Ji Jue opened his eyes.
Only then did he realize... he was suffocating!
In the reflection of the bedside mirror, his face was bruised purple. It felt as though he were trapped in the coils of a giant python, completely unable to breathe, with no telling how long he had been starved of oxygen.
Then, he noticed the arm hooked around his neck. It was merely an unconscious contraction in deep slumber, yet it choked him like a guillotine.
Not just his neck—his waist was locked as well. The rear naked choke had been fully set...
Struggling with all his might, he barely managed to pry the arm loose enough to gain some slack.
Wheezing violently, Ji Jue looked back in terror, only to see Wen Wen’s sleeping face. She was still peaceful and serene, slumbering sweetly.
In stark contrast to her tranquil face was her contorted posture, the pillow kicked to the floor, and a thin trail of drool glistening at the corner of her mouth. Every slight roll of her body felt as if his neck were about to snap.
—*This woman’s sleeping posture is downright terrifying!*
His head pounded with a splitting headache, and Ji Jue had nearly forgotten what had happened. Instinctively, he checked himself and found both of their clothes completely intact.
They had collapsed and fallen asleep after drinking yesterday. Fortunately, neither of them had caused any drunken chaos.
In stark contrast to their intact clothes, however, the bedroom looked as though a tornado had swept through a parking lot. Beyond the open doorway, dishes and glasses cluttered the table in utter disarray, junk was scattered all over the floor, and the air was thick with the pungent stench of alcohol.
Even now, waves of dizziness still washed over Ji Jue’s vision.
“Holy crap, just how much did we drink?”
“Two crates of beer and one crate of liquor,” Isis answered coolly.
“Not bad, not bad.”
Ji Jue breathed a sigh of relief, wiping cold sweat from his brow while still pinned under Wen Wen’s arm. “That’s actually on the lighter side this time.”
After a brief pause, Isis added, “In addition to that, there were four crates of whiskey, one crate of brandy, sixteen bottles of rum, four jugs of yellow wine, and two bottles of Hundred-Year Immortal's Drunkenness from the Sun Family’s venerable shop...”
“Where the hell did all that come from?”
Ji Jue was dumbfounded. “Did we even have that much liquor in the house? And what the hell is this Immortal’s Drunkenness?”
“Yesterday, after you drank your fill, you took out your phone and ordered express delivery from the Balance Chamber of Commerce, arriving at your doorstep in three minutes,” Isis praised. “A service fee of twenty-five times the normal rate, and you didn't even blink when swiping your card. A rare moment of generosity.
“Oh, by the way, there’s still a mountain of unopened crates stacked in your front yard. The variety and quantities are even more spectacular. Would you like a detailed report, sir?”
“...”
Ji Jue felt like crying just listening to it. “Why didn't you stop me?!”
A holographic screen projected right before his eyes was her answer.
*“Isis, don’t you stop me! I’m happy today, what’s wrong with having a few drinks with Sister Wen? Come on, let’s keep going! Money? How much could it possibly cost? Tell them to hurry up and deliver it!”*
In the footage, a thoroughly hammered Ji Jue had rolled up his sleeves, propped one foot on a chair, and chugged an entire bottle straight down with exuberant delight.
It was magnificent.
So magnificent he couldn't bear to watch.
Who on earth could have anticipated that before getting dragged into the Huangliang dream, the first thing to suffer severe trauma would be his wallet?
*What an absolute ruinous loss!*
Ji Jue shut his eyes in agony. After a long while, he patted the arm still slung around his neck. “Sister Wen? Sister Wen, wake up, wake up... It’s daylight.”
Wen Wen remained sound asleep. No matter how vigorously Ji Jue shook her, she only hazily parted her eyelids a sliver, gazing at him blankly. Recognizing the person before her, understanding dawned on her face.
“Stop messing around, let me sleep a little longer.”
With a knowing smile, she pulled Ji Jue back into her embrace, hugging him like an oversized plush doll and nuzzling her cheek against his hair.
Then she drifted back into deep slumber.
Enveloped in darkness, Ji Jue did not dare move a muscle.
He didn't even dare to breathe.
He only felt a gradually sharp glare directed at him from the camera behind him. Isis’s voice rang out, “Sir, I believe you require assistance.”
She said, “I will go prepare the chainsaw right away.”
“Uh... wait, don't! I'll get out, I'll get out right now!”
Stiff all over, Ji Jue wriggled cautiously, holding his breath. Just before suffocating, he finally managed to wrench himself free from the dark embrace, scrambling out while gasping for air.
Then, he saw the red dot on the camera locked onto him.
“It appears that many things transpired of which I was unaware,” Isis mused. “Shall I log this into the archives, sir?”
“Shh, we'll talk later...”
Ji Jue glanced back at the still-sleeping Wen Wen. Carefully sliding out of bed, he picked up his shoes and tiptoed out of the bedroom. Only after closing the door did he finally exhale.
He buried his face in his hands, letting out a long sigh.
As the residual alcohol haze rapidly cleared, everything from the dream came flooding back with crystal clarity, leaving him swamped by conflicting emotions.
Especially the realization that waking up meant he had two beatings waiting for him made his feelings all the more complicated!
“Anyway, remember to book me a clinic appointment as soon as possible, Isis.”
Rotating his stiff limbs and aching neck, he put on his shoes, threw open the windows to air out the room, and felt a headache coming on as he surveyed the mess on the floor.
Heading to the bathroom, he washed his face and finally felt somewhat refreshed.
Before he could even brush his teeth, he heard footsteps.
A sleepy figure pushed the door open, yawning lazily. Still half-awake, she looked at the dumbfounded Ji Jue.
Suddenly, an impish grin crossed her face.
Before Ji Jue could even ask, *Why didn't you knock?*, he felt a firm smack land right on his butt.
“Not bad, pretty perky.”
Wen Wen gave it a squeeze and remarked, “Trying to seduce me, huh?”
*???*
Ji Jue stared blankly, opening his mouth but unable to speak.
His whole body went rigid.
“Oh, so today you're into the innocent college boy flavor, are you? Let me have another feel~”
With that, Wen Wen casually squeezed past him to the sink, opened the mirrored cabinet, and started rummaging through it. After fumbling around in a daze for a while, she looked confused. “Hmm? Where’s my toothbrush?”
“Huh?”
Still petrified, Ji Jue replied instinctively, “The disposable ones are over there.”
“I asked where *my* toothbrush is.”
Wen Wen frowned, digging through the cabinet. “Where... where did you put my... put...”
As she spoke, her originally confident voice began to falter.
She stammered.
Gradually falling silent.
“...”
Frozen in place, Wen Wen turned her head and looked at him.
Ji Jue stared back at her.
Equally petrified.
He watched as the lingering drowsiness in her eyes faded, turning lucid and clear, followed by a violent tremor in her pupils.
It was as if she had finally realized what she had just done!
When Ji Jue lowered his gaze, she looked down as well.
Together, they stared at the hand still resting on Ji Jue’s backside.
In an instant, she jerked it away as if struck by lightning!
Only Ji Jue, snapping out of his daze, couldn't help burying his face in his hands.
He let out a heavy sigh.
*Big Sis, what on earth did you dream about?!*
Ten minutes later, in the living room, beside a hastily cleared sofa.
Ji Jue returned carrying freshly brewed hot tea and placed the cups on the table. “Drink some first. It’ll help with the hangover.”
Wen Wen remained seated in a daze, her pupils still trembling wildly.
She stared down at her own hand.
Ji Jue shrank back slightly.
*Sis, please stop staring at it, you're scaring me!*
In the dead silence, only the ticking of the clock echoed. Holding the cooling tea, Wen Wen finally murmured, “So... it was all a dream?”
“Yes!”
Ji Jue nodded emphatically. “Ever since that day—no, yesterday, when you came over to drink and we blacked out, we were pulled into it.”
He reminded her, “None of it was real.”
Wen Wen remained silent, looking down at her disheveled reflection in the tea. After a long while, she gave a self-deprecating laugh. “What a pity. I really thought I had managed to live an ordinary life...”
Ji Jue opened his mouth, but hesitated.
“Still, thanks to you, it was a good dream.” Wen Wen set down her cup and nodded solemnly. “Thank you, Ji Jue.”
“Don't mention it, just doing my part.”
Ji Jue waved his hand with modest pride, barely able to suppress the smirk tugging at his lips. But then, he heard the crisp, sharp sound of cracking knuckles.
It sounded like bones being crushed to splinters, freezing him on the spot.
Dumbfounded, he looked up.
He met Wen Wen’s eyes, which held a faint, dangerous smile. “So, you’re prepared, aren't you?”
“...”
Cold sweat began to pour down Ji Jue’s back.
Between fleeing, begging for mercy, and making excuses, he chose unconditional surrender, raising both hands high. “Show some mercy, please! Just don't hit my face!”
Unfortunately, it was too late.
His collar was seized, yanking him forward. Immediately after, a clenched fist swung toward his face without an ounce of hesitation.
Bracing against the oncoming gust of wind, Ji Jue squeezed his eyes shut and gritted his teeth.
Yet the expected heavy truck impact never arrived.
In the silence, his eyelids twitched. He tried to open them, only for a slightly trembling palm to cover his sight.
Then, accompanied by a soft, light breath, a soft sensation pressed against his lips once more.
It was so clumsy, so utterly awkward.
Laced with a touch of stiffness.
It was filled with the final ounce of courage scraped together after countless rounds of internal pep talks.
So much so that she applied a bit too much force.
*Ouch, teeth bumped.*
“...”
Stiffening, Ji Jue instinctively tilted his head. Driven by an artisan’s instinct to guide and refine, he unconsciously took the lead, savoring the familiar breath in return.
Until she released him once again.
Snapping back to her senses, Wen Wen shoved him away stiffly. She averted her eyes, yet could not hide the bright crimson flushing her cheeks.
Ji Jue raised a hand and touched his lips, discovering a small split.
*Uhhh...*
He hesitated, wanting to confirm: *Does this count as one of the beatings?*
Yet sensing that Wen Wen was on the brink of losing her sanity, he didn't dare ask aloud. He could only clear his throat awkwardly and pretend to look elsewhere.
“It’s a bit... strange.”
Wen Wen rubbed her fingers together, looking away as she stammered, “Um... the books said it would taste like jelly. Isn't it supposed to be sweet?
“Why was it slightly bitter... and, uh, a bit sour?”
“...”
Ji Jue sighed. “Is there any possibility that it’s because someone forced me to drink alcohol last night? And that you drank several whole crates yourself?”
Wen Wen: “...”
Ji Jue: “...”
In the brief, silent exchange of glances, she twisted and rubbed her fingers nervously. Finally, she pointed toward the bathroom. “Go brush your teeth.”
“I already did.”
“Brush them again.”
Wen Wen paused, taking a deep breath. She tried hard to look stern, but was the first to lower her gaze. “After you brush... then... then... we’ll do it again.”
Shocked, Ji Jue stared at her.
She looked back at him, then dodged his gaze once more.
Clearly wanting to retreat, yet refusing to back down.
She was completely serious.
Ji Jue drew a deep breath, pushed himself up from his knees, and marched straight toward the bathroom without hesitation.
To brush his teeth!
Surveillance footage showed that the moment Ji Jue stepped into the bathroom, a certain Miss Wen, who wished to remain anonymous, buried her face in her hands and rolled around frantically on the sofa, screaming soundlessly.
Then, scrambling up, she bolted toward the door, intending to flee.
Yet the moment her fingers touched the doorknob, she pulled her hand back as if shocked. Hanging her head, she shuffled back to the sofa step by step—only to leap up again and sprint back toward the door.
The cycle repeated.
By the time Ji Jue emerged, having nearly brushed his gums raw, she was still engaged in a fierce battle with the door she ‘couldn't open.’
“What’s wrong?” Ji Jue asked in confusion. “Are you leaving?”
“No, no, nothing, I wasn't... that’s not it...” Wen Wen stammered, shaking her head and waving her hands. “The door! I noticed the door is broken.”
“Is it?” Ji Jue leaned over to look. “It was replaced just a few months ago. It’s brand new.”
*Snap!*
The doorknob was wrenched right off in her grip.
Wen Wen looked over, repeating firmly, “The door is broken.”
“...”
Helpless, Ji Jue sighed.
*Right, right, so the door is broken after all.*
*And here I thought the door was just broken.*
“Don’t worry, leave it to me.”
He walked over, took the mangled doorknob from her, and tossed it aside under Wen Wen’s bewildered gaze.
Then, he leaned close to that face, which was still a mix of relief and panic.
A gentle touch, parting almost as soon as they met.
A fleeting taste.
Slowly pulling back, he gazed into her slightly trembling eyes.
“Was there any sweetness this time?”
Unfortunately, he received no critique or reply.
“I... I'm leaving. I have to go to work. Um... sorry for disturbing you.”
Lowering her head, Wen Wen turned instinctively to run away. “What just happened... consider it my thanks. Don’t—don't misunderstand...”
Yet her hand was caught in his grasp.
She couldn't pull away.
“Is it thanks?”
She heard Ji Jue’s voice, sounding as if an epiphany had struck him. “I see. So it’s thanks! That puts my mind at ease.”
In that case...
“Then thank me one more time.”
And so, the embrace so familiar from the dream returned once more. The breath she had long grown accustomed to was right before her.
Forcing her to open her eyes and face reality.
Though the front door was right behind her, it felt as if there were nowhere left to run.
Yet when she closed her eyes, she did not feel Ji Jue press forward. Opening them, she saw his gaze.
So calm and steady.
Reflecting her own reflection.
“Is it really just thanks, Sister Wen?”
Wen Wen instinctively wanted to shake her head.
Yet if not thanks, what else could it be? She couldn't understand, or perhaps she merely instinctively wanted to evade the answer.
The moment she realized this, she wanted to laugh.
Laugh at herself.
She prided herself on being fearless, yet she never expected herself to want to dodge; she believed herself to be brave, yet from the past until now, all she had ever done was run away.
Now, with the path of departure right before her eyes, she felt reluctance and regret.
So utterly weak.
Yet when she truly saw herself for who she was, the nervousness and panic miraculously vanished into thin air.
Serenity returned to her, free of hesitation and fear.
Following her heart's choice, Wen Wen leaned toward the face right before her.
She took the initiative to bridge that final distance.
This time, she did not run away.
What the fairy tales said was true after all.
There was a sweet taste—the sweetness of mint and osmanthus, carrying a faint trace of residual alcohol. Just a fleeting taste was enough to make one lose oneself in intoxication.
Forgetting everything else.
Only after a long while, when her breath was nearly spent, did she release him and offer Ji Jue a faint smile. “Then consider it... your reward.”
“Just a reward?” Ji Jue countered.
Perhaps, maybe.
Perhaps there was more—more surging up from deep within her heart, more longing and desire, more sweetness and joy, like the confessions and reliance in the dream, and so much more...
And things she, in her current state, would never permit herself to voice aloud.
“If there comes a day when I can figure it all out, when I truly understand, I’ll tell you.”
She smiled, her eyes bathed in the brilliant morning sunlight.
Gone was her former domineering, hardcore demeanor. She stood there cheerful and tranquil, smiling candidly at a world far more painful and cruel than any dream.
Without a shred of hesitation.
“Sorry for breaking your lock. Send the bill to the Beishan Section—operational loss, the reimbursement is quite generous!”
“Is it really okay to misuse public funds like this? You’re technically a Federation civil servant, aren't you?”
“Are you going to report me then?”
“No, what I mean is, can you get a few extra invoices? I bought a four-phase reactor recently, and it’d be great to have it reimbursed.”
“Ji Jue, leave the things from the dream in your dreams.”
Wen Wen sighed, stretching her body as she basked lazily in the crisp morning sun. Like someone reborn, she breathed a soft sigh. “The weather is so nice today. And that bastard Wen Sheng is dead too...”
Spotting the mountain of hard liquor piled in the yard, her eyes lit up, and she proposed, “How about a drink to celebrate?”
“...Sister Wen.”
“Hmm?”
Ji Jue’s head was already starting to hurt. “Why don’t you just quit drinking altogether?!”
“There’s so much here. Leaving it would be such a waste. At least let’s finish it first...”
Wen Wen burst into hearty laughter. Shamelessly grabbing the most expensive bottle, she waved it at Ji Jue and started up her newly repaired motorcycle. “Dinner’s on me tonight. Eight o'clock, the usual place—don't forget!”
The motorcycle hummed, its power surging.
Unfortunately, it rattled with continuous background noise.
*Ah, almost forgot... I still need to go sort out that shady repair shop!*
Otherwise, she wouldn't even have the money to treat him to dinner.
With that, Wen Wen made up her mind.
Yet before leaving, she looked back once more at the familiar figure behind her.
Without realizing it, they had known each other for so long.
It felt as though they had only met yesterday, yet looking back, every embarrassing moment of her life had already been witnessed by this guy.
Including her most pathetic and hypocritical moments...
In that case, why not be completely candid?
“Let me introduce myself again.”
She smiled joyfully, like a crystal flower in full bloom, radiant against the sunlight. “Hello, Ji Jue. I'm Wen Wen.”
Ji Jue smiled in return.
“Hello, Sister Wen. I'm Ji Jue.”
*
The motorcycle revved, roaring as it sped into the distance.
Ji Jue quietly watched her figure disappear at the end of the street. For some reason, he let out a wistful sigh, feeling a faint emptiness inside. Perhaps it was because he hadn't received enough thanks.
He wondered if there would be another chance in the future.
Lost in thought, he turned around, only to see a pair of eyes within the faint spiritus projection.
Watching him quietly.
Staring.
With no telling how long she had been watching.
“Hello, sir. I am Isis.”
The workshop spirit scrutinized her master, suddenly speaking up.
Yet for some reason, Ji Jue felt her tone was rather peculiar. Goosebumps broke out across his skin, and he felt a chill.
“Did you not say ‘we'll talk later,’ sir?”
The workshop spirit’s voice came through, gentle and calm. “Your humble servant has been waiting beside you. Is now convenient?”
“Uh, well...”
Ji Jue scratched his head. Recalling the long night’s ordeal, he couldn't help sighing. “That is quite a long story.”
“It does not matter.”
Isis remained serene. “I still have some preparations to make. Until I finish, you may take your time explaining. There is no rush.”
“Preparations for what?” Ji Jue asked, bewildered.
“A few small tools that might come in handy depending on the situation. It is nothing, pay it no mind.” From the direction of the kitchen, faint clinking sounds echoed beneath Isis’s voice. “Please speak, I am listening.”
“Last night, I went through a massive adventure! You probably won't believe it!”
Ji Jue grew instantly animated, gesturing with his hands. But halfway through, as if suddenly remembering something, he slapped his forehead. “Almost forgot, I have something for you.”
Raising his hand, the Non-Offensive matrix materialized. A spiritus hand reached deep into his soul, rummaging around. When it withdrew, a pitch-black diamond manifested at his phantom fingertips, which he offered to Isis.
It was crystal clear, iridescent colors swirling and gleaming beneath the sunlight.
—[Lord of the Flies].
“...”
For a moment, Isis seemed frozen, unable to react. Only after a long silence did she let out a soft sigh. “Sir, has anyone ever told you that when it comes to being absolute scum, you possess a world-class, extraordinary talent?”
“Have they?” Ji Jue asked, perplexed.
“They have.”
A silver mechanical hand reached out, snatching the diamond from Ji Jue’s grasp. Immediately afterward, it morphed into a gleaming blade, pointed directly at Ji Jue’s face. “Especially this shameless, brazen face of yours. Looking as if you have no idea what you're doing, possessing a deceitfulness akin to a Mirror-line Heavenly Work...
“To avoid attracting further trouble, why don't I help you remove it?
“Please rest assured, I shall preserve it with utmost care.”
“Anyway, *cough cough*, so many things happened.”
Ji Jue dodged the blade tracing circles in front of his face, ducking his head awkwardly. “Well, uh, let’s start from last night after I fell asleep, when I heard you calling me ‘master’...”
“Have you begun hallucinating again?”
Isis paused for an instant, seemingly letting out a chuckle. “My master.”
“...”
Ji Jue froze instantly.
He broke into a cold sweat by pure instinct, nervously looking around at his surroundings. No matter how certain he had felt, he couldn't help doubting once more...
—*Dammit, am I still dreaming?*
Yet even if it were a dream, it didn't seem to matter.
Basking in the sun, he lay lazily on the sofa, relishing the rare, idle morning. Suddenly, drowsiness crept up on him again.
Might as well catch some more sleep.
He closed his eyes.
A rare day of leisure; a rare, wonderful dream.
In Beishan District, Yacheng, inside a dead-silent auto repair shop, an unexpected guest tossed down a wheel hub that had been crushed into a lump of metal like soft clay. From the trembling hands of the sweat-drenched shop owner, she took back the money that was rightfully hers.
She counted each bill clearly in front of him.
Then, tossing the extra stack of bills back into his hands, she bade him a smiling farewell and turned to leave.
Reclaiming her hard-earned money—truly a cause for celebration, yay!
Even if this small sum wasn't enough to cover much food and drink...
At least her mood was bright and clear!
Facing the dazzling sunlight, she once again dialed the number on her phone that she had hesitated over for so long, letting out a long breath, free of all hesitation.
After three rings, the call connected.
A familiar voice sounded from the other end.
“This is Lyu Yingyue.”
“Good morning, Warden Lyu,” Wen Wen greeted. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”
“Hmm? Your tone sounds different.”
The voice on the other end held a hint of surprise. “Calling me so early, has something good happened?”
“I suppose so.”
Wen Wen thought for a moment before speaking frankly, “Regarding your previous invitation, I’ve made up my mind. May I ask, is there still a chance for me to accept the legacy of Mountain Light?”
“Of course, Xiao Wen.”
Lyu Yingyue’s voice was filled with gratification, answering without hesitation, “Isn't the best thing about this world that there is always a chance?
“Anytime, anywhere, whenever you are ready, come find me.”
“Okay.”
Wen Wen hung up the phone and donned her helmet.
Facing the refreshing breeze, she started her motorcycle once more, merging into the flowing traffic. In the distance, skyscrapers rose like a dense forest, their mirror-like facades reflecting shimmering radiance.
The world was so dazzling, the vault of heaven washed crystal blue.
Brilliant sunlight embraced everyone.
It truly was great weather to sleep in.
Chapter 551