Into the Dream

That night, the clouds hung heavy in the sky.

It was an overcast day, and though the bright moon hung high, it remained veiled behind a gauzy shroud.

Cheng Jun, freshly showered, leaned against the balcony railing in her pajamas.

She tilted her head up, gazing at the moon hidden behind the gray clouds, her mind drifting back to her last casual conversation with Fu Nanzhi.

"Nanzhi-jie..."

Her phone screen lingered on a chat window, the words she typed deleted and rewritten over and over.

"Young miss, the weather’s turning cold—be careful not to catch a chill."

The voice from behind startled Cheng Jun. Instinctively, she turned off her screen and turned around with a smile.

"Alright, I understand, Auntie Zhang."

"Mhm."

Auntie Zhang acknowledged her and pointed to the water glass she’d placed by the bedside.

"I’ve left water for you here. It’s getting late—you should rest soon."

"Call me if you need anything."

Cheng Jun shook her head and stepped inside, drawing the curtains shut.

"I’m fine for now. Auntie, you should rest too—don’t overwork yourself."

"Alright, I’ll just tidy up a bit more and then I’m done."

With a few more murmurs, Auntie Zhang retreated, closing the door behind her.

Cheng Jun sighed softly and flopped onto the bed.

Opening her chat with Shen Yi, the last message was him praising the mooncakes she’d made. Her fingers hovered over the keypad, but she didn’t know where to begin.

The night stretched long, and sleep eluded her.

Cheng Jun was usually someone who couldn’t fall asleep before eleven, but tonight, for some reason, her eyelids grew heavy the moment she lay down.

Glancing at her phone, she saw it wasn’t even ten yet. She fought against the drowsiness for a while, but eventually succumbed.

The glowing phone slipped slowly from her grasp.

Some time later, Cheng Jun slowly opened her eyes.

She awoke in a void, surrounded by darkness, save for a distant glimmer of light.

Instinctively, she moved toward it, only to find a radiant door upon drawing closer.

Stepping through, her vision flooded with brightness, and the world around her transformed.

...

The moon, obscured by shifting clouds, cast alternating patches of light and shadow along the campus path.

Shu Yunyi walked back under the moonlight, the click-clack of her high heels echoing in the quiet.

She’d worked a little late today, so her return was delayed.

Dragging her weary body into the apartment, she tossed her bag onto the table and collapsed onto the sofa.

Her long legs curled up, and the slightest twitch of her toes sent waves of soreness through her feet.

At times like these, she missed Shen Yi’s massages—his strong hands working out the tension, leaving her refreshed and pain-free the next day.

With that thought, she picked up her phone, ready to video-call him and check in, making sure he was behaving.

Though Shen Yi had already updated her earlier, she’d been too busy to pay attention.

The call rang for a long while, unanswered. She huffed and sent two sharp messages instead.

Placing the phone on the coffee table, she muttered under her breath,

"If you don’t reply by the time I’m back, you’re dead."

With that, she gathered her long hair and headed to the bathroom.

Half an hour later, Shu Yunyi emerged from the steamy bathroom, wrapped in a towel.

She dried her hair, then picked up her phone—only to frown in irritation when she saw no response.

Retreating to the bedroom, she pulled the covers over herself and pouted as she dialed Shen Yi again.

The phone’s ringing buzzed in her ear, but exhaustion suddenly crashed over her.

Her eyelids grew heavy, and before she knew it, the sound of the dial tone lulled her into sleep.

When she opened her eyes again, she was no longer at home.

Shu Yunyi ignored the call still going, ignored the fact she was fully dressed, and simply stumbled toward the light in a daze.

The door loomed closer, its glow almost blinding.

Drawn by some unseen force, she stepped forward—and crossed the threshold.

...

Fu Nanzhi had gone to bed early.

Her hands rested atop the covers as she watched the full moon outside, repeatedly swallowed by clouds, its glow flickering in and out of view.

Her family had hosted guests for dinner, and at her mother Ji Shulan’s insistence, she’d stayed the night.

The door creaked open, and Ji Shulan entered.

Her hair was down, freshly moisturized skin carrying a faint floral scent as she settled onto the bed.

Fu Nanzhi scooted over to make room, and Ji Shulan slipped under the covers.

Mother and daughter planned to share a heart-to-heart tonight.

Once settled, Ji Shulan turned to her and asked,

"Nanzhi, how are things with Xiao Shen lately?"

Fu Nanzhi kept her eyes on the window and replied,

"Fine. Everything’s good."

Ji Shulan gave her a sidelong glance.

"What’s wrong? You don’t sound too excited. Did you two argue?"

"No, not at all."

Fu Nanzhi turned to meet her mother’s gaze.

"Oh..."

Ji Shulan relaxed slightly and continued,

"That’s good then..."

"Don’t misunderstand what your father meant at dinner. If you think it’s serious, bring him home to meet us."

"He’s just curious about this boyfriend you’re so protective of—too embarrassed to ask himself, so he had me bring it up."

Fu Nanzhi’s eyes curved into crescents, her voice brightening.

"Sure, but maybe not right away..."

"I don’t think he’s ready yet."

"Alright."

Ji Shulan didn’t press further. She’d met Shen Yi before.

From what she could tell, the two shared a natural chemistry—at the very least, marriage wouldn’t be fraught with conflict.

Her daughter was already in her mid-twenties; if she waited much longer, she’d be considered an old maid.

Curiosity piqued, Ji Shulan leaned in and whispered,

"Nanzhi, tell me—how did you two meet?"

Fu Nanzhi buried half her face in the blanket, her voice muffled.

"I’ve told you before—we met at work."

"Obviously."

Ji Shulan’s brows arched.

"I know it was at work. I meant the details—how it happened, understand?"

Fu Nanzhi’s eyes softened as she recalled the memory, warmth blooming in her chest.

"Back then, he handed me a contract..."

"......"

Ji Shulan waited, but no further explanation came. She turned sharply, only to nearly scoff in disbelief.

Fu Nanzhi’s eyes were closed, her breathing steady—she’d fallen asleep without warning.

"You little brat, pretending to sleep on me..."

She nudged Fu Nanzhi’s shoulder, convinced it was an act.

But Fu Nanzhi didn’t stir, her even breaths confirming she was truly asleep.

Ji Shulan’s expression softened, and she muttered,

"Guess she really is exhausted. Must’ve had a long day."

With a sigh, she tucked Fu Nanzhi’s arms under the blanket to keep her warm, smoothed the covers, and lay down herself.

Meanwhile, Fu Nanzhi, inexplicably drained, opened her eyes in the darkness.

Guided by a sliver of light, she approached the door—and without hesitation, stepped through.

In an instant, the scenery transformed.

She found herself in a spacious room enclosed by walls, with a floor-to-ceiling window directly ahead. The room was nearly empty, save for four chairs.

Fu Nanzhi, unsure of what was happening, moved forward cautiously and sat on one of the chairs, guided by instinct.

The next moment, the door swayed, and Cheng Jun stepped in, bathed in light.

“Zhuyun?”