Chapter 33: My Talent Is Dream

Lin Zhou froze.

His classmates turned to stare, wondering why the enigmatic Ghostface had singled him out.

"Come," Ghostface commanded with a snap of his fingers, striding toward the command center.

Lin Zhou hurried after him, nerves taut.

Frost Snow watched Li An disappear through the doors, then tilted her head skyward. What do clouds feel like? She floated upward, curiosity overriding gravity.

Inside the command center, Li An gestured to a chair. "Sit."

Lin Zhou hesitated, eyeing Old Zhu. The veteran grinned. "Top student of Tianshui High, as dashing as they say!"

Li An stifled a smirk—typical old-timer flattery, but effective. Lin Zhou relaxed slightly, taking a seat.

Li An removed his mask.

Though Lin Zhou had suspected, seeing Li An’s face still stunned him. "You…"

"I need to discuss the Super High School League," Li An cut in.

Lin Zhou waved frantically. "You should take the slot! And… we’ve met before. Two years ago—"

Li An’s brow furrowed until memory sparked. "That idiot who charged the fugitive alone? That was you?"

Lin Zhou’s face reddened. "Yes… Ghostface—"

"Call me Li An."

"Right. An-ge." Lin Zhou straightened. "Had I known you were Ghostface, I’d never have contested the slot. I know how strong you are."

"How?"

"I… follow all your news."

Li An raised an eyebrow. "Stalker?"

"You saved my life." The words tumbled out. "I wanted to say… you’re my hero. But—" He swallowed, veering course. "The league… it’s not just for me. Tianshui High has a garden—beautiful. I love this school. The teachers, classmates… they lifted me up. I wanted to give back. Break into the top 5,000—our school’s never ranked that high. I wanted…" His voice cracked. "To thank them."

Tears welled as he bowed deeply. "I’m sorry for today. You’re the hero humanity needs. They said if you’d lost… no one would’ve saved you. The risk you take—"

Li An waved him off. "Enough. I brought you here for a reason."

He tapped his Star Terminal. "League rules allow a substitute. You’ll compete first—reach the top 5,000. Then I take over."

Lin Zhou gaped. "But if I lose, you’re eliminated too!"

Li An paused at the door. "Then don’t lose. Consider this payback for two years ago."

Old Zhu scowled, messaging Li An: Reckless!

Li An replied: My talent is Dream. Let his dream fuel mine.

Outside, Li An scanned the wall. "Where’s Frost—"

A giggle sounded left. He turned—

Frost Snow hovered inches away, their lips mere centimeters apart.

Li An’s throat tightened. Frost Snow blinked, cheeks pink.

"Silent flying?" he rasped.

"I floated! Tried to scare you… failed."

Her hand found his. "Ever flown?"

"Only jumps."

"Wrong." She yanked him skyward. "Clouds are fun!"