From Luo Xianxue’s words, Chen Mo quickly grasped her current situation in the Mansion.

It was limbo.

The maids respected Lady Luo, yet the Head Maid’s authority loomed above her. Coupled with Luo Xianxue’s own temperament, the Head Maid’s rules had become absolute law within the Mansion walls.

Whenever a maid invoked those rules, Luo Xianxue—however reluctant—would never resist.

Her life was simple: a pendulum swinging between school and the Mansion. She attended classes when she wished, skipped them when she didn’t. Beyond school, the Mansion was her entire world.

Those towering walls and confined movements carried a distinct whiff of captivity.

A gilded cage—vast, yet worry-free.

Chen Mo glanced at his system panel.

【Current Life: Luo Xianxue】

【Affinity: 72 (Friendly)】

【Status: Low Spirits】

【Remaining Life Simulation Time: 4:13:55】

Only the second simulation, and affinity had already hit 72. With Luo Xianxue’s personality, reaching 80 would be effortless—no scheming required.

Yet, boosting her affection only to vanish afterward felt... scummy.

This was a simulated life, but after two days, Chen Mo knew it bled like reality.

Seeing her "Low Spirits" status, he offered comfort without overthinking: "If you want, I’ll help."

"Help with what?" Luo Xianxue didn’t catch his meaning.

Chen Mo smiled—a smile no one could see. "I can’t promise to widen your world, but reclaiming freedom within this Mansion? Simple."

He didn’t know why her father caged her here. Escaping entirely? He wouldn’t promise that. But mastering this Mansion? Easy.

A Head Maid was still just a maid. How could she overpower the Mansion’s true Lady?

Hearing his confidence, Luo Xianxue felt a flicker of unreality. She stayed silent, only giving a soft hum of assent.

Chen Mo watched her affinity jump to 74 on his panel. Her status shifted to "Happy." He eyed the cookies beside him but didn’t reach for one.

He returned to his psychology book. Nearly an hour later, a full bladder finally pulled him away.

After a quick bathroom break, he abandoned the study.

"Done reading?" Luo Xianxue asked quietly.

Chen Mo nodded. "Books get dull. Yesterday I only toured your home briefly. Where’s this Head Maid you mentioned?"

"Aunt Jiang’s out procuring supplies. She’ll be back the day after tomorrow."

"Convenient she’s gone. Mind if I wander?"

"Mm. No off-limits areas in the Mansion."

Permission granted, Chen Mo headed straight for the grand garden. Yesterday’s tour had been indoors only; now he craved the scenery up close.

Stepping outside, he shielded his eyes from the sharp sunlight.

It felt different from balcony sunbathing—the air here was crisper, sweeter. After a week bedridden, Chen Mo ached for this warmth.

"Does Phantom Sir enjoy sunlight?" Luo Xianxue sensed his mood.

Chen Mo strode toward the garden. "Ghosts can’t stand light, you know. Now that I’m borrowing your body? I’m soaking it up. Honestly, I couldn’t even walk or eat as a spirit."

"Eh? That’s so pitiful!" Luo Xianxue sounded doubtful, then huffed playfully. "You’re lying again, Phantom Sir!"

Chen Mo just chuckled.

This time, he hadn’t lied.

Reaching the garden, he fell silent. Without a physical form, he couldn’t whisper to Luo Xianxue mentally—only aloud or through objects. Talking here would look like muttering to himself. Creepy.

Maids tending flowerbeds paused and bowed as he approached. "Greetings, Lady."

"Mm." Chen Mo gave a curt nod, waving them back to work.

Her cool tone and blank expression left the maids exchanging glances after she left.

"Did Lady seem... different today?"

"She’s still Lady, but... changed?"

"She looks sharper. Even her walk’s cooler."

"Blushing much? Got a crush on Lady?"

"Giggles. Who wouldn’t? She’s gorgeous and kind. Lucky guy who marries her someday."

Unaware of the chatter behind him, Chen Mo stopped at a flowerbed. Jasmine fragrance washed over him.

*Those are jasmine blooms,* Luo Xianxue’s voice chimed in his mind. *Do you like the scent?*

"Mm. Lovely." Chen Mo nodded slightly, stepping closer. White blossoms surged like a sea, nearly swallowing him.

"Beautiful," he murmured, spinning once with a relaxed smile before turning to leave.

"Want to see other spots?"

"Recommendations?" Chen Mo knew she wanted to show him the garden’s hidden gems. He played along.

Following her directions, listening to her eager voice, Chen Mo’s lips curved faintly.

From any angle, Luo Xianxue was growing more endearing by the minute.

A glance at his panel confirmed her status: "Happy."

Half an hour later, a maid approached. "Lady, it’s time for your art session."

Chen Mo paused, then nodded toward the studio after Luo Xianxue’s quiet confirmation.

*Yesterday had no art session at this hour.*

But painting? He felt a spark of anticipation.

In his past life, he’d dabbled in illustrations—college gigs for pocket money. After rebirth, he’d reignited that passion alongside studies. Years of practice made him skilled; he even serialized a comic.

Pity a certain baby-blue bus had forced him to abandon it.

Now, he wondered: how would his amateur skills stack up against a heiress’s talent?