Chapter 29: Are You Checking My Household Registration?

“Go ahead and try it,” Cheng Huaien said with a smile, his eyes twinkling with amusement. Cheng Yuan couldn’t tell if he truly believed her.

She deftly pressed the play button. The familiar intro music washed over her, stirring a sense of nostalgia—as if a lifetime had passed. “Thank you, Dad,” she said again, genuinely touched. She hadn’t expected him to buy this for her.

“Yuanyuan, whether you get into Shanghai University or not, you’ll always be Dad’s pride.” With that, Cheng Huaien headed to the kitchen. In the dim light, his figure moved rhythmically—pick up, tap tap tap, set down—cracking eggs one after another.

Something about it felt off. Cheng Yuan tilted her head, watching. Her father had never been one to offer direct encouragement. In the past, he would just leave things lying around, allowing her to discover them on her own.

She carried the Walkman back to her room, her mind spinning. Since her rebirth, her father had changed. But wasn’t that a good thing? Pushing aside the doubts, she buried herself in math problems. Yu Qing had said the key to improving was simple: practice, practice, practice.

At midnight, Cheng Yuan turned off the lights and went to sleep.

Haicheng.

Jun Nanye had finished his work early and went to bed by 11:30. As the clock struck midnight, a wave of intense drowsiness swept over him. He knew—she was asleep.

“Wake up already!”

“……”

“The sun’s burning your butt!”

“……”

Having grown used to this strange routine, Cheng Yuan barged into the pitch-black room and began her daily ritual of pestering the sleeping beauty. Her eyes lingered on his silk pajamas, fully aware of the sculpted physique beneath. She poked his cheek, but he didn’t budge. Frowning, she muttered, “Why are his dark circles getting worse?”

No wonder. You wake me up every day, Jun Nanye thought bitterly. But suddenly, he froze. He was conscious—yet still trapped in this dreamlike place.

Wait. His eyes were still closed.

“Wake up!” Cheng Yuan gave him a rough shove. When he remained still, she perched on the icy bed and poked his cheek again. “What’s the point of a man being this handsome?”

“……”

“Hurry up and wake up! I have school tomorrow. If I don’t get enough sleep, I won’t be able to get up.” Frustrated, she leaned close to his ear and whispered threateningly, “If you don’t wake up, I’ll strip your pants off!”

“You little vixen!” Jun Nanye suddenly grabbed her hand.

“Ah—!”

Cheng Yuan leapt in fright. Normally, whenever he woke up, she’d return to the real world immediately. But this time, he had actually caught her hand.

His hand was large and warm, engulfing hers completely. His grip was so firm she couldn’t even break free. As she tried to wriggle away, he yanked her toward him.

“Ouch.”

The force of the pull caused her to fall against him. Rubbing her aching forehead, she grumbled, “Is your chest made of iron?”

“Hey, if you’re awake, open your eyes already.” She raised her head and stared at him. “Are you even alive?”

“What a stupid question.” His voice was deep and magnetic.

Cheng Yuan had never believed the novels that claimed some voices were so charming they could make ears pregnant. She’d always thought it was an exaggeration—until now. Why was God so unfair? This man had it all: a flawless face, a voice that made her knees weak, and…

Jun Nanye waited in silence, expecting to return to the real world. But even after a long pause, her soft breathing still echoed beside him. He realized that as long as he kept his eyes closed, he could stay.

Seizing the opportunity, he asked, “What’s your name? Where do you live?”

“Are you checking my ID?” Cheng Yuan narrowed her eyes.

She sensed something was wrong too. Normally, once he woke up, she’d disappear. But this time, they were still here, together.

“Do you have a jade pendant carved with a phoenix?” he asked again. His eyes remained shut, but he tilted his head toward her. It felt like he could see her.

A chill crept up Cheng Yuan’s spine. This felt way too real.

She thought of the jade pendant she’d worn since childhood. She always needed to hold it to enter this strange place. Only after she left could she fall asleep peacefully. Otherwise, she’d lie awake all night.

But now…

“Could it be… you have one too?” she guessed, almost certain.

“Yes,” Jun Nanye said without hesitation. “It’s a family heirloom.”

“Wait a second,” she interrupted. “Don’t try to trick me. I’ve worn this since I was a kid. How could it possibly be your family’s?”

“Who knows where you got it? These pendants came in pairs,” he replied. His thick eyebrows lifted slightly. Though his eyes remained shut, he could tell from her voice she was young—likely still in school. He tightened his grip on her hand, as if afraid she’d vanish.

“This pendant’s been passed down for generations. Wearing it for too long might bring misfortune. So…”

“So you want me to give it back?” Cheng Yuan scoffed. “Dream on. Just because you say it’s yours doesn’t make it true.”

She tilted her head and added, “If anything, I think this pendant brought me good luck.”

After all, she was convinced her rebirth was tied to it. She’d be a fool to give it up.

“You should just open your eyes already. Let’s go our separate ways.” Cheng Yuan reached out her hand to him.

But before she could touch him, Jun Nanye grabbed her hand again.

“Let go!” Cheng Yuan struggled, only to realize she was sprawled on top of him. Her face flushed with embarrassment. In a panic, she kicked him hard with a self-defense move.

“Shameless!” she hissed through gritted teeth.

Jun Nanye winced in pain, his eyes snapping open instinctively. In the next instant, he found himself back in his own room, clutching the spot where she had kicked him, his teeth grinding.

Just wait until I catch you…

He slammed his fist against the bed, rage smoldering with nowhere to go. He didn’t even know her name.

She was still in school. Young. Maybe under twenty.

But in a country of over a billion people, countless girls fit that description. Trying to find her was like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Jun Nanye sat on the windowsill, letting the cool night breeze wash over him as he stared at the city lights.

At least now, he had taken the first step. He had spoken to her.

Tomorrow, I’ll see her again. I have to find a way to get her talking.