Chapter 40: Demons and Ghosts

Bai Jiaxi followed He Yu’an out the courtyard door.

Just as He Yu’an opened his mouth to speak, a sharp voice pierced through the air. “You two! Stop right there!”

He Yu’an and Bai Jiaxi turned their heads to see Bai Jiaren, dressed in bright red, standing under the eaves. Her face was contorted in anger, and her eyes were fixed on Bai Jiaxi as if she wanted to devour her.

“He Yu’an, what are you doing bringing this demon out?” Bai Jiaren demanded, pointing a trembling finger at Bai Jiaxi. “She killed father! She’s a monster! You shouldn’t let her leave this house!”

He Yu’an’s eyebrows furrowed slightly. “Bai Jiaren, don’t be absurd. How could Jiaxi kill her father?”

“It’s true!” Bai Jiaren shrieked, her voice high-pitched and panicked. “After she came back, father fell ill and died! It’s her fault! She’s the one who brought disaster to our family!”

Bai Jiaxi’s heart felt like it was being squeezed. She looked at Bai Jiaren, her eyes filled with hurt and disbelief. “Jiaren, how can you say that? I would never hurt father.”

“You’re lying!” Bai Jiaren accused, taking a step forward. “You’re a demon! You came back to destroy our family!”

He Yu’an stepped in front of Bai Jiaxi protectively. “Bai Jiaren, calm down. Your father’s death was due to illness, not because of Jiaxi. You’re grieving, and it’s understandable, but you can’t blame her.”

“I’m not blaming her, I’m telling the truth!” Bai Jiaren insisted, her voice rising to a frenzy. “She’s evil! She’s a ghost! Get her out of here!”

Tears welled up in Bai Jiaxi’s eyes. She couldn’t bear to hear these accusations from her own sister.

He Yu’an sighed. “Bai Jiaren, you need to rest. You’re not thinking clearly.”

“I’m perfectly clear!” Bai Jiaren retorted, her eyes blazing. “She’s a demon! She’s a ghost! And you’re helping her! You’re just as bad as she is!”

He Yu’an’s expression turned serious. “Bai Jiaren, I won’t tolerate such baseless accusations. Jiaxi is family, and she is not responsible for your father’s death.”

“She is!” Bai Jiaren screamed, her voice cracking. “She’s a demon! A ghost!”

Bai Jiaxi couldn’t take it anymore. She turned and ran, the accusations echoing in her ears.

He Yu’an watched her go, then turned to Bai Jiaren, his gaze firm. “Bai Jiaren, you will regret saying those things.”

Bai Jiaren stood there, trembling, her face a mixture of anger and fear.

He Yu’an shook his head and hurried after Bai Jiaxi.

Bai Jiaxi ran until she couldn’t breathe, her heart pounding in her chest. She stopped by a large willow tree, leaning against its trunk, tears streaming down her face.

He Yu’an found her there, his expression one of concern. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “Jiaxi, are you alright?”

Bai Jiaxi shook her head, sobbing. “She hates me. My own sister hates me.”

He Yu’an pulled her into a comforting embrace. “She’s just upset, Jiaxi. She’s not thinking clearly. She doesn’t mean it.”

“But she said I’m a demon… a ghost…” Bai Jiaxi choked out, her voice muffled against his chest.

“Shh, shh,” He Yu’an soothed, stroking her hair. “You’re not. You’re the kindest person I know. Don’t listen to her.”

Bai Jiaxi clung to him, finding solace in his warmth and comfort.

After a while, her sobs subsided, and she pulled away, wiping her eyes. “Thank you, He Yu’an.”

“Anytime, Jiaxi,” he said, offering a gentle smile. “Let’s go. I’ll take you somewhere safe.”

He took her hand, and they walked away from the courtyard, leaving the accusations and the pain behind.