Yiyingnan clapped her hands together.

"First off, happy Halloween everyone! I brought lots of candy~ Hope you enjoy it~"

Her words sent the class cheering to new heights. Though Yixinxue and Yiyingnan were twins, their personalities couldn’t be more different. Many had already started shifting their affections, scheming ways to win over Yiyingnan. After all, most would naturally prefer a girl with a warmer, more approachable nature.

"Your sister’s really popular," Lingyuan murmured, resting his chin on his desk as he watched Yiyingnan walk down the aisles, handing candy to every classmate.

The candies were exquisite—clearly high-end. She pressed three into each palm, her smile soft and unchanging throughout. She looked like a doting mother, radiating warmth that made hearts flutter.

"That’s just my sister," Yixinxue said flatly, propping her head up as she watched. She’d seen this scene too many times. Her heart remained utterly unmoved.

Yixinxue had no friends. Yiyingnan, on the other hand, had too many. She was adored wherever she went.

"It’s weird," Lingyuan mused, nudging his chin toward her. "Twins should share at least some similarities, right? You could learn from her. Stop scowling like everyone owes you money."

Yixinxue turned slightly. "So, Lingyuan, when do you plan to start studying?"

"Ah… excellent question! Truly excellent…" Lingyuan planned to half-heartedly cram for a while. Things he had no interest in were impossible to stick with.

"Hmm?"

"I’ll study… just give me time…" he grinned sheepishly.

"Lingyuan~ This is for you~"

Yiyingnan leaned past Yixinxue, pulling out a box nearly the size of a math textbook.

"It’s imported chocolate~ Super delicious~"

A cold glint flashed in the flame-red eyes beside him, making Lingyuan’s scalp prickle.

"You don’t want it, Lingyuan?"

Every gaze in the class locked onto him—except Yixinxue’s, who’d already turned away.

*How does she know my name?*

Lingyuan froze.

Why did he suddenly feel doom looming? He glanced nervously at Yixinxue’s back, then at the chocolate. Taking it or refusing it both spelled disaster. But Yiyingnan stood right there… he couldn’t crush her kindness. She was Yixinxue’s sister, after all.

"Ah… thanks…" He forced a smile, accepting the box while his heart sank.

"Looking forward to your guidance in the future~" Yiyingnan winked one eye, then turned toward the podium—deliberately glancing at Yixinxue as she passed.

*What’s Sister up to…?*

Yixinxue bit her lip. She was the only one without candy… and Lingyuan got the biggest, best share!

*What is she doing?! We agreed she’d help me!*

"Uhh…" Lingyuan stared helplessly at the chocolate. Keeping it would upset Yixinxue. Discarding it would upset Yiyingnan. A true lose-lose.

After a pause, he whispered carefully:

"Class rep…"

"What?"

"This chocolate—"

"Dare to eat it and see."

"N-no way! Of course not! You should have it… you should…" He shoved the box into her hands. "You should smile more… you’re kinda scary like this…"

*Is that so?*

The girl turned slightly, the corners of her mouth lifting just a trace.

"Satisfied, Lingyuan?"

This wasn’t a smile. Her eyes held no warmth—only a sickening hunger.

"…Maybe don’t smile," Lingyuan covered his face, caught between laughter and despair.

Why did it feel even more terrifying now? It sent chills down his spine.

"Now, Yiyingnan," the homeroom teacher asked kindly, "where would you like to sit? Since your grades are strong, you may choose."

"Behind Xinxue, please."

Before the words fully landed, Yixinxue snapped:

"No!"

"Eh…" The teacher flinched at her outburst, words catching in his throat.

"Well… your sister seems—"

"Teacher, my sister has poor eyesight. I suggest placing her in the front three rows."

The teacher nodded thoughtfully, turning to Yiyingnan. "Yiyingnan, would that work for you?"

Yiyingnan seemed to see right through Yixinxue’s scheme, yet her smile stayed soft and sweet. "My sister makes sense. Let’s do as she says."

"Then Lanfeng, you’ll move to the second-to-last row. Yixinxue, take this seat."

*Lanfeng!*

Lingyuan sat bolt upright. His long-lost brother was back! Soon, only an aisle would separate them. Though farther than sitting upfront, having a fellow sufferer nearby lifted his spirits. Plus, he shared way more interests with Lanfeng than with Yixinxue.

Lingyuan watched happily as Lanfeng dragged his desk over.

*Why does bro look so drained today? Never seen him this haggard…*

Lanfeng dropped his desk and immediately slumped forward to sleep.

"What’s wrong, man? You look wrecked," Lingyuan leaned closer. Lanfeng rarely napped in the mornings—unlike Lingyuan, who crashed early after gaming all night.

Lanfeng lifted his bleary eyes just enough to glare. "Freaking exhausted."

"What’d you do last night?"

"Wake me when I’ve slept enough. Right now… I’ve got a little devil and angel arguing in my head. The devil says to sleep."

"Huh?"

Lingyuan was baffled. Something big must’ve happened to leave Lanfeng this wrecked.

"So… what’s the angel say?"

"Listen to the devil." Lanfeng grumbled, burying his face again.

"…" Lingyuan held back more questions. He’d wait until Lanfeng woke up properly.

"Class begin." The teacher’s eyes landed instantly on Lingyuan, who’d been craning his neck to look around. "Lingyuan’s actually awake today—progress! Now, take out last week’s English quiz. We must review it before tomorrow’s test."

After frantic rummaging, Lingyuan tapped Yixinxue’s back, hand pressed to his forehead.

"What?"

"I… can’t find my quiz…"

"Heh heh. Come sit beside me then."

*Wait… why does that laugh sound so ominous…?*