Chapter 21: True Form

The next day, Ling Yiran finished his task and returned to the Ling Family in the Human World, unaware that Liu Mengqi and Ma Zhong were following him.

Ma Zhong noticed someone opening the door for Ling Yiran and letting him in. He asked curiously, “Is this the household where Ling Yiran is having a ghost marriage? How come they let him in? Do they know Ling Yiran is a ghost officer?”

Liu Mengqi wasn’t really listening to Ma Zhong’s words; his eyes were fixed on the Ling Family’s main gate. “This big mansion’s gate looks familiar. I feel like I’ve seen it somewhere before.”

“Old mansions from the past all look pretty similar. It’s not surprising that you’ve seen it before, especially since you became a ghost officer back in the old days.”

Liu Mengqi thought about it and agreed.

Ma Zhong asked again, “Brother Liu, should we go in and check out who Ling Yiran’s ghost marriage partner is?”

Liu Mengqi pointed to the gate, “See that Bagua mirror hanging on the door? It’s specifically for warding off ghosts.”

“Does it ward us off too?”

“Yes, without an invitation from the owner, we can’t go in unless we have a task to collect souls.” Liu Mengqi looked around the area. “Look at all the spiritual energy surrounding this place. It shows that this family isn’t ordinary. We better not act recklessly.”

“But we have tasks later. We can’t just wait here forever, right?”

Liu Mengqi thought for a moment. “We haven’t taken a vacation in a long time. We can take some time off to keep watch here and gather information about this family. I refuse to believe we can’t find out who Ling Yiran’s ghost marriage partner is by keeping an eye on him.”

Ma Zhong nodded, “Alright.”

The two waited outside the Ling Family’s gate for a while, but when Ling Yiran didn’t come out, they left to attend to their tasks.

Ling Yiran, after arriving at the Ling Family, first asked Ling Zhen to help buy some cigarettes and alcohol. It wasn’t until 1:30 in the afternoon that Xing Han fell asleep, and Ling Yiran entered his dream again.

This time, as soon as he saw Xing Han, he got straight to the point. “Xing Han, there’s an evil ghost trying to kill you. You must be extra careful. It’s best to find a capable Taoist priest to draw a talisman for your protection and investigate who’s trying to harm you.”

Still unaware that he was in a dream, Xing Han frowned upon seeing Ling Yiran. “Ling Yiran? Why is it you?”

“I’m here to tell you that someone is using an evil ghost to kill you. When you wake up, quickly find a Taoist priest to buy a talisman. By the way, the Ling Family’s talismans are pretty good; they can protect your life.”

“Evil ghost? What evil ghost?” Xing Han’s frown deepened. “Ling Yiran, have you been watching too many horror movies at home?”

Ling Yiran was a bit exasperated, but he couldn’t blame Xing Han. Most people wouldn’t believe in ghosts, especially since they were in a dream. Even if he convinced Xing Han now, would Xing Han believe in the dream once he woke up?

But Ling Yiran wasn’t discouraged. He believed that if he kept visiting Xing Han’s dreams to warn him, eventually, Xing Han would find it strange.

“Xing Han, what I’m saying is…” Before Ling Yiran could finish, someone sternly shouted, “You two, stand face to face and stand at attention.”

“Yes, Instructor.” Xing Han quickly stood straight.

It was then that Ling Yiran noticed that in the dream, Xing Han looked particularly young, around twenty years old. His mature face still had a hint of youthfulness, indicating that Xing Han was dreaming of a scene from his younger days.

The instructor was angry, “I teach you martial arts to protect the country, not to fight each other. If you don’t even understand this, how can the future of the nation be entrusted to you? Both of you, write a thousand-word reflection for me by tomorrow. Now, hug each other and apologize, then explain where you went wrong.”

“Hug each other?” Ling Yiran stared blankly at Xing Han.

Xing Han followed the order and hugged Ling Yiran.

Ling Yiran: “…”

The two silently stared at each other.

Xing Han’s gaze was focused and serious, making Ling Yiran feel embarrassed to meet his eyes.

Ling Yiran cleared his throat, “Can you stop staring at me like that?”

Seeing the hint of shyness in Ling Yiran’s eyes, Xing Han’s lips couldn’t help but curve into a slight smile. “We’re face to face. Who else should I look at?”

Ling Yiran: “…”

Suddenly, the instructor shouted, “I told you to apologize, not to flirt.”

“Sorry,” Xing Han immediately said. “I shouldn’t have fought with you.”

Ling Yiran replied, “That’s not right.”

Xing Han asked in confusion, “What’s not right?”

Ling Yiran smiled brightly, “You were wrong for not trusting me, for not believing that there are ghosts in this world.”

Xing Han: “…”

The instructor said, “Xing Han, that’s your mistake. You should have complete trust in your teammates.”

Xing Han: “…”

Ling Yiran smirked, “Hear that? You need to have complete trust in your teammates. Besides, I’m also your partner in another sense.”

Xing Han frowned, “How can there be ghosts in this world?”

Ling Yiran looked at the instructor, “Instructor, Xing Han still doesn’t believe me.”

The instructor barked, “Xing Han, you write a two-thousand-word reflection for me by tomorrow.”

“…” Xing Han hugged Ling Yiran tighter and whispered in his ear, “If you want me to believe you, show me some proof.”

“You’re in a dream right now. Even if I prove it to you, you won’t believe me when you wake up. But…” Ling Yiran’s smile widened, “If you really want proof, I can show you my true form.”

“True form?”

“Yes, you better watch closely.” Ling Yiran’s smile turned incredibly eerie.