In the City of Soul, South Korea, lived a nineteen-year-old university student named Mai Ling. She attended one of the most prestigious universities of Innovation and Technology in the country. Known for her intelligence and discipline, Mai Ling consistently earned top grades through hard work and determination.
Yet, despite her success, she lived a lonely life.
Students whispered behind her back, avoiding her presence as if she carried a curse. A cruel rumor had spread throughout the campus—one that claimed her family were killers who consumed human flesh. As ridiculous as it sounded, many believed it. The reason was simple.
Mai Ling had red eyes.
She had grown used to the stares, the fear, and the isolation. She told herself that academic success was enough… but deep down, the loneliness still hurt.
---
One ordinary morning, her class fell silent as the professor entered with a guest.
"Class," the teacher announced, "we have a new transfer student joining us today."
The door opened, and a tall young man stepped inside.
"His name is Phillip Shika. He has transferred from Africa to continue his studies here in Asia."
Mai Ling's eyes widened slightly. An African transfer student? That was rare. She watched him carefully—his calm posture, his quiet confidence, and the distant look in his eyes.
Before the teacher could continue, another student rushed in and whispered something urgent. The professor nodded and left the room, telling Phillip to take any empty seat.
That was when the trouble began.
A group of bullies surrounded Phillip, smirking as they "welcomed" him. Wherever he tried to sit, another student quickly claimed the desk before he could reach it.
Until he noticed an empty seat.
It was next to Mai Ling.
Her heart fluttered for reasons she couldn't explain. When Phillip finally sat down beside her, she felt strangely happy.
"Hi," she greeted softly with a warm smile.
Phillip didn't respond.
He simply glanced at her with a cold gaze, opened his notebook, and began to draw—completely ignoring her.
The rejection stung, but Mai Ling forced a gentle smile.
"I'm sorry if I disturbed you," she said quietly.
That simple apology surprised Phillip. His hand paused, and for the first time, he looked at her properly.
---
Not long after, the most popular girl in the university approached Mai Ling with her group of friends. It was Jennifer.
They mocked Mai Ling mercilessly, laughing at her hobbies—especially her love for dating simulation games. Jennifer was about to post an embarrassing photo online when she noticed Phillip sitting beside Mai Ling.
Interested, she walked over and introduced herself confidently.
Phillip looked at her… confused.
He didn't respond.
The puzzled look on his face deeply offended Jennifer. Her smile vanished, and she stormed out of the classroom in rage.
The atmosphere turned tense.
The boys glared at Phillip, anger boiling in their eyes. Mai Ling suddenly burst out laughing—but quickly covered her mouth in shock at herself.
Phillip smiled.
She froze.
Before she could say anything, he spoke.
"I'm sorry."
His voice was deep, calm, and unexpectedly beautiful.
Mai Ling almost fainted.
"What's wrong?" Phillip asked.
She struggled to breathe. "I—I… wow. You have a wonderful voice."
Phillip chuckled softly and handed her a piece of paper.
It was a drawing.
Of her.
"Wait… you drew me?" she asked, her face turning red.
Phillip watched her quietly as she tried to hide her embarrassment.
---
After school, Mai Ling couldn't stop thinking about the day. For the first time since entering university, she felt… happy.
As she was about to leave campus, Phillip called out to her.
"Um… can I add you online?" he asked nervously.
She nodded quickly and showed him her QR code. After scanning it, they went their separate ways—unaware they were being watched.
Jennifer stood in the distance, eyes filled with jealousy. Furious, she called her older brother.
"A new transfer student is getting close to Mai Ling," she said coldly.
---
A week passed.
Mai Ling and Phillip grew closer with each day. She smiled more. She laughed more. Even her appearance seemed to glow.
One day, Phillip told her, "You look beautiful."
She shook her head, unconvinced—but her heart raced.
That was when John, Jennifer's older brother, entered the scene. He had admired Mai Ling for a long time. Boldly, he asked her out in front of everyone.
She refused.
Taking Phillip's arm, she said, "I'm already dating someone."
Gasps filled the room.
John's face darkened. He stormed out, cursing Phillip under his breath.
---
After school, Mai Ling apologized repeatedly to Phillip.
He only smiled. "It's fine."
She was about to say something else—
BANG.
A gunshot echoed.
Mai Ling felt her body tremble. For a moment, she thought she had been shot.
Then she saw Phillip.
Blood spilled from his mouth as he collapsed.
Behind them stood John, laughing like a madman.
Phillip told her to run, but she refused to leave him. As she tried to help, Jennifer suddenly appeared, grabbed the gun—
And fired.
Mai Ling fell onto Phillip's body, warmth fading from her limbs.
Why… am I dying so young?
Darkness swallowed her.
---
Then a voice spoke.
"You will be given another chance at life."
"Your memories will be erased."
"Only your knowledge of medicine, technology, and mathematics will remain."
"You will be reborn… in another world."
And so, her story truly began.