While It's Not Too Late

Swallowing people?

Song Zhuyu blinked, his curiosity piqued. Now, now, this was intriguing.

With the demon's presence, he wouldn't even be surprised if there was a case of brutal massacres or an incurable deadly plague like the Black Death spreading in the island. Yet the reality appeared… milder and more supernatural than he expected, contrary to his expectations. 

Moreover, judging from the waitress' words, it seemed like the phenomena had started during her grandfather's era, which was a few decades ago? But it wasn't until recently that he received the mark and noticed the demon's presence…

"Interesting…" the corner of his lips twitched into a thrilled smile. He was fully prepared for the danger he was about to face, but it seemed like the island held deeper mysteries than he imagined. Raising his head, Song Zhuyu flashed a dimpled smile to the young woman and deliberately lowered his voice, making it sound particularly magnetic and intoxicating, "I really want to hear more about it, if it's not troubling you?"

It was the voice he used whenever he wanted to charm someone into doing his bidding, to calm crying children, or to get himself out of trouble with Chief Song. So far, it had not failed him even once.

Sure enough, the waitress quickly nodded with a touch too much enthusiasm, unable to take her gaze off the gorgeous red-haired man before her. "Of course! You're a guest in this part of the city, so it's only right for us locals to extend our hospitality!"

Confirming that there were no new customers, she dragged a chair and sat down. Just as she was about to speak, however, Chen Ru returned from the bathroom. 

"Eh?" He looked confused by the waitress' presence at their table. "This is…" he glanced between the young woman and Song Zhuyu, puzzled.

"Oh, this lovely lady here is just about to share an interesting story about Shenci Island with us."

Looking at Song Zhuyu's dazzling smile and the waitress, who looked absolutely smitten, Chen Ru was rendered momentarily speechless. He had only been gone for ten minutes, for God's sake, and yet another person had fallen for Father Song's charm! It seemed like the rumors in the company were not exaggerating at all – this person could really bewitch anyone he wanted with ease. 

Just look at this woman and… and himself as well!

But then, Chen Ru's expression swiftly turned serious once he registered Song Zhuyu's words. "An interesting story?" he prompted as he took his seat.

Song Zhuyu gestured at the young woman, who cleared her throat before starting to speak, "Well, this is something my grandfather used to tell me, but it's been quite a few years ago so I'm afraid I can't fully remember it all. Back in the day, he was a fisherman who sold freshly caught fishes to the people of Shenci Island. He always warned me… when I grew up later, I should never fall in love with a man from Shenci or even consider living there because… the island is dangerous."

"Dangerous…?" Chen Ru's voice wavered slightly, his eyes widening in apprehension. 

Meanwhile, Song Zhuyu was leisurely cutting his pancakes into bite-sized pieces, his movement oozing with grace and elegance.

The young woman nodded solemnly, "Yes, dangerous. Every year, people would vanish from the island. My grandfather wasn't sure how long it had been happening, as the disappearances were never reported to the authorities. He only found out about this when his friend's daughter, who married into a family on that island, disappeared without a trace. 

"This was the strange part. Her relationship with the islanders was amicable, her husband was very loving, and there didn't seem to be any problems with her in-laws. But one day, she simply disappeared… as if she had been spirited away."

Sighing, she added wistfully, "To this day, she has never been found. When my grandfather's friend investigated the island, only then did he discover that his daughter was not the first case, and people would mysteriously go missing each year! And do you know what's even more unsettling?" 

Her face scrunched up in a mixture of fear and bewilderment, rubbing the goosebumps on her arms. "The people there acted so normal as if they had gotten used to it, as if… as if they were a normal occurrence!"

"Wha—" Chen Ru was shocked, not expecting to encounter such a bizarre accident in his seemingly simple journey. "Then hasn't anyone tried contacting the police or… or seeking an exor— I mean, a professional to inspect the island since it sounded fishy as hell??"

"This…" the young woman scratched her head sheepishly. "I'm afraid I'm not too clear about it. It's been too many years, and I was still young back then. Nowadays, the rumors have nearly faded into nothing. But strangely I still keep it in mind… maybe because the story left quite a deep impression on me."

"Hmm…" Song Zhuyu carefully savored his fluffy pancake before speaking, "How about your grandfather, or his friend whose daughter went missing? Can I speak to either of them?"

"Oh," a touch of regret laced her tone as she shook her head. "Unfortunately, both my grandfather and his friend passed away a few years ago."

"Then is there anyone else we could speak to?'' Chen Ru pressed. 

But once again, the young woman shook her head regretfully. Those directly involved that year had either passed away or moved into another city. As for the rest of the people here, perhaps they might still have a faint impression, but they wouldn't know much about the accident either. As she mentioned, the disappearances had become little more than a distant rumor in the minds of the locals. 

If they wanted to learn more, they could only go to the island and investigate directly. 

The bell chimed from the kitchen, prompting the waitress to excuse herself in a hurry to serve Chen Ru's fried rice and two side dishes. 

"Please enjoy your food, Sirs," she smiled before leaving to clear the table from the customer who had just finished their food. 

After murmuring a short prayer, Chen Ru stuffed his mouth full in an attempt to quell the unease gnawing at him. Glancing up, he noticed that Song Zhuyu still remained as beautiful and composed as ever, without a hint of concern or anxiety. He couldn't help but admire the man more. Was this the level of poise that all highly skilled exorcists should have?

Swallowing, he broached the subject tentatively, "Um, Father Song…"

"Hm?"

"You… don't seem surprised," he observed. "Did you already know about this? Wait, is this why you chose to come here??"

"I didn't," Song Zhuyu responded with a hint of amusement. "I only learned about it just now. As for my reasons… let's just say I have a personal business there. But one thing for certain – the island is dangerous. It might be too much for an exorcist-in-training like you to handle. If possible, I would like you to return after this—"

"What?!" Chen Ru interrupted, shocked and dismayed. "Y–You want to send me away?!"

"What's with the surprise?" Song Zhuyu arched a perfect brow. "You're here to keep an eye on me and make sure I don't run around as I please, aren't you? That's why you can just see me off at the boat. I don't want to take you there, to be completely honest." His words were sharp, blunt and merciless, yet the apologetic look on his beautiful face made it difficult for anyone to blame him. 

"B–But—" Chen Ru abruptly lost his appetite at the thought that he would be kicked away before he could even complete the first day. He tried to reason with the other, anxious, "But Father Song, it sounds really dangerous! Are you sure you want to face this alone?! What if… what if—" 

Song Zhuyu released a long sigh, causing Chen Ru's words to be stuck in his throat. He placed down his utensils and studied the young man before him with a slight tilt of his head, his crimson curls framing his face perfectly. 

"Hmm…" his smile was deceptively kind, as opposed to the words he uttered. "I appreciate your concerns, but if it's really dangerous as you say, are you sure you will be of help to me, instead of getting in my way?"

Chen Ru: "..." Ouch, that hurts.

He knew he was a weak chicken compared to the man in front of him, but still…

Song Zhuyu's smile faded, his expression turning grave. "Chen Ru, have you ever thought of dying?" 

His silver eyes bore into Chen Ru's, piercing and intense. Under that gaze that seemed capable of delving into someone's soul, making up any sort of lies or excuses was simply impossible. Without waiting for the other person to respond, he continued, "I have. I am prepared to perish at any moment during my line of duty. How about you?"

Colors drained from Chen Ru's face, his pupils shaking. He parted his lips to speak, yet no words came out.

Song Zhuyu knew that he was being too harsh, but this was necessary. Chief Song had mentioned that this person was a good seedling, so Song Zhuyu would get into a huge trouble if an accident were to befall him. It had nothing to do with a sense of responsibility or heroic justice; Song Zhuyu was not such a saint, that he could admit. He was selfish, narrow-minded and unsympathetic— he simply didn't want to be responsible for another person's life when he wasn't even sure whether he could secure his own. 

Smiling, Song Zhuyu reached out and ruffled Chen Ru's hair with his big hand, his tone softening,

"Go back while it's still not too late, newbie."

.

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A/N: tomorrow we will arrive at Shenci Island! The real adventure will start then heheheh