A/N: Everything written in italics are Yibo's thoughts!

After Yibo ate his delicious breakfast and had a pleasant conversation with Xiao Liang, he was escorted by one of the homunculus and Zhan's father to the small long corridor leading to the hut where Zhan is staying and watching his animals.

However, before going to the door at the end of the corridor, he asked Xiao Liang, "May I ask why the castle is in a make-believe world?"

"Make-believe world? Oh you mean because of the magic portal? Well Yibo, this is not a make-believe world. It's more like another dimension. Being a vampire mage does have its advantages. Over the centuries, I have been able to practice my magic skills and learn new things. At some point I found an ancient book of a mage and in it he described how to control and use a magical portal to get into another dimension. Or rather, to create it." Explained Xiao Liang.

"So if you created this world. Then why isn't here just eternal night?"

"Because it needs day and night for the flora and fauna to develop and flourish. Sun, rain, wind, heat and cold. All of these are important for nature. We may not be able to go outside during the day when the sun is shining. But we like to walk through the forest at night or lie down in the meadow and look up at the night sky. Or consider Zhan's beloved animals. They feed on whatever nature has in store for them."

"Yes, I understand. Humans couldn't survive without all that, after all."

"Exactly. So, do you have another question?"

"No, that was the last one for now."

"Haha, for now. Alright. If you have any more questions, just come to me. But for now, go to Zhan. Knowing him, I'm sure he's lying on the floor in the hut again, sleeping."

"I'll see about that in a minute. I'll be going then." Said Yibo and walked down the small hallway to the door.

When Yibo stepped through the door and was thus right inside the hut, whose windows were tinted, he actually saw Zhan lying on the floor. Yibo really had to smile when he saw Zhan lying there sleeping so peacefully, while around him and on top of him were little black and white bunnies.

Looking out the door, Yibo saw more animals. Two deer that were nibbling on something. Sheep and a few goats. Even three small pigs were running around freely. And behind a fence, in a pasture, stood several large and beautiful horses.

Yibo took a small white bunny in his arms and left the hut. He walked a few steps out into the meadow and could see the castle from the outside for the first time. It is not very big, yet it seems almost huge when you stand right in front of the castle. But what impressed Yibo the most was that it looked like it had just been finished.

One of the deer came up to Yibo and sniffed him curiously. And when it was sure that Yibo was not a danger, it let Yibo pet it. He was just delighted. "Isn't the weather wonderful? The sun is really nice and warm today isn't it?" Yibo asked the deer, but it just looked at him with wide eyes and then ran back to the other deer.

Looking up at the azure sky, Yibo stroked the little bunny in his arm and suddenly thought of something. "Wait a minute! The sun! Not long now and it'll be shining right through the open door of the hut and onto Zhan!" He said and ran back to the hut.

He went back into the hut and closed the door, at the bottom of which there is a small opening for the bunnies. Yibo sat down on the floor next to Zhan and watched him sleep. It seems that Zhan and I have the same hobbies. At least, when it comes to animals. Mhhh. He somehow looks even cuter when he's sleeping! Kind of funny, when I look at him like that, I can hardly imagine him being a dangerous vampire. Not even his animals are afraid of him. They don't feel any danger with him. Otherwise, they wouldn't be beside and on top of him. 

Yibo smirked as one of the black bunnies laid against Zhan's neck. He himself had bunnies as a child, the only joy his parents allowed him. But not even with all the care and love he gave them were they ever as trusting as these bunnies here that Zhan raised.

Very gently, Yibo tapped Zhan's shoulder to wake him up. Zhan mumbled something not understandable, yawned, and stretched. Then, when Zhan opened his eyes and saw Yibo sitting next to him, he almost startled. One of the white rabbits that had been sitting on Zhan's chest fell into his lap as he did so. "Oh Yibo, you're awake already." He said hastily.

"For about two hours already." Replied Yibo with a slight smile.

"Have you been watching me for about two hours?"

"What, oh um no. When I woke up, I had first showered, then I went to have breakfast and met your father, with whom I was chatting some more. And about 10 minutes ago I came here."

"Ah I see. So? Was my father nice to you?"

"Yes, very nice in fact."

"That's fine. Have you looked around here yet?"

"Yes, just now. I was outside petting one of the two deer. That's when I saw the castle from the outside."

"If you want, one of the servants can saddle you a horse. Then you can ride here and see the area."

"I've never ridden a horse before. And I'm sure it wouldn't be much fun on my own. Besides, I don't know my way around here."

"Well, I'm afraid I can't go out just yet. Not until the sun has set."

"Mhhh, what do you think about the two of us riding tonight? Now we could spend some more time with your bunnies. And afterwards, you could show me your library. If that's allowed."

"Okay, then we'll ride out together tonight. Sure we can still play with my bunnies. And sure you can go to the library. Why not?"

"Well, I'm sure there are very valuable books there."

"Yes, of course. But you can still look at them."

"Great. I'm really curious to see what kind of books you have here."

"All kinds of things. But mostly reference books on medicine, herbology, chemistry, biology, physics, stuff like that."

"That's not too bad. I'm sure there are lots of other books here, too."

"Yes. And when you've had enough of the books, I'll take you to the armory and show you where we always train."

"You have an armory?"

"Mhm. We have. There are some really precious and beautiful weapons of all kinds in there."

"Well, that sounds very interesting. Maybe we should go there before we go to the library."

"We can do it however you like. You can also train with the weapons on simulated opponents in the training room."

"Simulated opponents?"

"Yes. Opponents projected by the computer. Sounds boring at first. But a lot of fun because the computer also stages their deaths."

"After all, I've never heard of such a highly advanced type of training. I definitely want to try it later."

"Glad to. The computer also analyzes your techniques and even gives suggestions for improvement."

"I'm very curious about that. And you practice there all the time, too?"

"Now and then. Most of the time I avoid training. I haven't enjoyed it for a long time."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm always alone. Sure the computer simulates that others are there too. But I'm still always alone."

"We can train together starting today. So, if that's what you want."

"Oh yes, very gladly! Oh um Yibo?"

"Mhm?"

"What other hobbies do you have? I mean besides animals, reading and weapons?"

"I like to ride motorcycles. I have a great motorcycle. That reminds me, it's still parked near the entrance to the cave. I hope no one stole it. And oh yeah, I like to dance and sing. It always relaxes me."

"Great hobbies. And is there anything you wish from your heart?"

"Anything I wish from my heart? Not really. Or maybe there is. I'd like to have my own little house. Right now, I'm living with Sigma. He's my supervisor in the Assassins, my biggest client, and also my uncle. But I would like to have my own little house, where I can really have peace and quiet. Somewhere in the middle of the countryside and away from the stress of the city."

"That sounds really nice."

"Yes. Unfortunately, it's just a dream. Because I'll probably never be able to save enough money for it."

"Why not? You must make a lot of money as an assassin."

"Sure. But most of my money goes to my parents. They don't work anymore. A year ago, my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's dementia and his disease is progressing faster than we thought. My mother takes care of him all day and therefore can no longer work. So I bear all their expenses. I also have an older brother. But he hardly earns anything since he left the Assassin Order. Just because he met this guy and fell in love with him."

"I'm sorry to hear about your father. I'm sure it's hard for you. And about your brother. It sounds like you don't like his boyfriend. Or are you against love?"

"Well, actually, it's not hard for me. My parents were never real parents. They weren't caring loving parents. We, my brother and I, exist only to continue the bloodline and not because my parents wanted to be parents so badly. As for my brother and love. I'm not against love, I just think it's unnecessary. It makes you weak. And no, I really don't like my brother's boyfriend one bit."

"Phew, that all sounds tough. So your childhood hadn't been very nice. And love doesn't necessarily make you weak. It can make a loving one strong, too."

"You're right. My only joy as a child, were my bunnies. But when I was sent to the academy, my rabbits were all killed. Since no one in my family agreed to take care of them."

"They, they just killed them?" Zhan asked with tears in his eyes.

Yibo was completely perplexed by Zhan's reaction. He didn't expect this would be so close to the vampire's heart. But as he looked at the bunnies in the hut, he realized how wrong he had thought. Of course it touches him. He himself also loves his animals more than anything and could never cause them any harm. I can see it clearly now. Zhan's heart is obviously absolutely pure.

I can't explain why, but it's easy for me to talk to Zhan. I mean, to talk about anything. And yet we've only known each other since yesterday. I can feel my confidence building towards him. I feel comfortable around him and could talk to him for hours. And it would never get boring with him.

Xiao Zhan, I promise you something. I will make a real effort to befriend you. I will make sure that your pure heart remains pure and that no one can harm you. It is still a mystery to me why, but destiny wanted us to meet. So, I'll submit to the destiny and see where it takes us both. Don't worry Zhan! No matter what comes, we can do it together!