A Less-Romantic Meeting
Chai Xiaoqi had to balance her human covert existence with the ongoing upheaval her alien identity produced as the new day broke. Fang Leng, in the meantime, was keen to understand Xiaoqi since he was still perplexed by her unexplainable skills. Even as their differences drew them apart, their worlds collided in unexpected ways, drawing them closer.
Xiaoqi's Problem with the Antenna
In her small hiding place, Xiaoqi was having a laid-back morning while experimenting with the Earth devices she had gathered. Her bangs covered her antennae, but an instinctive reaction to a cosmic disruption caused them to flare wildly.
"Oh no, not right now!" she moaned, rushing to put a hat over them. The light meant that she had to expose her body to Earth's atmosphere right away, or else she would be wasting her vitality, exhausting.
She hurried out to locate a secluded area in an attempt to escape being found. Regretfully, she encountered Fang Leng by chance at the entrance to the opulent offices of his firm.
"Are you unable to keep an eye on your destination?" Dusting off his perfectly made suit, Fang Leng snapped.
Clinging to her hat, Xiaoqi said, "I'm sorry! I'm terribly sorry! Simply put, I was rushing.
Fang Leng's eyes narrowed. "You again? You appear everywhere, it seems. What do you have to conceal? More suspicious than ever, he reached out, but Xiaoqi quickly fled.
Looking into Xiaoqi
When Fang Leng got back to his office, Jiang Xue, his assistant, was waiting for him with paperwork. We have investigated her background, sir. Prior to coming here, Chai Xiaoqi doesn't seem to have any records. It is similar to She appeared out of nowhere.
Deep in contemplation, Fang Leng reclined on his chair. "No experience, strange conduct, and incomprehensible skills... She is concealing something. And I will discover what it is.
Surveillance cameras outside the building had noticed Xiaoqi's flashing antennae, but Fang Leng was unaware of this. He made the decision to watch the video later.
The Search for the Signal Orb by Xiaoqi
Xiaoqi went out that night to look for her signal orb, which she was in dire need of in order to contact her planet. It had drifted down a river the last time she saw it. With her alien devices surreptitiously looking for energy signs, she strolled about the metropolis.
She found herself in a busy night market, where the lively ambiance briefly diverted her attention. The smell of grilled food and the colorful lights enchanted her, and she was compelled to sample some of Earth's specialties.
"These are fantastic dumplings! She stuffed her lips and said, "So much better than meteor rations." People in the area grinned at her strange behavior, but many were surprised by her lighting apparatuses.
Her gadget beeped—a feeble signal from her orb—as she scanned a nearby fountain! She jumped into the fountain with excitement, splattering water all over the place. A crowd gathered, confused by the girl looking into the water.
"I found it! She mumbled, pulling at the ball wedged between pebbles, "Oh no, it's stuck."
Steps of Fang Leng Fang Leng, who was attending a client meeting in the market, observed the disturbance. He was shocked to see Xiaoqi drenched and having trouble using the fountain.
He was frustrated and asked himself, "What is she doing now?" "Do you always cause a scene wherever you go?" he questioned sharply as he walked up to her.
Xiaoqi gripped the orb behind her back as she frozen. "Oh! Hello, Mr. Fang. Nice to meet you here! She tried to seem casual as she stammered.
The bright ball caught the attention of Fang Leng's sharp eyes. He moved closer and said, "What's that?"
"Nothin'! It's just a lovely rock! Shiny objects appeal to us, don't they? In response, Xiaoqi retreated.
It didn't convince Fang Leng. He gripped her wrist, his touch sending an unexpected thrill through both of them. Xiaoqi was startled and unintentionally used her time-freezing power, which stopped everything around them except for them.
Tensions Increase, Time Stops
Fang Leng surveyed the area, confused. "What the fuck? Why is everything frozen? What did you do?
Xiaoqi understood her error and panicked. "Um... magic trick?" she said feebly.
"Xiaoqi, don't tell me lies. Who are you? Fang Leng demanded, his eyes full of worry and wonder despite his stern tone.
Time resumed suddenly as the orb's energy overloaded before she could react. They lost their equilibrium due to the abrupt burst of movement, and Xiaoqi took advantage of the confusion to get away.
Standing there, Fang Leng watched her blend into the throng. He said, "I need to know why she's not normal."
A Touching Moment
Clinging to the broken signal orb, Xiaoqi went back to her hiding place later that evening. She gazed at it, her normally upbeat expression tinged with anxiety. "I've got to make things right, or I'll never return home," she said, her eyes welling with tears.
She felt a twinge of loneliness as she looked up at the sky. She missed her planet, her people, and her purpose, even if Earth was beautiful.
Fang Leng, meantime, was gazing at the same stars from the balcony of his opulent condominium. He had a peculiar bond with the mysterious Xiaoqi for the first time. His heart unconsciously softened as he asked himself, "Who are you really, Xiaoqi?"
Final Scene
A parallel view of Xiaoqi and Fang Leng, both absorbed in their thoughts beneath the stars, concludes the chapter. Xiaoqi's will to live on Earth is clear as she grips the shattered orb. Fang Leng holds a glass of wine, his attention drawn to Xiaoqi's growing influence.
Both of them were unable to break free from the force of fate that held them together when their worlds collided.