Chapter 46

"Brother Xiaoyuan, Runsheng, I must be seeing things. Otherwise, how could I see two people sitting on the embankment in front of Zhou Yong's house?"

Tan Wenbin rubbed his eyes vigorously, then looked again.

The more he looked, the more he hunched over, shrinking back, silently shielding Runsheng in front of him.

Still feeling it wasn't enough, he tried to shrink further behind the boy.

When he lowered his head, he realized the boy was looking at him.

Feeling flustered and awkward as if caught red-handed, Tan Wenbin immediately puffed out his chest and paced forward in small steps, eventually returning to stand beside Runsheng, though his calves were still trembling.

He had a relatively strong tolerance for corpses, thanks to his family's teachings, but his family's knowledge wasn't in metaphysics.

Li Zhuiyuan said nothing. After glancing at Tan Wenbin, he picked up his compass again.

The compass showed everything was normal, without even a slight pull.

Although they were some distance away, there should have been some reaction. Feng shui points, while complex and varied, are also simple: wherever an evil spirit stands, that spot becomes an inauspicious location.

The village chief arrived. He dismounted and asked, "Marquis Runsheng, have you still not found it?"

Runsheng looked at Li Zhuiyuan.

Li Zhuiyuan whispered, "Soon."

Runsheng immediately replied, "We have a lead. It will be soon, Chief. Don't worry."

"Really?" The village chief breathed a sigh of relief. "Then hurry and find it and pull it out. Don't scare anyone else. The few villagers who saw it were so frightened they went home with fevers and have been on IV drips at the clinic these past two days."

Li Zhuiyuan said, "Zhou Yong."

Runsheng asked, "Chief, where is Zhou Yong?"

"Marquis Yong? He should be watching a card game right now. What's wrong?"

"He's still playing cards?"

"He likes to stand by and watch others play; he doesn't join the table himself."

"Oh, I see."

"Farm work always ends, and helping people lay nets and fish in the river isn't a daily job. When he has nothing to do, Marquis Yong goes to watch card games. People, no matter how hard life is, need to find some enjoyment. Who wants to look gloomy every day?"

"Yes, that's right."

"It's just Marquis Yong, how should I put it, he's a unique character."

"I heard he donated a bridge?"

"Yes, he donated that bridge. There wasn't much need for a bridge there, and not many people used that path, but he insisted on donating it, saying it was for his wife and children to accumulate virtue and pray for blessings.

I really couldn't argue with him. So, the village raised some funds, combined with his contribution, and the bridge was built. I guess if the roads are improved in the future, more people will use that bridge."

"I don't understand why he did that."

"It's normal not to understand. Marquis Yong is a good person and well-liked in the village, but ever since his wife and children fell ill, he's become a bit eccentric. Except when he's watching card games, he's quiet. Otherwise, if you talk to him for more than a few sentences, he'll start rambling about ghosts and nonsense. I don't know whose potion he drank.

Logically, donating money to build a bridge is a good thing, but I advised him at the time. I said: 'Marquis Yong, with this money, you could either tear down your house and rebuild it into a brick-and-tile home, or buy your wife and children some good food, drinks, and clothes. Our village doesn't lack that bridge, but your family needs this money to live a more comfortable life.'

But no, he refused, saying if the village didn't agree to build it, he'd find a construction team himself. Marquis Runsheng, tell me, what could I do?

I've been really bothered by this recently. I kindly helped his family apply for low-income assistance and some subsidies, and now with him donating money for a bridge, well, he's basically thrown me under the bus.

Damn it... Ah, never mind. Marquis Runsheng, let me know when you've found him. Once the work is done, I'll host a small banquet for you and your grandfather at my house, and the village will give you a red envelope."

"Alright, you go on, Chief."

After the village chief left, the mother and daughter were still on the small embankment.

Li Zhuiyuan strode towards Zhou Yong's house, intending to verify his suspicion.

Seeing this, Runsheng naturally moved to stand in front of Xiaoyuan again.

Tan Wenbin froze for a few seconds, then quickly followed, head slightly bowed. Although he didn't dare to walk side-by-side with Runsheng, he at least managed to get in front of Xiaoyuan.

The closer they got, the clearer the mother and daughter on the small embankment became.

The woman sat on a bench, the girl nestled in her arms. The mother and daughter were chatting and laughing, appearing very warm and affectionate.

Cold sweat began to trickle down Tan Wenbin's face. He would quickly look up now and then, then immediately drop his head again after a glance.

In his mind, he saw only the image of the girl curled up in the rice jar and the woman lying in the cotton batting.

When they reached the section of the path near the house entrance, Li Zhuiyuan stopped.

Finally, Li Zhuiyuan halted.

"Brother Binbin, keep walking forward."

"Huh? Okay."

Tan Wenbin, arms crossed, trudged forward. When he reached the embankment, he stopped and looked at the house, only to find it empty. The mother and daughter from earlier had vanished.

"No one's there..." Tan Wenbin turned around, looking confused.

Li Zhuiyuan waved him back, and Tan Wenbin sprinted back.

Looking back at the embankment, lo and behold, the mother and daughter had reappeared.

"This..."

"Brother Runsheng, you go forward."

"Okay."

Runsheng walked forward, stopping at the spot where Binbin had halted, and turned to look at the embankment.

Standing behind, Li Zhuiyuan and Tan Wenbin saw Runsheng awkwardly raise his hand and wave towards the embankment.

"Runsheng can see them?"

"Yes, because Brother Runsheng is from this village."

"That's possible?"

"Because he doesn't want others to know that his wife and child are dead."

"He, you mean Zhou Yong?"

"Yes."

"But, Brother Xiaoyuan, if his wife and child are here, then who is swimming in the river?"

"Probably Zhou Yong."

"What? But didn't the village chief just say Zhou Yong was watching a card game?"

"The dead can move, you know."

"A reanimated corpse coming ashore to watch villagers play cards? Is that even possible?"

"Didn't you just eat food made by a reanimated corpse? You ate the most of that blanched shrimp on the table."

"I... I didn't know."

Runsheng walked back and said, "They waved and greeted me just now."

"Hmm."

Runsheng pulled out the Yellow River Shovel from the burlap sack and asked, "Should I smash it?"

"No, there's actually nothing there."

Li Zhuiyuan looked at the well on the embankment covered by a large conical hat, an illusion of flowers in a mirror and the moon in water.

He couldn't help but wonder how he would set it up if it were his doing. At the very least, he wouldn't make it so crude. He would, at the minimum, create a miasma to lure passersby inside.

Like dropping dumplings, he would lure them one by one into the well.

Li Zhuiyuan took a breath, reached up, and patted his forehead. "Ugh, Wei Zhengdao, you're truly despicable."

"Let's go, Brother Runsheng. We're going to find Zhou Yong."

Runsheng scratched his head. "But I don't know which card parlor Zhou Yong is watching cards at."

"Just go to the biggest one. Even if he's not there, it'll be easy to ask around. Yes, the one where we won money last time."

The three walked along the village road and soon arrived at the card parlor.

The short, stout Zhou Fabao stood by the embankment, his back to the road, humming a tune as he fertilized his small vegetable garden.

He turned his head and saw three people approaching. He subconsciously quickened his pace, intending to greet and seat them.

But upon closer inspection, he recognized Runsheng, and then realized the boy was the same one from last time.

Zhou Fabao shivered in fright and quickly put himself away.

"Ah, what brings you here?"

The trio had already reached the embankment, but Zhou Fabao didn't greet them. Instead, he stood there, partially blocking their way.

The last time these two came to play cards, they ended up smashing his table, and cups, ashtrays, and other items were shattered all over the floor.

Although they were quite honorable about paying for the damages, he ran a business that wasn't entirely legal and feared any big commotion. He absolutely couldn't let these two play cards there again.

Runsheng asked, "We're not here to play cards. We're looking for someone. Is Zhou Yong here?"

"Marquis Yong?" Zhou Fabao smiled. "He didn't come here today. He's probably watching a card game somewhere else."

"Oh." Runsheng looked at Li Zhuiyuan. "Xiaoyuan, Zhou Yong isn't here."

"The boss is lying."

Zhou Fabao was speechless.

The last time they came here for "Golden Flower," Li Zhuiyuan had memorized the facial details of everyone at the card table. Since the boss brought tea, water, and collected winnings, he was practically part of the game, so Zhou Fabao's face was also "recorded" by Li Zhuiyuan.

Although he wasn't at the card table now, Li Zhuiyuan could still tell the boss was being deceptive; his micro-expressions didn't match his "hand."

Runsheng turned back to Zhou Fabao and asked again with emphasis, "Is Zhou Yong here or not?"

Zhou Fabao waved his hands frantically, his face showing extreme grievance. "He's really not here! Why would I lie to you? What would I gain?"

Li Zhuiyuan was about to remind Runsheng of the intimidation scenes from movies, but Tan Wenbin was quicker.

He had a faux leather wallet. He pulled it out, opened it, and took out a family photo where all the men, except him, were wearing police uniforms.

He placed the photo in front of Zhou Fabao and demanded, "Tell me, is Zhou Yong here or not?!"

Zhou Fabao swallowed with difficulty. "He is."

"We need to talk to him."

With that, Tan Wenbin walked straight inside, his shoulder bumping Zhou Fabao, who quickly moved out of the way.

Runsheng sighed inwardly: Indeed, Xiaoyuan was right, there's no future in mixing with the underworld.

Inside, seven or eight gambling tables were in full swing, and the atmosphere was lively.

Tan Wenbin entered, one hand on his hip, his gaze sharp. For a moment, it was as if his own father's spirit had possessed him.

His gaze swept across everyone in the room once, twice, thrice...

Finally, he couldn't keep it up.

Because he didn't know what Zhou Yong looked like.

After Li Zhuiyuan and Runsheng entered, half the people inside stopped their card games and looked over. Some who didn't know immediately asked those beside them, and after learning who they were, also turned to look.

Everyone there had heard of that bizarre "Golden Flower" game. They had already decided that wherever this child sat, they would immediately leave the table.

Li Zhuiyuan asked Zhou Fabao, "Where is Zhou Yong?"

"Marquis Yong... he was just here. Where is he now? Maybe he went to the back to eat something. He's a relative of mine, so when he has free time and comes here to watch cards, he also helps boil water and pour tea. I always make sure he gets a meal."

Zhou Fabao led the three to the back, where several old people were sitting, drinking tea and chatting.

Zhou Fabao asked, "Auntie, where's Marquis Yong?"

"Marquis Yong? I just saw him here. Now I don't know where he went."

Zhou Fabao turned around, helpless. "I'm really not lying to you anymore; I genuinely don't know where he is now. What do you need him for? Does he owe you money?"

"No, we just wanted to ask him about someone. Sorry, boss, for disturbing your business. We'll be going."

Li Zhuiyuan walked out of the parlor and onto the road.

Runsheng rubbed his nose and said, "Xiaoyuan, it's strange. I didn't smell any reanimated corpse inside."

"That's not strange. Some reanimated corpses have special abilities; they can separate their spirit from their body. Do you remember that cat-faced old woman from last time?"

"The cat-faced old woman?" Tan Wenbin's eyes widened in surprise. "Did I arrive too late and miss something important?"

Runsheng's expression grew serious. "If that's the case, Xiaoyuan, then Zhou Yong will be quite difficult to deal with."

Tan Wenbin rubbed his hands excitedly, nodding in agreement. "Yes, it's quite tricky."

Li Zhuiyuan shook his head. "We don't necessarily have to fight. He hasn't harmed any villagers so far. If he just enjoys swimming in the river and going home to be with his deceased wife and child, we have no reason to antagonize him.

We just need to remind him not to surface where villagers can see him and to find out who taught him these methods.

Essentially, we can coexist peacefully with him."

"Huh? Coexist peacefully?" Tan Wenbin asked, puzzled. "Shouldn't good and evil be incompatible, humans and ghosts unable to coexist? Shouldn't we suppress and kill him?"

"Brother Binbin, that would be very tiring."

"Uh..."

Just like the little oriole, after she had exacted her revenge, she stopped harming people. Her great-grandfather then acted as if she no longer existed, with no intention of dealing with her further.

"So... where do we go now to find Zhou Yong? His house or back to the river?"

Li Zhuiyuan smiled, looking at the rice fields ahead, and said:

"Perhaps he's standing somewhere right now, watching us."

Even if he was intentionally hiding from them, Li Zhuiyuan wasn't flustered. He had plenty of ways to force him into a conversation.

But before that, another matter needed addressing: it was getting dark.

Li Zhuiyuan felt in his pocket, pulled out some money, and handed it to Runsheng. "Brother Runsheng, go buy some high-proof liquor and cooked dishes. It's time for dinner."

When they returned to Grandpa Shan's house, the two old men were sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in the courtyard, smoking and chatting.

"Marquis Sanjiang, the hardest thing in my life was meeting you."

"Shan Pao, you're a gambler who squanders your family fortune. Don't pin your mess on me."

"Heh, I didn't pin it on you."

"Right, right, you poured it into your own mouth."

"A Beijing hukou, I heard that taking university exams in Beijing also..."

"Shan Pao, if you bring that up again, I'll pick you up, toss you into your neighbor's ceramic jar, and pickle you."

"Pah, you old scoundrel are always so shameless."

Li Zhuiyuan and Tan Wenbin returned, and the two old men immediately asked about the situation.

"Great-Grandpa, we've found the approximate location and even netted it, but it's too late. Brother Runsheng plans to retrieve it tomorrow after the sun comes up."

"See? They found it. Look, Runsheng has made much more progress following me than following you, hasn't he?"

Immediately after, Li Sanjiang nodded to Xiaoyuan and said, "Yes, that's right. It's best not to do things at night; it's easy for complications to arise. Sometimes an ordinary reanimated corpse can start moving at night."

Runsheng bought back liquor and dishes, and the two old men definitely wanted a couple of drinks.

With Tan Wenbin, who had received his instructions, actively livening up the table, the two old men drank heartily.

For the first five cups, Li Sanjiang kept saying it was getting late and they should take Marquis Xiaoyuan home. After the next five cups, however, he and Grandpa Shan were both sprawled unconscious on the table.

Runsheng moved both his grandfather and Grandpa Li onto their beds, covered them with blankets, and even placed the family spittoon by the bed for their convenience in case they needed to vomit during the night.

After doing all this, the three gathered their things again and went to the riverside.

The atmosphere at night was indeed vastly different from daytime. Li Zhuiyuan knew his great-grandfather was right, but it was also somewhat meaningless now, as Zhou Yong had long been able to not only swim but also sneak ashore to watch card games.

Reaching the bridge, Runsheng waded into the water. He released the Seven-Star Hook, swung it upwards, and it snagged a nail. Then he began to pull down with force.

After pulling out three consecutive nails, Runsheng stopped. He retracted the Seven-Star Hook, pulled out the Yellow River Shovel, and gripped it in his hand.

Soon after, the river's surface temperature dropped.

Even Li Zhuiyuan, standing by the riverbank, noticed the evening breeze carrying a chill.

Runsheng began to steady his breathing, concentrating and remaining vigilant.

Finally, there was movement.

Ten meters in front of Runsheng, a person's back slowly emerged on the river's surface.

Tan Wenbin held Li Zhuiyuan's Yellow River Shovel in his right hand, while his left hand continuously poked Li Zhuiyuan's back.

Reanimated corpse, reanimated corpse, reanimated corpse!

Oh my god, Dad, your son's made it! I've finally seen a reanimated corpse!

Li Zhuiyuan glanced back at him helplessly. Binbin's face was a mix of excitement and nervousness, as if he might faint at any moment.

This couldn't help but remind Li Zhuiyuan of the hysterical fans at concerts held at Workers' Stadium, who reacted to seeing their favorite singers.

On the river surface, the back slowly began to turn upwards.

Soon, a face emerged—a very pale face, as if covered with a layer of putty, sticky and white, continuously dripping from the chin.

When he opened his eyes, thick white liquid oozed from the corners, completely obscuring his vision.

Li Zhuiyuan pulled out two sheets of yellow paper and folded them into a bundle.

But Tan Wenbin, beside him, was completely stunned.

"Zhuangzhuang!"

"Huh!"

Almost instinctively, Tan Wenbin immediately pulled out matches, struck a flame, and helped Li Zhuiyuan light the yellow paper.

Li Zhuiyuan waved the burning yellow paper in his hand, murmuring quietly. Finally, he placed the half-burned paper into the large bowl of rice wine at his feet.

Tan Wenbin, meanwhile, lit the small candles that had been pre-arranged around them, one by one.

The placement of each candle was calculated, and the arrangement of the ritual offerings could not be altered. The three nails had been pulled out, but not all of them, leaving some leeway for the situation.

This action was meant to be a gesture of "a slap then a sweet date"—a combination of pressure and goodwill.

If you're willing to talk, then let's talk. If not, staying here will eventually lead to madness and become a disaster, leaving us no choice but a confrontation.

Li Zhuiyuan picked up the wine bowl and sprinkled its contents onto the river.

Then he extended his left arm for Tan Wenbin to support him, and closed his eyes, seeking a semi-conscious state to enter the underworld.

Many incantations are actually useful, including his great-grandfather's murmurs and rhymes. However, the primary purpose of these incantations is "communication."

But what other method could be more effective than directly entering the underworld?

When you can directly apply a formula, there's no need to painstakingly derive the process step by step.

"We mean no harm. We just want to talk to you. Firstly, please don't surface and disturb the living. Secondly, please tell us who taught you these arrangements.

If you cooperate, the nails will be driven back in for you, and we can each go our separate ways, living and dead. If you don't cooperate, starting tonight, one of us will have no path left to walk."

As Li Zhuiyuan offered his arm, Tan Wenbin had been silently counting down in his mind. Finally, he finished, and immediately shook the boy vigorously.

Li Zhuiyuan was forcibly awakened, breaking his shallow state of underworld travel. This was a layer of protection he had set for himself.

Although he had learned methods to control reanimated corpses, he was still a novice and wasn't confident enough to use them yet.

His head felt a little dizzy and painful—symptoms of being forcibly pulled out of underworld travel. Fortunately, compared to the splitting headaches he experienced with A-Li, this was nothing.

The message had been delivered. Now, it was up to Zhou Yong to choose.

Zhou Yong slowly turned around, his back to everyone, and then slowly moved forward in the river.

"Brother Binbin, why don't you go back?"

"No, impossible. I'm going to protect you."

"Oh, your choice. Don't regret it."

"How could I regret it? Never!"

Li Zhuiyuan pointed to the arrangement on the ground, signaling Tan Wenbin to pack it up. Then he walked along the bank, while Runsheng walked in the river.

Tan Wenbin used both hands and feet to extinguish all the candles, then tossed all the bowls, plates, and other items into a burlap sack. He then shouldered the sack and quickly ran to catch up; he didn't want to miss anything again.

Fortunately, Runsheng was in the river, and even if Xiaoyuan was his brother, he couldn't tie him up and throw him into the reed marsh.

After walking for a while, Zhou Yong came ashore.

It was clear he was heading home.

Li Zhuiyuan tugged Runsheng's vest, signaling him to slow down. As their pace slackened, Zhou Yong, walking ahead, also slowed, waiting for them.

He was leading the three of them home.

Understanding his intention, Li Zhuiyuan patted Runsheng's back, and the three resumed their normal pace.

Arriving once more at the small embankment of Zhou Yong's house, the three stopped. Zhou Yong stood in front of the house door.

"Thump... thump... thump..."

He was gently bumping his head against the door.

Before long, a light came on inside the house.

Through the wide gap in the door, someone could be seen appearing inside, followed by a series of crisp clicks as locks were undone.

"Creak..."

The house door opened.

Standing inside was Zhou Yong's wife.

The woman stood there quietly.

When they had seen her during the day, she was lying in cotton batting beneath a straw mat.

Although it was night now, by the light from inside the house, they noticed that cotton batting was spreading out like weeds not only from her eyes, nostrils, and ears but also from under her fingernails.

It was as if this cotton batting wasn't clinging to her body but was growing out from within her.

The woman moved aside, and Zhou Yong walked inside.

The woman remained standing by the door, leaving it open, seemingly waiting for guests to enter.

Runsheng looked at Li Zhuiyuan, who nodded.

They had come to initiate a conversation, and since the host had led them right to his doorstep, there was no reason not to enter.

Runsheng, having just entered the house, glanced to his right and then his body trembled, clearly startled.

This was the first time Li Zhuiyuan had seen Runsheng react this way in such a situation. He too entered the house and looked to his right.

The girl had emerged from the rice jar and stood there, as if welcoming her father home.

The girl's eyes were wide open, completely filled with tightly packed grains of rice.

Furthermore, grains of rice were embedded on the girl's exposed arms, legs, hands, and feet.

These pristine white grains of rice were constantly falling off, yet the amount didn't seem to diminish, as if grains were growing out, one by one, from the pores on the girl's body.

Witnessing this scene made Li Zhuiyuan's breathing quicken.

The last to enter was Tan Wenbin. Having lagged behind while packing up and now that it was night, he instinctively positioned himself, with Runsheng, to guard Xiaoyuan, one in front and one behind.

After entering, Tan Wenbin also looked to his right, then immediately opened his mouth. Before he could scream, he shoved his hand into his mouth and bit down hard.

It was a real bite, drawing blood. There was no other way; the intense fear he felt made him numb to the pain.

Zhou Yong walked to the dining table and sat down.

The dining table was old, with many planks nailed onto it for repairs. As for the chairs, they were also quite rough and uneven.

However, since the floor was dirt and already uneven, perfectly flat chairs wouldn't have made a difference.

Li Zhuiyuan sat opposite Zhou Yong. Runsheng took the seat on the left, and Tan Wenbin sat on the right.

The woman and the girl went to the kitchen.

Soon, the sound of a bellows being pulled and spatulas clanging came from the kitchen.

Yet, no firelight or cooking steam was visible from the kitchen doorway.

Zhou Yong, sitting on the chair, had his head bowed.

"Drip, drip, drip..."

It was the sound of pus continuously dripping from the corner of his eyes.

Because the ground was uneven dirt, small puddles formed easily, so a clearer "plink" sound soon echoed from below.

Li Zhuiyuan extended his hand to Runsheng, who understood and took it.

Li Zhuiyuan lowered his head, attempting to enter the underworld again.

Liu Yumei had warned him that too much underworld travel was bad for a person and could lead to getting lost. He knew this himself, but couldn't change, much like advising a smoker to quit or an alcoholic to stop drinking. They hear it, but they still smoke and drink.

Li Zhuiyuan successfully entered the underworld, because when he looked up again, he found that Runsheng and Tan Wenbin, who had been sitting on either side of him, were gone.

But Zhou Yong remained seated there, head bowed, unmoving, silent, unresponsive, showing no expression.

The only dynamic change was in the kitchen, where firelight and steam were now visible, and the "sizzle, sizzle" of oil stir-frying could be heard.

The worldly aura of the underworld is what most intimidates mortal hearts.

Li Zhuiyuan vaguely guessed that a very bad thing was likely to happen next.

After waiting a little longer, Zhou Yong still didn't speak, which meant he wasn't planning to communicate at the moment.

He seemed to be waiting for a specific procedure, a very simple and hospitable custom:

If you want to discuss matters, first eat.

A sharp pain shot through his palm. Li Zhuiyuan knew Runsheng was pinching him. He closed his eyes, sought the feeling of resurfacing, and when he opened them again, he had returned to reality.

He pulled his hand away from Runsheng, gently rubbing it to ease the pain, also signaling to Runsheng that he had returned.

He glanced at Tan Wenbin on his right, who was sitting ramrod straight. Barring any surprises, he had never sat so rigidly even in class.

At this moment, the expected development occurred.

The woman walked over, carrying two dishes.

Both dishes were meat-based, but it was unclear what kind of meat they were made from. Li Zhuiyuan saw fur and tails on them.

The woman returned to the kitchen and brought out two more dishes of vegetables. The vegetables weren't green but resembled the shape of stir-fried bamboo shoots. Upon closer inspection, one could even see bifurcations.

Most people have experienced finding their mother's long hair in their food while eating at home.

Here, however, it was cotton batting that had grown from the woman's body, drifted into the dishes, and been stir-fried into that shape.

Li Zhuiyuan began to somewhat miss the Cat-Faced Old Woman's birthday banquet. While that food was truly terrible, at least it looked good.

Just looking at the appearance of these four dishes was already terrifying.

Even Runsheng frowned at this moment. It was well-known that Runsheng's standards for food were extremely low, but even at their lowest, there was still a tiny bit of expectation.

Tan Wenbin, on the other hand, had wide eyes, his gaze continuously sweeping over the four dishes.

The woman brought out the bowls: four large rice bowls, four small wine bowls, and four pairs of chopsticks.

The large bowls were filled to the brim with raw rice, presumably scooped directly from the rice jar.

The four small bowls were for wine, but the liquid was murky black, and in each bowl, a black, worm-like creature was wriggling.

After distributing the large bowls and chopsticks to everyone, the woman went back into the kitchen, presumably for more delicacies.

The girl remained there, putting her finger in her mouth.

Zhou Yong lowered his head, looking at his daughter.

The girl also looked up, watching her father.

Runsheng didn't understand, and Tan Wenbin looked bewildered, unaware of what the father and daughter were communicating.

Li Zhuiyuan understood.

He stood up and said with a smile, "Let the child join us at the table. It's fine."

Runsheng and Tan Wenbin immediately understood.

Runsheng: "Yes, come join us at the table."

Tan Wenbin: "Yes, yes, yes, let's eat together."

The girl walked towards the table, still sucking her finger.

The boy noticed she seemed to be heading towards him.

Li Zhuiyuan immediately pointed to Tan Wenbin's side. "Come, little sister, sit with this handsome big brother."

Tan Wenbin was speechless.

The girl paused, then sat down on the long bench next to Tan Wenbin.

Tan Wenbin felt a cold sensation from the back of his head down to his tailbone.

Zhou Yong picked up his chopsticks and pointed to a dish.

Li Zhuiyuan, Runsheng, and Tan Wenbin also raised their chopsticks, all pointing at the dish together.

The silent performance was like a pantomime, yet each person could imagine the corresponding dialogue for every action.

Zhou Yong picked up a piece with his chopsticks, put it in his mouth, chewed, then continued to point at the dish.

Li Zhuiyuan picked up a piece with his chopsticks and placed it in Binbin's bowl.

Tan Wenbin picked up the dish from his own bowl and fed it to the girl sitting beside him. The girl opened her mouth and ate it.

He thought he was truly clever, handling the situation so resourcefully.

However, Zhou Yong personally picked up another piece of food with his chopsticks, placed it in Tan Wenbin's bowl, and then looked at the girl, who lowered her head as if being reprimanded for being thoughtless.

Tan Wenbin's pleading gaze sought out Li Zhuiyuan and Runsheng, but he found that both had avoided his eyes.

There was no escape. Zhou Yong's solicitous "gaze" was right there, creating immense pressure.

Tan Wenbin could only pick up his chopsticks, grasp the food in his bowl, and just as he was about to put it in his mouth, he suddenly realized that he had just used these same chopsticks to feed the girl, and they were covered in her saliva.

If it were a normal meal, he wouldn't mind; he wasn't that delicate.

But the problem was, the appearance of this girl... and he was expected to share chopsticks with her?

Zhou Yong spread his hand and gestured upwards.

Tan Wenbin's smile was more pitiful than a cry. He brought the food to his mouth, tears welling in his eyes, and chewed.

Zhou Yong was satisfied.

The four wine bowls were already in front of him. He picked one up and offered it to his guests, first to Li Zhuiyuan.

Li Zhuiyuan stood up, pointed to himself, and indicated his height, saying, "Uncle, I'm still a child; I can't drink alcohol."

Zhou Yong nodded, then offered the wine bowl to Tan Wenbin.

Tan Wenbin could only take it, placing it in front of him. He absolutely would not drink this!

But the next moment,

Zhou Yong picked up his own wine bowl and clinked it against the one in front of Tan Wenbin.

Immediately after, Zhou Yong raised his own cup and drank it all in one gulp.

Then he inverted the wine bowl, pointing to it.

Tan Wenbin took a deep breath. As he reached for the wine bowl, he quickly pinched with his thumb and pinky, flicking the long worm out of the bowl.

Fine, I'll drink it, I'll risk it!

Just as he raised the bowl to gulp it down, Zhou Yong snatched it away.

Tan Wenbin rejoiced. Right, he was also a child, a high school senior, and his brain was important, so he shouldn't drink.

To his surprise, Zhou Yong inverted his palm over the wine bowl and shook it. When he removed his hand, a dozen or so worms were crawling around inside the bowl.

Zhou Yong pushed the wine bowl back to Tan Wenbin, then extended his hand and patted his own chest.

Tan Wenbin was speechless.