Sheets of spirit money fluttered through the air, mingling with the aroma of food. I looked over in surprise—it was Yvonne May, surrounded by countless wandering souls. Beside her, Matron Noon pushed a small cart, distributing food to the ghosts.
"Starving ghosts, slow down! If anyone keeps grabbing, this old lady won't be so polite!"
The ghosts finally stopped fighting and instead gathered into a line, waiting to receive food from the large cart.
The spirit money on the ground had almost all been picked up. Yvonne May joined in distributing food. At that moment, a young girl, trembling and nervous, approached. Yvonne May picked her up and gently stroked her forehead.
"Matron Noon, give this little sister some extra food."
I quietly watched from the side as my ghostly followers began to return. Suddenly, the wandering souls scattered like startled birds.
"Ethan Zhang..."
Anger flashed across Yvonne May's face as she pointed at me. I let out a startled cry. Suddenly, a spectral ghost grabbed a dispirited soul, looking ready to tear it apart and devour it.
"Take your filthy hands off, or I'll kill you."
Yvonne May grabbed the spectral ghost's hand. In an instant, a fierce murderous aura radiated from her. I couldn't help but take a step back.
"Alright, alright, why are you so excited? Hehe."
The Yin Ghost's sickly smile echoed through the depths of the alley, where trash was piled high. The released Grayshade Wraith dashed away in a flash.
Yvonne May slowly descended and stood before me. My Ghost Souls returned to my body, deliberately. In that instant, I realized the Yin Ghost's actions were intentional—just to provoke Yvonne May.
Qingyuan, when dealing with naive old women like her, you have to give her a little shock. Otherwise, she'll stay aloof, untouched by the world. Now, she's come down, hasn't she?
The Yin Ghost's voice rang out in my mind. I swallowed and smiled at Yvonne May, who looked furious.
Hmph, Ethan Zhang, what are you doing here for no reason? You've ruined Lady Yvonne May's mood. You deserve a beating.
Matron Noon said this as she tapped my forehead several times with her ladle.
Thinking back to Yvonne May's expression while scattering spirit money, she looked as joyful as a little girl. Only four words could describe her: innocent and romantic.
Yvonne May's face quickly returned to its cold demeanor, and the murderous intent faded away.
Let's go, Matron Noon. Time to head back.
Wait, Miss Yvonne May, I have something I hope you'll listen to.
Ethan Zhang, our Lady Yvonne May is very busy.
Seeing that they were about to leave, I quickly darted in front of them, lowered my head, and hoped they would listen to me.
Suddenly, a surge of intense ghostly energy erupted from Matron Noon. With a whoosh, I could only raise my hands to resist, but I still slid backward.
Miss Yvonne May, please listen to me. I hope you'll hear me out.
Yvonne May stared at me blankly. I didn't back down and looked at her earnestly.
Forget it, Matron Noon, stop. Listening to Ethan Zhang isn't a big deal.
Thank you.
I quickly replied, then began to explain. People from the world of sorcery want to invite the Seven Ghost Sovereigns to gather for negotiations.
I'm not interested.
As expected, Yvonne May rejected me with just one sentence, while Matron Noon shot me a knowing look.
You heard that, didn’t you? My Lady Yvonne May isn’t interested. Get lost, Ethan Zhang.
Miss Yvonne May, is this really the right thing to do?
I watched as the two of them walked to the food cart, ready to leave. I suddenly asked a question.
But Yvonne May and the others still ignored me, slowly fading away.
Miss Yvonne May, back at the Bridge of Remorse, when you and John Chou and the other Seven Ghost Sovereigns parted ways, I saw the loneliness in your eyes. Don’t you really want to take that step?
I asked again. At that moment, Yvonne May, who was about to disappear, suddenly floated over, her expression tinged with anger.
If possible, I’d like to speak with you alone, Miss Yvonne May.
I asked again. Yvonne May hesitated for a long time, then waved her hand, and Matron Noon vanished.
I’m really not suited for this, am I, Ethan Zhang? Since you’ve already seen through me.
I nodded. In that scene, the Seven Ghost Sovereigns each harbored their own secrets, yet their gazes were filled with mutual understanding. After so many years in Abyssal Hell, the seven of them escaped together. What they endured was surely far more brutal than I could imagine.
Ah, Miss Yvonne May, back then you tried to speak but were interrupted by that red-haired guy, right? I saw you try several times but couldn’t get the words out.
I’m not good at dealing with others. I’ve always been alone.
I just wanted to talk to John Chou and the others.
Yvonne May neither nodded nor shook her head. I could feel it—even at the Bridge of Remorse, the six Ghost Sovereigns, though Lord Shenyan rarely spoke, were part of the group. But Yvonne May seemed to stand outside, quietly watching them.
It’s been so many years, and you still haven’t spoken to them?
I asked again, then looked up.
Miss Yvonne May, I used to be the same way. My cousin often invited me out, but I was always awkward. Even though he tried hard to include me, I could never join in. At KTV, everyone was having fun, but I’d just sit in the corner, smiling but feeling bitter inside.
That’s how Yvonne May made me feel—just like my old self. My cousin always said I was too uptight, too shy. I once liked a girl in high school, and it was my cousin who dragged me to meet her.
For several nights, I liked that girl, but I never dared to talk to her. A week later, I went out with my cousin, excited, only to see the girl leaning happily on another boy’s shoulder.
That night, I was heartbroken. My cousin noticed and got me drunk, then talked to me for a long time.
At that moment, Yvonne May showed a faint smile, then quickly covered her mouth with her hand. She saw what I was thinking, and I smiled back lightly.
Miss Yvonne May, because I’m now a ghost, you’re able to talk to me. I understand that very well.
As I spoke, Yvonne May nodded.
This place is a bit unpleasant, Miss Yvonne May. Let’s go somewhere else.
I floated up as I spoke, and Yvonne May followed. I was right—there was something about her that was very similar to me. That’s why I wanted her to join the other six Ghost Sovereigns in the negotiation.
Yvonne May could probably sense what I was thinking, so I decided not to mention the meeting again.
Yvonne May and I found a place bathed in bright moonlight and sat down.
Ethan Zhang, whatever it is, say it. I know about your pain—everything from two years ago.