The night after the kidnapping.
The moon was not particularly generous that night, stingily spilling just a few faint, hazy rays through the gaps in the clouds.
Cui Ciyou lay on the comfortable bed, turning over restlessly as he tried to find a comfortable sleeping position.
Just as his consciousness began to blur and he was about to sink into darkness.
A faint patter of footsteps, much like a cat padding around at night, came from the hallway outside.
Then those soft footsteps stopped outside his door, followed by a quiet creak as the door was carefully pushed open.
In the stillness of the night, those sounds stood out all the more.
Huh?
Cui Ciyou could not even be bothered to open his eyes, but his body's instincts, like the most faithful sentry, automatically activated Perception.
Mental power-connect-Perception-activate!
The instant Perception activated, the familiar black-and-white 3D world of dots and lines appeared in his mind.
A petite black-and-white figure representing Alice.
She was tiptoeing into his room like a clumsy little thief.
Alice even peeked around, seemingly checking that the person in bed was fast asleep before looking relieved.
Finally, she gently and carefully eased the door shut.
Oh... it's just Alice.
Once he confirmed that his visitor was Alice, Cui Ciyou lost even the slightest inclination to sit up.
He remained sprawled lazily on the bed and merely drawled in a calm, even voice tinged with teasing:
"So... what brings you here so late, my dear young lady-Miss Tsundere?"
"And what business could you possibly have sneaking into a gentleman's room in the dead of night?"
"Forgive my frankness, but this is hardly the behavior of a proper, elegant lady."
The little figure closing the door jumped at the unexpected voice and froze for a few seconds.
Then Alice