A Misidentification
Chai Xiaoqi's earthly existence was growing increasingly complex. As she adapted to her new surroundings, she came to the realization that in order to avoid suspicion, she needed to blend in with the others. She made the decision to take on a human persona after being influenced by the individuals she saw around her.
She put together an eccentric yet endearing ensemble by searching thrift stores and clotheslines for a red scarf, an enormous sweater, and mismatched footwear. "Excellent! She proclaimed, "I look just like an Earthling!" while posing proudly in front of a broken mirror.
But the flashing antennae, which she deftly hid behind a floppy hat, were her greatest worry. Xiaoqi boldly entered the busy city streets wearing her new disguise, eager to explore.
The Unexpected Meeting
Xiaoqi's enthusiasm was brief because, while crossing the street, she ran into none other than Fang Leng. As she staggered backward, Fang Leng, wearing a sharp suit and projecting his typical icy aura, hardly gave her a glance.
His voice was low but powerful as he curtly remarked, "Watch where you're going."
Xiaoqi instantly recognized him and froze in fear. As she recalled their past interactions—the time-freezing incident and her unintentional entry into his life—her heart raced. "Oh no, it's the irate human once more!" she mumbled to herself.
She blurted, pretending to be innocent, "Sorry, gentleman! I'm a newbie here. It wasn't my intention to run into you. She constantly bowed, imitating the others she had seen.
Fang Leng narrowed her eyes, wary of her hyperbolic actions. "You seem... familiar. Have we previously met?
"Me? Known? Absolutely not! I'm simply a typical Earth girl. Xiaoqi said, adjusting her hat uncomfortably and raising her voice an octave.
Fang Leng felt as though she was concealing something, even though she was acting awkwardly. Xiaoqi saw an ice cream cart and used it as a pretext to get away before he could ask any more questions. "Ah, ice cream! I had to give that a try! "Bye, mister!" she cried, running off.
A Snatch of Earth
Curiosity brought Xiaoqi to the ice cream cart, where she excitedly indicated many kinds. She handed them a crumpled dollar she had discovered earlier and added, "Please, one of each." Her childish enthusiasm made the vendor laugh, and he gave her a tower of cones.
Xiaoqi's facial emotions as she tried each taste varied from joy to perplexity. "This one has a floral flavor! And this one… like frozen happiness!" she thought, attracting onlookers' attention.
People around her were enchanted by her easygoing demeanor and odd remarks; some even took pictures of her antics.
She was unaware that Fang Leng had been following her from afar. A rare smile pulled at his lips as he watched her enjoy ice cream with such unadulterated bliss. He thought, "She's definitely not normal," but for the first time, he felt a hint of amusement mixed with his curiosity.
The Business World Collides
Jiang Xue, Fang Leng's assistant, reminded him of his next meeting in the meantime. She brought him down to earth by saying, "Sir, the investors are waiting."
Reluctantly, Fang Leng left the scene, but Xiaoqi was always on his mind. Her strange actions and unexplained presence in his life bothered him. He sent Jiang Xue back to his office to surreptitiously look into her. "I want to know everything about her, including her residence, identity, and purpose for being here."
Despite her inability to conceal her bewilderment, Jiang Xue nodded. With caution, she inquired, "Is she somehow associated with the company?"
"No, but she's... unusual," Fang Leng said in a casual tone, although his thoughts were anything but.
The New Position
Xiaoqi came into a busy café posting a job vacancy while attempting to fit in with human culture. She walked into the café and boldly said, "I'll take the job!" in desperation for a steady place to stay and some money.
Auntie Liu, the manager, is a sweet but doubtful woman who lifted a brow. "Have you worked as a waitress before?"
"Obviously! When I lived in my hometown, I was the greatest at pouring beverages. Under her helmet, Xiaoqi's antennae twitched as she stuttered.
Her eagerness made Auntie Liu laugh, so she gave her a chance. "All good, but please don't make a mistake. This location is crowded.
It was a comedy of mishaps on Xiaoqi's first day as a waitress. She even attempted to take a piece of cake intended for a customer, spill coffee on an unhappy customer, and confuse a dog for a paying client. Her sincere efforts and contagious enthusiasm won over Auntie Liu and the regulars in spite of the turmoil.
An Increasing Mysteries
While running his business, Fang Leng was unable to get rid of his fascination with Xiaoqi. Little information came from Jiang Xue's investigation because Xiaoqi lacked official records, identification, and a known address. His suspicion was only heightened by this.
Fang Leng saw Xiaoqi through the window of the café one evening as he was driving by. Her bright grin lit up the room as she laughed with customers. He experienced an odd, inexplicable warmth in his chest for a little period.
"Really, who are you?" His eyes lingered on her while he muttered to himself.
The Final Scene
A major twist marks the chapter's conclusion:
After her shift, Xiaoqi sits beneath the stars, holding onto her signal orb, which she had finally managed to rescue. To her people, she says, "I'll find a way back, but this world... It's not as awful as I had imagined.
In his opulent apartment, Fang Leng gazes up at the same night sky, his mind dominated by the enigmatic girl who defies all reason.
Now, their destinies were more closely linked than ever.