Jinghua had just finished reading the words on her palm when they vanished.

She looked up, glancing around—but no sign of the little demon. No strange figures nearby either.

"Eight o'clock tonight..."

...

After wrapping up the afternoon task, Haolin walked over. "Wanna grab dinner now?"

"Sure. Let’s hit the campus canteen this time—I don’t want you spending too much," Jinghua said, rising from the bench.

"Your call. Let’s go."

Hand in hand, they headed toward the canteen.

"I’ve got something to tell you."

They spoke the same words almost in unison.

"You first," Jinghua said quickly.

"I’m busy tonight. Can’t keep you company."

"Oh, no worries. I’m not a kid. Didn’t have plans anyway."

"My girlfriend’s so understanding. So what were *you* going to say?"

"Nothing much. I was gonna say *I* had stuff tonight too… but now it doesn’t really matter."

"Haha, yeah. True."

After dinner, they parted ways. Jinghua returned to the dorm. With time to spare, she decided to shower first.

"Jinghua, washing up this early? Got another date with Haolin tonight?" her roommate teased.

"I’ll punch you!" Jinghua waved a fist playfully. "Haolin’s busy. I just had nothing to do. Stop overimagining! If you’ve got that much free time, go find someone yourself."

"You think I don’t want to? Just not as lucky as you…" her roommate muttered glumly.

Jinghua bantered with her a bit longer before grabbing her clothes and heading into the bathroom.

Splash, splash. Warm water streamed from the showerhead, cascading over her skin.

The heat finally eased her tension—just a little. Outwardly calm, inwardly, she’d been quietly nervous all along.

What would happen at eight? Lilim had only told her to go to the library’s sixth floor. No details. That uncertainty tightened her nerves and stirred restless anxiety.

Still… tonight, her wish would finally come true. A flicker of excitement remained.

After bathing, changing, and a light touch-up, she left ten minutes before eight.

The girls’ dorm was close to the central library—just a five-minute walk. Yet tonight, even hurrying, every step felt endlessly long.

Nervous? Scared? She couldn’t pinpoint it. Her thoughts swirled, but one thing was clear: reach the destination.

She took a deep breath and pressed on.

Swipe card. Pass gate. Ride elevator. Finally—sixth floor.

Stepping out, her heartbeat hammered loud. On this deserted floor, she could almost *hear* it thumping in her ears.

She breathed deeply, steadying herself, then began searching quietly—no shouting allowed in the library.

Weaving through bookshelves, she reached a reading nook—and froze.

*Haolin?*

She almost went over… until she saw the girl beside him. Someone familiar.

Her chest tightened. A buzz drowned her thoughts. Blank.

*"Busy tonight"… with her?*

She shook her head hard. *Stay calm. Maybe I’m wrong.*

Peeking from behind a shelf, she confirmed: only Haolin and the girl.

*Right—the girl from Haolin’s class…*

Single ponytail, petite frame, youthful face—easy to recognize. Just couldn’t recall her name.

"Can’t hear a thing…"

Too far. Voices too low. Only muffled murmurs reached her.

*She bowed! Is she… confessing?!*

Jinghua wanted to move closer—but the open aisle gave no cover. Trapped, she stayed hidden.

*Haolin looks serious… Please say no. Please.*

*…He nodded. She’s smiling.*

Jinghua turned away, back pressed to the shelf, hand clamped over her mouth. Swallowing sobs.

She wanted to confront him. But her feet wouldn’t move.

Fear held her. Clinging to hope—*maybe it’s not what I think*—while the memory replayed, sharp and cruel.

Meeting secretly here… What else could it be?

Stumbling away, she drifted like a zombie through the shelves. Mind chaotic. Needing solitude.

Then—stairs to the rooftop.

She climbed. Reached the iron door—latch loose. Didn’t care about noise. Shoved it open.

Cool night wind hit her face.

And the dam broke.

She sank to the ground, buried her face in her hands, and wept—pouring out every tangled emotion.

Too lost in grief to notice footsteps drawing near.

"So you ran up here…"

Jinghua lifted her tear-blurred eyes. Wiped her sleeve across her face.

A small figure came into focus: a cute girl in a T-shirt and shorts. Familiar.

"Who… who are you?" Jinghua choked out.

"Don’t you recognize me, Sister Jinghua?"