Deviant: No Longer Human

Unfazed, Wang Xiao guided her out of the school building and into the bustling streets. "It's alright. I'm not a student anymore—just a normal citizen. What's the problem with me having a relationship with you? If anyone has an issue, tell them to come to me directly."

"Mhmm.." Mei Leiyan nodded in response, though she could never fathom directing people directly to him.

The uncertainties lingered in her mind—what would he do to them?

A beating might be the best-case scenario, and the worst... she couldn't even bear to imagine.

Wang Xiao had undergone a transformation, a change she could discern gradually.

It was as if he had become an entirely different person in just one day.

Little did she realize, Wang Xiao had always possessed this side, and it was precisely why even Bing Xueli was scared of him.

Bing Xueli concealed her fear well, but beneath the composed exterior, an unmistakable sense of dread lingered.

Wang Xiao was different now—transformed into something beyond her understanding.

He existed outside the boundaries of either world—a realm of his own.

Not a typical human like those beyond the community walls, nor one of their own with a ability for unrestrained killing.

This made him an anomaly, a deviation from the norms Bing Xueli had grown accustomed to.

She harbored a belief—a superstition, perhaps—thier community's prosperity rested upon the guilt-driven cohesion of its inhabitants.

The curse of guilt, might not be a curse, but a blessing!

Wang Xiao, though existing as a stranger to both worlds, posed an unpredictable threat—a deviant, capable of disrupting the delicate balance.

Bing Xueli couldn't foresee his intentions. If he chose to unleash destruction, it had the potential to obliterate both worlds—an outcome she dreaded above all else.

Bing Xueli have forever faught with the realization that any attempt to restrain or control Wang Xiao would be perceived as manipulation.

Aware of the delicate tightrope she tread, she chose a different path—trying her best to accommodate him, praying fervently that their interactions wouldn't one day escalate into a hostile confrontation.

Despite Wang Xiao's outward appearance, Bing Xueli had witnessed the brutal reality he was capable of.

His nonchalance towards the act of butchering and killing unsettled her. To him, it was merely a return to the natural order—a process of sending people back to the place from which they originated.

His skewed logic, treating life and death as a mere restoration to an inherent balance, struck terror into Bing Xueli's heart.

The acceptance of such brutal acts as a form of equilibrium was a concept she struggled to reconcile with, and it intensified the unease that surrounded Wang Xiao's presence.

_____

"Wang Xiao, it's too open..." Mei Leiyan hesitated, attempting to withdraw her hand as he led her to the most renowned shop in the area.

Wang Xiao, seemingly indifferent to the potential attention, countered, "No need to worry. Let them talk. We're just having a meal."

Despite his reassurance, Mei Leiyan couldn't shake the discomfort of the scrutinizing eyes around them. The whispers grew more audible, weaving a narrative that echoed through the empty morning streets.

The restaurant, though still setting up for the day, had already arranged tables outside, reminiscent of an Italian theme. The menu, a thoughtful fusion of flavors, aimed to resonate with the local palate.

As the waitress approached to take their order, her eyes lingered on Wang Xiao and Mei Leiyan. A peculiar expression crossed her face, a mix of curiosity and judgment. Mei Leiyan, acutely aware of the scrutiny, shifted uncomfortably in her seat, stealing glances at the waitress who seemed caught in a silent contemplation.

"May I take your order?" the waitress finally inquired, attempting to mask her curiosity with a professional demeanor.

Wang Xiao, undeterred by the atmosphere, placed their order with ease.

The waitress, casting another subtle glance at Wang Xiao and Mei Leiyan, nodded professionally as she scribbled down their order. "Your food will be out shortly."

Wang Xiao, seemingly oblivious to the undercurrents, leaned back in his chair, his gaze scanning the surroundings. "Relax, Yanyan. We're just having a meal."

Mei Leiyan, though attempting to ease into the situation, couldn't shake the weight of the gazes fixed upon them. "It's not that simple, Wang Xiao. People talk, and rumors spread like wildfire."

Wang Xiao chuckled, a glint of nonchalance in his eyes. "They can die in the same fire."

"Sigh..." Mei Leiyan fell silent, her hands resting on her thighs, fingers fidgeting nervously.

Suddenly, her eyes widened as the worst-case scenario unfolded. Panic gripped her as she internally murmered, '...what are they doing here...' Unable to contain her curiosity, she discreetly glanced around, only to realize that both Wang Xiao and she had already been spotted

_____

The morning air hung thick with surprise as familiar faces emerged from the bustling crowd—Emma, Ray, Seth, and Chris. Mei Leiyan's eyes widened with disbelief, and Wang Xiao raised an eyebrow, his expression a blend of nonchalance and amusement.

"Teacher Melly?" Emma exclaimed, her voice carrying a mix of shock and disbelief.

Ray, still processing the scene, inquired, "And Wang Xiao? What's going on here?"

Seth, always one for a touch of humor, couldn't help but laugh awkwardly. "Well, haha... This is unexpected."

Chris, silent but observant, analyzed the situation with a subtle intensity that hinted at a deeper understanding.

As Seth moved towards the restaurant, Emma couldn't resist reprimanding him. "Hey, where are you going?"

Seth turned around, a mischievous grin on his face. "Going to say hi? Wang Xiao seems to have hit the jackpot, after all."

*Boom!*

A sudden knock echoed over Seth's head, prompting Ray to shoot him a pitiful look.

Emma intervened, her tone firm, "You can't just disturb them like this. We're still not sure what they're doing there."

Chris added, his words measured, "Emma is right. Let's observe before jumping to conclusions."

Seth, finding their caution unnecessary, retorted, "But they are at a couple table."

______

Wang Xiao spotted them but didn't give them much heed. "Erase their memories again if you are so uncomfortable," he suggested to Mei Leiyan, who looked back at him with a speechless expression.

"We aren't tyrants who play with people's memories as we deem fit," Mei Leiyan responded firmly.

Wang Xiao smiled faintly, "Well, you unexpectedly ended up summing this place quite well."

Mei Leiyan fell silent before tentatively speaking, "... We don't really wan—"

Wang Xiao cut her off, his voice calm, "No need to stress over it. I know humans here are no different than humans outside. They are just fewer in number here, but if left uncontrolled, it would be chaos."

Mei Leiyan nodded, acknowledging the truth in his words, before their food arrived.

At this point, neither of them cared about the curious glances or the whispers behind their backs.

More precisely, Mei Leiyan didn't have the luxury to concern herself with such matters.

Seated intimately close, her buttocks pressed against his groin, Mei Leiyan found herself in an unexpected position.

She couldn't fathom how it had come to this—being fed by him in a public place, an embarrassing scene considering she was far older than him, and he was supposed to be her student.

Regardless, Wang Xiao seemed to purposefully announce his achievement to the whole town, showcasing this unexpected scenario that left Mei Leiyan in a compromising position.