I Became a Witch in a World Full of Urban Legends

Chapter 19: Take It Easy

Scallion, ginger, and Chinese pickles; sprinkle with chopped, dried chilis. Add bean paste and saut until fragrant. There is no need for excessive processing when it comes to fish like this; simply cut it into thin slices and blanch.

The key to Chinese soul food is salt, garlic, and peppery noodles.

Drizzle a ladle of hot chilli oil and serve with shredded cucumbers.

Lu Yibei made sure that there werent any strange shadows on the ingredients Sumi bought. It took more than two hours for him to finish cooking.

When the fish fillets were served, the hot chilli oil was still coating the fillets. The fish absorbed the spices and oil, exuding a fragrant, spicy aroma. The richness of the spices and the cooling cucumbers contrasted with each other and intertwined in a culinary dance.

The people sitting around the table could hardly control their hunger and dug in instantly. After taking a single bite, the flavours exploding in their mouths overflowed, and they all couldnt help but cheer loudly.

As expected, youre fantastic!

Its crispy, yet tender How on earth did you do this?

This fish melts in your mouth, and the spices

Its rare for neighbours to get together and mingle with laughter and praises. It felt like Thanksgiving or New Years.

However, Sumi noticed that Yibei didnt even touch his chopsticks and sat alone in the corner as he stared at the lush water and grass.

Sumi placed his bowl down and patted Yibei on the shoulder. Hey, whats the matter? Tired?

Sorry, I only invited three people at first. I didnt expect this many people.

Its okay. I have something to do. Tell the neighbours to dig in; Ill leave first.

He stood up and removed the apron. He picked up the guitar bag and headed towards the Night Division.

After seeing the half-person thing in the freezer, Lu Yibei felt his spine chill. The shadows were strange, too. The half-person was strangely familiar, and all he could think of was the widow who lost her husband next door.

Yibei felt sick to his stomach and lost all his appetite.

Did the murderer throw the body and mix the body parts with the other frozen meat, or did the owner deliberately throw human flesh in?

Furthermore, that shadow seemed to notice the presence of passersby, as if it were trying to communicate.

If it was an urban legend, its not something that Yibei could handle.

He figured going to the Night Division was the best choice. Besides, they could probably help him check out the strange things in his house.

This is for the professionals to handle, he thought.

Hey! Wait up! Arent you hungry?! Sumi shouted at the top of his lungs. Will you be back later?!

Lu Yibei turned around and shouted back, Ill be back! Help me make the bed!

The cool autumn wind blew through Peony Street, sending ripples rippling through the canal. It gently brushed past the osmanthus flowers, carrying their fragrance in the air.

Walking on such an ancient street, its easy to lose yourself in it.

Lu Yibei briskly walked over to the Night Division.

With a squeak, the old, vermilion-lacquered gate was pushed open, and the afternoon sun shone on the courtyard.

No security, Lu Yibei thought as he walked across the patio. Walking straight to the rear of the centre, he pushed open the heavy metal gate and heard a womans lazy voice.

Who is it this time? Wait? Its you? Why are you back here?

The dark corridor seemed to be swallowed by the darkness, and an absent wind could be felt brushing past Yibei through the depths of the corridor.

I-Im Lu Yibei, a new temporary operator, and I

Before he could finish his sentence, his eyes fell into darkness.

In the darkness, he felt a gloomy chill pulling at hima black vortexweightless, spinning, collapsing.

When he came back to his senses, he realized he was on a single, white bed surrounded by blue screens. Pale lights were cast from the ceiling, and the air smelled of disinfectant and an indescribable, pungent smell.

A hospital?

Clack, clack, clack.

Clack, clack, clack.

The sound of high heels could be heard, and a blonde woman in a white coat walked around the screen and came in front of Yibei.

Are you okay?

Looking at her exposed breasts through her white coat, he gulped and flushed: No, wait, yes, Im okay. Thank you for your concern.

An Qing nodded, kneeling on the edge of the bed and placing herself between Lu Yibeis legs.

He wanted to bring his legs together, but after seeing a strange well-proportioned curve wrapped in black silk, he froze in place.

In a daze, An Qing lifted Lu Yibeis chin with her slender fingertips, You must be Lu Yibei, right? Jiangli mentioned you, but I didnt expect you to look this good.

Yibei gulped, and An Qing continued, I am An Qing. Besides being on duty on Saturdays, Im also in charge of training newcomers. Temporary operators dont need training, but I guess you can call me Ms An.

Right. Hello, Ms An.

Ill have you know I usually take a nap at this time, Lu Yibei. Ill be punishing you for taking my time.

What? What punishment? Lu Yibei felt weak in his knees.

An Qing pushed him onto the bed and placed a hand on his chest. She leaned over and whispered in his ear, This is very serious. Are you afraid of me?

Her long, golden hair hung down and swept across her face. A strange fragrance made Yibei feel sleepy. She kissed his ear lightly, and Yibei felt his heart itch and pound.

P-please be gentle

Lu Yibei closed his eyes, waiting for something to happen.

Yibei lay still like a corpse. If it wasnt for his chest, which was still rising and falling, An Qing wouldve lost control and dissected him on the spot.

Teasing him was fun, but it was a pity that he was still alive and breathing.

Not my type, she thought and pursed her lips in disinterest.

You passed the test; get up.

An Qings voice came from a distance, and Lu Yibei opened his eyes, finding that all of the screens surrounding the bed were gone. Looking around, the room wasnt actually that big. The decoration was basically blue and white, like a school doctors room.

An Qing sat and smiled at him.

A test? When? he asked in confusion. He thought that this strange but beautiful woman had some sort of virginity fetish. Perhaps he was thinking too much.

When I kissed your ear, it was to trap any urban legends attempting to sneak in. I wouldve killed them in an instant if they were any lower than a Level A threat. Isnt that amazing?

He was confused, seeing the warm smile on her charming face. She exuded a warm and welcoming aura, but seeing that blood-stained needle on her fingertips, he felt a chill run down his spine.

Why are you here anyways? Normal people like you shouldnt be finding their way back to us so soon. Its suspicious!

An Qing clenched her surgical knife and pointed at Lu Yibei.

I Lu Yibei swallowed. Jiangli told me I just needed to go around the street and report anything strange.

So, you encountered something strange? she tilted her head.

He nodded.

Oh? she frowned, her expression turning from playful to sober. Youre still able to see them. Lets hear it.

Lu Yibei told the complete story of his experiences in the market.

An Qing was silent before tapping on her chin and saying, It sounds like an urban legend that hasnt fully formed. To be safe, I should go and take a look.

Having facial paralysis came in handy. Nobody would doubt the authenticity of his words.

By the way, could you take a look at my house too? My house seems to be haunted, too.

You really are an interesting specimen, she smiled. If I hadnt noticed any fluctuations in psionic energy in you, I would have wondered if you were a psychic user on the side of fate. Well, I guess its bad luck.

Yibei had no idea what she was saying, but he guessed that it wasnt anything good.

Ill head out now. You just stay here, and Ill see whats happening at the frozen food store you mentioned first.

Dont you need me to lead the way?

I know where the market is, she narrowed her eyes and smiled. When it comes to strange stories and urban legends, theres a high chance a fight would break out, and I may not be able to protect you. Are you sure you want to come with me?

No, no, go ahead.

Alright. Wait for me to come back, then, she shrugged, pointing to the document bag on the table. I dont know how long Ill be gone, and theres no mobile phone signal here. If youre bored, you can read the documents there; theyre about Mr Rabbit, and since youre involved in the case, you can read them.

The [Night Division Records] are on the table for newcomers as well, she pointed towards the other table. Temporary operators dont need it, but it doesnt hurt to read. These two things should be enough for you to pass the time, and dont touch the rest, okay?

What happens if I touch it? Lu Yibei asked curiously.

An Qing simply laughed and turned around, saying, Then theyll have my head on a platter!

Oh.s

Just kidding! Though I would rather be dead than alive!