently sat beside them, not uttering a word. As the eldest daughter of the Chitanda family, she had attended similar banquets numerous times and was accustomed to it. Meanwhile, Banai glanced around before being quickly attracted by the snacks on the table.

And naturally, that was the end of it.

When food is placed in front of Banai, the outcome is obvious.

"By the way... why are you here?"

Duanmu Huai cast a questioning glance at Detective Dashan, slightly frowning, while the latter chuckled bitterly, waving his hand.

"Don’t look at me like that, I’m not here on official business today."

"Don’t tell me you have personal ties with Mr. Ueno too?"

"Hehehe..."

Faced with Duanmu Huai’s inquiry, Detective Dashan scratched his head, looking rather embarrassed.

"Actually... Mr. Ueno is my father-in-law, so could I possibly not come to support this event?"

"Oh..."

Upon hearing this, Duanmu Huai instantly understood.

If he didn’t come, he’d probably be kneeling on a washboard at home later.

"Xiao Ai, do you know this Mr. Dashan?"

At this point, Banai, curiously munching on snacks, leaned over to inquire, while Detective Dashan laughed heartily.

"When filming a TV drama before, we collaborated with the crew, so I met Miss Duanmu at that time because of some matters, oh, speaking of which..."

"Hmm?"

"Nothing, nothing."

Seeing Duanmu Huai snort softly, Detective Dashan immediately smiled awkwardly and fell silent. Witnessing this, Banai and Chitanda grew even more curious.

"Creak—!"

Just then, the door on the other side of the café opened, and an elderly man, dressed in a kimono and holding a cane, with a vigorous spirit, strode in.

Upon his appearance, everyone stood up and greeted him.

This wasn’t just anyone, but the owner of Baixue Hall, the master of this place—Mr. Ueno.