Su Nisheng quietly turned the pages of her book while Lin Ran actually drifted back to sleep.

Seizing the moment, Su Nisheng stealthily checked his computer game logs. From 8 PM to 3 AM last night, he’d been in continuous matches. He couldn’t possibly have visited that KTV—it was thirty kilometers from his apartment.

She sighed softly, glancing back at him. The blanket had slipped slightly, revealing his clean, peaceful profile. Her eyes grew distant, a trace of unspoken disappointment flickering within.

Perhaps she’d only been deluding herself. Lin Ran was just an ordinary person—merely a little sharper than most. Nothing more.

She’d always hoped… he wasn’t ordinary. That they still belonged to the same world. That the distance between them wouldn’t feel so vast.

Their breakup had been simple, really.

Her powers awakened at eighteen, during sophomore year. She kept it secret until senior year graduation, when she finally asked Lin Ran his thoughts. She wanted to join The Alliance—her father was its deputy commander—but more than legacy, it was her childhood dream. Her choice. After long discussions, Lin Ran offered calm blessings, no protests, no clinging.

They parted.

Once she made that choice, they no longer lived in the same world. The shadows held ruthless enemies. If Lin Ran stayed close to her, vengeful forces might target him—a normal person caught in her storm.

So they separated peacefully. Lin Ran only wished her well. That year, his college entrance exam scores disappointed him. The promising student who could’ve attended a top university gave up on retaking the test. He moved into a rented apartment alone.

Su Nisheng carried guilt for that.

Did love still linger between them? She didn’t know. Couldn’t answer for herself. And Lin Ran? She doubted it.

She thought she knew him well. His past was clear: raised in Orphanage Haven, transferred to a boarding school after a fire at age ten. He survived on stipends and donations, excelling academically—scholarships and subsidies his lifeline. He worked part-time through high school. Then he met Su Nisheng. They fell in love. They parted.

He’d always been alone. As her boyfriend, he’d been perfect. Yet he’d often retreat into silent solitude—a world she never entered. Sometimes she wondered: if they were still together, might she finally glimpse inside?

But there were no second chances.

…………………………

Su Nisheng spotted Lin Ran’s notebook in the cabinet.

She remembered it. He’d filled its thick pages with copied quotes, each dated. She’d flipped through it countless times before.

Now she held it again. She turned to a page yellowed with age—four years old.

*"What can I give you to make you stay?*

*I offer you desolate streets.*

*The despair of a setting sun.*

*The moon over ruined suburbs.*

*I offer you the sorrow of a man who has gazed at the moon for too long."*

Her nose stung.

She kept turning pages. Then, a quiet voice behind her: "Snooping through someone’s private things is rude, you know."

Su Nisheng snapped the notebook shut, returned it to its place, and turned. She gave a soft, playful snort. "Isn’t that my privilege?"

"Sorry, Su. That privilege expired." Lin Ran sat up, stretching lazily by the window. "Well-rested now."

"Why are you still here? Shouldn’t you be busy?" he asked casually.

"Not constantly. Most ability-related crimes are hard to solve. Last night’s incident shook the entire ability-user community—three S Rank and one A Rank dead under bizarre circumstances."

"Bizarre? Weren’t they just… killed like that?"

"You surf the web daily. Remember what I said? Once powers awaken, constant energy training makes bodies superhuman—no matter the ability type."

"I remember."

"That’s why it’s illogical. Three S Rank users should have energy-hardened bones and tissues. Yet at the scene, their skulls, brains, eyes, nerves—all exploded instantly. No warning. Even their neck wounds were unnaturally smooth… Only an SS Rank could kill them that easily. And the whole thing took under five seconds."

"What does that mean…?"

"SS Rank users are city guardians in The Alliance! That’s terrifying. If one loses control or turns against us… cities become vulnerable. But we’ve found zero traces. The only lead is Ink Orange Ice—and she’s vanished. Even if found, she could simply claim ignorance."

Lin Ran turned, spreading his hands. "Then arrest Ink Orange Ice. Set a trap. If the killer comes to rescue her, take him out. If not…" He shrugged. "You told me The Alliance has mind-wiping tech. Wipe her memories. Gain a new S Rank asset. Problem solved, no?"

Su Nisheng froze, staring at him. His expression was utterly innocent.

It was the obvious solution. She’d just never considered it.

"How is that different from those dark organizations?"

"Maybe it isn’t. Are you sure your superiors haven’t already thought this way? It’s the logical move, isn’t it?"

Suddenly, Lin Ran’s smile felt dangerous.

"That plan… is unacceptable. The Alliance doesn’t operate like that." Su Nisheng clenched her jaw, meeting his gaze stubbornly.

"Suit yourself. Just a suggestion. Besides…" His tone turned casual. "You don’t actually have the authority to decide, do you?"

"I don’t know." Su Nisheng lowered her eyes slightly.

She knew The Alliance’s "justice" was often hollow. But even hollow justice was better than pure malice.

She remembered their last conversation before parting. Lin Ran had asked her this very question.

"I’ve read about that world online," he said, his voice turning serious. "Back then, I asked you: *Why help them? You can’t save everyone.* Do you recall your answer?" He smiled faintly.

"Of course I do." Su Nisheng’s eyes shone, unwavering.

That rainy day in the bubble tea shop. She’d gripped her cup tightly, answering why she’d join The Alliance:

*"Because someone is crying… and I can hear them."*

That was her conviction.

……………………………………

"If I ever see Ink Orange Ice again," Lin Ran said suddenly, smiling, "I’ll ask her for you."

"Okay." Su Nisheng tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

"Busy tonight?" she asked unexpectedly.

"No. Going out?" Lin Ran’s eyes narrowed warily. *Going out is exhausting.*

"Clubbing. My treat."

"Pass… too loud."

"Loud means fun."

"Let me think."

"Think? Just escort your sister. Someone’s gotta carry me home when I’m drunk."

"*Carry* me home?"

"If you dare." Su Nisheng’s tongue flicked lightly over her lip. Lin Ran held her gaze. "Fine. Pick me up later."

"Deal. I’ll wrap up my tasks first."

After saying goodbye, Lin Ran booted up his game. On the login screen, he spotted the ID "Ink Orange Ice" online. He sent a party invite. She queued as ADC; he silently took support.

Her cool, clear voice came through his headset.

"Feeling better?" he asked. She’d mentioned feeling unwell yesterday.

"Much better."

"You still sound weak. Two matches, then rest. I’m heading out later."

"Where?"

"Club. Free drinks."

"Can I come?" Her voice held a careful, hesitant note.

"No. If you did…" He paused. "Someone would lose her mind with joy. She’s been searching everywhere for you."

"Understood." Ink Orange Ice asked no more questions, focusing on the game.

……………………………………

At 10 PM, the roar of a supercar engine shattered the night. Su Nisheng called. Lin Ran walked to the window. Below, she stood in a black strapless top, waving. He waved back reluctantly and headed downstairs.

He fumbled with the door of her pink supercar before settling into the passenger seat. Buckling up, he muttered, "Drive slow."

"Got it, got it."

Su Nisheng grinned, her snow-white calf pressing the accelerator.