Lost in the Otherworld

Gao Yang slowed his pace, quickly coming to a decision—he began heading toward a more crowded area.

In theory, if a conflict were to arise in a busy place, it would only attract more Wrath Beasts, increasing the likelihood of his death. However, upon further thought, if the one following him was indeed a Wrath Beast, it meant that it had already identified—at the very least, suspected—his awakened status.

But since it hadn’t attacked immediately and was merely tailing him, it signaled that this particular Wrath Beast intended to take him down alone. And if it wanted him all to itself, it certainly wouldn’t strike in a crowded area.

Soon, Gao Yang passed a 24-hour convenience store. He took a deep breath and turned, stepping inside.

Not long after, a short-haired girl in a school uniform appeared at the corner of the street. She hurried toward the store but hesitated at the entrance, smoothing her bangs before cautiously stepping inside.

The moment she pushed the door open, she collided directly with Gao Yang.

Startled, she let out a gasp, "Ah!"

Gao Yang had mustered all his courage for this unexpected maneuver, and when he saw her face, he was surprised—then immediately felt a wave of relief.

"Xiao Si?"

The girl was Wan Sisi, Gao Yang’s shy and introverted classmate. Everyone called her Xiao Si.

Wan Sisi was flustered, clutching the strap of her shoulder bag nervously as she awkwardly began her performance, "H-hi... what a coincidence. You’re here too? I... I missed my stop and was a bit hungry, so I thought I’d grab some snacks..."

"You were following me, weren’t you?" Gao Yang cut straight to the point.

Wan Sisi flushed red, her embarrassment spreading from her neck to the tips of her ears. "I-I... um..."

Gao Yang glanced around. The cashier and other customers were staring curiously.

The two of them blocking the entrance was indeed strange. Without hesitation, Gao Yang grabbed Wan Sisi's hand and led her to a corner of the store, sitting down beside the glass window. He bought some food and drinks.

A minute later, Wan Sisi was sipping her instant coffee in small, delicate gulps. Gradually, she seemed less tense, even a bit excited. She lowered her head, mumbling softly, "He held my hand... and bought me coffee..."

"What did you say?"

"Oh, nothing!" Wan Sisi quickly raised her head in panic, "Thank you for the coffee."

Gao Yang took a bite of his hotdog, "Alright, out with it. Why were you following me?"

Wan Sisi lowered her head again, her voice shrinking, "Gao Yang... you must be really upset about Li Weiwei, right?"

Gao Yang paused, but said nothing.

"I’ve noticed you’ve changed recently. You don’t talk to our classmates as much. You just sit there, lost in thought every day." Wan Sisi’s tone was laced with concern.

"Have I?"

Gao Yang felt a surge of gratitude: Thank you for the reminder. I’d better keep up appearances and stay engaged in my social circle, or I’ll raise suspicion.

"Death is irreversible. None of us wanted this to happen..." Wan Sisi glanced at him cautiously, "Please don’t get too caught up in it. If you ever need to talk, you can always come to me."

Gao Yang paused his eating, turning to study Wan Sisi intently: short hair, neat bangs, a delicate oval face, clear skin, a petite frame, and large eyes that blinked nervously like a timid fawn.

Wan Sisi always spoke softly, as though lacking confidence. She rarely made eye contact and had the demeanor of the timid girl everyone found easy to tease.

There were quite a few boys who liked her, though she seemed blissfully unaware.

Gao Yang had an amicable relationship with Wan Sisi. As the class’s English representative, she occasionally helped him with his English homework.