Chapter 37: The Deceptive Ghost

At midnight, drowsiness slowly crept over Jun Nanye. Lying in bed, he glanced at the camera to ensure he was in frame, then wrapped his arms around the documents that had puzzled Tao An all day and drifted off to sleep, utterly content.

Cheng Yuan once again found herself in that familiar dark room, staring at the familiar sleeping beauty. Her gaze immediately fell on Jun Nanye’s noticeably rounded abdomen—it looked especially comical tonight.

She reached out and untied the sash of his robe. When she saw the stack of documents inside, her eyes sparkled with delight.

She eagerly examined the papers, her excitement building. He actually thought of this? How considerate. With these materials, her chances of getting into Hai University seemed that much more secure.

Clutching the documents tightly, she considered how to sneak away without waking him. Do I really have to wait for him to wake up again? Can I only leave once he opens his eyes?

Her eyes lingered on Jun Nanye’s face as she mumbled, “So handsome, yet so dangerously clever. If I keep talking, I’ll probably slip up.”

She stared at his striking features, increasingly captivated. After a moment, her eyes darted around mischievously before she curled up beside him. If I bring a mirror next time, this would be a perfect selfie moment.

Nestled against him, her mind grew hazy. If I keep seeing such a face every day, how could I ever fall for anyone else?

No way. Absolutely not.

Suddenly, Cheng Yuan sat up and poked his cheek until he stirred. Just as his eyes fluttered open, he caught her finger in his hand.

“Tao An, holding my hand like this might give me the wrong idea,” she whispered, leaning close to his ear with a glint of mischief. As long as I don’t tell him my real name or where I live, he’ll never find me in real life.

And if this is just a dream, what’s there to be afraid of? Might as well enjoy it.

Her voice was sweet and soft, her breath fragrant like orchids—but she was calling him by another man’s name?

What had started as a little white lie now made Jun Nanye frown the moment he heard “Tao An.”

“Tao An, your research is incredible. Thanks!” Cheng Yuan said sincerely, hugging the documents to her chest.

“You saved my life,” Jun Nanye replied. “These are just documents. I can even send you more prep materials for the entrance exam.”

“Great! No need for postage either—you can just bring them here yourself,” Cheng Yuan said quickly, careful not to slip up. Her eyes drifted to his robe, noting the bandage peeking through. “How’s your injury?”

“Just a scratch,” Jun Nanye answered calmly.

Cheng Yuan immediately shot back, “I have eyes, you know. Yesterday it was a bloody mess—flesh torn, bone exposed. Don’t treat me like I’m clueless.”

If not for her past injuries and self-taught first aid, she wouldn’t have been able to bandage him properly at all.

Jun Nanye: “……”

“Tao An, you’re seriously good-looking. Do you have a girlfriend?” Cheng Yuan asked, boldly leaning closer. This whole place feels like a dream anyway. I just can’t reveal who I really am—that’s the only rule. Everything else is fair game.

“What if I said I do?” Jun Nanye asked coolly.

Cheng Yuan shrugged. “Then that’s your business. But I’d feel bad for her. Watching you spend every night with another woman? That would make anyone jealous.”

“I don’t do affairs,” he said plainly. “If you’re involved with someone, I’ll steer clear of you.”

“Nope.” Cheng Yuan shook her head. “I’m a senior in high school. Do you think I have time for that?”

That ex she dated before had already left her completely disillusioned. Now that she had a second chance at life, her only focus was getting into Shanghai University. She had no time for love.

Still, she thought as she glanced at “Tao An,” after seeing someone this handsome, no one else even compares.

“Good,” Jun Nanye said approvingly. At least their identities would remain secret.

“How did you get in here?” he asked casually.

Cheng Yuan, who had been mentally swooning over his looks, tensed at the question. “Why do you ask?”

“Just curious if you used the same method as I did,” Jun Nanye replied lazily, propping his head on one hand. With his eyes half-lidded and that relaxed posture, he radiated a quiet, seductive charm.

Seriously, this is insane. I’m losing my mind.

Cheng Yuan’s gaze lingered on his partially exposed chest. Finding nothing suspicious in the question, she replied lightly, “I just held the jade pendant. You too, right?”

Clutching the jade pendant… could it really be that simple?

“Did your physical body come here, or just your consciousness?” he asked further.

“Huh?” Cheng Yuan blinked, confused by the question.

“I mean, is your body still lying in bed at home, or are you physically here right now?” Jun Nanye gently guided the conversation.

“I…” She lowered her head, looking at her familiar old cotton pajamas. She wore this set every time she went to sleep. Her bed… was empty.

“Oh no. I’m in big trouble.”

“If my dad finds out I’m missing, he’ll lose it!” she yelped, suddenly panicked.

“You need to wake up,” she muttered, shivering at the thought of her bedroom door left unlocked. What if her dad needed her in the middle of the night?

“You’re a big girl now. Your dad won’t barge into your room,” Jun Nanye said with a straight face. “But your mom might.”

“I’ve never even met my mom. She…” Cheng Yuan abruptly clamped a hand over her mouth. Her face turned red. “You tricked me!”

“Not at all,” Jun Nanye said innocently. “It just came to mind. I’m only thinking of your safety. What if your family found out you disappeared? They’d probably lock you up for testing, right?”

“Pfft.” Cheng Yuan snorted coldly. “A man’s promise is as reliable as a ghost’s oath. If I believed you, I’d be a total fool. Open your eyes already—I want to go home and sleep.”

“Nope,” Jun Nanye said leisurely, lying back down. “It’s more comfortable here.”

More importantly, here—he could sleep soundly. For someone who had battled insomnia for years, this felt like salvation.

“Tao An!” Cheng Yuan snapped, grabbing his arm in frustration. She tried to pull him up, but he was tall, solid, and heavy. No matter how she tugged, he wouldn’t budge.

Furious, she glared at him and flung his robe open, exposing his bare chest.

Jun Nanye laced his fingers behind his head, a smirk playing on his lips. “If you’re really that brave, why not take off my last pair of pants too?”

“Don’t tempt me. I just might.” Her hand hovered at his waistband. But when she saw that he still wouldn’t open his eyes, she faltered and dropped her hand.

Defeated, she plopped down beside him, cheeks puffed, and glared like a pouting kitten.