Watchdog

Within the thick and hazy fog, a gentle yet ominous voice called out to him, 

"Zhuyu…"

Song Zhuyu scanned his surroundings, but he could see nothing past the obscuring mist. He wanted to run to the direction of the voice, yet it was as though the shadows were firmly gripping his ankles, preventing him from taking a step. Let alone walk, he couldn't even speak or move. His entire body was paralyzed from head to toe, and the only part that still retained mobility was his eyeballs. 

Instead of fear, however, Song Zhuyu only felt anger and murderous intent rising within him, especially when he recalled the words Yurong Tao had told him earlier.

Just you wait, he seethed inside his mind. I'm coming for you, asshole!

"Yes." 

A whisper, laced with a hint of mirthful laughter, echoed right behind his ear. "I will be waiting."

"...!" 

In the next moment, the invisible shackles around Song Zhuyu seemed to shatter, granting him the ability to turn his neck. But alas, all he glimpsed was a pair of crimson lips twisted into a wicked grin before he jolted awake from his dream, gasping.

The mark on his right hip burned so fiercely as if someone had pressed a searing brand onto his skin. Along with the blazing heat, an indescribable sensation came from his nether region. Gritting his teeth, Song Zhuyu dug his nails onto the mark, using the sharp pain to offset the waves of exquisite tingles coursing through him. 

He closed his eyes and murmured prayers with ragged breaths, "Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name…"

He chanted the prayer twice over before he felt himself calming down, his physical reaction subsiding into nothing. Propping himself up, Song Zhuyu sighed and threaded his fingers through his mussed-up hair that was dampened with sweat. 

Outside the window, the sun had yet to arise. Rain fell in a gentle drizzle while his room was bathed in a familiar, undulating crimson glow. 

Turning his head, he caught sight of his spirit artifact resting on the nightstand where he had left it before he went to sleep. It looked as magical yet sinister as ever, with the streak of black facing his reaction. 

For some reason, gazing at it reminded him of the dream he had earlier. Its crimson hue was similar to the lips he glimpsed at the last moments before he was startled awake – a color so vivid and deep that it was unsettling. 

Come to think of it, his hair was also in a similar shade of crimson… 

Unable to resist, Song Zhuyu reached out and picked it up, lost in thought. This was the first time he had ever dreamed of something like that and he couldn't tell whether it was a premonition or simply because today was the day he would depart to Shenci Island. 

However, did it even matter? Regardless of what the dream could even mean, his resolve to hunt the demon was firmly set; it had better stay there obediently and wait for him to come.

Shaking off the remnants of the dream, Song Zhuyu retrieved a bible from his nightstand drawer and spent twenty minutes reading some of his favorite verses until the turmoil within his heart completely stilled. Only then did he proceed to the bathroom to prepare for the day. 

***

In order to catch the boat heading to Shenci Island which only departed before dusk, Song Zhuyu arrived at the train station early, donning a mask and a hat to conceal his striking crimson hair. 

Even though the clean-up crews had dealt with the aftermath, it was still quite risky of him to show his face in public. He wouldn't know if his appearance would trigger unwelcome memories, as human minds were simply too complicated.

He had been informed beforehand that someone from the company would accompany (read: keeping an eye on) him until he arrived at the island, but he never expected that aside from his watchdog, there was also an additional person waiting for him.

"Chief Song?" Song Zhuyu was surprised when he spotted Song Juwei seated on the platform with his perpetual grumpy face. "What are you doing here?"

Song Juwei glared at him. "To enjoy the scenery."

"Oh." Song Zhuyu blinked, then questioned, "... You're kidding, right?"

He received a few slaps on his shoulder as a result. "You rascal! Why would I be here if not to see you off? Do you think I'm so heartless to let you leave without a proper goodbye? Huh?! You too, you didn't even give me a phone call!"

"Ow." Song Zhuyu flinched, though he remained still and endured the older man's outbursts without protest. 

This… was surprising. He had assumed that since Chief Song was one of the higher-ups responsible for his exile, he wouldn't bother to bid him farewell anymore. Yet here he was. Nevertheless, this surprise visit was not unwelcome at all. 

Song Zhuyu couldn't suppress a grin that formed on his face, his dull mood turning for the better. Beneath the low brim of his hat, his silver eyes sparkled with a playful glint. "I thought you had a heart of steel, but at the end of the day, you're still worried about me, huh?" he teased.

Song Juwei shot him another glare, eliciting a muffled laughter from the crimson-haired man. 

To preserve Chief Song's public image, Song Zhuyu decided to stop teasing him and turned his attention to the young man who had been restlessly waiting for their conversation to conclude. He had youthful features, with clean cut hair and neat appearance. 

Song Zhuyu racked his brain but couldn't recall a single instance whether he had seen the other person. "You are…" 

As if waiting for this exact moment, the young man straightened up and launched a formal introduction, "N–Nice to meet you, Father Song. My name is Chen Ru and I am an exorcist in training! I have heard so much about you. It's an honor to finally meet your esteemed self face-to-face!" He bent his waist into a ninety degree bow.

Song Juwei added with a nonchalant wave of his hand, "He is one of Father Ning's apprentices. He will accompany you until you reach your destination. He's a good seedling, so take good care of him and don't lead him astray."

The veins on Song Zhuyu's forehead throbbed. He was there to hunt a – possibly – powerful demon, yet now he had to babysit a newbie? 

Wait, that's not right, this matter was still a secret. To Song Juwei and the others, he was there for a vacation and it was only natural for them to assign someone to keep him occupied. He dared to bet that this young man wouldn't leave once they reached the island, but would stick around until he learned one or two things from him. 

What a hassle. Song Zhuyu groaned inwardly, though outside he maintained a composed demeanor. "Alright," he conceded.

He had decided – he would find a way to send the new guy packing at the first chance he got.