I entered a large lobby filled with people in suits bustling around. In the center was a long reception desk where a line of people were waiting to ask questions. On either side of the desk were gates that required some kind of ID scan to enter what appeared to be an area with more elevators. I took a seat on one of the many chairs in the lobby, joining other civilians who seemed to be in a similar situation as me.

As I scanned the room, I noticed that most of the people around me were elderly or middle-aged men and women, with a few teenagers scattered here and there. A lot of them had clean, presentable clothes, unlike me. Glancing down at my own clothes, I realized I probably stood out—after all, I looked like I’d just walked off a horror movie set, which might explain why so many people were giving me curious looks.

“Okay, before you start your afterlife evaluation, you’ll need to get your identity checked first! Think of it like getting your passport checked at an airport. Oh yeah, here, wear this.” Reina handed me a lanyard with an ID attached. It had my name and picture on it—a horrible passport photo, to be exact. Beneath the photo was a blank box.

“This ID acts as your passport into the afterlife, so make sure you always have it on you. Don’t lose it. Everyone here has one,” Seo-Jun said, pulling out his own ID to show me.

“Another identity check? Didn’t we already do this in the elevator? And what’s with the blank box? Do I need to sign it or something?”

“Ahh, no need to worry about that box. Someone else will assist you with the next step. Just head over to that machine and get a ticket,” Reina instructed, gesturing toward a kiosk.

They led me to the machine, and I stared at the screen displaying a question.

What language are you fluent in? (You can pick more than one.)

As I was about to make my selections, the screen filled with a ridiculous number of language options. I leaned closer, scrolling for what felt like forever before I could pick English and Chinese (Mandarin).

“Why are there so many options? You guys should add a search bar…” I grumbled, squinting at the screen.

“Well, you wouldn’t want to be interrogated in a language you don’t understand, right? QED has branches with employees who speak all kinds of languages, and the people who die every day are just as diverse. Makes sense we cover all the bases,” Reina shrugged.

“Good point. I just didn’t expect so many options for an afterlife company.”

“Haha, yeah, when you think about it, it does operate like a big company!”

After six long minutes, I finally managed to pick my two languages and pulled the ticket from the machine. I found the nearest chair and sat down, crossing my legs.

“So I’m just supposed to wait until my number is called? What happens after the identity check?”

“That’s right,” Seo-Jun confirmed. “Once your number is called, head to the desk, and they’ll guide you through the next steps—”

Just as he was about to finish, Reina crashed into him, eyes glued to her tablet.

“Shut it, Seo-Jun! We have to go NOW!”

“Ugh, what now?”

“Look.” Reina shoved the tablet into his hands.

Seo-Jun’s eyes widened before he quickly handed it back to her.

“I don’t know what’s happening, but you two should probably go,” I said, standing up and giving them a gentle push in the opposite direction.

“I apologize for the inconvenience, Ms. Sheng, but an urgent matter has come up,” Seo-Jun said with a bow.

“I get it, I get it! Go already!”

Reina clasped her hands together in apology as she ran toward the elevator. “If we meet again, I’ll treat you to something! Sorry I couldn’t give you the full tour!”

“You really don’t have to!”

They disappeared behind the elevator doors. I plopped back into my chair, exhausted.

Then, out of nowhere, a memory surfaced.

I remembered that I disliked talking to people. It always made me tired. Really, really tired.

As I sat slumped in the chair, trying to recover my energy, I noticed an elderly woman next to me staring. I quickly sat up straight, feeling awkward under her gaze.

“You look tired, my dear. No need to be alarmed. Would you like some tea?” the woman asked in Mandarin, holding a flask from which steam was rising. The smell of Oolong wafted through the air.

“Thank you, but I’m fine,” I responded in Mandarin.

“I insist. You look thirsty.”

“No, thank you.”

“I really don’t mind. You look like you need it, dear.”

I sighed quietly. There’s a saying that if someone offers something three times, you should accept it out of courtesy.

“Well, thank you, ma’am,” I said, taking the tea from her.

I took a sip, and my eyes widened in surprise. I’d had Oolong tea before, but this one had a strong, unique, flowery taste. It was…comforting.

For some reason, it tasted like home.

I missed this kind of tea—and the home it reminded me of, even though I didn’t remember much about it.

Looking around, I realized I was probably one of the youngest people here, aside from a few teenagers.

I lived a short life, and I took it for granted, didn’t I?

I rubbed my eyes and glanced back at the old lady.

“This tea is delicious, ma’am. Did you brew it yourself?” I asked, feeling a sudden enthusiasm for the conversation.

“Yes, it was home-brewed. I made it from the camellia sinensis plants I grew in my garden, but are you okay, my dear? Your eyes are red...” The old lady gazes at me with concern.

I rub my eyes even more, trying not to panic. “Oh no, it’s nothing! Just some dust got into my eyes when I rubbed my face!” I lie smoothly, not wanting to admit that I cried over a cup of tea. Gotta preserve my dignity somehow.

“Are you sure you’re fine? There’s blood on your clothes. Are you hurt anywhere, dear?”

“No! I’m perfectly fine, haha! No injuries either!” I gulp down the rest of the tea as sweat starts to bead on my forehead. I return the empty cup to the kind old lady, who still looks at me with worry.

“That’s good. But aren’t you still young? How old are you? What happened that led you to die so early? Were you... murdered?”

I’m sweating even more now, realizing this sweet old lady is turning into an impromptu interrogator. I force a smile, gripping the sides of my chair tightly. I drank her tea, so now I owe her answers. Smart tactic.

“I’m 26 years old, ma’am. As for my death, I don’t remember anything, so… I guess I was murdered?” I force out the answer, though all I want to do is escape.

“Oh, I see… I’m sorry, dear, I must be prying too much. I was just curious about what happened to you. But do you mind if I ask just one more question?”

Relief washes over me. One more question? I can handle that.

“If it’s only one, sure.”

The old lady places her flask back in her tote bag, then looks straight into my eyes.

“I ask this out of concern, dear, but are you not worried that you’ve left behind a husband and child? Or perhaps… a boyfriend?”

I choke on my own saliva, coughing violently as I nearly fall off the chair. Here it is—the classic Chinese family question.

“Oh my, are you alright, dear?” She pats my back as I struggle to catch my breath.

“Ma’am, even though my memory is hazy, I’m 100% sure I didn’t have a boyfriend, let alone a husband or kids,” I manage to say between coughs.

Someone, please rescue me from this situation.

Just as I’m about to make a hasty excuse and escape to the bathroom, my number gets called. I leap out of my chair at lightning speed and walk briskly toward the receptionist desk, looking back briefly to bow to the kind old lady before bolting.

At the desk, I collapse onto it, trying to catch my breath. Too much social interaction for one day. I feel like I’m going to pass out.

I look up at the receptionist, a woman with blonde hair and blue eyes. She smiles at me awkwardly, probably wondering why I look like I’m about to faint. I force a polite smile back.

“So, what am I supposed to do now?”

“Please hand me your ID.” I pass it over, resting my chin on my hands as I wait.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

The woman glances at my ID and starts typing on her computer. She looks up at me again, about to speak, when the phone beside her rings. She frowns and picks it up. “This is the lobby. Yes, that’s correct… Okay, please hold while I check.” She scans the computer while holding the phone, then glances at me. “Do I take her upstairs? Understood.”

She hangs up and looks back at me. “I’m sorry for the inconvenience, Miss Sheng, but you’ll be taking the interview elsewhere. Please scan your ID at the gate to your left and follow me.”

Confused, I scan my ID and walk through the gate, following her down a hallway lined with elevators. We stop in front of the largest one at the end. It’s the only one without any labels or numbers. She presses the “up” button, and the doors open, revealing a sleek, marble interior. The only unusual thing is the absence of floor buttons—just open and close ones.

As I start to ask about it, the woman scans her ID at a camera, and the elevator begins moving. A few moments later, the doors open into a hallway full of greenery, with sunlight streaming through a glass ceiling. We walk along a stone path flanked by trees and a small stream, heading toward a large wooden door.

I have so many questions, but I’m too drained from all the socializing to ask them. If I keep this up, I’ll die again from exhaustion.

We stop at the door, and the blonde woman finally introduces herself. “My name is Lune Barlowe. If you have any questions in the future, feel free to visit the lobby. Good luck, Miss Sheng.”

Her sudden introduction and well-wishing annoy me for some reason. Whatever is behind this door is going to change the course of my already dead life, isn’t it?

“Thank you, Miss Barlowe,” I say, taking a deep breath. I push open the heavy wooden doors and step inside.

I find myself in a massive indoor garden, with a stone path leading deeper into the greenery. At the end, in an open area beneath a large tree, two people are seated at a table, sipping tea. One is a regal middle-aged woman, and the other, a man dressed in Victorian-style clothing, seems to be serving her.

Before I can introduce myself, the woman speaks, not even turning in my direction. “What are you doing just standing there, darling? Come, join us.”

I can tell she’s blind, so I sit down without hesitation.

“You’re tense, darling. Help yourself to some food.”

“I-I’m sorry, um…” I stammer, looking at the table laid out with cheese, bacon, eggs, and jam. I grab a few slices of cheese and put them on my plate, unsure of what else to do.

“I haven’t introduced myself yet, have I? I’m Perenna Clarke, and this gentleman here is my partner, Allen Grantham.”

Allen nods politely without saying a word. I bow back from my seat. He doesn’t seem to want to talk, but there’s probably a reason for that.

“I’m sure you have many questions, and I can already guess what they are. But before we get into that, I need to give you your afterlife evaluation.”

“What exactly is an afterlife evaluation? And why was I called here instead of going through the normal process downstairs?”

“The evaluation is already complete, darling. I didn’t need to ask you any questions because I’ve been watching you this whole time.”

I stare at her, bewildered. Despite her closed eyes, I can feel her gaze locked on me. My mind races with confusion. “What do you mean, you’ve been watching me?”

Perenna takes a sip of her tea, her movements deliberate. “I’ve been observing you since you were a child. I’ve seen you grow into the person you are now, though your life ended in a way I didn’t foresee.”

“But I don’t remember anything about my life…”

“And that’s intentional. If people remembered their lives after death, it would cause immense suffering, especially for those like you. That’s why you’ll regain your memories gradually while working here, bit by bit, until you understand your fate.”

“Wait, I’m going to work here?!”

“Look at the box under your name on your ID. It’s red, correct?”

I quickly check my ID. Sure enough, the once-empty box is now a solid red.

“What does this mean?”

“It means you’re slated for eternal punishment in Gehenna.”

My jaw drops.

“Gehenna? Isn’t that hell?!”

“Yes, it is. You’re to suffer there forever unless you work it off.”

I stare at her, completely lost. “What… what did I do to deserve this?”

“You’ll discover that as you regain your memories. That’s part of the reason you’ve been brought here.”

“And how do I escape this punishment?”

“That’s why I called you, darling. I’m offering you a choice. Either accept my offer and work for QED, or spend eternity in Gehenna. It’s quite simple.”

The choice is obvious. No way I’m choosing eternal suffering.

“I’ll work here.”

Perenna smiles gently. “Good. Your task will be to guide souls to QED, recover your memories, and eventually take my place as Overseer.”

“Take your place?”

“Yes. I was once like you. The only way I escaped Gehenna was by working my way up to become a leader. I see the same potential in you. You remind me of my younger self.”

For some reason, seeing someone place so much trust and responsibility in me made me nervous. All I could do was stand up and bow in response to her offer.

“If that’s how you see me, I’ll do my best to live up to your expectations, ma’am.”

“Well, then it’s settled. You’ll be working here until you regain all of your memories and earn enough recognition to surpass me. Now, raise your head, darling. I’d like you to meet someone.”

Perenna slowly stood up from her seat, with Allen taking her hand to help her walk deeper into the garden.

“Follow me. We’re going to my office. Your partner is waiting for you there.”

“Huh? Partner? I thought I was going to do this alone?”

“I’m sure you met the reapers who helped guide you here, right? That’s the job you’ll be doing. Back in my day, Allen was my partner too, wasn’t he?”

Allen, still silent, nodded beside her as he opened another set of wooden doors leading to the office.

The doors revealed a stylish modern office with dark wooden interiors and warm lighting. A large desk with a chair was placed in the center of the room. As I looked to my right, a man stood up and approached Perenna.

What fascinated me wasn’t how impressive the office looked, but how unreal the man standing before me seemed. Out of all the strange things I’d seen today, this guy had to be the most alien. He didn’t even seem real.

His hair, his pale skin, even his suit—all in slightly different shades of white. The only color standing out was his blue eyes. If I had to compare someone in QED to an angel, I would’ve said Perenna. But now that this guy was here, she wasn’t even in the running. I tried not to stare, but ended up squinting at him like he was an exhibit in a zoo.

The man noticed my staring and smiled.

“Is there something on my face?”

“This might sound rude, but… are you real?”

“Excuse me?”

“I mean, your hair and eyebrows. Did you dye them? You look too young to have white hair all over your body. And your skin—it's so pale, it’s like there’s no blood running through you at all.”

The man touched his neck, clearly embarrassed. “Ah, I have a condition called albinism. It’s inherited. My body doesn’t produce much melanin, which is why my hair and skin are white.”

“Oh, I see. That’s interesting.” I suddenly felt guilty for asking if he dyed his hair.

Perenna cleared her throat as our conversation ended.

“Since you two seem to be getting along already, I’ll hand over your first task.”

Allen handed me a tablet similar to what the two held earlier.

“Your task is to find the soul of a schoolgirl and bring her back safely. It should be easy enough, right? You just need to uncover how she died and locate her wandering soul. She passed away only a few seconds ago, but you must hurry before her soul drifts too far. Good luck.”

“Thank you for the assignment, ma’am.”

“Oh, and one more thing. We have a suit tailored just for you, darling. Try it on and see if it fits. If any adjustments are needed, let Allen know.”

“Thank you very much for the suit. Where can I change?”

“Just go to your left, and you’ll find the restroom.”

“Got it, thank you.”

I took the suit from Allen’s hands and headed to the restroom to change. Looking at myself in the mirror, I felt oddly fancy in the black linen suit. The pants were comfortable, and although my hair was messy, I quickly fixed it, tying it into two neat buns before leaving the restroom.

Before I knew it, I was thrust into my new job, now stuck in an elevator with a nervous man.

He was looking at his tablet but suddenly looked up, realizing something.

“Oh! I just remembered, we haven’t introduced ourselves yet!”

We stepped out of the elevator and stood facing each other in the hallway.

“You’re right. I’ll go first. Nice to meet you, my name is Sheng Xiao Li. I’m 26 years old, and I’m new here at QED. Please take care of me.” I raised my hand for a handshake.

Callum stared at my hand, then looked at me.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not comfortable with physical contact. I’m a germophobe, you see.” He lifted his arms, revealing white gloves on both hands.

“Haha, sorry about that. I didn’t know. I’ll keep my distance from now on.” I stepped back slightly, retracting my hand.

The man panicked a bit. “Oh, I didn’t mean to imply you’re dirty or anything! I don’t want you to distance yourself! I just can’t do physical contact with anyone.”

“Thanks for letting me know. I’ll keep that in mind from now on.”

An awkward silence filled the hallway as I heard him fidgeting.

He coughed, composing himself. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Sheng. My name is Callum Dalais. I was 23 when I died, so I guess I’d be 25 now. I’ve been working at QED for nearly two years, and I’ll do my best to help you as your new partner.”

“Just call me Xiao Li. We’re co-workers now. But we should get going. Our client’s waiting.”

“You’re right. Let’s go.”

Callum followed me at a distance, almost like he was the newcomer, not me.

“So, Miss Sheng—uh, Xiao Li, do you know where we’re going?”

“Well, when I first arrived, we used the elevator lobby, so I’m guessing we just head back there to reach the real world?”

Callum smiled. “That makes it easier for me—no need to explain.”

We scanned our IDs and made our way to the elevators.

“All I know is, this elevator takes a while to reach its destination.”

“Yeah, no kidding. I’ve been working here for a while, and it always takes ages for the elevator to open.”

We stood at opposite ends of the elevator. Callum impatiently tapped his foot, and the awkward silence filled the space again. I opened my mouth, desperate for conversation.

“Hey, can I ask you something random?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“Why did you change partners?”

As soon as I asked, his mood shifted.

“All I can say is, she was difficult. No sense of boundaries… But I can already tell you’re different. You like your own personal space, and so do I.”

He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, mirroring me. He smiled again, but this time, something was different. His nervousness had vanished. He tapped his fingers on his arm, staring at me with an unsettling intensity.

“You don’t need to worry about that. I’m not interested in getting into your personal space.” I uncrossed my arms and leaned back against the ledge.

“Well, that’s a relief. I feel like we’ll make great partners. I really hope you last longer than she did.”

Our conversation ended on an ominous note as the elevator doors opened. We stepped out into what seemed to be a religious private school. A statue of Mother Mary greeted us, and the heat, combined with the surroundings, made me think we were in Southeast Asia.

I started sweating, not from the heat, but because something felt off.

I should have been worrying about the girl and my first task, but all I could think about was what to do next. My gut was telling me that my new partner might be a little suspicious.

Why? I didn’t know. But I’ve always trusted my instincts.

Because they’re always right.

Callum is kinda weird.