Dream and Reality

Hearing the system's notification about the increase in affection points, Zhou Yi smirked. He knew Jiang Ruolan wanted to hear this.

Zhou Yi's tender, lingering voice came through the phone, making Jiang Ruolan's heart skip a beat.

Zhou Yi actually said he missed her...

It had been so many days since she last saw him. Aside from work matters, she never disturbed him.

She could only catch glimpses of him through the news—his award wins, his piano performances that captivated the world, the praise he received from countless influential figures.

Yet, the distance between them seemed to grow wider.

Zhou Yi was too extraordinary, so much so that he felt unreachable. She had convinced herself there was no chance between them.

But now, he said he missed her—giving Jiang Ruolan an unrealistic glimmer of hope.

077: "Host, Jiang Ruolan's affection points for you have maxed out."

Zhou Yi: "I know."

Her affection had already been on the verge of peaking before, but Zhou Yi's words now planted illusions in her mind.

She thought she held a special place in his heart.

Still, she stepped into this inescapable quagmire without hesitation.

For women like her, Zhou Yi was a swamp—once you stepped in, there was no way out. You’d only sink deeper.

"I miss you too, A-Yi."

Jiang Ruolan smiled, twirling a strand of hair around her finger, betraying her emotions—excitement, happiness.

"Wait for me to come back, Ruolan."

"Okay."

For a moment, Jiang Ruolan felt like Zhou Yi's girlfriend.

Or perhaps, a secret lover hidden from the light.

But she chose to believe the better version.

After hanging up, Jiang Ruolan immediately began contacting ship crews, filtering through those capable of long-distance voyages.

Zhou Yi hoped to find the treasure on Wagner Island soon. If it turned out to be fake, it would only cost him some money.

But if it was real, he’d not only gain immense wealth but also surprise Daisy with the news.

If Daisy knew it was true, she’d be overjoyed.

With Jiang Ruolan's affection maxed out, Zhou Yi checked his stats panel again:

[Name: Zhou Yi]

[Level: Lv62 (Diamond)]

[Wealth: ¥5,699,870,000 (Billionaire Next Door)]

[Appearance: 100 (Unmatched)]

[Combat: 100 (Unrivaled)]

[IQ: 200 (Genius)]

[Reputation: 93 (Global Fame)]

[Attribute Points: 8,776,000]

[Mission Progress Panel]

[Xia Qiuzhi's Regret Points: 100]

[Chu Han's Regret Points: 100]

[Su Ning's Regret Points: 100]

[Comeback Progress: 95]

[Affection Points Earned: 15,698,000]

[Admirers: 2 (B-Tier: You Man / S-Tier: Jiang Ruolan)]

[Achievement Unlocked: Underdog Turned Master Player]

[Acquired Skills/Items: Photographic Memory / Advanced Medicine / Star of Arts]

[Current Ranking: 3,358]

[System Shop: Unlocked]

Thanks to his recent awards, Zhou Yi’s fame skyrocketed both domestically and internationally, especially after his piano performance video went viral, earning him countless admirers.

His wealth had also reached staggering heights, and his attribute and affection points surged.

Now, spending attribute points didn’t faze him.

Zhou Yi still had several accumulated lottery draws left unused—who knew what skills he might land next?

Daisy woke up at noon.

Blinking drowsily, she saw Zhou Yi sitting by her bed, sunlight casting a halo around him.

She hadn’t dreamed of him as she’d hoped, but now, reality felt like a dream.

Tentatively, she reached out.

"Brother?"

She called softly.

Zhou Yi turned to her, smiling with the same tenderness as in her dreams. "Daisy, did you sleep well?"

His gentleness always blurred the lines between dream and reality for her.

"Am I dreaming, brother...?"

"Don’t be silly. This isn’t a dream. Did you dream about something last night?"

Daisy paused, then pressed Zhou Yi’s hand against her cheek, her gaze full of longing. "I dreamed of you."

Zhou Yi feigned surprise. "What did you dream? Did we go to China together?"

Daisy smiled softly. "Yes. I dreamed we went to that place where it’s always spring. It was so beautiful, brother—I didn’t want to wake up."

She didn’t mention dreaming of their wedding, afraid it might push him away.

"When you come back with me, the dream will come true."

Daisy lowered her eyes, her expression dimming.

She changed the subject.

"Brother, I’m a little hungry."

"Let’s go eat then. Get changed—I’ll wait outside."

He seemed utterly proper, showing no ulterior motives.

Zhou Yi stood by the door, waiting.

Once dressed, Daisy immediately slipped her hand into his.

"Brother, hold my hand. I don’t want to get lost."

Her small, soft hand fit perfectly in his. Zhou Yi chuckled. "Daisy, you’re still such a child."

Daisy froze—those were the exact words he’d said in her dream, even his expression the same.

[Daisy’s Affection Points +2]

"In front of brother, I’ll always be a child. Because you’ll spoil me."

"Good. Stay just like this. I like it—you can always be a kid with me."

Zhou Yi patted her head and led her downstairs.

Daisy was still stunned.

She’d tested the waters with the words from her dream, and Zhou Yi had responded identically.

Outside the hotel, Zhou Yi adjusted her collar. "It’s chilly today—windy."

Daisy suddenly felt like crying.

It was as if they’d lived decades together.

In reality, they’d only known each other a few days, yet this Zhou Yi felt identical to the one she’d loved for years in her dreams.

Noticing her distress, Zhou Yi bent down. "Why are your eyes and nose red? Are you unwell?"

She forced a smile, her voice thick. "It’s nothing. Just cold—the wind stung my eyes."

Daisy sniffed, holding back tears.

Even as they welled up, she refused to let them fall.

She couldn’t explain this to Zhou Yi.

Tugging his sleeve, she whispered,

"Brother, can I ask a small favor?"

"Go ahead."

"Will you take wedding photos with me?"