“Lilim?!” Haolin exclaimed in shock.

“That’s right. This princess is personally calling you, a mere mortal. Surprised? Delighted?” The little demon chirped cheerfully.

“You… are you using Jinghua’s phone?” Haolin ignored her question, voice tight with concern.

“Hehe, indeed.”

“What did you do to her?” he asked, tone sharp.

A phone was deeply personal—even close friends rarely shared it. That this little demon held Jinghua’s meant something had happened.

“I didn’t do anything! She gave it to me willingly,” came the innocent reply. Haolin knew better.

“Enough chit-chat. This princess has zero patience for contract-breakers.”

Her words tensed Haolin—but he steeled himself fast.

“What… exactly do you want?”

“Punishment. You understand, big brother, right?” Lilim teased.

“…”

“Straight talk: find me before sunset. Jinghua’s with me. Fail… well. I’ve said my piece. Good luck, big brother.”

“Wait! Hey!”

The line went dead.

“Senior, what’s wrong? You look awful…” Wang Hong asked.

“Family matter. Don’t ask,” Haolin said firmly.

“Uh… got it.”

Wang Hong dared not press further.

“I’m leaving.”

“Okay…”

Haolin rushed off.

*How did that demon learn about me and Wuyou, my junior? We underestimated her. Now Jinghua’s a hostage…* he muttered inwardly.

*No time to overthink. I must find her. Rescue Jinghua!* He clenched his fist, resolve burning.

*Where would she be? Probably… there.* He quickened his pace.

Meanwhile, on the library rooftop, the setting sun stretched the shadows of two figures—one tall, one small.

“Sister, your phone.”

The once-menacing Ling Luo now stood docile, still in her little demon form.

“Lady Lilim… what were you doing?” Jinghua asked cautiously, taking her phone.

“Calling your Haolin brother. This magic needs you both.”

“Magic? What magic?”

“A spell to deepen your love. Patience, sister—you’ll see,” Ling Luo said mysteriously.

Doubt flickered in Jinghua’s heart, but she stayed silent. *Just follow Lady Lilim’s words…* she repeated inwardly, a fragile comfort. Last night, she’d pretended normalcy before roommates, but the ache remained. She hadn’t contacted Haolin since—afraid her voice would betray her pain. Cold silence felt safer. Wait for Lady Lilim to fix it.

Ten minutes later, Haolin burst onto the rooftop. His eyes locked instantly on the petite figure—Jinghua standing beside the demon.

“Jinghua!” He rushed to her.

“Haolin…” She watched him, expression tangled.

“Are you hurt? Did she touch you?” He checked her over, relief flashing when he saw she was unharmed. Then he pivoted, shielding her behind him, stance wary.

Seeing his fierce protectiveness, Jinghua bit her lip. *He accepted that junior’s confession last night… yet acts so worried now. Haolin, you…* A bitter ache swelled as she stared at his back.

“My, so quick! As expected, Brother Haolin,” Ling Luo said calmly, tail dragging softly on the ground.

“You waited here on purpose. Punish me—but leave Jinghua out. She’s innocent.”

“Punishment? What punishment?” Jinghua asked, confused.

“I’ll explain later. Just go. It’s dangerous!”

“I…” Jinghua hesitated.

“Sister won’t leave, because—”

“Wait!” Ling Luo was cut off.

“I can’t—Huh?! Senior… and Senior?!” Xiao You froze, brain short-circuiting at the scene: demon vs. senior, girlfriend behind him. Confused but resolute—*Stop the demon!*—she lunged.

*Snap.* A translucent barrier bloomed. *Thud.* She slammed into it, nose stinging.

“Ow, ow, ow…” She clutched her face.

“Meddlers stay quiet on the sidelines,” Ling Luo said coldly.

“Junior, you okay?” Haolin called.

Unseen by him, those words twisted Jinghua’s heart deeper. *Haolin… as expected…*

Haolin stepped toward Xiao You—

“Don’t step out of the circle, big brother,” Lilim warned.

“What?!”

Golden lines glowed beneath his feet—a meter-wide circle, an eye vivid at its center. He yanked his foot back.

“This… is this what Lady Lilim meant?” Jinghua whispered, eyes fixed on the pattern.