"During the time Jing Yiqiu replaced me, there must’ve been quite a few issues piling up, right?"

"Ah… that’s true. She did try her best…"

"The tasks you gave me have long surpassed a regular class rep’s duties. ‘Lab assistant’ fits better."

"Sorry—I’ve been relying on you too much without realizing it. You’re just so capable… I’ll reflect on that."

"No need. Just replace Jing Yiqiu after school starts. I’ll handle it."

"I thought you’d refuse to do it anymore."

"Chemistry is the only thing I’m good at and truly passionate about."

"I see…"

"Don’t overthink leverage or messy stuff. Let bygones be bygones. From now on, act like nothing happened."

"Mm…"

"I read chemistry and medical journals in my free time—JACS, CSR, stuff like that. I’d like someone to share thoughts with."

"Really!? That’s great!"

Hearing this, Linqinglan felt a little happy. Though biochemistry and materials majors were often dismissed as "pit-filling" fields, she’d chosen this path years ago, awed by the dazzling collisions of substances. Seeing Yumo share that same spark, she felt a kinship—and found herself warming to him.

"So it’s settled? If I recall, chemicals need storing during winter break too. Call me to help then."

"Mm, since you insist… thank you!"

After chatting briefly, they parted. Linqinglan headed home; Yumo stayed seated, sipping lemonade.

"Such a schemer," Yusuozaai said, grabbing a straw to share his cup.

"You just want excuses to handle those reagents, right?"

"So what? I didn’t lie to her."

"And conveniently win her over too?"

"Depends how you see it…"

"She’s gorgeous—don’t miss your chance. Gobble her up already~"

"Tch. You want me to blackmail her and force myself on her?"

"How would you know without trying? Some seem untouchable, but get ruthless enough, and they’ll cry and obey… Maybe Ms. Lin’s like that?"

"Stop! I’m human, not an animal. Never say that again."

"What’s the difference between humans and animals anyway?"

"...Huh?"

Yusuozaai spoke casually, straw dangling from her lips: "Clutching that thin thread of morality while your family dies… does that make you less beastly? When did Homo sapiens’ morals become the universal standard? Same with Tanglingxue—you could force her obedience with acting and a few drops of reagents, yet you take the long way… Is that really best?"

Her eyes glinted eerily. Something invisible stirred in her hollow sockets. The Demon’s whisper was sweet, lethally alluring despite its danger.

Yumo—

"Bullshit. Who’re you fooling?"

—splashed the leftover drink at her face. Droplets passed through her body, splattering on the floor.

"Sounds logical at first, but it’s full of fallacies. Save your breath."

"...Yuxin’s scolding shames you. Why not mine?"

"Yuxin speaks blunt truths. You just spin wheels. Don’t fool me."

"...Tch. Your magic resistance is high."

Yumo didn’t linger. He slung his homework-filled backpack over his shoulder and strode out of the bubble tea shop—

—only to bump straight into Tanglingxue.

"!?"

"Yo."

Today, she wore a thick retro bomber jacket, denim hot pants, and opaque tights. Her gradient-gold hair flowed past her shoulders, tied in a neat ponytail. Light makeup made her look fresh and youthful.

"So you’re involved with our hot teacher too?" she teased.

"She delivered my winter homework and instructions. What’re you doing here?"

"Just grabbing a drink. Can’t stay cooped up forever, right?"

"Your arm?"

"Fine if I don’t move it. Hand over your phone—add me on WeChat."

"Didn’t we add contacts when you were hospitalized?"

"Wrong account before. I’ve got two—one for annoying social stuff, the other for real life."

"I see… huh?"

Yumo had a wild thought. Classic trope: the distant class beauty was actually his chatty online friend. A suangwen setup? Good suang!

"Are you… a leaky pen?"

"Huh? What’s that?"

"...Forget it."

Tanglingxue’s WeChat name was "Cavaliere"—meaning unclear.

"No time to waste. ‘Lingxue Driving School’ opens tonight! I’ll text the details."

She seemed cheerful.

"Could you like me too, like Liyu?"—Yumo almost blurted it out but held back. He’d only earn her "idiot" stare.

(You wimp. Is this all you’ve got?)

Yusuozaai kicked his butt.

(What?)

(A speedrun chance is right here—you’re useless!)

(Huh??)

That night, at Yumo’s home—

The atmosphere felt different.

"Yumo, what do you like to eat?" Chen Xiang asked while cooking.

"What?"

He’d misheard. His stepmother hadn’t asked his preferences in years.

"I’m asking. Speak up."

"No strong likes. I’ll eat anything you make."

"Don’t be like that. I want to cook your favorites sometimes."

"Even if you ask what I—"

"He loves bitter melon stir-fried with salted egg yolk, and extra-crispy fried chicken tenders."

"!?"

Yuxin had blurted it from the living room, then returned to her TV show like nothing happened.

Even Yumo was stunned—not just Chen Xiang.

(How does she know my favorites??)

He was baffled. Chen Xiang, surprised but seeing bitter melon and chicken in the fridge, started cooking.

His father wasn’t home yet.

Only Yumo and Yuxin remained in the living room.

Usually, one would retreat to their room. This time, Yuxin stayed put. On impulse, Yumo sat opposite her.

"...

"...

They avoided each other’s gaze. Yumo wondered—if Yuxin’s reaction after talking to Liyu meant anything, maybe she didn’t hate him? What caused her distance?

An opportunity?

"Ahem, Yuxin?"

"............Mm?"

Lighten the mood. A joke—

"Marry me, Yuxin."

"Okay!"

"Huh?"

"Huh?"

"...I was joking."

"............Me too."

"...

"...

Silence returned—just as the doorbell rang.

"Who? Dad?"

Yuxin opened the door—

"Hello, I’m here for Yumo."

Outside stood Tanglingxue, dressed up neatly.

"...Who are you?"

"His friend."

"Huh?"

"Huh?"

Lingxue and Yuxin stared, wide-eyed.

An eerie rivalry began brewing between them.