Chapter 2: Great-Grandfather Has Passed Away

What came into view was an expansive old residence, its snow-white walls and dark blue tiles exuding a sense of antiquity. Wooden doors and windows were painted a vivid vermilion, and two strings of red lanterns hung at the entrance, all in a thoroughly traditional style.

Perhaps alerted by the sound of the car engine, many villagers poured out from inside, all wearing identical expressions of anticipation. They called out eagerly, “Has she arrived?”

The village chief leaned out of the car window, waving vigorously. “She’s here, she’s here! We’ve found his great-great-granddaughter!”

The villagers became even more animated. “Come in, come in!”

There were so many people, all elderly men and women, that Shi Xianyu felt dizzy as they ushered her inside.

And immediately, she was confronted with a large coffin!

Shi Xianyu: “!!!”

“It’s a fine piece of work! Just look at this wood—it’s top-notch!” The village chief patted his chest and assured her, “Don’t worry! All these years, the old man has brought honor to our Peach Blossom Village. We’ll be sure to send him off in grand style!”

Shi Xianyu was at a loss for words and could only nod awkwardly.

Just then, someone else hurried out to urge them. “Come quickly! The old man won’t last much longer!”

And so, pressed and jostled by the villagers, she was ushered further inside. Within the house was another cluster of elders, gathered around a bed. When they saw Shi Xianyu enter, they all made way. An elderly woman, wiping away tears, said, “Good child, you’ve come all this way. Come, see your great-great-grandfather.”

Shi Xianyu, her face stiff, edged closer to the bed—

On it lay a very, very old man.

The elderly woman took his hand and then seized Shi Xianyu’s, forcing the old man to grip hers tightly as she wept, “Old sir, your great-great-granddaughter has come home to see you.”

As she spoke, she winked vigorously at Shi Xianyu.

Shi Xianyu was confused for a couple of seconds, but soon understood and stammered, “Gr-grandfather, I’m Xiaoyu... I’ve come to see you...”

“What a devoted child!” the old woman continued to sob. “Sir, you can go in peace now!”

As soon as she finished, Shi Xianyu felt the hand gripping hers suddenly tighten. Startled, she saw her great-great-grandfather, gaunt and aged, his eyes wide as he rasped in a hoarse voice, “Actually, I am an immortal!”

Shi Xianyu: “???”

All around, crying broke out, and the people wailed with sorrow. “The old man is rambling again.”

But the hand holding hers only grew stronger. Shi Xianyu tried to pull away, but couldn’t break free!

Her great-great-grandfather slowly turned his head, fixing her with a piercing stare. The veins on his neck stood out as he shouted, “I regret it! It was my neglect of them that caused me to lose my powers! Child, you must never ignore them! Never ignore them!”

Suddenly, his voice stopped. The old man had passed away.

The room fell silent, and two seconds later, the wailing erupted in full force. Shi Xianyu’s ears buzzed, her head spinning. She had come so suddenly, met her kin in such haste, and before she could even commit the old man’s face to memory, he was gone...

Later, she was led to another room to rest, while the village chief and others began preparations for the funeral.

The villagers changed the old man into his burial clothes and moved him into the coffin. White cloth was hung inside and outside the house; the red lanterns at the door were replaced with white ones. Everything proceeded in an orderly manner, leaving her with nothing to do.

Tradition dictated a three-day vigil before burial. The village chief, understanding that she was a newcomer and a young girl, spared her from the watch, saying he would have some sturdy young men stand vigil instead.

The “young men” soon arrived.

Shi Xianyu looked at the group of men in their fifties and, recalling the village’s reputation for longevity, sincerely thanked them. After all, with her frail body weakened by cancer, she truly could not manage the task herself.

…

Night fell, and the villagers finally ceased their coming and going and returned home.

The “young men” took their posts in front of the ancestral hall, chatting quietly. From the corners came the occasional rustle of a mouse, and in the distance, the soft hooting of an owl drifted through the night...

Lying on a wooden bed, Shi Xianyu listened to the various subtle sounds and found herself unable to sleep.

Eventually, she rose, draped a coat over her shoulders, and stepped out into the courtyard. The four surrounding buildings framed the sky above into a square canvas, upon which the stars glittered brilliantly.

Faintly, she heard those strange voices again.

It was odd...

She couldn’t tell where they came from—sometimes a chorus of people prayed, “Dragon God, bring us rain!” Sometimes a woman wept, “Merciful Buddha, bless me with a son!” Then, in a chilling whisper, “Spirit of the Pen, reveal to me the murderer’s name…”

Was someone watching TV nearby? The village seemed to get quite a range of channels. If only they’d turn the volume down.

So thinking, Shi Xianyu went back to bed.

…

During the three days of vigil, she heard those strange voices every night.

During the day, with villagers coming and going and the house bustling, the sounds were faint, but in the stillness of night, they grew clear.

After the burial, the voices became even more lively, a cacophony that made sleep impossible. The sounds seemed to come from right beneath her bed.

Strangely, despite the eerie happenings, she felt not fear but a compulsion, as if bewitched by the voices. Like a sleepwalker, she pushed aside her bed, revealing an entrance beneath it leading to the basement.

A narrow stone staircase led down into darkness.

Shi Xianyu crouched by the entrance, hesitated, then picked up her phone and slowly descended the steps...

She’d brought her phone for light, but upon reaching the basement, she found it wasn’t as dark as she’d imagined, nor did she encounter anything frightening.

Instead, several large glowing goldfish were swimming around her.

Yes, swimming through the air—their bodies plump and their colors varied, they energetically wagged their short, fat tails as they darted about. Sometimes, as they swam near Shi Xianyu, their scales shimmered with iridescent light.

The scene was as fantastical as a mirage.

But how could a mirage appear in a basement?

Could it be that her late-stage cancer was causing hallucinations?

To test her suspicion, Shi Xianyu reached out to catch one—she expected her fingers to pass through the glowing fish, but to her astonishment, she actually touched it!

It was real!

The slippery goldfish, once in her arms, fluttered its tail excitedly, its mouth opening and closing in urgent repetition: “Merciful Buddha, bless me with a son! Bless me with a son! Bless me with a son!”

Startled, Shi Xianyu quickly let go!

The round goldfish drifted away...

“This hallucination is far too vivid,” Shi Xianyu murmured, incredulous. She glanced down at her hands, still able to feel the smooth, bouncy, and strangely warm sensation.

Since when were goldfish warm to the touch?

Then again, goldfish shouldn’t be floating in the air either.

Just then, another goldfish swam nearby—a large, round head, red and white coloring, its tiny pectoral fins waving like little hands, utterly adorable.

Summoning her courage, Shi Xianyu hugged the goldfish. Sure enough, the fish grew excited; its mouth gaped open and shut wildly as it shouted, “Dragon God, bring us rain! Dragon God, bring us rain!”