Author: 年终 / Nian Zhong

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

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Chapter 45: In the Human World

Bai Shuangying declined Fang Xiu’s invitation to breakfast, and Fang Xiu didn’t press the matter. To prepare for eating more, he even visited a pharmacy and proactively bought some digestion tablets.

Then he began.

A bowl of wontons, a cup of eight-treasure porridge, a full set of thin pancakes… Fang Xiu devoured the breakfast shop’s offerings like a ravenous beast, resembling a possessed food processor.

Bai Shuangying’s eyes widened slightly as he watched. How could this guy chew slowly yet eat so fast at the same time?

Though the Underworld provided him a human shell, it was still a shell. Fang Xiu had a slim waist and thin flesh. After all this food, his stomach slightly bulged. Bai Shuangying couldn’t help himself. He reached out and poked Fang Xiu’s belly.

Fang Xiu was drinking tofu pudding when the poke made him jolt all over nearly choking him.

“Stop, my belly’s ticklish.” Fang Xiu coughed for a long while, his face turning red.

Bai Shuangying regretfully withdrew his hand.

His human had been eating since six in the morning, all the way until the 9:15 AM movie screening.

Right before the show, Fang Xiu even bought caramel popcorn and a Coke at the theater. After all, the Underworld was footing the bill, so he might as well enjoy it.

It was Bai Shuangying’s first time seeing “exploded grain”, and he took interest in the popcorn.

Fang Xiu scooted over sneakily. “Need me to draw a circle for you?”

This wasn’t the Disaster Relief Tower, and these weren’t spirit souls, so Fang Xiu wasn’t sure if Bai Shuangying could eat human-world food directly. He offered the popcorn bucket eagerly, eyes full of curiosity.

Bai Shuangying picked out a kernel from the bucket and ate it.

“Not bad,” he commented.

The method of processing grains was novel to him. He’d only ever seen humans grind flour and steam it.

Before Fang Xiu could respond, Bai Shuangying leaned over and mimicked Fang Xiu’s motion, taking a sip of his Coke.

His long hair brushed Fang Xiu’s wrist, freezing Fang Xiu in place.

His Adam’s apple bobbed, fingers tightening slightly, as if the straw was connected to his nerves.

He had just used that straw himself. Wasn’t this kind of inappropriate…

In the past, classmates had taken sips from his drinks, and he found it disgusting, ending up giving them the whole bottle.

Now, though, he didn’t find Bai Shuangying dirty. Bai Shuangying’s white robes were spotless, and his true form was beautiful enough to seem otherworldly.

Still, Fang Xiu felt awkward.

Just a few days ago, he’d held the guy all night in his arms. Looking now at the white-clad Bai Shuangying, he belatedly registered how strange it all was.

Meanwhile, Bai Shuangying frowned after drinking the Coke. “This thing feels like it’s biting me.”

Fang Xiu snapped back to reality, curling his lips. “That’s carbon dioxide… well, little bubbles exploding. It’s fine.”

Bai Shuangying glanced at the popcorn. “Do humans like ‘explosions’ now?”

Fang Xiu couldn’t hold back and burst out laughing in front of the concession stand clerk.

He bought an extra bucket of chocolate-flavored popcorn and got his ghost a lemon iced tea. There was no fizz, so it was very safe to drink.

Bai Shuangying carefully concealed himself and didn’t cause any “floating-tea scares”. People around could sense someone near Fang Xiu but couldn’t quite focus their attention on that figure.

And so, the two entered the theater without a hitch.

Man and ghost, both wearing 3D glasses, with popcorn in one hand and a drink in the other, took the best seats in the house.

It was a weekday morning, so the place wasn’t crowded. And since the movie was a re-release, the audience was sparse. It was almost like they were watching a private screening.

The film was a cliché disaster romance with a simple plot: pollution leak spawns a mutant monster that razes the city. A man and woman rise to the occasion, build powerful weapons, and slay the beast.

The main storyline wasn’t really about the monster. It was about how the two leads went from enemies to lovers.

Bai Shuangying ate popcorn while watching attentively in an unusually proper position. He didn’t make a sound the whole time, which was more disciplined than most humans.

Fang Xiu slouched lazily, his head leaning on his ghost’s shoulder, eyes angled toward the screen.

He’d seen the film several times before—on a phone, on a computer, but never in a theater.

It was just as he imagined. The giant screen was indeed impressive, and the feeling of watching a movie with a friend was delightful.

His only regret was that Bai Shuangying was too composed. Even during intense 3D destruction scenes, his ghost sat calmly in place, completely unfazed.

Fang Xiu kept glancing at Bai Shuangying’s face, until the latter reached out and turned his head toward the screen.

After the movie, Bai Shuangying reflected, “So it was a story from a foreign land.”

Fang Xiu sucked on his straw. “Yeah, it’s a pretty famous feel-good flick abroad. ‘Feel-good’ means it’s supposed to be uplifting.”

Bai Shuangying looked down. “I didn’t feel uplifted.”

“Huh?”

“The creature only wanted to survive. It destroyed the city because it was too large.” He recalled the plot. “Everyone in the story hated it, but I saw no fault in it. Humans released the toxins first, which created the monster.”

“Because it crushed a lot of people. Humans always see things from their own perspective,” Fang Xiu replied casually.

Bai Shuangying snorted. “It’s clearly a survival conflict, yet they moralize and call the creature ‘inhumane’. Why should an alien species understand humanity?”

Then he suddenly caught himself. Fang Xiu was human; he shouldn’t be so blunt.

He hurriedly grabbed two more popcorn kernels and pretended it was just idle talk.

Fang Xiu responded, “You’re not wrong.”

Bai Shuangying: “?”

“Yes, humans polluted first, and those responsible deserve punishment. But you can’t expect the rest of humanity to just lie down and die because of a few bad apples.”

Fang Xiu stared at the end credits. “And the monster isn’t obligated to make exceptions for innocents either. It’s unrealistic to ask them to distinguish the innocent one by one, just like humans kill entire bug nests after being bitten by a poisonous one, instead of hunting the single culprit.”

“Like you said, it’s just a survival struggle. There is no right or wrong.”

That perspective didn’t seem like a typical human’s. Bai Shuangying thought, ‘Is my human always this understanding?’

Bai Shuangying: “Do you really think ‘a monster destroying the world’ is morally neutral?”

Fang Xiu scratched his head. “Depends on context. I don’t think this counts… it’s just a plot for a movie. If we’re talking about reality, it’s more like ‘humans are destroying the world’.”

So just theoretical. But Fang Xiu wasn’t blindly pro-human, which was a good sign.

“What if there was really an evil spirit that wanted to destroy the world?” Bai Shuangying asked.

Fang Xiu: “We try peaceful solutions first. If that fails, then a fair fight.”

Bai Shuangying hesitated, then pretended to casually ask, “What if I said I wanted to destroy the world?”

Fang Xiu fell silent.

A few seconds later, he said, “Did you see those people going to work at six this morning?”

Bai Shuangying nodded.

Fang Xiu: “I also have to head out at 6AM. I’d guess at least half of those people also want to destroy the world.”

Bai Shuangying: “……”

Fang Xiu sighed: “Even I’ve wished the world would end. People just fantasize. It’s not like they’ll act on it. Unless… can you?”

Bai Shuangying, honest as ever: “No.” Not yet.

Fang Xiu said earnestly, “You’re probably going through something seriously frustrating, and worse, you have no one to vent to, or even if you do, it’s useless. Fantasizing about destroying the world is normal. Even rabbits bite when cornered.”

Bai Shuangying: “…………”

He was speechless. And the worst part? Fang Xiu practically nailed it.

Fang Xiu tugged Bai Shuangying’s sleeve. “See, we’re not like the movies. For unlucky guys like us, destroying the world isn’t the goal. It’s the means!”

Bai Shuangying: “………………The means?”

“Yeah, the means to make you feel better.”

Fang Xiu said firmly, “So if you’re upset, just tell me. Maybe I can help cheer you up. If not, at least saying it out loud might help… Once your mood improves, you won’t need to destroy the world.”

This human’s warped logic is kind of amazing, Bai Shuangying thought. He stared at Fang Xiu’s sincere face, momentarily bewildered.

Finally, he switched topics. “So what was the appeal of the movie? I didn’t get it.”

Fang Xiu didn’t care about the plot, and the tactics in the movie weren’t impressive. Was there a deeper reason he chose it?

Fang Xiu: “To watch the leads fall in love. The romance was well done.”

Bai Shuangying polished off the remaining popcorn in one go and left.

“Hey, wait up—”

……

That afternoon, Bai Shuangying didn’t choose any flashy tourist attractions. Instead, he picked a quiet cat café. It was in a secluded location, and since most young people were at work, they were the only customers.

Bai Shuangying was pleased. Fang Xiu had dragged him to a crowded hotel at noon, and watching humans had worn him out.

This time, it was Fang Xiu’s turn to be shocked.

Everyone knew small animals hated evil spirits. In some regions, black cats and dogs were believed to repel them. But here, the café’s cats all flocked to Bai Shuangying, while Fang Xiu was the one they avoided.

Bai Shuangying sat calmly in a corner, his robe hem weighed down by cats. A few even climbed into his lap, nuzzling his sleeves. One bold tabby leapt onto his shoulder and pawed at his long hair.

The room buzzed with purring.

And Bai Shuangying looked relaxed, not at all cold like he was with humans. He let the cats mess up his robes, and didn’t even get mad when they licked his hair.

Fang Xiu edged closer in disbelief, and several cats moved away warily.

He had too much blood on his hands, and knew his aura was ominous. He’d expected this… but it still felt unfair. Bai Shuangying was a bona fide evil spirit!

Fang Xiu was baffled.

…Was Bai Shuangying catnip incarnate?

He did smell faintly herbal, but catnip wasn’t white, was it?

Fang Xiu cautiously asked, “Are you a cat demon king?”

Everyone knew cats were liquid. Maybe Bai Shuangying’s true form was an illusion.

Bai Shuangying: “I just like animals.”

“Humans are animals too.”

“Animals don’t cause as much trouble as humans.”

“…Fair.”

Fang Xiu crept closer to Bai Shuangying’s side, trying to pet the cats. The tabby hissed at him, but Bai Shuangying picked it up by the scruff and set it down in front of Fang Xiu.

Fang Xiu managed to pet it twice. The cat’s ears flattened into airplane ears and it trembled.

Fang Xiu sighed. “Forget it.”

Killing too many people had its downsides. He accepted it.

So in the end, Bai Shuangying spent the afternoon stroking cat fur, and Fang Xiu stroked Bai Shuangying’s sleeves. Both had a lovely time.

Until night fell.

Before heading to the pedestrian street, Fang Xiu specially bought two bouquets. Not wanting to trouble the florist, he didn’t specify funeral flowers, only requested something subdued and “Mid-Autumn-ish”.

Years had passed, but the street hadn’t changed much.

The electronics store still operated normally. It was right next to the street archway, easily visible upon entry. Beside it, the milk tea shop was still open, selling osmanthus tea.

The store clerk was plump and cheerful, claiming to be the assistant manager. On the photo board inside, there was a picture of Li Shuo.

Li Shuo had the same dyed hair, pulling faces at the camera with a wide grin.

“Can I leave these flowers here?” Fang Xiu pointed at the photo. “He was half a friend. I came to visit him.”

The clerk was surprised. “You knew my master?”

“Your master?”

“Yeah, he trained me years ago. He was really good with his hands. But one year during Mid-Autumn, he just stopped showing up. Couldn’t reach him by phone, no one at his place either. We all knew something happened but never found out what.”

The clerk looked excited. “What happened to Li Ge? Some said he was arrested, others said it was an accident. There were rumors everywhere.”

As expected, with Li Shuo’s family and girlfriend still around, the police wouldn’t publicize the truth.

Fang Xiu pressed his lips together. “He died saving someone.”

The clerk froze. “Then he should be honored as a hero. Why wasn’t it reported?”

Fang Xiu: “It’s complicated. Not really my place to reveal his personal business.”

“Fine. But Li Ge saving someone? Yeah, that sounds like him… Thanks for coming. Mind if I tell my boss? He always worried about this.”

The clerk sighed deeply, accepting the two bouquets.

“I don’t mind.”

The clerk nodded. “Bro, want to take a photo with your friend? Today’s on the house.”

“No need, we already took one.” Fang Xiu waved.

The clerk: “?”

He’d run the shop for years and never seen this guy before.

He was about to ask again, but Fang Xiu had already walked away.

……

At night, the pedestrian street looked just like during the ritual, except the people all had clear faces.

Fang Xiu quickly found the cotton candy stand and bought a big one for Bai Shuangying. He got one for himself too, preparing to watch the fireworks.

Bai Shuangying tried a bite. It was airy, lighter than a spirit soul. Curious, he glanced more at the stand, so Fang Xiu bought him a fruit-flavored one too.

“There’s plenty of money left. If you want anything, just say so.”

Fang Xiu gnawed on grilled squid, gazing at the clear night sky. The Mid-Autumn Festival had passed, but the moon was still full.

“I still have so many things I want to do. Why do we only get one day off?” he muttered.

Bai Shuangying: “Just finish the ritual.”

If Fang Xiu really could unseal him, he’d wait to destroy the world after Fang Xiu died.

Fang Xiu turned to him. “What if I die during the ritual?”

“I’ll keep helping you, you…”

“What if I die. Will you be sad?” Fang Xiu cut in.

Bai Shuangying looked at him. “No.”

He never lied in consideration of human feelings, past or present. More importantly, he knew he couldn’t fool Fang Xiu, a shrewd liar himself.

Fang Xiu smiled brightly. “That’s what I thought. That’s why I think you’re the perfect friend. Thanks for today. I had a great time.”

Bai Shuangying was puzzled. “Don’t humans prefer to be cared about?”

Fang Xiu crossed his index fingers over his chest, making an “X”.

“This is you and me.” He said softly, “I have my goals, you have your obsession. There’s a saying: ‘Humans and ghosts walk separate paths.’ We’re bound to part.”

“Right now, we’re just at the intersection. After we split, how you see me doesn’t really matter. We’ll never meet again, Bai Shuangying.”

Bai Shuangying disliked such absolute statements.

He thought for a moment. “Maybe you’ll return to the world of the living… and die violently. Then you’ll become a vengeful ghost. We could still meet.”

Fang Xiu: “…Thanks, but I don’t think I’ll die violently.”

He curled his crossed fingers. “I’ll tell you a secret. There’s a special thing about the intersection, only humans know it.”

Bai Shuangying silently watched the two fingers.

Fang Xiu smiled. “Two fingers close together, the intersection is warm. It makes people feel safe.”

Maybe Bai Shuangying only followed him for delicious souls, but Fang Xiu didn’t mind. By now, his ghost wasn’t just an observer. It truly felt like they were walking together.

It was a wonderful feeling, and Fang Xiu hated to part with it. If Bai Shuangying were sad about their parting, it’d make things harder.

His ghost being this heartless. It was perfect.

It was like writing a farewell letter in advance. One he’d never see a reply to. So he could write all his secrets, regrets, and wishes freely.

Bai Shuangying said nothing, and the fireworks never bloomed in the sky.

The cotton candy vendor finally couldn’t hold back. “Young man, waiting for fireworks? There won’t be any this year.”

Fang Xiu was shocked. “Why…?!”

Vendor: “Fire safety concerns.There’s nothing we can do.”

Fang Xiu looked utterly dejected. He’d waited over an hour for this!

As it got late, he bought two last cotton candies. As usual, he handed the first to Bai Shuangying,but his ghost didn’t take it.

Bai Shuangying still couldn’t fully grasp what Fang Xiu meant by “feeling safe”, but he’d been thinking hard.

He used to know Fang Xiu was an underworld assassin, targeting only the bloodstained living. He killed for gain, but generously shared living souls with Bai Shuangying.

Now, he knew Fang Xiu would share anything. This human just wanted them to enjoy their time together, until the end.

That felt far better than responding to worship.

His human asked for nothing in return, no offerings, no debts. He took the initiative to help Fang Xiu, and Fang Xiu happily thanked him. He did nothing, and Fang Xiu still wouldn’t resent him.

Why couldn’t other humans be like this? Bai Shuangying couldn’t figure it out, and didn’t want to.

But if only he was satisfied, it couldn’t be considered “getting along happily”.

He drew out his Peach Bone Evil. The streetlights gave the pale object a golden hue.

He stood behind Fang Xiu, and with the branch in his left hand, grasped Fang Xiu’s left hand. Bai Shuangying gently channeled Fang Xiu’s “spark”, and pointed toward the sky…

Crimson fireworks instantly burst across the sky, dazzling and brilliant, more beautiful than anything seen in the ritual.

The street buzzed with astonishment. Bai Shuangying sensed the stir among the Underworld enforcers, but didn’t care.

Let them punish him. He never cared about the Underworld’s approval.

Fang Xiu’s breath hitched, then quickened. He clutched Bai Shuangying’s sleeve so tightly that it hurt a little.

That should be enough, Bai Shuangying thought.

“This won’t do,” Fang Xiu said.

He turned, gaze burning into Bai Shuangying. “After today, I’ll want even more.”

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The author has something to say:

So they ended up on a date for a whole chapter and a half (……

Tomorrow begins the third round~

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