Geisteswissenschaftliche Fakultät

Kapitel 32

The girl had an exceptionally beautiful and adorable face, though it was now covered in all sorts of filth—blood, mud, corpse oil, and various other repulsive marks—leaving their imprints on her pure, newborn body. Yet, this did not shake the purity and innocence of her nascent soul. She was like a pure white daisy swaying beside a war chariot wheel; this was Shuoju's first impression of Yan Shang. They were so alike, in both their pure souls and their sordid origins. With just one glance, Shuoju knew that this girl was a demon born from the blood of countless dead souls.

"Want to come back with me?" Shuoju didn't know why she had made that decision. In the years of constant war, humanity, with its folly and stubbornness, overthrew one dynasty, established another, then overthrew yet another, and established yet another… Amidst countless bloodshed and corpses, humanity shaped a history of glory, ruin, glory again, and ruin again. The entire process of human development, to those who had lived for so long—non-humans like Shuoju—seemed an unbelievable and terrifying curse, an inescapable cycle, a truly horrifying thing. Yet, humans, who seemed so weak to Shuoju, were able to journey through this seemingly endless purgatory, enjoying it immensely.

Humans are incomprehensible creatures!

"Ee?" The little girl, suddenly picked up, made a sound of dissatisfaction, waving her little hands wildly, trying to break free from Shuju's embrace. Why stop her? She hasn't even reached that place yet, that beautiful, bright red spot. She was annoyed and began kicking and struggling to escape Shuju's grasp.

"Do you want to go there?" Shuoju didn't care at all about the kicks the girl had given him in the chest, and remained gentle. "I'll take you there."

“Ee1”

As the chrysanthemum leaped into the air, the little girl exclaimed in amazement. Although she couldn't understand it, she at least knew that this height was something she could never have reached no matter how hard she climbed.

They were so close to the sky now! The red flames had been left far below, and the pure sky had returned to its true deep blue, with countless silver stars twinkling playfully around them. She giggled, reaching out her chubby little hands to try and catch the tails of those mischievous creatures, but they always nimbly dodged her, leaving her only grasping at empty air.

After this happened several times, the little girl seemed to get angry. She pouted her cute little lips and made a growling sound like an animal when it was angry.

"Want it?" Shuoju noticed the change in the little girl's mood in her arms, reached out and picked a star for her. "Take it, and remember to put it back later. We can't disrupt the existing order."

The little girl cheered and carefully cupped the silvery star between her palms. The tiny star flickered in her hands, like a little bird caught in a trap. "They're so small, so warm!" she thought curiously, observing them for a while, gently touching them before reluctantly letting go. It had barely opened a tiny crack when the little star darted out and ran back to its companions, making a face at the little girl from a distance—a face only stars could understand.

"Want to play some more?" Shuju asked the little girl in her arms, looking down at her.

The little girl shook her head.

"So, do you want to come back with me?" Shuju asked again.

This time, the little girl nodded happily.

"Mom...Mom..."

As the chrysanthemums descended, the little girl suddenly spoke.

"It's not Mom, it's Uncle~" Shuju corrected her.

"Mommy...Mommy...Mommy..." The little girl still hadn't changed her ways, and instead called out "Mommy" three times in one breath.

"There's nothing I can do about it." Shuoju shook her head, both amused and exasperated, reminding herself to raise the child properly when she got back.

****

The copper bell by the bedside rang crisply, waking Yan Shang from his dream.

For three long minutes, she couldn't distinguish between dream and reality, until she turned her head and saw a beautifully carved jade chrysanthemum on the bedside table. She was sleeping in the chrysanthemum's room; she had unknowingly wandered into the chrysanthemum's room to sleep again. Just like many years ago, when the chrysanthemum was still there.

Back then, Shuoju would always tell her many bedtime stories with affection, gently coax her to sleep, and tuck her in. Back then, she wasn't called Yanshang yet; her name was Xiaoya. Back then, she wasn't the owner of "exchange goods" yet. Back then, that was the happiest time for her.

Chrysanthemum...it's all because of chrysanthemum.

However, on an unbelievably beautiful morning, Shuoju left "Exotic Barter," left Bomei Village, left Xiaoya. No one knew where he went, but Yan Shang had a vague feeling that Shuoju would never return. For a long time afterward, Yan Shang told herself every day that Shuoju no longer existed in this world, and while hypnotizing herself, she took over as the owner of "Exotic Barter." A hundred years have passed in the blink of an eye. Only occasionally, when she was completely relaxed, she would still unconsciously sleepwalk into Shuoju's room, just like her old habit.

"Auntie, what would you like?" When Yan Shang lifted the curtain, he had already switched his mood to business mode.

"Huh?" Ni Aixia, who was looking around the supermarket, was startled when she heard Yan Shang's voice. Like many others who came to Bomei Market, she had no idea how she ended up there. She was just preoccupied with her own troubles and had unintentionally wandered into the market and ended up at a certain shop.

Calls and responses—this is the real reason why Bomeiji attracts so many customers.

"Auntie, what do you need? We have everything here." Yan Shang greeted Ni Aixia and led her to look at the goods. "...Because the actual items might be a bit intimidating, you can look at the catalog first."

Seeing Ni Aixia's timid appearance, Yan Shang couldn't help but feel sorry for her. If this woman were shown the actual product, she might faint. It would be better to change it to showing her the catalog instead.

"Barter" is a supermarket that sells human organs; you can find all kinds of organs here. Some are exquisitely crafted substitutes, made by skilled artisans, while others are genuine organs obtained through past exchanges with customers. Regardless of the type, it can satisfy people's needs. Yan Shang could tell that this woman was clearly eager for his goods.

"This...these..." Seeing the product names in the catalog, Ni Aixia trembled in shock and dropped the catalog to the ground. The thick catalog landed on the cold granite floor with a dull thud. Realizing her lapse in composure, she hurriedly bent down to pick up the catalog, accidentally knocking over a vase on the table, scattering water and white chrysanthemum petals all over the floor. Yan Shang frowned.

"I...I'm sorry." Ni Aixia apologized timidly, somewhat afraid to look at the girl in front of her who looked to be only seven or eight years old. She didn't know why, but she was just a little afraid of this little girl.

“Auntie, let me get straight to the point.” Yan Shang sighed, trying to soften his expression. “You already know that this isn’t an ordinary shop. You must have come here because you have some needs. So just tell me what you want, and I’ll tell you the price based on your needs. You take your goods, and I’ll take my payment. It’s that simple.”

“I…but I don’t have any money,” Ni Aixia said, choking back tears. If she had money, she wouldn’t have to worry so much about her son’s illness. If she had money, Xiaojun’s illness might have been cured long ago. Although finding a matching kidney isn’t easy, at least with money, Xiaojun’s chances of survival would be much greater.

Now, she has borrowed from all her relatives and friends, and the subsidies and donations from her workplace have been completely spent. She really has no other options... Ni Aixia's nose tingled as she thought about it. She had already donated one kidney for Xiaojun, but who could have imagined that? There were no abnormalities during the matching process, and even the doctor said the chances of success were very high. However, after the transplant was given to Xiaojun, rejection suddenly occurred, and now Xiaojun is in critical condition. Where is she supposed to find another kidney for Xiaojun?

"I can give you the organ you want." Yan Shang glanced at Ni Aixia, deciding to finish quickly. For some reason, this woman made her feel uneasy and uncomfortable.

"You need a kidney, right?"

"How...how did you know?"

"You don't need to worry about that." Yan Shang walked to the freezer and glanced at it. "There happens to be a suitable kidney for your son. I'll arrange for it to be sent to the hospital, and your son can have the surgery in a few days."

"Then... what should I give you?" Ni Aixia was still a little dazed, unable to believe that good fortune had come so quickly.

Yan Shang sized Ni Aixia up and down. Years of hard work had taken their toll, leaving her depressed and in poor health; it seemed she wouldn't live much longer. Her organs were a worthwhile donation…

"I want your eyesight," Yan Shang declared. Although eyesight is less valuable than kidneys, Ni Aixia had very few organs left that could be exchanged without severely impacting her life.

"Vision?" Ni Aixia looked at Yan Shang in horror.

“Yes.” Yan Shang turned her head away, trying her best not to look directly into Ni Aixia’s clear eyes. Those eyes were too innocent, making her feel uncomfortable.

"But if I can't see, I won't be able to see Xiaojun or take care of him... Could you give me something else? I can give you my hands, my legs, or anything else..."

“You have severe arthritis, and your hands and legs aren’t worth that much. Taking your eyesight is already a concession on my part. You should be able to tell yourself which is more valuable, your eyesight or your kidneys.”

After hearing Yan Shang's words, Ni Aixia lowered her head, seemingly lost in thought. After a long while, she raised her head and said, "Okay, I'll give you my eyesight, but I beg you to let me see Xiao Jun recover before you take it away, is that alright?"

"..."

"I beg you." Ni Aixia disregarded her dignity and knelt down in front of Yan Shang.

"Whatever!" Yan Shang said irritably, then left the shop without looking at Ni Aixia again. This was the first time she hadn't dared to look at a customer, and she didn't know why.

It was a year and a half later when Yan Shang saw Ni Aixia again. Although she was very different from the first time they met, Yan Shang recognized her at a glance. She had gone blind as agreed, and in exchange, her son recovered rapidly. Logically, she should at least be happier, but Ni Aixia was thinner and more haggard than before.

"Is that you?" Hearing footsteps, Ni Aixia turned around to face Yan Shang.

“Xiaojun is recovering very well. I think he will be able to do some things that normal children can do soon. I want to thank you.” As she spoke, Ni Aixia gave a gentle smile.

Yan Shang's heart skipped a beat. He was merely a shopkeeper in a transaction of equal exchange; although he had saved her son's life, he had also taken away her sight. Why could she still show him such a genuine smile? And she… Yan Shang was not surprised to see the mark of the underworld on Ni Aixia's body. This woman wouldn't live much longer.

"you……"

"Heh, you can tell I don't have much time left, can you?" Ni Aixia smiled. "The doctor said I have late-stage liver cancer and don't have more than a month to live."

"You want to exchange livers with me?" Yan Shang shook his head. It was no use; this woman's organs were already failing. Even if her liver cancer was successfully cured, she would inevitably die young from other illnesses. Humans are such fragile creatures.

“No.” Unexpectedly, Ni Aixia retorted to Yan Shang, “I do intend to exchange something with you, but what I want to exchange is not a liver, and the organ I get will not be used by myself.”

"you mean……"

"I want to exchange my heart for a normal, loving, fatherly heart of yours. Please give that heart to my husband."

****

"Xiao Shang, it's time to sleep. You've been busy all day." Ni Aixia rubbed a towel and handed it to Yan Shang, who was working on accounts at her desk. "Hmm, let Mom wipe you down."

"Thank you, Mom." Yan Shang obediently tilted her head back, enjoying the comfortable feeling of the warm towel against her cheek.

More than a decade ago, Ni Aixia used her heart to win back her gambling-addicted husband's heart, entrusted her son to him, and then passed away. Now, she continues her new life in Bomei Village.

"Mom, you have to tell me stories again tonight, okay?" Yan Shang snuggled into Ni Aixia's arms, basking in her warmth.

"What does Xiao Shang want to hear today? Let Mommy think about it~~~~"

"Um!"

Actually, Xiao Shang will like any story you tell, Mom!

Yan Shang peeked out from Ni Aixia's embrace and saw a white gardenia quietly blooming on the windowsill...

Other short and medium-length stories (Part 1)

Seeking Osmanthus Blossoms in the Mountain Temple in August

Foreword: This article is unrelated to *Bomei Collection*. Those who have read City Prince's *Strange Tales of Lotus Garden* should know that this title comes from one of his series. Because I felt a strong connection to this title, I borrowed it from City Prince to write a supernatural story. The content was decided upon during my exam preparation period, but the inspiration from that time has now faded, making writing somewhat difficult. Please forgive me!

**

The sky was a mesmerizing azure, and the full moon, tinged with pink, was casting a soft glow. The moonlight was truly breathtaking!

It was almost the Mid-Autumn Festival, Luo Lin thought to himself, somewhat irritated as he pushed aside the overgrown vines in front of him. The moonlight was alluring, but he couldn't muster any interest in moon-gazing. After all, he was a lost soul; while he wasn't quite exhausted and hungry yet, he couldn't possibly maintain a calm and peaceful mind to appreciate the moon. He sighed, unloaded his heavy backpack, rubbed his aching shoulders, and looked around.

All around were dense forests, mostly fir and cedar trees, not particularly tall, yet they still made it difficult to see more than five meters ahead. The dazzling white moonlight, like silver threads, sparsely pierced through the emerald green leaves, scattering down and enveloping the surrounding scenery in that seemingly unreal, faint glow, giving the viewer the illusion of movement.

Luo Lin took out his phone again; it was five minutes to ten. The screen only displayed a single line of text: still no signal. "Damn it," he cursed under his breath.

Luoxiang Mountain is located in the countryside more than 20 kilometers west of Hangzhou. Although it is called a mountain, it is actually just an unremarkable low hill. There is a Yueyan Temple on the mountain, which is not as famous as the nearby Lingyin Temple. However, because the elders of the Luo family have always been on good terms with the abbot, Master Hongzhi, Luo Lin's maternal grandmother would go to the temple to stay for a while on the first and fifteenth of each lunar month, as well as during Buddhist ceremonies and temple festivals. She would eat vegetarian food, chant Buddhist scriptures, and listen to the sermons. This time, she asked her family to send some miscellaneous items because she had forgotten some.

The task that should have been handled by Luo Lin's father was changed to Luo Lin's responsibility due to a last-minute work-related issue. Luo Lin had never been to Yueyan Temple, but before leaving home, he heard his mother mention that there was only one mountain road leading up and down Luoxiang Mountain, so he drove there alone without worry. Unexpectedly, he still got lost.

Luo Lin stared at the mountain path before him, puzzled. The blue stone steps, reflecting a faint silver glow in the moonlight, stretched upwards. The brownish-blue edges of the steps had been worn smooth by countless footsteps. Occasionally, a few wild grasses would peek out from the gaps between the steps, swaying gracefully and full of life. It was indeed the only path, so why couldn't he reach Yueyan Temple no matter what he did? Luo Lin looked at the seemingly endless staircase with a headache. In the distance, he could vaguely see a faint point of light flickering, which should be the entrance to Yueyan Temple. Strangely, he had been walking for two hours and still hadn't reached it.

The mountains and fields are places full of spiritual energy, especially on a full moon night!

A sentence unexpectedly popped into Luo Lin's mind, but he immediately frowned in confusion. When and by whom had he said such a thing? He tried hard to think about it for a while but couldn't grasp any clues, so he had to shake his head and give up trying to remember.

"Is brother lost?" The sudden childish voice startled Luo Lin.

Luo Lin turned around and found a little boy of about eight or nine years old standing in front of her. The little boy was wearing a simple brown silk jacket with a front opening and dark green silk trousers. He raised his head and smiled at Luo Lin.

"Ah...yes." Luo Lin answered somewhat slowly, puzzled by the expression on the boy's face. That expression didn't seem like something a child his age should have; a faint smile, yet it seemed to hide some deeper meaning behind it. "I want to go to Yueyan Temple on the mountain. Can you tell me how to get there?"

The boy pointed into the distance, then smiled as if he had thought of something: "Never mind, I'll take you there so you don't get lost again."

Luo Lin coughed awkwardly. Did she really look like such a useless person that she was looked down upon by an eight or nine-year-old child?

"Brother, please hurry up." Seeing Luo Lin standing there dumbfounded, the boy tugged at his sleeve, signaling him to follow. "It might be troublesome if we're late, especially for someone with your constitution."

"My constitution?" Luo Lin didn't quite understand the boy's words.

Lin, I'm really worried about your health!

Luo Lin's heart skipped a beat. A strange feeling washed over him; it was happening again. It seemed like someone had said those same words to him before. This kind of constitution? What kind of constitution?

Suddenly feeling a warm, damp sensation on his cheek, Luo Lin came to his senses and realized that raindrops had started falling from the sky. He stretched out his hand, and the tiny water droplets gathered together in his open palm, emitting a faint bluish light under the moonlight. It was bluish... rain?

"Oh no, brother, come with me quickly!" A look of panic suddenly appeared on the boy's face. He grabbed Luo Lin's hand and quickened his pace, completely ignoring the pain of the branches and leaves hitting his face.

"Could you slow down a bit?" Luo Lin groaned in pain. The boy not only walked fast, but also deliberately chose to walk in areas with dense foliage. Luo Lin's clothes were already torn in several places, and her face was itchy, probably bleeding from cuts.

"No, today is an auspicious day for Huangdai Mountain. If they see us, we'll be in big trouble." The boy said seriously in a low voice as he continued walking through the dense forest. "Has my brother already forgotten the trouble he suffered at their hands?"

Huangdai Mountain? Luo Lin repeatedly pondered the words the boy uttered. This must be the first time he had ever heard these words before. Why would the boy say that he had suffered at their hands? Had the boy mistaken him for someone else from the very beginning?

"Little brother, are you sure you haven't mistaken me for someone else? I've never heard of any Huangdai Mountain." Luo Lin dodged the sweeping branches and tentatively asked the boy. It's not uncommon for people to get mistaken for each other, but it's rather strange to encounter this while lost, especially in this mountainous wilderness.

The boy seemed startled, stopping in his tracks and looking at Luo Lin with his large eyes. Only then did Luo Lin notice that the boy's eyes were a pure, polished topaz color, the pale hue reflecting different shades of light under the moonlight, resembling gently flowing veins of water. Would an ordinary person have eyes of this color?