Chapter 44: Devoured
An ancient black-framed oil painting floated in the murky dreamscape. Inside the painting, Irene is confused about the current situation.
“This doesn’t make any sense! I’ve already broken free from this thing’s control and even got myself a body in the real world!” Irene paced in circles within the painting. “I accepted having to lug this painting around out there—as if it’s extra baggage—but how come things are even worse in the dream world? Theoretically, shouldn’t I be freer here?”
She looked up, staring directly at Yu Sheng.
“You’re asking me? Who am I supposed to ask?” Yu Sheng shrugged. “I thought you’d be freer in the dream too. I wanted to see what you look like at five foot six, but you’re still a paper doll.”
Irene huffed, too annoyed to even bicker with him. After circling the chair inside the painting countless times, she finally gave up and sat back down, grabbing a fluffy teddy bear and squeezing it tightly.
“Now I’m stuck with this bear again… But it’s fine, I guess. At least I can move freely in the real world. The dream world isn’t that important. Yeah, not that important.”
“Sometimes, I really envy your optimism,” Yu Sheng remarked sincerely.
Irene immediately flashed him a toothy grin, but whether in reality or in the dream, her threatening gestures never had any real effect.