The next day.
Early morning... when Hiratsuka Shizuka walked out of her bedroom, yawning.
Lu Ren was already busy in the kitchen.
He was preparing bento boxes.
Besides his own, there was one for Hiratsuka Shizuka.
Due to school policies.
Lunch was not provided at noon; students needed to bring their own bento.
Lu Ren simply made Hiratsuka Shizuka's portion as well... "Xiao Lu, you're up so early..."
Hiratsuka Shizuka leaned against the kitchen door, greeting Lu Ren.
After their interaction last night, she and Lu Ren had changed how they addressed each other.
She called Lu Ren: Xiao Lu.
Lu Ren called her: Sister Shizuka.
After all, they were under the same roof and would be living together for three whole years.
"I'm already used to it."
"Sister Shizuka, hurry and wash up, breakfast is ready."
Lu Ren greeted her, continuing to add rice to the lunch box.
"Oh..."
Hiratsuka Shizuka instinctively responded, turning and walking towards the bathroom.
She even hummed a song... as if she had returned to her childhood, to the days her mother called her to wake up.
Wait!
Something seemed off!
Clearly!
Clearly, she was the adult!
As an adult, how could she let a student take care of her!
Hiratsuka Shizuka's pretty face flushed, and she returned, looking at Lu Ren with regret.
But for some reason... the words that came to her lips, she couldn't bring herself to say.
She had never cooked for anyone, let alone prepared a bento.
Although she had a beautiful face, her luck with men was terrible.
Nearing thirty, she had never been in a relationship.
Being emotionally mature, she simply found her peers too childish.
To this day... she had never had a crush... she didn't even know how she had made the decision.
Becoming the guardian of an international student, now that she thought about it, it was indeed too difficult.
However... she was also very fortunate... the young man cohabiting under the same roof was not a problem child.
He could cook and was considerate.
He even possessed a sense of security that didn't match his age.
Though they hadn't known each other long, the boy's gentleness was captivating.
For a woman like Hiratsuka Shizuka, he was simply a treasure!
Hiratsuka Shizuka leaned against the door, staring blankly at Lu Ren... who knew how much time had passed... until Lu Ren urged her, and Hiratsuka Shizuka hastily snapped back to reality.
"Sister Shizuka, it's getting late."
"We still have to go to school later."
Lu Ren reminded her helplessly.
The time was exactly seven o'clock.
They had to get to school before eight for the first class.
"Oh, really, what's wrong with me?"
"It must be a hangover, a hangover!"
Hiratsuka Shizuka's eyes darted around, clumsily searching for an excuse.
Under Lu Ren's worried gaze, she fled in a panic.
"What's wrong with her... she's been so distracted all morning."
"Could it be... that Yokai affected her?"
Lu Ren seemed to be talking to himself.
Soon... Tamamo-no-Mae's voice, through the bond of their contract, echoed in his heart.
"NO—IT—IS—NOT!"
"A single woman like her would absolutely love your type."
"Handsome, gentle, responsible, and still a bit naive."
"You're practically a fat sheep delivered to her mouth; even I'm tempted!"
"She's probably already developed feelings for you, Master!"
Tamamo-no-Mae, in her spiritual form, excitedly fanned the flames.
"What on earth are you thinking about all day in that little head of yours!"
Lu Ren rolled his eyes, retorting to Tamamo-no-Mae.
He and Hiratsuka Shizuka were a full ten years apart!
... "Hehehe, Tamamo, I made you an amulet, you know."
"It seems it can come in handy now!"
"This amulet contains divine power."
"Whoever wears it, all evil shall be repelled."
"How about it, isn't it amazing?"
... Tamamo-no-Mae said proudly, just like a thoughtful, devoted wife.
Almost the instant Tamamo-no-Mae's voice fell.
A seven-colored light transformed into a wooden plaque in Lu Ren's hand.
Carved on the plaque was a cute, adorable white fox head.
"Thanks..."
Lu Ren held the amulet, thanking Tamamo-no-Mae.
"You're too kind."
"I am your Shrine Maiden Fox, it's just my duty."
"By the way, I wasn't joking just now~!"
Tamamo-no-Mae said triumphantly.
Fortunately, she hadn't manifested, otherwise, her fox ears would surely be pointing to the sky right now!
... Ten minutes later...
Hiratsuka Shizuka, having finished washing up, returned to the kitchen.
She saw the sandwiches in the basket and was about to take one.
"Sister Shizuka, this is for you."
Lu Ren handed the amulet in his hand to Hiratsuka Shizuka.
"This is...?"
Hiratsuka Shizuka took the amulet, asking in confusion.
"This is a gift from the gods."
"It's said to ward off evil and drive away malevolence."
Lu Ren smiled profoundly, making a small joke.
"This, you made it yourself, didn't you...?"
Hiratsuka Shizuka took the amulet, looking at the brand new carving on it, teasing the young man in front of her.
Many things had happened last night... with the young man's intelligence, how could he not see through it?
He must have made such an amulet to reassure her.
Thinking of this, Hiratsuka Shizuka couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.
It had been a long time since she had been cared for by anyone.
She vaguely remembered the last time was when she found a job and received comfort items from her hometown...
"Let's eat."
Lu Ren offered no explanation; silence was the best answer.
He untied his apron, folded it neatly, and gestured for Hiratsuka Shizuka to eat with him.
Amid pleasant conversation, the two enjoyed a hearty breakfast.
Seven thirty in the morning.
Hiratsuka Shizuka, dressed in her work uniform, opened her door.
What greeted her eyes, however, was not the morning sun.
Instead, it was... a disheveled woman in white!
"Giggle… creak, creak…"
The eerie, teeth-grinding sound echoed through the hallway!
The dirty thing she encountered last night had chased her all the way to the apartment!
The parking lot.
The elevator lobby.
Now… it was outside her door!
If this continued, she might be inside the apartment by this afternoon!
Just then!
The amulet in Hiratsuka Shizuka's pocket glowed with golden light!
The eerie woman seemed to have encountered some terrifying presence!
She raised her hands in horror, covering her face, and let out a piercing scream!
Before Hiratsuka Shizuka's eyes, she turned into dust and dissipated with the wind!
Hiratsuka Shizuka was stunned!
She didn't know what had just happened!
But the amulet Lu Ren gave her this morning was emitting a soft glow!
This meant… this fox amulet was actually effective!