The Fox Spirit, Part Two (Complete)

“Luoluo, why are your eyes all red? Didn’t we agree? Go on back. Just think of this as a business trip, and hurry to the next stop to wait for me.” “But... whenever you go on a business trip, I always see you off as far as the airport security checkpoint.” “Go on back. This time, you promised me we’d start as childhood sweethearts. I wanted to be with you back when I was in kindergarten.” As he spoke, the Gambler spread his arms as usual, ready to give her a farewell hug. But they both awkwardly realized that his embrace was as insubstantial as air, only an outline, with nothing inside. The Gambler could only smile helplessly, spread his hands, and walk backward. Behind him stood an unremarkable stone bridge. On a polished black granite stele beside it, three large seal-script characters had been carved in flowing strokes: Naihe Bridge. Luoluo didn’t know where to put her hands. She stared blankly at the Gambler’s soul, young again, as he walked backward and reluctantly stepped onto Naihe Bridge. Knowing there was no way to drag him back, she could only huff, “Fine, go. Hmph, I’ll be waiting for you in kindergarten the very next second.” Only then did the Gambler relax. He laughed heartily, turned around, and soon vanished into the sorrowful mist. Muttering to herself, Luoluo held up her five slender fingers and tilted her head as she used the spell the City God had taught her to work out the answer: Heaven is Qian, Earth is Kun, people are... Suddenly, Granny Meng, standing guard by the bridge, saw the bewitchingly beautiful fox spirit leap three zhang into the air, then drop back down, drenched in sweat, and collapse onto the dust. She murmured nonstop, looking as if a mortal had seen a ghost; not a trace of color remained on her jade-white face. Granny Meng was secretly pleased: So a pretty face doesn’t always get you everything. Look, now she’s just as helpless as anyone else. Before the corners of Granny Meng’s mouth could lift into a smile, a sight she hadn’t seen in a thousand years, Luoluo had already sprung up and fled, kicking up a cloud of dust as if a horde of evil spirits were after her. Perplexed, Granny Meng held out a withered hand and worked it out on her fingers. The moment she did, she burst out laughing and fell to the ground. “You fox spirit! So this day has come for you too! Hahahaha!” Theme: