Chapter 14
“The exam will begin in fifteen minutes. All candidates, please take your seats.
“Cheating and plagiarism are strictly prohibited.
“Those who are absent or fail the exam will not be given a retake.”
The invigilator, faceless and cold, recited the exam rules in the classroom.
Of all the candidates, only Li Ye and I remained.
At dusk, the exam paper appeared on my desk.
But Li Ye’s desk was completely empty.
[Why isn’t Li Ye given an exam paper?]
[Does Li Ye have to die?]
[Why hasn’t the final boss appeared yet?]
The invigilator pointed to the sunset outside, radiant as brocade:
“Candidate Li, your exam paper is over there.”
Wisteria swayed in the twilight.
The setting sun, blood-red, and a girl sat on the rooftop, the wind brushing against her calves.
The evening glow gilded her profile with a brilliant golden edge.
There was nothing strange or ominous about her.
But the final boss could only be her.
[Li Ye, hurry and push her off!]
[Is this Anomaly going to jump off the building?]
[Is she going to jump or not? Why is she just sitting there?]
[Hurry up and jump, don’t waste time, okay?]
Li Ye walked over in a daze.
The girl smiled and patted his shoulder:
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it? I’ve always wanted to watch a sunset like this with you.”
Li Ye sat with her on the rooftop, like old friends of many years, comfortable even in silence.
“I’ve always wanted to thank you.
“My death wasn’t your fault.”
The midsummer sunset, together with the evening breeze, made it easy to linger in this world.
They sat side by side, watching the sunset gradually fade, watching the stars slowly appear.
Until the sound signaling the end of the exam rang out.
The girl dusted off her skirt, stood up, and reached out her hand, looking at Li Ye.
Li Ye took her hand.
She borrowed his strength, playfully jumping from the edge of the rooftop to his side:
“See, this time you saved me!”
“You passed!”
Her voice and smile faded into the wind.
Li Ye suddenly crouched down, overcome with tears.