No way! This scar-faced, intimidating director of discipline was actually Shen Yufeng’s dad? Those two father and son looked nothing alike at all.

“Even if you’re my son, this punishment must be recorded. And the same goes for you two.”

“I already said it was just horseplay! If anyone gets punished, it should be me alone. Don’t drag Cute Teacher and him into this—it has nothing to do with them.”

“Idiot! What do you think this is? Some gangster loyalty? Taking all the blame on your shoulders to look like a tough guy? My decision is final. Besides, it takes two to tango! Do you really think piling all the fault on yourself will fix anything?”

“Then just punish both of us! This has nothing to do with Cute Teacher!”

Shen Yufeng… your words truly moved me. Even when taking the fall, you want me to share it. I really didn’t make friends with you for nothing.

“Director, I’m their homeroom teacher. I should take full responsibility for this incident. I’m begging you—please don’t record this in their files.”

The bald director ignored Cute Teacher and turned his gaze to me, wearing an expression that clearly said, ‘Are you going to put on a show too?’

Since I hadn’t figured this guy out yet, speaking rashly would only dig my own grave. Better to stay quiet. At times like this, whistling casually was the safest bet.

The bald director’s eyes twitched slightly before he waved his hand.

“Go back for now. We’ll settle this after school this afternoon. Shen Yufeng, you stay. I need to talk to you about something else.”

Probably some private father-son talk. A dad scolding his son—family business I shouldn’t meddle in. Back in class, I slumped lazily over my cold desk as usual, half-listening to the lecture. The teachers were already used to my antics.

“What happened? Did that bald guy do anything weird to you?”

“Nope. He didn’t make me pick up soap or anything. But the old pervert got held back.”

“So he’s the one stuck picking up soap now?”

“If you think so, fine. What? Are you into BL stuff?”

Xia Bing turned away, pretending to focus on class. I kept napping—I needed to catch up on sleep after that Celestial sister stiffed me earlier.

The bell rang for break before I knew it. I glanced at the empty seat beside me. Shen Yufeng still hadn’t returned? It was already noon. Though he’d tricked me plenty of times, he usually ate lunch with me. Should I bring him a bread roll?

“Yuchen, where are you headed?”

“I’m going to the director’s office. Shen Yufeng still hasn’t come out. I’ll bring him some bread. Cute Teacher, come with me—it’ll be easier.”

“But it’s their private family talk. As outsiders, shouldn’t we avoid butting in?”

If it were normal father-son chat, sure. But they’d been at it since morning, with no sign of letting him go. Plus, that fierce bald director might not even let Shen Yufeng eat lunch.

“No worries. We’ll peek from the door first. If it’s calm, we’ll go in with the bread. If not, we bail.”

Cute Teacher nodded. As their first batch of students, she naturally didn’t want them getting records or expelled.

The office door was locked tight. I signaled my aunt to keep watch while I pressed my ear against the door.

“We shouldn’t act rashly on this. Our family isn’t what it used to be.”

“But Dad, this is happening right beside me! I can’t just watch my best friend die before my eyes!”

Huh? What kind of talk was this? Were they rehearsing a script?

“If ordinary Yellow Talismans can’t solve it, then you’re simply not ready yet. Leave this to me. Just observe closely. If anything happens, notify me immediately.”

“But Dad, we can’t delay! Today I saw the dark aura around him thicken again. He’s been my closest friend for sixteen years!”

“You still can’t act recklessly. You’re my son—I won’t risk your safety! If needed, I’ll contact higher-ups. Keep observing for now. That young man—I saw him too. Dark aura clings to him, but his spirit’s still strong. Nothing major should happen soon.”

“Dad! By the time it happens, it’ll be too late!”

“Go eat. The other threat—”

“Achoo!”

“Who’s there! Who’s eavesdropping! Get in here now!”

Crap. I couldn’t hold back that sneeze. Even with my nose pinched shut, Shen Yufeng’s dad caught me.

Without a word, I grabbed Cute Teacher’s arm and bolted for the corridor corner. Luckily, the father and son didn’t chase us. That was terrifying.

“Huff… huff… Yuchen, why run? You’ve got nothing to hide.”

Just eavesdropping made me feel guilty enough! Thank goodness Cute Teacher was on lookout—imagine if she’d heard those explosive words! (Though her airhead nature might make her forget by tomorrow.)

Damn it! Their conversation was like Morse code—why not speak plainly? Missing the rest was such a shame. First, the “dark aura” person they mentioned must be one of us three this morning. Excluding Shen Yufeng himself and his “closest friend” from the talk… that left me.

Me? Shrouded in dark aura? I had no clue. And what was this “other threat” they mentioned? So confusing.

Finally, Shen Yufeng returned to class just as the afternoon bell rang. He slumped onto his desk immediately, so I couldn’t hand him the bread hidden in my desk.

“Hey, Yuchen!”

“What?”

“Can I stay at your place tonight?”

“Why suddenly?”

“You saw what happened this morning. Just say yes or no.”

He gave me no room to refuse. Saying no would be unkind, but saying yes risked exposing my home situation. I couldn’t trust this big-mouth not to blab in class.

“Let me call home first. We’ll need extra food. I’ll be right back.”

As I slipped out, I quickly tapped Xia Bing’s shoulder as a signal.

Xia Bing followed me out, sharp as ever.

“Sorry. Shen Yufeng’s coming over tonight. You’ll have to handle dinner alone.”

“Got it. I’ll head home early tonight—consider it my day off. We’ll resume tomorrow as usual.”

After clearing it with Xia Bing, I agreed to let the old pervert eat at my place. As for Cute Teacher—she’d find out sooner or later anyway. No point hiding it.

“It’s been ages since I visited! I remember jumping on sofas together in elementary school. Where’s your mom?”

“She’s abroad. Off on a second honeymoon with my dad, who’s never home. We’ll order takeout. What do you want?”

“What?! No adults at home?”

“Well, not exactly…”

Before I finished, a white-coated office lady strode in, dropped her bag, and collapsed onto the sofa.

“Ahhh~ Scolded by the director today. So upset, Yuchen. Comfort me.”

“G-goddess! No—Cute Teacher! What are you doing here?”

Hearing a stranger’s voice, my aunt sat up straight. “Shen Yufeng! What are you doing here?”

“Qiuyuchen! You traitor! Hiding Cute Teacher at home! Damn it, I’m cutting ties with you!”

“C-cutting ties? What position is that?”

“I’m not joking! I mean it!”

“Calm down, old pervert. Let me introduce properly: Teacher Wan Mengmeng is my aunt. With my parents away, she’s my guardian now.”

“Oh! So she’s your aunt? Then I’m relieved, my dear nephew.”

“Screw you. Say one more weird thing and I’ll throw you out.”

“Dear nephew, let’s coexist peacefully!”

Once this idiot switched to silly mode, he wouldn’t stop. Best to ignore him.

“Ah! This food is amazing! No wonder it’s from Cute Teacher’s kitchen—so delicious!”

“Hey! It’s takeout, not my aunt’s cooking. At least be professional with your flattery. And after eating, leave. It’s getting late.”

“Are you worried about me, my sworn brother?”

“I’m just worried a streetlight might be out tonight. Then tomorrow’s paper would report some pervert harassing girls.”

After dinner, Shen Yufeng should’ve left, but he insisted on touring my house, impossible to stop.

“Did you swallow something weird today? You’ve been here before, right?”

Shen Yufeng grabbed my hand and dragged me into the bathroom. WTF! This plot twist felt off—was he into both genders?

“W-what are you doing!”

“Shh! Quiet.”

Speak normally! Why lean so close and breathe in my ear? Are you a creep?

“What I’m about to tell you—you must believe it. And don’t be scared.”

“What exactly do you want to say?”

“Actually… there’s a ghost in your house.”