Yuchuge had a dream—a beautiful dream.

In it, she attended a grand banquet, dressed in finery, poised and elegant. The hall brimmed with masked guests. Their ever-open mouths showered her with praise, weaving dazzling words into a stranger Yuchuge barely recognized.

Yet through the slits of their masks, she saw reflected desire. Masks might hide ugly faces, but not hearts twisted by greed.

Yuchuge tried to rise and leave. But silk threads coiled around her ankles and wrists, pinning her in place. They pulled her limbs into an elegant dance, showcasing a maiden’s fleeting youth. The crowd applauded wildly.

*Is there no one who truly sees me?*

She screamed inside. Her maker had given her no voice to sing.

Then—a searing gaze cut through the crowd. So intense. So real. *Who dares look at me like this?* Heart pounding, Yuchuge twisted against the threads, searching for its source.

Another masked figure stood there. But her eyes—clear and bright as the purest gem—mirrored Yuchuge’s own reflection like a still lake.

She stepped forward boldly, confessing sincere love.

*She sees me!* Yuchuge’s heart fluttered. But hope died instantly—the performance ended.

Back in her empty room, loneliness kept her company.

The stranger’s name echoed: *Mu Yue Ran*. "Love at first sight" crashed over Yuchuge like a tidal wave. She rushed to the balcony, whispering Mu Yue Ran’s name.

A reply floated up. Yuchuge gasped. There stood Mu Yue Ran, having climbed the wall. She reached out: "Your mother would marry you off. I refuse. If you love me—take my hand. Let’s escape this filthy manor!"

"Take me away," Yuchuge breathed. "My dear lady."

She leapt from the balcony, snapping those threads, falling into waiting arms. Blushing, she lifted Mu Yue Ran’s mask—

The dream shattered.

Yuchuge opened her eyes. Mu Yue Ran’s face filled her vision.

She blinked hard, then reached up, tracing Mu Yue Ran’s cheeks with small fingers.

"We’re alive," Mu Yue Ran murmured, guiding Yuchuge’s hand to her chest. "Listen. It still beats."

Yuchuge felt the steady pulse beneath her palm. Relief washed over her—until panic struck again. She tried to sit up, but Mu Yue Ran gently pressed her down. "We escaped. Thank Ji Yueyi later."

*Ji Yueyi...* Mu Yue Ran smiled inwardly. Though the same age, Yuchuge’s petite charm made Ji Yueyi treat her like a little sister.

Safe now, Yuchuge sank into the bed—*Mu Yue Ran’s bed*. The adrenaline faded, leaving aching muscles. Every joint throbbed as if crushed.

Memories flooded back: the sea, the fall... and that underwater kiss. The pain vanished, replaced by a tingling warmth. Yuchuge gazed up, eyes liquid with longing. "That... kiss..."

Mu Yue Ran froze, then flushed. She remembered Yuchuge’s eager lips as she’d breathed life into her. Her own mouth went dry. "It was to save you. Don’t dwell on it."

Yuchuge misunderstood. *To get another kiss, I must need saving again.* She pinched her lips shut, puffed her cheeks, and held her breath until her face turned crimson.

Mu Yue Ran chuckled, poking the swollen cheek. Yuchuge deflated with a huff, shooting her a wounded look.

Unaware of the unmet longing, Mu Yue Ran simply said: "We succeeded."

"No one will drag you back. Ever."

"Then... next year," Yuchuge whispered, "can we watch the sea together?"

Her first bold wish. Mu Yue Ran’s heart swelled. "Yes."

"Soon, you’ll walk freely under the sun. No chains."

"You won’t be a doll anymore. You’ll be human."

Yuchuge stared at her hands, then behind her—grasping at empty air. "I... won’t be trapped at home?"

"No."

"And I won’t need Mother’s permission to leave my room?"

"To hell with her. This is *my* house."

"Can I... stay by your side? Always?"

"If you wish."

Tears spilled silently. Yuchuge didn’t know crying—but the blurred figure holding her felt real. Not a dream. Strong arms pulled her close, patting her back.

"Cry, little one..."

So the doll—no, *Yuchuge*—learned to weep. She sobbed into Mu Yue Ran’s shoulder, years of silence pouring out in shuddering breaths.

Mu Yue Ran listened to every unspoken word.

Long after Yuchuge drifted back to sleep, Mu Yue Ran brushed away the last tear. She traced the peaceful curve of Yuchuge’s smile. *Is your dream as safe as this?*