21 :: Strange Presence ::

Shengyi

I walked into the ceremonial hall with both my hands shaking incessantly. Today was the day, I told myself. Calm, calm, calm.

Today was the biggest day of my life. One where I would officially become an alumnus of my university from then onwards. I could say it in so many different ways, but in the end, it all meant the same thing.

Like in my previous life, I had the exact question in my mind:

Would my mother have been proud of me?

It all came up to this one question, where I would never have the answer.

I never found out who she was. On the same day, same date and the same hour, I graduated in my former life.

But my father never came either. I had been alone. Back then, he was undergoing chemotherapy. This time, he is also nowhere to be seen. The result of my graduation ceremony was the same: I was all alone. No family came to witness my graduation.

With my new life and newfound strength, plus the fact I was not 'normal', I know that I can take this easily. No Dad, no mystery mum. Only myself and my horde.

Maybe I could conjure up a storm of fans if I tried. But what is the point of even doing that? What is created using powers is not genuine. I know that and aside from that one incident where I used my powers to my advantage during the exam, I barely need for it.

I hear my name being called in a deep foreign tone, understanding that it is time for me to receive my graduation certificate. It feels like it was almost yesterday that I received my graduation certificate, and remembering how I almost tripped over the long convocation gown, I shyly cover my pinkish cheeks.

There is no repeating that. I, Lu Shengyi, will not make the same mistake twice! This time, I have ensured that the bottom of the gown has been shortened by a centimetre. I also focus my mind as I make proud, confident steps towards the majestic stage.

My outer gown is made of a silk-like material and is a dark navy blue colour. Wearing the gown provides me with a Harry Potter-like feeling as I stride forward. The hall is cold with numerous air-conditioners all functioning at the same time. Like those encounters at the library, the examination halls and the canteen, I feel that extraordinary aura. Everyone's eyes are on me, particularly those of the vulnerable students. I am attracting them like a magnet. Again, it is one of the perks of the deal with Devil Cullen.

I walk gracefully up the stage, beaming wildly.

And soon enough, the games began.

......…...

"Shengyi, let's take some pictures," a girl that appears unfamiliar to me beckons. I bite hard on my lower lip. Despite my photographic memory, I don't recognise this girl. Her blond hair is bound in a messy bun of a Korean fashion and her brows are very symmetrical. But since she is no threat to me, I should relax.

My mind tells me it's not a big deal to take a selfie (if that is what it's called when it's taken with someone else) with an amicable stranger, so I sacrifice two seconds of my precious time for the photo and then go on my way.

The photograph comes out perfect, apart from the fact that probably almost a hundred collapsed people are in the background. I vividly remember having hollered so loudly that the whole audience spectating me receive my certificate was struck down by the impact of the sound waves.

The Lu Shengyi of the past had then screamed in joy. And this time, overcome by emotions, I scream as well, only that I forgot the repercussions that would occur. Everyone in a circle around me collapsed like skittles. Lu Shengyi, Lu Shengyi, I reprimand myself. Did you just use too much force this time?

Ah, just screw it!

Then this girl comes walking towards me, fortunately with a huge pair of headphones. Her headphones had likely masked the effect of the 'lion's roar' on the audience, saving her. But then she came forward asking for a selfie together, so I guess she must be affected by my aura.

"Thank you," she utters excitedly.

"What is your name?" I shout after her, this time making sure not to holler before she disappears from view.

"Cara," she giggles, giving me a childish wave as she scurries off. Something about her reminds me of Xiaoxian, how she was before she fell in love with the jerk and seems to have transformed into a completely different person.

In the months leading to our graduation, she ignores Shan Hanyu, which is expected since they are no longer together but is friendly with everyone else. On the other hand, she appears to be under a trance, speaking to me continuously with a robotic tone. If this is her idea of a joke, it's so not funny.

It is now time for me to bid goodbye to my student days and to enjoy the view of the university. It is quiet since most people are now still unconscious except for Cara, and on the good side, this includes the annoying Shan Hanyu. I indulge in the serenity of the campus as I take a walk down the rocky pavement. Something the management of the university never bothered to change. For two lives, I have found this walk so memorable that for an instant, I am addicted.

The cold wind tickles my cheeks and entices me to close my eyes. I let my guard down for a moment as I relax and keep my thoughts empty.

Like meditating, everything feels so silent that the mere sound of the leaves rustling encompasses everything around me.

But then, I hear a voice calling out to me again.

"Shengyi, soon."

The coldness and seduction of the male voice are unmistakable. Devil Cullen, I realise in horror, breaking out of my zen.

What could he probably want from me this time? I ponder in my mind.

All of a sudden, I no longer hear the voice calling to me. It was like it had just vanished out of the blue. Surely I had not dreamed of it? I turn around in circles and observe around me, but there were no signs of anything remarkable. Everything seems as usual as they were before graduation.

I must be thinking too much, I tell myself.

Even though I have only graduated now, in terms of achievements, I have already, with Dewey's help, succeeded in making Shengyi Corporation known as a player in the market. We hired a batch of intern students and about five entry-level staff for permanent positions. On the other hand, I have not seen or heard about Cullen Fu, as if he had vanished from the ends of the earth.

Uncle Dou congratulates me with a round of applause as I step into the vehicle, still wearing the silk-like convocation gown.

"Hey, someone decided to become so amazing suddenly," Uncle Dou says.

I chuckle. After learning from Dewey for so long, he still hasn't improved in his speaking. I know he meant well, and he is trying hard, but it will be a long way before he can sound convincing. Dewey on the other hand is charismatic and experienced in speaking and making deals with customers. Fortunately, Uncle Dou is an awesome driver, so that's the best I could ask for right now.

"Uncle Dou, how are things going around in the office?" I ask, trying not to sound too bothered while trying to change the topic so that my chauffeur doesn't go on with his stressful attempts to become a convincer. Such roles are best left to Dewey.

When I am not in the need to be driven, Uncle Dou hangs around in Shengyi Corporation's new office and tries to enrich his knowledge and language proficiency by reading the papers and watching the news, but given his low education and older age, it is arduous for him to do so. I don't wish to hamper his efforts by telling him the naked truth, so I smile and encourage him using role models who are elderly. I debate that one can become a president at eighty years.

Today, I have an emotional request to ask from my chauffeur.

"Uncle Dou, will it be possible for you to take me on a ride around the city?" I ask after a long silence has elapsed inside the car. We are still in the university's parking lot, watching the crowd of students rushing around excitedly while taking selfies for their memories.

"A ride?" he repeats after me quizzically. "But not long ago, you told me you were fed up of the city!"

"Just drive me around, uncle," I grumble. "I want to see the city today."

"Okay, Miss Lu," he obliges and shifts the gear out of parking, ready to make a turn out of the parking space. It was at this point when the sky made up its mind to rain cats and dogs. Uncle Dou complains softly that he has just washed the car this morning.

Then, I saw a hooded dark figure pass by the car, jolting me with a sudden familiarity.

The vehicle zoomed on, and when I looked back, I could no longer see the figure.

Who or what was that?