Author: 木尺素 / Mu Chisu

Translator: Kinky || https://kinkytranslations.com/

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Chapter 30

“Ah, brother, do you think this is a living person?”

“Yes, he’s alive, not like those ghosts.”

Zhou Qian stood in the alley, hearing the voices of two children from behind a wooden door. After they finished their conversation, seemingly confirming Zhou Qian was alive, they opened the door.

One child was chubby and short, while the other was thin and tall. At a glance, they looked nothing alike, but upon closer inspection, their facial features shared some similarities, suggesting they were brothers.

Upon opening the wooden door, the two quickly invited Zhou Qian in. The shorter and chubbier one peeked out, looked cautiously left and right in the alley, and then quietly closed the door.

After chatting briefly with the two, Zhou Qian learned that they were indeed brothers. The shorter one was called Xiao Pang¹, the younger brother, while the taller one was called Da Shou², the older brother. The two currently resided in the suburbs and rarely ventured into the city.

¹Little fat/chubby. Named after how they look.
²Big thing. Named after how they look.

The strong smell of blood came from a dog. Behind the wooden door was a courtyard where a dog, already dead, was tied to a fence. Its throat had been slit, and beside it was a bowl meant to collect its blood. There were also splatters of blood on the ground from the bowl’s overflow.

Zhou Qian asked, “So… what’s going on in this city? Why has it become deserted?”

Da Shou replied, “We don’t know! One day we woke up and everyone was gone. We wandered around and realized there were ghosts everywhere in the city. Feeling something was amiss, we fled to the suburbs. We always played hide-and-seek in a particular spot in the woods, so we hid there.”

Thinking deeply, Zhou Qian asked, “Why did you return?”

Tearfully, Xiao Pang said, “Our mother is also missing. We want to find her!”

Da Shou patted Xiao Pang’s shoulder to comfort him, then added, “Now that the city is empty, we come here to find food. No one’s around to charge us anyway. We can’t hunt, so…”

Sighing, Da Shou continued, “We hope you don’t think we are stealing. Our mother taught us never to steal from others. However—”

“It’s okay.” Zhou Qian smiled. “Given the circumstances, you’re doing what you must to survive. But this dog…”

Da Shou explained, “Our mother had a pastry shop in the next alley. Across from her shop was a funeral parlor. The owner knew some rituals and taught us a bit. So, when we return to the city and encounter ghosts, we use those rituals to seal them.”

Zhou Qian nodded. “So, you’re using the dog’s blood to fend off the ghosts? How?”

Da Shou replied, “We caught this dog in the suburbs. We heard noises here, and sure enough, the place was haunted! We killed the dog. Soon, we will sprinkle its blood throughout this alley, encircle the house where the wedding is taking place, place talismans on the front door, and then the ghosts will be sealed.”

Xiao Pang added, “Yes, we will do our best to trap all the ghosts. We think our mother is hiding because she’s scared. Once all the ghosts in the city are sealed, she won’t have to hide, and we can find her.”

Most of the city’s inhabitants had become ghosts. Among the few survivors were these two brothers. They risked their lives to find their mother, using their abilities to fend off ghosts, hoping she wouldn’t have to hide anymore.

But could it be that so many ghosts exist because so many people died in the city?

It didn’t seem to occur to them… that their mother had also died and become a ghost?

Zhou Qian pondered, grasping a hint from the children’s words. Setting aside the matter of the ghosts, he asked, “You mentioned your mother runs a pastry shop? What’s it called?”

Without hesitation, Xiao Pang replied, “It’s called ‘Wang’s Osmanthus Cake’.”

Wang’s Osmanthus Cake? Wasn’t that Jiang Yuqing’s favorite osmanthus cake?

Seeing that Zhou Qian had no further questions, one child prepared the dog’s blood, while the other took out blank talisman papers, seemingly ready to draw symbols. Seeing this, Zhou Qian decided to leave.

Seeing Zhou Qian about to leave, two children stopped him.

Da Shou, the taller one, said, “Ah? Sir, are you going to attend the wedding banquet? It’s haunted there!”

“Aren’t you guys here drawing talismanic symbols to ward off the ghosts? Seeing your confidence, I feel assured. I’m just going for the spectacle,” Zhou Qian responded, and as he headed out the door, he glanced back. “By the way, I might be staying here for a while. If I encounter any ghosts… Can I ask for your help? Where can I find you?”

After thinking a bit, Da Shou replied, “Why not… let’s meet here. We come here every now and then anyway. You can leave a note for us on this table!”

“Thank you.” Zhou Qian waved at the two young boys and left.

Not far away, there was some noise coming from the large red doors at the end of the alley. Judging by the sounds, the wedding hadn’t started yet.

Thus, Zhou Qian decided not to rush back. Remembering what the children mentioned, he went to the pastry shop they talked about.

After walking down a corridor to the adjacent alley, Zhou Qian saw the aforementioned shroud shop and easily located the snack shop called “Wang’s Osmanthus Cake” opposite it.

The place looked deserted, but before he got close to the shop, Zhou Qian smelled the fragrance of osmanthus mixed with sweet dough. As he walked in and lifted the pot’s lid, he found it full of osmanthus cakes, seemingly freshly made and still fresh.

After gazing at the cakes for a moment, Zhou Qian took a bag and packed them all before heading back to the “Dong Shui” residence, which was about to host an odd wedding.

Upon returning to the end of the alley, the vibe was quite different. Moonlight shone bright, and red lanterns swayed in the wind. Lively chatter was heard from inside, indicating an impending celebration.

However, once inside, the atmosphere changed. Zhou Qian entered the main hall to find guests seated, chatting, and drinking, but their faces were unnaturally pale, and none had legs below. It was as if ghosts were having a party.

The wedding hadn’t officially begun. Soon, Zhou Qian found the old matchmaker with a distinctive mole and asked, “Where are our Falcon Squadron comrades? Where is Dong Shui?”

The old matchmaker replied kindly, “Oh, they’re in the west chambers. Let me take you there!”

Immediately, Zhou Qian followed her through the lobby, went through the back door into a courtyard, passed through the moon gate on the west side, and arrived at the west chambers.

The old lady opened the door and led Zhou Qian in. At this point, Zhou Qian saw that Situ Qing and Yun Xiangrong had indeed changed out of their military uniforms and were wearing ordinary cloth clothes. He Xiaowei was also in the room, having been forcibly dressed in a groom’s attire.

Zhou Qian looked him up and down, smiled, and said, “Not bad. Just yesterday, you told me you were looking for a girlfriend, and today you’ve directly found a wife.”

“Come on, stop making fun of me!” He Xiaowei gave him a smile that was uglier than crying and then took a deep breath. “Qian’er*, seeing you puts me at ease. I almost thought you had run away. I mean, we’re with a bunch of—”

*Er (儿) When added to an address, it is a form of endearment or an affectionate way to address someone.

After glancing at the old lady, He Xiaowei swallowed the word “ghosts” and didn’t dare to say it out loud.

“You two chat; I’ll bring you some food and drinks. Dong Shui, don’t be nervous. I’ll remind you of the process later. The auspicious time is coming soon!”

The old lady left with a cheerful smile.

After she left, He Xiaowei closed the door and sat down, patting his chest. “Not nervous? I’m marrying a ghost? How could I not be? I told myself before coming that I would not encounter a supernatural instance. I never expected this!”

Zhou Qian said, “If it’s arranged, just go with it. If the plot wants you to marry, then marry!”

“I don’t want to! Why am I Dong Shui? Why? Why not you?” He Xiaowei lamented. “You’d have been a better Dong Shui. Why are you Bei He?”

“I wish,” Zhou Qian replied. “Marrying a bride sounds fun. In reality, who would marry a lunatic like me? Here, even an NPC is willing, even if she’s a ghost.”

He Xiaowei was speechless for a moment, then slammed the table. “You’re just talking because it’s not you! I’m not marrying, I swear!”

Just then, the door opened with a “swoosh”. The old lady had returned. She brought a lot of fruits and tea, and surprisingly, a photograph.

Handing it to He Xiaowei, she said, “Your comrades haven’t seen your bride yet, right? Show them her picture first! Miss Zhang is absolutely beautiful. Dong Shui, you are lucky!”

After the old lady left again.

He Xiaowei continued to wail, “I really won’t marry. It’s impossible for me to marry! Why even look at the photo. Ah, this… ah, ah this…”

Zhou Qian didn’t care at all that the food was brought by a ghost. He directly grabbed a handful of sunflower seeds and began munching on them. As he munched, he realized that He Xiaowei’s tone had changed, so he looked over at him.

He Xiaowei was holding the photo in his hand, completely stunned.

Zhou Qian teased, “What? Saw an immortal?”

Staring at the photo, He Xiaowei mumbled, “Isn’t this an immortal?”

Curious, Zhou Qian took a look, and Yun Xiangrong and Situ Qing came over as well.

The girl in the photo was indeed beautiful. Dressed in a qipao, holding a paper umbrella on a stone path, with almond eyes and delicate eyebrows.

The photo was black and white, but her gentle gaze made everything seem colorful.

Seeing such a beautiful Miss Zhang, He Xiaowei couldn’t bring himself to say “I won’t marry her” anymore.

A moment later, the old lady came back with two servants. “Dong Shui, hurry up. It’s an auspicious time. Let’s start the ceremony! The wine for toasting the relatives is ready, it’s diluted, so you won’t get drunk.”

He Xiaowei looked hesitantly at Zhou Qian. “Well, Qian’er…”

Seeing his state, it seemed like he had genuinely fallen for the girl at first sight.

Zhou Qian said, “Go ahead. If you want to marry, then marry. Don’t be afraid.”

He Xiaowei: “Really?”

Zhou Qian nodded. “First, we haven’t received our actual quest yet. At this stage, no one should die unexpectedly. Second, I guess… this wedding won’t be completed.”

He Xiaowei, unsure whether to feel happy or disappointed, asked, “Why? Why?”

Zhou Qian simply said, “Because someone outside will exorcize the ghosts.”

As the auspicious moment approached, the groom He Xiaowei was taken away. Several players, identifying as the Falcon Squadron, were invited to the main hall.

The old matchmaker specially arranged a table for the three of them. Contrasted with the cheeriness at other tables, the three people at this table— Zhou Qian, Situ Qing, and Yun Xiangrong—all remained silent, with no one speaking.

Yun Xiangrong had decided to play her part to the end, even if it meant depleting her skill points. Even if she had any thoughts now, she had to pretend to be estranged from Zhou Qian and wouldn’t discuss matters with him openly.

As for Situ Qing, she sat quietly for the time being, seemingly not up to any tricks. However, Zhou Qian couldn’t tell if her gambler would come up with another plot. Given this, Zhou Qian had no plans to share any clues he had found.

After a while, Zhou Qian picked up a glass of wine and mingled among the guests, chatting here and there. For a moment, he seemed to get along harmoniously with the ghosts. Amidst the clinking glasses, he suddenly spotted someone.

Yes, it was a person. The difference between him and the other ghosts was clear—he had feet.

The man was tall and slender, wearing a trench coat and a tall black hat. He didn’t enter the main hall but stood near the courtyard. Even if his face wasn’t clear, through his stature and aura, Zhou Qian recognized him instantly.

He was the handsome officer from the photo illusion, the one who killed 12 gunmen in the end credits of “Checks and Balance”—the younger Jiang Yuqing.

Zhou Qian immediately stepped out but didn’t approach right away. Leaning against the door, holding his wine, he lifted his chin towards Jiang Yuqing.

Behind Zhou Qian, there was a lively celebration, but in front of him, there was a serene autumn courtyard. Jiang Yuqing stood quietly next to a withered tree, making the whole world seem peaceful.

After a while, a young servant approached, took a red-wrapped gift from Jiang Yuqing, and asked, “Mr. Jiang, won’t you come in for a while?”

“I have matters to attend to. I must go,” Jiang Yuqing replied and quickly left.

Seeing this, Zhou Qian immediately followed.

“Wait,” he called out.

Hearing Zhou Qian’s voice, Jiang Yuqing indeed stopped and turned his head.

Zhou Qian met his gaze, approached, and offered his drink. “Since you’re here, won’t you have a drink?”

Jiang Yuqing looked up, accepted the drink, and said, “Alright, I’ll drink. Thank you, Bei He.”

The wide brim of Jiang Yuqing’s hat cast a large shadow on his face. Only two red lanterns illuminated the dark night, making it hard for Zhou Qian to see his face clearly.

As Jiang Yuqing drank, Zhou Qian tried to lift the hat to see his face. However, he was a tad too slow as Jiang Yuqing swiftly turned away.

Zhou Qian narrowed his eyes, seemingly annoyed. He leaned closer, so close that his forehead touched the brim of the hat, and asked, “Hey, Mr. Jiang, won’t you let me see your face?”

Jiang Yuqing replied, “Bei He, I have things to do. I must go.”

As he turned, Zhou Qian grabbed his wrist. “Wait. I have a question for you.”

“What is it?”

“Don’t tell me you can’t see that those people are ghosts.”

To Zhou Qian, the ghosts behind him in the wedding hall seemed unaware of their deaths and were still immersed in their past lives. The two children, Xiao Pang and Da Shou, recognized them as ghosts and even thought of using dog blood and talismans against them.

In this game setting, humans and ghosts were distinctly different. Ghosts’ faces and feet weren’t like humans’, not to mention the joss paper all over the doorway.

So why couldn’t Jiang Yuqing see that they were ghosts?

It was now September of XX37. Was this Jiang Yuqing really from this timeline?

Zhou Qian looked closely, trying to discern Jiang Yuqing’s face, expression, and even his eyes in the dim light.

Soon after, he heard Jiang Yuqing say, “I’m not quite sure what you’re talking about. Bei He, are you… afraid of ghosts?”

Zhou Qian retorted immediately, “Afraid my ass!”

He wasn’t He Xiaowei after all.

Then he heard Jiang Yuqing laugh.

The laughter was extremely refined and gentle. In Zhou Qian’s mind, an image of a handsome officer writing love poems by candlelight immediately formed.

It seemed like he wouldn’t get answers about the mysterious matters, so Zhou Qian switched topics. “Jiang Yuqing, do you have… someone you like?”

“Someone I… like?” Jiang Yuqing seemed stunned; his voice clearly hesitant.

He then said, “I have dedicated my life to the nation. How could I also have a personal commitment? Matters of romantic love—I’ve long set them aside.”

Zhou Qian bluntly responded, “I don’t believe that. I clearly saw you secretly writing love poems!”

Jiang Yuqing seemed a bit agitated, and his tone became stern immediately. “That’s absolutely untrue. Don’t spout nonsense!”

“Just kidding. Why so serious?” Zhou Qian looked at Jiang Yuqing. Whether it was the glow from the red lanterns or something else, he noticed that Jiang Yuqing’s ears seemed to be turning red. Teasingly, he flicked the brim of Jiang’s hat and then tried to grab his ear.

It seemed he had truly annoyed the usually composed and refined Mr. Jiang, so Zhou Qian quickly took out a piece of Wang’s osmanthus cake from his bag. “Alright, alright, I won’t tease you anymore. Do you want to eat this?”

Seeing Jiang Yuqing in a daze, Zhou Qian asked him, “Why aren’t you taking it? Isn’t this your favorite snack?”

Jiang Yuqing accepted the cake slowly, as if lost in thought.

Then he said something that surprised Zhou Qian, “I’ve always said I don’t like sweets. You keep teasing me, then you give me these things that kids like… I’m not a child.”

Don’t like sweets?

Even when Jiang Yuqing was suffering from dementia, he couldn’t forget the osmanthus cake.

How could he not like it?

What Jiang Yuqing did next surprised Zhou Qian even more.

He kept insisting he didn’t like it but still put the osmanthus cake in his mouth. Unlike the scene Zhou Qian witnessed in room 701, where the elderly Jiang Yuqing was messy while eating the cake, this time he ate with utmost elegance, covering his mouth with one hand and taking small bites with the other. In the end, he even took out a handkerchief to carefully wipe his fingers clean.

“I really have to go now. I have other things to attend to. Bei He, see you later.”

Waving at Zhou Qian, Jiang Yuqing pocketed the handkerchief and turned to leave.

Meanwhile, Zhou Qian received a notification.

[Player Zhou Qian gave osmanthus cake to Jiang Yuqing, triggering a side quest: “Night Rain Addressed to the North”. Current completion: 30%]

Turning around and heading back through the vermilion gates, Zhou Qian frowned, seemingly puzzled about something. Just then, he saw Situ Qing and Yun Xiangrong.

It looked like they had followed him and witnessed his conversation with Jiang Yuqing.

The smile was gone from Yun Xiangrong’s face, but she surprisingly initiated. “Zhou Qian, did you not understand the storyline just now? No matter how intelligent you are, there are things you might not grasp.”

“The things I don’t understand… you do?” Zhou Qian asked.

“Yes.” Yun Xiangrong looked up at the dark night sky. “Gao Shan doesn’t eat spicy food. But when we first started dating, I didn’t know. I took him to eat hotpot based on my own preferences. He seemed to enjoy it a lot. I thought he really liked it. But in reality, he didn’t like hotpot or spicy food. He acted like he did only because he liked me. So—”

“Jiang Yuqing doesn’t like osmanthus cake. He likes Bei He.”

“The poem ‘Night Rain Addressed to the North’ is likely written for Bei He.”

“Ah, so not only does He Xiaowei have a romance line, but I do too,” Zhou Qian said with a smirk. “I wonder if there’ll be any melodramatic twists.”

Unexpectedly, just after mentioning ‘melodramatic’, Zhou Qian detected the smell of dog blood.

Turning around, he saw Da Shou running over and hiding behind a stone lion, holding a talisman in one hand and putting a finger to his lips in a “shh” gesture. On the other side, Xiao Pang did the same, ready to cooperate with Da Shou to deal with the ghosts.

Zhou Qian’s smile faded slightly, but he didn’t say much. Following the old woman’s shouts, he returned to the hall with Yun Xiangrong and Situ Qing.

A moment later, Zhou Qian stood amidst a group of ghosts, looking at the newlywed couple above the hall. The bride, Miss Zhang, had a veil covering her face, obscuring her features. Additionally, eerily, she had no feet. But from her silhouette, she was clearly beautiful.

Beside her, Zhou Qian noticed He Xiaowei’s hand trembling when he grabbed the red ribbon, unsure if it was out of excitement or fear.

“Bow to heaven and earth!”

Following this command, under semi-coercion by the old woman, He Xiaowei and the bride performed the ritual bowing to heaven and earth together.

“Pay respects to the high hall!”

He Wei and the bride turned together. Before him were Dong Shui’s parents.

Two elderly people, both without feet, sat serenely. Their smiles should have been kind, but their faces were too pale. Combined with wrinkles all over, they looked genuinely eerie.

“Exchange bows between husband and wife!”

After this bow, the ceremony would be officially complete.

Perhaps thinking of this, when they got to this step, He Wei’s hand trembled extraordinarily.

Before his eyes, Miss Zhang gracefully bowed, her body bending forward.

He Wei remained motionless, being urged by the old matchmaker. “Dong Shui! Dong Shui!! What’s the matter? Hurry up, bow with your wife!”

Cold sweat soaked He Wei’s back.

The allure from the photo of the beautiful woman seemed to have faded.

Facing the reality that he was about to exchange bows with a footless female ghost, his legs felt so weak that he almost knelt.

But at that moment, he heard an incredibly pleasant voice.

“Dong Ge? What’s wrong with you? Don’t you want to marry me anymore? Don’t you love me anymore?”

The voice made He Xiaowei feel tingly all over.

He suddenly felt a determination that if there was such a sweet-voiced girl, even if she was a ghost, he would marry her.

But just as he bent his waist, about to lower his head, several talismans drifted into the courtyard, blown by the wind.

Suddenly, before his eyes, the bride, the matchmaker, the parents, all the guests… all vanished.

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