When Chi Yuzhou woke again and peered outside, he couldn’t tell if dawn was breaking or dusk was falling.

A glance at the clock showed it was already around seven in the evening.

His body had quietly returned to its usual state, his clothes fitting properly once more.

The fever must have been the cause. Even the room’s temperature now felt slightly too warm.

No wonder his sleep had been restless.

But if he stayed in the room overnight, it would gradually adjust to his comfort.

Chi Yuzhou got out of bed. Though he hadn’t sweated, he still stepped into the bathroom for a quick shower.

He tossed his changed clothes into the washing machine, watching the drum spin. *Human world really does have its conveniences*, he mused silently.

Like when hunger struck—he only needed to step outside, walk a short while down streets fragrant with countless aromas, and his stomach would be satisfied.

As if on cue, his stomach gave two soft rumbles.

He’d just paid rent, but his wallet was still comfortably full. Tomorrow held obligations, but a modest dinner tonight wouldn’t hurt.

Manager Heng Li had even granted him leave after hearing he was sick. "Rest well. Come back when you’re better," he’d said.

Summer days stretched long. Though nearing seven, the distant horizon still clung to the last streaks of twilight.

Grateful for Heng Li’s kindness, Chi Yuzhou left his apartment. His thoughts wandered as he walked, blending into the crowd like the unassuming student he’d been.

*Only fools get sick*, he recalled someone saying. Clearly nonsense.

*He* was no fool.

Passing a stranger with a neat bun hairstyle, he suddenly remembered—the masked woman who’d barged into his room while he was vulnerable, claiming to be Guan Mingxue.

No wonder her eyes had seemed familiar. It wasn’t just the emotion in her gaze.

Guan Mingxue, the literature teacher, was always the most discussed among classmates. Meticulous and elegant in lectures, gentle-faced—Chi Yuzhou understood why. Even outside class, she’d taught him a proverb: *Don’t judge a book by its cover*.

*Or… maybe she has a sister?* he wondered. *Panicked and gave Guan Mingxue’s name when questioned?*

*Just a polite suspicion.*

Unnoticed by passersby, Chi Yuzhou drifted in thought until he reached the aromatic street.

Money in hand, he could finally taste its offerings.

His eyes darted between stalls, overwhelmed by choices. Last time he’d wandered here, his thin wallet had forced him to merely dream.

*Stay low unless necessary.*

*…Except making money. That’s necessary.*

The street buzzed louder than he’d imagined. Every shop and stall brimmed with customers. The air here felt hotter, thicker.

But for good food? He could endure.

After queuing patiently, Chi Yuzhou finally claimed a seat with three steaming boxes: extra-loaded takoyaki, stir-fried noodles, and a bundle of sizzling fried skewers. Their mingled heat filled his senses as he indulged his cravings.

*For these takoyaki alone*, he thought, wiping his mouth, *I can’t let them drag me back.*

Full to the point of sluggishness, he rubbed his stomach. Just then, above the street’s clamor, an unexpected voice cut through:

"Chi Yuzhou?"

"Hm?"

He turned. Xiao Yingwan stood there, a female classmate trailing behind her.

Xiao Yingwan wore a tailored white shirt and light-blue jeans. Simple clothes, yet she drew every eye.

Confirming it was him, she stepped closer—and noticed the slightly sticky corner of his mouth.

"Alone?" she asked.

"Mm."

Fullness softened his mood. He added, "Just dinner. Heading home soon."

"Oh… alright."

Disappointment flickered plainly in her eyes. Before Chi Yuzhou could question it, the girl behind her—Zhuang Yue, the one who’d led Xiao Yingwan from the sports equipment room last time—leaned in.

"Friend of yours, Wanwan?"

"A classmate. I caused him trouble in the sports storeroom before."

"Oh…" Zhuang Yue frowned, trying to place the gloomy-faced boy. *Too many things to remember*, she thought.

She smiled brightly at Chi Yuzhou. "Join our table? Wanwan insists on treating you as apology."

"Thanks, but I’m finished."

Tired of rehashing the incident, he explained patiently: "It was nothing. No need to dwell on it. I’m heading home. Goodbye."

As he stood to leave, Xiao Yingwan suddenly held out a tissue.

"Your mouth—still a bit messy. Here."

"No need."

He took his own tissue, wiped thoroughly, then tossed the wrappers and boxes into a bin. Without a backward glance, he vanished into the fragrant night.

Zhuang Yue stared after him, stunned. His rejection had been absolute—no hesitation, no pause.

*As if… he disliked us.*

She wasn’t as stunning as Xiao Yingwan, but anyone close to Xiao Yingwan couldn’t be ordinary. They each had their own charm.

Xiao Yingwan stood speechless, a spark of competitiveness flaring within her.

Beauty wasn’t a trophy—but why did Chi Yuzhou dismiss her so casually? Avoid her like a nuisance?

She didn’t need to ask Zhuang Yue to know her friend’s thoughts mirrored her own.

Silently, they joined another queue. Finally, Zhuang Yue teased, "What *did* you do to that boy in the storeroom?"

"Hm?"

"Otherwise… why run from you like that?"