Chapter 3: On the Brink of Disaster

Beneath the neon lights and the glitter of the city, amidst the bustle, there was a quiet home.

Yin Hang knew perfectly well what he wanted. After a long, tiring day, he wished only to return home, to find the lights still on, the meal still warm, soup simmering in the kitchen, and his partner opening the door for him, taking his coat with a smile, saying softly, “You’re back…”

His partner, he imagined, should be gentle, gracious, petite—not necessarily beautiful, but with a heart wholly devoted to him. Most importantly, his partner should be a woman… shouldn’t she?

Could it be that fate had made a mistake?

“Well now! Xiao Yin, you’re home so early today—could it be you have a date with your beloved?” someone teased.

Yin Hang replied with a smile, half-joking yet earnest, “That’s right, there’s someone waiting for me at home!”

His friend was taken aback, offering an awkward laugh. “Is that so?”

Sure enough, at his own doorway, that fool was there, clutching a thermal lunchbox, dozing off as he leaned against the frame.

Yin Hang sighed softly. After unlocking the door, he scooped up Haishi in his arms. Haishi obligingly wrapped his arms around Yin Hang’s neck, nestled into a comfortable spot, and continued sleeping. He muttered, “Shenlou, you’re back…”

Yin Hang froze at the name. In a low voice, he asked, “Who is Shenlou?” From the very first day, hadn’t Haishi always sought out someone who resembled him—this Shenlou?

Disturbed from his sleep, Haishi’s tone turned irritable. “Hah, you must be dreaming. Shenlou is you—who else could it be?”

This scatterbrain—did he still not realize he’d found the wrong person? Yin Hang had never imagined he’d grow jealous of someone who merely looked like him.

Haishi kept murmuring, “I can’t be mistaken. Shenlou’s looks never change. Behind his left ear is a red mole, he’s afraid of the cold, and the person he loves most is me.” After a pause, he added, “It can only be me!”

Yin Hang was puzzled. Looking similar was one thing, but even the mole behind the ear matched. And that last declaration—where did such confidence come from?

He carried Haishi back to the bedroom, tucked him under the covers, and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead. So be it, even if Haishi had mistaken him, it didn’t matter. Since this person had delivered himself to his door, how could Yin Hang possibly send him back?

Someone as intriguing as Haishi—he was curious to see just how far Haishi would go for Shenlou, for him.

Once Haishi was settled, Yin Hang went downstairs and opened the lunchbox. The cooking was still a little clumsy, but the dishes were much improved, and there was hot soup as well. He tasted it and couldn’t help but marvel at the progress. Had Haishi sought out some renowned chef for lessons?

Meanwhile, Yanluo—who seemed to be moonlighting as a celebrated chef these days—sneezed, earning simultaneous eye-rolls from his child and wife.

Time slipped by rapidly. For these wanderers, the days they could remain in this world were numbered. Now, only three to five days remained.

As usual, Haishi brought Yin Hang his meal. He waited for two full hours, but Yin Hang didn’t return. At last, he took out his phone to call, but the line wouldn’t connect.

He resolved to try once more. If there was still no answer, he’d go find Yin Hang himself. As a member of the Shen tribe, this minor task was well within his ability.

At last, the call went through. Yin Hang’s voice sounded cheerful. “Hello? Who is this?”

“It’s me. Where are you?” Haishi asked.

“I’m with some friends! I forgot to tell you—no need to bring me dinner tonight. I’m eating out with them!”

A young woman’s voice drifted over the line. “Ah, Hang, who are you talking to?”

“Just a friend,” Yin Hang replied.

Haishi’s feelings were a tangled mess, heavy and uncertain. He simply answered, “Alright,” and quietly hung up.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a shadow flickering past. Across the street, through the café window, he saw Yin Hang laughing and chatting with a lively young woman—sweet, delicate, a perfect match for him.

Yes, a perfect match. Wasn’t he once just as well-matched with that person? In the end, had he only been deluding himself?

With others, Haishi was always straightforward, but in Shenlou’s presence, he grew awkward and tongue-tied. Even so, the ache inside was unmistakable. He watched Yin Hang—his Shenlou—so happy now. Perhaps his time to disappear had truly come. After all, he was nothing but a sinner, unforgivable. How could he dare hope for anything more?

The breeze stirred gently. By the roadside, a lunchbox was left behind. A few shining droplets rested on its lid, though there was no rain.

Yin Hang glanced curiously at his childhood friend. “What are you looking at?”

“I just felt someone was watching us,” she replied. “I’m certain there was someone across the street, but now they’re gone.”

Yin Hang laughed. “Impossible. You must be seeing things.”

“Maybe. By the way, when will you introduce your little partner who brings you lunch every day? I want to meet him!”

“No way. If I bring him here, you’ll corrupt him for sure,” Yin Hang replied.

She feigned indignation. “So stingy! Since when have you become so possessive?”

Yin Hang ignored her antics, checked his watch, and saw it was time to leave. He crossed the street, thinking perhaps his eyes had played a trick on him. He picked up the abandoned lunchbox and glanced back. Through the café window, he could still see his friend sipping coffee.

His expression darkened as he remembered the blank investigation file he’d once found.

Haishi was truly like a mirage—appearing suddenly, disappearing just as abruptly. Yin Hang realized he didn’t even know where Haishi lived.

He hurried back to his apartment. Haishi was gone—vanished inside and out.

That fool… Yin Hang took a small box from his coat pocket. Couldn’t he at least have had a chance to explain everything?

Haishi stumbled, dizzy, and found himself in Black Obsidian’s living room. There was a heavy thud, as if something had fallen. Black Obsidian rushed in, alarmed. “Haishi, what happened to you?!”

Haishi looked as if he’d been dredged from the sea, his face ashen. But what truly terrified Black Obsidian was that Haishi’s hand had already faded from view.

“Quick, bring me a glass jar!” Yanluo said, helping Haishi up.

Black Obsidian dashed to the kitchen and returned with one. Yanluo carefully placed Haishi inside the jar, sealing it with several wards to prevent him from dissipating further.

Black Obsidian asked, “What’s happening? He was fine just a moment ago—how did he end up like this?”

Yanluo replied, “This is something every member of the Nightmare Clan must face. He’s kept going with forbidden arts for too long. Both bodies are starting to give out.”

Black Obsidian pressed, “So what will happen to him?”

Yanluo answered only, “He’ll vanish—like smoke into thin air.”