Facade

Weisheng's eyes widened as they returned to being brown. His grip on Xiaoling's wrist instantly weakened, and he knelt. 

"S-Sorry!" He hesitantly said, "I don't know what happened there…" He looked away in embarrassment. 

Xiaoling took a step back before confirming he had returned, "You… You're Weisheng, right?" She asked. 

Weisheng looked up and nodded, "I'm really sorry," He said, "I didn't mean that… I just," He narrowed his eyes in confusion. 

"You remember what happened just now?" She asked, keeping her distance. 

"... More or less," Weisheng nodded. 

"What happened, then?" 

"You asked me to banish an evil spirit," Weisheng said, "But I dropped my sword, saw this strange reflection in the spirit's eyes, and then before I knew it, I did something to the man in the robe… And then, I dared touch you." He explained, "I seriously don't know how it happened, so please!" 

"Please, what?" Xiaoling was more confused than him. 

Weisheng looked at her dumbfoundedly, "Don't throw me into the Underworld…" 

…

Xiaoling burst out laughing despite the concerning situation. She couldn't believe the only thing Weisheng cared about was keeping his distance from the Underworld. 

"I'm serious!" Weisheng pleaded, "I'm already so confused. Please don't throw me there. I'll keep a 10 feet distance from you." 

Xiaoling shook her head in amusement, "Relax. Why would I throw you there? It's not like you hurt me or anything. I'll let this one slide and keep it a secret." She assured him, "You did nothing wrong. I'm guessing the curse made you do all of that." 

"Oh…" Weisheng nodded in confusion. 

"Stand up," Xiaoling grabbed his arm and helped him stand, "Don't sweat it. That devil was too powerful for your training to continue. It's my fault for not keeping him in check. He pulled a nasty spell on me, too!" She murmured in annoyance. 

"About that spell…" Weisheng pressed his lips. 

Xiaoling raised an eyebrow. 

"I think I did that," Weisheng said, "I don't really know how, but I meant to stop the devil somehow. I spoke some strange words out of nowhere…" 

Xiaoling rested her chin on her hand, "Show me your arm." 

Weisheng pulled his sleeve up to show her his arm. As she had expected, his talisman had long disappeared. 

"Whatever happened today is our secret," Xiaoling said solemnly, "I'll look into this." 

Weisheng nodded, "But what does this even mean?" He asked. 

Xiaoling shook her head, "I don't know. I suspect that someone intentionally put this curse on you, considering a devil wanted to disrupt my Internal Energy to unleash the proper abilities of the curse." She said, "Moreover, he addressed you with respect and didn't want to kill me either. Whoever did this made sure that we won't die from this." 

Weisheng's eyes widened, "But why do we keep this a secret?" 

"They are spirits who have to reincarnate one day, Weisheng," Xiaoling looked at him, "If we involve them, they might lose the chance." 

"Oh," Weisheng nodded, "I understand. You can count on me, I think." 

"You think?" Xiaoling raised an eyebrow. 

"I mean, what if the curse makes me say it? I can't do anything about that." He shrugged. 

Xiaoling scoffed in amusement, "So, now you're planning to use the curse to your advantage, huh?" 

Weisheng nervously chuckled, "Not at all. What I said was valid!" 

Xiaoling sighed and shook her head, "Fine, fine. I'll give you that leverage." 

Weisheng smiled in relief. Xiaoling smiled back. It was nice to see him smiling despite going through so many things at once. She could bet her residence on the fact that he was putting up a facade. He must be going insane in his mind all by himself. 

Xiaoling had asked him to open up to her whenever he wanted. But he was more reserved than she thought. He only ever expressed his fear of evil spirits, being social, and embarrassment. Other than these, he kept everything hidden. 

Xiaoling knew she needed to know everything about him to help him to the best of her abilities. But his heart was a closed door, and she didn't have the keys yet. 

—

Weisheng went to his apartment at 5 in the morning. He made Xiaoling write a box of talismans for a single day, considering how quickly they ran out. Xiaoling had suggested going to work with him, but he strongly disagreed. 

Weisheng had all the lights in his apartment open. He considered seeing ghosts in proper lighting better than expected ghosts to linger in the dark. He cooked himself a light and simple breakfast before heading out to work. 

There was a lot on his mind as he drove to work. He wondered if he was even eligible for this job after murdering a man. He knew the curse made him do all that, but the thought of it still drove him insane. 

He stopped outside the Prosecution building, contemplating his course of action. By now, Yun Shui might've given her statement to the police about Cang Tao's sudden death. 

The only suspect of Gao Bojing was dead. A dead man's words didn't count as statements. Therefore, Weisheng couldn't tell anyone about it. Gao Bojing's case was similar to Weisheng's father's. It made him sick just thinking about it. 

He left the car and entered the building, heading straight to Liu Heng for his assigned work. He knocked at the door and entered Liu Heng's room. 

"Mr. Liu, can I have my work for-" Weisheng stopped as he saw Liu Heng had guests over, "My apologies," He murmured, only for the guest to turn around. 

It was a lady wearing a casual paneled skirt with her hair tied in a ponytail. She turned around and smiled at Weisheng. Weisheng's eyes widened. 

"M-Mr. Liu," He looked at Liu Heng, "May I dare ask who this is?" 

"Of course, Yuan Yuan," Liu Heng seemed to be in a good mood, "That's my little sister, Xiaodan!" 

…

But it was Xiaoling! Anyone could tell it was Xiaoling! 

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Yuan Yuan!" The alleged Xiaodan, who was obviously Xiaoling, said. 

"Oh, Dandan," Liu Heng murmured, "His name is Yuan Weisheng."

Weisheng awkwardly smiled, "Nice to meet you too… Miss Liu."