Recently, I returned to read on Zhihu, and the previous author has written another excellent article!

On the night of the Ghost Festival on August 18th, I went out for dinner and, upon returning home, I saw a shadow standing outside my door.

"Old buddy, long time no see."

"Cough, don't you know what I am?"

"A ghost, right?"

"Then why aren't you afraid?"

"Ghosts were once humans, and humans eventually become ghosts. What is there to be afraid of? We are all brothers within the four seas, and the three realms above and below are no different. You look pale; it seems you haven't eaten in a few days. How about coming in for a cup of tea?"

"I won't be polite, but this year, I've developed a taste for alcohol. Do you have any?"

"No problem, please help yourself."

"What is Bud Light? Do you have Maotai?"

"Don't be too picky; go with the flow of the times."

"Alright, let's take this opportunity to enjoy the moon and have a chat. The nine-layered creeper outside the balcony is blooming beautifully. How's the host's love life going?"

"Oh, so you've invited a pervert."

"Amitabha, form is emptiness, emptiness is form. I, a ghost, have been practicing Buddhism for a long time. Where did the conversation with the benefactor go?"

"But to be honest, the girl I'm interested in not only comes from a Buddhist family but also a prominent military background. I'm afraid I can't reach that level."

"Is her background really that impressive? What do you mean?"

"Every time we meet, she brings along three thousand Guanyin soldiers, not only with strict defense but also carefully selected. Isn't she the descendant of a Buddhist family and a military elite?"

"Maybe she's also connected to construction groups and chain restaurants!"

"How did that come about?"

"With such a high profile and so much face, why not engage in major enterprises like construction and restaurants?"

"Brother Ghost, you're exaggerating. But honestly, I feel like I'm playing a game of 'lure and let go.' As a man, pursuing someone who's trying to PUA me is not a big deal. I do appreciate her subconscious deployment, from clothing colors, hairstyles, accessories, beverage choices, and even word usage. It seems she has done some research; after all, there aren't many people these days who pay attention to details, and that's what makes her charming. Despite that, it's not a sustainable approach. She tests so slowly, revealing flaws, and the progress is stagnant. Brother Ghost, with your profound understanding of life, any advice?"

"It's not difficult; is it a matter of values or physical measurements?"

"Can we be a bit more serious if you're a guest in my house?"

"I am serious; my good intentions are getting struck by lightning! Whether it's a matter of values or physical measurements, as a ghost, I follow the path of ghosts, and you are a human, naturally following the path of humans. It's only natural; don't you understand this truth? Living your life in vain!"

"Rely on yourself rather than on ghosts. I don't know if it's true that our personalities don't match, but in the end, everyone has their own strengths. Many things are left unsaid, not because one doesn't know. If accusing social anxiety, it's more like not wanting to say unnecessary things. Speaking loudly in a broad social circle undoubtedly shows strength, and the admiration is natural. But the definition of strength varies. I won't hide it from you; when a person can handle most of the serious matters alone, why go through the trouble, bothering others with drums and trumpets? Quietly passing through obstacles, returning to camp to drink tea is also good, right? I've played the role of vanity; 'real' is not synonymous with 'stupid,' and 'sincere' doesn't mean 'foolish.' In fact, all I want in a companion is basic morality. Having half of what I want is not a problem; everything can be negotiated, and important matters must be discussed, fearing only missing the opportunity."

"I agree, the host's words make sense."

"In fact, not that I want to show off, but based on objective conditions, if you make up your mind and recruit directly, finding a few beauties shouldn't be difficult. Or, pick some more open-minded ones to flirt with. But frankly, I don't want to use such methods; why bother? I am only trapped in one kind of persistence, that is, respect for fate. Accompanying for twenty years, how many people really understand?!"

"Ha, too much wisdom in youth can be the greatest tragedy of life. The time has come; I should go back. Comrade, see you later!"

"I can't accept that title, thank you for your understanding."

"But I have to say, your wine is terrible."

"If you're going back to the underworld, go quickly. Do you want me to drive you?!"