I have been in Difu for five years now.
From the initial confusion and fear to my current shamelessness, it has taken a long time to endure this transformation.
Ksitigarbha says I’m like a dead pig that’s not afraid of boiling water, especially since I started following Xie Bian.
I scoff at this, thinking that among those who have spoiled me into my current state, Ksitigarbha, you are at the forefront, right alongside Xie Bian!
Cuiyun Palace remains as quiet as ever. Like a thief, I sneak into the main hall and, sure enough, see Ksitigarbha dozing on the table.
I tiptoe closer and spot Di Ting lying at his feet. Unable to contain my excitement, I leap forward and give Di Ting a big bear hug.
“Bodhisattva, I’ve been dreaming a lot these past few days. Dreams about things from the mortal realm.”
Although I dislike his eyes, I treat Ksitigarbha like a close friend, sharing thoughts I wouldn’t even tell Xie Bian. It seems that his status as a Bodhisattva does have some merit.
“Do you know that you were supposed to be locked in Wangsi City until your lifespan ended before you could reincarnate?”
A moment of silence ensues.
“You carry too much resentment. If you wish to stay, you must dispel that resentment.”
“Do you remember what you said before you died?” Ksitigarbha asked.
“You said sixteen words.” He paused before continuing, “You said that after your death, you would become a vengeful spirit, serving as a ghostly consort, forever restless.”
Ksitigarbha lowered his gaze again, and I couldn’t see his expression.
What a thunderous revelation! I actually said such imposing words. If I remember correctly, those sixteen words were from a play I enjoyed watching in the mortal realm.
In those days, I would often sneakily read some stories or secretly run to the theater to watch plays. Whenever I reached an emotional part, I would cry uncontrollably, holding onto my maid's hand to pour out my heart.
This particular play told the all-too-common tale of a heartless scholar.
Suddenly, those peach blossom eyes became as deep and mysterious as an ancient well. He said, "This resentment remains, this feeling does not fade; even in reincarnation, the bond cannot be severed."
When I returned to Yama's Hall, Xie Bian was already there, sitting in the courtyard, leisurely sipping tea from his cup.
I joyfully called out "Bian" and dashed over like a cheerful little deer.
Xie Bian turned his head. Ah, it was still that face of a thousand-year-old ice mountain, expressionless as ever.
"There was no beef tongue for lunch today," Xie Bian said, putting down his teacup and looking at me, speaking slowly and deliberately.
I knew he always spoke like this when he was sulking.
I replied sternly, "There were so many people at lunch. If Yama found out, you'd get scolded again. Besides, without beef tongue, didn't I add beef instead? Regardless, they are all part of A Bang's kind; you should enjoy your meal."
Xie Bian fell silent. After a long while, he asked, "Did you go to Cuiyun Palace?"
I nodded and hooked my arm around his neck. With a quick "smack," I kissed his cheek and swiftly pulled away.
Xie Bian's ears turned red instantly. Although his expression remained unchanged, his gaze softened.
"Weren't you told not to get too close to Ksitigarbha?" He reached out to pat my head and sighed.
"But you weren't here. You, Wu Jiu, and A Bang—none of you were around."
Moreover, no one has a mount as majestic and adorable as Di Ting, I sighed inwardly.
Xie Bian remained silent, simply staring at me.
Feeling a bit guilty under his gaze, I stammered, "Actually, that Bodhisattva is quite nice."
"I'm worried about you," Xie Bian said, his tone serious. "You speak carelessly and your thoughts haven't matured; you might get sold off without even realizing it." He warned solemnly, "And don't be fooled by Ksitigarbha's appearance."
I nodded, my heart blooming with joy; it seemed Xie Bian felt threatened.
"I just don't like his peach blossom eyes; they're not as good-looking as Di Ting's."
The corners of Xie Bian's mouth lifted slightly—this was his way of smiling. In all the time I've known him, I've never seen him truly laugh. The most I’ve seen is this slight twitch at the corners of his lips.
Yet it was precisely this kind of smile that captivated me completely.
Unable to control my excitement, I lunged forward and gave him a playful bite.
"I will miss you," Xie Bian suddenly said. His lips held a hint of sweetness, and I felt myself getting dizzy.
"It won't be for long. Don't be afraid. I'll be here."
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