Those words seemed to strike at the five freaks' weak spot. The expressions on their faces became somewhat unnatural. Chief Stone walked over to my side, smiled, and said:
"Ah, Ethan, it's fine. You don't have to join. They're all your friends, right?"
I nodded seriously, and at that moment—
"Right, it's about time. Rachel should be arriving soon. Ethan, I'll go out and check." Chief Stone said. I saw Mao Xiaoyu and Fang Datong sigh and shake their heads, then walk out.
"Are you leaving? Stay and have a meal with us."
"Ah, Ethan, you have no idea. It's a busy season for us—we've got to train the new recruits."
The members of the Ghost Burial Squad said their goodbyes and began leaving the courtyard one after another. Only Chief Stone stayed behind—after all, our problem here still wasn't resolved, and he was a bit worried.
"Old Stone, once I've dealt with my own matters, I'll come help you guys."
"Ah, Ethan, you'd better worry about yourself first. Get your leg healed before anything else."
I smiled faintly. Chief Stone followed the Ghost Burial Squad members out, but I was in a good mood, because Rachel was coming. I hadn’t seen her for over a month, and I missed her deeply—especially back in the Forest of Desire, when she was the one who pulled me out of the abyss of despair.
I waited quietly, enjoying the noise in the courtyard, leaning against a cherry blossom tree and eating pastries. The pastries were handmade by Sima Ying—colorful, sweet but not cloying, and delicious.
I’d already asked Zhu Zigui to move my cousin down from his room. Now, Li Susu was wiping him down with a towel.
Just then, Sun Yu came over carrying a cup of tea. I thanked her and took it. Around the pavilion, there was a lively noise and the smell of alcohol wafted over. A crowd of people and ghosts were having a great time. The five freaks listened to everyone talk about the current human world, and even brought up how I tricked them before.
"Ah, I really believed you back then, Ethan, you rascal." The old freak grumbled. His real name was Foot King Quande. He talked a bit about the magic he used—it was unique, called Word Spirit—and mentioned the names of his son and grandson.
Chief Stone had already sent members of the Ghost Burial Squad to investigate, but it was a tough case—it had been over 200 years, after all. Whenever his descendants were mentioned, the old freak just looked helpless.
"By the way, did you resolve that issue of yours?" I took a sip of tea and asked. Sun Yu just smiled. I hadn’t followed up on her situation with Wang Li and his son.
"It's fine, Ethan. I've died once already—and I've forgotten it all. It doesn't matter anymore. I'm ready to start my new life as a ghost."
Sun Yu's smile was as warm as the sun. I nodded, seeing that she'd truly let go. Earlier, I'd asked about the Dongfeng Gas Company—it had reopened, and Wang Li and his son had returned. They seemed to avoid mentioning what happened before, and the Ghost Burial Squad had gone to greet them.
Thinking about it now, it was probably Sun Yu who let them go. Otherwise, they'd likely be in prison by now.
"Ethan..."