"Let's go, brother."
Although I'd heard of ghost weddings before—where the living marry the dead—what exactly is happening tonight?
"Even if she marries my cousin, at most only my cousin will be haunted, right?"
John Chou shook his head.
"Normally, that's true. The person haunted by a ghost will gradually lose their vitality, which is transferred to the ghost. Their lifespan will burn away like a candle, quickly consumed. But..."
John Chou didn't say anything more. We'd arrived. A plaque with golden letters read: Zhang Estate. Red paper with the character for 'double happiness' was pasted on the vermillion gates, flanked by large red lanterns. The doors were wide open, and the hall was filled with guests.
The bridal sedan chair was parked at the entrance. We walked inside. Suddenly, I spotted my cousin Howard Zhang, weaving through the guests with a wine cup in hand.
I rushed over, but suddenly, two servants wielding clubs blocked my way.
"Beggar, get out of the way."
I shouted Howard Zhang's name, but was restrained. John Chou, however, easily made his way inside.
Howard Zhang noticed me and walked over, puzzled.
"Today is my big day. Take him to the back hall and give him some hot food."
My cousin was dressed as a groom, even wearing a bit of rouge. He didn't recognize me at all.
"Howard, I'm your cousin, Ethan Zhang. Think carefully—don't marry that woman. She's a ghost!"
Howard Zhang gave me a baffled look. The two servants raised their clubs to hit me, so I could only smile foolishly and bow.
"So he's a lunatic."
The two servants led me to a large kitchen. They told me I could only eat leftovers, and not to touch anything in the pot. Later, I’d have to wash the dishes.
Most of it was leftovers, and just looking at it killed my appetite. Still, I was a bit hungry. I spotted a steamer, walked over, and opened it. Inside were red steamed buns. I reached out my hand.
"Don't eat those." John Chou slipped inside.
"Huh? What's wrong?"