After Ji Yin left, Jiang Lin also departed from the Eighteenth Hall and headed towards the Ghost Market.
Work hadn't been too demanding lately, leaving him and Xu Shuzi with ample free time.
It was the perfect opportunity for a meal together.
He had previously mentioned treating Xu Shuzi and the others at the Ghost Market's largest restaurant, so he needed to go and reserve a table in advance.
Especially with the year-end approaching, more ghosts would likely be visiting.
As Jiang Lin made his way to the Ghost Market, he opened his live stream.
He had been too busy recently and hadn't taken his viewers out for a stroll in a long time.
As soon as the stream went live, viewers eagerly flooded in.
"Good evening, streamer~"
"What are we streaming today? (Peeking jpg.)"
"Is this the Ghost Market? It feels like it's been ages, I've started to miss it."
The atmosphere in the live stream was relaxed.
The viewers were also in good spirits.
After that one 'world-shattering' event, they truly appreciated the normalcy of everyday life.
Seeing the Ghost Market again in the live stream put some viewers' minds at ease.
It seemed the Ghost Proprietor issue was mostly resolved, otherwise, the streamer wouldn't have had the time to take them around the Ghost Market.
The last 'My King' had frustrated them multiple times, and some viewers had even improved their swimming skills after diving back in.
"I remember last time we came, a new shop opened and they were practicing dances at the entrance, hahaha..."
"Now that you mention it, I remember the 'arm dance' that went viral online a while back (ી(･◡･)ʃ). (Eye-searing jpg.)"
"Colloquially known as the ghost dance, a non-human dance."
...
Jiang Lin looked at the comments and briefly explained today's stream content.
"I'm not doing anything specific today, just a stroll through the Ghost Market, and then I'll go reserve a table at the restaurant."
Upon hearing this, the viewers asked curiously:
"Is the streamer treating someone?"
"Does the Underworld also require reservations in advance?"
Jiang Lin replied as he walked, "Yes, I'm treating a friend to a meal."
As soon as he finished speaking, the stream's atmosphere suddenly changed.
Viewers:
"Me, me, me! The streamer replied to me, I'm so happy (*^▽^*) "
"The streamer's friend? Is it that Black Wuchang?"
"[Myriad Realms Administrator Cang Yan Lang] gifted the streamer Skyscraper *10, with the message: I'm booking the whole place for this meal!"
"[Ancient Emperor Who Likes Bone Trees] gifted the streamer Hot Air Balloon *10, with the message: Get out of the way upstairs, I'm treating this meal!"
"[He Yi Mo Sheng Xiao] gifted the streamer Sports Car *1, with the message: Upstairs, did you guys max out your skill points on hand speed?!"
"There are always rich people every year, but there are especially many this year."
...
Since there wasn't much else to do today, Jiang Lin chatted with his viewers for a bit longer.
This frequency of response was unprecedented, which greatly excited the viewers.
Due to the unique nature of the 'Live Stream: Daily Healing in the Underworld' channel, the streamer was usually the one working, while the viewers watched and chatted amongst themselves.
They would typically set up stalls in the live stream, munching on sunflower seeds and watermelons, with a small plate of peanuts and some sugary drinks.
Therefore, the comments in the live stream today were more active than usual.
No one was setting up stalls in the comments anymore; the viewers were directly eating spicy hot pot, warm and lively.
"I don't know if it's just me, but doesn't the Ghost Market feel a bit livelier than usual today?"
"It does have a bit of a... festive feel."
"Are there any holidays in the Underworld recently?"
"It's almost Chinese New Year, right? Does the Underworld celebrate New Year too?"
As Jiang Lin walked towards the restaurant, viewers noticed many ghosts and specters seemingly discussing something.
Shops along the street were also starting to prepare lanterns and various stickers.
They even saw something familiar – couplets.
Do ghosts celebrate New Year like humans?
Jiang Lin looked through the live stream camera and said calmly, "Yes, it's almost New Year."
As the lifespan of ghosts extended, holidays had become less significant for them.
However, most ghosts retained the customs they had when they were alive.
While they might forgo other festivals like 'Mother's Day' or the 'Dragon Boat Festival', New Year was still celebrated.
For ghosts, New Year was second only to the Ghost Festival.
After all, according to human customs, New Year was the most lively and festive time of the year.
It signified reunion, it signified 'farewell to the old and welcoming the new'.
It meant being able to eat delicacies not usually available, and wear new clothes not usually worn.
On that day, one could let go of everything.
Studies, work, relationships, housing...
Any troublesome matters could be temporarily put aside.
On that day, family members who had been away for extended periods would also return.
They would have a meal together, celebrate the New Year together, and watch the gala.
New Year was perhaps a festival representing all things beautiful.
Even after becoming ghosts, many ghosts would reminisce about the New Year atmosphere of the past during this season.
As time passed, they might forget the faces and the beautiful memories of the past.
But that feeling of warmth and contentment was etched into their souls.
Therefore.
Every year during New Year, the atmosphere in the Underworld would also be a bit livelier than usual.
...
As Jiang Lin was showing his viewers around, a ghost suddenly called out to him.
"Lord Jiang Wuchang, please wait a moment."
Jiang Lin turned to look and saw Chen Sanwei, the head chef of the hotel.
...
Chen Sanwei had been troubled lately.
He was the originator of the trend of seeking out ancestors, the first to go to the human world for inheritance.
He inherited his unique 'Chen Family Soup'.
The Chen family now only had one descendant left, Chen Jiaming. If he didn't inherit it, the centuries-old craft would be lost with this generation.
Fortunately, although Chen Jiaming lacked exceptional talent, he had a foundation in culinary arts.
Moreover, Chen Jiaming himself was pursuing a career as a chef and was not resistant to learning cooking.
Over these past few days, under Chen Sanwei's guidance, Chen Jiaming's culinary skills had progressed quite well.
He had not only learned several Chen Family Soups but also a few other dishes.
Although he hadn't reached even half of Chen Sanwei's skill, as long as Chen Jiaming continued to practice, the inheritance of Chen Family Soup should not be broken.
Chen Sanwei, as an ancestor, was currently quite satisfied with this.
However, Chen Sanwei had been feeling troubled lately.
He was so troubled that he had even created a new dish, with a sour and vinegary taste.
Now, seeing Jiang Lin again in the Ghost Market after a long time, Chen Sanwei quickly went to greet him.
"Lord Jiang Wuchang, please wait a moment."
...