Chen Mo didn't find a good escape chance until the 8-hour life simulation ended.

Except during feeding times, he had zero opportunity to leave the cage. Communicating with cats in other cages proved surprisingly tough too.

As fellow felines, after possessing Little Ash's body, Chen Mo gained innate abilities like cat language and animal alertness—even feline night vision. But understanding other cats' meanings? Extremely difficult.

The other cats ignored his meows or stared at him like he was an idiot.

Chen Mo didn't know why. Could it be tied to affinity levels?

His plan to incite a riot and slip away had fallen through.

Locked up with no access to anything, Chen Mo had one persistent thought: Were Little Ash's simulated world and Luo Xianxue's world connected?

He'd asked the system, but got no reply.

If they were linked, Luo Xianxue's help would make everything effortless.

After eight hours, Chen Mo returned to his hospital room at night. Time was tight with Little Ash—he debated telling Luo Xianxue, then dedicating the next few days' simulations to the cat.

Simulate Little Ash tomorrow, check on Luo Xianxue the day after.

This plan settled, eight hours of sleep left him feeling refreshed.

He opened his eyes. Chen Ying had already left. Moments later, a nurse entered.

His room was under surveillance; staff noticed his awakening instantly. The nurse approached, smiling, and handed him a board.

"You can't speak yet, right? Point to what you need on this board. Blink once for item one, twice for item two." She held it steady before him, eyes locked on his.

The board listed basics: water, restroom breaks. Chen Mo chose water.

Bored, he stared at the ceiling. No sleepiness, but unable to move—his body ached.

Honestly, this was worse than when his soul could float freely.

*Sigh.* He'd just endure it. Time would pass.

Next morning, discomfort jolted Chen Mo awake. His body had slept poorly. He parted his lips slightly, croaking, "Water..."

Thirsty—but he could make sounds!

Thanks to the system's reward, probably. Yesterday, he'd felt seconds from death. Now, his condition had vastly improved.

Seconds later, a young nurse rushed in, faint fatigue lining her face.

Her speed meant she'd been monitoring his room's feed nonstop, dashing over the moment he woke.

After sipping water, Chen Mo felt better. Then came the attending doctor, new exams, and handling daily needs like bathroom breaks.

Rational as he was, Chen Mo felt awkward having everything done for him.

Dr. Ge Yihai scanned a report, astonished. "Your recovery is incredible. Frankly, I expected you couldn't speak for another half-month. Truly remarkable."

Chen Mo smiled politely. "Maybe I'm just sturdy. Thanks, Doctor."

"Shall I inform your family?" Ge Yihai asked. They'd visited daily; now Chen Mo could talk, they deserved to know first.

"Just a heads-up. No need for them to come. My parents work days, my sister studies—they're exhausted from worrying."

"Got it." Ge Yihai nodded. "Speak up anytime. Your room's monitored 24/7. This recovery rate? I must document it."

"Thank you for your care, Doctor."

Ge Yihai waved dismissively. "Duty calls. As long as you breathe, even if King Yama demands your soul at midnight—we'd fight him for you."

He left. The weariness and warmth in his words warmed Chen Mo's heart.

Clearly, the doctor and nurses all showed fatigue. His surveillance feed never slept.

They'd poured effort into his care. He respected that deeply.

Chen Mo skipped simulating Little Ash immediately. He'd wait till evening—night feeding was the real window for action.

Daytime meant display cages. Simulating then would just trap him like yesterday.

He almost called a nurse to chat, but they were so tired. Better not trouble them. He spaced out instead.

*Wait—I haven't updated my Bobo Bao comics in half a month.* Hands useless, but he had drafts. Enough for a full month.

He should ask his sister to log in and post. Vanishing for weeks... would readers rage?

Had his editor called home to nag about it?

Such a headache.

By noon, still spacing out, two figures entered his room.

"Ah, young Chen! First meeting!" Rui'an Luo boomed, overly familiar. Beside him stood Chen's father.

Seeing his dad, Chen Mo guessed who this was—but feigned confusion toward his father. "Old Chen, who's this grandpa?"

"You've lost weight," Chen's father blurted unexpectedly, ignoring the question.

Chen Mo flashed a sunny grin. "Perfect timing. I wanted to slim down anyway—sitting home made me chubby. Now I skip workouts!"

"As long as you're fine." The words mirrored Chen Ying's. His father's eyes glistened. He turned and walked out.

Rui'an Luo watched him go, then smiled knowingly. He pulled a chair to Chen Mo's bedside. "Your dad's friend. Surname Luo. Call me Grandpa Luo if you're comfortable. Brought him to see you, see?"