As the chirping of morning birds echoed faintly outside the window, Xue Wen slowly opened his eyes.
A long yawn escaped his lips, his body still heavy with fatigue.
The events of yesterday, his sudden awakening, the fragments of memories he had inherited, and the awkward closeness he had shared with Ding Mei, still lingered vividly in his mind.
For a brief moment, he allowed himself to enjoy the warmth of the blanket, savoring the peace of this unfamiliar yet strangely comforting life.
But when he turned his head toward the other side of the bed, his contentment vanished.
The space where Ding Mei had lain was empty.
Xue Wen frowned, his drowsiness fading instantly. "Did she… go back to the hall again?" he muttered under his breath.
A sudden restlessness overtook him, and he quickly climbed out of bed.
His bare feet padded against the wooden floor as he made his way toward the hall, only to find it deserted.
The straw mat where she usually slept was neatly rolled up and pushed to the side.
His frown deepened. "Where did she go?" The unease in his chest grew heavier.
He checked the corners of the hall, the small storage room, and even peeked into the kitchen.
But the room was empty, no sign of Ding Mei's delicate figure.
Finally, after circling around fruitlessly, he returned to the bedroom and sat down on the edge of the bed.
His brows knitted together in thought. "Maybe… she went to the clan hall to get some groceries," he murmured to himself.
After all, the Ding Clan provided them with food and necessities.
It wasn't strange for her to fetch things early in the morning.
Convincing himself with this reasoning, he gave a small nod.
His gaze fell on his clothes, and he muttered, "In any case, it's time for a bath." Stretching his stiff shoulders, he got up and walked toward the bathing room.
He pushed the door open absentmindedly, not giving it much thought.
But the instant his eyes landed on the sight within, his breath hitched, and his legs froze at the doorway as though rooted to the ground.
Inside the wooden bath, steam rose in soft, curling wisps, veiling the room in a hazy warmth.
Amidst that mist, a feminine figure sat partially submerged in the water, Ding Mei.
Her slender shoulders glistened with droplets that slid down her fair skin, catching the faint morning light that spilled in through the window.
Her long, dark hair clung to her chest, trailing down in wet strands that barely concealed her curves.
She looked like an ethereal being, a goddess who had descended from heaven to bathe in the mortal world.
Xue Wen's breath caught in his throat, his heart pounding furiously.
His eyes, wide and unblinking, drank in the scene as though he had been struck by lightning.
Beautiful… she's so beautiful… His thoughts swirled in a daze.
Suddenly, Ding Mei turned her head, and their gazes met.
Her sapphire-blue eyes widened in shock, and in an instant her entire face flushed crimson. "Ah—!" she gasped, her voice shrill with embarrassment.
In her panic, she grabbed the nearest bath mug, scooped up water, and flung it straight at him.
"Shit!" Xue Wen snapped out of his trance just in time, jerking to the side.
The mug flew past him, crashing against the doorframe and splashing water everywhere.
Without hesitation, he spun around and bolted out of the room, slamming the door shut behind him.
"I-I'm sorry! It was a mistake!" he called out hurriedly from the other side of the door.
His chest heaved as he pressed his back against the wooden wall, trying to steady himself.
Taking a deep breath, he calmed his racing heart, but the image of her wet, radiant figure refused to leave his mind.
Every blink only brought it back clearer.
His face burned, and he muttered under his breath, "I hope… she doesn't think I'm some kind of creep."
With a heavy sigh, he rubbed his temples and headed toward the kitchen. "I'm feeling strangely hungry…" he murmured, as though distracting himself with food could wash away the awkwardness.
When he entered, he stopped in surprise. On the small wooden table, a steaming bowl of meat broth had already been placed.
The fragrant aroma wafted through the room, rich and savory, making his stomach growl instantly.
Ding Mei had clearly prepared breakfast for him before bathing.
His lips curled into a faint smile. She's so considerate.
He ladled some broth into a smaller bowl, then carried it to the hall where he sat down.
As the hot steam drifted up into his face, he inhaled deeply, letting the scent fill his senses. "She really makes such good food," he thought aloud, admiration coloring his tone.
With chopsticks, he picked up a large chunk of tender meat, popped it into his mouth, and swallowed.
The flavor burst across his tongue—savory, hearty, rich. His eyes lit up. "Heavenly…" he murmured, and without hesitation he began devouring the food with a strange smile on his lips.
Bite after bite, he ate as though he couldn't get enough, and before long the bowl was completely empty.
Leaning back in his chair, he let out a satisfied burp, patting his stomach. A goofy smile spread across his face. "Such good food," he said to no one in particular, looking like a man drunk on happiness.
But then, a strange sensation bloomed inside him.
His stomach began to warm, the heat spreading outward like rippling waves.
The food he had just eaten seemed to dissolve, not into nutrients but into a mysterious energy.
Slowly, steadily, that energy surged upward, flowing directly into his canines.
Xue Wen's smile faded, replaced by a deep frown.
"This… I noticed it yesterday too," he muttered, his hand unconsciously touching his mouth. "When I ate the rice and vegetable soup, the same thing happened. All the food I consume, it turns into some strange energy… and gets absorbed by these teeth."
The memory of the black fangs embedding themselves into his mouth resurfaced, and an uneasy chill ran down his spine. Something about this was not normal.
Just what have I become?