OFTLHFRO C156
by NininiaChapter 156: The Horror Story Session
The cicadas outside chirped intermittently on a summer night, while the room was filled with the soft scent of mosquito and insect repellent incense blended with faint herbal aromas.
Luo Mingchen sat at his desk staring at a pile of documents before him. He glanced toward Huo Yan opposite him and sighed, “We’re turning into donkeys.”
Huo Yan smiled slightly, writing as he said, “Donkeys at least rest at night.”
Luo Mingchen was disheartened. “We’re worse than donkeys…”
Knock knock!
There was a knock at the door. Luo Mingchen, puzzled, stood to open it and found Huo Xinyue standing there with her hair loose, clutching a storybook.
Ziyan trailed behind her, sighing helplessly, “Master Luo, the young lady wants you to tell her a story.”
Luo Mingchen blinked, squatted down to her level, and cheerfully asked, “Xinyue, what story do you want me to tell you?”
Xinyue pursed her lips, wrapped her arms around his neck, and whispered, “Daddy, it’s this one in the book.”
Luo Mingchen’s heart melted as he picked her up. “Alright, let Daddy have a look.”
He sent Ziyan back to her room and went inside, holding his daughter.
They’d been so busy in the city that both he and Huo Yan had often been out, neglecting their child.
Huo Yuhui and Huo Xiang were better; with abundant homework and meals, and seeing him daily, they didn’t miss him too much.
But Huo Xinyue was different—just three and a half, turning four in December—a perfect age needing adult company.
Seeing Luo Mingchen carry her inside, Huo Yan put down his brush and stood.
Luo Mingchen smiled at Huo Yan, holding the book brought by Xinyue. “Come quickly and tell a story.”
Huo Yan took the book, brows raised slightly. “Ghost stories?”
“Huh?”
Luo Mingchen surprised, peered closer, “It’s really a horror novel. Is our Xinyue that brave?”
The last line was said while looking at Huo Xinyue.
Sitting by the bed, Xinyue giggled at Luo Mingchen’s shocked expression, wiggling her little legs, and coaxed, “Daddy, it’s fun.”
Luo Mingchen poked her cheek, asking, “Aren’t you scared getting up at night? Who gave you that book?”
“It was second brother! He’s scared but I’m not.”
Xinyue appeared proud.
What a jab!
Luo Mingchen sat on the bed, cuddling his little girl against a soft pillow, telling Huo Yan, “Come tell the story.”
“Alright.”
Huo Yan sat, squeezed them inward, opened the book, and read, “The first story is about a human skin lantern.”
Luo Mingchen interrupted, “…Such a heavy theme?”
“Ghost tales usually are.”
“Well, go on.” Luo Mingchen hugged the soft, fragrant child tighter.
Xinyue tenderly patted her daddy’s arm to comfort him.
“A scholar went to the capital for exams and passed through a small village…”
Just then, Huo Xiang’s voice came through the window, “Dad! Little Dad! Is sister with you?”
Luo Mingchen nearly jumped, startled by the head suddenly appearing.
“Xinyue’s here. She wants to hear a story.”
Luo Mingchen smiled and asked, “Want to join us?”
Huo Xiang asked, “Little Dad, is it that ghost story?”
Luo Mingchen was surprised. “You know it?”
“Yeah, I brought it.”
Hearing his tone, Luo Mingchen sensed a hint of pride and asked, “You’re not scared anymore?”
“That’s all fake. I tell Xinyue stories at night.”
Huo Xiang climbed inside through the window as he spoke.
Luo Mingchen was moved, realizing their child had grown mature without them noticing.
“Hehe.”
Huo Xiang laughed, kicked off his shoes, climbed into bed, found a comfortable spot, and leaned forward curiously, “Dad, which story?”
Huo Yan said, “The human skin lantern.”
“First one? I already read the earlier ones.”
Hearing that, Xinyue tugged Huo Yan’s sleeve, “Little Dad, I want to hear more.”
Luo Mingchen decided, “Let’s finish the first one, then we’ll read the rest.”
The siblings nodded obediently and listened carefully.
Huo Yan re-read the opening line, “It was the time of day’s shift, misty and white; the village was faintly seen, doors hanging yellow lanterns…”
Though Huo Xiang claimed to be unafraid, he quietly snuggled closer to his Little Dad.
Luo Mingchen listened attentively.
Mainly because Huo Yan’s voice was pleasing, magnetic and low, fitting spooky tales and drawing listeners in.
“The scholar knocked six houses; none opened. The village was unnervingly silent. Though scared, he preferred this to resting in deep forest. He approached the seventh house boldly, knocking. Knock knock…”
Huo Yan paused, noting their full attention. “The door was ajar and suddenly blown open with a shrill creak. The scholar called twice inside and faintly heard an old man coughing.”
On the hot summer night, Luo Mingchen felt a chill behind, shrank his neck, and drew the close Huo Xiang nearer. With people on both sides, he felt a bit safer.
“The mist thickened as the scholar entered, calling, ‘I’m passing by and wish to stay a night…’ Suddenly, a cat meowed…”
“Meow—”
Huo Xiang shouted, “Ah!”
The real cat’s cry combined with Huo Xiang’s startled yell made Luo Mingchen shiver.
They looked out the window and saw Xiao Bai standing there, her heterochromatic eyes fixed on them. “Meow!”
After meowing, she deftly entered, jumped on the bed, and began grooming beside them.
Huo Xiang lamented, “Xiao Bai, you almost scared me to death!”
The cat looked innocent and resumed licking a paw.
Seeing Luo Mingchen startled and calmer Xinyue, Huo Yan humorously asked, “Want to keep listening?”
“Of course,” Luo Mingchen replied instantly, “If you don’t finish, it’s scarier.”
“Oh.”
Huo Yan continued, “The scholar was startled as a black cat appeared at the door, green eyes fixed. Again, coughing came from inside. The scholar, relieved, saw the cat disappear and rushed in but found the house empty. Searching long, he couldn’t find anyone. Outside, the dense fog was pitch black. Afraid to leave, he rested in a corner, dazed and asleep. At midnight, he heard eerie laughter. Opening eyes, he saw a melting old man with blood-red eyes staring, grinning strangely, asking…”
“What are you doing?”