I met the receptionist’s eyes and let out an awkward chuckle. "Really? That’s incredible! Mr. Zhe Li truly is China’s top magician!"

The moment the words left my mouth, I felt my mother lean closer. She whispered, "Xiao Ze, isn’t Zhe Li you? And your performance fee is that high now?"

I kept my voice low. "I don’t know how that happened. Honestly, I’m not interested in magic shows anymore. I just want a normal life with you, Mom."

Suddenly, she gave my back a light pat and smiled. "My boy’s grown so thoughtful. I’d planned to let you enjoy campus life these days... You’ve been through so much all these years. Mom—"

I gently pressed a finger to her lips. "Let’s not dwell on the past. I only care about building a better future."

Just as the moment warmed, a woman’s voice cut in from the right.

"Excuse me—terribly sorry, but the manager has arrived."

I turned to see a bespectacled man standing beside the receptionist. He wore no flashy accessories; even his watch was starkly simple, likely telling time and nothing more. In a high-end city like F, such minimalism was rare.

He stood around 175cm—shorter than me—but radiated sharp energy. His no-nonsense attire didn’t look outdated; it screamed efficiency.

He stepped forward and extended a hand. "Mr. Li Ze? I’m Zhao Sa, executive manager of Star Century Hotel. A pleasure."

I shook his hand. "The pleasure’s mine, Manager Zhao."

"You must have a reservation? I just checked our records... and found your name."

"Ah... yes, I believe so." *Mom wouldn’t have brought me here without one*, I thought.

"The reservation matches this card. Perfect." He pulled out a tablet and swiped a few times.

My phone buzzed in my pocket. As I reached for it, the receptionist bowed and handed me a keycard. "Welcome to Star Century Hotel, Mr. Li. Your room is 9035. Please keep this safe."

I took the card—and realized Manager Zhao had vanished. Glancing around, I spotted him near the entrance, speaking with a thin, frail-looking boy.

Since it didn’t concern me, and Mom was urging me forward, I followed her into the elevator.

The halls were quiet—most students had finished registration two days prior. Few arrived the day before orientation like me. Of course, the steep room rates also kept crowds away. Though the cost was negligible compared to my card’s balance, I hated using that money. Every swipe felt like taking a loan.

Just as I vowed never to waste cash here again, Mom stopped. I looked up. We’d arrived.

She slid the keycard with practiced ease. As the door swung open slowly, a chilling thought struck me: if we’d just received the room... where were my school uniform and supplies?