Floating Light and Bubbles 05

Raindrops dripped along the eaves. After listening to this sound for a long time, it would seem that the world was completely silent.

[Okay, I'll let you go.]

In the silent world, Jia Ru's voice appeared. Jia Ru's opinion was that you should rest for another week or two.

But you can't wait that long.

The Zenin family's maid leads the way. She's not the Ryoko you know.

The rain has stopped.

Puddles of water, large and small, suddenly shimmered with shimmering ripples. The trees were lush and verdant. A dark corridor twisted and curved. There was no wind below. From afar, I could see the leaves of the calamus trees standing proudly by the pond. A cool breeze blew, and I felt as if I were sinking into the cold, deep water.

That happened too long ago.

You shouldn't think about it anymore.

There was no change in the Zen temple family.

Moths and beetles swarmed around the ancient building, the constant clatter of their wings filling my ears. A delicate, fresh scent wafted through my nose, yet all before me was darkness.

The Zen temple attendant signaled the maid to open the window, and the bright sunlight came in fearlessly.

This desolate, ghostly mansion, clearly home to many living beings, is all dead. The dead aren't the dead themselves, but death itself. A true darkness, undispelled by the sun, holds no hope here, a place where hearts are sealed. The ordinary members of the Zenin family, with empty hearts, live like the walking dead. Rich incense can't mask the scent of death. They don't care; they take pride in their old age.

The maid brought over a teapot and cups. The teapot was inlaid with a silver-inlaid chrysanthemum pattern, which was lifelike and exquisite.

You didn't pay attention to these details before. This is your daily life.

Zenin Naobi took a sip of tea and said nothing. The maid understood and withdrew, closing the door so quietly you could barely hear it. She was different from Ryoko.

Your uncle turned his eyes to you. He blew on the teacup, put it back in its place, and muttered, "It's hot. I won't treat you."

You kneel down on the mat.

"Are you still angry?"

"Not really." Zenin Naobi slammed the table exaggeratedly. "Are you really that close to the six-eyed brat from the Gojo family?"

This is what I care about most.

There is no gratitude between the Gojo family and the Zenin family, only hatred.

The Zenin family's "Ten Shadow Techniques" are the most powerful techniques.

"We won't get married."

The Zen temple's Zhibi people did not comment on this.

"The Zenin family has an unusually large number of devas and juju." He changed the subject. This matter really bothered him. Jiner was the first case, you were the second, and Maki and Mayi were the third. Gojo and Kamo couldn't possibly have so many devas and juju.

"When a system runs for a long time, it will always go wrong."

"Zen".

"Zen spirit" can be seen everywhere in the old Zen temple.

Unlike Gojo and Kamo, the Zenin surname is the only one in the country.

"Chanyuan" was the first sorcerer to follow Master Tianyuan, and this surname came from this.

The original "Zen Temple" was full of powerful sorcerers.

"Those who are not in a Zen temple are not masters, and those who are not masters are not human beings."

It doesn’t matter why they came up with this idea; what matters is that this idea brings suffering to people.

"Mistake? You actually gave me an answer." My uncle seemed to have not expected that a sigh could actually have an answer, and the pupils in his little eyes turned around.

"How are Maki and Mayi?"

"Thanks to you, I'm not dead yet."

You frown.

"What else do you want?" Zenin Naohito rolled his eyes. "You can't possibly pull everyone in the Zenin family over for a lecture." He gestured for you to sit on a chair.

"They can only rely on themselves for this kind of thing. Haven't you ever been bullied?"

"Where's Ryoko?"

"He's working on his own business. He's not at home. I finally found a smart and capable person." The Zen temple's directoer muttered.

"I clearly provided them with a path to a new life." You asked, expressing your confusion.

"Fitting in" is correct, "being different" is wrong. Japanese people always live in groups, and the characteristic of Japanese society is collectivism.

"What is your identity? What is my identity?"

"I never thought about becoming the head of the family."

“I never thought I could go any further as a director.”

"You helped me get this position on the board of directors."

"So, what are you missing?"

You were silent for a while, then stood up and showed your uncle your school uniform.

“No one would believe the students anyway.”

"All you need is time."

“And companions,” you added.

Someone has to take the lead in making changes.

“Where are you going after you graduate next year?”

"Director's meeting."

"You said it so decisively. Have you thought about it a long time ago?"

"I have another matter to discuss with you during my visit." You sat down again.

Zenin Naobi smacked his lips and said, "You're impolite." After complaining about you, he narrowed one eye and asked you, "Mei?"

"Satoru didn't find him. I guess you did something."

"Tampering? I didn't do anything. The Gojo family was just trying to give him a hard time."

"Because Hui is from the Zenin family?"

"The Ten Shadow Techniques are a family tradition passed down by the Zenin family."

"I promised you..." Zenin Naobito didn't let you finish your sentence. He interrupted you: "Do you consider yourself a member of the Zenin family now? Where do you want to take Kei?"

You are speechless.

"Fushiguro sold Kei to the Zenin family. One billion."

This kid is worth a billion.

Where did you, a student, get ten billion?

If you look hesitant, the Zen temple's Zhibi will be happy. He will happily point out the way for you: "Go gamble or ask that kid to give you money."

You went to the casino just to commit fraud, such a large amount of money. As for asking Wu to pay, you didn't even think about it.

You took a deep breath, smiled, and said, "I'm a popular idol—" You hadn't originally planned to make money from this.

“It’s outdated.”

Just a few words can crush all your delusions.

Outdated——

You lay helplessly on the table.

[Ms. Meibuki's dream is to dispel all the sorrow in the world and bring joy. Unlike someone who only causes separation and pain among sisters.]

Ms. Midorikawa was right.

You haven't said "sorry" to her yet.

[Isn't it normal to like Miss Meibuki?]

If Miss Midorikawa knew that I was Miss Mebuki...

B-but… you clenched your fists.

After jumping up with your eyes tightly closed, you opened your eyes and looked at Zenin Zhibiren: "I am not dead."

The Zen monks stood still.

"I'm not out of date." You emphasized again.

"There must... there must be someone who likes Meibuki Yuzhi." You said in a deep voice.

"Don't you like me?"

"Idols are all packaged." That's normal. You only showed a part of yourself to Geto and Ieiri. You only said those words to Satoru that night.

"I will make enough to make 1 billion."

After you made your promise, the Zen temple nobi who had been sitting for so long finally stood up: "Since you're here, why don't you go meet Maki and Mayi?"

You stood up as well, "I haven't been here in over a year. How are Naoya and Uncle Ougi doing?"

"Naoya... you haven't made any progress. Osamu... he hasn't dared to do anything naughty since you attacked him on New Year's Eve two years ago."

Zen Temple Zhibiren cursed them as "bullies who only fear the strong and bully the weak" and then said, "Go find them. I have things to take care of."

Where will the children go to play?

"That's Uncle Shan's daughter, right?"

"Yes, I heard that one of them is a piece of trash who can't even see the curse."

"That's good. I don't have to serve Master Naoya."

"Speaking of which, Master Naoya has recently..."

"Miss Chu sent a message saying she wants to go home."

"I just don't understand why a woman like Miss Chu would go against Master Naoya."

You walk down the stairs step by step.

"I don't understand either. Miss Hatsu is so beautiful, and she grew up with Master Naoya, and they have a deep friendship. Master Naoya might really like her. He never bullies her like he bullies us."

The maid spoke so longingly.

“Thanks for the compliment.” You walked over to them.

"Miss Chu!"

[It’s over, it’s over]

[How will Miss Chu punish us...]

【wrong……】

"Beauty is also part of strength, but if you only have beauty, the situation is not good. Right?" You lifted one of them's chin, "Don't you know how to fight back?"

【Fight back... What do you mean by fighting back?】

“Heh,” you chuckled, “Hasn’t Naoya become more obedient when I’m home?”

「I mean...I don't want it! 」

There's no hope.

"If you speak nonsense, you will be punished."

"yes."

What did I say wrong?

You go in the opposite direction from them and keep moving forward.

"Mayi~ hurry up, you'll get scolded if you're late."

"No, there's something on that road."

"Again?"

"Again", this kind of conversation must have happened countless times between the two sisters.

The elder sister sighed and took her younger sister's hand: "Close your eyes. If you can't see it, just pretend it doesn't exist."

The brave sister rushed forward with her confused sister.

"Maki, Mayi." You want to call them.

"Maki, onee-chan, someone's calling us."

"Huh? I don't want to pay any attention to them. They must be trying to play a trick on us again. Run, Mayi."

I'm so ashamed that I can't even catch up with the two kids.

I have no ill intentions.

"Who? Who's talking?!" They stopped. The elder sister, still holding her younger sister's hand, peeked out, shielding her behind her. With this gap, you finally caught up with them.

"Are you okay? You look pale." This is Maki, right? If she's not worried about you teasing them, why would she be so concerned about you?

"I'm fine."

Zhenyi was very obedient and did not open her eyes.

"Sister, is this person in poor health?" Chanyuan Zhenyi asked cautiously.

[elder sister]

It turns out that I can really want to cry just by hearing one word.

"Hey, why are you crying?" Zenin Maki said in a panic, "Don't cry, they will only bully you more if you cry."

Suffer, rejoice; laugh, cry.

This is life.

You squatted down and wiped away your tears with your hands.

Even with tears in your eyes, you can still smile brightly.

"Maki, no one will bully me even if I cry. Besides, I'm not crying because I'm being bullied. Crying isn't a bad thing. Crying makes me realize that I still want to embrace the world."

These words are too profound for children.

Zenin Maki only understood the first half: you weren't crying because you were being bullied. She patted you with her other hand, quite imposingly. "That's good."

"elder sister……"

"Mayi and I can't delay any longer, we—"

"What are you going to do?"

"Go help out in the kitchen."

“There’s no shortage of people for chores.”

"My dad said we can't eat and drink for free at Zenyuan's house."

"There are other people who eat and drink for free at the Zen temple."

"Are you talking about my dad?" Maki exclaimed. You found it amusing that she could so quickly connect the dots with the Zenin fan. "You're so brave. If he hears..."

"What will happen?" This meaningless garbage should just disappear.

"He hasn't hit us lately." Zenin Maki lowered her head and stole a glance at your... clothes. "But he keeps scolding you."

"Scold me?" You pointed at yourself, not caring at all about Zenin fanning you. You smiled instead, "Maki knows who I am?"

Zenin Maki nodded.

My cousin who is always insulted by my father.

But Dad was very afraid of my cousin. He would always tremble when he scolded her, and the expression on his face was even more terrified than when he saw Mayi screaming at the curse spirit.

Zenin Maki had long heard of this cousin at the Zenin household, but today was her first time meeting her. She might have seen her before, but she was too young to remember. No matter, from today on, she'd remember her! But... why did this cousin, who cried the moment she saw them and couldn't even catch up to them, scare her father so much? Was it because she was a powerful sorcerer? But then, her father was a sorcerer too.

"Maki wants to know why?"

"Wow!" Zenin Maki covered her mouth. She began to understand why her father was afraid of her cousin. Her cousin knew everything she was thinking.

"Because the spells your father was so proud of are nothing compared to mine."

Maki tilted her head.

"Close your eyes. Without Maki leading the way, won't Mayu know where to go?"

Zenin Shinyi didn't expect you to talk about her, she nodded with a blushing face.

"Invisible, inaudible, and intangible, that's what the cursed spirit is to Maki, right?"

Maki tried to nod, but you raised your hand and touched her head, "I just made Maki's father become like Maki."

"Cousin, can you let me see the cursed spirit?" Zenin Maki asked quickly and sincerely.

"Why does Maki want to see the cursed spirit?"

"Because only by seeing them can I exorcise them! Then Mayi and I won't have to run away!"

Whoever has the ability can change.

The one who has the power to change is obviously Maki.

"Not bad." You patted her head gently and handed her your glasses. "I've been using these glasses for a while, and they barely qualify as a curse tool. Maki will be able to see cursed spirits when she wears them."

"Cousin, can't you let me see the cursed spirit directly?" Maki fiddled with her glasses, pursed her lips, and looked lost.

“It is easier to lose than to have. Conversely, it is harder to have than to lose.” You can’t restore sight to the blind through sensory sharing.

"Okay then." Zenin Maki put on her glasses, and the two of them shook their joined hands excitedly, "Mai, I saw it! It looks so weird! Hahahaha..."

"Maki... aren't you afraid?" Zenin Shinyi asked in a low voice.

"Huh? If Shinji is afraid of me, I will..." Zenin Maki didn't know how to exorcise the cursed spirit.

"It's gone." Maki murmured, "Mayi, you can open your eyes now. The curse has been exorcised." After saying that, she turned her gaze to you without thinking anything else: "Cousin, you didn't do anything."

Growing up in a family of sorcerers, even the youngest son, Zenin Maki, knew that exorcising cursed spirits was not a quiet matter.

"This is my technique. 99.9% of cursed spirits can be dealt with this way."

Cousin, cousin...

Zenin Maki took a deep breath and said, "My cousin is also bound by heaven and curse." This was all she could say.

"Yes. Heaven and Curse are both very powerful beings. Because Heaven itself made a mistake, it wants to compensate us extra. Maybe... its compensation is not satisfactory, but it is true that it will make us stronger. The rest... depends on our own efforts."

My legs feel a little numb after squatting for a long time.

"Maki and Mayi, play with me for a while. You don't have to go to the kitchen."

My cousin has difficulty running.

But... "What do you want to play, Maki?" Maki heard herself say happily to Mayi.

Even when her cousin wasn't around, her father wouldn't beat or scold her or Mayi anymore. But... there were too many people like her father in the entire Zenin family.

Even the dusk is radiant.

"Wakaba--" Zenin Naoya's tone sounded quite gentle.

The only one who calls you by this name is Naoya.

You toss the ball to Mayu. The two sisters stand beside you, one in front and one behind.

"Long time no see, Naoya."

"Why did you come back?" Zenin Naoya's voice still sounded calm, as if it was just an ordinary question.

"Why can't I come back?" you asked confusedly.

"You fucking ***—"

"Naoya, think carefully about how to talk to me." What's wrong with this guy? He comes over and scolds you as soon as we meet, and the scolding is so harsh. What's wrong with the hair?

Naoya was silenced by you, but he quickly broke through your restraint and walked over to you.

"You two get out of here."

"elder sister……"

"I'm not leaving."

"Hey, you're really brave, Maki..." Zenin Naoya took advantage of the situation and tried to twist Zenin Maki's ear, but his palm bent backwards, and he twisted it back forcefully, and you asked Maki and Mayi to find a safe place to hide.

So fast——

Zenin Naoya grabbed your neck and your feet left the ground.

"Why don't you use the spell?" He asked, then let go of your hand. Before you even touched the ground, he caught you and held you in his arms. "You couldn't speak just now, right? Now you can answer my questions properly." He was actually fixing your messy hair.

"Naoya, do you still want to kill me?"

"How come?" He stopped caressing your cheek and asked in surprise.

"If I don't kill you, will you let me go?"

"What else? A fight? A scene that gets ugly?"

"Let's fight?" Zenin Naoya said in his exaggerated and ridiculous voice, as if he had heard something extremely funny. "Isn't your weakness this body?"

An obvious weakness that everyone knows about.

Zenin Naoya's hand moved up, tracing your features again. "But as for me, I love beautiful things the most. I like both your face and your body."

Fragile yet beautiful. Every move is full of charm. Why should the delicate flower that the Zenyuan family has spent so much effort to raise be taken away by someone else?!

[Go away, this is mine.]

This is his! This is clearly all that belongs to Zenin Naoya!

"Naoya, are you relying on the fact that I won't do anything to you?"

Upon hearing this, Zenin Naoya became like an animal driven and mocked by vanity. He showed the attitude of a conqueror: "What can you do to me!? Whether it's Shi'er or Satoru, I'm no worse than them!"

[The gap in talent cannot be made up by hard work.]

After not seeing each other for a few years, does Naoya feel that he is doing well again?

But others will not stop moving forward.

"Shin'er was killed by Wu." You feel a little sorry for yourself.

That's why this woman is even more hateful!

"Then why do you want to be Gojo Satoru's woman!?"

What? What the hell?

"Satoru and I are in a free love relationship, until—"

"Why did you forgive Gojo Satoru?"

"Because Gojo Satoru wasn't at fault at all," you said in a tone that left no room for doubt. "Shi'er brought this upon himself."

"Aren't you very close to Shinji?" Zenin Naoya roared.

"Naoya, no one understands the concept of 'survival of the fittest' better than us. Shiro was defeated. He lost calmly. The death he sought has finally come to him, and there's nothing you and I can do to change it."

"Don't leave this time when you come back."

"That's impossible."

"I told you not to leave! Stay, just like before."

"Do you miss me? I'll write you a letter. Or call you?" you speculated.

“Wa——”

"Naoya."

Dad…?

"You're just letting this kid get away with it."

Naoya put you down, of course he was reluctant, his eyes were full of surprise.

"Are you planning on staying overnight or leaving soon?"

"I'll be leaving soon."

"Let's go say goodbye." Zen Temple Zhibiren curled his lips. You walked in that direction.

"You haven't given up yet?"

Precisely because I can’t get it, I won’t give up.

"Whatever Gojo Satoru can give, I can give. Gojo Satoru will become the head of the family, and I will be the head of the family too!" Why can Gojo Satoru do it, but he can't? Why not choose him? Why abandon him?

A woman...

Patriarch? Someone pried their ears.

Zenin Maki has very good hearing.

"Just wait, I don't know how many more years I can live."

I am obviously my father's most outstanding child.

[Naoya, this is Hatsu, your sister.]

[What are you talking about, Dad? I only have a few useless brothers and no sisters.]

I don't have a sister.

"Maki, Maki..."

"elder sister……"

"Sorry, I got distracted."

"fine."

"Are you leaving?" It was Mayi who asked this question.

Zhenyi, I don’t feel safe at all.

"Why didn't he hit you?"

[They are all so fierce...]

“Some people are loud to give themselves courage.”

"He's... afraid of you? Why?"

There are really a hundred thousand whys.

"Because he's fallen for me." You said jokingly. Children don't understand such words.

"You...can you please not leave..."

[They can only rely on themselves for this kind of thing. Haven't you ever been bullied?]

"Mayi, my cousin has her own life too! We have to rely on ourselves!"

But...if my cousin is here, I can play with Maki and eat delicious food that I couldn't eat before. No one dares to look down on them...

"Mai and Maki can do all of this on their own."

Really?

"real."

Zenin Shin'ei didn't say anything. The young girl only vaguely felt that if she showed weakness, she wouldn't be worthy of standing with the two of them.

My cousin originally liked Maki more.

"Cousin, did you give me these glasses?"

"I gave it to Maki."

"I'll keep it safe!"

"No need. If it breaks, ask Uncle... Uncle Zhibiren for it. He'll give it to you." Most sorcerers have glasses. While the possibility of them becoming a curse tool through repeated use is small, it's not impossible. Furthermore, to prove the existence of curse spirits to the government, such items are always necessary.

There is no shortage at all.

"Will my cousin come again?"

"I'll come when I have time."

"Is cousin wearing a school uniform?"

"It's the Jujutsu High School uniform."