Lia stepped out of the prison, the Spirit Card feeling weighty in her palm.

Just holding it sent a gentle warmth trickling through her blood, straight to her heart.

“What a strange person…”

She murmured to herself while walking down the street, unsure what to do with the card.

Lia had rarely bought a Spirit Card herself, knew nothing about selling or pricing them—only that anything Spirit Card–related was wildly expensive.

Yet now, holding this one, she sensed it could fetch a solid price.

Maybe… just this tiny Spirit Card could trade for a Spirit Card Slot?!

She wasn’t certain, but the mere thought of selling it stirred a strange, stubborn aversion.

Su Hong had given her his first card—his precious inaugural creation. Selling it felt cruel. It deserved to be cherished.

And why give her this meaningful keepsake at all?

Lia recalled the changing room scene. The warden’s words echoed in her ears: “Su Hong… his attitude toward you seems special… special… spe…”

A faint blush dusted her cheeks. She shook her head quickly.

“No, no—he said we’re friends. Of course he’s kind to me… because I’m his friend!”

But why choose *her*, of all people?

Just as confusion threatened to swallow her again, her gaze snagged on the restaurant sign across the street.

A Spirit Card–powered advertisement—elegant, vibrant, worlds apart from their own modest family shop.

They had a sign too, but with so few customers, commissioning a Spirit Card ad would drain a year’s income—

Lia blinked. Stood frozen at the door, dazed.

Wait—she *had* a Spirit Card now! Not an ad, but if placed inside… something lovely for customers to enjoy while eating?

This was Su Hong’s carefully crafted work. Sharing it would thank loyal patrons. And she wouldn’t have to sell it!

Heart lifting, Lia quickened her steps. Her figure swept like wind, pushing open the shop’s wooden door.

From behind the counter, an aged yet lively face popped up.

“Ho ho ho! Welcome back, Lia. Smiling so bright—got yourself a boyfriend?”

“Grandpa! It’s just good news, hehe~…”

Her grandfather nodded, relieved. “Good, good. If any foolish brat bothers my Lia, I’ll twist his head to face his backside!”

“Won’t happen.”

Lia ducked into the kitchen, rummaged, and dragged out a wooden signboard with effort.

Her grandfather squinted. “What’s this? Lia—you didn’t *find* a Spirit Card?! Return it! If the owner claims it, we’re ruined!”

“No! A… friend gave it to me.”

She wiped it clean, set it beside the counter, and peered toward the door—eager to play it the moment customers arrived.

Her grandfather froze, eyes wide, mouth agape. After a beat, he leaned in, suspicious.

“*Really* a Spirit Card?! What friend gives this away?! A boy?! Where is he? Let me meet him—I *promise* I won’t kill him!”

“Grandpa! Just a friend! He’s in prison. He can’t leave.”

“???”

A complex expression locked on her grandfather’s face.

*In prison?*

*So he’s a criminal?!*