Waking Up in a Strange Place

It was late evening when Tian Qing hurried home. As the gates of Sakura Academy closed behind her, she stepped lightly, walking evenly along the path bathed in the white glow of streetlights. At this time, Aunt Huai had business and couldn't return with her. The entire space was quiet, with only Tian Qing. Suddenly, she remembered the late-night porridge stall of the elderly couple in the secluded corner, and she missed the warmth of that place. Just thinking about it made Tian Qing quickly change her direction toward that corner. After walking a distance, the space suddenly made her shudder. Forcing herself to take a few more steps, the chill running down her spine didn't stop but even made her feel a bit weak. Her footsteps stopped involuntarily. Suddenly, Tian Qing felt something block her breath, and immediately after, her eyes went dark as she fell into unconsciousness. Tian Qing collapsed into someone's chest, completely unaware of what was happening. As for that person, looking at her sleeping face, a thought suddenly crossed his mind.

Waking up in a pitch-black room, she shook her head slightly to clear her daze, blinking to assess her surroundings and to give herself enough time to understand everything. Music drifted in from outside, heavy and jarring, pounding against her eardrums and making her frown. Her limbs weren't bound; she could still move normally. Making no useless effort, Tian Qing sat quietly where she had woken up, waiting for someone or something to happen.

About three hours later, the door clicked open. The music rushed through the gap, turning into distorted melodies. A figure slipped inside, followed by a bright light engulfing the room. He looked up at her, then pushed a tray of food in front of her. She didn't pay much attention, only yawning lazily before lying down on the soft sofa, her eyes half-closed. He couldn't hide the surprise and curiosity in his eyes. It was the first time he had seen anyone like her—no crying, no screaming, no fussing, just sitting quietly as if waiting for his presence, and then lazily lying down to rest as if this were her own room, completely ignoring her situation. Slowly placing a hand on her forehead to check, he didn't realize that his cold, murderous aura had vanished; now, it felt more like two children in the room.

"No fever. Are you crazy?"

With no response, the person on the sofa quietly closed her eyes. He suddenly felt like an idiot. Springing up from his chair, he walked to the end of the room, a faint smile playing on his lips. A moment later, he returned with a bottle of alcohol. A loud pop echoed, and the scent of alcohol spread throughout the room. She wrinkled her nose and sat up abruptly, staring at the bottle in his hand, her brows furrowed tightly. She hated the smell of alcohol, and since this was strong liquor, the scent was more pungent than ever. Feeling a wave of nausea, she retreated to the back of the sofa, grabbing the blanket behind her to cover her nose, blocking her senses from the terrible smell. Taking in all her actions, his smile widened. She was like a child needing protection, completely unlike the young ladies or partygoers he usually saw. Tossing the bottle out of the room, the door closed behind him, causing her brows to relax. Burying her face slightly in the blanket, she then looked at him a bit as he smiled and said softly:

"Eat some food. Starving yourself isn't good!"

Her appearance reminded him of a dream he had forgotten in the past. This time, would he be able to hold onto it, or would he let go again...