Ark Simulator, Don't I Have No Physical Form?

Su Rui lay stiffly in Jian's arms, feeling the warmth and strength of another person's body emanating through her clothes. The heat on his cheeks, which hadn't subsided after leaving the greenhouse and entering the relatively cool indoors, actually intensified due to this unprecedented, controlling posture and the excessively close distance between them. He could only try to turn his face towards Jian's chest to avoid meeting her golden eyes, which seemed capable of burning, while silently praying that they wouldn't encounter any servants or other family members.

Fortunately, perhaps because it was the afternoon, or perhaps because the route Jian had chosen was secluded enough, they did not encounter anyone along the way. There was only the sound of the wind whistling past the window and the faint hum of electricity inside the wall lamp shade, accompanied by Jian's steady footsteps (although almost inaudible) and Su Rui's own somewhat out-of-control heartbeat.

Ensia Silverash seemed oblivious to all of this, still sleeping soundly in Su Rui's arms, even letting out a satisfied, soft snore, her little face rubbing against Su Rui's chest as if she had found the most comfortable pillow in the world.

Feeling the peaceful sleeping face and even breathing of the girl in his arms, Su Rui felt the shame and awkwardness he had felt from being "moved" by the mace lessen slightly. At least, Ensia Silverash was sleeping well and hadn't been woken up. This... could be considered achieving his goal?

Just as Su Rui was lost in thought, Jian stopped in front of a dark wooden door decorated with delicate snowflakes and vine reliefs. She seemed to know the layout of the manor like the back of her hand. Without any hesitation, she silently turned the doorknob with her free hand (her other hand steadily supporting Su Rui's knees and back) and pushed the door open.

Inside, a warm and tidy room exuded a girlish charm. The walls were predominantly pale pink and light yellow, the floor covered with a soft, plush carpet, and against the wall stood a princess bed draped with light, sheer curtains, topped with a fluffy down comforter and sheets embroidered with delicate flowers. Near the window was a white desk, neatly arranged with books, stationery, and some cute trinkets. A faint, sweet floral and fruity scent, similar to Ensia Silverash's, filled the room.

This should be Ensia Silverash's bedroom.

Carrying Su Rui, Jian walked straight to the large, soft princess bed. Without hesitation, her movements were gentle yet swift. She bent down and carefully placed Su Rui, along with Ensia Silverash in his arms, onto the bed, which looked incredibly comfortable and seemed capable of absorbing all fatigue.

Volume 18, Chapter 1215: Like Driftwood

The soft touch of the down comforter came from beneath her, carrying the warm scent of sunshine. The moment Su Rui's body touched the bed, almost instinctively, she wanted to sit up immediately and escape this strange position of being "carried and lifted" onto the bed.

However, just as his back left the mace's crook and he was about to sit up—

A pair of small hands that were originally loosely resting on his waist seemed to have a mind of their own. After touching the soft bed and losing the support of the "human-shaped cushion," they not only did not loosen their grip, but instead suddenly and even more forcefully tightened their grip!

It's Ensia Silverash.

Even in her sleep, in the instant she switched from "moving state" to "stationary state," she seemed to sense the withdrawal of some kind of "safety cushion." Subconsciously, like a drowning person grabbing onto a piece of driftwood, she hugged Su Rui's waist even tighter and with all her might, burying her face deeper into his chest, and mumbled, "Sister, don't go..." as if she were experiencing some scene of not wanting to be separated in her dream.

Su Rui: "..." His upper body, which had just been raised, was forced back down by the sudden, powerful "binding" force from his waist. The back of his head even bounced slightly on the soft pillow because he couldn't stop the force.

He tried to pry Ensia Silverash's hands off his waist, but the sleeping girl was surprisingly strong and held on tightly, as if trying to embed herself into Su Rui's body. Su Rui didn't dare to use too much force, afraid of hurting her or waking her. Several attempts ended in failure. Ensia Silverash not only didn't let go, but because of his "struggle," she wrinkled her little nose in dissatisfaction in her sleep and hugged even tighter. One of her legs even unconsciously wrapped around Su Rui's leg, forming an even more secure, octopus-like "imprisonment" position.

Su Rui froze completely. He lay on his back on Ensia Silverash's excessively soft, sweetly scented princess bed, his waist tightly bound by a pair of slender yet strong arms, and a leg, not heavy but undeniably prominent, pressing down on his legs. The "culprit," Jian, had released his grip after placing him on the bed and was now standing by the bedside, arms crossed, leisurely watching with amusement his molten gold eyes as he found himself trapped and unable to move in his predicament.

Su Rui felt Jian's teasing and probing gaze, and his cheeks flushed uncontrollably again. He glared at Jian fiercely, his eyes silently accusing him: It's all your fault! What a terrible idea! What do we do now?!

Jian received the murderous intent and accusation in Su Rui's eyes, but instead of feeling any remorse or offering help, the almost imperceptible curve at the corner of her mouth seemed to become more pronounced. She even tilted her head slightly, as if "appreciating" Su Rui's current "predicament."

Su Rui was furious, but the most important thing right now was to solve his "trapped" problem. He took a deep breath, ignoring the blonde woman by the bed who seemed to enjoy the drama, and focused his attention back on himself (and the "accessory" on him).

He tried, with gentler and slower force, to slowly pull himself out of Ensia Silverash's "bear hug." However, Ensia Silverash was holding on too tightly, and seemed to have an instinctive, sleep-like alertness to his "escape attempts." Every time he moved slightly, she would hold on tighter or utter dissatisfied mutters in her sleep.

After several attempts, Su Rui gave up completely. He lay on his back on the overly soft bed, looking at the canopy above him with its starry sky pattern and gauze curtains, feeling utterly powerless.

Well... Anyway, Ensia Silverash won't wake up anytime soon. She just had a good cry and is sleeping so soundly; she'll probably sleep for a while. I can't just stay stiff like this forever. Besides... this bed is really comfortable, softer than anywhere else I've ever slept on (including the bed in the temple and Yela's lap pillow). The fluffy down comforter carries the warm scent of sunshine, gently enveloping my entire body (along with the "accessories" I'm wearing).

Su Rui sighed resignedly. He turned his head slightly and glanced at the bedside. Jian was still standing there, showing no intention of leaving, still looking at him with that unsettling gaze.

"You can leave now," Su Rui mouthed silently to Jian, his tone icy, carrying a clear order to leave. He didn't want to remain in this awkward position in front of this woman any longer.

Jian raised an eyebrow, seemingly unsurprised by Su Rui's "crossing the river and burning the bridge" act. Her golden eyes lingered on Su Rui and Ensia Silverash, who was clinging to him tightly, for a few more seconds, then she nodded almost imperceptibly. She didn't speak, but simply turned and walked silently towards the door. Before leaving the room, she even considerately (or perhaps deliberately?) drew the curtains halfway, making the room darker and softer, more suitable for sleep.

Then, she gently closed the door and left without a sound, as if she had never been there.

In the room, only Su Rui and Ensia Silverash, who was sleeping soundly and clinging to him like a koala, remained.

Su Rui breathed a sigh of relief, but then felt a wave of helplessness because of the "sweet burden" he was carrying. He tried again to adjust to a slightly more comfortable position, at least to free his hands. But Ensia Silverash was holding on too tightly; the slightest movement from him only made her hold on tighter.

Finally, Su Rui gave up again. He lay on his back, staring at the starry sky pattern on the ceiling, and began to contemplate life (?). After a while, he suddenly remembered that in the pocket of his body (the side that Ensia Silverash was pressing down on), there was still the game terminal that "Doctor" had given him.

Perhaps... I can take it out and play with it for a while to pass the time? Maybe she'll let go once Ensia Silverash is asleep a bit more.

Su Rui carefully, using his other hand, which he could still barely move, slowly and gently pulled the terminal out of the pocket near his body, which was being pressed down by Ensia Silverash. The process was extremely difficult; he had to be as careful as a bomb disposal expert, afraid that even the slightest movement would wake the girl in his arms.

Fortunately, Ensia Silverash seemed to be fast asleep and didn't react to his little movements. Su Rui finally managed to get the terminal into his hand and turn on the screen.

The pale blue light from the screen illuminated Su Rui's face in the dimly lit room. He turned his head to look at Ensia Silverash, who was still sleeping soundly, her mouth slightly open and her breathing soft. Only after confirming that she showed no signs of being woken up did he feel a little relieved and focus his attention back on the terminal screen.

Volume 18, page 1216 was seen.

Su Rui opened the pixel-style game he had played before. The familiar pixelated character appeared on the screen. Su Rui controlled the character, aimlessly exploring, fighting monsters, and collecting resources in the pixel world. He turned the game sound effects down to the lowest setting, making them almost inaudible.

Time slipped away quietly in the silent room, in the dim blue light of the terminal screen, and in Ensia Silverash's steady breathing.

At first, Su Rui was very focused on the game, trying to distract herself from her awkward situation and the soft, heavy "burden" on her body. But gradually, the warm, soft bed, the fluffy and comfortable down comforter, the sweet and peaceful scent emanating from the girl in her arms, and the somewhat repetitive and hypnotic gameplay itself... began to take effect.

His eyelids began to grow heavier and heavier. The fingers that were controlling the pixelated figure gradually became sluggish and stiff. The pixelated blocks jumping on the screen gradually blurred and overlapped in his eyes.

He yawned slightly, blinked hard, trying to shake off the sleepiness. But the warm and comfortable environment, and the reassuring weight of the person in his arms, felt like the best tranquilizer.

After an unknown amount of time, the screen on the terminal in Su Rui's hand automatically turned off due to prolonged inactivity. The eerie blue light disappeared, and the room was once again enveloped in dim, soft light.

Su Rui's fingers loosened weakly, and the terminal slipped silently onto the fluffy down comforter.

His head tilted slightly to one side, his cheek unconsciously nuzzling against the soft hair of the girl in his arms. His black eyes, which always held a wary and aloof air, finally closed slowly and completely.

Even, drawn-out breathing filled the quiet room, blending with Ensia Silverash's soft breaths to create a harmonious and peaceful rhythm.

Surprisingly, Su Rui fell asleep in Ensia Silverash's "confining" embrace, on this excessively warm and soft princess bed, in the air filled with the sweet fragrance of flowers and fruits.

Asleep, Su Rui shed his usual aloofness and alertness, and the subtle distance that always lingered between his brows vanished. His sleeping face was unexpectedly serene, even carrying a harmless innocence that seemed out of place for his age. Strands of silver hair were scattered messily on the pillow and beside his cheeks, and long eyelashes cast a small shadow beneath his eyelids. His mouth was slightly open, his breathing even, like a child who had finally found a safe haven to sleep peacefully after a long day of play.

Ensia Silverash seemed to sense the complete relaxation and "cooperation" of the "pillow" in her arms. She snuggled contentedly in her sleep, unconsciously relaxing the strength of her arms and legs, but still holding onto Su Rui tightly, as if hugging her most beloved doll.

The two of them slept peacefully in each other's arms on the soft bed. Golden and silver strands of hair intertwined on the pillow. Both faces, exquisitely beautiful and bearing snow leopard features, were serene and peaceful with sleep. The afternoon sun shone through the gap in the half-drawn curtains, casting a warm band of light on the carpet in front of the bed, gilding everything in the room with a soft golden edge.

Time flowed slowly in the silence.

I don't know how much time passed, maybe an hour, maybe even less.

"Thump, thump, thump."

A soft, rhythmic knock broke the silence of the room.

The two people, sleeping soundly in each other's arms on the bed, remained unresponsive, still immersed in their sweet dreams.

The person outside waited for a moment, but received no response. Seemingly hesitant, they then gently turned the doorknob, and the dark wooden door was silently... pushed open a crack.

A tall, slender figure dressed in dark family head's casual attire appeared at the doorway. It was SilverAsh.

He seemed to have come to see Ensia Silverash. Perhaps it was for something, or perhaps it was just a routine check-in. His handsome and aloof face was expressionless, and his SilverAsh eyes were like the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kjerag, deep and unfathomable.

He pushed open the door, his gaze instinctively sweeping across the room, searching for his sister. However, when his eyes landed on the large princess bed in the center of the room, his usually calm and unwavering SilverAsh eyes, which seemed to see through all conspiracies and schemes, suddenly... contracted almost imperceptibly!

On the bed, his younger sister, Ensia Silverash, was fast asleep, clinging tightly to a silver-haired boy in an extremely dependent and intimate posture, like an octopus. And that boy was none other than Suri, the mysterious figure with a close relationship to the saintess Enya, Su Rui might even be involved in some deeper secrets.

At this moment, Su Rui also closed her eyes, her sleeping face peaceful, letting Ensia Silverash hold her. Their hair was intertwined, their breaths mingling, their posture so natural as if it were meant to be this way. The afternoon sun shone through the gap in the curtains, falling perfectly on the two of them, casting a warm halo over them, creating a scene with a strange and tranquil beauty.

SilverAsh stood at the door, his body stiffening almost imperceptibly for a moment. A rare, extremely subtle emotion called "astonishment" appeared on his usually calm and composed face. SilverAsh's eyes, like a lake suddenly frozen, quickly swept over the two people sleeping in each other's arms on the bed, especially lingering for a moment on Su Rui's peaceful sleeping face.

His brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, as if he were thinking or weighing his options. The fingers at his sides also curled up slightly, almost imperceptibly.

The only sound in the room was the steady breathing of the two people. The air seemed to freeze because of the silent figure watching from the doorway.

After a brief silence, lasting only a few seconds.

The slight surprise on the SilverAsh face vanished quickly, like ripples caused by a pebble thrown into a lake, returning to its usual coldness and calm. However, a deeper, more complex light seemed to flash in the depths of those SilverAsh eyes, too fleeting to be detected.

He made no sound, and didn't even step into the room.

He simply stood there, quietly and deeply gazing at the two people sleeping in each other's arms on the bed. His gaze lingered for a moment on Ensia Silverash's peaceful, contented face, then lingered longer on Su Rui's calm face, devoid of any guardedness or aloofness.

Then, almost imperceptibly, almost inaudibly, he sighed softly. The sigh was so faint it seemed like an illusion.

He turned around and gently closed the door again. Just as the door was about to close, he seemed to hesitate for a moment, his gaze sweeping across the room once more.

Volume 18, Chapter 1217: Chris Closes the Door

Finally, the door was closed completely, isolating the inside from the outside. That tall and slender figure also disappeared silently outside the door.

Silence returned to the room. Only the two people sleeping in each other's arms on the bed remained immersed in a blissful dream, oblivious to their brother's brief, silent gaze and the almost inaudible sigh.

The sunlight still shone warmly on the carpet in front of the bed, illuminating that small area brightly and peacefully, as if the brief scene from just moments ago had never happened.

Inside the room, the light was dim and soft. Only the last faint, warm glow of a winter evening filtered through the gaps in the curtains, casting long, slanted shadows on the dark carpet. The air was still filled with the sweet scent of flowers and fruits, mixed with the smell of sun-dried, fluffy bedding, and... another crisp, cool scent, like snowmelt from the mountains, uniquely belonging to Su Rui.

Ensia Silverash's long, golden, butterfly-wing-like eyelashes trembled slightly. Her eyelids, still slightly red and swollen from being washed by tears, slowly opened. What came into view was first a piece of soft, light-colored fabric that carried a familiar scent, and through the gaps in the fabric, a warm chest that rose and fell gently with even breathing.

Consciousness, like the tide, slowly recedes from deep sleep. The first sensation is the incredibly comfortable feeling of being enveloped in warmth and softness. Then, the scent lingers around the nose, a blend of sunlight, plants, and a certain reassuring aroma. Finally, there is the steady, powerful feeling of another person's arms and legs on the sides and back... a sense of "imprisonment."

Ensia Silverash's mind Blank for a few seconds.

She blinked, then slowly raised her head, somewhat bewildered. Her gaze moved from a piece of fabric upwards, sweeping over a clearly defined jawline and a slightly protruding Adam's apple, finally settling on a quiet, sleeping profile so close to hers.

His silver hair was scattered messily on the pillow, a few strands playfully clinging to his smooth forehead and cheeks. His eyes were closed, his long, thick eyelashes casting small shadows beneath his eyelids, obscuring his usually cool, yet occasionally sharp or helpless, black eyes. His nose was high and straight, and the lines of his lips appeared soft in his sleep, no longer unconsciously pursed as when he was awake. His breathing was even and long, his chest rising and falling slightly with each breath, causing her body, pressed close to his, to rise and fall gently as well.

Yes... it's... Su Rui.

Upon confirming the identity of the person before her, Ensia Silverash's mind was like a lake tossed with a boulder, instantly churning with turbulent waves! All the memories surged forth like a receding tide—the joy of receiving her sister's postcard in the greenhouse, the disappointment and grievance when mentioning her brother, Su Rui's clumsy yet gentle comfort, the uncontrollable sobs as she threw herself into his arms, the gradual calming in his warm and reassuring embrace, and then... and then it seemed... she fell asleep?!

And after she fell asleep... she actually kept hugging Su Rui the whole time?! She even used him as a pillow, holding on tightly and refusing to let go?!

With a deafening roar, a wave of immense shame and belated embarrassment washed over Ensia Silverash like a volcanic eruption! Her cheeks flushed crimson at a visible speed, spreading to her ears, neck, and finally even the fluffy snow leopard ears on her head turned bright red with extreme embarrassment, trembling uncontrollably!

Good heavens! What has she done?! Not only did she cry in Su Rui's arms, but she also fell asleep in them! And that's not all; she's using him like a pillow, clinging to him tightly! And... and judging by the looks of it, Su Rui seems to have fallen asleep in her arms too?!

Ensia Silverash felt like she was on fire! She could even clearly hear her heart pounding wildly in her chest. Instinctively, she wanted to break free from Su Rui's embrace immediately and escape from this scene that made her so embarrassed she wanted to disappear instantly!

However, when she tried to move, she found herself still loosely encircled in Su Rui's arms in a possessive (though she was asleep) posture. And she herself, because she had slept so soundly, had numb hands and feet, making her movements a little clumsy.

More importantly... Su Rui seems to be sleeping very soundly.

Ensia Silverash's movements became extremely slow and careful, as she was worried about waking Su Rui. She held her breath, as if she were performing an extremely precise task that could not tolerate the slightest mistake, and little by little, she first "pulled" herself out of Su Rui's embrace.

She carefully and slowly moved the leg that was draped over Su Rui's lap away. The process seemed to be in slow motion; she was so nervous that she forgot to breathe, afraid that she might disturb Su Rui if she made a mistake.

Then came the arms wrapped around Su Rui's waist. She tried to gently lift Su Rui's arms behind her waist, then slip out of that warm embrace like an eel. However, even in his sleep, Su Rui's arms seemed to have some kind of instinctive force, as if he didn't want his "pillow" to run away. Ensia Silverash tried several times before she finally managed to remove his arms from her waist.

After doing all this, Ensia Silverash was sweating profusely from nervousness. She carefully, like a thief, sat up from the bed and then tiptoed to the edge of the bed.

Finally free from that warm embrace, sitting on the edge of the bed, Ensia Silverash let out a long, silent sigh of relief. But the heat on her cheeks hadn't subsided. She didn't dare turn around to look at Su Rui, who was still fast asleep on the bed, afraid of seeing even the slightest sign that she had woken him.

She sat on the edge of the bed, trying to calm her still-pounding heart and the overwhelming shame that threatened to engulf her. The room was quiet, save for Su Rui's even breathing and her own still-rapid heartbeat. The last rays of the setting sun shone through the gap in the curtains, falling on her slightly trembling hands resting on her knees.

She didn't know how much time had passed, perhaps only a few minutes, but it felt like an eternity to Ensia Silverash. Her heartbeat finally calmed down, and the heat on her face subsided slightly. Reason returned to her mind.

She quietly, almost in slow motion, turned her head to look at Su Rui was still fast asleep on the bed.

Volume 18, Chapter 1218: It's dark outside.

Su Rui seemed completely undisturbed by her earlier "escape," remaining in the same position, lying on his back, fast asleep. One of his arms was still in the same embrace as before, resting on where Ensia Silverash had been lying, while the other hand rested naturally at his side. His silver hair was scattered messily on the pillow, making his sleeping face appear even more serene and harmless, even... with a touch of childlike softness.

Looking at Su Rui like this, Ensia Silverash's initial embarrassment seemed to be replaced by another, softer emotion. She remembered his clumsy yet gentle comforting words in the greenhouse that afternoon, how he let her hold him and cry, how he didn't complain or push her away even when she was using him as a pillow, and instead... he seemed to have fallen asleep?

Su Rui... seems really tired, right? He came all the way from the Holy Mountain, through wind and snow, and still had to deliver her message and comfort her... He must have had a very hard time.

Thinking of this, Ensia Silverash's initial shame was replaced by deep gratitude and a strange, tender feeling mixed with dependence. Looking at Su Rui's peaceful sleeping face, she hesitated for a moment, then finally mustered her courage and softly whispered:

"Su Rui... Su Rui? Wake up..."

Her voice was very soft, as if she were afraid of disturbing something.

Su Rui's eyelashes fluttered slightly, but he didn't wake up immediately. He seemed to be sleeping soundly.

Ensia Silverash raised her voice slightly and gently nudged his arm. "Su Rui, it's getting dark, it's... it's time for dinner."

This time, Su Rui seemed to hear him. He mumbled something indistinctly, still very sleepy, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly, as if somewhat annoyed at being woken up. Instinctively, he turned his head slightly toward the direction from which Ensia Silverash's voice came, his long, thick eyelashes fluttering a few times. Only then did his usually cool and alert black eyes slowly open, with a hint of bewilderment from just waking up.

Upon waking, Su Rui's eyes were still somewhat hazy, unlike their usual sharp and clear gaze. He blinked, seemingly taking a few seconds to recognize his surroundings and the people before him. When his eyes met Ensia Silverash's blue eyes, still slightly flushed and looking at him somewhat shyly, he was momentarily stunned. Then, as if remembering something, the sleepiness and confusion in his eyes were instantly replaced by clarity.

"Ensia Silverash?" Su Rui's voice was hoarse from just waking up. He instinctively tried to sit up, but found his arms were a little numb and his body was stiff from maintaining one position for so long. He frowned, propped himself up, and glanced around at the clearly female bedroom environment before finally settling on Ensia Silverash's face, which still had a slight blush.

"... I fell asleep?" Su Rui's tone carried a hint of uncertainty and a touch of... embarrassment. He seemed to recall the scene before he fell asleep—being hugged by Ensia Silverash like a pillow, and then he himself had unknowingly drifted off to sleep in that warm and soft environment.

"Hmm..." Ensia Silverash nodded somewhat shyly, her voice barely audible, "I'm sorry, Su Rui... I... I held you so tightly that you fell asleep..." Two blushes crept onto her cheeks again as she recalled the incident.

Seeing her embarrassed expression, Su Rui felt a little less awkward about sleeping in someone else's (Enya's sister's) bed. He shook his head, stretched his stiff arms and neck, and tried to make his tone sound calm and natural, "It's okay. Are you... feeling better?"

"Mmm! Much better!" Ensia Silverash nodded vigorously, a smile that, though still tinged with shyness, was clearly much more relaxed. "Su Rui... Um, it's almost dinner time, shall we... go eat?"

Su Rui glanced out the window; it was indeed getting dark, and the room had become even darker. He nodded, got out of bed, and straightened his slightly wrinkled clothes. Ensia Silverash also hurriedly stood up from the edge of the bed, frantically tidying her dress and hair.

The two walked out of Ensia Silverash's bedroom one after the other, heading towards the dining room. The warm yellow wall lamps in the hallway were already lit, casting long shadows of the two. They walked in silence, the atmosphere subtly quiet, but not awkwardly so; rather, it carried a strange peace, like that of someone who had just shared an intimate afternoon nap.

The dining room of the SilverAsh Family was, as always, spacious, luxurious, and cold. A white tablecloth covered the long dining table, which was set with exquisite silver cutlery and crystal glasses. A roaring fire burned in the fireplace, dispelling the winter chill and adding a touch of warmth to the cold dining room.

A sumptuous dinner was laid out on the table, but only the cutlery was placed in front of the two of them. Clearly, SilverAsh wasn't going to dine with them tonight.

Su Rui and Ensia Silverash sat down at opposite ends of the long table (Su Rui instinctively chose a less conspicuous spot a little further from the fireplace). Servants silently served them steaming soup and main courses, then quietly withdrew.

For a moment, the only sounds in the restaurant were the occasional soft clinking of silver cutlery against porcelain plates and the crackling of burning firewood in the fireplace.