The Serpent of Eden (3)

Standing before the full-length mirror, Bai Mian carefully tried on different hats. Finally, she settled on a soft, pale aqua beret.

White shirt, jeans, a navy-blue vest, and the floppy beret. In the mirror, Bai Mian looked simple and fresh—like a sweet, approachable little sister next door.

…This should be fine, right?

As if psyching herself up, Bai Mian studied her reflection and gave a firm nod.

“What’s this sudden change of heart?” Dreamfiend’s mangled form slithered out from between the bookshelf slats.

“Finally planning to leave the house? About time. I thought you’d live in your little world forever.”

“I can’t keep sinking like this.”

Ignoring its sarcastic tone, Bai Mian grabbed her crossbody bag from the hanger and slung it over her shoulder.

“Xiao Xi has done so much for me. As her friend, I have to be able to stand up when she needs me,” she said.

A few days ago, in this very room, she and You Xi had made a promise.

She wouldn’t burden herself with guilt or anxiety over dragging You Xi into her problems. In return, You Xi would be honest about needing her help.

Mutual understanding. Mutual support. Not one-sided sacrifice, not one person carrying the weight while the other did nothing. To Bai Mian, this was what true friendship should be—equal, sincere.

Now, she felt genuine pride and gratitude for having this friendship, for having You Xi as a friend.

“Is that so? It’s good to have that kind of heart. But… hehe…”

Dreamfiend trailed off on purpose. Bai Mian understood the implication.

“…I know I’m weak right now. All I can do is wallow in self-pity,” Bai Mian admitted openly.

“That’s why I have to pull myself together!”

With that, she lightly slapped her cheeks and checked her reflection one last time.

“First step—rejoin society!”

“Take me with you,” Dreamfiend said.

“You want to go out too? But isn’t there a magical girl hunting you?”

“Hah, doesn’t matter.” Dreamfiend shrugged.

Then, in a deliberately mournful tone: “I’ll vanish in a few days anyway. Might as well see this beautiful, cruel world one last time.”

“E-even if you play the victim, I can’t help you…” Bai Mian gripped her bag strap tightly, eyeing Dreamfiend warily.

“Fine. Do what you want.”

To her surprise, Dreamfiend didn’t argue. It simply crawled into her crossbody bag.

With immense courage, Bai Mian opened the apartment door.

The vast blue sky. The wind carrying the scent of sunlight.

All the fresh, vibrant things she’d missed in her dark room instantly lifted her mood.

“…I think I’m going to be okay.”

She whispered it like a farewell to her past self.

With no particular destination, just walking to clear her head, she wandered to the familiar shopping plaza.

It was the weekend. Groups of students chatted and laughed, enjoying their free time. Occasionally, Bai Mian spotted familiar faces from her school. Each time, she instinctively pulled her beret lower.

What was she even afraid of?

Bai Mian always felt her sensitivity and insecurity were like inborn flaws—impossible to fix.

She used to hate this about herself. She believed it was this very trait that kept her isolated, with no hope of change.

But after meeting You Xi, she realized she could be accepted. Slowly, she began making peace with herself.

She didn’t need to be loved by everyone like Mo Li.

Her worth could be measured by how much she meant to just one or two important people.

Lost in these thoughts, Bai Mian passed a popular fast-food restaurant. Deciding to eat there, she pushed the door open.

After ordering a meal set, she balanced her tray, scanning for a seat.

It was peak lunchtime—crowded. As she looked around, she spotted a familiar group.

Four girls from her class.

They sat around a table, laughing and chatting over their food, looking inseparable.

Bai Mian wasn’t close to them—barely exchanged words. She knew they were part of the “Mo Li Kingdom.” Every break, every lunch, they’d gather around Mo Li like satellites. As if their social survival depended on it.

Had they been involved when Mo Li stole her manuscript?

Haunted by that self-torturing thought, Bai Mian walked over and sat at the adjacent table. Not to talk—just because all other seats were taken.

The girls probably didn’t even notice her. They kept chatting, oblivious.

…Better not to be noticed.

Bai Mian breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

Without trying, she could clearly hear their conversation—though she didn’t care to.

“…Seriously, what’s up with Mo Li lately? Every time we invite her, she says she’s busy. Never home, phone’s off.”

“Maybe she’s got a boyfriend now? No time for us. Ugh, so not a friend,” one girl complained.

“You’re so clueless,” another said in a sleazy tone. “She’s probably in her private time with her boyfriend. Of course she’s not answering her phone—do you want to hear that?”

The four burst into synchronized laughter.

So this is what people do when they’re in a group—gossip behind others’ backs?

Bai Mian thought to herself, expressionless as she chewed her burger.

Then, these girls—once so close to Mo Li—continued to mock and fabricate rumors about her, making up wild stories on the spot.

Even though Bai Mian disliked Mo Li, she almost couldn’t bear to listen.

Friendship isn’t about quantity… Witnessing this disgusting scene only strengthened the belief that had formed in her heart.

After quickly finishing her meal, Bai Mian stood to leave.

And then—she froze.

A name dropped into the conversation of the four girls. A name that made her blood run cold.

“That tall girl still not back in class? It’s been almost two weeks now.”

“You Xi? Haha, she’s done.”

Bai Mian’s heart lurched.

Done? What did that mean? Was it related to what You Xi said about her suspension being extended?

Before Bai Mian could piece it together, the next sentence struck her like lightning—her mind went blank.

“You didn’t hear? Mo Li’s family filed a police report. You Xi might be in juvenile detention right now!”