My Ghostly Darling Cuddles Me Every Day - Chapter 23.1

Chapter 23.1: Jinjiang Literature City

 

When Bo Yu woke up, her hand was still aching.

 

The dream had been so vivid—vivid to the point that she could clearly feel the soreness in her hand and the weakness in her legs.

 

Bo Yu calmly rolled over, face down, and buried her head under the pillow.

 

Two seconds later, she pulled Xiexie out of her pajamas and set the doll aside.

 

Two more seconds later, Bo Yu lightly kicked the bed, letting out a low, long groan of regret.

 

That dream was terrifying.

 

It was so terrifying that she simply couldn’t accept what she was doing. Regardless of Xie Yinwan saying, “Faster, Baby, a little faster,” she had abruptly pulled her hand back and forced herself to wake up.

 

If that dream ever continued…

 

If she dreamed of Xie Yinwan a third time…

 

The Xie Yinwan in the dream would likely be so angry she’d hunt her down.

 

A few seconds ago, Xie Yinwan had been trembling with pleasure, her scalp tingling, on the verge of crying out; now, she stood at the foot of the bed with flushed face and weak legs, teeth clenched in unsatisfied rage. Her eyes were bloodshot—she truly wanted to devour Bo Yu right now!

 

She would start with Bo Yu’s mouth, then that nimble hand, swallowing her piece by piece! She’d make Bo Yu bring the index and middle fingers of that clever right hand to the underworld to keep her company!

 

As Bo Yu wallowed in her chagrin, a sudden clatter came from the wardrobe. Bo Yu poked her head out from under the pillow and listened intently.

 

The sound didn’t repeat.

 

Maybe the hanging rod inside fell again? The domestic helper had fixed it last time, but perhaps she wasn’t very experienced and hadn’t installed it securely.

 

Bo Yu’s hand was still sore and her body felt weak, so she didn’t go to check the cabinet. She reached for her phone in the dark; it was 4:00 AM.

 

She was still sleepy, but she didn’t want to sleep. She was afraid that if she fell back under, she’d see Xie Yinwan again—and afraid Xie Yinwan would try to strangle her.

 

Besides, the dream made her feel incredibly ashamed. She had never even touched herself, so how could she touch Xie Yinwan like that in a dream? And with such effort—working so hard to please her.

 

Bo Yu’s cheeks were as red as if someone had painted the sunset’s glow onto her face.

 

Thankfully, it was just a dream, Bo Yu thought with relief. Xie Yinwan will never know.

 

Bo Yu slowly got out of bed, turned on the light, and sat at her sewing machine desk. She pulled out Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters, A New Account of the Tales of the World, the Manual of Middle Chinese Phonology, and her newly purchased calligraphy rubrics. She continued her research into the language and pronunciation of the Wei and Jin dynasties.

 

Instead of pleasing Xie Yinwan in a dream, she should focus on pleasing the Xie Yinwan in reality.

 

After studying for a while, she suddenly thought of her mother. Today, Jin Xuan had told her many details about the punishments in the Ten Halls of Yama, specifically mentioning the “Great Heat and Distress Hell” of the Eighth Hall. Jin Xuan said that those who died prematurely by suicide or accident and failed to fulfill their filial duties might suffer from scorching heat. The more Bo Yu listened, the more she worried about her mother.

 

She didn’t want her mother to suffer; she didn’t want her punished in that hell. But her mother had saved many children; surely her merits and faults would balance out?

 

Bo Yu’s thoughts drifted. She wondered if the sudden surge of stress after meeting Xie Yinwan was causing her abnormal behavior. Was it because of the stress that she kept putting Xiexie inside her clothes? Was it the stress causing these inexplicable erotic dreams?

 

It likely was. High stress leads to “internal fire,” which causes excessive dreaming and sweating. She couldn’t tell Jin Xuan about these symptoms, but she remembered the Chinese medicine practitioner, Dr. Chu, whom Jin Xuan had mentioned.

 

Bo Yu opened the mini-program to book an appointment. By a stroke of luck, Dr. Chu Jingzhi had exactly one slot left at 10:00 AM today. Bo Yu quickly entered Zhu Ying’s ID number and secured the appointment.

 

I’ll see a doctor, take some herbal medicine to regulate my system, and then I won’t have these strange dreams anymore, Bo Yu thought expectantly. I’ll return to my previous state of pure heart and few desires soon.

 

Behind Bo Yu, Xie Yinwan leaned over to watch her tapping away on her phone. She had no idea what Bo Yu was doing.

 

She woke up just to press that junk? Am I, lying naked on a bed in a beautiful field of flowers, not as attractive as that scrap of metal?

 

Xie Yinwan was fuming, her eyes flashing with fire. Bo Yu was such a blind, annoying person! First, she liked younger, sweet-talking types; then she went on a date with Jin Xuan, eating and drinking and laughing together; and just now, she stopped halfway through—it was absolutely infuriating!!!

 

And now Bo Yu was smiling after using her phone? Was she chatting with Jin Xuan?

 

Enraged, Xie Yinwan flew out the window, fiercely deciding she would never come looking for Bo Yu again! She’d act as if she never knew her!

 

Just as Xie Yinwan flew out, the clear night sky—moments away from sunrise—suddenly erupted with thunder and lightning. The sky turned a terrifying pitch black, followed by a torrential downpour.

 

Grandma’s flowers!

 

Bo Yu gasped and immediately ran upstairs. No helpers had come up to move the flowers yet. Bo Yu didn’t even grab a coat; she grabbed the umbrella by the door and pushed it open, only to be grabbed by someone.

 

“Don’t go out, you’ll catch a cold.”

 

Bo Yu turned. It was Grandma. The old lady held Bo Yu’s arm, refusing to let her go. “Don’t go out. Someone will be here to move them in a moment.”

 

Afraid Grandma would catch a cold, Bo Yu pulled her further inside. “Don’t move, Grandma. I need to move the ones that have already bloomed first, or the petals will be ruined by the rain.”

 

Grandma gripped tighter. “If the flowers get soaked, so be it. You aren’t allowed to get soaked. Stay here.”

 

While they spoke, the helpers hurried upstairs. Bo Yu didn’t go out to move the flowers, but she stayed busy by bending down to arrange the pots as they were brought in. She asked Grandma, “How did you get up so fast? You woke up early today?”

 

Grandma, who couldn’t easily bend over, stayed close to Bo Yu to make sure the helpers didn’t bump into her. “I woke up as soon as I heard the thunder. Every time it rains, you’re the first one up here. I hurried over to stop you.”

 

Bo Yu laughed. “Stopping me? Alright, go back to sleep.”

 

Grandma: “Sleep? I can’t now. I’ll go back when you do.”

 

As the grandmother and granddaughter spoke softly, Sheng Nanyan and the Second Aunt also came up to help. Everyone knew how much Grandma valued these flowers, so they all rushed to help—though the Second Aunt had to push Second Uncle, who stayed asleep like a dead pig. Bo Qin had woken up, but he felt that with so many helpers in the house, he didn’t need to get up.

 

The rain started at 4:00 AM; by 4:20, the flowers were moved.

 

At 4:30 AM, the family cat and dog went crazy.

 

Feifei the fat cat began a mad “parkour” run up and down the stairs as if a ghost were chasing him, yowling and screeching. Hanhan the dog also lost it, barking and spinning in circles to chase his own tail as if a ghost were commanding him to.

 

Hanhan: “Woof woof woof woof!”

 

The unsatisfied and extremely irritable Xie Yinwan kicked Hanhan’s butt. “Spin! Keep spinning! Don’t stop! Bark! Bark louder! Give me a wolf’s howl!”

 

Hanhan: “…” But I’m just a dog, not a wolf, boohoo.

 

Feifei: “Meow meow meow meow!”

 

Xie Yinwan picked up Feifei and tossed him. “Go scratch Bo Yu’s door! Go annoy her! Don’t let her rest!”

 

Feifei: “…” But Bo Yu is the nicest to me, boohoo.

 

The cat and dog made a racket for the rest of the morning. Voices from different rooms shouted “Stop running!” and “Shut up!” It was a morning of chaos, leaving Bo Yu’s ears ringing.

 

The family sat at the breakfast table, looking exhausted. The Second Uncle and Aunt looked sheepish, as the cat and dog were theirs.

 

Second Uncle muttered, “Maybe the thunder and rain scared them.”

 

Second Aunt remarked, “It’s strange. The forecast didn’t say it would rain, then suddenly it was a deluge.”

 

Grandma glanced at her eldest son, who hadn’t helped move flowers, then at her second son. “I thought they were in heat.”

 

Second Aunt quickly said, “No, no, they’re both fixed. Oh, look at Xiao Yu’s eyes—they’re a bit red. You didn’t sleep after moving the flowers?”

 

Bo Yu looked back at the sofa where the cat and dog, after making trouble all morning, were now fast asleep. She smiled. “I’m fine. My eyes are just red because I was moved by the book I was reading. Cats and dogs have their off days; it’s normal for them to be a bit erratic.”

 

After a few more jokes about the noisy pets, the family let the matter drop. Being angry at pets in front of Grandma would seem petty.

 

Auntie Fan, the regular cook, was feeling unwell and had taken the morning off. Since Nanyan was home, she and another helper prepared breakfast. With Sheng Nanyan replacing Bo Jingxian, the atmosphere was much lighter.

 

Fang Zheng, the Second Aunt, praised her. “Nanyan’s cooking is truly excellent. Even a simple steamed egg custard is so soft and smooth when she makes it. The color is beautiful too.”

 

Nanyan smiled gently. “It’s the same recipe, really.”

 

Fang Zheng insisted it might be the same recipe, but the taste was completely different. Grandma also enjoyed Nanyan’s cooking and added a few words of praise. Two years ago, when she first met Nanyan, Grandma hadn’t liked her. Her son was 48 and Nanyan was 24—a two-cycle age gap is hard for any grandmother to accept. But over two years, Nanyan proved to be a modest, non-confrontational girl whose only hobby was cooking for the family. Grandma had naturally grown fond of her.

 

Grandma then asked Fang Zheng, “Is Auntie Fan at home or in the staff quarters?”

 

Fang Zheng: “She went home last night, luckily avoiding the heavy rain.”

 

Grandma: “Is she truly sick, or is something going on at home? Xiao Zheng, check on her when you have a moment. If she needs help, we should provide it. She’s a good worker.”

 

Fang Zheng smiled and glanced at the eldest brother, Bo Qin. He frowned.

 

Grandma: “What is it?”

 

Fang Zheng: “I spoke with Auntie Fan this morning. It’s a bit superstitious. Since Big Brother doesn’t like my ‘superstitious’ talk and only listens to you, Mom, I didn’t know if I should say anything.”

 

Bo Yu, who used to be skeptical but was now a believer, pricked up her ears. She said casually, “Go ahead, Auntie. I’m listening.”

 

Bo Qin: “…”

 

Grandma smiled. “Whether we believe it or not, tell us.”

 

Fang Zheng explained, “Auntie Fan said she had someone back in her hometown look into it. Apparently, she ‘attracted’ something. They said the ‘thing’ has a very high status, and Auntie Fan couldn’t handle the ‘etiquette’ or energy of it, so she fell ill. It’s not serious; she should be better in a few days.”

 

Bo Yu asked softly, acting as if she didn’t care, “What kind of thing?”

 

Fang Zheng: “They didn’t say. I’m guessing maybe something from the heavens or the sea. Probably not from the underworld—I doubt anything down there has ‘status’.”

 

Bo Yu was very interested. She thought to herself that Xie Yinwan was from the underworld and certainly had status, but she couldn’t ask more without revealing her change in perspective.

 

Grandma nodded. “As long as she’s okay. Xiao Zheng, have Auntie Liu help with the cooking. Nanyan, don’t overwork yourself; you got up early and the kitchen is full of fumes.”

 

Nanyan smiled. “I’m used to waking up early. I see it as morning exercise.”

 

Bo Qin was actually in a good mood today. He looked at Nanyan and then at Bo Yu, saying in a low voice, “Xiao Yu, if you have no plans, go shopping with Nanyan. Buy some seasonal clothes for the family. The custom-tailored ones aren’t always comfortable; buy something cozy.”

 

Bo Yu understood. After the unpleasantness over the pastries last night, Bo Qin was being nice to her. Nanyan must have talked to him; she always acted as a buffer between them.

 

Seeing Bo Yu hesitate, Nanyan said considerately, “If Xiao Yu wants to stay home, we don’t have to go. We can wait for a sunny day.”

 

Bo Yu had her 10:00 AM appointment anyway, so she agreed. “It’s fine, let’s go. We won’t get wet in the mall. But a rod in my wardrobe is broken; I’ll fix that after breakfast, then we can leave.”

 

Grandma was surprised. “Wasn’t that just fixed? How did it break again?”

 

Bo Yu smiled and shook her head. “I find it strange too. No matter, it’ll be an easy fix.”

 

Under the table, Nanyan nudged Bo Qin’s ankle. He looked at her, and seeing her slight blush, he understood: if he behaved with Bo Yu now, he could have his way with Nanyan tonight.

 

“I’ll fix it for you,” Bo Qin said kindly to Bo Yu.

 

Bo Yu was wearing a simple, elegant dress with bamboo embroidery. She ate slowly and gracefully, looking soft and serene. But her response to Bo Qin was cold: “No need to trouble you. The help can fix it.”

 

Bo Qin’s temper flared instantly. He invited her to fish, she said no; he offered to fix her furniture, she refused! He had given her so many “olive branches,” and she just stood coldly on her pedestal.

 

Nanyan quickly rubbed Bo Qin’s leg under the table and said sweetly, “You haven’t fixed furniture before. Xiao Yu is just afraid you’ll hurt your hand.”

 

Bo Yu glanced at Bo Qin’s hand, which looked ready to slam the table, then looked away. Part of her wished his hand would actually swing at her one day; then no one would have to keep up this pretense of a happy family. I really am irritable lately, she sighed. I definitely need to see the doctor.

 

“Xiao Yu, why are you drinking ice water so early?” the Second Uncle, Bo Nuo, asked. “Are those ice cubes in your cup?”

 

Bo Yu, who had been feeling parched and hot since waking from her dream: “Mhm. It’s ice water. A new wellness tip from Zhu Ying; I’m trying it out.”

 

Grandma frowned. “What kind of nonsense tips is Xiao Ying giving? I didn’t even notice until your uncle said something. You’re a young woman; you should avoid cold drinks! Auntie Ge, bring Xiao Yu some hot water or hot soy milk.”

 

Bo Yu: “…Her name isn’t ‘Zhu Ying-tai’.”

 

Nanyan shook her head with a light laugh. In her apartment, the just-awoken Zhu Ying suddenly sneezed three times.

 

After breakfast, a helper came to fix the wardrobe rod. She muttered to herself, wondering why the screws had come loose when she had tightened them so well last time.

 

While the helper worked, Bo Yu sat on a stool in the walk-in closet holding Xiexie. For a moment, she thought of Xie Yinwan. It couldn’t be her, could it? No. Xie Yinwan smashed things in front of her; she didn’t do things behind her back. It must be a coincidence.

 

Once it was fixed, Bo Yu and Sheng Nanyan prepared to leave. The home elevator went straight to the garage, and the mall had underground parking, so they wouldn’t get wet—but Bo Yu needed to make a detour to the clinic.

 

Bo Yu carried a bag with Xiexie and an umbrella inside. She stood by the floor-to-ceiling window in the living room, watching the rain and planning how to get dropped off at the clinic.

 

“What are you thinking about?” Sheng Nanyan, having just finished “soothing” Bo Qin upstairs, walked over and asked softly.

 

Bo Yu watched the relentless rain. “I was thinking it would be nice if the rain stopped.”

 

She was wearing a dress. Even with an umbrella, the rain would likely splash onto her calves and shoes at the clinic. She wasn’t high-maintenance, but she didn’t like the feeling of being damp.

 

Nanyan lightly took Bo Yu’s arm. “Shall we go? It might stop soon. If not, I have an umbrella in the car. I’ll hold it for you and make sure you don’t get a drop on you. I’ll protect you.”

 

Bo Yu smiled. “Let’s go. Drive slowly; safety first.”

 

The two took the elevator to the car. Nanyan had specifically told Bo Qin they didn’t need a driver or bodyguards, and he had agreed. Nanyan drove, and Bo Yu sat in the passenger seat.

 

As they pulled out of the garage, both women were struck by a wave of shock.

 

The rain had stopped. The sky had cleared.

 

“How is that possible?” Nanyan was stunned.

 

In just a minute or two, the clouds had vanished. The heavy dark clouds were swept away by the wind, and the golden sunlight poured down. Water droplets on the leaves glistened, and bright patches of light danced on the road.

 

Bo Yu found it miraculous. Two minutes ago it was a storm; now it was as if it had never happened. She rolled down the window, breathing in the scent of fresh, damp earth. “Nature is on our side. No need for an umbrella; we are lucky today.”

 

A flash of undetectable disappointment crossed Nanyan’s eyes before she nodded with a smile.

 

Xie Yinwan, still in Bo Yu’s bag and still feeling “unsatisfied,” let out a cryptic “Hmph.”

 

“I need to stop by the Chu Clinic for a 10:00 AM appointment,” Bo Yu said, not waiting for Nanyan to ask. “Zhu Ying has a small issue she’s embarrassed about, so she asked me to go for her. You can wait in the car; it shouldn’t take long.”

 

Nanyan looked worried. She knew Bo Yu sometimes used Zhu Ying as an excuse. “Is it really just Zhu Ying? Are you sure you didn’t catch a cold when the doors were open this morning?”

 

“It’s not me. I’m fine, don’t worry.”

 

Nanyan began to worry about Zhu Ying instead. She drove them to the clinic.

 

At the clinic, Nanyan waited in the car while Bo Yu went inside. After checking in, she walked through the front building to the acupuncture wing in the back to wait. At exactly 10:00 AM, the name “Zhu Ying” was called.

 

Bo Yu entered Dr. Chu’s office. The doctor was striking—no white coat, instead she wore a floral red dress and red lipstick, her expression confident and elegant. Bo Yu’s first impression was that this doctor was highly capable.

 

“Hello, Doctor.”

 

“Name?”

 

“Zhu Ying.”

 

Xie Yinwan: “…”

 

“Have a seat. Tell me what’s wrong,” Chu Jingzhi said with a smile.

 

“I might have a bit of ‘internal fire’,” Bo Yu said cautiously, placing her bag with the doll on the chair beside her.

 

“Mhm.” Chu Jingzhi could tell the patient was holding something back, but she didn’t push. “Let me see your tongue.”

 

Xie Yinwan: “?” Why do you need to see her tongue for ‘internal fire’? This doctor sounds indecent!

 

Bo Yu’s body was too weak. During her heat, she needed medicine or she’d faint—Xie Yinwan had been the one to feed it to her. The Long-Tongued Ghost said it needed to be fed every six hours. Xie Yinwan had done it twice, and it had been exhausting. Now Bo Yu was seeing a doctor. Her body is so weak, she might as well just join me in the underworld. Everyone dies eventually; I could look after her there. She wouldn’t have to suffer in the Ten Halls, and she’d have no pain. It would be better. Plus, she could see her mother, Jiang Wei. It’s a win-win.

 

Bo Yu, unaware the “immortal” was already planning her death, obediently stuck out her tongue—just the tip at first.

 

“A bit further. I can’t see the back,” Chu Jingzhi said.

 

Xie Yinwan’s brow furrowed. Bo Yu had only ever stuck her tongue out for her. She hated seeing her do it for someone else.

 

Bo Yu opened her mouth wider and extended her tongue further.

 

“Good. Give me your right hand, place it here.”

 

Xie Yinwan was inside the doll, and though she used the doll’s eyes, her view was currently blocked by the bag. She could only listen. She pouted, unhappy. What kind of quack doctor demands to see a tongue and touch a hand? Annoying. But she restrained herself since Bo Yu was being treated.

 

Bo Yu placed her hand on the pulse pillow, holding her breath. Dr. Chu checked her pulse carefully, then switched to the left hand. Bo Yu was nervous, her lips dry. She had read posts about how miracle-working Chinese doctors could discover a patient’s secrets just by their pulse. She thought they were exaggerated, but now she was worried it might be true.

 

“Are you in a relationship?” the doctor asked suddenly.

 

Bo Yu’s heart skipped a beat. She shook her head. “No.”

 

“Ever?”

 

“No.”

 

“Are you seeing anyone lately?”

 

“…No.”

 

The doctor smiled, making Bo Yu’s heart race even more. “Have you been having erotic dreams lately?”

 

Bo Yu: “?!”

 

Xie Yinwan: “??”

 

So Bo Yu is here for this? Xie Yinwan thought. She doesn’t want to have dreams about me, so she’s seeing a doctor? Waking up suddenly last night was one thing, but now she wants medicine to stop the dreams??

 

“My partner used to have erotic dreams all the time when we first met,” Chu Jingzhi said with a light laugh. “Your pulse is very similar, though with slight differences. Your dream images are very vivid, not blurry. And you’ve been feeling waves of heat and sweating in the afternoons and late at night, correct?”

 

Bo Yu: “??”

 

Seeing she was right, Chu Jingzhi leaned on her hand. “To an experienced doctor, the pulse tells everything. It’s not an exaggeration; it’s thousands of years of accumulated experience. Whether a dream is vivid or blurry, hot or cold—it shows in the pulse. You have ‘Kidney Yin Deficiency’ and ‘Duo of Heart and Kidney’. Do you want herbal medicine or acupuncture? The herbs will nourish Yin and lower fire. Acupuncture is every two days, twenty minutes per session, for seven sessions.”

 

Bo Yu was in shock. So was Xie Yinwan. Chinese medicine is really this miraculous.

 

Bo Yu blinked several times and rubbed her wrist. “Doctor, if I take the medicine, the dreams will stop, right?”

 

As soon as she finished the sentence, a commemorative banner in the office fell with a loud thud. Bo Yu jumped and looked back. Dr. Chu went to pick it up, wondering how the nail could have failed when it looked perfectly fine. It was a banner her partner had given her, so she was slightly annoyed.

 

“Under normal circumstances, yes, the dreams should stop,” Dr. Chu replied while rolling up the banner.

 

Bo Yu was relieved. Xie Yinwan, however, was sneering.

 

“If you don’t want medicine, you can also try to redirect your attention,” Chu Jingzhi added. “Go outdoors more, do some exercise, go for walks or jogs. It releases dopamine and stress, which will calm your inner anxiety.”

 

Bo Yu thought for a moment. “I’ll do both. I’ll go outdoors, but please also prescribe the medicine. I work, so acupuncture is difficult; pills are easier. Can I have pills instead of the liquid brew?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Chu Jingzhi noticed the patient wanted to say something else. “If you have more questions, you can ask.”

 

Bo Yu hesitated. “I think I might have a sleepwalking disorder, but I’m not sure. Did you… see that in my pulse?”

 

Dr. Chu: “Hmm?”

 

No, I didn’t.

 

Xie Yinwan had heard enough and closed her eyes.

 

“Give me your hand again, let me check,” Chu Jingzhi said.

 

Xie Yinwan opened her eyes again. More touching? Will it never end?

 

Dr. Chu checked both pulses again, her brow knitting. “It doesn’t show in your pulse, nor are there signs on your face or tongue. In Chinese medicine, sleepwalking is an issue of the ‘Heart-Spirit’. Usually, that shows a pulse of ‘Spirit Lacking Nourishment’. The difference is that your pulse shows ‘Heat,’ while a sleepwalking pulse does not. You have the ‘Heart-Kidney’ imbalance, but not the spirit issue. Do you understand? Did your family tell you that you sleepwalk?”

 

“I understand,” Bo Yu frowned. “My family hasn’t said anything. It’s just that when I wake up, things are in different places than where I left them.”

 

Chu Jingzhi pondered. “Are you living with anyone?”

 

“No, I sleep alone and lock my door.”

 

“What floor do you live on?”

 

“…The second floor.”

 

“Install a security camera,” Dr. Chu said seriously. “If something is happening, you may need to call the police.”

 

Bo Yu took her medicine and left the clinic in a daze. Dr. Chu was incredible—she could even tell the dreams were vivid. But her conclusion was that Bo Yu didn’t have a sleepwalking disorder; it was more likely that someone was entering her room.

 

The family security system was top-notch. No human could enter her room unnoticed. The only one who could enter was Xie Yinwan.

 

Did she put the doll in my pajamas? Bo Yu wondered. Is this immortal really that bored?