How To Screw Yourself Over

Chapter 1.19: Vials

"He's late."

"He is."

As if summoned by their words, Liu Han suddenly enters their line of sight, with a look as if he wants nothing more than to disappear. Looking at the unnecessary baggage so desperately clinging to him, Ash can see why.

Ash can sympathize with him, just a bit.

"I'm not too late, am I?" His smile looks more like a wince.

"Should I really answer that?"

Liu Han sighs, letting his head fall. After a few moments, he lifts his head with renewed enthusiasm. His mental strength must've increased over the years. He used to mope around for hours.

Seemingly sensing her thoughts, his expression contorts a bit. "Let's just go."

In one smooth motion, he captures Ash's hand and throws Yu Yan over his shoulder. Before they have time to protest, Liu Han lurches forward and shoots towards the forest. Ash is then forced to keep up with his pace.

Dammit.

She looks to Liu Han with a disgruntled expression, but he's already looking at her, staring with eyes too analytical for her taste. They lock eyes for a moment, Liu Han not quite realizing why Ash's expression is only growing darker. Then he realizes his mistake and quickly dons an innocently curious expression instead.

Ash is not amused.

For the rest of the journey, Yu Yan plays dead, Liu Han plays cute, and Ash diligently acts as if she wouldn't murder the two at the drop of a hat.

When they finally arrive at the forest, Ash decides to get straight down to business. "How'd how know my other name?"

"Hmm?" A shit-eating grin appears on his face. "Oh, that."

"Yes, that."

"Well," he drags out the word.

"Well?" Ash is getting irritated.

"Princess Mingyan says hi."

Ash's face contorts into an expression as horrifying as the ghouls in horror movies. She hisses out a list of expletives. "That dumb bitch is so—"

Liu Han laughs.

Reluctantly, Ash spits out a question about her health. "How is...she doing?"

"Pretty well. I've heard a lot about your," he coughs as he struggles to maintain a straight face. "Exploits."

"I should've just taken her money and ran."

Liu Han bursts into hysterical, raucous laughter.

Ash pulls the pale Yu Yan off the forest floor and into her arms before marching off.

"No," he breathes, "wait up—" He cuts himself off with the sound of his own wheezing.

Ash carries Yu Yan straight into the forest. Looking at the pallid color of her skin, Ash thinks for a bit. "Do you want to see something interesting?"

Confused, Yu Yan looks up to meet her eyes. "What?"

"Do you want to see something interesting?"

"I do." Liu Han pops up behind the pair, with a face still a shade too pink.

Ash has come up with a better idea. Instead of creating some intricate, convoluted plan, isn't it better if she's more straightforward?

Ash leads the two to the center of the forest. Then, she flips one little switch and the floor beneath them suddenly disappears. They fall into a white, empty room. Ash flips another switch and their only entrance disappears.