CH 11

The hug was neither long nor short.

When Jing Xian withdrew his hand, Lu Yingjiu was stained with his light fragrance, which smelled very good.

Lu Yingjiu raised his head and looked at the person in front of him.

He said his name was Jing Xian.

His name sounded familiar, but he couldn’t quite remember where he had heard it.

Moreover, Lu Yingjiu always felt that Da Gou wouldn’t grow up looking like this—Da Gou was silly. He was an impulsive person, and was obviously incomparable from the person in front of him in terms of looks and temperament. 

Jing Xian was more handsome than a model, and he could be dragged away by any scouts if he went out for a few laps, but his appearance was extremely aggressive. Even if he smiled all the time, it wouldn’t be able to cover it up at all.

He’s not someone that people can get close to.

Upon closer look, Jing Xian was wearing a white shirt with its cuffs rolled up loosely, paired with a pair of black slim-fit pants, which perfectly outlined his long legs. 

It was simple, eye-catching and decent, and he couldn’t find any trace of haste on his journey.

Lu Yingjiu thought to himself–he seems to be someone that is here to meet his blind date.

…But Jing Xian really did look happy, and his eyes even lit up when he smiled.

Jing Xian noticed his gaze, tilted his head and asked, “What?”

Lu Yingjiu smiled, “It’s nothing. Do you have any luggage? I’ll help you carry it.”

He didn’t bother too much. That period of memory was too far away anyway, and no matter how he recalled it, Da Gou’s face seemed to be separated by a layer of fog. Besides, after so many years, wasn’t it only normal for things to have some changes?

He was about to say something more when his eyes fell on the rearview mirror of the taxi. One gray eye was looking at him.

It’s the driver.

The moment their gazes met each other, its eyes turned wildly! 

Two bugs came out from the whites of its eyes and danced in the air. Lu Yingjiu reacted very quickly and pinched a talisman in secret, but the driver only turned his head and smiled at him.

He said, “Lu Yingjiu, your time has come.”

This sentence is very familiar—Lu Yingjiu was immediately shocked!

In the last half a second of his reaction, he gave Jing Xian a hard push, pushing him away from his side. The street lamp flickered for a moment, and then a sea of darkness engulfed him, the world became dark, and a strong sense of weightlessness suddenly came over. 

Vaguely, Lu Yingjiu heard the sound of drums and gongs beating again, and the little ghost that shouted in a high-pitched voice.

“The time has come——”

When he stretched out his hand, he felt the inner wall of a coffin again.

The nightmare has repeated itself.

He had forgotten that dream, but at this moment he remembered it all!

Same as last time, the coffin wouldn’t be opened no matter what, it would be lifted up and wobbled forward. His first reaction was: Jing Xian was not dragged here with him, right? 

Then he began to think of ways on how to break free.

Last time, he couldn’t break free at all.

Lu Yingjiu once again reached out to touch the top of the coffin, but this time, what he touched was not the cold coffin wall.

What he felt was a warm and strong hand.

He was jerked violently by this hand, his vision turned blurry for a moment, and only to find himself already standing on the street once again.

Jing Xian tugged at his hand and asked, “What’s wrong with you? I just spoke to you, but you didn’t answer.”

Lu Yingjiu immediately turned to look at the driver.

But the street was surprisingly empty. Where is the taxi?

“…….I’m fine.” Lu Yingjiu replied.

Saying so, but in actuality, he was a mess inside.

When actually is the time? What happened to the ghost marriage in the dream, and who was the fake groom? 

Pile of messy things were mixed together, and—

And…..how come Jing Xian can pull him back to the real world?

Is it a coincidence, good luck, or…

Suspicion arose in Lu Yingjiu’s heart, but Jing Xian suddenly handed something over to him.

Lu Yingjiu caught it subconsciously, and felt its heavy weight on his hand. Looking at it with the light from the street lamp—it was a thermos cup.

Lu Yingjiu:”?”

For a moment, he didn’t understand why Jing Xian would travel with this thing and stuff it in his arms. He hesitated, “Is this for me?”

“Yes.” Jing Xian said, “Didn’t you not eat much tonight, and you also are not afraid of going hungry.” He looked forward with anticipation, “This is the seafood porridge I made.”

When Lu Yingjiu and Xiao Li went to eat out tonight, they really didn’t eat much, and now he’s a little hungry. But he had never had an appetite. His appetite for food was as small as that of a cat, and he wouldn’t want to eat after a few mouthfuls.

Holding the thermos cup, Lu Yingjiu raised his head slightly and looked at Jing Xian. “How did you know that I didn’t eat anything tonight?”

Jing Xian:”……..”

Jing Xian coughed, “Don’t you always have a bad appetite, I guess we should get to your place first and then you can eat it while it’s still hot.”

Just like that, Lu Yingjiu was holding a big thermos cup, walking on the street at midnight with Jing Xian.

As he was still curious about what happened just now, he asked,”Did you notice anything just now?”

“No, depends, you were just standing still back there.” Jing Xian took the opportunity to hug Lu Yingiiu’s shoulders, “Let’s hurry up, it’s really windy here.”

Because Lu Yingjiu’s mind was elsewhere, he didn’t notice that there seemed to be a bit of hostility in Jing Xian’s eyes.

That was almost a cold killing intent.

If one would look at it from the perspective of others, one would find that this hug was not an ordinary ‘hooking an arm to one’s shoulders’, but almost a protective action, like a ferocious beast enclosing a territory or a spouse, and it would immediately bared its fangs to anyone who dared to come over.

Jing Xian lowered his eyes slightly.

The hostility completely disappeared within his deep pupils.

They walked on the street at midnight like this. There was no one around, only the sound of their footsteps, and the grunting of the wheels of the towed luggage was heard. As the lights on both sides illuminated them from above, their shadows seemed to overlap each other.

Behind them, where the light completely disappeared, something were swimming in the black mist silently around—

—There were several ferocious ghosts.

Different from ordinary ghosts, they have marks similar to flowers imprinted on their bodies. They were the Priests of the Ghost World, but at first glance, they all looked gloomy and violent.

If ordinary people heard the word “priest”, they would probably associate it with fluttering white clothes and having an immortal demeanor. But in fact, just by appearance alone, many priests were actually more terrifying than a ferocious ghost, and had a nasty temperament.

This was why, when ghost exorcists invite a deity, a possibility of backfiring could happen, and then be devoured instead.

Now, these countless priests turned into black mist and pressed themselves against the wall, while following Lu Yingjiu. The swords, spears and chains in their hands gleamed coldly, their tips were all stained with blood, their sharp claws and fangs were looming in the mist, and their Ghost Fires were dense and cold, more powerful than the Hundred Ghost Night Parade…

The atmosphere would be even better if it weren’t for their hands holding a series of items such as the little flower of the underworld, big diamond ring, perfume, mosquito repellent spray, dry and wet wipes, small snacks and other items.

What’s more, a Harley motorcycle was floating in the air directly above their shoulders. So long as Lu Yingjiu said that he wanted to go for a ride, the motorcycle would be delivered immediately.

Lu Yingjiu asked, “By the way, you also became an exorcist afterwards, right?”

“Yeah, but I didn’t learn from my parents, I only figured out a few tricks myself.” Jing Xian said with a smile, “I’m a good, but I can only help people ward off evil spirits and look at Feng Shui. If I can stay at your office, I can only do odd jobs.”

Lu Yingjiu didn’t expect Da Gou to be this amazing.

Da Gou’s parents were both half-baked ghost exorcists, but they could cook well. He was not asking for too much, so long as Jing Xian was more reliable than his parents, it would be enough.

Lu Yingjiu said, “Don’t you like supernatural cases? You can also follow me to the scene. As long as it’s not too dangerous, with me around, nothing will happen.”

“Okay.” Jing Xian quickly agreed.

“However…” Lu Yingjiu changed the subject, “It’s better to let me know about your strength, I don’t want to be completely lost.”

Jing Xian froze for a moment, “Oh—is this a test before officially being a member?”

Lu Yingjiu smiled, “It’s not that serious, I’m not your head teacher.”

Coincidentally, as soon as he finished speaking, the Yin energy around him rolled over.

At the end of this road, after turning right, they would originally be at Lu Yingjiu’s place already, but now, after they turned the corner, it was still the same road.

Ghost hitting the wall.

(t/n The so-called “ghost hitting the wall” means that when walking at night or in the countryside, you can’t tell the direction, have a vague self-perception, and don’t know where to go, so you keep turning in circles. When telling others about this kind of experience, it is difficult for others to understand, so it is called “ghost hitting the wall”.)

“The opportunity came sooner than expected.” Lu Yingjiu said, “Let’s go.”

Jing Xian:”……”

His plans are ruined. 

Before he came to meet Lu Yingjiu, he caught two new eastern ghosts in the Ghost World, learned how to cook every day, and made the seafood porridge that was in Lu Yingjiu’s hand at the moment. Other times, he spent it with various teachers, and finally learned modern common sense. He rehearsed repeatedly to make sure there were no major mistakes.

He never expected that on the first night of their meeting, Lu Yingjiu would ask him to demonstrate his ability to exorcise ghosts.

What is this nonsense, he himself is a ghost.

Even if he has a body now, it is still a question of whether he can use it to exorcise ghosts.

Seeing that he hadn’t moved for a long time, Lu Yingjiu said, “It’s right above us.”

Jing Xian raised his head, and there was a black shadow crouching above the street lamp—it was a little ghost with an ugly face, secretly poking his head out to look at them.

In normal times, by simply thinking in his mind, not to mention this little ghost, even tens of thousands of these little ghosts would die. But the problem was that it’s impossible, as Lu Yingjiu was here. 

How do ghost exorcists usually do it?

He tried his best to recall, and eventually made a decent decision.

Afterwards, light bloomed at the tips of his fingers.

Fortunately, a flame really ignited and was burning silently in front of him. The street lamp little ghost felt the scorching heat, and suddenly became tense, forcing a few low growls from his throat.

Lu Yingjiu really thought that Jing Xian was more reliable than his parents.

Afterwards, Jing Xian raised his hand, and the ball of flame flew out——slowly moving like an old man, flickering and glistening.

Halfway through its flight, a spurting sound was suddenly heard, and then it went out directly.

Leaving only a wisp of blue smoke.

Little ghost: “?

Lu Yingjiu: “?”

Jing Xian:”……..”

The surrounding Priests:”……….”

His 800-year-old reputation was destroyed in one go.

The little ghost seized the opportunity and wanted to jump down viciously, but was burned by Lu Yingjiu with a slap of his hand.

Lu Yingjiu said, “Don’t be nervous, have a try on the next one.”

Because today was the Ghost Festival, there were as many ghosts as they wanted, and without even having taken a few steps, ghosts started to appear around them again, like spawning monsters in online games, they come out one after the other.

Thus, for the next ten minutes, as the ghosts danced wildly in the street, Lu Yingjiu sat calmly on the bench by the roadside, ready to witness Jing Xian’s ability.

After being seated, he opened the thermos cup, preparing to eat what was inside.

But upon opening it, he froze for a moment.

It’s so luxurious.

It’s really so luxurious, that it would be a perfect dish for a couple’s anniversary on a candle light dinner.

As soon as he opened it, he saw grilled oysters, fried fish bones, and boiled white shellfish, all crowded together without leaving any gaps. After uncovering, the bottom was the seafood porridge that Jing Xian mentioned, and it was full of shrimp, snails and crabs. It was already delicious in color and fragrance, and the aroma would make any one feel itchy, even a person like him who doesn’t like to eat was enamored by it.

This set was obviously only suitable for high-end restaurants, but now they were grievously squeezed into a thermos cup. Jing Xian even paired it with disposable chopsticks. 

Lu Yingjiu then took a few mouthfuls and ate it slowly.

After more than ten minutes passed, he watched Jing Xian light a flame, but then the fire went out again. Afterwards, he watched Jing Xian call for water, but water didn’t come.

Lu Yingjiu: “…….”

His face remained calm, but he quickly took a sip of porridge to suppress his shock.

This, this is even more unreliable than his parents!

Jing Xian looks so strong, how could he be like this!

Lu Yingjiu had no idea how terrible it was to be professionally mismatched.

The Ghost King driving out ghosts with exorcism?

It’s like pulling a literature student and putting him in front of a computer, saying that you will die if you don’t type out your novel in binary today.

Finally, when Jing Xian was about to pinch a detonating talisman, Lu Yingjiu couldn’t stand it any longer, and said, “Hey wait, wait.  This, don’t try this yet.” 

He was afraid that Jing Xian would blow the roadside wall up.

Jing Xian asked, “Am I too good at it?”

Lu Yingjiu was silent for a few seconds before trying to figure out how to put it euphemistically. “I can only say that there is still a lot of room for improvement.”

Jing Xian: “You can speak directly if you have something to say.”

Lu Yingjiu: “……..”

Lu Yingjiu: “You are indeed good.”

Jing Xian looked at the sky without words, his face was calm, but in fact his heart was like dead ashes.

Lu Yingjiu was sitting under the light by the side of the road, the light made his shirt very white, the clothes looked good, and so did the person.

Holding the thermos cup in both hands, he sat in a very polite manner as usual, looking inexplicably cute, and added with a smile, “It doesn’t matter whether you’re good or not, I don’t dislike you.”

He then stood up, “Come on, let’s go home.”

Jing Xian was stunned for a moment, and replied with a smile, “En.”

He followed behind Lu Yingjiu. While Lu Yingjiu was watching the road ahead, he was watching Lu Yingjiu.

When they got home, Jing Xian placed the luggage in the guest room.

Lu Yingjiu said, “The spare key is next to the door, if you want it, you can take it yourself, rest early.”

“Okay.” Jing Xian looked at him, “Good night.”

Jing Xian then very lightly closed the door.

Afterwards, he slammed his head against the door panel regretfully. 

It’s a shame! It’s a fucking shame!

This first impression is so bad! How could this happen?!

Knock knock knock

Suddenly, there was a knock on the window outside.

Jing Xian took a deep breath. He went to open the window, only to see a bright red long tongue sticking out, flicking back and forth in the air, infinitely coquettish, and then was followed by a pale ugly face.

Jing Xian said with disgust. “Put your tongue back quickly, don’t drip on the floor of his house, it’s so dirty.”

Ye Youshen said aggrievedly, “I have never retracted my tongue. Why does Boss dislike it today? By the way, Boss, what did you call me for?”

“Find me some ghosts who can exorcise ghosts, I want to learn.” 

Ye Youshen became shocked, “Boss, why do you want to learn! Do you want to commit suicide!”

“What are you talking about?” Jing Xian frowned, “Hurry up and do it. Have you finished picking the flowers I asked you to pick yet?”

“Picked up, picked up.” Ye Youshen nodded repeatedly, “But the flowers and diamond rings you sent, aren’t they confiscated, why do you still pick them? Maybe he doesn’t like these, if you ask me, I say we should just pick the most beautiful head in the Ghost World and give it to him—”

He was then slapped by Jing Xian and scattered away, turning into a wisp of mist, and drifted through the air.

After floating for a while, he came back suddenly and asked, “Boss, why didn’t you tell him who you are.”

“What do you know?” Jing Xian clicked his tongue.

“Oh,” Ye Youshen said with understanding, “So you are playing hard to get.”

He was scattered again and drifted away. As he was floating, he felt that something was wrong.

Looking at today’s performance, why does it feel like that the Boss was the one being captured!

****

The next day, the sun was shining brightly.

Lu Yingjiu woke up early as usual.

Yesterday he slept a little better and was in good spirits. When he went out to the living room, Jing Xian was at the table. The lighting in the morning was just right, which made his face appear more valiant, yet wickedly handsome. He smiled and took out…..two bowls of wontons sprinkled with green onions, he then looked at Lu Yingjiu expectantly.

Lu Yingjiu was held back by this strong contrast for a second. “…You, you got up so early?”

“I didn’t sleep much. Eat it while it’s hot.” Jing Xian put a bowl of wontons in front of him.

Lu Yingjiu sat down.

The box says “Lao Zhang’s Breakfast Shop”.  Lu Yingjiu had eaten there several times before, and the taste was the best around here, but it was three or four streets away, which was quite far. He had no idea how Jing Xian found it. 

He picked up one with a chopstick. The wonton skin was thin and was stuffed with many fillings. The soup was delicious as well.

Sitting opposite him, Jing Xian asked casually, “Do you have any task now? I didn’t do well yesterday, but I’m much better now.”

He spent a whole night exorcising ghosts, constantly thinking of winning this round.

“Don’t have one.” Lu Yingjiu said, “I just solved a case.”

Jing Xian then stood up, while seemingly thinking of something.

Lu Yingjiu was eating wontons when he suddenly heard Jing Xian say, “Hey, come here.”

Lu Yingjiu looked up, “What’s wrong?”

Jing Xian was standing by the door. He didn’t know what he had seen through the peephole, as he kept waving at him.

“Come quickly.” His tone was quite excited.

The doorbell didn’t ring, was there someone outside? Lu Yingjiu walked over and Jing Xian made room.

He looked out through the peephole and saw an old lady with a kind face, wearing a thin floral shirt outside. As she leaned forward, also looking into the peephole, her eyeballs bulged.

She was just simply standing outside the door, not knowing how long she had been spying on them.

It’s downright creepy.

Lu Yingjiu frowned slightly, and took out two talisman papers—

Unexpectedly, Jing Xian held him down. “Allow me.”

He brought the bowl of wontons over, and stuffed them into Lu Yingjiu’s hands.

“You just continue eating.”

Lu Yingjiu:”?”

He then watched the play while holding wontons in his hands.