Chapter 46

"Little Yuan Ge, Runsheng, I think I must be seeing things. Otherwise, how could I see two people sitting on the open ground in front of Zhou Yong's house?"

Tan Wenbin rubbed his eyes hard, then continued to look.

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

As if that wasn't enough, he wanted to shrink further behind the boy.

When he looked down, he found the boy looking at him.

Feeling awkward and embarrassed, as if caught red-handed, Tan Wenbin immediately straightened his chest and took small steps forward, finally returning to a position parallel to Runsheng, though his legs were still trembling.

He had a relatively strong tolerance for corpses. After all, he had family teachings, but his family teachings weren't about metaphysics.

Li Zhuiyuan didn't speak. After glancing at Tan Wenbin, he picked up his compass again.

The compass showed that everything was normal, not even a slight pull.

Even though it was some distance away, there shouldn't be no reaction at all. Because feng shui acupoints, while difficult to grasp, are also simple. Wherever the Haunting stands, that spot becomes the Yin Sha position.

The Village Chief came over. He got out of the car and asked, "Runsheng Hou, haven't you found it yet?"

Runsheng looked at Li Zhuiyuan.

Li Zhuiyuan whispered, "Soon."

Runsheng immediately replied, "We've got a lead, soon. Don't worry, Village Chief."

"Really?" The Village Chief breathed a sigh of relief. "Then hurry up and find it and bring it up. Don't scare anyone else. Those few in the village who saw it were so scared they got a fever when they got home. They've been getting IV drips at the clinic for the past two days."

Li Zhuiyuan said, "Zhou Yong."

Runsheng asked, "Village Chief, where did Zhou Yong go?"

"Yong Hou? Yong Hou should be watching people play cards right now. What's wrong?"

"He's still playing cards?"

"He likes to stand by and watch others play. He doesn't sit at the table himself."

"Oh, I see."

"There's always a time when farm work in the fields is done. And the work of helping people cast nets to catch fish in the river isn't a daily thing. When he has nothing to do, Yong Hou goes to watch people play cards. People, no matter how hard their lives are, have to find some joy for themselves. Who wants to wear a long face every day?"

"Mm, that's right."

"It's just that Yong Hou, how should I put it, he's one of a kind."

"I heard he donated a bridge?"

"Mm, that bridge was donated by him. Originally, there wasn't much need to build a bridge there, and not many people used it, but he insisted on donating to build it, saying it was to accumulate merit and blessings for his wife and children.

I really couldn't persuade him, so we pooled some resources from the village, added his contribution, and built the bridge. I guess if more roads are built in the future, more people will use that bridge."

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

"It's right that you don't understand. Yong Hou is a good person, and he's well-liked in the village. But ever since his wife and children got sick, he's become a bit eccentric. He can only sit quietly when watching people play cards. Other than that, if you talk to him for a while, he'll steer the conversation in some bizarre direction. I don't know what kind of bewitching soup he drank.

Logically, donating money to build a bridge is a good deed, but I advised him at the time. I said, 'Yong Hou, you have this money. You could either tear down your house and rebuild it with bricks and tiles, or buy your wife and children some good food, drinks, and clothes. Our village doesn't lack that bridge, but your family urgently needs this money to make your lives more comfortable.'

Hey, he refused. He said if the village didn't agree to build it, he'd find a construction team himself. Runsheng Hou, tell me, what could I do?

I've been troubled by this matter for the past few days. I kindly helped his family apply for minimum living allowances and some subsidies. Now that he's donated money to build a bridge, good heavens, he's put me on the spot.

Damn it... Sigh, I won't say anymore. Runsheng Hou, let me know if you find anything. When the job is done, I'll have a small drink for you and your grandfather at my place, with a red envelope from the village."

"Mm, you go ahead and be busy, Village Chief."

After the Village Chief left, the mother and daughter on the small dam were still there.

Li Zhuiyuan strode forward, heading towards Zhou Yong's house. He wanted to verify his guess.

Seeing this, Run Sheng naturally walked in front of Xiao Yuan again.

Tan Wenbin froze for a few seconds, then quickly followed with his head bowed. Although he didn't dare to walk alongside Run Sheng anymore, he still managed to get in front of Xiao Yuan.

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

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

Cold sweat began to stream down Tan Wenbin's face. He kept looking up quickly, and after a glance, he immediately lowered his head again.

In his mind, all he could see were images of the girl curled up in the rice bin and the woman lying in the cotton wadding.

As they approached the path leading to the house, Li Zhuiyuan stopped.

Finally, Li Zhuiyuan stopped.

"Bin Bin Ge, you keep walking forward."

"Ah? Okay."

Tan Wenbin hugged his arms and continued walking forward with his head down. When he reached the dam, he stopped and looked at the house, only to find it empty. The mother and daughter from before had also disappeared.

"There's no one here..." Tan Wenbin turned around, a look of confusion on his face.

Li Zhuiyuan beckoned him back. Tan Wenbin sprinted back.

Looking back at the dam, hey, the mother and daughter had reappeared there.

"This..."

"Brother Run Sheng, you walk forward."

"Okay."

Run Sheng walked forward, reaching the spot where Bin Bin had stopped earlier. He turned his head to look at the dam.

Li Zhuiyuan and Tan Wenbin, standing behind, saw Run Sheng raise his hand somewhat awkwardly and wave towards the dam.

"Run Sheng can see?"

"Yeah, because Brother Run Sheng is from our village."

"It can be like that?"

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

"He, are you referring to Zhou Yong?"

"Mm."

"But, Little Yuan Ge, if his wife and child are here, then who is swimming in the river?"

"Zhou Yong, perhaps."

"Huh? But didn't the Village Chief just say Zhou Yong was watching people play cards?"

"The Death Collapse can move."

"The Death Collapse coming ashore to watch the villagers play cards? That's ridiculous, isn't it?"

"Didn't you just eat food made by the Death Collapse? Remember that plate of blanched shrimp on the table? You ate the most."

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

Run Sheng walked back and said, "They just waved at me."

"Mm."

Run Sheng pulled the Yellow River Shovel out of the sack and asked, "Should I smash it over there?"

"No need. Actually, there's nothing there."

Li Zhuiyuan looked at the well covered by a large bamboo hat on the dam. It was like a mirage.

He couldn't help but think about how he would set up a trap if it were him. At least, he wouldn't make it so crude. He would at least create a miasma to lure passersby inside.

Like dumplings being dropped into boiling water, he would lure them one by one into the well.

Li Zhuiyuan took a breath and patted his forehead. "Sigh, Wei Zhengdao, you're really something else."

"Let's go, Brother Run Sheng, we'll go find Zhou Yong."

Run Sheng scratched his head. "But I don't know which hall Zhou Yong is in watching people play cards."

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

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

The short, fat Zhou Fabao was standing by the open area, his back to the road. He pulled out his bird, humming a tune as he fertilized his small vegetable garden.

He turned his head and saw three people walking towards him. He instinctively sped up, wanting to arrange for guests.

But upon closer inspection, he realized it was Run Sheng, and then he saw the Boy – it was the same one from last time.

Zhou Fabao shivered in fright and quickly put his bird away. "Ah, what are you guys doing here?"

They had already reached the open area. Zhou Fabao didn't greet them but stood there, partially blocking the way.

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

Although they were sensible enough to pay for the damages, he ran a business that wasn't exactly above board. What he feared most was trouble escalating. He couldn't let these two play cards at his place again.

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

"Yong Hou." Zhou Fabao smiled. "He's not here with me today. He's probably watching others play cards somewhere else."

"Oh." Run Sheng looked at Li Zhuiyuan. "Xiao Yuan, Zhou Yong isn't here."

"The boss is lying."

Zhou Fabao: "..."

When they played zha jin hua here last time, Li Zhuiyuan had memorized the facial details of everyone at the card table. Since the boss would come over to serve tea and collect the winnings, he was considered half a player at the table, so Zhou Fabao's face had also been "recorded" by Li Zhuiyuan.

Even though he wasn't at the card table now, Li Zhuiyuan could still tell that the boss was "deceiving" him. His micro-expressions didn't match his "poker face."

Run Sheng turned back to Zhou Fabao and repeated with more emphasis, "Is Zhou Yong here or not?"

Zhou Fabao frantically waved his hands, putting on an extremely wronged expression. "He's really not here. Why would I lie to you? What benefit would I get?"

Li Zhuiyuan was about to remind Run Sheng to recall scenes from movies about intimidation, but Tan Wenbin was faster.

He had a wallet made of artificial leather. He took it out, opened it, and pulled out a family photo. All the men in it, except for him, were wearing police uniforms.

He placed the photo in front of Zhou Fabao and asked, "Speak, is Zhou Yong here with you!"

Zhou Fabao swallowed with some difficulty, "He is."

"We have something to discuss with him."

As he spoke, Tan Wenbin walked straight inside, his shoulder bumping Zhou Fabao, who immediately dodged.

Run Sheng sighed inwardly, As expected, Xiao Yuan was right, being in the underworld has no future.

Inside, seven or eight gambling tables were in full swing, the scene very lively.

Tan Wenbin strode in, one hand on his hip, his gaze sharp, as if his own father's spirit had descended.

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

Finally, he couldn't keep it up.

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

When Li Zhuiyuan and Run Sheng entered, half the people inside stopped their card games and looked over. Some who were unaware immediately asked those beside them, and upon learning their identities, they all looked over.

No one here hadn't heard of that bizarre game of Chase the Ace; everyone had already decided that wherever this kid sat, they would immediately leave the table.

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

"Yong Hou... he was just here. Where is he now? He might have gone to the back to eat. He's sort of my kin. When he has time, he comes here to watch games and helps boil water and pour tea, and I'll give him a meal."

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

Zhou Fabao asked, "Auntie, where is Yong Hou?"

"Yong Hou? I just saw him here a moment ago. I don't know where he's gone now."

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

"No, we just want to ask him about someone. Sorry to bother you, boss. We'll be going."

Li Zhuiyuan walked out of the hall onto the road.

Run Sheng rubbed his nose and said, "Xiao Yuan, it's strange. I didn't smell any Death Collapse inside just now."

"That's not strange. Some Death Collapse possess special abilities, allowing them to separate their spirit from their body. Remember that Cat-faced Old Woman last time?"

"Cat-faced Old Woman?" Tan Wenbin looked surprised. "Did I come late and miss some important event?"

Run Sheng's eyes grew serious. "If that's the case, Xiao Yuan, Zhou Yong will be more difficult to deal with."

Tan Wenbin rubbed his hands excitedly and nodded in agreement, "Yes, it's more troublesome."

Li Zhuiyuan shook his head. "It's not necessarily a fight. He hasn't harmed the villagers yet. If he just likes to swim in the river and be with his deceased wife and children at home, we have no reason to make things difficult for him."

"We just need to remind him not to be seen by the villagers when he surfaces, and to find out who taught him these methods.

Essentially, we can coexist peacefully with him."

"Huh? We can coexist?" Tan Wenbin asked, confused. "Shouldn't good and evil be irreconcilable, and humans and ghosts unable to coexist? Don't we have to suppress and kill him?"

"Brother Bin Bin, that would be very tiring."

"Uh..."

Just like Little Yellow Oriole, after she got her revenge, she didn't continue to harm others. My Great Grandfather just pretended she didn't exist and didn't bother dealing with her further.

"Then... where do we find Zhou Yong now? Should we go to his house or back to the river?"

Li Zhuiyuan smiled and looked at the rice fields ahead, saying:

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

Even if he was deliberately avoiding him, Li Zhuiyuan wasn't worried. He had plenty of ways to force him out for a conversation.

But before that, another matter needed to be resolved: it was getting dark.

Li Zhuiyuan patted his pocket, took out money, and handed it to Run Sheng. "Brother Run Sheng, go buy some high-proof white wine and cooked food. It's time for dinner."

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

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

"Shan Pao, you're the one who gambled away your fortune. Don't pin your shit on me."

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

"Yes, yes, yes, you poured it into your own mouth."

"Beijing household registration, I heard that getting into university in Beijing also..."

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

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

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

"Great Grandfather, we've found the approximate location and contained it with a net, but it's too late. Brother Run Sheng plans to wait until sunrise tomorrow to retrieve it."

"See? We found it. Look, Run Sheng has made more progress following me than following you, hasn't he?"

Then, Li Sanjiang nodded to Xiao Yuan and said, "That's right. It's best not to do things at night; it's easy for things to go wrong. Sometimes, what would normally be an ordinary Death Collapse might start moving at night."

Run Sheng bought back wine and food, and the two elders naturally had to have a drink.

With Tan Wenbin actively livening up the atmosphere at the drinking table as per his mission, the two elders drank heartily.

For the first five cups, Li Sanjiang still said it was getting late and he needed to take Little Yuanhou home. After the next five cups, he was passed out on the table, drunk and unconscious, along with Grandpa Shan.

Run Sheng carried his grandfather and Grandpa Li to bed, covered their bellies with quilts, and even placed the family's spittoon by the bedside for them to vomit into at night.

After finishing these tasks, the three of them tidied up their belongings and headed to the riverbank.

The atmosphere at night was indeed very different from the daytime. Li Zhuiyuan knew his Great Grandfather was right, but it was meaningless now, because Zhou Yong could not only move around freely but also find time to come ashore to watch them play cards.

Walking to the bridge, Run Sheng waded into the water, released the Seven Star Hook, and flicked it upwards, hooking onto a nail. He then began to pull with force.

After consecutively pulling out three nails, Run Sheng stopped. He reeled in the Seven Star Hook and drew out the Yellow River Shovel, gripping it in his hand.

Before long, the temperature of the river surface began to drop.

Even Li Zhuiyuan, standing by the riverbank, could feel the chill carried by the evening breeze that blew towards them.

Run Sheng began to regulate his breathing, focusing his mind and staying alert.

Finally, movement appeared.

About ten meters in front of Run Sheng, a person's back slowly emerged from the river surface.

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

Death Collapse, Death Collapse, Death Collapse!

Heavens, Dad, your son has made it! I've finally seen Death Collapse!

Li Zhuiyuan glanced back at him with some helplessness. Bin Bin's face was a mixture of excitement and nervousness, as if he were about to faint the next second.

This reminded Li Zhuiyuan of the fans at concerts held at Gongti, who were hysterical upon seeing their singers.

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

Soon, a face appeared. It was a very pale face, as if coated with a layer of putty, sticky and white, constantly dripping down the chin.

When he opened his eyes, streams of thick white liquid overflowed from the corners of his eyes, completely obscuring his pupils.

Li Zhuiyuan pulled out two sheets of Yellow Paper and folded them into a bundle.

But Tan Wenbin beside him was completely stunned.

"Zhuang Zhuang!"

"Yes!"

Almost by reflex, Tan Wenbin immediately took out a match, struck it, and helped Li Zhuiyuan light the Yellow Paper.

Li Zhuiyuan waved the burning yellow paper in his hand, chanting softly, and finally stuffed the half-burnt paper into the sea bowl of yellow wine at his feet.

Tan Wenbin, meanwhile, lit the small candles he had arranged around them one by one.

The placement of each candle had been calculated, and the arrangement of the sacrificial altar could not be changed. The three nails had been pulled out, but not completely, so there was still room for maneuver.

This action was meant to be a "slap followed by a sweet date."

If you can talk, we'll talk. If not, you'll eventually go mad here and become a menace, so we'll have to go head-to-head.

Li Zhuiyuan picked up the wine bowl and sprinkled it onto the river surface.

Then he extended his left arm for Tan Wenbin to support him, closed his eyes, and sought the state of half-sleep, half-wakeful Yin walking.

Many incantations are actually useful, including his Great Grandfather's mumbling and rhymes, but the purpose of these incantations is "communication."

But what method could be more effective than direct Yin walking?

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. First, please don't surface and disturb the living. Second, please tell us who taught you this arrangement.

If you cooperate, we'll re-hammer the nails for you, and we'll each go our own way on the Yin Yang Paths. If you don't cooperate, one of us will have no path forward from tonight onwards."

When Li Zhuiyuan offered his arm, Tan Wenbin had been silently counting down in his heart. Finally, he finished counting and immediately shook the Boy forcefully.

Li Zhuiyuan was forcibly awakened, breaking his shallow Yin walking state. This was a safeguard he had put in place for himself.

Although he had learned how to control Death Collapse, he was only a beginner and didn't have the confidence to use it yet.

His head felt a little dizzy and painful, a symptom of being forcibly pulled out of Yin walking. Fortunately, having experienced the splitting headache 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 began to move forward slowly in the river.

"Bin Bin Ge, why don't you go back."

"No, impossible. I have to protect you."

"Oh, you chose this yourself. Don't regret it."

"How could I regret it? I won't!"

Li Zhuiyuan pointed to the arrangement on the ground, signaling Tan Wenbin to clean it up, and followed along the bank. Run Sheng walked in the river.

Tan Wenbin scrambled to extinguish all the candles and then threw the bowls, plates, and other items into a sack. He then picked up the sack and ran to catch up. He didn't want to miss another opportunity.

Fortunately, Run Sheng was in the river, and no matter how much of a brother Xiao Yuan was, he couldn't tie him up and throw him into the Reed Marsh.

After walking for a while, Zhou Yong got ashore.

It was clear he was heading home.

Li Zhuiyuan tugged at Run Sheng's vest, signaling him to slow down. By the time the three of them had adjusted their pace, Zhou Yong, who had been walking ahead, also slowed down. He was waiting.

He was going to lead the three of them home.

Understanding his intention, Li Zhuiyuan patted Run Sheng's back, and the three resumed their normal speed.

They arrived at the small dam in front of Zhou Yong's house again. The three stopped, and Zhou Yong stood before the house door.

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

He was gently bumping his head against the door.

A moment later, a light came on inside the house.

Through the thick cracks in the door, someone could be seen appearing inside. This was followed by a series of crisp unlocking sounds.

"Creak..."

The door was opened.

Standing inside was Zhou Yong's wife.

The woman stood there quietly.

When they saw her during the day, she had been lying in the cotton wadding beneath a mat.

Now, even though it was night, by the light from inside the house, they discovered that not only her eyes, but also her nostrils, ears, and even her fingernail beds were all sprouting cotton wadding like wild grass.

It was as if this cotton wadding wasn't stuck to her body, but was growing out from within her.

The woman moved aside, and Zhou Yong walked in.

The woman continued to stand by the door, not closing it, seemingly waiting for guests to enter.

Run Sheng looked at Li Zhuiyuan, who nodded.

They had come to make contact and converse. Since they had been led right to their doorstep, there was no reason not to go in.

Run Sheng, who had just entered the house, glanced to his right. His body trembled, clearly startled.

This was the first time Li Zhuiyuan had seen Run Sheng react like this in such a situation. He also walked into the house and looked to his right.

The girl had already emerged from the rice bin. She stood there, as if welcoming her father home.

The girl's eyes were wide open, densely packed with grains of rice.

At the same time, the girl's exposed arms, legs, hands, and feet were also embedded with grains of rice.

These pure white grains of rice continued to fall off, yet the fallen portions didn't seem to decrease. It was as if grains of rice were growing out of the girl's pores, one by one.

This sight made Li Zhuiyuan's breathing quicken.

The last to enter was Tan Wenbin. He had fallen behind because he was tidying things up, and since it was night, he consciously stayed behind Run Sheng to protect Xiao Yuan.

Upon entering, Tan Wenbin also looked to his right. He immediately opened his mouth, and before he could scream, he shoved his hand into his mouth and bit down hard.

He was biting himself for real, drawing blood. There was no other way; the intense fear he felt at that moment made him numb to the pain.

Zhou Yong walked to the dining table and sat down.

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

However, since the ground was made of earth and was already uneven, the chairs being flat or not was meaningless.

Li Zhuiyuan sat down opposite Zhou Yong. Run Sheng sat on his left, and Tan Wenbin sat on his right.

The woman and the girl went to the kitchen.

Soon, the sound of the bellows being pulled and the clatter of woks could be heard from the kitchen.

But no firelight or cooking steam could be seen from the kitchen door.

Zhou Yong, seated on the chair, lowered his head.

"Drip, drip, drip..."

It was the sound of pus constantly dripping from the corners of his eyes.

Because the ground was uneven and muddy, it was easier for small puddles to form. Thus, a clearer "drip-plop" sound soon came from below.

Li Zhuiyuan handed his hand to Run Sheng, who understood and clasped it.

Li Zhuiyuan lowered his head and attempted to walk the Underworld again.

Liu Yumei had warned him that walking the Underworld too often was bad for a person and could lead to getting lost. He knew this himself, but he couldn't stop. It was like telling a smoker to quit smoking or an alcoholic to quit drinking; he heard it, but he still smoked and drank as usual.

Li Zhuiyuan succeeded in walking the Underworld. When he raised his head again, he found that Run Sheng and Tan Wenbin, who had been sitting on either side of him, were gone.

But Zhou Yong remained seated there, head bowed, motionless, without speaking, reacting, or showing any sign.

The only dynamic change was that firelight and heat could now be seen from the kitchen, along with the "sizzling" sound of stir-frying.

The smoke and the smell of cooking in the Underworld were the most unsettling to mortals.

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

He waited a while longer, but Zhou Yong still didn't speak, meaning he wasn't planning on talking right now.

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

To discuss business, eat first.

A sharp pain shot through his palm. Li Zhuiyuan knew Run Sheng was pinching him. He closed his eyes, searching for the feeling of surfacing, and when he opened them again, he had returned to reality.

He pulled his hand away from Run Sheng, gently kneading it to relieve the pain, also signaling to Run Sheng that he was back.

He glanced at Tan Wenbin on his right again. The man sat ramrod straight. If nothing unexpected happened, he'd never sat that stiffly in class.

At this moment, the anticipated development occurred.

The woman walked over, carrying two plates of food.

Both plates contained meat, but he couldn't tell what kind of meat it was. Li Zhuiyuan saw fur and tails on them.

The woman returned to the house and brought out two more plates of vegetables. However, these vegetables weren't green. They were shaped like stir-fried bamboo shoots, and upon closer inspection, he could see forks.

Most people have had the experience of finding their mother's long hair in their food at home.

But here, it was cotton fuzz from the woman's body that had floated into the food and been stir-fried into this shape.

Li Zhuiyuan began to miss Cat-faced Old Woman's birthday banquet. Although the food was truly awful, at least it looked good.

The four plates of food before him were already terrifying just by looking at them.

Even Run Sheng frowned at this moment. Run Sheng's requirements for food were very low, but even so, he had some requirements.

Tan Wenbin's eyes widened, his gaze darting between the four plates of food.

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

The large bowls were filled to the brim with rice, uncooked. It was likely scooped directly from that rice bin.

The four small bowls were for wine. However, the wine was dark and murky, and in each bowl, something like a black earthworm was wriggling.

After distributing the large bowls and chopsticks to everyone, the woman went back into the kitchen. There were probably more delicacies to come.

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

Zhou Yong lowered his head and looked at his daughter.

The girl also looked up, looking at her father.

Run Sheng didn't understand. Tan Wenbin looked bewildered, not knowing what father and daughter were communicating.

Li Zhuiyuan understood.

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

Run Sheng and Tan Wenbin immediately understood.

Run Sheng: "Right, let's eat together at the table."

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

The girl walked towards the table, sucking on her fingers.

The boy noticed that she seemed to be walking towards him.

Li Zhuiyuan immediately pointed beside Tan Wenbin, "Come here, little sister, sit with this handsome big brother."

Tan Wenbin: "..."

The girl paused, then sat down on the bench on Tan Wenbin's side.

Tan Wenbin felt a chill from the back of his head to his tailbone.

Zhou Yong raised his chopsticks and pointed at a dish.

Li Zhuiyuan, Run Sheng, and Tan Wenbin also raised their chopsticks, and everyone pointed at the dish together.

A silent performance, like a mime, yet each could imagine the dialogue that should accompany each action.

Zhou Yong picked up a mouthful of food with his chopsticks, put it in his mouth, chewed, and continued to point at the dish.

Li Zhuiyuan picked up a mouthful with his chopsticks and put it into Bin Bin's bowl.

Tan Wenbin picked up the food in his own bowl and put it into the girl's mouth, who was sitting beside him. The girl opened her mouth and ate.

He thought he was so smart, handling the situation so cleverly.

However, Zhou Yong personally picked up another mouthful of food with his chopsticks and put it into Tan Wenbin's bowl, then looked at the girl. The girl lowered her head, as if being reprimanded for being ill-mannered.

Tan Wenbin looked pleadingly at Li Zhuiyuan and Run Sheng, only to find that both had avoided his gaze.

There was no choice. Zhou Yong's solicitous "gaze" was right in front of him, creating immense pressure.

Tan Wenbin could only pick up his chopsticks, grab 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 chopsticks to feed the girl, and they were covered in her saliva.

If this happened during normal eating, he wouldn't have cared. He wasn't that squeamish.

But the problem was, the girl's appearance... and he still had to share chopsticks with her?

Zhou Yong spread his hands and gestured upwards.

Tan Wenbin's smile was uglier than his crying face. He put the food into his mouth with tears, chewing.

Zhou Yong was satisfied.

The four wine bowls were already in front of him. He picked up a wine bowl and handed it to his guest, first offering it to Li Zhuiyuan.

Li Zhuiyuan stood up, pointed to himself, and gestured to 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 accept it and place 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 wine bowl and drank it all in one gulp.

Then he turned the wine bowl upside down and pointed.

Tan Wenbin took a deep breath. As he reached for the wine bowl, he quickly pinched the Long Earthworm inside with his little finger and thumb, flicking it out.

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

As he raised the wine bowl to chug it, Zhou Yong snatched it away.

Tan Wenbin was overjoyed. That's right, I'm also a child, a Senior High Student. My brain is important, I can't drink alcohol.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Yong covered the wine bowl with his palm, shook it, and when he removed his hand, over a dozen Long Earthworms were crawling around inside.

Zhou Yong pushed the wine bowl in front of Tan Wenbin, extended his palm, and patted his own chest.

Tan Wenbin: "..."