Mountain Demon

"In ancient times, there was a mountain demon who hid in the depths of the mountains, bewitched the masses, and fell into the mortal world."

"First into the abyss, then into the forest, then into the pleasure quarters, and finally into the misty Jiangnan region."

Blurb 1:

Zhou Qizi's home has an enormous fish pond. Beyond it stands a magnificent, picturesque artificial mountain, where red sparrows chirp incessantly. But as soon as he arrives, they all fall silent.

He walks gently to the other's side. The fish in the water slowly quiet down. He smiles and sits beside him.

"A Taoist priest surnamed Bei came by a while ago... He was short, and seemed to be looking for you."

He falls silent for a moment, then the other speaks again.

"Honestly, I've always thought that there couldn't possibly be mountain demons in this world... At least, I think you're a good person. I'm nearing the end of my life. I won't last much longer, while you still have to take my place. I really don't want that."

He smiles, his eyes shining.

"Taking your place... won't do either of us any good... neither you nor me... And that Taoist priest... I've met him..."

"You're acting a little strange..."

"..."

"I'm perfectly normal."

Blurb 2:

On their wedding night, he slowly lifts the veil. The bride is bashful, dressed in red, and radiantly beautiful.

She slowly looks up at him and sees a faintly troubled look in his eyes.

She looks at him and can't help asking,

"Is it you?"

He smiles, returning to his old self. The sharpness of that young man has never changed. It is him. That look is one she would recognize at a glance.

"It's me."

"I've come to marry you."

Theme: Literature that makes everyone else jealous.