On the 15th day of the seventh month, during the Ferdinand Festival, also commonly known as the Ghost Festival, Cheng Su saw Chunhua and Guiying taking out paper money and offerings to burn outside early in the morning.
"Hey, sister-in-law, you're going out today? It's the Ghost Festival, aren't you going to worship the road spirits?" Guiying couldn't help asking Cheng Su when she saw her dressed as if she were about to leave the house.
"Ah, I don't observe these customs; you go ahead," Cheng Su replied with a forced smile.
As she walked downstairs and looked outside, she was alarmed to see some people burning paper offerings right in the courtyard.
"Oh my, Cheng Su, you're going out? Make sure to come back early today. The Ghost Gate opens wide at night; don't come home too late," someone reminded her.
Cheng Su mumbled a few indistinct words in response and hastily pushed her bike away.
