As An Antique Shop Owner, It's Only Reasonable That I Know A Bit Of Magic - Chapter 38

“Look, the long night is almost here.”

Su Fan’s words made Annie and Jamie feel as though they were witnessing a scene of bloody carnage.

“Su, I’ll take you to the props room to deal with the ghost glove right now.”

Anne immediately rose from the sofa.

The house being used as a rest area for the actors wasn’t very large, and the props room was located in the basement—a place nobody wanted to stay.

Upon opening the door, a wave of chilly, damp air rushed out, causing Anne to shiver involuntarily.

“That’s strange, the basement shouldn’t be this cold…”

Anne muttered, switching on a flashlight and stepping inside.

The dim space and the invading cold made her hunch her shoulders and instinctively move closer to Su Fan, who was beside her.

This simple action made Anne’s eyes light up with surprise.

The bone-chilling cold she had felt moments ago seemed to lessen significantly. It was incredible.

Is it because I’m closer to Master Su Fan?

Once this thought crossed her mind, she edged even closer.

Sure enough, this time, the cold sensation almost completely vanished.

[Master Su is truly extraordinary,] Anne couldn’t help but marvel inwardly.

However, a voice came from beside her the next second.

“Miss Anne, if you squeeze any closer, I won’t be able to walk.”

Anne turned her head abruptly and realized Su Fan had been pressed against the wall of the corridor.

“Sorry… so sorry…” A faint, pretty blush appeared on Anne’s cheeks as she quickly apologized and took a small step back.

The crushing proximity turned into simply walking shoulder-to-shoulder.

It was still far closer than normal social boundaries would allow.

Su Fan mentally recited, “A gentleman does not take advantage of a dimly lit room,” and continued forward calmly.

Soon, they reached their destination.

Various costumes and props were neatly arranged in their designated places.

On top of one of the boxes lay the tattered, bladed ghost glove.

“This is it.”

Su Fan stepped forward, placed an Evil-Warding Talisman on it, and then carefully stored the glove away.

“Is that all? Why are you taking it with you?”

Anne curiously leaned her head closer, the pleasant scent of her hair wafting under Su Fan’s nose.

She had completely adapted to this unusual proximity, not finding it the least bit inappropriate.

But Su Fan was different.
A man remains a boy at heart until he dies. Having a top-tier beauty practically nestled against him—saying he wasn’t the slightest bit nervous or flustered would be a lie.

Outwardly, however, Su Fan showed no unusual reaction and patiently explained.

“The talismans I make aren’t complicated to use. Placing an Evil-Warding Talisman on this evil object can affect Freddy’s true form, weakening him.”

“I’m taking it away because I’m worried someone might remove the talisman or touch the glove, needlessly losing their life.”

After hearing Su Fan’s explanation, Anne nodded in understanding.

“I see. Master Su Fan, you are very thoughtful.”

“It’s a small thing.”

How many times in movies had fools carelessly breaking a seal led to bloody chaos?
It was better to be safe than sorry.

Su Fan’s预感 (premonition) was correct, because just as they were heading to the props room, the “fools” had already begun to act.

…

After her talk with Rachel, Elizabeth didn’t leave the set directly. Instead, she went to ask others about Su Fan.

Anne’s poor sleep was no secret on set, and people often saw Elizabeth entering and leaving the actors’ rest area. When she came asking questions, they told her everything Su Fan had done that afternoon.

“He actually resorted to violence?”

Elizabeth was overjoyed to hear this news.

Offending the director, coupled with violent behavior—these two points were enough for her to drive away that rude Chinese young man.

When she learned he had stuck some kind of yellow paper talisman on Anne’s forehead, she was practically gleeful.

If he had been from an Ivy League school or a major medical institution, she might have had to reconsider.

But according to witnesses, he was just a background-less charlatan!

Believing in some dream demon was absurd enough.

If you’re going to run a scam, at least make it convincing.

Sticking a piece of yellow paper on someone can cure them? He could have at least brought a Bible and sprinkled some holy water for show.

He must be a fraud attracted by the exorbitant fee Anne was offering!
Elated, Elizabeth immediately shared her theory with the various actors.

The actors, who had been somewhat spooked by the incident with the Clear Mind Talisman shattering during the day, finally found a rational explanation and began to believe Elizabeth’s story.

This news also quickly reached the director’s ears.

The bearded director, still sore from being kicked, was already displeased. Hearing that Elizabeth planned to publicly expose the fraud in front of everyone, he immediately agreed.

“But how can you be sure the fraud will come here to peddle his wares?” The director looked at Elizabeth with suspicion.

“Director, you haven’t dealt with this type of person; it’s normal you wouldn’t know,” Elizabeth said, a confident, knowing smile appearing on her face.

“A fraud’s goal is money, and the more, the better.”
“Would he pass up so many actors and crew members here?”

“You mentioned before that initially, only Anne had this condition, but later Rachel suddenly became affected too.”

“He will definitely explain this coincidence as a spreading curse or some vengeful ghost seeking lives.”

“Then he’ll sell things like protective amulets.”

“No matter how flowery his language, if the end result is him selling something, it’s definitely a scam.”

“If there really was a vengeful ghost seeking lives, wouldn’t he keep these things for himself?!”

This long string of logical reasoning made the director nod repeatedly.

“You’re right, Professor Elizabeth.”

“Let’s proceed as you suggested.”

Elizabeth straightened her clothes and lifted her chin slightly.

“Believe in science, Director. Always believe in science, no matter what.”

“The era of deceiving the public with lies and superstition is over.”

…

“Let’s go upstairs and give the director and the others some Evil-Warding Talismans.”

After coming out of the props room, Anne immediately suggested.

“You said it yourself, Su, Freddy absorbs people’s fear to grow stronger.”

“These talismans aren’t just to protect their lives; they’ll also make it easier for you to deal with Freddy.”

Su Fan looked at Anne Hathaway but didn’t agree immediately.

“These things aren’t free. One talisman costs five thousand dollars.”

“And have you considered that even if you give them, they might not appreciate it?”

The actors’ reactions during the director’s scolding of Anne and Rachel earlier spoke volumes.
He didn’t believe Anne was unaware.

“Whether they appreciate it or not is up to them. I just need to have offered,” Anne replied breezily.

Hearing Anne’s carefree response, Su Fan shrugged.

He didn’t want to see everyone fall victim to a vicious ghost’s massacre either.

It was a good thing his employer, Anne, had such a kind heart.

“Alright then, we’ll do it your way.”