No way! What a coincidence. It’s her again—that girl with the supercar.

Shen Yufeng saw it was her. He instantly let go, throwing me to the ground, and charged at her. Poor me—my bones nearly popped out of joint.

“You again!” he yelled. “I never expected you’d be so petty, stalking me and my bro to the anime convention. How rich people think is beyond me.”

“Who’s stalking you?” she shot back. “I just ran into you here. Apologize for insulting me!”

“Oh? Insulted you?” Shen Yufeng smirked. “I don’t recall that. Tell me exactly how.”

“You—you—you shameless jerk!”

“Hmph! I spoke the truth,” he said. “For your age, being this shy? It’s just your period messing with you. I’ve got a remedy ready: brown sugar water, three red dates, skip the chili peppers.”

I watched Shen Yufeng shred the sunglasses-wearing beauty with his silver tongue. I walked over, patting his shoulder. Enough already. This public shaming was awkward. Let the lady keep some dignity.

“You—just wait!” she fumed. “I’ll make you regret this!” She pulled out her phone. Holy crap—was she calling backup? A young supercar driver… mafia ties?

I tugged Shen Yufeng’s arm to leave. But he wouldn’t budge. Taoist Priests really are stubborn as oxen.

“Call backup? Great!” he taunted. “Bring more. I love group fights!”

Damn. I didn’t want security kicking us out of the con.

“Yezi, you’re here! Why’s your face so red? Feeling sick?”

“Mmm~ Cute Teacher, they bullied me. I was about to call someone to… no, educate these two.”

The beauty hugged a golden-haired elf girl, pointing at us while sobbing. Their closeness was obvious. Worst part? That elf was my Auntie Cute. Was this beauty her bestie? We were so screwed.

“Yuchen, Shen Yufeng, you two…”

“Cute Teacher, it’s a misunderstanding!” Shen Yufeng switched to gentleman mode, offering his hand. She slapped it away.

“Oh? Taoist Priest, you love group fights?” she sneered. “Here’s my backup. Go on, fight her.”

She wasn’t letting up. Since we were all Cute Teacher’s friends, she was just messing with him. Sorry, bro—I couldn’t save you this time.

“Yezi, stop teasing them,” Cute Teacher laughed. “Meet my students: Qiuyuchen, my nephew, and this is Yezi—my best friend. Oh, and she’s the daughter of a Hong Kong billionaire~ Haha… Yezi, stop tickling me! It tickles!”

“Tch. You spilled my secrets before I spoke,” Yezi pouted. “You talk too much, Cute Teacher. So you’re Qiuyuchen? Kinda cute. But you…” She glared at Shen Yufeng. “Don’t think I’ll forgive you easily.”

“Of course, miss. No grudges. Let me treat you to a meal.”

“A meal? Fine. Michelin-starred restaurant. Today.”

Shen Yufeng’s smile froze. Michelin five-star wasn’t cheap. This rich girl had expensive tastes.

“Well, the 8-yuan malatang near my academy is great. Would you honor me with that?”

“8 yuan? I’ve never eaten under triple digits. Single digits? What is that?”

Rich girls never tried cheap street food. Still, 8 yuan was too stingy. At least 20-yuan food stalls.

“Yezi, that malatang spot is actually good,” Cute Teacher said. “I’ll take you next time.”

“If you say so, when?”

“Ahem,” Yezi cleared her throat. “I’m Ye Zixin, Cute Teacher’s bestie. Just back from abroad. I’m only here because she invited me. I’m not really into—”

“Yezi, I brought your new cosplay outfit,” Cute Teacher interrupted. “Tailored perfectly. Come change with me. Oh, Yuchen—Xia Bing’s surrounded over there. Go help her.”

A massive crowd blocked the view. Only Xia Bing’s fox ears were visible.

“Ugh. That fiery beauty is Cute Teacher’s best friend. She’ll whisper bad things about me. My noble image is ruined.”

Shut up, you old pervert. When were you ever noble? You started this! You claim to be the Taoist Path’s top dog, yet you’re scared now? And if you want to chase Auntie Cute, you’ll have to get past me. As your buddy, I’ll make sure you fail.

“Whatever. I’m rescuing Xia Bing. Figure out your apology.”

Cute Teacher was kind. Her bestie probably had a soft heart too. Shen Yufeng could still win her over.

I pushed through the crowd, grabbing Xia Bing’s hand and pulling her out.

“You okay?”

Xia Bing panted, sweat soaking her clothes into a translucent sheen. It was… kinda hot.

“So scary! They surrounded me for photos, and someone groped my tail… Ah! My tail fur’s all messy. I’ll need hours to fix it.”

“You finally admit the tail’s real? You left too fast that day. Now, explain properly.”

“It’s—it’s just a cosplay prop!” She looked away, hugging her tail. If I pushed, she’d bolt from the con.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Cute Teacher called. “Yezi, stop hiding behind me.”

“But this embarrassing outfit… How can you wear it without blushing? You’re impressive in your own way.”

Whoa! Yezi was cosplaying a dark elf like Cute Teacher, but her top had barely any fabric. One less inch, and security would kick her out. Auntie Cute was bold to order such a sexy costume. (Though it was easy on the eyes.)

“Oh! An angel cosplayer over there. Let’s go!”

“Wait! I need more photos.”

“Wow, that cosplayer’s glowing. How’d they do that?”

The photographers (old pervs) swarmed a new spot. I caught a whiff of Celestial energy. A wild thought hit me—could it really be her?

I rushed to the next booth. A golden-glowing Celestial stood center stage, surrounded by fans. Golden light bathed everyone, their faces beaming with joy…

“No pushing! Everyone gets a photo,” she chirped. “Line up for selfies!”

Holy crap. It was that glitchy Celestial. She wore the magic doll I gave her, parading at a human anime con? Did her Almighty Dad even know?