"Oh, right," Luo Yu changed the subject, looking puzzled at the four men wholeheartedly playing a symphony. "Hasn't Miss Meizi been sick lately? How dare you all still come to play with her?"

Hearing this, the men's expressions shifted. "What illness?"

"... Luo Yu: "Do I need to spell out what illness she has?"

Luo Yu's meaning was obvious. The men's faces trembled slightly, their fingers slowly stopping on their instruments.

The symphony came to an abrupt halt.

But soon, everyone relaxed and laughed.

"Eh, what's the big deal."

"It's nothing."

"No wonder Miss Meizi's services have gotten more cost-effective. I'll still visit to play symphonies for her."

"Hahaha..."

This minor setback couldn't dampen their passion for music or gratitude toward Miss Meizi.

Luo Yu struggled to keep a straight face and waved. "I'll say goodbye now. I need to talk to Meizi inside."

"Goodbye."

"Bye, Xiao Yu."

"..."

After wasting time on nonsense with those men, Luo Yu sighed in relief and finally entered the house.

Meizi had been playing all day and was nearly passing out from exhaustion. Luo Yu wiped her lower abdomen with a tissue, then gently patted her face.

She whispered, "Sis Meizi, wake up. The band guys have left."

"Huh?"

Meizi woke drowsily, grabbed a torn shirt with cut-out holes from beside the bed, threw it on unbuttoned, and smiled. "Young people are so passionate. Even after getting famous and rich, they visit to teach me music."

Luo Yu nodded. "Those guys are seriously insane."

"Alright, time for your business, Luo Yu." Meizi turned, clapping happily. "A year apart—you must've missed Sis Meizi terribly, right? Lying awake at the Central, thinking of me?"

Luo Yu shook her head. "Not once."

Meizi: "..."

Luo Yu looked up seriously. "Sis Meizi, when will you die? Once you're gone, I never have to return to this crappy Lan City. I can live freely right away."

"Sigh, still so blunt," Sister Meizi smiled awkwardly. "You're just mad I wanted you to take over my role. Fine—I won't mention it for now, okay?"

Luo Yu frowned. "Really?"

"Really, really." Meizi pointed toward the kitchen. "You traveled far. Wash your face first. Then we'll talk, sisters."

"Oh."

Luo Yu turned toward the kitchen. Meizi watched the girl's small back, a sly smile creeping onto her lips.

She grabbed the candy jar from the table, opened it—a knockout scent hit her nose—and laughed. "Luo Yu, ah Luo Yu! The Champion's in Lan City collecting gorgeous girls, right? You're the perfect target. I'll knock you out, tie you up, and cash you in."

Luo Yu, freshly washed and watching, stared. "..."

Meizi startled. "How'd you wash so fast?"

Seeing Luo Yu's speechless look, Meizi's expression shifted smoothly. "You know, I was just joking! Don't take it to heart. Later, I'll give you candy—totally safe. Just swallow it whole, okay?"

Luo Yu: "...I don't think you're joking."

"That's why you can't care for yourself," Meizi sighed. "Met bad people again this year? Look at you—so thin only your chest and butt remain. Eat sweets to replenish. Here."

Meizi popped a piece of jar-candy into her mouth, licking it.

"Ah, stop." Luo Yu pushed away Meizi's grabbing hands. "The first bad person I met stands before me, Meizi. Why would I eat your weird stuff?"

Meizi blinked. "Oh, right."

"Use your brain."

"How about mouth-to-mouth feeding?" Meizi sat on the bed, pondering hard. She plucked another candy piece, held it in her mouth. "You always kiss girls. Sis Meizi lets you kiss her—my only wish is you eat this candy."

"... Luo Yu deadpanned, "You just did *that*. How could I kiss you?"

"... True."

Meizi licked the candy, nodding. "You were clever as a kid. Ordinary tricks won't work."

Overthinking, she accidentally swallowed the candy. The drug hit fast—she collapsed onto the bed, unconscious.

Luo Yu: "..."