“Bai Zhi.”

Lin Ming’s gaze grew hazy as he looked at the silver-haired maiden before him. She shared certain features with *her*—without thinking, he overlapped her image with the white-clad figure from his memories…

But the moment the faces merged, he saw it wasn’t *her*. Lin Ming jolted back to reality. His face paled slightly as he pressed a hand to his temple and whispered, voice faint as a mosquito’s buzz: “No… You’re not her… She was clearly…”

“Are you alright, sir?” Yuhan He asked softly, eyes on the boy in a school uniform before her—white ahoge twitching atop his head.

“Ah! …Cough, cough.” Startled from his daze by her gentle voice, Lin Ming coughed twice to mask his fluster. “I’m Lin Ming, second-year at Azure Spirit Academy. You must be Yuhan He?”

“Mm! Yes, I’m the Songstress, Yuhan He.” She offered a faint, polite smile.

Lin Ming had initially been stunned by her silver hair. Now composed, his mind whirred—though perhaps it was just to hide something.

He pulled an autograph board and pen from his Storage Ring. “Could you sign this for me?”

“Uh? Sure.” Yuhan He blinked. Moments ago he’d been clutching his head in pain; now he was asking for a signature. As she signed, a trace of curiosity flickered—this boy’s expression shifted like a mask.

“Here you go.” She handed them back.

Lin Ming accepted them, smugness bubbling inside. *A Songstress’s autograph… a pen she touched… How much could I sell these for?!*

A sharp gaze locked onto him. Rosen stared, eyes cold with suspicion—*Kid, what’s your real game?*

Lin Ming tucked the items into his Storage Ring, lifted his chin, and cut straight to the point: “Ahem. Head back to the academy now, or wait a few days?”

“I’ve other tasks in Wind City. If you’re in a hurry, we leave immediately.”

“We leave now.” A deep, steady voice.

“Let’s wait a few days.” A voice like a nightingale’s trill.

Both spoke at once.

Rosen sighed, rubbing his temples. “Miss, we must go. We can’t delay.”

“But Grandpa Rosen,” Yuhan He pleaded, voice sweet, “I’ve been cooped up in the hotel since arriving. Now that academy staff are here… can’t I relax a little?”

She *was* a girl in bloom—trapped indoors too long, naturally craving a stroll.

“Ugh…” Rosen groaned. “Miss, Azure Spirit Academy’s term has begun. We’re already late.”

“Eh? Really?” Disappointment dimmed her eyes. Their destination *was* the academy…

“Actually,” Lin Ming chimed in, “as a Special Admit, Yuhan He can arrive later. No problem.”

“KID!!! Are you stirring trouble?!” Rosen barked.

“Just stating facts,” Lin Ming muttered, scratching his cheek.

“Really, Grandpa Rosen? A few more days?” Yuhan He turned those dewy, pleading eyes on him.

“But… what if danger comes? I might not protect you alone.” Rosen faltered under her gaze.

“Don’t worry! Grandpa Rosen is strong. And Senior Lin Ming is here too!” She pointed at Lin Ming.

“Senior?!” Lin Ming froze. *Whoa!! Not one person at academy calls me ‘Senior’—I’m basically public enemy number one!*

“Of course!” Yuhan He nodded earnestly. “You’re second-year. Calling you Senior is correct.”

“…Right. You’ll be first-year. Makes sense.” Lin Ming crossed his arms, nodding slowly.

“Mm! Mm!” She beamed.

Rosen stepped in. “Miss, *I’m* strong—but this Lin Ming’s strength? Unknown. In danger, *I* might protect *him*.”

“Eh? Is that so?” Yuhan He tilted her head.

“Hey! Hey! Hey! Old man, don’t underestimate me!” Lin Ming shot back. Even his ahoge bristled, twitching twice.

“Then answer: What’s your rank? You’ve dodged this.” Rosen’s stare pierced him.

“Old man, I said it—if paid enough, I’d slay a god! Why’s that so hard?” Lin Ming spread his hands, exasperated.

“That’s an answer?” Rosen’s eye twitched. *Frivolous since the city gates… infuriating.*

“You—”

“Senior,” Yuhan He cut in, eyes bright, “what did you mean by ‘payment’?”

Lin Ming’s ahoge jumped. A grin bloomed. “Junior interested? I’ll explain.”

“Sure! Grandpa Rosen, listen too?”

“I’ll hear your ‘scheme.’ Hmph!” Rosen crossed his arms.

“Simple,” Lin Ming puffed his chest. “You pay. I handle *any* task. Payment for service!”

Rosen’s lip twitched. *All talk.* “Miss, perhaps we contact the academy and—”

“Then,” Yuhan He interrupted, eyes sparkling, “if I ask you to let me enjoy Wind City for days… can you do it?”

“I accept.” Lin Ming didn’t hesitate.

“Really? Wonderful! Complete it, and you get paid!”

“Miss, you—!” Rosen knew her too well—she just loved drama.

Yuhan He watched Lin Ming, curious. Then—his ahoge twitched. His entire presence shifted.

Where he’d been careless moments before, now radiated unshakable confidence. Coolness dialed to eleven.

Face solemn, Lin Ming declared: “I accept the task. Old man—you doubt my strength? Fight me. Settle it.”

“What?!” Yuhan He’s eyes widened. *He’d challenge Rosen?! An A Rank?!*

“Kid… serious?” Rosen’s tone shifted. He’d seen Lin Ming’s awareness of his rank. Either a fool… or capable. Lin Ming wasn’t a fool.

“Dead serious. I don’t back down.” Lin Ming’s voice was quiet, steady.

*'Side job! Just a fight? Easy. Fought A Ranks before—Shangguan Luoxue dragged me into spars daily. However strong this old man is… he’s no Shangguan Luoxue. This task? Pure profit.'*

“Fine. Follow me.” Rosen turned and strode out.

Lin Ming followed.

Yuhan He trailed behind, eyes gleaming with little stars. “So exciting!”

Unseen by them, a crow took flight from the windowsill.