" Aww! What a lovely baby!"
"...."
" Tinkle tinkle " *Giggle*
"...."
' Can anyone tell me what the fuck is going on??'
The flower of two hearts in full bloom. This best describes the scene. The ridiculousness almost made tears fall from his eyes as it couldn't believe what it was seeing.
'Peacock can see A-Xiang? But how?? And why???'
Unconsciously, a cough ruined the ridiculous sweet moment. For the first time, he had been standing there, he was noticed by the two. He was glad but didn't show.
" Dada" Wei Xiang eyes brightened when he saw his dada who happened to have drank a lot of vinegar.
His lips curved a little upwards ' That's nice ' It went quickly as it came.
" I didn't know you were married."
"...."
" Was your wife a ghost bride?"
"...."
" This one sweet child...." He paused a little to take a quick glance at the speechless Gongzi and the baby hugging one of his papa's legs, " Ahhh, I see! He is just like his mother " A small innocent smile appeared on his face contrasting with that mischievous glint in his bright eyes.
Shen Zhufu felt the intention behind those words. Purple Veins popped out on his forehead. Before he could develop a large thunderstorm, a small voice called to him.
" Ahh" Shen Zhufu used his palm to rub the frustration, clearly visible, off his forehead. With a smile, just for the little fellow he bent to carry in his arms. Voice filled with smiles, " Yes, I am so happy he looks like his mother" He gazed at the lovely features of his precious troublemaker.
A pair of moon-like eyes that shone with eternal happiness, two cute cheeks as round as a pumpkin that would be milky if he was a human, with flesh covering his body. And a little cute pair of dumpling lips. Beautiful baby hair resting on his head. And a pleasingly chubby body.
He would have been one cute child, if he had human flesh, besides,he is still human without human physicality. And still so cute without it.
' He has her eyes' His and hers' are shaped the same way but a large difference could be seen. His mother's had gone pale with pain, anger and hatred a long time ago,while his eternally shone with full flowering of joy. From the joy of wanting to be born into the real world but never did.
A loud yelp and two arms wrapped around his waist brought him back to reality. Those arms were trembling like a leaf about to fall from a tree but its strength were like that of nine bulls and two tigers.
" What are those?" The goat who is actually in tiger skin couldn't say those words without stammering. Well, neither a person can be judged by his looks nor can the sea be fathomed.
Shenzhufu couldn't stand the tight squeeze around his waist and the urge to laugh building inside his stomach. A tiger doesn't father a dog,Wei Xiang in his arms looked at him as if he too had the same urge and pleading for permission to let it out. He gave him a little permission on his head, besides, he doesn't have any face to loose. Unlike he, who has to Keep a good reputation which is as essential as bark is to a tree.
He cleared his throat huskily, as matured gongzi do, and look down with contempt. Realizing his 'greatest ' mistake, the timid goat gradually loosened his grip with a small chuckle," So what are those doing here?" Immediately, shedding of the timid goat to his usual arrogance, as if he was never the one that yelped and hid behind him like a child hiding from his fears. Probably it was his twin that Shen Zhufu saw.
' What a smooth transition' A thought popped inside his mind. " What? I don't see anything? " As he said those words, he saw the peacock shiver slightly, which made him glad to add more fuel into the fire, " Probably your illusion" he gasped with his hand on his mouth in bewildering horror.
Cao Chang, " Stop it! If you can't see them? Then how can you see a baby which is beyond what eyes can see? Uh?" Stammering the words out like he was about to cry.
' lemme take pity on this poor kiddo '
Shen Zhufu, " You are quite right. Leaving that aside, Pe- Cao Chang, they are the remains of the pain of two decades ago and..." he paused to gazed at the little soul in his arms, " A-Xiang is the product"
Cao Chang, who appeared to be deep in thought, grew cold and eerie. It made Shen Zhufu feel slightly uncomfortable for a moment.
Without saying a word, Cao Chang turned around and left. Leaving behind a very confused gongzi.
' What's wrong with him?' With a nonchalant shrug, he starts his day afresh. Just him and Wei Xiang.
' Thank goodness I asked Qing hua for the coffins '
Shen Zhufu gently laid Wei Xiang on the mat. " A-Xiang, wait for papa " he gave a light peck on his forehead. He was actually kissing air but in his heart, he was kissing his precious on his forehead. A visible baby.
' If there's anything I could do to give him what he has always wished for.' His fingers caress the round cheeks not wanting to leave him alone but he had something to do. Laying his family to their final rest. He withdrew his fingers from the alluring cheeks to wipe the single tear that was about to fall.
He looked towards the skeletons encircling the drum and his heart felt bitter that he could taste it in his mouth.
They were humans and they had the right to be properly appeased. Though being unsaid, he could hear and see it. And he will fulfill it.
He got up and went towards them then fell on his knees and kowtowed three times with a silent promise in his heart.
He alone performed a proper burial rites for them. The way they deserved to be laid to rest and be sent to the journey to find their way back to the world with the accompaniment of several specially jade sculpted servants and soldiers, and daily necessities. On their graves each, he inscribed their names on a golden platform and once more paid respects to them.
Under a mysterious grown cherry blossom trees, four graves covered by white petals and incense sticks burning accompanied with the mournful beats of a drum, clings of bells and a painfully sharp strum of qugin.
The early morning sun hid behind the clouds, as it darkened as rain threatened to fall and heavy wind blowing unknown cold white around. Green firelights surrounded the grave site.