"Those people... how dare they turn my brother into this... I will never forgive them!"

Brother Long clenched his fists in fury, his eyes bloodshot, veins throbbing on his temples. His expression was fierce and terrifying.

Ouyang remembered clearly—the last time he’d seen Brother Long this angry was a decade ago.

The Mosterians’ actions were unforgivable. The pain inflicted on his brother would be repaid tenfold.

Late at night, back at their shared apartment, only the warm, soft glow of the home lights offered Ouyang a fleeting sense of returning to the human world.

"Want something to eat?"

"I’m not hungry..."

After the bland, barely edible KFO lunch, Ouyang didn’t want Little Qiu worrying more about her health. She shook her head and politely declined.

"Eat anyway. You look thinner, Ouyang-ge. I’ll make fried rice for everyone."

Little Qiu tied on an apron and headed to the kitchen. The living room fell silent. Brother Long sat on the dark brown sofa since they’d returned, hands resting on his knees, deep in serious thought—planning revenge.

At the last Zero District meeting, Brother Long had only seen the leader on a pre-set screen: a shadowy figure, face hidden.

Other district bosses recalled the Zero District leader having fluffy short hair and a voice sounding early twenties—young.

Zero District wasn’t the place to strike. They needed to lure the snakes out and wipe them out completely.

But killing those detestable Blood Clan members wouldn’t restore Ouyang to her former self.

Frustrated and restless, Brother Long slammed his right fist onto the table, seething with rage.

As Ouyang’s family, as his older brother, he had no way to help.

Now unable to walk in sunlight like a normal person, even daily routines were affected.

"For now, Ouyang, rest at home until you adjust. Then..."

Brother Long paused, briefly lost in thought—he didn’t know what role she could take in the family now.

Ouyang had once handled discipline for Xiaomo’s clan: punishing rule-breakers inside and troublemakers outside.

But now, wearing sunglasses and sun-protective clothing, avoiding daylight, that old job was impossible.

"Let me think."

"Okay."

Ouyang saw a trace of sadness on Brother Long’s weary face and quietly agreed.

Just being accepted back felt like a blessing. She didn’t dare ask for more.

Right now, she truly needed rest.

"And... tell me whatever you need. I’ll make it happen. Only us three know—don’t tell anyone."

"Mm."

Ouyang nodded sadly. Brother Long had done everything imaginable.

Like caring for someone helpless, she was deeply grateful—but one thing still weighed on her heart.

"Also... Brother Long, I might not be your brother anymore..."

"Why?"

Ouyang’s pained expression snapped Brother Long from his thoughts. He stood, rushing over anxiously.

"What do you mean? Did you escape just to say goodbye?"

He grabbed her arm tightly, voice fierce.

"Don’t go. I’ll break your legs before I let you return to that dangerous place!"

"No! That’s not it."

Brother Long gripped Ouyang’s right arm, refusing to let go without an answer.

The thought of keeping her close filled him with relief.

"I won’t go anywhere..."

Ouyang winced as his grip tightened, pain flashing across her face.

Even through the ache, she knew it came from care—but the pressure was crushing, like her bones might snap.

The pain broke her boyish tone. She pleaded urgently, "Brother Long, it hurts. Let go... I swear I won’t leave."

Brother Long froze. That soft, delicate voice—like a girl’s—had come from Ouyang.

"Your voice... how..."

He loosened his grip, studying her face and frame. Something was off.

His eyes caught the unbuttoned shirt: white bandages wrapped her chest. Even her Adam’s apple was gone.

He realized what "not being his brother" truly meant.

"Your body..."

He hadn’t noticed before.

Brother Long recalled past jokes—grabbing her arm never made her this tense. That afternoon hug, he’d just thought she’d lost weight.

"Sorry... I didn’t see."

Seeing Ouyang’s cheeks flush slightly, her expression strained, Brother Long released her and apologized urgently.

"It’s fine. I was afraid to tell you."

Not wanting to disturb Little Qiu in the kitchen, Ouyang gently rubbed her wrist, forcing a boyish tone. "I don’t want to leave you either."

She explained her escape from Zero District. Brother Long listened calmly, but his mood darkened.

"You idiot. He gave you his Dragon Seal to hide safely in the Northern District like a coward. To draw him out, you’d have to return it—or we go in."

"No! It’s too dangerous. You can’t go in, Brother Long."

Ouyang cut him off firmly.

Zero District, shrouded in thick fog, had near-zero visibility—and monsters worse than the Blood Clan lurked there. Humans wouldn’t survive.

"Then what will you do?"

"I..."

Ouyang hesitated under Brother Long’s worried gaze, letting out a heavy sigh.

Her turmoil as a girl was far deeper than his.

"Dinner’s ready~ Huh?"

Little Qiu carried three bowls of fried rice to the dining table. Seeing them standing stiffly, she noticed Ouyang-ge’s reddened wrist and scolded, "Boys don’t fight!"

They exchanged a glance, setting aside the tension. They walked to the table and sat down as if nothing happened.

Ouyang stared miserably at the fried rice. Swallowing it felt impossible—but Little Qiu had cooked it herself. Refusing would upset her.

What should she do...