"Life" Mentor

"What wall? Why are we going there?"

The Dark Shadow had had several chances to kill Chen Ge with ease, but hadn't taken them. They had already built a basic level of trust.

The Dark Shadow didn't answer Chen Ge's question. He seemed to be hesitating over whether he should lead Chen Ge there. The place he was about to go seemed to be a hideout he'd prepared just for himself.

"If you're uncomfortable answering, you can just say no. We're partners and friends. There's no need to worry so much." Chen Ge looked relaxed as he spoke naturally.

The Dark Shadow stood alone in front of Chen Ge. He wasn't very tall and had a thin build, looking frail and weak.

Since entering this school, this was the first time anyone had said something like that to the Dark Shadow. Standing before Chen Ge, he made no attempt to hide himself.

Introverted, timid, insecure, withdrawn—the Dark Shadow was unlike the other children his age. There was no sign of vitality in him. It seemed that a lot of unpleasant things had happened to him even before he entered this school.

Chen Ge's words brought some things back to the Dark Shadow. Most of the memories in his mind were gray. Whenever he recalled them, it felt as though his head were being pushed beneath muddy water, with silt rushing into his nose, mouth, and ears. It didn't hurt; it just left him feeling stifled.

"What are you spacing out for? Let's go. Staying in one place too long can lead to trouble."

Chen Ge gave the Dark Shadow's shoulder a light pat. His fingers passed through the Dark Shadow's body and landed against his chest, but Chen Ge didn't think anything of it, as though he'd long since gotten