After class ended, Lu Chen didn't stay in the classroom reading—instead, he left the school building with Raiden Ei.
To help Venti prepare for his job interview, the two of them were heading to the music department to scout things out.
The sunlight outside was pleasant, though the sea breeze was strong and carried a salty scent. Raiden Ei brushed back the loose strands of hair that had been blown across her forehead.
They walked along a treeless path with the warm, gentle sun on their cheeks—a nice way to chase off the lingering dampness in the air.
As always, Lu Chen was the one talking while she listened.
Though this dynamic was nothing new—him doing the talking, and Ei silently staying by his side—this time, Lu Chen felt like she wasn't really listening.
Those violet eyes, which used to glance at him eagerly, waiting for his next words, now stared at the pavement ahead, unfocused.
Was she still thinking about what happened earlier?
"Still angry?"
Raiden Ei shook her head. "No."
"Liar."
Lu Chen knew her too well. Most people got visibly angry—sharp words, furrowed brows. But when Ei got angry, she stayed perfectly calm, like nothing had happened.
That kind of calm? It meant someone was in trouble.
Just like when she'd slashed him twice before… or in their previous life, when she'd struck down Orobashi with a single blow after Sasayuri's death.
"Ei, don't mind her." Lu Chen figured he'd made his feelings more than clear.
He and that girl—Zhao Xiaohan—were never going to be a thing.
For someone like him, who'd lived three thousand years with immortal companions, a high school girl wasn't even close to his type. He'd said it himself—he was an LSP who loved mature women. Zhao Xiaohan? She was background noise.
Besides, he and the others had shared millennia in Teyvat, enduring countless trials and unforgettable moments. How could Ei believe some girl he'd known for only a few days could steal him away?
If she really believed that... wasn't that a bit too sensitive?
"I trust you." Raiden Ei looked straight at him, her expression serious.
She wasn't lying. But Lu Chen still frowned, puzzled. "Then why were you so quiet? I thought you were mad."
Was she thinking about cooking again? Or stuck on some science question?
Raiden Ei replied firmly, "I do believe you don't feel that way. But I don't trust those women."
"Huh?"
"That Zhao Xiaohan lives in the old district in the east. Average family. Raised by a gold-digging mother. Her wardrobe's full of fake luxury brands. I'd guess she didn't come to Haizhou to study, but to land a quality partner."
"…What?" Lu Chen was stunned. How did Ei know all that? Did she follow Zhao Xiaohan home!?
She had details down to her closet inventory. How? Was she trailing her every day after school?
More importantly—how did she even understand terms like 'gold-digger' and 'counterfeit brands'... Had she been binge-watching trashy soap operas?
Lu Chen suddenly recalled how Ei had once followed him to school, saying she was "curious" about a place that taught "mechanical arts."
He hadn't minded—even if she'd tailed him, he trusted she'd never hurt him.
Still true now.
But Raiden Ei? She didn't want to hurt him—just others...
"You're not thinking of doing something to her, are you? You're not... gonna kill her?" Lu Chen stopped walking, staring at her.
Raiden Ei suddenly smiled—bright as a spring field in bloom, completely harmless.
And in that instant, the spring breeze seemed to stop. Everything around them fell silent. The words Lu Chen had been about to say died in his throat.
A few students passed by and didn't even notice when the books in their arms dropped to the ground.
Only Lu Chen could see it—that sliver of cruelty hidden in her smile.
The Raiden Shogun never showed mercy to her enemies.
She could be the gentlest soul and the coldest weapon. But as someone close to her, Lu Chen chose to ignore one side and only look at the other.
"Ei…"
She let the smile fade, gave Lu Chen a long, meaningful look, then turned and kept walking.
He followed.
Raiden Ei had returned to the version of herself he knew best—gentle smile, a hint of helplessness in her tone.
"She's just an irrelevant mortal. Not worth the trouble. If I really wanted to kill her, I wouldn't waste my time investigating."
Lu Chen let out a breath of relief. He was still a bit nervous, but since she'd chosen to back down, he didn't push it further.
"Alright…"
He always gave her more patience than anyone else.
Because he owed her that.
Raiden Ei brushed back her wind-blown hair, a faint smile on her lips.
She wouldn't kill that foolish girl. Only because… she wasn't worth the effort.
But a small "lesson" was definitely in order.
She'd just go pay her a visit tonight.
...
The two walked side by side until they reached the music building. The sunlight was hot now, but the building provided some shade.
As they made their way through the corridor, a deep, lingering tuba sound drifted from a nearby classroom. It came in intervals, like someone was practicing.
Other rooms offered a mix of musical sounds—some bright and lively, others slow and mellow. Lu Chen felt like he was walking through a sea of art.
It was the third class period of the morning. Students prepping for the arts entrance exams were allowed to stay behind to practice their instruments. Lu Chen couldn't help feeling a little envious.
He looked at Raiden Ei, who was curiously taking it all in. She was a special talent student too, which meant she didn't have to be in class. Technically, this was training time.
But with her skill level? She didn't need training. She was just sneaking out to keep him company.
"Maybe I should become a special talent student too. Then I could slack off with you every day..."
"Hm?" Raiden Ei looked over. "You could join the fencing team."
"No, no." Lu Chen waved that off. "That struggling fencing team is all yours to save. That's the proper sports anime arc. I've gotta think of something else."
"Oh."
What could he do, then? He glanced at the music department again. It was filled with artistic energy, but he had zero talent for singing or playing instruments—he gave up on that idea immediately.
Art? Not his thing either... Guess it had to be sports.
But what sport…?
While pondering, the two of them unknowingly arrived at a lecture hall. There was no class today, but a crowd had gathered outside the door.
Today was the recruitment fair for substitute teachers. Even though it was just a temp gig, being a "Haizhou Academy Special Appointed Teacher" sounded impressive and drew in tons of applicants looking to pad their resumes.
From inside, a sharp, rhythmic snare drum performance rang out. Lu Chen didn't know much about music, but even he could tell it was top-tier drumming.
He and Raiden Ei slipped in among the crowd, pretending to be students helping carry teaching materials.
While two of the interviewees were chatting, Lu Chen took the chance to peek at one of their resumes.
It was packed with awards, but he skipped straight to the education section—Master's degree in Music.
Whoa.
He snuck a glance at another.
Also a Master's degree in Music.
"..."
This was intense. These applicants were ridiculously overqualified.
Lu Chen couldn't help but sweat a little for Venti.
That guy didn't even have a primary school diploma.