My Deskmate is Not Human​ - Chapter 4

I pushed open the door.

The corridor was dim and gloomy.

Standing at the doorway was Bai Shang, his features calm and gentle. The refined air he carried, paired with a yellow Taoist robe, lent him an air of maturity.

His gaze paused when he saw Shen An behind me.

But I didn’t notice.

When I turned my back to Shen An, the obedient and withdrawn façade he wore faded away. The corners of his lips flattened, his distant eyes grew cold, and the look he gave Bai Shang was chilling.

“Brother Bai Shang, come in and have a seat.”

I pulled the door open wider, gesturing for him to enter.

Bai Shang shook his head lightly.

The cuffs of his Taoist robe were embroidered with intricate Sanskrit.

Although I knew from the text that he was a Taoist, this was the first time I’d seen him dressed like this in real life, so I couldn’t help but take a closer look.

Noticing my curious gaze,

Bai Shang withdrew his eyes and, looking at me again, smiled gently: “It’s nothing, really. This is a COS costume. Our department is holding an offline event, and I’m playing the role of a Taoist.”

Afraid I wouldn’t believe him, he added, “Your sister-in-law is playing a snake demon today. I’ll send you some pictures when I get home, you can give me your thoughts.”

“Mm.”

In their line of work, there are taboos and secrets to keep.

I nodded in agreement, not exposing him.

Seeing Bai Shang had no intention of coming in, Shen An’s gaze toward him held a hint of curiosity and inexplicable hostility.

I introduced, “This is my classmate Shen An. He’s a bit shy and doesn’t talk much. It was raining today and I didn’t have an umbrella, so he walked me home.”

“Hello, Shen An.”

Bai Shang was silent, nodding to Shen An in greeting.

But Shen An still didn’t reply.

I turned back; the boy quickly withdrew his gloomy, chilling aura. When I looked at him, his eyes were lowered, and he nervously tightened his grip on my wrist.

“Shen An is a little afraid of strangers.”

I explained for him, then looked at Bai Shang and asked, “Brother, is there something you needed to tell me this late?”

“Nothing much.”

Bai Shang smiled, pulling out a dozen Talismans and a Small Peach Wood Sword from his wide sleeve, handing them to me:

“Your sister-in-law got these at the temple a few days ago. I heard they’re very effective-you can stick them up at home to ward off evil.”

“Ah? Thank you.”

Surprised and even grateful, I accepted them.

“Give one to Shen An as well.”

Bai Shang drew out a Yellow Talisman and held it out to Shen An, but the boy hesitated and didn’t take it.

The standoff was strange and tense.

A nameless cold wind swept in.

“Give it to me, Brother.

I’ll keep it for Shen An.”

Just as I was about to ease the awkwardness and take the talisman for Shen An, a cold, pale hand reached out before me. Shen An quietly said thank you.

He clenched the talisman in his palm.

Seeing nothing unusual,

Bai Shang withdrew his hand, glanced at the gloomy sky, and reminded us: “It’s getting late, I should head back.

By the way, I heard there have been a series of vicious murders lately. The culprit hasn’t been caught yet, so be careful these days.”

“Okay, Brother.”

Before leaving, Bai Shang cast a heavy glance at Shen An behind me, as if in warning.