Following the butler to an empty room on the third floor of the hotel, Chen Mo lay down on the bed.

Yes, the moment he touched that glass of fruit wine, Chen Mo had already possessed Luo Xianxue—about ten minutes earlier than the scheduled six o'clock.

Chen Mo was typically punctual. This early simulation was a minor surprise.

After his mother’s visit, Chen Mo saw he still had ten minutes before six. Bored, he checked the system panel.

Little Ash’s status had improved. Anxiety shifted to environmental adaptation.

But for Luo Xianxue, it was strange. Her unease turned to tension, then panic—shifting almost every minute.

Multiple status modifiers appeared. When Gao Huihuang approached her, Luo Xianxue showed little outwardly, but her inner turmoil was intense.

Sensing her distress, Chen Mo didn’t hesitate. He simulated Luo Xianxue’s life instantly. Opening his eyes, he faced the suitor.

His own daughter wasn’t grown yet, and some guy was hitting on her. Chen Mo wanted to teach Gao Huihuang a lesson.

But considering Luo Xianxue’s identity, he refused politely, adding a subtle warning. Any non-idiot would grasp his meaning.

In his mind, Luo Xianxue’s excited voice rang out: “Phantom Sir! You came just in time! Sob… that guy kept pushing his wine. Zero manners. He’s awful!”

“If you don’t want to drink, just refuse. Show disinterest—most won’t push further.” Chen Mo’s tone was comforting. Earlier, with Luo Yi’s butler in the elevator, he couldn’t speak freely.

Luo Xianxue’s voice softened. “I didn’t know how to say no…”

Chen Mo sighed. “Say you’re unwell and need rest. Or mention you’re waiting for someone. Or state you’re not interested. Polite excuses work.”

“Okay! I’ll remember!”

“Also, avoid eye contact by checking your phone. Stay cool. They won’t eat you. Just relax.”

“Mm-hmm.” Luo Xianxue kept replying.

Chen Mo missed her perfunctory tone, assuming she was serious.

He’d set a new goal: beyond completing Luo Xianxue’s tasks, he’d raise her into a “normal person.” After over a week here, this simulated world felt too real to dismiss.

He finally understood gamers chasing realism. At minimum, he’d teach Luo Xianxue equal communication. His ultimate aim? Freedom for her to roam anywhere—not trapped in that small Mansion.

Soon, Luo Xianxue’s cheerful voice chimed: “Phantom Sir, why come early?”

“Our hearts are connected. As your possessing ghost, I sense your thoughts.” Chen Mo lay comfortably, eyes half-closed, suddenly sleepy.

“Really?” Surprise laced her words. “What am I thinking now, Phantom Sir?”

To test him, she mentally chanted: *Phantom Sir is an idiot. Phantom Sir is an idiot…*

Chen Mo sat up, flashing a confident grin. “I know—you’re wondering why I’m so amazing.”

“Wrong! I’ve been thinking Phantom Sir’s an idiot.” Her voice bubbled with triumph, like she’d won a game.

Chen Mo went speechless. “Fine. I missed you. Possessed you early. Caught that mess by chance.”

“Mm-hmm! Thank you, Phantom Sir!”

She believed him instantly. The heart-connection excuse felt forced; this sincerity resonated more. Such an easy-to-read girl.

At the window, Chen Mo gazed at Jingcheng’s night lights. The real city thrived tonight—streets packed with revelers under clear skies.

He drifted, a trace of envy in his eyes. His real body was bedridden. As Luo Xianxue, he’d barely explored freely.

“Phantom Sir?” Her voice snapped him back.

“I’m here.”

“What were you thinking? You seemed distracted.” She shared his vision and feelings.

“As a ghost,” Chen Mo replied, “I envy those down there—free to wander and play.”

“Hmph. Liar again.”

Chen Mo smiled but changed subject. “When’s the birthday party? If no blessings needed, let’s skip out and play.”

“He’s my brother. Blessings and gifts are due.” Luo Xianxue’s voice directed, “The gift’s on the table behind you.”

Slightly turning, Chen Mo spotted a pale blue box. He walked over. “What’s inside?”

“The butler prepared it. I haven’t peeked.”

“You didn’t check your own gift?”

“Isn’t peeking rude?”

Chen Mo chuckled wryly. *It’s your gift to give.* Opening it, he saw valuable jade. *Rich people’s joys are simple.*

“Let’s go. Gift first, then fun.”

“Change clothes first?” Luo Xianxue’s sudden question halted him.

He glanced down—at the jasmine-trimmed gown hem. Right. This dress would draw stares on the street.

“Casual clothes are in the sofa bag. Ready.” Chen Mo checked—simple outfit inside.

“Since you packed these,” he teased, “why wear the gown at all? Save the hassle.”

“The party requires it! I… I didn’t pick it to show you!”