My Ghostly Darling Cuddles Me Every Day - Chapter 25.1

Chapter 25.1: Jinjiang Literature City

 

When Bo Yu wasn’t staying in Zhu Ying’s office, she would usually sit at her workstation in the marketing department.

 

If she let Bo Jingxian come upstairs to find her, it wouldn’t be convenient to meet her in Zhu Ying’s office; she should see her at her workstation. However, knowing Bo Jingxian, there was no guarantee she wouldn’t deliberately say something inappropriate in front of her colleagues.

 

After a moment’s thought, Bo Yu told the front desk that she was coming down to meet her sister and asked her to wait a moment. After hanging up, Bo Yu turned off Journey to the West, took her phone in one hand and held Xiexie in the other, and headed down to the lobby.

 

“Do you want me to go with you?” Zhu Ying followed her to the door.

 

“No need, stay busy,” Bo Yu said, turning back at the door. “Designer toys are one thing; they pursue personality and attitude, so they can afford to look ‘ugly-cute’—the market has already proven that. But jewelry is different. If you want to lead a trend with ugly-cute jewelry, we need more market data. We need to think carefully about the jewelry investment; we’ll discuss it in detail at the meeting.”

 

Zhu Ying knew the concept was risky and nodded. “Alright, go ahead.”

 

Bo Yu pondered as she entered the elevator. There was a café next to the office building that she and Zhu Ying had invested in. Since it wasn’t lunch hour yet, it should be quiet. She planned to buy Bo Jingxian a coffee and usher her away as quickly as possible to prevent any scenes that might attract onlookers.

 

Bo Yu stepped out of the elevator, turned the corner, and walked toward the lobby. When she looked up, the person sitting on the sofa wasn’t Bo Jingxian—it was Jin Xuan!

 

On the coffee table in front of Jin Xuan was a pale-yellow fabric bag, the kind her family often used to pack lunch boxes.

 

Bo Yu didn’t know what she was thinking, but she instinctively held Xiexie tighter and turned around, wanting to duck back into the elevator. After four or five hurried steps, Jin Xuan’s voice came from behind: “Bo Yu?”

 

Bo Yu sighed inwardly, realizing this was the scheme Bo Jingxian had pulled. She had no choice but to turn back, feigning surprise: “What are you doing here?”

 

Jin Xuan was also slightly surprised. “Didn’t your sister tell you?”

 

Bo Yu shook her head.

 

Jin Xuan explained the situation. Apparently, Bo Jingxian had gone back to the Bo house that morning to pick up some things. Second Aunt and the Young Mistress (Sheng Nanyan) had prepared lunch and asked Bo Jingxian to drop it off at Bo Yu’s company on her way back to school.

 

While passing by Jin Xuan’s shop, Bo Jingxian “happened” to run into her. Claiming she had a sudden errand, Bo Jingxian asked Jin Xuan to deliver the lunch for her. Bo Jingxian told Jin Xuan she would text her sister, and instructed Jin Xuan to give Bo Jingxian’s name at the front desk so Bo Yu would come down to get it. Bo Jingxian had also specifically emphasized that Jin Xuan shouldn’t call Bo Yu, claiming Bo Yu only answered work calls or family calls while working, and that calling her would be a waste of time.

 

Listening to this elaborate plan, Bo Yu thought: “…” Bo Jingxian is truly childish to the death.

 

But as fate would have it, Bo Jingxian’s antics had landed right on Xie Yinwan’s “bad mood” trigger.

 

Bo Yu felt apprehensive but took the lunch boxes with a smile. “Thank you. Sorry for the trouble, Jingxian really made you go out of your way.”

 

Jin Xuan smiled. “It’s no trouble, it was on my way. Don’t be so polite. By the way, I didn’t know you worked at an investment firm; I thought you worked for your family’s company.”

 

Bo Yu replied, “No, this company belongs to a friend. It’s usually more relaxed here; working at the family company can be high-pressure.”

 

Jin Xuan nodded. “That’s true. It’s better for people to be relaxed.”

 

Bo Yu nodded in agreement. She was wearing a white shirt today, and perhaps because the office air conditioning was on high, she had a khaki shawl draped over her shoulders. Her outfit was casual, yet her aura remained extraordinary—a relaxed “old money” vibe.

 

She held the cute doll in her arms. Today, the doll was dressed exactly like Bo Yu, in a white shirt and a khaki shawl. Both Bo Yu and the doll wore matching blue lanyards. Bo Yu’s ID read “Name: Bo Yu; Position: Market Analyst,” while the doll’s read “Name: Xiexie; Position: Secretary.”

 

Jin Xuan found both Bo Yu and the doll incredibly cute. She glanced at Bo Yu’s fair cheeks and reached out, wanting to touch the doll’s face. “You brought your little one to work today? Her name is Xiexie? That’s a lovely name.”

 

Bo Yu quickly took two steps back to dodge Jin Xuan’s hand. With Xie Yinwan’s foul temper, she definitely wouldn’t want Jin Xuan touching her face. “Yes, her name is Xiexie. I’m sorry, I’m not used to letting others touch her. Please don’t mind.”

 

Jin Xuan withdrew her hand, tilting her head in confusion. Her gaze shifted between Bo Yu’s beautiful face and the cute doll’s face before she gave a light laugh. “It’s okay, I don’t mind. I understand many people have their own habits. I respect that.”

 

Bo Yu disliked conflict or discomfort in social interactions and let out a small sigh of relief. “Thank you for understanding.”

 

Xie Yinwan, thinking Bo Yu had called her name (Xiexie means ‘Thank You’ but is also the doll’s name), looked up from Bo Yu’s arms. After two seconds, realizing Bo Yu was just saying “Thank you,” she shot Jin Xuan a lazy glare from Bo Yu’s arms and went back to watching the door.

 

Jin Xuan said, “I heard from your sister today that you bought a camera. Are you going birdwatching this weekend? Which mountain or park are you going to?”

 

Bo Yu realized this must have come from her Second Aunt or Bo Jingxian. “Yeah, I want to take some photos when I’m free, but I haven’t decided where yet.”

 

Jin Xuan invited her: “Are you going this Saturday? I’ve actually been wanting to photograph birds too. Want to go together on Saturday?”

 

Bo Yu froze slightly. Going birdwatching with a friend sounded fun, but Xie Yinwan would definitely be unhappy. Ghosts and Daoists were incompatible; if Xie Yinwan was unhappy, she couldn’t go. Furthermore, she had promised to get Xie Yinwan’s permission before contacting Jin Xuan.

 

“Let’s see,” Bo Yu said apologetically. “Mid-Autumn Festival is coming up, and I might have to go shopping with my family. I’m not sure when I’ll actually go out to take photos.”

 

Jin Xuan was a sensitive person. Sensing Bo Yu’s distancing, she gave her a deep look. Fine. Since Bo Yu feels uncomfortable, forget it.

 

Jin Xuan smiled and took a step back. “Alright then. You go back to work, and I’ll go see my clients.”

 

Bo Yu smiled. “Okay. Thank you for today. Safe travels, see you around.”

 

With the lunch bag on her wrist, Bo Yu grabbed Xiexie’s hand and waved it at Jin Xuan. Jin Xuan smiled at Xiexie, waved back, and turned to leave.

 

But at that exact moment, the lobby’s automatic doors slid open. Simultaneously, Bo Jingxian’s scream pierced the air. Bo Jingxian came scrambling in, running past Jin Xuan toward Bo Yu in a total panic. “Bo Yu! Sister! Save me! Security! Where is security?!”

 

Chasing right behind Bo Jingxian were three dogs, barking ferociously: Woof woof woof woof! There were two large dogs and one tiny teacup dog, the latter yapping even louder than the big ones.

 

Jin Xuan immediately ran back toward the dogs to protect Bo Yu, shouting for security. The lobby was in chaos. Bo Jingxian, wailing and screaming, ducked behind Bo Yu and curled into a ball.

 

Just as Bo Yu was about to throw the lunch boxes at the dogs, the three animals suddenly skidded to a halt in front of her. They opened their mouths, lolled their tongues, and smiled at her. They wagged their tails so hard their butts shook, pacing back and forth in tiny steps, each trying to outdo the other in sucking up to her.

 

Bo Yu: “?”

 

Bo Yu stared at the three dogs in bewilderment. She realized that the angle of their heads and their gaze seemed to be directed at Xiexie.

 

Bo Yu: “…”

 

Jin Xuan ran over, staring at the scene in disbelief. What is going on?

 

Then, a fourth dog ran in from behind Jin Xuan, carrying a phone in its mouth. It ran straight to Bo Yu and looked up, offering it to her. Bo Yu recognized it as Bo Jingxian’s phone. She took it and looked at the screen; the gallery was open, showing many photos of her and Jin Xuan. Some were taken from misleading angles—one made it look like Jin Xuan was reaching out to caress her face, while another made it seem like they were standing close enough to embrace.

 

One could imagine Bo Jingxian’s smug, sneaky face as she snapped those photos outside the automatic doors.

 

Bo Yu frowned and swiped through. Aside from a ton of Bo Jingxian’s selfies, she saw photos from their previous dinner—also taken at misleading angles to make it look like they were on a romantic date.

 

The four dogs panted happily in front of Bo Yu, occasionally barking fiercely at Bo Jingxian behind her. One dog even let out a terrifying, wolf-like howl. The security guards rushed over to catch the dogs but stopped, scratching their heads in confusion.

 

“Miss Bo,” one guard asked, “Are these yours?”

 

“No, no, no!”

 

A person gasping for breath ran in from the door, repeating “No” several times. “I’m so sorry! The white one is mine! I’m so sorry, did they bite you? Did they scare you?”

 

This owner ran over, followed by three others. They had all been out walking their dogs when the animals suddenly went crazy and bolted toward the building. They were so fast the owners couldn’t keep up!

 

Jin Xuan looked thoughtfully at the four tail-wagging dogs, then at the frantic owners, and finally at the calm, gentle Bo Yu. She realized Bo Yu might possess a “field” that was both sacred and awe-inspiring to animals. While others found it eerie, Jin Xuan, given her profession, could understand these supernatural occurrences. Bo Yu was truly special. Looking at the innocent, cute doll in Bo Yu’s arms, Jin Xuan’s fondness for her grew even stronger.

 

Bo Yu felt Jin Xuan’s scrutinizing gaze, especially directed at the doll. Her heart tightened, and she didn’t dare meet her eyes, fearing Jin Xuan might sense something.

 

Jin Xuan liked kind people like Bo Yu, and she liked cute things like the doll. She tilted her head to look at Bo Jingxian, who was sitting on the floor behind Bo Yu, crying until her makeup was ruined. She really couldn’t bring herself to like willful people. As she watched, Jin Xuan realized something was wrong. Didn’t Bo Jingxian say she had an errand? Why is she here?

 

Jin Xuan’s expression cooled.

 

“It’s okay,” Bo Yu leaned down to pat the tallest dog, then squatted to pet the other three. She looked up and smiled at the anxious owners who were asking if they needed to go to the hospital. “Maybe my lunch smelled too good, and the dogs were drawn to it. I have a dog at home too, and dogs are very clingy with me.”

 

But it was still very strange. One owner was pulling hard on their leash, but the dog wouldn’t budge. He asked awkwardly, “Um, is the lady behind you okay? Should she go to the hospital?”

 

Bo Yu looked back at Bo Jingxian. She was sobbing uncontrollably, clearly terrified. “She’s fine, no need. she’s usually a bit frantic.”

 

Bo Yu smiled, coaxing the dogs to return to their owners, and apologized to the security guards. However, the four dogs still didn’t want to leave. Their tails wagged with what looked like anxiety, as if they were waiting for something.

 

Xie Yinwan’s gaze flicked over them indifferently, like an immortal looking down at ants. Finally, under their expectant gazes, she slowly opened her mouth: “Good dogs. You arrived just in time. Go now.”

 

Only then did the four dogs stop being anxious. A look of satisfaction, as if they had been rewarded with piles of meat, appeared in their eyes. They happily ran two circles around Bo Yu and followed their owners out, looking back at every step.

 

Bo Yu: “…” Exactly like the scene at the reservoir when Hanhan was sucking up to Xiexie.

 

The crowd and the dogs dispersed. Bo Yu apologized to Jin Xuan for her sister’s behavior, and Jin Xuan said it was fine. Finally, Bo Yu said, “Don’t you have something to do? You should get going.”

 

In Jin Xuan’s line of work, one is a master of reading people and understanding the subtext of micro-expressions. During her interactions with Bo Yu, she had been very comfortable and genuinely liked her. But now, she suddenly felt a heavy sense of distance from Bo Yu. Even though Bo Yu’s words were ordinary, the feeling was unmistakable. Perhaps it was Bo Yu’s dodging gaze, or the way she stepped back while holding Xiexie.

 

She understood. Their brief fate ended here. Jin Xuan smiled at Bo Yu, still looking like the kind girl-next-door from their first meeting. “Alright. Stay busy. Call me if you need anything.”

 

“Mhm.”

 

Jin Xuan turned and left without looking back. Bo Yu watched her go and whispered an apology in her heart. Some friends are like that—you spend a period of time in close, comfortable contact, and then, at an unpredicted moment, it suddenly ends.

 

Bo Yu took Bo Jingxian to the first-floor restroom to wash her face. Bo Jingxian’s legs were still weak; she cried and washed her face while cursing: “Bo Yu, are you raising dogs secretly?! Why didn’t they bite you but only me?! You must have ordered them to do it! I’m telling Dad and Grandma!”

 

She had makeup on, and plain water couldn’t clean it. She rubbed her skin hard with her fingertips. “So annoying! So ugly!”

 

Bo Yu watched her frantic sister with an indifferent expression and asked casually, “Why were you taking photos?”

 

Bo Jingxian stopped cursing and shouted, “Give me back my phone!”

 

Bo Yu: “I’ve already screen-recorded the gallery and sent it to Grandma via your WeChat.”

 

Bo Jingxian stamped her foot and yelled, “Bo Yu!”

 

Bo Yu remained calm. “Why are you yelling? Haven’t you embarrassed yourself enough?”

 

Bo Jingxian glared at her with fury. “Wash your face and leave. Go home and think about how to explain today’s events to Grandma. I suggest you don’t underestimate her wisdom; don’t try to lie to her. Also, I will not date or marry. I won’t date or marry anyone, and I certainly won’t move out of the Bo house. Give up on that.”

 

Xie Yinwan, listening halfway, heard the part about Bo Yu not dating or marrying anyone, and she immediately beamed with joy. What a good baby. My obedient, good baby. I really, really like my baby!

 

Bo Yu threw Bo Jingxian’s phone onto the sink, held Xiexie, and turned to leave. Just as she turned, she heard a loud thud from inside. Bo Yu took two steps back to peek in and saw Bo Jingxian had slipped and fallen on the floor into a puddle of dirty water. Her designer clothes were wet and filthy, and she was looking up and wailing in frustration.

 

Bo Yu felt a flicker of sympathy, then patted Xiexie’s head. She didn’t help Bo Jingxian up and simply walked away.

 

Upstairs, Bo Yu headed toward Zhu Ying’s office. Zhu Ying had heard about the commotion downstairs and was just coming out. Seeing Bo Yu, she pointed at her with the cold, arrogant air of a boss: “You, come here. Let’s talk about the morning investment case.”

 

Bo Yu followed her in and closed the door. Zhu Ying immediately circled her, checking her clothes for tears or dog bites. Even though security said she was fine, she was still worried. “Your sister is way too much trouble, bringing her drama to the office. Did she bring those dogs to bite you?”

 

Bo Yu didn’t expect the gossip to travel so fast and change so much between floors. She explained the situation in detail to reassure Zhu Ying. Hearing that it was Bo Jingxian who was crying, Zhu Ying was relieved and even a bit gloating. “Serves her right. Who told her to play matchmaker and use Jin Xuan? In Jin Xuan’s line of work, she’s a master of social grace and human nature; she definitely realized she was being used as a tool. She probably left feeling pretty annoyed.”

 

Bo Yu placed the lunch on the table. “Grandma will make Bo Jingxian apologize to Daoist Jin Xuan.”

 

Zhu Ying sat down to gossip. “Are you going too?” Bo Yu shook her head. Bo Jingxian caused the trouble; her apology would be enough to smooth things over with Jin Xuan. Besides, if no chance encounters happened, this would be the last time she saw Jin Xuan. Aside from Xie Yinwan’s dislike of Jin Xuan, Bo Yu was worried that Jin Xuan or her master might one day sense Xie Yinwan’s existence and insist on exorcising her. Jin Xuan had said her master had captured many evil ghosts; to keep Xie Yinwan by her side, it was better to stop contacting Jin Xuan. Especially since Jin Xuan had looked at Xiexie several times—she feared Jin Xuan had already noticed something.

 

“You aren’t going together?” Zhu Ying thought for a moment and asked carefully, “Then again, Jin Xuan was willing to deliver the lunch—does she have a good impression of you? Should you treat her to a meal?”

 

Bo Yu immediately covered Xiexie’s ears. Xie Yinwan, with her ears covered: “?”

 

Zhu Ying laughed and pulled Bo Yu’s hands away, touching Xiexie’s face. “What are you doing? Not letting your daughter hear her mom is going on a date with an Auntie…”

 

Bo Yu quickly pushed Zhu Ying’s hand away and covered Xiexie’s ears again. Xie Yinwan: “?!”

 

Bo Yu hadn’t felt a headache downstairs, but now she was getting one from Zhu Ying’s teasing. “Stop talking nonsense.” She let go of Xiexie’s ears and said seriously, “Jin Xuan was just helping out because she was passing by. She doesn’t mean anything by it, and neither do I. Zhu Ying, don’t say those things anymore, or it will be very awkward for everyone.” She paused. “My daughter will be embarrassed too.”

 

Xie Yinwan: “…” Hmph. I’m not embarrassed, I’m unhappy!

 

Zhu Ying stopped teasing. “Alright, alright, I get it. I’ll watch what I say from now on.”

 

“Mhm.” Bo Yu opened the lunch boxes and handed chopsticks to Zhu Ying. “You eat the lunch.” Zhu Ying: “You aren’t eating?” “I don’t feel like it. You eat.”

 

She didn’t dare eat the lunch Jin Xuan had helped deliver, fearing a certain petty ghost would be angry. Usually, she either pre-ordered from a restaurant Grandma had vetted or had the family helper deliver lunch. She had a weak stomach and was a germaphobe, so she rarely ordered takeout without knowing the restaurant’s hygiene. “I’ll order something from the restaurant in a bit. You eat this.”

 

Zhu Ying ate the lunch without a second thought. She asked casually, “This fish looks like it was made by Nanyan. Is she back at the Bo house?”

 

“Yeah, she’s back. It was probably her.” Bo Yu replied offhandedly.

 

Zhu Ying took bite after bite of the fish. Bo Yu ordered her own meal and sat with Xiexie to continue watching Journey to the West. Xiexie’s gaze on the TV was very focused. Bo Yu patted Xiexie’s stomach, thinking while she watched.

 

The dogs’ strange behavior… and Bo Jingxian’s fall. If Xie Yinwan wasn’t inside Xiexie, she would have thought Xiexie was protecting her. But since Xie Yinwan was inside, she understood: Xie Yinwan’s subtle interventions were likely just because she disliked Jin Xuan and Bo Jingxian.