Chi Yuzhou remembered a police station was nearby. He’d just drop the two kids off there later.

Glancing back at the children trailing him—not too close, not too far—he decided to treat this as a good deed.

After all, he’d heard about "accumulating good karma" in the human world. He just didn’t know how much merit one good deed earned.

At least it wasn’t some weird "double-yang virtue" nonsense.

But if he got caught and dragged back? He’d end up with nothing but misery every single day.

Leading the way, Chi Yuzhou kept checking over his shoulder to ensure the kids hadn’t gotten lost. Before he could hand them to the police officers, the boy behind him suddenly piped up:

“I know how to get home now!”

“Me too! Me too!”

The little girl darted ahead of Chi Yuzhou, sprinting forward without looking back.

The boy, a step behind, seized Chi Yuzhou’s sleeve and tugged him after her.

Watching the kids bolt off, Chi Yuzhou felt even more exasperated.

Kids were like this—ideas changing every second. Such a hassle to look after.

He couldn’t just ignore them. If they really got lost, he’d have no choice but to take responsibility.

The sun seemed even more hateful now that they were running.

Finally, the children reached a two-story villa. They pounded on the door while shouting:

“Jiejie! We’re back!”

“Jiejie!”

Chi Yuzhou stood quietly behind them. When the door didn’t open, he stepped forward and rang the bell for the little ones.

Moments later, the door creaked open.

A girl with a high ponytail appeared, her bangs neatly held back by a headband. The little girl outside immediately threw herself at her legs.

“Wahhh… Jiejie, I—I almost couldn’t find home…” she sobbed.

“Zihan, don’t cry. It’s okay. You’re home now.”

The girl’s bare face was exquisitely delicate. Her gentle voice and lovely features instantly soothed the child.

Her gaze drifted up from the boy at her side. When she saw Chi Yuzhou, she froze for a second before speaking:

“Thank you for bringing them back.”

“No problem. Goodbye.”

Chi Yuzhou turned to leave, relieved the kids were safe. But the boy still clung to his sleeve, refusing to let go.

“Ziyang, don’t trouble our guest.”

“Big brother, come play at my house?”

Ziyang’s innocent expression seemed to say he trusted Chi Yuzhou wasn’t a bad person.

Chi Yuzhou tugged his sleeve lightly—still stuck.

The girl inside sighed softly and offered a warm invitation:

“Why not… come in for some tea?”

“Sure.”

Hearing “tea,” Ziyang yanked Chi Yuzhou’s sleeve, dragging him inside. Chi Yuzhou had no choice but to agree.

...

The house felt incredibly spacious. Just the living room was two-thirds the size of Chi Yuzhou’s entire apartment.

Chi Yuzhou blew lightly on his teacup, then took a sip. He couldn’t taste anything special—just that it wasn’t bad. The little cookies beside him were delicious, though.

The girl the kids called “Jiejie” sat across from him, also holding a teacup. The children sat nearby, each sipping a yogurt drink.

Once the kids finished and ran off to play, the stunning girl lowered her eyes and spoke softly:

“I told them not to wander far when they left. But I’m glad they ran into you, Chi Yuzhou.”

“Glad they’re safe.”

Chi Yuzhou reached for another cookie, planning to leave after this cup.

Then it hit him. He looked up sharply at the girl sitting across from him.

She knew him? From where? He didn’t recall ever meeting a girl like her.

Even regulars at his tavern—he remembered anyone who came twice. And this girl was far from ordinary-looking.

Noticing his surprise, the girl tilted her head slightly in confusion.

“What’s wrong, Chi Yuzhou?”

“…Who are you?”

“Huh?”

Realizing his confusion, she introduced herself:

“I’m your classmate. I sit in front of you. Hua Fu.”

As if to prove it, Hua Fu removed her headband, letting her bangs fall over her forehead.

Before Chi Yuzhou’s eyes, she transformed into the gloomy figure from the front seat. A flicker of shock crossed his gaze—but her hair hid it well.

Oh… So in Class 3-2, he wasn’t the only one with disguise skills?

“Sorry. I didn’t recognize you.”

“It’s fine. I have my reasons for this.”

Hua Fu shook her head slightly, unconcerned.

A brief, awkward silence hung between them. Then Ziyang appeared, holding two game controllers. He stared at Chi Yuzhou with hopeful eyes.

“Big brother, play with me?”

Chi Yuzhou felt tempted.

This must be what humans called “gaming”!

But he knew it wasn’t polite to linger too long in a stranger’s home.

He glanced at Hua Fu. She’d already slipped the headband back on, her expression calm. She gave a small nod.

“If you’re free, Chi Yuzhou… stay for another cup?”

“Okay.”

The moment Chi Yuzhou agreed, Ziyang yanked his sleeve again, pulling him toward the TV.

Ziyang expertly scrolled through games on the console. Chi Yuzhou took the chance to observe Hua Fu’s home.

The decor was simple but warm, with sturdy, unpretentious furniture.

That thing by the TV… was it a PS5? Looked seriously impressive.

Before Ziyang could pick a game, Hua Fu placed a plate of snacks on the coffee table. She settled into an armchair and explained belatedly:

“Our parents work away from home most of the time. No one plays these games with him. Sorry to trouble you, Chi Yuzhou.”

“No trouble.”

Seeing no reluctance in him, Hua Fu pulled out a book and began reading quietly. She seemed never to tire of books.

In class, she always played the literary girl—just split between “gorgeous” and “gloomy” modes.

Watching her, Chi Yuzhou finally confirmed she was really Hua Fu.

Ziyang, struggling with choice paralysis, finally picked a game. He turned to Chi Yuzhou, beaming.

“Big brother! Let’s play!”

“Alright.”