The Nightmare Experience of a Useless Person

If the human brain is a sophisticated instrument, then Jiang Zhiyang's brain probably only has three or four parts functioning, and right now it's broken down because the screws are loose.

"Hmm... um... what's going on?"

Jiang Zhiyang's face turned bright red, full of embarrassment at being called on by the teacher even though he had his head down during class.

Seeing his flustered appearance, Yu Qingjun found the man in front of her somewhat adorable.

Like Xiaobai, I subconsciously want to reach out and pat his head.

But how come this silly kid is so tall! My hand awkwardly hangs in mid-air, how am I supposed to take it back?

Seeing the outstretched hand, Jiang Zhiyang subconsciously lowered himself. He knew that when Lele reached out, it was to pet the kitten's head.

A hairy sea urchin head was placed in front of me.

Should I touch it? It's a little awkward.

It would be a little awkward not to touch it.

A soft little hand casually grabbed a handful, and a serious voice immediately followed, trying to cover up the slight blush on each other's faces.

"Then I'll go first. If you have any questions, you can add them at any time."

They sat down at the desk, separated by a candle.

The candlelight flickered gently, shimmering in Qingjun's eyes.

Jiang Zhiyang stared at the face; it was clearly Lele's.

"All things have a spirit. All changes in the world are nothing more than the gathering and dispersal of spiritual energy. When the spirit gathers, life is born; when the spirit disperses, death occurs. Living beings cross the bridge of rebirth, forget their past lives, enter the six realms, take on physical forms, and thus become flowers, humans, and all things. But there are exceptions. Spirits with obsessive attachments are unwilling to enter the cycle of reincarnation and scatter in all directions."

The NPC teacher started introducing the background of the book. The setting is quite grand and fun, making people feel like they're getting into the role.

Jiang Zhiyang listened intently, his eyes wide open and sparkling in the candlelight.

"Where to escape to?"

"Spirits harboring obsessive thoughts are called Nightmare Beasts. They can hide in the dreams of other beings, existing outside the realms of life and death, causing them nightmares and nighttime weeping. More powerful Nightmare Beasts can even possess the bodies of beings at the moment of life or death, waking up in their place and continuing to live."

"At the brink of life and death? Even dying of old age or sickness is acceptable?"

"In theory, it is possible, but the bodies of the elderly and those suffering from disease are already incomplete, and even if they occupy their bodies, they will not live long."

Therefore, they prefer to choose the bodies of young people who have committed suicide, substituting one for another when the other's will is weak.

Suicide? Such an unfamiliar and serious word.

"So, according to you, Duan Heng attempted suicide, but ended up having his body taken over by Xiao Bai?"

Yu Qingjun nodded, her gaze casually resting on the scrolls to the side.

"What about that dream? What was it all about?"

"That was Xiaobai's dream. The Nightmare Beast will eventually dissipate, but before it does, only one dream remains—the obsession that makes them willingly confine themselves to this place. This recurring dream of obsession is, in fact, a form of torture for them."

"So, you can enter their dreams, untangle their knots, and allow them to enter the cycle of reincarnation?"

"Not bad, you're not that stupid."

It sounds like a good person who doesn't want the Nightmare Beast to be tortured to death.

"Then Lele..."

"The sun is out," Yu Qingjun said, getting up and pulling the curtains even tighter. "You should go now."

"But there are still many things I don't understand."

"I didn't really need to explain to you, but I have a favor to ask."

"Beg me?" Jiang Zhiyang felt incredulous. Everything that happened tonight was unbelievable to him. Perhaps, when he opened his eyes, he would find himself lying in bed again, and it would all just be a dream.

"From now on, I want you to accompany me into my dreams. All you have to do is find me, and then..." She touched her lips, "...kiss me."

Every word and phrase was pounding on Jiang Zhiyang's last shred of reason. Looking at Yu Qingjun's opening and closing lips, he felt like he was about to faint on the spot.

"I will notify you in advance when I need you."

The current situation doesn't resemble an immersive murder mystery game; it's more like a cult indoctrination session. Yes, as the counselor once mentioned, there are many cult members targeting students in the business center.

"I might not be available."

Retreat is the best course of action.

"A monthly salary of ten thousand."

"Lord Qingjun, this is my number. Please feel free to give me your orders."

Hesitating for even a second would be a desecration of this high salary. This isn't some cult; it's clearly a recruitment event for a murder mystery game shop.

At six o'clock in the morning, under the watchful eyes of two "adults," Jiang Zhiyang left this dreamlike place. When he stepped out the door, it felt as if he was walking on cotton, hard and soft, real and unreal.

"Are we really going to drag a human child into my dream?" The little fox narrowed its cunning eyes.

"You know, it's hard for me to stay awake in my dreams these days, but he seems to work, or rather, I could sense that he was different the first time I saw him."

"Oh my gosh~ No~ it's~ different~ love has arrived?"

"There seems to be a familiar scent about him."

"You're overthinking it. He's just a cowardly and stupid kid."

"Whether he's cowardly and stupid, or clever and brave, if he can help me, he's not useless. Just remember, four. I only need to help you catch four more Nightmare Beasts, and you'll let me..."

The little fox's eyes were lowered, and its gaze never lingered on the person for even a moment.

"rest assured."

……

When he returned to school, there was no time to go back to the dormitory, so Jiang Zhiyang went to catch the 8 a.m. empty-handed.

Fortunately, the first class in the morning was a water class. Lying on the textbook that Liu Xuyan brought, Jiang Zhiyang slept very well. In the soft morning light, Jiang Zhiyang's dream was also very bright and beautiful.

On the roof of the dilapidated temple, Jiang Zhiyang lay lazily, letting the sunlight and breeze comb his hair until it was dry and neat.

Lele was right beside her. She was wearing a brightly colored dress, her smooth black hair was styled into a long braid, and a red camellia was tucked behind her ear, making her particularly dazzling in the spring.

They basked in the sun quietly, watching the village children chase and play in the school, the adults conduct business on the flat ground at the village entrance, and the elderly sit in a circle sharing the straw sandals they have woven.

How wonderful, Qiushui Village without snow. Jiang Zhiyang gently leaned against Lele's hand, and she knowingly patted the little cat's head; her hand was warm and soft.

Jiang Zhiyang meowed happily, making Lele giggle.

How blissful! But that bliss will be mercilessly interrupted by the school bell.

"Jiang Zhiyang, Zhiyang, Brother Jiang, wake up! It's already the second period, and we're going to take attendance."

He opened his eyes dejectedly, still slumped over the table, unwilling to move.

"Can you touch me?"

"What are you doing!" Jiang Zhiyang's gentle voice startled Liu Xuyan so much that she almost stood up.

"What are you doing? My God, should I slap you to wake you up?"

Sometimes it's better to be a kitten, where you can get love and petting for no reason at all.