Volume One, Chapter Seven: Li Yan’s Recommended Quota!

Lin Beiye felt that his responses had been flawless. However, he failed to notice that his words had already sown the seeds of suspicion in Li Yan’s heart. Yet, for the moment, he had more pressing matters to attend to: the impending Fear Test.

The Fear Test is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for every individual. It is arguably the most critical juncture in a person’s life. Typically, this test takes place toward the end of one’s high school career. However, some who consider themselves exceptionally gifted choose to participate early, hoping to forge a contract with a ghost ahead of time to bolster their strength sooner. But for the vast majority, they prefer the steady path, waiting until the end of high school to take the test as organized by the school. After all, it is a pivotal turning point for their future; if one fails, there is no chance for a do-over.

When Lin Beiye returned to the classroom, he happened to see the teacher standing at the podium, explaining the various elements of the Fear Test in great detail. His appearance immediately drew the attention of the entire class. They turned to look at him, and the room fell into an instant silence.

Just then, a burst of laughter shattered the quiet. A student shouted mockingly, "Teacher, you just said the most important things for the Fear Test are courage and attention to detail. So, for someone like Lin Beiye, is there any chance he could pass?"

The comment acted like a stone thrown into a calm lake, triggering roars of laughter from everyone.

"Hahaha, Lin Beiye! The Ghost-Slaying Division came looking for you, and you were so scared you hid in the bathroom and passed out? That’s impressive!"

"Your cowardice is truly something to behold!"

"Man! If the Ghost-Slaying Division came for me, I’d have been overjoyed and sprinted over. How could you be so terrified that your soul flew out of your body?"

Lin Beiye had anticipated the students' reaction, though he hadn't expected it to be so intense. Regardless, he didn't care. He walked calmly back to his seat and remained immersed in the scenery outside the window. Seeing how composed he was, the students gradually lost interest in gossiping. The teacher simply offered a light reminder for everyone to quiet down and continued with the lecture.

"Hey, Lin Beiye," Li Jinhe called out from a few seats away.

Lin Beiye tilted his head slightly, his eyes reflecting a hint of confusion. He didn't answer, merely signaling with his gaze to ask what she wanted.

Li Jinhe took a deep breath and said, "I want to talk to you alone after class."

The remark instantly grabbed the attention of the surrounding students. Lin Beiye felt a flicker of surprise, while the others were so astonished their jaws practically hit the floor. To them, Lin Beiye seemed as lucky as someone hitting the jackpot. It was one thing to be approached by the Ghost-Slaying Division, but now, even Li Jinhe wanted to talk to him?

Lin Beiye initially wanted to refuse, but after a moment’s thought, he decided it would be better to speak with her. After all, dispelling Li Jinhe’s suspicions would be beneficial for him.

Time passed, and the class concluded before they knew it. Inside the room, whispers rose and fell as students debated the Fear Test. Several students had intended to ask Li Jinhe for tips, but when they saw her walking toward Lin Beiye with a stern expression, their curiosity turned to silence.

Li Jinhe’s tone was less than friendly: "Lin Beiye, come with me."

Lin Beiye was slightly taken aback, his eyes flashing with bewilderment: "Where to?"

"Follow me, and you'll see," Li Jinhe said firmly, grabbing his arm and walking briskly out of the classroom.

Lin Beiye was caught off guard! He hadn't expected her to have such strength. She dragged him out of the noisy classroom as easily as one might pick up a chicken! And so, under the watchful eyes of everyone, Li Jinhe forcefully marched him away. The scene was like a bolt of lightning, shattering the school's tranquility, and the news spread to every corner of the campus.

Li Jinhe was the goddess all the boys adored. Many had fantasized about being with her, but they hadn't expected Lin Beiye to beat them to it. This turned him into a public enemy of the entire school. Little did they know, Lin Beiye was currently being cornered on the rooftop, subjected to a barrage of questioning.

Li Jinhe grabbed his collar, demanding urgently, "What exactly did you say to my... to the person from the Ghost-Slaying Division?"

Seeing her state, Lin Beiye knew she was emotionally unstable and intended to calm her down. However, her next words caught him off guard: "I don't want to beat around the bush anymore. Actually, I already know."

Lin Beiye raised an eyebrow, a sense of inexplicable tension rising within him. He instinctively licked his dry lips and asked with a slightly trembling voice, "You... what do you know?"

Li Jinhe stepped aside, leaning against the railing while resting her chin in her hand. Her brow was furrowed, clearly displeased by a certain fact.

"Someone already told me just now..." She extended a slender finger, her voice tinged with a mix of pouting and dissatisfaction, "My sister actually gave her recommendation spot to you! She wouldn't even give it to me, her own sister, yet she gave it to you! I'm so annoyed! I'm so annoyed!"

Li Jinhe was in a foul mood, waving her small, delicate fists at the empty air. Lin Beiye, meanwhile, was completely bewildered: "Sister? Who is your sister? And... what recommendation spot? I don't understand what you're talking about."

He had been worried that his encounter with Black and White Impermanence had been discovered, and he had been racking his brain for how to lie his way out of it. Finding out it was something else entirely made him heave a huge sigh of relief.

"You don't know?" Li Jinhe asked.

Lin Beiye leaned against the wall and shook his head gently. He truly had no idea what this recommendation spot was.

Seeing this, Li Jinhe pouted helplessly. "I'll tell you one thing, but you must keep it a secret. You can't tell anyone!"

Lin Beiye nodded in agreement.

Li Jinhe took a deep breath and said slowly, "Li Yan is actually my sister."

The news didn't hit Lin Beiye with much impact. He simply gave a flat "Oh."

"Huh?" Li Jinhe was clearly surprised by his indifferent reaction. "Is that all you have to say?"

Lin Beiye glanced at her, feeling speechless. "What else?"

Deep down, he had already sensed that Li Jinhe’s background wasn't simple. After all, how many people capable of contracting with ghosts are truly ordinary?

"So," Lin Beiye asked, "what is this recommendation spot?"