Mingyue_1

Liang Wei , a struggling college student burdened by debt and family obligations, stumbles upon a pawnshop that only opens at midnight. The shop, hidden away in a forgotten alley, is owned by a mysterious man known as Mr. Shen, The items in this shop aren't your ordinary goods—each one holds strange, magical powers or dark histories, and every trade comes with an unpredictable cost. 

Liang Wei, desperate for money, takes a job as Mr. Shen’s assistant, but quickly discovers that the Midnight Pawnshop deals in more than just items—it trades in people's fates. Each customer who enters the shop exchanges something intangible, like time, memories, or talents, and often leaves altered, for better or worse. 

While learning the ropes, Liang Wei begins to notice a pattern in the customers: many are linked by fate, their lives intertwined in ways that seem too coincidental. Soon, Liang Wei uncovers that Mr. Shen himself has a hidden agenda—he’s collecting these trades for an unknown, larger purpose that may have cosmic consequences.

THE MIDNIGHT BROKER.

The afternoon sun streamed through the windows of the university cafeteria, casting warm light on the bustling students. Liang Wei sat at a corner table, his mind still occupied by the events at the Midnight Pawnshop. Mei Lan, seated across from him, scribbled notes in silence, the absence of her voice creating an unspoken tension between them.

Just as Wei was about to suggest a study session, Lian stormed into the cafeteria, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on Wei and Mei. A flicker of annoyance crossed her face, and she made her way over, determination etched into her features.

"Can we talk?" Lian said, her tone sharper than intended.

Wei exchanged a glance with Mei, who nodded slightly, her expression unreadable. "Sure," he replied cautiously.

Lian leaned against the table, crossing her arms. "I just wanted to apologize for how I acted the other day. It was… childish."

"Thank you," Wei said, but the sincerity in his voice was overshadowed by his uncertainty.

Lian's gaze flickered to Mei, lingering on her before she continued. "But seriously, what happened to your voice? You were so chatty before, and now it's like you don't even want to talk."

Mei looked up, her eyes narrowing slightly. She opened her mouth as if to respond but paused, recalling the haunting silence that had replaced her once vibrant voice.

"She's just… going through something," Wei interjected, sensing the tension rising. He didn't want to delve into the depths of Mei's struggles, especially not in front of Lian.

Lian scoffed, not buying his vague explanation. "Going through something? It's not like anyone can take her seriously now. It's a little pathetic, don't you think?"

"That's not fair," Wei said, a hint of defensiveness creeping into his voice. "Mei is dealing with a lot, and she doesn't need this."

"Whatever," Lian shot back, rolling her eyes. "It's just strange how you two are suddenly so close. Are you sure she's not just using you?"

Wei felt his frustration boil beneath the surface. "What's that supposed to mean? Mei is my friend, and she's going through something real. You wouldn't understand."

"Maybe I wouldn't," Lian replied, her voice dripping with disdain. "But it seems like she's taking advantage of you. Just be careful, okay? You're too nice for your own good."

At that, Wei's anger flared. "You don't know anything about her or what she's been through! Stop acting like you care."

Mei's expression darkened, the words hanging heavy in the air. Lian opened her mouth as if to retort but thought better of it, folding her arms tightly against her chest.

After a tense moment, Lian stepped back, her annoyance evident. "Fine. I'm just trying to look out for you, Wei. But if you want to waste your time on her, go ahead. Just don't say I didn't warn you."

With that, she turned on her heel and stormed off, leaving an awkward silence in her wake.

Wei sighed, looking at Mei, who seemed to be absorbing the encounter with a mix of frustration and sadness. "I'm sorry about Lian. She can be… intense."

Mei nodded, her gaze fixed on her notes, the tension palpable. Wei reached across the table, his hand hovering near hers, a silent offering of support.

"Just ignore her," he added softly. "You deserve better than that."

As they returned to their studies, Wei couldn't shake the feeling that Lian's words would linger long after this moment. Unbeknownst to him, the threads of their lives were becoming ever more tangled, and shadows from the past were poised to unravel everything.

CHAPTER 22: Lian