tkworld #584 - Folklore
#584 - Folklore
The night after the rain was filled with a damp atmosphere. The streetlights of Mist Village cast a hazy glow in the fog, adding a touch of mystery to this remote mountain village.
Granny Rong hunched over, the wrinkles on her face appearing particularly deep in the dim light. She hesitated, a hint of embarrassment in her eyes: "...It's just that, that place is..."
Wang Lina quickly waved her hand, revealing a gentle smile. Dressed in a simple white shirt and jeans, she appeared capable and approachable: "I don't mind, it's just having another neighbor."
Tang Yin stood aside, his gaze thoughtfully sweeping over the village's scattered houses. In the night, the buildings seemed to whisper secrets: "Speaking of which, what kind of place is the dormitory anyway?"
Chen Xiang was silent for a moment, wearing a plain dark dress, a trace of complexity flashing in her eyes. When she spoke, her voice was low and gentle: "...It's a place prepared for children who will leave Mist Village in the future."
"Those who live in Mist Village will be people of Mist Village for life, but children are an exception." Chen Xiang's tone carried a hint of helplessness. "Therefore, it's a very special place for Mist Village, and the people of Baifeng Manor have tacitly accepted this."
Tang Yin nodded thoughtfully, pondering to himself. Behind such a rule, perhaps lay Baifeng Manor's long-term control over the social classes of Mist Village. No wonder Granny Rong was so embarrassed about the lodging, it involved more than just a place to live.
Xia Hui stood by the roadside next to the off-road vehicle, the moonlight casting a soft glow on her delicate profile. She said softly: "It's nothing, I'm already used to sleeping in the car." She turned to Zhou Zhengxiong, her tone filled with concern: "Zhou Zhengxiong, you should sleep in the activity room, after all, you've been driving all along, and the car is enough for me alone."
Zhou Zhengxiong stood there, his slightly furrowed brows revealing his inner struggle. The night wind rustled his clothes, creating a soft sound in the silent night.
Chen Xiang watched this scene and couldn't help but suggest: "It's better to switch."
Wang Lina looked around, her gaze landing on the vaguely visible hillside in the distance: "But the activity room is on the slope... It's a bit... much to let a girl spend the night there alone."
An unspeakable awkwardness filled the air. Everyone was racking their brains to find a solution to the current predicament, but they couldn't find a suitable one.
Just then, Zhou Zhengxiong suddenly stepped forward and came to Granny Rong. His tall figure cast a shadow under the streetlight, but his posture was exceptionally respectful: "I'm sorry."
Granny Rong was startled by his sudden action: "...Y-you, what's the matter?"
Zhou Zhengxiong's voice was low and sincere: "If there are any other empty rooms, could you make an exception for her?" He paused and continued: "Although it's for work, she's still an unmarried girl. As her partner, I don't want to see her pushing herself anymore."
He bowed deeply, his tone earnest: "I will do everything I can to express my gratitude, please."
The moonlight poured down like water, and Zhou Zhengxiong's burly body bent deeply at this moment. His movements were solemn and respectful, as if he were facing not an old woman from the village, but a respected elder.
Although Zhou Zhengxiong had bowed deeply, his tall stature still gave a sense of oppression. Granny Rong had to look up slightly to see his expression. A trace of emotion flashed across her wrinkled face, and her voice became a little softer: "...I-indeed... it's just..."
Seeing Granny Rong's attitude begin to soften, and the atmosphere subtly improving, a loud voice suddenly broke the silence of the night.
"Hey, Tang Yin! You're only coming back now!" Zhao Gang's robust figure strode from the direction of the cafeteria, his face full of dissatisfaction. "Where did you run off to while Sister Chen Xiang was cooking?! You dare leave her without helping, you've got some nerve!"
Wang Lina's eyes lit up, as if she had seized a lifeline. She quickly waved to Zhao Gang, her voice filled with joy: "Oh, Brother Gang, your timing is perfect!"
Zhao Gang looked blank, his pace slowing down: "Huh? What's wrong?"
Thus, with Zhou Zhengxiong's sincere request and Zhao Gang's assist, Granny Rong's attitude finally softened. Perhaps the phrase "unmarried girl" touched a soft spot in her heart, and her gaze towards Xia Hui became more kind and caring.
Of course, it cannot be denied that Zhou Zhengxiong's intimidating physique did play a subtle deterrent role. But the most important thing was that the reason he gave was reasonable and his attitude was sincere enough. Coupled with Zhao Gang's timely support, they finally persuaded the stubborn old woman.
Tang Yin stood aside, thoughtfully watching this scene. He knew that whether in Mist Village or elsewhere, it was not easy to get people with different positions to agree. Especially when it's difficult to give a valid reason, it requires even more wisdom and patience.
When the topic turned to why Tang Yin hadn't helped with the cooking, he calmly explained that it was Qian Jin's arrangement. Although everyone's faces showed surprise, they seemed to accept the explanation. To cover up the lie, Tang Yin even made up details about Qian Jin being shy and asking him to help. After all, he couldn't let anyone know that he was secretly pushing everything.
Finally, Granny Rong took out a string of verdigris-covered keys from her apron pocket and handed them to Tang Yin. The keys gleamed dimly in the moonlight, as if carrying some heavy mission.
After saying goodbye to everyone at the cafeteria, Tang Yin led the reporters to check out the accommodation. The conditions of the dormitory were surprisingly good, not only clean and tidy but also equipped with complete living facilities. The gas stove emitted a faint metallic luster, tap water flowed freely, and brand-new bedding was neatly folded in the corner. Everything was as complete as Tang Yin had expected.
His own small room was also reassuringly tidy. He only needed to borrow bedding from the cafeteria and fill the water bucket to settle down. Only the activity room seemed to require some effort to clean up. Through the dusty windows, Tang Yin saw the piles of clutter in the room and couldn't help but sigh.
Xia Hui spread a grass mat on the floor, her eyes sparkling with excitement: "Oh, it's rare to stay for a night, let's take the opportunity to experience the daily life here. It's a pity we can't write it as a report." Her tone carried a hint of regret, but she still maintained the unique curiosity of a reporter.
Watching them gradually adapt to the environment, Tang Yin secretly hoped that they would receive some safer interview assignments in the future. The night wind blew in from the broken window seams, bringing the fragrance of the distant forest.
Xia Hui seemed to sense the worries of the people around her and lowered her head slightly: "I'm sorry, my assignments are all in these kinds of places..." Her voice carried a trace of apology.
Zhou Zhengxiong leaned against the door frame, his tall figure almost blocking the entire doorway: "Actually, this place is okay. I bought insurance, and it's at least safer than a battlefield." His tone was understated, but it revealed an extraordinary experience.
Tang Yin sized up Zhou Zhengxiong's burly figure, thinking that this seemingly clumsy big guy had actually been a war correspondent, and his skills must be extraordinary.
Zhou Zhengxiong suddenly turned to Xia Hui, his voice filled with concern: "But, Little Q, you're a woman, right?"
Xia Hui immediately showed an impatient expression: "I've told you not to mention that. When working, gender doesn't matter." Her movements of arranging the grass mat seemed a little agitated.
"However, when in a dangerous area, the risk of injury is indeed higher for women than for men." Zhou Zhengxiong's tone revealed concern.
Xia Hui stopped her movements and looked out at the moonlight: "...That can't be helped. Safe jobs and good men don't just fall from the sky." Her tone carried a hint of helplessness and open-mindedness.
"It's indeed difficult." Zhou Zhengxiong sighed softly.
Tang Yin observed the interaction between the two and finally understood their relationship. It wasn't a simple romantic relationship, but a partnership built on mutual trust and respect. Xia Hui was like an unquenchable flame, and Zhou Zhengxiong was the silently guarding rock.
"No way, Xia Hui, you're so beautiful, you must be very popular, right?" Tang Yin suddenly interjected. In the moonlight, Xia Hui's profile did look particularly attractive.
Xia Hui smiled and shook her head: "My immunity to sweet talk is very high."
"No, no, no, if I wasn't so down on my luck right now, I would have actively pursued you long ago." Tang Yin said half-jokingly.
Xia Hui was amused: "Haha, I'm honored. Tang Yin, how old are you?"
"Twenty years old."
"Hmm~ I'm going to turn thirty this year, what a pity." Xia Hui's tone carried a hint of self-deprecation.
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Tang Yin looked at Xia Hui's smile, thinking that being unmarried at thirty was nothing in today's society. Moreover, he had always been more interested in women with stories and personalities. The moonlight cast a soft halo on Xia Hui's silhouette, as if confirming this thought.
On the wooden floor stood an old tin basin, the clear water in the basin reflecting the swaying shadows of the trees outside the window. The musty smell permeated the old wooden house, and the cobwebs in the corners swayed gently in the breeze. Zhou Zhengxiong bent his tall body and curiously examined this seemingly ordinary basin, his rough fingers gently brushing against the rust on the edge of the basin: "This basin is for?"
"Ah, you can use the water in the basin to wipe your body." Tang Yin casually explained, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over the increasingly heavy night outside the window. The distant mountains and forests were as black as ink in the moonlight, and the occasional cries of night birds could be heard.
Zhou Zhengxiong straightened up and shrugged, his burly figure almost touching the low ceiling: "We're only staying for one day, it shouldn't matter, right?"
"I heard it's a local custom." Tang Yin's tone carried a hint of meaning, and a subtle worry flashed in his eyes.
"Hmm." Zhou Zhengxiong responded, seemingly not caring too much. The wind outside the house grew stronger, and the leaves rustled.
Xia Hui, on the other hand, became interested. Her reporter instinct immediately caught the unusual nature of this topic: "Can you explain it in more detail?" Her eyes sparkled with a desire for knowledge in the dim light, and she leaned forward.
Tang Yin secretly breathed a sigh of relief, this was exactly the reaction he had been expecting. He began to slowly recount the information he had learned from Hua Lu and Qian Jin, as well as the special consciousness during the fog. He deliberately narrated it in a tone of a newcomer inquiring, but cleverly hinted at the supernatural threats lurking in this village. As he spoke, his fingers unconsciously tapped on the dilapidated wooden table, making a slight rhythmic sound.
Xia Hui nodded from time to time, obviously deeply attracted by this information. Her slender fingers quickly wrote something in her notebook, the rustling sound of the pen tip on the paper showing her focus. When Tang Yin finished, she immediately asked for more details about the four elder families, her professional habit making her want to dig up more inside information. Tang Yin responded carefully, only revealing the information he had gathered this time, afraid of accidentally letting something slip.
Xia Hui thoughtfully rested her chin, the moonlight outlining a soft outline on her delicate profile: "...Hmm, very interesting. Although it's a bit like Shintoism, where does the origin of the legend lie, and how was it passed down?" Her voice was full of exploratory enthusiasm, and her eyes sparkled with wisdom.
"The changing shrine, the blessed families, customs limited to when it's foggy..." Xia Hui continued to analyze, tapping her fingers lightly on the cover of her notebook. "However, it seems like they don't really welcome guests here. It's incredible, I never thought that such a remote village would retain such strange customs. Could this village have been a very special place from the beginning?"
Zhou Zhengxiong leaned against the door frame, looking at Xia Hui, who was immersed in thought, with a knowing smile: "You really are suited for this, you deserve to be Little Q, this is your old job." His voice carried a hint of doting helplessness.
Xia Hui then came back to her senses, smiled a little embarrassedly, and tucked the loose strands of hair behind her ears: "Oh, I'm really sorry. Now that we have accommodation and ways to deal with the fog, let's go back to work."
"Little Q, it's okay for you to stay in the dormitory room, right? I'll stay here." Zhou Zhengxiong looked around the simple room, the moonlight casting mottled shadows on the floor through the broken windows.
Tang Yin looked at Zhou Zhengxiong's burly figure and couldn't help but worry about the cramped space: "...Ah, if you need it, Zhou Zhengxiong, would you like to stay in my small room downstairs? It might be a bit cramped here."
"It's nothing, it's nothing, it doesn't matter where I sleep," Zhou Zhengxiong waved his hand, his shadow flickering on the wall, "Besides, that small room is where you're going to live in the future, right? It's better to adapt to your new home as soon as possible."
Tang Yin looked at the honest big guy in the moonlight, thinking that it was Hua Lu's good intention to lend him the room, and he shouldn't take it upon himself to make decisions: "I understand, it seems I'm meddling, sorry."
"No, no, on the contrary, I should thank you," Zhou Zhengxiong said seriously, "You've been busy helping us a lot, right?"
"Hey." Tang Yin responded somewhat awkwardly, his gaze unconsciously shifting to the window.
Zhou Zhengxiong crossed his arms and continued thoughtfully, "That person is called Qian Jin, right? He doesn't seem like a very understanding person. You must have helped us get the accommodation."
"No, no, there's no such thing." Tang Yin waved his hands repeatedly in denial, guiltily avoiding Zhou Zhengxiong's meaningful gaze. The moonlight streamed in from the window, casting a mysterious glow on the simple conversation, and the distant barking of dogs added to the tranquility and mystery unique to the countryside night.