{"id":12635,"date":"2020-08-26T12:00:07","date_gmt":"2020-08-26T16:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/?p=12635"},"modified":"2020-09-09T13:13:15","modified_gmt":"2020-09-09T17:13:15","slug":"pttp023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/pttp023\/","title":{"rendered":"Part-Time Taoist Priest 23"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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<< Chapter 22<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Project Page<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Chapter 24 >><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Joss Paper Hanging from the Ear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Today, Chen Mo brought his younger brother, seventeen-year-old Chen Zui, to Baoyang Temple. As soon as they entered the temple, they saw Xie Lingya selling cakes in the front yard. Chen Mo quickly grabbed Chen Zui, who was looking around. \u201cWait here, I\u2019ll go say hello to Teacher Xie.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chen Mo\u2019s colleagues unanimously agreed that the famous atheist \u2018Karen\u2019 Chen Mo had changed for the better after the lesson he was taught at Baoyang Temple. The pre-Baoyang Temple Chen Mo was the kind of person who was always alert wherever he went and found fault even in trivial things like traffic lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indeed, Chen Mo had learned his lesson. He got into trouble easily because he couldn\u2019t keep his mouth shut. It was one thing to offend people, it was another thing to suffer at the hands of an enraged god.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for Chen Zui, he was currently a high school senior. Chen Mo insisted that he came to the temple to offer incense and ask for blessings. Chen Zui thought it was a silly idea, but he wasn\u2019t as much of a contrary person as Chen Mo had once been. In addition, Baoyang Temple was rather popular at their school recently\u2014even among his classmates, it had become a trend to come here for tea. Chen Zui was only puzzled about his brother\u2019s change of attitude, wondering how he got brainwashed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTeacher Xie, are you busy?\u201d Chen Mo greeted. Lately, Xie Lingya worked mostly in the backyard and it was rare to see him in the front yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, Chen Mo, you aren\u2019t working today?\u201d Xie Lingya replied. \u201cI\u2019m helping out in the front. We are now selling cake, so I was introducing its origins to everyone. I just finished explaining. You came too late.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chen Mo took a glimpse. The cakes had Baoyang Temple<\/em> stamped on the front and Spring Snow Cake<\/em> on the back. It was very fitting for the atmosphere of a Taoist temple. \u201cI have to try them then. Is there any more?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHold on, I will go get some.\u201d Xie Lingya was in a good mood because the sales had been good. There were many visitors on the weekends and once they\u2019d heard that the temple was selling cakes, many had wanted to try them, especially since his story had been interesting. A plate of cake was 30 yuan, and most tables ordered at least one plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chen Mo waved Chen Zui over. \u201cCome here!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chen Zui walked over and saw his brother greet the temple volunteers. Then, he very naturally started to prepare tea, while Xie Lingya returned with some Spring Snow Cakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIs this your brother? He looks a lot like you,\u201d Xie Lingya said. Chen Mo came to the temple quite often. Although there were some unhappy experiences in the beginning, Chen Mo was much better later on, so Xie Lingya sat down to chat with him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes. My brother is a high school senior and will be taking the Gaokao<\/a> next semester,\u201d Chen Mo replied. \u201cHis results were not ideal, so I brought him here to offer incense to Wenchang Dijun.\u201d1<\/a><\/sup>A Taoist deity in Chinese mythology, known as the God of Culture and Literature.<\/span>\n\n\n\n

Chen Mo was gradually getting familiar with the Taoist gods and deities. One of the side halls of Baoyang Temple was dedicated to Wenchang Dijun, who oversaw fortunes for examinations; scholars had been worshipping him since ancient times. Although Wenchang Dijun was not Baoyang Temple\u2019s tutelary god, Chen Mo, as an ardent follower of Baoyang, didn\u2019t bother searching for Wenchang\u2019s temples and instead came here directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chen Zui wasn\u2019t paying much attention to the conversation between Chen Mo and Xie Lingya. He assumed that Xie Lingya was something of a jushi<\/em>2<\/a><\/sup>lay practicioner<\/span> of the temple. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He took a photo of the Spring Snow Cakes, uploaded it to his friend circle, and checked-in at the temple before tasting a cake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The appearance of the cake was simple but the taste and texture in the mouth were pretty good. The sweetness was natural and not overwhelming like those cakes with a ton of sugar added. Since Chen Zui hadn\u2019t had much of an appetite at lunch, he had only eaten a piece of bread and the cake\u2019s light, non-greasy taste was quite appetizing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chen Zui ended up half-full from eating the cakes with tea, and yet he didn\u2019t feel tired of the taste. Glancing at the other tables, most of them had also ordered the cakes. They were quite popular indeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What he did not know was, not only did the cakes taste good, but the ingredients were Chinese yam and fuling<\/em>, which were particularly beneficial to both the young and the elderly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cakes appeared ordinary and the taste was nothing surprising, however, after a few pieces, one could gradually tell their merit. They also went very well with tea. In fact, these cakes would become one of their best selling cakes in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With their long and rich history, in addition to having been handmade at a Taoist temple, these cakes were also appealing to those searching for originality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People like Chen Zui would take photos and check-in on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chen Zui opened his friend circle again and saw that he had received a few dozen \u201clikes\u201d and many comments on his photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This was unusual. Chen Zui opened up the newest comments and realized that most of them were from his female classmates and friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIsn\u2019t this Baoyang Temple? Who is sitting opposite you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t you say you are going out with your brother today? Wow, is that your brother?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI hereby announce that I\u2019m going to be Chen Zui\u2019s sister-in-law.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWait, that might be Baoyang Temple\u2019s boss. Rumor on the streets has it that there is a handsome priest in Baoyang, and if you are lucky you will meet him.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis morning my friend said that Baoyang was selling desserts, but I didn\u2019t know that you\u2019d get to sit with handsome men when eating dessert! <\/em>[:Heart:] Wait for me, I\u2019m coming too!!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m going there immediately! <\/em>[:Blush:]\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chen Zui read the comments and was at a loss. What\u2019s wrong with these people? They were like his brother, falling into some kind of frenzy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The photo of the cake was taken at the level of the table, therefore the people opposite him and the buildings behind were also in the frame. In the photo, Teacher Xie was leaning lazily on the cane chair, his chin propped on his hand as he chatted with Chen Mo, a faint smile on his face. However, as a straight man, Chen Zui didn\u2019t feel particularly participant in the frenzy of his comment section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Judging by these comments, Teacher Xie, to some degree, could be considered well-known, but these people had little understanding of him. It was all just rumors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn reply to all your questions, that is not my brother, he is my brother\u2019s friend, called Teacher Xie or something. Not sure if he is a volunteer here or the boss.\u201d<\/em> Chen Zui made a quick reply and closed the messaging app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After they finished the cakes, Xie Lingya led them to Wenchang Hall. \u201cWenchang Dijun\u2019s statue has just been changed too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chen Zui looked around as he walked, not paying much attention to where he was stepping. While walking out of the main hall, he tripped on the high threshold of the door and fell over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cChen Zui, are you alright?\u201d Chen Mo quickly helped his brother up. Seeing Chen Zui\u2019s wince, Chen Mo pulled up his pants leg and saw that his knee was badly scraped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immediately, Chen Mo said excitedly, \u201cTeacher Xie, he is bleeding. Ah, can we use the blood-stopping incantation?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya: \u201c……\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He didn\u2019t look like he was worried about his brother and instead looked like he just wanted to see Xie Lingya\u2019s miracle skills again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chen Zui on the other hand panicked. Fuck, incantation? Has his brother gone mad? He agreed to come here to burn incense for fun, but reciting incantations was just too weird. He shouted frantically, \u201cNo no no\u2026 I don\u2019t want to!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chen Mo stared at him disapprovingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya took a glimpse at Chen Zui and said, \u201cHelp him to the back. I\u2019ll go call Brother Hai to come over.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHold up, I said I don\u2019t want to!\u201d Chen Zui thought this was it. What kind of evil cult was this Taoist temple that forced people? Would they make him drink ash water or talisman water? His brother must\u2019ve been brainwashed! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That Brother Hai, was he the head here? Chen Zui\u2019s imagination drew many possible horrific plots. He looked around panic-stricken, wanting to call for help. But would anyone believe him? What if everyone was brainwashed, or thought that it was a family matter and didn\u2019t care? He and his brother looked very much alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya stared at him strangely. \u201cYou don\u2019t want a doctor? Then what, are you going to lick the wound to heal it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chen Zui: \u201cI\u2026 ah?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chen Zui embarrassedly realized that he had made an incorrect assumption. He had thought that his brother was brainwashed and that Xie Lingya was a scammer. Moreover, they mentioned something about incantations. He didn\u2019t expect \u201cBrother Hai\u201d to be a doctor…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour brother doesn\u2019t like traditional Chinese physicians?\u201d Xie Lingya asked Chen Mo. \u201cBut Doctor Hai uses modern techniques for treating wounds.\u201d He thought maybe this kid misunderstood that they were going to use incantations. But that was not right. Since when did they, Taoists, forcefully <\/em>promote themselves? They wouldn\u2019t stoop to such a thing no matter how poor they were.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes there were patients blindly asking the gods for help, and he would even advise these people to seek treatment at the clinic behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chen Mo didn\u2019t know either. Looking at Chen Zui\u2019s stupidity, he said, \u201cDon\u2019t listen to him, please call on Doctor Hai.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not long after, Hai Guanchao came over with a first aid kit. The abrasion was not deep and had not come in contact with contaminants and therefore didn\u2019t need an injection\u2014disinfecting and bandaging it was enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chen Zui had let his imagination run too wild. He lowered his head and played on his phone to hide his embarrassment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suddenly there were many comments under his post: \u201cWhat? Gullible Xie? Heartbroken!\u201d<\/em>3<\/a><\/sup>Chen Zui mistyped \u8001\u5e08 (Teacher) to \u8001\u5b9e (gullible, naive, honest)<\/span>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow can he have such a name? <\/em>[:Cry:] I am not going there anymore.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI fell out of love.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI cannot accept that he is called Gullible Xie. I just can\u2019t.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c?\u201d Chen Zui scrolled up and found that he had made a typo. As if venting his frustration he wrote, \u201cAre you people crazy? I just mistyped \u2018Teacher\u2019 to \u2018Gullible\u2019. You guys are really superficial!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The comment section went into a frenzy again:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, I fell in love again.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI hold my ready-packed purse as I am superficially heading for tea ^^\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chen Mo and Chen Zui went to offer incense to Wenchang Dijun and Spirit Official Wang before leaving. Of course, Chen Zui later received much criticism because after he left, Xie Lingya did not appear in the front yard anymore. The people who arrived at Baoyang Temple after that only got to admire Zhang Daozhang<\/em> being forced to be a model to promote the cakes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nevertheless, it had to be said that the cakes were quite good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Xie Lingya had originally wanted to take a nap but in the end, he went to wash his face. Refreshed, he started doing mock questions again. Only after he was done did he go for a short nap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He woke up around 5 p.m. to start preparing dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya got some food from the kitchen and went to knock on Shi Changxuan\u2019s door. He had just lifted his hand when the door opened. He was stunned for a moment but then he smiled. \u201cI have come to change the food for Pokeweed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He glanced around as he spoke and noticed that the altar was empty. Pokeweed was lying next to Shi Changxuan\u2019s pillow. This wasn\u2019t the time for reciting spells. Excited, he asked, \u201cHas it started speaking?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not sure if he got the wrong impression, he felt that Shi Changxuan was hesitant when he nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya: \u201cWow, what did it say?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan: \u201c………\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya: \u201c?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya was very confused. Wait, why isn\u2019t he answering?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThen, can I come in?\u201d Xie Lingya asked again. This time Shi Changxuan hesitated even longer before letting him in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pokeweed was still wrapped in a handkerchief, lying next to the pillow like a small doll. Xie Lingya approached Pokeweed step by step as Shi Changxuan stared at him intensely from behind. Rarely in Xie Lingya\u2019s life had he felt so nervous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What would he hear…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya bent down and placed his ear close to Pokeweed. A few seconds later, he tilted his head towards Shi Changxuan. \u201cUm? Why isn\u2019t he speaking?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2026That Pokeweed that was blabbering non-stop finally shut its mouth?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Shi Changxuan came over, Xie Lingya picked up Pokeweed and held it next to Shi Changxuan\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan accepted the sprite and just as Xie Lingya let go, Shi Changxuan heard Pokeweed\u2019s tiny voice: \u201cHuu\u2014 I\u2019m too shy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan: \u201c…………\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The whispering sprite\u2019s voice was too soft, so Xie Lingya didn\u2019t hear anything. He looked expectantly at Shi Changxuan. \u201cHow is it? Did it say anything?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan looked away. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya was dejected, \u201cMaybe he forms his own thoughts and can choose when to speak? So what did he say previously?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pokeweed was in fact speaking now. Its voice reached Shi Changxuan\u2019s ear, \u201cXie Lingya wanted to cook fish tonight. There is a very big carp in the wet market. It is at the second stall on the third row\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan ignored the voice and said slowly, \u201cA defect after it got scared by the thunder. It is not very bright.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pokeweed\u2019s voice stopped abruptly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, so it doesn\u2019t speak much and the content isn\u2019t accurate when it does. Not very useful, is it?\u201d Xie Lingya said with regret. No wonder Shi Changxuan was hesitant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan: \u201c…En.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pokeweed: \u201cNo, I am not! You liar!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya asked, \u201cIs there any way to fix it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan put down Pokeweed and said plainly, \u201cLet me try reciting the spell a few more times.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He thought he heard the broken pokeweed sprite moaning about \u201cnever changing\u201d, but he couldn\u2019t hear it after removing it from beside his ear. The voice was not louder than the buzz of a mosquito.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya laughed when he saw that and said, \u201cIt is inconvenient if you keep holding it in your hand. Hold on, let me find a pin.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before Shi Changxuan could react, Xie Lingya left the room. When he returned, he brought a pin and a pair of scissors. He cut up the handkerchief Pokeweed was wearing and closed it up again with the pin, making it more garment-like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then he fastened Pokeweed to Shi Changxuan\u2019s collar as if it was a fashionable brooch. Just, the brooch was at odds with Shi Changxuan\u2019s cold demeanor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya: \u201cHaha, it is quite cute.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan adjusted Pokeweed somewhat uncomfortably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pokeweed: \u201cI, CUTE.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan: \u201c……\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After dinner that night, Shi Changxuan cleared his mind and recited spells again while ignoring the blabbering Pokeweed. He wasn\u2019t lying to Xie Lingya, he felt that if he continued reciting the incantations, the pokeweed sprite would become normal. There was something wrong with this pokeweed sprite; it was defective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nearby, Zhang Daoting asked Xie Lingya, \u201cDoes Shi Daozhang<\/em> dislike eating fish? That cold tone he used during dinner when he asked \u2018This is grass carp?\u2019… I nearly died from fright.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot at all,\u201d Xie Lingya replied. \u201cAfter you left, he told me where in the market to get carp the next time. Maybe he just doesn\u2019t like grass carp. Besides, I don\u2019t know when he became so familiar with the market.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even teaching him so passionately about these trivial matters. What a rare occurrence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zhang Daoting glanced a few times at Shi Changxuan, who was seated a little further away, and asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s that doll on Shi Daozhang<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He had managed to hold back from asking for a long time. It was just too weird seeing a small wooden doll on the stoic Shi Daozhang<\/em>\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hai Guanchao pondered over it for a moment and thought of something. He stared at Shi Changxuan, who was muttering incantations under his breath, and asked, \u201cThe last time the two of you went out, was it because of that thing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes.\u201d Xie Lingya briefly told them what happened. \u201cBut don\u2019t tell anyone else and don\u2019t mention it to Shi Daozhang<\/em>. That pokeweed sprite doesn\u2019t seem too bright. Shi Daozhang<\/em> might be sad if we brought it up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zhang Daoting laughed drily. He couldn\u2019t imagine what Shi Daozhang<\/em> looked like when sad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya stared at Shi Changxuan reciting the spell for the forty-ninth time. He took a sip of water from his cup and then stood up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Suddenly, Shi Changxuan felt the noise next to his ear stop. Even a usually calm and collected person like him couldn\u2019t help but sigh in relief. Had it fixed itself? He observed Pokeweed silently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014The next second, he felt someone lean in from behind and lay their head on his shoulder. There was only a small wooden doll between their faces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan could almost feel the cool breath of the other person when the mirthful voice sounded by his ear, \u201cAiya<\/em>, looking at you I thought it was speaking. I wanted to eavesdrop.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan was slightly stiff. Xie Lingya tilted his head and their hair brushed past each other. They were so close that if they moved slightly, Xie Lingya\u2019s lips would touch his face. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This was too sudden. Shi Changxuan didn\u2019t dare to move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya still did not get up. Instead, he said, \u201cWill it be like that forever? Either it can\u2019t speak or it can\u2019t speak accurately. Or does it like being in the mountains better? Are you going to send it back?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan couldn\u2019t help the serious thoughts that came up in his mind: Why is he leaning on my shoulder? He is getting more and more out of line.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Xie Lingya didn\u2019t get a reply, he asked again, \u201cEn, is that not good?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At this moment, a tiny voice sounded next to their ears, \u201cThe h-happy pond has planted, the dreams that became the ocean, the bulging eyes, and big mouth, it can sing loudly too!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan: \u201c???\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before Shi Changxuan could grasp what had happened, he felt the weight lift off his shoulder. Xie Lingya had stood up. With Pokeweed held in his palms, he excitedly cheered, \u201cIt can sing Little Leaping Frog<\/em>! Don\u2019t you dare let it go\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan: \u201c……………\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shi Changxuan followed the crowd into the subway station, ready to head to class. Pokeweed was fastened to a strap on his backpack. Since it had opened its mouth, Pokeweed would be carried wherever he went. However, it kept complaining about having to leave the temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan: \u201c…Noisy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He unfastened Pokeweed and put it into his pocket. When he lifted his head again, not only the sprite was silent, but the students who were chatting around him had also quieted down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan looked out the window expressionlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During class, Huang Jinyang asked Shi Changxuan, \u201cDid you bring the notes for the reference? You said you would lend them to me last time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan opened his bag to search for the notebook. \u201c…I took the wrong one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He had been reading in his room and there were a few notebooks. He must\u2019ve taken the wrong one due to being distracted by the issue with the whispering sprite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh? Oh, no! I wanted to bring it back today. I applied for leave to go back to my hometown for a wedding. I\u2019m heading to the train station after the afternoon class.\u201d Huang Jinyang looked dismayed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet me ask.\u201d Shi Changxuan wanted to ask if there was anyone free in the temple who could deliver the notebook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He went outside the classroom with his bag to make the call. Before dialing, he glanced at Pokeweed, who was hanging from his bag, and raised it to eye level.\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you remind me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To avoid calamity was one of the most basic functions of a whispering sprite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pokeweed didn\u2019t say a word, as if it was really a silent decorative wooden doll.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The person Shi Changxuan called was Xie Lingya\u2014he was the only one in the temple who could possibly be free. Upon hearing the problem, Xie Lingya immediately replied, \u201cNo problem, I will bring it over. I\u2019m pretty free over here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya had made another batch of Spring Snow Cakes in the morning. The sales went very well. The 15kg of cakes were sold out on the first day, so Xie Lingya confidently made some more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He followed Shi Changxuan\u2019s instructions from the phone call and took the notebook. Then, he took the subway to Quedong College and found their classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coincidentally, the first class had just ended. Huang Jinyang and Shi Changxuan were heading out together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Huang Jinyang saw that it was Xie Lingya who came to deliver the notebook and gratefully said, \u201cTeacher Xie, I must call you Teacher. It is too awesome. That luck changing talisman really worked. I have not seen much of those things<\/em> recently.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As he spoke, his left eye winced a little before slowly opening up again. The eye was blinking quite often, it seemed that while his luck had in fact changed, it would still take some time for him to change his habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGreat that it worked. Where are you having your next class?\u201d Xie Lingya asked as he walked out with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They were heading in the same direction. Xie Lingya walked next to Shi Changxuan, asking, \u201cWhere\u2019s that\u2026 doll?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shi Changxuan took Pokeweed out of his pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya asked, \u201cWhy aren\u2019t you wearing it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Huang Jinyang listening to their conversation thought something was strange. \u201cIs this a gift from you? And I was wondering why it\u2019s so\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot his style?\u201d Xie Lingya laughed. \u201cBut it\u2019s cute.\u201d If it was him, he would wear it every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Silently, Shi Changxuan pinned Pokeweed back onto his shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As they walked within the campus grounds, Xie Lingya saw a familiar figure. \u201cIsn\u2019t that Headmaster Mi? Have you guys met him? Once, I was playing with fireworks at school after the winter holidays and got caught by him. He gave me a good scolding.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Headmaster Mi was affectionately known as Old Man Mi. Huang Jinyang and Shi Changxuan were admitted as graduate students but they too recognized his face. At the moment, Headmaster Mi was leading some people through the school field, it looked like they were being given a tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Huang Jinyang glanced over and asked, \u201cIs the one by his side also one of our school teachers?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya stared for a while. \u201cYou\u2019re referring to the one on the left who looks very rich? The one with the very long earlobes?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, the one on the left. I don\u2019t know if his earlobes are long.\u201d Huang Jinyang hesitated. \u201cThere is a big piece of paper hanging on his ear.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPaper?\u201d Xie Lingya scanned through the crowd. \u201cNo one has a paper on their ear.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo way.\u201d Huang Jinyang squinted his eyes and was certain to see one. \u201cReally there is\u2026 ah, wait, that paper is circular but has a square in the middle like a copper coin\u2026 That\u2019s not right, paper coin, joss paper?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Huang Jinyang was stunned. Who would hang joss paper on themselves?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Xie Lingya and Shi Changxuan exchanged a glance. Joss paper?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At this time, the pokeweed sprite, who had never made any proper predictions since opening its mouth, suddenly spoke up with its teeny voice, \u201cJoss paper hanging from the ear, life nearing its limit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Translator: <\/em>Velvet
TL checker:<\/em> Darkchocolatesan
Editor: <\/em>Miiya, Taalia
Proofreader:<\/em> Taalia, Eques
QC:<\/em> Eques<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Chapter 24 >><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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