What was the so-called liquor fair like?
Shu Yu’s first assumption was that it was a grand and luxurious place, with well-dressed masters nursing their wine cups as they conversed and laughed. Although she didn’t like this kind of place very much, it was rare for Fu Wang to ask for something, so Shu Yu really couldn’t refuse.
However, once they arrived at the place, Shu Yu realized that she had been overthinking it. This liquor fair unique to the demonic night market – they were different from the wine parties in the human world. They were only a gargle of drunkards going to drink alcohol. No conversations about the beauty of winds and moon or about the ongoings in the world. They only drank.
Lotus leaves that seemed to connect with sky crowded in one place, sometimes you could glimpse pink or white lotuses amongst the bunch. If a person were to look at the whole area from a high altitude, it would probably be very beautiful.
Shu Yu stood underneath a huge lotus leaf, raising her head to look at the fluorescent veins glowing underneath its skin, and marveled at the lotus stalks that were thick as her arm as she touched them.
Compared to the lotus blossoms and leaves that grew so tall she couldn’t see their top, right now she was probably the size of Thumbelina. While walking next to these massive lotus blossoms and leaves, she was hit with the refreshing fragrance of lotus with every inhale; there was also a vague aroma of alcohol mixed in, causing anyone who smelled it to begin feeling slightly intoxicated.
The two walked up a broken bridge. There was a troubling of red koi fish gathering underneath the bridge, however their heads were oversized like those lotus leaves; some were as big as a car, and there were even some as big as a bus.
Fu Wang drew out a handful of gravel-like bait and scattered them over the water, in a way that showed he was familiar with the action. Those koi fish immediately leaped to and from the water with great vigor, each of them making violent splashes on the water.
Fu Wang tapped a koi fish that was slightly smaller but whose color was as vivid as fire. That koi fish began speaking like a person, “Please hop on, dear customer.” After that, it spat out a massive bubble and bumped it towards Shu Yu and Fu Wang. After they walked inside the bubble, it spat out another layer of bubble that enveloped the first bubble, then it pushed the entire bubble into the water, using its head to bump it as they were submerged in the water.
Wow! The demon world’s version of a sightseeing submarine!
Shu Yu, whose world has been expanded with every experience in the night market, was extremely curious with everything around her. She had been wanting to touch that beautiful koi fish that could speak for a while now, but she was worried this behavior would be considered indecent assault, so she suppressed her urges. However, although she couldn’t touch the koi fish, she could still touch the bubble enveloping them.
The bubble was cool and hard to the touch, somewhat like smooth glass. Shu Yu tentatively touched it and seeing that the glass was very solid – it didn’t seem very breakable – she felt reassured, and boldly plastered herself to the glass to take a closer look at the underwater scenery.
Advertisement
Although it was night, it wasn’t dark underwater, it was in fact brighter than the world in the surface, being a slightly blueish-green color. Waving algae and seaweed grew in the deep water, reflecting a faint yellowish color in the waves. Occasionally, koi fish that were just as red swam past them. Those red koi fish were different from the huge koi fish that was pushing their bubble, the troubling of red koi fish was normal-sized, just about as big as their palm.
A troubling of small koi fish swam around the massive koi fish. It was quite the sight to behold.
There were also some floating specks of light in the water, like stars that had been scattered in the gentle waves, giving it a dream-like quality. Numerous lotus stalks were connected to the surface of the water, like an underwater forest. There was no difference to be found within the bubble compared to when they were on land, there weren’t any bumps in their way, and after a while the koi fish pushed their bubble upwards until they broke the surface.
They arrived in the middle of a massive lotus pond, where there was a single lotus leaf floating on the water.
That tender lotus leaf was about the size of a room, there were some low chairs and desks on top of it, along with a privacy screen and other small things. There were numerous lotus blossoms and leaves in the surroundings, but no one else could be seen.
So, what about the liquor fair? Was it only the two of them?
Just as Shu Yu was craning her head here and there, Fu Wang waved her over. “I’ve spoken with it; it will allow you to touch it.”
The massive koi fish that had delivered them to their destination hadn’t left yet, and was instead swishing its tail next to the lotus leaf as it affirmed Fu Wang’s words, “Yes, this dear customer doesn’t have to be too modest~ It’s our honor to receive compliments and adoration from our customers~”
Advertisement
She clearly hadn’t said anything, but Fu Wang had seen through her again. Shu Yu saw Fu Wang smile at her and felt sweetness filling her heart. She rubbed the koi fish a handful of times and after fulfilling her urges, she went to sit next to Fu Wang, sticking closely to him.
“Da-Yu, wasn’t this a liquor fair? Why are we the only ones here?”
Fu Wang poured some of the ginseng liquor into a round, white wine cup. He said with a smile, “The liquor gatherings at the Fox Clan are different from the ones here, since they are held within a garden of flowers, but the overall event is largely similar. There is a generally agreed upon rule; every guest who brings quality liquor to share or whom wish to just drink will travel a path different from the others, most will come alone or bring one or two companions. We will not see each other, like this, and can drink at our own leisure.”
“Xiao-Yu, look over there.” Fu Wang put down the wine cup he prepared on a tray. At the same time, the small troubling of red koi fish they had seen before popped out of the water. They bumped the tray and held it on their heads, they followed the stream and swam deeper into the cluster of lotuses.
“They will bring the liquor to the other guests who’ve arrived at the fair, and then exchange it with liquor that the other guests have brought. Each person will not know what kind of liquor they will drink, and if they happen upon one that they like, they can also exchange for more to bring back with them. The master of this liquor fair will sometimes bring wine to share with the guests here, as well.” As he explained, he poured himself some liquor.
Shu Yu propped her chin on a hand as she watched him drink.
This person looked like a benign gentleman, but when he drank there was a kind of atmosphere that made him seem carefree and relaxed, something she’d never seen before. Even within the original plot she’d read before, this was a side of Fu Wang that had never been described. In the original plot he didn’t wear the mask of gentleness and kindness, there was only a blackened personality full of madness and ruthlessness, which made him captivating as much as it made him terrifying.
He said he often came to the night market to drink. His tone was indescribably carefree, but as Shu Yu watched the way he drank, she vaguely thought that he must’ve been very lonely before. He leaned against his seat, pouring his drink with the raise of his wrist, and drank it in one swallow with a tilt of his neck. Then, he glanced at her with eyes that would occasionally be misty. It somehow served to make her feel a bit breathless.
Slightly dashing and carefree, perhaps even wantonly and flirtatious, but that couldn’t be compared to that never-changing gaze that was full of emotions.
To this day, Shu Yu thought it was perplexing, how could Fu Wang have fallen in love with her?
Advertisement
Someone like this, even in the novel, his so-called love towards the Female Protagonist consisted of imprisonment and damage, and even less said about holding any sort of compassion or empathy for anyone else, the gentleness and kindness he would show were nothing more than fake pretense.
But now, the love he held for her was so very real and passionate. He was just like anyone who fell in love. He liked to be affectionate with her, he often wanted to be close to her, and he thought it was never enough no matter how good he was to her. He could feel uneasy and feel jealous, too. If this was all a lie, then she would admit her loss, she loved this man after all. It didn’t matter if his love was real or fake, she was willing to believe in its truth and reciprocate that love as much as she possibly could.
She wanted to protect him. She wanted to help him. She wanted to make him stop feeling lonely or sad. Maybe this kind of thought had already existed when she was still in the modern era, when she had read that novel back then. That’s why she struggled and hesitated so much after arriving here, and in the end allowed him to become her most important beloved.
Shu Yu, a bit dazed, watched as Fu Wang tasted the wine that the koi fish brought back on its head. His thin lips were lightly wet, his black hair and clothes seemed to melt together, and his wrists and cheeks also seemed luminescent in its fairness.
He was so pretty, there was no one prettier than him in the whole world.
As if she were entranced, Shu Yu lightly leaned over and pressed a kiss on the corner of his mouth.
Upon being ambushed like this, Fu Wang’s movements halted, and his cup spilled some of its wine. It spilled on top of the lotus leaf, becoming round little droplets that slithered and splattered against each other with a small splash.
Fu Wang fell back on the lotus leaf. Black hair spread alongside dark robes, revealing his collarbone and a small portion of his chest. Shu Yu sat on top of him, slightly blushing as she went to kiss him. After so long, she was still very shy. Even though she was the one who took the initiative, her eyes couldn’t even open from the embarrassment and her eyelashes couldn’t stop trembling.
Fu Wang lightly opened his lips, letting her explore as she wished. He laid there without doing much, only gazing Shu Yu with a brightness that could intoxicate anyone. After Shu Yu delicately kissed him for a while, she buried her face in Fu Wang’s chest. Fu Wang wrapped his arms around her, and the two laid there, quietly embracing each other.
“Xiao-Yu, is something wrong? Why the sudden enthusiasm?” After a while, Fu Wang flipped them over and pressed Shu Yu underneath him. His fingers gently caressed the flush on her cheeks.
Shu Yu laid a hand over his own. Her eyes were full of worry. “Do you feel unhappy? Did I do something that made you feel uneasy?” She kept getting the feeling his emotions weren’t quite right, but she struggled put articulate it into words.
As she didn’t receive an answer, Shu Yu kept holding his hand. Fu Wang’s strength slowly slacked, and he leaned over Shu Yu. He murmured softly, “Often, I feel afraid. If there is a day where I hurt Xiao-Yu, what should I do?”
Brittle was a word Shu Yu never thought she’d use on Fu Wang. From the moment they first met, no matter if he was in his normal state or if he were severely injured, or even when he intentionally acted pitiful in his half-demon form, he always seemed like a towering tree that could weather winds and storms, never to be knocked down. Steady and reliable, wise and resourceful, studious and thoughtful, resolute and tenacious — that was the impression that Fu Wang had always given Shu Yu.
He was Fu Wang. The Boss. He feared nothing, how could there be anything that could scare him?
But he said it with his own mouth, he was afraid, and it was because of her.
Advertisement
It was her who had turned Fu Wang into a very different person.
Why was he afraid, and why was he saying he could hurt her? Shu Yu knew clearly just how protective he was of herself, so why did he feel that he would hurt her?
Shu Yu didn’t voice these doubts. She voluntarily reached out and hugged Fu Wang tightly, and said in the firmest tone she could manage, “I can protect myself. Even if it’s you, you’ll never be able to hurt me.”
Fu Wang didn’t relax at her words, and instead gave a slightly bitter smile. His palm touched her cheek as he softly probed, “If there is a day where I have hurt you, you won’t blame me?”
“I won’t.” The little fish only wanted him to feel better, to stop showing that expression which filled her with so much heartache, so of course she readily promised.
“If I force you to do things you don’t wish to do, if I do things that you don’t agree with, will you still not leave me behind? Abandon me?”
Shu Yu felt that Fu Wang’s eyes were like a fine and intricate net, his voice carried a bewitching quality amidst his soft crooning. But then, there were also a few hints of extremely rare vulnerability, filled to the brim with the delicate hope that sought for her affirmation, to such point that she couldn’t muster even the idea of refusing him.
Seeing the heartache and sincerity in Shu Yu’s eyes, the deep darkness in Fu Wang’s eyes cleared slightly. He supported Shu Yu into a sitting position. He picked up one of the glasses that were set in a row of cups on the side and drank it in one swallow, and then imparted some wine to Shu Yu by pressing his lips against hers. “Xiao-Yu, will you get drunk with me, please?”
Ever since Fu Wang had fallen into depravity as a Devil, he had always been in constant vigilance. His feelings towards Shu Yu haven’t changed, he did not forsake his emotions as he thought he would, and instead, his adoration only deepened day by day. The desire inside him was being infinitely magnified, and at the same time, what followed was a terrifying possessiveness that sought to swallow everything about her, that didn’t wish for her to even think of anything or anyone other than him.
It was like a never-ending, insatiable greed was opening a huge hole inside him, which howled and screeched day after day.
Fu Wang didn’t know what he was going to do. He subconsciously concluded that if he were to let go of those progressively twisted thoughts, then there would come a day where it would push Shu Yu away from himself, that’s why he had restrained himself and made it seem as if he hadn’t changed at all.
But change was change, in the end. For how much longer would he be able to control himself?
He did not fear those fox clansmen who seemed to harbor ill will. He did not fear any danger that could come after them. He had long since stopped being that half-demon who possessed vicious ambition but none of the strength or power to match. If there was anyone who wished to take his life — to harm his most cherished treasure — then he of course possessed the strength to deal with it.
But he was afraid of one thing only — the fickleness of the heart.
Feelings were fragile and had no foundation or regularity to speak of. Uncontrollable by nature. As of today, Shu Yu still loved him, but if one day she were to learn he had become a Devil, learnt that he fed on the blood and flesh of their demonic kin, learnt that he would continue hurting many more innocents in the future… If she learnt of those thoughts of his that yearned to turn her into someone who could only rely on him and wished to isolate her from everything, or even of how his unstable state could hurt her, what would she think?
Perhaps she would forgive him, perhaps she would accept him, but this was not enough. Maybe it’d last a year, maybe ten years, but what about a century? One thousand years? Not to mention she still thought of going back, she still could leave him behind.
Fu Wang had always been a liar with a mouth full of lies, from beginning to end; he had once said he didn’t care if she went back and only wished for the happiness of the present, but those were all lies, he had never once considered letting go of her.
And even as he worried and worried, he was still slowly, bit by bit, guiding Shu Yu into noticing his abnormalities, so that she would notice him and worry about him. Whether it was his displays of fragility or pain, if there was anything that could make Shu Yu’s love for him increase maddeningly, that could make her stay by his side and never think of anyone else, then Fu Wang will anything.
Everything he showed was an image that made Shu Yu happy, that could make her yearn for him. The real him was nothing more than a greedy beast that would do anything to achieve what it wanted.
Looking at how Shu Yu leaned against him with eyes hazy from inebriation, Fu Wang lightly touched her lips and caressed them. Then, he chuckled. “Drink some more?”
Shu Yu was defenseless and did not know to refuse. He fed and she drank, and aside from the beginning when Fu Wang drank a little, all the remaining liquor went straight into Shu Yu’s stomach.
In the end, Fu Wang left the liquor fair with Shu Yu in his arms. Shu Yu wasn’t quite the same when she got drunk, she became unusually enthusiastic and didn’t shy away. She stuck to Fu Wang closely, her arms hanging around his neck as she continuously snuzzled against him, so well-behaved and so precious that Fu Wang’s heart melted into a soft goo. He carefully and protectively carried her in his arms like a small child, speaking to her and coaxing her.
The moon hung in the sky. The bustling of the night market was at its peak. After Fu Wang left the liquor fair while carrying Shu Yu, he walked amidst the market with grandiose confidence. And after Shu Yu had gotten drunk, she stopped paying overt attention to those curious little objects and leaned against Fu Wang’s arms. When she would see him looking away from her, she tugged at him so he would look down at her. Fu Wang was completely enamored with the way she seemed to want him to be looking only at her.
In the front there was a gathering of demons around a stage, and they all burst into laughter and cheers. Shu Yu was originally dizzily leaning against Fu Wang’s embrace with half-lidded eyes, but she was startled by the sudden noise and her eyes opened fully as she looked over.
There was a man and a woman on the stage wearing red robes embroidered with festive patterns, like a pair of newlyweds. There was even a sedan chair covered with red silk next to them, and the ones carrying the sedan chair were four huge golden snakes with red silk flowers tied underneath their heads, which were coiling quietly near the sedan.
The woman on-stage laughingly pulled a wedding veil over the man’s head as she chattered, “Since it was your defeat, of course you’re the one marrying me, so quickly put the wedding veil on, after we finish here we still have to go to our wedding chambers!”
The man’s face was steaming red as he took the veil, shaking his head as put it over his head, then he voluntarily stepped up the sedan chair. Seeing this, the woman smiled smugly and joyfully, landing on the head of one of the huge snakes besides the sedan with one great leap. She waved at the crowd of onlookers.
Demonic marriages have always consisted of fighting. Whether it was man and woman, or man and man, or woman and woman, the losing side will marry out and the winning side will get the bride.1 It was coincidence they happened upon a pair of lovers in the night market.
As per custom, the woman who had won led the sedan chair around the surroundings once, accepting the blessings of the onlooking demons, bright with pleasure like breeze during spring.
Shu Yu quietly watched for a while, then she said in a low voice, “I want that.”
“Hm?” Fu Wang followed her pointing finger and saw the man inside the sedan chair… and the wedding veil over his head. He grabbed Shu Yu’s finger and good-naturedly tried to negotiate with her, “They are a pair of newlyweds, they will certainly not give that wedding veil to us. If Xiao-Yu wants that veil, I will go buy one for Xiao-Yu right now, alright?”
If it was the usual Shu Yu, she would’ve agreed and wouldn’t throw a fit, but the Shu Yu of present time was very drunk, so she was not pacified by Fu Wang’s words and instead firmly pointed at them again. Her voice was slightly pitiful as she repeated, “I want that.”
She snuzzled her head against Fu Wang’s chin, then raised her face to pleadingly kiss Fu Wang’s cheek, her voice was slightly begging, and she even let out a pitiful sniffle. In that instant, Fu Wang understood how Shu Yu felt whenever he turned into a small child —— Do not even mention a mere wedding veil, if Shu Yu were to ask for his demonic core right now with those eyes, using that tone of voice to speak, he probably would’ve gouged it out for her.
If he could’ve thought carefully, that was actually frightening.
Fu Wang kissed Shu Yu’s forehead. He carried her towards that pair of newlyweds and expended quite a few nice items in exchange for a wedding veil that didn’t have any worth. However, Shu Yu obtained she wedding veil she wished for and looked extremely happy. She put the wedding veil over her head and declared loudly, “I want to marry you!”
Right now, the two were sitting in a remote corner, with a blossoming tree over their heads. Fu Wang placed Shu Yu on his lap, and hearing her declaration, he was at first stunned, and then he laughed as he stroked the corner of her eyes through the thin veil, “If it comes down to a fight, I can’t beat Xiao-Yu, so maybe it will be me who becomes the bride?”
Shu Yu’s reaction time was a big slow. After digesting his words with great difficulty, she seriously corrected him, “You can do many things. If we fight for real, I can’t beat you.”
Fu Wang chuckled again. “But I cannot bring myself to hit Xiao-Yu, thus, I can only admit defeat.”
Shu Yu pondered again, and then nodded in agreement. “You are right.”
Fu Wang was so endeared by her dazed, child-like state that his heart was melting. He brought her into his arms again, and Shu Yu directly put the wedding veil that was originally on her head over his own, and then gave it two brief pats. “Then, you will marry me.”
“Alright.” Fu Wang laughed lightly. He has been smiling earnestly ever since Shu Yu got drunk and started sticking to him.
But as Shu Yu looked at the wedding veil on his head, she touched her own head, and suddenly felt very sad. She deflated and hmphed, “But now I don’t have anything to wear. I want to wear something too.” She whined and whimpered in Fu Wang’s arms, flustering him slightly, but he quickly calmed down and glanced at the tree. He snapped a few blossom branches and weaved a beautiful garland, then he waved it in front of Shu Yu. He coaxed, “Then how about Shu Yu wear this?”
Shu Yu, who was now wearing a garland, became happy again. She was very easy to coax, just like a child. However, Fu Wang – who only had himself to blame for getting Shu Yu drunk – was now facing a new problem.
It was because a parade of dancers swayed and danced by in front of them, the kind of troupe that paraded around the streets to show off their skills. After they left, Shu Yu somehow thought of something again and said, “Wanna look at dance, Fu Wang dance.”
Fu Wang wanted to refuse at first, but it was futile, because Shu Yu was looking at him with red-rimmed eyes, as if she would start crying if he said no. Thus, he immediately threw away his defenses and surrendered as he hurriedly said, “Alright alright, I will dance for Xiao-Yu.”
He hopelessly let go and had her sit underneath the tree. Then he actually started dancing. As he used to be a slave meant to serve others, he naturally had learnt to serve in many ways, and dancing was amongst the things he was capable of. However, it’s really been a while since he had last danced. And right now, Shu Yu wanted to see it. He briefly pondered and chose a prayer dance.
It was not one meant for seduction, but one used to pray for peace and safety from disasters.
Half demons were children abandoned by the gods, that’s why he never believed in gods.
But today, he would believe in them, just for now.
This dance was solemn and restrictive, with not much flair to speak of, but Fu Wang’s figure was slender and long, his usually tied up hair had also gotten loose when they were drinking, and he was wearing a robe with wide sleeves. With his black hair flying free, his sleeves flickering in the air and his clothes seemingly following an unseen wind, in Shu Yu’s eyes he was more enchanting and beautiful than any of the willowy and bewitching beauties from the parade.
Not waiting for Fu Wang to finish the dance, Shu Yu – who was originally watching by the side obediently – pounced at him. She smooched his face loudly. “I like you!”
“I like you so much!” The deadliness of a drunk Shu Yu was too much. Words that usually wouldn’t come out easily were right now pouring and being belted out rapidly like free cash, one after another, making Fu Wang – who had never been drunk before – feel like he was becoming intoxicated. His heart was so warm and soft that he didn’t know what to do.
In the end, he could only cup Shu Yu’s cheeks and softly say back, “I also only like you.”
Chapter Description: A special for new year’s, a super huge plate of dog food.【doge】
Author’s Note:
The night market part will come to an end here. Meng Ze Arc will finish within five chapters, and next will be the Human World Arc.
Translator’s Note:
So, uh, Niom here. I have been missing for a while BUT I HAVE A somewhat VALID REASON! AND THAT’S MY SCHEDULE! I finally found a job after graduation, but I REALLY needed to adjust to all of the *beep* (/redacted for the safety of innocent ears/) in the workplace, and I’m also trying to improve my health, which left me dead by the time I finished everything. However, rn some stuff has settled down and I’m back here with a very very late chapter! This time I’m hoping to resume weekly updates. Hope yall enjoy reading this~
1出嫁; Marry, marry into the spouse’s family. 娶亲; Marry, wed the bride, the side that welcomes the bride/spouse into the family, usually the one that asks for the hand in marriage. In English, I think that marry is used the same for both sides, but in Chinese there is a difference between “marry” when it comes to being the bride side and the husband side.
What was the so-called liquor fair like?
Shu Yu’s first assumption was that it was a grand and luxurious place, with well-dressed masters nursing their wine cups as they conversed and laughed. Although she didn’t like this kind of place very much, it was rare for Fu Wang to ask for something, so Shu Yu really couldn’t refuse.
However, once they arrived at the place, Shu Yu realized that she had been overthinking it. This liquor fair unique to the demonic night market – they were different from the wine parties in the human world. They were only a gargle of drunkards going to drink alcohol. No conversations about the beauty of winds and moon or about the ongoings in the world. They only drank.
Lotus leaves that seemed to connect with sky crowded in one place, sometimes you could glimpse pink or white lotuses amongst the bunch. If a person were to look at the whole area from a high altitude, it would probably be very beautiful.
Shu Yu stood underneath a huge lotus leaf, raising her head to look at the fluorescent veins glowing underneath its skin, and marveled at the lotus stalks that were thick as her arm as she touched them.
Compared to the lotus blossoms and leaves that grew so tall she couldn’t see their top, right now she was probably the size of Thumbelina. While walking next to these massive lotus blossoms and leaves, she was hit with the refreshing fragrance of lotus with every inhale; there was also a vague aroma of alcohol mixed in, causing anyone who smelled it to begin feeling slightly intoxicated.
The two walked up a broken bridge. There was a troubling of red koi fish gathering underneath the bridge, however their heads were oversized like those lotus leaves; some were as big as a car, and there were even some as big as a bus.
Fu Wang drew out a handful of gravel-like bait and scattered them over the water, in a way that showed he was familiar with the action. Those koi fish immediately leaped to and from the water with great vigor, each of them making violent splashes on the water.
Fu Wang tapped a koi fish that was slightly smaller but whose color was as vivid as fire. That koi fish began speaking like a person, “Please hop on, dear customer.” After that, it spat out a massive bubble and bumped it towards Shu Yu and Fu Wang. After they walked inside the bubble, it spat out another layer of bubble that enveloped the first bubble, then it pushed the entire bubble into the water, using its head to bump it as they were submerged in the water.
Wow! The demon world’s version of a sightseeing submarine!
Shu Yu, whose world has been expanded with every experience in the night market, was extremely curious with everything around her. She had been wanting to touch that beautiful koi fish that could speak for a while now, but she was worried this behavior would be considered indecent assault, so she suppressed her urges. However, although she couldn’t touch the koi fish, she could still touch the bubble enveloping them.
The bubble was cool and hard to the touch, somewhat like smooth glass. Shu Yu tentatively touched it and seeing that the glass was very solid – it didn’t seem very breakable – she felt reassured, and boldly plastered herself to the glass to take a closer look at the underwater scenery.
Advertisement
Although it was night, it wasn’t dark underwater, it was in fact brighter than the world in the surface, being a slightly blueish-green color. Waving algae and seaweed grew in the deep water, reflecting a faint yellowish color in the waves. Occasionally, koi fish that were just as red swam past them. Those red koi fish were different from the huge koi fish that was pushing their bubble, the troubling of red koi fish was normal-sized, just about as big as their palm.
A troubling of small koi fish swam around the massive koi fish. It was quite the sight to behold.
There were also some floating specks of light in the water, like stars that had been scattered in the gentle waves, giving it a dream-like quality. Numerous lotus stalks were connected to the surface of the water, like an underwater forest. There was no difference to be found within the bubble compared to when they were on land, there weren’t any bumps in their way, and after a while the koi fish pushed their bubble upwards until they broke the surface.
They arrived in the middle of a massive lotus pond, where there was a single lotus leaf floating on the water.
That tender lotus leaf was about the size of a room, there were some low chairs and desks on top of it, along with a privacy screen and other small things. There were numerous lotus blossoms and leaves in the surroundings, but no one else could be seen.
So, what about the liquor fair? Was it only the two of them?
Just as Shu Yu was craning her head here and there, Fu Wang waved her over. “I’ve spoken with it; it will allow you to touch it.”
The massive koi fish that had delivered them to their destination hadn’t left yet, and was instead swishing its tail next to the lotus leaf as it affirmed Fu Wang’s words, “Yes, this dear customer doesn’t have to be too modest~ It’s our honor to receive compliments and adoration from our customers~”
Advertisement
She clearly hadn’t said anything, but Fu Wang had seen through her again. Shu Yu saw Fu Wang smile at her and felt sweetness filling her heart. She rubbed the koi fish a handful of times and after fulfilling her urges, she went to sit next to Fu Wang, sticking closely to him.
“Da-Yu, wasn’t this a liquor fair? Why are we the only ones here?”
Fu Wang poured some of the ginseng liquor into a round, white wine cup. He said with a smile, “The liquor gatherings at the Fox Clan are different from the ones here, since they are held within a garden of flowers, but the overall event is largely similar. There is a generally agreed upon rule; every guest who brings quality liquor to share or whom wish to just drink will travel a path different from the others, most will come alone or bring one or two companions. We will not see each other, like this, and can drink at our own leisure.”
“Xiao-Yu, look over there.” Fu Wang put down the wine cup he prepared on a tray. At the same time, the small troubling of red koi fish they had seen before popped out of the water. They bumped the tray and held it on their heads, they followed the stream and swam deeper into the cluster of lotuses.
“They will bring the liquor to the other guests who’ve arrived at the fair, and then exchange it with liquor that the other guests have brought. Each person will not know what kind of liquor they will drink, and if they happen upon one that they like, they can also exchange for more to bring back with them. The master of this liquor fair will sometimes bring wine to share with the guests here, as well.” As he explained, he poured himself some liquor.
Shu Yu propped her chin on a hand as she watched him drink.
This person looked like a benign gentleman, but when he drank there was a kind of atmosphere that made him seem carefree and relaxed, something she’d never seen before. Even within the original plot she’d read before, this was a side of Fu Wang that had never been described. In the original plot he didn’t wear the mask of gentleness and kindness, there was only a blackened personality full of madness and ruthlessness, which made him captivating as much as it made him terrifying.
He said he often came to the night market to drink. His tone was indescribably carefree, but as Shu Yu watched the way he drank, she vaguely thought that he must’ve been very lonely before. He leaned against his seat, pouring his drink with the raise of his wrist, and drank it in one swallow with a tilt of his neck. Then, he glanced at her with eyes that would occasionally be misty. It somehow served to make her feel a bit breathless.
Slightly dashing and carefree, perhaps even wantonly and flirtatious, but that couldn’t be compared to that never-changing gaze that was full of emotions.
To this day, Shu Yu thought it was perplexing, how could Fu Wang have fallen in love with her?
Advertisement
Someone like this, even in the novel, his so-called love towards the Female Protagonist consisted of imprisonment and damage, and even less said about holding any sort of compassion or empathy for anyone else, the gentleness and kindness he would show were nothing more than fake pretense.
But now, the love he held for her was so very real and passionate. He was just like anyone who fell in love. He liked to be affectionate with her, he often wanted to be close to her, and he thought it was never enough no matter how good he was to her. He could feel uneasy and feel jealous, too. If this was all a lie, then she would admit her loss, she loved this man after all. It didn’t matter if his love was real or fake, she was willing to believe in its truth and reciprocate that love as much as she possibly could.
She wanted to protect him. She wanted to help him. She wanted to make him stop feeling lonely or sad. Maybe this kind of thought had already existed when she was still in the modern era, when she had read that novel back then. That’s why she struggled and hesitated so much after arriving here, and in the end allowed him to become her most important beloved.
Shu Yu, a bit dazed, watched as Fu Wang tasted the wine that the koi fish brought back on its head. His thin lips were lightly wet, his black hair and clothes seemed to melt together, and his wrists and cheeks also seemed luminescent in its fairness.
He was so pretty, there was no one prettier than him in the whole world.
As if she were entranced, Shu Yu lightly leaned over and pressed a kiss on the corner of his mouth.
Upon being ambushed like this, Fu Wang’s movements halted, and his cup spilled some of its wine. It spilled on top of the lotus leaf, becoming round little droplets that slithered and splattered against each other with a small splash.
Fu Wang fell back on the lotus leaf. Black hair spread alongside dark robes, revealing his collarbone and a small portion of his chest. Shu Yu sat on top of him, slightly blushing as she went to kiss him. After so long, she was still very shy. Even though she was the one who took the initiative, her eyes couldn’t even open from the embarrassment and her eyelashes couldn’t stop trembling.
Fu Wang lightly opened his lips, letting her explore as she wished. He laid there without doing much, only gazing Shu Yu with a brightness that could intoxicate anyone. After Shu Yu delicately kissed him for a while, she buried her face in Fu Wang’s chest. Fu Wang wrapped his arms around her, and the two laid there, quietly embracing each other.
“Xiao-Yu, is something wrong? Why the sudden enthusiasm?” After a while, Fu Wang flipped them over and pressed Shu Yu underneath him. His fingers gently caressed the flush on her cheeks.
Shu Yu laid a hand over his own. Her eyes were full of worry. “Do you feel unhappy? Did I do something that made you feel uneasy?” She kept getting the feeling his emotions weren’t quite right, but she struggled put articulate it into words.
As she didn’t receive an answer, Shu Yu kept holding his hand. Fu Wang’s strength slowly slacked, and he leaned over Shu Yu. He murmured softly, “Often, I feel afraid. If there is a day where I hurt Xiao-Yu, what should I do?”
Brittle was a word Shu Yu never thought she’d use on Fu Wang. From the moment they first met, no matter if he was in his normal state or if he were severely injured, or even when he intentionally acted pitiful in his half-demon form, he always seemed like a towering tree that could weather winds and storms, never to be knocked down. Steady and reliable, wise and resourceful, studious and thoughtful, resolute and tenacious — that was the impression that Fu Wang had always given Shu Yu.
He was Fu Wang. The Boss. He feared nothing, how could there be anything that could scare him?
But he said it with his own mouth, he was afraid, and it was because of her.
Advertisement
It was her who had turned Fu Wang into a very different person.
Why was he afraid, and why was he saying he could hurt her? Shu Yu knew clearly just how protective he was of herself, so why did he feel that he would hurt her?
Shu Yu didn’t voice these doubts. She voluntarily reached out and hugged Fu Wang tightly, and said in the firmest tone she could manage, “I can protect myself. Even if it’s you, you’ll never be able to hurt me.”
Fu Wang didn’t relax at her words, and instead gave a slightly bitter smile. His palm touched her cheek as he softly probed, “If there is a day where I have hurt you, you won’t blame me?”
“I won’t.” The little fish only wanted him to feel better, to stop showing that expression which filled her with so much heartache, so of course she readily promised.
“If I force you to do things you don’t wish to do, if I do things that you don’t agree with, will you still not leave me behind? Abandon me?”
Shu Yu felt that Fu Wang’s eyes were like a fine and intricate net, his voice carried a bewitching quality amidst his soft crooning. But then, there were also a few hints of extremely rare vulnerability, filled to the brim with the delicate hope that sought for her affirmation, to such point that she couldn’t muster even the idea of refusing him.
Seeing the heartache and sincerity in Shu Yu’s eyes, the deep darkness in Fu Wang’s eyes cleared slightly. He supported Shu Yu into a sitting position. He picked up one of the glasses that were set in a row of cups on the side and drank it in one swallow, and then imparted some wine to Shu Yu by pressing his lips against hers. “Xiao-Yu, will you get drunk with me, please?”
Ever since Fu Wang had fallen into depravity as a Devil, he had always been in constant vigilance. His feelings towards Shu Yu haven’t changed, he did not forsake his emotions as he thought he would, and instead, his adoration only deepened day by day. The desire inside him was being infinitely magnified, and at the same time, what followed was a terrifying possessiveness that sought to swallow everything about her, that didn’t wish for her to even think of anything or anyone other than him.
It was like a never-ending, insatiable greed was opening a huge hole inside him, which howled and screeched day after day.
Fu Wang didn’t know what he was going to do. He subconsciously concluded that if he were to let go of those progressively twisted thoughts, then there would come a day where it would push Shu Yu away from himself, that’s why he had restrained himself and made it seem as if he hadn’t changed at all.
But change was change, in the end. For how much longer would he be able to control himself?
He did not fear those fox clansmen who seemed to harbor ill will. He did not fear any danger that could come after them. He had long since stopped being that half-demon who possessed vicious ambition but none of the strength or power to match. If there was anyone who wished to take his life — to harm his most cherished treasure — then he of course possessed the strength to deal with it.
But he was afraid of one thing only — the fickleness of the heart.
Feelings were fragile and had no foundation or regularity to speak of. Uncontrollable by nature. As of today, Shu Yu still loved him, but if one day she were to learn he had become a Devil, learnt that he fed on the blood and flesh of their demonic kin, learnt that he would continue hurting many more innocents in the future… If she learnt of those thoughts of his that yearned to turn her into someone who could only rely on him and wished to isolate her from everything, or even of how his unstable state could hurt her, what would she think?
Perhaps she would forgive him, perhaps she would accept him, but this was not enough. Maybe it’d last a year, maybe ten years, but what about a century? One thousand years? Not to mention she still thought of going back, she still could leave him behind.
Fu Wang had always been a liar with a mouth full of lies, from beginning to end; he had once said he didn’t care if she went back and only wished for the happiness of the present, but those were all lies, he had never once considered letting go of her.
And even as he worried and worried, he was still slowly, bit by bit, guiding Shu Yu into noticing his abnormalities, so that she would notice him and worry about him. Whether it was his displays of fragility or pain, if there was anything that could make Shu Yu’s love for him increase maddeningly, that could make her stay by his side and never think of anyone else, then Fu Wang will anything.
Everything he showed was an image that made Shu Yu happy, that could make her yearn for him. The real him was nothing more than a greedy beast that would do anything to achieve what it wanted.
Looking at how Shu Yu leaned against him with eyes hazy from inebriation, Fu Wang lightly touched her lips and caressed them. Then, he chuckled. “Drink some more?”
Shu Yu was defenseless and did not know to refuse. He fed and she drank, and aside from the beginning when Fu Wang drank a little, all the remaining liquor went straight into Shu Yu’s stomach.
In the end, Fu Wang left the liquor fair with Shu Yu in his arms. Shu Yu wasn’t quite the same when she got drunk, she became unusually enthusiastic and didn’t shy away. She stuck to Fu Wang closely, her arms hanging around his neck as she continuously snuzzled against him, so well-behaved and so precious that Fu Wang’s heart melted into a soft goo. He carefully and protectively carried her in his arms like a small child, speaking to her and coaxing her.
The moon hung in the sky. The bustling of the night market was at its peak. After Fu Wang left the liquor fair while carrying Shu Yu, he walked amidst the market with grandiose confidence. And after Shu Yu had gotten drunk, she stopped paying overt attention to those curious little objects and leaned against Fu Wang’s arms. When she would see him looking away from her, she tugged at him so he would look down at her. Fu Wang was completely enamored with the way she seemed to want him to be looking only at her.
In the front there was a gathering of demons around a stage, and they all burst into laughter and cheers. Shu Yu was originally dizzily leaning against Fu Wang’s embrace with half-lidded eyes, but she was startled by the sudden noise and her eyes opened fully as she looked over.
There was a man and a woman on the stage wearing red robes embroidered with festive patterns, like a pair of newlyweds. There was even a sedan chair covered with red silk next to them, and the ones carrying the sedan chair were four huge golden snakes with red silk flowers tied underneath their heads, which were coiling quietly near the sedan.
The woman on-stage laughingly pulled a wedding veil over the man’s head as she chattered, “Since it was your defeat, of course you’re the one marrying me, so quickly put the wedding veil on, after we finish here we still have to go to our wedding chambers!”
The man’s face was steaming red as he took the veil, shaking his head as put it over his head, then he voluntarily stepped up the sedan chair. Seeing this, the woman smiled smugly and joyfully, landing on the head of one of the huge snakes besides the sedan with one great leap. She waved at the crowd of onlookers.
Demonic marriages have always consisted of fighting. Whether it was man and woman, or man and man, or woman and woman, the losing side will marry out and the winning side will get the bride.1 It was coincidence they happened upon a pair of lovers in the night market.
As per custom, the woman who had won led the sedan chair around the surroundings once, accepting the blessings of the onlooking demons, bright with pleasure like breeze during spring.
Shu Yu quietly watched for a while, then she said in a low voice, “I want that.”
“Hm?” Fu Wang followed her pointing finger and saw the man inside the sedan chair… and the wedding veil over his head. He grabbed Shu Yu’s finger and good-naturedly tried to negotiate with her, “They are a pair of newlyweds, they will certainly not give that wedding veil to us. If Xiao-Yu wants that veil, I will go buy one for Xiao-Yu right now, alright?”
If it was the usual Shu Yu, she would’ve agreed and wouldn’t throw a fit, but the Shu Yu of present time was very drunk, so she was not pacified by Fu Wang’s words and instead firmly pointed at them again. Her voice was slightly pitiful as she repeated, “I want that.”
She snuzzled her head against Fu Wang’s chin, then raised her face to pleadingly kiss Fu Wang’s cheek, her voice was slightly begging, and she even let out a pitiful sniffle. In that instant, Fu Wang understood how Shu Yu felt whenever he turned into a small child —— Do not even mention a mere wedding veil, if Shu Yu were to ask for his demonic core right now with those eyes, using that tone of voice to speak, he probably would’ve gouged it out for her.
If he could’ve thought carefully, that was actually frightening.
Fu Wang kissed Shu Yu’s forehead. He carried her towards that pair of newlyweds and expended quite a few nice items in exchange for a wedding veil that didn’t have any worth. However, Shu Yu obtained she wedding veil she wished for and looked extremely happy. She put the wedding veil over her head and declared loudly, “I want to marry you!”
Right now, the two were sitting in a remote corner, with a blossoming tree over their heads. Fu Wang placed Shu Yu on his lap, and hearing her declaration, he was at first stunned, and then he laughed as he stroked the corner of her eyes through the thin veil, “If it comes down to a fight, I can’t beat Xiao-Yu, so maybe it will be me who becomes the bride?”
Shu Yu’s reaction time was a big slow. After digesting his words with great difficulty, she seriously corrected him, “You can do many things. If we fight for real, I can’t beat you.”
Fu Wang chuckled again. “But I cannot bring myself to hit Xiao-Yu, thus, I can only admit defeat.”
Shu Yu pondered again, and then nodded in agreement. “You are right.”
Fu Wang was so endeared by her dazed, child-like state that his heart was melting. He brought her into his arms again, and Shu Yu directly put the wedding veil that was originally on her head over his own, and then gave it two brief pats. “Then, you will marry me.”
“Alright.” Fu Wang laughed lightly. He has been smiling earnestly ever since Shu Yu got drunk and started sticking to him.
But as Shu Yu looked at the wedding veil on his head, she touched her own head, and suddenly felt very sad. She deflated and hmphed, “But now I don’t have anything to wear. I want to wear something too.” She whined and whimpered in Fu Wang’s arms, flustering him slightly, but he quickly calmed down and glanced at the tree. He snapped a few blossom branches and weaved a beautiful garland, then he waved it in front of Shu Yu. He coaxed, “Then how about Shu Yu wear this?”
Shu Yu, who was now wearing a garland, became happy again. She was very easy to coax, just like a child. However, Fu Wang – who only had himself to blame for getting Shu Yu drunk – was now facing a new problem.
It was because a parade of dancers swayed and danced by in front of them, the kind of troupe that paraded around the streets to show off their skills. After they left, Shu Yu somehow thought of something again and said, “Wanna look at dance, Fu Wang dance.”
Fu Wang wanted to refuse at first, but it was futile, because Shu Yu was looking at him with red-rimmed eyes, as if she would start crying if he said no. Thus, he immediately threw away his defenses and surrendered as he hurriedly said, “Alright alright, I will dance for Xiao-Yu.”
He hopelessly let go and had her sit underneath the tree. Then he actually started dancing. As he used to be a slave meant to serve others, he naturally had learnt to serve in many ways, and dancing was amongst the things he was capable of. However, it’s really been a while since he had last danced. And right now, Shu Yu wanted to see it. He briefly pondered and chose a prayer dance.
It was not one meant for seduction, but one used to pray for peace and safety from disasters.
Half demons were children abandoned by the gods, that’s why he never believed in gods.
But today, he would believe in them, just for now.
This dance was solemn and restrictive, with not much flair to speak of, but Fu Wang’s figure was slender and long, his usually tied up hair had also gotten loose when they were drinking, and he was wearing a robe with wide sleeves. With his black hair flying free, his sleeves flickering in the air and his clothes seemingly following an unseen wind, in Shu Yu’s eyes he was more enchanting and beautiful than any of the willowy and bewitching beauties from the parade.
Not waiting for Fu Wang to finish the dance, Shu Yu – who was originally watching by the side obediently – pounced at him. She smooched his face loudly. “I like you!”
“I like you so much!” The deadliness of a drunk Shu Yu was too much. Words that usually wouldn’t come out easily were right now pouring and being belted out rapidly like free cash, one after another, making Fu Wang – who had never been drunk before – feel like he was becoming intoxicated. His heart was so warm and soft that he didn’t know what to do.
In the end, he could only cup Shu Yu’s cheeks and softly say back, “I also only like you.”
Chapter Description: A special for new year’s, a super huge plate of dog food.【doge】
Author’s Note:
The night market part will come to an end here. Meng Ze Arc will finish within five chapters, and next will be the Human World Arc.
Translator’s Note:
So, uh, Niom here. I have been missing for a while BUT I HAVE A somewhat VALID REASON! AND THAT’S MY SCHEDULE! I finally found a job after graduation, but I REALLY needed to adjust to all of the *beep* (/redacted for the safety of innocent ears/) in the workplace, and I’m also trying to improve my health, which left me dead by the time I finished everything. However, rn some stuff has settled down and I’m back here with a very very late chapter! This time I’m hoping to resume weekly updates. Hope yall enjoy reading this~
1出嫁; Marry, marry into the spouse’s family. 娶亲; Marry, wed the bride, the side that welcomes the bride/spouse into the family, usually the one that asks for the hand in marriage. In English, I think that marry is used the same for both sides, but in Chinese there is a difference between “marry” when it comes to being the bride side and the husband side.
