Knock knock---

A knock sounded from outside. Inside, a seductive woman in pajamas called out as she approached.

"Coming, coming! Who is it?"

"Delivering a surprise."

A young man's voice came from beyond the door. He sounded under twenty, but the woman inside stayed wary.

"A surprise? Who ordered it? What kind?"

She peered cautiously through the peephole. A man in a sharp suit stood there. He stepped back a few paces, as if proving he meant no harm. She noticed a large patterned handbag in his hand.

He was strikingly handsome—like a nightclub prince, but even more polished. His slick hairstyle and formal wear screamed "pretty boy delivering surprises."

The woman's eyes flickered with surprise. She glanced at the empty room behind her, then opened the door.

"Who are you?"

Her first words after opening the door were a question, showing her guard was still up.

"Qin Ling. Call me whatever you like—even 'Big Brother'." He grinned, slipping past her into the room. His eyes scanned the empty space behind her.

"Just you alone?" he asked.

Her gaze sharpened. She watched warily as Qin Ling shut the door himself.

"Who exactly are you? Why are you in my home?" she pressed.

"Yuyu Express, Surprise Plan. Surprise Specialist Qin Ling. Didn't you order this?" He turned, puzzled after confirming the room seemed empty. "By the way, your name? Do you really live alone?"

The woman stared hard at Qin Ling. He flashed a bright, sincere smile, white teeth gleaming.

Slowly, her tension eased. She walked calmly to the living room sofa, poured a cup of black tea, and held it as she spoke. "Yes, I live alone. So, little brother, what surprise did you bring?"

She approached Qin Ling slowly, teacup in hand. At his side, her back foot tripped over her front foot. She stumbled forward with a gasp.

"Ah!"

Qin Ling caught her instantly. "Careful," he said.

His handsome face loomed close. Her cheeks flushed slightly; her eyes sparkled.

"That's enough," he said gently. She snapped back, standing quickly. "Ah? Um, thank you."

He waved it off.

"If you don't mind," she invited, "sit on the sofa while I change clothes."

"Mm, sure." Qin Ling nodded, settling onto the couch. He glanced around curiously.

She slipped into the bedroom. Rustling sounds followed. After a long wait, Qin Ling called out, "Ready yet?"

"Mm, almost!" Her voice came from inside. Seconds later, she emerged beside him.

Now she wore a sheer dress, light brown hair loose. She gave him a sultry, flirtatious look. "Little brother, you smell lovely. But I'm not bad either. How about we chat inside? It's very cozy~"

Her eyes lingered on him. Qin Ling's breath hitched; his gaze drifted as if entranced.

A faint smile touched her lips. She took his hand, leading him toward the bedroom.

Qin Ling shook his head. "Hold on. Something else first." He paused. "After I handle this, we'll have our surprise."

"Huh?" She tilted her head, confused. Qin Ling smiled.

Suddenly, he barked, "Freeze! Hands up!"

A pistol appeared, aimed at her.

Her eyes widened in terror. "L-little brother, w-what are you d-doing...."

Bang!

The shot fired. Just as she tensed to move, a colorful rune flag fluttered before her eyes. She froze.

"What's this?"

"Surprise~! Shocked? Thrilled? One Yuyu custom rune flag~ Exorcises evil spirits for first-time customers." Qin Ling's expression turned glum. "But I guessed wrong. No bad stuff on you, sis."

The woman smiled, reaching to hug him. Before she could speak, Qin Ling yelled, "Stop!"

"Huh?"

Whoosh!

An arm flashed out, slamming her head sideways.

Bang!

The pistol fired again. The rune flag shot backward.

Thud! Hiss!

A wet thud and an eerie hiss echoed. A pitch-black shadow pinned to the wall behind her—speared by the rune flag.

"Ah!? What is that thing!?" She whirled around, screaming in horror. She grabbed Qin Ling tightly. "Little brother, save me!"

"Don't panic. I've got you."