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Chu Shuzhi was not afraid. He rarely ever experienced fear back when he was alive, and now that he was dead and very little could harm him, he felt even less inclined to worry about his survival or his future. Sure, he got annoyed at Changcheng for some risks the kid really shouldn’t be taking, but it was nothing like an overwhelming, crushing feeling of approaching hopelessness, more of a frustration with how bad at staying alive and in one piece the kid was.
For the decades he’s spent here on the surface, running the Guardian Lantern, Chu Shuzhi wasn’t even all that concerned with his own soul, even with the deadline hanging over his head, mostly because, as much as it pained him to admit it - he was not alone with it. Zhao Yunlan was an irritating supervisor, but he was still the only person Chu Shuzhi had truly trusted, not that he would ever tell him that to his face.
In all of his plans and guesses regarding the future, Chu Shuzhi had never considered a farewell between them. Sure, he assumed that once he helped the last soul he would blissfully dissolve in a flash of light, probably flipping Zhao Yunlan off on his way, but he rather imagined he would be the first to go and after he’s rejoined the Wheel of Reincarnation, his self-appointed boss would go back to his usual tasks, to get his own wish, and that would be it.
The Hell’s festival of bad decisions changed everything.
Zhao Yunlan almost disintegrated before his very eyes, a thing Chu Shuzhi had never even considered possible, and then the Ghostslayer… It was still a bit uncomfortable to think about, to see the most powerful being in existence just break at the sight of Zhao Yunlan collapsing to the ground.
In all of his life and death, Chu Shuzhi had seen plenty of desperation, of devastation beyond words, but he could not recall anything that had left him as shaken as the Ghostslayer’s. The pure power radiating off of him back then, the decisiveness with which he had just shared his life with Zhao Yunlan - they all spoke of something much stronger than a flirtation that started back at the ill-made antiques shop.
Something changed, something started that moment. And even though Chu Shuzhi had no idea what it was, his heart was gripped with the unfamiliar emotion he refused to name.
“Chu-ge,” Changcheng said to his right, sounding rather fearful, bringing Shuzhi back from his thoughts. “I think this plate is as clean as it can be.”
When he looked down, Chu Shuzhi was forced to agree. Any more scrubbing would probably take the enamel off and it was one of the nicest ones he had, it would be a shame to damage it. He put the plate away and reached for another one, but the kid was definitely not done yet.
“Chu-ge, are you alright?” Before Chu Shuzhi could glare at him properly for the mere suggestion, Guo Changcheng took a deep breath and continued with: “You seem worried.”
The plate almost fell from his hand.
“I am not worried !” he growled, making the kid cower. Instead of apologizing and moving away, as was the usual, Guo Changcheng frowned and with a force that seemed uncharacteristic for him, barreled through:
“You are! Ever since we returned you’ve been quiet and unhappy! Your food tastes sad !” The last accusation was so ridiculous that Chu Shuzhi forgot his anger almost instantly. ‘Food tastes sad’, what did that even mean?
A bark of laughter escaped from Shuzhi’s throat, making Changcheng jump at the suddenness of it. When he finally calmed down a little, he examined the thought more closely. He wasn’t sad, he was… Chu Shuzhi wasn’t sure what he was feeling, really.
“There is something going on with the Ghostslayer and Zhao Yunlan.”
Guo Changcheng blinked at him.
“They are in love? But we knew that, it was pretty obvious, right?” There was so much assurance in his voice that it was almost like Chu Shuzhi dared to question the fundamental laws of the world - the sky is blue, fire burns, Zhao Yunlan and the Ghostslayer are in love. Another bout of manic laughter threatened to escape him, so Chu Shuzhi valiantly concentrated on the plate he was meant to clean now.
“I am not saying they are not. I am saying that…” A wave of uncertainty hit him. What was he so apprehensive about? What did it change really, that apparently the mighty Ghostslayer had questionable taste in his lovers? People fell in love all the time and it did not rewrite the fate of the world in any way, and yet the connection between Zhao Yunlan and his lordship made Chu Shuzhi uneasy.
He turned to the washing up in silence, pondering on it.
To his credit, Changcheng didn’t press, just resumed his usual duty of drying the clean plates. He worked in silence, next to Chu Shuzhi, and it was so weird to have him not chat at him every few moments, sharing the stories from the animal shelter or from the retirement home he volunteered at, that it soon became unbearable.
Done with the silence and with his own doubts, Chu Shuzhi finally cracked.
“Zhao Yunlan is going to leave.”
Next to him, Guo Changcheng dramatically dropped a glass.
The sound of it shattering seemed like an apt soundtrack for this realization.
Zhao Yunlan was leaving .
–
Once Chu Shuzhi knew what was going to happen, he tried to watch for the signs - Zhao Yunlan still dropped by practically every day, to take up space, drink Shuzhi’s beer or poke fun at Lin Jing, and for a while it seemed that nothing was going to happen after all.
It lulled Chu Shuzhi into a false sense of security, especially since he had other things to worry about - two more souls to help, and less than a month to do it, and for some reason there were absolutely no clients to be seen. As if the Lantern stopped being visible to mortals, the only ones appearing and stuffing themselves with noodles were the Hell’s employees and Lin Jing, who practically counted as a hellish volunteer at this point.
Chu Shuzhi was contemplating abducting someone to solve their problem by force, when the door opened.
The moment he noticed who his guest was, Chu Shuzhi realized that this was the moment. The change found him unawares.
“Good afternoon,” the Ghostslayer said pleasantly, his human guise looking as prim and proper as usual. Maybe it was because Chu Shuzhi had seen this face back in hell, when the Ghostslayer was breathing life into Zhao Yunlan, maybe that was what made him seem much more real, but he could see emotion on the enforcer’s face now.
The Ghostslayer was hopeful .
“Chief Zhao is-” Chu Shuzhi started, but was interrupted by a gentle shake of the Ghostslayer’s head.
“I know. I came to ask for help.”
Chu Shuzhi felt as if the ground was swept from underneath his feet. Could he even help someone holding that much power?
“I will do what I can,” he replied, watching the Ghostslayer sit at the table, watching him in expectation.
Shuzhi took the Dream Potion with him and sat down on the other chair. Usually, he solved the problems in a much more traditional way - he gave advice, intimidated people when needed, told his clients to stop being idiots. The Dream Potion was for those whose longing could not be sated in real life, it was for those who were missing a part of them that could only be recovered in their hearts.
He wasn’t sure why he was certain the Ghostslayer’s request would be of that kind.
“What is your wish?” He asked solemnly, rather disappointed that today he was alone with this. Changcheng’s presence, or even Jin Ling’s would make this whole ordeal a bit easier, a burden shared and all that crap. But maybe it was meant to be this way - just Chu Shuzhi finally returning his benefactor’s kindness. Fates liked such poetic endings.
The Ghostslayer’s small smile told Chu Shuzhi that whatever the first thought was, he did not want to hear it. He would rather die again than grant a ‘I want to kiss Zhao Yunlan again’ wish. Especially since there were no obstacles here, the man would probably spawn here by himself at the mere mention, ready to be kissed by the Ghostslayer whenever.
“I want to see how Zhao Yunlan died.” Chu Shuzhi didn’t register the words at first, staring dumbly at his guest for much longer than it was proper. Seeing his confusion, the Ghostslayer continued: “I believe I was there when he did. I cannot remember it, but when I saw him fall I felt… Like I couldn’t go through this again and survive. I want to make sure.”
If he was truly there then the Dream Potion would certainly help, but there was something about the Ghostslayer’s expression that gave Shuzhi a pause. It was quiet but fierce, and for now - completely indecipherable to him, but whatever the feeling was, it certainly was enough for Chu Shuzhi to at least try.
“Of course, your Lordship.” He poured two cups of the potion, watching it glitter in all the colours as it filled the vessels, wondering what he would see if he drank it alone. He was forbidden from doing that, but whenever he opened the bottle, Chu Shuzhi couldn’t help but feel curious. He put the cups back on the table, the gentle smell of magic filling the space around the table.
“I really appreciate your help,” the Ghostslayer said, raising the cup to his mouth.
Chu Shuzhi just nodded and took a sip of his own portion.
The Guardian Lantern around them faded away, the walls and tables covered by white mist of the dream land. In a few moments, the world around will reflect everything the Ghostslayer’s mind could recall and give the details definition. Whether he liked it or not, Chu Shuzhi would learn everything there was to learn about Zhao Yunlan’s mortal life.
He risked a look at the Hell’s envoy.
He didn’t seem nervous or impatient. Instead, he regarded the dream land with something like a scientific curiosity, not bothered by the lack of images and answers.
They stood there for a while now, the wisps of mist curling around them like smoke, and yet nothing happened. Was the potion faulty? Did it stop working at all? Was his Lordship immune to its effects? Chu Shuzhi was too busy panicking about letting his benefactor down to fully notice that the man in question was reading something.
It took Shuzhi another moment of frantic looking around, waiting for anything to form around them, but finally he noticed it - a small bamboo scroll that for some reason brought a smile on the Ghostslayer’s face.
“Your Lordship?” Chu Shuzhi asked haltingly, unsure if he was entitled to pry. The Ghostslayer raised his eyes and smiled at him, his human-like features brightening with happiness.
“It’s a contract. I signed it to lose my memories.” It explained absolutely nothing at all to Chu Shuzhi, but the Ghostslayer seemed satisfied, so after a moment of hesitation, he broke the spell around them.
As quickly as it appeared, the mist retreated, giving way to the Guardian Lantern’s interior, the reality solidifying around them with each moment.
When Chu Shuzhi fully came back to consciousness, he realized that they now had company - sprawled on the counter, with happiness dancing in his eyes, there was Zhao Yunlan, watching them both in eerie silence.
The Ghostslayer was the first one to react, his senses seemingly tuned to Zhao Yunlan’s presence already.
“I can answer your question now, Zhao Yunlan,” he said softly, the smile still on his lips.
“Perfect. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time and I almost died to ask it, it would be a shame if you couldn’t.”
“I will,” the Ghostslayer vowed, getting to his feet and walking to stand in front of the counter, just a few inches away from Zhao Yunlan’s legs, his gaze intent and unspeakably fond.
Chu Shuzhi wanted to look away but somehow couldn’t, too caught up in the mystery.
With one last, inquisitive look in the Ghostslayer’s direction, Zhao Yunlan jumped down from the counter, all traces of amusement gone from his face. It was odd to see him so serious and committed, Shuzhi noticed from his seat, still at the table, the silent spectator of the show.
“I had many questions. Guesses, hopes, wishes,” Zhao Yunlan started, with so much sincerity that it made Chu Shuzhi raise his eyebrows in wonder. “I wanted to know if you signed the same deal as me, if maybe I am the one you are waiting for, but then I realized - even if you did sign something, there is no guarantee we made vows to each other, no matter how much my heart insists it cannot want anyone else but you.”
The Ghostslayer’s eyes shone with something Chu Shuzhi was almost sure were tears, but that couldn’t be right.
Zhao Yunlan took a step towards the envoy of hell and continued:
“So I guess the only question I can ask, the one final bet I can make is: do you want it to be me? Or rather, do you want to be the one I am doing this all for?”
A small, teary smile that appeared on the Ghostslayer’s face made him seem so human, so fragile. Chu Shuzhi wondered how no one had seen it before. Then, seeing the silent determination in Zhao Yunlan’s eyes, he realized that was not true. Someone did notice.
“I can be horribly wrong about it, I might be severing the ties of fate here and stealing you away from-”
“- I don’t care,” The Ghostslayer interrupted him hastily, catching Zhao Yunlan’s wrist with his hand. “It has to be you.”
Zhao Yunlan blinked at him in silent shock, so the Ghostslayer repeated with force: “Yes, Zhao Yunlan. I want it to be you. The one I am waiting for is you, even if I don’t remember it, even if I never remember, it can only be you.”
Chu Shuzhi recalled the scroll that appeared in the Ghostslayer’s hand, the contract the dream land created. Was it proof enough? Or was he too, only guessing, choosing Zhao Yunlan now, as the person he’s sold his memories for?
He turned away from the scene, giving some privacy to the two lovers, going as far as to turn the whole chair and just look away comfortably. One time seeing them kiss was enough. But there was only silence.
Suddenly hit with a bad premonition, Chu Shuzhi turned back, just in time to see Zhao Yunlan and the Ghostslayer join hands, while a golden glow swallowed them slowly. Not that they minded - they were clearly too lost in each other to care. But for him, the light was something else entirely - it was a sign.
A scream of protest rose in Chu Shuzhi’s throat, the finality of it all crashing over him.
“You can’t just leave!” He demanded, and Zhao Yunlan looked away from the Ghostslayer to stare at Shuzhi with a surprised, yet pleased smile.
“I knew you cared!” Zhao Yunlan replied happily, the glow reaching his hair now. When Chu Shuzhi ran closer to catch him, his hand went through the man’s arm, as if he was trying to touch a mirage.
Zhao Yunlan’s gaze turned apologetic.
“Ah, the Judiciar still got a few months more from me, the slimy bastard, but my five hundred years is up, has been for a while.”
“So you are leaving now? Without even a goodbye?” Chu Shuzhi growled, angry beyond belief. This man forced his way into his life and now that he made Shuzhi care he was disappearing without even a by your leave? The audacity of it all made him almost choke.
Zhao Yunlan just laughed, sending a fond look into the Ghostslayer’s direction.
“I told you, he likes me.”
“Chu Shuzhi tolerates you more than most,” the Ghostslayer allowed, with a smile of his own. Then, he turned his head to regard Chu Shuzhi.
“I cannot promise you that, but I believe we will meet again. You’ve done a wonderful job with this place and with only one more wish to grant, you will soon go beyond as well. Use your time well.” He sounded more like a god now than a mortal, and once again, Chu Shuzhi was stuck wondering what was the Ghostslayer exactly, but his attention was diverted by Zhao Yunlan’s wave in his direction.
“Yeah, I am pretty sure you are not getting rest from me that easily. Get your last wish, Lao Chu, and we will see you. I know we will.” Then, his expression turned a bit solemn. “Say goodbye to the kids from me, I will miss them too. And take care of Xiao Guo!”
And just with that, the light enveloped them completely, all traces of Zhao Yunlan and the Ghostslayer gone.
As if they were never there.
The soul counter above the bar clocked another soul served, a fact that should have made Chu Shuzhi look up in wonder - the Ghostslayer shouldn’t have a soul, should he? But this observation was rather detached, because for the first time in centuries, Chu Shuzhi experienced something he hoped he would never experience again.
Loss.
Guo Changcheng found him standing still, still staring at the spot where Zhao Yunlan and the Ghostslayer had been, in what seemed like seconds ago.
“Are they gone?” he asked, his voice trembling, and Chu Shuzhi couldn’t reply with anything other than a nod.
Then, he finally forced his lips to move and relayed everything that had happened. The kid listened in uncharacteristic for him silence, his eyes widening a bit at the mention of the scroll.
“Oh. Chu-ge, it’s going to be fine,” Changcheng said softly, tugging at Shuzhi’s sleeve. It sounded a bit hypocritical of him, the kid had his eyes full of tears and seemed ready to spill them any second now, but his words were enough to wake him from the stupor.
“Changcheng-”
“-You still have one soul whose wish has to be granted, right?” Chu Shuzhi stared at him in question, waiting for him to elaborate. “I thought it should be yours, or maybe Lin-ge’s but now I’m thinking… Can it be mine?”
The eager hope in his voice, the belief that the world is not cruel enough to separate people forever, all of this made Chu Shuzhi realize that if there was anyone who deserved their wish to be granted, it was him. Guo Changcheng, the boy who believed in others.
He could still remember the first day the kid came over to the Guardian Lantern, asking for a job and nothing else. Chu Shuzhi wasn't a very good boss - he barely taught him anything, allowed him to take part in terrible things that almost got him killed, and used his kindness to run this business to his own gain. He should have picked Guo Changcheng as the last soul a long time ago - even if the boy had no true problem of his own, he certainly had wishes.
“I believe it has to be yours,” Chu Shuzhi replied softly, feeling the irony of the words.
With a blinding smile, Guo Changcheng caught his hands in his, and exclaimed his wish.
For a moment, the words didn't make much sense. Chu Shuzhi managed to give him a surprised look before the spell started to work, the walls of the Guardian Lantern washing away around them, replaced by the soft light of departure.
"I am glad I got to meet you, Chu-ge! You, Chief Zhao, Lin-ge, the Hell people-"
"-you are going to forget about them. You are going to forget-" me, Chu Shuzhi didn't finish, because Guo Changcheng started to cry in earnest.
"Chief Zhao and the Ghostslayer's hearts remembered each other, even with the spell, didn't they? I may forget you now, but I think..." here, the boy choked a bit on his tears, but bravely continued, catching Shuzhi's sleeve again, the golden light touching him too. "I am sure I won't forget you Chu-ge, not really."
Guo Changcheng smiled, despite the tears.
Hesitantly, Chu Shuzhi returned the smile, feeling his heart clench painfully.
The light enveloped him completely now, he stopped feeling Changcheng's touch, but it didn't matter. The relief that filleed his veins, the hope he had long buried - they all came to the surface now, overwhelming him, reminding him of his own wish.
The counter above the bar turned to zero
–
Being the Hell’s messenger has its perks, even if it sometimes requires Da Qing to do such pesky things like his actual job. He is a millenia old cat, he should be worshiped as a deity at this point, and not made to run errands in the Land of the Living, but this time, Da Qing didn’t question the orders much.
He always liked the tasks that allowed him to see his favourite mortals once more. This is the primary reason why he doesn’t want to rise in the ranks, not his lack of motivation to do actual work. Any higher position would keep him away from the living for good, and a true cat never forgets humans he likes.
Strutting through the streets of Dragon City, Da Qing observes the changes with a merciful eye. He’s never quite got the charm of the skyscrapers, but he guesses people find them pleasant to live amongst. Thankfully, his humans are a bit more traditional. Whether it’s because they are old souls or because they simply prefer it that way for reasons known only to them, Da Qing doesn’t know and frankly doesn’t care. All that matters is that their current habitat is sufficient for his presence.
He walks into the garden of the big house and appreciates the vegetables growing proudly there. Someone is taking good care of them, that much is clear. Da Qing cannot exactly smile, being a cat, but he still feels a bit proud of his humans for achieving that. The peaceful house with a useful garden, a life that allows them to spend years here, just enjoying their togetherness.
“You are here again,” the owner of the house says, coming out onto the veranda and picking Da Qing up rather unceremoniously. If it was anyone else, Da Qing would strike back at him in offense, but this one is a bit special. They’ve spent centuries in Hell together and even though the man cannot remember him, Da Qing still feels good in his arms. He even allows the human to pet him, a clear sign of favoritism. Not that the man appreciates it.
The man carries him inside the house, still petting Da Qing’s fur as he well should.
“You are right on time, it’s our third anniversary, I don’t know how you do it, you always appear at the time for a feast.” I check the calendar , Da Qing thinks to himself, but keeps quiet, enjoying the pets.
He is brought to the living room, his gaze immediately zero-ing on the table. As usual on such occasions, it’s filled with mouth-watering food. Da Qing’s human has the best husband he totally doesn’t deserve, but Da Qing will never complain, not when he is getting so many delicious treats out of every visit to the household.
The guests are already here - the grumpy police officer and his twin brother working as a baker are the host’s neighbours and even though the older one seems like he was brought here by force, Da Qing knows better.
He never bothers learning mortal’s new names - if they ever become employees of Hell, then the name they go by there is the one Da Qing remembers, but once they go back here, he doesn’t even try. Human lives are fleeting, but the ties between them are not, and that’s what Da Qing appreciates about them the most. Names and faces are secondary.
As his human deposits him on a free chair, like a legitimate guest he is, Da Qing notices the small smile on the husband’s face. There are moments when he wonders if the husband remembers who he used to be before - sometimes, he gets a look in his face that speaks of unimaginable violence and fates worse than death, mostly whenever someone dares to insult or worse, hit on Da Qing’s human. On other times, like now, he seems like he is saying a small prayer to heavens for being allowed to have this, to be with Da Qing's human in this life.
Then again, maybe it’s just how he is.
“I see our main taster somehow got the invitation,” the husband jokes, and the grumpy policeman gives Da Qing a bored look.
Da Qing is happy to see him too.
As he looks around the table, he notices new additions - a young girl in a white dress, holding hands with a rather smitten young man. These ones are totally new, Da Qing cannot recall seeing them ever before, but they seem rather nice. It seems that they are a nice addition and really, what would be the point of giving humans new lives if all they did was go in exact same circles, repeating the lives they used to lead?
Changes are a good thing.
And yet, Da Qing still hopes that one boy’s wish will finally be granted.
He tunes out the human talk around him, focusing on the food his human provides for him, like a good, loyal minion should. He might not remember Da Qing how they used to be, but it’s alright - he remembers the basics and everything else, Da Qing will gladly teach him again.
They are after two main courses, and Da Qing is eyeing the fish on his human’s plate, left alone because the human is too busy arguing with the grumpy policeman, when there is a sound of a doorbell. The conversation comes to a halt, everyone's attention on the hall.
The husband gets up and goes to the door, while the rest waits for his return in tense silence, not sure what to expect. Da Qing helps himself to the fish - his human seems distracted enough not to notice.
Finally, the husband returns with a familiar face in tow.
“I am… sorry?” the boy says, “I thought this is the motel I was supposed to come to?”
The voice confirms it beyond any doubt.
Da Qing raises his eyes at the boy who wished, and purrs approvingly.
What a powerful thing it is, a wish to meet again, he thinks. Now everything is as it should be - the boy offers some explanation, but Da Qing is not listening at all.
He enjoys.