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He carried a Red Envelope with him, which was not something unusual. People like us, who helped the Victim with their affairs, typically received a Red Envelope during our meetings to foster goodwill and strengthen relationships. This Red Envelope was usually not substantial; it was merely a token gesture. I did not refuse to accept the Red Envelope, as even if it contained just ten yuan, it still counted as a gain, and I would not be seen as meddling in others' business. Once I accepted the Reward, this matter became my responsibility, much like my usual Send Soul tasks.
Seeing that I accepted the Red Envelope without hesitation, Master Wu naturally understood what it implied. He nodded approvingly and said, "You are indeed decisive; I did not misjudge you. Hahaha!" His laughter contrasted sharply with his earlier demeanor, making me feel a bit uneasy. I couldn't help but sense that this situation might not be as simple as I had believed. Nevertheless, I had no choice but to press on.
Having made my decision, I no longer hesitated. I looked at Master Wu and asked, "What do we need to prepare? Also, what time should we start? I didn't sleep at all last night, so if we need to Call of Souls, I need to rest."
"Go ahead and rest; just come back at six in the evening. Prepare your things for the Call of Souls; I'll handle everything else," Master Wu replied cheerfully, seemingly pleased that he didn't have to force Little Wu into this task.
After saying goodbye to Master Wu, I walked down from the second floor. Little Wu stood beside Xiao Xiao's Corpse, her eyes filled with sorrow and grievance. If Xiao Xiao had not died, perhaps they could have lived happily together because from Xiao Xiao's Memorial Photo, he did not appear to be a selfish person.
I patted Xiao Wu on the shoulder. She looked at me with swollen eyes but remained silent, seemingly waiting for my response. I gently said, "It's okay now; you can rest assured. At least it's not your fault anymore. Can you find a place for me to rest? I'm really tired." Xiao Wu nodded eagerly and said, "Yes, yes! Come to my house." After saying that, she immediately ran over to Wu Dad, who was watching others play cards, asking him to take us home.
When we got back home, a wave of exhaustion hit me. Xiao Wu led me to her room and said, "My room is cleaner; you can rest here while I sleep in my parents' room." I replied that it wasn't necessary and suggested she sleep there instead while I took a nap on the outdoor lounge chair. Upon returning home, I spotted a bamboo lounge chair in the Main Hall. If I had to choose a place to rest, I'd rather pick the outdoor lounge chair than sleep in a girl's bedroom.
Seeing my determination made Xiao Wu feel a bit guilty. She shyly said, "I'm sorry about that, Brother Liu." I smiled slightly and replied, "It's fine; wherever you sleep is the same when you're asleep. Hehe." After that, I left her room and headed straight for the lounge chair in the Main Hall and fell asleep fully clothed.
When I woke up, I regretted my decision because that spot was not only hot but also filled with mosquitoes. However, due to my exhaustion and deep sleep, I hadn't noticed much until I woke up completely soaked and found several welts on my exposed calves and arms.
I woke up around four o'clock. It seemed like Xiao Wu had rested well too; after taking a shower and changing clothes, she told me we would be going to Xiao Family for dinner soon. I nodded; it was better to go early since there were many things I needed to ask Master Wu.
After Xiao Wu diligently washed and hung up my clothes for me, I grabbed my items for the Call of Souls and prepared to head over to Xiao Family with her. Since Wu Dad had already left earlier, Xiao Wu brought over a bicycle and said, "Come on; hop on! I'll take you there." I snatched the bicycle from her hands and declared that I'd take her instead before hopping on without waiting for her response. Xiao Wu chuckled and climbed onto the back seat. How could a tall Little Taoist like me let a girl ride me on a bicycle?
With determination in my heart, I pedaled vigorously without stopping even on small inclines until we reached Xiao Family's place. By the time we arrived at our destination, I was panting heavily from exhaustion. Putting on a brave face despite my fatigue as I parked the bicycle, I told Xiao Wu, "I'm going to find Master Wu." She nodded and walked toward a few Youngsters nearby who were clearly friends from her neighborhood.
I originally intended to go directly to find Master Wu, but as soon as I entered the room, I saw him circling around Xiao Xiao's corpse. A few people stood nearby watching, while many others were playing cards and mahjong. In fact, there were more people focused on the games than on Master Wu.
Outsiders watched the spectacle, while insiders observed the details. Master Wu walked in circles next to Xiao Xiao's corpse, muttering incantations under his breath. Occasionally, he pinched a few grains of rice from a bowl in his hand and scattered them. At this moment, the blanket covering Xiao Xiao had been removed, and the cloth mask on her face had also been taken off, revealing a bluish complexion. Even though someone had applied makeup earlier, time had taken its toll; the air had oxidized her skin, turning her once rosy makeup into a purplish hue that looked quite unnatural. Her lips were painted a striking red, which only added to the oddity of her appearance.
After finishing with the rice, Master Wu lit a handful of incense. Without needing to count, it was clear there were twenty-one sticks. He began drawing symbols in the air above and below the corpse while continuing to chant. I couldn't understand a single word he said. He then took out a set of paper funeral garments and a pair of black paper shoes, along with a large white paper flower. Approaching the feet of the corpse, he started burning the funeral garments, shoes, and flower while still muttering incantations. This time, I caught one phrase: "This is what you will wear for your wedding later."
Hearing this, I discreetly took out my compass to check for any reaction from Xiao Xiao's spirit. Even though it was daytime, she wasn't exposed to sunlight, so her spirit should be somewhere nearby. Sure enough, I detected a faint spiritual response—stable and calm—as if she were accepting Master Wu's cleansing ritual without any sign of resistance. The spiritual energy was right next to the corpse.
Once he finished burning the offerings, Master Wu walked over to me. Noticing me holding the compass, he chuckled and said, "Dinner will be ready soon. After we eat, bring that young lady to my room so we can prepare." I agreed, and Master Wu turned back toward the kitchen and shouted loudly, "Dinner is ready!" As soon as he called out, those playing cards and mahjong began moving tables around noisily. Two people brought blankets and cloths to cover Xiao Xiao's corpse; it was only natural since few could eat comfortably with such a sight.
In just a few minutes, four tables were set up with bowls, chopsticks, drinks, and alcohol—all laid out perfectly except for any dishes on the table. Xiao Wu and her companions sat at one table calling out to me loudly. I walked over to greet everyone politely and then waited for the food to arrive. They talked about me for a bit but soon lost interest when they saw me being quiet and reserved. My mind was preoccupied with thoughts about tonight's wedding ceremony with Xiao Xiao's corpse. It wasn't fear; it was just that this was my first experience with something like this—it felt very awkward. Moreover, I still didn't know how to use the talisman that Master Wu mentioned could alter a spirit's perception in such a short time; he said it was left by his partner last time he was here. If he didn't know how to use it either, that would be troublesome.
Once my mind was troubled by these thoughts, even eating felt strange. After taking a few bites, I told Xiao Wu, "I'm going outside for a bit; call me when you're done eating so we can find Master Wu." She nodded in agreement and said, "Okay." She knew nothing of what was happening; I only told her that she wouldn't have anything to worry about tonight. She must have felt anxious but didn't ask me any questions—perhaps out of trust in me. The reason I didn't tell her everything was out of gratitude for her trust; I felt that if I revealed my intention to take her place in this Yin Marriage ceremony too early, she would feel guilty and might try to stop me.
Stepping outside from the main hall into a small open area, I found a stone under a tree's shade and sat down. I pulled out a cigarette and began seriously working through my thoughts: constantly reminding myself that this was just work—nothing more than work. Before I finished smoking, Xiao Wu appeared in front of me. Seeing my troubled expression, she said softly, "Brother Liu, if it's too difficult for you then forget it. I've thought about it for a long time; if it comes down to it, I'll just go through with the marriage. After all, it has no legal effect—I can keep it secret from my partner later on. It's just awkward for myself; there's nothing really to fear." She spoke with sincerity and determination.
Seeing her resolute gaze made me chuckle at myself; here I was making such a fuss over something so trivial. I flicked away my cigarette butt and made some space beside me saying, "Sit for a moment; once Master Wu finishes eating I'll take you to see him. By the way, you need to prepare yourself mentally because I'll let you see Xiao Xiao's spirit."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Wu shot up from her seat as if struck by lightning and looked at me incredulously: "Brother Liu! You're not joking are you?" Her expression was complex—an amalgamation of excitement, anticipation, fear, and doubt.
I replied seriously: "Well now! Although we haven't known each other long enough for jokes—this is serious business now. If you don't want to see his spirit then I'm afraid I can't help you with what's next."
"No! I want to see!" she declared firmly. "No matter what happens—he treated me well; if this is our last chance to meet then I want to see him."
"Yes, all emotions are worth facing." After saying this, I stood up and said, "Let's go inside. I saw Master Wu finish eating."
Tonight is busy, and this chapter is being sent out on a schedule. I have limited time, so the updates are slower. Thank you for your unwavering support. Good night.
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