Chapter Fifty-One: The Return of the Black and White Wardens

After work, as usual, I headed to the changing room. A day’s labor had left me feeling like a dough figurine, limp and lifeless. The women’s changing room was directly across from mine, but out of the six employees here, five were women, leaving me to occupy the men’s changing room all by myself. The emptiness was oppressive; even my own breathing echoed off the walls—truly unnerving.

Thankfully, the five girls across the way gave me some courage. They were especially loud as they changed, their laughter and chatter filling the silence until I finished changing and stepped out the door.

A delicate fragrance rushed to greet me—“Wow, how refreshing,” I thought, feeling my exhaustion melt away. The girl opposite me had also just finished changing. We exchanged a smile, and she said, “We’re having a get-together at Red Heart at ten tonight. Want to come?” She smiled again, and I felt my soul nearly leave my body.

Caught off guard, I nodded awkwardly. “Sure, I’ll be there at ten sharp,” I replied. No sooner had I spoken than the other four girls emerged from their changing room, all wearing short skirts or shorts, and the sight nearly set me ablaze.

Luckily, the lighting was dim enough to hide my reaction. After a bit of small talk, we left the bakery and parted ways. As they walked off, the girls looked back and teased, “Handsome, don’t be late!” I could only nod, hands shoved into my pockets, and walk away in the opposite direction.

Night fell quickly; it was nearly six by the time I got off work. After tidying up at home, it was almost eight. I put on my favorite SpongeBob outfit, topped it off with a baseball cap, and, gazing into the mirror, convinced myself I was the very picture of youthful freshness.

I made a bowl of instant noodles in my rented apartment, ate quickly, and set out for the gathering—it was nearly nine by then. To be honest, I wasn’t keen on going. Those kinds of entertainment venues always gave me a headache just thinking about them. But I’ve never been able to say no to girls, so since I’d agreed, I had no choice but to follow through.

I flagged down a speeding taxi, didn’t even bother asking the price, just got in and said, “Red Heart, please.”

The driver, who looked about forty, asked, “You mean Red Heart KTV?” I nodded. “Yes, please hurry, I have a party to get to.”

He drove straight there, and half an hour later we arrived at Red Heart KTV. I handed him a hundred yuan and said, “Keep the change,” then got out of the car.

But as soon as I stepped out, I was stunned. This was basically a night market—crowded streets, gangs of punks everywhere. I couldn’t help but chuckle bitterly, “These five girls are something else!”

Straightening my clothes, relieved that I still looked somewhat fashionable, I braced myself and entered the designated room. I had to admit, the venue was impressive; this floor of Red Heart KTV could easily hold two hundred people.

Looking around, I realized the entire fourth floor had been converted into a club—the most expensive spot in all of Red Heart KTV. I couldn’t help but be impressed by the connections these girls had.

After waiting a bit, I spotted a familiar girl in a luxurious dress, sitting alone and drinking. My curiosity piqued, I grabbed a glass of wine from a passing tray and walked over.

She saw me approach, her frown melting into a gentle smile. “You made it!” she said.

I smiled back, sat across from her, and raised my glass. “So, why are you here all alone? Waiting for someone?”

She chuckled, “Yes, someone will be here soon. Oh, I forgot to introduce myself—I’m Li Feifei. What should I call you? By the way, your outfit is really cute.” She laughed, covering her mouth with a delicate white hand.

I replied with a wry smile, “My name is Hu Xiaodong…”

After the introductions, we chatted for a while. Suddenly, the crowd erupted in cheers—even Li Feifei stood up to clap. I had no idea who was coming, but I figured there was no harm in joining in and started clapping as well.

As the applause swelled, a man emerged. I didn’t recognize him at first, but his attire screamed wealth. When he took the stage and faced the crowd, I realized he looked vaguely familiar, though I couldn’t quite place him.

He grabbed the microphone and announced, “Everyone, have fun and drink up! Don’t let anything spoil our party. And remember, my dad is Mayor Ma—if you ever need anything, just look for me, Ma Chachong. I can’t help with the big stuff, but if you have any small problems, I’ve got you covered. Now, let’s get this party started!” With a dramatic wave, the place descended into chaos. The DJ’s music blared, and everyone started dancing like they were on ecstasy—even Li Feifei joined in.

No wonder he seemed familiar—it was that guy who’d once made a name for himself with a single bold move. Strutting onstage like he owned the place, bragging about his dad the mayor. Why not just say his dad is Li Gang? He was clearly one of those entitled second-generation officials, using his father’s name to make friends. If he were just an ordinary guy, no one would pay him any mind. That’s what defined him—always seeking powerful connections. Who doesn’t want a strong backer?

Watching them get so hyped, I couldn’t help but feel a little contemptuous and sat alone with my beer. Before long, four women sat down beside me. A closer look—weren’t they the beauties from the bakery? Except for Li Feifei, the other four must have just arrived.

They insisted on playing drinking games with me. I agreed—surely, as a grown man, I could outdrink four girls.

Halfway through the game, I suddenly felt a chill sweep across my face—the door on the fourth floor had inexplicably swung open.

I stared intently at the door. Two distinct shadows gradually came into view. On closer inspection, weren’t they the legendary soul guides between the worlds of the living and the dead—Black and White Impermanence?

What were Old Xie and Old Fan doing here? Could it be that someone’s life was about to end tonight?

…

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