"Mengze... No! Don't..." Shan Weihao collapsed to his knees, sobbing uncontrollably, still reeling from what had just happened. "No, Mengze, please—don't leave me!"

I walked over and patted his shoulder.

"Come on. It's over. Mengze can leave this world without regrets—that's happiness enough."

"Bro, no—Master! Please! Let me see her one more time. I know you're powerful. You must have a way!"

Master? Is he talking to me? Even if he calls me that, I won't be flattered, damn it! Hahaha...

"Who's there? Who's on school grounds?"

Crap! That dragon roar must've shattered the Barrier I set up. The security guard heard the commotion. His flashlight beam crept closer, step by step.

I yanked the dumbstruck guy to his feet.

"Get up and run! You wanna get caught and slapped with a disciplinary record?"

"I don't care. I'll only stand if you promise my request!"

Seriously? This guy's got issues! I'm helping him only for Mengze's sake. Otherwise, I'd ditch him. He's a student here—I'm not! If caught, I'd end up in jail.

"Get out first. I can't save you if you stay. You wanna be left for dead?"

"Right—I can't get caught yet! Let's go!" Shan Weihao bolted toward the school wall... Whoa. Calm as a statue one moment, swift as a hare the next? Why's he faster than me? Wait up!

Five minutes later, we stopped at a crossroads, sure the guard wouldn't chase us.

"Master, do you smoke?"

I waved my hand—no.

"I don't either."

Then why ask, idiot? He looks like a fool and thinks like one too. I'm done. It's late. I need to go home. Using a human body for that Terminus Roar today wrecked my throat. Time for lemon tea...

"Master, where are you headed?"

"Got pen and paper?" I rasped.

Shan Weihao pulled a small notebook and pen from his backpack.

【Going home to sleep.】

"Master, can I see Mengze again?"

【Yes.】

"Really?"

【Next life.】

"No, Master! I want her in this life. Please, help me!"

Get lost! You're a guy over five-foot-seven—why cling to my leg in public? Let go! I'll scream if you don't. (Kinda embarrassing, though.)

【No help.】

"Not even a tiny chance? I'll pay you. Name your price!"

【How much can you offer?】

"I—I..." Shan Weihao emptied his pockets. Not exactly rich kid material. He turned every pocket inside out—only sixty bucks.

"Sorry, that's all I have. I can go back for more!"

【How much can you get?】

"My New Year's lucky money and savings... about two thousand. Is it enough, Master?"

Two thousand? Big for a student, sure—but you're treating me like a beggar? Two grand to resurrect a dead girl? Why not just rob a bank?

【Goodbye. It's late. I'm exhausted, and my throat's killing me.】

"I'll come with you!"

Come with me? To my place? Is this kid's brain rusted shut? I won't bring a guy home—Aunt Mengmeng would never let me live it down.

【Go home. Your parents are worried. We'll talk tomorrow, okay?】

"Okay. Can I get your number or QQ? For contact."

Reluctantly, I gave him my phone number (Shen Yufeng). With his state, I'd be lucky if my phone didn't blow up tonight. QQ? Blocked instantly. Disturb my rest, and you're dead. Doom Dragon's no joke!

Home at last, I flopped onto my Simmons mattress without even changing. So soft. Today drained me completely.

"How long will you hide? No one else is here. Come out."

A blue-glowing ghost shot from the closet. Her white dress was replaced by the Haide Middle School uniform she died in.

"Master, how did you know I hadn't vanished?"

Your acting's terrible—fools only regular humans. Who am I? The legendary Song of Terminus Mordred, Doom Dragon lord! Invisibility? My golden eyes see through that. Too naive.

I pointed to my throat, signaling I'd write.

【Why vanish suddenly? I saw Shan Weihao's sincerity. Didn't you want to give him a chance?】

"I know. I know he cares. I'm happy he liked me. But I'm dead. I can't hold him back. He has his life. Like you said—humans and ghosts are worlds apart. Only next life for us."

Good for Mengze. Love doesn't always mean staying together. Some loves must be released.

"Still, thanks for the romantic stage, Master. Few get a confession like mine. Love beyond life and death—funny, right?"

Mengze forced a smile. Not enough. So many unfulfilled wishes. Finally receiving a confession—ending like this can't feel satisfying.

I curved my lips slightly, matching her chilling joke. Love beyond life and death... not funny at all.

【When will you leave for the afterlife?】

"Soon. Shan Weihao's confession made me... cling to this world a little. I want to stay longer. See more."

Her words screamed she wasn't ready. Love gave her a reason to linger. But waiting would only deepen her pain.

【Do as you wish. I'm sleeping.】

Next day, I dragged myself to class like usual. Last night's exhaustion had me slumped from bed to desk. My desk mate, Shen Yufeng, looked just as wrecked.

I pulled out paper and pen.

【What's wrong, old lecher? You look soul-crushed. Bad night?】

"Don't ask. Some idiot called all night, yelling 'Master.' I thought my 'Brother Dao' fame went nationwide. Turned out he wanted me to resurrect a dead girl—total nutjob. Worst part? He called every twenty minutes. How'd he get my landline number? I ripped the cord out."

Sorry. That idiot was me. I knew Shan Weihao would spam-call, but this was terrifying. My bad, old lecher. (Not really.)

"Hey, what's wrong with your voice? Can't talk?"

【I can. Just sore. Resting two days.】

Too tired to chat, we both nodded off early—first period, bold as brass. Felt like we had nothing left to lose.

*Knock knock knock...*

A knock jolted me awake. Someone entered, stopped at my desk. Before I could open my eyes, he dumped his backpack on my table. Teachers and students froze. Even I was lost. What's Shan Weihao pulling?

"Master, is this enough?"

He unzipped the bag. Stacks of hundred-dollar bills—easily ten grand. I jumped. Did he rob an ATM last night?

Sharp-eyed classmates gasped. I zipped the bag shut and dragged him out.

We hid on the rooftop, sealing it with a Barrier—no outsiders.

【Are you insane? Where'd you get this cash?】

"My parents' savings. They run a small shop. This is nothing to them. I'll repay it slowly."

【How'd you find my school? I never gave my address.】

"We met under your apartment last time. I staked out your place this morning and followed you."

Holy crap. You're a thief and a stalker now? I could turn you in.

Headache. This guy sticks like glue.

"Master, is it enough? I'll get more if needed."

"Enough... cough... throat hurts."

If I said no, he'd bring his house deed next. To prevent disaster, I had to stop him now.

"So when will you perform the ritual, Master?"

【Sorry. I don't do rituals. But I do know a way to bring Mengze back. Want to try?】