She's a Passerby, But Can See the Protagonist's Halo-Chapter 94
Yan and Zhu Jue brought Chu Shen home just in time for the opening song and dance of the Spring Festival Gala, their eyes filled with a dazzling display of colors.
"It's another new song," Chu Shen remarked after listening for a bit, finding it unmemorable and not particularly pleasant. The sheer number of performers and dancers on TV was overwhelming, and the constant camera angle switches were downright frustrating.
By now, they had all washed their hands. On the living room coffee table were two bowls of different dumpling fillings. Madam Yu was swiftly rolling out dumpling wrappers, while Father Zhu and Mother Zhu leisurely wrapped the dumplings.
Chu Shen watched as Madam Yu's hands flew, producing thin, perfectly round wrappers that fluttered out like butterflies. "Auntie, your skills are incredible," he marveled. He had never seen anyone roll out dumpling wrappers so quickly—and she was single-handedly supplying wrappers for two batches!
"I'm just impatient by nature. I can't stand waiting, so I rush through everything," Madam Yu replied.
Yan's father was cleaning the kitchen, and Aunt Tan was on the phone. The house was bustling with warmth and activity.
"Auntie, why don't you take a break? We can help wrap the dumplings," Chu Shen offered, feeling awkward just sitting idle on the sofa.
"No need, we're almost done. You kids go play," Madam Yu insisted, promptly handing Chu Shen and the others a small lump of dough.
"Go on, have fun."
At that moment, Chu Shen felt a mix of amusement and exasperation. Here he was, about to turn twenty, yet still being treated like a child.
He glanced at Yan—oh, she was already kneading the dough in her hands, shaping it into little animals. Zhu Jue was doing the same, while Da Bao and Xiao Bao were poking holes in theirs with toothpicks.
Silently, Chu Shen joined the makeshift dough-sculpting team. It reminded him of his childhood, when his grandparents would give him a piece of dough to play with while they made noodles or dumplings.
After finishing her call, Aunt Tan rejoined the dumpling-making crew. Chu Shen absentmindedly poked at his dough while watching the Spring Festival Gala. But as the comedy skits and cross-talk acts played out, his expression grew increasingly solemn.
"Is it just me, or is none of this funny?" he whispered. Was it a cultural difference between the north and south?
Tan Dabao looked up at him. "Brother Chu, do you see any of us laughing?"
"We're just treating it as background noise for the New Year," Xiao Bao added.
Chu Shen sighed in relief. So it wasn’t just him—no one else found it amusing either.
The events from earlier on Jing Mountain still weighed on him, leaving him feeling unsettled and distracted. But with the adults busy in the living room, it wasn’t the time to retreat and chat privately—especially with Da Bao and Xiao Bao around.
Meanwhile, Yan had finished editing and shared a photo of the three of them in the group chat.
Yuan Ye, who had just returned to his hotel, saw the picture.
His emotions at that moment were indescribable.
Earlier, he had shed the "Red Dress Ghost" buff and bolted out of Jing Mountain Park’s exit. Right then, the buff’s timer expired, dissipating completely.
His outfit had automatically switched back to normal, making him appear as just another tourist reading the park’s closing notice at the entrance.
"System, the cameras didn’t catch anything, right?" Yuan Ye asked cautiously.
"Player, rest assured. When the host is in a non-human state, no recordings can capture you."
Hearing this, Yuan Ye relaxed slightly. After all, this was the capital—he couldn’t afford any slip-ups!
He had been terrified that if the park’s security or tech team spotted a hanged ghost or a red-dressed female ghost in the surveillance footage, they might launch an investigation…
Even with this dress-up game system, Yuan Ye couldn’t guarantee they wouldn’t trace it back to him.
"Heaven and earth, bless me," he muttered under his breath.
He could only hope Yan and Zhu Jue had recognized him and helped dispel any suspicions.
After that, Yuan Ye hurried back to his hotel. Playing a hanged ghost on New Year’s Eve was already wild enough, but then he’d been chased in a desperate escape—and even bumped into a friend along the way.
Tonight had been one hell of a ride.
Even though the Red Dress Ghost buff had faded, Yuan Ye still felt an eerie chill—maybe from the cold, or maybe not.
Only after eating the hot noodle soup delivered by the hotel restaurant did he finally feel his body thawing.
This was his New Year’s Eve dinner.
Holding chopsticks in his right hand, Yuan Ye swiped through his phone with his left, hesitating.
Should he reach out to Yan and Zhu Jue first?
Based on his earlier suspicions, the couple seemed to be involved in the supernatural.
Wait—
A sudden realization struck him.
During his frantic escape on Jing Mountain, he had caught a glimpse of Yan’s roommate.
That archaeology student!
"Hold on, Chu Shen was just visiting, but that girl hasn’t said anything in the group chat…"
"Is she with Yan and the others? But if she were, why are there only three people in the photo?"
Yuan Ye was baffled. Why was there a fourth person involved?
Wasn’t it too much of a coincidence for both their friend groups to collide like this?
Instantly, Yuan Ye thought of the culprit behind this mess.
His anger flared again. "Stupid system, get out here! This Ning City dress-up quest—from the Forbidden City to Jing Mountain—was this deliberate?!"
He was seriously starting to suspect this godforsaken system was out to humiliate him. His mother had named him "Yuan Ye" (vast wilderness) in hopes that his life would be boundless and free.
But ever since being bound to this dress-up game, his life had indeed become a wilderness—a wilderness of endless social disasters.
"Please address me as Xiao Zhi," the dress-up game system replied.
Yuan Ye nearly choked on his rage.
"Xiao Zhi is merely an AI assistant for the dress-up game. It cannot assess the player’s task circumstances. Whether to accept a task is entirely the player’s choice."
The system’s robotic response gradually cooled Yuan Ye’s temper.
"So you’re saying if I hadn’t taken the quest, none of this would’ve happened? System, don’t you think that’s suspicious?"
"Also, there’s one question you have to answer."
"Player, please proceed," the dumb system responded.
"When I was doing the Hanged Ghost PK on Jing Mountain, why was there only a countdown? I didn’t see any other hanged ghosts, nor did I get any PK victory notifications."
This was the real question weighing on Yuan Ye.
Tonight had been off. The quest had been off.
Even though his current "Ning City Dress-Up Tour" task was marked complete, Yuan Ye remembered clearly—
Both tasks were supposed to involve PK battles. At the Forbidden City, he had just stood there, and any eligible girl who entered the vicinity silently engaged in a PK with him.
But when he was hanging from the crooked-neck tree, there hadn’t been any other ghosts around.
Back at school last year, he had actually seen a ghost—a woman from the Republic era!
"The player PK was not victorious," the idiotic system announced.
At that moment, Yuan Ye's gaze sharpened, and he forced himself to steady his voice.
"You're saying there was another hanged ghost there at the time, but I didn’t see it?"
Since the idiotic game system mentioned a PK, it meant he had unknowingly completed one.
Back then, there hadn’t been any floating labels like [Horror] or [Terrifying] dancing in front of his eyes.
Yuan Ye set down his chopsticks as the idiotic system replied with a simple, "Yes."
"So, there was a hanged ghost watching me, and you didn’t even warn me?"
He couldn’t help but hug himself—no wonder he’d felt an eerie chill all over, as if a ghost really had been there!
The idiotic system fell silent, offering no further explanation.
This sudden silence plunged Yuan Ye deeper into thought. Why hadn’t there been any flashing labels during that PK?
Was it to avoid alerting the other hanged ghost?
But where exactly was that other hanged ghost?
Yuan Ye shuddered. "Xiao Zhi, the other hanged ghost… it couldn’t be the Gatekeeper Emperor, could it?"
Good grief, the man had been dead for centuries—could his spirit still be lingering on Jing Mountain?
"No," the system answered quickly this time, but that only left Yuan Ye even more confused.
If not, then where the hell did the other hanged ghost come from? A hanged ghost lurking behind the Forbidden City on the mountain was just too bizarre.
"Then where was it? Wait—" Yuan Ye suddenly recalled his visit to the Forbidden City a few days earlier.
PK battles could be completed within a certain range, meaning the hanged ghost must have been inside Jing Mountain Park at the time.
And when he’d transformed into a ghost state for the costume change, he should have been able to see other "ghosts." Yuan Ye pinched his chin, carefully replaying the memory in his mind.
He abruptly stood up. "System, was the hanged ghost among the people chasing me?"
After seriously reconsidering, Yuan Ye concluded that the only ones who fit the criteria—being within range, unseen by him, and deliberately avoided by the system—were that group of peculiar individuals who’d been pursuing him.
Eliminating the strangers, why had Ding Ling, Yan’s archaeology-major roommate, been there?
Was she also involved in the occult? She couldn’t actually be the hanged ghost, could she?
"Are there really this many experts at our school?" Yuan Ye muttered to himself.
Honestly, Yuan Ye had little impression of Ding Ling. Remembering her face at all had required serious mental effort.
"If Ding Ling is also into the occult, is our school some kind of mystical hotspot?" he wondered aloud.
Unfortunately, the idiotic system didn’t answer his question.
Yuan Ye let out a deep sigh. Life was truly exhausting.
---
Jing Mountain, Wanchun Pavilion
Like the other examinees behind her, Ding Ling sat cross-legged on the ground—though without a cushion—absorbing the fusion of human qi and the energy of heaven and earth.
Human qi, derived from the collective will of the people, could only merge with the energy of heaven and earth in an instant under one condition: when the hearts of the populace were united.
This was a phenomenon born from peace and prosperity, when all under heaven flourished and the people were of one mind.
The convergence of this shifting celestial energy with a wisp of human qi granted these young geniuses of the mystic arts progress that would otherwise take them a thousand days to achieve.
Beyond that, carrying this combined essence would bring them even greater benefits in the future.
This was a blessing from the heavens, a stroke of fortune so rare it could hardly be sought after.
The collective qi of the masses today—how could even the golden ages of a century ago compare to the prosperity now shared by billions?
Moreover, to stand atop the dragon veins of the capital, observing the celestial phenomena—in the past, Ding Ling would never have had a chance to obtain even a sliver of this fortune.
Most importantly, ever since being unearthed by the archaeological team, her condition hadn’t fully stabilized. Because her revival hadn’t been natural, her yin energy had been leaking continuously.
The warm jade Sui Sui had given her had nurtured her body over the past six months, but it was now nearly useless to her, so Ding Ling had temporarily lent it to Xie Jin’s lingering soul.
Ding Ling was acutely aware of her own problem. She was a ghost from a past life, preserved through forbidden means until now. Though her awakening had been accidental—and not her fault—she still faced rejection from the present world.
For a ghost to linger among the living was a violation of the natural order.
And the reason she had become a Ghost King? It was through transformation from a vengeful spirit, shackled and imprisoned until now.
Ding Ling closed her eyes briefly. Time buried many things, but some memories, no matter how deeply tucked away, refused to fade even when ignored.
Even someone as formidable as a Ghost King had a past she’d rather not revisit.
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Silently, Ding Ling brushed her fingers over her neck. She wore a loose, low-cut sweater beneath a thin down jacket.
The cold night wind swept past, but she felt no chill.
This wisp of heaven-and-earth energy infused with human qi enveloped her in an indescribable sensation. Ding Ling could sense it—her missing foundation was being fully restored.
Not only that, the blessing of this dynasty’s human qi would directly neutralize the rejection she faced as a relic of the past, granting her recognition in this era.
Not a trace of yin energy lingered around Ding Ling now. Having fully absorbed the energy, anyone looking at her would notice that her perpetually pale face now carried a faint flush, making her seem more alive.
Ding Ling glanced down at her hands. The tips of her fingers even showed a slight rosy tint.
She said nothing, observing the other young talents still absorbing the energy.
They had no idea just how enormous a favor they’d received.
Ding Ling’s eyes gleamed thoughtfully. This year’s Ascension Assembly was being held in Ning City. As a member from Bin City, most of her group—like Xiao Gua—wouldn’t attend, but their leader had personally invited her, urging her to come.
From the moment she arrived in Ning City—first with the Xie family’s affairs, then tonight—every time Ding Ling thought she’d grasped Yan’s intentions, she’d soon realize she’d only glimpsed a fraction of the truth.
Looking back, every event in Ning City connected seamlessly, each piece locking into place without a gap.
Ding Ling’s phone was on silent. Her fingers moved slightly as she composed a message to Yan.
[Ding Ling]: The vantage point is excellent.
Yan replied almost instantly.
[Yan]: Right? That spot’s perfect for photos!
[Yan]: Not done yet? Head back to the hotel soon and get some rest.
Ding Ling chuckled softly. By now, she was entirely accustomed to Yan’s evasive wording—this was clearly a roundabout way of asking how things were going.
[Ding Ling]: Almost. I’ll be back shortly.
Once the younger generation finished absorbing the celestial energy, her duty for this Ascension Assembly would be complete.
[Yan]: Got it. Stay safe.
[Yan]: Happy New Year! May Little Ding Ling thrive in the year ahead~
Ding Ling’s eyes curved into crescents. Yan had a way of touching the softest parts of one’s heart without even trying.
To mend foundations, heal old wounds, and use the energy of humanity to counter the will of heaven... With Yan's quiet arrangements, this new year was sure to be better for her, better than before.
[Ding Ling]: "Happy New Year. May you two be together for a long time, may all things go smoothly, and may life keep improving."
Great kindness need not be spoken—she owed Yan far too much.
Ding Ling had never sensed any malice or strong ulterior motives from Yan and Zhu Jue.
The scent of their souls was faint and unremarkable, like plain water.
She believed this was due to the suppression of the heavenly order and their own deliberate concealment.
"A scholar dies for his confidant." In the past, she would never have believed that friends she had known for less than half a year would do so much for her.
Of course, perhaps for Yan, these were no great deeds. Ding Ling thought back to the mysteries Yan had unraveled over those six months.
Just like Lan Ruo—though unrelated to Yan, hadn’t she also received help?
There were simply people like this in the world—those who acted for the sake of their conscience, without seeking reward.
Perhaps Yan truly asked for nothing. Even if she had her own motives, Ding Ling was willing.
Originally, due to the suppression after her revival and the hidden ailments in her body, Ding Ling had thought she would only last a few years in this world before falling into dormancy again.
To be cured of chronic afflictions, to be reborn—such kindness would have warranted lifelong devotion in the past.
Ding Ling watched as the sky gradually brightened. It was the first day of the new year, and dawn had arrived.
One by one, the disciples of the mystic sects sitting on the ground opened their eyes. Seeing the Ghost King who had guarded their path, they bowed deeply in respect.
"Thank you, Miss Ding Ling."
"Lady Ding Ling, from now on, we would go through fire and water for you without hesitation."
If before, these prodigies of the mystic sects had regarded this Ghost King—who had only appeared last year—with unfamiliarity, wariness, and awe...
Then after last night, when the energy of the new year descended, carrying with it the essence of humanity, she could have kept most of it for herself—yet she had generously shared the majority with those present.
Now, all that remained in their hearts was boundless gratitude and admiration.
Perhaps some had secretly questioned before—even if she had once been human, she was now a Ghost King, an outsider. How could she hold such a high position? But now, everyone was sincerely convinced.
"No need. I was merely borrowing flowers to offer to Buddha," Ding Ling said softly, shaking her head.
"The one who truly facilitated this blessing was someone else who guided me."
"Ling Dang?" The team leader's expression was complicated. Having been present, he too had received this gift.
Did "Ling Dang" mean the mysterious expert she had mentioned before, the one who had quietly assisted in Bin City?
Yet he hadn’t sensed anything at all. Was the gap in their cultivation really so vast?
"And there’s no need to call me 'Lady.' Just address me as you do now..." She paused.
"Call me 'Sister Ling Dang,' or simply 'comrade' will do."
Facing the gazes of the crowd, Ding Ling remained unbothered.
This merit was too great—no matter what, she could not claim credit for it.
Ding Ling turned to the team leader. "The great merit I’ve earned from guarding the path this time should be enough to open the secret vault, right?"
The team leader was momentarily stunned by her words, then slowly nodded.
"It will certainly be enough."
The immense blessing Yan and the others had bestowed upon her—she would have to keep searching for things that young couples like them could use.
Now that she could stay in this world longer, perhaps she could even watch over Yan and Zhu Jue in their next cycle of reincarnation, becoming their guardian once more.
