CG - Chapter 27
Chapter 27
Wei Jinzhi said nothing, simply hugging Wu Gu and asking, "Have you had dinner?"
Wu Gu shook her head silently in her embrace. Wei Jinzhi asked again, "What do you want to eat?"
The answer was another shake of the head. Wei Jinzhi kissed the top of her hair and said softly, "How about I cook for you when we get home, okay?"
Wu Gu finally nodded.
They returned to Yujing Huating. Wei Jinzhi didn't know many dishes, and her cooking skills were average at best. Wu Gu sat obediently at the dining table and waited. Wei Jinzhi simply stir-fried two edible dishes, but Wu Gu ate with such sincerity that she almost thought she was a master chef. It wasn't until after the meal that she finally asked, "Can you tell me now?"
Wu Gu blinked. Was she that obvious?
Seeing her expression, Wei Jinzhi smiled and nodded, adding, "From the moment I picked you up until now, 'troubled' has been written all over your face. So, can you tell me?"
Wu Gu hadn't planned on saying anything because she didn't want Wei Jinzhi to worry. But since it was so obvious, there was no need to hide it. She recounted her conversation with the Ghost Messengers truthfully, finishing with an indignant tone, "How could they do that? It's just too much."
Wei Jinzhi smiled. "It means they truly can't handle it. But there might also be some negligence and dereliction of duty on the Underworld's part that they were too embarrassed to tell you. Didn't the Ghost Messenger say that Ji Yu cultivated a physical body after death and thus escaped the cycle of reincarnation? The fact that the Underworld failed to subdue him when he was still a ghost is their responsibility. King Yama wants a Celestial Master to kill Ji Yu because he doesn't want the heavens you mentioned to discover the Underworld's failure."
Wu Gu's mouth fell open in shock. "It's that complicated?"
"You're still young," Wei Jinzhi said. "You'll understand eventually."
Wu Gu hesitated for a moment before going over to hug Wei Jinzhi. "Sister Wei, I'm scared," she whispered. She was scared she wouldn't be able to save Wei Jinzhi. She couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to her, so she had already prepared herself to fight Ji Yu to the death.
Wu Gu's soft vulnerability was like a feather, yet it weighed on Wei Jinzhi's heart with the force of a thousand pounds. She hugged Wu Gu back tightly, comforting her. "Don't be afraid. I believe we can turn this misfortune into a blessing. I believe the heavens are vast and just and won't let Ji Yu continue his evil deeds unchecked. And I believe my Wu Gu will be able to keep me safe."
Wu Gu's nose tingled. "But the Ghost Messenger said that very few Ten-Life Benevolent Souls make it to the Underworld anymore."
Wei Jinzhi understood her implication. Her tone was light. "That's because they weren't as lucky as me. They didn't meet you." She kissed the top of Wu Gu's head, her voice turning resolute when she spoke again. "But, Wu Gu, I need you to promise me something. If it truly comes to a point where nothing can be done, you are not to risk your life. I want you to live a good, happy, and simple life."
"I won't promise," Wu Gu said in a muffled voice. She straightened up from Wei Jinzhi's embrace and gritted her teeth. "I'm going to fight him to the death. Master said I have a long and tough life ahead of me. We'll see who can kill who."
Wei Jinzhi couldn't help but laugh. But she liked this fierce, unyielding spirit in Wu Gu. Suddenly remembering something, Wu Gu took a piece of jade from her pocket and handed it to her. "This is a protective talisman my master made for me. I put it away after he passed. You should wear it."
Wei Jinzhi took it. It was a piece of fine white jade, without excessive carving, simple and unadorned. She put it on around her neck in front of Wu Gu. She recalled that their first meeting had been over whether or not to wear jade, and a smile bloomed on her lips.
Wei Jinzhi deliberately changed the subject. "Since this Ji Yu you mentioned is bound to show up sooner or later, why don't we enjoy life before he arrives? I mentioned taking you on a roller coaster last time. Want to go tomorrow? I'm already planning to turn Changgu Amusement Park into a theme park. Something with zombies and ghosts. What do you think?"
Wu Gu didn't understand business, but she had never seen an amusement park with such a theme. "Will people go?"
"They will. And at night, we can have a 'Night Parade of a Hundred Ghosts' event." This was actually a sudden idea Wei Jinzhi had to change the mood, but after imagining it, she found it quite interesting. "We'll go to the amusement park tomorrow, go shopping the day after, and I'll take you to a hot spring the day after that. If you want to go to the beach, I'll have my assistant make arrangements in advance."
Wu Gu's easygoing nature became an advantage at this moment. She thought about it; these were all things she rarely did before. Full of anticipation, she asked, "I still have a week before school starts. Is there enough time?"
"If there isn't, we'll make up for it during winter break."
Wu Gu's eyes curved into crescents. "Okay," she said. "I'll listen to you."
What Wei Jinzhi loved most were Wu Gu's eyes when she gazed at her. They reminded her of images of the cosmos from science programs. The spiral galaxy was like Wu Gu's pupils, and she could even see shining stars drawing her attention. She liked Wu Gu, but she loved the starlight that shone in Wu Gu's eyes just for her even more.
With Wei Jinzhi's careful arrangements, Wu Gu had no time to dwell on troubling thoughts. She spent three happy days playing in North City before she remembered Song Yang, who had been left at the Han family's home. At her mention, Wei Jinzhi also recalled that she hadn't visited Han Yeshuang yet, so the next morning, the two of them headed straight for the Han residence.
Han Yeshuang had already recovered and was even more energetic than before. Unfortunately, they arrived just after Han Yeshuang had left, so they missed each other. Mrs. Han was now incredibly fond of Wu Gu. The moment she saw her, she took her hands, asking after her well-being with warmth and kindness.
"I'll call Yeshuang and tell her to come back," Mrs. Han said. "How can she not be home when her savior comes to visit?"
"Mrs. Han, there's no need to trouble yourself," Wu Gu said. "As long as Miss Han is okay, that's all that matters."
Neither of the Han family's children could be described as particularly well-behaved. Seeing how sensible Wu Gu was, Mrs. Han smiled. "From now on, don't call me Mrs. Han. Calling me 'Auntie' would be much better. And I won't call you Wu Xiaoyou anymore. Can I just call you Wu Gu?"
"Of course, Auntie."
"Such a good girl. Your parents must spoil you rotten at home."
"I've never met my parents. I was raised by my master." To avoid complications, Wu Gu took the initiative to add, "But my master also passed away a few years ago."
A wave of sympathy washed over Mrs. Han. "From now on, if you ever run into any trouble, just come find your Auntie. If anyone bullies you, Auntie will stand up for you."
Seeing them chatting so warmly, Wei Jinzhi didn't interrupt, merely observing from the side. This was good. Wu Gu had no one to rely on in North City besides her. The Han family was grateful and willing to look after Wu Gu, which was a good thing for her. All Wei Jinzhi needed to do was accept on Wu Gu's behalf when she was being humbly modest.
The group chatted for the entire morning, and Mrs. Han invited them to stay for lunch. Wei Jinzhi didn't refuse, so Wu Gu agreed as well. Han Yeshuang was on a mission and couldn't return for the time being, but Han Tianyang came back. Mrs. Han quickly pulled him over. "From now on, Wu Gu is your little sister. If she gets bullied outside, you, as her older brother, must be the first to rush to her aid."
Han Tianyang looked at Wu Gu and saw a girl who seemed young and small, fair and clean, with fine features and a lovely face. If Han Yeshuang weren't more lively than ever, he would have thought the girl before him was just an ordinary, cute young lady. When she wasn't fighting, Wu Gu was extremely well-behaved. Her bright, spirited eyes curved when she smiled. Han Tianyang thought that having a sister like this wouldn't be a bad thing.
He extended his hand to shake Wu Gu's and patted his chest in assurance. "From now on, I'm your big brother. If you need anything, just call for me, and I guarantee I'll get it done."
Before Wu Gu could even say thank you, Wei Jinzhi raised a hand and separated their clasped hands. She then responded on Wu Gu's behalf, "Then we'll thank young Master Han in advance, but Wu Gu probably won't need it."
Han Tianyang looked quizzically at his now-empty hand, then at Wei Jinzhi's hand holding Wu Gu's. His eyes widened in surprise, and then he grinned mischievously at Wei Jinzhi. "Of course, of course. If Little Sister Wu has a problem, Eldest Miss Wei would have to handle it personally. Where would I even get a turn? No, wait, I mean, why shouldn't I get a turn?"
Wei Jinzhi smiled, her eyes filled with approval. Han Tianyang was perceptive and amusing. Throughout the meal, his meaningful gaze darted back and forth between Wu Gu and Wei Jinzhi, and he would occasionally lower his head to snicker. He had figured it out: Eldest Miss Wei was interested, but Little Sister Wu hadn't caught on yet. As a friend and a big brother, how could he not help push things along?
After the meal, Han Tianyang eagerly took on the task of seeing the guests out. In the tone of a caring big brother, he asked Wu Gu, "How old are you, little sister? Are you dating anyone?"
Wei Jinzhi glanced up at him. He quickly gave her a wink, and Wei Jinzhi understood, retracting her cool gaze.
Previously, Wei Jinzhi felt the timing wasn't right between her and Wu Gu, but now it was indeed time to add some fuel to the fire. Since Han Tianyang had volunteered to be that fuel, her silent consent was another way of fanning the flames. She smiled, pulling Wu Gu along at a slower pace, while secretly gauging the amount of fuel and the intensity of the fire.
"I'm only a sophomore," Wu Gu said. "Master said I can only date after I graduate from university."
"Right," Han Tianyang said. "You're still in school, so you should focus on your studies." But then he asked, "Well, is there anyone you like?"
Wu Gu was a bit baffled. She had never considered this question before. Seeing her clueless expression, Han Tianyang understood and quickly gave her a lesson. "It's someone you want to be with all the time. You're happy just seeing them, and you're willing to do anything for them. Barring any surprises, that's the person you like."
Wu Gu froze. For just a second, she turned her head to find Wei Jinzhi, her eyes wide as she looked at her. Wei Jinzhi's response was to smile and gently squeeze their joined hands. Seeing that the fish had taken the bait, Wei Jinzhi wasn't in a hurry to reel in the line. She spoke up to rescue Wu Gu. "Don't listen to his nonsense. You're still young. Focus on your studies for now."
Han Tianyang's words were like a baited hook, drawing out the stirrings of a young girl's heart and her innocent confusion. On the way back, Wu Gu covered her hot cheeks with both hands, replaying what she had just heard about 'liking' someone over and over in her mind.
Why did everything Han Tianyang said match Wei Jinzhi perfectly? But she's a girl, and Wei Jinzhi is a girl too. Didn't Master tell her to find a gentle and considerate boy in the future? He even said it didn't matter if he wasn't handsome, as long as he had good character. But Wei Jinzhi wasn't just beautiful; her character was excellent too. She hastily stopped her train of thought, annoyed at herself for having such messy ideas.
Wei Jinzhi watched her lower her head, shaking it one moment and nodding the next. Worried that she would be so troubled by this that she'd lose sleep, Wei Jinzhi quickly tried to distract her. "Why did you bring Chang Yiqing back too? Weren't you going to let her accumulate merit with the Han family so she could reincarnate?"
Sure enough, as soon as Wu Gu thought about serious matters, she returned to normal. "I thought about it. Chang Yiqing is a soul, after all. If her soul scatters, she'll be gone for good. I can't watch her face danger again."
"So what do you plan to do?" Wei Jinzhi asked.
"Didn't Lord Yama say he owes me a favor? I plan to use that favor on Chang Yiqing."
Wei Jinzhi thought to herself that countless people would covet a favor from Lord Yama. Wu Gu had one but was using it on someone else without a second thought. Others might call her foolish. Even she, in her worldly way, found it a pity. But seeing Wu Gu's nonchalant expression, she didn't know why her own heart ached for her.
To make it convenient to open the ghost gate, they returned to the Changshan Villa that night. Wu Gu released Song Yang and Chang Yiqing. Song Yang threw her arms around Wu Gu, joyfully chattering about how much she missed her. Once Song Yang had had her fill of fussing, Chang Yiqing finally spoke. "Little Tianshi, is there something you need from me?"
Wu Gu nodded. "I'm sending you two to the Underworld tonight."
Song Yang was confused and said anxiously, "Yiqing hasn't accumulated enough merit yet. If she goes to the Underworld now, not only will she not be able to reincarnate, but she'll also be punished. Gu Gu, what are you doing?"
Wu Gu gave her a light smack. "Am I an idiot? Would I send her away if I wasn't sure?"
Hearing this, the two ghosts shared a look of anticipation, though they were too embarrassed to ask. Wu Gu had to explain. "Lord Yama said he owes me a favor. I plan to use it to let Chang Yiqing avoid punishment and reincarnate."
Chang Yiqing was shocked and refused. "No, this kindness from the Little Tianshi is too great. I can't accept it."
"I don't care if you accept it or not," Wu Gu said. "The favor is mine. If I say I'm using it on you, it doesn't matter if you disagree." She pointed at Song Yang. "I can finally send her away. You have no idea how happy I am."
Chang Yiqing wanted to speak again, but words were powerless to express her gratitude. A thousand thanks wouldn't be enough, so she could only remain silent. Song Yang understood now, too. She mumbled, "Gu Gu, a favor from Lord Yama… that's really valuable."
Wu Gu glanced at her. "Are you trying to find another excuse not to leave?"
"No!" Song Yang waved her hands. "No, no." But her waving seemed a bit dramatic, and her face wore an expression that said, 'I'm scared, but I really do have something.' Unfortunately, Wu Gu cruelly ignored her.
Song Yang steeled herself. "I do have one last wish, but it's not that I don't want to go. Gu Gu, please don't get mad. I just want to see a movie with Yiqing before I leave. You know, after reincarnation, it's hard to say if we'll ever see each other again. I'll just go out with her tomorrow to see a movie, that's all. Gu Gu, I really didn't mean to. This was already part of my plan; I just didn't expect you to send her away so soon."
"No," Wu Gu said. "Movie theaters are crowded and dangerous. Even if you don't run into a Celestial Master, you can't guarantee someone won't be carrying something that repels ghosts."
Wei Jinzhi had opened her Yin-Yang eyes, so she could hear their conversation. Having entered the world of love, she could understand Song Yang's actions. She spoke to Wu Gu. "Why don't we go see a movie tomorrow too? If you want some peace and quiet, we can even book a private screening. That would make it convenient for the two of them to go together." She then asked Song Yang, "Have you decided which movie you want to see?"
Song Yang nodded vigorously. "The one my idol is in, 'Reunion'."
Wei Jinzhi smiled. "What a coincidence. My family happened to invest in it. Would you like to meet the lead actor?" Since it was a final wish, she thought, she might as well help make it as unforgettable as possible for Song Yang.
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