Songhai City. At seven thirty in the morning, in a dimly lit room, on a soft bed, Zhang Yuanqing suddenly woke up, clutching his head and arching his body like a shrimp. His headache felt as if it were splitting open—his brain was embedded with steel needles, pulsating so intensely that his scalp shook, causing vivid hallucinations and sensory distortions. In his mind, chaotic images flickered; around him, meaningless noise blared continuously. Zhang Yuanqing knew his chronic condition had relapsed. With trembling hands, he climbed out of bed and opened the drawer on the bedside table, then reached for a bottle of medicine with shaky fingers, unscrewed it, and poured out five or six blue pills before swallowing them whole. Then he returned to the bed, took deep breaths, and endured the sharp pain. After about ten seconds, the soul-splitting headache eased gradually and finally settled down. “Ah…” Zhang Yuanqing exhaled deeply, drenched in a cold sweat. When he was still in high school, he had developed an unusual illness—symptoms included involuntary recall of all past memories, including forgotten details; constant gathering and processing of external information; and an extraordinary level of control over his bodily functions. Fortunately, this condition could not last long; eventually, the body would become overwhelmed and the symptoms would cease. Because of this unique ability, he had managed to get into Songhai University—a top-tier national university—like a casual student. Zhang Yuanqing referred to this state as “brain overload,” believing that he might be evolving toward becoming a superhero—but due to his body’s inability to sustain such evolution, the episodes kept recurring. When he shared this notion with the doctor, the doctor didn’t understand at first but was deeply impressed and suggested he visit the Floor Below Mental Health Department. Ultimately, no clear cause could be identified in the hospital. Later, his mother brought back a special medication from abroad, which controlled the condition well—provided it was taken regularly, episodes would not occur. “Definitely because I didn’t rest well last night—I’ve been so tired. All thanks to Jiang Yubi, who insisted on coming to my room late at night to play games…” Although he said this, a quiet weight settled in his heart—because Zhang Yuanqing realized the medication’s effect was beginning to wane and his condition was worsening. “Perhaps I’ll need to increase the dosage soon,” he said as he dressed in cotton slippers and walked toward the window. “Whoa!” He pulled back the curtain. Sunlight surged in, filling the room. In April of Songhai City, the spring weather was bright and pleasant, with a cool, refreshing breeze blowing gently against his face. “Ding-ding—!” At that moment, the knock came at the door. Grandmother called out: “Yuanzi, wake up.” “No way!” Zhang Yuanqing rejected coldly—he wanted to sleep in. With spring sunshine and a weekend ahead, what could be more wasted than a lazy morning? “I’ll give you three minutes,” said Grandmother, now even more resolute. “If you don’t get up by then, I’ll splash you awake.” “Understood—understood…” Zhang Yuanqing immediately gave in. He knew that Grandmother truly had the capability to carry out such a task. When Zhang Yuanqing was still in elementary school, his father passed away due to a traffic accident. His strong-willed mother never remarried and settled with them in Songhai, leaving the care of her son to Grandfather and Grandmother. Then she devoted herself fully to her career, becoming an admired professional in the family. Later, when Mother bought her own home, Zhang Yuanqing didn’t like that spacious but empty apartment and continued living with Grandfather and Grandmother. After all, his mother worked long hours every day, often traveling out of town regularly; even on weekends, she would order takeout at dinner time. She frequently said to him: “Is the money sufficient? If not, let me know.” A career-driven female who could meet all financial needs sounded truly admirable. Yet Zhang Yuanqing always smiled and replied: “The allowance from Grandmother and Aunt Jiang is more than enough.” Well—there was also Aunt Jiang. The woman who insisted on coming to his room last night to play games was actually Aunt Jiang. Zhang Yuanqing yawned, opened the bedroom door, and walked into the living room. The house, including common area, measures 150 square meters. When they sold their old home to buy this one, Zhang Yuanqing remembered a price of four ten thousand plus per square meter. Six or seven years later, the property prices in the neighborhood had risen to 110,000 per square meter—nearly doubling. Thanks to Grandfather’s foresight, if they had stayed in their old home, Zhang Yuanqing would have had to sleep in the living room—he was no longer young enough to share a bedroom with Aunt Jiang anymore. At the long dining table beside the living room, the culprit behind his headaches—Jiang Yubi—was drinking porridge steadily, her pink slippers twitching at the edge of the table. She had an elegant and refined appearance; her oval face looked sweetly charming, with a delicate tear-shaped mark on her right inner corner of the eye. Her hair was slightly messy and wavy from just waking up, adding to her relaxed and graceful demeanor. Aunt Jiang was four years older than Zhang Yuanqing. When she saw Zhang Yuanqing enter, she licked the porridge at her lips and remarked: “Wow—rising so early? That’s not your usual style.” “That’s what Mother did!” “How come you’re being so harsh?” “I’m just saying what I see.” Zhang Yuanqing examined Aunt Jiang’s bright, youthful features—alert and vibrant. People say that the night rewards those who stay up late with dark circles under their eyes; yet this rule seemed to be irrelevant for the woman before him. From the kitchen, Grandmother peeked out, then stepped forward after a moment, holding a bowl of porridge. Grandmother’s black hair was interwoven with silver strands—her gaze sharp and piercing, clearly someone with a strong personality who didn’t easily bend. Although her skin had relaxed and her face bore gentle lines, one could still see traces of her former elegance. Zhang Yuanqing took the porridge offered by Grandmother and drank it down in one go, then asked: “Where’s Grandfather?” “He went out for a morning walk.” Grandfather was a retired police officer who maintained a highly regular lifestyle—sleeping every night at ten o’clock and waking up every morning at six. Aunt Jiang sipped her porridge with a bright smile, then said: “After breakfast, I’ll take you shopping to buy some spring clothes.” You’re so kind! Zhang Yuanqing was just about to agree when Grandmother gave him a sharp look: “You dare go? I’ll break your leg!” “How could you be like this, Mother?” Aunt Jiang said with an air of irritation. “I only wanted to pick up a few outfits for Yuanzi—what’s wrong with that? After all, even though he has the title of ‘nephew,’ he’s still family.” Grandmother stood firm: “And do you think I’ll stop trying to break your leg?” Aunt Jiang rolled her eyes and lowered her spoon to drink. Upon hearing the exchange between Mother and Daughter, Zhang Yuanqing realized that Grandmother must have arranged another date for Aunt Jiang—again, an old-fashioned, cleverly subtle move by the lively aunt who wanted to stir things up. In past such events, she’d take the nephew out on dates—within minutes, the socially confident nephew would impress the potential match so thoroughly that they would talk about everything from daily life issues to global affairs, leaving Aunt Jiang with little to do but sip her drink and watch. The intended date would feel grateful for the depth of the nephew’s social awareness and knowledge, feeling proud and satisfied throughout. Aunt Jiang had always been admired by neighbors since childhood—beautiful, sweet, and well-liked by elders. Grandmother naturally guarded her closely, insisting on strict rules from junior high school: no early romance, no outings with male classmates. Her little daughter certainly lived up to expectations—never married before graduation—and even after entering the workforce, especially after turning twenty-five in the beginning of the year, Grandmother began to feel restless. “I only asked you not to start dating early,” she said, “not to remain a single woman forever! How long can young women hold onto their youth?” So she gathered her sisters from all over, sourcing information on young men from far and wide, creating a steady stream of potential matches for her daughter. “Grandmother, it seems clear that Aunt Jiang isn’t interested in dating—she’s just being pushed into the situation,” Zhang Yuanqing said as he chewed on a steamed bun. “Would you mind arranging some introductions? I’m quite eager to go.” “How young are you still?” Grandmother replied angrily. “At university, there are plenty of female classmates—you should learn how to find them! If things continue like this, I’ll have to give you a good scolding.” Grandmother is from the south—but her temper was neither gentle nor smooth; it was fiery and passionate. Even Zhang Yuanqing’s career-driven mother dared not challenge her. “I’m grown now—after all, I’ve been making my own living for years…” Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself. After breakfast, under Grandmother’s firm insistence, Aunt Jiang returned to her room to change clothes and apply makeup before heading out for her date. She wore a light, soft blouse with a long coat; paired with slim-fit, light blue jeans that wrapped neatly around her legs, the look was balanced and refined—neither flashy nor extravagant, yet exceptionally elegant. Her slender trousers were tucked into black Martin boots. The natural, minimalist style added to her calm charm. Aunt Jiang gave him a small glance—"You know what I mean"—and then picked up her bag, swayed slightly as she stepped out: “Mom, I’m off to meet someone.” Zhang Yuanqing returned to his room and calmly changed into a black T-shirt and a windbreaker with running shoes. After a few minutes, he opened the bedroom door. Grandmother was cleaning the living room; seeing him arrive, she paused in her work and silently watched him. Zhang Yuanqing mimicked Aunt Jiang’s tone: “Mom, I’m also heading out to meet someone.” “Go back!” Grandmother raised her broom, threateningly. “If you step outside this door, I’ll break your leg.” “All right!” Zhang Yuanqing responded with a smile and returned to the bedroom. Sitting at his desk, he held up his smartphone and sent a message to Aunt Jiang: “Though the battle has not yet been won, heroes weep with emotion.” “Please—say it in plain English!” Aunt Jiang was likely driving, so her reply remained concise. “I’ve been stopped indoors by Grandmother—you should go alone.” Zhang Yuanqing opened the message and heard Aunt Jiang’s voice through the speaker: “Why do you need me?” She withdrew that message and sent another one—this time with a softer tone, sweetly attempting to charm him: “Dear nephew, hurry over now—I’m so proud of you, Mua～” Ah—women! Can just a little bit of flattery and sweetness make me lose my patience? At the very least, I’d expect a small gift. At that moment, a slightly sharp ring tone sounded. Zhang Yuanqing walked into the living room, under Grandmother’s watchful eyes, pressed the intercom button on the building lobby: “Who is this?” “Delivery.” A voice answered through the speaker. Zhang Yuanqing pressed the door button and after two or three minutes, a delivery officer in uniform arrived on the elevator, carrying a package: “Is this Zhang Yuanqing?” “Yes, it is.” I didn’t order any online…he looked puzzled as he signed for the delivery, glanced at the information—he noticed that the sender was not listed, but the address was from Hangcheng, Jiangsu Province. Returning to his room, he opened his desk drawer and found a paper cutter. He unwrapped the package. Inside were an anti-fall mat wrapped around a black card—perfectly elegant—and a yellow envelope. Zhang Yuanqing picked up the black card—the size of an ID—feeling its surface, which was metallic yet surprisingly warm. The craftsmanship was exquisite; at the edges were delicate silver cloud patterns, and in the center, a full black moon was clearly visible. The black full moon was detailed with subtle irregular spots clearly visible on the surface. What is this? With growing curiosity, he opened the envelope and unfolded the letter: “Yuanzi, I have discovered something truly fascinating—once thought it might change my life, but due to my own limitations, I haven’t been able to manage it. I believe you would find it quite manageable. As fellow travelers, this is a gift from me. Lei Yibing!”