Chapter 34

Before the Impermanence Envoys took Dong Dadao and the little ghosts away, they deliberately brought them in front of Zeng Lin. Little Qi Wu followed along, watching as Zeng Lin was restrained by Uncle Yin Sheng. After a moment of thought, she suddenly called out, “Zeng Lin.”

Zeng Lin, in a daze, looked up. Little Qi Wu stepped forward and stamped on his forehead. Before Zeng Lin could react, he saw a row of ghosts standing in front of him—all those he had personally thrown into the well.

“Ahhhh! Ghosts!” Zeng Lin tried to back away but couldn’t move at all. Snot and tears streamed down his face. “Don’t you see them? Ghosts!!! So many ghosts!”

Everyone looked at him with disdain. “We see them. So what?”

Zeng Lin gasped for breath, wanting to faint again, but Yin Sheng slapped him back to consciousness.

Little Qi Wu put her hands on her hips and declared, “Brothers and sisters! Beat him up!”

“!!!”

Zeng Lin: “Don’t come near me!”

But the little ghosts didn’t listen to him. With the Little Deity’s permission, they surrounded him, venting all their resentment. They even took on their most terrifying forms of death. Zeng Lin wet his pants in fear, his eyes rolling back. He was beyond feeling pain; he had already lost his mind.

“Please, take me away! I’ll go to prison, I’ll stay there until I die!!”

Lin Dingqi sneered, “Someone like you? Prison would still feed and house you. Dream on.”

Then he turned to Su Wen and asked, “Sir, for someone like him, if he’s sentenced to death, what punishment will he face in the Underworld?”

“Didn’t you want to summon Ghosts and Gods? Don’t worry, you’ll see them soon enough.”

Su Wen didn’t even want to look at this man. Having spent so many years in the Underworld, he had fought evil spirits almost daily. But this man’s actions were no different from those of the most malevolent ghosts.

He said indifferently, “He will suffer the torments of Avici Hell, then be cast into the Netherworld Gate, never to be reincarnated.”

Little Qi Wu explained to everyone, “That’s where all the evil spirits who can’t be reincarnated are kept.”

These evil spirits were people who had committed heinous crimes over countless years. Trapped in the Netherworld Gate, they were not only suppressed by the Ghosts and Gods but also constantly punished by the laws of heaven and earth. Over the long years, it was common for them to fight viciously among themselves. Even if they destroyed each other’s souls, the Ghosts and Gods would not intervene.

“Congratulations,” Lin Dingqi said with a cold laugh. “You’ve got a one-way ticket from the human world to the Underworld.”

Zeng Lin was beyond listening. He clutched his head and rolled on the ground, screaming, “Save me, save me!”

“Don’t dirty the orphanage’s floor,” Lin Dingqi said. “Think quickly. Who were the people you were working with? Maybe you’ll have company on your journey to the Yellow Springs.”

“I’ll talk, I’ll tell you everything.”

Since Zeng Lin’s next words were crucial to the ongoing investigation, the little ghosts quickly stopped their assault. They took one last look at the orphanage that had been their refuge and bowed deeply to Dean Qin. Then, they obediently lined up and followed the Impermanence Envoys away.

Outside, the sound of an ambulance could be heard.

“Thank you, both of you,” Lin Dingqi said, turning around. “We’ll take Zeng Lin back for questioning. The police will handle the rest, and the details will be made public.”

Su Wen nodded. Before the doctors arrived, he picked up the Little Yan Wang, who was still kicking Zeng Lin.

“Sir, someone’s coming.”

Little Qi Wu reluctantly gave another kick, and just as the doctors walked in, they saw her quietly retracting her foot.

The others quickly turned their heads, pretending they hadn’t seen anything.

Yin Sheng pointed at the three injured individuals: “These three are injured, take them back first for examination.”

The doctors looked at Zeng Lin, who had been subdued by Yin Sheng. It was clear that he was a suspect, but according to current laws, suspects still needed to be tried, and their personal safety had to be ensured as much as possible.

The doctor asked, “What about this one?”

Yin Sheng glanced down at Zeng Lin, who was unconscious, incontinent, with his eyes rolled back and his face swollen like a pig’s head. He lifted him up and said, “This one’s fine, just a bit emotionally agitated. I’ll give him a physical wake-up call, and he’ll be alright.”

The doctors: “??”

Alright, you’re the police, you call the shots.

With everything settled, the orphanage’s gate was opened from the inside, and the last rays of the setting sun shone in. Though the light was warm, it made the place seem even more desolate.

Lin Dingqi turned back and sighed, “Now there’s no one left.”

A place that was once filled with laughter and the innocent hopes of children had hidden a beast worse than an animal.

Little Qi Wu now understood that her brothers and sisters had all been abandoned by their parents since they were young, left with no home. They had been taken in by the orphanage director and should have grown up healthy and happy.

She hugged Judge Dad’s neck and asked in confusion, “Dad, how can someone be worse than a ghost?”

“Because human nature is complex,” Su Wen replied, seeing her sadness, and added, “But most people in the world are good.”

Little Qi Wu nodded, not fully understanding.

Some uncles had sacrificed their lives to protect others, while some had hurt others for their own gain.

In Little Qi Wu’s world, whether it was Ghosts and Gods or herself, everyone was working for the greater good. Did human nature also include harming others?

Yin Sheng locked Zeng Lin in the car and came over to bid everyone farewell. This was now a criminal case and needed to be handled by the police.

Hearing Little Qi Wu’s words, he smiled, took off his hat, and placed it on her head.

Little Qi Wu’s vision went dark, and she tilted her head up, trying to see the face of the Police Uncle in front of her.

She had heard that Police Uncles were like Judge Dad and the others, protecting everyone’s safety in the Human Realm, so she liked them very much.

“Uncle?”

Yin Sheng had already taken off the white gloves he had been wearing. He rubbed his hands together, having been curious about this Lord for a while, and now he boldly reached out and gently touched her little face. He said to her, “Our job, Uncles’ job, is to protect the good people of the world. Master Qi Wu, don’t worry, we will always stand in the light, and evil will never triumph over good.”

Little Qi Wu tilted her head, “Uncles are amazing.”

Yin Sheng laughed, “Master Qi Wu is amazing too.”

Little Qi Wu, infected by his laughter, couldn’t help but smile too, her eyes curving and shining brightly, “Then everyone is amazing!”

With the big hat on her head, she asked, “But what does ‘evil will never triumph over good’ mean?”

“It means the bad guys can’t beat the good guys.”

Little Qi Wu immediately agreed, “Uncle is right!”

She took off the hat, and Yin Sheng naturally lowered his head. Little Qi Wu placed the hat back on Police Uncle’s head, “Lord Yama bless you, keep it up.”

“Alright, thank you, Lord.”

In the glow of the setting sun, police cars and ambulances sped away. Lin Dingqi, who was temporarily unharmed, decided to take the two lords to the autumn outing spot.

Upon opening the car door, he noticed someone leaning against the window.

Wang Yang was burning with curiosity—police cars, ambulances, and that pitiful-looking criminal who had been dragged out.

Now, he couldn’t even recall how scared he had been earlier. Seeing the group approach, he eagerly asked, “Who was that person they just arrested?”

“I think I saw Qin Bing and Xiao Ze. They’re the ones we met at the landlord’s place before, right? Why are they here?”

“Were they injured by that criminal?”

Lin Dingqi started the car: “Are you the ‘100,000 Whys’ or something?”

“Not nervous anymore?”

Wang Yang instinctively glanced back. The two in the backseat—one with an indifferent expression, the other with wide eyes staring at him—made his emotions complicated. “I’m still scared, but you guys seem like the light of the righteous path, so, for now, I’m not as scared.”

“I’m more curious.”

This wasn’t a small matter, and it had been thoroughly investigated. It would soon be made public by the police. Seeing that the Judge didn’t seem like someone who would engage in casual conversation, Lin Dingqi reluctantly revealed a bit: “Well, the person arrested was a bad guy.”

“Your guesses are all correct.”

Wang Yang: “It feels like you’ve said everything, yet nothing at all.”

Lin Dingqi chuckled: “You’ll find out soon enough. For now, let’s focus on work.”

Oh, right!

It seemed their tasks were now completed, and it wasn’t even 8:30 yet.

Wang Yang turned around and asked, “Mr. Su, should we start filming now?”

Su Wen hummed in acknowledgment, pulling out his phone to message the show: “It’s resolved.”

Although the day was almost over, Li Ke and Huang Peng wouldn’t let go of the last bit of traffic. They immediately replied: “Five minutes, we’ll switch right away.”

He quickly called the crew, and upon checking the live stream, he was astonished. What kind of magic did Su Wen and Qi Wu possess?

In the past few hours, even though they weren’t present, the live stream had unexpectedly remained harmonious—more than harmonious. Some local viewers had even brought incense and candles to the Temple of the King of Hell, praying on behalf of those who couldn’t be there in person.

What was even more bizarre was that the live stream’s popularity hadn’t dropped. Instead, the number of viewers had increased. Some listened to the song and fell asleep, others asked people to burn incense for them, some made wishes through the screen, and some came out of curiosity to see where the incense smoke would drift.

Even the crew couldn’t help but stare at the incense for a long time.

And they were surprised to find that the incense smoke indeed drifted in an unusual direction. No matter which way the wind blew, the smoke always floated toward the base of the deity statue, as if it was being drawn into it.

It was all too mysterious.

This was a touching story of the audience spontaneously supporting the show’s leads and generating traffic for them.

In the live stream, viewers who had gone to burn incense together, wearing masks, were still chanting: “Number 501: Zai Zai, bless me to succeed in my exams. Your incense has been burned. Next.”

【I woke up from a nap, it’s time for dinner, and my Zai Zai still isn’t back?】

【I’ve been staring at this incense all afternoon. It’s so fascinating.】

【I heard that in situations like this, it means there’s a True God present, and all the incense offerings are being absorbed by the True God.】

【Wow! Count me in, count me in! I want to offer incense too!】

This unprecedented situation caused Qi Wu and Su Wen’s livestream to trend on social media once again.

#How to Keep a Livestream Going Without the Hosts#

【How can you even livestream without the hosts?】

【I clicked in to take a look, and it’s insane—a bunch of people worshipping gods.】

【It’s supposed to be a child-rearing reality show, so why is it suddenly about mysticism? So weird.】

【Let me explain to everyone: this is the livestream of a special guest group from the child-rearing reality show “Me and My Zai Zai.” The Zai Zai is Qi Wu, and the dad is Su Wen. Qi Wu is the temple keeper of this Temple of the King of Hell. They’re currently handling some “urgent matters,” so we’re here offering incense to the Zai Zai.】

【Just a passerby, clicked in to take a look. There are so many people, and they’re all so engrossed. But the background music in the livestream is nice.】

【Let me recommend this again: the background music in the livestream is a song sung by the Zai Zai herself. You can find both the video and audio in the super topic, perfect for curing your insomnia.】

【Semi-professional here: that incense is quite interesting. There’s definitely something special about this temple. You won’t regret worshipping here.】

With the help of the trending topic, the livestream was bustling with all kinds of viewers.

It was at this moment that the livestream feed switched, and the chat didn’t react immediately, taking a while to snap out of their conversations.

【Ahhhh! The Zai Zai is back! What a stunning return!】

【Do you know how many wishes I made while you were gone? Zai Zai, bless me!】

【Holy crap, isn’t this supposed to be a mystical child-rearing show? Why are the guests so good-looking?】

【Just for their looks, I’m not leaving!】

【Wuwu, Husband and Zai Zai, where did you go? What were you busy with?】

After learning that the livestream had resumed, Little Qi Wu leaned in front of the camera: “Hello, everyone, sorry about that.”

“Qi Wu and Dad had something to do.”

“But now it’s all good!”

【It’s okay, Zai Zai, Mommy doesn’t blame you. Come here, give Mommy a kiss!】

【I had a good nap, and now seeing Little Qi Wu again, I can’t even get mad. How annoying.】

【Dad, say something! Why are you always letting the kid do all the work?】

Su Wen took out Little Yan Wang’s milk bottle from the small backpack. After being busy for so long, she must be tired and hungry. The snacks were all in the trunk, so for now, she’d have to settle for milk.

Sure enough, Little Qi Wu grabbed it and gulped down several big mouthfuls: “Thank you, Dad!”

“Mr. Su, I prepared some snacks for Qi Wu in the car,” Lin Dingqi glanced back, “They’re in the pink box in the back.”

Su Wen was surprised: “Thank you.”

“You’re very thoughtful.”

Hearing this, Lin Dingqi felt a chill down his spine, afraid that this guy might suddenly start talking about how much lifespan he had left. He quickly said, “It’s nothing, it’s nothing.”

Sigh, being too outstanding is also a kind of trouble.

If he told people that the Judge was constantly trying to get him to die early so he could work for him, who would believe it?

Lin Dingqi sighed as he drove, then suddenly remembered something and asked, “Mr. Su, there’s something I want to ask.”

“Hmm.”

The production team had already labeled this as a mysticism-themed show. As long as they didn’t scare the audience with facts, everything else was fair game. So, Lin Dingqi asked, “According to our records, many Mystic Sect disciples can no longer borrow the power of Ghosts and Gods. If the situation improves, what about the future?”

Because of the inability to borrow the power of Ghosts and Gods, many Mystic Sect disciples no longer wanted to continue down this path.

And today’s Zeng Lin was a clear example of this. He had intended to summon a Ghost or God, but instead, he summoned a malevolent Ghost.

Su Wen pondered for a moment, “We can try.”

The Little King of Hell could now facilitate communication between humans and Ghosts, making her the primary medium. In theory, if Mystic Sect disciples with cultivation wanted to borrow the power of Ghosts and Gods, it should be possible now.

Lin Dingqi’s spirits lifted, “Really?”

“Yes.”

“Then I…”

Su Wen interrupted, “You don’t need it right now.”

“Why…” Lin Dingqi started to ask but then realized he truly didn’t need it at the moment. The two top figures of the Underworld were sitting in the back of the car, just a turn of the head away. “I guess you’re right.”

Not just these two, but thanks to the development of the Underworld, many people in the department had now met not only the Judge and the King of Hell but also Meng Po and the City God. Although, for confidentiality, most still didn’t know their true identities.

But if things continued this way, Lin Dingqi wondered: Would the unit eventually be able to summon any Ghost or God just by making a phone call or sending a WeChat message?

The thought alone was terrifying.

[Is this guy implying that he’s also into mysticism?]

[Didn’t someone say earlier that when these people first appeared to offer incense to the King of Hell, they used the highest ritual of the Mystic Sect?]

[Detective at work: We know Su Wen and Zai Zai are into mysticism. Now this guy, who seems like some kind of leader, is also into mysticism and shows such respect to Zai Zai. And as soon as this guy appeared, Su Wen and Zai Zai said they had to leave.]

[I conclude that they went to deal with a mysticism-related matter.]

[Wow, this is Wuting County, right? What a coincidence that as soon as they arrive, there’s a mysticism issue waiting for them. They live in North City, after all.]

[Borrowing the power of Ghosts and Gods, we can try? Are you kidding? My Master has been into mysticism for years and has never successfully borrowed the power of Ghosts and Gods. There are no Ghosts or Gods in this world anymore.]

[If there are no Ghosts or Gods in this world, can I believe in Zai Zai? Shy.jpg]

Soon, they arrived at the homestay the parents had booked. Wuting County was a tourist area, with the county town being an ancient city and a related museum. It was a great weekend getaway near North City, so there were quite a few people around due to it being the weekend.

As Su Wen and Lin Dingqi were unloading the luggage from the car, someone greeted them, “Mr. Su, you’re finally here!”

Dad was busy, so Little Qi Wu turned around, “It’s Mom Mengmeng!”

Mom Mengmeng smiled and nodded, bending down to hand Little Qi Wu a balloon, “I bought this for Mengmeng to play with earlier. She kept talking about you, so I brought an extra one for you.”

Little Qi Wu had never seen such a thing before, nor had she ever played with toys, so she looked at it curiously, “Dad, can Qi Wu take it?”

Su Wen put down the box, “Yes, say thank you to Auntie.”

Little Qi Wu happily accepted it: “Thank you, Auntie!”

There’s actually a cartoon doll inside the balloon! So cute!

“It’s us who should thank you,” Mom Mengmeng said, touching her belly. “After hearing Little Qi Wu’s words the other day, my husband and I went to the hospital for a check-up. It turns out we really have a baby on the way.”

Su Wen paused: “Congratulations.”

“We’re still a bit nervous,” Mom Mengmeng said. “We feel like we’ve let our child down before, and now we’re about to become parents to a second child.”

“Mr. Su,” she looked up sincerely, “I promise you, we will treat every child well from now on. We will seriously learn how to be qualified parents. That’s why we’ve both set aside time this weekend to spend with her.”

Su Wen: “There’s no need to make promises to us.”

“No,” Mom Mengmeng shook her head. “It’s because of you that we’ve come to our senses.”

“Actually, my husband and I have been watching your livestreams,” she said a bit shyly. “When we heard Little Qi Wu’s words to the landlord’s son the other day, we realized that every stage of a child’s life is irreplaceable. Once it’s missed, it’s gone forever.”

“People only have this one lifetime, and we don’t want to have regrets in the future,” she said with a glimmer in her eyes. “As parents, we also need to learn to grow up.”

The Little King of Hell had indeed said such things to Xiao Ze. Su Wen nodded: “You still have plenty of time.”

“That’s right,” Little Qi Wu said, holding the balloon and looking up, clapping for Mom Mengmeng. “Auntie, you’re doing great growing up!”

At that moment, Mengmeng’s Dad came out of the inn carrying Mengmeng: “Honey, didn’t I tell you to wait downstairs?”

“I ran into Mr. Su and his daughter,” Mom Mengmeng said. “I gave the gift to your little friend for you, Mengmeng.”

“Thank you, Mom!” Mengmeng got down from her dad and took Little Qi Wu’s hand. “Qi Wu, we’re going to have a barbecue. Are you and your dad coming too?”

Little Qi Wu asked curiously: “What’s a barbecue?”

“A barbecue is, well, food,” Mengmeng gestured. “Meat and vegetables cooked over a fire. It’s really delicious!”

Little Qi Wu felt a bit tempted, but she wasn’t sure if her dad knew how to do it.

She glanced at her dad secretly: “Dad, are we going?”

Su Wen: “…”

“Come along,” Mengmeng’s Dad said. “All the parents are here, and it’s a good chance to get to know each other. Mainly, it’s just for fun.”

So this is what autumn outings in the Human Realm are like now—barbecues?

Su Wen, who had also gone on autumn outings many years ago, felt that he was now fully prepared.

He quickly agreed, “Alright, let’s go put our luggage away first.”

Mengmeng’s Dad said, “We’ll wait here for you then. Mengmeng and Little Qi Wu can play together for a while.”

Leaving the children alone here?

Su Wen hesitated a bit, but seeing how happily Little Qi Wu and Mengmeng were holding hands, he didn’t refuse. He used the Mystic Seal to communicate, “Master, I’ll be back soon. If anything happens, call me anytime.”

Little Qi Wu was busy studying the beautiful balloon with Mengmeng and waved her hand, “Okay, bye Dad.”

Not a trace of reluctance.

Su Wen felt a pang in his heart, but he still went upstairs with Lin Dingqi to put the luggage away.

Su Wen asked, “Do you want to come along, or are you heading back now?”

Hiss, going on an autumn outing with Ghosts and Gods, Lin Dingqi thought it sounded thrilling. It was a weekend, and since he had brought them here today, he could go back together tomorrow. He asked with restrained anticipation, “Is that okay?”

“Sure,” Su Wen paused, “Just pay extra.”

The cost of the homestay and other expenses had been split among the parents earlier, so adding one more person would require additional payment.

Lin Dingqi: “…”

Alright, having already witnessed how destitute the Ghosts and Gods were, Lin Dingqi said, “I know about your and Master Qi Wu’s situation, Master. I can pay for myself.”

Su Wen gave him a strange look, not knowing where he had gotten that idea, “You don’t need to pay for yourself. I’ll cover it.”

He had merely stated a fact earlier.

Su Wen couldn’t figure it out. Was it because of the way he spoke? Why did it always seem like Lin Dingki took his words in a completely different direction?

Lin Dingki had no idea that Su Wen was just being straightforward. At this moment, he was deeply moved. The masters were so poor, yet they still wanted to pay for him. Wuwuwu, it was so touching.

He said with both gratitude and caution, “But Master, I really can live to be a hundred.”

Su Wen: “I know. No rush, I can wait.”

Lin Dingki: “…”

Who the hell is in a rush? Clearly, it’s you who won’t give up!

Downstairs.

“Qi Wu, why did you come so late today?” Mengmeng asked, “We went shopping on the street this afternoon.”

Little Qi Wu thought for a moment. Dad said not to mention ghosts, so she wouldn’t talk about ghosts. She said in her sweet, childish voice, “Qi Wu went to catch bad guys.”

“Bad guys?”

“Yeah, really bad guys.” Little Qi Wu got angry just thinking about it, “So Qi Wu secretly kicked him a few times.”

[Catching bad guys?]

[So the police car we saw earlier was real?]

[I’m from Wuting County. Today, I not only heard the police car but also an ambulance. Could it be what the kid is talking about?]

[Wow, so the kid and Su Wen are actually police officers?]

[Wake up, how could they be police officers? Police wouldn’t join a variety show, let alone be Temple Keepers.]

[Then I’ll make a bold guess. Did they use Mysticism to help the police catch bad guys?]

[What the previous person said makes everything seem to fit. Think about Zhang Yuan.]

[My kid is amazing! But what exactly happened?]

[Not sure about the details. We’ll have to wait for the official statement.]

Little Qi Wu originally wanted to tell Mengmeng more about how bad that person was, but upon seeing Dad and Uncle Lin coming downstairs, she temporarily forgot and immediately ran over: “Dad, Uncle, you’ve worked hard!”

Su Wen, who had just felt a bit let down by Little Yan Wang’s swift departure, now felt that sense of disappointment return.

“Mm, let’s go.”

The parents had reserved a barbecue spot in an open square in the center of the county town. Not only could they barbecue there, but the children could also play in the square, and there were lights in the evening.

Little Qi Wu always got along well with the children and was very popular among them. She quickly grabbed a balloon and ran off to play, completely absorbed.

Meanwhile, Su Wen and Lin Dingqi were left staring at a pile of barbecue charcoal and materials, utterly clueless.

Su Wen frowned: “You don’t know how to do this either?”

Lin Dingqi scratched his nose: “We usually just order takeout, but I’ve seen people do it before. Maybe I can give it a try?”

Su Wen stepped aside to let him try, but as he watched Lin Dingqi’s clumsy attempts, his initial thought of recruiting him wavered.

Little Yan Wang couldn’t eat something like this. While others’ charcoal was already burning, they were still trying to light theirs.

Su Wen decided to trust Baidu and pulled out his phone to search for how to light charcoal.

Finally, Liangliang’s mother couldn’t stand it any longer and came over to help: “Let me do the grilling. If the kids eat something poorly cooked, they might get stomachaches.”

Mengmeng’s mom and dad also walked over: “Yes, let’s all sit together. The kids are playing together anyway.”

Seeing Mengmeng’s dad’s skilled handling, Su Wen was uncharacteristically silent: “Thank you.”

With Mengmeng’s dad taking charge, Mengmeng’s mom and Liangliang’s mom went to the other side to prepare other things.

Su Wen took out his pen and paper and stood next to Mengmeng’s dad: “I’ll learn from you.”

Mengmeng’s dad, flattered by his earnestness, said sheepishly: “It’s all about practice. Writing it down might not be as effective as actually doing it. Let me teach you.”

Su Wen nodded: “Thank you.”

His expression was so serious, as if he were dealing with something of great importance, that Mengmeng’s dad felt he only got this serious when discussing business deals.

After all, he was still a young dad.

Having watched the livestream with Mengmeng and his wife, Mengmeng’s dad roughly knew about Su Wen’s family situation and said: “Actually, if you have the means, you could have Auntie Qi Wu help take care of her. You seem like a new dad.”

Su Wen paused, lowering his eyes: “They have to work.”

Lin Dingqi thought to himself: That’s Meng Po! With so many ghosts needing reincarnation every day, she probably doesn’t have time, right?

Mengmeng’s dad nodded, still unable to suppress his curiosity: “You seem to be only in your twenties, right? So young yet so composed, good with kids, and good-looking too. Have you ever thought about finding a mom for the child?”

Lin Dingqi: “Cough, cough, cough!”

Mengmeng’s dad: “What’s wrong?”

Lin Dingqi didn’t dare to look at the Judge’s expression and quickly waved his hands: “Nothing, nothing, carry on.”

【Find a mom! Me, me, me, me, me, me, me!】

【I am the mom!! What are you looking for? Has your heart gone wild after this autumn outing?】

【Seriously, with Su Wen’s conditions, aside from being a bit poor (to be determined), what kind of girlfriend should he look for?】

【Someone like Jin Wen? Pretty, from the same planet.】

【Don’t drag my wife into this!】

【No, Su Wen seems to have known Jin Wen for a long time. If there was something between them, it would have happened by now. With such a beauty by his side, who could remain indifferent?】

【I want to be his girlfriend, wuwuwu.】

Lin Dingqi buried his head, thinking that the essence of human gossip is always the same. But how many years has the Judge been single? Finding a partner?

He didn’t even dare to think about it.

What kind of person, or rather, what kind of Ghost or God, could match the status of the Judge?

Not to mention the question of compatibility, but after all these years of not looking, would he ever consider it in the future?

Moreover, no matter how Lin Dingqi thought about it, he couldn’t imagine the Judge being in love. Would he become a lovesick fool?

Just thinking about it gave him goosebumps.

Su Wen also didn’t expect Mengmeng’s Dad to ask such a question. It really touched on an area he wasn’t familiar with.

He died young, and before his death, he had never married or had children.

After becoming a Ghost God, he never even thought about it. Over the years, the situation in the Underworld had been as it was—there was no such person, and he had no such thoughts.

“I don’t mean anything by it,” Mengmeng’s Dad said, seeing his silence. “I just think you’re still young, and Little Qi Wu is still small. When she grows up, having a mother would be nice.”

“A mother would be much more attentive than a father.”

Su Wen: “I will take good care of her.”

Implied meaning: he wouldn’t look for a mother.

Mengmeng’s Dad was a bit surprised. At such a prime age, Su Wen was willing to remain unmarried for the sake of a child, and the child didn’t even seem to be his own. It was truly remarkable.

【So cool, he is indeed my man.】

【To be fair, Qi Wu isn’t Su Wen’s biological child.】 If Su Wen doesn’t find a girlfriend or get married, could it also be for the child’s sake? What if he has his own biological child in the future? Would Qi Wu feel sad?】

【Can’t he treat them equally? Although I hope he stays single, in reality, he probably hasn’t been in many relationships, right? Sacrificing his own happiness for the sake of a child seems a bit unfair?】

【What if, in the future, he meets someone he truly loves? Would he regret saying this?】

【If he meets someone he loves, who loves him back and is also good to Qi Wu, that would be perfect. What’s there to regret?】

【Putting myself in his shoes, if I were to marry Su Wen, I would want to have my own child.】

【Wake up, there’s no “if.”】

After the food was grilled, the children gathered around to eat together.

Although Su Wen wasn’t skilled at it, he still managed to grill some things under Mengmeng’s Dad’s guidance. However, he remembered what Liangliang’s mother had said—if the children ate something bad, they might get stomachaches—so he didn’t give any of his grilled food to Qi Wu.

But when Little Qi Wu sat down, she didn’t immediately look at the meat already cut on her plate. Instead, she turned to her dad and asked, “Did you grill this, Dad?”

“No,” Su Wen said, picking up a piece of meat and feeding it to her. “This was grilled by Mengmeng’s Dad. Thank Uncle.”

“Thank you, Uncle!” Little Qi Wu said, taking a bite of the meat, then snuggling close to her dad. “Qi Wu wants to eat what Dad grilled.”

“It’s not well-grilled,” Su Wen said. “It might give you a stomachache.”

Little Qi Wu shook her head, gesturing for him to bend down. Su Wen leaned in and heard her whisper, “Qi Wu won’t get sick.”

“Qi Wu just wants to eat what Dad grilled.”

Would the Little King of Hell get sick? Ghosts and Gods probably don’t get sick.

Su Wen thought for a moment, then cut a small piece of the meat he had grilled and handed it to her: “Just a little bit.”

“Okay!” Little Qi Wu took the entire piece in one bite and clapped for her dad, “Dad is so amazing, it’s delicious!”

Su Wen’s lips curved slightly as he ruffled her hair.

Little Qi Wu: “Dad, you eat too!”

Lin Dingqi watched this scene, surrounded by children, and thought about how he had been single for so many years. Not only did he not have a child, but he didn’t even have a girlfriend. A wave of melancholy washed over him. If only he had a daughter as adorable as Little Yan Wang.

Little Yan Wang was being raised by three Ghosts and Gods. He wondered if, after he passed away and truly became a Ghost or God in the Underworld, he could also bask in some glory and become a “male mom.”

Thinking this way, he actually felt that becoming a Ghost or God in the Underworld might not be so bad?

After the meal, all the children and their parents gathered together in the middle of the square.

It was mainly the children’s stage, so the kids went up first to introduce themselves, then performed a little act with their parents.

It wasn’t Little Qi Wu’s turn yet. She sat in her dad’s lap, clapping enthusiastically for every child who performed.

Lin Dingqi turned his head and asked, “Mr. Su, what would you and Qi Wu like to perform for everyone?”

Little Yan Wang and the Judge performing together—he was so looking forward to it.

He felt he could actually pay to watch this!

Su Wen slightly raised his eyes, looking puzzled. In fact, he had been puzzled for a long time.

He asked, “Is this how you all perform during autumn outings?”

Lin Dingqi: “No.”

Before Su Wen could breathe a sigh of relief, Lin Dingqi added, “But it’s similar. If it were adults, there wouldn’t be performances. There are many fun ways, like drinking, playing cards, or doing small games.”

Su Wen nodded, thinking it seemed about the same. So, he…

He slightly raised his eyes: “Qi Wu and I will compose a poem.”

Lin Dingqi: “???”

Little Qi Wu: “Compose a poem? What’s that?”

Su Wen had already considered this. He would compose the poem, and Little Qi Wu could recite it with him. Isn’t that the autumn outing routine?

【??? Compose a poem?】

【Kids composing poems is one thing, but Qi Wu can’t read yet. What’s with the Lord composing a poem?】

【Maybe the Lord wants to perform?】

【An illiterate composing a poem?】

Lin Dingqi’s expression stiffened slightly as he reminded, “Mr. Su, although composing a poem is nice, Qi Wu can’t read yet.”

Su Wen: “So this is my first time bringing a child to an autumn outing.”

Lin Dingqi: “So you mean, in the past when you went on autumn outings, you composed poems?”

“Isn’t that what you do?” Su Wen countered, “Didn’t you say drinking and composing poems?”

“I said drinking and playing games,” Lin Dingqi realized. In the Judge’s era, those literati and scholars—of course, they composed poems!

He tactfully said, “Those games aren’t as refined as in your time. Or watching movies, singing, playing mahjong, things like that.”

Su Wen frowned slightly. He hadn’t heard of any of these. So all his preparations were useless?

He had thought he could do something well.

Little Qi Wu, still a bit confused, bit her milk bottle and looked up to ask, “Dad, are we going to perform by composing a poem? How do we do that?”

Su Wen remained silent for a long time, once again realizing the vast gap between himself and the present. He thought to himself, “Little Qi Wu doesn’t know how to read, and neither do the other children. It seems composing poetry really isn’t feasible.”

[Was it so refined back then? Did everyone who went on autumn outings with Su Wen compose poetry?]

[It seems just like ancient times, drinking wine and composing poetry.]

[Transmigration confirmed, haha.]

[Although I really want to see it, it seems like the other children wouldn’t understand in this setting.]

After pondering for a long time, Su…

Wen Cai softly said, “I won’t perform.”

Su Wen asked, “What can Qi Wu do?”

Little Qi Wu was stumped. It seemed she couldn’t do any of the things the other kids could.

Qi Wu could catch ghosts, but everyone was afraid of ghosts.

Little Qi Wu was a bit troubled: “It seems Qi Wu can’t do anything.”

[With the family conditions of this little one, it seems she hasn’t attended any special classes.]

[At this age, isn’t it enough for kids to just play? Why the need for special skills? Don’t push them so hard!]

[At her age, I was still playing with mud. What special skills are we talking about?]

[But the little one sings beautifully! I love listening to her!]

Su Wen also realized that he and the Little King of Hell were different from others. It seemed like they had nothing to perform at the moment.

He asked, “What does Qi Wu want to do?”

Little Qi Wu: “Huh?”

Su Wen: “Whatever you want to do, whatever makes you happy, you can perform that for everyone. We came here for an autumn outing to have fun, right?”

“Ah?” Little Qi Wu digested her dad’s words, “That seems right.”

Zhang Siqing had many talents and always performed for everyone, but he never seemed happy.

Little Qi Wu just wanted to be happy and make everyone else happy too. So, she decided to do just that.

[Su Wen is like a philosophy master. He’s absolutely right; as long as everyone is happy, that’s what matters.]

[If parents use their children as tools for comparison, then they are failing as parents.]

When it was Little Qi Wu’s turn, she put her milk bottle aside, patted her skirt, and walked to the center with her dad.

[Did the little one forget to put down her bunny backpack?]

“Hello, kids, hello, uncles and aunties, this is Qi Wu’s dad.” She lifted her skirt slightly, imitating what her teacher had taught her, squatted gently, then stood up and opened her little backpack. “Everyone says that Qi Wu’s candies make them very happy.”

She took out many candies from her bag and handed them one by one to the parents and kids: “Qi Wu is good at making everyone happy, so with dad, we’re sharing happiness with everyone.”

[?? Is this really happening?]

[It’s a bit illogical, but the child’s intention is correct. She wants everyone to be happy, and that’s fine.]

[Honestly, just seeing the little one makes me happy.]

[Su Wen is truly great. Whatever the little one wants to do, he agrees unconditionally.]

[But I still want to see him compose a poem! When will we get the chance?]

Su Wen walked behind her, holding her little backpack. Little Qi Wu occasionally turned back to grab a handful. The parents were somewhat surprised by Little Qi Wu’s actions but accepted her candies, feeling soft-hearted as they watched the little girl seriously handing out candies: “Thank you, Qi Wu.”

“You’re welcome.”

Wang Yang watched Little Qi Wu’s actions and thought: That strange notebook must be in this little bunny backpack. There are even candies and snacks in there? How casual!

After distributing the candies, Little Qi Wu stood in the center with her dad again. She clapped her little hands: “The other day, Qi Wu and the kids danced square dance at kindergarten, and it was so much fun.”

She asked the kids, “Shall we dance together now?”

The kids responded enthusiastically: “Yes!”

Su Wen, who had been briefed in advance by the Little King of Hell, took the opportunity to leave the small square. He opened his phone to play music, acting as the DJ, definitely not because he didn’t want to dance!

Lin Dingqi also brought out the speakers from the car, and soon cheerful music filled the small square.

The children’s dancing wasn’t exactly synchronized, but everyone was having a great time, and their enthusiasm even got the parents involved.

Other tourists and residents in the area found it amusing as well. Some elderly folks thought it was a square dance session and joined in, followed by others.

The small square quickly became lively and joyful.

Su Wen, of course, wasn’t going to dance. He sat below, watching Little Yan Wang intently.

Earlier, he had thought he couldn’t imagine a group of ghosts in the Underworld doing square dance, but now, seeing this scene, he felt a strange sensation.

It was as if he was immersed in the hustle and bustle, his body and mind blending into the mortal world. Though these things seemed trivial, they inexplicably filled him with contentment.

If the Underworld were like this, perhaps it wouldn’t be so hard to accept.

Lin Dingqi, standing nearby, took out his phone and recorded a video of Little Yan Wang leading a group of people of all ages in square dance. This was something he could boast about for generations, a family heirloom to pass down. If any of his descendants didn’t know he had once seen the King of Hell dancing, they deserved to be kicked out of the family tree.

[Wow, it looks so fun!]

[Zai Zai is amazing, everyone seems to be enjoying it, haha. Square dance really has its charm.]

[I don’t know why, but every time I see a lot of people doing square dance, even if I don’t join in, just listening to it makes me happy. It’s that kind of bustling peace that makes you feel at ease.]

[Su Wen, what are you doing? You’ve learned it before! Why aren’t you joining in?]

[Su Wen: I still have a bit of pride to maintain.]

Lin Dingqi was dancing so enthusiastically beside him that Su Wen turned and saw the video on his phone: “What are you doing?”

For the sake of his descendants and future bragging rights, Lin Dingqi steeled himself: “Recording a video, for keepsakes. We might not get another chance to see this.”

Su Wen: “Keepsakes? You can watch it later?”

Lin Dingqi then realized he was sitting next to someone who was technologically illiterate. He turned and explained: “Phones can record videos. Once recorded, you can watch today’s scene anytime you want. Taking photos works the same way.”

Others had taken photos of Su Wen and Little Qi Wu before, but he had never tried it himself.

So that’s how it worked.

He took out his phone and, following Lin Dingqi’s example, recorded Little Yan Wang dancing.

After the dance frenzy ended, Su Wen carried the tired Little Qi Wu back to the inn.

The live stream had also ended by then. As soon as they returned to their room, Little Qi Wu eagerly asked: “Dad, are we going back to the Underworld today?”

Su Wen was caught off guard: “What?”

“We didn’t burn incense for the Emperor today,” Little Qi Wu said. “She must be feeling uncomfortable. Let’s go back and check on her.”

Su Wen hadn’t expected that, even after having so much fun, Little Yan Wang still kept the Emperor in her heart—and it seemed she always had.

After a long silence, he nodded: “Alright.”

Back in the Underworld, Little Qi Wu rushed straight to the Hall of the King of Hell: “Emperor! Ben Wang is back!”

She still hadn’t changed how she addressed the Emperor, but it seemed That One didn’t mind.

The Beiyin Emperor had just returned from a leisurely stroll outside when she heard the voice and raised an eyebrow. Turning around, she was immediately embraced by the little cub: “Why are you back now? I heard you did a lot of things today, aren’t you going to sleep?”

The Little King of Hell had the Impermanence Envoys bring back many little ghosts, all of whom she had personally ferried. The Beiyin Emperor had gone to see those little ghosts before returning.

Little Qi Wu hugged her: “But I didn’t burn incense for the Emperor today.”

The Beiyin Emperor was slightly taken aback.

“Ben Wang brought a gift for the Emperor!”

“What is it?”

Little Qi Wu showed her the balloon she had been holding: “This is a balloon my friend gave me, and I’m giving it to the Emperor!”

The Beiyin Emperor took the balloon, looking at the strange patterns on it, and raised the corner of her mouth: “The little cub has made friends, huh?”

She picked up Little Qi Wu and walked over to sit on a chair: “Are you here to tell me a story again today?”

Little Qi Wu thought of the pig butcher who always referred to himself as “laozi,” which didn’t sound very nice and seemed like a bad word, so she asked: “Why does the Emperor call herself ‘laoniang’?”

“Ben Wang heard an evil spirit say that, and it didn’t seem very good.”

The Beiyin Emperor paused: “Are you starting to teach this Emperor how to behave again?”

Little Qi Wu covered her little face: “Ben Wang just wants the Emperor to be well.”

“Do you like the balloon?”

The Beiyin Emperor glanced at the balloon: “Hmm, it’s alright.”

Little Qi Wu, hugging her, could sense her emotions and said: “The Emperor seems much better today.”

“That’s right,” the Beiyin Emperor said lazily. “Thanks to you, little cub.”

Today, the Underworld had suddenly gained a lot of Karma, which made her feel better.

“That’s great,” Little Qi Wu hugged her. “Emperor, today Ben Wang danced square dance with many children and adults, and they were all very happy.”

“Should Ben Wang dance for you too?”

Singing and dancing—this little cub was indeed living well in the Human Realm. The Beiyin Emperor smiled: “Alright.”

At that moment, Su Wen suddenly remembered something Lin Dingqi had taught him and said: “I have a video.”

The Beiyin Emperor looked up: “A video?”

“Yes,” Su Wen took out his phone. “Would the Emperor like to see it?”

Little Qi Wu also leaned over: “Ben Wang wants to see it too!”

The video not only featured Little Qi Wu but also men, women, and children, all looking extremely happy. After watching it, the Beiyin Emperor rewound it a bit: “It seems like a peaceful and prosperous era.”

She had seen many humans and ghosts, and only in a peaceful and prosperous era would they have such expressions.

Su Wen paused: “Yes.”

The Beiyin Emperor played with Little Qi Wu’s hair, smiling as if unintentionally: “This Emperor hasn’t seen a peaceful and prosperous era in many years.”

“It’s good.”

Little Qi Wu tilted her head and tugged at the Emperor’s hair, patting her other hand with her little hand: “Emperor, don’t worry.”

“The Emperor’s Evil Aura has lightened a lot.”

“No rush,” the Beiyin Emperor looked at the small phone, stopping her playful messing with Little Qi Wu’s hair and instead fiddling with the phone. “Is this the power grid you’ve been working on?”

“It’s quite interesting,” she lifted it to take a look. “Next time, bring one for this Emperor to play with.”

“Make sure it has the little cub dancing.”