Translated by Eve

Edited by Kara

——Xiao Xiao was really doing well here.

After spending time at the manor with Xiao Xiao again, this was what Yang Yue and Ming Hai really thought.

Xiao Xiao in the manor was completely different from the original impression they had of him. As time had changed them, it had likewise changed Xiao Xiao into a whole new person. The current Xiao Xiao was no longer that cowardly, weak, and reticent boy who was afraid of ghosts. He had become cheerful, optimistic, and was a good speaker now. Of course, there was nothing wrong with this change. Rather, it even made Yang Yue and Ming Hai feel quite happy.

Only someone who was really living freely and happily without any misgivings would be able to have changed so evidently. Furthermore, this joy that seemed to come from his heart absolutely could not have been faked.

——Sui Yuan, who was currently faking it in order to let the protagonist shou and gong leave without regrets, OOC-ing to this degree with no scruples, was really staking it all....

Sui Yuan was making up stories about his experiences with the manor’s ghosts. He told the protagonist gong and shou that the ghosts were actually harmless, so long as you didn’t tread on their mines. They could even be pure and cute: For example, the girl in the bathroom only wanted to find someone to play with. If you treated her without fear, she would be a very lovable child. There was also the boy in the water. Actually, he just hated when others dirtied his water. However, if you negotiated with him, you could get an endless supply of clean water. The uncle in the kitchen was kind and would smile at everyone. He was very cordial, so long as you didn’t randomly touch his kitchen tools or doubt his culinary skills....

The manor’s ghosts had been "meticulously taught" by Zhao Xihe. All of them were so obedient that they couldn’t be any more obedient. They were all on their best behaviours towards the protagonist gong and shou, harmless like little white rabbits. Even Clown, who liked to play pranks, would show a frightened expression when he saw Sui Yuan. He would pull back obediently, not daring to act aggressively in the slightest, and would do his best to pretend that he was just a stage piece.

The Manor Owner elegantly received Yang Yue and Ming Hai. He was gentle and graceful like a noble gentleman. Only, probably because he was busy, he very quickly handed over the task of entertaining their guests to Sui Yuan and Zhao Xihe. He then quickly scurried off like his butt was on fire, disappearing without a trace.

While listening to Sui Yuan’s accounts and touring the manor, Yang Yue and Ming Hai really didn’t know what they were feeling. The horrific experiences they went through were still vivid in their memories. The deaths and bloodshed of their friends still remained in their hearts. It was a distinct contrast to the peaceful and happy scene they saw now.

"Aren’t you afraid of them? After all...our friends died here..." Yang Yue felt rather dubious.

Sui Yuan’s expression froze. He lowered his eyes, gaze cryptic, "...Is there anything that’s perfect in this world, ne? I have not forgotten, but so what? I wasn’t familiar with them. I also know that they didn’t like me. But here, there are many people who like me and treat me very well. What is there to be dissatisfied about, ne?"

Yang Yue couldn’t help but laugh. When he saw Sui Yuan in low spirits, he didn’t dare say anymore. He only chuckled in agreement, "You’re right."

Sui Yuan blinked and then smiled again, "It’s almost time for lunch. Let’s head to the dining hall. Uncle Chef has already prepared his specialty dishes. Don’t worry! All the ingredients are normal, I promise!"

Yang Yue and Ming Hai couldn’t help but smile with him. When they recalled the flights of fancy they had indulged in regarding the food here, for a moment, they felt quite...nostalgic?

Sui Yuan’s praise was no exaggeration. This lunch made them drool. Under Sui Yuan’s guarantee, the protagonist gong and shou ate without any misgivings. The only thing that made them feel unhappy was that there was a couple sitting in front of them PDA-ing at all times.

As a ghost, Zhao Xihe didn’t need to eat. All his energy was naturally devoted into taking care of Sui Yuan. Although Sui Yuan didn’t need to be taken care of, he still enjoyed it. The incomparably meticulous and appropriate care made Yang Yue and Ming Hai feel blinded but also understand why Xiao Xiao would choose to stay here. Xiao Xiao, who had never been treated as gently as this, had no way to resist this kind of care.

Yang Yue and Xiao Xiao originally thought that they would feel hurt and frustrated upon seeing this scene. After all, Xiao Xiao was the person they had liked and longed for all these years. However, the fact was that they only felt happy and gratified. It was like their friend had finally found a happy home. From the bottom of their heart, they wished him happiness.

As the protagonist gong and shou, Yang Yue and Ming Hai were both handsome and had outstanding strength. They were not taken by each other, so they would naturally become people sought after by everyone else. It was just a pity that one’s first love would leave such a deep impression, especially a first love that had ended as tragically as theirs. Neither Yang Yue nor Ming Hai knew whether they still loved Xiao Xiao, but what they did know was that Xiao Xiao had already become their obsession. Furthermore, this obsession would have never been resolved until they saw Xiao Xiao again.

This time around, they returned to the manner not just because of Xiao Xiao but also for themselves—in order to get rid of their obsession. Perhaps if they were able to successfully take Xiao Xiao out of this manor, they would have been able to move forward. However, right now, although they had found their beloved Xiao Xiao, they could only smile and wish him happiness. Thus, they had to get rid of the last vestiges of reluctance within their hearts by themselves.

Although they felt regretful about the end of their first love, Yang Yue and Ming Hai also felt relieved. They were able to finally graduate from Xiao Xiao and would now be able to find new happiness.

As matters stood, Yang Yue and Ming Hai had come to accept Xiao Xiao’s desire to remain in the manor. Yang Yue propped up his chin on his hand and watched as Zhao Xihe pushed the cut-up steak in front of Sui Yuan. He sighed rather disappointingly, "If you really don’t want to go back, what about your parents...?"

Sui Yuan’s hands that were holding onto his cutlery froze. For a moment, he was struck dumb. Wait a second...parents? Xiao Xiao had parents?

Yes, that was right. Xiao Xiao was human. Humans naturally had parents. However, as a supporting male lead with few scenes and a subdued presence, his data had never mentioned anything regarding Xiao Xiao’s parents, ah! How should he respond?!

Sui Yuan lowered his head, conflicted, to avoid Yang Yue’s gaze. However, in Yang Yue’s eyes, Xiao Xiao had become dispirited again after hearing about his parents.

He couldn’t help but scold himself for saying the wrong thing. Yang Yue promptly added, "You don’t have to worry about your parents. They’ve already divorced and have started new families. You have a little brother and a little sister who was just born this year...."

Sui Yuan quickly judged Yang Yue’s tone. He raised his head and forced out a smile, "That’s...good."

For a moment, the table was quiet. Yang Yue, who had said the wrong thing, lifted the glass of wine before him rather awkwardly. After a period of silence, Sui Yuan broke the moment of awkwardness, "We’ve been talking about me the whole time. What about you guys? How have you been these last few years?"

The subject had changed. Yang Yue felt a bit relieved. He smiled helplessly, "We...have been rather well, ba? After graduation, we’ve found rather good jobs. Only, I seemed to have awakened a strange supernatural constitution in this manner. Even after we left, I could still see some...odd non-human entities. Because of this, we’ve experienced quite a number of things. Fortunately, Ah Hai has helped me all along. Otherwise, I really don’t know what I would have done. Also, because of this, Ah Hai has gradually become able to see ghosts too. It’s like my ability is contagious and infected him!"

Although his tone made it sound like he was complaining, Yang Yue seemed to not have any discontent towards this sort of life. He and Ming Hai smiled at each other and shrugged, "Anyway, I got to know quite a number of capable and talented people. I also...mn, became friends with several ghosts. The reason why we could come here was thanks to them."

Seeing that the protagonist gong and shou’s relationship was as intimate as before and how the air between them was especially harmonious, Sui Yuan propped up his chin. He was still brooding over his failed task, "Then, are you guys a couple now?"

Sui Yuan’s words startled Yang Yue, and he couldn’t help but choke on a mouthful of red wine. Meanwhile, Ming Hai showed him an expression of not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

"Didn’t I tell you before? Ming Hai and I are just friends. We’re like family. There’s nothing going on between us at all." After coughing a few times, Yang Yue reached out to rub Sui Yuan’s head, "Actually, we were rivals-in-love once. We both liked you. Even if we’ve been rejected, we won’t like each other."

Ming Hai also nodded and directly said to Sui Yuan, "You think too much."

Sui Yuan, who had really thought too much, was really feeling crushed: "...................................."

Afterwards, Yang Yue and Ming Hai had a happy time with Sui Yuan. Although they still wanted to spend more time with their first love who they hadn’t seen for a long time, it was clear that their first love’s current lover didn’t really like them, the "exes." He was like a tiger watching them closely, on guard as he defended his man, as if he was afraid they would take his lover away or cause old flames to reignite. Of course, Yang Yue and Ming Hai also had work and family to return to, so they couldn’t stay for long.

After confirming that Sui Yuan was doing well here, the day to say goodbye arrived.

Being seen off at the door by Sui Yuan, Yang Yue hesitated for a long time. He gave a signal with his eyes to Ming Hai and then pulled Sui Yuan to one side. Ming Hai stepped forward, blocking Zhao Xihe, who had slightly furrowed brows.

Sui Yuan was mystified with the protagonist shou’s actions. He obediently followed the other to a slightly further location and looked at Yang Yue questioningly. Yang Yue then pursed his lips, "Have...you thought about the future?"

"...The future?" Sui Yuan blinked.

"Yes. You’re human. He’s a spirit. I’ve also seen quite a few feelings sprout between humans and ghosts, but every single one of them ended in tragedy. You will grow old and die. Always being by a ghost’s side will wear out the yang energy in your body. You will grow weary and weak. Even if the ghost didn’t intend for it..." Yang Yue looked at Sui Yuan worriedly, "I know that you want to stay here, so I can’t change your mind. However, I hope that you will think about yourself sometimes. Otherwise, Ming Hai and I won’t feel at ease...."

——If the protagonist gong and shou felt uneasy, then they would very likely come visit again. He and Zhao Xihe wouldn’t be sent here to keep them company again, would they?!

Instantly, Sui Yuan felt a bit worried. At that moment, he didn’t care about what was logical and what wasn’t. He directly plugged up all possible escape routes at once.

He revealed a radiant smile. Sui Yuan fiddled with his hair and answered, embarrassed, "Of course, I also know this. Therefore, I’ve already found a way to solve this. I’ll also become a ghost."

"Turn into a ghost?!" Yang Yue involuntarily cried out, instantly attracting the attention of Ming Hai and Zhao Xihe. Both of them looked at Sui Yuan and Yang Yue, one with an expression of confusion and worry. The other also looked confused, but he nodded his head with a confident smile.

Sui Yuan tugged at Yang Yue’s clothes, indicating for him to calm down, "Mn, yes. It’s nothing major. Just changing what form I will take. This method is really safe, and I won’t be in pain. I’ll just get a little hurt. It’s just that I haven’t lived as a human long enough yet, so for now, I haven’t put it into action. Only...I will soon be able to accept it, ba. At that time, I want to leave this manor and go take a look around the world of the dead. Perhaps I’ll see some really interesting stuff, ne!"

Seeing Sui Yuan with a look of anticipation for the future, Yang Yue could not say anything that would dampen his joy. He was indeed worried and disappointed that they would not meet again. Only, Yang Yue believed that the Butler really treasured Sui Yuan and would not allow him to meet with any danger.

"If you’ve already decided, then I feel reassured," Yang Yue raised his hand, pulling Sui Yuan into his arms. He patted his back gently, "I wish you happiness. In the future...perhaps we’ll never see each other again, ne...."

"Mn, yes. However, all good things must come to an end," Sui Yuan also revealed a sliver of sadness. However, he was scattering flowers internally. He didn’t want to come back to this world for a third time!

Compared to Sui Yuan and Yang Yue’s reluctance to part, the air between Zhao Xihe and Ming Hai was much colder. The two of them had nothing to talk about. It was just to give Sui Yuan and Yang Yue some alone time that they forced themselves to be together.

Seeing that Sui Yuan’s discussion had ended with a hug, Zhao Xihe furrowed his brows discontentedly and was about to step forward. However, he heard Ming Hai’s evidently cold voice, "If you don’t treat him well, we will come back and take him away."

Zhao Xihe paused and turned around with a smile. He raised a single brow, "Although I don’t know who you think you are or why you are so confident to say this, I will never give you that kind of opportunity. No matter what, you can’t take him away from me. Even in death."

"I hope so," Ming Hai’s expression eased up, and he nodded slightly. Soon after, he converged with Yang Yue.

Yang Yue and Ming Hai left the manor, which had carved a deep impression within their memories. They suddenly turned around, reluctant to leave, but all they saw were the silhouettes of Sui Yuan and Zhao Xihe nestled together at the manor’s entrance. Very soon, the two people were enveloped in a dense fog. When the fog dispersed, there was no trace of them left.

"...Let’s go, ba," Ming Hai patted the shoulder of Yang Yue, who was frozen in place.

Yang Yue nodded softly and exhaled a long sigh. He then turned around and went on his way.

——This was the end of one journey but also the beginning of the next. No matter if it was for Yang Yue and Ming Hai or Sui Yuan and Zhao Xihe.

Eve: That’s it for Sui Yuan and Zhao Xihe. The next chapter, which is the final extra, will be about 5237 and 0007. For the readers who won’t be reading the next chapter, thank you for coming along on Sui Yuan’s journey with me. We got to watch him grow and watch as the love between him and Zhao Xihe develop in a more positive direction. I hope you enjoyed this journey and I hope you have just as much fun on your next!

Kara: For those who are stopping here, thanks for reading and joining Eve on this adventure! I was only an editor for this project for a short while, but it’s been extremely fun! Wishing those who decided to stop here as much enjoyment and fun on your next novel, whichever you choose to read, as you had with us! As for the rest, who are joining us for the short extra about the systems, get ready and let’s go!