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Translator: Uh... Was Chenyi working in the Charm Alley? That might be why she didn't have to live there?
"It's getting late, so let’s call it a day. I'll pick this up tomorrow," Ji Niang said, glancing at the time. Her goal for the visit had clearly been achieved. "On your last free day before classes start, I’m going to take you out to see the true charm of the Transcendent world."
"Wait, hold on! Ma'am, you still haven't told me what this research group actually does!" I called out as she prepared to leave. I couldn't just sell myself out without knowing the details. If I was going down, I at least wanted to know what I was dying for.
"Now that you mention it, that is a bit of a problem," Ji Niang mused, pausing. "I only just registered the group with the academy yesterday. You’re currently the only member, and I’m the lead. Tell you what—I’ll leave the objective up to you. You propose a research direction, and I’ll evaluate the feasibility. How does that sound? Honestly, Yuehan, your guard is so high. You’re really draining my goodwill here, you know?"
"I..."
I started to speak but found myself at a loss for words. I couldn't really deny that I was on the defensive.
However, by handing me the choice, she was effectively trying to pacify me. I knew the group wouldn't ultimately revolve around whatever I suggested—this was likely just an opening move to lower my walls.
Still, a perk was a perk. If she were giving me total authority to choose the starting point, I wasn't going to be polite about it.
If there was anything I desperately wanted to understand right now, it was Spell Books and Psi-vision.
Ideally, I wanted to deconstruct a Spell Book through the lens of my Psi-vision to figure out the underlying mechanics. If I could master that, I’d understand spell construction, the internal logic of the Books, and most importantly, the correct way to use Psi-vision as a tool.
Understanding the Spell Books was just an excuse, or at best, a secondary benefit.
My mind was made up. This was my only proposal; I didn't have a Plan B. If Ji Niang rejected it, I’d just play dumb and let her run whatever project she wanted. Or she could kick me out of the group, though I bet she wouldn't dare.
In fact, I had a feeling this was exactly the kind of proposal she was hoping for. I was cornered, after all. My Psi-vision was my greatest asset—well, that and the Transcendent Knowledge.
After finishing the Earthvein documents, I got up to head home, picking up some takeout on the way.
When I arrived at the villa, I noticed every light in the house was blazing. It was barely dinner time; the sky hadn't even darkened enough to justify that kind of power usage. What a waste of Mana.
I swiped my key card and stepped inside, only to find three people sitting in the living room, laughing and talking in front of the TV.
My sudden entrance brought the conversation to a screeching halt. The only sound left was a sitcom playing on the screen, its outdated jokes feeling incredibly out of place.
Of the three people in the room, I figured Yiren would be back early, and I could understand Guan Qiuling returning from her meeting with the senior. But who was the woman with the pink beach waves and the incredibly revealing outfit?
"Um... hi! You must be my third roommate, right?" The pink-haired girl was the first to break the silence. "I’ll introduce myself. I’m Hong Chenyi. According to the check-in order, I guess that makes me the fourth freshman to move in."
"Hi. I’m Yang Yuehan."
I tried to hide my shock. If she said she belonged in this villa, it wasn't my place to complain.
Honestly, I’d initially assumed she was some playmate Guan Qiuling had brought home; the way she was dressed, or rather, barely dressed, reminded me far too much of the "professional" seniors I’d seen back in Charm Alley. Way too much.
"Hey, I heard the others call you Sis Yuehan. Is it okay if I call you that too?" Chenyi grinned, slinging an arm over Dongli Yiren’s shoulder like they were old fraternity brothers. "The three of us were all guys before this, so we’ve got to look out for each other, right?"
Guan Qiuling looked a bit shy and managed to duck out from under the girl's touch, but my jaw nearly hit the floor.
"Wait... what?"
I raised an eyebrow, stunned. It wasn't just how easily Chenyi admitted her past; it was the fact that she’d somehow convinced Guan Qiuling to admit it, too. I shot a bewildered look at Qiuling, but she just lowered her head, refusing to meet my eyes.
"Wait, Yuehan, you didn't know?" Chenyi asked, eyes wide. "Tell me which of my two 'brothers' here was keeping secrets from you. I’ll give them a talking-to—maybe a little psychological counseling."
"No, I knew. If there’s anyone I didn't know about, it was you," I said, waving off her offer. "But if you don't mind me asking... you've had your key card this whole time, haven't you? Why are you only showing up now?"
"Huh? Wait... how did you know that?" Chenyi’s bravado vanished instantly. Her voice lost its edge, replaced by a sudden, nervous stammer.
"So it's true, huh? Where have you been this whole time?" I asked, my brow furrowing.
I hadn't expected her to be the missing roommate. If she wasn't living here, where was she? It’s not like she was sleeping on the streets... right?
"I... well, I was working. The job provided room and board, so... yeah, that's pretty much it! Haha!" Chenyi’s explanation was incredibly half-baked. She was clearly trying to brush it off as she added, "Anyway, that’s not important! Let’s talk about something else, okay?"
"Fine. It’s your business, I won't pry," I replied. I could tell she was hiding something, but pushing too hard was a great way to make enemies.
Curiosity killed the cat, and I didn't want my home life to be a drama-filled nightmare, even though my relationship with my other two roommates was already awkward enough.
"Look, orientation ends tomorrow, and classes start the day after. By the way, have you guys checked your class assignments yet? Have you heard from your advisors?"
"Wait, class assignments?" Chenyi jumped on the new topic with suspicious speed, though she seemed genuinely clueless. "Where do I even check that?"
"How do you not know?" I stared at her, genuinely baffled. The notification had been on the academy phones for ages. Even if she missed it, wouldn't she be worried? Wouldn't she ask someone?
To spend this much time on campus without knowing your own class... she was either incredibly brave or incredibly dim.
I turned my gaze toward Yiren and Ling, waiting for their answers.
"I’m in Section 105. I told you that earlier," Yiren said first.
"I’m in... Section 55," Ling added softly.
Finally, my eyes landed back on Chenyi. The silent question was clear: How are you the only one in the dark?
Seriously, was this girl even a student at the Witch School?