Under Gao Qiong’s watchful gaze, Pei Chuan wearing the fallen angel mask pressed his lips together: “No.”

Bei Yao was extremely disappointed. Her dejected appearance clearly pleased Gao Qiong. Gao Qiong thought—the fake is just so-so. If it were the real Bei Yao, Satan would be overjoyed. How could he possibly refuse?

Pei Chuan said to the little girl: “If you’re scared at night, you can call me.”

Bei Yao knew there was no hope. In the end, she chose a room next to Pei Chuan’s. After all, something was better than nothing. The closer to him, the stronger her sense of security.

After both Satan and Bei Yao returned to their rooms, Gao Qiong said smugly to Yu Shangxian: “I told you Satan doesn’t value this fake. Probably just the novelty of seeing her at first glance. In a couple days she won’t even know how she died. Two years ago someone threatened Satan using Bei Yao’s brother. Satan gently agreed to that organization’s conditions at the time—before long, all those people died in their homes. These years, anyone who used Bei Yao to stab his heart met bad ends. This fake is touching his reverse scale without knowing it. Definitely the same outcome.”

Yu Shangxian’s gaze was subtle as he looked at that tightly closed door: “I actually think it’s hard to say.”

Gao Qiong: “What do you mean?”

Yu Shangxian smiled: “Nothing much. Just talking.”

Some people refuse because they know it doesn’t belong to them.

Having lost once already left trauma that could never be erased in this lifetime. They couldn’t bear to lose a second time.

At night, strong winds blew. The windows rattled loudly.

Having experienced something as strange as crossing over to her own grave, Bei Yao couldn’t sleep. She hesitated, then picked up the receiver by the bed.

Satan opened his eyes and picked up the receiver.

The little girl called him softly and sweetly: “Pei Chuan.”

“Mm.”

“Am I disturbing you?”

The man said gently: “No.”

“I’m a bit scared.” She said, “Can I return to my original world?”

“You definitely can. Don’t be afraid.” Pei Chuan said calmly. “Tomorrow we’ll look for a way.”

“Thank you. You’re really good.”

Pei Chuan just smiled.

Beneath the mask, he gently closed his eyes.

He was already 27 years old, no longer the young and reckless Pei Chuan whose love burned everything. He was this world’s leader Satan. He could use chips to control people’s hearts but couldn’t change his and her fate. Bei Yao’s staying or leaving didn’t follow his will. This little girl so cute she made his heart ache with longing belonged to another world’s version of himself.

Satan’s Bei Yao already rested beneath the tombstone.

He couldn’t fall countless times over the same woman, forever plunging into hell with shattered heart.

Even the former Bei Yao had never belonged to him for a single day. This terrible world surely couldn’t let even the memories of a visiting little girl from a pure world become terrible, right?

Wind sounds passed by. The little girl asked softly: “When I go back, will you be lonely?”

Though she’d crossed over to a flower sea with a beautiful environment, Bei Yao keenly felt this world seemed very terrible and dark.

Satan answered her: “It’s okay. I’m fine.” He was already used to it.

They talked for a while. Before her breathing gradually calmed, Satan asked: “In your world, am I good to you?”

“Very, very good.”

He smiled: “That’s good then.”

—

Everyone at the small manor knew that every year on Bei Yao’s death anniversary, Satan would come to her grave to plant roses for three days.

He personally planted roses in a sea of lavender flowers, rain or shine. The small manor was forbidden ground, yet for many people, this was undoubtedly a pure land.

Because only in this place was there no terrifying chaos and strife. Satan’s mood wasn’t unpredictable either.

Before her grave, he could even be called gentle and courteous.

The next day the weather was clear. The men guarding the grave looked fearfully at Satan in his wheelchair.

Pei Chuan raised his eyebrows slightly. Several big men plopped to their knees.

The lead grave guard said: “I’m sorry. We didn’t neglect our duty. We also don’t know how she got in.”

Gao Qiong stood to the side gloating. Looking at the extremely embarrassed Bei Yao, she thought—good, this little bitch fake is done for.

Impersonating Bei Yao wasn’t enough—she even dared desecrate her grave. Her head was definitely reserved.

Pei Chuan glanced at the men on the ground: “Get up and go to work. Don’t let there be a next time.”

Looking at him uncertainly, seeing Satan wasn’t joking, joy appeared on their faces as they left efficiently.

By rights, Pei Chuan should also plant roses today.

Though he said yesterday it wasn’t necessary, today he still pushed the cart with flower seedlings toward the grave. He controlled the wheelchair with one hand while pushing the cart.

Seeing this, Bei Yao hurried to help with the seedling cart: “I’ll help you.”

Pei Chuan said: “Thank you.”

The two walked into the graveyard together.

Gao Qiong and Yu Shangxian didn’t dare enter, staying outside looking at each other. Gao Qiong widened her eyes: “I guarantee, they go in together, only Satan comes out. That fake is definitely done for.”

Yu Shangxian’s lips twitched.

In the lavender sea—

The man rolled up his sleeves, expression peaceful beneath the mask, planting roses.

His palms were rough—rose thorns wouldn’t pierce his hands. He hadn’t forgotten the little girl beside him, saying gently: “You said you suddenly appeared here. You can look around freely, see if you can go home.”

Bei Yao felt it was strange—watching someone plant flowers before “her” grave, and she had to hop around on “her” grave to see if she could cross back.

She tilted her head: “Then I’m going?”

Pei Chuan said: “Mm.”

He lowered his gaze without looking at her, covering the yellow earth well.

Bei Yao coughed. She stepped onto the grave and jumped a bit.

A patch of roses around collapsed. After a moment, she awkwardly met the gaze of the composed man sitting in the wheelchair. Bei Yao said blankly: “I’m still here.”

Satan also froze: “Mm, what a pity.”

Bei Yao embarrassedly jumped off the grave and simply watched him plant flowers.

The man’s solid arms were covered in mud. She glanced at the tombstone. Those vigorous characters “Tomb of My Wife Bei Yao” made her face flush. Bei Yao looked at him: “The words on this tombstone…”

Pei Chuan’s movements paused. After a moment, he took out the next rose from the cart and continued planting: “Sorry for the offense. Don’t mind it.”

Bei Yao’s cheeks were completely red. After a long while she squeezed out two words: “I won’t.”

Pei Chuan sighed softly.

His current self was naturally very different from his youth. Having experienced half a lifetime of loneliness, he no longer had much sense of inferiority. Many stormy waves had now settled into light, lingering emotions.

This kind of thick-skinned and embarrassing thing—calling someone his wife—if it were his younger self a few years ago, he’d probably be mortified.

The little girl shyly planted flowers with him.

She said sullenly: “I think this is really strange. Why should I attend my own grave?”

He knew the one from another world was young and cute. Hearing this, his lips curved slightly. However, guarding the Bei Yao who had left this world was Satan’s obsession year after year.

After he finished planting flowers, Bei Yao gently wiped the mud from his arm.

The man’s body stiffened under her palm. Through the mask, his gaze looked at her, deep yet clear.

Bei Yao hesitantly withdrew her hand, guessing: “Was I not good to you before?”

Otherwise why would he react this way to such a small helpful gesture?

Pei Chuan lowered his eyes: “No such thing. Do you want to try again to see if you can go home from here?”

Though Bei Yao knew this was very embarrassing, her eagerness to go home still existed. She responded: “Okay.”

Under Satan’s gaze, she felt like an idiot. Standing on the grave again, Bei Yao felt if she recited a slogan now, she’d be a complete chuunibyou patient.

After a moment, she slunk down from the grave.

This time she knew to avoid the roses the man had planted, not damaging the ones just planted.

The man before her still had a peaceful gaze. Bei Yao wanted to dig a hole and bury herself. She said quietly: “Still didn’t go back.”

Beneath Pei Chuan’s mask, his lips curved slightly.

Bei Yao gripped her skirt hem, her voice pitiful: “Can I temporarily stay with you?”

Pei Chuan said: “As long as you don’t mind. It’s my honor.”

His tolerance made her less embarrassed. Bei Yao relaxed somewhat more.

When the two walked out of the graveyard, Gao Qiong looked over with bright eyes.

Seeing that little vixen still alive and well, veins jumped on Gao Qiong’s forehead. She laughed dryly: “Haha Satan, I heard yesterday this young lady couldn’t wait to dance on Miss Bei Yao’s grave. The flower bed is still collapsed. She’s really lively.”

Everyone understood the subtext—this fake was audacious, practically trampling Satan’s heartfelt intentions. Kill her off quickly.

Bei Yao still remembered this woman saying she’d implant a chip in her. She said: “I didn’t do it on purpose.”

Gao Qiong wanted to rush up and finish her off herself: “All people who make mistakes like to claim it wasn’t on purpose.”

Bei Yao looked carefully at Pei Chuan.

Pei Chuan paused, saying to Gao Qiong: “Enough. She already said it wasn’t on purpose.”

Gao Qiong was stunned. Is this the normal development?

You believe whatever the fake says! Forgiving her so easily—are you still Satan?

After everyone returned, Pei Chuan listened to reports. Gao Qiong quietly walked to Bei Yao’s side. Her mouth moved slightly, gaze very sharp: “I know what trick you’re playing. I’m warning you, don’t expect your conspiracy to succeed.”

Bei Yao asked her blankly: “What trick am I playing?”

Gao Qiong: “Heh, you think Satan’s heart is so easy to obtain? There were people like you before. You know where they are now?”

Bei Yao asked cooperatively: “Where?”

Gao Qiong smiled evilly: “Under your feet, made into fertilizer.”

“…”

“I’m telling you, you’ll definitely meet the same end in the future. Though I know you people desperately want to kill Satan, wise up—it’s impossible in this lifetime. Don’t think just because Satan is protecting you now you can hurt him. Compared to Miss Bei Yao, you’re far inferior.”

Though these were insincere words—in Gao Qiong’s memory, Bei Yao and Satan’s relationship was always cold and distant. Sometimes Gao Qiong hated her for being unmoved.

But now dealing with the fake, Gao Qiong just couldn’t stand seeing her smug. She’d say anything as long as it could strike at the fake.

Hearing her say she couldn’t compare to “Bei Yao,” Bei Yao looked at Gao Qiong strangely: “Do you like Pei Chuan?”

Gao Qiong said boldly: “So what if I like him? I’m the one most suited to him.”

Bei Yao said: “I also like him. I won’t hurt him.”

Gao Qiong only heard the first sentence and exploded on the spot: “Are you declaring war on me?”

Bei Yao: “No, I’m not…”

Gao Qiong said: “I’ve followed him for over ten years. I know everything about him—his preferences, his temper, his body! We were about to be together soon.” Gao Qiong was so angry she spoke without thinking. Why should some wild woman who just arrived yesterday compete with her for Satan! She’d followed Satan for over ten years—forget abs, she hadn’t even touched his shoulder.

Bei Yao wasn’t easily angered normally, but now she was a bit angry too.

Pei Chuan’s preferences, his temper, his body?

Her world’s Pei Chuan, that big scoundrel, was still squatting in prison. He’d once left her without a word. Would this world’s Satan also gradually stop liking Bei Yao and like Gao Qiong instead?

She’d also grown up with Pei Chuan as childhood friends—much longer than Gao Qiong.

Bei Yao said seriously: “He likes me.”

Gao Qiong: “Likes you my ass!”

Bei Yao did something particularly childish. She ran off with quick steps, catching up to Satan who was talking with his subordinates ahead, and planted a kiss on the mask on his cheek.

The air was silent for several seconds.

The sky outside the small manor was very blue, clouds one after another, soft and white. The subordinate making the report was nearly scared witless.

Forget subordinates—even Yu Shangxian recording nearby was dumbfounded.

Bei Yao was like a cat with fur standing on end defending territory. Her indignation was no less than Gao Qiong’s, and her affection was also sincere.

Everyone looked unanimously at Satan in the wheelchair.

Pei Chuan reached out, touching his mask.

Actually wearing a mask, you couldn’t really feel anything.

He asked the little girl Bei Yao as calmly as possible: “What are you doing?”

Bei Yao turned and glared at Gao Qiong.

Gao Qiong had countless curses in her heart. She first thought—this damn fake is a complete white lotus vixen childish ghost! Then thought—holy shit this one’s guts are too fat!

She thought—this time! This time the fake is definitely done for!

Satan calmed himself, looking at Gao Qiong, saying warningly: “I already said, don’t bully her.”

Gao Qiong didn’t get to see Satan eliminate the fake and even received Satan’s warning. She was stunned for a moment, then cried internally like a 200-pound dog. Who bullied the fake! Hasn’t even had a chance to make a move yet!

This time Bei Yao was happy. See, she said Pei Chuan liked her. Pei Chuan wouldn’t change his heart so easily.

Pleased, she didn’t quibble with Gao Qiong, eagerly moving a small stool to sit beside Pei Chuan.

He glanced at her, remembering that light touch that couldn’t count as a kiss, and accepted Bei Yao’s presence by default.

Pei Chuan said to his subordinate: “Continue.”

The subordinate stuttered through several sentences before finally dispelling his shock.

Bei Yao now learned they were all on a privately-owned small island with pleasant climate.

Pei Chuan had transformed an island into “her” resting place.

At dinner that evening, the collapsed Gao Qiong showed up as usual.

She wore a pure white dress, makeup done very fresh. Compared to that current “fake” little girl, she looked more like the once distant and courteous Bei Yao. This was a change from Gao Qiong’s usual style. Yu Shangxian raised his eyebrows slightly: “What are you doing?”

Gao Qiong glanced at him: “I can play the substitute plot too.”

“You…” Yu Shangxian felt it was beyond words. “As colleagues of many years, I advise you not to court death.”

Gao Qiong gritted her teeth: “She kissed Satan. I’ve never even kissed him.”

Though it was just kissing the mask, when Satan touched the mask in surprise, his reaction made Gao Qiong’s teeth itch with anger.

Yu Shangxian: “…” He thought about it, out of comradely love: “When you die I’ll collect your body. Hmm, what do you think of the cemetery at East Emperor City?”

“Heh, thanks so much.”

“You’re welcome. It’s only right.”

Gao Qiong was really going to court this death. Her personality couldn’t accept defeat.

When Bei Yao and Pei Chuan ate dinner that night, Gao Qiong watched several times. Then she discovered some subtle small details. For instance, whatever the fake liked to eat, Pei Chuan wouldn’t touch his chopsticks, even if he also liked it. What the fake didn’t like, Pei Chuan ate the most.

Really silently considerate.

Gao Qiong gritted her teeth, learning from the fake. She walked quickly to the dining table. When she lowered her head to kiss Pei Chuan, Pei Chuan frowned and pressed a button on his wrist.

Before Bei Yao could react, Gao Qiong knelt on the ground.

Her lively expression became blank, her tone like mechanical audio: “What orders does Satan have?”

Pei Chuan said calmly: “Go receive punishment.”

Gao Qiong responded woodenly: “Yes.” She stood up from the ground and walked out the door.

Bei Yao didn’t understand: “What is she doing?” How did she plop down kneeling, then go accept punishment?

Yu Shangxian saw Bei Yao genuinely didn’t understand. His expression changed subtly.

In this current world, was there anyone who didn’t know about the “Rebirth” chip?

Pei Chuan didn’t want to say more: “It’ll get cold tonight. Rest well.”

He pushed his wheelchair away.

Seeing Pei Chuan didn’t seem to want to mention it, Bei Yao had no choice but to turn and ask the other observer: “What happened to Gao Qiong?”

The smiling fox Yu Shangxian was even faker. Pondering Pei Chuan’s thoughts, he said amiably: “Her daytime work wasn’t done well. Now she’s confessing herself.”

Bei Yao clearly didn’t believe it.

Yu Shangxian said: “Satan seems to like you very much.” He smiled: “He used to like Miss Bei Yao this way too.”

Bei Yao was very interested in this. She asked Yu Shangxian: “Was I… was Bei Yao not good to Satan before?”

“Not exactly not good—polite, very respectful.” Yu Shangxian clicked his tongue, glancing at Bei Yao. “It’s just that she lived with Satan for a year without even holding hands. What they talked about was: Mr. Pei, good morning, good afternoon, good night. Oh no, there was one more line: Thank you, but I don’t need it.”

Bei Yao burst out laughing.

Because she had no memory of this period, she had difficulty imagining such a scene.

Yu Shangxian smiled: “Very distant, right?”

Bei Yao nodded, inexplicably a bit embarrassed.

Yu Shangxian: “But none of this affected Satan loving her. Loved her for many years. If possible, could you help him? I don’t care what your identity is, what purpose you have, how long you’ll stay here—letting him be happy is always good.”

Bei Yao said: “Thank you and Gao Qiong for being so good to him.”

Yu Shangxian said exaggeratedly: “Where did you see I’m good to him? A superior—for career prospects, I must consider more.” His words were always half-true, hard to fathom.

However, one thing was undeniable—Yu Shangxian was quite ambitious. Pei Chuan wouldn’t force those around him to implant Rebirth, but Yu Shangxian and Gao Qiong both actively requested chip implantation. This way, for over ten years they’d been Pei Chuan’s most trusted people.

Bei Yao thought: “You may not quite understand my situation. In fact, I don’t know how much I can do for him, what I can do.”

Yu Shangxian saw she was genuinely willing to try. His gaze flashed—this was quite different from the aloof Miss Bei Yao. He also wanted to test whether this was really Bei Yao. He lied: “Then how about first persuading Satan to remove his mask? When Miss Bei Yao died, he put on that mask and never took it off in front of people again. Probably because of heavy feelings. Only by letting go of the past can one live more easily.”

Bei Yao didn’t speak. After a long while she said: “I understand.”

Yu Shangxian smiled without warmth.

When wind blew at midnight, Bei Yao knocked on Pei Chuan’s door. Before long the door opened. Pei Chuan’s clothes were somewhat disheveled, clearly hastily re-dressed. He asked: “What’s wrong?”

“Can I talk with you?”

“Please come in.”

This whole time Bei Yao had been treating him as the Pei Chuan in her heart. But it was only just now talking with Yu Shangxian that she understood. Satan was her Pei Chuan, yet also different. He’d experienced too many bitter things. How much wind, frost, rain and snow had it taken to temper him into his current unperturbed appearance?

Moreover, Pei Chuan was respectful and courteous to her, clearly also following the way of interacting with the previous Bei Yao.

Bei Yao’s heart suddenly felt uneasy.

She crouched before him, raising her small face to look at him: “Look at me. I’m Bei Yao, but not completely the Bei Yao you know.”

She poked her own cheek—one poke on the soft cheek created an impossibly cute little dimple.

He truly looked at her. After a long while he said gently: “Mm, I know.”

She lowered her head guiltily: “I’m sorry. I really apologize. I apologize for my daytime behavior. I reflected well. I was too selfish. I don’t want you to like Gao Qiong, but I clearly didn’t understand—the me of this world should already be gone. Who knows when I’ll leave? I can’t give you a future or promises, so I shouldn’t prevent you from liking anyone. Shouldn’t have kissed you either.”

His lips curved slightly as he said gently: “It’s okay.”

Guilt was about to drown Bei Yao. For him, he must have detected her difference long ago. The previous Bei Yao didn’t like him, so never gave him anticipation or hope. The current her liked Pei Chuan, but because of Satan’s gentle indulgence, forgot that everything she gave would make him even sadder later.

She was like a sincerely apologetic little quail, head drooping, dejected and guilty.

Pei Chuan hesitated, then gently placed his hand on her hair.

The little girl’s hair was soft. She lifted her head. Only then did Pei Chuan see her big eyes held tears: “I’m sorry. I was bad before, bad now too. Always making you sad. If you… really like Gao Qiong, then.” She choked up. Though feeling terrible, she still finished: “That would be good too. She’s much more capable than me.”

He lowered his gaze, fingertips wiping away her tears.

Little girl.

If it were his younger self, he’d probably be angry enough to grit his teeth. Did she even know what she was saying? Was his affection so cheap?

But a bit older, he also understood the clarity and sadness in her heart.

All he could do was be tolerant.

Pei Chuan said: “There won’t be Gao Qiong. Only you.” The earth-shattering emotions in his youthful heart, never dared speak aloud. Now, he could actually pour them out peacefully.

Only you. In this lifetime, only you.

The teardrops on Bei Yao’s lashes trembled. Her heart shook.

His tone was low: “I want to know—in your world, do you like me?” Otherwise how could… even kissing the cheek be so natural? He knew that affection wasn’t for him.

Bei Yao nodded.

Pei Chuan was silent. Can’t say he was jealous or resentful—just some ineffable envy. He’d never been liked by Bei Yao, not even for a day. Never obtaining something, naturally he didn’t know what it tasted like.

These past few days felt stolen.

As always, he said gently: “I understand. Go back to sleep. Don’t think too much.”

Bei Yao wanted to say goodnight to him. Inexplicably she remembered Yu Shangxian’s words. What he heard most in this lifetime was probably good morning, good night.

Better not to say it at all.

She walked to the door, then suddenly turned back.

Pei Chuan looked up.

The little girl quickly made a heart shape: “For Satan.”

He was silent for a moment, then smiled. For him.