04

 Smelling other people's legs and stuff...

Song Yu's first reaction was that this person was being a pervert.

But after a moment of slowness, he remembered that Qin Fei was straight. It should be very common for straight men to put their arms around each other and do these kinds of things.

It should be okay, right?

The other party was helping him, and Song Yu didn't want to be so pretentious. Just as

he was about to agree, the OOC warning sounded. 009: [According to your character setting, if Qin Fei makes such a request, your answer will only be two kinds: one is to refuse in a coy way; the other is to neither refuse nor agree, and say something like "You can just say you want to smell my place."]

Song Yu: "..."

He really couldn't say such lewd words. In the end, he had no choice but to refuse the other party.

"I don't want to..."

Hearing the refusal, Qin Fei was stunned for a moment, but quickly recovered his expression.

Although Song Yu didn't want anyone sniffing his lap—the thought of it was rather strange—he felt guilty for treating Qin Fei like a lecherous rogue. So he offered, "That monster probably left his scent on my bed too. Do you want to smell the sheets?"

Qin Fei's mind was a jumbled mess, but the reminder brought him back to his senses. "Yeah," he replied.

Song Yu's bed wasn't big; the duvet cover was bunched up, and the sheets were disheveled, as if they'd been carelessly rubbed against him. The man crouched down, bringing his nose close to the blankets, and immediately smelled a familiar fragrance.

—Song Yu had imbued the sheets with his own scent.

The fragrance made Qin Fei dizzy, his heart pounding uncontrollably.

Aside from that slightly damp perfume, he couldn't detect any other scent.

He turned to smell the pillow, but accidentally caught a glimpse of Song Yu sitting in the chair.

The paint on the apartment chair was almost completely peeling off, revealing the dilapidated, rotten wood underneath, making Song Yu's legs appear even whiter.

The boy sat there, hunched over, his shirt billowing in a beautiful arc from his shoulder blades. Like a soft, lazy kitten, Song Yu lifted her right leg to the edge of the chair, held it steady with her hand, and leaned closer.

She sniffed .

Qin Fei's eyelids twitched violently.

He quickly lowered his head, pretending not to see anything, but his mind was filled with the image of Song Yu letting go, leaving a red mark on her thigh.

It must be very soft. So

soft that just a slight touch of his nose could push the fair, soft flesh aside.

"Can you smell anything?"

Song Yu obediently sat on the chair with her legs together. She didn't smell any plant scent on the wound on her leg, so she placed her hopes on Qin Fei.

Qin Fei stood up and shook his head: "I can't smell anything, it's all your perfume."

Song Yu pouted and muttered a defense: "I didn't wear perfume..."

making it seem like he was doing nothing all day in this apocalyptic environment.

Although her voice was very soft, it was easy for a superhuman like Qin Fei to hear it. He couldn't believe that someone could smell so good without wearing perfume.

But seeing Song Yu's clean and fair appearance, he was convinced.

Unable to pinpoint the source of the odor, Qin Fei searched the entire room. Song Yu didn't have many belongings, and the only entrances were the door and the window facing the sun.

The door opened onto the corridor, so Qin Fei should have been able to detect any noise. The window was also made of sturdy material to prevent contaminants from entering. He could

n't figure it out for the moment.

Qin Fei glanced back at Song Yu. The boy's lips were tightly pressed together, unusually vibrant, but his face was pale.

He had clearly been bullied by this unknown monster.

After a long silence, to reassure Song Yu, Qin Fei said, "Let's fix the window."

Song Yu gave a soft "Mmm," and asked, "How do I fix it?"

"I'll do it." Qin Fei walked to the door, glancing at Song Yu. "Put your clothes on."

Song Yu belatedly felt a little embarrassed and quickly pulled on his pants after the man left.

Qin Fei returned shortly, carrying some metal frames and tools.

Song Yu wanted to help, but the man was tall and had broad shoulders that almost filled the space around the window. Besides, doing these things didn't fit his character, so he could only stand aside and wait.

The task arrived as expected.

009: [Side quest triggered: You need to flirt with Qin Fei verbally. Reward: 3000 points upon completion.]

3000 points… This seemed to be the highest score Song Yu had ever seen. He was actually a little embarrassed to do this task, but he couldn't bear to give it up.

Flirting was basically hitting on Qin Fei.

Song Yu had some experience hitting on Qin Fei in the previous world, so after thinking for a moment, he asked Qin Fei, "How old are you this year?"

"…"

Qin Fei was stunned. Normally, he wouldn't even bother to reply, but for some reason, he actually answered, "25."

"How tall?"

"190."

Wow, so tall.

The task completion notification didn't sound, so it seemed these questions didn't count as flirting. Song Yu steeled himself: "Have you… have you ever kissed someone?"

Qin Fei's hand froze, the hammer went astray, and a sharp pain shot through his

fingertip. He gasped.

Song Yu thought he was angry and immediately shut his mouth.

Fortunately, the task completion notification sounded.

He breathed a sigh of relief and stood quietly to the side.

Qin Fei worked swiftly, quickly re-secured the window.

"All done."

The man's voice rang out in the quiet room, reaching Shen Songchen, who had just reached the door.

Shen Songchen glanced expressionlessly through the crack in the door. From his perspective, Qin Fei's tall figure completely obscured Song Yu, only a section of his pale arm was visible.

"Um... thank you." At least the window was secured, which offered some comfort to Song Yu.

He had assumed Qin Fei would leave immediately after finishing, but after waiting for a while, the man remained.

What was going on...?

Song Yu looked up, only to meet Qin Fei's gaze.

Dark, sharp, like an eagle soaring through the sky.

His shoulders involuntarily trembled, his legs went weak, but he stubbornly said, "What are you looking at me for?" *

Looking at your beauty.

* Qin Fei thought to himself.

"I've never been in a relationship."

Song Yu: "?"

Why was he suddenly saying this to him?

Seeing the confusion on Song Yu's face, Qin Fei chuckled and said, "Didn't you just ask me if I've ever kissed anyone? I'll answer you now: I've never been in a relationship, and I've never kissed anyone."

He didn't know why he was saying these things to a man who was interested in him, as if he were desperately trying to indirectly prove how clean he was, that he was still a virgin.

Song Yu: "...Hmm."

Just "Hmm"?

What did that mean?

The boy's indifferent attitude made Qin Fei feel like he was being played, and he got inexplicably angry: "Why did you ask me if I've ever kissed anyone?"

Song Yu didn't want to continue the topic, so he deliberately changed the subject: "Were you going to give me something just now?"

Qin Fei was stunned. He still had cold medicine and chocolate in his pocket, and he mumbled "Hmm."

"Give it to me, I'm a little hungry now, I want some chocolate."

The boy's soft tone made it impossible for Qin Fei to refuse. He took out the chocolate and handed it to him. Just as

Song Yu took it, someone knocked on the door.

Soon, Shen Songchen's voice rang out: "Xiao Yu, are you in there?" "

!"

Song Yu had the illusion that he had been caught cheating. Luckily, he was dressed neatly, otherwise it would have been difficult to explain.

He hurriedly stuffed the chocolate into his pocket, walked around Qin Fei, and ran to a spot far away from the man before saying, "Brother Shen, I'm here."

Qin Fei was annoyed.

Why did Shen Songchen act like he wanted to distance himself from him the moment he arrived?

He leaned against the table with a calm expression, showing no intention of leaving.

Shen Songchen pushed open the door, smiled when he saw Song Yu, and then looked slightly surprised as if he had just seen Qin Fei: "Captain Qin, what are you doing here?"

Song Yu immediately explained, "He's here to help me replace the window frame!"

Qin Fei: "..."

Fine! Before Shen Songchen came, he sat on the edge of the bed and spoke to him in such a soft voice, but as soon as Shen Songchen came, he became the errand boy!

Qin Fei was so angry that his teeth itched, but he didn't say anything.

"What's wrong with the window frame?" Shen Songchen walked to the window, "Is it broken?"

Song Yu shook his head, hesitated for a moment, and then told him about being haunted by strange things these past few nights.

That way, Shen Songchen might feel a little sympathy for him, and maybe he wouldn't be so ruthless when he retaliated.

However, he didn't know that the culprit behind all of this was the person standing in front of him.

"It's probably contaminants," Shen Songchen frowned, then asked Song Yu, "So, were the wounds on your body inflicted by that monster?"

Song Yu nodded.

"Xiao Yu," Shen Songchen held Song Yu's hand, a hint of worry in his eyes, "Move in with me."

Thinking of that terrifying monster, Song Yu shook his head: "I'll just live by myself."

Anyway, he wouldn't be around for more than a few months before he died in this world, but Shen Songchen was the protagonist, and it wouldn't be good if moving in would implicate him.

Shen Songchen's eyes darkened slightly, but he concealed it well: "Okay, then be careful."

Seeing the bruises under his eyes and his tired brows, Song Yu assumed it was from the missions he'd been on these past few days and immediately urged him to go to sleep.

As he left the room, Shen Songchen's gaze swept over Qin Fei, and he sneered inwardly.

After Shen Songchen left, Song Yu yawned. He hadn't slept well for the past few nights, so he said to Qin Fei, "I'm going to sleep."

The meaning was clear.

Qin Fei understood, and was about to leave when he suddenly remembered something: "You need to change your sheets, right?"

Song Yu: "Hmm..."

The sheets were so heavy, he'd probably have to wash them all by himself again. Qin Fei was annoyed just thinking about those slender, white fingers that had been scrubbing until they were red.

Why did he have to do chores even though he had a boyfriend? What? He couldn't bear to ask Shen Songchen to do anything?

He frowned, looking annoyed, and after hesitating for a long time, he finally resignedly asked, "Where are the new sheets? Where are they?"

Song Yu was stunned.

Was he going to... change his sheets?

Did the captain care about these things?

"They're in the closet." Song Yu turned around and took out the clean sheets, which Qin Fei took from him.

The man was very efficient, changing the whole set in no time, throwing the dirty sheets into the basin, and then carrying the basin away.

Song Yu: "?"

By the time he realized what was happening, Qin Fei had already reached the door.

He immediately ran over and grabbed the other person's clothes: "I only have two sets! If you take one, I won't have any to change into."

Qin Fei: "..."

The man was amused by Song Yu's novel way of thinking and had to explain: "I'm taking it to the washroom to wash for you."

Oh, I see.

Song Yu let go of him, but then seemed to remember something: "I have other clothes inside, I—"

"I'll wash them all for you."

After Qin Fei finished speaking, he felt strange himself.

Why was he always rushing to wash other people's clothes?

But if he didn't wash them, Song Yu would have to wash them herself, so he would wash them.

As if to convince himself of this strange behavior, Qin Fei added: "The clothesline is already full. Do you want to hang them in the room and let them drip? Isn't that troublesome? If it causes a leak on the second floor, there will be arguments. I'll wash them and take them to Jiang Ran, and return them to you after they're dry."

Song Yu pursed his lips, didn't say anything more, and lay down to rest.

After Qin Fei arrived at the washroom, he took off his coat and quickly separated the sheets and clothes.

The bright red underwear was naturally exposed.

Qin Fei stared at it for a while, then hooked his hand around the edge, only to find it had a bit of white lace. "

Shen Songchen likes this?"

Qin Fei scoffed disdainfully.

But the image of Song Yu wearing it uncontrollably flashed through his mind.

Qin Fei felt a little hot, splashed some cold water on his head, but the effect was like scratching an itch through a boot. He took a deep breath, held the small wad of fabric stained with foam in his hand, and carefully rubbed it.

A roguish smile played on his lips as he muttered to himself,

"Not even a thank you, what a jerk."

*

In the bright moonlight of a late night.

Shen Songchen lay on the bed, opening his dark eyes.

Rough, cold rattan gradually spread and emerged from his back.

During this time, he had become adept at controlling this ability

—especially on Song Yu.

Initially, he used it to punish Song Yu, leaving marks on her body. Seeing this usually delicate and timid person frightened to tears gave him an unusual thrill.

But after that, hearing the boy's unconscious whimpers, the punishment gradually took a turn for the worse.

He began to deliberately touch the boy's waist, earlobes, and mouth.

The force also became increasingly uncontrollable.

His movements became more and more skillful each day, and he became more and more addicted to it.

Shen Songchen told himself that he was only trying to make Song Yu uncomfortable, and had no other purpose. He

then prepared to pull Song Yu into the nightmare.

However, something unexpected happened.

Shen Songchen sat up in bed with a cold face. After releasing all the vines within his body, he discovered that the vine responsible for the nightmare was gone.

*

Song Yu had been in a good mood these past few days.

Since Qin Fei helped replace the window frame, the monster hadn't appeared.

This gave him the energy to focus on the storyline.

His current progress bar, relying entirely on the tasks he'd completed in the previous world, was only 15%. Remembering the time-out penalty from the last world, Song Yu dared not delay any longer.

Getting revenge on Shen Songchen was simple; he just needed to continue ordering him around as before.

Soon, the opportunity arrived.

Qin Fei and his group had found a batch of supplies during the day and needed young people to help register them and move them to the warehouse. Given Song Yu's character, he certainly wouldn't do such a thing.

So he grabbed Shen Songchen's clothes, putting on a self-righteous act: "Brother Shen, help me move this."

Shen Songchen looked up: "Okay, wait a minute."

Song Yu was actually a little embarrassed, but for the sake of the mission, he deliberately picked a fight: "Why do we have to wait a minute?"

Before Shen Songchen could speak, someone next to him said: "Why? Of course, you have to help me move it first."

Song Yu looked at the person.

The person who spoke was the apartment manager. Compared to Song Yu's blatant laziness, he was even more disgusting. Relying on his position as manager, he flaunted his little bit of power, especially jealous of the superhumans in the team, afraid that these people would one day ride roughshod over him.

He couldn't afford to offend Qin Fei, so he often bullied the seemingly mild-mannered and easy-going Shen Songchen, saying nice things on the surface, making it impossible to find fault.

He only knew how to bully good people.

Song Yu felt a little sorry for Shen Songchen. In later episodes, because of Shen Songchen's healing ability, he was even betrayed by this person.

He frowned, his expression displeased: "Why should I help you? Is your hand broken?"

Seeing a fight brewing, the crowd gathered to watch the spectacle.

The administrator, who hadn't had a direct confrontation with Song Yu before, was immediately provoked by such harsh words: "What did you say? Do you believe I'll kick you out?"

"Who are you going to kick out?" A deep voice rang out, and everyone watched as Qin Fei walked through the crowd, his aura so oppressive it could freeze anyone.

The administrator was still somewhat intimidated by Qin Fei, and immediately began to play the victim: "Oh, Captain Qin, these old bones of mine, I asked Xiao Shen to help me move some things, and some people didn't like me. I have to work the night shift for everyone, and I'm so tired!" With

a few words, he absolved himself of all responsibility.

More and more people gathered, and knowing the administrator's character, some who had initially disliked Song Yu suddenly felt a pang of sympathy.

Shen Songchen glanced at Song Yu.

He expected Song Yu to show a furious expression, but unexpectedly, the young man's expression remained calm.

The calmer his expression, the more wronged he seemed.

Shen Songchen said softly, "I'll help you carry it, it's alright."

"Of course you have to help me carry it." Song Yu took his hand, suddenly noticing an unevenness in his palm, like a winding scar. "You're my boyfriend, only I can order you around!"

"Don't let him carry it!"

At first glance, this sounded unreasonable, but upon closer inspection, it was clearly protective.

Song Yu might be spoiled, but she was very protective; she was standing up for Shen Songchen.

How wonderful.

Having such a handsome boyfriend standing up for her.

Everyone began to envy Shen Songchen.

But Shen Songchen—

Shen Songchen's shoulders stiffened.

He felt warm fingertips brushing against his palm, slowly tracing the old scar.

Shen Songchen was an adopted son. His adoptive parents had a child who had congenital autism, so they adopted him to keep their child company. Shen Songchen was grateful to them and took good care of his younger brother. Even when the younger brother slashed his hand during a fit of rage, he didn't blame him.

But then he overheard his adoptive parents talking.

"What if he gets a scar on his hand?"

"Who can see a scar on the palm? Our Xiaoran is still sick. What's the big deal about him getting a scar?"

After the apocalypse, his adoptive parents and younger brother had both suffered misfortune. He felt empty inside, unable to describe the feeling. After arriving at the base, he began taking care of different people, trying to make them need him.

He had value again, but no one knew about the scar on his hand.

Song Yu was the first to touch it.

Slowly, gently and tenderly, she touched the scar.

Why did Song Yu evoke memories of his family? Why would someone who had deceived him stand on his side and speak up for him?

Shen Songchen's face stiffened, his lips tightened, and his expressionless face was completely different from his usual self.

He looked at the administrator, who was startled by the ferocity in his eyes and fell silent for a moment.

"Can you carry it yourself?"

Although it sounded polite, the cold tone sent chills down everyone's spines.

An honest person losing their temper is the scariest thing.

The administrator immediately said, "Okay... well, I'll carry it myself, you go ahead with your work."

Then he looked at Qin Fei, trying to get him to assign a young man to help him.

Qin Fei patted Jiang Ran: "Quick, keep an eye on things for Old Li, don't let anyone say he didn't move anything again."

Jiang Ran immediately understood, chuckling twice: "Okay!"

The administrator's face stiffened, and he didn't dare say anything more.

Meanwhile, after saying that, Shen Songchen started helping Song Yu move the supplies, remaining silent the entire time.

This made Song Yu panic: [009...]

[Did I make Shen Songchen angry?]

009 ignored the fragmented comments in the space about "killing Shen Songchen and Qin Fei": [Host, the test shows Shen Songchen's emotions are fluctuating greatly.]

That means he's angry...

Song Yu didn't dare speak either, obediently sticking to the man's back.

After the supplies were moved, Shen Songchen led him back by the hand, remaining silent the entire way.

His grip was a bit heavy;

the little soft flesh on Song Yu's wrist was reddened from his pinching.

Upon reaching the third floor, Shen Songchen finally released Song Yu's hand, walked a short distance with his head down, and then, realizing Song Yu hadn't followed, immediately turned back.

"You—"

He only managed to utter one word before the rest caught in his throat.

Because the boy held out his hand, a piece of unwrapped chocolate in his palm.

"Don't be angry..." Song Yu pursed his lips and stretched his hand forward a little more. "I only have this half left."

Shen Songchen's brows had been furrowed ever since.

Song Yu moved his lips, wanting to say something more, but then received an OOC warning.

He was actually a little unconvinced and continued, "You already have scars on your hands, why are you still helping them?"

He thought of Shen Songchen's hardworking and conscientious demeanor in the team before: "You're not allowed to help them anymore!"

Shen Songchen stared straight at him.

His eyes were dark, revealing no emotion.

"From now on, you're only allowed to work for me! Don't glare at me! And don't get angry with me!"

Shen Songchen's silence made Song Yu feel uneasy, but he put on a fierce little bully look: "Did you hear me? If you don't say anything, I'll kiss you!"

After a moment, Shen Songchen's brows finally relaxed.

He picked up the half-chocolate from Song Yu's hand and put it in his pocket.

...That should count as making up, right ?

Song Yu breathed a sigh of relief.

Shen Songchen's expression wasn't as cold as before, but it still wasn't as gentle as usual. His voice was a little stiff as he asked, "What are you going to do later?"

It was getting late.

Song Yu thought for a moment and said seriously, "Check my phone, do laundry, take a shower, and go to sleep."

Shen Songchen didn't reply. After a few seconds, he suddenly said, "Give me the clothes."

Song Yu didn't react: "Wh-what?"

Shen Songchen: "Wasn't I only going to help you with chores from now on? Give me the clothes."

Song Yu gave a belated "Oh."

He went into the room and handed the basin to him.

Shen Songchen went to the washroom and turned on the tap.

A thin stream of water slowly flowed into the basin, soaking Song Yu's clothes.

He didn't know why he was doing these things. He had sworn after being reborn that he would never do these things for him again.

But why?

Shen Songchen lowered his eyes, staring at the scar on his palm.

Now, after being touched by Song Yu, it was faintly burning. It was

a severe wound, hideous and terrifying. He had concealed it well all these years, and no one had ever noticed.

Or rather, no one had ever cared.

A complex mix of emotions welled up in Shen Songchen's heart, intertwining and spreading from his heart to his limbs. He

couldn't be soft-hearted.

Hadn't he been thoroughly deceived by Song Yu?

Did he really want to be treated like a dog again over something so trivial?

The basin was full.

Soon, Shen Songchen took out a small piece of cloth and began scrubbing it expressionlessly.

*

Bathroom.

Since it had previously been an apartment building, the base had many bathrooms, similar to public bathhouses, with changing rooms and plastic partitions in the shower area.

Song Yu chose a bathroom that wasn't crowded and went in carrying a small basket containing toiletries.

The water wasn't hot, and he felt colder as he washed, so he quickened his pace.

However, when he looked up, he saw a strange, branch-like shadow on the wall not far away.

What was this…?

Song Yu instinctively felt something was wrong.

And he smelled it.

—The monster's scent.

Song Yu's heart pounded, but he was at the far end of the bathroom, unable to escape.

His nose stung with fear, his thin shoulders trembled uncontrollably, and he could only watch the shadow draw ever closer.

The sound of water sliding down the wall grew louder.

The scent of plants intensified,

as if enveloping him.

What...what should he do?

Song Yu didn't dare breathe, biting his lower lip tightly. Just as he was about to bite through the soft flesh of his lip, a sudden, powerful force pulled him from behind, embracing him around the waist—

Song Yu felt his entire back pressed against the person's clothes, quickly becoming soaked.

He instinctively wanted to scream, but his mouth was covered.

"Shh."

"Don't make a sound."

Shen Songchen's voice.

Song Yu relaxed.

Soon, the bathroom became completely quiet.

The sliding sound stopped, and the shadow on the wall disappeared.

Song Yu's body went limp, his tense muscles aching.

So he didn't realize that, halfway through his shower, he was being held in a man's arms. His toes barely

touched the ground.

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