Chapter 23: True Colors Revealed? Is She the Lady with Beast Ears?

Longing for all things beautiful, yet resenting every trace of tenderness.

Even with effort, dreams are not always within reach. In fact, more often than not, they remain unfulfilled. Still, the fact that one has tried provides enough comfort for those who chase their dreams.

Society is harsh on most people.

So sometimes, it’s better to forgive yourself.

After all, if everyone were a bit more lenient with themselves, then no one would be a failure—if all were so, there would be no such thing as failure…

He had spoken with Chen Yuxin for over an hour. She intended to invite Natsuki for lunch, but he politely declined in the end. They exchanged contact information. Her attitude toward him was exceedingly warm, yet to Natsuki, it didn't feel like luck or fortune—he was simply relevant at the moment, that was all.

So many celebrities and internet personalities seem to lead glamorous lives, but when it comes down to entering that world, who can guarantee they’ll always shine so brightly?

Standing alone in the sunlight, Natsuki pondered quietly, and his mind was already made up. If he truly chose that path, his life would surely grow constrained. Most people in show business remained single for a reason. At his age, to already be in a relationship—if he decided to go through with it, those behind him would surely demand he maintain a single persona or…

He craved freedom—so why rush toward a gilded cage?

As for his answer to Chen Yuxin, Natsuki would wait a few days.

Soon after, he arrived at Su Rouxue’s home.

It was still not yet ten in the morning. The curtains were all drawn, bathing the room in darkness; she clearly hadn’t gotten up yet. Natsuki walked softly to Su Rouxue’s bedroom door.

He gently pushed the door open.

What he saw left him utterly dumbstruck.

A slender, graceful figure—soft arms as pale as lotus roots, long, shapely legs, delicate calves, skin smooth and luminous as jade—she stood like a living sculpture of beauty and purity.

And she was completely exposed.

She was still sound asleep, seemingly lost in a pleasant dream, for if she weren’t, she would have noticed the thin quilt sliding off the bed.

Irresistible.

Early in the morning, having done nothing at all, Su Rouxue had somehow managed to ignite a restless fire in Natsuki’s heart.

But—

“Should I wait in the living room instead?”

He felt awkward suddenly appearing in her bedroom like this—wasn’t it somewhat indecent? But he’d told her last night he’d come over once he woke up!

Right… he’d said it. So if Su Rouxue was like this, was it all deliberate? Or had she planned it?

Standing at the threshold, Natsuki regarded the enchanting scene before him. The more he learned about his lady, the more convinced he became that she was far from simple.

Artists are often bold, eager to cast off all constraints, sometimes with peculiar quirks.

Her hidden secrets?

He suspected he’d uncover them all soon enough.

He swallowed. It would be a lie to say he felt nothing.

But he didn’t want to disturb Su Rouxue or force her to wake.

A soft murmur broke the silence, startling Natsuki.

At that moment, a faint blush bloomed on Su Rouxue’s lovely cheeks.

His eyes widened, curiosity consuming him.

She was definitely dreaming, and it seemed to be a special kind of dream.

“Seriously? Even beauties have those kinds of dreams? If only I could stream the images in her head to my phone—I want to see if the male lead is me!”

Natsuki’s thoughts tangled.

If the person in her dream wasn’t him, then what…?

He bit his lip, bewildered by his own inner conflict over a mere dream.

But then, Su Rouxue’s body began to change before his eyes—leaving Natsuki utterly stunned.

As her cheeks flushed deeper, her entire demeanor transformed.

Her lips were soft, her eyes alluring, her nose delicate, her brows gentle; her very presence seemed to ripple with tender waves.

The more he looked, the easier it was to lose himself, as if gazing at beauty eternal—untouched by time, only becoming more radiant.

But then, even more remarkably, a fluffy red tail emerged from her back, and her hair and brows began to change color.

A faint red glow shimmered over her, and her ears transformed into those of a red fox!

Her long, dark-red hair fell loose down her back, smooth as the finest silk.

Beneath arched brows gleamed a pair of mesmerizing, deep violet eyes, their corners slightly upturned, adding to her allure.

Her dream continued.

Crimson lips curved in a half-smile.

Her skin, fairer than snow, seemed to glow with a silvery light.

Natsuki was entranced.

He wasn’t frightened, just overwhelmed.

He rubbed his eyes, pinched himself. Was she dreaming, or was he?

He’d uncovered many of Su Rouxue’s secrets, but compared to this, the rest were trivial.

It was now clear—he wasn’t dating an ordinary woman, but a fox maiden.

Of course, if anyone else witnessed this, their thoughts would surely differ.

But for a boy with a vivid imagination, discovering his older girlfriend was a beast-eared girl made this romance truly unique.

He felt no panic. After all this time with Su Rouxue, her reliance and trust in him were unmistakable.

Still, this was a secret she ought to reveal to him herself.

Their journey together was long; eventually, everything would come to light.

“So… dating a beast-eared maiden… there shouldn’t be any terrible consequences, right?”

If he had any anxiety, it lay in the worry that intimacy with Su Rouxue might affect his body somehow.

From all the novels and anime he’d consumed, if your lover is a spirit, then, well, during certain moments, she’d absorb a man’s essence…

He coughed awkwardly, shaking his head.

He felt fine lately—no strange symptoms.

“It’s better to take things as they come.”

He took a deep breath, trying to relax and face reality.

So what if loving Su Rouxue was simply a “fox’s gratitude”?

Just then, Su Rouxue’s alluring, spirited eyes fluttered open…