Chapter 9 – Paper Man 8
Su Tang stared at the luxurious, exquisitely crafted court dress in his hands, unable to muster even a hint of a smile.
Is Luo Yuan deliberately messing with me? he wondered. And to such an extravagant extent? This dress looks like it could rival international luxury brands—it’s practically something from a medieval European royal court.
[ Su Tang’s Favorability: -999 ]
Luo Yuan jumped in surprise. What’s happening?!
But then it continued:
[ Su Tang’s Favorability: +500, -200, +300, -100… ]
Numbers kept popping up above the character’s head, fluctuating wildly between positive and negative values, creating a chaotic pattern of rises and falls.
Luo Yuan grew even more perplexed, his heart clenching in anxiety.
Has the game glitched? Is this some kind of bug?
Luo Yuan tapped the keyboard and asked, “Do you like it? I had someone specially design it for you. When I was organizing your room, I found a dress hidden in your wardrobe corner and realized you enjoy wearing them, so I got you this.”
Su Tang: “…” This overwhelming display of affection felt like too much to bear. What the hell is this?
Regardless, it was a gift prepared with genuine thoughtfulness. Su Tang couldn’t bring himself to refuse, forcing a strained smile as he said, “…Yes, the dress is beautiful. I… really like it.”
Luo Yuan said contentedly, “I’m glad you like it.”
“Oh, would you like to try it on? I could take some photos to save.”
This was a feature in the game—players could preserve their favorite scenes.
Su Tang immediately shook his head so fast it nearly created an afterimage.
Luo Yuan felt a twinge of regret, thinking the little man might be embarrassed and would only wear it in private. He asked twice more, but Su Tang kept shaking his head, leaving Luo Yuan no choice but to give up—though he remained unconvinced. Su Tang was so adorable; the dress would surely look stunning on him. Not being able to see it felt like a true loss.
In the game, Su Tang was eating a cake made by Luo Yuan. The cream was smooth and fluffy, the strawberries juicy and flavorful.
Outside the game, Luo Yuan was also eating cake—one prepared by his household chef following the game’s recipe. The result looked identical and tasted just as good.
Eating cake while looking at the phone made it feel like they were celebrating together.
The cake wasn’t small, but Su Tang—perhaps too excited—actually finished the entire thing!
Luo Yuan was astonished. “Aren’t you sick of it?”
Su Tang licked the cream from the corner of his mouth, eyes squinted in a smile. “Nope! You made it too delicious!”
Hearing this, Luo Yuan’s mood lifted. The corners of his lips couldn’t help but curl up—even though he normally didn’t like sweets, he found himself eating two more bites.
A birthday party for just two people—no crowded festivities, yet the atmosphere was warm and joyful.
In the past, Su Tang had often tried to please Luo Yuan for missions or rewards. But this time, they excitedly chatted until Luo Yuan finally mentioned it was late and they should sleep. Su Tang was surprised they’d talked so long; it felt like only moments had passed.
With work tomorrow, Luo Yuan had to log off, shower, and sleep.
After lying down, he couldn’t resist checking the game again. He found Su Tang already tucked in bed, obediently sleeping—no longer insisting on dragging him to bed and demanding he sleep.
Luo Yuan froze, a flicker of regret in his eyes.
He’d thought Su Tang might secretly try on the dress.
After watching Su Tang for a moment, Luo Yuan logged off without disturbing his sleep.
The system whispered, “Host, Luo Yuan secretly checked on you earlier.”
Su Tang opened his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips. “Checking if I’m asleep again? How can he be a villain?”
The system said, “I think he treats you well, Host.”
Su Tang smiled in silent agreement.
After a while, Su Tang gazed at the ceiling in the darkness and murmured, “Today was a very happy day.”
The system listened, feeling his happiness.
After his birthday, Luo Yuan seemed to have opened a new door. He constantly asked designers to create fashionable outfits for him, enjoying seeing himself dressed in different stylish clothes. His wardrobe quickly filled up, necessitating the creation of a dedicated dressing room.
Su Tang couldn’t help but suspect that Luo Yuan was treating this like some kind of dress-up game.
One day, while discussing a movie with Luo Yuan, they came to a scene where the protagonist encountered amusing incidents during a trip.
Luo Yuan suddenly asked, “Tangtang, do you want to go out?”
Su Tang tilted his head and replied without hesitation, “No.”
As someone with advanced-stage laziness, Su Tang occasionally did feel the urge to go out and play. But the moment he considered the inconvenience of going out—the heat, the hassle—he’d instantly talk himself out of it. Before, he’d had to go out for classes and work, but during holidays with nothing to do, he much preferred staying home alone.
Luo Yuan pondered this but said no more.
Until one day…
Luo Yuan was busy with work.
In the game, Su Tang lay on the bed playing with his phone, wearing a shirt and shorts gifted by Luo Yuan. The shirt had a simple yet elegant design, with well-fitting cuts and just the right amount of embroidery on the collar and hem. Paired with black shorts, Y-shaped suspenders, and calf-length socks, it gave him a quintessential British look.
This outfit, paired with his black curls, chubby “bun” face, and three-head-tall proportions, made him look absolutely adorable.
Su Tang could tell Luo Yuan really liked this outfit, as he often made him wear it. Su Tang didn’t care what he wore, so he just went along with it.
The system said, “Host, your task completion is now 50/100. You can break through the paper-thin limitations and go outside the phone now~”
Su Tang was absent-minded. “Outside? I don’t want to go out.”
The system said, “But going outside will help you complete the task better. Think about it—you’re so tiny that all the delicious food looks like mountains. You could never eat it all.”
At this, Su Tang felt a little tempted. “If I go outside, will I still look like this?”
“Yes,” the system replied.
“Like Thumbelina? Won’t people grab me?”
“I can make you invisible if you want. Only Luo Yuan will be able to see you.”
Su Tang imagined holding a giant chip bigger than himself and slowly munching on it. The thought made him feel happy. Plus, if he went outside, he could really see what Luo Yuan looked like!
So, Su Tang excitedly nodded.
A floating screen of light appeared before him.
Su Tang tentatively reached out a finger. The moment he touched the screen, he disappeared through it—but didn’t reappear on the other side.
On Luo Yuan’s desk, a Q-cute little figure stealthily poked out its head. After scanning the surroundings like a small animal sensing no danger, it excitedly sprang forth, rolled over twice, and stood upright on the desktop.
The tiny Su Tang, barely ten centimeters tall, had shed his three-headed avatar form. Yet this miniature appearance remained perfectly palm-sized, its charm as overwhelming as ever.
This marked Su Tang’s first glimpse of Luo Yuan’s true face.
Behind the desk, the man’s features stood cold and austere—sharp sword brows framing star-like eyes. A single glance revealed Nüwa’s clear favoritism. His perfection carried no extraneous detail, making others seem like crude clay smears in comparison.
All humans share a love for beauty. Su Tang found himself momentarily entranced, then flushed with embarrassment upon realizing his stare. He began bouncing about in curiosity, adapting to this new miniature form.
Everything appeared colossal to him, like a dwarf in a giant’s kingdom. Even familiar Luo Yuan seemed transformed, though Su Tang couldn’t resist returning to his hand and poking the back with a tiny finger.
Luo Yuan, however, remained utterly absorbed in his documents, completely oblivious to the playful gesture.
Su Tang strained to extend his short arms, attempting to block Luo Yuan’s view. His tiny frame proved inadequate for the task, but even so, he’d managed to position himself directly under Luo Yuan’s gaze.
Still no reaction.
“It seems I really am invisible,” Su Tang mused, his lips curling into a mischievous grin that screamed mischief.
Luo Yuan set down his pen and suddenly picked up his phone.
At that moment, an assistant knocked and entered, delivering the CEO’s afternoon tea: a plate of handmade cookies and a steaming cup of rich coffee.
The tantalizing aroma immediately captivated Su Tang’s attention.
Meanwhile, Luo Yuan stared at the empty bedroom displayed on his phone screen, where a single line of text left his expression darkening.
[ Su Tang went on a trip. ]
Luo Yuan scoffed inwardly. The boy had sworn just yesterday that he didn’t want to leave. Little liar.
Noticing Luo Yuan’s troubled expression, the assistant wondered which unfortunate soul had angered the CEO enough to make him this furious. That person was surely doomed.
After setting down the tea, the assistant tactfully turned to leave, avoiding becoming collateral damage in the storm.
The “culprit” Su Tang remained completely oblivious, his eyes fixed solely on the tempting feast before him.
The coffee cup alone was as tall as he was!
Su Tang stepped forward, the aroma of coffee growing stronger until it enveloped him completely. Unable to resist, he reached out to grasp the cup’s edge, trying to sneak a sip.
Hiss, too hot.
Su Tang tiptoed, straining to reach and lick the surface. Being small and lacking strength, he couldn’t tilt the cup to drink properly. Instead, he could only manage to taste it like a kitten lapping milk.
After taking a sip, Su Tang hastily jumped aside, shaking his reddened hand and panting through open lips.
Despite the burn, Su Tang’s eyes lit up in a radiant smile.
So delicious!
His gaze then shifted to the cookies—massive ones that required spreading both arms wide to embrace just one.
Author’s Note:
Su Tang hugging a giant cookie: “So happy he’s spinning in circles.jpg”
Luo Yuan stared at his phone, letting out a sigh characteristic of an empty-nest father.
Translator’s Note:
Good day, everyone! Hehe, sorry for the late update. I’ve been quite busy with school lately. We’re going to hold a musical drama as a school project, and we’ve been going crazy trying to raise funds. I’m playing the main character, so I also have to memorize all of my lines and choreography, plus do vocal training and stamina exercises. Haha, the closer we get to the performance, the more it feels like we’re in hell—but it’s fun too! So, over the next few weeks, I’ll do my best to update even if it’s not on time. Hehe, thank youu!
Thanks for the update!!
I hope your school play goes well!
Thank youu, hehe