The story unfolded within a gothic vampire castle in a semi-western fantasy realm.

A vampire Lady had been imprisoned here for life—until she met her destined Phantom Sir. The first three chapters contained nothing but conversations between them. Chen Mo realized with a bittersweet smile that this mirrored his own first three days with Luo Xianxue after they got together.

Chatting. Learning. Introducing new characters.

*How surreal,* Chen Mo thought, *to base a story on my real life. Though being possessed by a ghost is already pretty surreal.*

He reviewed the three chapters. Commercially speaking, the slow pace and lack of hooks were flaws. But as a personal project? A perfect beginning.

After reorganizing the drafts, Chen Mo said, "The art’s excellent. Next step: scan the line art for digital coloring. With Xianxue’s talent, this comic will definitely go viral."

"As long as Phantom Sir likes it," Luo Xianxue replied, her voice bright with hope. She didn’t care about popularity. This comic was drawn for one person alone.

"Still, minor tweaks are needed—not to plot or art, but to how the outside world is portrayed." Chen Mo recalled Chapter 2: the Lady listening to the Phantom describe the world beyond the castle.

Born and raised within these walls, she’d never seen the outside. The Phantom’s tales painted a flawless world—no villains, only hardworking people striving for better lives. A paradise contradicting the castle’s grim reality.

Chen Mo patiently explained this dissonance. Luo Xianxue listened intently, asking thoughtful questions.

*Of course,* Chen Mo realized. *She’s never known the real world. How could she draw it truthfully? Or... does she truly believe the world should be this pure?*

He paused mid-explanation, lost in thought. "Xianxue... what’s *your* goal?"

"My goal?" Her voice held genuine confusion. "To draw a story Phantom Sir enjoys. Didn’t you know that?"

"Not that." Chen Mo shook his head. "A goal just for *you*. If I’d never existed—what would you want?"

He’d been trapped in a misconception: free her from this Mansion, and she’d be free. Break the chains—whether the Head Maid’s, her father’s, or the family’s—and she’d thrive.

But after years confined, would she even recognize freedom? Like someone sheltered too long, she’d fear the unfamiliar streets, the strangers, the loneliness. She’d retreat to her safe, small world.

Physical walls could vanish. The ones in her heart might remain.

*Change her mindset first,* Chen Mo resolved. He sensed her deepening silence as she searched for an answer. Minutes passed before she whispered:

"I don’t know."

"Then... what do you *want* to do?"

"I don’t know that either..." Her voice dipped. "Probably follow Father’s plans. Stay in the Mansion. In a year or two, marry as the family arranges—like my mother did. Have a child. Then..."

She trailed off. There was no "then." Her birth mother had died in childbirth. The woman now called "mother" was a stranger.

She’d never fantasized about knights or grand romances like other girls. Novels and comics held no escape for her quiet heart.

Chen Mo’s chest tightened. "Never thought of fighting back?"

"Why fight?" Her quiet question silenced him. He opened his mouth but found no comforting words.

"If I must wish for something..." Her tone lifted, tentative yet hopeful. "Could I meet Phantom Sir in the real world?"

Chen Mo glanced at his status panel:

[Current State: Hopeful (After half a month of connection, her life has intertwined with yours. She imagines your first meeting, heart pounding as she waits for your reply.)]

*We don’t even share the same world,* he wanted to say. *This is just a simulated life. Too real for its own good.*

Back in his room, Chen Mo opened Luo Xianxue’s computer. He drew a chibi ghost in the art software, saved it, then uploaded it to a niche forum.

"What’s this?" she asked.

"Our secret promise." His voice stayed calm. "If you ever see another little ghost appear beside yours on that site... you’ll meet me in reality."

"I’ll check it every single day!" Her joy was palpable.

*System, don’t fail me now.* Chen Mo planned to verify during his next possession of Little Ash—if his ghost doodle appeared there, their simulated worlds might truly connect. A chance to meet, even in borrowed flesh.

He snorted, rubbing his nose. *First time I’ve ever given such a ridiculous promise. The rational me never lies about the impossible.*

"Phantom Sir... why are you laughing?"

"You’re foolish," he said gently. "And utterly adorable."

"Foolishly adorable?" Unusually, she didn’t protest the "foolish" part.

Chen Mo blinked. "So you admit you’re foolish?"

Luo Xianxue’s whisper floated back, soft as falling snow:

"If Phantom Sir finds this version of me... cute? Then being a little foolish is alright."