Zhou Ruiyang lifted his head, eyebrows arching slightly.

Two birds darted across the sky, chasing each other. The little Sparrow being pursued—he recognized her instantly as Mujin.

Without hesitation, Zhou Ruiyang sprinted toward her.

He planted a foot on the roadside step, leaping high into the air. Like a basketball player snagging a pass, he caught Mujin mid-flight.

“What are you doing?” he asked the tiny Sparrow in his palm.

Mujin chirped back, “It’s not about what *I* want—ask *it* what *it* wants!”

Zhou Ruiyang turned to the sparrowhawk. “What do *you* want?”

The sparrowhawk halted midair at his challenge.

It clearly feared humans but refused to abandon its prey. Even with the Sparrow captured, it circled overhead, waiting for an opening.

This Sparrow radiated unnatural strength—a thrill that ignited the hawk’s hunting instinct.

Zhou Ruiyang’s eyes sharpened as he gazed up at the circling predator. “You want to eat her?”

The sparrowhawk shuddered, sensing danger. It climbed higher, keeping its distance.

“Get it, Xiao Yang!” Mujin squawked from his hand, puffing up boldly. “Make it taste what it’s like to be hunted!”

The near-death scare had erased her earlier embarrassment completely.

Seeing her act tough under his protection, Zhou Ruiyang teased her. He pinched her plump body, flipping her belly-up toward the sky. “Here, eagle brother. Want a snack? Take her.”

Mujin froze for a second—then erupted.

“Zhou Ruiyang! You traitorous brat! Plotting a coup? Newsflash: I’ve got zero inheritance—just unpaid Huabei debt!! ... Wait, I’m sorry, Dad! Don’t throw me—I’m scared!”

Amused by her lightning-fast mood shift, Zhou Ruiyang chuckled. He tucked her gently into his chest pocket and poked her head. “Scared of what? I’d never actually feed you to it.”

Mujin puffed up like an angry balloon but stayed quiet.

*Zhou Ruiyang, just you wait. I’ll “reward” you later. I’ll be your loyal dog!*

The sparrowhawk still lingered above, stubbornly refusing to leave.

Zhou Ruiyang figured this hawk had rare determination—it wouldn’t quit until it got what it wanted.

He needed a way to send it off.

Spotting the grilled sausage in his hand, he had an idea.

“I can’t give you the Sparrow,” he called up, taking a bite. “But try this. Tastes way better.” He tossed a chunk to the ground.

“My sausage!” Mujin’s head popped out of his pocket, protesting loudly.

“Not yours. Didn’t buy it for you.”

Zhou Ruiyang stepped back, creating space.

The sparrowhawk—a campus regular used to handouts—slowly landed. It pecked cautiously at the sausage.

One taste, and its eyes widened.

Birds had taste buds too. An explosion of flavor surged through it, energizing every feather.

Unafraid now, it hopped closer to Zhou Ruiyang.

“Oh? You like it?” Zhou Ruiyang smiled, tossing more pieces. He loved animals.

The hawk devoured half the ten-yuan sausage in minutes. Full and satisfied, it spread its wings. It circled once above Zhou Ruiyang’s head, let out a sharp cry, then glided away.

“What was it saying?”

“Sounded like thanks.”

“You understand bird language?”

“Nope. Made it up.”

“You’re a bird! Shouldn’t you get it?”

“You’re human. Did you pass CET-6?”

“I did. So?”

“Nothing. Just calling you a jerk.”

······

Walking on, Zhou Ruiyang asked, “Weren’t you in the dorm? Why’d a hawk chase you?”

“Ah... just out for a stroll,” Mujin sighed in relief. “Got targeted. Lucky you saved me—almost became bar snacks.” She paused. “Wait, why are *you* here? Shouldn’t you be in class?”

*Right—class time. And that girl earlier... he saw us as two separate people. Better play it cool.*

“Oh, I escorted a girl over.”

“A girl?” Mujin feigned wide-eyed interest. “Xiao Yang snagged a girlfriend? Who? Do I know her?”

“The one who came to our dorm for my clothes.”

“*Her?* Dude, you hit the jackpot! She’s gorgeous and sweet—it’s your lucky day.” Mujin almost blushed at her own praise.

“Really? She feels... off. Acts like we’re old friends. And...” Zhou Ruiyang hesitated. “She’s too forward. Not my type.”

They’d only met twice. The first time, he’d accidentally brushed her chest—she’d laughed it off. He’d thought her easygoing.

But the second time, when she lifted her skirt... he’d changed his mind.

*Too flirty.*

Mujin’s eyes widened. “So you *don’t* like her?”

“Love isn’t that simple. I don’t believe in love at first sight. I value loyalty and time—”

“Ow! Why’d you peck me?” Zhou Ruiyang rubbed his finger where she’d nipped him.

“You! Enjoyed the show when she lifted her skirt, now playing saint?” Mujin glared, adorably fierce. “Narcissist! She probably can’t stand you anyway!”

*He thinks I’m some loose girl. I only ever showed myself to him—and he judges me like this?*

Fuming but unable to explain, she lashed out as if critiquing a stranger.

“I never said she liked me,” Zhou Ruiyang countered. “You asked my opinion—I gave it.”

“You... whatever. Stay single forever, you idiot.” Mujin waved a wing dismissively, mimicking a human gesture.

Zhou Ruiyang grinned. “Why so worked up? Feels like *you’re* the one involved...”

His smile faded.

“Wait, Mujin.”

“What?” she snapped.

“I never mentioned her lifting her skirt. Did I?”

The little Sparrow went rigid.