The next morning, Chi Chi sat in the sect’s lecture hall, her chin resting on her hand as she stared blankly at Elder Ming, who was droning on about the intricacies of spiritual energy manipulation.

The words washed over her like a distant hum, barely registering in her mind.

Her thoughts were elsewhere, tangled in the memory of last night’s encounter with Jiang Han at the moonlit pool.

She could still see him emerging from the water, droplets glistening on his skin under the silver glow of the moon.

His flustered expression, his awkward apologies, and the way his voice had softened when he called her beautiful—it all replayed in her mind like a vivid dream.

Her cheeks warmed at the thought, and she quickly shook her head, trying to focus on the lecture.

But it was no use.

Jiang Han had taken up permanent residence in her thoughts.

“Chi Chi,” Yue Xue whispered from beside her, nudging her arm. “Are you even listening? Elder Ming is about to call on you.”

Chi Chi blinked, snapping out of her reverie. “Huh? What? No, I’m fine. Totally fine.”

Yue Xue raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “You’ve been spacing out all morning. What’s going on with you?”

“Nothing!” Chi Chi said a little too quickly, her voice rising slightly.

A few nearby disciples turned to look at her, and she quickly lowered her head, pretending to scribble notes on her parchment.

“Just… tired. Didn’t sleep well.”

Yue Xue gave her a skeptical look but didn’t press further. Chi Chi sighed in relief, though her mind was still racing.

She couldn’t stop thinking about Jiang Han and the way his favorability had skyrocketed after their encounter.

The system notifications had been clear: his feelings for her were growing stronger, despite the Heart’s Veil technique.

As soon as the lecture ended, Chi Chi hurried back to her dormitory, her satchel slung over her shoulder. She needed answers, and there was only one person—or rather, one entity—she could turn to.

“BunBun,” she called out softly as she closed the door behind her. The small, glowing bunny-like creature materialized in front of her, its ears twitching curiously.

“Yes, Chi Chi?” BunBun chirped, floating in midair. “You seem troubled. What’s on your mind?”

Chi Chi flopped onto her bed, staring up at the ceiling.

“It’s about Jiang Han. Last night, his favorability shot up like crazy, even though I activated the Heart’s Veil technique. You know, the one that’s supposed to prevent anyone from falling in love with me without my permission. How is that even possible?”

BunBun tilted its head, its glowing eyes blinking thoughtfully. “Ah, the Heart’s Veil. A powerful technique, indeed. But there’s something you need to understand, Chi Chi. Jiang Han isn’t just anyone—he’s the protagonist.”

Chi Chi sat up, frowning. “What does that have to do with anything?”

BunBun floated closer, its voice taking on a more serious tone.

“Protagonists operate on a different level. Their emotions, their willpower, their destiny—they’re all tied to the core of the world’s narrative.

If Jiang Han’s feelings for you are strong enough, no technique, no matter how powerful, can fully suppress them. The Heart’s Veil might delay or obscure his emotions, but it can’t extinguish them entirely.

His heart is… unstoppable.”

Chi Chi’s eyes widened. “So you’re saying that no matter what I do, if Jiang Han decides he loves me, there’s nothing I can do to stop it?”

BunBun nodded. “Essentially, yes. The Heart’s Veil can influence others, but Jiang Han’s feelings are bound by the laws of the protagonist’s narrative.

If his emotions are genuine and strong enough, they’ll break through any barrier.”

Chi Chi fell silent, her mind racing. Instead of feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, a strange warmth spread through her chest.

The idea that Jiang Han’s feelings for her were so strong that even the Heart’s Veil couldn’t suppress them made her heart flutter.

She couldn’t help but feel… happy. Happy that someone could care for her that deeply, that unconditionally.

“So… he really likes me that much, huh?” she murmured, a small smile tugging at her lips.

BunBun nodded again, its ears twitching. “It would seem so. His feelings are genuine, Chi Chi. And they’re only growing stronger.”

Chi Chi leaned back against her pillow, her mind drifting to all the romance novels she had read over the years.

She had always been a sucker for different genres, devouring every tale of star-crossed lovers, forbidden romances, and happily-ever-afters.

She had analyzed every trope, every cliché, every grand gesture. But now, faced with her own feelings, she felt completely out of her depth.

She thought about the way Jiang Han had looked at her last night, his voice soft and sincere when he called her beautiful.

She thought about the way his favorability had skyrocketed, the system notifications revealing his growing attachment to her.

And she thought about the way her own heart had raced when he was near, the way she couldn’t stop thinking about him, even when she tried.

“BunBun,” she said slowly, her cheeks flushing as she spoke. “Do you think… I might have feelings for him too?”

BunBun’s glowing eyes sparkled with amusement. “Only you can answer that, Chi Chi. But if I were to guess… yes, you do.”

Chi Chi buried her face in her hands, her cheeks burning.

“Ugh, this is so embarrassing! I’ve read about this a thousand times, but now that it’s happening to me, I don’t know what to do!”

BunBun chuckled softly. “Feelings are complicated, even for someone as well-read as you. But perhaps it’s time to stop overthinking and just… let yourself feel.”

Chi Chi peeked through her fingers, her heart pounding. "Sh-Should I give him a chance?”

BunBun nodded. “If that’s what you want. The Heart’s Veil is still active, but you have the power to deactivate it for him. If you’re ready to explore these feelings, then why not take that step?”

Chi Chi took a deep breath, her mind made up. She sat up straight, her resolve firm.

“You’re right".

With a determined nod, she closed her eyes and focused on the Heart’s Veil technique.

She could feel its energy swirling within her, a subtle barrier that had been shielding her heart.

But now, with a single thought, she released it—just for Jiang Han.

"Wait, BunBun... how did he not see my scars?" Chi Chi's voice was soft, almost fragile, as her fingers brushed lightly over the marks she usually kept hidden.

BunBun tilted his head, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, that?" hHe grinned, his tone playful yet tender. "I knew you wouldn’t want them to know. So, I conjured an illusion—quick thinking, right?"

Chi Chi’s lips curved into a smile, gentle and flowing like a quiet stream. Her eyes shimmered with gratitude as she whispered, "Thank you."

____________________

The hidden garden was bathed in hues of gold and crimson, the last remnants of the sun spilling over the treetops. The sky melted into shades of pink and lavender, and the soft rustling of leaves accompanied the distant hum of cicadas. Fireflies had begun their slow waltz above the pond, their glow reflecting off the still water.

Chi Chi stepped past the overgrown archway, letting out a soft breath as she took in the sight. This was her favorite place—a quiet sanctuary where the world felt a little smaller, a little softer.

But tonight, she wasn’t alone.

Jiang Han stood near the pond, the sunset casting warm light over his sharp, chiseled features. His long, dark hair was loosely tied, strands slipping over his shoulder with the breeze. The deep black of his robes blended into the shadows, but the orange glow of dusk softened his usual intensity, making him look almost unreal.

Chi Chi’s breath hitched.

As if sensing her presence, he turned. Their gazes met.

For a moment, Jiang Han didn’t move.

The playful smirk she often saw on his lips was gone, replaced by something unreadable. His dark eyes locked onto hers, and for the first time, Chi Chi felt truly seen—not just glanced at, but seen, as if every little detail about her was being silently memorized.

Her fingers curled at her sides. The intensity in his gaze made her stomach flutter in the worst possible way.

Jiang Han took a slow step forward, then another. His eyes flickered, lingering on her face, on the way the soft light caught in her long lashes, on the way her lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something but forgot how.

“You’re beautiful.”

The words were barely above a whisper, but they hit Chi Chi like a strike to the heart.

Her pulse roared in her ears.

“What—?” She took a hasty step back, her heart slamming against her ribs. “Don’t say weird things!”

Jiang Han blinked, then a slow, teasing smile spread across his lips. “Weird? I was simply stating a fact.”

Chi Chi huffed, but her hands betrayed her by gripping the fabric of her robes tightly, as if that would stop them from shaking.

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Jiang Han tilted his head, his gaze flickering between her lips and her eyes, lingering a little too long on the latter. “Your eyes…” he mused. “They look like the sunset. Gold and violet, melting together. Mesmerizing.”

Chi Chi thought she might actually faint.

Her entire body felt warm, an unbearable heat creeping up her neck. “Stop talking,” she mumbled, looking away.

Jiang Han chuckled. “Why? Am I making you nervous?”

“No.” Yes. Absolutely. Her heart was beating so fast she was sure he could hear it.

Jiang Han took another step forward, closing the space between them. She had nowhere to escape. His scent—something clean and sharp, like cold steel and cedarwood—wrapped around her, making it impossible to focus.

Chi Chi swallowed, eyes darting over his face despite herself. He was too close. Too overwhelming.

And he was unfairly handsome.

The sharp cut of his jawline, the arch of his dark brows, the depth of his midnight-black eyes—everything about him drew her in. His lips, slightly curved in that ever-present smirk, were the worst of all. It was infuriating.

And yet… she found herself staring.

Jiang Han caught her gaze and smirked wider. “Now who’s staring?”

Chi Chi sucked in a breath, feeling the butterflies in her stomach explode into chaos. She immediately turned away, ears burning. “I wasn’t staring!”

Jiang Han hummed, clearly unconvinced. “Mm. Sure.”

Chi Chi clenched her fists. He was teasing her, and it was working. She hated that it was working.

“You’re so annoying,” she grumbled.

Jiang Han chuckled, stepping even closer. The air between them grew thinner, charged with something unfamiliar and electric.

He raised a hand, and for a second, Chi Chi thought he might touch her face.

But instead, his fingers brushed against a loose strand of her hair, tucking it gently behind her ear.

Chi Chi forgot how to breathe.

She was drowning.

And she didn't want to be saved.

The touch was featherlight, barely there, but it sent a shiver down her spine. Her heart pounded wildly, and her fingers twitched at her sides, resisting the urge to clutch at her robes.

Jiang Han watched her carefully, his teasing expression softening just slightly. “I want to pursue you.”

The words settled into the silence, heavy and undeniable.

Chi Chi’s breath caught. She blinked up at him, her thoughts spinning too fast to catch.

Jiang Han studied her reaction, then leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to something softer. “No objections?”

Chi Chi’s lips parted, but no words came out. She knew how she felt. She knew she liked him. But somehow, hearing it aloud, spoken so confidently, left her stunned.

Jiang Han let out a small hum, tilting his head as if thinking. Then he sighed dramatically. “Ah. I see.”

Chi Chi blinked, thrown off. “See what?”

His lips curled in mock disappointment. “You don’t want me to.”

Chi Chi’s brain short-circuited.

What?

No—No, that wasn’t it at all!

She liked him.

Had always liked him.

There was no reason to hesitate.

So she didn’t.

Her body moved before her mind could catch up.

In one swift motion, she grabbed his collar, yanking him down before pressing her lips to his.

The world fell away.

Jiang Han stiffened.

For a heartbeat, he didn’t move.

Then, as if something snapped inside him, he kissed her back.

And oh.

It was nothing like she expected.

His lips were warm, firm yet impossibly soft, moving against hers with a slow, intoxicating heat that sent fire rushing through her veins.

His hand came up to cup the back of her head, tilting her gently into him, deepening the kiss just enough to make her knees weak.

Her fingers clutched his robes to keep from collapsing, her entire body trembling from the sheer intensity of it all.

Jiang Han pulled her closer, his grip tightening ever so slightly, as if afraid she’d vanish.

He kissed her, he had been waiting for this moment—had imagined it, over and over—yet still found reality far sweeter.

By the time they pulled apart, Chi Chi was breathless, her face burning.

Jiang Han looked equally shaken. His normally sharp gaze was slightly dazed, his breathing unsteady.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke.

Then, as the tension settled into something softer, something undeniably real, Chi Chi smirked, despite her racing heart.

“You’re too good at that,” she accused, her voice light but teasing.

Jiang Han blinked, then let out a breathless chuckle. “What?”

Chi Chi crossed her arms, tilting her head. “You’ve done this before, haven’t you?”

Jiang Han stared at her, then let out an incredulous laugh. “You just kissed me, and this is what you’re thinking about?”

She huffed. “I have to ask. No one is this good their first time.”

Jiang Han let out a dramatic sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Little one, I assure you, I have never kissed anyone before.”

Chi Chi narrowed her eyes. “Really?”

His lips quirked, that familiar teasing glint returning. “Would you like to be sure?”

Her face turned scarlet. “Shut up!”

Jiang Han laughed, and the sound was so light—so genuinely happy—that Chi Chi’s heart squeezed.

She sighed, stepping forward and resting her forehead against his chest. His arms instinctively wrapped around her, pulling her close.

“I like you,” she admitted softly.

Jiang Han stilled.

Then, ever so slowly, his grip tightened, his chin resting lightly on top of her head.

“I know,” he murmured. “I like you too.”

Chi Chi smiled against his robes, feeling warmth spread through her.

They stood there for a long time, wrapped in the golden glow of sunset, neither speaking—simply existing in each other’s presence.

“You’re distracted,” he said.

Chi Chi forced a smile. “I was just thinking.”

Jiang Han arched a brow. “About what?”

She hesitated.

If she told him, he would ask questions. If he asked questions, he might start looking for answers. And if he found the truth—

She didn’t know what would happen.

So she lied.

“Nothing important.”

Jiang Han didn’t look convinced.

For a long moment, he just watched her, the usual mischief in his eyes dimming into something quieter.

Then, with a sigh, he stood up.

Chi Chi blinked. “Where are you—?”

Before she could finish, he had walked over and scooped her up.

Her breath caught. “Jiang Han—!”

“Shh.” He settled onto the bench, pulling her onto his lap like it was the most natural thing in the world. “You need to be held.”

Chi Chi stiffened. “I—”

“Holding you makes you feel better.” His chin rested against her temple, voice unshakably certain. “So I’ll hold you until you tell me what’s wrong.”

Her heart ached.

She wanted to tell him.

She wanted to curl into him and whisper the truth—that he would be reborn in seven days, that he might not remember her, that she was terrified she would wake up one morning and find that everything was gone.

But she didn’t.

Because he looked so happy.

So blissfully unaware.

And she couldn’t take that from him.

So instead, she closed her eyes, letting herself sink into his warmth.

Jiang Han sighed. “I don’t like seeing you like this.”

Chi Chi swallowed. “I know.”

“I want to fix it.”

She forced a smile. “You already do.”

Jiang Han hummed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Then tell me one thing.”

“What?”

“Even if you won’t tell me what’s wrong…” His fingers tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Will you let me love you a little more?”

Chi Chi’s breath caught.

Jiang Han’s eyes were serious, a quiet tenderness lurking beneath the usual teasing.

She couldn’t speak.

She couldn’t breathe.

So she did the only thing she could.

She kissed him.

Jiang Han tensed beneath her, startled—but only for a moment. Then, with a low chuckle, he kissed her back.

Heat spread through her chest as his hand slid to the small of her back, pulling her closer. His lips moved against hers—slow, lingering, as if memorizing her.

By the time they pulled away, her legs were weak, her breath unsteady.

Jiang Han smirked. “What was that for?”

Chi Chi swallowed. “I…”

Chi Chi huffed, shoving at his chest—only for him to grab her wrist and pull her back in for another kiss.

This time, it was deeper.

This time, it was slower.

By the time he pulled away, her mind was hazy, her heart pounding in her ears.

Jiang Han smirked. “You should kiss me more often.”

Chi Chi scowled, trying to steady her breath. “You’re too good at that.”

“Oh?” His eyes twinkled with mischief. “You sound suspicious. Are you accusing me of something again, little one?”

Chi Chi crossed her arms. “I am.”

Jiang Han chuckled. “And what crime am I guilty of?”

Chi Chi narrowed her eyes. “Being suspiciously good at kissing.” She leaned closer, voice dropping to a mock-serious whisper.

He blinked.

Then, to her immense satisfaction, his ears turned red.

“W-What?”

Chi Chi smirked. “Oh? Why are you stuttering?”

“I—” Jiang Han scowled, flicking her forehead. “You were the one who kissed me first!”

Chi Chi pouted, rubbing the sore spot.

Jiang Han exhaled through his nose. “Little one, if you keep teasing me…”

She tilted her head innocently. “What?”

His gaze darkened. “Then I’ll have to show you exactly how inexperienced I am.”

Chi Chi’s breath caught.

For a second, she almost challenged him.

Almost.

But the way he was looking at her—like he was ready to push her against the nearest tree and kiss her senseless—made her swallow her words.

Jiang Han smirked. “That’s what I thought.”

Chi Chi huffed, crossing her arms. “Hmph.”

Jiang Han just chuckled, pulling her closer until she was tucked securely against his chest.

For a while, they sat in comfortable silence, listening to the rustling leaves and distant chirping of crickets.

Then, softly, Chi Chi whispered, “Boyfriend.”

Jiang Han tensed.

Chi Chi hid her smile, feeling the way his heartbeat sped up.

Then, after a moment, she felt him exhale, his arms tightening around her.

“…Say that again,” he murmured.

Chi Chi smirked. “What? Boyfriend?”

Jiang Han let out a slow, almost disbelieving chuckle.

And then, in a voice so soft she barely heard it, he murmured, “I like the sound of that.”

Chi Chi’s heart clenched.

She wanted to hold onto this moment forever.

Because in just one week, it might all be gone.

______________

Jiang Han was relentless.

From the moment Chi Chi woke up to the second she closed her eyes at night, he was there—pampering her, teasing her, and ensuring she never lifted a single finger.

If she looked even mildly tired, he’d appear with a soft pillow and demand she rest.

If she so much as frowned, he’d pull her into his lap and stroke her hair until she melted against him.

If she tried to do anything remotely tiring, he’d swoop in and do it for her—whether she liked it or not.

She didn’t stand a chance.

“Jiang Han.” Chi Chi crossed her arms, glaring at him. “I can walk by myself.”

Jiang Han, completely unfazed, continued carrying her like she weighed nothing. “You’ve walked enough today.”

“I walked from my room to the dining hall—”

“Exactly. So now you deserve a break.”

“…A break from walking?”

Jiang Han nodded solemnly.

Chi Chi groaned, pressing her hands over her face. “You are unbelievable.”

“I know.” He smirked, adjusting his hold on her. “But you love me.”

She peeked at him through her fingers. “…Unfortunately.”

Jiang Han gasped, clutching his chest in mock heartbreak. “Unfortunately?”

Chi Chi stifled a laugh, looking away. “Hurry up. If someone sees, they’ll think I’m a spoiled princess.”

Jiang Han chuckled. “You are a spoiled princess.”

And he was making sure of it.

Sweets for His Sweetheart

Chi Chi stared at the mountain of sweets on her desk.

Slowly, she turned to Jiang Han.

“…Did you rob a confectionery?”

Jiang Han smirked, resting his chin on his hand. “No.”

“Then why do I have this many sweets?”

“Because I like spoiling you.”

Chi Chi exhaled, dragging a hand down her face. “Jiang Han, I appreciate the thought, but—”

Jiang Han picked up a piece of soft candy, unwrapped it, and held it near her lips. “Open.”

Chi Chi pursed her lips. “No.”

Jiang Han’s smirk widened. “Oh? Playing hard to get?”

“I’m not—mmph.”

Before she could finish, Jiang Han took advantage of her hesitation and popped the candy into her mouth.

Chi Chi’s eyes widened in betrayal.

Jiang Han grinned, leaning closer. “Sweet?”

Chi Chi chewed silently, trying to glare at him—but the rich, honeyed taste melted on her tongue, making it impossible to be mad.

“…Maybe.”

Jiang Han chuckled, brushing his fingers against her lips. “Then I’ll bring more tomorrow.”

Chi Chi groaned. “That’s not what I meant—”

“Too bad.”

Chi Chi swung her sword, wiping sweat from her brow.

Before she could prepare for another strike, a shadow loomed over her.

Jiang Han grabbed her wrist. “That’s enough.”

Chi Chi blinked. “I just started—”

“You’ve trained enough today.” His grip was firm but careful, fingers curling around hers like he was afraid she’d break.

Chi Chi huffed. “I’m fine, Jiang Han.”

Jiang Han didn’t answer. Instead, he set down her sword and pulled out a cloth, gently dabbing at the sweat on her forehead.

Chi Chi stiffened.

“…What are you doing?”

“Taking care of my girlfriend.”

Chi Chi’s heart stuttered.

Jiang Han’s fingers brushed against her cheek, his touch so unbearably soft it made her breath hitch.

His eyes, sharp and piercing in battle, were now warm pools of quiet devotion.

For a moment, Chi Chi forgot how to speak.

Jiang Han tilted his head. “What?”

Chi Chi swallowed. “You’re… too close.”

Jiang Han smirked. “You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

Chi Chi glared, swatting his hand away. “I can wipe my own face.”

Jiang Han chuckled but didn’t argue. Instead, he leaned down, voice dropping into a whisper.

“Then at least let me do this.”

Before she could react, he pressed a soft kiss to her temple.

Chi Chi’s brain short-circuited.

Jiang Han laughed at her flustered expression, ruffling her hair before walking away.

“Come on, little one. Let’s get you something sweet.”

Chi Chi stood frozen for a moment before stomping after him.

“Jiang Han!”

Every day, Jiang Han spoiled her.

Every day, he kissed her, held her, smiled at her like she was his entire world.

And every day, her chest felt tighter and tighter.

Because the clock was ticking.

Seven days became five.

Five days became three.

Three days became one.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow, he might wake up as a different person.

Tomorrow, he might not remember her at all.

And yet, here he was—humming as he rested his head in her lap, his arms lazily wrapped around her waist.

Chi Chi swallowed hard, running trembling fingers through his hair.

He sighed in contentment. “You’re quiet today.”

Chi Chi hesitated.

“…Jiang Han.”

“Hm?”

She opened her mouth.

She wanted to tell him.

She needed to tell him.

But when he turned his head and smiled at her—so warm, so soft, so his—the words lodged in her throat.

She clenched her fists, forcing her voice to stay steady.

“…I just… really, really like you.”

Jiang Han blinked, then chuckled. “That’s random.”

Chi Chi swallowed past the lump in her throat. “I mean it.”

Jiang Han studied her for a moment. Then, gently, he lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her fingertips.

“I really, really like you too.”

Chi Chi bit her lip.

Her chest ached.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow, everything might change.

But for tonight, she let herself hold onto him a little tighter.