I Heard You Were Looking For Me? (Second Update)

Hiccuping Little Fire Dragon...

No, it is Fang Xiaoxia--

Fang Xiaoxia has been feeling melancholy lately.

As a high school student, her grades are not exactly ideal... and as a JK girl in the prime of her youth, she is nothing but a loser.

Objectively speaking, her looks and figure are actually quite good; aside from being a bit gluttonous and a bit lazy... she could perfectly be described as youthful and cute.

Someone like her should clearly be popular in class, becoming a high-scoring, well-liked beautiful girl...

However, reality is the exact opposite.

Because no one is going to like a seventeen-year-old who has absolutely no idea how to wear makeup, who is always bundled up tightly in her school uniform, and who, when school lets out, slumps her shoulders listlessly, lets her backpack strap slide down to her arm, and kicks pebbles all the way home...

A social-anxious otaku girl.

Lazy and pathetic.

And a total idiot.

In the classroom, which is always relaxed and filled with sunshine, the classmates always gather in pairs and pairs to chat, the atmosphere quite loving and harmonious.

Everyone looks so happy, just like sunflowers that refresh 50 points of sunshine at any moment.

--This is what youth is!

But it is in this very environment, in the second-to-last row by the window in the corner...

As if there were an invisible barrier, a shivering mushroom is huddled there.

--This is how Fang Xiaoxia sees herself.

She feels she is truly like a gloomy mushroom growing in a dungeon.

Yes, the kind that goes Puchi, and a dark gray one at that...

Completely out of place among this group of noble and sunny humans.

She doesn't want to be this way either.

On the way to school for the first day, she dove headfirst into a sewer while trying to save a stray cat, and because of that, she was hospitalized for three days, missing the initial formation of social circles...

Who could have predicted something like that!

--Exactly which heartless person stole the manhole cover!

By the time she returned to school, all the little cliques had already formed.

And Fang Xiaoxia, this cold and aloof female lead who always walks alone and wears a cold expression, became an anomaly in everyone's eyes...

It's not that she hasn't been invited to join a small circle...

But she has accidentally overheard people talking behind her back many times.

"What is she acting for?"

"Isn't she just relying on her looks, who knows what she's like behind our backs..."

Et cetera, et cetera, and so on.

--Oh, heavens! The injustice!

She really isn't acting! She just doesn't know how to strike up a conversation with people.

She truly cannot understand how those "supermen" who laugh and joke and take the initiative to talk to others are trained!

As for keeping a cold face every day...

If no one jokes with her, she can't just stand there giggling like a fool, can she?

She might, just a tiny bit, be not very smart... but she isn't mentally ill!

Still, being told she looks good is... okay, I guess.

She can only comfort herself like this...

"Hey, hey, is there really no one who will talk to me?"

"Even a level as simple as [Did you do the homework?] would be fine, even asking me [Are you a bit weird?] would work!"

...There is none.

--Where on earth did this template of an ostracized cold and aloof female lead come from?

And where did the male protagonist she's been missing for eighteen years go?

...Come to think of it, is there even such a thing as a "cold and aloof female lead" with bottom-tier grades?

Is there a cold and aloof female lead who gets called out by the Teacher in front of the whole class, criticized for her essay lacking any student vitality, smelling of laziness from top to bottom, and being just as unmotivated as she is?

Unheard of!

In view of all the above circumstances, Fang Xiaoxia decided to make a change.

There's no other way, Xiaoxia! You have to take the initiative!

Go for it!

...In recent years, anime and games, among other things, have transformed from solitary pursuits into tools for socialization.

What a coincidence! Fang Xiaoxia was practically a veteran god-tier player in this regard!

She would argue fiercely with others over waifu wars, even resorting to her Pure Love Fist against the Minotaur faction before her.

...And then her family had to pay the guy a hefty sum for medical expenses.

But it was fine; she still had opportunities to showcase her "talents."

For a while, people in the class started discussing games, forming a food chain where console gamers looked down on PC gamers, and PC gamers looked down on mobile gamers.

--In that case, Fang Xiaoxia was far too noble, a true superior of superiors in this aspect.

She was a veteran enthusiast of all sorts of hardcore old games, the more difficult, the better.

To this end, she meticulously collected various game discs and merchandise, Even becoming a somewhat famous Craptastic Hunter on a website, reviewing and recommending hardcore games.

"As long as I bring out those limited edition collectibles, someone will definitely exclaim, 'Wow, so cool! Xiaoxia actually knows about this, amazing!'"

"And then they'll gather around... hehe... maybe I'll even make friends who play games with me..."

With such thoughts in mind, Fang Xiaoxia pulled a Miyazaki Soul Game official art book, thicker than a dictionary, from her desk drawer. The cover featured a ferocious demon, and she slammed it onto her desk with a "bang."

It startled a boy next to her who was secretly eating a pineapple bun.

Next came a 1:1 scale replica of the Bloodborne Rusted Saw.

The item had a strong metallic feel, and the edges were treated with an aged bloodstain effect. Fang Xiaoxia clumsily tried to lean it against the edge of her desk.

But it wasn't stable.

With a "clatter," it fell to the ground.

Its ferocious design and what appeared to be bloodstains made a few girls in the front row gasp.

This wasn't all.

Fang Xiaoxia continued to display her prized collection.

She then took out small figurines of the Bio-Tyrant and Pyramid Head...

Carefully placing them on either side of the Miyazaki art book, like left and right door gods guarding the entrance.

Then, she proudly raised her head, like a victorious old general, surveying the classroom.

On her face, she forced a smile that she thought was friendly, but due to nervousness, it was incredibly stiff and even a little eerie.

Her eyes darted around, yet they also secretly observed her surroundings with anticipation.

"Look! These are all my treasures."

"Will anyone talk to me, ask what game this is? Will they praise it... or even criticize it!"

"..."

This day, Fang Xiaoxia successfully attracted everyone's attention.

From then on, no one secretly envied her beauty or spread rumors about her...

Because they usually said to her face:

"She's usually quiet, so she likes this kind of thing?"

"So scary..."

"It feels like... she harbors a bloodthirsty maniac inside."

"We're... completely from different worlds... I feel like I'll be cursed if I get too close."

"I always feel like one more glance will make her drag me into playing those games that look so painful..."

"..."

A battle that made her famous.

Word spread that Class 2, Grade 3 had produced a prodigy.

Miss Puchi became a withered, dried mushroom, shattered into several pieces.

--From then on, she gave up on trying to fit in.

She finally understood that her interests and hobbies were incompatible with everyone else's.

This further exacerbated her social anxiety.

As soon as class ended, she would bury her face in her arms and sleep, though often she wasn't actually asleep.

But it felt like if she did this, people wouldn't notice her, and wouldn't cast strange glances her way.

The joy of others, the noise of class ending, and the teacher's scolding...

As long as she buried her head, it all felt like it belonged to another world.

Anyway, all she had to do was hold on until she got home. At home, there were cartoons and games, and they wouldn't look down on her.

Even though her mom would yell until her head buzzed, she at least knew her parents loved her.

There was a funny person in her textbook named Ah Q.

In the cartoons she watched as a child, there was King Lazy Goat.

Sometimes Fang Xiaoxia would stare at the ceiling, feeling like she was both Ah Q and King Lazy Goat.

She knew how to cheer herself up, an optimist, ordinary, not great, but not bad either.

She wanted to be popular but was helpless, just a socially anxious otaku girl forced into solitary pride.

Her specialties were skipping stones on water and accurately kicking soda cans into trash bins...

And the guitar she taught herself.

Every year, after the graduating students' evaluations, the teacher would rack her brain, and when there was nothing else to write, could only give her the following praise:

"This student is kind-hearted and loves the Federation very much."

--This is the kind of person Fang Xiaoxia was.

Beautiful, sweet-voiced, kind-hearted, but always alone.

--Indeed, was she actually a Vampire Queen?

Whenever she thought this, she would briefly and proudly puff out her developing chest, laughing heartily at herself.

In the blink of an eye, another summer vacation arrived...

Lying lazily on her bed, peeking at the class group chat, Fang Xiaoxia

discovered a new turning point.

Many girls who had secretly gotten boyfriends would post various Moments to show off their affection, drawing envy and jealousy from classmates who would then like their posts.

Exquisite meals, beautiful environments, ambiguous atmospheres...

According to Fang Xiaoxia's observations, girls who were good at managing their Moments, even if they had a boyfriend, would still be very popular in class.

Naturally, many people would gather around them.

Oh...

Fang Xiaoxia understood.

A good Moments feed, a popular persona... meant people would want to be friends with her.

She completely understood!

It was quite a coincidence.

A month ago, on the "Mass Review" app, she had an incredible stroke of luck and won the chance to dine at Tinghai City's most famous Michelin three-star restaurant.

--Simply put, it meant she could reserve a dining spot a month later.

It couldn't be used as money.

To Fang Xiaoxia, this was less reliable than winning a 100-yuan discount coupon for a Ferrari.

But now, she dug it out from the "Corners and Crannies" of her phone.

With a pained expression, she calculated for a long time the income from game videos on various websites...

Gritting her teeth, Fang Xiaoxia decided to go!

She wanted to take a bunch of photos!

While there was still some time before the start of the third year of high school, --Miss Fang's Female Lead Makeover Plan Season 2, officially launched!

She stole her mother's old evening gown to wear. The dress was almost faded, and it felt awkward on her.

After all, Fang Xiaoxia was used to wearing tracksuits. It couldn't be said she was too conservative--

It could only be said she was "a person in a condom."

"Excuse me, are you dining alone?"

Right from the start, the restaurant attendant asked this question.

--Are they trying to rub salt in the wound?

Fang Xiaoxia felt it was necessary to question the restaurant's service.

Just as she was thinking this, the attendant handed her the menu.

Fang Xiaoxia forced a practiced air as she opened the menu, her eyes swimming at the French text.

She couldn't understand a single word, but the prices listed below were terrifying.

"Um... this, this, and this, please."

Clearing her throat twice, Fang Xiaoxia pointed at the two cheapest items.

To prevent ordering only the cheapest desserts and appetizers, she added one that was slightly more expensive.

"Certainly." The attendant said with a smile, "I'll put away the music order for you."

"--You've ordered two piano pieces and one violin piece."

Xiao Fang: "?"

What order?

"Do you have any beverage preferences?"

As he spoke, the attendant handed over another list.

"There's no menu...?" Fang Xiaoxia asked weakly.

The attendant's reply was polite and refined:

"Our Head Chef will prepare a menu for you; you only need to tell us about any dietary restrictions or preferences."

That's quite domineering.

But she dared not speak out of turn.

Casually ordering two drinks that looked cheapest from the beverage list, Fang Xiaoxia did a quick mental calculation and winced at the cost.

...As for why two drinks?

Xiao Fang smiled enigmatically.

"Click, click..."

Fang Xiaoxia took out her phone to take pictures.

Alright, even though everything else was annoying, at least the ambiance here was satisfactory.

In the quiet atmosphere, the clinking of silverware made Fang Xiaoxia feel as if she too had joined high society.

Just like during the Industrial Revolution, when starving child laborers spoke of the great revolution and wealthy capitalists...

They would proudly puff out their chests, feeling a sense of shared glory.

Soon, the attendant brought two brightly colored cocktails, emitting a faint blue flame, and placed them elegantly before her.

Fang Xiaoxia: "?"

How am I supposed to drink this?

You people in high society are different.

Looking all prim and proper, yet they all come here to secretly "eat fire."

"..."

So, should I eat it?

Xiao Fang stared at the two flames before her, lost in thought.

--Things have come to this, I should take a picture first!

She placed one cocktail with the blue flame on the table opposite her, and the other on her side.

Finding the right angle, she clicked--

Photo taken.

And she added a caption:

[A mundane casual drink with someone]

Moments edited.

Sent!

This was the meaning of "two drinks."

Based on her experience peeking at others' Moments...

Someone would soon ask: "Which restaurant is this? So cool!"

Or say: "Ooh, who are you on a date with?"

It felt so rewarding.

Then she could casually reply...

Back and forth, wouldn't that start a conversation?

Wouldn't that lead to making friends?

--In any case, she couldn't let it be known that she was dining alone at such a restaurant.

The aloof gourmand Xiao Fang looked around and found she was the only one without a companion.

Oh, and one more thing—

That mysterious man who was surrounded by everyone like the moon among stars just a moment ago!

At first glance, he looked so ordinary that she thought he was just like her...

But in the blink of an eye, who knows what happened.

Those attendants who had been acting so high and mighty in front of her changed their faces with such lightning speed; the manager and the Head Chef all came running, practically tripping over themselves to serve him.

Fang Xiaoxia watched, dumbfounded.

But a person like that would certainly never have any intersection with her, so there was nothing more to say...

Click.

She slowly put down her phone.

Xiao Fang widened her eyes and began to stare intently at the two flames in front of her.

This couldn't be wasted; it cost hundreds of dollars a glass!

Things Have Come To This...

She took a deep breath and gritted her teeth.

If others can drink this fire, why can't I?

The other guests were busy guessing the identity of that youth from earlier or engaging in business networking.

Suddenly, the smell of scorched hair began to permeate the air.

Then, out of the corner of their eyes, they saw flames streaking In the Air.

It had to be admitted, these Big Shots who prided themselves on being elites were truly terrified by Xiao Fang.

—And thus, the "Hiccuping Little Fire Dragon" was born.

And then, there was the crying after accidentally wandering into the men's restroom.

Outside the restaurant, a light rain was falling, and Fang Xiaoxia practically fled out the door.

The excessive humiliation had completely shattered the maiden's already fragile self-esteem.

"I'm so useless, wuwuwu..."

Looking back at the magnificent sign above, she couldn't help but squat on the ground as tears welled up in her eyes once more.

Clatter.

The maiden's house key fell to the ground; the keychain was a cute Pink-haired puppy.

The drizzling rain fell upon it.

It was getting dirty.

"Doro..."

The maiden scooped up the Pink-haired puppy, clutched it to her chest, and wept with tear-filled eyes.

Time to go home.

No more fantasizing about anything.

Being alone is fine, isn't it...

Suddenly—

The rain above her head seemed to disappear.

Fang Xiaoxia looked up in surprise.

The Trench coat youth holding a Black umbrella had appeared at the restaurant entrance.

Raindrops slid down the edge of the large black umbrella.

—The mysterious man who had the manager running circles for him!

—Are you actually chasing me out from the men's restroom?

"I-I-I-I was wrong!"

The embarrassed maiden, squatting in the rain, immediately buried her head in her arms as if startled.

Like an ostrich hiding away.

Unfortunately, there was no trash can nearby, otherwise, she would have crawled into it without a moment's hesitation!

But then, the voice of Bai Zhou reached her ears:

"--You look very cool when you breathe fire."

"Huh?"

Fang Xiaoxia looked up, stunned, instinctively wanting to ask if he was there to humiliate her.

But she soon realized that Bai Zhou was being sincere, as his expression was extremely serious.

So serious that Fang Xiaoxia found herself becoming serious as well.

It was as if they were discussing something sacred and important.

"In my hometown, fire is a very sacred thing; only a small number of people can wield it."

Bai Zhou said as much:

"Therefore, I think being unafraid of fire is a truly remarkable thing."

"--Not to mention swallowing fire and becoming a Fire Eater."

Fang Xiaoxia: "?"

What is this guy talking about?

"What I mean is..."

Bai Zhou scratched his head, weighing his words carefully:

"Actually, no matter what you do, life doesn't have that many spectators."

"Even a Wanted criminal pursued by the entire city doesn't need to carry the burden of an idol, feeling like the Center of Attention at all times... let alone you?"

Fang Xiaoxia: "??"

What on earth is he talking about!

Motivated by gratitude for him helping her out of a tight spot, Bai Zhou patiently offered a few words of advice, even using his own personal experience to illustrate the point.

Although, after he finished, Fang Xiaoxia seemed completely bewildered.

--But at least she stopped crying.

"Keep it up!"

Leaving behind those final words, Bai Zhou shook his umbrella.

"Eh? No, no need..."

Fang Xiaoxia thought Bai Zhou was giving her the umbrella and hurriedly waved her hands.

How could she possibly accept that!

"Whoosh..."

However, he was merely shaking the accumulated rainwater off the umbrella.

Bai Zhou held the Black umbrella and turned to the side.

"I suggest you go back to the shop to take shelter from the rain."

"I have things to do, so I'll be off!"

With that, in a manner Fang Xiaoxia had never imagined.

The man in the Black Trench Coat, holding his black umbrella, departed with such ruthless grace.

Leaving her alone in the rain, dazed.

As the umbrella left the space above her head, the rain fell once more.

In the end, all she remembered was the hem of that man's trench coat swaying in the rain, gradually disappearing into the heavy night.

Until they parted, she never even learned his name.

It felt as if it were merely a dream.

"Whoosh..."

Fang Xiaoxia gripped the keychain of the pink-haired puppy, wrapped her jacket around her head, and retreated back under the shop's sign to shelter from the rain.

Although that guy had said a bunch of rather inexplicable things...

Perhaps, one thing he said was right.

Life doesn't have that many spectators.

The rain seemed to have let up a little.

Her mood felt much better.

"Stomp Stomp Stomp..."

Hurried footsteps passed in front of the door.

Several people in black suits, carrying briefcases, splashed through the water...

They rushed past Fang Xiaoxia, running in the direction where Bai Zhou had disappeared.

"They..."

Fang Xiaoxia watched them rush past, feeling a bit curious.

Aren't they using umbrellas?

What are they rushing off to do?

"Damn it, looks like we lost him?"

"Where did he go!"

"Are you sure you didn't misread that, calling us over in such a hurry."

At the mouth of the alley in the rain, the arrival of several men in black suits shattered the silence that should have reigned there.

"Let's keep looking, I'm pretty sure I didn't misread..."

As they communicated, they simultaneously held their briefcases and cautiously looked around.

"Drip..."

The sound of footsteps splashing through water came from the alley beside them.

"Who's there--"

A sharp shout, and the men in black suits immediately spread out, getting into formation.

The ground, soaked by the rain, reflected the flickering streetlights of the long street.

Neon lights intertwined, and white mist and water vapor diffused.

A large black umbrella cast a shadow on the ground.

The footsteps drew closer.

Holding the black umbrella, the youth slowly emerged from the depths of the shadow.

With one hand tucked into the pocket of his black trench coat, that person's familiar face appeared before them.

"Good evening, old colleagues."

Seeing the seniors from the field team, whom he'd met at the funeral and looked quite familiar, Bai Zhou felt a strange emotion at this sudden reunion, even as he admired their professional capabilities.

"But it's also convenient, as I have a situation I need to discuss with you."

Catching a glimpse out of the corner of his eye of someone stealthily reaching into their chest, preparing to draw a gun, Bai Zhou sighed and said with a shake of his head:

"I heard..."

"You, or rather, all of you."

"--are looking for me?"