I stared blankly at the figure on the bed, my mind a jumbled mess. I didn’t even notice myself sinking to the floor.

It had only been three days since I met Qingli. She was the one who pulled me into this world—the only one who stood beside me as I faced its bewildering depths.

*["To be precise, it’s Luo Qingli. She took your surname."]*

*["It’s alright. I’ll stay with you."]*

*["You mentioned being busy today. I wanted to help."]*

Her words from the past two days still echoed in my ears. And what had I done in return? When I felt down, I’d whine about wanting to *cry-cry*, then cling to her until my tears soaked her shirt. When I got drenched in the rain, I’d demand *bath-bath* and fresh clothes, making her run the water, dry my hair, and warm my garments. When I craved strength, I’d pout about wanting to *learn-learn*, dragging her into teaching me.

What had I ever done for her? Nothing.

What had she done for me? Everything.

She’d even given her life for me.

I’d never felt so worthless in my entire life. Yet Qingli never complained. She silently obeyed every whim, agreed to every request—and I’d been blind to it all.

*Are humans truly creatures who only cherish what they’ve lost?*

“But I’m not even human anymore,” I murmured, eyes shut tight. My voice was barely a whisper.

I searched my heart. Qingli would give her life for me. What about me? Could I give… myself… for her?

*Yes.*

Clarity struck like lightning. I stood up, turning to Elder Mink. “Please take care of her… You said we’d need that legendary medicine by tonight, right?”

He blinked in surprise. “Where will you find it?”

Still in female form, I dressed quickly in the plain shirt, black skirt, dark thigh-highs, and flats Qingli had bought—the same set from our first shopping trip. I grabbed some cash and strode out the door, tossing over my shoulder:

“I’m going to find the strongest person I’ve ever met.”

It was 3:30 PM. Elder Mink said Qingli wouldn’t last past evening. No time to spare—I hailed a taxi without hesitation.

“Driver, Lanying High School. As fast as possible.”

The driver gunned the engine. “Running late for class, kid? You’re way past the bell.”

“Uh-huh,” I mumbled, unable to explain. “Next period’s homeroom. Teacher’ll kill me.”

“Gotcha. I’ll get you there on time.”

The city traffic slowed us, but once we hit the outskirts, the driver sped through empty roads. By 4:00 PM, we’d reached the suburban campus.

“Thanks!” I paid and sprinted toward the towering building. Having visited just two days prior, I navigated the paths effortlessly.

“Hey! Who are you?” A security guard blocked the gate. His tone was kind but firm—this was a prestigious girls’ academy, after all.

My current form was too young, barely middle-school age. Posing as a student wouldn’t work. I forced my voice high and sweet, eyes wide with urgency: “Uncle, please! I need to find my sister. Family emergency!”

He hesitated. “Which class is she in? Name?”

“I don’t know her class… but she’s in the student council. Yejia Yin.”

His expression tightened. “Can’t it wait until after school?”

Panic clawed at my throat. I leaned in, my voice dropping to a whisper:

*“Please.”*

The moment the word left my lips, I felt it—a strange, honeyed vibration in my tone. The guard’s eyes glazed over. Wordlessly, he swiped an electronic key, unlocking the gate like a puppet.

*Like he was controlled.*

A chill ran down my spine as I slipped inside. By the time I glanced back, he’d already returned to his booth, acting as if nothing happened. *That voice… was it my innate skill?*

*Charm.*

It fit the old tales of fox spirits perfectly.

Relief washed over me. Testing it on a passing student, I asked in that same soft, honeyed tone:

“Where can I find the student council president?”

The girl’s eyes went vacant. She turned and walked robotically toward a small house nestled among cherry blossom trees. *Good. It works on girls too.* I followed, noting the skill only affected my direct target—others nearby remained oblivious.

The cottage door bore a plaque: *Student Council Office*, elegant characters half-hidden by falling petals.

“Who even transplants full-grown cherry trees here?” I muttered. “Does our climate even support them?” The enthralled girl heard me but gave no reaction. *They probably won’t remember this later,* I reasoned.

I approached the door, using Charm again: “Hello? Could someone open up?”

The door swung open seconds later. A golden-haired girl stood there, eyes empty. Luck was on my side—she’d been in the office, not a crowded classroom.

But as I stepped inside, my blood froze.

Sitting calmly on the sofa was Yejia Yin.

She wore a sharp black blazer and tie, her long black hair cascading over one shoulder. Her posture radiated authority—utterly unlike the girl I’d known. She hadn’t fallen under my Charm… yet she’d let her president open the door for me.

No turning back now. I clenched my jaw and walked forward.

Yejia Yin’s gaze drifted past my head, lingering on the cherry blossoms outside the open door.

“I…” I took a shaky breath. “I’m Luo Xiaoyao.”

“Oh.”

Her flat, emotionless tone sent a shiver through me. I’d expected the underworld boss beneath her gentle facade—but this icy detachment was worse than I’d imagined.

I reached behind my back, tugging my panties down slightly at the waistband. *Don’t want them ripped when my tails come out.*

“I came to ask…”

I focused inward. When I opened my eyes again, nine magnificent tails fanned out behind me like a peacock’s display.

*“Please. Help me.”*

…*Wait. Only male peacocks fan their tails, right?*