Shapeshifters

When I arrived at Su Ying’s door, it was already open. Upon entering, I saw her feeding her fish. In the huge aquarium, dozens of colorful saltwater fish were eagerly gathering around Su Ying, vying for food. “Hey!” She noticed me and greeted cheerfully, “Have a seat!” I sat down casually and asked, “What’s up? You called out to me even before I got home?” “Nothing special, are you busy with work tonight?” Su Ying sat down opposite me, hugging her knees and looking at me. “No, I’m free tonight,” I replied. “Actually, I really enjoyed our conversation yesterday; I’ve never talked so happily with anyone before. If you’re not doing anything tonight, how about we chat some more?” I laughed and straightened up, “Don’t you have anyone to talk to at school? Why do you keep dragging a semi-stranger like me into endless conversations?” Although I said that, I couldn’t help but feel secretly pleased. It seemed my charm was quite something, to have attracted such a beauty to keep pestering me. This wasn’t just me being conceited; it was a fact that she was always the one to initiate these meetings. Of course, her saying she enjoyed our conversation… that might just be one-sided. “Not exactly a stranger anymore,” Su Ying chuckled at my playful remark, merely smiling and adjusting her long hair without a direct reply. I instinctively felt she was somewhat lonely and solitary. Nowadays, most girls would turn to TV or the internet for solace, chatting online would be more relaxing without pressure, and who knows, they might even meet fellow enthusiasts of underwater creatures or join some club. Yet here she was, bypassing these typical escapes to actively invite me over for a chat. Could it be, could it be that this beauty has taken a liking to me? I glanced at her again; Su Ying had a face that could grace any magazine cover, and it was a rare natural beauty without any makeup. Could it be that I was really in luck with women? I enjoy my own space because I dislike being constrained by all sorts of rules, which is why I live alone. Some people force themselves to live a regimented life like in a military camp, but I would probably go crazy within days. Of course, when a beautiful woman beckons, I wouldn’t refuse, but if this continued, with her inviting me up every night, it would be too much for me. Moreover, the most suspicious thing was, how could such a beautiful girl feel so lonely? I spent so much time at her place yesterday, and she didn’t receive a single call. Normally, it wouldn’t be surprising for her to be surrounded by admirers, especially since she’s been in commercials and on TV, making her somewhat of a campus celebrity. This was utterly baffling to me.