Chapter 2: A New Path

As night fell, a patch of rain clouds quickly gathered over Fengling City, and a drizzling rain began to fall.

Mo Qiu returned home, as expected, drenched like a drowned rat. After a quick shower, the girl sat in her unlit room, her wet hair wrapped in a towel, her gaze fixed on the news broadcast.

The screen’s glow illuminated her pale skin, making it appear even more sickly. Her eyes, lifeless for a hundred years, stared blankly at the news, betraying no emotion.

“Two more magical creature murders have occurred recently. Citizens are advised to avoid going out at night. In case of danger, please call the rescue line immediately. The magical creature hunters will ensure your safety.”

Not again, Fengling City has been unsettled lately.

Mo Qiu munched on the dried fish she had just bought, letting the saltiness spread in her mouth. Outside, the wind and rain raged, while inside, a newly showered girl, a computer, and her beloved snack coexisted.

Fengling City, or the whole world for that matter, is like an unstable top, spinning wildly. Soon, it will fall to the ground due to insufficient speed, eventually rolling into a gutter.

Besides humans, Earth is home to another species called ‘magical creatures.’ They are cruel, ugly, and have a penchant for attacking humans.

To counter this, humans with superhuman abilities have banded together, forming magical creature hunting organizations to combat these threats.

Apart from official government forces, there are numerous small and large private agencies that put themselves in danger for a living.

Although there are many magical creature hunters, the number of magical creatures is even greater. No matter how many are eliminated, more seem to spawn. They say rats breed rapidly, and so do magical creatures, often appearing in large numbers.

‘How foolish, thinking they can be the world’s saviors?’

Mo Qiu watched the news anchor confidently reporting the hunters’ achievements and couldn’t help but curl her lips into a smirk.

‘No matter how hard they try, in the end, they’re just providing more food for the magical creatures.’

‘Well said, I didn’t misjudge you.’

Accompanied by a voice of approval, a mini black goat-like creature appeared on the girl’s shoulder.

The magical creature lay lazily, ‘If everyone thought like you, aware of this truth, it would be for the best.’

Not really, this has nothing to do with you.

Mo Qiu glanced at it without speaking.

Believing the world would be destroyed by magical creatures wasn’t because she had a sudden epiphany. Mo Qiu had witnessed the world’s destruction with her own eyes.

Originally a man, or at least until recently, Mo Qiu was born into a poor family. Her only childhood memory was her parents’ constant arguments. Whenever she returned home, the couple would be fighting, even over trivial matters.

If they couldn’t vent their anger, they would take it out on their only child. From slippers to whips, even rolling pins and wooden sticks, Mo Qiu had experienced them all, always with just enough force to leave her in pain but not requiring medical attention.

Over time, Mo Qiu’s eyes lost their sparkle, and she no longer smiled.

As an adult, she ventured into the gray areas, becoming a seasoned ‘swindler.’ Through lies and deception, Mo Qiu once thrived, but at the cost of becoming a wanted criminal.

Until one day, she decided to retire from the business, hoping her life would finally change. But just then, the world faced its end.

Mo Qiu witnessed the savior’s appearance, which brought her hope. However, the savior failed due to a stupid mistake, falling in front of Mo Qiu, and the world was destroyed by magical creatures.

When Mo Qiu opened her eyes again, she was back at fifteen. She quickly realized she had been reincarnated.

If she did nothing, the world would still face destruction. This time, Mo Qiu chose a drastic path, transforming into a woman.

‘How does the new body feel? Is it to your liking?’

The magical creature asked with a grin.

‘It’s perfect, I’m very satisfied.’ Mo Qiu looked at it, her eyes abyssal.

In her past life, she had encountered a magical creature, but declined its offer. This time, Mo Qiu accepted, absorbing the creature’s power and becoming a high-ranking official in the Empire Organization.

Despite becoming a woman, Mo Qiu didn’t fully accept this reality. She kept her room dark to avoid seeing her reflection.

‘I’m curious about something.’ The magical creature floated, staring at her face, ‘I know you wanted to test your power, but why did you act so submissively towards that human?’

Hearing this, Mo Qiu stiffly turned her head, meeting the goat’s vertical pupils. A flash of lightning outside cast the creature’s shadow on her indifferent face.

Silence lingered for a moment before she responded:

‘Don’t you find it amusing?’

‘Ah?’

‘It’s so easy to manipulate a human. I can do whatever I want with him.’

‘But what if he finds out?’

‘That would be even more entertaining, witnessing the beautiful destruction of a human, isn’t that what you creatures love to see?’

‘You know us well, have you had dealings with the Empire Organization before?’

Mo Qiu shrugged, ‘Do I need to interact with them? Can’t I deduce it from the news?’

The girl’s eyes, as deep as an abyss, showed no light. Her expression remained indifferent, making it impossible to tell if she was lying.

‘Sometimes I wonder, are you human or a magical creature?’

With that, the goat’s form dissipated into black mist, drifting out into the storm.

Mo Qiu turned her attention back to the computer screen.

She had deceived the magical creature. Her knowledge of them came from her past life, where her involvement in gray-market deals with the Empire Organization led to her becoming a wanted criminal.

This life, with magical creature powers, her actions were much more convenient.

Small deceptions no longer satisfied Mo Qiu. She planned to save the world, not by herself, but through the savior—Bai Chen.

Mo Qiu had already formulated a plan: transfer to his school, gradually approach him, and become his confidant, satisfying all his demands, pushing him to become stronger, eradicating his flaws, until he became a righteous hero, merciless against evil.

Of course, just being useful wasn’t enough. Mo Qiu also wanted to destroy his most beloved things, intensifying his hatred for magical creatures to the extreme.

But what did he love? After much thought, Mo Qiu decided to take matters into her own hands. By becoming his beloved, sharing happiness, and becoming inseparable lovers, she could easily make him blush. Such a person would be easily manipulated. Later, revealing all truths in front of him, Bai Chen’s expression would surely be fascinating.

As for the end of this deception, Mo Qiu had offended both Bai Chen and the magical creatures, likely facing their vengeance.

Being a seasoned swindler, Mo Qiu could deceive them once, and with a fake death, she could deceive them again.

Thinking of this, a blush spread across the girl’s pale cheeks. She took a deep breath, her body shivering, her toes curling.

Just imagining his expression made Mo Qiu feel a thrill, almost reaching a climax, barely holding back. The female body was indeed troublesome.

Mo Qiu grumbled, getting up to use the bathroom.

Closing the news page, she opened a secret folder, again reviewing Bai Chen’s personal information.

You better not disappoint me.

In this dim room, the girl let out a giggle.

In the next instant, her smile froze.

Mo Qiu, experiencing her first painful expression, convulsed and fell from her chair. Indescribable pain engulfed her like a tidal wave.

Not again, this is unbearable.

****

Mo Qiu sat in her room, the only light coming from her computer screen. The rain pattered against the window, creating a soothing rhythm.

‘What do you want from me, Bai Chen? Why do you keep appearing in my dreams? Your presence is like a ghost haunting my every thought.’

Mo Qiu muttered, her eyes fixed on the screen, but her mind was elsewhere. The news broadcast played in the background, but she barely registered the words.

‘Why do I keep dreaming about you? Is it because of our past, or is there something more?’

She sighed, leaning back in her chair. The towel around her head had long since fallen to the floor, her hair drying in tangled strands.

‘Maybe it’s because I’ve seen your true self. The real you, hidden beneath that confident exterior. The you that’s scared, vulnerable, and in need of someone to believe in you.’

Mo Qiu’s thoughts drifted to their first encounter. It was raining that day too, just like tonight. She had been walking home from school, her umbrella broken, when she saw him.

He was standing under a tree, his clothes soaked, but his expression determined. It was as if he was challenging the rain itself.

‘He’s so stubborn,’ Mo Qiu thought, a small smile playing on her lips. ‘Just like me.’

But there was more to Bai Chen than met the eye. She had seen glimpses of his power, his potential. And she knew that with the right guidance, he could become something extraordinary.

‘That’s why I’m here, isn’t it? To guide you, to help you become the hero you’re meant to be.’

Mo Qiu’s resolve strengthened. She would do whatever it took to ensure Bai Chen fulfilled his destiny. Even if it meant sacrificing her own happiness.

‘But first, I need to understand you better. Know your fears, your hopes, your dreams. Only then can I truly help you.’

She turned her attention back to the screen, her fingers dancing over the keyboard as she searched for more information about him. The rain continued to fall, a steady drumbeat accompanying her thoughts.

‘You’re not just a dream, Bai Chen. You’re my reality, my mission. And I won’t rest until I’ve seen you reach your full potential.’

****

The rain had stopped, and the first light of dawn was creeping through the window. Mo Qiu rubbed her eyes, realizing she had fallen asleep at her desk.

‘Another night of restless dreams,’ she murmured, stretching her stiff muscles. The towel from last night was still on the floor, a reminder of her late-night thoughts.

She stood up, her mind already racing with plans for the day. She needed to find a way to get closer to Bai Chen, to understand him better. But how?

‘Maybe I should start by joining the same clubs as him. Or find a reason to talk to him more often at school.’

Mo Qiu nodded to herself, feeling a spark of excitement. This was a challenge, but she was ready to face it head-on.

‘First things first, though. I need to get ready for school.’

She quickly changed into her uniform, her mind still buzzing with ideas. As she brushed her hair, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her eyes, once lifeless, now held a spark of determination.

‘Today is a new day, a new chance. And I won’t waste it.’

With a final nod, Mo Qiu grabbed her bag and headed out the door, ready to face whatever the day might bring. The sun was rising, casting a warm glow over the city, and for the first time in a long while, Mo Qiu felt a sense of hope.

****

The school day had been uneventful, just a series of classes and mundane interactions. But as Mo Qiu walked home, her mind was far from idle.

‘How can I get closer to Bai Chen? What can I do to make him notice me?’

She sighed, kicking a small pebble down the street. The answer wasn’t coming to her easily, and it was frustrating.

‘Maybe I should try talking to him directly. Or find a common interest we can bond over.’

Mo Qiu chewed her lip, deep in thought. Suddenly, a voice called out to her.

‘Hey, Mo Qiu! Wait up!’

She turned to see a classmate, Li Wei, jogging towards her. His face was flushed, and he was out of breath.

‘Li Wei, what’s up?’ Mo Qiu asked, raising an eyebrow.

‘Nothing much, I just wanted to walk home with you. It’s been a while since we caught up.’

Li Wei smiled, falling into step beside her. Mo Qiu hesitated for a moment but then returned the smile.

‘Sure, that sounds nice.’

As they walked, Li Wei chatted about school, teachers, and the latest gossip. Mo Qiu listened half-heartedly, her mind still focused on Bai Chen. But she appreciated the company, and it was a welcome distraction from her thoughts.

‘You know, Mo Qiu, you’ve changed,’ Li Wei said suddenly, breaking into her thoughts.

‘What do you mean?’ she asked, looking at him curiously.

‘You’re different. More… alive, I guess. Like you have a purpose now.’

Li Wei shrugged, a thoughtful expression on his face. Mo Qiu was taken aback. She hadn’t realized her feelings were so apparent.

‘Maybe I just found something worth living for,’ she said softly, more to herself than to him.

Li Wei didn’t press further, and they continued their walk in comfortable silence. As they reached the fork in the road where their paths would diverge, Li Wei turned to her.

‘Mo Qiu, if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here. Okay?’

She nodded, a genuine smile on her face. ‘Thanks, Li Wei. I appreciate that.’

With a final wave, they parted ways, and Mo Qiu continued home, her mind a whirl of thoughts and emotions. The encounter had given her a new perspective, and she felt more determined than ever to achieve her goal.

****

As Mo Qiu entered her room, she was greeted by the familiar sight of her computer screen. The news was still playing, but she barely noticed. Her mind was racing with new ideas and plans.

‘Li Wei’s right. I have changed. And I’m not going to stop until I’ve seen this through.’

She sat down at her desk, her fingers flying over the keyboard as she started to draft a new plan. This time, she would be more direct, more assertive. She would find a way to get closer to Bai Chen, to understand him, and to help him reach his full potential.

‘No more dreams, no more waiting. It’s time to take action.’

Mo Qiu’s eyes gleamed with determination as she worked, the rain outside a mere backdrop to her resolve. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, ready to fight for her cause, ready to change her destiny.

****

The days turned into weeks, and Mo Qiu threw herself into her new mission with unyielding dedication. She joined the same clubs as Bai Chen, found excuses to talk to him, and slowly but surely, she began to understand him better.

But with each passing day, she also felt a growing tension. Bai Chen was kind, intelligent, and determined, but he was also guarded, his true self hidden behind a mask of confidence.

‘How do I break through that mask?’ Mo Qiu wondered, her frustration growing. She knew she needed to find a way to reach the real him, to help him overcome his fears and insecurities.

One day, as they were walking home from school together, Mo Qiu decided to take a risk. She turned to Bai Chen, her expression serious.

‘Bai Chen, can I ask you something?’

He looked at her, his eyes curious but wary. ‘Of course, what is it?’

Mo Qiu took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. ‘Why do you keep pushing yourself so hard? What are you running from?’

Bai Chen’s expression froze, and for a moment, Mo Qiu thought he might walk away. But then, slowly, he began to speak.

‘It’s… it’s complicated,’ he started, his voice low and hesitant. ‘I just… I don’t want to be a burden to anyone. I want to be strong, to protect the people I care about.’

Mo Qiu listened intently, her heart aching for him. She reached out, gently touching his arm. ‘You don’t have to carry this alone, Bai Chen. Let me help you.’

He looked at her, surprise and something else—hope, perhaps—flashing in his eyes. ‘Mo Qiu…’ he started, but then shook his head. ‘I can’t ask you to do that.’

‘You’re not asking,’ she said firmly. ‘I’m offering. And I won’t take no for an answer.’

Bai Chen looked at her for a long moment, and then, slowly, he nodded. ‘Okay. But only if you promise to take care of yourself too.’

Mo Qiu smiled, a warm feeling spreading through her. ‘Deal.’

As they continued their walk, the tension between them eased, replaced by a newfound understanding. Mo Qiu knew she had taken a step in the right direction, and she was determined to keep going, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

****

The bond between Mo Qiu and Bai Chen grew stronger with each passing day. They spent more time together, sharing their hopes, fears, and dreams. Mo Qiu found herself falling for him, not just as a mission, but as a person.

But she also knew that their relationship was complicated. Bai Chen was her key to saving the world, and she couldn’t afford to let her feelings get in the way. She had to stay focused, had to remember her ultimate goal.

One evening, as they sat under the stars, Mo Qiu turned to Bai Chen, her expression serious. ‘Bai Chen, there’s something I need to tell you.’

He looked at her, concern etched on his face. ‘What is it, Mo Qiu?’

She took a deep breath, her heart heavy. ‘I… I care about you. More than I should. And it’s making it hard for me to focus on… on our mission.’

Bai Chen reached out, taking her hand in his. ‘Mo Qiu, I care about you too. But I understand. Our mission is important, and we can’t let our feelings get in the way.’

She nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek. ‘You’re right. But it doesn’t make it any easier.’

He pulled her close, resting his chin on her head. ‘We’ll get through this together, Mo Qiu. No matter what.’

She leaned into him, finding comfort in his embrace. In that moment, she knew she had made the right choice. She would do whatever it took to help Bai Chen become the hero he was meant to be, even if it meant sacrificing her own happiness.

****

The journey ahead was uncertain, filled with challenges and obstacles. But Mo Qiu was ready to face them head-on, determined to see her mission through to the end.

With Bai Chen by her side, she knew she could overcome anything. Together, they would fight for a better world, a world free from the threat of magical creatures.

And as she looked up at the stars, Mo Qiu made a silent vow. She would not rest until she had seen Bai Chen reach his full potential, until she had seen the world saved.

For him, for the world, and for herself, she would give her all. No matter the cost.