Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows that painted the street like a living poem.

Hiru Kawakami and Yueci Porcelain walked side by side, their figures flickering in and out of view within the interplay of light and shadow.

A tiny bud of joy sprouted in Hiru’s heart. She kept stealing glances at Yueci beside her.

Yueci’s face had been pale earlier, but now it held a healthy glow.

For the afternoon, she’d changed into a loose, casual shirt and wide-leg pants, radiating effortless ease.

Hiru’s gaze lingered on Yueci’s rosy lips, her own cheeks warming.

The sunlight bathing them felt deeply comforting.

Yueci’s ink-black hair shimmered softly in the bright sun. Even her profile alone made Hiru’s heart skip.

Time stretched luxuriously in the afternoon air, slowing with each step they took. Hiru wished this moment could last just a little longer…

"Yueci-san…" Hiru gathered her courage and spoke softly. "What kinds of books do you usually like to read…?"

To Hiru, Yueci was a secret veiled in gauze. She’d barely mustered the nerve to ask her out today…

She wanted to understand her better.

Yueci turned her head slightly at the gentle voice. In Hiru’s curious eyes, she saw her own reflection.

Yueci rubbed her chin, thinking for two seconds. Shanwu Lingsheng had asked her something similar before.

"Mystery and detective novels," she replied. "I enjoy the intellectual battles and that spine-tingling feeling."

"What about you?"

Hiru blinked in surprise.

"M-me?"

She shyly looked away, focusing on distant tree branches swaying in the wind.

"I don’t really have a favorite genre…"

She rarely had time or mood for reading anyway.

But Yueci simply thought she meant she read a little of everything. A faint smile touched Yueci’s lips.

"That’s fine. Everyone has their own way of enjoying books."

Silence settled between them again as they walked.

Noticing Hiru had stopped, Yueci followed her gaze to a bookstore.

Located within Light Private High School’s district and catering partly to wealthy families, it was a sizable establishment.

They stepped inside.

The first floor held the usual: a checkout counter and stationery supplies.

Upstairs, rows upon rows of books stretched endlessly across shelves.

A central reading area offered tables and chairs.

The store embraced minimalist design—milky-white shelves and displays created a clean, airy feel.

Opposite the escalator stood a book locator terminal. Typing a title revealed its exact shelf and row.

Watching Hiru demonstrate it, Yueci’s calm face hid inner turmoil.

*Something as convenient as a phone…*

*Am I really so out of touch?*

*Modern tech has advanced this far already…*

She sighed inwardly.

"Well, well. If it isn’t our special admit, Hiru Kawakami?"

"Got money to browse bookstores now?"

A sneering male voice, utterly clashing with the bookstore’s calm, cut through from behind.

Yueci frowned and turned.

A high-school-aged boy draped in designer labels stood at the escalator entrance, glaring maliciously at Hiru.

"Gangmen Yanzuo… from Tanaka’s circle… He hasn’t been at school these past days…"

Hiru whispered softly into Yueci’s ear.

Yueci stepped forward instantly, shielding Hiru behind her.

"Yueci-san…"

Hiru froze at the sudden movement.

"What do you want?"

Yueci’s icy stare held clear displeasure.

Hiru lowered her eyes, watching Yueci’s slender but strong back. Her expression was unreadable, shadowed—but the faint flush on her ear tips betrayed her true feelings.

Gangmen stared at the girl who’d blocked Hiru. He’d meant to sneer, but her face stunned him silent.

*Where did this poor girl find such a stunning beauty?*

*That looks… top-tier even for Light!*

*Some family’s heiress?*

*Hiru called her "Yueci-san"…*

He scrambled through his mental list of eligible young ladies from prominent families. None bore the surname "Yueci."

*Just a pretty commoner, then?*

*Better test the waters first.*

Seeing Yueci protect Hiru, his lip curled with irritation. But caution made him rein it in slightly.

"Might I ask the beautiful lady’s name?" he oozed. "Why associate with a special admit like this? It’s rather… beneath you."

Yueci’s expression darkened. She frowned at his ingratiating tone.

Other customers arriving upstairs had noticed the trio. Steps slowed. Whispers and pointed fingers began.

Hiru’s face tightened. Her lips pressed into a thin, bloodless line.

Fists clenched at her sides, she fought to keep her composure before Yueci.

Yueci merely glanced at Gangmen. A faint, cold smile curved her lips.

Just as Gangmen’s thoughts turned distracted…

Her crimson lips parted.

"None of your damn business."

His budding infatuation instantly vaporized into scalding rage. His face flushed crimson.

"My brother is Tanaka Kenta, the Tanaka family’s only son! Don’t spit on kindness offered!"

Yueci remained unmoved, her gaze steady.

"Still none of my damn business."

Gangmen’s face burned. He jabbed a finger repeatedly between Hiru and Yueci.

Threats died on his tongue—he didn’t know this girl’s background.

Her utter calm unnerved him.

Those deep, ink-black eyes seemed to pierce his filthy thoughts…

*This woman isn’t ordinary!*

*How did Hiru get so lucky to latch onto her?*

Yueci dismissed his threats. She’d already beaten his brother. Just hours ago, Tanaka Kenta had tried to have her killed…

They’d long since burned that bridge.

Wasting words on trash like him was pointless.

Yueci shot him one last look of disdain, then turned and took Hiru’s hand, leading her deeper into the store.

Gangmen’s fury erupted like gasoline on fire.

*Ignored?!*

He lunged to block their path—but froze when he met Yueci’s eyes.

Blood-red irises swirled with chilling indifference, almost unnatural.

Her cold stare pinned him to the spot. A primal fear crawled up his spine.

"Roll."

Her voice dripped with icy venom.

By the time he snapped out of it, they were gone.

"Thank you…"

Once out of Gangmen’s sight, Hiru slowly withdrew her hand from Yueci’s.

"Trivial."

Yueci arched a brow. Her beautiful dark eyes reflected Hiru’s image.

Hiru quietly looked away.

"Let’s find some books."

Hiru nodded, scanning the nearby shelves.

Yueci glanced around the store and headed toward the "Mystery & Thriller" section.

As she approached, she spotted someone familiar already standing there…