Chapter 9 — Going Thousand Years Later

47

After that, Little Marquis no longer appeared. Tuong Duc and Dao Dao still silently protect me, but they no longer let me see them. The rare times I noticed their presence, it was because I discovered them by accident. They are all trying to help me return to a normal life. On social networks, hot topics constantly change. The story of the ancient tomb has been overwhelmed by new news. My face, which resembles my princess, Ngu He, no longer bothers anyone. Sometimes, when I accidentally face a stranger on the street, they might look at me a little longer out of curiosity. But that's nothing significant. I quickly found a new job. From nine in the morning to five in the afternoon, work as a normal employee. My life once again became peaceful, as if nothing had ever happened. Everything that belongs to the past... Gradually becomes vague. Like… Just a fleeting dream.

48

After work, I boarded the subway during rush hour. People were crowded together, I clung tightly to the bracelet, patiently waiting for the stop. Suddenly, a cold gaze swept over me. I instinctively raised my head and looked in that direction. Through the dense crowd, I saw Nghi Dung standing on the opposite side of the train car. She gave a strange, distorted smile. I was startled and quickly checked my wrist. Empty. The bracelet is gone! Surely when I tried to get on the train, I was pushed away.

"Excuse me, please give way... let me pass..."

I bowed my head, struggled through the crowded crowd, impatiently searching the deck. I glanced back. As long as I move, Nghi Dung moves too. She still hasn't touched me, but I know the distance between us is closing little by little. The train comes to another stop. Some passengers got off the train, and the line began to move. Nghi Dung... is coming closer to me. This time… She won't miss her chance again.

49

The panic enveloped me like a tight cocoon, suffocating me.

“Ting——”

The announcement sounded, the train had arrived at the station. At this moment, I suddenly realized— This is the Museum station. A strong urge suddenly flared up inside me. If Little Marquis's hair can protect me. If Tuong Duc and Dao Dao could also protect me. Then items from my previous life, are definitely possible too! Without hesitation, I followed the stream of people getting off the train and rushed straight to the museum on the ground. I don't know if that place can help me or not. But I have no other choice. On weekdays, there are not many visitors to the museum. I hurriedly ran in, no one paid attention to me. I had absolutely no idea where Princess Clown's exhibition area was located. I could only run and look, like a disoriented fly. I rounded a corner of the hallway— I saw Nghi Dung coming from the opposite direction! I quickly curled up and pressed myself against the wall. With no way out, I rushed into the nearby bathroom, closed the door, and locked it. The bathroom is eerily quiet. There was only the sound of water dripping from the sink. Now, I can't contact anyone. No one can help me. I picked up the phone, looked at the time— I was suddenly startled to receive it out… Is the museum about to close?! I have no other choice. I have to leave here. I opened the door and stepped out. The museum is empty, not a single person in sight. I panicked and ran downstairs, banging on the door and calling for someone. But no one heard. The museum is closed. I'm stuck inside. Soon, I didn't dare to speak up anymore. Because— I'm afraid that Nghi Dung... hasn't left yet. I moved quietly, trying to find a safe place. Unexpectedly, while accidentally turning down a path, I stepped into the exhibition area of Mrs. Ngu He. In the middle of the large room, a painting is solemnly placed. The person in the painting wears exquisite royal clothes, has ink-black hair, and deep eyes, as if looking through centuries. I stood there, quietly looking at her. My extreme fear, miraculously, gradually subsided. There was something invisible, like a thin thread, gently pulling me towards the painting. I slowly walked forward.

50

Antiques that have been dormant for thousands of years seem to carry a magical power. They quietly whispered about the past to the person standing before them. The person in the painting smiles gently. She wore a long light purple dress, her jet black hair falling down her soft shoulders. Behind her, there is a flower tree whose name I cannot name. There are no leaves, only flowers blooming on all branches, purple like clouds of smoke floating around. The flower petals fell onto the lake surface. This scene… It was the image that flashed through my mind when I first met Little Marquis. I gently touched the protective glass, my eyes falling on each line of the painting. This painting... was probably drawn by Little Marquis himself. I continued to look at other relics. These items... are all burial items of Ngu He. I stopped in front of a pair of brocade shoes with lotus and phoenix shaped shoe tips. Wedding shoes. The moment I stared at it, a brief memory suddenly flooded into my mind— The wedding night. Busy sounds vaguely came from the lobby. In the wedding room, incense emanates from the animal-shaped incense burner, wafting throughout the room. I sat upright on the bed, a red veil covering my face. The fringe on the edge moved slightly with each breath I took. I bowed my head and saw a pair of long, slender hands gently helping me take off my wedding dress. My gaze quietly moved upward. Under the crimson veil, I caught a glimpse of his sharp chin, his lips were thin and pink in the candlelight. It seemed... he realized I was secretly looking. The corners of his lips slowly curved up, carrying a gentle smile. His voice rang out, low and deep like the scent of aged wine:

“The ceremonies at the big wedding are cumbersome, it's been hard for the lady.”

My heart is pounding. I closed my eyes slightly, waiting for the weight in his hand to gently touch the veil, slowly lifting it up— To open our night of flowers and wishes.

51

My mind returned to reality. When I opened my eyes, I was still standing in the middle of the exhibition room. But... Nghi Dung was standing just three meters away from me. No... Now she is no longer Nghi Dung. She is Lenh Nguyet. She has completely become half human, half demon. He was wearing a white mourning outfit, the hem of his shirt was swept by the invisible wind, gently swaying. She went back and forth Outside the exhibition hall, it is impossible to enter. As expected, she still couldn't touch me. I stood right below the painting of the Clown, warily staring at her, watching every little movement. She is very patient. Like a hungry wolf lurking outside the sheepfold, just waiting for a small opening to pounce on its prey. And then— She began her drama.

“Fish Clown, do you still remember?”

“We grew up together, you always listened to me unconditionally.”

“But why…

“When I told you to give me Little Marquis, you refused to listen?”

I didn't look her in the eyes. I covered my ears, not wanting to hear any more.