Yufei Han sat at the computer desk in her room, transferring guild management rights under Qinmu’s watchful gaze.
“I’m warning you,” Yufei declared firmly, “next time it’s back in my hands, it won’t be so easy to take it back.”
“Alright, alright, just hurry up and transfer it~” Qinmu relaxed instantly. This girl kept her word after all. Today’s efforts hadn’t been wasted.
Yufei logged into the game interface. Her dazzling inventory of gear and costumes nearly blinded Qinmu—rare mage equipment, even top-tier weapons for Sages and Paladins. Truly, paying players and regular players lived in different worlds.
“Did you buy all this? But… what use are they to you?” Qinmu couldn’t fathom why she’d splurge on gear she couldn’t use.
“Oh, these are leftovers from past classes. I switched professions many times before settling on mage. Couldn’t bear to sell them, so they’re stored in my warehouse.” Yufei explained calmly.
Qinmu swallowed hard as the guild interface opened. The thought of reclaiming leadership sent a thrill through her. Yufei navigated to the guild management settings, clicked *Transfer*, selected Qinmu’s account—*ListeningToRainBathingPool*—and confirmed. The guild leadership changed hands.
Relief washed over Qinmu. She’d regained control. No more being puppeteered.
“About your username,” Yufei grinned, “does *ListeningToRainBathingPool* mean listening to rain while bathing in a tub?”
“Of course not!” Qinmu shot back, flustered. “‘Pool’ can mean a lake or pond. ‘Bathing’ implies grace, nourishment. So it’s ‘listening to rain, nourishing rivers and lakes’—it’s poetic!” Bathing in a tub? That interpretation was utterly mortifying.
“Oh? I didn’t know you were such a wordsmith. I thought you only flirted with girls. How many has my little charmer hooked already?” Yufei had long been annoyed by Qinmu’s playboy antics and wanted answers.
“None! They’re just friends. Or family.” Qinmu rejected the “hooked” label entirely.
“If not ‘hooked,’ then what? I already know about Tu Shen. Who else?” Yufei pressed.
“Really, no one! They’re all normal relationships. Nothing improper.” Qinmu avoided details—explaining would only invite more misunderstandings and trouble.
“I’ll find out anyway. Next Monday, I’m transferring to Jintang Academy. To your class. I’ll see who loves you more fiercely than I do.”
Qinmu froze as if struck by lightning. She was really coming? So soon? *Oh god.* Her entire school life would unravel.
“You don’t look happy. Don’t you want me there?” Yufei crossed her legs, studying Qinmu intently.
Under that piercing gaze, Qinmu squirmed. Denying it meant death. She surrendered weakly: “Of course I welcome you.”
“Then why the gloomy face? Do you dislike me?”
“Never. We’ll be great classmates.” After today’s teasing, Qinmu knew Yufei’s ruthlessness. One wrong move, and she’d lose more than just her dignity.
Yufei sipped her tea, smiling triumphantly. “Naturally. We’ll get along well.”
“Get along… yes. Absolutely…” A wave of exhaustion hit Qinmu—fleeting, inexplicable weakness.
“Excuse me. I should go.” Qinmu stood, drained. She clearly couldn’t stay another minute.
Yufei wasn’t done. “Stay for dinner. The late subway’s still running. Or I’ll have my driver take you.”
“No, family matters. I’ll visit another time.” Qinmu made her escape.
Reluctantly, Yufei let her leave. Keeping her by force would be improper.
Qinmu reached home around 4 PM. The house was quiet. Qingyu sat at her computer, sorting company reports. HuiXiang lounged on her bed reading a romance novel.
Shedding her coat, Qinmu changed into casual home clothes. Yufei’s antics had left her mentally and physically drained. Dizziness washed over her in waves. She needed rest.
“Sis, get me water? I’m thirsty.” HuiXiang called from her room.
Qinmu didn’t head to her own room. Habit took her to the living room table, where she filled HuiXiang’s cup with warm water from the kettle. She placed it on the chair beside HuiXiang’s bed.
“Huh? You’re back early. I was gonna ask Qingyu, but… well, same thing.” HuiXiang set aside her novel.
“How’s recovery? Any urge to return to school?” Qinmu asked gently.
“Maybe in a few days. I can walk now, but it’s still awkward.” HuiXiang preferred staying home to play.
“Everyone asked about you when I picked up your materials last Thursday. They all care.”
Qinmu recalled that chaotic scene.
After class, she’d gone straight to Class 3 on the fourth floor. Knowing her junior high classmate Ling Xu—their class rep—held HuiXiang’s materials, Qinmu targeted her directly.
Her appearance at Class 3’s doorway drew immediate attention. With features nearly identical to HuiXiang’s—even in boys’ uniform—students mistook her for their returned classmate.
“HuiXiang! I’ve missed you so much!” A girl with long wavy black hair lunged to hug her. Qinmu dodged just in time.
“HuiXiang! You’re healed!” A tall boy struck a pose, flashing a confident smile.
Qinmu disliked boys who hovered around HuiXiang. She ignored him.
“I’m not HuiXiang. I’m her brother. Is your class rep here?”
The boy gaped, nearly dropping his glasses. “Brother? Oh. She’s inside. What do you need?”
Qinmu brushed past him. Entering the classroom triggered cheers:
“HuiXiang’s back!”
“We love you, class flower!”
“Mwah! So glad you’re okay!”
*What is this nonsense?*
Ling Xu stayed calm, pulling out a stack of school materials from an empty seat. “Here for HuiXiang’s stuff?”
“Yes. Thanks for looking after her.” Qinmu took the heavy bundle.
Ling Xu smiled faintly. “Tell her I said hello.”
“Will do.”
As Qinmu left, more Class 3 students crowded around:
“Hi, HuiXiang!”
“Glad you recovered!”
“That cold was brutal—five days down! But you made it!”
Qinmu finally snapped, pushing through them: “I’m *not* HuiXiang! I’m her brother! Learn to recognize uniforms first!”
