Chapter 90: Lifeline
[I don’t know if it’s benign or malignant; I want to do a divination.]
[The results will come out eventually, there’s no need. What difference does it make to know early?] Lu Xiu seemed very composed, perhaps having seen much of life and death over a hundred years.
Jiang Hong: [Yeah, you’re right.]
Lu Xiu: [If it matters to you, I can do the divination, though it’s not my forte.]
Jiang Hong was contemplating whether to ask Lu Xiu, but it seemed so pointless, especially with the results possibly coming out the next day. Just as he was about to say "no need," another message from Lu Xiu arrived.
[It’s benign.]
Following the message was a photo showing a table scattered with ice crystals. Jiang Hong couldn't discern the divination method, but he knew Lu Xiu had his ways.
[Really?!] Jiang Hong replied hastily, glancing back at his father, [The doctor said there’s almost an 80% chance it’s malignant.]
Lu Xiu: [Then what answer are you hoping for? Should I cast the divination again?]
Jiang Hong: [No, no...]
Lu Xiu: [Actually, you don’t believe it.]
Jiang Hong: [Don’t be angry, sorry, I said the wrong thing again. I always do this.]
Lu Xiu went silent, leaving Jiang Hong feeling indescribably upset—this was their most extensive conversation in nearly two months, and yet it had happened under these circumstances.
For a moment, Jiang Hong almost thought he and Lu Xiu had returned to their old relationship, as if the night of the confession, when everything had changed, had never happened.
Fortunately, Lu Xiu soon replied: [I’m not angry. I just stepped away for a bit.]
Jiang Hong wanted to ask "What are you doing?" but he had asked many times before, and Lu Xiu never answered, perhaps not wanting to discuss it.
[Is there anything a demon hunter can do about tumors? Any special medicine that can treat cancer?] Jiang Hong pondered and decided to ask, unsure if Lu Xiu would respond.
Lu Xiu: [Cisplatin-based drugs.]
Jiang Hong: [I mean unconventional... something not used in the ordinary world.]
Lu Xiu: [Since it’s benign, you don’t need to ask further. Or do you not believe me?]
Jiang Hong: [I believe! I really believe! I'm just curious.]
Lu Xiu didn’t reply anymore. After a while, Jiang Hong sent another message: [Are you asleep?]
There was still no response, and Jiang Hong thought: Ah, how insignificant I feel. I never imagined the unrequited love I read about, filled with longing and restlessness, would happen to me.
Yet sometimes, this bitter sense of suffering seemed to provide him with a sense of worth, a reason to affirm his existence, like pain making one feel real and alive... Jiang Hong put down his phone and dozed off into a fitful sleep.
"Baby, wake up!" Jiang's mother tapped Jiang Hong's face anxiously.
Jiang Hong's eyes were red and bloodshot, having only slept for a little over five hours before being woken up by his mother. Startled, he asked, "What happened? Dad? Where's Dad?"
The bed next to him was empty, and Jiang Hong was momentarily struck with fear, recalling that his father was fine the previous night.
"Your dad went to change the dressing," his mother explained, "Don't worry, the pathology results are out! It's benign, benign!"
"Oh, that's great," Jiang Hong, still somewhat dazed, steadied himself and looked intently at his mother, saying, "Benign, that's really good."
Then, after three seconds, Jiang Hong fully comprehended and suddenly hugged his mother, bursting into tears. Jiang's mother also cried, sobbing, "I was so scared, I was terrified. It’s alright now, it’s alright..."
After crying for a while, Jiang's mother said, "Your dad will be back soon, stop crying now."
Jiang's father was wheeled back into the room, moved onto the bed, and sat up. He looked almost back to normal, and the surgery had been successful. Jiang Hong, after reviewing the report and not understanding much, knew his father was out of danger.
Jiang Hong picked up his phone and saw the messages Lu Xiu had sent later last night.
Lu Xiu: [Not yet, are you tired?]
Lu Xiu: [?]
Lu Xiu: [Then rest early.]
Jiang Hong, containing his excitement, informed Lu Xiu of the situation. Lu Xiu casually replied with a [Hmm.] and said nothing more.
The wound from the craniotomy was healing well, narrowly avoiding a disaster. In the morning, the chief surgeon called Jiang's mother and Jiang Hong to explain the condition in detail. Even the doctor said it was nothing short of a miracle. With some rest and the current rate of recovery, Jiang's father could be discharged in about a week.
Thank heavens, Jiang Hong thought.
By the evening, Jiang's father already wanted to walk around but was persuaded by Jiang Hong to rest.
"Since there’s no problem," Jiang's mother said, "then it's alright. Don't worry too much. Watch some TV and go to bed early."
The nurse arrived to take over, cleaning Jiang's father's hands and feet. So, Jiang's mother left her husband in the hospital room and went out with her son to eat hot pot.
During this time, Principal Cao also inquired about Jiang Hong's family situation, to which Jiang Hong replied that everything was fine now.
Next was a message from Zhang Xiting, assuring him that taking leave was no problem and there was no need to rush back.
Anyway, on the first day back from the National Day holiday, the entire grade was scheduled to intern in Wuxian. Jiang Hong could just take a bus there when the time came.
"Okay, okay," Jiang Hong replied, "Thanks, dad... thanks, bro, see you then!"
"Why is your internship in Wushan?" asked Jiang's mother.
"There's a research base there," Jiang Hong had to say.
Jiang's mother then asked, "How come Lu Xiu hasn’t contacted you? I thought you two were coming back together! Did you have a fight?"
Jiang Hong answered, "No, he’s busy with his project this semester. We didn't fight; we were talking just last night."
Jiang's mother admonished, "Next time, don’t worry friends with things they can't help with."
Jiang Hong nodded, wanting to message Lu Xiu but unsure what to say. In the end, he sent Lu Xiu a selfie with his mother.
"Once dad is discharged," Jiang Hong said, "I'll go to Wuxian for my internship. Lu Xiu will be there too."
"Ah, okay, okay," his mother said, "You can go back to school today, it’s fine. Your dad's tumor..."
"Stop talking about that tumor," Jiang Hong, now tense whenever he heard keywords like 'tumor,' 'mass,' 'occupying,' or 'swelling,' said, "I have to wait for dad to be discharged before I leave. Yes, that’s settled."
It was such a relief his father was okay. That night, Jiang Hong finally went home and had a good sleep, then spent the day with his mother at the hospital. During this time, his father had quite a few friends visit, making the hospital room unusually lively.
A week later, after Jiang's father's stitches were removed and he underwent a final check-up with no issues, he was successfully discharged from the hospital.
That evening, Jiang's mother prepared a lot of things.
"Take these twisted dough strips and beef jerky with you..."
In the past, Jiang Hong would have vehemently protested "No, no, no, no!" But after his father's illness, his attitude towards his parents had changed significantly.
"Okay... alright," Jiang Hong said, "Anyway, I'm taking the high-speed train, there's no luggage weight limit."
It seemed that his mother, having gone through her husband's illness, had become even more appreciative of family ties.
"It’s cold in the mountains," Jiang's mother continued, "I’ve also prepared down jackets for you all. This green pepper duck liver sauce for mixing with rice, Lu Xiu really liked it last time. I packed it for you. Wushan won’t have as good food as your school. And this Sichuan pickled vegetable, I made it myself. Lu Xiu loves it too. Take these out when you get there, don’t let them spoil in your suitcase..."
Jiang Hong earnestly replied, "Mom, I am definitely not taking this porcelain pickled vegetable jar for my internship. You could kill me, and I still wouldn't take it... Yes, even if we sever mother-son ties, I won't take it."
So, Jiang's mother relented and packed five kilos of pickled vegetables in sealed bags, stuffing them into Jiang Hong's suitcase. He silently prayed they wouldn’t leak.
Jiang's mother: "Remember to take them out as soon as you arrive."
Oh my! What are we doing!
Jiang Hong thought: Am I really going to lug my suitcase to the holy land, find the King of all demons in his palace, open my luggage on the floor, dig out my spare clothes, down jacket, and electric toothbrush, and then hand over the pickled vegetables from the very bottom, saying, "My mom asked me to bring these for you"?
After packing Jiang Hong's luggage, his mother said, "Where did this pot come from? I'll throw it away."
"What?" Jiang Hong was instantly dumbfounded, "How could you..."
My mom can see it?!
This "nearly invisible to heaven and earth" pot, which Jiang Hong had been keeping in his luggage since the last use, had gone unnoticed even when Zhang Xiting helped him pack. Even Chen Zhen couldn’t see this pot, so why could his mom?!
Jiang Hong was utterly shocked.
Jiang's mother: “?”
"Nothing," Jiang Hong quickly said, "Um, Mom, what do you think about this pot?"
"What do you need it for?" asked Jiang's mother. "To cook rice? I have an electric one that's good for two people..."
"No, no," Jiang Hong quickly said, "I'm used to this one, it's quite good."
Jiang's mother suggested, "Then shall I pack the food in it?"
Jiang Hong was certain it was the same pot, neither mistaken nor switched. After all, how could it be swapped if no one else could even see it?
But how could my mom see it? It's incredible!
The next morning, as Jiang Hong went to say goodbye to his father, he saw him on the phone in the study.
"Dad, I'm leaving," Jiang Hong said.
"Yes, he's recovering very well," Jiang's father said on the phone, "It's quite surprising, I'll be able to take care of them for many more years! Hahaha! When will you come to visit?"
Jiang Hong glanced at the phone and was stunned—his father was actually talking to Lu Xiu!
"He's here, you guys talk," Jiang's father said hurriedly.
"Yeah," Lu Xiu said on the phone, "I was just about to ask him. Jiang Hong, are you sure you're coming today?"
Jiang Hong controlled his tone, glanced at his dad, thought for a moment, and replied: "Yeah, right, I’m just about to leave for the high-speed train."
Lu Xiu responded, "Okay, then I won’t keep you. Someone will pick you up at the high-speed rail station. If you can't find them, call me."
Jiang Hong: "Okay... alright, goodbye."
"How come you're on the phone with Lu Xiu?!" Jiang Hong was extremely surprised.
Jiang's father was also a bit perplexed, "Lu Xiu suddenly asked how I was feeling today. I told him I'm better now, so I called to say hello. Why? Didn’t you tell him?"
"Oh yes, yes," Jiang Hong said, "Does he often chat with you?"
"No," his father replied, "This is the only time in the past few months. I thought you had told him something."
Jiang Hong initially found it strange that Lu Xiu would care about his dad, but then he remembered Lu Xiu had stayed at their house for quite some time. As a close senior at school, it made sense for him to call and check on his family, didn’t it?
Uh, maybe his own reaction was a bit abnormal. Facing his father's questioning gaze, Jiang Hong suddenly felt he was the most abnormal one!
"Alright, I’m off," Jiang Hong quickly said, "Goodbye, Dad. I’ll come to see you after the internship."
Jiang's father stood up and hugged Jiang Hong, leaving him feeling somewhat embarrassed. Blushing, he hurriedly left the house.
The high-speed train from Chongqing to Wushan passed through countless green mountains and waters. At one point, the journey even offered a view of the river, and the autumn scenery of the Three Gorges was indescribably beautiful. Before leaving, Jiang Hong spoke with Lu Xiu again, which considerably lifted his spirits.
Thinking back, it was the first time in almost two months that he had heard Lu Xiu’s voice over the phone.
He had thought he had come to terms with a lot, slowly managing to put away his feelings for Lu Xiu, or at least reverting back to just being good friends.
But the moment he heard Lu Xiu's voice, all those little excuses he had made for himself dissipated without a trace.
Regardless, Jiang Hong was looking forward to seeing Lu Xiu. He missed him deeply and didn't need any response from Lu Xiu; just seeing him would be enough.
It must be lonely for someone to stay in the sacred land alone, right?
"Jiang Hong, have you arrived?"
"I still have an hour to go." Jiang Hong received a call from He Jian while on the train, amidst a noisy background that sounded like a tour group on an outing.
"We're heading in first," He Jian said. "Teacher Hu said to wait for you, but you'd probably feel embarrassed!"
"Yes! Go ahead, don't wait for me!" Jiang Hong said. "I can enter the sacred land myself; someone will pick me up."
Jiang Hong breathed a sigh of relief. Moments later, Zhang Xiting posted a photo in the group chat, showing everyone gathered in front of an unfinished villa complex, with Teacher Hu Qingquan urging everyone to hold up a banner for the grade's internship. The scene must have been chaotic.
Jiang Hong then checked the class group's regulations, which prohibited sharing any photos from inside the demon clan's sacred land and discussing it after returning to school. The Demon Association's headquarters and the Demon Hunting Commission differed greatly; the latter looked like a regular government office building, while photos of the former could easily spark wild speculation online if accidentally leaked.
No wonder students from other demon clans who previously interned didn't say anything or share photos.
Stretching, Jiang Hong felt an unusual sense of relaxation for the first time in months.
The high-speed train passed through abandoned factories and farmlands, gradually nearing the destination.
Only two people got off the train at this stop - Jiang Hong and a migrant worker. The worker, carrying heavy bags, smiled at Jiang Hong and asked what he was doing there. Jiang Hong said he was coming for an internship, which the worker interpreted as a "life experience" activity.
After helping the worker with his heavy load, Jiang Hong was greeted at the station by a group of chubby panda demons holding a sign: [Picking up the Queen Mother].
Jiang Hong was immediately flustered, walking towards the exuberantly cheering panda demons amid the stares of numerous passengers, only to be thoroughly searched, with his suitcase and backpack whisked away.
"Don't do this!" Jiang Hong wailed. "Can't you leave me a bit of dignity? This is so embarrassing!"
"We only call you that in private!" the panda driving the car turned and said. "In public, we'll definitely be discreet about your secret romance, Your Highness!"
Jiang Hong: "I'm not! I'm not in a relationship with Lu Xiu! Watch out or Lu Xiu will beat you up! Hey, don't suddenly turn into a panda—! Can your paws even grip the steering wheel? Never mind the steering wheel, can your feet reach the brakes? Oh, panda, no! Too cute! Forget it, I won't stoop to your level. Why are you shedding so much fur? Did you have too much salt for lunch?"
"It's shedding season," the panda explained, "We always lose a lot of fur during this time! We're planning to make you a sweater out of it..."
"Okay, okay," Jiang Hong replied, "Then I won't collect your fur anymore..."
A van full of pandas, crowding around Jiang Hong in the middle, chattered noisily as they drove towards the sacred land.
Chapter 90: Lifeline
[I don’t know if it’s benign or malignant; I want to do a divination.]
[The results will come out eventually, there’s no need. What difference does it make to know early?] Lu Xiu seemed very composed, perhaps having seen much of life and death over a hundred years.
Jiang Hong: [Yeah, you’re right.]
Lu Xiu: [If it matters to you, I can do the divination, though it’s not my forte.]
Jiang Hong was contemplating whether to ask Lu Xiu, but it seemed so pointless, especially with the results possibly coming out the next day. Just as he was about to say "no need," another message from Lu Xiu arrived.
[It’s benign.]
Following the message was a photo showing a table scattered with ice crystals. Jiang Hong couldn't discern the divination method, but he knew Lu Xiu had his ways.
[Really?!] Jiang Hong replied hastily, glancing back at his father, [The doctor said there’s almost an 80% chance it’s malignant.]
Lu Xiu: [Then what answer are you hoping for? Should I cast the divination again?]
Jiang Hong: [No, no...]
Lu Xiu: [Actually, you don’t believe it.]
Jiang Hong: [Don’t be angry, sorry, I said the wrong thing again. I always do this.]
Lu Xiu went silent, leaving Jiang Hong feeling indescribably upset—this was their most extensive conversation in nearly two months, and yet it had happened under these circumstances.
For a moment, Jiang Hong almost thought he and Lu Xiu had returned to their old relationship, as if the night of the confession, when everything had changed, had never happened.
Fortunately, Lu Xiu soon replied: [I’m not angry. I just stepped away for a bit.]
Jiang Hong wanted to ask "What are you doing?" but he had asked many times before, and Lu Xiu never answered, perhaps not wanting to discuss it.
[Is there anything a demon hunter can do about tumors? Any special medicine that can treat cancer?] Jiang Hong pondered and decided to ask, unsure if Lu Xiu would respond.
Lu Xiu: [Cisplatin-based drugs.]
Jiang Hong: [I mean unconventional... something not used in the ordinary world.]
Lu Xiu: [Since it’s benign, you don’t need to ask further. Or do you not believe me?]
Jiang Hong: [I believe! I really believe! I'm just curious.]
Lu Xiu didn’t reply anymore. After a while, Jiang Hong sent another message: [Are you asleep?]
There was still no response, and Jiang Hong thought: Ah, how insignificant I feel. I never imagined the unrequited love I read about, filled with longing and restlessness, would happen to me.
Yet sometimes, this bitter sense of suffering seemed to provide him with a sense of worth, a reason to affirm his existence, like pain making one feel real and alive... Jiang Hong put down his phone and dozed off into a fitful sleep.
"Baby, wake up!" Jiang's mother tapped Jiang Hong's face anxiously.
Jiang Hong's eyes were red and bloodshot, having only slept for a little over five hours before being woken up by his mother. Startled, he asked, "What happened? Dad? Where's Dad?"
The bed next to him was empty, and Jiang Hong was momentarily struck with fear, recalling that his father was fine the previous night.
"Your dad went to change the dressing," his mother explained, "Don't worry, the pathology results are out! It's benign, benign!"
"Oh, that's great," Jiang Hong, still somewhat dazed, steadied himself and looked intently at his mother, saying, "Benign, that's really good."
Then, after three seconds, Jiang Hong fully comprehended and suddenly hugged his mother, bursting into tears. Jiang's mother also cried, sobbing, "I was so scared, I was terrified. It’s alright now, it’s alright..."
After crying for a while, Jiang's mother said, "Your dad will be back soon, stop crying now."
Jiang's father was wheeled back into the room, moved onto the bed, and sat up. He looked almost back to normal, and the surgery had been successful. Jiang Hong, after reviewing the report and not understanding much, knew his father was out of danger.
Jiang Hong picked up his phone and saw the messages Lu Xiu had sent later last night.
Lu Xiu: [Not yet, are you tired?]
Lu Xiu: [?]
Lu Xiu: [Then rest early.]
Jiang Hong, containing his excitement, informed Lu Xiu of the situation. Lu Xiu casually replied with a [Hmm.] and said nothing more.
The wound from the craniotomy was healing well, narrowly avoiding a disaster. In the morning, the chief surgeon called Jiang's mother and Jiang Hong to explain the condition in detail. Even the doctor said it was nothing short of a miracle. With some rest and the current rate of recovery, Jiang's father could be discharged in about a week.
Thank heavens, Jiang Hong thought.
By the evening, Jiang's father already wanted to walk around but was persuaded by Jiang Hong to rest.
"Since there’s no problem," Jiang's mother said, "then it's alright. Don't worry too much. Watch some TV and go to bed early."
The nurse arrived to take over, cleaning Jiang's father's hands and feet. So, Jiang's mother left her husband in the hospital room and went out with her son to eat hot pot.
During this time, Principal Cao also inquired about Jiang Hong's family situation, to which Jiang Hong replied that everything was fine now.
Next was a message from Zhang Xiting, assuring him that taking leave was no problem and there was no need to rush back.
Anyway, on the first day back from the National Day holiday, the entire grade was scheduled to intern in Wuxian. Jiang Hong could just take a bus there when the time came.
"Okay, okay," Jiang Hong replied, "Thanks, dad... thanks, bro, see you then!"
"Why is your internship in Wushan?" asked Jiang's mother.
"There's a research base there," Jiang Hong had to say.
Jiang's mother then asked, "How come Lu Xiu hasn’t contacted you? I thought you two were coming back together! Did you have a fight?"
Jiang Hong answered, "No, he’s busy with his project this semester. We didn't fight; we were talking just last night."
Jiang's mother admonished, "Next time, don’t worry friends with things they can't help with."
Jiang Hong nodded, wanting to message Lu Xiu but unsure what to say. In the end, he sent Lu Xiu a selfie with his mother.
"Once dad is discharged," Jiang Hong said, "I'll go to Wuxian for my internship. Lu Xiu will be there too."
"Ah, okay, okay," his mother said, "You can go back to school today, it’s fine. Your dad's tumor..."
"Stop talking about that tumor," Jiang Hong, now tense whenever he heard keywords like 'tumor,' 'mass,' 'occupying,' or 'swelling,' said, "I have to wait for dad to be discharged before I leave. Yes, that’s settled."
It was such a relief his father was okay. That night, Jiang Hong finally went home and had a good sleep, then spent the day with his mother at the hospital. During this time, his father had quite a few friends visit, making the hospital room unusually lively.
A week later, after Jiang's father's stitches were removed and he underwent a final check-up with no issues, he was successfully discharged from the hospital.
That evening, Jiang's mother prepared a lot of things.
"Take these twisted dough strips and beef jerky with you..."
In the past, Jiang Hong would have vehemently protested "No, no, no, no!" But after his father's illness, his attitude towards his parents had changed significantly.
"Okay... alright," Jiang Hong said, "Anyway, I'm taking the high-speed train, there's no luggage weight limit."
It seemed that his mother, having gone through her husband's illness, had become even more appreciative of family ties.
"It’s cold in the mountains," Jiang's mother continued, "I’ve also prepared down jackets for you all. This green pepper duck liver sauce for mixing with rice, Lu Xiu really liked it last time. I packed it for you. Wushan won’t have as good food as your school. And this Sichuan pickled vegetable, I made it myself. Lu Xiu loves it too. Take these out when you get there, don’t let them spoil in your suitcase..."
Jiang Hong earnestly replied, "Mom, I am definitely not taking this porcelain pickled vegetable jar for my internship. You could kill me, and I still wouldn't take it... Yes, even if we sever mother-son ties, I won't take it."
So, Jiang's mother relented and packed five kilos of pickled vegetables in sealed bags, stuffing them into Jiang Hong's suitcase. He silently prayed they wouldn’t leak.
Jiang's mother: "Remember to take them out as soon as you arrive."
Oh my! What are we doing!
Jiang Hong thought: Am I really going to lug my suitcase to the holy land, find the King of all demons in his palace, open my luggage on the floor, dig out my spare clothes, down jacket, and electric toothbrush, and then hand over the pickled vegetables from the very bottom, saying, "My mom asked me to bring these for you"?
After packing Jiang Hong's luggage, his mother said, "Where did this pot come from? I'll throw it away."
"What?" Jiang Hong was instantly dumbfounded, "How could you..."
My mom can see it?!
This "nearly invisible to heaven and earth" pot, which Jiang Hong had been keeping in his luggage since the last use, had gone unnoticed even when Zhang Xiting helped him pack. Even Chen Zhen couldn’t see this pot, so why could his mom?!
Jiang Hong was utterly shocked.
Jiang's mother: “?”
"Nothing," Jiang Hong quickly said, "Um, Mom, what do you think about this pot?"
"What do you need it for?" asked Jiang's mother. "To cook rice? I have an electric one that's good for two people..."
"No, no," Jiang Hong quickly said, "I'm used to this one, it's quite good."
Jiang's mother suggested, "Then shall I pack the food in it?"
Jiang Hong was certain it was the same pot, neither mistaken nor switched. After all, how could it be swapped if no one else could even see it?
But how could my mom see it? It's incredible!
The next morning, as Jiang Hong went to say goodbye to his father, he saw him on the phone in the study.
"Dad, I'm leaving," Jiang Hong said.
"Yes, he's recovering very well," Jiang's father said on the phone, "It's quite surprising, I'll be able to take care of them for many more years! Hahaha! When will you come to visit?"
Jiang Hong glanced at the phone and was stunned—his father was actually talking to Lu Xiu!
"He's here, you guys talk," Jiang's father said hurriedly.
"Yeah," Lu Xiu said on the phone, "I was just about to ask him. Jiang Hong, are you sure you're coming today?"
Jiang Hong controlled his tone, glanced at his dad, thought for a moment, and replied: "Yeah, right, I’m just about to leave for the high-speed train."
Lu Xiu responded, "Okay, then I won’t keep you. Someone will pick you up at the high-speed rail station. If you can't find them, call me."
Jiang Hong: "Okay... alright, goodbye."
"How come you're on the phone with Lu Xiu?!" Jiang Hong was extremely surprised.
Jiang's father was also a bit perplexed, "Lu Xiu suddenly asked how I was feeling today. I told him I'm better now, so I called to say hello. Why? Didn’t you tell him?"
"Oh yes, yes," Jiang Hong said, "Does he often chat with you?"
"No," his father replied, "This is the only time in the past few months. I thought you had told him something."
Jiang Hong initially found it strange that Lu Xiu would care about his dad, but then he remembered Lu Xiu had stayed at their house for quite some time. As a close senior at school, it made sense for him to call and check on his family, didn’t it?
Uh, maybe his own reaction was a bit abnormal. Facing his father's questioning gaze, Jiang Hong suddenly felt he was the most abnormal one!
"Alright, I’m off," Jiang Hong quickly said, "Goodbye, Dad. I’ll come to see you after the internship."
Jiang's father stood up and hugged Jiang Hong, leaving him feeling somewhat embarrassed. Blushing, he hurriedly left the house.
The high-speed train from Chongqing to Wushan passed through countless green mountains and waters. At one point, the journey even offered a view of the river, and the autumn scenery of the Three Gorges was indescribably beautiful. Before leaving, Jiang Hong spoke with Lu Xiu again, which considerably lifted his spirits.
Thinking back, it was the first time in almost two months that he had heard Lu Xiu’s voice over the phone.
He had thought he had come to terms with a lot, slowly managing to put away his feelings for Lu Xiu, or at least reverting back to just being good friends.
But the moment he heard Lu Xiu's voice, all those little excuses he had made for himself dissipated without a trace.
Regardless, Jiang Hong was looking forward to seeing Lu Xiu. He missed him deeply and didn't need any response from Lu Xiu; just seeing him would be enough.
It must be lonely for someone to stay in the sacred land alone, right?
"Jiang Hong, have you arrived?"
"I still have an hour to go." Jiang Hong received a call from He Jian while on the train, amidst a noisy background that sounded like a tour group on an outing.
"We're heading in first," He Jian said. "Teacher Hu said to wait for you, but you'd probably feel embarrassed!"
"Yes! Go ahead, don't wait for me!" Jiang Hong said. "I can enter the sacred land myself; someone will pick me up."
Jiang Hong breathed a sigh of relief. Moments later, Zhang Xiting posted a photo in the group chat, showing everyone gathered in front of an unfinished villa complex, with Teacher Hu Qingquan urging everyone to hold up a banner for the grade's internship. The scene must have been chaotic.
Jiang Hong then checked the class group's regulations, which prohibited sharing any photos from inside the demon clan's sacred land and discussing it after returning to school. The Demon Association's headquarters and the Demon Hunting Commission differed greatly; the latter looked like a regular government office building, while photos of the former could easily spark wild speculation online if accidentally leaked.
No wonder students from other demon clans who previously interned didn't say anything or share photos.
Stretching, Jiang Hong felt an unusual sense of relaxation for the first time in months.
The high-speed train passed through abandoned factories and farmlands, gradually nearing the destination.
Only two people got off the train at this stop - Jiang Hong and a migrant worker. The worker, carrying heavy bags, smiled at Jiang Hong and asked what he was doing there. Jiang Hong said he was coming for an internship, which the worker interpreted as a "life experience" activity.
After helping the worker with his heavy load, Jiang Hong was greeted at the station by a group of chubby panda demons holding a sign: [Picking up the Queen Mother].
Jiang Hong was immediately flustered, walking towards the exuberantly cheering panda demons amid the stares of numerous passengers, only to be thoroughly searched, with his suitcase and backpack whisked away.
"Don't do this!" Jiang Hong wailed. "Can't you leave me a bit of dignity? This is so embarrassing!"
"We only call you that in private!" the panda driving the car turned and said. "In public, we'll definitely be discreet about your secret romance, Your Highness!"
Jiang Hong: "I'm not! I'm not in a relationship with Lu Xiu! Watch out or Lu Xiu will beat you up! Hey, don't suddenly turn into a panda—! Can your paws even grip the steering wheel? Never mind the steering wheel, can your feet reach the brakes? Oh, panda, no! Too cute! Forget it, I won't stoop to your level. Why are you shedding so much fur? Did you have too much salt for lunch?"
"It's shedding season," the panda explained, "We always lose a lot of fur during this time! We're planning to make you a sweater out of it..."
"Okay, okay," Jiang Hong replied, "Then I won't collect your fur anymore..."
A van full of pandas, crowding around Jiang Hong in the middle, chattered noisily as they drove towards the sacred land.
