Ch8 – You smell so good

Translator: Abo Dammen

Jing Shuizhi didn’t understand why Bai Qing was suddenly putting on airs, but looking at the jade cicada in his hand, she figured this young man was now a fox borrowing the tiger’s might, with the Old Master backing him. Of course, he couldn’t be easily offended. 

She quickly composed herself, restoring that gentle smile to her face. As she stood up to make tea for Bai Qing, she said softly, “The Eldest Young Master never contacts me directly. All I can do is speculate based on limited information. Teacher Ying mentioned finding a young man whose birth chart and facial features both matched, so I simply followed that. And since I heard it was for a ghost marriage, I thought that even if the Eldest Young Master didn’t give explicit instructions, it wouldn’t be wrong to follow traditional customs…”

As the tea streamed into the porcelain cup before him, Bai Qing began to understand. He raised an eyebrow. “So what you mean is, you knew it was a ghost marriage, and thus took it for granted that you should follow rituals that drain yang energy? Even if it was tradition, weren’t you afraid it might cost someone their life?”

A flash of guilt once again passed over Jing Shuizhi’s face, just like when she had given Bai Qing the blood-streaked bracelet.

And just like then, that hint of guilt quickly dissipated. 

Jing Shuizhi sighed, adopting the tone of someone long accustomed to power, her voice tinged with feigned helplessness. “It shouldn’t come to costing a life, should it? Of course, I understand it’s quite inauspicious, and I truly did feel bad about it. That’s why I made sure to compensate you quite generously. I trust you can sense my sincerity?”

Thinking of the 8,888,888 sitting in his account, Bai Qing felt not the slightest softening from having accepted her money.

His thought was: What a joke—I’m the great-grandmother here! You should be showing filial piety to me, Xiao Zhi!

Thus, Bai Qing’s expression remained one of stubborn pride, the smug look of a petty man tasting momentary triumph. “Really? How interesting. I knew Madam Jing was a top graduate of a world-renowned university, well-versed in financial mathematics. But I hadn’t realized you were also an expert in the customs of netherworld marriages. Where did you learn that? Do business schools cover such a broad curriculum these days?” 

Jing Shuizhi thought her conciliatory words would soften Bai Qing. Instead, he became even more presumptuous, taking an inch and demanding a mile, becoming overbearing. She complained inwardly: Truly, the poor breed troublemakers. This child was originally quite honest and sensible. Now that he has backing, he’s giving me attitude.

Jing Shuizhi’s gaze fell on the jade cicada in Bai Qing’s hand. Though very displeased, she had to suppress it, maintaining a proper smile. “How would I know these things? Wasn’t it all guided by Teacher Ying?”

“He taught you?” This surprised Bai Qing. My Shibo has such low taste?

Jing Shuizhi nodded slightly. “As you said, could I really have learned this knowledge from a business school across the ocean?” 

Bai Qing pressed his lips together. Regarding this matter, he and his Shifu had previously asked Ying Zhili. And Ying Zhili had pushed everything onto Jing Shuizhi, saying she “had ulterior motives.”

Now, looking at Jing Shuizhi’s calm expression, Bai Qing was full of doubt. In this… who is telling the truth?

Noticing the suspicion in Bai Qing’s eyes, Jing Shuizhi sighed softly and walked slowly to the bookcase.

Her fingertips brushed lightly across the row of book spines before she drew one out and set it gently on the desk. The cover was yellowed with age, the ink slightly faded, yet the title was still faintly discernible. “The Canon of Yin–Yang Rites.” 

“This book,” Jing Shuizhi began slowly, her face written with indescribable complexity, was given to me by Teacher Ying. It not only records the rituals for netherworld marriages but also covers many other secret methods for communicating between the Yin and Yang realms. The reason I know these things is because of this book.”

Flipping through the book, Bai Qing was momentarily speechless. He was 80 percent sure this book belonged to Ying Zhili.

Because the book’s binding was very unique, using a rare piercing technique, with ramie thread twisted into strands passed through precise, regular holes, interweaving on the spine to form a pattern resembling distant mountain ridges. He had only seen this binding method in his Shifu’s collection.

Since Shifu and Ying Zhili were from the same sect, this book was likely from Ying Zhili. Bai Qing’s heart sank. So, did Ying Zhili lie? 

This speculation worried Bai Qing somewhat.

If Jing Shuizhi had ill intentions, that was easier to handle. After all, Jing Shuizhi seemed completely an ordinary person without any magical power, suppressed by Jing Liansheng’s bloodline, unable to make big waves. But if it was Ying Zhili…

Jing Shuizhi looked at Bai Qing with a hint of unease.

Bai Qing snapped The Canon of Yin-Yang Rites shut with a crisp sound. Then, the corners of his mouth lifted in a smile. “Haha, so it was all a misunderstanding!” Although he hadn’t completely let down his guard against Jing Shuizhi, his smile seemed quite relaxed and pleasant, as if truly sweeping his doubts away. 

Seeing this, Jing Shuizhi quietly breathed a sigh of relief. The tension in her shoulders eased, and a faint, relieved smile bloomed on her face. “Yes, a misunderstanding indeed. Now that it’s cleared up, how wonderful.”

Bai Qing returned her smile but said nothing more, his gaze still fixed on her, quietly observing.

Jing Shuizhi began to feel uneasy again. How does this young man have such an imposing presence? she wondered. It’s really strange.

Jing Shuizhi swallowed, and under the invisible pressure, looked up and smiled at Bai Qing. “I wonder if the Eldest Young Master has any other instructions?” 

“Ah, yes.” Bai Qing said, “He needs money. Can you get him a card?”

Hearing this suggestion, Jing Shuizhi wasn’t surprised at all. With clear foresight, she took an envelope from the drawer and handed it to Bai Qing with both hands. Bai Qing took it, opened it, and found it contained not only a bank card but also identification documents.

He took out the ID and saw the name field read: Jing Sheng.

It really looks like a fake name. 

Bai Qing looked up at Jing Shuizhi. “So the Eldest Young Master’s name is Jing Sheng?”

Jing Shuizhi’s expression turned deliberately obscure. “I only followed instructions.”

Bai Qing carefully placed the documents back into the envelope and gave Jing Shuizhi a slight nod. “The Eldest Young Master hopes you’ll refrain from doing things that harm your Yin virtue.”

Jing Shuizhi’s expression froze for a moment. “I understand. In truth, I wasn’t willing to do it from the start… it’s just… Teacher Ying gave the instructions, and I didn’t dare disobey.” 

Hearing how effortlessly Jing Shuizhi shifted the blame onto Ying Zhili, Bai Qing found himself uncertain whom to trust. He could only put on a pretentiously profound smile as he reached out and picked up The Canon of Yin–Yang Rites.

“I’ll be taking this book with me for now.”

Jing Shuizhi’s face showed a moment of surprise, but she quickly recovered, a proper smile hanging on her lips. “Then, does that mean the ghost marriage doesn’t need to proceed?”

“No need for you to worry about that. The Eldest Young Master has his own pace.” Bai Qing coughed and stood up from the chair. “I’ll head back now too.” 

Jing Shuizhi stood up, elegantly pulling the door open for Bai Qing, and said softly, “Mr. Bai, please take care.”

Her voice was soft and polite, as if seeing off a distinguished guest. Jing Shuizhi was being this polite, but in her heart, she felt someone like Bai Qing, who climbed the social ladder, didn’t deserve it.

Thinking back, Bai Qing’s once-obedient and compliant demeanor had rather pleased Jing Shuizhi—at times even stirring a faint pang of guilt. Back then, he’d known his place so well that Jing Shuizhi had been perfectly willing to reward him with a bit of money.

But now… Bai Qing stood with his chest out and head high, accepting her tea and her gesture of opening the door as though it were only right and proper, his face full of entitlement. Clearly, this was a fox who had borrowed the tiger’s might, and now fancied himself a tiger as well. 

Her opinion of Bai Qing plummeted. Yet, since he did in fact have a tiger’s might to lean on, Jing Shuizhi could do nothing about him.

Bai Qing returned to the west wing with the card and relayed Jing Shuizhi’s words to Jing Liansheng. He then poured a big cup of green tea again. “Who knows whether Madam Jing or Teacher Ying is lying? It’s really worrying. But, Eldest Young Master, rest assured, only I am absolutely loyal to you!”

Jing Liansheng looked at his photo on the ID, glanced at Bai Qing, neither affirming nor denying, unclear if he took it in. Bai Qing wanted to kick Ying Zhili down and become Jing Liansheng’s global sole spokesperson, so he naturally had to spare no effort in continuing to backstab. “I think Ying Zhili is indeed suspicious. That Canon of Yin-Yang Rites definitely looks like his!”

“How do you know it’s his?” Jing Liansheng asked. 

Bai Qing didn’t hide it. “Because my Shifu and he are from the same sect!”

Hearing this, Jing Liansheng’s overly calm expression finally showed some fluctuation. “Oh? Your Shifu?”

“Yes, I’ve studied metaphysics with Shifu for many years. Of course… I’m a bit slow to learn. But my Shifu is quite accomplished too.” Bai Qing had to admit, his Shifu’s metaphysic skills were probably fine, but his biggest problem was his character.

Bai Qing paused, seeing Jing Liansheng was listening, and continued, “The binding of The Canon of Yin-Yang Rites looks the same as the books in Shifu’s collection. So I infer it should be a text from their sect. That said, Madam Jing’s words are more credible than Teacher Ying’s.” 

Jing Liansheng listened, neither affirming nor denying. After a long moment, he said, “So, Ying Zhili is your Shibo, yet you seem somewhat hostile towards him.”

Bai Qing didn’t expect to be seen through so easily. He awkwardly rubbed his nose. “I side with reason, not kinship.”

Jing Liansheng clearly didn’t believe it but didn’t say more. Bai Qing knew well that some things should be hinted at, not elaborated on. So, he changed the subject, smiling, “Eldest Young Master, if I’m to buy clothes for you, I need to know your measurements. How about letting me take them?”

As he spoke, Bai Qing produced a tape measure from somewhere, ready to measure Jing Liansheng. 

His thoughts were quite beautiful; the act of measuring was as about as ambiguous as it could get. If this were a TV drama, wouldn’t they add romantic BGM and slow motion?

Jing Liansheng, however, said indifferently, “No need. Just use the measurements of my burial clothes.”

Bai Qing felt slightly disappointed.  my dead ghost.

Bai Qing thought again, considering dragging Jing Liansheng out to buy clothes together. Rounding up, it could count as a date. So, he perked up again and said, “Eldest Young Master, clothes nowadays are Western-cut, quite different from older styles. Would you like to try them on in a physical store to see which style suits you better? Also, many clothes bought online don’t match their pictures. It’s safer to try them on in person.” 

“Then I should go to a physical store wearing this burial outfit?” Jing Liansheng raised an eyebrow. “I think, even in your so-called ‘two-dimensional’ world, no one goes out wearing burial clothes, right?”

Bai Qing: … Fuck, he has a point.

Thinking it over, Bai Qing used his ten years of metaphysical experience to devise a plan and tentatively suggested, “Then… how about I first make you a set of paper Western clothes and burn them for you to wear?”

Jing Liansheng raised an eyebrow. “You know how to cut them?” 

Bai Qing curved his lips into a smile. “I’m a skilled male artisan.”

Thinking back over the past ten years, every Qingming ‘shopping festival,’ Bai Qing had to do manual labor for his Shifu’s ‘Yuanbao Online Store.‘

Thanks to being able to go without food or sleep, he often worked 24-hour shifts. After ten years of honing, never mind paper Western clothes, he could even craft a paper Versailles Palace!

Bai Qing brought paper materials and started drafting and working. Before, when Bai Qing did these tasks, he was also full of emotion, thinking about piece-rate wages, earning eight to ten thousand each time he finished. But now, making paper Western clothes for Jing Liansheng, he felt a different, indescribable dreamlike mood. 

The subtle sound of scissors cutting through paper, transmitted from his fingertips to his eardrums, created a gentle resonance. As he worked, Bai Qing couldn’t help but sneak glances at Jing Liansheng. He saw Jing Liansheng still sitting upright in the armchair, not sparing Bai Qing a single glance, just reading a book with his head down.

Bai Qing’s heart stirred. He deliberately slowed his movements, making the friction sound of scissors and paper clearer. He said softly, “Eldest Young Master, what do you think of this suit design? Should I add more details?”

Jing Liansheng’s tone was indifferent. “You decide.”

Bai Qing smiled, a hint of teasing in his tone. “Eldest Young Master, you trust me so much, I can’t fail your expectations.” 

“Hmm.” Jing Liansheng responded coldly and indifferently, his gaze still not leaving the book.

But even so, Bai Qing felt very happy.

The scissors glided over the paper, making a faint rustling sound. He fantasized that after this paper suit burned, it would gently envelop Jing Liansheng’s spirit, becoming a layer of skin for him to walk the human world. That feeling made Bai Qing’s fingertips tremble slightly.

As he worked, he couldn’t help stealing another look at Jing Liansheng. Although Jing Liansheng still didn’t look up, Bai Qing felt as if he had already occupied a place in his world. Even if it was just a miniscule corner, it was enough to make him feel satisfied. Bai Qing was startled once again: I really love him so much. 

Too bizarre, too strange, too sudden love.

Yet it intoxicated Bai Qing utterly.

Even Jing Liansheng’s cold treatment towards him, he accepted willingly, considering it a form of special regard. Although he treats me coldly, he doesn’t even glance at his own great-grandchildren! Isn’t this a form of looking upon with favor?

Soon, the paper suit took shape under Bai Qing’s skillful hands. Bai Qing carefully placed the paper suit on the table, his tone full of expectation. “Eldest Young Master, take a look. Are you satisfied?” 

Jing Liansheng finally gave him his attention. His gaze fell on the finished product, slightly surprised. “It is quite exquisite.”

Living corpses and the living are ultimately different. Most are just zombies, so being able to hop around is already pretty good. For one like Bai Qing, who looks no different from a living person and can even perform such delicate actions, is extremely rare in the world. Jing Liansheng couldn’t help but doubt Bai Qing’s origins. “Was it the Shifu you mentioned who refined you into a living corpse?”

If so, that Shifu must be a hidden master, a peerless grandmaster.

“Ah? No.” Bai Qing didn’t expect Jing Liansheng to ask this and shook his head. 

Jing Liansheng pressed further. “Then how did you become a living corpse?”

“Can’t remember.” Bai Qing’s brows lightly furrowed. He tried hard to recall but found nothing to grasp. After a moment, he looked up at Jing Liansheng, the corners of his mouth lifting in a smile. “What, Eldest Young Master, so concerned about my past? Could it be…” He deliberately dragged out the ending, “…you’ve developed a little bit of interest in me?”

That’s a good thing! Interest is the sprout of love!

Thinking this, Bai Qing’s eyes lit up. 

Watching Bai Qing become inexplicably affectionate again without warning, Jing Liansheng discovered that even fierce ghosts could get creeped out. He stiffly turned his face away, avoiding Bai Qing’s gaze. He really couldn’t stand “that face” making such an expression.

Seeing Jing Liansheng fall silent, Bai Qing didn’t continue talking either. He brought a brazier, closed his eyes devoutly, and burned the paper suit.

As the flames leapt, the suit gradually charred, ashes drifting, yet shades of black and white slowly spread onto Jing Liansheng’s body.

Gradually, Jing Liansheng’s pure black burial clothes were replaced, his body now clad in a black and white suit. Once donned, the suit made Jing Liansheng appear broad-shouldered and long-legged, handsome and dashing. Bai Qing wasn’t surprised at all seeing Jing Liansheng look so good. A man who can even pull off burial clothes won’t have any outfit he can’t handle. 

Jing Liansheng wasn’t too uncomfortable with this suit either. Presumably, no clothing could be more inconvenient than burial clothes. He only asked, “Wearing this, I can go out?”

“Mhm… and this hair…” Bai Qing looked at Jing Liansheng’s long hair, falling into deep thought. “How should we style it?”

He thought for a moment, then his eyes lit up. He picked up a rubber band. “Don’t move, Eldest Young Master.”

Before Jing Liansheng could answer, Bai Qing stood on tiptoe, grabbed Jing Liansheng’s long hair, and tied it up on top of his head. When suggesting the measurements earlier, Bai Qing had entertained thoughts of physical contact. But now, as he tied the hair, his mind was free of such, focused purely on the styling. 

Yet when Jing Liansheng’s silk-like hair slid across his palm, Bai Qing suddenly realized how intimate the distance between them had become in this moment. Especially Jing Liansheng—the Eldest Young Master who usually carried himself with pride and aloofness—now instinctively lowered his head, allowing Bai Qing to handle his hair.

Bai Qing’s mind spun with intoxication. His nose was filled with the unique scent belonging to Jing Liansheng… as if infused for eternity with the finest sandalwood, so deeply that it seemed to have seeped into his very flesh and sinew.

He twitched his nostrils and couldn’t help but murmur, “Eldest Young Master, you smell so good.”

Immediately, he realized how lecherous it sounded, bracing for Jing Liansheng’s sharp glare. 

Unexpectedly, Jing Liansheng turned his face, now very close. The jet-black ends of his hair brushed against his pale cheek. His thin lips parted, uttering two simple words. “You too.”

Bai Qing froze. This… this was…

If his heart still beat, it would surely flutter like a startled fawn at the sound of those three words.

Yet, on closer observation, there was no hint of suggestion in Jing Liansheng’s tone—only an oddly calm voice stating the simplest of facts. The words “You too,” coming from his mouth, were no different from “You are a dead person.” 

And now, Jing Liansheng was indeed looking at Bai Qing with the gaze one reserves for the dead—a utterly lifeless, extremely cold stare. A chill rushed up Bai Qing’s spine straight to the top of his head.

The alarm bells in Bai Qing’s mind rang madly, driving him to instinctively retreat. Yet the moment he stepped back, the nape of his neck met Jing Liansheng’s icy palm.

His cervical spine was held with a pressure neither light nor heavy, an irresistible force compelling him to lift his head. The slender, delicate line of his neck lay exposed beneath the Eldest Young Master’s bloodthirsty red eyes—strikingly visible, achingly vulnerable.

“You smell…” Jing Liansheng’s cold fingertips pinched the back of Bai Qing’s neck, “…delicious.”