The moment the door closed, the warmth in the room seemed to thin out.
Ethan's smile faded like it had never existed. He sat up properly, rolling his shoulders once as if shaking off a heavy cloak.
Xixi floated in front of him, still grinning. "Host, I have to admit… that was smooth. 'Big Sister Yueyin'? You even added the trembling voice. Ten out of ten."
Ethan reached for the teacup on the bedside table. His hand was steady now. "Don't praise me," he said, taking a careful sip. "Praise the situation. She's kind. Kind people are predictable."
Xixi's rabbit ears perked. "So you're planning to cling to the female lead?"
"I'm planning to survive," Ethan corrected. "And if she really is the female lead, then she's the safest anchor in this palace."
His throat still felt sore. The phantom sensation of choking refused to fully fade, a reminder that he didn't have room for mistakes anymore.
One revival left.
One.
