"Which one?"
Even though Luo Nan had prepared himself mentally, he was still caught off guard by the sudden label.
Zhang Yingying's gaze was like a blade, cutting back and forth across his face, trying to peel away any disguise. But his reaction was too natural, too immediate—she found nothing.
Only then did Luo Nan recover. His eyes lit up.
"A shaman!"
…Damn, that slipped out.
Zhang Yingying laughed. "Alright, I'll accept your goodwill."
She took the paper and casually used it to block his line of sight. But even then, her eyes kept drifting back to the sketch. Every glance made her itch with curiosity—it was almost unbearable.
Two seconds later, she couldn't hold back anymore. She put the sketch aside.
"Why are you drawing like this?"
"What is a shaman?"
Their questions collided midair. Neither backed down. For a moment, they simply stared at each other, locked in a silent standoff.
Luo Nan, still seated, was at a height disadvantage. He tried to stand—but the moment he lifted himself even slightly, Zhang Yingying slapped his shoulder.
The force was shocking. It felt like a heavy barbell crashing down. His body was pushed straight back into the chair, the metal frame creaking under the pressure.
Zhang Yingying leaned in, her face inches from his. The posture was intimate, but the pressure behind it was unmistakable.
"Come on. Tell me—why are you drawing like this? I don't remember…"
She paused mid-sentence.
Her mind had already caught up.
Her eyes narrowed.
"Are you testing me?"
Realization struck. That sketch wasn't just a drawing—it was bait. Luo Nan had set a trap to observe her reaction. Which meant… he had already been suspicious of her before he even started sketching.
And the fact that he could calmly use his own ability to probe her in return—
That was… interesting.
Very interesting.
Luo Nan didn't avoid her gaze. Even at such close distance, his expression remained steady.
"You were the one who investigated me first," he said calmly. "And you mentioned I 'wouldn't choose Deep Blue'—because you think I'd be affected by Quantum Corporation's achievements based on Formatting Theory. That means you've looked into my background. At the very least, you know about my grandfather."
Zhang Yingying rolled her eyes. "Has anyone told you that remembering too much detail at a young age makes you petty when you grow up? You're already shrinking!"
She rambled for a bit, clearly annoyed, before exhaling and dropping the act.
"Fine. Since we're laying cards on the table… Student Luo Nan, why don't you talk about your abilities?"
"I don't know what they're called. I don't know their nature or level," Luo Nan replied evenly. "So what can I say about them?"
Zhang Yingying clicked her tongue, frustrated. Arguing with someone like him was pointless—he simply didn't give ground.
Still just a kid… no matter how he pretends.
After a moment, she relented.
"Alright. I didn't expect you to know so little. I'll explain. Psychics are people who can interact with ghosts, specters, and other incorporeal entities. They can perceive things ordinary people can't and sometimes communicate with them. That's basically it. Satisfied?"
Luo Nan wasn't.
If that were all, she wouldn't care this much.
"It's your turn," she said, not letting him off. "Why did you add that band of light to my portrait?"
"A feeling."
He tapped his notebook lightly.
"When I encounter something interesting, I get a certain feeling. Then I draw it… and strengthen it. Maybe that's my ability. So—do you have a ghost on you?"
"You're the one with a ghost!"
Despite the retort, Zhang Yingying was actually quite pleased.
From what she knew, most psychics relied on mediums or rituals to amplify vague perceptions. Luo Nan, on the other hand, could directly translate that perception into something visible through drawing.
That level of clarity—
That was talent.
Real talent.
And with Darksider activity increasing lately…
Her thoughts spun. The potential applications alone were enough to excite her.
"How long have you had this ability?" she asked quickly. "Do you have more drawings like this?"
Luo Nan looked at her strangely. "Shouldn't it be my turn?"
"…Fine."
"Aren't there many ability users like you?" he asked immediately. "Do you have a network? How do you train? How are levels divided? Where do I stand? If—"
"Click."
Zhang Yingying raised both hands.
"Time out."
She stepped back and gave him a long, assessing look from head to toe.
"You really don't know anything… but you're very interested in this circle, aren't you?"
"Yes," Luo Nan answered without hesitation. "Very interested."
She tilted her head. "Even if it's an evil organization? Or some research institute that slices people open for study?"
"An organization?" Luo Nan caught the key point instantly. "You're already paying attention to me, right? If you confirm I have psychic abilities, wouldn't you try to recruit me? Or capture me?"
"Heh. Narcissist." She smirked. "Even if that were true, wouldn't a normal person wait for a better offer? Why do you look like you're applying for a job?"
Luo Nan thought for a moment.
Then he answered:
"Between being an outstanding student and an inexperienced employee… I choose the latter."
He would rather struggle in the unknown than remain comfortable and stagnant.
He didn't have the luxury of time.
His grandfather didn't, either.
That world—her world—was something he had to step into, no matter the cost.
He stood up.
Under Zhang Yingying's slightly stunned gaze, he gave a proper bow.
"Therefore, I ask Lawyer Zhang to seriously consider this… and give me a chance to join."