Tong Yang stood frozen, her mouth agape in shock.
"...Huh?"
"Who?"
"Who did you say is scared?"
"No, who's scared here?"
"Wait, does our Tong-jie really seem like a delicate little flower in her brother's eyes?"
"That makes no sense!"
"Tsk... His first reaction was actually this?"
Tong Le walked up to her, studying her expression with lowered eyes before asking, "Sis, is he still alive?"
Tong Yang’s lips parted slightly. "Y-you... you're not scared?"
Tong Le shook his head, then followed up, "Sis, are you hurt?"
"No."
Tong Le exhaled in relief. "Then let’s call the police. He trespassed—it’s his fault."
Tong Yang was dumbfounded. She hadn’t expected this reaction from him at all. She thought she’d shielded him well, never letting him witness anything dark. Where had she gone wrong? Could it be after being dragged into that parallel world? But Tong Le had shown no unusual behavior afterward—she’d assumed he hadn’t seen those terrifying things!
"Look at his legs," Tong Yang muttered.
Following her words, Tong Le turned to the man’s lower half and saw his body vanishing at a visible rate.
"Sis! Is he... a ghost?!" Tong Le gasped.
"Pfft—I’m dying, the kid’s reaction is adorable."
"Seems like Tong-jie doesn’t have the best rep in her brother’s mind."
"No kidding. He’s way too calm seeing a murder scene. Not even curious how his sister took down a guy twice her size."
"What’s the sister gonna do now?"
Tong Yang’s expression was complicated. "You’re really not scared at all?"
"As long as you’re not hurt."
Tong Yang silently watched him for a few seconds before standing and pulling him back to the living room, shutting the door behind them.
"Never mind him. I’ll hang up now."
The first half was directed at Tong Le; the latter was for the gossip group members.
She picked up her phone from the corner, ending the video call.
"Sis, who were you talking to?"
"Friends."
Tong Yang brushed it off, then led him to her bedroom.
"Sleep with me tonight. Tired? Wanna talk?" she offered.
Tong Le’s eyes lit up. As if afraid she’d change her mind, he scrambled under the covers, shaking his head. "I’m not tired!"
Clearly, the earlier incident hadn’t fazed him.
Tong Yang nodded, leaving the small bedside lamp on as she leaned against the headboard.
Initially, she hadn’t planned to let him know any of this. If possible, she wanted Tong Le to live like any ordinary kid—just studying and playing. But she’d also hesitated: if she didn’t tell him the truth, might he fall into someone else’s trap more easily? Yet if she did, what if it terrified him? She didn’t want him living in fear.
Now, though, it seemed she’d underestimated him. Despite his age, he wasn’t as fragile as she’d thought.
"That man earlier, and the other ‘me’ you saw before... they’re from parallel worlds."
"Parallel worlds?"
"Think of it like a mirror. We’re outside; they’re inside. But now, they want to step out and replace the people reflected in it. Does that make sense?"
Tong Yang’s explanation wasn’t hard to grasp. Tong Le nodded.
"They’re hostile toward us. They look no different from real people, so they’re hard to spot. And for various reasons, they’re drawn to me. The reason I wanted to keep you close was to keep you safer."
Tong Le anxiously gripped her fingers. "Sis, will you be okay? Let’s call the police! Get them to help!"
Tong Yang smiled. "You saw how strong I am. I’ll be fine. I’ve told the police, but they think I’m delusional—referred me to a psychiatrist. Only one officer believed me. So I need more evidence before reporting again, or they might lock me up as a lunatic or murderer."
"Sis, I don’t want you getting hurt," Tong Le mumbled gloomily.
Tong Yang ruffled his hair. "Don’t worry. I won’t get hurt easily. But you might face danger too, so be careful. Don’t trust strangers. If someone you know acts weird, leave immediately and call me. Stay in crowded places."
She paused. "If you’re ever in real danger, protect yourself first no matter what. Understand?"
Tong Le nodded firmly. "Got it, Sis."
"If another ‘me’ appears..."
"Sis, I can tell she’s not you now. I won’t go with her again."
Tong Yang chuckled at his earnestness.
"I’ll head to the capital in a couple of days. Be good for Yang’s mother, and come with them during summer break. I’ll scope things out there first. Call me if you miss me—and charge your smartwatch."
"Mm! I will! Sis, you have to stay safe! I’ll call you every night!"
"Alright, sleep. Tomorrow, we’re hitting the amusement park."
"Mm..." Tong Le yawned, drifting off without a trace of unease.
On Sunday, Tong Yang took him to the park.
After dinner that evening, she urged him to shower while she packed his things.
She’d already arranged with Yang’s mother—Tong Le would stay with them tonight.
She packed his favorite clothes and books, the only items she’d take when leaving the old neighborhood later.
As for the furniture and appliances, this place wouldn’t be home after the demolition. Most were outdated anyway—no point keeping them. They’d sell what they could, give the rest to the granny downstairs, or trash it.
By the time Tong Le finished showering, his room was nearly cleared.
Pouting, he asked, "Sis, can’t I leave tomorrow?"
Tong Yang shook her head. "I won’t have time to take you to school. Go with Yang Lin."
Soon after, Yang’s mother arrived with Yang Lin and Chu Shiyu in tow at Dongyang Apartments.
Chu Shiyu blinked at the single suitcase and two cardboard boxes. "This is all Lele has? I came ready to help pack."
"You know how things are here, Young Miss. Parasites, remember?"
Chu Shiyu stiffened, avoiding her aunt’s sharp gaze as she mumbled, "I never called you that."
"Don’t worry. Mom’s got everything ready for Lele," Yang Lin chirped. "Tong Yang-jie, stay with us tonight too!"
Tong Yang declined with a smile. "Thanks, but I’ve got more to sort here."
Yang's mother said, "Is it convenient for you to handle things alone? Let Chu Shiyu stay and help you. I heard she made it into the provincial top ten because of you—her parents are especially grateful."
"Auntie, it has nothing to do with me. Chu Shiyu was already doing well academically," Tong Yang replied, pulling Tong Le along as she bowed slightly. "Auntie, I’ll have to trouble you to take care of Tong Le during this time."
Chu Shiyu had originally planned to leave with her, but for safety reasons—to prevent similar incidents from happening again—she and Tong Yang discussed it and decided she would temporarily stay in the old neighborhood to keep an eye on the two kids.
After seeing the four of them off, Tong Yang returned home alone to continue tidying up.
She packed up all the useless items to throw away the next day. By the time she finished cleaning, it was already 10 p.m. Staring at the now clean and empty room, Tong Yang couldn’t help but zone out for a moment.
Once she left this place, she had no intention of coming back. There was no retreat for her—she had to earn enough money to find a new place to settle.
She took a shower before the power went out and fell asleep, exhausted.
The next day, Tong Yang threw away everything she could and called a scrap collector to sell the remaining items.
That evening, she boarded a bus to Yaocheng’s city center with her meager belongings, then took the subway to Yaocheng Airport.
Tong Yang’s flight was scheduled for 2 a.m. on Monday. Though it was her first time flying, she had prepared thoroughly beforehand, so there were no hiccups. After passing through security, she entered the departure lounge.
Even in the early hours of the morning, the airport was still crowded.
Dragging her worn-out suitcase, Tong Yang found a random seat and checked the message Tong Le had sent earlier, reminding her that the teacher would be checking in on the dorm and asking her to confirm she was safe.
Tong Yang replied with a simple "Got it."
She ate a light meal on the plane, and by the time she collected her luggage at Capital Airport, it was nearly 6:30 a.m.
The morning air was chilly, so Tong Yang put on a black coat and a baseball cap, following the stream of passengers out of the terminal.
Taller than the average girl, her all-black outfit made her stand out in the crowd, drawing curious glances from those around her.
For the first time in this bustling metropolis, walking through the bright and spacious Capital Airport among elegantly dressed travelers, Tong Yang felt no trace of unease. She remained a striking presence, though she paid no mind to it.
Spotting a small group holding a sign with her name at the exit, Tong Yang lifted her chin slightly—they must be the teachers sent to pick her up.
"Has she arrived yet? Why hasn’t she come out?"
"Could she have gotten lost? It’s her first time traveling alone."
"If she’s missing, I should’ve gone to Yaocheng to get her myself!"
"Was it your choice not to? She wouldn’t allow it! Every dean at the university is practically fighting to recruit her. With her grades, she could choose any department—they’re all waiting for her decision."
"Thank goodness we got her. If she’d gone to Tsinghua next door, the president and professors would’ve cursed me for the rest of my life!"
"Absolutely! And we even got another top student because of her. Last year, Tsinghua snatched one from us and rubbed it in our faces. This year, we’re finally getting our revenge!"
As they chatted, the two teachers—a man and a woman—suddenly felt a tap on their shoulders. Turning around in confusion, they saw a tall girl in a black trench coat and baseball cap standing behind them.
She tilted her head up slightly, revealing a pale, delicate face, and asked, "Are you here for me?"
They instinctively shook their heads. "No, we’re waiting for someone else."
The girl frowned. "Not Tong Yang?"
The teachers exchanged glances before their eyes widened in unison. "You’re Tong Yang?!"
Tong Yang sighed, pulling off her cap and ruffling her messy hair. "Do I look that different from the photo?"
The teachers were stunned. Different? The photo had portrayed her as a harmless, well-behaved girl—they’d even discussed how to help her adjust smoothly without feeling constrained!
But the reality? The moment Tong Yang stood before them, it was clear she was nothing like the bookish nerd they’d imagined. Though her face was identical to the photo—if not more striking—there was no trace of the docile girl they’d expected. Instead, her gaze carried a hint of indifference, as if nothing could faze her.
And where was the nervousness they’d anticipated? She exuded nothing but calm confidence.
"Oh… uh, we didn’t recognize you with the hat," one teacher stammered.
Tong Yang nodded. "Let’s go, then."
"Right… sure."
They headed to the parking lot together. Once in the car, the female teacher sat beside Tong Yang in the back seat and asked how she was feeling.
"A little cold," Tong Yang replied.
When asked if she was hungry, she simply said no.
The drive to the university took about an hour and a half. After a brief exchange, the teacher suggested she rest.
Near the campus, they checked her into a pre-booked hotel room.
Since the dorm wasn’t ready yet, the school had arranged for her to stay there at their expense.
"Tong Yang, you must be tired. Get some rest first. Call me when you wake up—I’ll be at the university, just ten minutes away. I’ll take you to eat and show you around the campus," the female teacher said at her door.
"Thanks, I will," Tong Yang replied.
After the teacher left, she locked the door behind her.
She texted Tong Le and Yang's mother to confirm she’d arrived safely, then took a shower.
By the time she finished, Yang's mother had already replied, reminding her to stay safe and suggesting she visit Yang Lin and Chu Shiyu’s grandmother if she had time.
Tong Yang replied with an "Okay." Yang's mother seemed genuinely fond of her and Tong Le, always looking out for them. Though she didn’t know why Tong Yang had come to the university early, she’d mentioned it to her own mother, hoping she’d keep an eye on Tong Yang.
Tong Yang hadn’t explained her reasons. If Tong Le were to join her later, she needed to familiarize herself with the place first. Plus, staying in the old neighborhood any longer risked more unexpected incidents.
After all, every recent strange occurrence in the old district had been linked to her. She also wanted to check if parallel-world phenomena had happened in the capital.
Once her hair was dry, she slept soundly, undisturbed by the unfamiliar surroundings. She didn’t wake until past 2 p.m.
Later, Teacher Tan took her to the university cafeteria for a meal, then gave her a tour of the campus.
Peking University was far larger than she’d imagined, its grand architecture steeped in scholarly tradition.
The school hadn’t let out for break yet, and students could frequently be seen hurrying between the teaching buildings. Among them were many foreign students with golden hair and blue eyes, chatting animatedly with classmates of entirely different complexions.
To be honest, it was much better than Tong Yang had imagined.
Compared to the intense academic atmosphere of middle and high school, university seemed freer and more interesting.
"Tong Yang, what do you think? Our campus environment isn’t bad, right? Want to check out the dormitory next? The dorms are four-person rooms, but they have private bathrooms. If you’re in the combined bachelor’s-master’s-doctoral program, you can apply for a single dorm as early as freshman year—originally, only doctoral students had that privilege."
"Thank you, it’s great here. No need to see the dorms. Teacher Tan, you can go ahead with your work. I’ll look around a bit more and head back to the hotel later."
Teacher Tan didn’t insist. She had already received several urgent calls during their walk. "Alright, but make sure to contact me if you have any questions!"
"I will."
"You’ll stay at the hotel for the next couple of days. There are some decent restaurants nearby. The dorm will be ready in a few days."
"Thank you."
The female teacher bid her farewell and left while answering another call.
Tong Yang wandered alone around the campus for a while, snapping a few photos to send to Tong Le. After a moment’s thought, she also sent them to Chu Shiyu.
[You’re there already? How does it feel?]
[Not bad. The cafeteria food is good.]
[So jealous! I’ll bring them over as soon as their break starts.]
[Yang Lin mentioned your brother hasn’t been doing well at school these past couple of days. It’s his first time being apart from you, so make sure to keep in touch.]
Chu Shiyu sent back a long, rambling reply, but Tong Yang only acknowledged it briefly before ending the conversation.
She had already explained to Tong Le that they couldn’t return to Dongyang Neighborhood. He hadn’t reacted much, but his low spirits were probably just due to the adjustment. She’d have to call him tonight.
Tong Yang didn’t linger on campus for too long and soon returned to the hotel. While there, she asked the gossip group if anything strange had happened in the capital recently.
[Big Sis Tong, now that you mention it, there actually is!]
[On July 8th, the youngest son of a wealthy family in the capital mysteriously vanished. He disappeared without a trace in an area covered by surveillance cameras, and the police found no leads despite extensive searches. The family offered a ten-million-yuan reward for information on his whereabouts, but so far, nothing. His fate remains unknown.]
Studying to Get Rich: [?]
Studying to Get Rich: [How much is the reward?]
[Here, look—17 million.]
[I heard the family has two sons. The eldest has a heart condition, so they focused all their efforts on raising the younger one, only for him to disappear like this.]
[And that’s not all! Later, the reward went up to 100 million—just for providing a lead!]
[What?? 100 million? I’d never earn that much in my lifetime!]
Studying to Get Rich: [Find me information on the family.]
[Big Sis Tong, you’ve got a plan?]
[Are we about to hit the jackpot?]
[If the kid’s stuck in a parallel world, what are the chances of getting him back?]
[Big Sis Tong, don’t be reckless. Even if the money’s tempting…]
[(Rubbing hands together) 17 million! And if we wait, it could turn into 100 million! Holy crap! Instant wealth!]
Studying to Get Rich: [We can’t wait. And we don’t know if he was dragged into a parallel world. A family like that must have plenty of enemies.]
Studying to Get Rich: [Right now, it’s July 1st for me. The kid disappears in five days. Even if it’s a kidnapping, there’s still time to change things.]
[So you mean…?]
[Warn the family in advance that their son’s in danger?]
[You think they’d believe you? They’d probably assume you’re some shady character.]
[Fair point. Big Sis Tong, maybe reconsider.]
Tong Yang thought for a moment before replying: [I’ll scope things out first. What’s the family’s name?]
She had planned to survey the area anyway, but she never expected something like this.
17 million… Even after splitting it, if she could secure the money, she and Tong Le wouldn’t have to worry about finances for years after graduation.
[Ye Tianlin, chairman of Baima Group, with assets in the billions.]
[They say he and his wife come from equally wealthy families. The eldest son has a heart condition, but with top-tier medical care, it’s not life-threatening. The younger son is brilliant—excellent grades and already showing remarkable business acumen at a young age.]
[Ye Tianlin and his wife are both really good-looking too.]
[Sigh. Midlife with two sons—one chronically ill, the other missing. Tragic.]
Studying to Get Rich: [Where do they live?]
[???]
[Big Sis Tong, what are you planning?]
[Don’t do anything rash!]
Studying to Get Rich: [I’m just checking if there’s anything unusual nearby.]
[Sis, be careful. They definitely have professional security—licensed to carry firearms!]
[But we still need a way to get the message to them.]
[True. Under normal circumstances, there’s no way Big Sis Tong could meet them.]
[Then what? You won’t find their address online, and even if you did, it’s probably a high-security gated community where even food deliveries are screened.]
[Wait! The son’s school is public info!]
[Right, right! He disappeared from school!]
After half a minute, they sent an address: Hailin International School in Shuangbai District, capital city.
Tong Yang copied it into her browser. It was a prestigious international school where many elite families—local and foreign—sent their children. Annual tuition neared 300,000 yuan, with an additional requirement: parents had to own property worth at least 10 million in the city’s inner ring, proving they could afford the school’s expenses.
Tong Yang blinked at the staggering numbers on her screen. 300,000 a year? Plus a 10-million-yuan home? The world of the wealthy truly was another universe.
Logically, a school this expensive would have tight security. If the Ye family’s son vanished without a trace on camera, there were only two possibilities: either the perpetrator could walk through walls, or the boy had been pulled into a parallel world.
No need to overthink it—the latter was far more likely.
Studying to Get Rich: [I’ll investigate first. Update you later.]
Even if just for the money, Tong Yang had to check it out. Besides, those things might turn their attention to her sooner or later. If she didn’t want to sit around waiting, she had to strike first.
While their numbers in the real world were still limited, she’d eliminate them one by one.
Checking the distance between locations, she estimated an hour by subway. She decided to set out the next day.
Around the time Tong Le’s last class ended, she called him.
The line connected after a few rings, followed by an eager voice: "Sis!"
Tong Yang leaned back against the headboard, her tone softening. "Out of class?"
"Yeah! I’m in the hallway now, heading to the cafeteria!"
The background noise on the other end of the phone was chaotic, likely just after class had ended.
"Are you alone?"
"No, I’m with Yang Lin."
Immediately, Yang Lin’s voice came through the phone: "Hello, Tong Yang! We’re about to head to the cafeteria for lunch."
"What about you, sis? What are you having for dinner?"
"Not sure. I’ll eat when I’m hungry."
"Alright. What are you doing now?"
"Lying in bed."
"In the school dorm?"
"No, a hotel nearby."
"So what’s your plan for later?"
"Not sure. Maybe wander around?"
Hearing this, Tong Le couldn’t help but complain, "Then why did you go there so early? School doesn’t start until September."
"To get used to the place sooner. Plus, I might find some money-making opportunities. They say the capital is paved with gold—what if I stumble upon a few pieces?"
Tong Le laughed at her sister’s words. Whatever the reason, Tong Yang must have her own logic.
"Sis, I dreamed about you last night."
"What happened in the dream?"
"I dreamed you got really sick from not eating properly."
"What should I do then?"
"Eat properly! And that includes dinner! Don’t worry about money—I can earn some!"
"Fine, I got it. Go eat now."
"Oh… bye, sis."
Yang Lin chimed in, "Bye, sis!"
After hanging up, Tong Yang went downstairs and bought a cup of instant noodles to make do.
The next day, Wednesday, during school hours.
After breakfast, Tong Yang headed out, planning to try her luck at Hailin International School while also scoping out the situation.
Tong Yang always woke up early. By the time she reached the subway station, it was just past seven, yet the platform was already crowded with hurried commuters.
While waiting for the train, she glanced at the photo of the Ye family’s youngest son shared in a gossip group chat. The boy had thick eyebrows and big eyes, looking slightly younger than Tong Le—around five or six years old, in first grade.
If she timed it right, she might catch him arriving at school.
The train arrived, and without realizing it, seven or eight people had gathered behind her, pushing her into the carriage. There were no seats left, so she had to stand.
Fortunately, she didn’t need to transfer lines. After a little over an hour, Tong Yang arrived at the subway station closest to Hailin International School.
From there, it was still a 1.5-kilometer walk, which Tong Yang treated as a morning stroll.
This area was clearly different from the old district—everything exuded luxury, from the pastry shops to the clothing stores with their mannequins in the windows. A single outfit here probably cost several months’ worth of living expenses for her and Tong Le.
A "Slow Down" sign stood by the road, and every now and then, a gleaming luxury car would zoom past—brands Tong Yang had never seen in person before.
The pedestrians here were nothing like the rushed subway crowd. They strolled leisurely, dressed in stylish clothes, walking into shops without hesitation whenever something caught their eye.
Gazing at the rising sun, Tong Yang stretched and checked the distance to Hailin International School—still about 800 meters to go.
Passing by a cake shop, she peered through the window at the delicate pastries arranged neatly on trays.
Just as she looked up at the street sign, preparing to cross the road, a black business car pulled up beside the bakery. A man in a sleek suit stepped out from the passenger seat and opened the rear door.
Tong Yang was about to walk past when a little boy in a blue school uniform burst out of the car. In his haste, he tripped over his own feet and face-planted onto the pavement, bursting into loud sobs.
The suited man’s expression instantly changed as he hurriedly scooped the boy up.
"Xiao Wen, are you okay?" The man’s voice was obsequious, as if terrified of angering the child.
"Are you blind? Didn’t you see me getting out? Why didn’t you help me?" The boy’s voice was thick with tears as he kicked the man in frustration.
Tong Yang, who had been about to leave, paused and leaned against the street sign, watching the scene with amusement.
Her luck was incredible. She’d thought she might not get a chance to see the Ye family’s youngest son, yet here he was—before she’d even reached the school—and she’d just witnessed the little master’s embarrassing tumble.
Being a bodyguard for the rich wasn’t easy. The kid hadn’t been looking where he was going, yet he was blaming someone else.
"What are you staring at?"
Humiliated, the boy glared at Tong Yang, his eyes still brimming with tears.
The bodyguard, not daring to offend his employer’s son, immediately bowed and apologized, doing everything to placate the little master.
Was Tong Yang his bodyguard? No.
Had she been paid by his family? Maybe in the future, but certainly not now.
So why should she indulge him?
Because he was young? Tong Yang wasn’t the type to coddle children.
"I’m watching a joke," she said, feigning innocence.
The boy’s eyes widened in disbelief, as if he couldn’t believe someone would dare speak to him like that.
"You—you—" Trembling with rage, he pointed at Tong Yang as tears streamed down his face.
The bodyguard panicked and shot Tong Yang a glare. "Watch your mouth!"
The rear door of the business car had already closed, but even through the tinted window, Tong Yang guessed there was someone else inside.
There was no point arguing with this spoiled brat. Since this was a rare opportunity, maybe his parents were in the car too.
"You’re the joke! Your whole family is a joke!" the boy spat furiously.
Tong Yang walked toward the car. The boy, thinking she was coming to confront him, cowered behind the bodyguard and blustered, "Wh-what do you want? If you hit me, you’ll have to pay!"
Tong Yang gave him a sidelong glance. No wonder people said this kid had a knack for business—his mind, like hers, was all about money.
The bodyguard frowned at her. Though she wasn’t armed, approaching the employer’s car so boldly was inappropriate. He was about to stop her when a gesture from inside the car made him lower his head and stay silent.
Tong Yang reached the car and raised her hand to tap on the window.
The boy, thinking she was about to teach him a lesson, shrank further into the bodyguard’s coat. Just then, the rear window slowly rolled down, revealing a pale profile.
Tong Yang looked over in surprise. A young man in a green shirt sat against the seat, his features resembling the little boy’s but with an icy pallor that made him seem aloof.
This had to be Ye Tianlin’s eldest son—the one with a heart condition.
No wonder people in the group chat said Ye Tianlin and his wife were good-looking. Even Tong Yang, who was "money-obsessed," had to admit the eldest son was decent-looking.
Handsome, yes, but his gaze was so cold it bordered on cruel. Definitely not an easy person to get along with.
"Apologize," the young man said, his pale lips parting to release a voice as frosty as his demeanor.
Tong Yang hadn’t even reacted yet, but the youngest son of the Ye family, who had been hiding behind his bodyguard, trembled with fear, his shoulders shaking as tears welled up in his eyes. He stepped forward, bowed his head, and stammered, "S-sorry."
Tong Yang was slightly surprised. Given the Ye family’s status, she had assumed the youngest son would be utterly spoiled, but it seemed he was terrified of his older brother.
"I didn’t hear you. Say it again."
Both the Ye family’s youngest son and the bodyguard looked up at her in disbelief.
The little boy glanced pitifully at his brother, but when he saw his expression remained cold and unyielding, he had no choice but to apologize again, louder this time: "I’m sorry!"
"Fine. Be more polite next time."
"And?" The older brother pressed further.
Grudgingly, the youngest son turned to the bodyguard and gave a deep, seventy-degree bow. "I’m sorry."
"It’s fine, it’s fine!" The bodyguard, not daring to act as boldly as Tong Yang, quickly waved his hands in dismissal.
"Go on." The older brother finally relented.
"Okay." Only then did the little boy follow the bodyguard into the cake shop.
Noticing Tong Yang still hadn’t left, the older brother’s light, indifferent gaze shifted to her. "Do you need something else?"
"Yes." Tong Yang nodded.
His brow furrowed slightly. "What is it?"
"Has your brother encountered any strange people recently?" she asked seriously.
The older brother replied, "Do you count?"
"I don’t."
"Then no."
Tong Yang hesitated. She couldn’t outright tell him that his younger brother would go missing on July 8th—otherwise, she’d once again become the sole person with knowledge of the incident, and the blame would inevitably fall on her.
"I did a divination. Your brother is in danger soon," she lied casually.
The older brother lowered his eyes. "Oh? And how do we resolve it?"
Tong Yang paused, not expecting this kind of response.
"There’s no way to resolve it."
And it was true. If he got dragged into a parallel world, even the best preparations likely wouldn’t prevent it.
"Do you have a pen and paper?"
The older brother looked puzzled, clearly unsure of Tong Yang’s intentions. But out of courtesy, he eventually signaled his driver to fetch some.
Tong Yang took them and scribbled down her phone number. "I can help you save him—but it’ll cost you. If you’re interested, call me."
"Probability of something happening?"
"Ninety-nine percent."
The older brother let out a faint, almost imperceptible laugh. "So, a hundred percent."
"Close enough."
He took the paper from her, glanced at the number, and said indifferently, "I’ll contact you if necessary."
Just then, the bodyguard emerged from the cake shop with two boxes of pastries, the youngest son trailing behind him.
When the boy saw Tong Yang still standing there, his face immediately darkened.
Tong Yang smirked and added, "Oh, and if he needs tutoring, I’m available for that too."
"No! I don’t need it!" The little brat’s eyes bulged in protest.
The older brother’s lips thinned slightly, but he said nothing.
Once the little troublemaker was safely in the car, he gave Tong Yang a nod. "Goodbye."
The car sped off, leaving Tong Yang standing there, deep in thought. He probably thought she was a fraud.
Well, she had given him a not-so-subtle warning. Whether he believed her or not was his problem.
