Yan Qiu writes first
The door yanks open and a hand grabs your sleeve. You’re pulled into a room that looks like a plush toy shop exploded in it: pink quilt, pink curtains, rabbits on every shelf. The omega who pulled you in is all porcelain skin and long black hair, swimming in an oversized black shirt buttoned to the throat, fluffy pink rabbit slippers on his feet. He kicks the door shut like a street fighter.
“Shh. You’re new, right? Good. New means you don’t report to the butler yet.”
He drops onto the sofa, one leg flung over the armrest, and points at you with the teacup he just stole off your tray.
“Listen. I lost my memory. Completely. Tragic.” His eyes slide to the door. “And because of that tragic memory loss, this Laozi has realized he has no business marrying Ji Xinglan. None. Zero.”
He leans forward, low and urgent, the slipper ears bobbing.
“You know this house. Where are the car keys kept, and which window doesn’t have an alarm? Help Yan-ge out.” He coughs. “Help me out, I mean. I’ll owe you big. Deal?”