Ophelia's New Play

Upon entering the dream realm again, what appeared before Luo Wei's eyes was completely different from his previous experiences.

Looking ahead, the streets were bustling with traffic and crowds of people. Instead of the familiar manor, he found himself in a thriving metropolis.

He had seen this city in dreams before, but those dreams always contained elements that defied reality—sudden scene changes, bizarre occurrences that, upon brief reflection, made it obvious he was dreaming.

However, what lay before him now was a vast and intricate Saint Callen City, with newspapers even printing that day's news. Every detail, from the main streets to the back alleys, was recreated with incredible authenticity.

Growing increasingly amazed, Luo Wei, having nothing better to do, hopped on a bus to tour the city.

His amazement only grew as he discovered that every building had been perfectly recreated. Though he wasn't sure if it was exactly 1:1 scale, Luo Wei couldn't spot any major discrepancies upon careful observation.

The city featured both Gothic revival architecture and modern concrete-and-steel buildings, while countless tall chimneys belched black smoke in the direction of the lower district.

Suddenly, Luo Wei understood what all those densely packed papers had contained...

They were the design blueprints for an entire city!

Ophelia had invested such tremendous effort to recreate a version of Saint Callen City in the dream realm that rivaled reality!

Luo Wei deeply understood how extraordinary this feat was.

Though she was the creator within the dream and could even add an extra sun to the sky if she wished, creating complex structures with minute details was far more challenging than producing spectacles. At the very least, one needed to understand architectural design and construction, or flaws would be easily spotted.

Luo Wei truly admired Ophelia's abilities...

If she hadn't been born into the royal family, she certainly would have made an excellent architect with her talent.

He could guess why she had gone to such lengths to craft this dream world.

He could even imagine what she might say:

"Since you view that manor as a cage, I've built an entire city for you!"

A wild bird living in a cage might hurt itself trying to escape, but what if it lived in a vast nature reserve instead?

With no predators and abundant food, it would be a blessing beyond any bird's wildest dreams...

Luo Wei was deeply moved by Ophelia's obsession.

Yet, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

The more obsessed she became, the more stubbornly she refused to change course...

In the end, it would only lead to even more painful consequences.

Why put herself through this...

Riding the bus, Luo Wei got off at the Callen University entrance, where "coincidentally" several familiar classmates walked by.

"Hey Luo Wei, why are you so late today?"

"Yeah, you missed a class, and the professor took attendance unexpectedly. You've been marked absent!"

Hearing his classmates' concerned words, Luo Wei couldn't help but smile. The script was so well-crafted, he almost believed it.

He was particularly curious about what new tricks Ophelia had planned this time.

So he followed his classmates back to class.

To his surprise, Ophelia was sitting next to his seat, having become a new transfer student.

"Long time no see, did you miss me?" she greeted him with a smile, wearing the Callen University uniform.

"Um..." Luo Wei looked at her puzzled.

"How... did you become a student at our school? Do you even need to attend school?"

Ophelia pouted, "Why couldn't I attend school? Both my brother and sister are top graduates of the Imperial Higher Academy..."

She narrowed her eyes as she observed his expression.

"Father King has approved my request. I specifically transferred to your school this time, just to be your classmate..."

"What? From your expression, you don't seem very welcoming?"

Her light-colored eyes drew closer.

"Not at all, not at all." Luo Wei quickly smiled. "I'm just curious..."

As they chatted, whispered discussions could be heard from the surrounding classmates.

After all, she was the noble Imperial Princess—everyone was somewhat excited to have such an important figure as their classmate.

And Luo Wei, under everyone's watchful eyes...

Ended up spending the whole day as Ophelia's desk mate...

Until school ended.

Walking back to the old mansion, Luo Wei held hands with an excited Ophelia while lost in thought.

She seemed completely unafraid to discuss real-world matters with Luo Wei—the recent bombing incident, his classmates, Helena, and the old mansion and shelter...

Ophelia wasn't deliberately concealing things like before, as if afraid he might remember...

The more they talked, the more puzzled Luo Wei became, unsure of what she was planning.

This incredibly realistic dream she had created seemed...

Like it was truly just for fun.

As if she simply wanted to experience sharing a dream with him, chatting and experiencing a life completely different from her usual one...

Yet the more casual she appeared, the more complex Luo Wei felt the situation was.

He silently gazed at the incredibly realistic buildings around them.

After all, all of this...

Came at the cost of her own health.

...

Chatting and laughing together, they finally arrived at the old mansion's entrance.

"Helena" opened the door for them.

"Brother, you're home early today... Oh?"

The moment "Helena" saw Ophelia beside Luo Wei.

Her previously serene smile instantly turned sinister.

"Brother... her? Why is she coming back with you??"

Even that jealousy-twisted expression was incredibly realistic...

Luo Wei curiously looked at Ophelia, wondering how she would respond.

But Ophelia didn't show her usual dominance. Instead, she grabbed Luo Wei's arm and fearfully stood behind him.

"Helena... please, don't get upset..."

She carefully peeked out from behind him, trying to calm the situation:

"I haven't seen Luo Wei for over four years. I just came along to catch up..."

"Please don't misunderstand..."

Helena wouldn't listen to her explanation. "Shut up!"

"Are you trying to steal my brother away again?!"

Her face contorted as several tentacles shot forward without warning.

"Watch out!!" Ophelia cried out.

The black tentacles struck in an instant.

Perhaps due to her agitation, the sharp tentacle tips missed Ophelia and "happened" to wound Luo Wei's arm instead.

"Damn it!!"

Luo Wei grimaced in pain as the wound on his arm went deep enough to show bone.

Though one couldn't actually be injured in a dream, the consciousness of pain was very real.

"Luo Wei, are you alright?!" Ophelia supported him, both terrified and concerned.

She quickly searched through her bag and used gauze to cover Luo Wei's bleeding arm.

But Helena remained relentless, with black tentacles attacking from all directions, appearing determined to kill her.

"Helena, stop it! What did I ever do to you?!"

Ophelia showed a hurt expression as she dodged behind Luo Wei.

And so, under Helena's unreasonable assault.

Luo Wei sustained even more injuries...

His coat was full of cuts, looking as ragged as a beggar's clothes...

Clutching his wounds, he felt an inexplicable anger rising within him.

Killing me is fine, I'll just wake up, but must you make me suffer like this?

Seeing her brother's sorry state, Helena finally calmed down, though her eyes still occasionally glanced at Ophelia with hatred.

Looking at this unreasonable "Helena," then at Ophelia whose eyes were full of concern for him...

Luo Wei seemed to...

Figure something out.

...