Awake.

At two o'clock in the morning, Bai Fanhao's eyelashes fluttered slightly, and it was clear that his eyes were moving as if struggling against something, wanting to wake yet unable to do so. Slowly, slowly, Bai Fanhao suddenly opened his eyes wide, shouting, "Mumu, run!"

He stared blankly ahead into the darkness, and it was only after a moment that he regained his senses. Shaking his head, he muttered, "So it was just a dream!"

Just after he spoke, his shaking head stopped. He took a deep breath, letting out a hiss. Bai Fanhao lifted his hand to the back of his head, furrowed his brow, and gritted his teeth as he cursed, "Damn it, that was brutal! Wu Li, next time I catch you, I'm going to ruin you!"

He exhaled heavily, slowly rubbing his head. He felt a raised bump beneath his fingers and thought to himself that there must be a big lump where he'd been struck. Bai Fanhao kept massaging the back of his head, recalling the moment he'd been hit.

He and Mu Qingxi had been walking together, and he was constantly on alert, wary that Wu Li might betray them. If danger arose, he wanted to protect Mu Qingxi at once. As they walked, suddenly he sensed a gust of wind behind him. His instincts screamed danger, so he spun around quickly.

From the corner of his eye, he glimpsed a shadow behind him, and in the shadow's raised hand was a club. Alarm bells rang in his mind, and he quickly looked toward Mu Qingxi.

But he was still too slow. Just as he turned, the club came down with a bang, landing squarely on the back of his head.

When the blow struck, he thought his head might fall off, and his vision filled with flashing stars. He warned himself not to lose consciousness; if he blacked out, she would be in grave danger. But ultimately, he couldn't withstand the force of the blow. He staggered and collapsed, and as his eyes closed, he caught a glimpse of the anxiety in her gaze.

After that, he had no idea what happened. He thought to himself that he'd been knocked out by someone who had appeared behind him, but what about Mu Qingxi? Was she alright?

At this thought, Bai Fanhao sat up abruptly, only then realizing he was in an unfamiliar place. He glanced around and saw nothing but darkness. Yet, his eyes had adjusted enough to make out some details: a single armchair, a small tea table, and the bed he lay on—a double bed.

He couldn't see much else in the room. Bai Fanhao was certain he had never been in this environment before. Where was he now? Was Mu Qingxi here too? Who had brought him—Mu Qingxi or Wu Li? Was she in the same place as him?

He couldn't wait. He had to find her; only seeing Mu Qingxi would put his mind at ease.

The pain at the back of his head made him frown again. He couldn't help but reach back and touch the swollen lump, his eyes darkening as he contemplated revenge. But finding Xiaoxi was his first priority; only then could he breathe easy.

It was then Bai Fanhao noticed he’d gotten up so urgently that he stood barefoot on the floor. He fumbled in the dark to put on his shoes, and as he felt about, he discovered a bedside lamp.

He switched on the lamp, but didn't bother to examine the room. He headed straight for the door, stepping lightly, for he had no idea where he was and needed to be cautious.

His hand slowly reached for the doorknob, and he pressed his ear to the door, listening for sounds outside. Suddenly, he heard faint footsteps.