Back home, I instantly felt safe. I didn’t wait for the bus—after hearing what Huang Xiaolong and the others said, I didn’t hesitate, just hailed a cab and rushed straight home.
As soon as I entered, I noticed that the yard was suddenly filled with white paper lanterns, brightening the place up. Yu Xiaoting was sweeping the ground with a broom, even though it was the middle of the night.
That drowned little girl was wiping things down with a rag, while Yin Choujian pointed and ordered her around.
"Don’t you know how to sweep? Put some effort into it! Do you even have a brain? Huh? You can’t even do this properly—are you really women or not? Huh?"
"What are you doing?"
I couldn’t stand it anymore. He was just like one of those old masters from ancient times, especially with women—always barking orders.
"Brother, what’s wrong?"
"All you do is talk—can’t you do anything yourself?"
Yin Choujian just smiled.
"If you’re so good, then do it yourself." With that, he clasped his hands behind his back, floated up, and sat cross-legged in midair, looking every bit the arrogant master.
I couldn't stand it any longer, so I grabbed a broom and started sweeping to help.
The yard hadn't been cleaned for ages—fallen leaves covered the ground, and the flowerbeds were choked with weeds.
By midnight, I was exhausted and decided to head back to rest.
"Brother, you don't need to help. We can handle these chores. Uncle John said women should act like women—do the laundry, cook, clean..."
The little ghost girl spoke, counting off the chores on her fingers.
"Silly girl, you haven't brainwashed him, have you?"
I patted her head and went upstairs.
"Bro, you'd better not wander around. Just stay here—someone will cook and do your laundry anyway."
Suddenly, John Chou emerged from the ground and stood right in front of me.
"Can't you act normal for once?"
I ignored him and went straight back to my room. As I opened the door and stepped inside, the aroma of food hit me. I swallowed hard; the room was softly lit.
"Ethan, you're back."
Yuna Ji called out, running out from the kitchen. I stared, wide-eyed, as she wore nothing but black lace lingerie and an apron. She looked every bit the seductive woman in her thirties.
My stomach was growling, but I didn't know where to look. I felt flustered inside.
"Ethan, what's wrong? Not hungry? Let me feed you..."
Yuna Ji said, picking up her chopsticks and trying to feed me. I quickly stood up in a panic.
I grabbed her and pushed her out the door.
"After I eat, I'm going to sleep. I have an interview tomorrow, need to find a job. Thank you. When things settle down, I'll take you... shopping."
She's a ghost, I'm human. I kept repeating this to myself in my mind.
After eating, I took out my long-neglected phone and dialed Rachel Lan's number.