A cold sweat broke out across my back. Qingli’s words had just unlocked a flood of realizations.

Like why Yejia Yin had been watching my reactions so closely—and why she’d said what she did earlier. Elder Mink had warned me: the moment I awakened, those with sharp senses would notice. If someone like Qingli could spot my Nine Tailed Fox form at a glance…

Then others might see through me too.

A chill ran down my spine. Last night, I’d overheard someone plotting to kill me. Today, I’d met someone who could see my true self. This world was far too hostile. And what did Yejia Yin really want?

I pressed Qingli for details, but she shook her head. "I’m not entirely sure. I only heard rumors. I’ll ask Elder Mink tonight."

"Alright then," I pushed my doubts aside and gestured toward the school. "Let’s set this aside for now. Since we’re already here—wanna take a look inside?"

"Okay," Qingli’s eyes lit up, then dimmed with slight worry. "But… won’t I be interrupting your work?"

"Nah, I’ve got nothing left to do," I shrugged helplessly. "Thanks to Yejia Yin and her crew, someone else took over my job."

At that name, Qingli huffed unhappily but held her tongue. I led her into the school. Truth was, First High’s campus was tiny—barely anything to tour. I just retraced the path I’d shown Yejia Yin that morning.

I avoided the stage on the sports field too. Qingli was my personal guest, unlike Yejia Yin’s official delegation. If anyone noticed, it’d look like I was abusing my position.

We settled in a quiet corner. I gave an apologetic smile. "Sorry—it’s a small school. Not much to see."

My expression must’ve been obvious. Qingli paused. "Xiao Yao… do you dislike this place?"

I stayed silent. That was answer enough. I’d chosen First High only because its light workload would satisfy my father. In truth, it was a compromise—a retreat from what I feared.

Though ranked top among city public schools, its location on expensive downtown-edge land meant cramped buildings. To preserve the sports field, classrooms were squeezed into one small block. Every dismissal turned the three narrow staircases into packed chaos—like a train station during holiday rush.

Then there were the school leaders. Their treatment of Lanying spoke volumes. Some might say administrators don’t affect student life—but they’re dead wrong. Government funds covered everything from research budgets to cafeteria meals. Our city wasn’t stingy; that subpar cafeteria? Proof someone had skimmed off the top.

Who knew how much they’d pocketed.

As we walked on, I nearly collided with a familiar figure—Teacher Xiao Fan, clutching a program list.

"Luo Xiaoyao? What a coincidence—I was looking for you."

*Thank goodness.* Someone finally used my boy-name pronunciation (xiǎo vs. xiào). Teacher Xiao Fan, you’re a lifesaver.

"What do you need?" I turned to Qingli. "Head back for now. Come find me behind the stage around six or seven tonight."

She nodded obediently and left without delay. Teacher Xiao Fan eyed her retreating figure. "Who’s that girl?"

"Just a friend," I said quickly, catching her teasing smirk.

"*Just* a friend?" She grinned wickedly. "She’s gorgeous."

"Seriously, just a regular friend!" I sighed. "You needed me for something?"

"Don’t worry, I won’t tell your homeroom teacher," she teased before turning serious. "Right—this is your final performance list. I’m new to this. You handle the contacts."

Ah. I’d assumed the review team would manage it. I took the page crammed with names and wiped my brow subtly.

*Great. Another busy afternoon.*

Contacting performers was tedious. Most were on the field rehearsing for tonight. I’d warned them not to return to dorms at noon for final confirmations—but some groups were missing. After searching the entire field, I crossed their acts off the list with an ink pen. At least the fun ones remained: crosstalk, skits, rap battles… and that yuri-themed play. Small wins.

After handing the finalized list to Teacher Xiao Fan, I drifted backstage. I tidied props or helped where needed, killing time.

Notably, Yejia Yin and the blonde senior never showed. "They had prior commitments," Teacher Xiao Fan said. "They’ll arrive for the show." A strange sense of relief washed over me. Knowing Yejia Yin’s true nature, I wasn’t sure how to face her.

It wasn’t paranoia. When you’re a fox spirit with targets on your back—some wanting you dead, others scheming—I had every reason to be cautious.

Time crawled until dusk. I checked with a classmate.

"Six fifteen."

About right. Students were already carrying stools to the field. I stretched and headed out.

Since I wasn’t needed here, I’d meet Qingli at the gate.