Hu Yetao followed the mysterious girl, his heart pounding as they fled from Bambam. Every step took him further into this bewildering world that defied all logic. The crisp mountain air filled his lungs—too real to be a dream, yet too fantastical to be reality.
"Young master, I believe I can't save you this time if your aunt catches on." The servant girl's voice trembled slightly as they hurried along the winding path. "You've literally disappeared for five hours! How could you do that when you're undergoing the successor training?" She cast a nervous glance over her shoulder. "If she's found out about this by now, we're so dead."
Successor training? Young master? Yetao's thoughts whirled like autumn leaves in a storm. Just what role am I supposed to play here?
As they crested the hill, a breathtaking sight unfolded before him. The majestic mountain rose toward the heavens, its peak shrouded in mystical mist. Ancient trees with trunks thicker than three men standing together dotted the slopes. But what truly made Yetao's jaw drop were the children—each with two or three tails flowing behind their human forms, playing and training across the mountain.
"Did I accidentally transmigrate into a fantasy drama or something?" Yetao couldn't help but mutter as his fingers brushed against a nearby stone pillar, feeling its cool, rough texture. "What are these unbelievably unreal scenes I'm seeing right now?"
The servant girl gave him an odd look. "Young master, why are you playing around? Get into your place." She gestured toward one of the numerous caves dotting the mountainside.
Yetao's brows furrowed in confusion. "Um... is this cave my place?"
"Seems like you've been out so long that you even forgot your place?"
A melodious yet stern voice cut through the air like a sharp blade. A woman with ethereal beauty approached them, her nine silver-white tails swaying gracefully behind her. Her long black hair cascaded down to her waist, and her eyes gleamed with ancient wisdom.
Yetao's eyes widened in shock. It couldn't be—but it was! Standing before him was none other than Yang Mi, one of his favorite actresses!
"Yang Mi jiejie[1]?" he blurted out, unable to contain his surprise.
The temperature around them seemed to drop several degrees as the woman's eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Jiejie? When did I become your sister?" Her voice was like winter frost, causing both Yetao and the servant girl to tremble.
Damn it! I messed up already! Yetao's mind raced frantically. He glanced at the servant girl who was now bowing at a perfect 180-degree angle before the imposing woman.
"Aunt...?" he guessed hesitantly, sweat beading on his forehead.
The beautiful woman's expression softened marginally. "Hah, finally you remember me. What an honor?" The sarcasm in her voice could cut diamond. "I know you're a playful boy, but I've already told you to sit tight and practice for your succession, just one year. You can't control your playfulness for that much?" Her eyes flashed dangerously. "Do you even have a tiny bit of love for your aunt?"
Succession? Is that my mission here? If I complete that, will I return home? Hope flickered in Yetao's heart like a faint candle flame.
Yang Mi sighed deeply, her expression a mixture of disappointment and concern. "Taotao, I'm doing this for your own good. I hope you understand me." With a graceful wave of her hand, she summoned several burly guards who materialized from the shadows.
"Wait, what—" Before Yetao could finish his sentence, the men had already lifted him off the ground. Despite his struggles and protests, they carried him effortlessly toward the indicated cave.
"Let me go! Hey! I said let me—" His words were cut short as they unceremoniously tossed him inside the cave.
Yang Mi approached the entrance, her nine tails glowing with mystical energy. With complex hand gestures, she created a translucent barrier that sealed the cave.
"You only have to open the seal thrice a day. Only when you're giving him food," she instructed the servant girl who had brought Yetao back. "Even if he fake cries that he's sick to death, inform me first."
With those final words, the elegant fox woman departed, leaving Yetao trapped within.
Two hours later
After exhausting himself by screaming for help until his throat was raw, Yetao finally gave up and explored his prison. To his surprise, the cave was nothing like he had imagined. Instead of a damp, dark hole, it was a luxurious dwelling with multiple chambers, exquisite furniture, and even a small fountain that provided fresh water.
For a cave, this is practically a palace, he thought.
Yet despite the opulence, an overwhelming sense of loneliness crushed down on him. Yetao slumped onto the silk-covered bed, hugging his knees to his chest.
"Just where am I?" he whispered into the silence. "I remember the last thing I saw was starting that game. But this doesn't feel like a dream... it feels too real."
A sob escaped his lips as frustration and fear finally overcame him. He screamed and kicked at the air, tumbling off the bed in the process.
"I'm scared..." Tears streamed down his face as he curled into a ball on the floor. "Lu... can you wake me up from my sleep like always? Can you please wake me up faster, Lu?"
After what felt like hours of crying, Yetao's eyes were swollen and red, but a new determination had taken root in his heart.
"No... I can't cry like this in such a situation. I need to think of a way out."
A sudden thought struck him like lightning.
"Wait... if I fall asleep, will I travel back to my real world again?"
Without wasting another moment, Yetao dove under the silken sheets and squeezed his eyes shut. Sleep, however, proved elusive. He began counting imaginary sheep, feeling himself slowly drifting toward unconsciousness when—
"Why the hard way to sleep? You can just hit your head. That could make you sleep instantly, right?"
"AAAH!" Yetao bolted upright, nearly falling off the bed again. There, lounging casually in the corner of the room, was Bambam—the mysterious man from earlier—his perfect features illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight.
Yetao frantically wrapped himself in the bedsheets, creating a makeshift cocoon. "You pervert! What are you doing in a man's room in the middle of the night?"
Bambam's laughter echoed through the cave, rich and melodious. His eyes crinkled at the corners, revealing a hint of genuine amusement.
"You're really a funny one, you know? So, you're saying that a man in a man's room at night is inappropriate?" His laughter continued, only fueling Yetao's indignation.
"Hah, the audacity of this man," Yetao fumed, clutching the sheets tighter.
"Oiii, why does gender have a say in that? Are you a homophobe?" he challenged, his cheeks flushed with anger.
Bambam tilted his head in confusion. "Homo... what?"
That only made Yetao more furious. "You see, Mr. Pervert. You, who thought that a fox could seduce you, don't have a say in this matter." He lifted his chin defiantly. "Whatever, what are you doing in my room right now? If you try something funny, I'll shout and the people here will immediately hang you to death. You know, right? I'm a young master here." He puffed out his chest, attempting to look intimidating.
Instead of being frightened, Bambam's laughter only intensified. "What's so funny?" Yetao demanded.
"It's just..." Bambam wiped a tear from the corner of his eye. "It's the first time someone said they could hang me." His expression turned more serious. "Fret not, I'm just here to ask you something."
Yetao narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Ask me what?"
A smirk played on Bambam's lips. "Your name?"
Yetao's mouth opened, ready to scream for help, when Bambam moved with inhuman speed. In an instant, he was beside Yetao, one hand gently covering his mouth.
"You're going to tell on me?" he whispered, his breath tickling Yetao's ear.
Their faces were mere inches apart. Yetao found himself drowning in Bambam's eyes—dark pools that seemed to contain galaxies within them. His gaze involuntarily dropped to Bambam's lips, noticing how perfectly shaped and moistened they were. A strange warmth flooded his body, and he gulped audibly.
Realizing the dangerous direction of his thoughts, Yetao slapped himself—hard—leaving red marks on his cheeks.
What am I thinking?! Get a grip, Hu Yetao!
He didn't notice Bambam's small smile at his reaction. The mysterious man cleared his throat, seeming to compose himself as well.
"Anyways, I'm just here to ask for help," Bambam said, his voice returning to normal.
"Help? From me?" Yetao couldn't hide his confusion.
"Yes." Bambam's expression grew earnest. "Seems like you know nothing of this world. I was like that once too. I suddenly slept and came to this world." His eyes locked with Yetao's, searching. "When I met you a while ago, you seemed to be in the same condition as me. Did you come from the other world too?"
Yetao's eyes widened, tears of relief springing forth. "You're from my world too? How did you come here? Did you play that game then? How many days have you been here? Wait... what were you doing before you came here? I was an idol!" The questions tumbled out in rapid succession.
Unable to contain his emotions, Yetao flung himself at Bambam, embracing him tightly. "I'm glad I'm not alone. Why didn't you tell me beforehand? You know how scared I was?" Tears soaked into Bambam's robes as Yetao clung to him.
After a moment's hesitation, Bambam's strong arms encircled Yetao, returning the embrace. He patted Yetao's back gently, calming him.
Finally, I'm not alone in this strange world, Yetao thought, his heart lighter than it had been since his arrival.
Unknown to Yetao, thoughts of a different nature ran through Bambam's mind: Seems like I guessed it right. He must be from the other world where that Yuchen took the treasure. I must keep playing the role to make him not doubt me. I'll eventually find out more about the world and get the treasure no matter what.
"So... what were you doing before coming here?" Yetao asked eagerly once he had calmed down.
Bambam's eyes darted around the room, as if searching for an answer. "What is the most common occupation people do here?" he seemed to mutter to himself before answering, "Farming?"
"You were a farmer?" Yetao's eyes widened in admiration as he reached out to squeeze Bambam's arm. "Wow... that's why you have pumped-up muscles. I see that you're a MAN!" His innocent touch caused a faint blush to appear on Bambam's cheeks.
"What were you doing in that world?" Bambam quickly changed the subject.
"I was an idol trainee." Yetao pouted adorably. "If only I hadn't played that stupid game."
"Id... ol?" Bambam's brow furrowed in confusion.
"You don't know what idol means?" Yetao gasped in shock. "Did you live inside a well? Where did you live?"
"Wang... nam... khiao?" Bambam said hesitantly.
Yetao's eyes lit up with recognition. "Wang nam khiao? I've heard of this name somewhere... Wait, you're from Thailand?"
Bambam simply nodded, seemingly content with this conclusion.
"I don't know how to speak Thai much, but you're really good at speaking Chinese," Yetao continued, impressed. "Did you have friends or family from China?"
Bambam merely smiled enigmatically, offering no answer.
"Seems like you didn't know what an idol is since you're from the rural side." Yetao's eyes traveled appreciatively over Bambam's perfect features. "But man... you could've been an idol with this face and body, you know? You could be a group's visual with ample training."
The compliment hung in the air between them, creating a moment of unexpected tension. Yetao quickly continued, "Well, idols are entertainers who sing and dance. We produce our own music. We have millions and billions of fans supporting this industry."
"Like... tavern dancers?" Bambam asked innocently.
Yetao burst into laughter. "You know? You sound like an old man. Did you get stuck here for more than 50 years or something?"
Bambam seized the opportunity. "Yes, I got here 70 years ago."
The laughter died on Yetao's lips. "Seventy years? How... did you arrive here?" His voice trembled with newfound fear.
"Game?" Bambam offered.
"So you came here because of a game too? Did you fail your mission and get stuck here?" The barrage of questions continued, and Bambam wisely chose to nod along with everything.
Yetao's shoulders slumped as he let out a deep sigh. "I guess we'll be stuck here if we fail the mission then. I need to acquire a demon's heart or something. What's yours?"
"Finding a treasure Yuchen took," Bambam replied, watching Yetao carefully. "Do you know of a guy named Yuchen?"
"Treasure? Yuchen?" Yetao's eyes widened as recognition dawned. "Wait, the name sounds familiar. He was the CEO of the game company who developed that game. I guess it has a connection."
"What do you mean?" Bambam leaned forward, suddenly intensely interested.
"Yuchen is the name of the guy who created the game called 'Immortal Realm,' and I got sucked into the very game world." Yetao's eyes shone with excitement. "I think he's the key. We need to find him!"
"Do you know how he looks? I don't know him since it was a long time ago," Bambam pressed.
"I've seen an interview of him just a day before. I remember him." Yetao's brow furrowed. "But... since you said you came here before 70 years, that means he doesn't age? He appeared so young. Could he be an alien?"
"Alien?" Bambam echoed, clearly unfamiliar with the term.
"There are things like that," Yetao explained. "But why don't you age? Does time fly at a different pace here?"
"Maybe? I just don't age. I've been like this for 700... I mean 70 years." Bambam quickly corrected himself, but Yetao was too excited to notice the slip.
"You know what? I actually don't mind your age." Yetao's smile was radiant, pure and untainted. "I really am happy that I met you here. I was really feeling lonely. Thanks for finding me even though I insulted you. Let's get back to our world together, alright?"
The brilliance of that smile hit Bambam like a physical blow. For several heartbeats, he could only stare, mesmerized, before forcing himself to look away.
"What's your name then?" he asked, changing the subject.
"Oh, just see my manners?" Yetao laughed at himself. "I'm Hu Yetao. You can call me however you want." That innocent angelic smile appeared again, causing Bambam's heart to race.
"Taotao? Can I call you that?" Bambam's voice dropped to a deep, husky register that sent unexpected shivers down Yetao's spine.
"Huh? Yes... of course you can," Yetao stuttered, laughing nervously to hide his flushed face. "Although only Lu calls me like that nowadays."
"Lu? Who's that?" A sudden sharpness entered Bambam's tone.
"He's just... my friend. We've been together for 7 years," Yetao answered simply.
Seven years? Some bastard is calling him that for seven years? Bambam thought, before catching himself. Wait... why do I care?
"Anyways, let's... see tomorrow?" Yetao suggested. "Since we know what to do now. Let's just... go to sleep and think about a plan tomorrow, ok?"
Bambam nodded in agreement. Without another word, he levitated into the air and vanished like morning mist, leaving Yetao alone once more.
Yetao collapsed onto his bed, emotional exhaustion finally claiming him. "I'm glad I'm not alone," he whispered, relief evident in his voice.
Then, unbidden, memories of Bambam's deep voice calling him "Taotao" flooded his mind. "But... what's with that deep low voice? I thought I might sink into ocean." He buried his burning face in the silk sheets.
"He has some fancy powers for real," Yetao murmured to himself. "Before, he turned me into human, and now, he vanished into thin air. Maybe experiencing 70 years here gave him some skills?"
His thoughts wandered further. "Seventy years, huh? Must've been hard for him to be all alone in this unknown place. He's literally a baby who doesn't know about the present world there." A fond smile touched his lips. "Is that why he laughed when I said man and man can't be alone? What am I going to do with that innocent old man? But his looks were..."
Unbidden, Bambam's face appeared in his mind's eye—those penetrating eyes, the perfect profile, those lips... those perfect lips...
"Ahhhhhh!" Yetao screamed, kicking wildly at the air. "What are you, Yetao? A pervert? He's more than 70! Snap out of it." He roughly pulled the blankets over his head. "Once you get out of this world, he'll have wrinkles and white hair. Imagine he's your grandpa and get yourself out of this stupid fantasy of yours."
Still, as sleep finally claimed him, it was Bambam's handsome face that filled his dreams.
The day ended with new chaos waiting to be unleashed on the days coming forth. Little did Hu Yetao know that his journey in the Immortal Realm had only just begun...
[1] It's a term younger males use to call older females in China