It was 4 am.

For many people; most especially Mothers, Maids, and Overworked people; This was when their alarm clock started warming up to ring; Preparing to mock the ever-moving society of their tireless pursuit for safety and security.

For Bei Shang though, He was in the middle of a mountain, sitting on the ground and staring face to face with a demon who saved him from a divine tiger.

A demon he has an extreme feeling of gratitude for.

The Huli Jing stared at him for a long while before tiptoeing close; like he was testing the waters of their interaction.

"I know you might not believe it but… " He sighed as if wondering if whatever he said would affect him " I am related to you "

"Are you my dad's illegitimate child?"

"No… " The man laughed and scratched his head, his face was red " I am related by marriage... I am Xingfu's husband"

He had not seen Xingfu in years nor heard from her. Despite Bei Shang's nature not to hold grudges; He couldn't help but feel a little resentful that it was now something related to his sister appearing.

I guess I am the only one who still remembers relationships.

"Oh, the Kims still allowed her to keep her name..." He mumbled, his fists clenching at the side " What's your name?"

"Nick Storm Park"

"It's an American-ish name "

"Storm is my family surname in the demon realm " Seeing that the mortal made no move to stand up; he sat down opposite him " Park is the human name I acquired here"

"How many years have you been here? Most demons have migrated back to their realm "

Nick didn't reply; he just smiled and nodded, Bei shang wasn't the type to venture into secrets; he too just smiled and changed the subject.

"How's my sister?"

Nick froze and scratched his head.

"She's fine"

"Be honest "

Nick looked surprised " How did you know I was lying?"

"You won't find me out and even save me just because you want to protect mortals, Supernatural beings are not superheroes" Bei Shang slapped a mosquito on his leg; his voice was cool " And you are way too fidgety for a powerful demon; You must have bad news"

There was a long pause.

Bei Shang raised his eyes; Nick's face was pale and his lips were pressed together into a thin line, he looked more like the person about to receive bad news.

He decided to spare him the pain " Is she dead ?"

Nick's lips twitched for a second before he nodded slowly " Yes "

There was a dull sense of pain in his heart; Even if that sister did not care about a familiar relationship, not visiting once or even calling once to check how he was doing for years; Blood was still thicker than water; Bei Shang could only bring himself to resent not hate.

He will never see Xingfu again.

 " That uncaring girl probably died a painful death; when we were young, she was always the one to climb trees and venture out for days " He sniffed and rubbed his eyes" Mrs. Park would warn her but she would still do it again until she injures herself; then I will have to treat her..."

Nick tried to comfort him by placing his hand on his but Bei Shang didn't notice; he was already lost in his grief.

"Not sending letters and now sending your husband to do your dirty work for you " Tears spilled with no restraint " Is this brother so unlucky that you don't want to see him? Well, I don't want to see you too; I hope you continue to rot 6 feet under the ground and become a wandering ghost..."

" She didn't become a wandering ghost; she had no regrets"

"Of course; I am not part of her regrets at all; this unlucky brother will be better off not a regret " He rubbed his face but the tears still kept coming " Well she should have a splendid time in the underworld; I will pray to the gods that when she's reincarnated, she would be put in the body of a carrot; then I will find her and use her to make vegetable soup"

"...." Cute…

Bei Shang cried and cursed for a little more while before finally calming down. Nick seeing that he was now reduced to hiccups, took out a handkerchief and stretched it at him.

Bei Shang eyed the handkerchief " Is it her own ?"

"..... If it's hers, will you use it ?"

"I will use it to make a voodoo doll; then I will trap her soul and stab her every day," His voice was cold... before tears started to spill from his eyes again " After all this brother is not worth lingering to "

".... It's mine" Nick put the cloth in his hands and patted it.

Bei Shang nodded and blew loudly; then he wiped his tears and folded the handkerchief.

"Can I have it ?"

Nick didn't hesitate " Yes.."

Dawn was already breaking; The night starting to light up bringing hopes for a new day.

Bei Shang let out a deep sigh. Almost getting killed, having a demon as a brother-in-law, hearing his sister's death, what next? having a nephew? Asking to raise that nephew?

Bei Shang laughed in the confines of his mind.

"I want to ask you something.. I would love it if you could help"

"Ask away"

"So you have a nephew..."

"....."

"His name is Mitch; he's 8 years old and a very cute child; He's homeschooled due to supernatural reasons so it makes him a little naive and… I didn't tell him that Xingfu has died ..."

Bei Shang clenched his fists again, his body was in a taut position like he was ready to fight.

"She told you…" 

There was a thick silence before Nick's voice turned desperate.

"I swear it would only be for a year"