Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Was this a result of daytime thoughts manifesting in night dreams? He had seen her often in the past two days, and her presence had pleased him, almost cleansing his mind like a brush is rinsed clean.

However, in the next moment, Qin Li, who stood on the embankment, lifted her head to look at Li Zhuiyuan on the balcony. It was the first time their gazes met.

Li Zhuiyuan understood. He hadn't merely dreamed her up; she had entered his dream. Dreams were reflections of reality. He had almost habitually framed her in a fixed manner, assuming she wouldn't have independent actions within the dream.

That's not right...

Li Zhuiyuan frowned slightly. This time, was he certain this dream belonged solely to him? Was it possible that both he and Qin Li below were participants?

Perhaps he hadn't experienced enough dreams to discern their rules and nuances. He was still merely at the beginning of understanding, like reading an introductory text on the subject. It was as if a question had been placed before him, yet he didn't even grasp its meaning.

Perhaps Qin Li knew something? She could actively look towards him; could he then expect her to speak?

But the first floor was currently very lively and noisy. Descending the stairs would require him to pass directly through the center of the crowd, which was highly impractical. The second-floor balcony wasn't excessively high, but jumping directly from his small building was also unrealistic. Because this was likely not his own dream, he had also lost the luxury of taking casual risks and making mistakes.

Li Zhuiyuan squatted down and waved towards Qin Li below, signaling her to come closer so they might lower their voices and exchange a few whispers.

However, before Qin Li could react, Li Zhuiyuan heard the sound of footsteps coming from the staircase behind him. He turned his head to see four middle-aged women approaching him. They wore brightly colored clothes, their faces heavily powdered and rouged. They saw Li Zhuiyuan as well; in fact, they seemed to be rushing towards him.

They called out to him, urging him to find a seat. They insisted he hurry and join the first batch of diners, as the second batch would face a long wait. They explained that the first batch finished quickly and went home, ensuring he wouldn't be delayed for school the next day.

Before he could fully voice his refusal, an old grandma reached out and seized Li Zhuiyuan's hand. Instantly, Li Zhuiyuan found his original clothes replaced by a set of small, blue, long robes, old-fashioned in style but strikingly new in color. The old grandma's grip was remarkably strong, pulling Li Zhuiyuan along and causing him to stumble multiple times. As they descended, he tried to pry her hand open. Her hand was unnaturally white, a pale, unlined white.

Seemingly sensing his struggle, the old grandma suddenly stopped and slowly turned her head. Her voice became slow and gloomy as she questioned his obedience and willingness to go. The light in the staircase dimmed, leaving only a faint glow that illuminated the old grandma's face.

Li Zhuiyuan took a deep breath and forced a smile, asserting that he would go, that he wanted to eat the banquet. Her response was a simple, "Truly obedient." As soon as she spoke, the light in the staircase instantly recovered.

The old grandma continued pulling Li Zhuiyuan's hand, descending all the way to the first floor. His great-grandfather's first floor, originally used purely as a warehouse with unpainted concrete walls, was now adorned with lights and decorations, arranged festively. Tables were set up, each covered with red plastic sheeting, laden with bowls, dishes, and cold appetizers.

Many people, men, women, old and young, bustled about. All wore overly bright new clothes, their faces thickly powdered and rouged, the rouge conspicuously applied. Li Zhuiyuan likely knew what they were, because although the tables, chairs, benches, and plates were all set, the stacks of paper figures, usually piled high, were nowhere to be seen.

After the old grandma pulled Li Zhuiyuan to the first floor, she released his hand and went to busy herself. Li Zhuiyuan turned around and found that the stairs he had just descended... were gone. He didn't stand foolishly in place but walked towards the door. His great-grandfather's house had multiple front doors for convenience of transport, and at this time, the door panels were removed, leaving the entrances completely open. Consequently, the first floor and the embankment outside were almost seamlessly connected.

Just as he reached the door, Li Zhuiyuan saw two young women entering, pulling a little girl. It was Qin Li. Unlike him, her clothes hadn't changed, likely because what she wore was already suitable for this place.

At this moment, Qin Li's eyelashes began to flutter, and her body started to tremble slightly. Li Zhuiyuan guessed that she might be about to suddenly lash out and bite. The two young women pulling her seemed to notice Qin Li's abnormality as well. They both lowered their heads to look at her, and at the same time, the light around where the three stood began to dim, the shadow expanding step by step. Others enveloped by the dimness stopped their conversations and activities, all looking over with gloomy faces.

Li Zhuiyuan was now sure that this was not his dream. Of course, it wasn't Qin Li's dream either. He hadn't heard of anyone who behaved out of line in their dream suffering a backlash from the surrounding environment. This was clearly someone else's dream. Although he didn't know whose it was, the entity whose dream this was seemed deeply immersed within it, and illogical, disruptive behavior would disturb it, potentially causing it to wake.

Upon waking, it might throw a tantrum; it might also crush the two insignificant 'shrimps' who disturbed its beautiful dream before continuing to slumber. But regardless of the outcome, Li Zhuiyuan felt the situation was highly unfavorable for him at the moment.

So he stepped forward, stood in front of Qin Li, and said with a smile. He feigned relief, saying he had finally found his 'sister' and had been looking for her for a long time. Li Zhuiyuan then looked at the two women holding Qin Li's hands and said. He thanked them for helping him find his sister, explaining that she was prone to wandering and wasn't 'very good'. As he spoke, Li Zhuiyuan also pointed a finger to his forehead.

The two women showed expressions of sudden realization, muttering, "Oh, so that's how it is." Confirming, "Your sister is here." The shadow that had been expanding stopped, though it did not retract. Those outside the shadow resumed their activities, but those within the shadow continued to stare.

Still not enough!

Li Zhuiyuan pursed his lips. He reached out, took Qin Li's hand, and with his other hand, reached around her back to gently pat her head. He whispered soothingly, telling her to be good, not to be afraid, for her 'brother' was here and would take good care of her.

After speaking and performing these actions, Li Zhuiyuan braced himself, fully expecting the scratching, tearing, and biting that was likely to follow. But he had to take this gamble. Since Qin Li had actively looked up at him downstairs earlier, he would bet that she could endure this contact again. Their bodies were very close, and Li Zhuiyuan could feel the girl's hand trembling.

Through his two days of one-sided observation in reality, Li Zhuiyuan clearly understood that the girl before him rejected all contact from the outside world. Only her grandma could gently coax her to eat beside her, but even Grandma Liu dared not initiate any intimate contact.

However, to Li Zhuiyuan's relief, the girl's trembling gradually subsided, and her breathing began to stabilize. Not only did she not push him away, she didn't even struggle with the hand he held. Seeing the girl finally calm, the patch of shadow under their feet immediately began to shrink, finally disappearing. The people who had been staring without moving turned back to their own affairs, including the two women.

He breathed a silent sigh of relief. Safe for now.

Li Zhuiyuan looked at Qin Li and quietly asked if she knew what they should do next. Qin Li had no reaction. She just looked at him. Okay, she probably didn't know either.

If it were during the day, and he could hold her hand while she looked at him, Li Zhuiyuan felt he would be quite happy. The feeling was akin to a perfect piece of art interacting and responding. But in the current environment, Li Zhuiyuan found it difficult to entertain such a mood.

Calls rang out, urging everyone to quickly take their seats. More calls insisted they sit down quickly. Someone was organizing the seating. At this time, the safest choice was to blend in.

Li Zhuiyuan told Qin Li they should find a place to sit, then led her by the hand towards a table where only a small boy sat. However, just as they were about to sit, the little boy immediately bent down, covering the bench and shouting. He claimed the seat was reserved, shouting that his entire family was coming and they couldn't sit there. This was encountering someone who had reserved seats in advance. Were it not for the thick rouge on the boy's face, instantly revealing him as a child transformed from a paper figure, Li Zhuiyuan might have suspected he was Huzhi or Shitou.

An old grandpa at the next table, wearing mourning clothes, actively called out to them, offering two empty seats so his table could be full. Li Zhuiyuan readily agreed.

Li Zhuiyuan immediately pulled Qin Li to that table. After he sat, he saw Qin Li still standing and could only softly remind her to sit down. Qin Li didn't move, still standing. Li Zhuiyuan could only reach out, grasp her waist, and pull down with force, causing her to sit. However, as he touched her waist, Li Zhuiyuan felt her begin to tremble again. After he released her hand, she calmed again. Lowering his head to look at the hand he was still holding... Li Zhuiyuan likely understood that this was the maximum degree of contact she could currently tolerate.

The old grandpa in mourning clothes asked Li Zhuiyuan where his family's adults were. His tone was kind, but with his makeup, even a kind person looked very strange. Li Zhuiyuan replied that his grandpa and grandma were helping in the kitchen and had told him to bring his sister to eat first.

The old grandpa reacted with understanding and looked at Qin Li, remarking on how well-behaved she was and asking her age. Qin Li didn't pay attention to him. Li Zhuiyuan knew that even if she had been willing to pay attention, she wouldn't have been able to answer, as she likely didn't understand the local Nantong dialect. It was fortunate she didn't speak; if she opened her mouth and spoke Mandarin, it would attract more curious questions. At this juncture, anything she said was likely to be wrong.

He provided a detailed lie, stating his sister was ten, had suffered a fever as a child that affected her brain because she wasn't taken to the health center in time, making her unable to hear or speak well. Li Zhuiyuan deliberately spoke loudly so everyone at the table could hear, effectively preempting any questions directed at Qin Li. Reactions of pity and understanding rippled around the table. Others shared similar stories of children whose brains had been affected by unchecked fevers. Commentary followed on the need for careful child-rearing to avoid suffering for both the child and those who later cared for them. The people at the same table started to exchange glances.

The old grandpa in mourning clothes then asked Li Zhuiyuan his age. He replied that he was eleven. Li Zhuiyuan added one year to his age. He was asked if he attended school. He replied yes, in the fourth grade. Then, about his sister. His sister didn't attend school, he explained, she just stayed home all day, and only came out for the banquet. The old grandpa acknowledged this and didn't press further, turning to chat with others at the table.

Li Zhuiyuan finally found a moment of peace. He glanced at Qin Li beside him, moved closer, and softly told her not to be afraid, that he was there. His words weren't merely attentive but meant to appease, an implicit plea to remain calm and not cause a disturbance.

Qin Li turned her head to look at Li Zhuiyuan. This time, there were emotions in her eyes, faint yet distinctly present – it was doubt. Then, Qin Li turned her head back and resumed staring blankly.

At this point, the now idle Li Zhuiyuan began to pay attention to the dishes on the table. What was currently on the table were cold dishes: cold mixed spinach molded into a column, preserved egg tofu, fried peanuts, salted duck eggs cut open and arranged on a plate. There were only two pure meat dishes, sliced salted meat and braised small ribs, but the quantity of these was very small. Fortunately, they were cut small, allowing each person at the table perhaps two pieces.

The braised ribs were placed directly in front of him. They were served cold, sweet yet not greasy in the mouth. But seeing this dish now, he lacked the slightest appetite. Heaven knew what this thing actually was.

At this time, the sound of singing began. People at nearby tables all looked in that direction, and many even stood. Li Zhuiyuan also turned to look. In a small open area at the center of the seating area stood a man and a woman, beside them an old man with an instrument. The man and woman wore opera robes, their makeup even more elaborate. Upon the base of thick powder and rouge, further extensions and exaggerations had been added. Accompanied by the old man, the man sang first, followed by the woman after some elaborate body movements.

Li Zhuiyuan knew this was a local Nantong opera called Tongju. The characteristic of this opera was its strange and eerie vocal style, high-pitched and mournful, possessing a strong impact. To outsiders, it was simply... extremely unpleasant. This time was no different. Everyone at their table and nearby listened intently. Li Zhuiyuan glanced at Qin Li again; thankfully, she showed no reaction.

Along with the performance, someone holding a basket began distributing chopsticks to each table. Another person specifically held vinegar and soy sauce, pouring them into designated dishes. Each table had six dishes, generally meant to be shared by two people each.

The old grandpa in mourning clothes picked up a piece of ribs and placed it in Li Zhuiyuan's bowl, inviting him to eat. He thanked the grandpa. The grandpa insisted he eat, not just look. He agreed and told the grandpa to eat as well. The grandpa murmured assent.

Sounds of dogs barking and cats meowing arose. At this time, Li Zhuiyuan found many cats and dogs had gathered under the table. There was one not far from his feet. Li Zhuiyuan picked up the ribs and, while no one was paying attention, dropped them down. The dog below immediately snatched them up and ate them. Next, Li Zhuiyuan disposed of all the food the enthusiastic old grandpa in mourning clothes offered him in the same manner, throwing it under the table. Soon, many cats and dogs gathered around his side.

The old grandpa in mourning clothes remarked that his sister was just sitting there not eating and told him to call her to eat. Li Zhuiyuan could only turn his head and attempt to prompt her to eat. Unexpectedly, just after he spoke, Qin Li picked up her chopsticks and began picking up food. She took three large portions with her chopsticks, placed them in the bowl before her, then lowered her head and opened her mouth.

No, was she actually going to eat? Li Zhuiyuan quickly pulled her hand.

Qin Li turned her head to look at Li Zhuiyuan. This time, there were emotions in her eyes, faint yet distinctly present – it was doubt. Li Zhuiyuan could only move his mouth close to her ear. It was a normal gesture for a brother and sister whispering. He whispered for her not to eat but to feed the animals below.

Qin Li lowered her head, looked at the cats and dogs below, then stood up and directly picked up a plate of dishes from the table. Judging by her posture, she intended to pour the entire plate down to feed them. This action of directly picking up the plate immediately drew looks of dissatisfaction and frowns from the others at the table.

Li Zhuiyuan had to stand up, snatch the dish plate back, put it down again, and smile while pretending to educate her. He told her that the food was for everyone, that she couldn't be greedy and it wasn't all hers. Seeing Li Zhuiyuan's actions, the adults at the table appeared much more at ease. Many offered comments. Some said it was fine to let her eat if she liked it. Others pointed out the plate was just in front of her anyway. Li Zhuiyuan kept waving his hand and shaking his head, insisting they couldn't do that, that it didn't follow the rules.

A series of firecrackers exploded outside, causing children at nearby tables to cover their ears and cry. More than a dozen firecrackers were set off one after another. When the last one finished, the atmosphere of the entire venue dimmed. Others at their table suddenly stopped moving, as did the people at the next table. Everyone sat up straight, their gaze fixed forward.

Although he didn't know why, Li Zhuiyuan quickly imitated their posture. He glanced at Qin Li beside him out of the corner of his eye. She, at least, didn't need to learn; she was a professional at this kind of stillness.

Outside the door, an old lady, surrounded by a group of boys and girls, walked in. As soon as she appeared, the atmosphere of the entire venue became somewhat stagnant. Through the gaps between people's heads, Li Zhuiyuan recognized her. It was the old lady he had seen in his dream at Liu Jinxia's house that day, the one Niu Fu had carried.

How could she be here?

The old lady's body was slightly stooped, but her spirit was remarkably good, even abnormally so. Her pupils were tinged with green light, and her face bore tufts of fine fuzz. Additionally, several black thread-like growths appeared on her face... perhaps black whiskers that grew inexplicably. It looked like... a cat face.

The old lady walked to the edge of the main table beneath the opera stage and smiled at those around her. She announced it was her birthday, thanking everyone for attending and urging them to eat and drink well. As soon as she finished speaking, the dimmed atmosphere recovered its brightness. All the people who had been sitting up straight naturally resumed picking up food, eating, and chatting.

Li Zhuiyuan felt fortunate that his and Qin Li's seats were positioned just right, partially facing away from the old lady, with several tables between them. They were children and relatively small, making it unlikely they would be noticed. But just as he felt fortunate, in the blink of an eye, he saw the old lady pick up a wine cup and begin going from table to table to offer toasts. He recognized her, so she would definitely recognize him too.

This should be her dream... no, Li Zhuiyuan now felt that this environment could no longer be simply described as a "dream." He and Qin Li were very likely in another special environment. But no matter what, he couldn't be seen by her.

The old lady toasted very quickly, saying a few words then raising a cup to the people at each table. Proceeding like this, it wouldn't be long before she reached their table. Li Zhuiyuan immediately said loudly to Qin Li, asking if she missed Grandma. Qin Li turned her head to look at him, doubt showing in her eyes again.

Li Zhuiyuan deliberately patted the underside of the table with his hand, causing the entire dining table to immediately tremble several times. Quite a few people's dishes that they had just picked up fell back. He feigned annoyance, telling his 'sister' not to make trouble while they were eating, and not to bother others if she wasn't going to eat herself. The doubt in Qin Li's eyes deepened.

Li Zhuiyuan faced the others at the table and apologized, gesturing to his forehead again. Everyone showed understanding expressions. Brain burned out, yes. Any unreasonable behavior was deemed normal.

Li Zhuiyuan pulled Qin Li up from the table, loudly complaining that he couldn't stand her and still hadn't eaten his fill, but would take her to find Grandma. Immediately, Li Zhuiyuan led Qin Li towards the door, but as they approached, they saw a row of men in old-style servant clothes standing outside. Some were chatting, others held firecrackers, and though each had tasks, they effectively controlled the exit.

It was impossible to leave from here. Moreover, Li Zhuiyuan observed the old lady's posture. It seemed she didn't plan on merely completing a single round of toasts. If they continued to stay in the main hall, even if they played hide and seek endlessly, it would be very easy for her to notice them.

He looked around. The stairs to the second floor were gone. The only area where they could hide now was the northwest corner, which led towards the kitchen. At this moment, the sound of frying dishes came from that direction.

Li Zhuiyuan led Qin Li towards the back kitchen. Along the way, to avoid attracting attention, he kept feigning scolding Qin Li. He complained she just had to make trouble and find Grandma. How hard it was to get to eat at a banquet, and he still hadn't eaten many good dishes. He bemoaned missing the chicken leg from the old hen soup that was served. Indeed, as they walked, the people at nearby tables were all eating and drinking, with no shadows visible under their feet. Everyone felt very normal.

Finally, Li Zhuiyuan led Qin Li into the kitchen. As soon as they entered, they saw a large plastic basin surrounded by piles of dirty dishes. Seven or eight old grandmas squatted beside the basin, holding cloths and washing dishes. However, there was no water in the basin, but sand. They were cleaning with sand.

Beside the large stove, a fat chef wearing an apron was frying dishes. His actions were highly skilled; he was clearly a master at a glance. But the ingredients in the baskets beside him were all stacks of white paper; what he held in the seasoning jars were not oil, salt, soy sauce, or vinegar, but various colors of paint; beside him, there was also a large bucket filled with paste.

He first heated the pot to burn the paste, then poured in a stack of white paper, stirred it, and continuously added various colors of paint. Finally, he reduced the sauce over a high heat. When he lifted the large pot to serve, what he poured out were plates of dishes possessing complete color, aroma, and taste. Moreover, the flames rising from the large stove were not ordinary colors but a faint green, like ghost fire.

The large chef impatiently told him to go outside and play if he wanted to, and not hinder the work in here. Li Zhuiyuan effusively praised the chef's skill and delicious dishes, declaring he wanted to be a chef too when he grew up and follow him to learn. The fat master put away his impatience and laughed, advising him to study hard because being a chef was too difficult in the hot summer. Li Zhuiyuan insisted he just wanted to be a chef because it was so good, you could eat many delicious things. He added that his brain was stupid, his grades were bad, and he couldn't learn. The chef responded that if he wasn't good at studying, he had to quickly learn a skill, otherwise he'd starve to death later. He continued his fervent praise, expressing awe at how it was done and promising to just watch from the side without causing trouble.

The fat master didn't explicitly agree but didn't drive them away either. Li Zhuiyuan stood beside him, offering praise from time to time and occasionally helping to pass a plate to add paint. Actually, this kind of praise felt deeply against his heart. After all, the chef was just stewing white paper and paint in a pot, regardless of what dishes he purported to make. But seeing the finished dishes emerge from the pot like that... it felt truly strange.

After standing there for a while, someone from outside announced that the first batch was finished and the second batch was seated. Next, more dirty plates were sent in. After the old grandmas' sand-washing ritual, they were placed on the chef's side to be re-served. The first dishes served were still cold dishes. There was a master for cold dishes, allowing the fat master to rest for a while. He first picked up the towel hanging around his neck to wipe off some sweat, then picked up two pieces of 'tiger skin meat' from beside him. After eating one piece himself, he handed the other to Li Zhuiyuan. He offered it, saying, "Come, eat." Li Zhuiyuan refused. The chef insisted he eat and not be polite. Li Zhuiyuan claimed he had just eaten his fill.

However, just after his second refusal, the fat master's expression suddenly turned cold. Li Zhuiyuan noticed a shadow appear under the chef's feet, expanding step by step. The cold dish master placing plates beside him and the old grandmas washing dishes all turned to look at him. Obviously... in this environment, what child would refuse a large piece of meat?

Li Zhuiyuan was helpless and could only take the piece of meat from the fat master's hand, put it in his mouth, and chew it while showing a shy smile, as if his earlier refusal had been mere shyness. He declared it delicious and truly fragrant. The fat master's face broke into a smile, the shadow below him began to retract, and the others around resumed their work.

He then loudly turned to Qin Li, asking where she'd gotten oil stains on her skirt, feigning annoyance that she didn't cherish new clothes and remarking that no wonder 'Mom' called her a money-losing goods. Saying that, Li Zhuiyuan squatted down, pretending to help Qin Li tidy her shoes. In fact, he secretly spit out the piece of meat, quietly placed it on the ground, then reached out and grasped Qin Li's left ankle, guiding her foot to step on the meat.

A sound of distress escaped him. A bitter taste filled his mouth, his head felt dizzy, his stomach cramped, and a strong sense of nausea and bodily rejection threatened to make him collapse. If he hadn't quickly supported himself with his hand, he might have collapsed onto the ground. But he finally relied on sheer willpower to stand up with great difficulty. This food, he really couldn't touch it at all. This wasn't for living people.

Fortunately, the fat master didn't continue trying to feed him. He began busying himself with the hot dishes for the second batch of guests. Li Zhuiyuan felt that he and Qin Li could leave this place if they could just endure until the banquet's end.

Finally, he saw the fat master pour sweet rice ball soup from the pot. This was the sweet dish of the banquet, the final course. The appearance of this dish signaled the banquet's conclusion. Li Zhuiyuan's heart trembled. He squeezed Qin Li's hand, quietly assuring her it was almost over.

Unexpectedly, just at this moment, the old lady's voice came from the kitchen doorway. She addressed the masters, saying they had worked hard, suffered hardships, and it truly pained her. Li Zhuiyuan's heart tightened. He immediately pulled Qin Li down and squatted behind the stove, using the stove and the fat master's body to block the line of sight from the kitchen doorway.

The fat master responded with effusive wishes for her to live a hundred years, longer than the South Mountain, laughing heartily. She replied with a chuckle that perhaps not that long, as living too long would annoy the descendants. The chef objected, saying such words were wrong, that having an elder at home was like having a treasure, and he wished his own old mother could live to be a hundred. She said his mother was blessed to have him as a son, unlike hers, who felt she would drain their fortune and bring disaster if she lived long. The chef scoffed, calling it nonsense, asking where people said such things about their own mothers, calling them truly not good people. She sighed, saying not to talk about them, that perhaps they weren't wrong, that she was old and useless, and leaving home was a waste of food, making her uncomfortable to see.

The chef remarked that no wonder he hadn't seen her two sons that day, and her daughter hadn't come either. She confirmed they hadn't come. The chef judged it truly improper that they didn't even come for their old mother's birthday. She dismissed it, saying it didn't matter, that in a few days she would just go find them, her laughter starting normally then becoming sharp and eerie, floating, growing closer and clearer, until it seemed to be fixed directly above his head.

Li Zhuiyuan, squatting and hiding on the ground, slowly lifted his head. Just a few centimeters from his face was the cat-faced old lady's face. He could clearly see the dense fuzz on her face, could even count the whiskers. Her teeth were sharp and long, so long her lips could barely cover them, and in her green pupils, there was full mockery.

Her voice was close, asking, "Little boy, you're here?"