Honestly, I've been yearning to learn a skill to support myself. I don't want to be a corpse salvager anymore.
These years, working alongside my father as a corpse salvager, I've recovered all kinds of bodies—children, elderly, and more often, the bodies of young girls. Some ended their lives by jumping into the river due to relationship issues, while others succumbed to the pressure of arguments with their parents. There were also those murdered and thrown into the river, and I've even salvaged dismembered bodies.
The most unbearable moments were during the summer when the bodies, floating in the river for just two days, emitted a strong, nauseating odor far worse than the stench of excrement.
After contemplating for about half an hour, I had my answer.
I've grown up; I'm an adult now. I don't want my life dictated by my father, especially when I despise the work of a corpse salvager. I don't want to earn money from the dead, and I certainly don't want people pointing fingers at me, accusing me of "making money off the dead, lacking morals, and giving birth without an anus."
"Alright, I promise you. I'll work for two months to pay off my debts."
After making up my mind, I stood up and said to Chen Yuanshan.
While saying this to Chen Yuanshan, I had my own plan. If I could learn some fortune-telling and exorcism skills from him, that would be great. If not, after working here for two months, I could find employment elsewhere.
In this day and age, with enough effort, one can surely create their own wealth.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
"Do you want to discuss this with your family?"
"No need. I can decide on my own."
Saying this to Chen Yuanshan, I lacked some confidence.
"Since you're willing, let me share a bit more with you. Do you understand water ghosts?"
"My grandfather mentioned water ghosts when he was alive. Those who die unexpectedly in the water, either by suicide or accident, cannot be reborn. Their souls turn into water ghosts and wander in the water. If someone swims or jumps into the river, the water ghost will drag them under, making them a substitute and allowing the water ghost to be reborn."
"You're correct, but let me elaborate. In China, water ghosts are also called water monkeys. They refer to those who commit suicide or die accidentally in the water. Their souls linger at the place of drowning, nourished by the yin energy of the water, transforming into water ghosts.
According to legend, water ghosts are cursed by the King of Hell. Only by finding a substitute can they be reborn in the underworld.
So, water ghosts patiently wait in the water, enticing or forcibly dragging living people underwater to drown and serve as their substitutes. Once this happens, the water ghost can complete the cycle and be reborn. For centuries, water ghosts have relied on this method to escape the suffering from hell. Despite being born in water, they are extremely afraid of fire."
Chen Yuanshan explained in detail.
"Earlier, I told you that your fate doesn't suit being a corpse salvager, and your body bears the mark of the water ghosts. Once you enter the water, they will quickly find you and pull you to the depths to drown, making you their substitute."
Chen Yuanshan reiterated solemnly.
Hearing Chen Yuanshan's words, I remembered my grandfather's advice when he was alive: my destiny isn't suitable for being a corpse salvager, and earning money from the dead could bring retribution. The consequences might manifest on me or my loved ones.
At that moment, the middle-aged woman cautiously helped her daughter down from the second floor.
The girl's face was pale, and she seemed to be in low spirits. I couldn't help but feel sympathy for her, considering the recent tragedy that unfolded in the house.