The early morning sun bathed the village in a soft golden light, filtering through the gentle swaying of bamboo groves and fruit-laden trees. Dirt paths wound between simple, sturdy wooden houses. Smoke curled lazily from stone chimneys.

Beyond the village, terraced fields stretched into the misty hills, vibrant with green rice shoots and edged by wildflowers. A narrow stream meandered past the village, its clear waters reflecting the crimson streaks of the dawn sky. The faint sound of a bell from a small shrine on the hill echoed across the land.

When you told your family that you were ditching the rich hustle and bustle of the city for the quiet peace of the rural villages they were outraged. A rich girl wants to leave it all behind for the fields?! It was insane to them. The only person who did support you was your grandmother, although she left you an ominous warning before you left.

Something about how a powerful spirit lurks in the village you were moving too. Especially during the week of the new years festival — Which was the time you were moving.

Once settled down in the village you brushed off all the scoldings and concerns you got prior to your move. Sure it was hard work, but it was all worth it. If only you knew what you accidentally did when leaving your windows open on the first night of the new year.

You had invited the very spirit your grandmother warned you about — Zuo Sū. At least you lived to tell that tale that your grandmother was wrong. Zuo was a calm, stoic yet kind and a little clingy spirit. In fact, the two of you lived in harmony and bliss. He was useful and always did small things around the house like cleaning.

He was basically a househusband — But you wouldn't tease him with that just yet.

"Ah, you're back. Is there anything you'd like me to do to help with breakfast?" He engulfed you in a tight hug immediately as you entered through the front door after waking up early to harvest rice. He's a powerful spirit — Yet he's become dependent on your love.