Not only did the doctors sigh in relief when Chen Mo woke up, but he also spotted his father, Mr. Chen, with a stern face.

Soon after, Mrs. Chen hurried in, a trace of anxiety on her features.

What had happened?

Wait—could this be my fault?

"You're finally awake," Dr. Ge rushed in, followed by an assistant, frowning at Chen Mo. "Any discomfort? You've slept nearly twenty hours."

Hearing this, Chen Mo realized. During his life simulation, his body had been asleep. Sixteen hours of simulation, plus two or three hours lying idle out of boredom beforehand—it all added up to almost a full day.

A flicker of frustration crossed his face. He’d neglected real-world matters because of the simulation.

Not knowing how to explain, Chen Mo shifted slightly. "Help me sit up."

Mrs. Chen immediately stepped closer, voice soft. "Is sitting up safe? Are you truly okay?"

Chen Mo shook his head with a smile. "Honestly, I feel better than before. And I’m a bit hungry."

He glanced at Dr. Ge, who was still checking the monitors tracking Chen Mo’s vitals.

Dr. Ge stroked his chin. "The data’s normal. Suspiciously normal. Everything except his legs has recovered remarkably well."

"This..." Even the usually quiet Mr. Chen looked stunned. He’d rushed over after hearing Chen Mo slept over ten hours straight, taking leave from Rui’an Luo.

It wasn’t just sleep—it was near-coma. He hadn’t woken when called twice. Given Chen Mo’s condition, Dr. Ge avoided forceful methods.

They’d waited until now for Chen Mo to stir awake.

Mrs. Chen turned to Dr. Ge, worry tightening her chest. "Doctor, is my son really fine?"

"This equipment was replaced days ago. No chance of error," Dr. Ge confirmed, then nodded reluctantly. "I must admit—it’s miraculous."

He finally faced Mr. and Mrs. Chen. "I can’t give a technical reason, but your son’s recovery is excellent. He can start on light, easy-to-digest food now."

Dr. Ge rubbed his chin again. Could sleeping this much truly speed healing?

Chen Mo smiled faintly. The system’s doing, of course. Next simulation, he’d plan his time better.

Then he froze.

Wait—did the system have an autonomous mode?

"System, explain your autonomous function," Chen Mo thought. The reply came swiftly.

[This function requires manual activation before simulation. It handles simple daily responses based on host personality.]

So it needed to be turned on first.

A slight twitch at his lips caught Mrs. Chen’s eye. "Something wrong?" she asked quickly.

"Nothing," Chen Mo grinned. "Mom, relax. I’m fine. At this rate, I’ll be out in half a month."

"Stay longer for observation," Mr. Chen said steadily, face still stern, unreadable.

Mrs. Chen waved a hand. "Can’t you smile for your son? Always so gloomy. You haven’t even tamed Xiao Ying."

"I..." Mr. Chen’s face flushed. "Online says this look adds pressure. With Old Master Luo, presence matters."

Chen Mo waved lightly. "I know Old Chen wants to be strict. I get it. Mom, don’t scold him."

Mrs. Chen nodded, gripping Chen Mo’s hand. "We can’t stay forever. Xiao Ying has classes tomorrow. Any girl you like? I’ll have her care for you—build some connection."

Family chats always led to girlfriends. Many girls chased Chen Mo, but he treated them all as plain friends, barely glancing their way.

Mrs. Chen had doubted his heart—so many cute admirers, yet no spark.

Other teens changed girlfriends weekly. Xiao Lin next door brought a new girl home every seven days.

Without knowing Chen Mo well, she’d have feared he preferred boys.

Chen Mo gave a wry smile. "I’m still in high school. Didn’t you forbid dating?"

"Aren’t you an adult?" Mrs. Chen countered. "Mo, you preach flexibility. I’m flexible. Gaokao ends in a month—you won’t be a student then. Starting now is fine."

"Afraid I’ll fail Gaokao?" Chen Mo rolled his eyes.

Mr. Chen waved a hand. "After this incident, we understand if studies slip. We trust your grades. Even without college, you won’t starve."

"This..." Chen Mo was baffled. Normally, his father obsessed over Gaokao. Now, college didn’t matter?

Mr. and Mrs. Chen exchanged a glance, both radiating calm certainty. Chen Mo felt lost.

And at "girlfriend," Luo Xianxue’s image flashed in his mind.

Being near such a perfect Lady had raised his standards. Would he ever find another girl so likable?

He shook his head slightly. "Don’t worry about girlfriends. I’ve got it handled."

Handled?

Mrs. Chen’s eyes brightened. He had someone!

Wonderful—but why hide her from Mom?

After confirming his health, Chen Mo ate light food. Eating with his own body after so long—bliss nearly brought tears.

A new day dawned. Chen Mo simulated Little Ash’s life again.

Meanwhile, in the Mansion, Luo Xianxue began her day.

A day without Phantom Sir.