On an old bamboo recliner, Xu Zhengyang, wearing a white vest with several holes and black shorts, sat with his legs crossed, his slippers dangling and his feet gently patting each other. He held a cigarette between his fingers, which hung below the armrest, and in the other hand, he held a thick book, which he was reading intently.
On the stone table beside it, there was a somewhat worn aluminum teapot and a small white porcelain bowl containing a pale blue tea. Also on the table were two not-too-thick books.
The entire scene evokes a sense of a reclusive scholar, like one who leisurely picks chrysanthemums by the eastern fence and gazes at the southern mountains.
Oh, sorry, this is modern society.
Xu Rouyue, who had just woken up from her afternoon nap, stretched and walked out of the house. She saw her brother engrossed in reading under the grape trellis and couldn't help but feel a little surprised and delighted. She tiptoed over to him.
"Rouyue, get up." Xu Zhengyang said casually without turning his head, while looking at his book.
"Ah, brother..." Xu Rouyue walked over with a pout, feeling a little dejected, and asked, "Brother, why are you reading? When did you buy these books?"
"Yeah, I bought it when I came back this morning," Xu Zhengyang replied without looking up. "You know, you're never too old to learn. How can you get by if you don't keep learning?"
Xu Rouyue couldn't help but feel a little moved. Her brother had been an excellent student, and if it weren't for the family's financial difficulties and his decision to drop out of school to support her education, he would be in university now. She never expected that now that the family had money, her brother would pick up his books again. Was he going to study on his own?
Perhaps she should help her brother. Thinking this, Xu Rouyue sat down on the small stone stool opposite the stone table, reached for a book on the table, and said, "Brother, what do you want to learn? I can help you... Huh? Brother..."
"Hmm?" Xu Zhengyang looked up and smiled, "What's wrong?"
"You study by reading these books?" Xu Rouyue waved the books in her hand, both amused and exasperated.
But then they saw that the light gray-covered book Xu Rouyue was holding was titled *Classic of Mountains and Seas*, while on the table lay a dark red-covered *In Search of the Supernatural*, and the yellow-covered book Xu Zhengyang was reading was… *Journey to the West*.
Xu Zhengyang nodded and said, "Yes, I bought the modern versions, which don't have any classical Chinese text, so I can understand them."
"I thought you were going to learn some knowledge," Xu Rouyue said with a slightly disappointed expression.
"Oh." Xu Zhengyang suddenly realized what his sister had been thinking. He shook his head with a wry smile and said, "I didn't even finish high school. I just want to learn something on my own, but I can't understand anything in those books. Sigh..."
"Then why are you looking at these?" Xu Rouyue asked in surprise. If it's just for leisure and entertainment, it would be better to read some martial arts novels. Looking at these things... is a bit strange.
Xu Zhengyang put down "Journey to the West", lit a cigarette, took a puff, and said with a smile, "I'm just reading it since I have nothing else to do."
Xu Rouyue was both amused and exasperated. Just as she was about to say something, she suddenly remembered something and exclaimed with wide eyes, "Brother, you're reading these books... could it be that you want to become an immortal? That, that Earth God... Brother, why do I feel like you're getting weirder and weirder these days?"
"Silly girl, what are you thinking? Do you think reading these books will make me an immortal? Nonsense!" Xu Zhengyang laughed.
"But, brother, does that Earth God really live in the temple?" Xu Rouyue's curiosity was piqued. Since returning home, she had heard her brother talk about the Earth God, her mother, and the village rumors, and she had been incredibly curious. She had wanted to ask her brother several times, but was too embarrassed to. After all, she was a university student at a prestigious university; how could she believe in such things? Now, seeing her brother reading this kind of book, she could no longer suppress her curiosity and asked, "Brother, have you ever seen the Earth God? Do you only see him in your dreams? What does he look like?"
Xu Zhengyang smiled and said mysteriously, "Heavenly secrets cannot be revealed!"
"Brother..." Xu Rouyue pouted and shook her body vigorously, revealing her girlish charm. She even moved from the stone bench opposite to the stone bench next to Xu Zhengyang, grabbed Xu Zhengyang's arm with both hands and shook it, saying, "Brother, tell me..."
"Alright, alright, let's not talk about this anymore." Xu Zhengyang shook his head and smiled, patting his little sister's hand. "You're going back to school the day after tomorrow, right? I'll take you."
Xu Rouyue released her brother's arm somewhat displeased, sat down in a huff and refused to look at Xu Zhengyang, pouting as she said, "I don't need you to take me!"
"Aren't you afraid people will bully you?" Xu Zhengyang asked with a smile.
"Hmph, I don't need your help even if I'm being bullied." Xu Rouyue turned her head and glared at her brother, saying in a huff, "Brother, how can you be like this? You kept it a secret from me, how annoying! Tell me quickly, what exactly is this Earth God? How do you know it?"
Xu Zhengyang smiled wryly, took a drag of his cigarette, and explained with a squinted eye, "I really don't know. It keeps coming into my dreams and talking to me. Maybe... when it comes to me again, I'll talk to it and ask it to come into your dreams and chat with you?"
"Okay, okay!" Xu Rouyue said excitedly.
"Silly girl, aren't you afraid of having nightmares?" Xu Zhengyang said helplessly, waving his hand. "Alright, go back to your room and read your book. I'll read for a while longer."
Xu Zhengyang was indeed eager to finish reading these three books, then find something useful to memorize, and finally buy other books that recorded and described deities. This was a last resort, as the county record seemed to offer no detailed answers to certain questions, especially regarding the Heavenly Court and the Underworld—it was completely ignorant of these matters.
What Xu Zhengyang wants to understand most right now is where the Heavenly Court and the Underworld are, and how immortals should use their supernatural powers to fulfill their duties as deities.
If he hadn't been promoted to the position of Chief Clerk, Xu Zhengyang wouldn't have had these doubts and considerations. Back then, he occasionally thought that the Heavenly Court was naturally in the heavens, and the Underworld was naturally on the ground—a seemingly simple answer. But now, he realized it wasn't like that. Where is the heavens? It's the endless universe. Modern advanced science and technology have expanded humanity's vision into the cosmos, especially in our immediate surroundings—the moon, the sun, and the various planets in the solar system. Where else could there be such a secluded paradise as the Heavenly Court?
As for the underworld... if it really exists, with current human technology, it's impossible that we can't find it, right?
At this time, Xu Zhengyang had not yet imagined the existence of so-called alternate dimensions, parallel spaces, or other things imagined in science fiction.
Therefore, he needs to seriously study the issues related to immortals.
Of course, the main focus should be on studying the origin of God, God's abilities, God's rank and responsibilities, and... how did I get promoted?
Seeing her brother frown, seemingly deep in thought, Xu Rouyue stopped talking. Remembering his earlier mention of taking her to school, she naturally assumed he was worried about how to deal with Huang Chen, that rich, roguish playboy from Beijing. So, Xu Rouyue couldn't help but frown as well; it was really…annoying!
"Brother, don't come to see me off. Once we get to Beijing, I'll move to the school's student dormitory. There are security guards there..." Xu Rouyue said with a bitter face, knowing in her heart that it was useless. She just hoped that after such a big conflict between Huang Chen and her brother, he would completely stop harassing her. After all, after what had happened, he should understand that she would never agree to it no matter what, right?
"Oh, I have to see you off, otherwise I won't feel at ease." Xu Zhengyang snapped out of his reverie and waved.
Sigh, there's still that rich kid Huang Chen in Beijing whom I beat up. I really don't understand what these people are thinking. There are plenty of pretty girls out there, why do they have to keep pestering girls they don't like? There's an old saying that forced love is never sweet. Is my sister really that beautiful that he's so infatuated with her? Xu Zhengyang looked up and examined his sister's delicate face. Hmm, she is indeed quite pretty… but that rich kid Huang Chen is clearly just looking for a fling. Even if he really likes my sister, that's still unacceptable!
No reason is needed! Because there are many reasons.
Xu Rouyue added, "I called Yingying and Xia Dan the day before yesterday. Xia Dan said that inviting Huang Chen to dinner would be enough to apologize. Huang Chen has to give Yu Xuan face."
"Really?" Xu Zhengyang frowned. "Then I have to go too. I'll have to apologize to him over dinner. My brother can swallow his pride and apologize to him, but you did nothing wrong, so you don't need to apologize to him!"
"Brother..." Xu Rouyue wanted to say something more.
Just then, there was a loud knocking on the courtyard gate, and the brother and sister looked towards it.
As we mentioned before, in rural areas, people rarely keep their gates closed during the day when someone is home. Those who politely knock before entering, even with the gate wide open, are a rare breed in rural areas. This is because even if they are not acquaintances, most people don't have the habit of knocking; they simply stand outside the gate and call out.
Xu Zhengyang looked at the person who had arrived and a sense of joy rose in his heart. He stood up and said, "Hello, is this Bingjie?"
"Yes, Miss is feeling a bit bored at home and wants to go out for a walk," the burly driver said with a smile and a nod.
Where are they?
The driver smiled, turned and walked out. A moment later, Li Bingjie, wearing a purple-blue long dress, gently entered, her eyes still vacant and empty. She walked into the courtyard as if it were her own home, without any hesitation or expression, heading straight towards Xu Zhengyang. The driver, just like last time, stood at the entrance like a gatekeeper. Perhaps because Xu Rouyue was still in the courtyard, the driver took an extra step, crossed his arms in front of him, and calmly looked in their direction.
"Please sit down," Xu Zhengyang said with a smile, gesturing for him to sit.
Then he realized he had made an unnecessary movement and said something unnecessary, because when he gestured and spoke, Li Bingjie had already unceremoniously sat down on the stone bench opposite him, her eyes lightly sweeping over Xu Rouyue's face before settling on Xu Zhengyang and not looking away.
"This is my younger sister, Rouyue," Xu Zhengyang introduced with a smile. "Rouyue is my classmate, Li Bingjie. Well, she's not very talkative."
"Oh, hello Bingjie." Xu Rouyue glanced at her brother meaningfully, blinked, and then smiled happily at Li Bingjie, saying, "Sister, you're so beautiful!"
Li Bingjie ignored her and didn't even glance at Xu Rouyue.
Xu Zhengyang was a little embarrassed and said, "Rouyue, I just picked some grapes in the west room, and I haven't washed them yet. Go wash them and bring them out to serve our guests."
"Oh." Xu Rouyue got up and walked towards the west room, somewhat annoyed.
Then, silence...
Their eyes met, and Xu Zhengyang gave way first, awkwardly asking, "How have you been these past few days?"
There was naturally no answer, so Xu Zhengyang continued, "I'm doing fine. I'm planning to open an antique shop in Fuhe City, um, in partnership with someone..."
...
"Rouyue, stop washing the grapes! Get me a pen and a notebook!"
Volume Two, Chapter 49: The Arrogant Woman Meets the Ice Beauty
Yuan Suqin, who was doing needlework in the inner room, heard that a guest had arrived and hurriedly got up to see. She was surprised to find a beautiful young woman looking for her son. Yuan Suqin's face immediately lit up with joy. She excitedly went over, ignoring the embarrassment and worry on her son's face, and sat down next to the young woman, beginning to ask about everyday matters. While doing so, she kept touching the gleaming gold ring on her finger, to show that despite their dilapidated house, her family was actually quite wealthy.
These days, Yuan Suqin has been constantly focused on her son's marriage, planning to become a mother-in-law and grandmother as soon as possible. Of course, the standards for her chosen daughter-in-law are already quite high. "My family is now worth millions," she says, "so we're not rebuilding this house. Anyone who doesn't have the discernment to look down on us shouldn't even think about entering our house."
This girl is pretty good. She's so beautiful and quiet, and she's with this big, burly man by her side. Her family must be well-off. Hmm, a perfect match...
Yuan Suqin's enthusiasm and joy were naturally met with a bucket of cold water!
Li Bingjie completely ignored Yuan Suqin's question, probably because the other party was Xu Zhengyang's mother. She only glanced at the other party indifferently before turning her gaze back to Xu Zhengyang.
Embarrassed, Xu Zhengyang could only explain and persuade his mother to go back inside. After Yuan Suqin returned to the room and sat on the bed, she said with a disgruntled expression, "Zhengyang, we can't marry this girl. We're looking for a wife, not a grandmother! Fine, she gives her mother-in-law this cold shoulder on her first visit home. Who is she trying to impress? Humph!"
Xu Zhengyang was both amused and exasperated. What was all this about? He quickly explained a few things, then walked out helplessly under his mother's stern gaze.
But under the grape trellis, Li Bingjie had moved from the stone bench to the bamboo chair, leaning back gently and oblivious to everyone else, and picking up a copy of the "Classic of Mountains and Seas" to read.
On the stone table, Xu Rouyue had already placed a notebook and a ballpoint pen.
The clean grapes were placed in a small plastic bowl on the table. Xu Rouyue politely took a few bunches of grapes and offered them to the driver at the door, inviting him to come inside. The driver thanked her gently, accepted the grapes, but did not go inside. Instead, he held the plastic bowl in one hand and ate the grapes slowly, remaining standing at the door.
Xu Zhengyang sighed and sat down on the stone bench next to him, thinking that it seemed there was no hope of chatting by writing. Although he had long been used to Li Bingjie's cold and aloof personality, he still hoped that he could talk to her, even if it was just a sentence or a few words, or even just writing a few words on a notebook, like last time.
There are some secrets that need to be kept from relatives, friends, and far too many people, which is why one feels pressure and distress.
No one wants to keep a huge secret forever until they die. Even if they are forced to keep it a secret, deep down they desperately want someone to know. If it's good, they can share the joy; if it's bad, they can find comfort and support.
This is a common human ailment.
However, Xu Zhengyang couldn't tell his closest relatives the secret of his divine authority and supernatural powers. Perhaps he feared the shock this secret would cause, leading to estrangement and a distance between them; perhaps he was afraid of worrying his family, and even more so, he worried about causing them unnecessary trouble. Xu Zhengyang, a simple country bumpkin with little formal education, understood the meaning of the saying very well—a tall tree catches the wind.
In particular, the clergy tree is strangely large.
Xu Zhengyang wasn't a high-ranking, capable person, nor did he possess any hidden cunning or scheming. Although he had assumed a divine position, he remained honest and simple at heart. He never aspired to be a wise and virtuous saint, nor did he have a compassionate heart. Aside from the divine position and supernatural abilities that even he himself didn't fully understand, he was still just a simple, uneducated, and somewhat shrewd peasant from Shuanghe Village.
Of course, he had a stroke of luck and became rich overnight. He then went on a treasure hunt, which quickly lifted his family out of economic hardship and made them rich, making them one of the top ten wealthiest households in the village.
Xu Zhengyang was aware of all of this, and he was constantly filled with joy and excitement, as well as unease and worry that it was all a dream. Occasionally, he would wake up one night to find that his family was still destitute and impoverished, and his family was still struggling to make ends meet with debts.
Therefore, he hoped that someone would understand and listen to him.
In Xu Zhengyang's mind, Li Bingjie was definitely the most suitable person to understand and listen to. At least, this girl, whose coldness almost drove everyone crazy, was someone he could trust; she wouldn't tell anyone. Because she was too lazy, or rather, incapable of, even the most basic polite communication.
Moreover, she was, in a way, my... confidante? Friend? Or... first love.
As I said before: having such an eccentric, wonderful person as a friend, having heart-to-heart talks... is truly an awkward, relaxing, and... pleasant thing.
The courtyard was quiet. Xu Zhengyang smoked a cigarette, lost in thought; Li Bingjie was leisurely reading the "Classic of Mountains and Seas".
Inside, Xu Rouyue sat on the edge of the bed, leaning against the windowsill, looking through the glass at the strange girl and the strange brother outside. What was their relationship? Just classmates? Visiting guests? Then say something!
Who are you?
The tranquility of the courtyard was broken by a pleasant female voice.
Li Bingjie didn't even look up, seemingly oblivious to what was happening around her, and continued reading.
Xu Zhengyang had snapped out of his silence and looked up to see the driver standing calmly at the gate, seemingly unmoved by the presence of outsiders. He simply turned to look into the courtyard and said, "Xu Zhengyang, someone's looking for you. Do you know her?"
Standing at the foot of the smooth slope in front of the door was a girl wearing a pink short-sleeved shirt and a gray-white denim mini skirt, with blue high-heeled sandals on her feet. Her neat, short hair was loose, and she wore light makeup. She was a beautiful girl. Compared to the countryside, such a girl could definitely be called a village beauty, or even a country beauty... well, a very clichéd comparison, perhaps more appropriate.
It's Liu Xiuyan!
Xu Zhengyang was a little puzzled. What was she doing here? But he couldn't very well turn her away, so he got up and walked toward the gate, saying, "Brother, she's from our village, a friend of mine."
The driver nodded and stepped aside.
Liu Xiuyan glared at the unfamiliar, burly man with some displeasure, stepped into the courtyard, and said to Xu Zhengyang, "Zhengyang, I want to go to Futou Town. My bicycle broke down. Do you have a motorcycle here? Can you give me a ride?"
"Huh?" Xu Zhengyang was taken aback for a moment, then smiled wryly and said, "I'm sorry, I have guests at home..."
While politely declining, Xu Zhengyang was secretly wondering, "This is really strange. Why would Liu Xiuyan suddenly ask me to take her home? Isn't this ridiculous?"