There was once a viral philosophical question: what would you do if forced into sex and unable to resist? This philosopher judged everyone’s answers.

The moralist: “I’d choose death!”

Verdict: “Then why are you still alive and kicking? Go die.”

The average guy: “I’d be thrilled! It’s a good thing!”

Verdict: “What if the person forcing you weighs over 220 pounds?”

The beauty: “I’d report them afterward and make them pay!”

Verdict: “Like paying the bill after eating at KFC?”

The plain-looking girl: “Eh, whatever. Just wasted time. Better to schedule it directly.”

Verdict: “Sensible.”

Why such a weird question? Philosophers need to eat too. But why am I thinking this now? Because Xier is still kissing me. I’m oxygen-deprived. My mind’s scrambled. Pondering philosophy—I must have philosopher potential… Can I hold onto my decency today? It’s already shattered in Xier’s mouth. But even broken pieces count. Better save what’s left for my sister. Huh? What am I thinking…

Pop~

Our lips finally parted. This suffocating feeling was utterly new. Watching Xier pant across from me, dying in the wolf’s jaws next moment didn’t seem so scary. At least this wolf fed me well, right? I patted Xier’s head. She smiled back, calmer now. So what’s left is…

“The Nan brothers!”

“Here!”

“Virgins, get out!”

The Nan brothers exchanged glances. Nan Three trudged out, sullen, flashing Nan One and Nan Two a thumbs-up—“your turn.”

“Anime fans who believe in the 2D world, out too!” Wu Ke shouted, left hand trembling as he plucked the cigarette from his lips.

Nan One and Nan Two shared a helpless look. Nan One gave Nan Two a silent signal, shook his head with a bitter smile, and closed the door behind him.

“Liars, out as well.”

Nan Two wiped sweat from his brow, nodded, and stepped out.

…

“The 2D world is all a dream!”

“A pointless dream! This week, I visited countless companies. All rejected me for ‘lack of experience.’ I’ve been hauling bricks for seven days straight!”

“All for a limited-edition figure! My family scolds me. Friends mock me. Even the barber sneers!”

Wu Ke ranted about his week, emotions raw. His roar startled me. Comfort him? I might get beaten. Ignore him? He looked so pitiful. Sigh…

“Maybe they’re just jealous. Ever think of that?”

“Jealous? To them, I’m trash dragging everyone down!”

“No. You did what they fear. They can’t, so they’re bitter—it’s sour grapes.”

“Fear? Fear dyeing hair red like me or wearing fiery contacts? Ridiculous! It makes me furious!”

Crash!

Wu Ke slammed his lighter to the floor, cursing:

“Those people wear mocking faces all day. As if the majority’s way is always right. Bullshit! They’re all faking. Why call men ‘gay’ just for being close!?”

Outside, the Nan brothers heard this. They stared at each other, each suspecting the other’s bond with their boss had turned… unusual.

Wu Ke’s roar continued.

“Last month, I finally landed a job. They fired me over my hair color ‘hurting company image.’ I shaved my head bald. Great! They still docked my pay. I confronted the boss. Know what he said?”

“What?” Hua Shu and I leaned in, curious.

“‘Take it or leave it. Ugly? Don’t blame the stairs!’ I nearly exploded… Slapped him. Told him to feed that job to his guide dog!”

“Guide dog?”

“He couldn’t see my excellence. Isn’t he blind?”

Hua Shu and I gaped… but kept listening.

“Before that—I came to Huobei Province for its amazing anime cons! Damn it! Fired over a hairstyle. The supervisor’s relative needed the spot. Just say it! Bullshit!”

“I wanted to ‘biu’ and strangle him!”

“‘Biu’?”

“If Nan Three hadn’t held me back, I’d have dragged them out and ‘biu’ each one!”

Outside, Nan Two asked Nan Three about “biu.” Nan Three shrugged: “Hometown dialect. Means ‘beat up’… Boss really is violent!” Nan One watched silently.

“Because of them, I became what I hate. What am I doing? Committing a crime! I’ll force myself on you!”

Xier flinched. I hugged her tight, draping my jacket over her shoulders.

“But I get it now. Why let them twist me? Skip that lousy company. Contribute to anime cons instead. Can’t cosplay Shana? Cosplay Kagami! Seriously…”

Wu Ke transformed. His eyes glowed brighter—a dreamer’s fire. We were safe. He wouldn’t force us anymore.

“You two, kiss again. I zoned out. Afterward, dress and leave.”

Wu Ke lit a cigarette, watching us silently.

Xier, right beside me, beamed. She hugged me, dreamy-eyed, staring into my soul. I sighed in relief—but why did she seem addicted? Mmph! My mouth was covered! Don’t pinch my waist! It tickles… ah…

“Whew~ Mr. Wu Ke, may you achieve your dreams. We share one home—the 2D world! Goodbye!” I panted, waving to the Flaming-Eyed Wu Ke.

“Mm. Go. Next time, call the police and explain clearly,” he smiled, waving back.

Seriously, you picked this hotel on purpose! How’s it my fault? Still, walking out unscathed shocked me. Xier held my hand, exiting the hotel, gazing at me admiringly:

“You’re incredible! One sentence woke him up!”

“Heh… I don’t know how. But his life’s been rough.”

“Mm. Goodbye here. Your phone?”

“Oh, sure!”

“You call me Xier, so I’ll call you Flower~ See you~”

She handed back my phone, stealing another kiss. Huh? Why “another”? Ugh… 13:03 already? No! Miko and my little sister are waiting. Sixty-three missed calls—one per minute—on silent mode. I’ll get scolded… or not? Miko’s gentle. My sister won’t mind. She’s the cutest!

…

“So, I was late—bought a camera on the way!”

“What kept you from eating, Hua Shu?”

“Played games at the electronics mall… uh.” I lied to spare them worry.

“Oh, I see, Hua Shu.”

“Did you enjoy time with that girl? You reek of her scent, Hua Shu!”

“Sweating’s normal…” But when Miko said that, my sister’s eyes turned oddly sharp.

“You! Come here!” She yanked me off the sofa into the bedroom.

“Hey! Slow down, sis—don’t trip!”

What followed is too embarrassing to recall. My sister crawled on me like a puppy, sniffing everywhere. She stripped my clothes off one by one. I opened my mouth to scold her—

“Bro, you’re too much!”

Why did she say it first?

I followed her gaze downward. My lips twitched wildly. Xier… wearing the wrong panties could kill a man. Do you know that…