"Not... I..." Chen Mo froze, unsure how to respond to Luo Xianxue’s words.

Skipping out for over a day to visit Little Ash *was* his fault. But why did she phrase it so strangely?

How could she always say the boldest things with such innocent sincerity?

Chen Mo suspected he’d just been teased back by Luo Xianxue.

He didn’t argue. Lowering his head slightly, he murmured, "Sorry. I broke our promise."

Both he and Luo Xianxue shared a similar reverence for vows—once made, they’d do their utmost to keep them.

Luo Xianxue wouldn’t blame him. She’d only wanted to start a conversation. Sensing his unease, she asked gently, "Did something happen?"

Her heart fluttered as she spoke.

This was her first time asking about his life. Nervous yet eager.

But the moment the words left her lips, she regretted her boldness. *Phantom Sir would share if he wanted to. Probing into his private matters is rude.*

Before Chen Mo could answer, she rushed to apologize. "I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have pried into your personal affairs, Phantom Sir."

"It’s nothing secret. Just... complicated." He stood and walked to the balcony. The sky hung gray and heavy, threatening rain—perhaps a downpour.

Gazing outside, Chen Mo said calmly, "It’s about my ability to possess others. My new host ran into serious trouble."

Luo Xianxue’s heart clenched. A trace of disappointment surfaced.

Hearing it confirmed felt entirely different from guessing. Before, there’d been a sliver of hope he’d been handling his own affairs. Now, that hope vanished.

*He really went to see another girl.*

*Ugh... Luo Xianxue, you’re so useless. Can’t even keep Phantom Sir here.*

Blaming herself entirely, she waited for him to continue.

Chen Mo sighed. "A cat and his sister got locked in a pet store. They might be sold. I’m still figuring out how to help them escape."

Luo Xianxue blinked. "*Cat?*"

"Problem?"

"Uh..." She struggled to process this. Choosing her words carefully, her voice lifted with sudden hope. "So... Phantom Sir hasn’t been possessing *me* these past days? You’ve been in a cat?"

"Didn’t I tell you?" Chen Mo paused. *Actually, I only mentioned possessing others... never specified who.*

*Wait—that’s not the point! Why do you phrase it like that?!*

*I get you mean "possess," but could you be a little more delicate?!*

"I..." His question left Luo Xianxue speechless. After a long pause, she huffed, "Phantom Sir is a meanie! Hmph!"

Hearing the hidden delight in her voice, Chen Mo shook his head helplessly. He’d never quite grasped her thought process. Turning it into a topic, he recounted his time possessing Little Ash.

Since it was a simulated world—possibly entirely separate from Luo Xianxue’s—he held little back.

Truthfully, aside from the system itself, there was nothing to hide.

When he finished, Luo Xianxue puffed her cheeks. "Those kids were awful! Daring to hit Phantom Sir! But I’m glad you’re safe. I’ll avenge you someday!"

"They’re just children. Their upbringing failed them. Revenge isn’t necessary."

"But you shouldn’t suffer for it! Though... that Mr. A-Shan seems kind."

"You think so too?"

"Of course!" Her tone was firm. "Anyone who cares for animals so tenderly can’t be bad. If I were him, I’d sneak you and Little White out."

"It’s not that simple. And after escaping, I’d still need to help Little Ash repay his kindness." Chen Mo hadn’t expected practical advice from her anyway.

Even he had scarce information to work with.

But his next words were the real point. "Resolving Little Ash’s situation might take time. Until things settle, I probably won’t visit for a few days."

"Sorry, Xianxue," he added.

Her reply came bright and breezy. "No worries! Focus on your mission, Phantom Sir! You *must* save Little Ash and Little White! Selling pets secretly is just evil!"

If Luo Xianxue controlled her own body now, Chen Mo could picture her actions perfectly.

*Probably shaking her fists, then flashing that cute, determined smile.*

"I’m glad you understand." Chen Mo glanced at the system panel. Luo Xianxue’s status showed quiet dejection.

*She’s not as carefree as she pretends.*

*This girl encourages me to leave even though she doesn’t want me to go. Were you an angel in another life?*

To comfort her, Chen Mo spent the afternoon chatting instead of reading or drawing. They discussed manga plots and the vibrant world beyond the Mansion.

He promised to take her outside for a full day of adventure.

He even let Luo Xianxue control her own body briefly while he became a true phantom, observing from a detached perspective.

Perhaps because he was watching, she moved stiffly, hesitant in her own skin.

Their playful bickering filled the hours.

By evening, as Chen Mo’s eight-hour possession neared its end, he returned to the balcony. No sunset glowed outside—only a gloomy, darkening sky.

A flash split the horizon. Then came a low rumble of thunder.

Instantly, Luo Xianxue’s voice in his mind fell silent.

Checking the system panel, Chen Mo smiled. "Scared of thunder?"

"A... a little," she whispered weakly. "But I’m not cowardly! Before, when I was alone, that sound always startled me..."

"But you’re not alone now, are you?" Chen Mo’s voice echoed gently in her mind as he surrendered control of her body. His tone softened with concern. "I’m still here. Even if I’m just a phantom."

Another muffled thunderclap shook the air. Luo Xianxue looked up at the stormy sky, Chen Mo’s warm words lingering in her thoughts.

*Maybe... it’s not so terrifying?*

**BOOM!**

A full thunderclap crashed without warning. Luo Xianxue nearly lost her balance. Cold raindrops, whipped by sudden wind, stung her cheeks.

Shivering, she dashed back to the study, then to her bedroom. She slammed windows and doors shut, yet felt no safety.

Curling into a corner of her bed, she pulled the blanket over herself. Another thunderclap made her hug her knees tightly.

Her small face peeked out toward Chen Mo’s usual spot on the balcony.

Her body trembled uncontrollably.

"Phantom Sir... now that you’re gone... I’m still scared..."