Deviant: No Longer Human

In the heart of the Hidden Paradise, a restaurant known more for its discretion than its signage, Josephine led Wang Xiao into a world that felt detached from the bustle of the city.

They were greeted by Liana, the owner, whose presence was as enchanting as the ambiance of her establishment.

Liana's eyes, a deep hazel, sparkled with the warmth of a long-time friend as she embraced Josephine.

"Liana, this is Wang Xiao," Josephine introduced, her voice carrying a note of pride.

Liana extended a hand, her bracelets clinking melodically. "Pleasure to meet you. Josephine here is not just a friend but an inspiration. Her visits always bring life to this place." Her voice was a melodic blend of warmth and sincerity.

Josephine laughed softly, a hint of redness on her cheeks. "Liana, stop. You'll make him think I'm here every day!"

Liana winked, "Ah, but wouldn't that be lovely? Anyway, I'll leave you two to it. My kitchen is your playground. Just... try not to burn anything down, Josephine."

With a playful roll of her eyes, Josephine led Wang Xiao into the kitchen, a place that seemed to hold more secrets than just culinary ones.

As she started to prepare the meal, clumsily chopping vegetables, Josephine seemed to gather her thoughts. "Wang Xiao, about today..." she began, hesitantly at first. "When I was...affected by the poison, the way you cared, it meant a lot to me. I didn't expect that from you."

Wang Xiao observed her with a steady gaze, his thoughts churning. He deduced that Josephine must have had a prior conversation with Liana to arrange the use of the kitchen. It was clear that this moment was planned, not just a spontaneous culinary event, but an opportunity for Josephine.

Josephine smiled, a touch of melancholy in her expression. "My grandmother used to say that the women in our family don't fall in love easily. But when we do, it's fierce and all-consuming. And since the day you saved me, I knew... it was you or no one else."

She paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "There's more to it. The curse... My grandmother believed that if the love was true, the curse wouldn't claim the man. My grandfather was the first to survive many years after marrying into our family. They passed together, five years ago."

Wang Xiao listened intently, his expression unreadable, but his eyes never left Josephine.

Josephine, now attempting to sauté the vegetables, added with a shy smile, "I like to think, if my love is true, you'll be safe too."

Wang Xiao didn't respond immediately, his mind processing the depth of her confession.

Their conversation flowed as seamlessly as the meal preparation, despite Josephine's culinary struggles. Eventually, she managed to put together a meal that was simple yet somehow perfect for the moment.

Josephine, with a mixture of pride and nervousness, presented the meal she had prepared to Wang Xiao. The dish, while simple, was made with genuine effort and care.

They settled at a small table set aside in the cozy corner of the kitchen, the warm aroma of the cooked meal mingling with the ambient scents of the restaurant.

Wang Xiao regarded the dish before him with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. He took a bite, and a small smile appeared on his face. "It's edible, that's for sure. But why go through all this trouble?" he asked, his tone light yet curious.

Josephine paused briefly, a slight flush of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "Well, I looked into traditions from your country, China," she explained, her voice a mix of earnestness and slight hesitation. "And I found that it's kind of a mandate for expressing... well, affection or care."

Wang Xiao blinked, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before he understood what she was referring to. In China, cooking for someone was often seen as an act of care or affection, though it wasn't exactly a formal tradition, more of a customary practice. "That's true in a way," Wang Xiao conceded with a gentle nod. "But it's more of a common practice than a strict tradition.

It's the thought and effort that count."

Josephine's expression softened at his response, relief mingling with a sense of accomplishment. "I wanted to do something for you, to show you that... well, that you're important to me," she admitted, her gaze lowering slightly.

Wang Xiao took another bite, this time more thoughtfully. "In that case, you've more than succeeded," he said, his tone plain.

Wang Xiao's response was delivered in his usual straightforward manner, yet Josephine, now accustomed to his style of communication, interpreted it as a sign of success. She felt a sense of accomplishment, believing her gesture had conveyed her feelings effectively.

Just then, Yin Yue's voice, tinged with a hint of amusement, echoed in Wang Xiao's mind. [Wang Xiao, at this point she is just creating her own delusions.]

Wang Xiao acknowledged Yin Yue's comment inwardly, unfazed. For him, what mattered most was the direction in which things were progressing. His primary focus was on the broader picture, ensuring that events unfolded in a manner beneficial to his goals.

Encouraged by Wang Xiao's subtle affirmations, Josephine felt motivated to continue her efforts.

After they finished, they left the Hidden Paradise and continued their journey, heading towards the school to pick up Josephine's younger brother.

The school, known as Solna International Academy, was nestled in a picturesque area surrounded by verdant gardens and modern architecture.

As they drove, the atmosphere between them was a comfortable blend of silence and occasional conversation. Josephine seemed more relaxed, her earlier nervousness replaced by a quiet contentment, her smile more frequent and genuine.

As they drove towards Solna International Academy, Wang Xiao was deep in thought, observing Josephine's changing demeanor.

Every small personal victory she experienced, every moment of ease and happiness, he noted with a strategic mind.

He recognized the importance of these experiences for her, yet his intentions in encouraging or reinforcing her behavior were strategic, serving his own agenda.

At this stage, every interaction was part of a carefully calculated game for Wang Xiao, each moment skillfully used to draw Josephine closer for reasons driven by his personal motives.

His responses to her, though seemingly genuine, were part of a larger plan.

He wanted Josephine to fall for him, not out of any budding affection on his part, but as a means to an end.