Chapter 5. Always in a Good Mood

Luo Qingshu couldn't help but smile. Putting aside everything else, just sharing a meal with the little monk always put him in a good mood.

Their time together was limited, so Luo Qingshu didn't insist on the strict rules of silence during meals. He picked some of her favorite dishes and placed them in her little golden bowl, gently asking, "What do you want to do when you grow up, Mingjing? Have you thought it through? You could be a gourmet."

Mingjing set down her bowl, nodding first, then shaking her head. For a little taotie, dealing with delicious food was undoubtedly the happiest thing. However, she had more important things to do; that was her ideal—

Ever since she saw the word "ideal" in a book, that thought had emerged from her heart. Two years had passed, especially in the last four months since coming down the mountain; after gaining the ability to earn money and live, her resolve had only strengthened.

Now, hearing her master wanting to discuss this with her, Mingjing felt a bit excited. "I have something I want to do, and it's not being a gourmet." Just last week, she had shared her ideals with a human cub named Qin Xue, and they had each made plans in the park.

The little monk's big eyes sparkled with anticipation, as if saying, "Master, ask me! Ask me!"

Luo Qingshu smiled warmly, "What is it?"

Mingjing's brows curved with delight, and she straightened her little face, saying seriously, "My ancestor found Master and helped him, and then Master found me and helped me. So, I want to help other beasts in the future, so they can live well in the human world." If it weren't for her master's help, she would have died long ago from eating indiscriminately. Even if she hadn't died, she would have become a harmful beast to humans.

Thus, the human world needed people like her master. She wanted to grow up and inherit her master's teachings.

"And I want to help many humans who need help!"

The little one spoke clearly, her small fists clenched, and her porcelain-white face shone with determination.

Luo Qingshu rested his long fingers on his forehead, genuinely wanting to laugh. This ideal was just as admirable as wanting to be a gourmet.

Her master was usually very serious and rarely smiled. Seeing the obvious smile in his eyes, Mingjing widened her eyes in disapproval. Was her master... mocking her?

Although she respected her master, at that moment, Mingjing decided to defend her ideal. "Master, ideals are not about status; you shouldn't mock mine."

Well, that's what she said.

Luo Qingshu coughed lightly into his fist and explained, "Master isn't mocking you; he's happy."

Mingjing nodded, a bit confused, "Oh, I see. Thank you, Master."

Luo Qingshu picked up a piece of golden tofu and casually asked, "There aren't many beasts that fall into the human world, probably only you. How will you find these beasts?"

Hey, she had already thought of a strategy.

Mingjing said, "Please wait a moment, Master," climbed down from her chair, and quickly returned from her room with her planning book, handing it to her master with both hands.

Luo Qingshu took it and flipped through it, astonished.

Mingjing said earnestly, "I've thought it through. First, we need to promote our Qingling Temple and make it as famous as Shaolin Temple. Then, beasts and humans will come seeking help!" Shaolin Temple was also in the Qinling Mountains, and her master had taken her there to visit. It was bustling with people, and the mountain gate inspired her to write this plan upon returning.

The planning book was handwritten, with beautiful and neat characters. It categorized how much money needed to be earned to expand Qingling Temple, what small goals to achieve at certain ages, and how to attract some fated individuals to Qingling Temple to help others. Each point was practical.

This was already the sixth revised version.

Various colored markers highlighted important notes, and there was even an analysis of situations like Gu Zhaochen. It was detailed and thoughtful, showing that the little one was serious about this matter.

The little monk looked at him eagerly, waiting for his response.

Suppressing a laugh, Luo Qingshu read through it carefully before nodding, "Okay, let's do it this way."

Ah! She received her master's approval and recognition!

The little monk was so excited that she almost jumped up to hug him.

Luo Qingshu's heart softened, and breaking from his previous stern image, he lifted the little one up playfully. It was not easy to part with such a cute little one.

After eating, Luo Qingshu began to pack his belongings, asking the little monk to chant scriptures nearby. However, it was time to part, and the little one couldn't settle down, her wooden fish drum producing a rhythm.

After listening for a while, Luo Qingshu waved to his little disciple, who kept glancing at him, "Come over and pack the things you need to take to the Su family."

Mingjing replied cheerfully, rushing over with a big smile, squatting beside Luo Qingshu, turning into a little chatterbox, babbling about the scarf she knitted for her master, the gifts prepared for her parents, the book meant for Qin Xue as a farewell gift, and the photos from various years. She reminded her master what to pay attention to while traveling alone in the future, what to eat more of, and what to eat less of.

Luo Qingshu patiently listened, occasionally responding with a "good," until a girl named Qin Xue came to play with the little monk. He then reminded her not to stay out too late and to return home early.

It was already evening, and mealtime had arrived. The loud firecracker sounds echoed, startling the parked cars and motorcycles outside, the honking blending together, filling the air with the smell of fireworks. The entire town became lively and festive.

Outside the Gu family's courtyard by the Qingshui River, a thick layer of firecracker skins had already piled up, and the sounds of explosions continued. Even the neighbors next door peeked out, asking if the Gu family had struck it rich this year to afford so many firecrackers.

However, the Gu family's door was tightly shut, and there was no reason to visit others on New Year's Eve, so everyone just glanced and clicked their tongues before returning home.

Two strings of firecrackers hung at the eaves, crackling loudly, drowning out the sounds from inside the house. No one knew what was happening inside.

The Gu family had three bungalows; on the left was Gu Feihuang's room, on the right was the kitchen, and the largest one in the middle was divided into two parts: the inner part was the bedroom, and the outer part served as the living room.

The furniture in the living room was quite old, and since it connected to the kitchen, the floor and ceiling were greasy. On a small cabinet, there was an incense burner dedicated to the God of Wealth and Guanyin. Since it was New Year's, fresh apples and pastries were placed on it, and three incense sticks had just burned halfway.

In the middle of the old sofa and television was a square table with twelve dishes on it. The soup pot in the center was filled with red oil and meatballs, and the air was filled with a spicy and enticing aroma.

It was the hot pot that Gu Feihuang had been clamoring for.

There were chicken, duck, and fish, making this the most lavish New Year the Gu family had ever experienced. The steam was rising, but no one was paying attention to the food anymore.

Gu Zhaochen dragged Gu Zhiming, who was convulsing and foaming at the mouth, and pressed him down onto a chair, tightly binding him with ropes.

Having worked at the Gu family for several years, Gu Zhaochen was skilled at tying things up. Even though he was still young and one of his arms was bandaged and weak, he managed to bind the entire family of three to their chairs.

However, he didn't understand why the rat poison he had accumulated over three months, pieced together from various sources, wasn't as effective as he had imagined. Although Gu Zhiming and Lin Shuixiang lacked strength, they were still conscious and were continuously shouting and struggling—using voices that were now weak and hoarse.

Gu Zhaochen ignored their curses. Today was New Year's Eve, and the sounds of firecrackers were everywhere. He had piled all the firecrackers bought by the Gu family outside to explode. No matter how much they shouted, the neighbors would only think that Gu Zhiming and Lin Shuixiang were just arguing with him and wouldn't come over to cause trouble.

"You little bastard, what are you doing! Let me go! Do you believe I’ll beat you to death?" Gu Zhiming's bloodshot eyes were filled with rage, but he struggled against the ropes, only to find himself unable to exert any strength. The pain in his stomach was becoming increasingly severe, twisting like a knot, and he felt the burning sensation of nausea rising.

Lin Shuixiang also began to cry and curse, "Where did you put the money? Is that little bald monk behind this? He gave you food and clothes, and you raised a white-eyed wolf! You’re going against the heavens!"

Gu Zhaochen had no interest in arguing. Lin Shuixiang had only given him food during the first few days he was at the Gu family. After that, he had been scavenging through garbage, picking wild fruits from the mountains, or buying food himself. After so many years of hard work, he had earned enough to make up for what the Gu family had given him.

"You actually poisoned the food! What did you give us to eat...?" "Help! You bastard! Is anyone there? Zhang Chunhua! Brother Li!" "This little bastard is a murderer! Is anyone there? Help!"

Gu Zhaochen let them shout. He had rehearsed this entire process in his mind many times, so he felt calm and steady. There was no panic after killing someone, nor was there any satisfaction or joy from revenge. He was simply following the plan step by step.

It went smoothly; he encountered no obstacles.

Lin Shuixiang liked to use soy sauce when cooking, and Gu Feihuang would always mix soy sauce with his rice at every meal. Today was New Year's Eve, and they were also stir-frying marinated meat, so Gu Zhaochen mixed the pungent-smelling medicinal liquid into the soy sauce and poured some over the cured meat.

Lin Shuixiang was completely unaware. She thought the little monk had no way to take him away after spending money, so she hit him to make him work faster. She happily discussed with Gu Zhiming how they could sell him again later and forcibly stripped the down jacket off him to give it to Gu Feihuang.

"You little bastard, what did you give us to eat!"

The increasingly intense cramping pain and the growing fog in Lin Shuixiang's mind made her realize that this little bastard wasn’t joking. He didn’t seem to be doing this for money either — he was after their lives! She could see her husband and son both tied up. Her husband was awake and cursing loudly, but her son’s head drooped to the side, his face pale and bluish, with froth bubbling from his mouth. Lin Shuixiang, tied to a chair, couldn’t even tell if he was still breathing from her position.

“Son! Baby, baby, wake up! Mom’s here!”

“You little beast! What did you do to my son?”

“You—what are you doing? Dare to touch my son, and see what happens!”

Lin Shuixiang screamed and wailed, her desperate cries failing to rouse Gu Feihuang. She began shouting curses, struggling in vain, as though her gaze alone could tear Gu Zhaochen into pieces. Her eyes were filled with madness and hatred.

“If anything happens to my baby, I’ll make sure you die a horrible death!”

Gu Zhaochen paid them no mind. Instead, he walked over to Gu Feihuang, removed the down jacket from his body, dusted it off carefully, folded it neatly, and placed it aside. He then dragged out the gas canister used for hot pot cooking from under the table and slowly moved it to Gu Zhiming’s side. It was heavy, and it took him quite a bit of time and effort.

There was another gas canister in the kitchen, which Lin Shuixiang had prepared in advance for the Lunar New Year festivities. Gu Zhaochen brought it over as well and placed it near Lin Shuixiang. Then, he fetched the small charcoal stove Gu Feihuang had been using to keep warm.

He had seen something similar before. There was a hot pot restaurant in town that had been obliterated because of a gas leak. The entire building was reduced to rubble. This New Year, the Gu family would become the loudest firecracker in Qingshui Town. Gu Zhaochen was eager to witness that moment.

The floor was covered with dry hay, and the entire room reeked of alcohol. The Gu family might not have much else, but they had plenty of liquor. Gu Zhiming had just bought a large stockpile earlier, and now it had all been poured onto the hay.

Gu Zhiming and Lin Shuixiang were tied to chairs, facing each other. They could see the horror and panic in each other’s eyes. Gu Zhiming dared not curse anymore; instead, he began apologizing and begging for mercy.

"Xiao Zhao, you... there’s a fire in the house, this is very dangerous! Stop now and let your father go. It was wrong of me before... I shouldn’t have hit you. Gu Zhaochen, untie the ropes, and in the future, I’ll buy you good food and clothes, and I’ll send you to school. Don’t you want to go to school the most...?"

A foul smell wafted through the air. This burly man was trembling, his teeth chattering, and he had even wet his pants.

Lin Shuixiang was no better off. She was sweating coldly from the pain. Just moments ago, she had struggled to tear at the little bastard, but she had fallen to the ground along with the chair. Unable to get up with the chair on her back, she knelt on the floor, inching her way toward Gu Zhaochen on her knees, crying and pleading, "Yes... yes, it’s my fault. I won’t hit you anymore. Let’s live well as a family. Do you want some candy? Gu Zhaochen, please untie your mother... I’ll get you some..."

"Xiao Zhao, just untie me first—let Mom check on your brother!"

Lin Shuixiang was truly panicking. Looking at Gu Zhaochen's cold, dark eyes, her fear layered upon fear, she could no longer remember the derogatory terms she had used. Her face turned pale and waxy, her hair disheveled. Kneeling on the ground, she kept bowing her head toward Gu Zhaochen, crying heart-wrenchingly, the sound echoing clearly amidst the dense firecracker noises, "Xiao Zhao, Xiao Zhao, just spare your mother once, spare your brother once!"

Lin Shuixiang kowtowed harder and harder, her forehead splitting open and blood streaming down her face. Her entire body was soaked as if she had been fished out of water. She was truly terrified.

Gu Zhaochen remaind unmoved. He had done a lot of hard work in the Gu family, and he had learned to read the emotions of others. He could see the hatred and contempt hidden beneath the fear in Lin Shuixiang and Gu Zhiming's eyes, but none of that mattered. Even if they truly felt sorry for him, he wouldn’t stop now.

On the table was a box containing items Gu Zhaochen had taken from these people: two mobile phones, some loose change, a pack of cigarettes, and a lighter. Those were the things Lin Shuixiang had taken from the little monk, including money, jade, and bank cards. He had already delivered those to the little monk's doorstep; he didn't know if she had seen them.

Gu Zhaochen took the lighter from the box and went to turn the valve on the gas canister.

The room was filled with the terrified screams of Gu Zhiming and Lin Shuixiang!

"Xiao Zhao!"

"You little bastard, how dare you!"

"Stop, Gu Zhaochen! Don't do anything stupid!"

Amidst the curses and screams of Gu Zhiming and Lin Shuixiang, Gu Zhaochen heard a clear and clean voice that made him freeze for a moment. He turned to see the little monk at the door, panting slightly.

"Master!" Mingjing exclaimed, rushing in, her eyes wide with concern. "What’s happening here?"

Gu Zhaochen's heart sank. He had wanted to finish everything before she arrived, but now she was here, and he couldn't let her see this side of him. He quickly turned his back to her, blocking her view of the chaos.

"Stay back, Mingjing!" he shouted, trying to keep her safe. "It's dangerous here!"

Mingjing's eyes darted between Gu Zhaochen and the bound figures of Gu Zhiming and Lin Shuixiang. "What did you do? Why are they tied up?"

Gu Zhaochen hesitated, struggling to find the right words. "They... they did something bad. I just wanted to make sure they couldn't hurt anyone anymore."

"But you can't just tie them up like this!" Mingjing protested, her voice rising. "We should help them, not hurt them!"

Gu Zhaochen clenched his fists, feeling the weight of her words. He knew she was right, but the anger and pain he had endured made it hard to think clearly. "They hurt me first, Mingjing! They hurt you too! They deserve this!"

Mingjing stepped closer, her expression softening. "But hurting them won't make things better. We can find a way to help everyone, even them. We can be better than them."

Her words struck a chord in Gu Zhaochen's heart. He looked at her, seeing the unwavering belief in her eyes. She was right; he didn't want to become like them. He wanted to be better.

Taking a deep breath, he released the lighter and turned back to the bound couple. "I... I won't hurt you. But you need to understand what you've done."

Gu Zhiming and Lin Shuixiang exchanged glances, their expressions shifting from anger to confusion. "What do you mean?" Gu Zhiming asked, his voice shaky.

"You can't keep treating people like they're nothing," Gu Zhaochen said, his voice steadier now. "You need to change. You need to understand that your actions have consequences."

Mingjing nodded, stepping forward. "We can help you understand. But first, we need to get you untied and talk about this."

Gu Zhaochen felt a surge of hope. Maybe there was a way to resolve this without further violence. He looked at Mingjing, who was beaming with determination. Together, they could make a difference.

As he began to untie the ropes, he felt a sense of relief wash over him. Perhaps this New Year could bring about change, not just for him, but for everyone involved.