Qi Bai froze for a moment, a flood of emotions rushing through her.
Suddenly, she thought of something and looked at the giant eye with a strange expression.
“So, do you still think I grew up picking up trash, enduring everyone’s mockery, with a father hopelessly addicted to gambling, a mother constantly imposing impossible demands, and even being arranged in a ghost marriage?”
The giant eye, seeing Qi Bai looking at it, showed a hint of pleasure but after hearing her words, it froze in surprise.
“Isn’t that so?”
Confusion filled its gaze.
Qi Bai burst out laughing, and the moisture in her eyes turned to tears again.
“Hahaha, this is hilarious! This kind of teenage angst literature mixed with some supernatural elements only naive kids would take it seriously!”
She laughed heartily on the outside, while secretly speculating inside.
If things were really as she suspected, then this could be interesting…
Qi Bai’s laughter made the giant eye’s bloodshot sclera glow with fury, and it began to speak impulsively.
“You’re just a pitiful creature, mocked by everyone, with no friends around you. You should fear all this! Your past is so wretched, so filthy…”
Qi Bai’s expression gradually turned cold, and her words became icy.
“Enough! You think you’re something special? You’re nothing but a paper tiger, surviving by spying on others’ hearts, yet you dare to casually judge someone else’s life. Who do you think you are?!”
The giant eye froze, then rage surged even higher. Several of its blood vessels burst with a “pop,” black blood gushing out, even obscuring part of the pupil.
“You… cursed! I am a favorite of the gods, and you, a mere ant, dare disrespect me. Pitiful creature, surveying others is a sign of divine power. Your cowardice and lack of repentance… I had intended to bring you to see the gods.”
The giant eye paused, then finally said “Hmph. You no longer have that right!”
As soon as those words fell, Qi Bai felt darkness sweep over her. When she awoke again, everything seemed like a dream. She was lying by the side of the staircase, and next to her was the long-missing Chen Anlan.
“Qi Bai? Qi Bai! You’re finally awake!” Chen Anlan had been watching over her, and seeing her eyelids twitch, he felt relieved.
Qi Bai half-listened to Chen Anlan’s endless questions while observing her surroundings.
The staircase was clean and bright. Soft red light from the setting sun streamed through the window, painting the room in warm hues. From outside, it seemed like another world.
“So… it’s all back to normal?” Qi Bai murmured to herself.
It seemed her suspicion was correct. Whatever was on the rooftop had been heavily restricted it could only attack the mind.
Chen Anlan was still recounting her sudden collapse. He said puzzledly, “I just didn’t catch up for a moment, and next thing I knew, you barely climbed one floor before collapsing! I was about to call someone for help, but no matter how I shouted, no one came out. You scared me half to death…”
Shaking off the lingering fear, he added: “Next time, President Qi, can we… not be so reckless? You really test my nerves!”
Qi Bai sincerely felt the struggle behind her companion’s anxious tone.
However…
“You’re actually quite suited for this job. Even reaching this point, despite all the weirdness, you weren’t affected. Such luck… a waste not to take risks!” Qi Bai teased, but quickly became serious, looking at Chen Anlan.
“Of course, if you don’t want to, I won’t force you. After all, we’re friends first, partners second.”
“Qi Bai?” He froze.
Chen Anlan’s face brightened instantly at her words, sweeping away all previous gloom. His speech became brisk.
“Since we’re friends, why bother with formalities? As you said friends help each other. I’ll go all out!”
He spoke earnestly, the last four words solemnly emphasized.
Qi Bai smiled, about to say something further, when footsteps suddenly echoed from downstairs.
The steps grew closer, steady in pace clearly not some random intruder, but a purposeful visitor.
The two exchanged a glance, instinctively holding their silence.
Soon, the newcomer appeared before them.
He wore a purple school uniform, with special designs on the collar and shirt. A conspicuous purple brooch gleamed elegantly in the light, giving him an air of refinement and distinction.
Under his sharp eyebrows were narrow, charming peach blossom eyes, capable of ensnaring anyone. A straight nose, well-proportioned lips, and perfectly balanced features made him undeniably handsome.
Seeing Qi Bai and Chen Anlan waiting, he looked surprised, his sparkling eyes scanning both but inevitably settling on Qi Bai.
His gaze lingered on her for a long moment, only retracting when she seemed uncomfortable.
Qi Bai sighed inwardly at his appearance.
One problem after another… She had planned to build the agency’s reputation and deal with him later. Who knew fate’s chains would be so troublesome!
How did Lin Jiashu, this pervert, end up here?!
Seeing no one speak, Lin Jiashu quickly glanced at their blue uniforms, eyes curling slightly, voice gentle: “Did you two take a wrong turn as well?
I planned to go to the sixth-floor monitoring room for some files, but I got distracted and ended up one floor too high…”
Towards the end, his tone carried some frustration. His apologetic expression could fool anyone unfamiliar with him.
Chen Anlan clearly believed him. “I understand. Last time I ran to the dorms, I took the wrong floor too! Luckily I met Qi ”
Qi Bai panicked, interrupting him: “Exactly! If it weren’t for me, who knows when you’d realize you were on the wrong floor! Rookie!”
Hearing Qi Bai’s nickname, Chen Anlan finally noticed her unusual behavior she clearly didn’t want to reveal her name.
Though unsure why, he cooperated.
“Yeah… Qi Qi, there’s nothing much up here anyway. Let’s go! We’ll be late for the gathering!” Chen Anlan improvised, face calm, heart steady.
Normally, lying would make him uneasy, but now he could suppress shame, thinking quickly for excuses to leave.
He stole a glance at Qi Bai he realized he had been changing since meeting her.
Qi Bai silently admired him. He usually seemed harmless, but when lying, he stayed composed and reliable at the critical moment!
They walked down the stairs in sync. Just as Qi Bai brushed past Lin Jiashu, a cold yet slightly lazy voice echoed through the empty stairwell “Stop right there!”