02

 Several days later, Shen Songchen still couldn't forget the scene of the day he died.

Resources were scarce, and they needed to search for supplies in a dilapidated large supermarket. Because there were few superhumans in the team, young people could also volunteer to follow.

At first, when Song Yu insisted on going with them, he was unwilling.

But if he didn't agree, she would act like she was sulking and ignoring him.

Shen Songchen had no choice but to take her along.

At that time, he didn't know that Song Yu was going with them for Qin Fei.

Not for him.

So, when he was alone and in danger, Song Yu was searching for Qin Fei everywhere, looking worried.

At that moment, Shen Songchen's blood ran cold. He watched helplessly as his boyfriend anxiously called out another man's name, without even glancing in his direction.

The smell of blood welled up, and Shen Songchen's throat felt like it was blocked by something.

He couldn't call out "Song Yu's" name.

Perhaps, even if he did call out, Song Yu would see him and not abandon Qin Fei to save him.

Shen Songchen should have known.

There were rumors circulating in the base—Song Yu had fallen for Qin Fei, but after being rejected several times, she became enraged and used him to provoke him.

He had suspected it when he heard it.

But the boy's gaze was so clear and intense that it gave him the illusion that he was deeply loved.

Now, he realized it was all fake.

It was all an act.

That's why he never called him by his name, only roughly calling him "Brother Shen" like everyone else; that's why he treated him like a dog.

If you truly love someone, you wouldn't do those things.

Just like with Song Yu, he wouldn't bear to see him hurt, nor would he let him do rough work like mopping floors or washing clothes.

Those beautiful, delicate hands should be clean.

But those hands, which he had always cherished, never reached out to him.

Little by little, from his heart to his limbs, his blood became numb and cold… Shen Songchen gave up on life, slowly closed his eyes, and sank into endless darkness.

...

When he opened his eyes again, he was lying in the same spot, surrounded by the remains of dead monsters. Half of his body was stained with monster blood.

The stench of blood filled the air.

Shen Songchen discovered that he had awakened a special ability.

It was a rare plant-based healing ability, and he even had a storage space, meaning he would have clean water and food.

Perhaps he wasn't meant to die.

Shen Songchen's usually gentle pupils turned dark.

Song Yu, I've come back to find you.

*

"Shen...Brother Shen..."

The boy's soft voice reached his ears. Shen Songchen snapped back to reality, his voice as doting as ever: "Hmm? What's wrong, Xiao Yu?"

"You were hugging me a little too tightly." Song Yu's soft lips parted slightly, revealing a small section of pink tongue, and his cheeks were flushed slightly. "I can't breathe."

Shen Songchen then released Song Yu.

"Brother Shen, how did you get back? Are you hurt?" Song Yu knew about Shen Songchen's situation, but he still had to pretend to be completely unaware.

However, Shen Songchen's clothes were filthy and torn in several places, and his face was smeared with dust and blood, indicating that he was indeed seriously injured. Song Yu subconsciously asked with concern, "Go get some medicine, Brother Shen, let me clean your wounds." He was

still very good at acting.

Shen Songchen did not expose him: "Xiao Yu, are you hurt?"

Song Yu was stunned.

He did not expect that the other party would still care about him after knowing that he had been betrayed.

Perhaps the protagonist's moral character is much higher than that of ordinary people.

Facing Shen Songchen like this, Song Yu couldn't help but feel guilty. He grabbed the other party's wrist: "Come on, I'll take you to get medicine."

Everyone was also surprised that Song Yu was so worried about Shen Songchen. Did they really misunderstand him a while ago?

Most people's faces were full of joy, only Qin Fei's face was slightly stiff.

Of course, he was undoubtedly relieved to see his former teammate return safely, but the scene of Song Yu caring for him was particularly glaring to him. He

was staring at his body just a moment ago, and the next second he was starting to care about Shen Songchen.

Can you pretend to like someone if you don't like them?

Or perhaps, he also likes Shen Songchen's body?

Qin Fei scoffed inwardly at his frivolity.

Fine.

It's better this way, no need to bother him anymore.

Some peace and quiet.

Afterwards, he arranged for the base's doctor to give Shen Songchen a thorough examination.

Cases of people being bitten and infected by monsters and eventually becoming monsters themselves are not uncommon. Shen Songchen, without any special abilities, managed to escape from so many monsters; what happened along the way was unknown to Qin Fei, but it was better to be cautious.

Meanwhile,

Shen Songchen stared intently at the pale hand holding his.

How long could this person keep up the act? What was the point of pretending to care about him now?

Looking at the black coat that dragged on the boy's thighs, Shen Songchen's eyes darkened.

Was it for Qin Fei's benefit? To make the other jealous?

So, even now, was he still using him?

Shen Songchen's heart sank.

Originally, Song Yu had at most deceived his feelings, not betrayed him, and certainly hadn't intentionally harmed him. He had intended to expose Song Yu in front of everyone, severing all ties and letting him leave the base to fend for himself.

But now, seeing Song Yu in person, the hatred surging within him intensified.

This wasn't punishment for Song Yu; perhaps after leaving the base, she would meet other men and forget he was her ex-boyfriend.

Perhaps, he should seek a different form of revenge.

Shen Songchen stared at the boy's slender, boneless waist.

He needed to make Song Yu remember him vividly.

*

The base's infirmary was rather rudimentary and crowded. The doctor gave Shen Songchen a quick check-up: "No serious injuries, just some superficial wounds. Clean them up, apply some medicine, and get some rest."

Song Yu nodded, took the medicine, and led Shen Songchen back to his room.

Shen Songchen's room was on the same floor as his, separated by several rooms.

Song Yu had a key to Shen Songchen's room, given to him by the other when they first got together. He opened the door for him, and the two entered.

This part of the story wasn't described in detail, and no mission was assigned, so Song Yu could leave immediately. However, seeing the dirty and wounded man standing in the corner with his eyes downcast, he couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Shen Songchen was kind to everyone around him, but when it was his turn to be injured, he had to deal with it alone.

Song Yu felt sorry for him and said to 009, "[Staying here now isn't out of character, is it?]"

009 replied, "[After all, he just escaped death. You feel guilty for flirting with other men, so you're deliberately trying to please Shen Songchen. It's not out of character.]"

Fortunately, otherwise he might have been punished.

"Sit down first and change into some clean clothes." Seeing that the man hadn't moved for a while, Song Yu guessed that he might still be in shock from his near-death experience, so she took the initiative to open the wardrobe and take out a set of loose casual clothes.

"Wear this—"

She stopped halfway through her sentence, staring blankly at the man in front of her who had already taken off his shirt.

Why did he suddenly take off his clothes?

After accidentally catching a glimpse of Shen Songchen's well-defined abs, Song Yu's cheeks flushed slightly. Feeling that staring like that was a bit impolite, she threw the clothes next to him and quickly looked away.

"I'll go get you a basin of hot water."

Shen Songchen looked at the slender, tall figure expressionlessly.

He was certain again—Song Yu liked Qin Fei, and wouldn't even look at him. Hot water was precious in the apocalypse

;

everyone in the base received a fixed amount of hot water cards each month, which were gone once used up. Song Yu took out his own hot water card and filled a basin to the brim for Shen Songchen. After receiving it, he realized the plastic rim of the basin was very thin and flimsy, and could easily crack with the slightest pressure.

Song Yu tried to lift it, but it was difficult.

He put the basin down again.

Just as he was debating whether to go back and get a new basin, a voice sounded behind him: "Get some hot water?"

Song Yu was startled and turned around, not expecting the other person to be so close.

He instinctively stepped back, but his pants brushed against the edge of the basin, getting a small patch wet.

His undershirt was also wet.

It was uncomfortable against his skin, and Song Yu felt a little embarrassed. He mumbled an "Mmm," then turned away without looking at him again.

The boy's indifferent attitude made Qin Fei frown slightly.

He looked at the full basin of hot water.

Song Yu was a very delicate and particular person; she only used the shower room and wouldn't just wipe herself down in the room.

Clearly, this hot water was for Shen Songchen.

She was actually taking the initiative to serve him.

A strange feeling welled up in Qin Fei's heart. He kept a tight face and didn't say anything more.

He stood there waiting with the kettle, his gaze involuntarily falling on the back of the person in front of him—it had to be said, those pampered children were different from rough people like them. Song Yu's skin was fair and smooth, as delicate as mutton-fat jade, and her waist was slender.

Yet, she had plenty of curves in the right places.

Qin Fei looked away, his mind a jumbled mess.

Meanwhile, Song Yu, struggling with the basin, didn't notice the wet patch on her pants gradually spreading, clinging to her skin and forming an alluring curve.

The soft flesh on her fingertips was squeezed out of shape by the edge of the basin, and Song Yu frowned, feeling the pressure.

He turned around, and the next moment, the basin was taken away from him.

Qin Fei still had that incredibly sour face, casually carrying his basin: "Where to?"

Song Yu hesitated for a few seconds before realizing the other was offering help, and immediately replied, "Shen Songchen's room, 314."

Qin Fei was probably only helping him to avoid wasting hot water.

It wasn't really out of willingness. Otherwise

, his expression wouldn't have grown increasingly sour.

But Song Yu was afraid that saying anything might upset the other and cause him to throw the basin on the ground, so he silently followed the man's right side.

"Did you pick up Shen Songchen?" Qin Fei suddenly spoke, his deep voice echoing in the empty corridor.

Song Yu gave a soft "Mmm."

He thought Qin Fei wouldn't speak again, but the man asked again, "Are you very familiar with Shen Songchen's room?"

If Song Yu were more articulate, he could have retorted, "Isn't it natural for me to be familiar with my boyfriend?" This would have left the other speechless.

But Song Yu was slow and clumsy, simply answering, "I've been there a few times."

"You cleaned his wounds?"

"Mmm..."

009's voice suddenly sounded: [Host has triggered a side quest.] Deliberately showing affection in front of Qin Fei, trying to provoke his jealousy. Completing this side quest will reward 1500 points.

In this apocalyptic world, life could end at any moment, so some people have started engaging in promiscuous relationships, calling it "living for the moment. "

Qin Fei naturally understood what going to a man's room meant.

His face was grim, but the boy's clear voice rang in his ears again.

"I'm his boyfriend, of course I have to do these things for him."

"After cleaning his wounds, I'll sleep there tonight."

"I'll help him get dressed in the morning."

After the "mission complete" message, Song Yu immediately stopped Qin Fei, reaching out: "Give me the basin."

He was afraid that if he didn't take it, given Qin Fei's expression, he might pour hot water on his head.

Qin Fei sneered inwardly, placing the now-cooled basin at the door of room 314.

They were going to sleep together.

What they would do was self-evident.

Song Yu didn't like Shen Songchen, but he liked men's bodies. Shen Songchen's physique was among the best in the base. If Song Yu just acted cute and called him "brother," Shen Songchen would definitely be willing.

How stupid.

She thought she could get the better of him.

With such a delicate body, would she let him go without leaving her covered in marks?

Qin Fei, having trained in the army for many years, had seen a lot and could tell that Shen Songchen wasn't as gentle as he seemed. What the two were going to do was none of his business, but Qin Fei still spoke up: "There are a lot of monsters attacking the base lately. Be vigilant at night, and it's best to sleep in your own room."

Song Yu, half-bent over, struggled to lift the basin of water, seemingly oblivious to his words.

Qin Fei watched as he half-pushed open the door, calling out "Brother Shen" in a soft, obedient voice. The next second, the door was gently closed.

*

When Song Yu brought the hot water to the room, Shen Songchen had already changed his pants, his upper body was naked, and there were traces of blood and scratches on his arms.

Although none of them were fatal, they were still quite shocking to see.

Song Yu didn't let the other person do it themselves. He immediately found a clean towel, wet it with hot water, and carefully cleaned the wound.

The boy's movements were slow and meticulous; he would soften his touch when he reached the wound and gently blow on it.

Shen Songchen stared at Song Yu's long, drooping eyelashes.

He had to admit, it was a face so beautiful it could bewitch a man.

That's why he'd been completely fooled.

His current expression of concern was fake, just like when he'd pulled him aside and told him he liked him—that too was fake.

Shen Songchen took a deep breath, quickly suppressing the slight warmth and emotion welling up inside him.

As Song Yu turned to wash the towel, he noticed the dark water stain that had spread across the other's pants.

"Your pants are wet."

Song Yu paused, glancing back at Shen Songchen.

The other asked again, "Did you get them wet from getting hot water?"

The dirty water trickled down his slender white fingers, and Song Yu nodded.

"It must hurt, right? Change into my pants first."

Seeing Shen Songchen about to get up, Song Yu, afraid he would aggravate his wound, immediately pressed down on his shoulder: "No need, I'll change when I get back." He

then said sternly, "Don't move."

Shen Songchen didn't move: "Little Yu doesn't want to wear my clothes, is it because you dislike me?"

Song Yu: "..."

He moved his lips, but seeing Shen Songchen's injured expression, he gave in: "I'll go change."

Shen Songchen smiled.

Shen Songchen was much taller than him, and his pants were long. Song Yu found some drawstring sweatpants and was about to change when he heard the person behind him say, "The underwear is in the box downstairs."

"I'll turn my back, I won't look at you,"

the man said, chuckling softly.

Song Yu's cheeks flushed. He wanted to say no, but his OOC alarm went off. He glanced at Shen Songchen, who had indeed turned his back as he had said.

Song Yu felt a pang of emotion.

This was the third world he'd ever been in, and he'd finally met an honest and upright person.

He didn't hesitate any longer and quickly changed his underwear and pants.

The boy didn't notice that several dark green vines were slowly emerging from Shen Songchen's arm. As if they could smell something, they were slowly reaching towards the wardrobe.

The next second, the man yanked them off forcefully, and they quickly retreated back into his veins.

Shen Songchen didn't turn around; he had no interest in seeing a lover who had deceived him.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Song Yu's clothes lying on the ground.

They were dirty.

Shen Songchen knew better than anyone how delicate and sensitive Song Yu was to dirt.

He'd probably cry if it got dirty.

A strange, cold smile suddenly appeared on Shen Songchen's lips.

He knew how to punish his lover.

*

Whether it was pants or underwear, Shen Songchen's size was much larger than his, hanging loosely on him, which Song Yu found a little strange.

He endured the discomfort, applied the medicine for Shen Songchen, and then took the basin of water out.

Returning from the washroom, Song Yu ran into Qin Fei, who was returning to his room after showering. Seeing Qin Fei's vest, he suddenly remembered he hadn't given him his jacket, so he called out to him.

"Here's your jacket,"

Song Yu said, taking off his jacket and handing it to him.

Qin Fei smelled a light fragrance. He usually disliked men wearing cologne, but Song Yu's scent wasn't offensive; on the contrary, it was pleasant, like a floral fragrance.

After seeing him take it, Song Yu turned to go back to his room to rest, but then heard Qin Fei suddenly ask, "Are those Shen Songchen's pants?"

He hummed in agreement.

"What about the one inside? Is it his too?"

"..."

Song Yu hadn't expected the other person to ask this, but given his fondness for Qin Fei's character, he reluctantly hummed in response.

A moment later.

Qin Fei stared at him, his tone unfriendly: "So stupid."

Song Yu: "?"

He hadn't intentionally gotten his pants wet.

Being called stupid made Song Yu unhappy.

Qin Fei noticed this too, his lips moved, and he was about to say something to explain when the other person angrily threw down "You're the stupid one," and slammed the door shut.

Qin Fei stood there, his expression complex, lost in thought.

*

For the next few days, Song Yu waited for Shen Songchen to expose his true colors, but the other person was always busy with logistical work.

The progress bar was stuck at 10%, and Song Yu sighed as he lay on the bed: [Do you think Shen Songchen doesn't want to take revenge on me anymore?]

009's mechanical voice was slightly stiff: [Why do you think that?]

[Because he's a very good person.] After spending these past few days together, Song

Yu could see how kind Shen Songchen was.

During meals, he would always put meat in Song Yu's bowl, and even unwrapped chocolates—precious in this apocalyptic world—that he occasionally found outside, would be given to him. He

wouldn't even let him throw away the wrappers.

According to the information 009 provided, Shen Songchen was considerate and gentle, possessing a forgiving heart towards everyone except his ex-boyfriend. He

also used his plant-based healing abilities and storage space to help humanity.

Therefore, Song Yu guessed that perhaps Shen Songchen was too kind to seek revenge, and instead used this method to influence him, making him settle down and live a good life.

009 paused for a few seconds: "...That's possible."

Impossible.

The Supreme God holds grudges.

But if the target of revenge was the host… 009 dared not think further.

These were all just Song Yu's guesses. He had few roles and missions in this world, and could only wait for the plot to unfold.

Finally, in the evening, Shen Songchen came to have dinner with him.

The base had a dedicated room for centralized meal service, a makeshift canteen. Meals were only served for half an hour; otherwise, you'd have to eat dry rations. So almost everyone was there.

In the original storyline, Shen Songchen exposed his actions here.

Song Yu absentmindedly took a bite of frozen vegetables—resources were limited in the apocalypse, and most fruits and vegetables were stored and not fresh.

After a couple of bites, he piled the vegetables aside and ate his plain rice.

009 looked at the pitiful host: [The shop offers gourmet food; you can choose whatever you like.]

Song Yu refused without hesitation: [No, you're a rip-off.]

009: …

Just as he was chewing his rice, a piece of fish appeared in his bowl. Song Yu looked at Shen Songchen, who was smiling at him: “Xiao Yu, I have something to tell you.”

Song Yu nervously gripped his chopsticks.

Was it coming? Was he going to expose him?

“I want…” Shen Songchen hesitated for a moment, “to live with you.”

Wh-what?

Song Yu froze.

"Is there something wrong?" Shen Songchen leaned closer, his body carrying the crisp scent of crushed grass. "We've been dating for so long."

According to the information 009 provided, they had been dating for three months, but there hadn't been any intimate contact. Song Yu had brought it up, but Shen Songchen was more traditional and insisted on getting a marriage certificate before they could live together.

Song Yu, a dissolute rich second-generation, couldn't help but find the other party pedantic and lost interest.

But... now that Shen Songchen had been reborn, why would he still want to live with him?

Song Yu thought for a long time but couldn't figure it out. According to his character, he wouldn't refuse the other party's request, so he vaguely said that he would pack his luggage and move in.

Shen Songchen stared at the boy with his eyes downcast.

The smile on his lips gradually faded.

After finishing his meal, Song Yu washed up and went back to his room. He was exhausted after only packing half of his luggage and lay down to rest.

He didn't know how much time had passed when Song Yu vaguely felt something entangle him.

Cold and sticky.

Roughly wrapped around his arms and ankles, winding all the way down.

The action wasn't entanglement in the ordinary sense.

It was more like... a lewd touch.

He unconsciously opened his mouth and let out a soft whimper.

...

Song Yu woke up the next day with tears streaming down his face.

009's voice was urgent: [Host, what's wrong?] "

[My body hurts so much...]"

Song Yu felt as if his entire body had been rubbed raw, his skin was red and chafed, and some areas even had red marks.

His body was dry, yet it felt as if it had been soaked through, sticky and uncomfortable.

"[I had a nightmare...]"

Song Yu's nose was red from crying. He tried to recall the events of his dream, but found he couldn't remember anything.

"[Don't cry, host!]"

009 immediately administered painkillers and offered a few words of comfort.

"[There are a lot of pollutants in the apocalypse, don't worry, I've prepared plenty of medicine here.]"

Song Yu's pain subsided. He curled up in the blankets to calm himself before slowly getting up to change his clothes.

While taking off his clothes, he noticed something on his underwear.

He didn't know what it was, it was a bit green. "

Could I have caught some strange disease...?"

Song Yu's eyes welled up with tears again, and he sniffed to swallow his frustration. He changed the sheets and all his clothes, inside and out.

He had 009 check his body again, only feeling relieved after the other said there was nothing wrong.

The pain was gone, but the marks on his skin remained.

Song Yu planned to go downstairs to ask the doctor for some ointment.

But as soon as he left his room, he received a side quest.

[You have triggered a side quest. Please go to the main character to get ointment. Quest completion reward: 2000 points.]

Song Yu's temper flared and subsided quickly. He washed his face and knocked on Qin Fei's door.

Upon opening the door, a strong smell of blood wafted out.

Qin Fei seemed to have just finished a mission; his clothes were covered in monster blood.

Song Yu took two steps back.

"What's wrong?" Qin Fei's voice was hoarse, and there were dark circles under his eyes, making him look like he hadn't rested well.

"Do you have ointment?" Song Yu thought for a moment, "Just... something to remove the marks."

Qin Fei stared intently at the person opposite him, his gaze lingering on the boy's lips, which were redder than usual.

He was an esper, his senses much sharper than ordinary people, so he had deliberately chosen the less crowded third floor.

But last night, in the middle of the night, he heard a soft, ambiguous sobbing.

It came from Song Yu's room.

The sounds continued for over an hour.

Qin Fei just stared blankly until dawn.

His face was ashen. After doing those things with another man, she came to him asking for trace removal medicine?

How shameless.

"Qin Fei?"

Song Yu's voice was softer than usual, with a sweet, cloying tone at the end.

Qin Fei felt a chill run down his spine from the sound.

But thinking about how the other man had called Shen Songchen that last night, he felt incredibly irritated and coldly said, "Why are you asking me?"

The man's voice sounded icy.

Song Yu was genuinely taken aback.

He had been plagued by nightmares last night, and this morning he woke up feeling sore all over, having to hand-wash the sheets... All sorts of grievances welled up at once, and Song Yu's light-colored eyes gradually reddened.

His expression was a little sluggish; he opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but then tightly pursed it, saying nothing.

His eyes were downcast, his eyelashes wet.

Qin Fei hadn't expected to make the other man cry; a jumble of complex emotions overwhelmed him, leaving him unsure how to face the boy.

Regardless, he needed to appease him first.

Qin Fei softened his voice, "You—"

But before he could finish the sentence, someone called out, "Xiao Yu?" It

was Shen Songchen's voice.

Qin Fei saw Song Yu lift his face and glance at Shen Songchen before immediately running over.

He instinctively didn't want to see what was about to happen, so he dragged his stiff body back to his room and closed the door.

But the boy's voice still clearly reached his ears.

"I'm not feeling well..."

"My mouth hurts."

"My body aches too."

It was like being naughty by her boyfriend, yet still being teased about not doing it again.

Could he do this even if he didn't like it?

But what if Song Yu really liked it?

It felt good.

And that might be why he liked Shen Songchen so much. (

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