Xishi stood there, utterly frozen, her mind racing as she tried to process the surreal scene unfolding before her. A man―a real, living man―stood in front of her, water cascading down from his long, silky blonde hair like a waterfall spilling over smooth stones. His crimson eyes were dark, smoldering with an intensity that felt both primal and overwhelming. The expression etched on his face was agitated, a mix of annoyance and something deeper that she couldn't quite place.

He was adorned with red gemstones that glimmered like blood against his skin, sparkling in the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. His clothes clung to him, dripping with water, conveying the fact that he had been standing there for hours. The scent wafting from him was an intoxicating blend of earthy tones, mingling with the familiar scents of the forest and the fresh water surrounding them. And that weird scent she had been sensing for a while now―could it truly belong to him?

She wasn't some native of this world, able to decipher such nuances instinctively. But there was something so achingly familiar about him, as if she had known him her entire life. His enormous body was taut, alert, ready to pounce at the slightest hint of danger. Yet, there was also a strange warmth in the air, growing ever more palpable as he approached her step by deliberate step. Her heart raced in response, and she found herself rooted to the spot, unable to move.

Her mind scrambled for an explanation. This man―he was so hauntingly familiar.

Could it be? No way. This was the guy from that novel she had been reading, the one she couldn't put down despite the car swerving dangerously on the road. ( But she was driving safely , the road was empty , that stupid truck driver had to thrash her huh ? )

She instinctively took a step back, feeling the tension crackle in the air as irritation flashed in his eyes. Was he…was he high? Because he certainly looked like he was riding the high of some potent substance.

Panic surged through her. Should she run? Yes, she definitely should. But how could she when she was standing there naked as the day she was born?

" XueLing," he uttered, his voice like dark velvet, the name spilling from his lips as though it were second nature. The sound of it sent a shiver down her spine, and an amused chuckle escaped him, dark and intriguing.

Oh, hell no.

Her eyes instinctively darted downward, and she noticed his… impressive physique. It was undeniably hard and standing tall, and that made her retreat even further, while he inched closer.

Was he in heat?

Here she stood, inexplicably revived in a novel she barely cracked open, where destiny was shoving her towards the man she'd practically sell her soul for―surprise! Must happen everyday , right ?