Everyone called him 'Number Two'—not just a nickname, but a real term of endearment. Why 'Number Two'? Well, because the guy was a little goofy. But honestly, he was the life of the party, always bringing the fun. Loyal to his friends, always had the backs of the underclassmen, talented, quick-witted, smooth talker but never a schemer. No wonder everybody loved him.
Our class had way more girls than guys—fifteen girls, just four guys. You'd think that would make it a dude's paradise, but honestly, most guys from other departments felt like they were drowning in estrogen. But Number Two and his three bros? Super active! Out of seven class committee members, four were guys. Talk about a comeback for the fellas! The counselor girl, lost in some sweet memory, smiled: "I was friends with all four of them, even sat next to Number Two for ages. Everybody liked him."
Jack, Ethan, and Qian Kun listened quietly—even Ethan, who’d never met Number Two, didn’t feel so creeped out anymore. I mean, if you were a good guy when you were alive, you’re probably not going to turn into some vengeful ghost, right?
Unless, of course, he died with some huge, unresolved grievance.
So Jack got straight to the point: "Did he act weird before he died? Was there anything big that happened to him?"
"Nope, Number Two was just the same as always. At graduation, he was the one bawling his eyes out and, even though he never drank, he ended up the drunkest. But nothing out of the ordinary. Plus, he was a guy, didn’t even have a girlfriend—what could’ve made him so upset he’d want to off himself?" the counselor girl said, shaking her head without hesitation.
What would make a guy suddenly want to end it all? As soon as this came up, Jack and Ethan both shot a weird look at Qian Kun. Qian Kun’s eyes went wide, and he shook his head like a rattle drum, swearing he’d only ever gone there to pick up clients.
Yeah, okay, maybe that theory’s a little too sketchy. Jack had seen Number Two’s photo—he did NOT look like the type who’d get harassed, so let’s just put those wild guesses aside for now.
"Let’s talk about his life. Give us the rundown—personality, relationships, all that stuff," Ethan said, going full detective mode. "Maybe there’s something we’re missing."
But the answers totally surprised Ethan and Qian Kun—Number Two was basically perfect. As Number Two, his personality was solid. He was popular, talented, and his social life was so good he almost got crowned 'Friend of All Women.' Plus, the guy had a spotless record—no rumors about being a jerk, no drama, no sketchy stuff.
If you dropped Number Two into showbiz, he'd be the perfect comedian—funny, talented, and loved by everyone. Total package.
So what's the real issue here? As a hypnotherapist, Ethan could tell the counselor girl was being honest, which only made him more confused. "Why did he end up as a restless spirit?"
"Maybe we missed something," Qian Kun said, pulling out his phone. "Let me do a quick reading." Ethan pressed on, "Is there anyone else around who knew him well? Maybe we should talk to them too."
But Jack, who’d been quietly thinking, suddenly interrupted: "Hold on, maybe we’re all thinking about this the wrong way."
Everyone, including the counselor girl, perked up. "What do you mean, 'wrong'?"
"Don’t say anything yet, let me think..." Jack tried to grab onto a flash of inspiration, then looked up and asked, "Did he ever fail any classes?"
"Fail? Classes?" The three of them echoed, all looking confused. The counselor girl thought for a moment, then nodded, "Yeah, he got scholarships but also flunked some classes—just like any normal college student. But what does that have to do with being a restless spirit?"
"Don’t ask too much, let me keep going. Did he ever have a girlfriend—or, let’s just be blunt, was he still a virgin?" Jack’s second question was even weirder, making the counselor girl blush bright red. But after thinking about it, she clapped her hands, "I remember now! He always joked about being single and still a virgin."
That’s two things. Ethan and Qian Kun were both confused but impressed, while Jack got more confident. "Third question—did he have any big dreams or a job he really wanted?"
"Yes, yes, yes!" The counselor girl was suddenly excited, as old memories came flooding back. "He was an amazing singer, always said he wanted to be a performer after graduation. He even got through the prelims of a talent show! Right before the accident, he was so proud, telling us he was about to compete on TV and would sing a farewell song for us!"
"Which show?" Jack asked, eyes sharp and direct.
"The Voice of China!" the counselor girl blurted out, intimidated by his intense stare.
Three for three! The guys’ jaws dropped—they still had no clue what Jack was getting at, but they just wanted to clap and shake their heads in awe. "So, what did you figure out? What's the problem?"
"The problem is—there isn’t one!" Jack declared. "Our biggest mistake was thinking he had some huge grievance or unsolved mystery. But sometimes, regrets aren’t about injustice. Miss, one last question—please be honest."
Jack was dead serious. The counselor girl’s eyes went wide and she swallowed nervously, nodding quickly. "What is it?"
"Did he take all the required certification exams for your major?" Jack asked, choosing his words carefully.
She shook her head right away, firm as could be: "No, he missed one!"
Jack pressed on, eyes lighting up like a detective who’d found the culprit: "Which one?"
"English Level 4."
English Level 4? No way, that’s destiny! Number Two, bro, I can’t believe you sucked at English too! Don’t worry, even if I can’t hear you, I totally get it—your regrets are my regrets, your pain is my pain, because we’re both just regular college dudes!
I get it now—he's got four hang-ups, just like every college dude: still a virgin, failed English Level 4, too many failed classes, and can't find a job. Number Two, let me help you smash these... no, let US smash them together!
Everyone, let's move! Grab props, set things up, make sure everything's secret and safe. After Jack's hint, the others felt like they'd had a revelation—and also couldn't stop laughing. Dying with these four regrets? Seriously?
But really, why not? Leaving school, stepping into the real world—it's confusing and bittersweet. Maybe Number Two was just a bit different, so he ended up as a spirit in the lake. But no matter what, he deserves better—let's send him off right!
Whatever, no harm in trying. If we mess up, it's just embarrassing—who cares?
Bro! Come out, bro! Same lakeside spot—three guys and one advisor, all here. Night's falling, everyone's ready. The eldest shouts, "We brought booze and snacks—uh, I mean, your favorite stuff! Come on out!"
They shouted a bunch, scared off some ducks, and got weird looks from passing students. Ethan turned around, defeated: "He's not coming. Feels like he's still hiding underwater."
The advisor explained, "Number Two got tangled in lake weeds and drowned. When they found him, only his head was floating. Maybe showing up is just too hard for him."
That won't work. My mentor said you have to 'awaken' a spirit to send them off. The deeper the awakening, the closer their mind gets to how they were alive. Only then can you help them move on. Qian Kun suggested, "Maybe we're calling him the wrong way. Every spirit's got its own trigger—let's think about how to get Number Two's attention."
I have an idea! The advisor grinned, "Number Two's thing was being goofy—he loved hanging out with other goofballs. So..."
She didn't finish, but all three guys got it. To wake up Number Two, you have to be goofy enough. So goofy he wants to join in—or even so goofy he can't help but roast you! Then it'll work for sure.
"I think... I've got the perfect idea—this is exactly what we need," the eldest said, eyes narrowing with meaning.
After he shared his idea, the others shivered. But at this point, dignity can wait—help Number Two first! They double-checked everything was set, no security coming, and got into position.
Lights, cameras, everyone ready—three, two, one, go!
Authentic herbal tea, real good music—welcome, everyone, to the Wahaha Musical Dream Journey!