Chapter 72

Chapter 72: Black Egg Calls "Auntie"

The next day, the headline "Mr. Felzahar's 9.2 million ring purchase was a fake!" dominated newspapers once more. But accompanying this headline was another: "Someone actually demands an exchange with a genuine ring for the fake one?!"

Both news items were highly entertaining, and people were always fascinated by stories from the unknown world, monsters included. Suddenly, Mr. Felzahar's image graced various publications, his black-gray scarf becoming the must-have accessory of the year.

"The Felzahar Look" ~

Hmm, perhaps to avoid being photographed, Mr. Felzahar left, draped in a long black-gray scarf that concealed his entire face. One had to admit, this style, reminiscent of Youtarui region's attire but with a modern twist, looked rather dashing.~

Currently, what's available on the market are imitations in terms of color and style. The scarf Mr. Felzahar wears might be subtle, but upon closer inspection, it bears enchanting patterns with an exotic flair that no replica has successfully replicated thus far.

While the creatures of distant Ruyalda eagerly buzzed about emulating Mr. Felzahar's iconic scarf, within a humble abode on Ye Falar Street, a tiny, coal-black creature had already claimed for itself the genuine article – a scarf identical to that of the true Mr. Felzahar.

(~‿~)~zZ

The scarf that Mr. Felzahar hastily retrieved from his luggage to conceal his decaying half had been purchased by the young Ji Huan during his days in the human world, in Badu Town. Owing to the frequent need to temporarily bind Hei Dan to his body, he had bought a multitude of long and sturdy scarves, and that particular scarf was one among them.

While packing for Ajin, considering the possibility of sudden temperature drops, even though he knew it might not be necessary, he still slipped in a scarf he had purchased himself.

Isn't this exactly what he needs now?

Hei Dan is using it now.

He seems to have grown a bit recently.

The diapers they brought earlier are almost running out, and it's obvious that one can't buy diapers in a place like this. Thus, Ji Huan had no choice but to wean him off diapers.

But perhaps due to wearing diapers for too long, the baby developed a special attachment to them. While other kids at his age would already be wearing open-bottom pants, Hei Dan found it hard to adjust to the cool sensation down there. He kept looking nervously at the space between his legs and clamped them tightly together. As a result, he, who was previously skilled in crawling, suddenly couldn't do it anymore. Seeing no other solution, Ji Huan took one of his old cotton T-shirts, cut it into the shape of a diaper, and made Hei Dan a pair of underpants. To make it more familiar to him, Ji Huan even sewed a frog onto it with thread and needle!

Although it looked nothing like a frog, Hei Dan was fooled. Wearing his uncle's old clothes as underpants, he crawled around everywhere, and his little legs grew stronger!

As the weather turned cooler lately, Ji Huan rummaged through their luggage and found a scarf for him. To an adult, it might be just a scarf, but on Hei Dan, it became a super-sized cloak. Hei Dan loved this scarf so much that he even urinated on it once to mark his territory.

It was something he had never done before.

Yes, yes, it stinks. Hei Dan knew that too.

Ji Huan has started feeding him porridge now.

He brought plenty of baby food, but nowadays, Hei Dan's main diet wasn't those; instead, it was a local grain!

The origin of these grains was rather peculiar: Ji Huan had excavated them from "Bone's" cave.

=-=

Hei Dan's literacy book proved to be incredibly useful.

Didn't there exist a book that taught children how to read through the adventures of an egg? There was a part in the story where the egg was captured by mice, and while in their nest, it tasted rice, red beans, mung beans...

These long-lost foods made Ji Huan's mouth water, but what caught his attention was the mention in the literacy book about mice's habit of storing food in their caves.

Although Ji Huan was a country boy, his family lived in the mountains. At best, they cultivated a few vegetable patches. Not to mention mice, not even mosquitoes or cockroaches could be found in their home (← Grandpa's around!). Moreover, his grandpa, who had raised him and was a half-hearted human, could only impart half-baked common knowledge and stories. Thus, Ji Huan truly didn't know if rats would store food in their burrows.

Nonetheless, he was still a young adolescent with a spirit for practical exploration. Considering that the bones here shared similar habits with rats in the human world, he actually discovered a few bone nests. To his surprise,

he found grain-like substances within those nests!

Feeding the first portion to Big Bai as usual, the creature didn't die (← Hey! What are you saying?). After Ji Huan sampled some himself and realized there were no adverse effects, he confidently declared that these food items would henceforth be prioritized for Hei Dan's consumption!

Grandpa was delighted: he wasn't fond of vegetarian meals!

Hei Dan was also delighted: Uncle had filled his milk jar with all these grains! The once-empty jar was now heavy again, and Hei Dan's little heart was finally at ease.

Ji Huan's heart was also reassured: Knowing that there were grains in this world, he felt that the chances of leading a good life here had significantly increased.

Upon careful reflection, his current life wasn't much different from what Ji Huan had planned: Arriving at a new place, ideally with hot springs, finding a job to support the family, and then continuing to live together as a family.

In some ways, his present life was even better than what he had envisioned: Grandfather and Hei Dan could finally appear openly among people without worrying about who was more peculiar. They were just ordinary members of this world.

And—

Their family could finally take a photo together.

Unlike cameras in the human world, the ones here could capture both Grandfather and Hei Dan!

Although Ji Huan couldn't afford a camera, the phone Ajin had bought for him earlier had a photography function. Upon encountering a device that could take their picture for the first time, Grandfather was probably too excited. He snapped pictures every day, taking numerous photos not only of himself but also of Hei Dan, his grandson, and even the Big Bai in the yard!

A few shots were even taken of the little Grey Demon.

When the Grey Demon, who had never properly seen his reflection since birth, saw his own appearance for the first time, he had a strange expression. After that, he refused to be photographed again.

However, Ji Huan had taken a proper photo of him eventually.

Using a bottle of water – which Ji Huan had told him was non-drinkable hot spring water – he cleaned the little demon's face that had never been wiped before. Then, using a homemade wooden comb, he tidied up the gray hair. For the first time, Ji Huan could clearly see the appearance of this small demonic creature:

He had a pointed chin, big eyes with translucent gray irises. Though this skinny child wasn't exceptionally handsome, he had an incredibly unique style.

The little grey demon looked somewhat adorable with his hair combed neatly.

Ji Huan took a picture of him.

"This can be used for your job applications in the future." → Of course, the official reason given for taking the photo was this.

That's what Ji Huan had said to the little grey demon. But in reality...

Ever since he started raising Hei Dan, Ji Huan, who was still a child himself, suddenly understood the feelings of many parents: Why did so many parents like to constantly take pictures of their children?

On one hand, it was because they found their own children the cutest. On the other hand, it was probably because children grew up quickly, and parents wanted to document every milestone of their development.

But Little Grey didn't have any parents. He would grow up without leaving any records behind.

There's always a sense of regret about this, isn't there?

With this thought in mind, Ji Huan persuaded Little Grey to take a photograph.

In the house Ajin left behind, there was a printer, albeit an old one, yet surprisingly still functional. Ji Huan selected a few prints and placed them in the designated spot in his grandfather's room where family photos usually went. Originally, there were only three photographs displayed: one of Ji Huan and his sister from their childhood, and another of Ji Huan alone at an amusement park.

To an outsider, it appeared that only the young Ji Huan was there, but Ji Huan knew that at that moment, Grandfather was standing right by his side.

The final photograph, however, was a peculiar "portrait" of my sister with her unseen boyfriend.

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Ji Huan's lips as he placed the printed family portrait in front of those photographs.

From now on, they could truly create and preserve memories together as a family.

Though...

Little Hei was no longer with them.

As for Little Grey's picture, Ji Huan entrusted it to the young Grey Demon himself.

With an air of disdain, Little Grey accepted it and slipped the thin paper under his cloak, not even casting a glance at it.

Ji Huan had assumed that the child genuinely disliked having his picture taken. Unbeknownst to him, upon returning to what he called "home," Little Grey had sought out a well-lit spot to study that photograph for an extended period.

It was the first photograph in his entire demonic existence.

He had believed that, like the vast majority in their neighborhood, he would never leave behind a single image, that no one would remember what he looked like as a child, and even as an adult, he wouldn't have a clear recollection of his own appearance.

The only photograph one might obtain in this part of town would likely be on a wanted poster.

He had assumed that would be his fate too.

Yet now, he held a photograph in his hands.

After scrutinizing it for a long time, he attempted to hide it in various locations but always felt uneasy. Ultimately, he entrusted it to Ji Huan.

"It's safer with you. It's not safe where I am."

Only then did Ji Huan comprehend the child's true thoughts: Feeling that his own place was insecure, this child… treated this photograph as a precious possession, didn't he?

Thus, he solemnly placed the photo in the designated spot on Grandpa's bedside table, where family portraits were displayed.

"I've put your picture in the nest of our family's strongest monster," he told Little Grey. Indeed, Grandpa was currently the most powerful creature in the family.

Little Grey was content.

(≧▽≦)

As a result, he even increased the daily supply of insects for free, considering it a fee for safeguarding the photo.

While some young demons disliked having their pictures taken, others were quite fond of selfies.

And the embodiment of this passion was none other than Hei Dan from Ji Huan's family!

True to his status as Grandpa's beloved great-grandson, Hei Dan, despite being tiny and not yet able to walk, had already discovered the joy of taking selfies.

Similar to many human children, Hei Dan had reached an age where he became fascinated by adults' smartphones.

Whenever his uncle carelessly left his phone on the bed, Hei Dan would seize the opportunity to inch closer to it.

He could even turn it on now!

A simple double tap on the screen would illuminate it! Since Ji Huan hadn't set a password, Hei Dan could easily unlock the phone.

He knew this gadget could be used as a "mirror."

On this day, Hei Dan snatched his uncle's phone again to admire himself in it!

Wrapped in a large scarf of black and gray, the curious baby poked at the screen with his tiny claws. Tap, tap, tap – but this time, no matter how long he tried, the mirror didn't appear. But Hei Dan was a very patient infant; if it didn't work, he'd just keep poking.

Eventually, he managed to bring up the "mirror."

Upon seeing his reflection, Hei Dan felt a warmth between his legs.

Looking down, his pair of white-ringed eyes slanted in disappointment – he had wet his pants again.

"Hmm?" The "mirror" actually spoke! As the person spoke, another side of their face came into view.

What a face it was... Exposed eyeballs and crimson flesh were left open to the air, with some parts already covered by thin layers of skin. However, instead of concealing the horror, that flesh-colored skin only made half the face appear even more terrifying.

A small tremble ran through his body, and Hei Dan burst into wails.

Ji Huan, who had been busy with chores in the courtyard, immediately rushed in. He scooped up the quivering little monster, swaddled in a large scarf, and then spotted the culprit behind the child's tears.

"Ah Jin?" Although half of his face was terrifyingly disfigured, the other half was undoubtedly Ah Jin.

Ji Huan picked up the phone.

Though he didn't understand the situation, the person displayed on the screen was indeed Ah Jin.

Was Ah Jin... video calling with Hei Dan?

This peculiar thought flashed through his mind for a second before vanishing.

There was only one number saved in this phone, and that was Ah Jin's. The two mobile phones were purchased together, and the numbers were activated simultaneously.

After Ah Jin left, Ji Huan had thought about making a call, but what could he say? He was still reliant on the other's help for his livelihood and had nothing to offer in return. Ji Huan had no idea what excuse he could use to call.

Now, by chance, he was video calling with Ajin.

"Good afternoon," Ji Huan said in Chinese, somewhat nervously, using a common greeting.

Ajin seemed taken aback for a moment, but only briefly. He quickly smiled.

"Mm, good afternoon. It's been so long since I've heard this language, I find it a little nostalgic." The smile that crept across his scarred face appeared somewhat menacing, though the owner of the smile seemed oblivious to this. His dark eyes, devoid of any sparkle, met Ji Huan's gaze.

At this moment, he was somewhat curious about Ji Huan's reaction.

He was well aware of how terrifying his appearance must be at this moment.

Just like his decaying body back then.

Those people's reactions were impolite, and he didn't want to bother himself with their negativity. Thus, he kept himself tightly wrapped up, not even allowing Ji Huan to attend to him personally during the time when he was taking care of him.

Now, due to the small creature's unintentional action, what he had been meticulously concealing was exposed before the young man's eyes.

However, the disguise was merely to avoid unnecessary trouble. He didn't mind if someone caught a glimpse of something...

A trace of curiosity stirred within him.

With a slight tilt of his head, he brought his decayed half of the face closer to the camera.

Ji Huan was startled; he now had a clear view of the other person's current state.

"Have you seen a doctor, Ajin?" His reaction was peculiar.

This left Ajin momentarily taken aback as well.

"Does it hurt a lot?" The young man's face drew closer to the screen, so near that Ajin could make out the details of his lashes. They were long and dark, tilting downward gently.

Beneath his eyelashes, the dark eyes were tranquil and undisturbed.

"Not convenient to see a doctor? Then you'll need to take some anti-inflammatory medication. Can you obtain painkillers? If it's not convenient for you, I can try to buy some outside and send them to you."

At this moment, Ajin's inner emotions could be described as -> =-=`.

What do you think I'm doing? Hiding and seeking?

His mood inexplicably improved.

"It was an accident. I accidentally ended up like this, but it'll be fine in a few days. Look, the skin is already growing back here." Moving the screen closer to his face, Ajin showed Ji Huan the thin, membranous new skin.

Seeing the layer of skin up close, the man's expression became even more frightening.

Yet, Ji Huan actually leaned in for a closer look.

After confirming that there was indeed a layer of skin, Ji Huan nodded in relief.

"Try not to eat soy sauce for the next few days. Although I'm not sure if they have soy sauce here, it's best to avoid colored foods," Ji Huan then advised.

"Okay~" Smiling slightly, Ajin obediently agreed.

With the most challenging initial conversation out of the way, their conversation proceeded smoothly.

Using his phone, Ji Huan showed Ajin how things were at home, the vegetable garden, Big Bai, the five chickens. Ji Huan wanted to show him Hei Dan as well, but Hei Dan buried his little face tightly into his uncle's embrace, only willing to reveal his bottom clad in underwear to Ajin.

"Hei Dan doesn't wear diapers anymore," Ji Huan specially mentioned.

He also reported his recent expenses and told Ajin about the "grains" he found in "Bone's" hideout.

"To think you found those! When cooked together, they make a delicious dish. It's been a long time since I had them." To Ji Huan's surprise, Ajin not only knew about the grains but had actually tasted them before!

Seeing Ajin's nostalgic expression, Ji Huan impulsively offered, "Then I'll send some to you."

Ajin turned his head to look at him intently. After a moment of silence, just as Ji Huan began to doubt if he had said something wrong, Ajin agreed with a smile.

"Alright, but it's not easy to find a postman there. In a while, when I find a courier to deliver something back home, you can give him the items."

"Okay." Relieved, Ji Huan chuckled.

In the bright and clean room, the young man's face softened instantly because of that smile.

Resilient yet radiant—Mr. Felzahar suddenly thought of this phrase.

In the afternoon, he really did hire a "postman," although his previous statement was merely a casual remark. He originally didn't have anything to send back. However...

After some consideration, he placed the "Love Ring," which had absorbed its energy, into a box. He then stuffed a few other antique treasures he had acquired recently and a couple of books he had read into the package. Finally, he handed everything over to the "postman."

"Have the package delivered directly to me from the post office. In the meantime, spend some time in Ye Falar to lay low. Wait until I revoke your warrant before returning," Mr. Felzahar instructed, his gaze casually resting on the so-called "postman."

The slender "postman" merely adjusted his hat, a mischievous grin tugging at the corners of his lips. In an instant, he vanished from the room.

Efficient as the postman was, three days later, Ji Huan received a parcel from Ajin in the afternoon.

The contents were clearly intended for him:

The book was for his reading pleasure; that much was obvious.

The decorations (Ajin didn't specify that they were antiques) were placed on a shelf, revealing Ajin's penchant for purchasing ornaments.

And finally...

Ji Huan picked up a bracelet.

His attention was drawn to the somewhat melancholic Black Egg, who was holding an empty milk jar beside him (the grain inside had been entrusted to the postman to be delivered to Ajin).

Comparing the bracelet to Black Egg's small arm, it was a bit too large, but its golden hue made it resemble a real gold bangle.

Recalling the incident where he had mentioned to Ajin about the bracelet he had made for Hei Dan being lost, a light bulb illuminated in Ji Huan's mind, immediately realizing that this was the bracelet Ajin had bought for Hei Dan.

Adjusting the slightly larger bracelet snugly, Ji Huan slipped it onto Hei Dan's wrist.

Upon learning that it was a gift from Ajin, Hei Dan's joy resurfaced.