Chapter Three: The One Who Matters

Lunch concluded, and together we made our way back to the classroom. Bai Ye walked alone at the front. In the middle, Lexiao You and Xingyu walked side by side, chatting as they went, with Lexiao You’s cheerful laughter ringing out from time to time. Xingyu listened quietly to Lexiao You’s words, an ever-gentle smile gracing her lips. I trailed behind them, quietly watching Xingyu’s silhouette in the dappled shade of the umbrella.

She truly is a gentle soul, always carrying a warm, gentle smile, always making others feel at ease. Xingyu’s presence began to merge with the memory of another person in my mind. They really are so alike, and yet… she is gone. The image of her gentle smile floated through my thoughts.

I shook my head, forcing her figure from my mind. What am I thinking? Even if Xingyu’s aura is so similar to hers, that alone shouldn’t make me care so deeply. What is it, then?

“Hey, Nana, do you want to join any club activities?” As I pondered, Lexiao You, walking ahead, suddenly turned and asked.

“Club activities?”

“Yes. The fourth period in the afternoon is activity time, and most students join a club,” Xingyu explained to me.

“Which club are you in, Xingyu?” I asked her.

“I’m not in any club. I’m a member of the student council, and my duties keep me busy enough. I don’t have extra time for clubs,” she explained.

“Nana, why not join our track team? I’m the captain, you know.” Lexiao You spoke with pride.

“Mhm, Lexiao You is really good at running,” Xingyu praised from the side.

“Hehe.” Lexiao You laughed, a bit embarrassed by the praise—a reaction I hadn’t expected from her.

“No, thank you. I’m not good at sports.” I declined Lexiao You’s invitation. That was no lie; among my kind, I was never considered one of the strong. Besides, if I were to join the track team, I’d likely be reduced to ashes by the next day.

“That’s a pity,” Lexiao You said, a note of regret in her voice. “So, which club do you intend to join?”

“If you don’t mind, Liliana, you’re welcome to join our Literature Club.” Bai Ye, who had been walking at the front, overheard and extended an invitation as well.

“Bai Ye is the president of the Literature Club. Many students admire him,” Xingyu said with a smile.

“There’s no need. I won’t join any club; it would be a waste of time.” I was here simply to experience human life, not to mingle deeply with them. I had no time to squander in their games and pastimes.

At that moment, I suddenly realized that my behavior today had been somewhat odd—laughing and chatting with a group of humans. Was it really because of him? I glanced at Xingyu once more.

“Ang, I’m a bit tired today. Let’s go back.” I instructed Ang.

“Yes, Miss,” Ang replied respectfully. Under the surprised gazes of the others, Ang and I slowly made our way toward the school gate and took our leave.

“Did we upset her?” Lexiao You asked cautiously, watching our retreating figures.

“I don’t think so. Maybe Liliana really is just tired. She’s only just arrived at school; it’s normal to feel a little out of sorts,” Xingyu comforted Lexiao You, her eyes lingering with worry in the direction I had gone.

“Xingyu, have you noticed? Nana treats you differently. She’s so cold to me, but seems to care a lot about you. Do you think she likes you?” Lexiao You whispered mischievously.

“Don’t be ridiculous. We’ve only just met; that’s impossible,” Xingyu scolded, though a faint blush crept across her cheeks.

“You never know! You’re quite the charmer, Xingyu. Haven’t plenty of girls at school confessed to you?”

“And you’ve had no shortage of boys confess to you,” Xingyu retorted.

A long black limousine drove out toward the countryside.

Inside, I sat in silence. Xingyu’s smile lingered in my mind—her presence, her voice, her gentle laughter, her every gesture seemed to draw my attention. What was happening to me? I felt lost.

“Miss, are you all right?” Ang asked, concerned by my distracted state.

“It’s nothing. I’ve just been out in the sun too long and feel weak. Vampires truly can’t live in sunlight,” I replied with a trace of helplessness.

“Miss, is your health all right? The local vampires are coming tonight to pay their respects. Should I send them away?” Ang inquired.

“No need. Let them come. I’m just a little tired and will be fine after some rest. If I refuse to receive the hosts here, it would be most discourteous. Besides, there are things I need to tell them,” I instructed.

As we spoke, the car had already entered a manor on the outskirts. The estate was surrounded by endless woods, with only a single road leading in. There were no other buildings nearby, and the area felt vast and solitary. In the center stood a Gothic mansion, its rooftops soaring skyward, the ancient architecture exuding an air of long history. Before the main house, a fountain sent slender streams of water into the air, while neatly trimmed lawns and shrubs surrounded the house, lending an air of peace and tranquility.

Ang and I alighted from the car and entered the estate. This was my temporary residence here.

“Miss, before they arrive, you should rest,” Ang suggested.

“Very well. I’ll return to my room. Notify me when they come,” I replied, not refusing his suggestion. There were things I needed to ponder quietly.

The bedroom was vast and empty—no bed, no wardrobe, no decorations. Only a massive dark-gold coffin lay in the center, and violet curtains fluttered before the floor-to-ceiling windows. In front of the curtains, I sat quietly at a small white round table.

Alone by the window, I held a tall wine glass and gazed at the hazy moonlight outside. Absentmindedly, I swirled the crimson liquid in my glass, watching ripples spread across its surface. In that moment, I appeared both alluring and regal.

Again and again, Xingyu’s image surfaced in my mind—her gentle voice, her reassuring smile, every word and gesture. How amusing, I thought, that I should be so haunted by a mere human. I laughed at myself.

It was the first time I had felt this way—warmth, longing, and a faint, elusive fluttering deep within my heart. Why was this? Xingyu, what makes you so special? My eyes grew unfocused, lost in thought.

In the next moment, I stood, draining the blood in my glass in a single motion.

Now, my gaze was once again clear, cold, and profound as ever. No matter the reason, since I cared so much for you, Xingyu, I would make you completely mine. I would possess everything about you; nothing would stand in my way. In that instant, I declared my claim over Xingyu.

Having resolved myself, I set down the now-empty glass and lay inside the dark-gold coffin in the center of the room—my resting place.

It was nearly time for my guests to arrive. Before they did, I wanted a good rest. After all, being active under the sun, though it hadn’t harmed me physically, had left me feeling drained. With these thoughts, I slowly closed my eyes.