"So... you live here."
"...Thank you, Officer Zhuo."
Late at night, Qiujie Zhuo dropped Chi Yuzhou off at his three-story apartment building. She let out a casual sigh, as if on purpose.
Qiujie Zhuo watched Chi Yuzhou’s expression closely. But besides that simple thanks, she got nothing else.
He seemed aloof, sure. Yet his careful gestures back at the bar hinted he was a detail-oriented man.
But... why wouldn’t he even invite her up for tea at a time like this?
She acted differently at work than in the bar, but surely she wasn’t completely invisible to him?
Wasn’t that contrast supposed to be alluring?
If any other man knew this side of her, wouldn’t he be even more captivated?
A brief silence hung between them. Just as Qiujie Zhuo lifted her gaze from Chi Yuzhou’s pale knuckles, he spoke:
"Work must be tiring. See you at the bar sometime."
"Sure."
Chi Yuzhou turned and walked up the stairs. Qiujie Zhuo noticed his slight nod as he climbed.
She didn’t leave right away, even after his figure vanished.
Those slender fingers lingered in her mind.
It wasn’t her first fantasy. If those cool hands ever truly gripped her neck... it’d be an amazing experience.
She became a cop not for noble reasons, but family pressure.
She didn’t hate it. It didn’t define her.
Qiujie Zhuo pulled out her investigation notebook. It held useful details.
Only one man drew her interest. She hoped he’d understand her hints.
...
Chi Yuzhou returned to his room. After fixing his hair, he lazily flopped onto the bed.
This was his first time back home in this appearance. Luckily, he’d met no one on the way. No risk of being recognized again.
He hadn’t expected Qiujie Zhuo—the bar’s "bad girl"—to be so serious on duty.
But... was drinking after work really okay for her job?
Chi Yuzhou silently questioned that.
Books said little about her profession. One line mentioned their strong sense of duty.
Without such departments, strange races might try conquering the world.
He’d read about chaotic eras. Before their fall, those races all dreamed grand dreams.
But ordinary humans—without special powers—shattered them all.
The world was fair.
Humans lacked flashy abilities. Yet their adaptability surpassed any race.
Living in this near-perfect era, Chi Yuzhou sensed humanity’s quiet unity.
His goals were simple.
Hide his identity. Avoid capture. Enjoy life.
School’s mundane routines. Adventures beyond campus. Countless untried foods.
A faint smile touched Chi Yuzhou’s lips. His thoughts drifted until sleep took him.
Sweet dreams filled his rest.
The clouds brewing for two days brought no rain. Next morning’s sun made everything sweltering again.
Chi Yuzhou’s room had no AC, yet stayed cool.
But his dream wasn’t ruined by sunlight. It was the thumping knock at his door.
Woken abruptly, Chi Yuzhou felt a trace of alertness. It was only 8 or 9 AM—who could it be?
Hair messy, he peered through the peephole.
The poised figure outside was familiar.
Unlike at school, Guanmingxue wore neat casual clothes, fully covered.
After knocking with no reply, Guanmingxue turned to leave. The door creaked open behind her.
As the door slowly swung wide, Guanmingxue’s lowered gaze hoped for a certain small figure.
Instead, she saw a... sensitive spot.
That intense stare made Chi Yuzhou instinctively step back.
...Wasn’t this Guanmingxue, the suspected Alchemist and literature teacher? Why was she here again?
Guanmingxue looked up, not recognizing the boy at first. She cleared her throat lightly and held out a bag.
"Hello. I’m the new landlord for this building."
"...Hello, Ms. Guan."
Hearing her teaching role named so easily, Guanmingxue froze.
"You’re... from Class 3, Grade 11..."
"Chi Yuzhou."
He took the gift while stating his name.
So he really was invisible in class—even his teacher didn’t know his name.
Chi Yuzhou paused slightly, his tone lifting a fraction.
"My brother mentioned a kind landlord sister. I never guessed it was you, Ms. Guan."
"Just doing my part."
Guanmingxue stayed calm outwardly. Inside, she fought the urge to flee.
That perfect little boy she craved was her student’s brother.
If anyone discovered her intentions... social death awaited.
But...
Guanmingxue clenched her fist subtly. Her eyes darted past him into the room.
What if she lured that ideal child to some deserted place...?
Real-life raising might be fun. After all... she’d never tried it.
Chi Yuzhou blocked her view inside. "Where do you live now, teacher?"
"Next door. Room 202."
"If my brother visits again, I’ll bring him to thank you."
"Good."
Guanmingxue’s quick nod confirmed Chi Yuzhou’s suspicion: she was an Alchemist.
They exchanged contacts for apartment issues.
Watching Guanmingxue retreat to Room 202, Chi Yuzhou stared at her number. He didn’t know what expression to wear.
Craving someone so small... truly messed up.
He’d heard human tastes were diverse. But this was his first encounter.
Oh... wait. These bags held legendary pastries!
