Ming Yi had once wondered: if angels truly existed in this world, what would they look like?
Not the ethereal figures from movies or anime—but a real, tangible deity wrapped in warmth and closeness.
Wind stilled upon touching her. Rain froze the moment it fell on her.
Every gaze in the world paused for her.
It was a beauty so pure the world dared not leave even a trace of desecration upon her.
She appeared fifteen or sixteen, with silvery-white hair flowing smoothly down her back like harp strings.
Not just her hair—every inch of her was monochromatic white: white brows, white pupils, skin pale and bloodless. Draped in a loose pure-white robe, she looked like a snowball wrapped in a handkerchief.
Kneeling sideways on the grass, she reminded Ming Yi of unmelted spring snow under morning sun.
Xiao Chengcheng had walked a short way before noticing Ming Yi rooted to the spot. She turned back. “Spacing out?”
“Hey, Sharina,” Ming Yi hesitated, “that girl… do you know her?”
Only then did they follow his gaze to the girl on the lawn.
“Oh, I know her. An orphan adopted by a teacher here. Also a Shatterborn, I think.”
“And her name?”
“If you’re *that* curious,” Xiao Chengcheng cut in with a grin before Sharina could answer, “go ask her yourself.”
Ming Yi met her teasing smile, fell silent a moment, then nodded. “You two head to the student council office. I’ll catch up later.”
He turned and ran off.
Watching him go, Xiao Chengcheng let out a playful whistle. “Think that was a destined encounter?”
Sharina tilted her head. “I don’t know… She doesn’t talk much.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” Xiao Chengcheng chuckled. “Bet you Ming Yi won’t just talk to her—he’ll become her closest friend. Whether it goes further? That’s up to fate.”
Sharina frowned, puzzled by his confidence.
——
——
After circling half the teaching building, Ming Yi returned panting to the lawn outside the corridor window.
The girl still knelt there. Hearing his breath, she turned her head slightly.
The moment their eyes met, heat surged through Ming Yi’s chest. Her white pupils gleamed like flawless crystal—wherever her gaze fell, time itself seemed to halt.
The world froze. Moving a finger, shifting his eyes, even swallowing felt impossible.
He lost all courage to speak.
Then she spoke first.
“Who are you?” Her voice was soft, ethereal, as if drifting across centuries.
The frozen scene resumed. Air stirred. Ming Yi felt his limbs again.
“Uh… I’m Ming Yi. A new third-generation member.” His voice came out hoarse, unused. “I saw you sitting here long… thought maybe you needed help… or something…”
His words faded. Even he cringed at the weak excuse.
She blinked. “Hello.”
*Hello.*
Perfect. Final.
Silence thickened.
Ming Yi swallowed hard. “Um… may I know your name?”
She thought. “Yes.”
*Yes?! Then say it!*
Face blank, heart racing, he pressed on. “So… what is your name?”
“Thousand.”
*Thousand?* Strange name. Surname? Given name? He recalled Sharina’s words—orphan, adopted. Maybe the teacher named her.
“What are you doing here?”
“Looking for something.”
Ming Yi’s pulse quickened. “What? Need help?”
She shook her head and rose slowly.
“Found it.”
She stepped closer—less than twenty centimeters away. A faint, almost imperceptible floral scent brushed his senses.
She extended her palm. A snow-white silk scarf lay there.
“For you.”
“Huh? Are you sure? You searched so long—it must be important.”
She shook her head silently.
Ming Yi hesitated, then reached. The instant his fingers touched hers—
Soft as mist, cold as deep winter. No human warmth. Only glacial chill.
He took the scarf, glancing up. Only now did he fully see it: her overwhelming whiteness. Skin like porcelain without blood. No flush. No life.
After a pause, he murmured, “If… I come here again someday… will I see you?”
She tilted her head, then nodded.
Relief washed over him. He smiled. “Then… I’ll come back.”
He turned and walked away briskly.
She remained tilted, pondering his words—but never refused.
——
——
Back in the student council office, Xiao Chengcheng and Sharina were chatting.
Xiao Chengcheng grinned the moment Ming Yi entered. “So? How’d our hero’s first otherworld flirting attempt go?”
Ming Yi shot him a glare. Sharina leaned in softly. “I heard she’s shy and rarely speaks. Did you manage to talk?”
Ming Yi gave a silent nod, unwilling to elaborate.
Xiao Chengcheng beamed at Sharina. “See? Told you! No guesswork—classic transmigration plot trigger…”
Ming Yi ignored him, scanning the room: desks, bookshelves, sofa, kettle, tea leaves. Pleasantly orderly.
Sinking onto the sofa, he replayed the encounter with the girl named Thousand.
Not love at first sight—he wasn’t that fickle. Until he let go of his senior, he wouldn’t open his heart to another.
Curiosity, maybe. Drawn by her beauty.
Yet… she felt indescribable. Mysterious. Dreamlike. Gazing at her was like watching a soft white halo. Talking to her brought quiet familiarity.
Truly magical.
He carefully folded the white silk scarf and tucked it into his coat pocket.
