Capítulo 19: Shenci Island

The rest of their early dinner passed in a heavy silence.

Chen Ru seemed like he had lost his soul as he mechanically brought food to his mouth, while Song Zhuyu was savoring every bite of his pancakes to his heart's content, even opting for seconds, for he had no idea whether he could still indulge in sweets after arriving on the island.

(He had packed a supply of strawberry lollipops that could last him for three months even if he ate two per day, but there would always be room for additional craving.)

Looking at the young man's pallid complexion, Song Zhuyu sipped his coffee with satisfaction, knowing that he had really scared the other person this time. With this, Chen Ru would definitely return to Yacheng and obediently continue his apprenticeship under Father Ning.

Rising from his seat, Song Zhuyu grabbed his duffel bag, startling the young man, but he gestured for him to stay in his seat. "Eat your food slowly. I'm going to settle the bill."

Approaching the cashier, he was met with the waitress' enthusiastic greeting, "Are you ready to pay now, Sir?"

Song Zhuyu nodded with a light 'mn'. The transaction was swiftly completed, and as he reached for the receipt, he was taken aback when the waitress held onto the small strip of paper in a tight grip, peering up at him bashfully, "Um, may I have your contact information, Sir?"

A bemused smile tugged on the corner of Song Zhuyu's lips. "I'm going to Shenci Island, and I heard there's no internet access there," he explained in a matter-of-fact tone.

"But still…" she hesitated, unwilling to give up.

"Instead of my number, I can pray for you." Without awaiting his response, Song Zhuyu drew a cross on his chest and placed his hand, huge enough to cover her entire face, on top of her head and murmured a short prayer with his eyes closed.

After he finished, he opened his eyes and smiled softly, revealing a faint dimple on his left cheek, "Thank you for the delicious meal and the information. May we meet again if God permits."

As Song Zhuyu exited the restaurant, the woman's eyes remained fixed on his retreating back, her jaws hanging open in shock and face flushing in deep crimson. "What the hell…" She blinked once, twice, before collapsing behind the counter, emitting muffled squeals of excitement. "Ahhh, he's so cool…!!!"

Song Zhuyu stepped outside the restaurant and took a deep breath of the refreshing scent of the salty sea breeze, his crimson hair fluttering softly around him. He squinted his eyes against the setting sun in the horizon and slowly walked toward the direction of the port. As he ventured further, the rhythmic crash of waves filled his ears and he couldn't resist humming a random tune along with the natural symphony.

The cool breeze felt extremely soothing on his skin, and his mood turned even better now that he didn't have an unwanted tail.

Ah, I have a good feeling about this mission.

But alas, his happiness was short-lived as a familiar voice called out to him from behind, slightly breathless, "Father Song!"

Song Zhuyu halted in his tracks and resisted the urge to groan. Making sure that he still had a smile on his face, he turned around to face Chen Ru, "What is it? Do you need something else? If you leave now, you still have time to return to Yacheng before the last train."

"I–I won't leave!" Chen Ru declared loudly.

What? The impeccable smile on Father Song's face finally cracked, and he almost cursed out loud.

Was this guy stupid or stupid? He had laid out the threats and danger, even expressing his clear reluctance for company, yet Chen Ru still wanted to tag along? Did he have a death wish or something?

"Father Song…" Chen Ru gazed at him with red-rimmed eyes, deeply moved. "As expected, it's the right decision to come with you. I have truly learned a lot! You're right, if I don't possess the same determination as you, then I'm not qualified to be an exorcist! I must be brave and face the challenges ahead, no matter how perilous they may be. Thank you so much for the valuable lesson, Father Song!" He bent his waist deeply in a ninety degree bow.

Song Zhuyu: "..."

I didn't teach you anything, though?

All of a sudden, a wave of fatigue washed over him. "Haa…" he palmed his forehead and released a long-suffering sigh. Where was the positive energy he was feeling a minute ago?

"F–Father Song?"

"Forget it," Song Zhuyu waved his hand wearily. "You may come along, but keep in mind that I won't be responsible for your safety."

"Please be rest assured, Father Song!" Chen Ru thumped his chest confidently. "You can definitely count on me when the time comes!"

Don't get ahead of yourself, kiddo. The corner of Song Zhuyu's eye twitched, slightly speechless.

Was this how Song Juwei felt whenever he charged into missions recklessly? No wonder the older man was grumpy all the time. Song Zhuyu resolved to be on his best behavior if they met again in the future.

The two of them made their way to the port and smoothly passed through the gate with the tickets they had purchased earlier. Led by an officer, they walked along the bustling port, where fishermen prepared their boats for a night hunt, until they reached a small, old motorboat tucked away in the far corner.

"Oyyy!" The officer called out to the group of middle-aged men playing chess nearby, waving his hand. "Lao Liang, there are two people going to Shenci! Take them along with you!"

Instantly, the lively chatter at the table ceased as all eyes turned to measure Song Zhuyu and Chen Ru, filled with intrigue and curiosity. A man in his fifties, wearing a plaid shirt with wisps of white hair at his temples, greeted them with a wide smile. "Going to Shenci?" He asked, his voice carrying a distinct accent. He must be Lao Liang.

"That's right," Song Zhuyu responded courteously. "Please take care of us, Mr. Liang."

"Alright, alright, let us set off before nightfall!" Lao Liang abandoned the table and rummaged through his pocket for the motorboat key. "Follow me!"

Approaching the boat, Song Zhuyu carefully stepped onto it following the older man, still feeling the weight of the onlookers' stares upon them. Gripping the worn railing, he looked around before finding an empty spot to settle down, with Chen Ru taking a seat across from him. The engine soon hummed to life, its loud rumble echoing across the water.

"Are ya ready?!" Lao Liang called out loudly as he unhooked the rope from the anchor..

"Yes!"

"We will depart now!"

With a deafening roar from the engine, the small motorboat glided away from the port, slicing through the open water. Song Zhuyu stared at the setting sun reflected on the shimmering surface, his crimson hair billowing wildly in the air and slapping him on the face. After tying it into a messy bun atop his head, he stood up and carefully made his way to the operator at the helm.

"Ah, what do you want?!" Lao Liang asked, taken aback by his approach.

Song Zhuyu settled nearby, fishing a large bill from his pocket and pressing it onto the middle-aged man's hand. "Uncle, may I ask you something?!" he also raised his voice to rival the loud engine.

Upon seeing the money, Lao Liang's grin widened and his demeanor became more welcoming, "Of course, ask away!"

"Uncle, do you always operate the boat to Shenci?"

"Indeed, I do!"

"Do people often travel back and forth?"

"Uhh, not that often. Maybe four to five times a month? It's mostly folks who need supplies from the mainland. They book me the night before, and off I go to fetch them!"

"Then how about people from the mainland? How often do they travel to Shenci?" Song Zhuyu inquired further.

"Not often, not often!" Lao Liang waved his hand dismissively. "Who would want to go to Shenci? There's nothing to see there, anyway! The last time someone did, umm… it should be a few weeks ago? I don't know, I can no longer remember!"

Song Zhuyu asked a few more basic questions, but when he tried to broach the topic of the missing people, Lao Liang shook his head in confusion, claiming that he was an outsider who had just come here to work three years ago, so he was quite oblivious about the locals' stories.

"What are you going there for, young man?" He curiously asked Song Zhuyu in return. "You look like a rich kid. You know… something like experiencing rustic life to escape from the city? Look at your brightly colored hair, are you one of those idols my daughter is chasing?!"

Suppressing a smile, Song Zhuyu replied, "How can that be? I'm just an ordinary man, here to work!"

As the two chatted back and forth, the island soon came into view. Nestled amidst the azure waters of the ocean, it was akin to a verdant jewel rising from the sea, its lush foliage reaching towards the sky in a riot of greenery. Towering palm trees gently swayed in the warm breeze, while wooden docks extended into the water, adorned with fishing boats and nets.

In the distance, Song Zhuyu could make out the silhouette of a small village, its rooftop peeking above the canopy of trees. Wisps of smoke curled lazily from chimneys, mingling with the salty sea air in a fragrant haze.

At first glance, it looked like a serene paradise.

As the motorboat drew nearer to the shore, Song Zhuyu caught sight of a person, clearly awaiting their arrival. He appeared to be in his thirties or forties, with a tall and robust figure, healthy wheat-colored skin, thick bushy eyebrows and gentle temperament.

"Here we go!" Lao Liang announced, turning off the engine and skillfully securing the motorboat to the anchor. "Give me a call if you'd like to return, yeah?"

Song Zhuyu readily agreed as he disembarked from the boat, and he raised his head just in time to catch a flash of surprise in the robust man's eyes at the sight of him – no, to be more precise, at the sight of his crimson hair. He had met his fair share of people who expressed their surprise and admiration at his brightly colored hair, and thus he could tell that the other person's gaze was anything but.

However, before Song Zhuyu could analyze further, the man swiftly concealed his emotions and put on a warm smile.

Hmm, Song Zhuyu narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. What is it all about?

"Hello, I've been waiting for you," the man greeted with a slight accent in his tone. "Welcome to Shenci Island. I am the village chief's son, surname Ma, given name Boliu. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

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