Fortune 036: Daily Life

A jolt from the carriage woke Nan Shi with a start.

He looked at Chi You in a daze and called out instinctively, “Senior Brother.”

His fingers twitched, but then he realized he couldn’t move his hand. Looking down, he saw his hand tightly clasped in Chi You’s grasp. “…?”

Chi You was resting with his eyes closed at that moment, his slender, elegant hand enveloping Nan Shi’s in his palm. “Just leave it like that.”

“Oh.” Nan Shi answered obediently. Chi You didn’t respond further, so Nan Shi glanced at him in puzzlement, then lifted the carriage curtain. As expected, they were speeding along the Ghost Road.

Shadows flickered like curtains on either side, making Nan Shi dizzy. There was nothing to see, really, so after a while, he let the bamboo curtain fall, wanting to sleep again. Yet, sleep eluded him, so he could only take out his phone to play.

He had just unlocked the screen when Chi You’s low voice scolded, “Behave yourself.”

Nan Shi had no choice but to put away his phone, closing his eyes to rest as Chi You did.

Strangely enough, as soon as he closed his eyes, he felt something different—a cool, refreshing energy seemed to flow from where their hands touched. It was rather pleasant.

Nan Shi yawned again and, riding that wave of comfort, drifted back to sleep.

After some time, Chi You opened his eyes. Seeing Nan Shi sleeping soundly, he didn’t wake him but quietly released his hand.

Just then, Nan Shi suddenly mumbled, turning over to grab Chi You’s wrist, his five fingers digging into Chi You’s. Chi You frowned slightly and tried to pull his hand away, but Nan Shi clung tight. In the struggle, Nan Shi toppled over, ending up hugging Chi You’s hand to his chest, resting his head on Chi You’s knee, rubbing against his leg with a look of utter contentment, mumbling, “…Senior Brother, don’t move.”

Chi You gazed at Nan Shi’s sleeping face for a long time, then slowly closed his eyes—let him be.

Little rascal.

***

When Nan Shi woke again, it was to the familiar ceiling above him.

He yawned and sat up, dressed in his usual tank top and baggy shorts. He sat on the bed, mind blank for a while, before recalling that last night, when he’d returned home, Qing Ying had half-persuaded, half-carried him off for a bath.

—Qing Ying hadn’t served him so closely in ages; she nearly drowned him in the tub.

As for why he didn’t use the shower—Nan Shi was simply too embarrassed to strip naked and let a young lady help him bathe, so in his muddled state, he was bundled into the bath instead.

Just then, Qing Ying knocked on the door. Nan Shi answered, and she entered, a bit uneasy. “Young Master, would you like this servant to help you dress?”

“No need, I’ll do it myself.” Nan Shi got out of bed and changed clothes, while Qing Ying prepared hot water nearby, intending to help him wash his face and brush his teeth.

Nan Shi felt awkward, and after insisting several times, Qing Ying finally retreated nervously to the side.

Nan Shi glanced at her. “Qing Ying, I’m just not used to having someone serve me up close. It’s not that you’re doing a bad job, miss, please don’t take it to heart.”

He remembered when he first moved into Chi You’s residence, Qing Lan was assigned as his personal maid. Nan Shi reluctantly agreed, but did his best to keep her out of his room.

The next day, Qing Lan visibly weakened. Upon inquiry—well, the girl had gone to accept punishment, thinking she’d failed to serve Nan Shi properly.

Chi You was extremely strict with his household, the rewards and punishments clear-cut. If he rewarded, it wasn’t lightly; if he punished, it was never gentle.

It had scared Nan Shi out of his wits. He’d had to talk with Qing Lan for ages, suppressing his fear, before finally clearing up the misunderstanding.

Not wanting to be served was just a habit, not a criticism of her.

“By the way, why are you here today? Where’s Qing Lan?” Nan Shi drank half a cup of hot water and asked.

Qing Ying lowered her eyes. “This servant’s cultivation is slightly higher than Qing Lan’s. The Master ordered me to serve the Young Master from now on. Qing Lan has been sent to the outer court for training.”

Nan Shi replied absentmindedly, but after finishing the rest of his water, something felt off. “Tell me the truth.”

Qing Ying answered crisply, “Qing Lan made a mistake, putting Young Master in danger. She’s awaiting the Master’s decision.”

Nan Shi couldn’t sit still at that—he shot up and hurried to Chi You’s courtyard. When he was out of his mind, he couldn’t even bear to watch himself! He’d brought it on himself; though Qing Lan had made mistakes, how could he blame her?

Once outside, Nan Shi sensed something different.

He couldn’t quite describe the feeling.

Perhaps it was that innate sense humans have for their homeland—stepping onto familiar soil, his whole body relaxed, and even in the smoggy air, he felt like the air was so fresh he could take off flying on the spot!

“Huh?” Nan Shi made a puzzled sound, but didn’t dwell on it, quickly running to Chi You’s courtyard. Sure enough, as soon as he entered, he saw Qing Lan kneeling outside the main house, her blue clothes stained and hair disheveled, with shocking bloodstains on her back—she’d clearly already been beaten.

Nan Shi glanced at her, said nothing, and went straight to request an audience with Chi You—now that it had reached his senior brother, unless Chi You spoke, even if someone tried to carry Qing Lan away, no one would dare move, including Qing Lan herself.

Chi You was the unquestioned head of the household; Nan Shi, at best, was second in command.

“Nan Shi requests to see Senior Brother.”

“Enter,” came the reply. The main doors opened silently. Chi You, as usual, lounged on the couch reading some book with an unknown title. When Nan Shi entered, he turned his head, gaze landing on him. “You’re here.”

“Greetings, Senior Brother.” Nan Shi bowed first, and only after receiving a nod did he sit on a chair beside the long couch. Chi You said coolly, “I was just about to look for you, and here you are. Quite the coincidence.”

“What did Senior Brother wish to see me about?”

“You first.” Chi You set down his book, his fingers as graceful as bamboo or jade pressing on the wooden table as he sat up. “If you had nothing, you wouldn’t have come to me.”

Nan Shi answered cautiously, “It’s about Qing Lan…”

Chi You interrupted, “What? Qing Ying isn’t serving you well?”

“That’s not it.” Nan Shi’s internal alarm went off—he couldn’t save one only to drag the other down. “Qing Ying serves me well. I’m just used to Qing Lan. I was looking for her to handle something, and didn’t realize she was here with you.”

Chi You considered briefly, then said, “Forget it. She’s yours; you handle it.”

“Thank you, Senior Brother.” Nan Shi breathed a silent sigh of relief. Thankfully, Chi You hadn’t insisted on punishing Qing Lan to death—otherwise, would he have had to…hold on to Qing Lan and refuse to let go?

That wouldn’t work either. The circumstances were different; this wasn’t some period drama. With his abilities, even a random sweeper in the courtyard could pin him down—what could he possibly do?

Now for the main event. Nan Shi, knowing the drill, knelt before Chi You, keeping just the right distance for Chi You to reach out and smack him, waiting for the scolding.

Honestly, Nan Shi didn’t think it was entirely his fault, but in front of Chi You, there was no point in arguing. Admitting fault quickly was the smoother path.

He gritted his teeth and said, “Please punish me, Senior Brother.”

“…Hm?” Chi You sounded a bit surprised—Nan Shi was unusually well-behaved today.

Nan Shi’s gaze fell to the floor, where he saw two exquisite shoes and a hem of clothing hanging from the couch.

The wait for punishment was always the hardest; it was best to find something to distract himself.

Chi You was silent for so long that Nan Shi nearly couldn’t bear it. Finally, he heard the rustle of clothing. Faced with the choice between a slap to the face or a hit to the hand, Nan Shi chose the latter and held out his hand.

Sunlight streamed through the window, carved into delicate patterns by the lattice, falling across Chi You’s movements.

The sound of fabric brushing grew closer and closer, and Nan Shi involuntarily shrank his neck, closed his eyes, bracing for the blow—when suddenly, his palm was lightly patted.

Startled, he looked up at Chi You, who was looking back at him. “Alright, get up.”

Nan Shi relaxed, realizing he wouldn’t be hit after all. The surprise was so sudden it brought a hint of a smile to his brows, which slowly reached his eyes. “Thank you, Senior Brother.”

“What would be the point in hitting you?” Chi You pointed to the side, signaling Nan Shi to sit. “Why were you so sure I’d punish you?”

Nan Shi simply flopped down beside the couch, a rare hint of intimacy in his tone. “Because I was disobedient.”

Chi You glanced at him. “Get up. Don’t be so unruly.”

“Not getting up,” Nan Shi replied bluntly.

Seeing Chi You raise an eyebrow, Nan Shi quickly added, “…I just got so scared my legs went weak. Senior Brother, let me rest a bit.”

“…” Chi You’s expression was somewhere between wanting to scold and wanting to hit him. “So you do know fear?”

Nan Shi nodded. “Of course I do.”

Chi You gave him a sidelong glance—Nan Shi’s face certainly didn’t show it.

Was it his imagination, or did Nan Shi’s expression say: You do what you want, I’ll do what I want.

Sure, I’ll accept your punishment, but I don’t think I did anything that wrong—if I did, we can go fifty-fifty on it.

…Just looking at him made Chi You’s hands itch.

Meanwhile, Nan Shi saw his senior brother raise a hand, and, sensing imminent danger, immediately grabbed Chi You’s sleeve. “Senior Brother!”

“What are you doing?” Chi You frowned at his sleeve, now crumpled in Nan Shi’s grip, his raised hand frozen in midair. “Let go!”

Nan Shi looked at him sheepishly, then had a sudden idea. Following the sleeve down, he grabbed Chi You’s hand and quickly changed the subject. “Senior Brother, why did I feel so unusually calm yesterday when you held my hand?”

He pretended to examine Chi You’s hand curiously. “Is there some secret technique?”

Chi You pulled his hand back, tucking a stray lock of hair behind his ear. “You forcibly transformed into a fierce spirit. If not for favorable timing and place, you’d have lost your mind by now.”

He tapped Nan Shi’s brow, and instantly a cool energy exploded from the point of contact, clearing Nan Shi’s mind. “This can help you maintain calm.”

At this, Chi You seemed to recall something. He raised his hand, and Qing He emerged from behind a screen, carrying a box of books.

Chi You gestured casually. “Take these and read them yourself. If there’s anything you don’t understand, come ask me.”

“Yes, thank you, Senior Brother.” Nan Shi accepted the box and glanced through it. They all seemed to be Daoist classics, each titled “XX Jing,” exuding an air of utter detachment from worldly desires.

“Since you’ve already become a fierce spirit, it’s best you start learning these things early,” Chi You continued. “From now on, practice some techniques every morning. I’ll arrange for someone to teach you.”

At this point, Nan Shi was just an echo—whatever Chi You said, he agreed.

After giving instructions, Chi You suddenly raised an eyebrow. “Recite the ninety-seventh hexagram of the Book of Changes.”

Except for a few special hexagrams, Nan Shi only remembered them by flipping through the book on the spot: “…”

Chi You didn’t press him immediately, instead asking, “If Tian Ji, Tian Liang, Tian Wu, and Yin Sha all appear together in the Life Palace, what does it mean?”

Nan Shi’s eyes lit up—he knew this one. “It means the person is fated with the Dao, able to communicate between yin and yang. If they enter the Daoist path, they’re destined for great achievements.”

“If the chart is like this, but also contains Qi Sha, Po Jun, Qing Yang, and Hua Gai (imperial canopy) in the four cardinal positions, what does it mean?”

He knew this one, too. “Though fated with the Dao, the person’s destiny is extremely ominous—early death, and easily attracts evil spirits.”

Nan Shi began to sense something—wasn’t this the fate chart he’d altered for himself?

Chi You nodded. “On top of that, if Zi Wei is strong in the Fortune Palace, what then?”

“…A lifetime blessed by benefactors, deep fortune and longevity. Even in dire straits, there will be a way out.”

Chi You’s gaze grew deep as he looked at Nan Shi. “Then…what did you do?”

Nan Shi: “…”

At the time, he hadn’t paid much attention—he’d just tossed in a Lian Zhen (pure integrity) and a few malefic stars, thinking the more ominous the better.

Lian Zhen in decline, four malefic stars in attendance, means a life of toil and no fortune. At first glance, it hadn’t seemed like a big mistake, but in truth, it was a huge error!

If he’d followed his senior brother’s advice and placed Zi Wei in the right position, he might have gained benefactors without even needing to become a fierce spirit. Even without help, heaven itself would strike down his enemies.

The scariest part was that Nan Shi realized that last time, opening the fate-altering chart had been a perfect convergence of time, place, and people. Now, though he could open the secret chart easily, the time to alter his fate hadn’t come.

And “the time hasn’t come” didn’t mean he could force it—it meant it was simply impossible.

Chi You slowly patted Nan Shi’s cheek. “Do you realize your mistake?”

“I do.” Nan Shi meekly held out his hand, ready for a beating.

But Chi You still didn’t hit him. Instead, he brushed off his sleeve. “No need to punish you further. Just live with this fate, and study hard.”

“If there’s nothing else, you may go.”

“…Then I’ll take my leave.” Nan Shi left, nearly in tears, and arranged for two people to take Qing Lan for treatment.

Qing Ying followed, noticing Nan Shi’s unhappy expression, and asked softly, “Young Master, is there some difficulty?”

Nan Shi mentally reviewed his current fate chart, face bitter. “Can I go out tomorrow? This time we’ll bring a couple more people, and be back within half a day.”

Qing Ying replied, “Of course.”

Chi You hadn’t forbidden Nan Shi from going out, so he could go out.

***

Guo Xingxian was woken halfway through his sleep by a shove.

His brows twitched, and he blearily glanced around. Everything seemed normal, so he lay back down. But just as he drifted off, he was pushed again.

Irritated, Guo Xingxian waved his hand in the air. “So annoying…let me sleep!”

He’d just fallen asleep again when, once more, he was pushed.

“Fuck!” Guo Xingxian sat up abruptly, ready to curse whoever was responsible, but found everything as quiet as usual. Not a hint of light—still pitch black. He checked the time: just past four.

He frowned in confusion. “Godfather?”

No response.

Could it be something unclean messing with him?

No way—he was still in his godfather’s temple!

Was it his imagination?

…Forget it, probably just his imagination.

Guo Xingxian lay down again, but as soon as he closed his eyes, a strange wind brushed past his ear, making it itch—as if someone was blowing air right beside him.

Nan Shi crouched by Guo Xingxian’s bed, dressed in a deliberately chosen bright red robe, tugging at his blanket and blowing into his ear.

Anyone else would have been scared to death by now, but Guo Xingxian just waved a hand, rolled over, and went right back to sleep as if nothing had happened.

Nan Shi refused to give up. He moved to the other side of the bed, slipped his hand under the blanket, and grabbed Guo Xingxian’s ankle through his pajama pants, trying to drag him down. But after just a couple of tugs, Guo Xingxian kicked him.

“…” Nan Shi simply climbed onto the bed, flopping down on top of Guo Xingxian with a smack, pinning him firmly.

As the saying goes, good brothers share fortune and misfortune!

Nan Shi had finally become a fierce ghost—how could he not share the fun of being a ghost with Guo Xingxian?

Now he understood why so many people experienced sleep paralysis. He simply couldn’t resist teasing Guo Xingxian—not for any reason, just for the fun of it!

Guo Xingxian was truly awake now.

He was pinned so tightly he couldn’t move, his eyes barely open, able to make out only a bright red figure lying on top of him—this was textbook sleep paralysis!

Thanks to his godfather’s lectures, Guo Xingxian knew that those dressed in red were fierce ghosts, the most dangerous kind. He’d gotten lucky with that ghost bride before; most fierce ghosts were mindless killers.

But wasn’t he still living in his godfather’s temple?! How could a fierce ghost come to press him in his sleep?! He’d been so well-behaved lately, even ordering less takeout! What had he done to deserve this?!

Where was his godfather? Was he out?!

Dad! Come save your son!!!

Nan Shi, still unsatisfied, imitated a mournful voice, whispering, “Come on…”

Guo Xingxian struggled to move his lips. “…N-no need, really…”

“Come on…come here…” Nan Shi repeated, adding a sigh for effect, and kept repeating the phrase, instantly ramping up the creepiness.

Guo Xingxian kept insisting there was no need, all the while cursing up a storm in his mind—wasn’t it said that ghosts fear evil people?

Because of his soul’s nature, Nan Shi immediately sensed Guo Xingxian’s internal cursing and gleefully grabbed his waist through the blanket. “Come on—”

“I already said no, are you deaf?!” Guo Xingxian finally broke free of the strange paralysis and started cursing. “And by the way, I’m gay! Miss, please don’t mess with me!”

The mournful tone made him instinctively think it was a female ghost.

Nan Shi smacked Guo Xingxian on the head, sitting up—still pinning him. “Are you blind? You can’t even recognize me!”

Guo Xingxian squinted, finally seeing the fierce ghost’s true face, and unleashed a string of curses fit to be censored eighteen times over. “…Nan Xiaoshi, you’re insane!”

No wonder his godfather hadn’t reacted—he knew Nan Shi!

Nan Shi said coolly, “I finished my business and came to you first, and you didn’t even recognize me. Some brother you are. I’ll just take your life now—get ready to chill!”

Guo Xingxian jabbed a finger almost into Nan Shi’s nose. “Do it! If you don’t, you’re not a man! Go ahead and kill me—then I’ll be a fierce ghost too, and we’ll see who wins!”

Nan Shi playfully placed his hand on Guo Xingxian’s neck. The icy touch, even through the pajama collar, made Guo Xingxian shiver. He grabbed Nan Shi’s hand and squeezed. “Damn, you’re freezing!”

“What did you expect?” Nan Shi shot him a look. “I’m a ghost now, of course, I’m cold!”

“Come in if you want to talk!” Guo Xingxian lifted a corner of the blanket, inviting Nan Shi in.

It was only January, the coldest time of year.

Nan Shi shook his head. “No need. It’s not good for you if I do.”

He was a fierce ghost now and had been careful not to touch Guo Xingxian directly, to avoid harming him.

Guo Xingxian was naturally sensitive to spirits—if it weren’t for Nan Shi’s life being at stake, Nan Shi wouldn’t have come to see him at all.

But Guo Xingxian didn’t appreciate it, scoffing, “Don’t be so dramatic. It’s not like we haven’t slept together before.”

Nan Shi climbed off him and sat at the table nearby. “Alright, alright, let me tell you two things. Can you help me out? I’ll owe you one.”

Guo Xingxian sat up, wrapped in his blanket. “Go on.”

He eyed Nan Shi’s bright red outfit, then added, “Why are you wearing red? Nearly scared me to death.”

Nan Shi had no intention of telling Guo Xingxian he was now a fierce ghost. At his words, he changed his robe to his usual dark blue, then took out his phone and transferred all his money to Guo Xingxian’s account. “Just messing with you… Keep this money for me—no, consider it a gift.”

“If I get the chance, you can give it back. If not, it’s yours,” Nan Shi said. “I’ve had a run of bad luck lately—better not keep money on me.”

“…?” Guo Xingxian rolled his eyes. “You’re dead and still doing fortune-telling? Aren’t you afraid of more retribution?”

“What else can I do?” Nan Shi grinned. “Being dead makes it easier. I’m famous down below—lots of big shots come to me for readings.”

“Oh.” Guo Xingxian replied with zero enthusiasm, glancing at the account notification on his phone. “I’ll definitely have the chance to return it.”

Nan Shi raised a finger to correct him. “It’s a ‘gift.’ You have to use that word, got it? No sneaky returns, or you’ll still get punished. I’m not transferring assets, you understand?”

Guo Xingxian was speechless. They chatted idly for a bit, then Nan Shi asked, “When did you become gay? Just a few days and you’ve switched teams?”

“Guess I’ll have to keep my distance from you.”

Guo Xingxian threw a pillow at him. “Get lost! I made it up!”

“You don’t know anything. What you blurt out unconsciously is your true inner thought,” Nan Shi clicked his tongue. “Homophobia is just deep denial—couldn’t be more true.”

Guo Xingxian, furious, lunged to strangle Nan Shi, who dodged left and right, refusing to be caught. As a natural athlete, Guo Xingxian didn’t believe he couldn’t catch Nan Shi, and soon they were chasing each other around the room.

“Stop! Stop! Enough!” Nan Shi was the first to call a halt, glancing at the sky outside. “Alright, I’m leaving. I have to get home…still have to memorize texts and do homework, busy as hell!”

Chi You talked as if it was easy, but the schedule he set kept Nan Shi running nonstop.

“Fine, I won’t see you out,” Guo Xingxian said casually. As Nan Shi turned to leave, he quietly grabbed his blanket, spread it wide like a net, and pounced.

Nan Shi was caught off guard, pinned to the floor.

Guo Xingxian straddled his waist triumphantly. “Try running again? You rarely visit—how can you leave without a meal?!”

“Get off, get off!” Nan Shi grimaced. “I’m warning you, don’t touch me. If you get sick, I’m not responsible!”

Guo Xingxian ignored him, wiggling his fingers in an exaggeratedly lecherous way. “If you won’t eat, then I’ll eat you…wah—!!!”

Before he could finish, Nan Shi suddenly felt lighter. Looking up, he saw the door wide open and the Apricot Immortal standing there, face icy, holding Guo Xingxian by the collar.

Nan Shi’s scalp tingled. “…Wait, Uncle! It’s not what it looks like!”

Is it too late to sever ties with Guo Xingxian right now?!

Urgent—need advice online!