Campus Ghost Stories

"Uh..."

"Today is my birthday. Can you give me a gift?"

The great Schicksal employee Rita had officially become a proud cleaner under Zhao Bai.

Zhao Bai thought it over carefully. As long as he remained vigilant, he would be fine. He just had to check a few more times when closing up and going home, make sure he did not leave any weapons in the kitchen, and inspect the cameras before cooking each time.

This woman had spelled out every bit of thought he had put into making omurice.

The rice fried until scorched and fragrant, the tender white onions that were not spicy, and the breadcrumbs that sealed in the flavor—made from expired baguettes with roasted salt and parsley added—were all things he had painstakingly figured out.

Rita named every single one. The surprise was no less than a game developer's hidden Easter egg being uncovered by players, or a novelist finally receiving comments that picked up on a joke they had worked so hard to write.

Besides, he still had his ultimate move.

That evening, after closing the restaurant, Zhao Bai did not hurry home. Instead, he waited on the only road leading to the bar and stopped the woman in the white butler uniform.

"Fu Hua, after careful consideration, Zhao Family Restaurant is officially offering you a position. To prevent the secret recipes from being stolen, I need a Guardian Knight who will faithfully fulfill her duties."

Zhao Bai extended his hand beneath the streetlamp. The atmosphere was solemn yet fervent, and his shadow stretched long amid the insect calls and faint light.

"Fu Hua, be my security guard."

"Huh?"

Campus Ghost Stories

"Zhao Bai, what exactly are you trying to say?"

Even someone as composed as Fu Hua was momentarily at a loss in the face of this sudden job offer. But after giving it some thought, she immediately nodded. Having another job was always good, even if it was only as a security guard. Besides, this invitation came from Zhao Bai, so it finally fulfilled her wish of getting the full set.

But... why had Zhao Bai, who had never relented before, suddenly changed his attitude?

The only reason she worked so many jobs was that Schicksal had not paid her wages. Her hobby was playing mobile games, and she had an incomprehensible obsession with collecting things. Most importantly, Fu Hua had terrible luck.

Going hungry to spend money in games was within Fu Hua's expectations, but going hungry and still getting nothing was something she could not accept.

"When can I start?"

"Tomorrow morning."

Zhao Bai, who was usually so unruffled, was strangely urgent today. Fu Hua lowered her head in thought, then discreetly raised her hand to check her watch. A flash of urgency crossed her face, and Zhao Bai caught the entire expression.

He added more pressure. "Give me an answer. If someone steals the kitchen's secret recipes, I might not be able to stay at St. Freya any longer. Then there will be no more conscientious business providing free staff meals..."

"I accept."

Fu Hua answered simply and firmly, "I'll report to Zhao Family Restaurant tomorrow morning. To be honest, although I know a little about martial arts, aside from the casino in the south, no one has ever hired me for security work. When you made that request, you really gave me a fright."

"Is this a promise?"

"Of course."

With that resolute answer, Fu Hua turned and headed toward the bar. This conversation had cost her another five minutes of commuting time. She had originally left herself fifteen minutes of leeway, but she still quickened her pace, as if trying to flee the scene.