Night Talks from Liaozhai

Chapter 16

"It can't be too big, the robber is blocking the doorway, and he's carrying explosives!"

"Impossible! What a joke!" Fang Xiaoping glanced at the bright sun outside the window. It seemed impossible for a burglary to happen in broad daylight; it was too illogical.

"Whose family are you? I need to make a record," Fang Xiaoping said in a very serious tone.

"Li Desheng's house, quick, quick, come here! Old Yang has explosives strapped to his body!"

Old Yang?! Fang Xiaoping's head buzzed. If Old Yang became a robber, then Fang Xiaoping would be an instigator! Good heavens! This Old Yang is serious!

After pacing around the room a few times, Fang Xiaoping finally decided to report to his superiors in a timely manner.

Upon receiving the report, nearly 100 police officers from the Municipal Public Security Bureau's Criminal Investigation Team, the Branch Bureau's Criminal Investigation Team, and the Municipal Riot Control Brigade rushed to the scene. Subsequently, the city's top leaders also arrived at the scene to direct the personnel in conducting an on-site analysis.

Fang Xiaoping had only ever seen such scenes in movies and television. When Xu Yang, Fang Xiaoping's classmate who worked in the municipal bureau, introduced the scene to the bureau chief as Fang Xiaoping, a police officer from the jurisdiction, Fang Xiaoping's outstretched hand trembled. Such a major disturbance in his jurisdiction was not something Fang Xiaoping was happy about. The bureau chief nodded calmly and said, "Tell me about the situation."

Fang Xiaoping briefly recounted what happened to Old Yang that afternoon, omitting the part about Old Yang going to the police station. Perhaps it was too brief, almost as if he hadn't heard anything at all, so the chief frowned and glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. Fang Xiaoping secretly breathed a sigh of relief, hoping that no one would know what had happened.

So when three snipers in camouflage uniforms appeared at the crime scene from the northwest, south, and north, Fang Xiaoping couldn't help but feel excited. While running around serving tea and water to the leaders, he also attentively watched the snipers' movements. As he watched them choose and take their firing positions, Fang Xiaoping began to secretly look forward to something.

The sky was beginning to darken, a situation that was very unfavorable for the police. The officer who had installed the listening device said that the perpetrator was about to come out.

Old Yang emerged from the building in a very strange manner. His right hand was tightly clutching a black bag, presumably the stolen money, while his left hand was inside his pocket, as if he were gripping something tightly and with great effort. His peculiar gait had already aroused the high alert of the detectives—how much explosives could he be carrying?!

When Captain Zhang of the Criminal Investigation Brigade saw that the criminal was alone and had not unexpectedly taken hostages, he began to call out to him. Unfortunately, a southeast wind was blowing that day, meaning that Captain Zhang's calls went in one ear and out the other. Old Yang was only slightly slow to react; after seeing a large group of people and vehicles blocking his way, he actually chose to turn around. Or perhaps he simply wanted to go around the group of people; he didn't even understand what these people had to do with him.

At that moment, a gunshot rang out. Old Yang fell to the ground amidst the gunfire, half-lying down, with a black bag on his right hand.

Many days later, Fang Xiaoping still vividly remembered the scene that day. After Old Yang fell to the ground, the police began bomb disposal. First, they were busy dressing someone in a bomb suit and helmet, which took a full 40 minutes. By the time the bomb disposal expert approached the old man with a nearly two-meter-long detector, the blood on the ground had already begun to congeal.

Fang Xiaoping sensed that the bomb disposal expert didn't seem very skilled at operating the detector, and after approaching for a short while, he retreated. Xu Yang said, "Chief, I'll go!"

Xu Yang dressed quickly and neatly, picked up the black bag in one swift motion, and placed it in the bomb disposal container. He performed this series of actions perfectly, without even a trace of fear, which made Fang Xiaoping feel like he was putting on a show.

Next, someone cut open the old man's clothes and threw a yellow object into the bomb disposal bin. Was it that canvas bag? Fang Xiaoping felt it looked familiar. The object felt light and flimsy; there probably wasn't much inside, or perhaps no explosives at all.

Xu Yang, who later joined the Criminal Investigation Brigade as deputy captain as he wished, confirmed his idea. He said that there was only a metal box inside containing a piece of paper, a box that Fang Xiaoping had seen before. In this incident, Fang Xiaoping received neither commendation nor criticism. However, Lao Liu received a warning for leaving his post without permission, and his smile gradually faded, and his speech became somewhat casual.

Old Liu said that Old Yang shouldn't have been shot. Old Yang had a disability in his left leg, which was secured with a thin rope tied around his waist. To reduce the load and friction on the prosthesis, he often habitually put his left hand in his pocket to hold the rope. If he had been there that day, Old Yang might not have died. This last sentence made Fang Xiaoping feel a little remorseful.

Police officer Xiaoping remained just a local police officer, but he unexpectedly became very patient. He could smile and nod intermittently, and at other times enthusiastically offer tea and water to those mouths that were spitting everywhere.

[Modern Era: 008 The Evil Spirit]

Evil spirits are wicked souls, born of the devil, that deceive and corrupt people. Evil spirits are not far from us; they may be lurking in the dark side of our souls. Maria, formerly known as Su Xiaohong, was a perfectly normal girl. She worked as a copywriter at an advertising company, a profession that demands creativity. However, the girl named Su Xiaohong's clothing and behavior had nothing to do with creativity or fashion. She was even ashamed to talk to people, often spending her time alone in her room, staring blankly at the mirror or the wall, except when she was at work. Su's parents were always at ease with her; they believed such a well-behaved daughter would never do anything to worry them. However, this tranquility was too abnormal; something should happen. Su Xiaohong was already twenty-five years old, not too old, but not too young either, yet she had never had a boyfriend. Gradually, relatives and friends enthusiastically tried to find her a suitable match, but all were deterred by her calm or withdrawn demeanor.

She could sit silently for an hour, two hours, or even several hours in front of a eloquent man, head bowed and expressionless. Any brilliant remarks or performance from that man would be a failure; there would be no reaction, no applause. This was more frustrating than talking to a piece of wood or a wall. Worse still, it could subconsciously breed feelings of irritability or anger.

"You're crazy!" Finally, someone couldn't stand the treatment any longer, or perhaps they wanted to provoke her into making a reaction.

She paused for a moment, then slowly raised her head, staring at the other person with innocent, sheep-like eyes until he fled in panic.

"It's fine if she turns bad," Su's mother finally said harshly, unable to bear it any longer. How could such a clean and well-behaved girl be ignored?

However, Su Xiaohong can deliver very fashionable planning proposals, which means that Su Xiaohong has the ability to make a living.

Su Xiaohong wasn't ugly, but she lacked a certain liveliness. Several of her male colleagues secretly made a bet: whoever could bring this wooden beauty to life would win a trip. "Ms. Su, how about I take you to a movie tonight?" He Dong said.

Su Xiaohong looked at He Dong, who was speaking, with those sheep-like eyes, and then gently shook her head.

"Watching movies is so old-fashioned!" As everyone chuckled secretly, something called an evil spirit stirred slightly within He Dong's body. That evening, Su Xiaohong was the last person to leave the office.

Su Xiaohong, who had just stepped out of the elevator, was suddenly stopped by someone.

"Su, Su Xiaohong, help me." He Dong squatted on the ground, his face contorted in pain, his forehead covered in sweat.

"What's wrong? You are?" Su Xiaohong asked with concern.

"I... I suddenly have a stomachache, a lot of pain, I'm afraid it's appendicitis or something," He Dong said through gritted teeth. He Dong looked like he was in a lot of pain, his forehead was covered in sweat.

Su Xiaohong then helped He Dong and they took a taxi straight to the People's Hospital that He Dong had mentioned.

As soon as they entered the emergency room, a doctor of similar age to He Dong immediately came to greet them. This doctor was extremely enthusiastic and, before Su Xiaohong could even speak, had already taken He Dong from Su Xiaohong's shoulder.

The examination room door slammed shut, and the doctor couldn't help but chuckle. "Take it off, He Dong. How do you plan to examine me?"

He Dong sprang up from the bed with a somersault, "Hehe, not bad, not bad, you really are my old classmate."

When the door opened, Su Xiaohong hurriedly stood up from her chair. "How is it?"

Are you his family?

“Oh,” Su Xiaohong blushed, “she’s a colleague.”

He Dong had already snuggled up to Su Xiaohong's shoulder like a bear.

"These medications must be taken on time. Also, it's best if someone watches over you tonight. If your condition worsens, please go to the hospital immediately." The doctor handed Su Xiaohong a bottle of medicine with a serious expression.

"Where do you live?" Su Xiaohong felt obligated to take her sick colleague home.

“Haibin Road, Building 348, Room 502,” He Dong said weakly and intermittently.

After climbing into the taxi, He Dong closed his eyes, seemingly exhausted from the performance or secretly plotting his next move. Of course, he didn't forget to take the opportunity to collapse into Su Xiaohong's arms.

Su Xiaohong tried her best to maintain a normal distance from him, but compared to his massive 1.8-meter frame, Su Xiaohong's strength seemed rather weak.

Su Xiaohong struggled to drag He Dong out of the taxi, and then struggled to drag He Dong from the first floor to the fifth floor. Of course, this also required He Dong's timely and skillful cooperation.

He Dong precisely handed the room key to Su Xiaohong. Su Xiaohong was already panting heavily and didn't notice the barely concealed smile on He Dong's lips.

As Su Xiaohong helped He Dong to bed, he accidentally pinned her down. Panicked, Su Xiaohong frantically struggled to free herself from He Dong's testosterone-fueled body. "He Dong, take your medicine before you sleep," Su Xiaohong said, pouring two pills from a small bottle. He Dong swallowed them carelessly, thinking they were probably just some cheap, fake vitamins.

Su Xiaohong sat quietly on the chair by the bed. He Dong's face gradually turned red, and his breathing became rapid, growing heavier with each breath.

Su Xiaohong hurriedly reached out to touch He Dong's forehead, and it was burning hot. Just as she was about to wake He Dong to go to the hospital, He Dong suddenly hugged Su Xiaohong's leaning body.

"He Dong, He Dong, what's wrong with you?"

After Su Xiaohong asked in a panic, her mouth was already sealed by He Dong's burning lips. There was an urgency, a longing, in He Dong's kiss; he was like a hungry beast, having lost all reason, only invasion and possession remaining… Caught off guard, Su Xiaohong's body warmed under his passionate kisses and caresses, and she vaguely sensed He Dong's urgent need. When it was broad daylight, He Dong had already woken up. He stared blankly at Su Xiaohong lying beside him, and at the small pool of blood left on the sheets.

Last night, he successfully transitioned Su Xiaohong from a girl to a woman. However, this did not give him any sense of accomplishment; a strange and dark fear crept into his heart.

All of this seemed to happen both within his expectations and beyond his control. There must have been something strange about the two pills Su Xiaohong gave him last night, causing him to lose control and his reason.

Su Xiaohong's fair skin was covered with dark purple hickeys, all the work of He Dong. This woman, who was just a colleague he had no connection with yesterday, was now his bedmate. A day as husband and wife is a hundred days of kindness? "Husband and wife?!" He Dong exclaimed, jumping out of bed. Suddenly realizing he was naked, he reluctantly returned to bed and wrapped himself in the same blanket as Su Xiaohong.

Curious, he slowly and tentatively touched Su Xiaohong's smooth body, and that primal male desire aroused a new longing within him.

Su Xiaohong woke up. Last night had been both frightening and delightful. Perhaps her body had long yearned for the experience of intimacy. Women are like flowers; when they bloom, they deserve to be appreciated. She blissfully enjoyed He Dong's caresses. He Dong's hands cautiously explored her breasts. Suddenly, she fixed them on that softest, most alluring spot. He Dong felt a moment of panic, like a caught thief, but then, encouraged, he became unrestrained. It turned out that the woman's body and heart had already surrendered to him after that night. Excitedly, He Dong successfully possessed Su Xiaohong for the second time. Su's mother, worried about Su Xiaohong's absence all night, didn't sleep a wink. Early the next morning, with red eyes, she waited in the living room. "Ring ring!" The phone finally rang. For a moment, she was dazed, then quickly grabbed the phone.

"Hello, is this Xiaohong?"

"Yes, Mom, I worked overtime at the company last night, and it was too late to go home."

"Be careful, a girl all alone..."

"It's okay, Mom." Su Xiaohong's voice even sounded impatient. Just as Su's father was about to take the phone, it was hung up.

Su Xiaohong's feelings for He Dong had gone from complete stranger to infatuation. Aside from pretending nothing had happened at the company, Su Xiaohong would head straight to the market after work and go on a shopping spree.

He Dong was happily and carefree enjoying the benefits of having a woman, crossing his legs, holding his hands, watching TV and humming a little tune.

"He Dong, don't go out, stay with me..."

He Dong declined the banquet invited by his cronies without hesitation.

"He Dong, don't you want to go?"

"He Dong, you are not allowed to go."

Gradually, He Dong felt annoyed. He even began to reflect on his relationship with Su Xiaohong. What was going on? He had never actually liked Su Xiaohong. It was just because of a bet, because of a competitive mentality, that their relationship had reached such a shameless point. People are strange. When you're dressed, you are you, and I am me. But when you're undressed, you are not you, and I am not me.

Damn it! He Dong began to feel frustrated and regretful. He couldn't spend his life with this woman like this. He had to make it clear to her that feelings and sex were unrelated, at least for men.

After hearing He Dong give several reasons why "we two are not suitable", Su Xiaohong was slightly stunned.

She never expected the dream to end so quickly; in truth, she had never sensed He Dong's sincerity from the beginning. He Dong's eyes were unfocused; he never made eye contact with her, not even during sex.

Su Xiaohong smiled and said, "He Dong, you can eat dinner by yourself."

Su Xiaohong seemed to have suddenly become a different person. She was talkative and cheerful, flirtatious and passionate, and the men around her changed faster than her clothes.

Su Xiaohong is no longer called Su Xiaohong; she's called Maria now. She likes to drink a cocktail called Blood Mary.

Su Xiaohong nestled in the arms of different men, drinking Blood Mary, completely ignoring their caresses and kisses, and occasionally letting out a shrill, ear-piercing laugh.

Su's parents watched their daughter's transformation with horror, but were at a loss for what to do.

One afternoon, He Dong paid a courtesy visit to the Su family. Su's father was quite honored by the visit of such a refined gentleman.

He Dong said that Su Xiaohong had once helped him with a job, and he came to repay that favor.

What a fine boy. Looking at the handsome and refined He Dong, Su's mother sighed inwardly. Her daughter had fallen into such a hopeless state; otherwise, they would have been such a perfect couple.

In the middle of the night, a drunk Maria burst through the door. Su's mother said sadly, "One of your colleagues, He Dong, sent you a gift box."

"He Dong?" Maria chuckled, then slapped the gift box out of Su Ma's hand. The lights went out, and Maria gazed at the rustling shadows of the trees outside the window, silently shedding tears.

At this moment, Maria became Su Xiaohong again, and the evil spirits or other bad things disappeared into the pure moonlight.

[Modern Era: 009 Don't Give Me What You Don't Want]

1.

Wearing Mila's loose robes, I stood obediently like a lamb beside a field full of golden sunflowers. Junfu said that at that time, I was as delicate as a blade of grass, with morning dew still clinging to my face.

Junfu, dressed in white, was the most handsome man I had ever seen at that time. He was clean and tidy, and he could pluck the long strings of a guitar with his slender fingers, making them produce indescribably beautiful music that was more mesmerizing than the song of a nightingale in the mountains. Moreover, Junfu's fingernails were smooth and clean, unlike the dry, yellowed hands of the men in the village who smoked long pipes, with black grime always under their nails.

Junfu asked, "Is this Mila's village?"

Because of Mira, the village before him exists; because of Mila, he is here. He asked, "Is this Mira's village?"

Yes, there's someone in the village named Mila. My gaze was as stubborn as winter icicles, glistening and striking out a string of crisp sounds, densely and finely breaking into needles that pierced one's heart, soft, cool, and numb.

Junfu said, "Mira, why does Amei have such a poor eye for people?"

Mila, dressed in a brightly colored pleated skirt, took the silver jewelry from Junfu's hand while arranging her long, black hair. She squinted slightly in the sunlight, letting the sunlight filter through her hair one piece at a time, and in Junfu's loving gaze, she instantly transformed into a sweet, jackfruit-like woman.

Under the moonlight, the village was shrouded in a light, ethereal glow. Beneath Mira's bamboo house, Junfu, dressed in white, strummed the guitar with his slender fingers, while Mingtai, holding a gourd flute, quietly slipped into the deep bamboo grove.

Father said that Mira has grown up.

2.

The tea plantation stretches endlessly green under the azure sky, as blue as water, and tea-picking women swiftly stack tender tea buds into bamboo baskets.

Mira and Junfu were admiring the peach blossoms by the river. Petals danced on Mira's skirt and in the shimmering water.

Mila is a female scholar in the village, so she doesn't need to pick tea. The old man, with a long pipe in his mouth, squinted his eyes, and even in his yellowish-white skin, the red of peach blossoms was reflected.