Chapter 15: New Squad
Luo Li was in a bad mood. Not only was she about to be punished, but the reason for it was standing right beside her, grinning.
"Good morning, Luo Li. Have you heard the news? We don't have to go to school anymore, our diplomas will be handed to us on a silver platter," Feng Fan said as they descended in SIF's elevator.
Truth be told, he had saved her life, and her punishment had nothing to do with him. But Luo Li was angry and needed to vent—Feng Fan was the perfect target.
"Only idiots who didn't study enough would be happy about that."
Luo Li had the best grades in class, while Feng Fan had the worst. Truly a match made in heaven.
Feng Fan just laughed and changed the subject. "Director Mao said we'd be working with another rookie. Any idea who it is?"
"None."
He tried to keep the conversation going, but Luo Li only responded with cold, clipped answers.
As they walked through SIF's corridors, she started to notice something strange.
Usually, people avoided looking at her or whispered behind her back with disdain. But today, many were staring—some with amused expressions, others outright laughing.
'What's going on?' Luo Li wondered, confused by the sudden change in behavior. 'Does it have something to do with my failure?'
Just as she and Feng Fan were about to enter Director Mao's office, a playful voice called out to them.
"Oh, if it isn't the rookie and our star, Luo Li," a busty, pink-haired woman said as she walked toward them.
Before Feng Fan could react, she casually draped an arm around his shoulders, pulling him in as if they were longtime friends. She then turned her mischievous gaze toward Luo Li.
"Did the rookie tell you about his curse yet?"
"His... curse?" Luo Li repeated, frowning in confusion.
Wan Xiaoli grinned. "Oh? So he hasn't? Then let me be the first to break the news!"
Feng Fan tensed and quickly tried to steer the conversation away. "Senior, there's really no need for that. Aren't curses supposed to be a private matter?"
Wan Xiaoli waved him off, laughing. "Hahaha, don't be shy! Little Luo, this rookie's curse is... he's madly in love with you! Hahahaha!"
Luo Li's mind went blank.
She stared at Feng Fan, at a complete loss for words.
Then, without saying a single thing, she turned around and walked straight into Director Mao's office, shutting the door behind her.
Wan Xiaoli blinked. "Huh... she doesn't care? Weird."
Shrugging, she released Feng Fan and disappeared as quickly as she had come. "See you around, rookie!"
Feng Fan straightened his clothes, though they had already been slightly disheveled even before Wan Xiaoli's teasing.
"Busty women are seriously a problem," he muttered. "Whether it's this senior or Luo Li, none of them act normal."
Shaking his head, he followed Luo Li inside.
To Feng Fan's surprise, besides Luo Li and Director Mao, there was also a short man with black hair smiling at him.
'That must be the other rookie partnering with me and Luo Li.'
Director Mao clasped his hands together. "Good morning. I'm glad to see you three are here on time. Since you'll be working together, it's important to get to know each other. Why don't you introduce yourselves?"
The short man spoke first, his smile never fading. "My name is Wu Yunru. I like horror novels, and I dislike spicy food."
Luo Li's expression changed slightly. She turned to him. "The Wu family from the capital? Why did they send you here?"
Wu Yunru chuckled. "Ah, Senior Luo is well-informed. Yes, I'm from the Wu family. I was sent here for training."
Luo Li frowned. "Since you already know who I am, I'll skip introductions."
Director Mao and Wu Yunru then turned their eyes to Feng Fan, expecting him to speak.
Feng Fan cleared his throat. "My name is Feng Fan. I like busty women and dislike sushi."
Luo Li's face reddened slightly. Without thinking, she glanced down at her own chest.
But her words didn't match her thoughts. "What a useless introduction. I'll be leading the squad, so let's focus on something important. Wu Yunru, what's your ability?"
Wu Yunru sighed dramatically. "Senior Luo is very direct... I dislike you even more now." Despite his words, his face remained relaxed. "My ability is Luck Charm. I have very good luck."
Feng Fan raised an eyebrow. "That counts as an ability? Then what's your curse?"
Wu Yunru's smile widened. "People around me tend to have bad luck."
Both Feng Fan and Luo Li instinctively took a step back.
"I see..." Feng Fan muttered. "So that's why your family kicked you out and sent you here. They're careful."
Wu Yunru didn't seem offended, only nodding with a shrug. "And what about you? I heard you're a promising rookie who killed a Baleful Ghost right after awakening."
"Chains," Feng Fan said simply. "I can materialize chains that trap ghosts. That's all."
Wu Yunru's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "I'll look forward to seeing them in action. But you still haven't told me your curse."
Feng Fan hesitated for a moment before clearing his throat. "Well... my curse is that I'm madly in love with Luo Li."
Wu Yunru's jaw nearly dropped. He glanced between Feng Fan and Luo Li.
He knew about Luo Li's curse, it shouldn't be possible for anyone to feel attracted to her. Even with her mask on, he could already sense the unsettling aura that normally drove people away.
"Brother Feng... has a very unique taste."
Luo Li's cheeks burned under her mask.
Director Mao clapped his hands. "Alright. The only one missing is our non-Hunter member, but Luo Li will introduce her later. For now, let's focus on something important." He turned to Feng Fan. "I need to show you the standard orientation video we provide to all new members. Wu Yunru, you've already seen it, right?"
Wu Yunru nodded, while Feng Fan's curiosity grew.