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The lustful, starved ghost was still busy fondling him in every possible way. Xie Jianwei felt an unbearable itch in his heart, yet had to work hard to pretend he was completely unfazed.

Xie Jianwei knew he could not let him do whatever he pleased. His persona this time was quite simple, leaving plenty of room to maneuver, but the core premise remained. He was an ordinary human. For an ordinary person, let alone being violated by a ghost, being handled so brazenly by another human would be enough to provoke sheer fury.

Flushing crimson, which required no acting at all, Xie Jianwei snapped in irritation, “Stop right now!”

Lu Li said, “Not scared anymore?”

Xie Jianwei retorted fiercely, “What is there to fear? So what if you are a ghost? If I smash my head against the wall and die, I will become a ghost too!”

“That is not guaranteed. Not just anyone can become a ghost whenever they wish.”

Xie Jianwei said, “Then I would still rather die by smashing my head than endure this kind of humiliation!”

“Quite a fiery temper, aren’t you?”

Flushed with simulated fury, Xie Jianwei stammered, “I can tell from your voice that you are a man, and I am a man too. You… you…”

Lu Li replied, “So what if you are a man? I took one look at you and fell for you. You are truly good-looking.”

Caught completely off guard by this sudden sweetness, Xie Jianwei still had to maintain his facade of displeasure. “Just because you think I look good, you can touch me however you like? No one would ever want this kind of affection from you!”

Lu Li lightly flicked his chest. “Such a sharp tongue.”

His waist going weak, Xie Jianwei genuinely wanted to give in. “Don’t be like this…”

Seeing that he looked on the verge of tears from anger, Lu Li felt a pang of heartache. He finally ceased his teasing and pulled his hands away, which left Xie Jianwei feeling rather disappointed instead.

Lu Li asked out of nowhere, “Are you disappointed?”

Ignoring him, Xie Jianwei huffily began pulling on his clothes with frantic haste.

Looking at him now, how did he seem disappointed at all? He looked entirely like a man rejoicing over a narrow escape from death.

Lu Li realized his own thoughts had run wild. The young man did not know who he was, could not see him, and being treated this way by a stranger would infuriate anyone, let alone an unseen ghost.

With that thought, Lu Li felt no annoyance. Instead, he asked cheerfully, “White Tofu, what is your name?”

White Tofu, my foot!

Xie Jianwei pretended not to hear.

Lu Li threatened in a mischievous tone, “If you do not tell me, I will strip your clothes off again.”

Xie Jianwei huffily gave his name.

Lu Li clicked his tongue in admiration. “A handsome person with a pleasant name. You truly are a treasure.”

His voice sent a flutter through Xie Jianwei’s heart. Having such an attractive voice was truly unfair; even such frivolous words sounded delightful coming from him.

Seeing his cheeks flush slightly, Lu Li assumed he was angry again. “I was complimenting you.”

“Who asked for your compliments?”

After a pause, Lu Li asked, “Are you straight?”

Recalling the memories in his head, Xie Jianwei realized he was definitely not straight. Furrowing his brows, he retorted, “So what if I am not? Does being gay mean you can take liberties with me like this?”

Lu Li cleared his throat. “I happen to be quite handsome.”

Far more than pretty handsome, you are devastatingly attractive, Xie Jianwei thought, but on the surface he snapped, “Aren’t you a ghost?”

Lu Li said, “Yes.”

Xie Jianwei said, “Aren’t ghosts supposed to be missing noses and eyes, covered in gore, with their intestines spilling out?”

Lu Li fell silent for a moment. “…There are ghosts like that.”

Xie Jianwei said, “If that counts as handsome, your ghostly aesthetics must differ quite a bit from humans.”

His irritated remark amused Lu Li, who let out a low, velvety laugh that sounded thoroughly captivating. Picturing his expression right now, Xie Jianwei wished he could wrap his arms around him and kiss him.

Lu Li remarked, “You are truly interesting.”

Having finished dressing, Xie Jianwei opened the bathroom door and stepped out.

Lu Li followed behind him, looking around the apartment and sighing, “Your family is rather poor.”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Lu Li added, “Poor as it is, the feng shui is quite good.”

Curious, Xie Jianwei asked, “You know how to read feng shui?”

Lu Li said, “As a ghost, how could I not know about such things?”

Xie Jianwei had genuinely never heard of ghosts reading feng shui.

Putting on an air of mystery, Lu Li explained, “When I say your home has good feng shui, I do not mean static geomancy, but living fortune. Living fortune depends on the family’s vital energy. Your parents have a harmonious relationship, dote on you deeply, and the whole family is united and loving. That naturally creates excellent living fortune, which is more than enough to offset any flaws in the physical layout. That is why I say your home has great feng shui.”

Xie Jianwei never imagined that a day would come when he would be lectured on metaphysics by Lu Li.

Seeing him stay silent, Lu Li offered another grand justification: “See, it was precisely your family’s fine feng shui that attracted a good ghost like me.”

Xie Jianwei paused. “Didn’t you claim earlier that you were a vengeful ghost come to take my life?”

Lu Li stammered, “…Well, about that…”

Xie Jianwei scoffed, “You are neither a vengeful ghost nor a good ghost. You are simply a lecherous ghost who spouts nonsense!”

Rubbing his nose, Lu Li chuckled under his breath. “That is quite a long title.”

Xie Jianwei ignored him.

Lu Li introduced himself unprompted, “Lu Li.”

Xie Jianwei pretended not to hear.

Lu Li trailed behind him. “My name is Lu Li.”

“Who cares what your name is.” Xie Jianwei entered the kitchen and shut the door with a firm click.

Lu Li cried out, “Ouch, take it easy!”

He had actually shut him outside? Inside the kitchen, Xie Jianwei could not help laughing out loud. Serves you right for turning invisible and refusing to show your face; you deserve to be locked out!

Then again, could a door actually keep a ghost out?

Rubbing his forehead, Lu Li complained, “You little rascal, I went through the trouble of manifesting a semi-solid form just to touch you, and you slam the door in my face.”

Puzzled, Xie Jianwei asked, “A semi-solid form?”

“If I had no physical form, how could you have felt so good while being touched earlier?”

Xie Jianwei retorted, “It didn’t feel good at all!”

Lu Li said, “Fine, it didn’t. Next time, I will make sure you feel thoroughly satisfied.”

“Who is having a next time with you!”

“If there is no next time, why are your ears turning red?”

Knowing he had likely phased through the door, Xie Jianwei stubbornly insisted, “I am just warm.”

Lu Li murmured softly, “So adorable.”

Xie Jianwei’s heart thudded rapidly.

“So adorable it makes me want to take a bite.” With that, he lightly nipped the tip of his ear.

Xie Jianwei gasped. “Get away from me!”

Lu Li licked the spot again.

His legs turning weak, Xie Jianwei put on a fierce front. “If you fool around again, I will stab myself with a kitchen knife.”

Catching sight of the gleaming cleaver, Lu Li was genuinely startled. “Look at you. You seem so gentle on the surface, why are you so reckless!”

Darkening his expression, Xie Jianwei asked, “Does being docile mean I should let you bully me?”

Lu Li sounded aggrieved instead. “I wasn’t bullying you.”

Xie Jianwei said, “Then don’t…”

Before he could finish, Lu Li added, “I only did it because I like you.”

Feigning anger, Xie Jianwei said, “Being liked by you is pure bad luck!”

Lu Li fell quiet for a moment before conceding, “Alright, alright, don’t be angry. I won’t touch you carelessly anymore.”

Xie Jianwei felt he ought to say: If you truly want me not to be angry, then stay far away from me! Yet he couldn’t bear to say it. What if Lu Li actually left? As an invisible ghost, finding him would be impossible.

So Xie Jianwei turned around with a huff and began preparing dinner.

He washed and chopped vegetables, and after quite a while with no voice beside him, Xie Jianwei couldn’t help wondering: Did that fellow leave?

After slicing the cucumber, there was still no sound, making him wonder again: Did he really leave just like that?

Thinking that Lu Li might have departed left him feeling disappointed. He hadn’t even caught a glimpse of him yet, having only exchanged a few words.

This lapse in concentration caused the knife to nick his fingertip.

Lu Li cried out anxiously, “Be careful!”

So he hadn’t left. Xie Jianwei felt no pain at all, simply striving to maintain a blank expression as he went to fetch a band-aid.

After wrapping his finger, Xie Jianwei returned to the kitchen to resume cooking, only to freeze.

After a moment of speechlessness, he addressed the empty air, “Where is my knife?”

Lu Li remained silent.

Amused inside while sounding annoyed, Xie Jianwei demanded, “Where did you put my kitchen knife?”

Lu Li replied sullenly, “That thing is too dangerous. I threw it away.”

Xie Jianwei did not know whether to laugh or cry. “Without it, how am I supposed to cook!”

Lu Li said, “Then don’t cook. I will fetch some delicious food for you.”

Xie Jianwei said, “Give the knife back. My parents will be off work soon, and they need dinner when they get home.”

Lu Li said, “I will bring you four dishes and a soup, plenty for your whole family.”

Before Xie Jianwei could protest, Lu Li had vanished and returned in a flash, an exquisite dinner neatly arranged across the table.

Xie Jianwei was stunned. You can even do that?!

Fishing for praise, Lu Li asked, “How is it? Not bad, right?”

Not bad, my foot. Realizing he was dealing with an actual ghost, Xie Jianwei asked, “You didn’t steal this from a restaurant, did you?”

Lu Li: “…”

Xie Jianwei snapped, “Take it back immediately!”

Lu Li stayed quiet, the four dishes and soup continuing to emit fragrant steam.

Xie Jianwei added, “I will be careful this time and won’t cut my hand again. Return the knife. I have to cook dinner myself; I cannot explain this table of restaurant food to my parents.”

Lu Li whispered, “What is there to explain?”

Xie Jianwei said, “I lost my job and have no money. If I suddenly order a banquet from a restaurant, my parents will…”

Lu Li paused. “You are so pitiful.”

Xie Jianwei countered, “I don’t need your pity.”

Lu Li’s tongue proved remarkably sweet: “I am not pitying you, I just feel heartache for you.”

Xie Jianwei: “…” You shameless old rogue!

With Xie Jianwei standing firm, Lu Li had no choice but to return the dishes.

Fortunately, the trip was brief, otherwise the restaurant missing an entire order would surely have suspected a haunting.

Xie Jianwei held out his hand. “Where is the knife?”

The cleaver flew in reluctantly through the window, its spine caked in fresh mud.

Xie Jianwei’s mouth twitched. Lu Li had buried it in dirt in a split second?

Lu Li deeply regretted not chucking it directly into an incinerator; if it melted into liquid iron, he wouldn’t have had to return it.

Xie Jianwei scrubbed the knife repeatedly and disinfected it several times, yet still felt uneasy. Lu Li chimed in unhelpfully, “It’s fine. I only buried it in clean soil. There were no rotting corpses around, so it didn’t touch anything strange.”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Unable to get past the mental hurdle, he set the knife down, ran downstairs to the supermarket, and bought a brand-new one.

Returning to resume cooking, Lu Li praised him again, “You are so virtuous.”

Xie Jianwei nearly chopped his finger with the knife all over again.

“If I ever take a wife, it must be someone like you.”

Having grown immune to his nonsense, Xie Jianwei replied, “Ghosts can take wives?”

Lu Li said regretfully, “I cannot.”

Xie Jianwei considered it and said, “Aren’t there ghost marriages?”

Lu Li replied, “Even if married, life and death remain separate, only harming the living person.”

Xie Jianwei fell silent.

Seeming unwilling to dwell on such topics, Lu Li changed the subject: “What are you making?”

Xie Jianwei listed the menu: “Stir-fried cucumber with lean pork, fish-fragrant eggplant, sautéed water bamboo, and tomato egg soup.”

These were homely comfort dishes, and Xie Jianwei had deliberately reined in his culinary technique, yet the aroma remained irresistible.

Lu Li was thoroughly tempted.

Curious, Xie Jianwei asked, “Can you smell the food?”

Lu Li said, “I can if I want to, though it requires effort, just like when I touch you.”

Xie Jianwei’s heart softened. “Can you eat it?”

Lu Li sounded full of regret: “Eating is out of the question…” Then his voice perked up, “Do you want me to eat it?”

Xie Jianwei hurriedly replied, “No! I was just asking casually.”

Lu Li was thrilled nonetheless. “So you don’t dislike me that much after all.”

Dislike you? Loving you isn’t even enough.

Unfortunately, Xie Jianwei had to keep up his tsundere act: “Heh.”

Before Lu Li could speak again, the front door opened, and Father Xie and Mother Xie walked inside together.

Working in the same government unit, they commuted together on the staff shuttle, spending long hours in each other’s company. Yet over decades, they had never grown tired of one another, interacting like close friends whose banter was always amusing.

Catching the aroma of food the moment she entered, Mother Xie whispered proudly to her husband, “Look at my son, so capable!”

Father Xie complained, “What do you mean, your son?”

Mother Xie replied with full confidence, “I gave birth to him, so of course he is my son!”

Father Xie huffed, “Without my hard labor, could you have given birth to him?”

Mother Xie scolded him with a laugh, “You old rascal!”

Father Xie said, “When we were young, you called me Xie-ge; now that I am old, I am an old rascal. I protest.”

Mother Xie playfully punched his arm.

Changing their shoes, they headed to the dining area, where Xie Jianwei greeted them.

Mother Xie hurried over, “My precious baby, rest quickly, let Mama handle the rest.”

That title of “precious baby” startled two men and one ghost in the room.

Father Xie thought: I was your baby back in the day, now I’m just an old rascal.

Xie Jianwei thought: Being called a baby for the first time in my life feels rather unfamiliar.

Lu Li blurted aloud, “You are actually still a baby!”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

He had worried his parents might hear Lu Li, but evidently this perverted ghost had some tricks up his sleeve; only Xie Jianwei could hear him.

Ignoring him, Xie Jianwei said to Mother Xie, “It’s fine, Mom, I can handle it.”

Refusing to let him work, Mother Xie guided him to the dining table.

Before Xie Jianwei could stand up again, Father Xie took another route: “How about the two of us share a drink?”

Xie Jianwei sat back down. “Sure, Dad, do you want baijiu or beer?”

Father Xie declared, “Erguotou, of course!”

Xie Jianwei said, “I’ll stick to beer then.”

In exceptionally high spirits, Father Xie said, “Drink baijiu! A grown man drinking beer instead of hard liquor looks ridiculous!”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Unable to disobey his father, Xie Jianwei watched as a full glass was poured for him; he had to drink it whether he wanted to or not.

Father and son sipped their liquor and nibbled on side dishes, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Xie Jianwei found it quite pleasant, provided no one… or rather, no ghost caused trouble.

Ghost Lu definitely harbored wicked intentions.

Father Xie took a sip, and Xie Jianwei took a sip. Yet the moment he set his glass down, the portion he had consumed was topped off until it nearly spilled over.

Father Xie chided, “You call that drinking? Take a proper gulp!”

Xie Jianwei: “…” If he explained that he had drunk his share, but an invisible ghost kept refilling it, would anyone believe him?

Whether they believed it or not, he feared scaring his elderly father into an ailment.

Xie Jianwei had no choice but to take another sip.

This time Lu Li didn’t dare refill it brazenly, but the moment Father Xie looked away, he filled it right back up.

Father Xie criticized his son, “When I was your age, I could down a glass in three swallows. Look at you, drinking as if you haven’t touched a drop!”

In truth, Xie Jianwei had already consumed a full glass!

Ghost Lu was clever enough to fetch a new bottle of Erguotou from the pantry, so after pouring a whole glass, the original bottle showed no change in volume.

Given the alcohol percentage of this liquor, even with Xie Jianwei’s decent tolerance, one full glass was about his limit.

Yet Father Xie thought he had barely taken a few sips, urging, “Come on, take a big swallow!”

Father Xie downed a third of his glass in one go. Xie Jianwei was ready to cry; wouldn’t that bastard Lu Li make him drink another whole glass?

Lu Li showed some mercy by refilling it only once, but that still meant Xie Jianwei swallowed another two-thirds of a glass!

By the end of the meal, Father Xie was thoroughly satisfied, delighted to have shared a drink with his son.

Meanwhile, his son, having downed three full glasses, was seeing double.

Father Xie remarked sternly, “Getting drunk on just one glass? Drink with me every day from now on, and your tolerance will build up in no time.”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Lu Li chimed in shamelessly, “What a wonderful father.”

Xie Jianwei wished he could slap him.

Mother Xie worried for her son: “Mama will brew some sobering soup for you.” As she spoke, she glared fiercely at Father Xie, who felt rather guilty. Could the boy’s tolerance truly be that weak? That shouldn’t be; when he was young, he used to drink beer like soda.

Xie Jianwei’s alcohol tolerance was normally very solid, but downing three glasses of hard liquor in rapid succession was enough to make his head spin.

Being able to walk in a straight line was already impressive!

Not wanting to trouble his mother, Xie Jianwei said, “It’s fine… I’ll just go wash my face.”

Mother Xie agreed that one glass shouldn’t get him drunk, since the Xie family boasted strong tolerance by genetics.

Washing his face didn’t help much, leaving him feeling dizzier instead.

Outside, Mother Xie was washing dishes while Father Xie watched the news.

Xie Jianwei said, “I’m heading to my room.”

Mother Xie called out, “Don’t spend all night on the computer, go to sleep early.”

Xie Jianwei mumbled, “Okay.”

Stepping into his room, his legs wobbled and he nearly tumbled over, but Lu Li caught him in a heroic rescue.

Falling into his arms brought a flicker of joy, but Xie Jianwei maintained his displeased front: “Get away!”

Lu Li stroked his waist shamelessly. “You can’t even stand steady.”

Unable to see where to direct his glare, Xie Jianwei asked, “Whose fault is that?”

Lu Li chuckled twice, saying unabashedly, “I had no idea your alcohol tolerance was so poor.”

Poor tolerance? Xie Jianwei, who remained conscious after three glasses of Erguotou, wanted to punch someone.

Lu Li asked, “Are you going to rest?”

Xie Jianwei: “Mm.”

“Not taking a shower?”

Xie Jianwei naturally knew what he was angling for. In truth, he wouldn’t mind fooling around with him, but on second thought, it seemed ill-advised.

After all, they had only met today and he didn’t even know what kind of ghost he was. Climbing into bed rashly might leave troublesome consequences for later.

Thus, Xie Jianwei had to resist temptation and hold his ground.

“Not showering!”

“You smell of alcohol all over. Can you sleep like that?”

Even if he couldn’t, Xie Jianwei insisted, “None of your business.”

Lu Li added, “Look how hot it is. You smell of cooking grease and alcohol; how could you possibly sleep?”

Xie Jianwei truly couldn’t sleep like this.

Tossing and turning, unable to endure it, he got out of bed to head to the bathroom.

Lu Li grew spirited: “I will carry you.”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Standing up made the room spin, and in the end, Lu Li carried him there.

Only, the manner of carrying him…

Watching from his omniscient perspective, Yan Ke nearly died of laughter. The Military Advisor is truly incredible, being carried in mid-air like a floating princess!

Xie Jianwei snapped at him in his mind, “Get out right now.”

Knowing what was about to happen, Yan Ke cheerfully severed the mental link.

Inside the bathroom, Lu Li cast all shame aside: “I will help you wash.”

Xie Jianwei forced a stubborn front: “I don’t need you.”

Lu Li said, “You can barely stand…” Then he complained, “Your place is so poor you don’t even have a bathtub. Next time, I will get you…”

“I don’t need it!” Xie Jianwei raised his voice.

Thank goodness water was splashing loudly in the shower, otherwise Mother Xie would have broken the door down. What is my son doing, arguing with someone in the shower?

Lu Li offered a quiet warning: “Keep your voice down, or they will hear you.”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Lu Li could finally touch him openly under the guise of helping him bathe.

Xie Jianwei deduced that this ghost version of Lu Li was definitely the personality who had reminisced about the past with him.

Judging by his sheer enthusiasm for bathing, it was obvious.

The eighteen-year-old Lu Li hadn’t dared wash Xie Jianwei’s back, but the current Lu Li was ready to use himself to scrub Xie Jianwei clean.

Tickled all over, Xie Jianwei held his ground: “If you cross the line, I… I will never speak to you again!”

Terrified that he might threaten suicide, hearing this brought relief to Lu Li, followed by lingering worry. He couldn’t let him stop talking to him; that would drive him mad.

“Alright, alright,” Lu Li agreed readily, “no crossing the line.”

Xie Jianwei could fake everything, except for one particular reaction.

Swallowing dryly, Lu Li said, “You are hard.”

Xie Jianwei retorted in frustration, “I am a man! What man wouldn’t react like this if…”

“Let me help you.”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Lu Li said, “Just helping you release it, nothing else.”

Xie Jianwei said, “No! I don’t need your help, I…”

“How could doing it yourself feel as good as me helping you?” With that, he took him into his mouth.

Heat rushed to Xie Jianwei’s head, turning his resistance entirely into yielding surrender.

Fortunately, no one witnessed this scene. Seeing such a beauty leaning against the wall, climaxing without anyone visibly touching him, was as erotic as it got.

Lu Li kept his promise, merely helping Xie Jianwei release before stopping completely.

Having reached release, Xie Jianwei felt thoroughly satisfied. Seeing that Lu Li hadn’t pushed further, his expression softened: “I’m going to sleep.”

Lu Li said, “Go to sleep.”

So obedient? Xie Jianwei found it hard to believe.

Yet he was far too dizzy, the alcohol making him want only to crash into bed.

He slept exceptionally deeply, completely motionless.

He vaguely felt that well-behaved fellow kissing him in his sleep, but knowing Lu Li must be painfully erect, Xie Jianwei’s heart softened. He pretended to stay asleep, letting him rub against him to his heart’s content.

Lu Li found it immensely satisfying; in his long ghostly existence, he had never felt this good!

A casual outing had brought him such a treasure; how wonderful.

The next morning, Xie Jianwei woke with a splitting headache.

Lu Li said, “Sleep a little longer.”

Xie Jianwei said, “Not everyone is as idle as you. I have to look for a job.”

Lu Li offered, “I can help you!”

Xie Jianwei refused flatly, “No.”

Disappointed, Lu Li muttered, “Then I will accompany you.”

Xie Jianwei added, “Don’t follow me!”

Lu Li said, “You have no say in that.”

Xie Jianwei couldn’t see him, so naturally he wouldn’t know if he was following.

Xie Jianwei had woken up late. Knowing he was drunk last night, Mother Xie hadn’t woken him, leaving breakfast and a note instead.

Reading the note warmed Xie Jianwei’s heart. He heated the soy milk and fried dough sticks, enjoying his breakfast in high spirits.

Lu Li remained unusually quiet, busy with who-knew-what.

Xie Jianwei wanted to talk to him, but couldn’t say too much unprompted, waiting for him to speak first.

Yet the rascal stayed silent, leaving Xie Jianwei unsure if he was still around.

Xie Jianwei had to submit resumes today. Putting on his clothes, he stepped out.

Though past peak rush hour, the subway remained packed, so crowded that breathing felt difficult.

Swaying with the crowd, Xie Jianwei felt a hand grope his waist.

Who was it, Big Li?

Xie Jianwei furrowed his brows, feeling that the touch didn’t match.

Yan Ke chimed in, “My Lord, it’s a strange man!”

Xie Jianwei: “…” To actually be groped by a pervert on the train, what a mess.

The cramped train already fostered irritation. Just then, the man who had touched Xie Jianwei let out a sudden howl of pain, bellowing in fury, “Who hit me?!”

The surrounding commuters frowned and turned to look at him.

The man had a brutish, thuggish face, clearly used to committing misdeeds, unable to believe someone dared strike him. Glaring at the crowd, he growled viciously, “Show yourself if you have the guts, I’ll… ouch!”

Before he could finish, a heavy blow struck his lower abdomen.

The punch was devastatingly forceful, feeling not like human knuckles, but a block of solid iron.

His gut twisted in agony, grimacing in pain and no longer daring to curse.

Yet the person beating him hadn’t vented enough rage, delivering a ferocious kick to his knee.

Yelping in pain, his legs gave out, but packed tightly among the crowd, he couldn’t dodge or fall to his knees, forced to endure the beating standing up.

It was eerie. In such a crowded car, who could deliver such heavy blows? Packed shoulder to shoulder, where would anyone find the room to swing? Furthermore, none of the people around him had moved, so who…

Recalling recent ghost rumors circulating in City S, the man turned completely cowardly, closing his eyes to pray to the heavens: had he encountered a ghost?!

He had indeed encountered a ghost, a jealous ghost furious to the point of exploding.

Stepping off the train, Xie Jianwei murmured in a low voice, “Thank you.”

Lu Li fumed, “Never ride the subway again!”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Lu Li added, “Did you encounter this kind of thing before?!” The mere thought drove him mad with rage, wishing he could blast anyone who had ever laid hands on Xie Jianwei into dust.

Xie Jianwei had to explain, “I never encountered it before.” He had been an ordinary person, and before Lu Li’s arrival, exceedingly plain. Today’s incident was likely the doing of Big Li’s subconscious.

In the eyes of a lover, Xie Jianwei was peerless, so the dream made him truly irresistible, to the point where thick glasses, baggy clothes, and a black cap failed to hide his charm.

Lu Li refused to believe it. Someone as attractive and docile as Xie Jianwei must have suffered endless mistreatment in the past.

The more he thought, the more worried he grew, whispering softly, “Don’t be afraid. With me around from now on, no one will dare bully you.”

Sweetness flooded Xie Jianwei’s mouth like sugar, though sadly he couldn’t show it.

Reflecting on it, Lu Li apologized, “I was wrong earlier. If you dislike it, I will never touch you carelessly again.”

Xie Jianwei: “…” Don’t stop touching me, you idiot.

Yet Lu Li adopted the stance of a thoroughly upright ghost: “Rest assured, I always keep my word.”

Xie Jianwei: “…” So infuriating, I don’t even want to smile!

Assuming Xie Jianwei doubted him, Lu Li was ready to swear an oath to heaven.

Xie Jianwei decided to ignore him.

After running around all morning, by the time the sun hung high, the heat grew oppressive.

Lu Li whispered, “Step into the alley.”

Unable to talk to himself in public, Xie Jianwei walked into the deserted alleyway.

“What is it?” Xie Jianwei asked.

Like a magic trick, an exquisite iced beverage appeared out of thin air.

Lu Li said, “Drink some to cool off.”

Unable to hold back, the corners of Xie Jianwei’s lips tilted upward.

Lu Li said, “I didn’t know what flavor you prefer. Taste it; if you dislike it, I’ll switch it for another.”

Xie Jianwei took the cup, took a sip, and said, “It’s delicious.” Sweet and tart, truly refreshing.

Lu Li said, “Drink slowly, don’t catch a chill.”

“Mm,” Xie Jianwei responded, slowly sipping the drink Lu Li provided.

Lu Li asked again, “Are you hungry?”

Xie Jianwei said, “A little.”

“What would you like to eat? I will fetch it for you.”

Xie Jianwei said, “No need, I’ll grab a bite at a fast-food restaurant in a bit.”

Lu Li frowned. “You can actually eat the food from those places?”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Lu Li said, “Wait here, I’ll get you something good.”

Xie Jianwei asked faintly, “By stealing it…?”

Lu Li said, “Of course not.”

Xie Jianwei said, “So you have money to buy things?”

Lu Li said, “I don’t have money, but it isn’t taking for free either. This world is full of malevolent spirits and wicked beings. Taking a few things from them counts as accepting their tribute, which will spare them from far worse misfortunes.”

So that was how he reasoned it…

Lu Li added, “Plenty of people beg to offer me things, and I don’t even want them.”

Xie Jianwei thought: How impressive, my Big Li.

“At the end of the day, it’s still stealing.”

Lu Li: “…”

Xie Jianwei said, “I can feed myself, you don’t need to trouble yourself.”

Lu Li thought for a moment, taking an indirect approach: “I can help you earn money.”

Xie Jianwei asked, “How?”

Lu Li said, “You can read feng shui for people. I guarantee every reading will hit the mark.”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Lu Li said, “With me around, I guarantee you will become a grandmaster of feng shui.”

Xie Jianwei paused. “My ambitions do not lie there.”

“Hey…” Lu Li grew anxious, “Trust me, it’s very lucrative.” He had seen a charlatan who charged millions for a reading; with his guidance, Xie Jianwei could rake in tens of millions in no time.

Sighing, Xie Jianwei said, “I trust you.” He had to, considering the fellow was an actual ghost.

He continued, “However, I cannot explain it to my parents. You saw them; they are ordinary people who only want a peaceful life. Finding a steady nine-to-five job is what brings them happiness.”

Lu Li: “…” What could he do? He couldn’t meddle too deeply in the mortal realm. Could he truly not help Xie Jianwei?

Saying no more, Xie Jianwei made do with a meal at a fast-food restaurant.

After finishing, his phone rang. It was the company he had interviewed with yesterday.

Picking it up hurriedly, a voice came through: “Mr. Xie, your qualifications are very promising. We agree that you are well-suited for this position. If convenient, please report to the office tomorrow.”

Delighted, Xie Jianwei said, “Understood!”

Watching him smile made Lu Li feel a twinge of sour jealousy. He wished that smile was meant for him, but it wasn’t.

With a job secured, Xie Jianwei didn’t need to run around in the afternoon. Heading home early, he called out while stepping into the shower, “Lu Li?”

Lu Li didn’t respond.

Xie Jianwei couldn’t tell if he was there or not, but it didn’t matter; he was sweltering and needed to wash off.

Lu Li was naturally present, though watching Xie Jianwei shower while handling his own desires was something better left unmentioned.

In any case, Xie Jianwei couldn’t see him.

Taking a nap in the afternoon, Xie Jianwei felt someone holding him as soon as he drifted off. Feigning grogginess, he nuzzled closer into his embrace. Pleased, Lu Li lowered his body temperature slightly to keep him cool, prompting Xie Jianwei to cuddle even closer.

Having relieved himself earlier in the bathroom, Big Li stood proud once more.

Still, he felt immensely happy, staring at Xie Jianwei motionless until he awoke.

Waking up, Xie Jianwei stretched and called out again, “Lu Li?”

Lu Li continued pretending to be absent, prompting Xie Jianwei to mutter, “Had your fill of fun and left?”

Possessing remarkable patience, Lu Li didn’t utter a peep.

Not thinking much of it, Xie Jianwei read for a while before preparing dinner.

That evening, hearing that Xie Jianwei had landed a job, Father Xie and Mother Xie were overjoyed, filling the house with warmth and laughter.

Yet the following morning, just as Xie Jianwei dressed neatly and prepared to head out, another call came in.

“We are very sorry, Mr. Xie. You should not come to the company today after all.”