Chapter 18: The Beautiful Creature Amid the Scarlet Maples

Ruan Rou’s death did not cause much of a stir; it was merely the most common kind of traffic accident. A few sighs, a few curses directed at the irresponsible driver—those were all the ripples it created.

However, compared to others who heard the news, Xiao Xiao felt it more deeply.

This girl—he should have had the chance to save her.

That thought lingered in his mind like a persistent shadow, tossing and turning him through sleepless nights, casting a faint weariness and gloom across his brow.

He had discovered the demon possessing the girl and had even fought it.

Yet, this only intensified his frustration and unwillingness to accept the outcome.

Threads of guilt gnawed at him like maggots in bone. Rationally, Xiao Xiao knew that despite his strange encounters and bodily changes, he was no superhero—just an ordinary man. Faced with such a result, acceptance was the only choice. He had to admit his helplessness and powerlessness.

But emotionally, the dark feelings chilled him to the core, a suffocating weight pressing down on his heart.

It was an unbearable sensation of pent-up anguish.

He knew he was overthinking it, trapped in a mental deadlock.

Even so, he couldn’t shake this state for the moment.

A life had been lost!

***

“Third Brother, what’s wrong with you these days? Has something happened?” Zhao Luzheng asked with genuine concern.

“Yeah, Third Brother, you’ve almost turned into a gloomy shut-in lately. Come on, tell me what’s on your mind. I’ll help you see things clearly,” Zhuge Yun said, clapping Xiao Xiao on the shoulder with the earnestness of a senior trying to console a younger sibling. His overly dramatic expression, however, made him seem a bit ridiculous.

“Has some careless fool been bullying you, Third Brother? Who’s so bold—doesn’t want to live, huh?” The eldest brother clenched his fists as if ready to fight, his tall, muscular frame exuding an intimidating presence.

Xiao Xiao felt both amused and warmed by their concern.

“I’m fine,” he replied.

“Just a few things I haven’t figured out yet.”

“Oh? Have you figured them out now?”

“Yes, I have.”

A smile curved on Xiao Xiao’s lips, the shadows in his brow lifting to reveal a clear, serene expression.

He was never one to be harsh on himself, and these past few days of turmoil were enough.

He disliked dwelling on melancholy or blaming fate.

What was done was done, and worrying further would change nothing.

***

He always lived by a simple motto: When prosperous, help the world; when struggling, maintain your own integrity.

All he could do was his best and leave the rest to fate.

***

In November, there was one place in Yanjing that was a must-visit—Fragrant Hills Park in the western suburbs.

At this time, the hills were ablaze with red maples, as brilliant as morning clouds, fiery and passionate, painting half the sky crimson.

Walking along the mountain paths, the forest was a kaleidoscope of colors, frost-touched leaves redder than February blossoms.

***

It was a weekend and peak maple-viewing season. Though the sky was still pale and the chill lingered in the air, Fragrant Hills was already teeming with visitors, a sea of people bustling about.

Such scenes, though somewhat detracting from the maple forest’s tranquil charm, brought their own lively joy.

***

Xiao Xiao was a native of Yanjing. Since his parents first brought him to Fragrant Hills, he had fallen in love with the red maples.

Every year thereafter, he returned to admire them.

When word spread that he would visit again this time, non-Yanjing locals Zhang Bo, Zhuge Yun, and Zhao Luzheng eagerly decided to join him.

They too had long been drawn by the fame of Fragrant Hills’ red maples.

At this moment, immersed in the forest, one felt dizzy and enchanted—the eyes and heart bathed in a sea of brilliant red.

***

Despite many visits, Xiao Xiao still found the scenery delightful, slowing his steps to savor it carefully.

Maple leaves had a delicacy unlike most others, their contours exquisite and refined.

They easily evoked the word “beautiful.”

Unlike flowers, the beauty of maple leaves was ethereal and elegant. Though vividly red, they bore no trace of worldly vulgarity, instead radiating a crisp and piercing loveliness.

***

Huh?

Xiao Xiao’s relaxed brow twitched suddenly.

What was that?

Before him stood a splendid maple tree, its branches interlaced and layered with leaves in shades of deep and light red.

Yet, what was this tail-like object dangling in front of him, the same color as the leaves?

Almost instinctively, Xiao Xiao reached out to grasp it.

Looking up, squinting slightly, he saw a turquoise beak.

Amidst the sea of red, a single spot of green stood out vividly.

Xiao Xiao examined the branches and finally took in the full form of the unknown creature.

Uh, it resembled... a pheasant?

Its body was as red as the maple leaves, but its beak was turquoise, and a long tail—several times the length of its body—hung lazily, swaying gently with a casual grace.

It was a very beautiful creature.

Xiao Xiao stared at the bird in a daze.

The creature seemed aware, and suddenly, before he could react, he locked eyes with a pair of round, shiny black eyes.

Huh, it was rare for a demon’s eyes not to be red, Xiao Xiao thought in surprise, staring back at the black beans, the air momentarily frozen.

***

Clearly, this was another demon.

Xiao Xiao was becoming increasingly familiar with the aura of demons.

And he was growing numb to encountering all kinds of them in his life.

This bird, however, was far more pleasant to look at than Qin Yuan.

Moreover, Xiao Xiao sniffed the air and found no foul smell. Perhaps due to the maple forest’s influence, this demon carried a scent of maple leaves—clean, crisp, and refreshing.

***

“Third Brother, what’s wrong?” Zhang Bo, who had been walking ahead with his head down, glanced back unexpectedly and noticed Xiao Xiao’s odd expression. Following his gaze upward, he saw only maple leaves and frowned. “Isn’t it just leaves?”

Zhuge Yun strode over, craning his neck but failing to see what had held Xiao Xiao’s attention so completely.

“Is there really nothing there?”

“Third Brother, confess now and be lenient, resist and suffer. What were you looking at just now?” Zhuge Yun insisted, peering curiously.

“Third Brother, are you tired?” Zhao Luzheng was not surprised by Xiao Xiao’s daydreaming. After all, it was just staring at a tree, nothing out of the ordinary.

“Ah, I’m fine,” Xiao Xiao withdrew his gaze from the unknown creature, his eyes lightly passing over the long, vivid red tail before settling on his friends.

“I just thought that maple tree was particularly beautiful.”

“Really?”

“I think they all look about the same,” Zhang Bo said.

“Is this one really that special?” Zhuge Yun asked.

Xiao Xiao smiled without answering, offering only a pretext.