A shout rang out outside the door.
Chen Qing shuddered.
Chen Cheng braced himself against the corner of the table, and tears rolled down his face.
Wukong, transformed into Guan Bao'er, sat in a red-lacquered tray with his hands tucked into his sleeves, looking down at his childish form.
His hands were too small.
He turned his palms over, then clenched them.
Bajie sat on the other side, looking even more at ease than Wukong.
He tugged at his cuff and said in a high, thin voice, "Brother, these clothes aren't in the way, but sitting isn't as comfortable as lying down."
Wukong did not turn his head. He merely chuckled softly.
"Go ahead and lie down. Makes you easier to eat."
Bajie snickered and stopped wisecracking.
Four young men entered the hall.
Their faces were pale, but none dared dawdle.
They lifted the two small tables, making the red-lacquered trays sway gently.
Chen Qing took half a step forward, wanting to steady them but not daring to.
His hand hovered in midair.
Then he drew it back.
Chen Cheng kept his eyes fixed on Bajie, who had transformed into One Tael of Gold. His lips moved several times before he managed to squeeze out a few words:
"You two... take care."
His voice was terribly hoarse.
Bajie immediately replied, "Just remember the food."
Then he lowered his head like a little girl, placing both hands neatly on his knees.
"Steam plenty."
Chen Cheng nodded through his tears.
"I will, I will."
Wukong stopped smiling.
He looked up toward the door.
Firelight danced through the cracks, casting a reddish glow over the blue-gray bricks.
The wind carried the scent of incense.
It was stronger than before.
It was not just one household's incense.
The scent drifted from all over the