Chapter Forty-One: Squad Leader, Why Are You Blushing?

The rain outside continued to fall in torrents, the dense droplets striking the glass window with crisp, rhythmic taps, then merging into tiny streams that flowed gently downward.

“So that’s how it is.”

In the dimly lit living room, after listening to Lin Xiaoyin’s explanation, Cheng Feng pressed his hand to his chin, deep in thought, but he was not particularly angry. If Lin Xiaoyin was telling the truth, her only concern was to protect Lin Xiaoqin. If so, then Lin Xiaoqin’s strange, incurable illness was not her doing. But how had it come about?

Moreover, Lin Xiaoqin found the scent of the dead black cat appealing—a typical trait of creatures drawn to raw meat. Simple dual personalities could not explain these phenomena. The mystery surrounding Lin Xiaoqin remained unresolved, and Cheng Feng had a premonition: the non-human the diviner spoke of was most likely her.

“So you understand now, don’t you? Lin Xiaoqin’s inner world is like that of a psychiatric patient. As her secondary personality, I know her best.” Lin Xiaoyin sighed, “For her, being neglected even a little makes her anxious; a taste of happiness and she’s elated. Her heart is sensitive and fragile.”

Cheng Feng stayed quiet, listening as she continued.

Seeing his silence, Lin Xiaoyin went on, “It wasn’t obvious before. She had no friends in her class, no one cared, so no one noticed her strange illness worsening. I believe the best course is for her to stay at home for a while, away from outside stimuli that might aggravate her condition.”

“Is that really the right thing?” Cheng Feng finally spoke, breaking his silence. “That’s just your own opinion, isn’t it? Have you ever asked Lin Xiaoqin what she wants? Keeping her shut in, with no interaction, could make her even more withdrawn.”

Lin Xiaoyin hesitated, but remained firm. “I am her other self—how could I not understand what she truly wants? I’m doing this for her own good.”

“If so, you said no one cares about her. But there’s me—and the class president, isn’t there?” Cheng Feng said seriously, “I’ll visit her often from now on, until she fully recovers.”

Lin Xiaoyin blinked in surprise. “Why go so far? Do you have feelings for her?”

“I’m simply acting out of friendship.”

“Fr-friendship…”

Lin Xiaoyin was momentarily stunned, unable to comprehend. “Why? Are you a fool? I’ve made myself clear, haven’t I? Lin Xiaoqin is nothing but trouble for anyone. Normal people should keep their distance. Who would befriend a psychiatric patient?”

“That’s my decision. I have another question for you.”

Cheng Feng stared at her, countering, “She’s unaware of your existence as another personality—is that fair to her? Do you intend to keep hiding yourself forever?”

Faced with his pointed gaze, Lin Xiaoyin pondered. “You’re right—I should find a time and way to tell her.”

Cheng Feng glanced at the clock; it was already one in the morning.

“In that case, leave Lin Xiaoqin’s illness to me. You can’t harm anyone anymore. That’s enough for tonight.”

…

The next day, Xia Qingyao had barely woken when she noticed the living room was in some disarray. She thought a thief had broken in, but seeing Cheng Feng sleeping peacefully on the sofa, she dismissed the idea.

Lin Xiaoqin was oblivious to the events of the previous night. Xia Qingyao, seeing signs that her illness had improved, felt reassured—she would likely be able to return to school in a few days.

Outside, the rain gradually ceased. Cheng Feng was the last to wake; after breakfast, he prepared to leave.

Lin Xiaoqin saw off the class president and Cheng Feng at the door, reluctant to part.

Cheng Feng rode his motorcycle, with Xia Qingyao as his passenger. He could not shake his suspicions about the personality disorder. When Lin Xiaoqin was captured by the vampire, though the experience was dangerous, it hadn’t been traumatic enough to split her psyche. There had to be more to it—something was not right.

He resolved to tell Liu Shiyu about it; her experience might shed light on the matter.

A chilly breeze tugged at Xia Qingyao’s glossy black hair as she sat behind him. She bit her lip. “Cheng Feng, thank you for coming with me to visit Xiaoqin.”

“Don’t thank me,” Cheng Feng replied carelessly. “I only came for a free meal. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have bothered.”

“Is that so…” Xia Qingyao felt he was contradicting himself; he clearly cared but refused to admit it.

Suddenly, a few cold raindrops fell from the sky onto the road ahead. At first, only a fine drizzle, but quickly the rain intensified.

“What dreadful weather—it’s raining again.”

Cheng Feng twisted the throttle. “Hold on tight, class president. I’m speeding up. If you get thrown off and land on your backside, I won’t be responsible.”

“Hey, wait…”

Xia Qingyao protested, “We’re still a few kilometers from your house. We’ll be soaked by the time we get there.”

She pointed to a direction. “Let’s stop over there and wait for the rain to pass.”

Cheng Feng followed her gesture and saw a lavishly decorated hotel.

Shelter in a hotel? He was momentarily surprised. “Class president, I don’t mind, but is it really appropriate to go straight to a place like that? If someone sees us, they might misunderstand.”

“What’s inappropriate about it?” Xia Qingyao was puzzled by his words. “It’s so cold, and there’s warm air inside. Isn’t that perfect?”

Cheng Feng turned towards the hotel. “Don’t blame me if anything happens—you said it yourself.”

“Huh? What could happen? That sounded a bit odd…” Xia Qingyao blinked. “We’re just having coffee, aren’t we?”

“Coffee?”

Riding, Cheng Feng glanced again at the hotel’s direction. Next door, there was a café.

Damn, he’d misunderstood.

Xia Qingyao was confused by his earlier words, but soon realized what he meant and blushed deeply.

She understood Cheng Feng’s mistake but was too embarrassed to clarify.

The café seemed familiar to Cheng Feng. As they got closer, he remembered—it was the cat-maid café he’d visited during a previous mission.

Since they were here, he might as well go in.

The service here was excellent; bringing the class president for a visit would be a good experience and a chance to escape the rain.

“Eh? Class president, why are you blushing?” Cheng Feng locked his bike and only then noticed Xia Qingyao’s flushed cheeks.

“Am I?” Xia Qingyao touched her burning face.

With the rain pouring down, Cheng Feng had no time for banter. He led her towards the café, pushing open the glass door.

As the glass doors swung apart, the cat-shaped wind chime at the entrance jingled brightly.

Behind the counter, the staff—Cat Orange, dressed as a maid—greeted the new guests with a cheerful smile. But when she saw Cheng Feng walk in, her smile froze, replaced by an expression of alarm.