To enter the market, they had to pass through a thick layer of fog. Wu Xiao was already very skilled and led them forward. Soon, Lu Qingjiu heard noisy voices.
After the four of them parked the pickup truck, they approached the source of the voices. Lu Qingjiu curiously asked if these non-humans spoke human languages. Wu Xiao said that they did. For the convenience of communication, most of them spoke human languages, but there were many kinds of human languages. He had also heard non-humans speaking Sichuan dialect, Cantonese, and Minnan dialect.
The thick fog gradually dissipated, revealing a bustling market. The market was filled with bizarre non-humans dressed in strange attire, including birds, beasts, and even unrecognizable species. Lu Qingjiu saw many of the strange beasts he'd seen in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, even a polyurea with a human face. The sight of so many bizarre creatures gathered together was truly awe-inspiring. Among these non-humans, there were also traces of humans; at least from the outside, they looked like ordinary humans. However, perhaps fearing exposure, almost everyone wore a mask. At Wu Xiao's reminder, they had also prepared masks and were already wearing them.
Since it was a non-human market, the things sold should be very special. Lu Qingjiu's attention was quickly attracted by the things around him. He saw a very beautiful mask. The mask seller was a big bird with four eyes. She noticed Lu Qingjiu's gaze and immediately introduced it enthusiastically, saying that the mask was very easy to use. As long as you wear it for more than ten minutes, it will change your appearance and turn yourself into the most beautiful face in your mind.
"How long can this last?" Zhu Miaomiao asked curiously.
"It lasts all day," Big Bird replied. "And you can use it continuously, but you have to take the mask off every night."
Zhu Miaomiao became interested and was about to pick up the mask, but was stopped by Bai Yuehu. Bai Yuehu said that the mask was a living thing and could indeed change a person's appearance, but the prerequisite for changing appearance was that the mask would extend tentacles into the skin of the person's face to dilute the blood, which might have adverse effects if used for a long time.
"Will...will there be any bad effects?" Zhu Miaomiao asked tremblingly.
Bai Yuehu's expression was solemn, and he uttered three words: "You will suffer from anemia."
Zhu Miaomiao: “…”
The boss, whose business was disrupted by the White Moon Fox, glared at him unhappily and put his mask back on.
There were countless props like these at the market, dazzling the beholders. There were mirrors that could reflect one's greatest fears, jade bracelets stronger than diamonds that could never be taken off, and tables that could produce food out of thin air...
Lu Qingjiu originally thought that Bai Yuehu would be very interested in the table, but after taking a look at the table, Bai Yuehu looked away without much interest and looked at other things. Lu Qingjiu asked him, "Don't you want this table?"
Bai Yuehu said, "It must be very expensive."
Lu Qingjiu went to ask about the price, and it was indeed quite expensive. The boss asked for 15,000 yuan, and he refused to reduce it at all.
Lu Qingjiu originally wanted to buy it for Bai Yuehu as a toy, but was stopped by Bai Yuehu, who said that it was not cost-effective to buy it for 15,000 yuan, and it would be better to buy some candied haws to wear and eat with that money.
After walking around the market for a long time, Lu Qingjiu once again felt that monsters didn't have a good time in the human world. Most of the goods could be bought for two or three hundred yuan, and if you were thick-skinned, you could even bargain with the stall owner. If you were worried about the quality and after-sales service, you could buy products with the "Three Guarantees" logo on the bottom. If there were any problems with the goods, you could even ask the store to return them for an exchange.
Lu Qingjiu was stunned by this situation. He looked at Wu Xiao and said that if there was a problem with the things he bought, wouldn’t he be able to get after-sales service?
Wu Xiao said softly, "No."
Lu Qingjiu: "Why not?"
Wu Xiao felt a little embarrassed: "I bought a three-no product..."
Lu Qingjiu: “…”
Wu Xiao said, "The boss ran away a long time ago."
Lu Qingjiu didn't know what to say for a moment, so he could only sigh, lamenting the importance of quality assurance, and told Wu Xiao not to be greedy for small profits again, otherwise it would be bad if something really happened.
The market was very long and bustling with people coming and going. Zhu Miaomiao finally couldn't resist and bought a set of skin care products that were said to beautify and nourish the skin. The products included face cream, eye cream, essence and a series of other items. She opened the package and asked Bai Yuehu to confirm that there were no strange ingredients in it before she bought it with confidence.
Just this set of skin care products cost more than two thousand, which can be said to be very expensive in the market. The seller of skin care products seemed to be a "fellow tribe" of Baiyue Fox, a particularly charming vixen with two furry little ears on her head. Seeing this, Lu Qingjiu's hands itched again, and he couldn't help but glance at Baiyue Fox.
Bai Yuehu knew what Lu Qingjiu was thinking. She turned her eyes and asked, "Do you like me or her?"
Lu Qingjiu quickly said: “Of course it’s yours, hers is not hairy at all.”
Bai Yuehu: "Really?"
Lu Qingjiu: "Really, really."
The White Moon Fox then showed a look of satisfaction, and its furry ears suddenly appeared from its black hair. Lu Qingjiu stood on tiptoe and gave it a shameless kiss.
This scene left Zhu Miaomiao and Wu Xiao a little stunned. Wu Xiao looked incredulous: "Bai Yuehu is actually a vixen, you two..." He paused for a moment, probably noticing Bai Yuehu's unfriendly look, and quickly said, "What a perfect match!"
Zhu Miaomiao sighed loudly, thinking that the aloof Mr. Wu could be so fickle.
After finishing their shopping, Bai Yuehu began to inquire about the man who had sold Wu Xiao the pillow. However, that man didn't seem to be a regular at the market. Since the market opened, he only came once a month at most and left after selling his things. However, from these people's descriptions, Bai Yuehu's face became increasingly gloomy. Lu Qingjiu also felt that something seemed amiss and asked Bai Yuehu if there was anything wrong.
Bai Yuehu said, "It seems like he's an acquaintance of mine."
Lu Qingjiu: "An acquaintance?"
Bai Yuehu nodded.
Lu Qingjiu said: "She is also..."
Bai Yuehu said, "Probably, but we have to see the person to be sure."
This was quite troublesome. They definitely couldn't see that woman now, and the market was open every week. If they didn't come every time, it would be difficult to block her. After thinking about it, Lu Qingjiu made a suggestion, saying that they could find the person in charge of the market and ask him to help them keep an eye on her.
Wu Xiao said that he had met the person in charge, who worked in a tent at the very end of the market. All people participating in the market had to pay taxes in advance before being allowed to enter.
When Lu Qingjiu heard about paying taxes, he immediately thought of a very famous proverb: In this world, only death and taxes are eternal.
Even if you are not human, you cannot evade taxes...
Lu Qingjiu asked Wu Xiao and Zhu Miaomiao to walk around first, and he accompanied Bai Yuehu to the tent to find the person in charge.
As soon as they entered the tent, they saw the person in charge reading a newspaper. Next to the newspaper was a pot of steaming tea. The atmosphere of the entire tent seemed to be full of tranquility and leisure after retirement.
"The market is closed today." The person in charge thought they were there to sell goods. "Please come early the day after tomorrow."
Bai Yuehu said, "There's something else."
The person in charge said, "What's the matter?" He put down the newspaper, revealing a very round face. This face can only be described as round. As for appearance, he is not ugly, but he has no chin at all. If it weren't for his hair, he would look like a standard circle.
Bai Yuehu saw the face of the person in charge and frowned: "Why is it you?"
The person in charge asked, "Do you know me?" He noticed the ears on the white moon fox's head and said, "Are you from the Nine-Tailed Fox clan? Why did you run away from Qingqiu and come here to work?"
Before either of them could say anything, the person in charge pulled out a newspaper nearby, pointed to the circled content, and said that if they were interested, they could take a look at this job. It was in sales, with good salary and benefits, including six insurances and one housing fund...
Bai Yuehu said nothing, and Lu Qingjiu looked helpless.
Seeing this, the manager assumed they were dissatisfied with their jobs and quickly advised them that the recent employment situation was poor and that since they were out working, they shouldn't be so dissatisfied. They should find a job first and then change jobs after gaining work experience. After all, they had a long lifespan and it was easy to accumulate work experience. It might be a bit hard and tiring at first, but it would pass with perseverance.
Lu Qingjiu was moved by the person in charge's persuasion and even wanted to pick up the newspaper and read the content carefully to work hard for his future. The contrast between the ancient fox spirits and the modern fox spirits was stark. In ancient times, fox spirits would marry a handsome and well-educated man, hoping that he would pass the imperial examination and improve their family's life. But now it's different. Today's fox spirits rely on their own hands to work hard to build a better life for themselves...
Bai Yuehu said: "Are you stupid?"
The person in charge was stunned by the scolding. He was about to roll up his sleeves and teach Bai Yuehu a lesson, telling him not to be so aggressive, saying that he would never find a job if he was so aggressive, but he was stunned by the aura emanating from Bai Yuehu. He said, "You...you are not a fox spirit, you are a dragon?"
Bai Yuehu snorted coldly.
The person in charge reached out and took the newspaper back, saying, "Then there's no suitable job for you here. Go ahead, go ahead. You can still salvage something by searching the trash can."
Lu Qingjiu: “…”
White Moon Fox: "..."
The person in charge obviously noticed the murderous intent in Bai Yuehu's eyes. He laughed dryly and said he was joking. He lowered his head and sat down obediently, and asked Bai Yuehu what he was doing here.
Bai Yuehu said, "Ruishou, long time no see."
Ruoshu? Hearing this name, Lu Qingjiu immediately remembered that it was the name of the God of Autumn. He didn't expect that he could see a God of Four Seasons here.
"Ah? How do you know me?" Rushou asked, "Are you... Ao..."
He had just uttered a word when Bai Yuehu interrupted him and said, "My name is Bai Yuehu now."
Ruoshou: "White Moon Fox? Um... okay, why are you here? Can't you defend over there?"
Bai Yuehu said, "I just happened to come here. Do you know the woman holding the zither?"
Rushou looked bewildered and had no impression of the woman described by Bai Yuehu. He said that he saw at least eight hundred people every day, not to mention non-humans, and even dozens of humans. So if it wasn't strange enough to attract attention, he wouldn't pay special attention to it. Besides, the woman only came a few times a month, so it was normal for him to have no impression of her.
"Is there something wrong with this guy?" Rushou asked, "If so, I'll keep an eye on him for you next time."
Bai Yuehu said: "It may be someone we know."
Ruoshou: "Are we acquaintances? Could it be that she is also..."
Bai Yuehu nodded, confirming Rushou's statement. He now suspected that the woman was also a dragon, but he didn't know whether it was Yinglong or Zhulong. The Yinglong clan was very rare now, and those that came to the human world were almost impossible to find. However, Wu Xiao's description made Bai Yuehu doubt it. And if Yinglong was not Zhulong, the situation might be even worse.
Rushou knew this matter couldn't be taken lightly, and his lazy expression turned serious. He said, "Okay, I'll pay attention to it. Please leave your contact information and I'll let you know when there's a result."
Bai Yuehu took out his cell phone and wrote down Rushou's phone number.
Ruoshou saw Baiyuehu's phone and said, "Hey, you're actually using the latest Pear phone. Where did you get the money to buy it?"
Lu Qingjiu smiled and said that Bai Yuehu was working for him.
"Working? Isn't it true that he can't earn human money? The more he earns, the hungrier he gets..." Ruoshou sniffed and felt that there was no other scent on Lu Qingjiu except the scent of the White Moon Fox. He seemed to be just an ordinary person. "What does he do?"
Lu Qingjiu: "Be responsible for warming my bed."
Ruoshou: “…Ah?”
Lu Qingjiu blinked: "I'm just kidding."
Ruoshou obviously didn't believe that Lu Qingjiu was joking. He was stunned and wondering how the dragon clan could have fallen to such a state. Everyone was now working with their hands, but he was the only one who was getting worse. But the worst thing was that he didn't dare to say anything. If the White Moon Fox got angry, it was not impossible for it to bite off his head. After all, the tempers of these dragons were extremely bad. The only one with a good temper had encountered such a thing more than ten years ago.
After handing over the work to Ruoshou, Bai Yuehu prepared to leave. Ruoshou enthusiastically gave them a bag of millet, saying it tasted different from ordinary millet. He explained that the difference would be apparent after planting it. He also promised to call Bai Yuehu as soon as he found any news about the woman.
Lu Qingjiu left the tent and asked, "Why is Rushou managing the market here?"
Bai Yuehu said, "I don't know either, but the Four Seasons Gods all have some relationship with the human world." For example, Zhu Rong is in charge of the non-humans in their area, and this side is Rushu's territory.
Speaking of the Four Seasons God, Lu Qingjiu thought of the dead Spring God again, and his heart couldn't help but feel a lump in his throat.
After leaving the tent, Lu Qingjiu and his companions drove out of the market in their pickup truck. With Bai Yuehu watching over them, they still managed to buy quite a few things. Lu Qingjiu bought a handful of lollipops, which were said to always taste sweet, intending to take them back to coax Yin Xun. Bai Yuehu, with one in his mouth, sat in the passenger seat, eyes closed, resting.
After Lu Qingjiu went to the hotel to pick up his luggage, he planned to return to Shuifu Village. He said goodbye to Zhu Miaomiao and Wu Xiao, and the two of them set out on the journey back home.
This time, the two of them were away for seven days, and they didn't know how Yin Xun was doing at home.
More than 20 hours later, Lu Qingjiu finally arrived home. After parking the car, he entered the yard and was shocked by the scene in the yard. He saw Yin Xun lying on a chair like a corpse. His body had become dry and withered, like a dehydrated pickle. He was only breathing in but not out. Lu Qingjiu shouted, "Yin Xun, what's wrong with you?"
Yin Xun slowly turned his head, his cheeks sunken in, and he said in a trembling voice: "Jiu'er..."
Lu Qingjiu strode forward, intending to help Yin Xun up, but Yin Xun was so light that only a thin layer of skin remained. He pulled and almost threw Yin Xun into the sky.
Yin Xun said with difficulty: "Big...Brother...please be gentle..." I'm about to be broken by you.
Lu Qingjiu: "What the hell is going on with you?"
Yin Xun: "Water... give me water..."
Lu Qingjiu quickly went into the house to get a basin of water and put Yin Xun in it.
With water, Yin Xun began to recover slowly. Lu Qingjiu squatted beside him and asked him what happened. He said that it was nothing, he just cooked a few meals for himself... and then unfortunately he became dehydrated. The worst thing was that he couldn't go anywhere after being dehydrated. He could only collapse in a chair and wait for the rain. If Lu Qingjiu hadn't come back, he would probably have been paralyzed for several days.
Lu Qingjiu was helpless: "Isn't there instant noodles? Why are you so depressed?"
Yin Xun cried, "I'm afraid you won't be back by the time we finish eating, so I want to save some food."
Lu Qingjiu knew that she was in the wrong, so she quickly took out a lollipop from her bag and stuffed it into Yin Xun's mouth.
When dealing with Yin Xun, Bai Yuehu was watching from the side. When he saw Yin Xun eating his lollipop, the disgust in his eyes was almost tangible.
After Lu Qingjiu settled Yin Xun, he went to comfort Bai Yuehu, saying that Yin Xun was still young and not to bother with him.
The White Moon Fox raised its chin with a proud expression, saying that as a noble dragon, how could it bother with a small mountain god.
Lu Qingjiu thought that if you took out the lollipop in your mouth when you said this, it might be more convincing...
It was already too late today, so Lu Qingjiu decided to take a nap and then make a big meal tomorrow to compensate Yin Xun.
Yin Xun still couldn't move. It seemed he would have to stay in the basin of water all night.
The next day, Yin Xun, who had absorbed enough water, finally regained her soft and elastic skin and regained her vitality.
Lu Qingjiu went to the town to buy a lot of fresh ingredients, planning to cook a big meal. The weather has been getting hotter recently, and sauerkraut dishes have become very popular. Lu Qingjiu planned to make sauerkraut pork dumplings and stir-fry a few dishes.
The sauerkraut they made last year is ready to eat this year. Because they use their own cabbage, the sourness is much stronger than the ones sold on the market, and the texture is also very crisp. Whether used in soup or other dishes, it's very popular. Especially for someone like Lu Qingjiu who loses his appetite when it's hot, sauerkraut vermicelli soup has become his favorite food.
You must use good Longkou vermicelli. Take out the sauerkraut, wash it, stir-fry it until fragrant, add water and boil it, then add the vermicelli. If you want to eat meat, you can also put meat slices wrapped in starch. This way the meat slices will be very tender and not dry at all.
Yin Xun shed silent tears while eating pork and sauerkraut dumplings, saying that he had finally felt the pain of left-behind children again. Lu Qingjiu said, "Don't cry anymore. If you keep crying, you'll get dehydrated. What will you do?" Yin Xun wiped his face with his hand and said, "I think what you said makes sense, but then again, why can't he finish the lollipop? He's been eating it all day."
Lu Qingjiu slowly told Yin Xun about the market he saw over there. After listening, Yin Xun said that he also wanted to go and see it, but it was a pity that he would never be able to leave Shuifu Village in this lifetime.
Hearing this, Lu Qingjiu patted his shoulder and said it was okay, since he still had her with him.
Bai Yuehu didn't bother to pay any attention to the two of them and ate dumplings quietly beside them. By the time Lu Qingjiu and Yin Xun finished their pretentious behavior, the dumplings in the pot were almost gone. Yin Xun was so angry that he glared at them, but he didn't dare to quarrel with Bai Yuehu. He went to the backyard to get some eyeball grass to vent his anger.
The weather is getting hot, and many summer fruits have reached their golden season. The watermelons in their fields are big and round, full of juice, some are crispy and some are sandy, almost satisfying all the family's fantasies about watermelons.
The remaining watermelon rinds and Lu Qingjiu were used to feed Niu Niu, and that night he drank the legendary watermelon-flavored milk, which tasted pretty good.
This year, with little rain but plenty of sunshine, the fruits are quite sweet. Yin Xun even discovered wild kiwis in the mountains. Unlike the ones grown at home, wild kiwis are tiny but incredibly sweet. Peeling back the fuzzy skin reveals juicy flesh that can be swallowed whole in one bite.
It was the first time for Bai Yuehu to eat this kind of fruit. If Lu Qingjiu hadn't stopped him, he probably wouldn't have bothered to peel it and would have swallowed it with the skin.
Kiwis can be dried and made into kiwi fruit. Lu Qingjiu also placed some orders online for nuts and tropical fruits. August is also the season for longan, but the longan here is average quality, so Lu Qingjiu simply bought them all online and had them delivered. Longan from coastal areas is generally better quality, larger, sweeter, and has smaller seeds.
Summer is the time to eat fruits, which not only replenishes water but also replenishes energy.
The grape racks in his house were also filled with bunches of purple grapes, crystal clear and particularly tempting. The ghost girl who lived in the backyard also started eating grapes and praised Bai Yuehu's grape-growing skills.
However, Lu Qingjiu did not dare to let Bai Yuehu and Miss Ghost meet. After all, he and Yin Xun were two tragic examples. They also understood that receiving excessive favor from Miss Ghost was not a good thing.
The hair on a certain part of Lu Qingjiu's body finally grew back and stopped itching, but he didn't dare to cut it short again. That feeling... was simply a nightmare. Even when he slept, he wanted to stick his hand in there and not take it out.
Summer is such a joyful season. The bright sunshine and endless fruits make people fascinated by this season.
If possible, he really wished time would freeze at this moment so that he wouldn't have to worry about what bad things might happen in the future.
The author has something to say: Bai Yuehu: Life is getting better and better.
Lu Qingjiu: Yes.
Bai Yuehu: I think it can be better.
Yin Xun: Ahhhhh, don’t kill me, I can be your reserve food, boss! ! !
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