Zhang Yemiao had a dream. In it, she seemed to return to her original world—waking up early, bringing breakfast for the others, attending classes, playing mobile games during lunch break, more afternoon classes, gaming at night, then sleep.
Just an ordinary life. Nearly identical every single day. Yet it filled her with pure joy.
Though at the dream’s end… she suddenly became a girl.
Her eyes snapped open. Zhang Yemiao felt utterly drained, unable to move.
“You’re awake?”
Wang Qi’s voice carried over, thick with exhaustion. She turned toward the sound. He sat beside her bed, face haggard but still smiling gently.
She tried to speak but couldn’t. Only a weak, muffled “...Water.” escaped her lips.
Wang Qi stood, handed her a cup, propped her up, and helped her sip.
The moisture revived her slightly. Her mind cleared. Memories surfaced.
“What… happened?”
She remembered the crimson bead—exquisitely crafted, undeniably valuable. One touch, and she’d died…
*Am I alive?*
*When did Wang Qi return?*
“Dorm Leader, you’ve been asleep for two days and five hours.”
“Mm…”
Wang Qi eased her back down. He offered no explanations, simply turning to leave the room. “I’ll get you something easy to eat.”
Neither had skills to heal physical weakness.
Zhang Yemiao’s thoughts churned. She didn’t know how she survived—but Wang Qi’s worn state screamed his involvement. *Where’s the blood-red bead?*
She checked her palm. Empty.
*How did he take it from me? Wasn’t he drained too?* This time, she’d learned hard lessons: don’t touch unknown things. Don’t be greedy.
*Wang Qi was right.*
This was a world where power resided within individuals. Anything bizarre could happen. Who knew what those power-wielders had created?
*Better to stay ordinary.*
Glancing at her status panel, she realized she’d advanced from Level 1 Beginner to Level 1 Novice.
*Was the Furnace set up?*
*By Wang Qi?*
Shame washed over her. If only Wang Qi had been transported here… he’d definitely survive. On that prairie, their trio had only ever been his support. Alone, he’d still have made it out.
*I’m just dead weight.* Disappointment pricked her heart. Weakness pulled her back into sleep.
“Dorm Leader? Dorm Leader.”
Zhang Yemiao opened her eyes again, clearer this time.
“Mm~”
Wang Qi lifted her up. Using a wooden bowl and spoon she’d synthesized earlier, he held out congee. “Open up. Ah—”
Her cheeks flushed faintly. But she had no choice.
“Ah~”
He fed her spoon by spoon until she shook her head. He then downed the half-finished bowl himself in big gulps.
Zhang Yemiao stared.
Wang Qi glanced up, puzzled. “If you want more later, I’ll make fresh. Cold congee’s a waste.”
*That’s not why I’m staring!*
She bit back the words.
“Rest more, Dorm Leader.”
She nodded, lying down again. Strength was returning.
When she woke next, she got out of bed. Weak but mobile, she pushed open the door—and froze.
Outside, beside the flower patch she’d planted, Wang Qi stood shirtless. Muscles coiled as he punched the air. Sweat flew. She could almost feel the power thrumming beneath his skin.
Zhang Yemiao’s face warmed. She didn’t interrupt his training.
Her eyes then caught the patched-up walls. *Right… when those two fighters crashed into our house.* Wang Qi must have repaired it. The patches looked rough.
She waited silently on a wooden vine chair she’d synthesized, watching until his workout ended.
Spotting her, Wang Qi flashed an apologetic smile. “One moment, Dorm Leader. I need a shower.”
He returned, water dripping from his hair—no hairdryer available. He dragged another vine chair to face her.
“Did you… change my clothes?” Her first question surprised him.
He’d expected her to ask about the bead. He’d found her collapsed, clutching it…
*Clothes? Really?*
He nodded.
A small smile played on Zhang Yemiao’s lips. “So… did you like what you saw?”
“Honestly? Yeah. It was nice.”
“Do anything… weird?” She grinned mischievously, but her flushed cheeks betrayed her nerves.
Wang Qi frowned. “Dorm Leader, you were unconscious and barely breathing. What weird thing could I possibly do? One wrong move and you’d have flatlined.”
She blinked slowly, gaze deepening. “And now? Do you *want* to do anything weird?” Her sleep-dress rode high as she lifted the hem, eyes locked on his.
His gaze flickered downward as the fabric crept higher—past milky-white thighs, nearing forbidden territory—before she whispered:
“Want to do anything weird?”
The husky murmur coiled around his nerves. He arched his back, hiding his reaction.
Zhang Yemiao rose from the chair. The lifted hem slipped further, revealing glimpses of skin. She knelt on his chair, one knee between his legs, hands on his shoulders.
“Want to, *Qi-gege*?”
“Y-you calm down,” he stammered. “Don’t mess with me, Dorm Leader. I can’t handle this. Things could get messy for both of us.” She ignored him.
Leaning close, her warm breath tickled his ear. “Wang Qi… I thought I was going to die back there.”
His body tensed, then relaxed.
“On Earth, I was about to confess… then got isekai’d. Died a virgin. Here, I became a girl overnight… only to die so easily.” Her voice shifted. “Might as well let you have some fun, right? Let’s do something… happy.”
Her damp breath sent shivers down his spine. Heat surged through him.
Wang Qi suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace.
Zhang Yemiao flushed crimson, hugging him back. The vine chair creaked under them—thankfully sturdy.
Just as she leaned in closer, he murmured: “This is enough. Yemiao.”
Using her name, not “Dorm Leader,” stopped her cold. His grip pinned her weakened body.
“Don’t force yourself. Maybe you meant it… but this is you devaluing your own life. Acting like it’s your last wish because you feel fragile.” His voice turned serious. “Don’t think that after this, when trouble comes, you can just say ‘I’ve done everything—I might as well die here.’ I won’t accept that.”
“But… I *am* weak.”
“Then get stronger. Reach max level. Crush everything with raw stats. Forge two divine artifacts. Scatter their ashes across the continent.”
A choked laugh escaped her. “You make it sound so easy.”
“Of course it is. Until you hit max level… I’ll protect you.”
Sensing her calm, he loosened his hold.
She clung tighter. “I was so scared, Wang Qi.”
Curled against his chest, the petite girl seemed unbearably fragile. “I really thought I’d die… I thought I’d never see you guys again. I thought my life was just… over. I thought—”
Her fear spilled out.
Wang Qi gently patted her back. *So that forced flirtation was just a mask…* A pang of regret hit him.
“Crying?”
“…Yeah.”
“I’m here.”
Silence stretched. Finally, she lifted her tear-streaked face. Red-rimmed eyes held his. “Next time… don’t leave me alone again.”
“Okay.”
“…Don’t look at me like that. I swear. I’ll never leave you alone.” He held out his pinky. “Pinky swear?”
“…Fine.”
Their little fingers hooked.
