"Xiao Ying is doing great too. She ranked third in the whole school this monthly exam and even said she wants to attend the same university as you. Plus, that girl’s getting prettier by the day."
"But when will you wake up, my son?"
Chen Mo’s mother wanted to say more, but seeing him lying peacefully on the hospital bed, she sighed again. In the end, she said nothing—just sat beside him and held his hand.
After about an hour, she received a call and finally left.
Watching helplessly tore at Chen Mo’s heart. He could do nothing. Rushing to win over Luo Xianxue to recover his body was pointless; he only had five hours a day, and progress had to be step by step.
After a while, Chen Mo composed himself and chose to simulate Luo Xianxue’s life again.
The moment he felt the real sensation, a surprised, sweet voice rang in his mind: "Phantom Sir, you really came back!"
"Seems you were hoping for me," Chen Mo said, glancing around. Luo Xianxue still sat in yesterday’s spot. The same book lay on the table, open to the exact same page.
Luo Xianxue happily admitted, "Of course! When Phantom Sir comes, you keep me company."
"Seriously, don’t you have other friends?" Chen Mo teased, standing up. He leaned against the balcony railing, gazing at the Mansion’s grounds.
Seconds passed with no reply. Chen Mo realized he’d misspoken.
"Why so quiet?" he pressed.
A timid voice answered, "I don’t have many friends."
Chen Mo paused. "Not even at school?"
"I’m not good at talking to people. Everyone keeps their distance."
Chen Mo couldn’t help retorting, "Yesterday, you didn’t seem shy at all."
She’d chattered nonstop until he’d read or practiced calligraphy.
A playful tone finally returned to her voice: "Phantom Sir’s different. I can’t see you, so talking like this feels okay."
So she had social anxiety too. Soft, innocent, and awkward—man, that really hit his sweet spot.
But this was just a simulation. It felt real, yet it was all fake. Even if it were real, their worlds would never cross without the system.
Chen Mo didn’t comment. He lightly touched his stomach—soft flesh, with a trace of fullness. Lunch had already been eaten. What a shame.
Attentive Luo Xianxue asked, "Hungry?"
"Can I eat something?"
"I think so?"
"‘Think so’?" Chen Mo frowned. He’d asked her opinion, yet she sounded unsure. As the Mansion’s Lady, shouldn’t she have the final say?
"I’m not sure," Luo Xianxue explained slowly. "The maids manage my schedule. They set my meal times. Press the small button beside the phone—maids will come."
Chen Mo pressed it. Three soft knocks sounded at the door.
"Say ‘enter’ for them to come in," she reminded.
He did. A maid entered slowly, head lowered slightly. "Lady, how may I assist?" she asked respectfully.
"Bring me some snacks," Chen Mo said, sitting back down with the book.
The maid hesitated. "Lady, you finished lunch half an hour ago. It’s not time for more food."
"I wasn’t full," Chen Mo replied calmly, opening the book.
"But your meals are carefully planned for your health," the maid insisted.
Chen Mo closed the book slightly, turning to her. His calm, emotionless gaze made her flinch and lower her head instantly.
From just two replies, he understood: Luo Xianxue wasn’t truly in charge here. The maid respected her, but someone else pulled the strings—someone with equal authority in the Mansion.
"Who set this rule?" Chen Mo asked, addressing both the maid and Luo Xianxue in his mind. His icy tone made the maid shiver again.
Luo Xianxue’s voice answered first in his head: "The Head Maid. She manages all maids and my daily routines. They prepare everything I eat." Her tone turned slightly whiny: "I’m tired of the same meals. Sometimes I don’t want to eat, but I have to finish."
The maid added softly, "It’s the Head Maid’s rule, Lady. Don’t you remember?"
"Rules are rigid; people aren’t," Chen Mo said, locking eyes with the maid before looking away. "I ask you: in this Mansion, who has the final say—me or the Head Maid?"
"Y-you do, Lady," the maid whispered.
"I want snacks. Understood?"
"Yes."
After confirming no further orders, the maid backed out slowly, closing the door without a sound.
Only outside did she breathe a sigh of relief. Shuddering at the memory, she hurried downstairs.
Inside, Chen Mo reopened the book. Luo Xianxue’s awed voice filled his mind: "So amazing!"
Chen Mo shook his head. "Nothing amazing. You’re the Lady here. Making requests is normal. Honestly, judging by her attitude, you don’t live well here."
"It’s fine," Luo Xianxue said. "Just... the same routine every day. Boring."
"Ever tried asking for changes?"
"No. It’d trouble the maids."
Chen Mo’s mouth twitched. "Any maid can overrule you. They obey the Head Maid, not you. You’re failing as a Lady."
"Really? Everyone says I’m easygoing."
Of course they did. Without her status, she’d be bullied nonstop. Afraid to inconvenience maids? No wonder she was "easygoing."
Face your identity, my Lady.
