Screams erupted around them.
Crimson blood pooled across the pavement.
The once-arrogant “Master Mao” now lay motionless in a gory puddle, while “Master Huang”—who’d mocked Li Qiao earlier—collapsed to his knees, legs giving out.
How…?
How was this possible?
As bystanders shrieked “Dead man!”, Master Huang’s face turned ashen. His lips trembled uncontrollably.
This was Li Qiao’s doing—it had to be!
Police arrived swiftly.
Master Huang blubbered to Officer Ding Xiaozhou: “She cursed us! Said we’d die or get maimed! Now Mao’s dead—I’m next! That bitch envied our business!” Snot dripped down his chin. “Uncle Officer, save me—”
Ding Xiaozhou inhaled deeply.
A man old enough to be his father just called him “uncle”. The cringe nearly paralyzed him.
“Enough. We’ll take your statement downtown. The truth will come out.”
Master Huang nodded frantically. Safety lay with the cops!
…
Meanwhile, Li Qiao collected her custom-printed banner from the shop:
[Temple Master In Residence—Guaranteed Life Optimization]
Carrying it like a battle standard, she drew stares all the way home.
Nearing the villa district, she spotted Li Shaoyang and Wei Ting ahead.
“Shaoyang, look!” Wei Ting yanked his friend’s sleeve, pointing at Li Qiao. “She followed us! I knew she was scamming—probably another fangirl using tricks to get close to me.”
He preened, stroking his jawline.
Li Shaoyang deadpanned: “Narcissism is a disease.”
“Pfft. Admit you’re jealous I attract beauties like her.”
Wei Ting swaggered over, blocking Li Qiao’s path. He winked. “Sweetheart, just ask for my number next time. No need to stalk.”
Li Qiao assessed him. Average looks at best.
Yet his ego? Galactic.
“Narcissism is a disease,” she sighed. “Seek treatment.”
Li Shaoyang’s eyebrows shot up. Same verdict as mine.
Wei Ting clutched his chest, wounded. “You—you’re playing hard to get!”
Dragging his friend away, Li Shaoyang muttered: “Not worth engaging.”
Outside the gates, Li Qiao rolled her eyes.
First Brother’s friend: womanizer.
Second Brother’s friend: delusional narcissist.
Why are they like this?
…
She trailed them inside the villa compound.
“Shaoyang, she’s still following us!” Wei Ting whisper-yelled. “Okay, maybe she’s into you—”
Rounding the corner to their home, Li Shaoyang glanced back. Sure enough, Li Qiao stood right behind them.
Wei Ting gasped. “Wait—you’re tailing him? Look, kid, Shaoyang’s got admirers lining up around the block. He’s not into—”
THUD!
Liu Yusi body-checked her own son aside, sweeping Li Qiao into a hug. “Qiaoqiao! You’re back! Come see the treasures Mom bought you!”
She pinched Li Qiao’s cheeks, inhaled her daughter’s “baby girl scent”, then snatched the banner—all in one fluid motion.
Mother and daughter breezed past the dumbfounded Li Shaoyang.
“…Mom?” he called out, voice cracking. “I’m home?”
Liu Yusi finally noticed him. “Oh! Shaoyang! Wei Ting! Don’t just stand there—it’s sweltering out!”
Then she whisked Li Qiao inside, cooing over jeweled tiaras.
…
In the living room, Grandfather Li beamed as mother and daughter bonded over a pearl-encrusted princess crown.
The scene radiated warmth.
Li Shaoyang stood frozen.
Why do I feel… extraneous?
“Grandfather,” he greeted weakly.
“Shaoyang!” The old man beckoned. “Meet your sister Qiaoqiao! Qiaoqiao, this is your Second Brother.”
“We’ve met,” Li Qiao said cheerfully.
She knew?
When she chirped “Hi, Second Brother!” with fox-like slyness, his stomach knotted.
Wei Ting’s eyes darted between their nearly identical eye shapes. How did I miss that?
But Li Shaoyang’s joy at finding his sister curdled into unease.
He’d imagined countless versions of a long-lost sister—but never a…
*Fortune-telling scammer?*
“I—I didn’t bring a gift,” he stammered. “I’ll make it up to you.”
“Thanks, Second Brother!”
Her instant acceptance unnerved him further.
“Qiaoqiao,” Liu Yusi interrupted, “where should we hang your banner?”
“My bedroom! For when I set up my stall.”
“Perfect!”
Grandfather Li chuckled. “The calligraphy suits your talents!”
“Aww, Grandfather~”
Li Shaoyang’s soul left his body.
Since when is my family this… unhinged?
“Grandfather… Mom…” He hesitated. “You know Qiaoqiao scams people at the overpass?”
Liu Yusi’s smile vanished.
WHACK!
She smacked his back. “Foolish boy! Your sister helps people!”
“Qiaoqiao’s renowned in mystic circles,” Grandfather Li added proudly. “Show respect!”
