Blood Ganoderma lucidum

I run a dream interpretation livestream. I can predict the fortunes of the living and decipher the dream language of the dead. One day, a man asked about a recurring dream he’d been having since a relative passed away: a blood-red flower, the size of a human head, blooming on the coffin. The viewers in my livestream offered condolences, saying it was a sign of grief. Only I knew that wasn't a flower, but "Corpse Bloom," a manifestation of the victim’s resentment. And the man dreaming about it was the killer.

01

The livestream began, and a girl with the username "SparkleFairy" sent three "Music Boxes," earning a spot for a live connection.

“Master, I dreamt someone invited me to a feast. The place looked like a palace, incredibly beautiful. I was about to go in, but my cat scratched me awake. Is this dream a good or bad omen? If I dream it again, should I go?”

I thought for a moment. "Only the dead attend feasts. It might look like a palace, but once you enter, it becomes a cage. Remember, there's no such thing as a free meal, not even in dreams."

“Moreover," I continued, "the one inviting you in is most likely not human, but a malicious spirit waiting to hook your soul. Your cat saved your life. Treat it well."

[That's creepy!]

[Goosebumps!]

[TIL (Today I Learned)]

“Understood, thank you, Master! I'll definitely take good care of Mittens." SparkleFairy kissed her tabby cat and gave a thumbs-up to the camera before ending the connection.

[Interesting, followed!]

[Those dream interpretation books are too basic, so many dreams aren't in there.]

[I'm a fan now, finding a good dream interpreter online is so hard.]

02

For the second connection, someone sent five "Carnival Rides," requesting a live reading.

Jackpot! My rent was overdue, and I desperately needed the money. I immediately accepted the connection.

The person came on with a filter obscuring most of their face and a voice changer.

"Master, if someone keeps having the same dream after a relative passes away, a dream about a blood-red flower, the size of a human head, blooming on the coffin, what does it mean?"

[Whoa, that's freaky!]

[Probably just missing their loved one, right?]

[That dream would give me nightmares.]

[Condolences.]

[So sorry for your loss.]

The comments flew across the screen. My heart sank. That wasn't a flower on the coffin. It was Corpse Bloom.

Corpse Bloom, also known as Coffin Fungus, is incredibly rare due to the specific conditions required for its growth.

"Was your relative wealthy? Did they consume delicacies, ginseng, reishi mushrooms, deer antler velvet, and other tonics daily for over ten years?"

The person hesitated, then nodded. "They weren't in great health and did have a habit of drinking ginseng tea regularly."

"Were they cremated? Or buried in a coffin made of precious wood, like sandalwood or mahogany?"

"What? Why so many questions for a dream interpretation?" The person clicked their tongue impatiently and scratched their head. ...