Chapter 4

After my breakdown, everyone’s attitude toward me improved a little.

Specifically—even the pale-skinned Sha Wujing, who looked gloomy enough to turn evil at any moment, checked on me every day.

When I hung from Eldest Brother’s golden-hooped staff, he no longer flung me off.

Before stroking me, Master would restrain himself long enough to ask permission.

Such was life.

First you questioned the shadow maggot. Then you understood the shadow maggot. Then you became the shadow maggot.

My mental state improved a lot. When I was happy, I even sang a little.

“You lead the horse, you carry the load~

“Here come the demons, there go the demons~

“Protect Little Sister, attain the Great Way~”

Fetching the scriptures? Piece of cake!

I’d always heard that good looks wouldn’t put food on the table.

Then Eldest Brother went out begging for alms and brought back two buckets of rice.

Mystery solved. Those people just weren’t handsome enough.

He handed me one of the buckets.

I was just getting misty-eyed with gratitude.

“Here. A rice bucket for a rice bucket.”

“…”

Why did that feel like an insult?

Second Brother stared at the remaining bucket, questioning everything. “Brother, I’m fairly sure I’m supposed to be the pig spirit.”

Master patted my head. “Your little sister is still growing.”

Second Brother looked stunned. “Master, she’s about fifty or sixty feet long—dozens of me end to end! And she’s still growing?!”

Master paused. “Which means you eat all that and don’t grow at all, you fool. A complete waste of food.”

Why did that actually make sense…?

Master. Honestly. I could cry.

I would never again hold it against you that you’d rubbed my scales to a polished patina.

Another half month passed, and we reached Zijin Kingdom.

My brother boldly took down the royal proclamation calling for someone to cure the king, kicking off a new plotline.

Master looked composed, but beneath his sleeves his hands were shaking as though he had Parkinson’s.

“Wukong,” he whispered, “do you know medicine?”

“No,” said Eldest Brother, without changing expression.

Master smiled faintly and sat down on the ground.

I asked what he was doing.

His smile was serene. “Waiting to die.”

…Ha. You knew nothing of my monkey brother’s talents.

My brother easily cured the king with the White Dragon Horse’s urine. Then the king gave us another quest.

I already knew the plot, but the longer I listened, the more shocked I became.

W-why wasn’t this how I remembered it?!

Wasn’t your wife suddenly abducted by a demon?

How had that become a demon attacking and you pushing your wife out to face him?

Then you developed heart trouble because you felt guilty and frightened and missed her.

Second Brother clicked his tongue. “You’re selfish and useless, and a complete coward into the bargain.”

Master hastily interrupted. “Keep your voice down!”

Brother Sha joined in. “It’s true, of course, but how could you say it out loud, Second Brother?”

And me.

I was off to one side, snarling in the shadows.

That was what a veteran shadow maggot did.