“Go… to your house?”
Jiang Chengyan was dazed for a while, and the egg he had just picked up fell into the bowl with a ‘plop’, spilling the soup inside. He ignored his own dirty body and instinctively grabbed Ling Huaan’s hand, using his fingers to wipe away the soup on the back of his hand. Looking at the reddened skin, he said nervously and guiltily: “Huaan, I’m sorry I burned you. I was careless.”
Ling Huaan drew back his hand and said with a smile, “I’m fine, I didn’t feel the heat at all.”
“It’s all burnt red. It’s my fault for being clumsy.” Jiang Chengyan was visibly distressed.
Ling Huaan said helplessly, “It’s really fine. If I recall, I told you that my skin is like this. A little bit of bump and it will turn bruise. It’s really nothing.”
“Do you have any burn cream ointment here? If not, I’ll go to the pharmacy and buy it.”
Ling Huaan alternatively diverted the topic. “Jiang dui, you haven’t mentioned when you will be free?”
“What?” Jiang Chengyan was shocked and then he immediately responded, “That.. I’m not sure, but it should be three days off.”
“Three days?” He surprisingly revealed his vacation time, which showed that Jiang Chengyan also has expectations for him. Ling Huaan’s eyes flashed with mirth and he said, “Then the Jiang dui can have a good rest.”
“Yes, I’ve been busy for so many days. It’s time to take a break. Huaan, it seems that you go to the store every night and haven’t had a rest. ” Jiang Chengyan unconsciously stirred the noodles in the bowl with his chopsticks and looked at Ling Huaan unblinkingly.
“I’m blind and can’t do a lot of things. Rather than staying at home alone, I’d better come to the shop and at least earn some money.” A perceptive person like Ling Huaan could naturally hear Jiang Chengyan’s hidden meaning.
Jiang Chengyan felt a tug in his heart when he heard his answer. Looking at Ling Huaan’s eyes, he felt more distressed and said, “Huaan, I see that you listen to songs every day. You should be able to sing a lot of songs, Why don’t we go to a KTV and sing some other day?”
“I’m not fond of such occasions, I prefer silence.” Ling Huaan paused, then said, “I like reading, but I’m blind. If Jiang dui is free, you can come to my house and read for me.”
“Sure.” Jiang Chengyan subconsciously accepted. When he realized, he felt a little embarrassed and explained, “In fact, I also like reading, but I’m busy with my work and I don’t have time to read. It happens that I’ve got a vacation leave. I can… I can read with you. It’s also quite nice.” The smile under Ling Huaan’s eyes grew longer. “So what type of books does the Jiang dui like to read?”
“I like reading novels, especially criminal investigation. It’s probably related to my career. What about you, Huaan? What kind of books do you like to read? ”
“I like historical books, and of course I like novels, but there are too few books translated into Braille, so usually Yan Yu reads them to me when he has time.”
“Yan Yu?” Recalling the scene he saw last night, Jiang Chengyan felt bitter and said, “Huaan, what does Yan Yu do? It seems like he has a lot of free time.”
Ling Huaan couldn’t restrain his lips from hooking up slightly, but pretended not to notice anything and answered, “Yan Yu’s family is engaged in business and has a company that he’s now in charge of. He’s usually very busy, but he has been relatively free recently.”
Jiang Chengyan’s heart became even more unpleasant, and sounded out, “Yan Yu is handsome and has a good family. There should be many girls chasing him. Does he have a girlfriend?”
“He never brought that up in front of me, but he’s only 25 this year. It’s time to start a career. There’s no need to rush about personal matters. ” Ling Huaan asked casually, “Jiang dui, how old are you this year? Do you have a girlfriend?”
“I'm 29 years old, 30 this year, no girlfriend yet.” It was obviously a very common question, but Jiang Chengyan felt incredibly nervous when he answered.
“Being able to take the position of Captain of the criminal investigation team at the age of 30 is enough to show Jiang dui’s ability. However, at this age, it’s time to find a partner and fall in love. Has your family also started to urge you? “Ling Huaan asked calmly.
“Our career isn’t pleasant. We’re usually very busy, and we can work overtime for more than half a month. Who would be willing to be in a relationship with us? As for my family, I moved out early to live on my own, and I didn’t have a good relationship with them, so there’s no need for me to worry about being rushed to get married. ” Jiang Chengyan responded while observing Ling Huaan’s reaction.
“So does Jiang dui have anyone he likes?”
Jiang Chengyan’s heart tightened and he mustered up all the courage to say it, but the words released from the tip of his tongue turned out to be, “Not yet. How about you, Huaan? ”
Ling Huaan’s eyes brightened and he said, “I do have someone I like, but I haven’t been able to determine the other person’s feelings yet, so for now we’re still friends.”
“You have someone you like?” Jiang Chengyan was stunned. His mood lowered and his heart felt like it touched something sharp, but he said as if it was nothing, “Who is it? Is it convenient for you to tell me?”
Ling Huaan helplessly sighed in his heart and said, “It’s inconvenient, I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine, I was the one who asked too abruptly.” Jiang Chengyan stirred the noodles in the bowl, his heart in a turmoil.
Ling Huaan could distinctly taste the bitterness oozing out of Jiang Chengyan’s words and said with a smile, “Look, patronizing and talking are delaying the Jiang dui to eat noodles. Eat quickly, or the noodles will be cold.”
“Oh, okay.” Jiang Chengyan looked at the noodles in the bowl and ate it tastelessly. A while later, he stood up and said, “Huaan, I’ll do the dishes.”
Seeing Ling Huaan nod, Jiang Chengyan turned around and went to the back, scrubbed the dishes and cleaned the baking pan, before returning to the glass window. When he saw a glass of milk in his seat, his heart warmed. Perceiving his own emotional changes, Jiang Chengyan spontaneously burst into a bitter smile. He silently criticized himself, “Jiang Chengyan, ah, Jiang Chengyan. I didn’t expect that you, who has always been calm and disciplined, would have a day like today.”
Wang Lei, who had been watching, couldn’t help but grimace at the sight and whispered in Ling Huaan’s ear, “Boss, this idiot keeps staring and laughing at you. At a glance, I could tell he has bad intentions for you.”
Jiang Changping in the bell suddenly inserted, “Master, Jiang dui likes you.”
The smile under Ling Huaan’s eyes intensified, quietly sitting in front of the glass window, feeling the temperature emanating from Jiang Chengyan’s body.
After midnight, only Ling Hua’an and two ghosts remained in the shop. Jiang Changping’s head was found, and he was wearing the clothes Ling Huaan had burned for him to cover the terrible wounds on his body. Although he still looked terrible, he wasn’t as frightening as before. He floated uneasily at the entrance and said, “Master, won’t I really scare him with this appearance?”
Ling Huaan said languidly, “You’ve already asked this question dozens of times.”
“I… I’m just afraid to scare him,” said Jiang Changping numbly.
Ling Huaan told him soothing words, “In the eyes of a lover, regardless what the other patty becomes, they will not be scared; they’ll only feel distressed.”
Jiang Changping forced a smile. “Master, I… I feel sorry for him. I made him wait for me for three years, only to be abandoned in return. Do you think he will really come to see me?”
“You should’ve listened to Jiang dui’s words very clearly. Regarding Kong Fang’s feelings, you yourself should know it. To see you for one last time, no matter whether it’s true or not, he will come. So be patient and wait. ”
Jiang Changping didn’t respond, quietly standing at the door, anxiously looking out into the darkness of the night.
“He’s coming, he’s really coming!” Jiang Changping looked at Kong Fang excitedly, and let out a choked sob.
Yan Yu pushed open the door of the store, and the melodious sound of the bell rang out, followed by Kong Fang, who walked in through Jiang Changping’s body. Jiang Changping froze in place. Looking at Kong Fang, a complex emotion flashed through his eyes.
Yan Yu arrived at Ling Huaan’s side and warmly stated, “Huaan, I’ve brought him.”
“Good.” Ling Huaan smiled and nodded.
“Hello, are you Mr. Ling?” Kong Fang sized up Ling Huaan.
“Hello, Mr. Kong. There’s no need to be suspicious, I was also entrusted by someone. But I would like to ask you one more question. Would you like to see him one last time?”
“Can you really let us meet?”
Kong Fang nervously looked at Ling Huaan. If someone told him before that he could let him see the dead, he would’ve scoffed. But today, he easily followed a stranger. The word ‘love’ made him lose his reason.
Ling Hua’an nodded and said, “Are you willing to see him then?”
Kong Fang hastened to say, “Willing, of course I’m willing!”
“Well, you should be mentally prepared. His appearance might be terrible.”
“Regardless of what he looks like, in my heart, he would always be Jiang Changping, the one I love.” Kong Fang smiled gently.
“Yan Yu, close the shop.”
“Ok.” Yanyu answered and pulled down the burglar-proof door.
Ling Huaan stopped talking and fished out a yellow talisman from his pocket. After reciting the incantation, the yellow talisman suddenly ignited and Jiang Changping, who was standing at the entrance, slowly turned visible. Looking at Kong Fang, who had his back turned, he opened his mouth. Only after a long time did he find his voice and sobbed, “A’Fang.”
Kong Fang froze, and then turned to look at Jiang Changping. Tears immediately flowed out of his eyes. He also cried, “Changping, it’s really you!”
“It’s me.” Jiang Changping wanted to go forward, but then he stopped in his tracks.
Kong Fang ran forward, hugged Jiang Changping tightly and said chokingly, “Changping…”
Jiang Changping anxiously pushed Kong Fang and said, “A’Fang, let go quickly. I’m a ghost now. Your body can’t bear the heavy yin qi.”
“I won’t let go, I will never let go!” Kong Fang held him tightly.
Jiang Changping turned to Ling Huaan for help and called, “Master…”
Ling Huaan sighed and said, “I’ve covered up the yin qi in your body. Rest assured, you can be in contact for a short time and it won’t hurt him.”
Jiang Changping reluctantly let out a sigh of relief, and raised his hand to hold Kong Fang tightly. The originally well-built figure of his person became only a handful of bones. His heart unexplainably felt extremely uncomfortable, and said distressingly, “I’m sorry, A’Fang. I’m really sorry!”
“No, no, it’s my fault. I should’ve tried desperately to keep you. If only I made you stay, this wouldn’t have happened. Changping, I’m sorry… I’m sorry..”
Looking at the two people who hugged each other tightly, two people and a ghost coincidentally sighed. They’re clearly a pair of lovers, but have now been seperated by yin and yang. The affairs of the world were truly unpredictable.
The two of them told each other their heartfelt feelings, but they’re already different from each other. Even if we don’t give up, we would still have to separate.
Jiang Changping wiped the corner of Kong Fang’s eyes, hesitated for a moment, and said, “A’Fang, there’s something I want to ask you.”
Kong Fang took a deep breath, and pressed down his emotions at the bottom of his heart. “Is it still necessary to speak like that between us?”
“A’Fang, although Han Han isn’t mine, we have a father-son relationship. I’m afraid Li Qiuran and Yao Jiang won’t be able to get out of this life, and I can’t stay in this world for a long time. I hope you can adopt him. I know it’s hard to do so, but I really can’t let him fall into the hands of people like Li Jian / Guo.”
“But he has grandparents on both sides of the family. Even if I want to adopt him, it’s useless. It’s not legal at all. The adoption procedures wouldn’t be able to go through.”
Jiang Changping thought about it and said with a sigh, “If that’s the case, then let’s send him back to Ancheng. I’ll make a will later and give him a million dollars for inheritance, considering that it’s also a five-year father-son relationship.”
Kong Fang clenched Jiang Changping’s hand. He looked at Ling Huaan and said, “Mr. Ling, can you give us a little more time, or… Changping, would you be willing to stay with me forever?”
“I’m willing, of course!” Jiang Changping also stared at Ling Huaan and voiced, “Master…”
“No way! As long as the deadline for your reincarnation has passed and you’re still here in the living world, you’ll become a wandering ghost. As time goes by, you will gradually lose consciousness and wander around the place where you died all day long.”
“Then, then can you let him stay with me for a few more days?”
“No! Mr. Kong, I know that you have a deep relationship and it’s difficult for you both to part ways. But he’s no longer a living person. I can temporarily cover his yin qi, but that’s just it, temporary. Your body is very weak. Once you’re exposed for too long in yin qi, you will get sick and have a shorter lifespan.”
“I’m not afraid of…”
“I’m afraid!” Jiang Changping, intending to reason with Kong Fang, said softly, “A’Fang, I’m very lucky that I encountered you in my life. I blame my lack of courage. A’Fang, you… Forget about me.”
“If I could forget, how could I be in so much pain?”
Jiang Changping felt a sharp pain in his heart, but he had to be resolute. He ruthlessly said, “But I’ll soon forget you. After drinking Mengpo soup and crossing the Naihe Bridge, I will forget you completely. A’Fang, don’t be stupid. You are so good that you will definitely meet a better person. Maybe… maybe you can’t forget me for a short time, but over time, you will naturally forget about me. A’Fang, my biggest wish is that you can live happily. Promise me that you’ll live well, okay?”
Kong Fang’s tears fell down again as he held Jiang Changping in his arms, his cold body devoid of temperature. After a long time, he felt a lodge in his throat as he said, “Ok, I promise you.”
Jiang Changping hardened his heart and ruthlessly pushed Kong Fang away. He looked at Ling Huaan and said, “Master, send me away.”
“Changping…”
Kong Fang wanted to step forward, but Jiang Changping dodged him and said, “A’Fang, remember what you just promised me.”
Ling Huaan sighed and silently recited the incantation. Jiang Changping’s body gradually disappeared. Kong Fang rushed forward to catch him, but he caught nothing. He cried out in pain: “Changping, Changping…”
“Mr. Kong, death is the beginning of a new life. You don’t have to be so sad. As he said, after walking on the road of Huangquan, drinking Mengpo soup, and crossing the Naihe bridge, he will have a new start. ”
Kong Fang looked at Ling Huaan in a daze, and only after a long time did he respond painfully, “You’re right, it’s just that I won’t be in his life anymore.”
Ling Huaan fumbled to take out a paper towel and passed it to Kong Fang. “Mr. Kong, you believe in karma?”
“Karma?” Kong Fang took the paper towel and looked at Ling Huaan at a loss.
“The reason why you have a deep love in this life is because of the cause planted by Jiang Changping in his previous life.” Ling Huaan stopped for a moment, then continued, “In the last life, you and Jiang Changping were originally a couple. Then, Jiang Changping met Li Qiuran, and the two had a relationship. Later that, Jiang Changping felt sorry for you, and intended to severe his relationship with Li Qiuran. Unfortunately, in those days where a woman lost her chastity, she would end up in a pig cage. Li Qiuran died a tragic death, but before dying, she swore a poisonous oath of eternal entanglement with you. In this life, the reason why Jiang Changping died in Li Qiuran’s hands is to repay his debt. ”
“Eternal entanglement?” If Kong Fang scoffed at this kind of feudal superstition before, after meeting Jiang Changping, he really believed it. Along with all the words of Ling Huaan, he believed them.
“You can rest assured that his debt has been paid off and he will not be entangled in the next life.”
Kong Fang was relieved when he heard his words. When he returned to his senses, he found that the suffocating pain in his heart was surprisingly relieved by a lot. “Thank you, Mr. Ling,” he said with a grateful smile.
Ling Huaan shook his head and said, “You don’t have to thank me. I don’t do this for free.”
“Mr. Ling, not only did you find out the truth for Changping, and help him reincarnate, but you let us meet one last time. This kindness can’t be repaid with some money. If there is anything I can do for you in the future, just say it. I will do my best.”
Ling Huaan laughed and said, “Yan Yu, please send Mr. Kong back.”
Yan Yu responded. He looked at Kong Fang and said, “Mr. Kong, let’s go.”
Kong Fang looked around but saw nothing. He nodded disappointedly and said, “Then I’ll trouble Mr. Yan. Mr. Ling, goodbye.”
Ling Huaan nodded. “Mr. Kong, take care.”
The bell rang and the door was opened. After a gust of cold wind, it closed again. Ling Huaan looked in Jiang Changping’s direction and said, “Your fate has ended.”
Jiang Changping watched the car speed off in the distance, and said with relief, “I know. Master, I want to make a will. Please help me.”
Ling Huaan took out another yellow talisman from his pocket and recited silently. Jiang Changping became visible once again. He found a pen and paper, and began to write. The will indicated that Jiang Changping’s real estate would belong to his parents; all the paintings he made during his lifetime belong to Kong Fang, and he left Jiang Xiao Han one million yuan. Finally, he gave Ling Huaan another IOU of five million yuan.
Before leaving, Jiang Changping grinned, “Master, I hope you and Jiang dui can grow old together.”
Ling Huaan smiled lightly and waved to Jiang Changping.
November 10, 3020. Jiang Chengyan was currently on leave. But he got up early in the morning, rushed into the bathroom and took a shower. He has always only used soap, yet for the first time, he used a body wash. Standing in front of the mirror, he shaved, blew his hair dry, and smelled the scent in his body before returning to the bedroom satisfied. He took out a set of clothes, stood in front of a full-length mirror, and tried them out one by one. He repeatedly hesitated before he finally changed his clothes, and hurried out of the door with his mobile phone.
Jiang Chengyan drove to the largest bookstore in Huacheng and looked at the bookshelves where historical books were placed. He wasn’t very interested in history, and had almost forgotten all the history he learned as a student, so he had no idea what books to buy now. After thinking about it, he picked up his phone, opened the search engine, searched for historical books translated into Braille, and after double-checking, he decided to buy back the whole set.
When the bookstore clerk saw the big customer, he hurriedly went over to greet him. After Jiang Chengyan paid, he packed and sealed up five cases. The trunk couldn’t be stuffed, so he had to put it in the back seat. When he sat in the car, Jiang Chengyan looked back at the two boxes of books on the back seat and couldn’t help but raise the corners of his mouth. He thought again and took out his mobile phone to dial Yao Min’s number.
The phone rang for a long time before it was answered. Yao Min’s dissatisfied voice came from the receiver: “Captain, I’m on vacation right now and you’re actually calling me at nine o’clock. Don’t tell me there’s a new case.”
“It’s already nine and you’re still sleeping. Careful, or you might get fat like a pig.”
“Captain, you can’t call me at nine o’clock if you aren’t my immediate superior. I’ll directly blacklist you. ”
“I didn’t call you to talk nonsense. There’s something I want to ask you.” Jiang Chengyan hesitated for a while and said, “Do you think I should buy some presents when I visit my friend’s house for the first time?”
“A friend’s house? What kind of friend, how’s your relationship? “Yao Min asked casually.
“Just friends ah… Our relationship is fine, I guess.” Jiang Chengyan suddenly regretted making this call.
After hearing what Jiang Chengyan said, Yao Min, who was very perfunctory just now, suddenly got up and said spiritedly, “Captain, you’re going to Brother Ling’s house? Are you guys developing so quickly? Are you going to ascend to the hall and enter the inner chamber?”
Jiang Chengyan said humourlessly, “Dead girl, can’t you put something pure in your head?”
Yao Min responded quickly and said, “Pure, pure. I promise to be pure in the future. But Captain, you have to be honest with me. Are you going to brother Ling’s house or not?”
Jiang Chengyan couldn’t help rolling his eyes. He answered vaguely, “What do you think I should buy when I go to his house for the first time?”
“Ah ah ah! Captain, you’re really enlightened!” Yao Min cried excitedly from the receiver.
Jiang Chengyan hurriedly took the phone away, hung up the phone sharply, and then directly blacklisted her. He really doubted that there must be something wrong with him, and actually called this crazy girl.
Jiang Chengyan thought about it and decided to find the answer on his phone. In the search dialog box, he typed in [What should I send to the person I like for the first time]. After clicking enter, Jiang Chengyan carefully checked the various answers above.
[Flowers for girls, razors for boys.]
[You’re too old-fashioned, upstairs. It’s already 3020. Who still gives flowers? Nowadays, they all send money directly.]
[Personally, I think it’s better to cater his needs and give him whatever he likes. If you just started dating and aren’t familiar with each other yet, use the advice on the first floor.]
[Send the skin, the couple’s skin that just came out recently. I guarantee that you’ll be able to embrace the beauty at home if you give it.]
[It doesn’t matter what you send. The important thing is that you don’t forget to carry TT. Safety first.]
—
Jiang Chengyan quickly turned off the search engine and looked around with a guilty conscience.
The mobile phone vibrated with a buzzing sound. When Jiang Chengyan saw the name flashing above, he tensed up.
“Hello, Huaan. Why did you call?”
“Didn’t Jiang dui say that he would come to my house today? What time will you arrive?”
“That, around ten o’clock. I’ve been a little tired recently, and overslept all of a sudden.”
“Well, what would Jiang dui like to eat for lunch? I’ll go downstairs later to buy the ingredients.”
“Go… to your house?”
Jiang Chengyan was dazed for a while, and the egg he had just picked up fell into the bowl with a ‘plop’, spilling the soup inside. He ignored his own dirty body and instinctively grabbed Ling Huaan’s hand, using his fingers to wipe away the soup on the back of his hand. Looking at the reddened skin, he said nervously and guiltily: “Huaan, I’m sorry I burned you. I was careless.”
Ling Huaan drew back his hand and said with a smile, “I’m fine, I didn’t feel the heat at all.”
“It’s all burnt red. It’s my fault for being clumsy.” Jiang Chengyan was visibly distressed.
Ling Huaan said helplessly, “It’s really fine. If I recall, I told you that my skin is like this. A little bit of bump and it will turn bruise. It’s really nothing.”
“Do you have any burn cream ointment here? If not, I’ll go to the pharmacy and buy it.”
Ling Huaan alternatively diverted the topic. “Jiang dui, you haven’t mentioned when you will be free?”
“What?” Jiang Chengyan was shocked and then he immediately responded, “That.. I’m not sure, but it should be three days off.”
“Three days?” He surprisingly revealed his vacation time, which showed that Jiang Chengyan also has expectations for him. Ling Huaan’s eyes flashed with mirth and he said, “Then the Jiang dui can have a good rest.”
“Yes, I’ve been busy for so many days. It’s time to take a break. Huaan, it seems that you go to the store every night and haven’t had a rest. ” Jiang Chengyan unconsciously stirred the noodles in the bowl with his chopsticks and looked at Ling Huaan unblinkingly.
“I’m blind and can’t do a lot of things. Rather than staying at home alone, I’d better come to the shop and at least earn some money.” A perceptive person like Ling Huaan could naturally hear Jiang Chengyan’s hidden meaning.
Jiang Chengyan felt a tug in his heart when he heard his answer. Looking at Ling Huaan’s eyes, he felt more distressed and said, “Huaan, I see that you listen to songs every day. You should be able to sing a lot of songs, Why don’t we go to a KTV and sing some other day?”
“I’m not fond of such occasions, I prefer silence.” Ling Huaan paused, then said, “I like reading, but I’m blind. If Jiang dui is free, you can come to my house and read for me.”
“Sure.” Jiang Chengyan subconsciously accepted. When he realized, he felt a little embarrassed and explained, “In fact, I also like reading, but I’m busy with my work and I don’t have time to read. It happens that I’ve got a vacation leave. I can… I can read with you. It’s also quite nice.” The smile under Ling Huaan’s eyes grew longer. “So what type of books does the Jiang dui like to read?”
“I like reading novels, especially criminal investigation. It’s probably related to my career. What about you, Huaan? What kind of books do you like to read? ”
“I like historical books, and of course I like novels, but there are too few books translated into Braille, so usually Yan Yu reads them to me when he has time.”
“Yan Yu?” Recalling the scene he saw last night, Jiang Chengyan felt bitter and said, “Huaan, what does Yan Yu do? It seems like he has a lot of free time.”
Ling Huaan couldn’t restrain his lips from hooking up slightly, but pretended not to notice anything and answered, “Yan Yu’s family is engaged in business and has a company that he’s now in charge of. He’s usually very busy, but he has been relatively free recently.”
Jiang Chengyan’s heart became even more unpleasant, and sounded out, “Yan Yu is handsome and has a good family. There should be many girls chasing him. Does he have a girlfriend?”
“He never brought that up in front of me, but he’s only 25 this year. It’s time to start a career. There’s no need to rush about personal matters. ” Ling Huaan asked casually, “Jiang dui, how old are you this year? Do you have a girlfriend?”
“I'm 29 years old, 30 this year, no girlfriend yet.” It was obviously a very common question, but Jiang Chengyan felt incredibly nervous when he answered.
“Being able to take the position of Captain of the criminal investigation team at the age of 30 is enough to show Jiang dui’s ability. However, at this age, it’s time to find a partner and fall in love. Has your family also started to urge you? “Ling Huaan asked calmly.
“Our career isn’t pleasant. We’re usually very busy, and we can work overtime for more than half a month. Who would be willing to be in a relationship with us? As for my family, I moved out early to live on my own, and I didn’t have a good relationship with them, so there’s no need for me to worry about being rushed to get married. ” Jiang Chengyan responded while observing Ling Huaan’s reaction.
“So does Jiang dui have anyone he likes?”
Jiang Chengyan’s heart tightened and he mustered up all the courage to say it, but the words released from the tip of his tongue turned out to be, “Not yet. How about you, Huaan? ”
Ling Huaan’s eyes brightened and he said, “I do have someone I like, but I haven’t been able to determine the other person’s feelings yet, so for now we’re still friends.”
“You have someone you like?” Jiang Chengyan was stunned. His mood lowered and his heart felt like it touched something sharp, but he said as if it was nothing, “Who is it? Is it convenient for you to tell me?”
Ling Huaan helplessly sighed in his heart and said, “It’s inconvenient, I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine, I was the one who asked too abruptly.” Jiang Chengyan stirred the noodles in the bowl, his heart in a turmoil.
Ling Huaan could distinctly taste the bitterness oozing out of Jiang Chengyan’s words and said with a smile, “Look, patronizing and talking are delaying the Jiang dui to eat noodles. Eat quickly, or the noodles will be cold.”
“Oh, okay.” Jiang Chengyan looked at the noodles in the bowl and ate it tastelessly. A while later, he stood up and said, “Huaan, I’ll do the dishes.”
Seeing Ling Huaan nod, Jiang Chengyan turned around and went to the back, scrubbed the dishes and cleaned the baking pan, before returning to the glass window. When he saw a glass of milk in his seat, his heart warmed. Perceiving his own emotional changes, Jiang Chengyan spontaneously burst into a bitter smile. He silently criticized himself, “Jiang Chengyan, ah, Jiang Chengyan. I didn’t expect that you, who has always been calm and disciplined, would have a day like today.”
Wang Lei, who had been watching, couldn’t help but grimace at the sight and whispered in Ling Huaan’s ear, “Boss, this idiot keeps staring and laughing at you. At a glance, I could tell he has bad intentions for you.”
Jiang Changping in the bell suddenly inserted, “Master, Jiang dui likes you.”
The smile under Ling Huaan’s eyes intensified, quietly sitting in front of the glass window, feeling the temperature emanating from Jiang Chengyan’s body.
After midnight, only Ling Hua’an and two ghosts remained in the shop. Jiang Changping’s head was found, and he was wearing the clothes Ling Huaan had burned for him to cover the terrible wounds on his body. Although he still looked terrible, he wasn’t as frightening as before. He floated uneasily at the entrance and said, “Master, won’t I really scare him with this appearance?”
Ling Huaan said languidly, “You’ve already asked this question dozens of times.”
“I… I’m just afraid to scare him,” said Jiang Changping numbly.
Ling Huaan told him soothing words, “In the eyes of a lover, regardless what the other patty becomes, they will not be scared; they’ll only feel distressed.”
Jiang Changping forced a smile. “Master, I… I feel sorry for him. I made him wait for me for three years, only to be abandoned in return. Do you think he will really come to see me?”
“You should’ve listened to Jiang dui’s words very clearly. Regarding Kong Fang’s feelings, you yourself should know it. To see you for one last time, no matter whether it’s true or not, he will come. So be patient and wait. ”
Jiang Changping didn’t respond, quietly standing at the door, anxiously looking out into the darkness of the night.
“He’s coming, he’s really coming!” Jiang Changping looked at Kong Fang excitedly, and let out a choked sob.
Yan Yu pushed open the door of the store, and the melodious sound of the bell rang out, followed by Kong Fang, who walked in through Jiang Changping’s body. Jiang Changping froze in place. Looking at Kong Fang, a complex emotion flashed through his eyes.
Yan Yu arrived at Ling Huaan’s side and warmly stated, “Huaan, I’ve brought him.”
“Good.” Ling Huaan smiled and nodded.
“Hello, are you Mr. Ling?” Kong Fang sized up Ling Huaan.
“Hello, Mr. Kong. There’s no need to be suspicious, I was also entrusted by someone. But I would like to ask you one more question. Would you like to see him one last time?”
“Can you really let us meet?”
Kong Fang nervously looked at Ling Huaan. If someone told him before that he could let him see the dead, he would’ve scoffed. But today, he easily followed a stranger. The word ‘love’ made him lose his reason.
Ling Hua’an nodded and said, “Are you willing to see him then?”
Kong Fang hastened to say, “Willing, of course I’m willing!”
“Well, you should be mentally prepared. His appearance might be terrible.”
“Regardless of what he looks like, in my heart, he would always be Jiang Changping, the one I love.” Kong Fang smiled gently.
“Yan Yu, close the shop.”
“Ok.” Yanyu answered and pulled down the burglar-proof door.
Ling Huaan stopped talking and fished out a yellow talisman from his pocket. After reciting the incantation, the yellow talisman suddenly ignited and Jiang Changping, who was standing at the entrance, slowly turned visible. Looking at Kong Fang, who had his back turned, he opened his mouth. Only after a long time did he find his voice and sobbed, “A’Fang.”
Kong Fang froze, and then turned to look at Jiang Changping. Tears immediately flowed out of his eyes. He also cried, “Changping, it’s really you!”
“It’s me.” Jiang Changping wanted to go forward, but then he stopped in his tracks.
Kong Fang ran forward, hugged Jiang Changping tightly and said chokingly, “Changping…”
Jiang Changping anxiously pushed Kong Fang and said, “A’Fang, let go quickly. I’m a ghost now. Your body can’t bear the heavy yin qi.”
“I won’t let go, I will never let go!” Kong Fang held him tightly.
Jiang Changping turned to Ling Huaan for help and called, “Master…”
Ling Huaan sighed and said, “I’ve covered up the yin qi in your body. Rest assured, you can be in contact for a short time and it won’t hurt him.”
Jiang Changping reluctantly let out a sigh of relief, and raised his hand to hold Kong Fang tightly. The originally well-built figure of his person became only a handful of bones. His heart unexplainably felt extremely uncomfortable, and said distressingly, “I’m sorry, A’Fang. I’m really sorry!”
“No, no, it’s my fault. I should’ve tried desperately to keep you. If only I made you stay, this wouldn’t have happened. Changping, I’m sorry… I’m sorry..”
Looking at the two people who hugged each other tightly, two people and a ghost coincidentally sighed. They’re clearly a pair of lovers, but have now been seperated by yin and yang. The affairs of the world were truly unpredictable.
The two of them told each other their heartfelt feelings, but they’re already different from each other. Even if we don’t give up, we would still have to separate.
Jiang Changping wiped the corner of Kong Fang’s eyes, hesitated for a moment, and said, “A’Fang, there’s something I want to ask you.”
Kong Fang took a deep breath, and pressed down his emotions at the bottom of his heart. “Is it still necessary to speak like that between us?”
“A’Fang, although Han Han isn’t mine, we have a father-son relationship. I’m afraid Li Qiuran and Yao Jiang won’t be able to get out of this life, and I can’t stay in this world for a long time. I hope you can adopt him. I know it’s hard to do so, but I really can’t let him fall into the hands of people like Li Jian / Guo.”
“But he has grandparents on both sides of the family. Even if I want to adopt him, it’s useless. It’s not legal at all. The adoption procedures wouldn’t be able to go through.”
Jiang Changping thought about it and said with a sigh, “If that’s the case, then let’s send him back to Ancheng. I’ll make a will later and give him a million dollars for inheritance, considering that it’s also a five-year father-son relationship.”
Kong Fang clenched Jiang Changping’s hand. He looked at Ling Huaan and said, “Mr. Ling, can you give us a little more time, or… Changping, would you be willing to stay with me forever?”
“I’m willing, of course!” Jiang Changping also stared at Ling Huaan and voiced, “Master…”
“No way! As long as the deadline for your reincarnation has passed and you’re still here in the living world, you’ll become a wandering ghost. As time goes by, you will gradually lose consciousness and wander around the place where you died all day long.”
“Then, then can you let him stay with me for a few more days?”
“No! Mr. Kong, I know that you have a deep relationship and it’s difficult for you both to part ways. But he’s no longer a living person. I can temporarily cover his yin qi, but that’s just it, temporary. Your body is very weak. Once you’re exposed for too long in yin qi, you will get sick and have a shorter lifespan.”
“I’m not afraid of…”
“I’m afraid!” Jiang Changping, intending to reason with Kong Fang, said softly, “A’Fang, I’m very lucky that I encountered you in my life. I blame my lack of courage. A’Fang, you… Forget about me.”
“If I could forget, how could I be in so much pain?”
Jiang Changping felt a sharp pain in his heart, but he had to be resolute. He ruthlessly said, “But I’ll soon forget you. After drinking Mengpo soup and crossing the Naihe Bridge, I will forget you completely. A’Fang, don’t be stupid. You are so good that you will definitely meet a better person. Maybe… maybe you can’t forget me for a short time, but over time, you will naturally forget about me. A’Fang, my biggest wish is that you can live happily. Promise me that you’ll live well, okay?”
Kong Fang’s tears fell down again as he held Jiang Changping in his arms, his cold body devoid of temperature. After a long time, he felt a lodge in his throat as he said, “Ok, I promise you.”
Jiang Changping hardened his heart and ruthlessly pushed Kong Fang away. He looked at Ling Huaan and said, “Master, send me away.”
“Changping…”
Kong Fang wanted to step forward, but Jiang Changping dodged him and said, “A’Fang, remember what you just promised me.”
Ling Huaan sighed and silently recited the incantation. Jiang Changping’s body gradually disappeared. Kong Fang rushed forward to catch him, but he caught nothing. He cried out in pain: “Changping, Changping…”
“Mr. Kong, death is the beginning of a new life. You don’t have to be so sad. As he said, after walking on the road of Huangquan, drinking Mengpo soup, and crossing the Naihe bridge, he will have a new start. ”
Kong Fang looked at Ling Huaan in a daze, and only after a long time did he respond painfully, “You’re right, it’s just that I won’t be in his life anymore.”
Ling Huaan fumbled to take out a paper towel and passed it to Kong Fang. “Mr. Kong, you believe in karma?”
“Karma?” Kong Fang took the paper towel and looked at Ling Huaan at a loss.
“The reason why you have a deep love in this life is because of the cause planted by Jiang Changping in his previous life.” Ling Huaan stopped for a moment, then continued, “In the last life, you and Jiang Changping were originally a couple. Then, Jiang Changping met Li Qiuran, and the two had a relationship. Later that, Jiang Changping felt sorry for you, and intended to severe his relationship with Li Qiuran. Unfortunately, in those days where a woman lost her chastity, she would end up in a pig cage. Li Qiuran died a tragic death, but before dying, she swore a poisonous oath of eternal entanglement with you. In this life, the reason why Jiang Changping died in Li Qiuran’s hands is to repay his debt. ”
“Eternal entanglement?” If Kong Fang scoffed at this kind of feudal superstition before, after meeting Jiang Changping, he really believed it. Along with all the words of Ling Huaan, he believed them.
“You can rest assured that his debt has been paid off and he will not be entangled in the next life.”
Kong Fang was relieved when he heard his words. When he returned to his senses, he found that the suffocating pain in his heart was surprisingly relieved by a lot. “Thank you, Mr. Ling,” he said with a grateful smile.
Ling Huaan shook his head and said, “You don’t have to thank me. I don’t do this for free.”
“Mr. Ling, not only did you find out the truth for Changping, and help him reincarnate, but you let us meet one last time. This kindness can’t be repaid with some money. If there is anything I can do for you in the future, just say it. I will do my best.”
Ling Huaan laughed and said, “Yan Yu, please send Mr. Kong back.”
Yan Yu responded. He looked at Kong Fang and said, “Mr. Kong, let’s go.”
Kong Fang looked around but saw nothing. He nodded disappointedly and said, “Then I’ll trouble Mr. Yan. Mr. Ling, goodbye.”
Ling Huaan nodded. “Mr. Kong, take care.”
The bell rang and the door was opened. After a gust of cold wind, it closed again. Ling Huaan looked in Jiang Changping’s direction and said, “Your fate has ended.”
Jiang Changping watched the car speed off in the distance, and said with relief, “I know. Master, I want to make a will. Please help me.”
Ling Huaan took out another yellow talisman from his pocket and recited silently. Jiang Changping became visible once again. He found a pen and paper, and began to write. The will indicated that Jiang Changping’s real estate would belong to his parents; all the paintings he made during his lifetime belong to Kong Fang, and he left Jiang Xiao Han one million yuan. Finally, he gave Ling Huaan another IOU of five million yuan.
Before leaving, Jiang Changping grinned, “Master, I hope you and Jiang dui can grow old together.”
Ling Huaan smiled lightly and waved to Jiang Changping.
November 10, 3020. Jiang Chengyan was currently on leave. But he got up early in the morning, rushed into the bathroom and took a shower. He has always only used soap, yet for the first time, he used a body wash. Standing in front of the mirror, he shaved, blew his hair dry, and smelled the scent in his body before returning to the bedroom satisfied. He took out a set of clothes, stood in front of a full-length mirror, and tried them out one by one. He repeatedly hesitated before he finally changed his clothes, and hurried out of the door with his mobile phone.
Jiang Chengyan drove to the largest bookstore in Huacheng and looked at the bookshelves where historical books were placed. He wasn’t very interested in history, and had almost forgotten all the history he learned as a student, so he had no idea what books to buy now. After thinking about it, he picked up his phone, opened the search engine, searched for historical books translated into Braille, and after double-checking, he decided to buy back the whole set.
When the bookstore clerk saw the big customer, he hurriedly went over to greet him. After Jiang Chengyan paid, he packed and sealed up five cases. The trunk couldn’t be stuffed, so he had to put it in the back seat. When he sat in the car, Jiang Chengyan looked back at the two boxes of books on the back seat and couldn’t help but raise the corners of his mouth. He thought again and took out his mobile phone to dial Yao Min’s number.
The phone rang for a long time before it was answered. Yao Min’s dissatisfied voice came from the receiver: “Captain, I’m on vacation right now and you’re actually calling me at nine o’clock. Don’t tell me there’s a new case.”
“It’s already nine and you’re still sleeping. Careful, or you might get fat like a pig.”
“Captain, you can’t call me at nine o’clock if you aren’t my immediate superior. I’ll directly blacklist you. ”
“I didn’t call you to talk nonsense. There’s something I want to ask you.” Jiang Chengyan hesitated for a while and said, “Do you think I should buy some presents when I visit my friend’s house for the first time?”
“A friend’s house? What kind of friend, how’s your relationship? “Yao Min asked casually.
“Just friends ah… Our relationship is fine, I guess.” Jiang Chengyan suddenly regretted making this call.
After hearing what Jiang Chengyan said, Yao Min, who was very perfunctory just now, suddenly got up and said spiritedly, “Captain, you’re going to Brother Ling’s house? Are you guys developing so quickly? Are you going to ascend to the hall and enter the inner chamber?”
Jiang Chengyan said humourlessly, “Dead girl, can’t you put something pure in your head?”
Yao Min responded quickly and said, “Pure, pure. I promise to be pure in the future. But Captain, you have to be honest with me. Are you going to brother Ling’s house or not?”
Jiang Chengyan couldn’t help rolling his eyes. He answered vaguely, “What do you think I should buy when I go to his house for the first time?”
“Ah ah ah! Captain, you’re really enlightened!” Yao Min cried excitedly from the receiver.
Jiang Chengyan hurriedly took the phone away, hung up the phone sharply, and then directly blacklisted her. He really doubted that there must be something wrong with him, and actually called this crazy girl.
Jiang Chengyan thought about it and decided to find the answer on his phone. In the search dialog box, he typed in [What should I send to the person I like for the first time]. After clicking enter, Jiang Chengyan carefully checked the various answers above.
[Flowers for girls, razors for boys.]
[You’re too old-fashioned, upstairs. It’s already 3020. Who still gives flowers? Nowadays, they all send money directly.]
[Personally, I think it’s better to cater his needs and give him whatever he likes. If you just started dating and aren’t familiar with each other yet, use the advice on the first floor.]
[Send the skin, the couple’s skin that just came out recently. I guarantee that you’ll be able to embrace the beauty at home if you give it.]
[It doesn’t matter what you send. The important thing is that you don’t forget to carry TT. Safety first.]
—
Jiang Chengyan quickly turned off the search engine and looked around with a guilty conscience.
The mobile phone vibrated with a buzzing sound. When Jiang Chengyan saw the name flashing above, he tensed up.
“Hello, Huaan. Why did you call?”
“Didn’t Jiang dui say that he would come to my house today? What time will you arrive?”
“That, around ten o’clock. I’ve been a little tired recently, and overslept all of a sudden.”
“Well, what would Jiang dui like to eat for lunch? I’ll go downstairs later to buy the ingredients.”
