Chapter 23

Here, within the code space, there is no concept of time. It originates from the fusion of digital programming and human consciousness. If the code space is a void, then the imagination and impressions within the human mind can serve as architectural blueprints for this domain. Aiwen named it the “Transfiguration World.” The concept is simple: channel all memories, impressions, latent images, and stored consciousness from the brain into a code program, allowing them to evolve and proliferate on their own, then grant them an endless duration—a virtual span, perceived only by the consciousness itself. It does not occupy space. Subsequent discoveries are undirected and random, resembling countless parallel universes converging at a single moment, each spawning infinite evolutions. In truth, neurons themselves offer a rich microcosm. Like the infinite possibilities of the microscopic world, human consciousness is no different.

The consciousnesses of the two women remained within Aiwen’s unique code space. While Xiaoya Xian already knew why Holun had sought her out and understood the entire sequence of events, Aiwen herself was an enigma. How did she arrive here? Or more aptly, how did she enter their dream?

“Even if you choose not to return to reality and prefer to remain in the dream, you don’t realize your brother is still waiting for you to wake. Every moment you linger here increases your danger. If you continue like this, you’ll lose your life! What about your brother?”

“He’s not dead?”

“Before entering the dream, I looked into your personal information. Holun told me a little—your brother isn’t dead. He’s been rescued and revived.”

“You say everything here is just my dream? Then how did you get in? Are you trying to brainwash me? Show me some illusion you conjured! Who are you really? What do you want from me?”

Aiwen replied, “I’m not lying to you. The only person who can resolve these questions is yourself. If you refuse to wake, you truly won’t wake again. You still have life—a body waiting for you to return!”

She spoke urgently, “I’m different. I am someone at the brink of death. I don’t need to go back…”

Xiaoya Xian was astonished. “What do you mean?”

Time shifted to November 22, 2017.

Morning at Guanshan Lake Scenic Area—

It was a truly fine, sunny day. A white business car wound its way along the mountain road in the Guanshan Lake Scenic Area.

As the perspective drew closer, three people could be seen inside: Eddie Ming, Lihua Zhao, and Aiwen.

The scene moved inside the car. The family of three was chatting pleasantly. Eddie Ming was driving, Lihua Zhao sat beside him, and Aiwen was in the back seat.

Eddie Ming said, “The weather’s great today. We really picked the right time to come up the mountain.”

Lihua Zhao replied, “Why come here? You rarely enjoy mountain trips. Oh, wait—tonight there’s supposed to be a super moon, isn’t there?”

Aiwen said, “Isn’t there a meteor shower?”

Eddie Ming laughed, “Don’t guess. The air up here is good. It’s been too long since our family came to the mountains together. We should savor the natural atmosphere—what could be better?” His smile showed his delight.

Aiwen turned and asked, “Mom, do you think my outfit is unique?” She twisted around to show Lihua Zhao the pattern on the back of her jacket.

Lihua Zhao approved, “Nice! Oh, and the letter A—it suits you perfectly.”

As she spoke, she took a small jewelry box from her pocket. “Try this on. It might match even better.”

Aiwen asked, “What is it? A surprise for me?” She opened the box and found a necklace, its pendant engraved with the distinctive letters ‘aw’.

Eddie Ming said, “Do you like it? Your mom and I picked it together.”

Aiwen answered, “I love it! It’s so unique. Thank you, father, thank you, mother.” She turned the necklace over in her hands, reluctant to let it go.

She hurried to put it on, but the rocking of the car made it difficult to fasten. Seeing this, Lihua Zhao leaned over to help, and Aiwen turned her back to her.

At that moment, a large truck came barreling around the bend behind them, about to overtake their car. Lihua Zhao inadvertently blocked the view from the side mirror, so Eddie Ming didn’t notice the truck. The vehicle sped dangerously close, and just as Lihua Zhao sat back, the truck scraped past, startling Eddie Ming, who jerked the steering wheel…

The white car slammed into the guardrail. Trying to brake was futile—the vehicle collided, the rail was smashed open, and the car plunged down the hillside…

The view shifted to below the mountainside, where the car smoked, its body twisted and deformed.

Inside the car, Eddie Ming and Lihua Zhao were motionless, while Aiwen’s fingers twitched faintly. The sunlight fell across her neck, and the necklace still sparkled.

This scene revealed the truth of the accident three years ago. In the dream, Aiwen appeared wrapped head to toe in white gauze: a psychological suggestion. After being rescued, she became a vegetative patient, her body unable to function or absorb nourishment. Over three years, her body atrophied, becoming grotesque. Subconsciously, she wished to conceal herself, to hide from others. In the dream, her second hypnosis caused her to ignite—another inner signal, a desire for self-destruction. She no longer wanted this body; in reality, her existence was meaningless. She roamed the virtual world, her soul long severed from that crippled shell. She no longer needed it, for it was too unsightly.

From the moment she climbed from the hillside to the road and met Xiaoya Xian, their consciousness databases connected. In that instant, they could see figures from each other’s dreams—each a product of their own impressions, yet these impressions could not sense the other’s consciousness. Thus, when Xiaoya Xian took Xiao Ai to the hospital and met Dr. Zhao, Dr. Zhao could not perceive Xiaoya Xian’s presence.

Meanwhile, Aiwen’s relatives in the dream became strangers. Lihua Zhao and Eddie Ming were transformed into people who rescued Xiao Ai—Aiwen’s subconscious dependency on her kin. Only by encountering them could she be truly saved. This is why, in the dream, even without medication, her wounds healed automatically—a psychological response.

The necklace she found in the dream at the base of the mountain was something Aiwen herself had coded before entering the dream. She inserted it into the consciousness replacement program while Holun was unaware, as a reminder to herself.

Time shifted again to November 25, 2017.

Cemetery—

Sunlight bathed the grounds, though few attended the funeral. Holun stood before Eddie Ming and Lihua Zhao’s tombstones, bowing deeply. His assistant approached, whispering a few words in his ear. Soon after, the two departed together.

Time continued to November 26, 2017.

ICU ward of Xiqu Hospital—

Aiwen lay in the hospital bed, surrounded by monitoring devices tracking her vital signs.

Holun watched through the glass, observing the room. His assistant hurried over, briefing him for a moment and handing him a file for review, then whispered a few more words—so quietly that only Holun heard.

After listening, Holun gave careful instructions, his voice nearly inaudible: “From this moment forward, keep it quiet. Aiwen must be transferred to our laboratory as quickly as possible. I’ll handle the group matters. This must be kept secret—not a word leaked. Don’t let anyone in the group find out, or the media will stir up trouble again!”

The assistant nodded. “Understood. I’ll take care of it right away.”