In the bubble tea shop, the soft, soothing music mixed with the aroma of sweet desserts.

It was four in the afternoon, and there weren’t many people around. Bai Fanlu sat in the corner by the window, holding a cup of milk tea. His fingers occasionally brushed over the lid as he took small sips.

It wasn’t hot anymore—he had arrived too early.

Even though he had been sitting quietly for nearly half an hour, he still felt anxious.

The audio in his earphones was on its second loop, though for Bai Fanlu, it was technically the third. As he listened to the characters’ dialogue and the narrator’s soothing voice, his mind drifted back to an hour ago.

He had sat in front of his computer from morning until three in the afternoon, reading the entire second part of Xian Mo Yi Wen Lu without a break, even forgetting to eat lunch. When he finished, he felt not only shocked but also filled with a strange, indescribable sensation.

Had he really followed the script and entered the author’s second book?

Bai Fanlu immediately checked the novel’s publication date and found that it had been released on the same morning he returned to reality.

He switched back to the chat with “Fuyun Mobai,” whose avatar was still lit. The conversation history was clearly displayed on the screen.

Bai Fanlu read the message again: “Once you’ve finished reading the second part, listen to the audio file, and after that, tell me your thoughts. I’m waiting.”

So, he had opened the MP4 file.

There was no introduction, but there were sound effects, narration, and dialogue, along with familiar names and titles—the main characters were Qi Zhao and Mo Jiuli.

The most astonishing part? Bai Fanlu immediately recognized the voices of the two leads. One was his own, and the other belonged to his idol.

This audio… if Bai Fanlu remembered correctly, it was from the “Legendary Weapon” side quest in the system. He had been asked to record voice lines, never expecting them to become part of a real project.

Could the novel have been created because of the whole “being transported into a book” event?

Bai Fanlu leaned back in his chair, the earphone cord still in place. Suddenly, a series of “ding, ding, ding” message notifications startled him, almost causing him to jump.

He glanced at his computer screen and saw that the flashing minimized window was a message from the project planner.

Instinctively, Bai Fanlu peeked at his chat with “Fuyun Mobai.” He felt a momentary sense of relief, followed by an inexplicable sense of loss.

Planner Jian Ling: “Xiao Bai, did Fuyun Mobai message you privately?”

Bai Xiaolu: “Yes, I just added him as a friend.”

Planner Jian Ling: “Did you two discuss the licensing? He’s not joking, right?”

Bai Xiaolu: “We haven’t talked much. I think he… might’ve just said it casually.”

Bai Fanlu felt that if he tried to quit the post-production role now, Jian Ling would probably have a meltdown. After all, this wasn’t their first collaboration, and he knew how energetic she could be. Plus, the drama had been in the works for quite a while.

He sighed. It didn’t feel right to bring it up now—his reasons would sound flimsy. The truth was, he just didn’t want to get too involved with the novel anymore. As the post-production lead, he would have to listen to the main characters’ voices over and over again as they played out the tangled love-hate relationship between Yun Zhan and Bai Fanlu. He wasn’t sure his emotional resilience was strong enough for that.

Planner Jian Ling: “How could he be joking! Fuyun Mobai wouldn’t make that kind of joke! Xiao Bai… is there some secret between you two?”

Bai Xiaolu: “How could that be? I don’t even know him.”

Planner Jian Ling: “Really?”

Bai Xiaolu: “Really. Want me to send a screenshot? We just added each other today.”

The moment he sent the message, Bai Fanlu regretted it. He couldn’t send screenshots—the MP4 file made it seem like there was more to the story, and Jian Ling would surely pester him about it.

Fortunately, the planner didn’t push for a screenshot.

Planner Jian Ling: “Then you should ask him about the licensing, and maybe get an official confirmation from him to stop the rumors. Otherwise, people will keep speculating, and I’ll be all over the place with worry.”

Bai Xiaolu: “Didn’t you already ask him privately?”

Planner Jian Ling: “I did, but he hasn’t replied. This guy is always in invisible mode, a permanent lurker. He hasn’t shown up since he posted that message in the group yesterday, and I don’t even know if he’s online.”

Invisible mode?

Bai Fanlu was puzzled and switched back to the chat with Fuyun Mobai. The colorful avatar clearly indicated he was online.

“…”

Bai Xiaolu: “Do you see him as invisible right now?”

He quickly received a reply.

Fuyun Mobai: “I’m invisible, but only to you.”

Bai Fanlu was stunned. He had accidentally sent the message meant for the planner to Fuyun Mobai, and now it was too late to retract it…

Planner Jian Ling: “Xiao Bai, why aren’t you replying? Where are you?”

Bai Fanlu’s heart pounded as he hurriedly typed a reply.

Bai Xiaolu: “I’m dealing with something. I’ll talk to you later.”

Planner Jian Ling: “Okay, but don’t forget to sort out the licensing! We’re all counting on you. I’m sure you can handle Fuyun Mobai!”

Handle him… What kind of comment was that?

Bai Fanlu silently closed the chat with the planner, leaving only one window open, just to avoid another mix-up like before.

But now, staring at Fuyun Mobai’s message, “Invisible, but only to you,” Bai Fanlu wasn’t sure how to respond.

Might as well start fresh.

Bai Xiaolu: “About the licensing, are you serious?”

Fuyun Mobai: “Of course, 100% serious.”

Bai Xiaolu: “And if I don’t want to do the post-production, you won’t grant the licensing to our team?”

Fuyun Mobai: “If you don’t want to do post-production, you could play the lead role instead.”

Bai Xiaolu: “What?”

Fuyun Mobai: “The lead actor’s voice is Yun Zhao, right? You like him, don’t you? If you want, you could voice the main character.”

Bai Fanlu hadn’t expected such an invitation. He did admire his idol’s voice, but how did Fuyun Mobai know that?

Fuyun Mobai: “Anytime someone asks you to do post-production for one of his dramas, you immediately accept.”

Bai Fanlu felt as though his thoughts had been laid bare. That might have been true in the past, but now he didn’t feel the same way about his idol—or maybe it had never been anything more than admiration.

Bai Xiaolu: “I’m not a voice actor, and I’ve never done any voice work. I’m not cut out for it.”

Fuyun Mobai: “Isn’t that your voice in the audio clip? I’ve heard your voice messages in the group chat—it’s very pleasant, and it suits this character.”

Bai Xiaolu: “Where did you get that audio file?”

Fuyun Mobai: “Want to know? Come meet me, and I’ll tell you.”

Bai Fanlu was startled—meet him? He had never met anyone from online before, and they had only just added each other as friends today. This was moving too fast… and how could Fuyun Mobai be so sure they were in the same city?

But before he could reply, another message came through.

Fuyun Mobai: “Huaguang Road No. 3, Xicheng International, the bubble tea shop at 4 o’clock. Don’t be late.”

Bai Fanlu had no idea how things had escalated to this point. The other party had domineeringly set up a meeting without giving him a chance to object, and then went offline.

No code words, no further details. This person was strange.

Yet, with nothing better to do, Bai Fanlu found himself leaving his house at 3:15, unable to resist the curiosity.

He wasn’t a girl, so meeting someone in broad daylight didn’t seem like a big deal. Besides, that bubble tea shop was one he often visited—it was close to his house, only a ten-minute walk away.

Still, it was surprising that Fuyun Mobai not only lived in the same city but also knew about that particular shop. Quite the coincidence.

Bai Fanlu checked his phone—the time read 3:55.

He looked out through the glass, casually scanning the sparse crowd for any sign of the person he was supposed to meet.

There were still five minutes left. Would that person arrive on time?

The glass was bright, providing a clear view of the outside world.

However, Bai Fanlu knew that from the outside, the view inside would be blurred. So he didn’t need to hide his expression—he was probably looking curious, even a bit expectant.

After all, this was his first time meeting someone from online.

He squinted slightly and caught a glimpse of his own reflection in the glass. As he continued staring, he noticed someone behind his reflection, in a less conspicuous corner near the counter.

When he had first come in, he hadn’t noticed anyone there. When had they sat down?

The person packed up their laptop and stood, walking toward the window. As they moved, the sunlight subtly shifted with their steps, creating a delicate interplay of light and shadow.

The outside scene blurred, and instead, the two figures inside—one sitting and one standing—gradually moved closer until they overlapped.

Bai Fanlu turned around and looked up.

Black pants, a white T-shirt with a casual jacket, a laptop bag slung under his right arm, and a blue wireless earphone hanging around his neck. Higher up, Bai Fanlu saw his face.

Such a simple outfit couldn’t hide his youthful, handsome face—the kind that could easily grace a magazine cover.

Bai Fanlu almost slipped off his chair, but the man grabbed his arm to steady him.

“Bai Xiaolu?”

Even his voice was exactly the same.

Bai Fanlu felt his throat tighten, and the name he wanted to call out was probably only audible to himself.

“Ah Zhan…”

He had never imagined that one day he would meet someone in reality who looked almost identical to Yun Zhan. Except for the difference in time periods, this person could have stepped straight out of the book.

“Hello, I’m Fuyun Mobai. Nice to meet you.”

Bai Fanlu’s mind suddenly froze. He quickly stood up with the help of the other, a fleeting look of panic crossing his face.

Did he not recognize him? This unfamiliar tone…

“Hello, I… I’m Bai Xiaolu.”

Bai Fanlu forced the words out. Since the other person had introduced himself with his online name, he did the same. Though his online name was barely different from his real one.

But Yun Zhan…

Bai Fanlu couldn’t help but glance up at that face again, feeling a wave of confusion.

In the book, he had once suspected that Yun Zhan wasn’t just a simple character but someone who, like him, might have a deeper connection to the story. Yet now, this person was standing right in front of him, but seemed so unfamiliar.

Was he the only one still holding on to memories of what had happened, or had he misunderstood everything? Perhaps the book was just a book, and reality was reality—there was no blending the two.

“You’re just as cute as your name.”

Fuyun Mobai pulled out the chair and sat across from him.

Compared to Bai Fanlu, he seemed far more at ease.

Bai Fanlu felt his heart race under Fuyun Mobai’s gaze, though he was thankful that the other man soon shifted his attention and politely waved at the server.

“Excuse me, could I get a mocha and a slice of the two-tone mille crepe?”

Bai Fanlu perked up at the mention of the mille crepe—it was one of his favorites, made with a mix of lemon and hawthorn jam, and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Besides milk tea, it was the only dessert he ordered from the shop.

When the cake arrived, Fuyun Mobai gestured to the server, “Give it to him.”

And so, a slice of two-tone mille crepe appeared before Bai Fanlu.

After the server left, Bai Fanlu awkwardly said, “Thank you, but you should have it. I just had a cup of milk tea, so I’m too full to eat more.”

“You didn’t have lunch, did you?”

Seeing the surprise on Bai Fanlu’s face, Fuyun Mobai smiled slightly. “You were reading my novel from morning to afternoon. I doubt you had a proper lunch, right? My readers always complain that I make them forget to eat and sleep.”

So that’s how he knew. Bai Fanlu chuckled. “That’s because your writing is captivating.”

It was meant as a compliment, but Fuyun Mobai seemed to latch onto something else. “So, you really didn’t have lunch, right?”

“I…” Bai Fanlu was at a loss for words.

Fuyun Mobai said, “Eat some of this first. Drinking just milk tea will upset your stomach. It’s still early, so we can sit here for a while. At six, I’ll treat you to dinner. I know a great restaurant nearby.”

Bai Fanlu was about to say something when Fuyun Mobai took the disposable fork next to the cake and tore open the plastic wrapping.

Bai Fanlu thought he was going to eat it, so he pushed the cake toward him. But to his surprise, Fuyun Mobai scooped up a small piece of cake and brought it to Bai Fanlu’s mouth.

“Here, if you don’t agree, I’ll have to feed you.”

He blinked playfully, smiling like a bright, carefree boy.

Bai Fanlu felt incredibly embarrassed by this gesture, yet Fuyun Mobai remained completely at ease, as if nothing about his behavior was out of the ordinary.

People continued passing by outside the glass, and the server behind the counter was absorbed in their phone. Bai Fanlu quickly glanced around and finally met those playful, smiling eyes.

Pressing his lips together, Bai Fanlu admitted to himself that the gaze was making him nervous. “Mr. Fuyun Mobai, you didn’t ask me here just to eat, did you? What’s the story behind that audio clip?”

“Hmm… okay.” Fuyun Mobai put down the fork. “Since you’re so eager to know, the audio came from an anonymous email I received about half a month ago.”

“An anonymous email?”

“Yeah, I’m still trying to figure out who sent it, but no luck so far.”

“I see…”

“I heard your voice in it, so I thought you might know.”

Bai Fanlu frowned, scrutinizing him for a moment before shaking his head. “I don’t know either. Maybe it’s just someone with a voice similar to mine.”

Fuyun Mobai looked at him as well. “Are you sure?”

“And what about Jun Zhao? Isn’t he in it too?”

“I asked him. He said… he wasn’t aware of it.”

That’s odd, Bai Fanlu thought. It must be some trick from the system, using his idol’s voice for an NPC.

But how could he explain this to Fuyun Mobai? Could he say, “I got transported into your novel, met a character who looks exactly like you, and the audio clip is probably something the system sent you”?

He’d probably think I’m crazy.

Fuyun Mobai, sipping his mocha on the other side of the table, was leisurely watching Bai Fanlu.

“Well, I’ve answered your question. Now it’s my turn. You’ve read the second part—what are your thoughts?”

Bai Fanlu thought for a moment. “It’s quite a twist from the first part. Very surprising.”

“And the ending?”

“Everyone gets what they deserve. I think it’s great.”

Fuyun Mobai smiled. “So, does that mean you’ll agree to do the post-production?”

Bai Fanlu shook his head. “I really don’t plan on taking on any radio dramas right now. Sorry.”

“Alright,” Fuyun Mobai crossed his hands. “Since you’re saying that, I won’t force you. However, I was really looking forward to working with you. But since you turned me down, you definitely can’t refuse dinner tonight. Otherwise…”

He looked slightly dejected, half-joking, half-serious. “Otherwise, I’ll be so heartbroken I won’t be able to sleep.”

Despite telling himself he shouldn’t, Bai Fanlu couldn’t resist that pleading gaze. He sighed and reluctantly compromised, “Alright, I’ll treat you as an apology.”

From then on, the two became more acquainted. Through their casual conversation, Bai Fanlu learned that Fuyun Mobai was five years younger than him, just twenty-two, a top student who had graduated from a prestigious university with a degree in engineering. He had started writing in college and chose to become a professional writer because he enjoyed the freedom it provided.

Fuyun Mobai had risen to fame early, and Bai Fanlu had heard of him before when taking on projects. But he never realized how young he was.

Though Bai Fanlu wasn’t much of a talker, Fuyun Mobai was easy to chat with. From the bubble tea shop to dinner, they conversed like old friends, never running out of things to say.

When it was time to part ways, Bai Fanlu didn’t even realize that Fuyun Mobai had walked him all the way to the entrance of his building.

“Thanks. I’m home now.”

Under the dim streetlight, their faces were bathed in a soft glow, making it seem like they were reluctant to part.

“Alright, I’ll head back too. I had a great time today. Goodnight.”

“…Me too. Goodnight.”

Though they had said goodnight, they continued standing there, neither one making a move.

Bai Fanlu felt they couldn’t keep standing like this. When a door opened on the first floor and the stairwell lights flickered on, he quickly turned and walked up the steps, trying to keep his pace steady, though it was a little hurried.

Fuyun Mobai watched his figure disappear around the corner of the stairs. After a while, he finally turned and left, walking all the way back to the parking lot by the bubble tea shop and pressing the key to unlock his car.

After getting home, Bai Fanlu took a shower and sat in front of his computer for about ten minutes before he remembered something important.

He opened QQ, and a flashing avatar immediately caught his eye, accompanied by an urgent beeping sound.

Fuyun Mobai: “I’m home. What are you up to? I took up so much of your time today—do you still have work tonight?”

Bai Xiaolu: “Nothing urgent. I… wanted to ask you something. I hope it’s not too forward.”

Fuyun Mobai: “Why are you being so polite with me? I thought we were friends now. Ask away.”

Bai Xiaolu: “It’s about the second part of ‘Xian Mo’. Could you tell me where your inspiration came from?”

This time, the reply didn’t come as quickly. Bai Fanlu saw the “typing…” message appear and disappear several times, but no new message came through.

Expecting a lengthy explanation, he was surprised when the message finally came through, and it was just a single short sentence.

Fuyun Mobai: “I guess it came from a very real dream.”

A dream, but real.

It seemed contradictory, but it was exactly how Bai Fanlu felt too.

Suddenly, he had the urge to ask, ‘What about when you saw me today…?’

But when Fuyun Mobai had commented earlier, “You’re just as cute as your name,” he hadn’t seemed to recognize Bai Fanlu’s face at all.

Fuyun Mobai: “Why’d you go quiet? Does this matter to you?”

Bai Xiaolu: “No, I’m just a little curious.”

Bai Xiaolu: “I’m going to sleep now. Goodnight.”

The “typing…” message appeared briefly before Fuyun Mobai replied, “Alright, goodnight.”

Bai Fanlu lay in bed, tossing and turning.

If Fuyun Mobai didn’t look exactly like Yun Zhan, he probably wouldn’t be overthinking this so much. But the fact that the second part of the novel was published right after he returned from the book world, and was completed so quickly, plus the system’s mention of the “author’s obsession,” made it hard for him not to speculate.

Yet Fuyun Mobai genuinely didn’t seem to recognize him. Even though his tone, behavior, and the occasional playful teasing…

Ah Zhan, is it really you?

Or perhaps, It’s you, but you’ve forgotten?

Bai Fanlu silently asked himself, but unfortunately, no one could answer him.