This movie was carefully chosen by Jiang Chongyan, and he accompanied Zhuo Nian throughout, making it feel like a real date for the first time in a while.
Given his actions on the previous two occasions, and considering what happened at noon today, Zhuo Nian suspected he had intended to try the same tricks again. However, since she had already taught him a lesson at noon, he had changed his mind at the last minute.
Regardless, the date concluded successfully this time.
After the movie, they walked home hand in hand, strolling along the streets.
Zhuo Nian could clearly sense Jiang Chongyan's good mood, and the reason for it was likely tied to the unlucky male protagonist.
"Ah Nian, can I ask you something?"
Zhuo Nian snapped back to attention. "What?"
"If one day you found out I lied to you, what would you do?"
Zhuo Nian smiled and asked, "What did you lie to me about?"
"I'm asking hypothetically."
"If you didn't, you wouldn't be asking such a question." Noticing his sudden tension, Zhuo Nian softened her tone. "It doesn't matter what you lied to me about, but you can't get hurt, and you can't leave me. As long as you're alright, I'll allow you to lie to me."
Besides, with the way he was acting so cautiously, he wouldn't be able to keep any secrets. Zhuo Nian could easily guess anything he might be hiding.
"What could happen to me?" He chuckled casually, but the smile held a hint of bitterness.
Couldn't leave?
He didn't want to, but he wanted her to be safe even more.
— "The paths of the living and the dead are separate."
"You'll end up killing her one day."
"Can you bear to see her become half-dead?"
"..."
"And if something happens, you're not allowed to hide it from me, otherwise... I'll lock you up and keep you with me forever."
Jiang Chongyan hummed in response.
"Have you gone back to see your parents? How are they doing recently?"
Hearing this question abruptly, Jiang Chongyan's heart tightened again.
Of course, he had. He had just been there at noon.
But...
"I visited them before. They're doing well. My father suffered from illness for so many years, and only after he died did he truly stand up again. They're much better off now than when they were alive."
Compared to their lives before, they endured humiliation and oppression, living in constant fear. After their deaths, they were persecuted by others while trying to uncover the truth, and eventually were run over by a large truck.
Now they had the means to live better lives, to retaliate against those who had oppressed them, and to see the Jiang family get the punishment they deserved. Except for not being able to live like humans, there was nothing bad about it.
"When did you go?" Zhuo Nian asked teasingly, "Aren't you going to take me to see them?"
"You want to see them?" Jiang Chongyan had never considered such a possibility. He had always kept this from his parents, and deep down, he didn't want them to meet.
His parents had lived a life of humiliation, and even in death, they had no dignity. If they couldn't meet when they were alive, there was no point in meeting now.
Zhuo Nian wasn't actually seeking to meet two unrelated individuals. It was simply because they were his parents, and she wanted to help them.
This world also had phenomena of mutation. Although it wasn't severe yet, the collective karma of humanity, the collapse of faith, and the fall of the Six Realms meant that those who died without a place to go would ultimately be devoured by stronger beings.
She could help Jiang Chongyan become powerful, but eventually, she would have to take him away and couldn't protect his parents forever.
"I feel like one has to meet the parents to truly be together openly. You've met my parents, and I haven't met yours yet. This feels a bit unfair."
Jiang Chongyan pondered for a moment and then said, "Then I'll take you to see them. When are you free?"
"Anytime."
The academy was already under surveillance; it was only a matter of time before it was over. Her going or not was inconsequential.
"Then let's go tomorrow."
"Whatever you say."
—
The next day, they went to the Jiang family's home.
Zhuo Nian brought some usual gifts, wanting to gauge their attitudes during their first meeting.
Jiang Chongyan, on the other hand, was filled with anxiety.
Even though he tried to hide it, Zhuo Nian noticed his unease.
They were ghosts now, and the house had a reputation for being haunted. They wouldn't go out during the day, and there were few people around, so no one noticed their arrival.
Jiang Father and Jiang Mother had received advance notice from Jiang Chongyan and were prepared to meet their son's girlfriend. However, they also felt conflicted about the fact that the living and the dead could not be together permanently, and their demeanor was also rather strange.
"Uncle, Aunt, hello. I'm Chongyan's girlfriend. My name is Yan Nian."
Jiang Mother looked at her bright and graceful smile, feeling a pang of inferiority, but outwardly she was very pleased. "Good, good, please come in!"
The three of them entered the living room together. The curtains were drawn, and the room was very dim, giving a heavy, oppressive feeling even with the lights on.
"Let me pull back the curtains."
Zhuo Nian held her hand. "Aunt, there's no need. I know about your situation. There's no need to be so formal. I'm the same as Chongyan."
Jiang Mother smiled awkwardly.