Liu Nanfeng lived near a Wanda Plaza, which housed a Wanda Cinema.
Liu Nanfeng and "Su Jinxiu" usually went to this cinema to watch movies.
In fact, among all the movie theaters, Wanda had the highest ticket prices, and rarely offered discounts on weekdays.
If it weren't for its proximity, Liu Nanfeng would never have chosen the Wanda Cinema.
Perhaps because the movie starred unknown actors, the screening schedule wasn't extensive, and there were few people.
Since there were few people, "Su Jinxiu" chose a very good seat in the middle.
Besides them, there was only a couple in the back row, making it feel like they had the place to themselves.
"You really like these monster movies, don't you? You always want to watch them, regardless of whether the film is good or bad," Liu Nanfeng said playfully.
In the past, he had just considered it "Su Jinxiu's" small hobby and hadn't thought much of it, nor could he have.
But now that he knew "Su Jinxiu's" identity, it was impossible not to think about it.
"What do you mean monster movies? These films are all about love. I like watching love stories."
"Su Jinxiu" retorted with dissatisfaction.
However, her words left Liu Nanfeng speechless, because almost all monster movies were themed around the love between ghosts and humans, or demons and humans.
"Painted Skin" was one of the stories in "Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio," and all current movies and TV shows of "Painted Skin" were adapted from it.
The most famous was the 2008 film starring Chen Kun and Zhou Xun.
Of course, the theme was also the story of love and hate between humans and demons.
The "Painted Skin 2022" playing today was also the same.
The story roughly went that the scholar Wang Huaiqing and his wife, Aruo, were deeply in love and lived in harmony. However, his wife fell gravely ill, forcing him to go out and sell paintings to afford medicine.
Unexpectedly, he was targeted by a demon. The fox spirit Xiao Rong saved Wang Huaiqing. To escape the demon's pursuit, Wang Huaiqing brought Xiao Rong home.
His wife, Aruo, noticed Xiao Rong's feelings for her husband. Knowing her own time was limited, she hoped Xiao Rong would replace her and stay by her husband's side.
So, after Aruo's death, Xiao Rong transformed into Aruo's appearance and stayed by Wang Huaiqing's side.
But in the end, all she received was a knife to the chest, and Xiao Rong's eyes bled, yet love remained in them.
Therefore, at the end of the movie, Xiao Rong used her demon core to extend Wang Huaiqing's life.
After the movie ended, "Su Jinxiu," who was holding Liu Nanfeng's arm, had tears streaming down her face.
But Liu Nanfeng felt uneasy, as the movie seemed to be hinting at something, leading him to overthink.
Could his wife, Su Jinxiu, have also died from illness or an accident, leading Su Huamei to impersonate her?
If that were the case, how could he possibly deserve the affection of two sisters?
While lost in thought, "Su Jinxiu," who had been nestled in his arms, looked up at him and said softly, "I try so hard to be like her, why do I still not get your love?"
"What?"
Liu Nanfeng froze for a moment, then realized it was a line from the movie.
Just then, the cinema's main lights were turned on, and a cleaning lady walked in.
"Alright, don't be sad anymore. Let's go out," Liu Nanfeng took the opportunity to stand up.
"Su Jinxiu" took a tissue from her bag and handed it to Liu Nanfeng.
Liu Nanfeng skillfully took it and wiped the tears from her face.
"Su Jinxiu" then happily held his arm as they walked out of the screening hall.
"You said Xiao Rong was devoted to Wang Huaiqing, but in the end, she got such an outcome. Was it worth it?"
"Su Jinxiu" looked at Liu Nanfeng and asked.
Why did this sentence sound so familiar?
This morning, he had just asked the butterfly demon that Liu Guizhen transformed into, and now he was being asked the same question.
However, Liu Nanfeng thought about it and answered the question seriously.
"From our perspective, perhaps not. But for Xiao Rong, it was probably worth it. Otherwise, she wouldn't have used her demon core to extend Wang Huaiqing's life at the end."
"I think it's only you who thinks it's not worth it? I also think it was worth it."
"Su Jinxiu" inexplicably became angry.
Well, it couldn't be said to be inexplicable. Liu Nanfeng could guess the reason, but he couldn't say it out loud.
So he tried to placate her: "That shows you and Xiao Rong are kind, equally loyal and righteous."
As expected, hearing Liu Nanfeng say this, "Su Jinxiu" became happy again.
Then she asked, "If you were Wang Huaiqing, and I were Xiao Rong, would you love me?"
If he hadn't known her identity, he would have treated this as a joke.
But knowing her identity, he couldn't treat it as a joke.
So Liu Nanfeng thought carefully and then replied, "I would."
"Pfft, scumbag."
"Su Jinxiu" let go of his arm and walked forward angrily.
Liu Nanfeng: ...
He quickened his pace, caught up, and asked, "Did I say something wrong? Why are you suddenly angry?"
"You said you would, but are you worthy of your wife? Have you so easily forgotten your love for her?"
"Then – you wouldn't?" Liu Nanfeng asked softly, testing the waters.
"Pfft, scumbag."
"Men are all pigs. Xiao Rong was so good to you, yet you could bear to let her down? Do you have any conscience?"
Liu Nanfeng was completely confused by her.
"Then tell me, if it were you, what would you choose?"
"I don't know either," "Su Jinxiu" said with a hint of sadness.
Seeing her like this, Liu Nanfeng guessed some of it and deliberately said, "Alright, it's just a movie. Why are you taking it so seriously?"
"Yes... it's just a movie."
"Su Jinxiu" said softly.
"Actually, there's another ending," Liu Nanfeng said, seeing her like that.
"What?"
As expected, "Su Jinxiu" was very curious and her attention was captured.
"Since Xiao Rong is so capable and can help Wang Huaiqing extend his life, why didn't she just cure Wang Huaiqing's wife? That way, the three of them could live happily together. Besides, it was ancient times, marrying a few wives was normal, wasn't it? Why did she have to die?"
"As expected, a scumbag, wanting to have both left and right?"
"Isn't that good?" Liu Nanfeng asked with a smile.
"Hmph~"
"Su Jinxiu" tilted her long neck back, not answering the question, but walking forward.
A smile appeared on Liu Nanfeng's lips.
Just like in the movie, as long as she was sincere, what difference did it make whether she was human or demon? Sometimes, humans were truly inferior to demons.
However, he still needed to find out the whereabouts of his wife and the reasons behind it.
Thinking about it now, his wife was probably not human either, given that her sister, Su Huamei, had three hundred and eighty-two years of cultivation.
And cultivation was linked to the time of transformation into a demon. Three hundred and eighty-two years of cultivation was essentially the age after becoming a demon.
The reason Liu Nanfeng knew this was deduced from the butterfly demon.
Liu Guizhen probably transformed into a demon thirty-eight years after her death, so the butterfly demon had thirty-eight years of cultivation.
As Su Huamei's older sister, Su Jinxiu could live until now, so she couldn't be human, and her cultivation should be quite high.
Liu Nanfeng quickened his pace, caught up with "Su Jinxiu" in front, and asked, "By the way, did you call Huamei? Is she coming this Sunday?"
"Su Jinxiu" glanced at him sideways upon hearing this and said, "I called, but she said she might not have time. We'll see then."
"Is that so?"
Liu Nanfeng wanted to see if Su Huamei would appear before him, and if she and Su Jinxiu would return.
"What's wrong? Do you miss her?"
"Su Jinxiu" suddenly leaned forward and asked with a face full of jealousy.
"Don't talk nonsense. I just asked casually. Didn't you say you were going to call her and ask her to come?"
"Besides, no matter how beautiful your sister is, it has nothing to do with me, because my eyes are only on you."
Upon hearing this, "Su Jinxiu" opened her mouth but said nothing, her expression very strange.
Liu Nanfeng, who was secretly watching from the side, was inwardly amused.
You want to be unreasonable? I can't handle you?
It was already past ten o'clock when they left Wanda. As they lived not far away, the two walked home along the river.
There were many barbecue restaurants along the way, which was a major characteristic of Jiangcheng. Many people drove here at night.
They ate barbecue, drank beer, enjoyed the river breeze, and chatted endlessly, having fun all night.
At this moment, Wanda Plaza was deserted, but here, all the seats were taken, and the place was bustling with people.
They passed a barbecue stall called Da Sheng Barbecue.
A tall man, over 1.9 meters tall, with bare arms, was busy at the barbecue stall.
His muscles were well-defined, and coupled with his tall physique, he exuded a strong sense of pressure just by standing there.
When he turned around, a fierce-looking Da Sheng tattoo on his back added to his imposing aura.
This was also the origin of the barbecue stall's name. The owner's surname was Zhang, and his nickname was Zhang Da Sheng. Liu Nanfeng didn't know his real name.
However, he was a good and kind person, and spoke in a soft voice.
Most of the barbecue in this area featured lamb, though other meats were also sold. Only his stall sold beef, and their grilled beef skewers were particularly outstanding.
Since he lived nearby and often ate there, Zhang Da Sheng was quite familiar with Liu Nanfeng.
Seeing Liu Nanfeng and "Su Jinxiu" walking over from a distance, he called out loudly, "Xiao Liu, want some barbecue?"
Liu Nanfeng stared at him, swallowing his saliva.
"Do you want to eat? Then let's go grab something,"
"Su Jinxiu" was very understanding beside him.
But Liu Nanfeng wasn't thinking about eating barbecue; he was startled by the words above Zhang Da Sheng's head.
He hadn't expected Zhang Da Sheng to be a demon too.
Name: Zhang Xinwu
Race: Monkey Demon
Cultivation: Three hundred and forty-one years
Identity: Da Sheng Barbecue, specializing in grilled beef for three hundred years.
Previous Cause: Not triggered
While he was still stunned, "Su Jinxiu" had already walked over.
"Sigh..."
Liu Nanfeng was about to call her back when he heard "Su Jinxiu" say, "Just right, I want to eat too. It's still early, let's eat something before we go back."
"Aren't you afraid of getting fat?"
She had been afraid of gaining weight from eating a piece of watermelon before.
"Eating beef doesn't make you fat."
"Su Jinxiu" said matter-of-factly.
Is that really true?
However, it was too late to say anything now. Zhang Da Sheng warmly invited them to sit down.
"What would you like to eat? Beef skewers? Bull penis, bull testicles? Beef offal? Beef pot..."
"Brother Zhang, what grudge do you have against cows? Can't you also sell lamb, pork, and the like?"
Liu Nanfeng said this intentionally, but it was also a test.
"You know, I'm naturally incompatible with cows, so grilling and roasting them makes me feel comfortable."
If it were an ordinary person hearing him say this, they would have dismissed it as a joke.
But Liu Nanfeng knew his identity and thought it was quite possible.
Liu Nanfeng ordered a beef offal pot and some skewers. Not a lot, but enough for the two of them to eat.
Watching Zhang Da Sheng go to work, Liu Nanfeng couldn't help but think, he's lived for so long, why is he still so poor and needs to make a living by setting up a stall?
Beside him, "Su Jinxiu" took out wet wipes from her bag, wiped the table in front of them, and then scalded the bowls and chopsticks with hot water, being very meticulous.
"If you think it's unhygienic, we won't eat here next time. You don't have to accommodate me," Liu Nanfeng said.
"It's fine. Zhang Da Sheng's place is quite hygienic. It's just that the bowls and chopsticks have been used by others."
There was nothing wrong with this statement itself, but Liu Nanfeng noticed a detail.
He addressed Zhang Da Sheng as "Brother Zhang" because Zhang Da Sheng appeared to be in his late thirties, and calling him "brother" was reasonable.
If "Su Jinxiu" were just an ordinary person, she would probably have called him the same.
But her now calling Zhang Da Sheng by his name directly might mean she knew Zhang Da Sheng's identity, or even that Zhang Da Sheng was younger than her.
Of course, this was just Liu Nanfeng's speculation. If he hadn't known "Su Jinxiu's" identity, ordinary people wouldn't have thought in this direction.
"The food is here."
Zhang Da Sheng quickly brought over the beef offal pot.
"The skewers will take a while longer. You eat first. Would you like something to drink?"
"Two bottles of beer," Liu Nanfeng said, glancing at "Su Jinxiu."
"Su Jinxiu" did not object, tacitly agreeing.
"I'll get them for you."
Zhang Da Sheng turned to get them, but Liu Nanfeng grabbed him.
"You focus on your work, I'll get them myself."
Zhang Da Sheng didn't stand on ceremony, as they were acquaintances and didn't mind.
Liu Nanfeng only pulled him for a moment before letting go.
The reason he grabbed him was to see if he could trigger the "Previous Cause."
But like with "Su Jinxiu," there was no reaction at all.
It seemed to be related to cultivation. For demons with cultivation above a certain level, he couldn't trigger it. He didn't know if it was temporary or permanent.
Liu Nanfeng guessed it was likely just temporary. Otherwise, [Guan Shan Hai] would seem quite useless.
Or perhaps it was related to his strength. The stronger his strength, the higher the cultivation level of demons he could "seal."
As for how his strength would increase, it was probably also related to the demons he "sealed." For example, if he "sealed" the butterfly demon, he could borrow the butterfly demon's abilities.
Thinking of this, he suddenly felt that this thing was somewhat like playing a game. First, kill small demons, then kill big demons, leveling up gradually.
And it seemed that there were quite a few demons living among humans in this world. He wondered if the government knew about it and if there was a specialized regulatory department.
Liu Nanfeng leaned towards there being one. After all, in all these years, he hadn't heard of any demonic rampages. There should be a specialized department to deter them. Otherwise, how could all the demons be so well-behaved?
"Brother Zhang, I didn't order testicles, did you get it wrong?"
"No mistake, it's a gift for you. Eat more, you look weak," Zhang Da Sheng said, patting Liu Nanfeng's back with a smile.
Liu Nanfeng always felt his smile had a deep meaning.
He also noticed that "Su Jinxiu" glared fiercely at Zhang Da Sheng before showing a shy expression.
After eating barbecue and returning home, Liu Nanfeng realized that the biggest test had just begun.
He hadn't known before, but now that he did, should he sleep or not?
If he slept, his conscience wouldn't allow it.
If he didn't sleep, his conscience wouldn't allow it.
He was so conflicted and vexed that he decided to take a cold shower to calm down.
But as he was halfway through showering, the bathroom door was pushed open...
ps: This story will have children, but it will take time, after all, it's not easy for humans and demons to have children...