The room was tidied up in no time.
While Ling Mo cleaned, Xia Xinyan leaned against the doorframe, studying him intently.
This was the first time since her rebirth that she’d examined Ling Mo—her former self—with such quiet focus.
Appearance-wise, Ling Mo was undeniably quite the man. Years of disciplined training had sculpted his frame. In summer’s light clothing, his physique spoke clearly: arm muscles tracing subtle lines of quiet allure, a build perfectly balanced—neither overdone nor lacking, resting exactly at its prime.
Even now, as Xia Xinyan, she felt a trace of satisfaction. In *Realm of Divine Descent*, initial physical stats mirrored real life. This body had carried her far in the early game.
Setting aside his “straight-man” quirks, she rated herself highly—not just physically, but mentally. Without that resilience, she’d never have walked so far alone.
Yet sometimes, she truly longed for someone to talk to—just to unwind, to feel less alone.
In her past life as Ling Mo, she’d fallen just before dawn. This life, as Xia Xinyan… she’d walk beside this Ling Mo.
She knew that hollow fatigue of having no one to confide in. She wouldn’t let this version of herself feel it again.
If the system kept its word—if it would return her to Ling Mo someday—then even if this became only memory, she’d still have tasted this fleeting, gentle joy.
The phone rang suddenly.
“Miss, the game pods have arrived. Install them now?” the butler asked.
“Bring them in. I’m home.” She hung up.
Efficient as ever, the butler soon arrived with two sleek white pods.
Spotting Ling Mo inside, he hesitated. “This is…”
Ling Mo tensed. *Is he staff from her father’s side? Will he report me?*
Xia Xinyan smoothly looped her arm through his, smiling at the butler. “My boyfriend, Ling Mo.”
Ling Mo froze.
Just… like that?
No easing in? With his status, was he even worthy? What if her dad objected?
The butler merely nodded. “Understood.”
After installation, they left without delay.
Ling Mo stood stunned.
That was it? No interrogation? Too casual…
“No worries,” Xia Xinyan released his arm, smiling. “My family doesn’t micromanage me. Dad supports free love—as long as I’m responsible.”
She’d anticipated his thoughts. The system had engineered this identity to remove all barriers. Without it, she’d never have reached him.
“Ah… right.” Ling Mo nodded, expression unreadable.
Xia Xinyan led him to the pods. “Heard you love games. Know *Realm of Divine Descent*?”
Ling Mo paused. “The viral one online? Yeah.”
*Could these white coffins be…?*
“These are the *Realm of Divine Descent* pods,” she beamed. “First-batch access—got them through Dad. Try it?”
Rollout was gradual; flooding the market would raise suspicion. Free, yet fiercely scarce.
Her past self missed batch one, entered third—clueless, lagging badly.
This time? Top two spots. Ling Mo first. Her second.
Only she knew how terrifyingly strong her former self would become—a heaven-defying force, worthy of the system’s “golden finger” title.
She might not reach that peak again. But experience? That she had. Enough to rise.
Would Ling Mo refuse? Never. Girlfriend’s invitation aside—a full-immersion VR pod sat before a hardcore gamer who’d conquered nearly every title. Gaming instinct was his edge. And *Realm of Divine Descent* was, at heart, a game.
Predictably, he lit up. “This is the pod? You… you game too?”
“Mm.” Her lips curved playfully. “Secret’s out—I’m a gamer too.”
*Critical hit.*
Ling Mo nearly floated off the floor.
A dream girlfriend handing him his dream game? Perfection.
If not for pride, he’d spin three times and whoop loud enough to shake the walls.
Xia Xinyan watched his face, smiling faintly.
*Tsk… Still so young. So unsteady.*
“Ready?” She opened a pod, stepping in. “They call it a ‘second world.’ Hype’s wild. Skip it?”
“Let’s go!” Ling Mo’s voice turned firm. “Try it we shall!”
Screw doubts. Even if it’s a dream—he’d savor every second.
He settled in. The lid sealed shut. A calm synth-voice echoed:
“First login initializing. Please close your eyes.”
He breathed deep. Shut them.
Darkness swallowed his mind.
Then—light. A kaleidoscope of color bloomed into a paradise-like vista, leaving him breathless.
“Customize your avatar,” the system chimed.
The glow faded. Ling Mo blinked—he stood in a villa.
Spacious hall. Floor-to-ceiling glass revealed ocean and sand. Before him, a mirror reflected his real-world self.
He imagined a new face.
Instantly, it shifted—exactly as pictured.
“Whoa… seriously sci-fi…”
Heart pounding, he reset to his true form. He liked his face. His build.
“Avatar confirmed.”
“Player identity verified.”
A panel shimmered before him:
[Name: Ling Mo]
[Age: 21]
[Player Panel: Locked]
“…Real name?” He frowned. “How’d it know?”
“The game links to the national ID database. Names are verified—just names. Appearance’s editable anyway.” Xia Xinyan’s voice came from behind.
He turned.
And froze.
She stood in her true form too.
But now… she wore a bikini.
