Chapter Eight: Leaving Home

My master and I returned home to find the lights still on. Grandfather and grandmother were seated at the table; Grandfather wore a pair of glasses and was reading a book. When he saw us enter, he closed the book and immediately asked, “How did things go at the mortuary?”

I poured water for my master and my grandparents. Only after finishing his drink did my master reply, “Nothing happened at the mortuary. It was just Qiyuan—he was injured by Qingchen and is there to recuperate.”

Grandfather frowned at first, then nodded, as if he already understood the connection between Qiyuan and my master. He didn’t ask more, just reopened his book. My master glanced at him and spoke again, “Since both of you are here, I want to share a thought. I’d like to take Lin Xuan out with me to experience more of the world. What do you think?”

Grandfather paused, took off his glasses, and said, “Whatever you set your mind to, I’m in no position to stop you. It’s a good thing for Lin Xuan to see more of the world. Go ahead and make arrangements. But he hasn’t even finished his nine years of compulsory education. Why not enroll him in a middle school out there? There’s little point in keeping him here in the countryside. If he gets into trouble, you can discipline him however you see fit.”

“Alright, since you say so, we’ll set out early tomorrow. I have matters to attend to and need to return soon. You don’t have to worry about Lin Xuan; as long as I’m around, no one will dare lay a hand on my apprentice. I’ll also arrange for a good school, so rest easy,” my master said with a smile.

At first, the news that I’d be seeing the world with my master didn’t provoke much of a reaction in me. But when he mentioned we’d be leaving the very next day, my heart tightened. After all, I’d lived here for over ten years—it was hard to leave so suddenly, especially with my grandparents on my mind.

Grandmother, upon hearing we would leave the next day, said nothing. She glanced at Grandfather, then turned to her bedroom, wiping her eyes on her way. On her face, I saw a fleeting expression of reluctance, which made my heart ache even more.

My master, not an unfeeling man, saw our expressions and understood. He wanted to say something, but Grandfather spoke first, waving his hand. “I’ll explain everything to your grandmother. Don’t worry, Xuan. You’re grown now—sometimes you have to learn to let go. A man who lets emotions rule him will only hinder his own growth. We’re old, but you needn’t worry about us. Follow your master well and become someone useful to society.”

With red-rimmed eyes, I nodded heavily. My master patted me on the head and softly said, “It’s alright, Xiao Xuan. Just as your grandfather said, everyone must grow up and learn to let go. Come back often when you have time. It’s late now—go get some sleep.”

He gave my head a gentle tap. I nodded silently, stood up, went to bed, pulled the covers over my head, and drifted off to sleep.

The next afternoon, my master and I shouldered our luggage and stood outside the courtyard. Grandfather and grandmother waited at the gate. Grandmother could no longer hold back her tears. She hugged me tightly and said, “Xuan, listen to your master when you’re out there and take care of yourself. Call us or come visit when you can. I’ll make your favorite drunken crab when you’re back.”

I held back my tears, my voice trembling. “Don’t worry, Grandma. I’ll come back. Please both take care of your health. Grandpa, you should smoke less too.”

Grandfather laughed, came forward, and helped Grandmother up. “You should worry more about yourself. You’re heading to the city now—take good care. I won’t say more. Go on, don’t miss your train.”

Master, standing beside me, nodded, saluted my grandparents, and led me away from the courtyard. As we turned, a chorus of children’s voices called out behind us, “Lin Xuan! Lin Xuan!”

Startled, I looked back to see Tiezhu, Sanbao, and Gouwa running over. Panting, they said, “Lin Xuan, we heard from my mom that you’re moving to the city. We came to see you off. Fatty hasn’t woken up yet, so he’s not here. The three of us will say goodbye for him. When you get to the city, don’t forget to come back and see us.”

I looked at the three of them and chuckled. “Don’t worry. How could I forget you? We’re all family. And tell Fatty to stop bullying others.”

“Heh, sure. Safe travels! Remember to come back often,” Tiezhu replied.

I nodded and walked with my master to the village entrance. After calling a taxi, we got in. My master told the driver, “To the train station.”

The car slowly pulled away from the village. I leaned against the window, watching my home gradually vanish from view, feeling a pang of sadness. My master glanced at me and said, “Kid, you’ll come back someday.”

I leaned on the seat, watching the scenery, and softly murmured an acknowledgment, saying nothing more.

...

After a while, Master woke me up. I opened my eyes groggily and asked, “Master, are we there?”

He nodded. “Get your luggage. The train’s running late.”

I hurried out, grabbed my things, and Master, checking his watch, urged, “Quick, quick, we’re running out of time!” He slung his bag over his shoulder and dashed into the station.

Watching him, I couldn’t help but laugh. Honestly, he looked pretty funny—much more amusing than his usual aloof expression during fights.

After a dozen paces, Master stopped, turned, and shouted, “What are you standing there grinning for? Hurry up! Miss this train and we’ll be sleeping here tonight.”

At the mention of spending the night here, I snapped out of it and bolted after him, running even faster than he did. Master paused, shook his head, chuckled, and followed. He led me to the second-floor ticket gate; just in time, I let out a sigh of relief.

After checking in, we found our seats on the train. Five minutes later, it pulled out of the station. Master tidied our luggage and said, “It’ll be an hour or so until we reach Chongqing. If you get hungry, call the attendant.”

I nodded. Over an hour later, the announcement came: “Ladies and gentlemen, as our train speeds forward, we are approaching our final stop, Chongqing North Station. Please gather your belongings... The crew of Harmony Express wishes you health and happiness. Until next time.”

Master and I took our bags and, after disembarking, found it was already getting dark. We followed the crowd out of the station, caught a taxi, and headed for a place not far from the city center.

The car stopped before a villa. Getting out, I was stunned—never had I seen such a beautiful house. I stared, speechless, at the three-story building. Master rapped me on the head. “Stop gawking. Come on, this is your home now.”

He led me inside. The villa was spacious, with a cobblestone path flanked by stone benches and potted plants, and a large lawn beside them. Inside, the lavish hall sparkled with cold, intricate lighting. A spiral staircase led up to the third floor, and the bedrooms were nothing short of presidential suites.

My mouth hung open in awe. “Master, is this beautiful house really yours? Or am I dreaming?”

Sitting on the European-style sofa, Master laughed. “Who else would it belong to? I built all this with my own hands. It’s not just mine—it’s yours, too. Choose any room you like upstairs. No housekeeper here, though—if you’re hungry, make your own food. There’s a pool out back for swimming in the summer, and a gym upstairs—you’ll need it with that scrawny frame.”

Looking at the décor, I was overjoyed. I’d only ever seen such houses on TV. Now I had one myself. Someday, I’d bring Grandpa and Grandma here—there were plenty of rooms, and Master wouldn’t mind.

Sitting beside him, I asked, “Master, you built all this yourself? Is there really that much money in the supernatural business? I want to earn money too—I won’t go to school anymore.”

But before I could finish, Master flicked my forehead. “What nonsense. The supernatural world isn’t so easy. You have to finish your nine years of education first.”

I pouted, rubbed my head, and said, “Master, you rest. I’m going to explore upstairs.” Without waiting for a reply, I dashed off.

Master watched my retreating figure, shaking his head with a smile. “Young people these days really need to toughen up. Best arrange a school for this boy first.”

He picked up his phone, made a call, and hung up. Meanwhile, I ran from room to room upstairs, finally choosing one.

The room was spacious, with a large bed in the center, a telescope on the balcony, and an en-suite bathroom with all the amenities. I flopped onto the bed, stretching out in a big X. After a while, Master opened the door and said, “Well, you’ve got good taste. This room’s great—airy, and you can see the mountains and clouds every morning.”

I sat up, grinning. Master continued, “Your school is taken care of. I’ll take you out to have some fun the next few days, then it’s time to settle down and start your studies. Got it? Now, let’s go eat.”

At the mention of school, I felt uncomfortable but kept it to myself, simply replying, “Okay.” I followed him out for dinner. Afterwards, Master took me shopping for a few new outfits. At the clothing store, the receptionist was a pretty young woman. Master was instantly smitten and hurried over to chat with her, leaving me speechless.

After picking some suitable clothes, I went to pay, seeing the receptionist giggling at Master’s jokes. Inwardly, I cursed, “Old scoundrel.” Master turned and grinned, “All set?”

With a flourish, he produced a bank card and handed it to the cashier. She looked at him in surprise, but he said, “No password—swipe as you like.”

I looked at him, exasperated. After paying, we left, and the receptionist waved goodbye with a lovestruck expression.

Walking down the street, I said, “Master, could you stop leading girls on? Just look at yourself.”

He froze, then kicked me. “What do you mean, look at myself? Am I leading anyone on? Back in the day, I…”

He trailed off, suddenly silent. Rubbing my backside, I asked, “What about back in the day, Master?”

“Nothing. It’s all in the past. Let’s go home,” he mumbled.

Puzzled, I nodded. Once home, I showered and changed into my new clothes. Master looked at me and said, “Not bad. You’ve got good taste—looks sharp on you.”

I smiled and nodded. “Alright, it’s late. Get some sleep. Tomorrow, I’ll show you around,” he said before leaving and closing the door behind him.

As the door shut, I clearly heard him sigh softly, followed by the click of a lighter. I shook my head, not thinking much of it, changed into pajamas, and went to bed.