I Can't Take It Anymore

"Fuck..." Just as Li Yichen was about to let loose a string of curses, the computer screen went black. It had shut down.

"Where is everyone?" Director Wang muttered as he walked into the office.

By then, Li Yichen's back was soaked with sweat. He leaned against the bookcase in the corner, not daring to breathe too loudly.

"Today's a lucky day, everything you wish for comes true..." Humming a tune, Director Wang picked up the teacup on his desk, then turned and walked toward Li Yichen.

Did he see me? Li Yichen wondered uneasily. After all, this was his first time using the Netherworld Ghost Body in front of another person, so he couldn't help feeling nervous.

Finally, Director Wang stopped right in front of him, less than ten centimeters away.

Li Yichen was just about to breathe a sigh of relief when Director Wang reached out his right hand toward his face.

I'm dead... I'm dead... Li Yichen nearly closed his eyes, only to feel a hand pass straight through his head.

Before he could react, the hand withdrew, now holding an exquisite tea tin.

Oh, he was just getting the tea. Scared the hell out of me. Only then did Li Yichen relax, finally putting his complete trust in his Netherworld Ghost Body.

He was about to leave when Director Wang took out his phone, found a number, and called it. "Han, come to my office as soon as possible. Yes, right now."

Han? Han Wenqi, the Student Union president? Li Yichen nodded. Looks like they're about to post the list. I'd better wait a little longer, just in case something goes wrong.

Director Wang casually set the kettle on the computer tower and pressed the power button. Then he crossed his legs in his chair and leisurely sipped his tea.

About seven or eight minutes later, a knock came at the door.

"Come in..." Director Wang sat up a little straighter and spoke in a low voice.

"Director Wang, what did you need me for?" A young man in casual clothes pushed open the door and greeted Director Wang with a smile. Clearly, the two knew each other well.

To be fair, President Han really did have the makings of a pretty boy. He was tall and good-looking, and with that smile of his, he had become the dream man of quite a few naive younger female students.

The boss said this guy acts all respectable in public, but he's a real player behind closed doors, dating several girls at once, Li Yichen muttered inwardly. I wonder if it's true.

"Han, you're here? Come over." Director Wang beckoned warmly and pointed at the computer. "I've finished putting together the welcome volunteer list. Print it out and get it posted on the bulletin board as soon as possible."

"Sure thing. Thank you for your hard work, Director Wang. There's no need for you to trouble yourself with little things like this in the future. Just leave them to me." Han Wenqi hurried over to the computer, opened the file with a smile, and clicked Print.

"Ah, what can I do? I'm just destined to work myself to the bone." Director Wang set down his teacup and said solemnly, "If I don't worry about these things, who will?"

"Director Wang, you're a role model for all of us," Han Wenqi said with utmost sincerity. "This school could get by without anyone else, but it could never do without you."

While the printer worked, the two played off each other, trading compliments without repeating themselves once.

Li Yichen watched from the side, dumbfounded and dizzy. Who am I? Where am I? How can these two be so good at kissing ass?

At long last, the list finished printing. Han Wenqi picked it up and glanced over it, then frowned. "Director Wang, doesn't this list look a little off? I remember there being a hundred and twenty-four people. Why are there a hundred and twenty-seven now?"

Li Yichen's heart leaped into his throat. He hadn't expected Han to have such a good memory. Was he about to get exposed?

Should I create a distraction? Li Yichen walked over to the windowsill and grabbed a flowerpot.

If things went south, he would throw it out the window. With that interruption, perhaps they would let the matter slide.

"Hmm? Are you questioning me?" Director Wang raised his eyelids, displeased. "What's the big deal if there are a few more or a few less?"

"I didn't... I didn't mean that, Director Wang. You must be joking." Han Wenqi immediately realized he seemed to have said the wrong thing and hurriedly offered an apologetic smile. "Maybe I remembered wrong. I'll go post the list right away. I'll make sure there aren't any mistakes."

"Mm." Director Wang nodded in satisfaction, then stood, walked over, and patted his shoulder. "Keep up the good work. I have high hopes for you. I'll try to save you one of next year's positions to stay on at the school."

Han Wenqi was overjoyed, his eyes lighting up. He quickly clasped his hands in thanks. "Thank you for supporting me, Director Wang! Don't worry, I'll do my very best. I won't let you down." With that, he took the list, opened the door, and jogged out.

After Han Wenqi left, Director Wang dropped his smile and curled his lip disdainfully. "Stay on at the school? In your dreams. There are only a handful of positions each year, not even enough to go around. You think you'd get one?"

Then Li Yichen watched Director Wang walk over to the computer, sit down, and deftly click the mouse a few times. A sleazy grin spread across the esteemed director's face, and he almost started drooling.

What's he looking at? Why's he grinning like such a pervert? Curious, Li Yichen walked behind him and looked at the screen.

At once, Li Yichen fought back the urge to smash the flowerpot over his head and cursed, "Shameless scumbag. Fucking pervert..."

"I can't fucking take this anymore." The more Li Yichen thought about it, the angrier he got. He glanced around before finally fixing his gaze on the glass kettle sitting on the computer tower.

Just as Director Wang was engrossed in what he was watching, there came a splash. Somehow, the kettle on the computer tower tipped over, and the hot water inside poured through the gaps in the case.

Sizzle... bang... A burnt smell rose into the air, and the computer screen abruptly went black.

"Fuck!" Director Wang jolted in fright and jumped to his feet.

He didn't suspect anyone had tampered with it. He had simply been watching the crucial part when the computer burned out, and he felt like cursing his head off.

"Hehe... That felt good." Seeing his little scheme succeed, Li Yichen instantly felt much better.

He passed through the wall into the hallway and walked all the way to the bend in the stairs before making himself visible again. Then he headed downstairs without anyone being the wiser.

He had only just returned to the dorm and sat down when he heard the door open. His three good-for-nothing friends trudged in, looking exhausted.

"Fuck, Fourth, did you leave the air conditioner on all night? Why's it so cold in here?" All three shivered as they came in.

"Oh, it was too hot last night," Li Yichen said awkwardly.

None of them gave it much thought. They each went over to their beds and collapsed.

"Fourth, answer for me if they take attendance today," Sun Kai reminded him.

"Me too..." Yang Weifeng added.

"Me too..." Zhang Yong raised a hand as well.

Li Yichen couldn't help smiling wryly. There was only one of him. How was he supposed to answer for four people?

"I've got some good news. You guys..." Li Yichen was about to tell them they had become welcome volunteers too.

But he was a step too late. By then, the dorm was already filled with a chorus of snores.

"Very well." Li Yichen could only give a wry chuckle. I'll tell them after class. Then he picked up his backpack and headed to the teaching building.