Luther’s home is not large, but it is tidy and clean, filled with various small trinkets, especially figurines of different animals.
Noticing Shen Ling’s gaze on those small animals, Luther blushed and said, “If I have the chance to go out, I want to see the animals outside. I’ve heard the elderly in town talk about birds the size of grains of rice, fish the size of small mountains, deer several people tall, and flying mice.”
Listening to his somewhat confused description, Shen Ling couldn’t help but smile. He told Luther, “I heard that the ones the size of grains of rice are hummingbirds, the ones the size of small mountains are not fish but a creature called a whale, those several people tall are giraffes, and the flying mice are probably flying squirrels. Actually, they don’t fly; they glide.”
Luther listened in amazement and expressed his longing, “It must be wonderful outside the town. I really want to go out and see.”
Shen Ling nodded, “I do too, but we can’t leave.”
“Yes…” Luther sighed, “we can’t leave. Oh, right!” Suddenly remembering something, he took a figurine of a small lion from a shelf and handed it to Shen Ling, “Here, I want you to have this. You two look alike—both delicate and noble yet very cute.”
Shen Ling: “…”
Yan Xiu’s gaze coldly fell on Shen Ling’s face.
Shen Ling, facing his gaze, accepted the lion, saying, “Thank you, I really like it. I didn’t prepare a gift for you. How about I tell you some stories about whales?”
He proceeded to tell Luther about the habits of whales, continuing until he reached the formation of massive whale falls. Luther listened with fascination, his eyes filled with admiration as he looked at Shen Ling, “You are truly knowledgeable.”
“Not really, I went to the library yesterday and happened to come across this. Luther, you know many people; do you know anyone who can translate ancient texts?” Shen Ling found a good opportunity to ask.
Luther thought for a moment and said, “Mrs. Annie should be able to. I heard she worked in the library when she was young and was a researcher of the ancient texts of Moonset Village.”
“Mrs. Annie?” Shen Ling immediately pictured the somewhat sharp-faced, always speaking loudly, elderly lady who walked her nearly featherless parrot tremblingly. In disbelief, he asked, “The landlady of Lisa?”
“Yes, but she’s getting old and often forgets things. I don’t know how much she remembers about ancient texts. Mike, why do you ask?” Luther inquired.
“I’ve been studying ancient texts recently. I want to get closer to the gods,” Shen Ling replied.
“Is that so?” Luther reminded with concern, “It’s actually better to maintain a certain distance from the gods. Most people don’t bear sacred missions. For ordinary people like us, occasionally hearing divine revelations can lead to mental problems. There are quite a few cases in town.”
“Thank you for the reminder,” Shen Ling said, “I’ll be careful.”
“I’m glad I could help you,” Luther said, turning to the kitchen to prepare the meal.
Yan Xiu suddenly asked, “Why do you say we’re friends?”
Shen Ling explained casually, “…boyfriend is also a friend.”
Yan Xiu was momentarily surprised, clearly not expecting that answer. He “Hmm’d,” and an impulse to kiss surged within him. So, he leaned in and kissed Shen Ling’s lips. Shen Ling, caught off guard, looked helplessly at Yan Xiu and couldn’t help but complain to kp, “Your taste for drama is terrible.”
“It fits the character!” the kp argued, “Felton is obsessed with Olok, and your relationship is too safe! I hope his love can be more passionate and self-consuming!”
…Damn burning self-consuming. It’s already passionate; getting any hotter might lead to trouble.
Shen Ling thought expressionlessly, pacifying Yan Xiu and walking out to the kitchen. He asked Luther, “Do you need help, Luther?”
“No need! You are my esteemed guest…” Luther’s voice trailed off. He peeked out from the kitchen, looked at Shen Ling, and said, “Sorry, maybe I do need your help. Could you come in and help me shell these peas?” He glanced meaningfully at Yan Xiu standing behind Shen Ling, telling Shen Ling, “The kitchen is small; it’s fine if you come in. Adding a third person will make it crowded.”
He secretly didn’t want the two to be alone outside, especially without him seeing. He wanted to be alone with Mike, and in this small room, accidental shoulder or finger touches would be perfect!
The innocent bartender’s scheming stopped at this.
“Sure.” Shen Ling was oblivious to this, walking into the kitchen. Yan Xiu also wanted to follow, but Shen Ling kicked him out. Yan Xiu lifted Shen Ling off the ground, surprising him with his strength, and carried him out. Turning back, Yan Xiu saw Luther rolling up his sleeves and entering the kitchen. “How many do you want me to wash?”
The kitchen door was closed, leaving Shen Ling isolated on the other side of the door. Yan Xiu and Luther squeezed into the small kitchen, both with stern faces.
Shen Ling: “…”
Something’s not right.
A hearty lunch was quickly prepared, filling the air with a delightful aroma. Luther set the table, serving a portion of meat to Shen Ling first. “Give it a try.”
Shen Ling took a bite and exclaimed, “It’s delicious! Luther, you’re an excellent cook!”
Yan Xiu sneered.
Shen Ling: “…”
Shen Ling was on the verge of being driven permanently crazy by Yan Xiu’s sudden madness. He glared at Yan Xiu, warning him not to make any unnecessary expressions or sounds. However, Yan Xiu grabbed his hand under the table.
Yan Xiu leaned in and whispered, “Looking at me like that makes me want to kiss you.”
Shen Ling: “…………”
Shut up!
The meal was eaten awkwardly, and Shen Ling managed to open Luther’s conversational floodgate with his chat skills. Sensing the right moment, he asked, “Has Lisa always lived with Mrs. Annie?”
“Yes, she has always rented Mrs. Annie’s house, but…” Luther chuckled, “They are like mother and daughter. Mrs. Annie only charges very little rent, and Lisa takes care of Mrs. Annie. She’s a meticulous and intelligent girl. Three years ago, Mrs. Annie fell seriously ill, and everyone thought she wouldn’t survive. However, with the efforts of the doctor and Lisa, Mrs. Annie miraculously recovered! It’s truly magical! At her age! We all thought she might… cough, well, not exactly. By the grace of the gods, we hope Mrs. Annie lives a long and healthy life.”
“Has Lisa always lived with Mrs. Annie since childhood?” Shen Ling asked.
Luther looked perplexed, lowered his head, thought seriously for a while, and then said, “Um, it’s not clear. She started selling flowers at the tavern entrance about seven or eight years ago, I think. She only sells lilies, a type of flower brought in by outsiders. Strangely, all florists couldn’t keep lilies alive, except Lisa. Everyone says it’s because Lisa is meticulous. Lilies are very delicate flowers, and only with proper care can they bloom in their purest form. You—” he asked tentatively, “Why are you so interested in Lisa?”
“I’ve been taken care of by her recently and want to give her some gifts. Afraid of choosing the wrong ones, I thought I’d inquire about her situation.”
“I can take care of you too,” Luther whispered, “My source of income…” His voice became quieter, eventually sighing, “No, actually, the business at the tavern has declined recently. The crucial ingredient in Lena’s brewed liquor is brought by outsiders, and those fruits can’t survive in Moonset Village.”
He glanced at the clock, pointing to the twelve o’clock position, sighed, and said, “Today should be the day for distributing supplies, but the mayor still hasn’t informed everyone. According to previous years, nearly half of it has already been distributed. Everyone says the outsiders have abandoned Moonset Village this year, abandoned the call of the gods. They didn’t actually come.”
Shen Ling timely said, “I’m also anxious about this. By the way, Luther, do you know about the ruby in Moonset Bay?”
“I do,” Luther nodded, “It’s said to be the tears of the gods, a favor bestowed upon the town. It only rises on the night of the Red Moon, which is in the next few days. On the day of the sacrifice, Benson, in his role as a divine messenger, will take the ruby from Moonset Bay and offer it.”
“Ten years ago, I missed it, and I’m looking forward to it this year. It’s truly lamentable.” Shen Ling asked, “Since it’s a gift from the gods, does it have any special effects?”
“I’m not sure about that,” Luther said with reverence, “It’s a divine gift, a miracle. But it is said—only Benson can retrieve it. Anyone else who enters Moonset Bay will be surrounded by the jade-like lake water with no buoyancy and drown.”
Shen Ling was stunned for a moment, nodded slowly; no wonder Benson had such great privileges in the town, even the mayor had to fear his authority. He must have truly gained some extraordinary abilities from the “gods.”
Just then, kp, who had been missing for a long time, suddenly spoke, “Roll for a listen.”
The black and white dice rolled before Shen Ling’s eyes. He cast a successful roll, and soon, he heard some commotion on the street. Standing up, he looked out the window.
Not far away, a crowd gathered, several flags held high, and the familiar voice of a woman echoed through the streets. Shen Ling quickly recognized her; it was Mrs. Fornell, who appeared serious but was actually very friendly.
“We need equality, not just a reasonable distribution of resources but also the elimination of all discrimination, true equality! We need a life! Friendly gazes! Opportunities for work and marriage! All residents of the town should be treated equally!”
“This is the gift of the gods! The gods love all people! There should be no difference between you, me, and him!”
Mrs. Funnell stood on a slowly advancing carriage, with only a low fence surrounding it, exposing her whole body to the disdainful glances around her.
But she remained firm, her slender and frail body radiating infinite strength as she passionately proclaimed the slogans.
Today should have been the day for distributing supplies; their needs were unusually urgent. Unfortunately, not only were they not getting the supplies they deserved, but other residents of Moonset Village, those of upper-class lineage, and even Father Benson were not benefiting either.
She was an admirable lady, pursuing the noble cause of equality.
Shen Ling withdrew his respectful gaze, but at that moment, a sharp gunshot rang out suddenly. The previously noisy streets fell silent for an instant, then became even more chaotic.
In Shen Ling’s gaze, the middle-aged woman swayed and fell forward.
A blood-red flower blossomed on her chest.
