Around six in the evening, Chi Yuzhou stepped out of the convenience store with steamed buns, still in his original appearance.

Soon, after finishing the buns on his way, he entered a small alley.

Shielded from sunlight, the alley was pitch-dark.

Chi Yuzhou didn't walk deep inside; he stopped halfway.

Casually brushing his bangs aside, he suddenly heard a sound from the alley's depths.

The deeper it went, the darker it became—normally, he couldn't see a thing.

But as snow-white streaks appeared at his hair tips, his pitch-black eyes deepened, and the darkness sharpened into clarity.

The Snow Maiden clan, raised in snowy nights, never saw perfectly in blackness—but their vision was far from poor.

Now clear, Chi Yuzhou saw two figures locked in an intimate embrace, face to face, with a hint of sensuality.

One had unnaturally pink hair.

Wait... were they both women?

Chi Yuzhou glanced once more, then silently turned and left.

The moment he did, one woman deep in the alley seemed to sense him, glancing at his retreating back.

His steps faltered slightly—but he didn't look back and kept walking.

The other woman, entwined with her, flushed red—then her unnatural glow faded to pale.

Finally, she withered away.

...

Inside the tavern, soothing music played under warm, equal lights.

Dressed in a black shirt, Chi Yuzhou carried a tray toward a corner.

Hengqinghuai sat there, absorbed in a book. He placed the coffee gently on her table without a word.

"Thoughtful of you, thank you," she said, not truly engrossed. Chi Yuzhou nodded silently.

Before he could leave, she asked, "You're late today. Something happen?"

"Studying with classmates took time."

"I see. High school studies matter." She nodded slightly. "If you struggle with lessons, bring them here. After all, you..."

Chi Yuzhou understood—his amnesia was still on everyone's mind.

"Uncle won't mind either."

"Mm, thanks, Qinghuai-jie."

"No need to be formal with us."

Her clear, pool-like eyes deepened his impression of the Heng family's kindness—almost overwhelmingly so.

But he likely wouldn't study here yet; he hadn't seen Xiao Yingwan's teaching skills.

Back at the counter, Heng Li asked, "Settling in okay?"

"Mm. Those memories... still no clue how to recover them."

"Take your time." Heng Li's gentle face, streaked with white at the temples, held unique charm. No wonder older women frequented the tavern—good looks aged well. Chi Yuzhou silently apologized to the manager.

"Memorized the menu recipes?"

"Mostly mastered."

"Sunset's formula?"

"Forty-five ml tequila, thirty-five ml orange juice, twenty-five ml lemon juice, two tsp grenadine. Garnish with orange slice or mint."

"With good technique, it should show a golden-to-white gradient—like a sunset."

"Not bad." Heng Li nodded, quizzing a few more recipes—all answered smoothly. "I might travel for work soon. You'll manage the tavern for days. Restocking? Talk to Qinghuai."

"Timing's uncertain—just a heads-up. Or take time off if you want."

"Okay." Chi Yuzhou nodded. Heng Li's trust always caught him off guard—probably from last time he ran the shop alone, with Qinghuai there too.

Near eleven, drowsy over his book, Chi Yuzhou heard the doorbell jingle.

Qiujie Zhuo arrived irregularly—usually the night before free days, likely for a bedtime drink. He'd heard customers say it helped sleep.

The tardy Qiujie Zhuo slid onto a counter stool, smiling as she beckoned. "Evening, Yuzhou."

"Evening."

Without him asking, she said, "Today... a 'Possessiveness'."

"Coming right up."

Her gaze locked onto his eyes—he didn't flinch. Even while gathering ingredients, he felt her stare unwavering. He saw right through her intentions.

Qiujie Zhuo's spirited eyes radiated allure with every glance. Under her watch, Chi Yuzhou mixed steadily, pouring ice and liquor into a glass.

Soon, a light purple drink swirled before her—ripple-like folds in the liquid, smelling sweet with layered fruits. Its rich complexity promised balanced satisfaction.

After one sip, her eyes gleamed captivatingly. She asked coquettishly, "Why won't you share your contact after knowing each other so long?"

"Tavern rules," Hengqinghuai answered, stepping over from her diligent work. Chi Yuzhou stayed silent.