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Xie Jianwei opened his eyes in the dream world. Mother Xie happened to be ladling soup for him; the fragrant, simmering chicken broth was filled to the brim with a mother’s boundless love.

Looking at Mother Xie and then reflecting on his biological mother, Xie Jianwei could not help letting out an inward sigh.

He thought of his birth mother.

Compared to Xie Xing, she was truly just as merciless.

Seeing him awake, Mother Xie’s brows and eyes were filled with pure joy. She hurriedly said, “Hurry and sit up to drink the soup. It won’t taste good once it cools.”

Xie Jianwei was actually completely fine by now, able to be discharged in a day or two. Yet Mother Xie still treated him like a fragile little patient on a sickbed, pampering him to death. She refused to let him lift a finger, wishing she could spoon-feed him every bite.

The corners of Xie Jianwei’s mouth lifted, the amusement in his eyes impossible to suppress.

As he sipped the soup, Mother Xie added, “Don’t worry, I sent a portion over to Jiarui as well. That poor child lost half his life, yet his father only wired money over without even showing his face. His mother dropped by once or twice, but seeing he wasn’t dead, she simply left just like that… Ah, truly heartbreaking.”

Not seeing Lu Li around, Xie Jianwei naturally had no chance to coax him. He calculated that he should visit Ji Jiarui first.

He remembered everything that occurred right before the car crash with utter clarity. Setting aside the fact that Ji Jiarui had shielded him, in that final moment, his face had actually morphed into Lu Li’s.

Not only Lu Li’s appearance, but an aura that was remarkably identical.

In this dream, anyone capable of pulling off such a stunt had to be either another one of Lu Li’s personalities or “it.”

Regardless of who it was, he had to verify it.

After finishing the soup, Xie Jianwei said, “Mom, I’m going to check on Ji Jiarui.”

Mother Xie didn’t stop him, only instructing, “Show him more care and gratitude. Without him, you would have… you would have…” As she spoke, her eyes reddened, clearly recalling that terrifying crash.

Xie Jianwei comforted her with soft, gentle words. Mother Xie felt sweet warmth inside, thinking her son was so sensible, and that having such a wonderful child was a blessing across three lifetimes.

Stepping out of the hospital room, Xie Jianwei looked around. Not a single wandering spirit was in sight, and naturally, Lu Li was nowhere to be found.

Where had that prickly fellow hidden himself?

Even without seeing a ghostly shadow, Xie Jianwei was certain Lu Li was nearby, likely watching him with a broken heart.

Thinking of this, Xie Jianwei felt a pang of tenderness. Quickening his pace, he resolved to finish checking on Ji Jiarui as soon as possible so he could track down Big Li.

Seeing Xie Jianwei walk in, Ji Jiarui’s eyes lit up. “Auntie’s chicken soup was delicious.”

Xie Jianwei smiled faintly. “I’m glad you liked it.”

Ji Jiarui stared at him intently. “I like it, I like everything about it.”

The underlying implication was overwhelmingly clear, practically stated in plain sight.

Xie Jianwei remained unruffled, merely asking, “How are you feeling today?”

Ji Jiarui said, “Still have to lie on my stomach. My back hurts a bit.”

Xie Jianwei said, “You’ve suffered.”

Ji Jiarui replied, “It’s not hard. Whenever the pain flares, thinking of you makes the ache disappear.”

Smooth-talking flirt! Perched on the roof, Lu Li was nearly ready to detonate!

This Ji Jiarui was clearly no good. Being this articulate, he had surely sweet-talked countless people. If Xie Jianwei was fooled by him, he would definitely suffer grievances in the future.

No, even if Xie Jianwei ended up falling for someone else, it could never be Ji Jiarui!

Yet in the next second, he offered himself a self-deprecating sneer.

No matter who it was, as long as the person Xie Jianwei loved wasn’t him, he could never accept it.

Why bother deceiving himself with such pointless excuses?

Lu Li suddenly lost all desire to stay in this room. Watching Xie Jianwei smile at someone else, watching someone else reflected in his eyes, watching him fall in love with another man.

It was far too agonizing, so painful that he wanted to commit acts that could never be undone.

No, he couldn’t do that. Lu Li warned himself that loving someone meant not destroying them. So he drifted away, not daring to watch any longer.

Pitiably, Xie Jianwei wished so badly that he wouldn’t hold back. If Lu Li would just lose his temper and carry him off, Xie Jianwei would thank him for a lifetime!

Because Lu Li left, he missed what followed.

Right in the middle of Ji Jiarui’s ardent flirting, Xie Jianwei pursed his lips into a smile and suddenly said, “I am very grateful that you saved my life, but I believe I mentioned before that I already have a lover.”

Ji Jiarui froze.

Xie Jianwei looked at him steadily.

It took Ji Jiarui a long moment to process the words. Sorrow filled his eyes, his voice steeped in distress. “You… remembered everything?”

Xie Jianwei said, “Yes, I remember it all.”

Ji Jiarui’s previously sunny expression clouded over completely. He slumped in defeat. “I’m sorry. I was too greedy.”

Examining him, Xie Jianwei felt somewhat uncertain.

Judging by current signs, this was neither Lu Li nor “it,” just ordinary Ji Jiarui, a persona native to the dream.

Why had he transformed into Lu Li’s likeness back then?

Was it manipulated by “it”? Where was “it,” and who was “it”?

Xie Jianwei’s thoughts shifted, a faint realization dawning on him.

Seeing Xie Jianwei remain silent, Ji Jiarui asked nervously, “Can we still be friends?”

Xie Jianwei said, “Would being friends truly be good for you?”

Ji Jiarui paused.

He felt regret, regretting stealing these past few months.

If he hadn’t been greedy, taking advantage of Xie Jianwei’s amnesia to pursue him, perhaps he wouldn’t have fallen so deeply. An initial moment of fascination would have faded once they parted.

Yet now, after spending months together, he truly couldn’t bear to let Xie Jianwei go.

Xie Jianwei said, “A life-saving grace should be repaid in full, but what you desire is something I cannot give, so I can only compensate you in other ways.”

Refusing to give up, Ji Jiarui pressed, “You say you have a lover, but during all this time in the hospital, he hasn’t shown up once!”

Xie Jianwei was silent. That was rather awkward.

Ji Jiarui stared at him. “If he truly loved you, how could he never visit? Even if he didn’t want your parents to know, he had countless chances to sneak in secretly, yet what is the reality? He never came at all.”

Xie Jianwei could only brace himself and say, “He… came.”

Ji Jiarui countered, “If he came, why were you with me… with me…”

Xie Jianwei said, “Previously… well, I had forgotten him.”

“When you truly love someone, what does forgetting matter? Meeting again would still spark an undeniable attraction!” Ji Jiarui raised his voice. “This only proves you didn’t love him enough!”

Xie Jianwei was rendered speechless. This was genuinely hard to explain.

Ji Jiarui was indeed articulate. “If that’s the case, why not give me a chance?”

“I know you might still love him, but…” Ji Jiarui confessed softly, “A-Wei, I love you too.”

Having circled around outside, the unwilling Lu Li drifted back, only to hear the latter half of Ji Jiarui’s confession the moment he approached.

His slightly settled mood churned into a tempest once more.

Had they finally reached this step?

Flirting for months, had they finally shattered the final barrier and confessed their mutual love?

A-Wei, I love you too…

While he was away, had Xie Jianwei finally confessed his feelings to Ji Jiarui?

Had he finally spoken those three words?

Not to him, but to another man.

Picturing Xie Jianwei’s expression as he spoke those words, a loud roar buzzed in Lu Li’s head, all rationality evaporating in an instant.

He could not accept this.

He could not let Xie Jianwei fall for someone else, could not spend an eternity of death watching him share sweet romance with another person, and could not tolerate anyone else kissing or touching Xie Jianwei.

Lu Li manifested at last.

He stared straight at Xie Jianwei, his dark eyes bottomless.

Xie Jianwei had no idea Lu Li had stepped out earlier, assuming he had heard the entire exchange.

Knowing he had recovered his memories, Big Li was bound to be thrilled, right?

Right as that thought crossed his mind, Lu Li reached out and scooped him into his arms.

Surprise flashed across Xie Jianwei’s face. “Wait…”

Even more stunned was Ji Jiarui. His eyes went wide as saucers, watching Xie Jianwei float into mid-air, thoroughly dumbfounded.

Xie Jianwei didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, asking Lu Li, “What are you doing?”

Without a word, Lu Li carried him brazenly out of the hospital room, and with a swift flicker, both vanished into thin air.

When he opened his eyes again, Xie Jianwei found himself in a dark, gloomy domain.

The sky was a heavy leaden gray, the earth a mottled mix of blood-red and black, while an eerie chill permeated the air, seemingly piercing through the skin to brand itself onto one’s very bloodline.

Where was this?

Uttering not a single syllable, Lu Li carried him into a magnificent, obsidian palace.

As he strode forward, several pale-faced spirits of upright bearing bowed to him in sequence: “Welcome back, Our King.”

Xie Jianwei blinked, understanding in his heart. The Ghost Realm? Lu Li’s lair?

Most likely.

Xie Jianwei moved to speak, but Lu Li didn’t want to hear a thing, terrified he might say, “Let me go back, I want to find Ji Jiarui.” If he wept or pleaded, Lu Li’s heart would soften and let him go. He couldn’t let him speak. Steeling his resolve, Lu Li sealed his voice.

Xie Jianwei was left completely mute.

Yan Ke cleared his throat.

Military Advisor Xie felt a fierce urge to cast aside all decorum and curse out loud.

Yan Ke offered an excuse for Lu Li: “Um… the Lord Marshal probably misunderstood something.”

Xie Jianwei had already pieced it together. As luck would have it, Lu Li had probably only caught the tail end of his conversation with Ji Jiarui, firmly assuming they had pledged their love to each other. In a fit of jealous rage, he had abducted him.

Then, the spineless fellow feared his own resolve would falter and let him go, so he silenced Xie Jianwei altogether. What an utterly cowardly way to lock someone in a dark room!

Xie Jianwei felt deeply troubled: If I can’t speak, how am I supposed to confess my love to you, my Big Li?

Lu Li’s current state of mind could be summarized by a single stubborn phrase: I’m not listening, I’m not listening.

What could Xie Jianwei do? He could only rack his brains trying to cheer him up without using words.

Lu Li didn’t even dare look at Xie Jianwei, terrified of seeing anger or hatred in his eyes, which meant Xie Jianwei’s loving glances completely missed their mark.

Setting him down in silence, Lu Li turned to leave.

Xie Jianwei tried to grab him, but the nimble ghost vanished in the blink of an eye.

Xie Jianwei cursed inwardly in absolute exasperation.

Lu Li returned after a short while, holding a lustrous black jade platter lined with exquisite pastries and fresh fruits. “Eat something to fill your stomach.”

Looking at the plump crimson berries, Xie Jianwei felt a bit thirsty. He ate one, and the sweetness nearly melted his heart.

Seeing that he was willing to eat, Lu Li breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

Xie Jianwei initially planned to feed one to Lu Li, which would convey his feelings nicely, but then remembered Lu Li was a ghost and couldn’t consume food.

Feeding him wouldn’t be coaxing, but an awkward mockery.

Xie Jianwei felt helpless.

Lu Li sat for a moment, unable to sit still, and stepped outside.

He didn’t go far, lingering in the adjoining room, stealing glances at Xie Jianwei in secret.

He didn’t dare meet his gaze inside the room, yet craved seeing him, leaving him with no other choice.

Seeing him depart, Xie Jianwei lost his appetite for fruit, sighing in deep frustration.

That expression stabbed right into Lu Li’s heart again, convincing him that Xie Jianwei was pining for Ji Jiarui with profound sorrow.

When someone had an obsession, anything could be twisted into a different narrative.

For example, if Xie Jianwei looked listless, Lu Li thought he missed his lover; if Xie Jianwei acted cheerful, Lu Li would assume his departure brought Xie Jianwei joy.

That was why misunderstandings ran rampant in the world, boiling down to one core issue: overthinking.

Lu Li tormented himself relentlessly for several days, while Xie Jianwei grew increasingly comfortable.

Lu Li only knew how to torment himself. Toward Xie Jianwei, he wanted nothing more than to pamper him in the palm of his hands, keep him on the tip of his tongue, and hold him at the center of his heart.

After abducting him, he provided lavish food and drink. Fearing he would be bored, he brought him a television, computer, and game console (the Ghost Realm was remarkably modern), and even sent friendly spirits who didn’t look scary to chat with Xie Jianwei from time to time.

Though one-sided, the ghosts were quite amusing, loving to recount how they had died like professional storytellers.

After being confined for a few days, Xie Jianwei almost enjoyed himself too much to think of returning.

Seeing that his mood seemed improved (in truth, it had been great all along), Lu Li felt he could finally show himself.

Spotting Lu Li, Xie Jianwei missed him terribly, firing beams of affectionate glances with his eyes.

Yet Lu Li’s reception was terrible, failing to register a single signal.

Steeling his resolve, Xie Jianwei grabbed his collar and pulled him down into a kiss.

Lu Li’s eyes flew wide.

Xie Jianwei figured actions spoke louder than words, and doing it repeatedly was best. Once they rolled around in bed together, how could Lu Li still believe he loved someone else?

Caught off guard, Lu Li wanted to embrace him yet didn’t dare, longing to touch him yet fearing he was overthinking.

Xie Jianwei kissed him until he stoked his own desires. Seeing Lu Li so hesitant, he took the initiative, unbuckling Lu Li’s belt and leaning down to take Big Li into his mouth.

Before he could, Lu Li murmured in a low voice, “You don’t have to do this.”

Xie Jianwei paused.

Lu Li’s voice was drenched in bitterness, evoking heartache in whoever heard it. “If you want to leave, I will take you back. You don’t need to force yourself…”

Xie Jianwei had no words.

Lu Li continued on his own, “Don’t force yourself. I can’t bear to see you wronged.”

Xie Jianwei was both furious and heartbroken.

Then the bastard added another blow: “Go ahead. Go find Ji Jiarui. Since you’ve forgotten everything, begin a new life.”

Xie Jianwei truly feared he would send him away.

Sitting up, he cupped Lu Li’s face, forcing him to meet his gaze.

Whenever Lu Li looked down, he tilted his chin up.

No matter what, he forced Lu Li to look at him.

Lu Li craved looking at him to death, and under such insistence, he finally met his eyes.

Xie Jianwei’s gaze was downright fierce. Staring at Lu Li, he pointed to his own throat, signaling that he wanted to speak.

Averting his eyes, Lu Li said, “Once you leave, your voice will return.”

Xie Jianwei turned his head back, pointing to his mouth again.

Lu Li hesitated for a moment before finally lifting the restriction.

The instant he could speak, Xie Jianwei’s first words were, “You bastard!”

Lu Li wasn’t surprised. He had abducted Xie Jianwei and kept him locked away for days; anger was completely expected.

Yet the very next sentence left him utterly flabbergasted.

Xie Jianwei declared, “I missed you so much, yet you actually want to send me away!”

Lu Li thought he had misheard.

Xie Jianwei said, “I recovered my memories long ago, yet you refused to let me speak! Fine, don’t talk then, don’t ever speak to me again!”

“R-Recovered your memories?” Lu Li stood stunned.

Xie Jianwei snapped, “Yes! I remembered how a certain perverted ghost ambushed me, bullied me, signed a blood pact with me, and then abandoned me!”

Panicking, Lu Li stammered, “No, I thought you…”

Seeing his flustered look, Xie Jianwei couldn’t hold it back anymore, bursting into laughter. “Everything you thought was dead wrong! I don’t love anyone else, I…”

He had intended to say I love you, but remembering that “it” hadn’t been dealt with yet, he altered his words: “I only want to be with you.”

How easy Lu Li was to coax! There was no need to speak the word love; that single sentence sent him over the moon, all grievances vanishing, leaving only sparkling flowers blooming profusely.

Looking at him, Xie Jianwei felt sweet warmth and tender affection. He longed to return to reality and tell him plainly: I love you, Lu Li. Whatever happens, I love you, so please don’t be so insecure.

Xie Jianwei initiated a kiss, and this time Lu Li took complete control, kissing him hungrily as if wanting to swallow him whole.

Tantalized by his touches, they tangled together until late into the night.

Resting in each other’s arms, Lu Li kissed him, and Xie Jianwei tilted his head up to kiss him back, exchanging kisses in pure bliss.

Lu Li asked, “When did you remember?”

Xie Jianwei recounted what had happened in the hospital room.

Lu Li paused in dismay. “I… I had stepped outside back then.” So he hadn’t heard a thing!

Xie Jianwei rolled his eyes at him. “Who told you to run off?”

Recalling his agonizing torment over these past days, Lu Li admitted remorsefully, “It was my fault.”

Xie Jianwei shot him a sideways glance. “How were you in the wrong? You were so capable, not even letting me speak.”

Lu Li said, “I was terrified you would say you wanted to leave, that you wanted to be with Ji Jiarui, I…”

Xie Jianwei looked at him. “If I wanted to leave, you would truly let me go?”

Lu Li fell silent.

Xie Jianwei scolded him playfully, “Who abducts someone like that? Can you show some professional dedication!”

Lu Li murmured softly, “I didn’t want to see you hurt.”

Looking at him, and remembering how in a previous dream he couldn’t even continue dreaming because he thought he had hurt him, Xie Jianwei felt his heart coated in honey. Rolling on top of him, he cursed, “Idiot!” while feeding him an extraordinarily sweet cowgirl ride.

While the two were deeply affectionate in the Ghost Realm, Ji Jiarui in the mortal realm had suffered several shocks in a row.

First, Xie Jianwei floated away and vanished, followed by the arrival of an enigmatic man.

The man claimed to be a ghost-catching celestial master named Bai Zhi.

In the past, Ji Jiarui would never have believed such charlatans, but Xie Jianwei’s disappearance was too bizarre, leaving him no choice but to believe.

Bai Zhi told him, “Your friend was bewitched by a malevolent spirit, his mind clouded, and was dragged to the Ghost Realm.”

Ji Jiarui’s heart pounded: “How can I trust you?”

Bai Zhi possessed real methods, tapping his forehead with a finger.

Ji Jiarui instantly saw a crowd of ghosts drifting inside the hospital room.

He cried out in horror, and Bai Zhi tapped his forehead once more, clearing his vision.

Ji Jiarui stammered, “Th-There really are ghosts?”

Bai Zhi said, “Hospitals are steeped in heavy yin energy with numerous wandering souls, which is only natural.”

Ji Jiarui asked, “Why don’t you capture them?”

Bai Zhi replied, “Wandering souls dissipate on their own. As long as they aren’t vengeful spirits that turn into malignant fiends, there is no need to heed them.”

Ji Jiarui’s hairs stood on end: “W-Was A-Wei truly abducted by an evil spirit?”

Bai Zhi stated sternly, “Far worse than that! That spirit possesses immense cultivation, having devoured countless mortals, ruling as king in the Ghost Realm. He is the most wicked fiend that must be eradicated!”

Hearing the words devoured countless mortals, Ji Jiarui was terrified: “Will… will he eat Xie Jianwei?”

“Naturally! Once consumed, a soul can never enter reincarnation, condemned to wander as an agonizing spirit for eternity.”

Ji Jiarui truly cared for Xie Jianwei, asking frantically, “Th-Then what should we do?”

Bai Zhi had been waiting for those exact words: “I can summon him back from the Ghost Realm, but I need your help.”

Ji Jiarui said hurriedly, “Tell me!”

Bai Zhi asked, “Does your friend have immediate family?”

Ji Jiarui said, “Yes, his parents are alive and well.”

“Is their relationship close?”

Recalling Mother Xie’s chicken broth, Ji Jiarui replied, “Exceedingly close.”

“Then it is simple,” Bai Zhi said. “As long as he has loved ones tethering him to the mortal realm, we can pull him back.”

Nervous, Ji Jiarui asked, “What must be done?”

Bai Zhi glanced at him: “Call his parents here. I have my ways.”

Ji Jiarui couldn’t leave the bed easily, but had Mother Xie’s phone number, dialing it immediately.

Father and Mother Xie had been searching frantically for their son; hearing news from Ji Jiarui, they rushed over.

Employing the same tricks, Bai Zhi duped the two elders with a few words.

They accepted it even faster than Ji Jiarui. Being from the older generation, they were superstitious to begin with, and seeing spiritual phenomena firsthand, they revered Bai Zhi as a divine master.

Bai Zhi said, “Saving your son is not difficult, though you two will have to suffer a bit.”

Father and Mother Xie responded almost in unison, “If we can save our son, we would gladly die!”

Bai Zhi narrowed his eyes, whispering, “That would be ideal.”

Having appeased Lu Li, Xie Jianwei began worrying about Father and Mother Xie. His abrupt disappearance would surely cause the two elders immense distress.

Lu Li told him, “I will make arrangements, then accompany you back, never to leave Uncle and Auntie’s side again.”

Xie Jianwei agreed, “Alright.”

While Lu Li went to arrange matters, Xie Jianwei felt bored in the room. Just as he poured a glass of water, his expression shifted abruptly.

The water he poured floated into the air, forming a crystal-clear water mirror.

A stranger’s voice rang out: “Xie Jianwei, return this instant!”

Xie Jianwei knitted his brow, instinctively sensing that “it” could hold back no longer.

With Xie Jianwei and Lu Li so affectionate, it was bound to stir up trouble, terrified that Lu Li’s psychological knot would unravel.

Just as Xie Jianwei was wondering what it planned to do, the scene before his eyes made his head roar with rage.

Father and Mother Xie appeared in the water mirror, drenched in blood, looking haggard and contorted in extreme agony.

Bai Zhi’s voice sounded promptly: “Unfilial son! Bewitched by a vicious spirit, your mind clouded, while your parents are on the brink of death from that ghost’s backlash, yet you remain entirely oblivious!”

At that moment, Mother Xie’s weak voice drifted through: “Hurry home, A-Wei, hurry home.”

Bai Zhi put on quite a performance, asking Father Xie who had wounded him. Father Xie described the culprit in detail, pointing directly to Lu Li.

His scheme was crude yet vicious. Knowing Xie Jianwei shared profound bonds with his parents, he first manipulated the parents’ desperation to save their son to make them cooperate, then provoked Xie Jianwei into believing Lu Li was responsible. Any normal human would be consumed by fury and loathe Lu Li to death.

This sowing of discord was cruel yet potent; had Xie Jianwei truly belonged to this dream, he might have fallen into the trap, burning with hatred to slay Lu Li.

If that happened, Lu Li would truly be finished.

Yet Xie Jianwei knew the truth all too well.

This was Lu Li’s dream; how could Lu Li ever commit such an act?

At the end of the day, Father and Mother Xie were gifts Lu Li had created for Xie Jianwei; how could he bear to harm them?

Without a second thought, this was definitely “it’s” doing.

Xie Jianwei was indeed furious, but his wrath was directed not at Lu Li, but at “it.”

It had acted with sheer stupidity this time, playing such a vile card and touching Xie Jianwei’s reverse scale.

Lu Li happened to return at that exact moment. Stunned by the sight, he asked, “What is going on?!”

Just then, Bai Zhi’s voice rang out: “You heard it yourself, spoken from your parents’ own mouths! Do you still refuse to believe it? The evil ghost Lu Li has tortured your parents to this state, yet you still wish to stay by his side?”

Lu Li’s pupils contracted sharply, grasping what was happening in an instant. His heart turned freezing cold, his body rigid. Looking at the expressionless Xie Jianwei, his voice shook with anxiety: “A-Wei, it wasn’t me! I could never harm…”

“Of course it wasn’t you!” Xie Jianwei’s voice was cold as shattered ice.

Lu Li paused, staring fixedly at Xie Jianwei: “You believe me?”

Xie Jianwei took his hand, saying urgently, “Take me back, A-Li! Save my parents!”

Lu Li was deeply shaken. At this moment, he was truly willing to give his life for Xie Jianwei.

He trusted him. He held not a shred of doubt toward him; facing such vile slander, he chose to believe him without hesitation.

Without another word, Lu Li held his hand and returned swiftly to the mortal realm.

When Bai Zhi saw Xie Jianwei, a triumphant smirk touched his lips: “You still have some conscience, knowing to heed your par…” He couldn’t utter the final word.

Without hesitation, Xie Jianwei struck, the dagger in his hand cleanly piercing Bai Zhi’s heart with deadly precision.

Horror filled Bai Zhi’s face: “You… how could you…”

Expressionless, Xie Jianwei twisted the blade, brutally churning that beating heart into pulp.

To his dying breath, Bai Zhi never understood where his masterfully calculated scheme had gone wrong.

Ji Jiarui was completely petrified. Father and Mother Xie had passed out the moment they saw their son; having held on through sheer willpower, seeing him return safe allowed them to slip into unconsciousness with peace of mind.

Having disposed of Bai Zhi, Xie Jianwei looked at Ji Jiarui, stating coldly, “You saw it yourself. I am not what you imagined, so give up.”

Terrified, Ji Jiarui scrambled backward, flattening himself against the wall as if wishing to merge into the cracks.

Xie Jianwei spared him no further glance. Lu Li had already bent down to examine Father and Mother Xie.

“Don’t worry, it is only excessive blood loss. Their lives are not in danger.”

Xie Jianwei breathed a sigh of relief. Looking at Lu Li, he said softly, “A-Li, please, let them be safe, healthy, and walk through the rest of this life in happiness.”

Deeply moved, Lu Li promised, “Without fail. They will live exactly as you wish.”

Xie Jianwei lifted his parents back onto the hospital beds, gently wiping them clean.

With Lu Li’s promise, they would recover quickly and spend the rest of their lives in peaceful comfort.

Although these were merely two elderly characters in a dream, constructs that did not exist in reality, Xie Jianwei genuinely wished for them to live well, safe and free of worry.

Lu Li disposed of Bai Zhi’s corpse and transferred Father and Mother Xie to another hospital.

Xie Jianwei cared for them without resting. A few days later, the two elders woke up, their injuries mostly healed.

The moment they saw Xie Jianwei, disregarding their own condition, they grabbed their son’s hand with reddened eyes: “Good child, good child, as long as you are safe, that is all that matters.”

Xie Jianwei smiled gently, whispering, “I’m fine, Mom, Dad, I’m completely fine.”

Father and Mother Xie finally put their hearts at ease.

A few months later, their health fully restored, Mother Xie was back to square dancing. Returning cheerfully, she told Father Xie, “Square dancing definitely works! Look at my health; because I danced every day, I built a solid foundation, which is why I bounced back so quickly!”

Father Xie said, “Practicing Tai Chi is what truly works. Look at my build, sturdy as an ox.”

The old couple began bickering again, which sounded like heavenly music to Xie Jianwei’s ears.

After another month or two, once the two elders had settled down completely, Xie Jianwei laid his cards on the table.

He explained the entire situation clearly from beginning to end.

Father Xie stammered, “Y-Y-You fell in love with a ghost?”

Xie Jianwei nodded solemnly.

Mother Xie asked, “A-A-And a male ghost at that?”

Xie Jianwei cleared his throat. “Mm.”

After being stunned for a long time, Mother Xie said, “Well, whether male ghost or female ghost, neither can bear children with you anyway, so it doesn’t matter.”

Xie Jianwei was rendered speechless. His mother’s focus was truly something else.

Mother Xie sighed for a bit, then Xie Jianwei recounted Bai Zhi’s incident, heaping praise upon Lu Li to the heavens.

Father and Mother Xie trusted their son deeply, believing whatever he liked had to be good. Although accepting it initially was difficult, eventually… they accepted it.

Mother Xie said, “Um… can I see him?” Never mind that this “daughter-in-law” couldn’t produce grandchildren; the issue was she couldn’t even see him!

Lu Li opened the spiritual sight for the two elders.

They didn’t need to fear seeing other gruesome spirits, as Lu Li had already stationed a line of subordinates in the area, keeping the surroundings completely clean.

Mother Xie had been terribly uneasy, fearing she would see a zombie-like man. Yet upon laying eyes on Lu Li, she beamed, “Oh my, so handsome!”

Father Xie grumbled sourly, “Just so-so.” (The rascal who stole my son.)

After a brief bout of nervousness, Lu Li quickly grew familiar with them.

He was naturally outstanding, immensely capable, wealthy, skilled in the kitchen, and most importantly, doted on Xie Jianwei to the heavens.

How could Mother Xie not feel at ease? Truly, the more a mother-in-law looked at her son-in-law, the more pleasing he became.

Yes, upon seeing Lu Li’s stature and demeanor, Mother Xie realized this wasn’t a daughter-in-law, but a son-in-law.

This dream lasted for a very long time, spanning a vast period.

Xie Jianwei and Lu Li accompanied the two elders through the rest of their lives. After sending them into reincarnation, he awoke as well.

It was a wonderful dream, fulfilling Xie Jianwei’s yearning for family.

Although in reality he had never received an ounce of parental affection, inside Lu Li’s dream, he had received it in full.

He was truly content.

When Xie Jianwei opened his eyes, he was still momentarily dazed.

Although decades had passed in the dream, upon waking, the sense of elapsed time wasn’t overwhelming.

Just like an ordinary dream of a thousand years, upon waking, one might recall only a few distinct memories.

Yet Xie Jianwei was deeply satisfied, the smile on his lips refusing to fade.

Yan Ke breathed a sigh of relief. “Only the final personality remains. Success is in sight.”

Xie Jianwei answered, “Mm.”

He turned his head, wanting to kiss the sleeping Lu Li, only to lock eyes with him directly.

Xie Jianwei’s heart skipped a beat.

Lu Li’s dark eyes were deep and bottomless, staring at him unblinkingly, his voice tinged with the raspy edge of freshly waking up: “Can you tell me what is going on here?”

Startled, Yan Ke nearly tumbled to the floor. “L-Lord Marshal!”

Lu Li sat up, looking at Xie Jianwei, then at Yan Ke, and finally at the precision medical instruments.

Narrowing his dark eyes slightly, his tone gave away little emotion: “What are you two doing?”