Watching the little bird fly away, Firefly still felt a trace of displeasure, but in her heart, there was far more joy than irritation.
At that moment, she turned her gaze toward the city, a blissful smile on her face as she spoke.
"As expected, in this land of dreams, everything is permitted, and everything is possible. The unbearable past fades away like bubbles, and the unwanted tomorrow will never come. Why do people choose to sleep? I think… it's because they're afraid of waking up from the dream."
Her tone grew soft and melancholy again.
Whenever she thought of her real self, and the real future that awaited her, she couldn't bring herself to feel happy.
For her, only this illusory yet vivid dream allowed her to move freely.
Seeing Firefly lower her head, Pei Guang stood beside her. "Yeah. But I think people fall asleep simply because they're tired of reality. Only when life becomes exhausting do we choose rest—and through that rest, we face a reality that, for many, feels unbearable."
Following his words, Firefly asked softly, "But if reality is already that unbearable, why wake up at all? Wouldn't it be better to sleep forever inside a beautiful dream?"
Pei Guang spread his hands. "Who knows? Maybe for family or for friends, to prove to the world they're still alive… or maybe, for someone they love. Besides, wouldn't you want to run and jump freely in reality someday? To completely leave that cold medical pod and feel the world with your own body? Dreams are still just dreams."
"That's impossible…" Firefly shook her head.
Pei Guang smiled at her. "What's impossible about it? This is the world of dreams: anything can happen here. Maybe there really is something out there that can let you move freely in reality. And come on, I'm a player! If you can issue a quest, then that means your quest can be completed. And if it can be completed, then there must be a way for you to move freely in the real world."
Pei Guang then looked up at the meteor streaking across the sky.
"Besides… you've raised my affection level by so much already. After gaining that much affection, how could I be satisfied if I can't explore more worlds with you? Even if it's a pre-written story, where ordinary players can't change the ending, I'll just turn this game into a private server, install my favorite mods, and create the ending I want.
Someone once said that the essence of comedy is tragedy. If we're talking about literature, I can accept tragedy: but if it's reality, then allow me to refuse it."
Pei Guang's serious expression moved Firefly, but she still spoke softly, "But there are things in this world that no amount of human power can change…"
Pei Guang rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Logically speaking, I'm only set up as human. In essence, I'm still a player. I only function as a human because that's what my setup defines me as."
Even now, he didn't truly know whether he had actually crossed into this world, or if it was just a data-constructed body that came here. He didn't know whether this was a hyper-realistic game or a genuinely real world.
After all, when he entered, he'd chosen to directly use his original body's data for the full experience—no strange modifications.
But that didn't matter.
What Pei Guang could confirm was this: he was himself. He could feel the emotions of his companions and the NPCs around him.
As long as he could make choices based on his own will, emotions, and goals—that was enough.
Firefly didn't understand what he meant, his words were too complex, but when she heard him say he wasn't human, she simply couldn't believe it.
"I don't believe that. Your body feels warm when I hold you. How could you not be human?"
Firefly once again reached out to touch him. No matter how she felt his body, it was clearly that of a normal human being.
"Not human"? Nonsense.
But the moment her hand brushed against him again, her face suddenly turned red. She lifted her head and glared at him, flustered. "You jerk!"
Pei Guang grinned. "I'm the jerk? I don't remember being the one who started touching first. But fine, I'm used to it. From now on, you've got special privileges, you can touch me anytime without asking for permission."
Firefly didn't reply, but her light punch against his chest spoke volumes.
She misunderstood him again: she thought Pei Guang was teasing her into touching him.
But even after lightly hitting him a few times, her hand didn't stay obedient.
It slipped down to his arm, where she gave him a small squeeze. "You really are a jerk," she mumbled under her breath. "It even feels just like a normal person's…"
Seeing her like that, Pei Guang couldn't help but laugh.
"Of course. The data transfer was perfect and every detail was exactly right. Anyway, forget that stuff. Beautiful scenery, beautiful companion: how about a selfie to commemorate this moment?"
"Together? A selfie?" Firefly blinked, then smiled. "You're right. I've been here so many times, but it never occurred to me to take a photo."
Pei Guang pulled her closer. "Then this will be your very first selfie. But too bad for you~ your first selfie's got me in it."
He pulled out the pink camera March had given him.
That camera had already captured countless beautiful moments for Pei Guang—and this time, it would capture another one.
Seeing the camera in his hand, Firefly's cheeks turned rosy. She lowered her head and whispered, "I'm a little afraid of cameras… don't laugh at me."
Pei Guang took out a tripod, found a good spot, set it up, and mounted the camera. After adjusting the depth of field, exposure, and focus, he looked back at her.
"Ready? Once you are, I'll start the timer shot~"
Firefly, who had been ready just a moment ago, suddenly grew nervous. "Wait—give me a moment to prepare…"
While she was getting ready, Pei Guang handed her a small makeup mirror.
Seeing the cute little mirror, Firefly blushed and nodded. "Th-thank you!"
She took the mirror, looked at her reflection, and then used a ribbon to tie up a few loose strands of her hair.
After checking her outfit to make sure everything looked fine, she nodded firmly. "Okay! I'm ready. Here."
As she handed the mirror back, Pei Guang shook his head. "You keep it. With this, you can freshen up anytime, anywhere."
"Mhm…" Firefly looked down at the mirror in her hands and nodded softly.
"Alright, since you're ready, let's begin! Stand there, I'll set a ten-second timer. Here we go~ ten…"
Pei Guang hurried back to Firefly's side.
She was already in position, but as she listened to the soft tick, tick of the camera's countdown, an unusual nervousness welled up inside her.
She raised her right hand, held up three fingers, and smiled brightly. When the final beep sounded, she happily shouted the word most people say when taking photos—
"Cheese~!"
With the click of the shutter, the camera captured the moment. Pei Guang took it down and handed it to her.
"Here—how is it? Looks good?"
Firefly accepted the camera and looked at the photo.
In the picture, she and Pei Guang stood together with the sunlight behind them. Her own joyful smile shone so brightly that, for a moment, she wished time could stop right there forever.
"Do you like it?" Pei Guang asked.
"I do."
"Then I'll send it to you. Give me your contact info?"
At that question, Firefly froze slightly, but then, almost instinctively, she took out her phone. Seeing a familiar person's message pop up on the screen, she relaxed again.
"Sure, I'll add you~"
Firefly added Pei Guang as a friend, and the moment the request went through, Pei Guang sent her the photo.