Chapter Thirty-Three

After finishing her morning routine, Rain Xingyue stayed at home. The situation outside was so chaotic that the only option was to remain indoors in isolation. The group chat was filled with boredom; everyone was on voice call, except for Rain Li.

"I never expected the virus to strike so suddenly," Chen Siyu said.

"Looks like we'll be stuck at home until the virus passes. But there's nothing to do here," Huang Feifan complained.

"You could play on your computer or watch TV," Lin Zimo suggested.

"Don't mention it. For someone without a computer, that's just rubbing salt in the wound. I envy you all for having one," Xiao Jian replied.

At that moment, Zhang Yi, who had been silent, spoke up. "Everyone, I've got a little trouble and need your help."

"Go ahead, we're a team. We'll help you sort it out," Rain Xingyue said.

"Well, could the girls leave the voice chat for now? This issue doesn't concern them," Zhang Yi requested, wanting the girls to exit as it was a matter for the boys.

"Why? Didn't Rain Xingyue just say we're a team? Why keep it from us?" Wang Tianqi protested unhappily.

"Tianqi, don't be upset. This is the boys' business, not ours. Lin Zimo and I will leave the chat, and you should too in a moment," Chen Siyu said, then exited, followed quickly by Lin Zimo. Wang Tianqi, though curious, could only leave as well, leaving just the four boys.

With only four avatars remaining in the voice chat, Zhang Yi continued, "Recently, a strange guest has turned up at my house. You could say he's my brother."

"Who is he? Can we meet him?" Huang Feifan asked.

Zhang Yi's helpless laugh sounded, then he said, "Her appearances are irregular, so I can't predict when she'll show up. All I know is... she has no family."

"You mean... she's an orphan?" Rain Xingyue asked.

"That's right. Shortly after my surgery, after you all left, she was placed in the bed next to mine. I have no idea how she was admitted; she couldn't afford the medical fees and eventually escaped the hospital."

"That's pretty bold. How did she find you?" Xiao Jian wondered.

"She's familiar with this area; she's been everywhere. Yesterday, she came to my house and declared it her private territory from now on."

"Wow, that's audacious. But if she's out there, wouldn't she come to your place for refuge if she caught the virus?" Huang Feifan asked.

"Who knows? But I'm definitely not letting her in," Zhang Yi replied.

Rain Xingyue asked, "Is this person male or female?"

"She's a girl, but looks like a boy. What do you think?"

"So, she's a tomboy," Xiao Jian remarked.

"Exactly."

"I have another question. Xingxing and Xiao Jian already know, but you don't, Zhang Yi," Huang Feifan couldn't hold back. Zhang Yi's problem had been solved, but Feifan's own issue remained.

"What is it that I don't know, Feifan?" Zhang Yi asked.

Huang Feifan explained that someone had been lingering at his doorstep every morning, refusing to leave until evening, saying she was there to retrieve something important. When Huang Feifan revealed her name was Li Li, Zhang Yi sensed something was off.

"Wait, Feifan, the person I mentioned is also named Li Li."

Huang Feifan was shocked, as were Rain Xingyue and Xiao Jian.

Xiao Jian pondered, then asked, "Is it a common name, or is it the same person?"

"I doubt it's a coincidence. It's most likely the same person," Rain Xingyue asserted.

"What does your Li Li look like, Zhang Yi?" Huang Feifan asked.

"I can't remember clearly. If she comes by, I'll take a picture and send it to you for confirmation."

"Alright, my so-called Li Li is at my door, knocking relentlessly. I'll take her photo and let you see if she's the one," Huang Feifan said.

He left his desk, went to the door, where the person was still knocking. Though annoyed and tempted to confront her, his task was to photograph this Li Li for Zhang Yi's confirmation. Once the door was open, Feifan quickly took a clear shot of her face, closed the door, and felt a bit better when the knocking ceased—she had finally left.

"I'm back," Feifan returned to the voice chat.

"Did you get a clear picture?" Zhang Yi asked.

"Hold on, I'll upload it and send it to you privately," Feifan replied, transferring the photo to his computer.

"So stingy, not letting us see it," Xiao Jian complained.

"You can see it after Zhang Yi confirms," Feifan said.

After sending the photo privately to Zhang Yi, he waited for confirmation. Upon seeing the face, Zhang Yi's heart skipped—indeed, Huang Feifan's Li Li was the same tomboy Li Li he'd spoken of.

Once Zhang Yi confirmed, he told Feifan, who was equally surprised. Feifan then showed the photo to Rain Xingyue and Xiao Jian, who finally saw Li Li's true face.

Zhang Yi said gravely, "If she comes tonight, I'll ask her why she went to your house."

"Don't be hasty," Rain Xingyue advised. "Let's not alert her. We can have some fun first."

"Do you have a scheme in mind, Rain?" Xiao Jian asked, curious.

"Listen closely. If Li Li comes to Zhang Yi's place tonight, then we'll..." The rest was left unsaid.

Zhang Yi chuckled. "This game is a bit wicked, but I like it."

"We'll see if fate lets our plan succeed," Rain Xingyue grinned mischievously.

...

"Those boys! Keeping secrets from us," Chen Siyu exclaimed, creating a new voice chat group and pulling in Lin Zimo and Wang Tianqi. As soon as the call started, Wang Tianqi began complaining.

"Let's not worry about their business. Let's talk about ours," Chen Siyu suggested.

Lin Zimo said, "Lately, I don't know what's wrong with me. I keep thinking about someone, but can't seem to forget them."

"Is it unrequited love? Who's caught your eye?" Wang Tianqi asked.

"I can't say. It's a secret," Lin Zimo replied, refusing to answer.

"Oh dear, Lin Zimo's been corrupted by those boys. I'm going to confront them," Wang Tianqi declared angrily.

Chen Siyu quickly said, "Don't be upset, Tianqi. It's just Zimo's little secret. If you were asked to share yours, would you want to?"

"Of course not."

"Well, there you go. We'll find out their secrets in time—no need to rush."