"Target located, box yet to be found.”

  Ku Yue typed this message in RMAIL and sent it. It was the arrangement with his employer: each step of his mission had to be reported.

  After shutting down the computer, he stretched out comfortably on the retively soft bed. Seven, that guy in the red bandana, had set him up in a small inn diagonally across from Butterfly Kisses. As he was leaving, Ku Yue clearly saw Seven lean in and whisper something to the innkeeper, who gave Ku Yue a wary gnce before nodding subtly.

  Such a cautious subordinate, Ku Yue thought. Although he didn't particurly like Seven, he had to commend his sense of duty.

  After settling in, Ku Yue began his search. Each morning, he would leave at the same time, wandering through the streets and alleys, looking anxious as he held up that old photo, asking around.

  One must maintain a professional spirit, even when acting. This included previously letting Seven ambush him from behind, taking a blow to the head, and conveniently passing out—a necessary show for concealing his "professionalism" as an assassin.

  That afternoon, he dragged his "exhausted" body into Butterfly Kisses, as usual, picking a seat by the window. He ordered a gss of red wine and sat down.

  "No luck?" Luo Ye sat across from him, holding a gss of juice.

  "Not yet." Ku Yue shook his head, looking up at the girl in front of him. The light from outside streamed through the gss, casting a glow on her skin, as smooth and translucent as fine porcein.

  Luo Ye was Jin Feiyu's daughter, though they shared no blood retion. Years ago, he had rescued the young Luo Ye from the jaws of a ghost-faced spider. Her parents had become a meal for that ancient yaokai. Her eyes, exposed to the venom it had sprayed, were blinded forever. In the process of saving her, Jin Feiyu nearly lost an arm. To this day, a rge scar remains on his right arm as a reminder.

  Jin Feiyu was the undisputed leader of Moon City, and every resident followed his command. From Ku Yue's observations, their loyalty wasn't born of fear but of genuine respect—they revered this man and willingly lived by his orders. But understanding the reasons for this wasn’t something an assassin needed to worry about. His job was simple: find the peachwood box his employer wanted and then eliminate Feiyu.

  "You shouldn't have come to Moon City now. If I were you, I′d leave as soon as possible,” she said, biting her straw and taking a hard sip. “You don’t belong here.”

  "Apart from cking the excitement of a big city, everything here is pretty nice, and so are the people.” Ku Yue leaned forward, studying her face carefully, then asked, “But I′m curious. The first time we met, you said you were sunbathing?”

  Luo Ye ughed. “Whenever it′s sunny, I sit on the roof to enjoy the view and soak up the sun. That day, you suddenly asked from below, so I just answered you on impulse.”

  "You can see the view?” He was surprised.

  "Sunlight, buildings, trees, flowers—I can see them all.” She tapped her head. “It’s all here.” She paused, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “And… I can see KING’s face too.”

  "Oh?” Ku Yue feigned surprise. “Could it be you have a crush on KING?”

  "Shh!” Luo Ye's blush instantly spread to the tips of her ears, her whole face turning as red as a ripe tomato. In her flustered attempt to cover Ku Yue's mouth, she nearly knocked over her juice.

  "Alright, alright! I swear, I′ll keep it a secret!” Ku Yue promised with conviction. "If I tell anyone, may you choke me with your juice!”

  "That's more like it.” Relieved, Luo Ye took a breath and sat back down. But then, as if struck by a second thought, she jumped up, rounded the table to sit beside him, grabbed him by the colr, and said, “You absolutely have to keep this secret!”

  "Cross my heart!” He raised his hands in surrender. Watching this lively, rabbit-like girl, Ku Yue found it hard to believe she was blind. Her pyful energy reminded him of an old friend, a tree spirit who used to leap around just as spiritedly.

  "KING's birthday is on the twenty-sixth of next month. I′m preparing a gift for him.” Luo Ye's voice softened as she spoke to him. “When the star flower blooms, I′ll be able to finish it!”

  Her excited and happy expression made Ku Yue feel as if the sun had deyed its descent beneath the horizon.

  "Why are you telling me this?” He stared into her eyes. "I'm just an outsider, a newcomer. Look at Seven and the others—they still treat me like a thief.”

  Luo Ye gulped down a rge sip of cold juice, chewing on the coconut bits inside, and casually said, “Anyway, you’re not a bad person.”

  Ku Yue had long been accustomed to reading his opponents' intentions through their eyes, but with Luo Ye, he couldn't find a trace of anything in her steady, calm gaze, like still water in a pond. This kind of situation usually only happened with two types of people—those with a deep, calcuting nature or those as pure as bnk paper.

  "What if I'm a bad person?” He suddenly asked seriously.

  Luo Ye pursed her lips, setting down her empty cup. "Bad people wouldn′t have the thought of saving me when I fell off the roof.”

  Ku Yue was taken aback. "I have eyes; they're just here.” He pointed to his chest.

  "Ah, I have to go now. Mantou is sick; I need to check on him.”

  "Wait.” Ku Yue grabbed her. "You're going to see Mantou? Let me take you.”

  "Come on, I can find the smallest ant nest in Moon City by myself; no need for you to help! Just stay put.” She made a funny face at him, then added, “Also, make sure you remember what King said: don’t go out at night! You don’t belong here.” She furrowed her brows. “And then, give yourself a deadline. If you haven't found your little A-Long before the star-flower blooms, then leave! I′m not joking with you.”

  "I′ll seriously consider it.” He nodded.