“I found the bandage!” Xu Xin rushed over but froze when she saw me holding hands with Mei’er.
Sensing the awkward vibe, I quickly let go.
Xu Xin gave an embarrassed smile. “Here… the bandage.”
“Thanks!” I took it, turned, and stuck it on my already healed finger.
If Xu Xin knew my wound was gone, I’d have no way to explain.
Looking at Mei’er and Xu Xin, I said, “You two head out. I’ll handle the rest!”
Mei’er nodded obediently. “Mei’er will go find Sister Mengxin!” She turned and left.
“Really don’t need help?” Xu Xin asked, uncertain.
I smiled. “Really not.”
Xu Xin hesitated but finally said, “Alright, be careful not to cut your finger again.”
“Thanks for the concern!” I grinned and started peeling an apple.
Honestly, though Mei’er was once a nine-tailed demon, she’s still naive about the ways of the world, not exactly thoughtful. But these past few times I nearly ended up playing cards with the King of Hell, it was Mei’er who risked her life to pull me back.
Mei’er’s good to me, so I must be good to her. That’s why I instinctively avoid Xu Xin and Wang Ziyan.
No clue what they see in me—my height, standing or lying down? They’ve tried it!
Lost in thought, I finished cooking. Morning meals are convenient.
“This Freshman Meetup—wonder if there’ll be any hot guys!” Sister Lin sipped her porridge, looking dreamy.
I smirked, teasing, “No matter the country, no one’s into girls as flat as you, right?”
Xu Xin and Mei’er stifled laughs.
Xu Xin’s laugh was expected, but Mei’er getting these jabs? Gotta keep her away from Sister Lin, or my sweet Mei’er will turn mischievous.
“Hmph! I’ll grow someday!” Sister Lin huffed, but she’s probably done developing.
Even silicone wouldn’t help!
As we chatted, Wang Ziyan opened the apartment door, trudging in wearily.
“I’m exhausted!” She plopped onto a stool, looking drained from a night out.
I served her a bowl of porridge and asked curiously, “You were gone all night—big case?”
Wang Ziyan sipped before answering, “Yeah, crazy busy.”
“What case?” I just asked to kill boredom.
She paused, then said, “Missing persons, nearly a hundred, all with priors…”
Her words stunned me. Nearly a hundred, with priors—likely thugs. I couldn’t help linking it to Zhao Gao.
As expected, he wiped them out…
“Worked all night, then this morning, got word to drop it!” Wang Ziyan fumed. “Said someone higher up is burying the case! Tell me earlier—I’ve got dark circles now!”
That confirmed it.
The missing were the goons who cornered me at the warehouse.
Zhao Gao’s ruthless…
“Forget it, eat!” I smiled, changing the topic.
Sister Lin chimed in, “Yeah, eat, don’t overthink!”
“Mhm…” Wang Ziyan nodded, sipping her porridge.
It’s a day off, so I planned to take Mei’er out.Beijing has plenty to see—scenic spots, ancient buildings—but I only care for the sea, not mountains or architecture.
Mei’er, being a fox demon, might like nature, though.
“You’re going to the Summer Palace? Take me!” Sister Lin pleaded.
Why does my “lovable” Sister Lin always step in? I’m not into feet!
Xu Xin added, “I’d love to go too.”
Looks like my alone time with Mei’er is doomed.
Wang Ziyan slapped her forehead. “Seriously? I’m beat, and you’re going out?” She looked at me. “Can’t you go tomorrow instead?”
“Rest up. We’ll go tomorrow too!” I gave her a helpless smile.
Since rejecting Wang Ziyan last time, she’s changed—she was less pushy. Not sure if that’s good or bad.
“Fine, but tomorrow, I’m coming, or I’ll beat you!” Wang Ziyan said seriously.
I scoffed, “Talk when you’ve got the strength!”
In the end, Wang Ziyan stayed to rest, while I, Mei’er, Sister Lin, and Xu Xin headed to the Summer Palace.
At the school gate, I stopped. “What do you want to eat? I’ll grab something. Scenic spot food’s pricey—better buy here.”
“Get whatever. They’ll still rip you off at the Summer Palace!” Sister Lin smirked.
She hasn’t paid rent but covers groceries, so I let the 20,000 yuan slide.
“Mei’er just wants cola!” Mei’er smiled. She’s hooked on it.
Xu Xin shrugged. “Anything’s fine.”
“Alright, wait here!” I headed to the nearby campus store.
The store had snacks, but that won’t fill us at the Summer Palace.
Sister Lin’s right—I’ll get fleeced.
I patted my pocket. Gotta hit the ATM later.
Carrying the stuff back, I saw a yellow sports car parked by a willow tree. Some rich kid’s ride.
Wait, that’s not a parking spot.
A car tryst?
Curious, I crept closer. Car windows show the outside, so I checked around, reversed my True Qi to turn invisible, and tiptoed over.
“Young Master Zhao, my men are missing. It’s hard to explain to the higher-ups…”
“You called me to the school just for this?”
“Our gang lost over a hundred men. The bosses will notice.”
“Here’s a million for your losses.”
“My men’s lives aren’t that cheap.”
“Hmph! Ten million then!”
“Thanks, Young Master Zhao!”
D*mn! Thought it was a tryst, but it’s Zhao Gao negotiating with the boss who lost a hundred men. This guy’s no pushover, haggling with Zhao Gao.
Deal done, Zhao Gao drove off.
I reappeared, heading for Sister Lin and the others, but after a few steps, I froze.
That boss’s voice sounded familiar.
Was it… Zhou Feng?!