All the way here, I’d been mulling over last night’s events. Was it all just a dream? If so, it felt way too real. Though that old pervert did say wet dreams were normal at my age—probably just pent-up frustration.
Dazed, I recalled the stunning beauty from last night. The scent clinging to her still haunted my senses.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“No worries. I just got here too.”
Xia Bing wore a cream-white dress and a sun hat. Her snow-pale skin glowed under the sunlight. Beside her stood a bespectacled young man, nearly six feet tall, smiling politely. *This must be the guy who wanted to meet me.*
“Hello. You must be Qiuyuchen. I’m Xia Bing’s older brother—and her current guardian. Call me Brother Mo.”
“Uh, what did you need to ask me, Brother Mo?”
“Nothing major. Just wanted to see what kind of person hired my little sister. Turns out you’re quite the looker.”
*Flattery’s shameless, but who doesn’t like hearing it? (Especially when it’s true! Ahahaha!)*
“Looker? I’m just a useless rich kid who sleeps all day—during class, after class, morning till night. Bound to turn into a pig eventually.”
“Hey! Badmouthing your classmate *and* employer? Want me to fire you?”
“I was hired by Cute Teacher, not you!”
*Aside from her pretty face, she’s utterly unbearable.*
“Haha… sorry. My sister’s always this sharp-tongued—even I get shredded daily. Please don’t take it personally. Though you two *do* seem alike… both love sleeping—*ow!* Stop pinching! My arm’s turning red!”
“Who asked you to gossip about me? And *you*!” Xia Bing waved a tiny pink fist at me. “If you dare spread that in class, I’ll never forgive you.” *Friendly warning, huh?*
“Heh. It’s getting late. Let’s grab dinner. There’s a great restaurant ahead—pricey, but my treat. Order whatever you want.”
“Thanks for the generosity, Brother Mo.”
…
“Uh… that’s enough, right? You two ate like wolves. Don’t ruin your stomachs.”
“Relax, Brother Mo! I could handle another grilled fish. Waiter—three hot dogs!”
*You offered. I didn’t force you. Skipped breakfast anyway—time to feast.* The bill *was* steep. Brother Mo barely touched his chopsticks, probably horrified by our ravenous pace.
“Heh… go ahead, eat slowly. I’ll use the restroom.”
“Don’t you dare run off, Brother Mo!” Xia Bing threatened through a mouthful of drumstick. “You’re my guardian. Leave me alone here, and I’ll hunt you down at home.”
Brother Mo chuckled helplessly, rapping her head lightly. “Got it, Your Highness. Just… stop ordering.”
After he left, I slowed my eating. I could’ve devoured more, but this was just a joke Xia Bing and I played on him.
“Huh? Why stare instead of eating?”
“I’m full. But wow—you’re adorable when you eat. Never seen you like this.”
“I-I just have a big appetite today! You ate tons too—why pick on me?” She pouted, clearly annoyed. Teasing her felt fun, though. With her, I never got nervous like with other girls. Just… relaxed. Maybe because we’d met so often. Or maybe she felt the same—why else act so casual around me?
“I know your secret.”
“What secret?”
I leaned close, whispering in her ear once the restaurant quieted: “I know you see ghosts.”
“Hah. Joking? Is this some new prank?” Her voice stayed steady, but her eyes flickered with doubt.
As her desk mate and close friend, I wanted to understand her struggles—being born with “light eight characters,” sensitive to spirits. Time to clear the air. No more secrets. I’d share the burden.
“I know because a ghost told me. And that day… you took the remnants of the Yellow Talisman from under my desk. Am I wrong?”
Most people wouldn’t care about talismans—especially girls. She’d taken the scraps to fix her condition. To stop seeing ghosts.
Xia Bing shot up, stepping back. Shock and suspicion flashed in her eyes. *Understandable.*
“Sit down. Don’t disturb others.”
“What do you *want*, Qiuyuchen?”
“Just to talk. Maybe ease your worries. Relax—I’m no villain.”
She sat but braced her hands on the table like she’d flip it and fight any second.
“You sound like a creepy uncle offering candy to kindergarteners: *‘I’ll take you to find Mommy.’*”
People with “light eight characters” often have spirit sight—and in movies, villains always try to steal their eyes. *No wonder she’s wary.*
“I don’t want your eyes. Honestly, I’m not exactly ordinary either.”
“Then what *are* you? If not my eyes… do you want my—my *skin*?”
*Skin? What kind of code is that? I’m no serial killer!*
“Uh… I’m not interested in *any* part of your body—”
“P-PERVERT!”
*SLAP!*
Why did she slap me? Diners stared. Whispers slithered over:
*“Did you see that? Public slap—so embarrassing.”*
*“They’re breaking up for sure.”*
*“Kids these days… we’re ancient at twenty.”*
*“Morals are collapsing…”*
Brother Mo returned, pressing us both down.
“Whoa. One bathroom break and *this* happens? Xia Bing, you hit first—apologize.”
“No! He harassed me in public!”
“How?!”
“You said, *‘I’m not interested in any part of your body!’* What else is that?!”
“So I should’ve said, *‘I’m interested in EVERY part’*? That’s better?!”
“You—!”
“Enough, sis. It’s a misunderstanding. Remember our *real* business?”
Brother Mo patted her shoulder, flashing a quick, meaningful glance. *They’re hiding something.*
“You slapped him. Apologize.”
“I-I’m sorr—”
“Forget it. Making a girl apologize is low. My wording was clumsy anyway.”
We’re friends—and desk mates. Not worth ruining over this.
“You’re a true gentleman. Now… let’s discuss serious matters elsewhere. This place isn’t suitable. Right, Sorcerer?”
