08

 Song Yu woke up at noon.

It was Zhou Qiao who woke him up.

The man was still wearing a new apron, his eyebrows and eyes relaxed, and his fingertips exuded the fragrance of spices.

Song Yu looked a little confused, but when he saw the other party coming closer, he immediately woke up and put his arm against the other party: "I want to go back."

"No farewell kiss today."

Hearing the boy's slightly complaining voice, Zhou Qiao understood that his lips were sore from being kissed and he didn't want to be touched anymore.

"Stay with me tonight, okay?"

Zhou Qiao didn't kiss him again, but just rubbed his forehead against Song Yu's face. He had just finished his business and came back covered in blood. He couldn't sleep properly and just wanted to hold Song Yu and sleep well.

Seeing the troubled expression on Song Yu's face, Zhou Qiao continued to compromise: "I will only hold you to sleep and won't do anything else."

"..."

This seems... not something a canary should say.

Song Yu thought of last time and his cheeks burned with shame: "...You said the same thing last time."

Zhou Qiao's expression froze.

Aside from the people at the orphanage, no one knew he had a twin brother, Zhou Yun. After arriving in Fog City, they rarely saw each other; Zhou Yun was like a shadow, occasionally appearing beside him.

They mainly communicated via text message, because their shared understanding allowed them to know each other's safety immediately. Their long time together allowed them to understand each other's personalities, making it easy for them to impersonate each other.

Judging from Song Yu's reaction, he hadn't recognized that the person from a few days ago was Zhou Yun in disguise.

Although this was beneficial to their business and achieved their goal, Zhou Qiao still felt agitated.

Or rather, he didn't know whether to be happy or agitated.

Song Yu treated Zhou Yun as him and was willing to stay overnight, indicating that she liked him; but on the other hand, Song Yu hadn't recognized him, leaving Zhou Yun to take advantage of him.

A few days ago, when he was out, his body was always on the verge of arousal.

That wasn't his own reaction, but rather from his twin brother.

Occasionally, he was normal, but Zhou Yun was in that state almost all night. Especially one night, from eight o'clock to past midnight, for several hours, his brain seemed to be controlled by dopamine, and in the middle, a stimulating and pleasurable sensation surged through his body.

So… it must have been something he did while sleeping in the same bed with Song Yu that caused that feeling.

Realizing this, Zhou Qiao's breathing became heavier, his eyes darkening. He pressed Song Yu's hand, "Ayu, what did I say or do last time?"

Song Yu's eyes widened, giving him an incredulous look, then he pushed him away with a shameful expression, "...I'm going back."

He got out of bed to wash up, ignoring him.

Zhou Qiao kept a straight face. Seeing that Song Yu was determined to go back, he didn't say anything more, but packed a meal for him to take, telling him to be careful on the way.

*

The progress bar didn't increase, but he got a free lunch.

Song Yu carried the small bag containing the lunchbox downstairs. He had only taken a few steps when the sun was blocked. Two minutes later, the sky was covered by a huge dark cloud.

After 009's reminder, Song Yu didn't continue forward and planned to find a place to shelter from the rain.

The nearest place to shelter from the rain was a convenience store. Song Yu walked in quickly, glancing subconsciously at the cashier.

Thankfully, the NPC shopkeeper in this world was still there.

It had indeed started raining outside. Song Yu bought a bottle of water and stood outside the door.

009 was counting down the time until the rain stopped.

Half an hour left…

Song Yu heard a noise behind him, turned around, and saw the shopkeeper wearing a wool hat placing an umbrella in the corner by the door. He didn't look up and quickly went back inside.

Song Yu glanced at the umbrella: [Is this umbrella for me?]

009: [It should be.]

Song Yu picked up the umbrella, wanting to go inside to thank the shopkeeper, when a voice came from the rain not far away: "Ayu!"

Song Yu looked towards the source of the voice. Zhou Qiao was holding an umbrella and walking through the rain, carrying another umbrella.

The man walked straight towards him, covered in water vapor. He seemed to be walking very fast, and part of his shoulder was wet.

Song Yu was slightly surprised: "Is your face blindness cured?"

He actually recognized him.

The ambiguous emotion in Zhou Qiao's eyes quickly vanished, and he smiled, "No one smells as good as A-Yu."

He glanced at the umbrella in Song Yu's hand, "Did A-Yu bring his own umbrella?"

"No." Song Yu pointed to the door of the convenience store, "The owner left it at the door."

"Oh..." Zhou Qiao took Song Yu's hand. The man's palm was slightly damp and cool, causing Song Yu to involuntarily shrink back. "I brought two, so I'll give this one back."

Song Yu said "Oh," and put the umbrella back. He wanted to thank the owner, but when he tilted his head to look inside, the owner wasn't there.

His hand was taken again, this time Zhou Qiao gripped it tightly, "Let's go."

Song Yu didn't linger and was led by Zhou Qiao to a taxi nearby.

*

For the next two days, Song Yu didn't go out. Zhou Qiao would occasionally send him messages, and he would reply slowly, but he would still give perfunctory replies like "I miss you too" or "But I'm busy with work."

009 praised him for finally grasping the essence of a scumbag.

Song Yu rolled around on the soft bed: [I didn't want to either. I was afraid he'd kiss me like that day, and my lips would break.]

If those fragments heard this, their building would probably be destroyed again.

The sudden silence was a little unsettling for 009.

S-level worlds are challenging, so a slow progress bar is normal. It wasn't urging its host, but Zhou Qiao, who hadn't seen Song Yu for two days, couldn't wait any longer.

A message arrived early in the morning: [Ayu, are you busy today?]

Song Yu had already prepared an excuse: [I'm not feeling well today.]

He had originally considered adding "baby" at the end, but considering Zhou Qiao's height, he gave up.

There was no reply.

The progress bar was rising fairly quickly. Song Yu planned to slack off for a few days, unaware that Zhou Qiao was already searching for Lu Baiyu's access card at home.

Zhou Qiao knew Lu Baiyu's social connections inside and out, knowing that Song Yu lived in the same neighborhood as Lu Baiyu.

The access card was given to him by Lu Baiyu a few months ago, originally for his convenience, but now it had become a tool for seeing Song Yu.

However, Zhou Qiao couldn't find it in the drawer.

He had very strict habits about organizing his belongings and knew exactly where everything was; the only possibility was…

Zhou Qiao expressionlessly closed the drawer and went downstairs to the convenience store.

Sure enough, the door was closed.

He took out his phone and sent a message to Zhou Yun:

【Come back.】

【Go back to where you belong.】

【Don't do anything unnecessary.】

Zhou Yun didn't reply.

Zhou Qiao irritably loosened his collar and quickly tapped another unmarked number.

【Do you have any extra access cards?】

*

Song Yu was still sprawled on the sofa watching a movie when 009 suddenly said: 【Host, the protagonist is approaching.】

Protagonist? Who is that?

However, 009 didn't say anything more.

Song Yu felt uneasy, turned off the TV, and went downstairs. He pretended to take out the trash, and as soon as he stepped out, he saw Zhou Qiao standing downstairs.

The man was carrying a bag, and he wasn't using an umbrella in the drizzle; his black windbreaker looked soaked.

Song Yu went over immediately: "Why are you here?"

The man leaned down to look at him.

Perhaps because he was soaked by the rain, Zhou Qiao's voice wasn't as gentle as usual; he just stared straight at him: "I came to find you."

Song Yu reached out and found that the other's palm was cold. He didn't say anything more and pulled the man into the elevator together.

In the elevator, he belatedly realized, "How did you get in?"

"Access card."

009 then added the setting: [Host, Lu Baiyu owns a property in this complex; he must have given the protagonist the access card.]

This means Zhou Qiao knows Lu Baiyu's house. In his panic, Song Yu didn't think about why Zhou Qiao could enter the building directly but insisted on standing outside: [Should I take him to Lu Baiyu's house?]

009: [You have Lu Baiyu's house password. Lu Baiyu bought this house first, and you followed suit by buying one upstairs, meaning you're superior to him.]

Song Yu: ?

A master of imitation.

009: [To learn his home's decor and taste, you often took Gu Linwei to his house to play games like Ludo. Eventually, Lu Baiyu simply told you and Gu Linwei the password, so you could come over and use whatever you wanted.]

[Going to Lu Baiyu's house now doesn't count as trespassing.] Song

Yu bit his lip, hesitated for two seconds, but still decided to take Zhou Qiao to Lu Baiyu's house.

After all, he was currently impersonating Lu Baiyu and couldn't be exposed yet, so this would reduce unnecessary trouble.

The protagonist's cuckoldry was completely concealed.

He was even brazen enough to bring his wife home when his master wasn't there.

Song Yu could already imagine his miserable end, and 009 had also said that in suspense novels, the protagonist was incredibly strong.

He could probably knock him down with one punch.

Song Yu shrugged, putting the scary thought out of his mind. Soon, they arrived at the 12th floor. Song Yu entered the password 009 had given him and opened the door.

The interior decoration was indeed similar to his own home, which made Song Yu feel less unfamiliar.

He quickly had Zhou Qiao take off his coat and, like a host, gave him disposable slippers and an unopened towel. "

I'll return it,"

Song Yu silently repeated.

Zhou Qiao took off his coat, revealing a very thin black vest underneath.

This reminded Song Yu of the last time he saw Zhou Qiao in the kitchen, shirtless and wearing an apron.

He looked away, his gaze falling on the plastic bag Zhou Qiao had brought, realizing that Zhou Qiao had come to deliver his medicine and dinner.

"Thank you..." Song Yu felt guilty about his lie about being sick. Looking at the soaking wet dog in front of him, he confirmed with 009 that there was a hairdryer in the bathroom and said apologetically, "Let me dry your hair for you."

Zhou Qiao nodded.

He's so quiet today... Song Yu only briefly considered this thought without suspecting anything. He got the hairdryer from the bathroom and adjusted it to the right temperature.

Zhou Qiao sat on the sofa, and Song Yu stood in front of him.

The man's hair was a bit stiff, and as it slipped through his fingers, it rubbed the soft flesh of his fingertips red.

He didn't know that from the moment his fingers touched the man, the other man's back went numb instantly.

It was a rather pleasurable shiver, not just physical, but also the warmth and care the boy gave him, which made Zhou Qiao, who always stayed in the dark, tremble and feel excited.

He knew from the moment he entered that this wasn't Song Yu's home, but he didn't care; he just missed Song Yu terribly. However, he didn't have the same status as Zhou Qiao to contact her.

This fueled his jealousy.

"You're like this..."

His voice was hoarse beyond words.

The hairdryer was off, and Song Yu, who was using a towel to rub his hair, lowered his eyes, meeting those sinister, obsessive black eyes. He paused: "...Wh-what?"

"You're like my little wife."

Song Yu's shoulders trembled slightly, then he said nervously, "Don't, don't talk nonsense..."

Before he could finish speaking, he was pulled into the other's arms, the hot breath running down his neck.

"Xiao Yu."

A low, sickly voice.

"Say you like me."

*

Zhou Qiao's heart pounded uncontrollably.

He could feel the other's excitement and affection.

The blood in his chest surged, and the phone on the coffee table suddenly vibrated a few times.

The veins on Zhou Qiao's arms bulged.

The message was from an unknown number—

[When did you meet Song Yu?] Zhou

Qiao's body was controlled by dopamine, but his face grew increasingly cold. He didn't answer the other party's question: [Access card.]

Soon, the unknown message sent him a photo.

It was a screenshot from a surveillance camera.

In it, a man with the same face as him was holding Song Yu in his arms, in a posture like that of intimate lovers.

His blood froze instantly, and Zhou Qiao began to lose control of his expression. He exited the chat window and opened another contact.

*

Gu Linwei has been very busy lately.

Not busy looking for Lu Baiyu, but busy with matters concerning the Gu family.

He stayed at the old house for several days, during which time he sent messages to Song Yu. The other party replied very slowly and with few words, and he didn't know if she was angry or just being perfunctory.

Gu Linwei thought about the unpleasant parting that day and was extremely annoyed. Finally, when things were almost resolved, he returned from the old house. In his car, he couldn't wait to take out his phone. Just as he was about to call Song Yu, he saw the message Zhou Qiao had sent him.

The other party had sent several messages in a row.

The gist of it was that he was currently at A Yu's house, implying that even if he were obedient, he was just a stray dog ​​that would never get any meat.

Gu Linwei's face stiffened, and he sped all the way to Song Yu's apartment complex. He had originally planned to go to Song Yu's house, and he always carried his access card with him, but after knocking on Song Yu's door for a long time, no one answered.

Gu Linwei was so angry his temples were throbbing. He threw everything else to the back of his mind: "Song Yu! Open the door!"

"Song Yu!"

His voice was so loud it even reached the neighbors next door.

Gu Linwei didn't bother to look: "Damn it, that man is taking advantage of you! Xiao Yu! Song Yu! Open the door now!"

The neighbors, probably seeing a handsome man yelling like this for the first time, stared wide-eyed with amusement.

But still no one opened the door. Gu Linwei, panting heavily, his eyes bloodshot, regained his composure and suddenly went downstairs.

He was so angry he almost forgot that Song Yu was pretending to be Lu Baiyu and was probably going to Lu Baiyu's house. He

quickly reached the 12th floor. This time, Gu Linwei didn't knock and just entered the code.

After opening the door and seeing the two people sitting properly on the sofa, his anger subsided slightly.

Song Yu immediately stood up, almost speechless with surprise. He slipped on his slippers and got off the sofa, but Gu Linwei grabbed his wrist and dragged him to the bathroom.

Song Yu lowered his eyes.

Lu Baiyu's bathroom was large and soundproof, but Gu Linwei was still very close to him, his aura so oppressive it felt like ice.

Song Yu, in Lu Baiyu's house, especially with Lu Baiyu's lover beside him, felt incredibly guilty and whispered, "Brother Lin."

His ingratiating manner eased Gu Linwei's anger somewhat.

He glanced at Song Yu's face; his mouth and eyes looked normal, so they hadn't kissed.

His anger subsided considerably.

But he was still afraid: "He came here by himself?"

Song Yu didn't dare lie this time: "Yes..."

"Aren't you afraid Lu Baiyu will suddenly come back to find you?" Gu Linwei deliberately scared him, trying to make him distance himself from Zhou Qiao.

Song Yu suddenly realized Lu Baiyu wasn't dead, but Gu Linwei's words made him pale with fear.

Gu Linwei softened again: "I recently found a clue; Lu Baiyu should be back soon."

Song Yu's eyes widened, a hint of relief in them.

The plot was finally about to move forward.

"So you need to break up with him right away, understand?" Gu Linwei emphasized.

Song Yu nodded obediently this time.

Gu Linwei took his hand: "I'll have someone send him away in a bit. Come back with me."

Song Yu: "Wait, wait a minute."

"Hmm?"

"I used Lu Baiyu's slippers, and a towel..."

Knowing that he wasn't going to stay with Zhou Qiao any longer, Gu Linwei's furrowed brows relaxed: "I'll have someone get them."

Song Yu pursed his lips.

Zhou Qiao had probably had enough of it himself, because when he came out, he took the initiative to say that it was getting late and he had to go back. He walked to the door, changed his shoes, put on his coat, glanced at Song Yu again, and left without asking Song Yu for a kiss.

Song Yu breathed a sigh of relief.

If he had asked for a kiss here, he would most likely have refused.

That would have meant the progress bar would have been cut, and Zhou Qiao might have gotten angry.

But if he didn't refuse, Gu Linwei would be angry.

Song Yu didn't think about these things anymore. He noticed that the medicine and food that the other person had brought him were still in the entryway.

After thinking for a moment, he picked them up.

The two didn't stay long and went straight back to Song Yu's house. Gu Linwei glanced at the bag in Song Yu's hand: "It's cold, are you still going to eat?"

Song Yu knew he had a sensitive stomach and shook his head.

Gu Linwei took the bag away, and he didn't know what the other man did with it. Lunch that day was prepared and delivered by Gu Linwei's family chef.

The Gu family had high standards and used premium ingredients. Song Yu ate slowly with his head down, not noticing that Gu Linwei wiped the sauce from the corner of his mouth with his finger and then licked his finger clean.

After the meal, Gu Linwei stopped Song Yu from cleaning up and took the initiative to clean up. When he was packing the trash bag, he suddenly stopped and looked at Song Yu: "Don't you think Zhou Qiao is a little strange?"

Song Yu paused.

Strange... Zhou Qiao was indeed quiet today, but he had been quiet before.

He even called him Xiao Yu, when he always called him A Yu.

It was just a matter of how he addressed him, but Gu Linwei's next sentence sent a chill down his spine.

"Did Zhou Qiao already have a mole on his wrist?"

Wh-what?

Song Yu's breath hitched, his mind went blank, only his heart pounding in his chest.

Just then, 009's voice rang out.

[Congratulations, host, hidden plot triggered.]

[You need to find out Zhou Qiao's background.]

*

At ten o'clock that night, Zhou Qiao finished washing up and casually wrapped his lower body in a towel.

Water droplets clung to his firm muscles, seeping into the towel along his clearly defined abs and V-line.

He stood by the bed, only wiping the water off his hands. Seeing the unanswered message, his eyes held an unreadable emotion.

Since that day, Song Yu had used the excuse of a business trip and hadn't replied for three days.

His body had been in a low mood, and Zhou Qiao could tell that Zhou Yun hadn't seen Song Yu either.

That could only mean Song Yu was tired of playing with him and didn't want to continue.

Zhou Qiao curled his lips into a half-smile, but his eyes held a strong possessiveness.

He stopped trying to message him and instead planned to catch this little rabbit and bring him to his den, to possess him completely.

The screen lit up.

Several messages came in from other numbers.

【I'll be back soon.】

【Things here are all sorted out.】

【Only one last step left.】

A hint of madness flashed in Zhou Qiao's eyes as her slender fingers tapped the screen.

【Understood.】

【You'd betray your own family for the greater good?】

The other end quickly replied.

【That doesn't count as family.】

A faint smile played on Zhou Qiao's lips.

Another message came quickly from the other end.

【I don't care what's going on between you and Song Yu, but don't involve him in this.】

*

Ever since 009 issued the mission, Song Yu has been too scared to leave the house.

He's terrified that if he goes to find Zhou Qiao, she might suddenly turn into a ghost or something.

Even if there are no ghosts in this world, he still doesn't dare face Zhou Qiao alone.

Besides that, Song Yu has also been harassed by unknown numbers lately.

They're sending him messages that are almost insane expressions of love. After seeing them, he hasn't dared to go out, wishing he could hide under the covers all day.

009 had told him long ago that there are a lot of weirdos in this world, and Song Yu is now experiencing it firsthand.

The only person he trusted now was Gu Linwei. He would call Gu Linwei every time he wanted to go out, and even if he just went out to buy something, he would cling tightly to

Gu Linwei's arm. Gu Linwei would say, "It's broad daylight, what's there to be afraid of?" but he wished Song Yu could hold him even tighter.

He couldn't imagine how happy he would be if he could marry Song Yu and she would be so clingy every day.

Song Yu would even let him kiss and hug her, and he could do whatever he wanted with her at night.

"You...you're bleeding from your nose..."

Song Yu was startled. Luckily, he had a pack of tissues in his pocket. He tore open the package, pulled out a tissue, and handed it to Gu Linwei.

Gu Linwei felt embarrassed and explained, "I've been staying up too late lately."

"You need to rest well." After saying that, Song Yu urged him to go home and sleep. Gu Linwei refused and insisted on staying at his house. Song Yu had no choice but to give him his bed.

Another day passed, and 009 reminded him: [Host, you have two days left.]

Song Yu didn't dare go to Zhou Qiao, so he had to ask Gu Linwei for help.

Upon hearing that Song Yu suspected Zhou Qiao, Gu Linwei, who had spent the entire day compiling information, didn't even sleep before having his assistant drive him over.

Song Yu was surprised by Gu Linwei's efficiency, took the information, and told Gu Linwei to go rest.

Gu Linwei immediately pulled a chair over to Song Yu: "You take a look first."

The information Gu Linwei had compiled was more detailed than what 009 had given him. It stated that Zhou Qiao was an orphan from a young age, adopted until age 13, then returned to an orphanage, went on to university, and worked. Two years ago, she quit her job and came to Wucheng.

It's estimated that she met Lu Baiyu during those two years, and also developed face blindness, so she hasn't worked since.

Her life seemed both difficult and inspiring, with no suspicious points.

009: [Host, you need to start with the sentence that triggered the hidden information.]

The sentence that triggered the hidden information… was the sentence Gu Linwei said—later, he explained that Zhou Qiao had a mole on her wrist when she was getting dressed.

At the time, that sentence was so chilling; Song Yu's mind was completely filled with terror. Later, after calming down and recalling it… he really hadn't noticed that.

Zhou Qiao seemed to be wearing long sleeves all the time.

Of the several photos Gu Linwei had tucked in the documents, only one showed Zhou Qiao with her arms exposed—the one from the fight. A black mole could be seen near the back of her hand.

But what could that mole represent?

Song Yu pursed his lips, staring at the photo.

Looking at it now, the expression that had seemed unfamiliar then was somewhat similar to Zhou Qiao's that night when she came to see him.

Could it be that for a period of time, the person he was with wasn't Zhou Qiao, but someone impersonating her?

A chill ran down Song Yu's spine, but his mind went blank.

It seemed these documents were useless; to advance the progress bar, he still needed to actively go to Zhou Qiao.

The boy's eyelashes trembled uncontrollably, and the corners of his eyes slowly turned pink. Because of his unease, he occasionally bit his lower lip, and when he released it, glistening saliva would be on it.

Absolutely stunning.

How could someone be so beautiful?

Perhaps it was the grogginess from staying up all night, but Gu Linwei's courage had also grown. He watched as the person opposite him neatly handed him the documents with their slender, pale fingers, and as they softly said thank you, he suddenly leaned closer.

"Xiao Yu."

"Can I kiss you?"

Wh...what?

Song Yu was stunned, but the other man didn't seem to want to discuss it with him. When he looked up, the man's face was right there, his lips captured in Song Yu's.

At first, he just teased his lips, but then it seemed he was getting addicted, and he pressed Song Yu down onto the sofa.

The overwhelming kisses made Song Yu sob softly, but Gu Linwei didn't let go, kissing his lips back and forth, swallowing his saliva greedily.

Song Yu's cheeks were wet with tears, his cheeks sunken slightly by the man's straight nose.

...

Finally, after being lifted up, the other man still wanted to continue, and Song Yu was afraid that if this continued, his lips would really rot. With his last bit of strength, he pushed the other man away, his legs trembling as he went to the bathroom. Just as he turned on the tap, he heard footsteps approaching.

Sure enough, a shadow soon loomed over him.

Song Yu had washed his face; it was wet, the water droplets pooling and slowly wetting his collar.

He had no idea that the man opposite him was actually trying to lick the water off his face. He just

felt Gu Linwei's gaze was too direct, staring straight at him.

Song Yu wanted to curse, but even uttering the word "bad guy" felt weak, so he shut his mouth and ignored him.

However, those two words seemed to have struck a nerve with Gu Linwei; the sound of him swallowing could be heard throughout the bathroom.

Song Yu's ears burned red, yet he still had to listen to the other man's ramblings.

"This is my first time."

"You'll have experience later, and I'll make you feel comfortable."

"Be my wife, and you can manage all my money from now on."

Song Yu: "..."

He didn't want to pay attention and turned to leave, but the other person kept following him, pestering him and saying nonsense like asking him to be her wife, occasionally kissing him on the cheek.

Finally, Song Yu put on a stern face, and the other person stopped and obediently went to sleep.

However, lying in Song Yu's bed was also a kind of torture.

The blankets were filled with the boy's fragrance, and Gu Linwei's muscles tensed, becoming even more excited.

*

There are less than two days left until the deadline for the hidden plot mission. Song Yu couldn't delay any longer and opened his phone to find Zhou Qiao's chat box.

Song Yu hadn't replied for the past few days, and Zhou Qiao had been sending him messages, all of them caring about his health while on business trips.

Song Yu felt a little reluctant, and his fear subsided by more than half.

He sent her a message saying he would come over today.

Zhou Qiao didn't reply for the time being.

About half an hour later, the other person called directly.

Song Yu didn't dare to answer.

After calling twice, Zhou Qiao sent a message: 【Ayu, what time are you coming?】

Upon seeing this, Song Yu knew he had chosen the right time.

Something must be going on today… the more something is going on, the easier it is to find clues.

Song Yu didn't reply, first going to the supermarket to buy a can of coffee, then taking a taxi to Xin'an Apartment.

Unexpectedly, Zhou Qiao was home.

Song Yu froze: “You…”

He only managed to utter one word before being pulled into an embrace.

A cold breath enveloped him, and whether it was Song Yu's imagination or not, he seemed to smell something else, like damp rust.

“Ayu, I missed you so much.” Zhou Qiao's hug was tight, as if he wanted to meld him into his arms.

The height difference between them was significant; Song Yu's feet almost left the ground. He gradually became breathless, his arms resting on the man's shoulders: “C-okay.”

Zhou Qiao finally let go of him.

The other party had already prepared the food, and the house was filled with its aroma. Song Yu had come with a mission today and had no appetite.

He glanced at the other party, and sure enough, Zhou Qiao was wearing a coat, covering the back of her hand.

"I brought you a gift." Song Yu took out the coffee from the bag—after discussing with 009, he decided to accidentally spill it on Zhou Qiao's sleeve when serving her the coffee, so that she would have to take off her clothes.

So Song Yu went straight into the kitchen as soon as he entered the house to make coffee for Zhou Qiao himself.

The water in the kitchen was warm. Song Yu took the cup from Zhou Qiao, and after thinking about the taste of pure coffee, he added sugar instead.

Perhaps because he was too nervous, Song Yu's hand was unsteady when he served the coffee, and Zhou Qiao's sleeve did indeed get spilled as he had intended, but almost all of it spilled on himself.

Soon, the gray liquid soaked through his white hoodie and pants, sticking to Song Yu's skin.

"Did you get burned?" Zhou Qiao asked anxiously as he carried the coffee out of the kitchen.

"Not burned..."

but it was still uncomfortable.

Song Yu glanced at Zhou Qiao's sleeve, pointing to the stain: "Yours is dirty too, take it off."

His tone was slightly tense, but luckily Zhou Qiao actually took off her clothes; underneath was a short-sleeved shirt.

Song Yu carefully examined both of Zhou Qiao's wrists.

...No moles.

He froze, hearing nothing but his heartbeat, until he was carried into the bathroom and heard Zhou Qiao's voice.

"A new bathrobe, your size." Zhou Qiao handed him the bathrobe and towel.

Song Yu took them hesitantly, and the other person quickly closed the bathroom door.

Song Yu's mind was in turmoil; all his actions of undressing were almost subconscious. It was 009 who reminded him to lock the door before he even entered the bathroom.

The hot water washed over his body, and Song Yu washed very slowly, until his fingertips were almost white from the water, before he could think a little more clearly.

The same face, but a different way of speaking—how could they look exactly alike?

Song Yu's heart trembled; a terrifying thought suddenly occurred to him.

[009...Are they twins?]

[Host, you have completed the mission.] As

usual, the points were credited immediately. But this time, Song Yu couldn't feel happy at all. So, was the person he'd been spending time with recently Zhou Qiao, or someone else?

Or… both of them?

This thought gave Song Yu goosebumps.

Did both of these people… kiss him? And who was the one who slept in the same bed with him?

Suddenly, a dull knocking sound echoed through the bathroom. Song Yu's heart stopped in fright. He gasped for breath, trying to remain calm: "I'll be done... I'll be done soon."

However, the knocking didn't stop.

Song Yu's legs went weak with fear.

…No, it wasn't Zhou Qiao.

Could it be someone else?

What was he doing here?

Song Yu was so frightened that tears almost welled up in his eyes. The knocking finally stopped, and then the footsteps faded into the distance. He immediately wrapped himself in a bathrobe and hastily tied the straps: [009… has he left?]

009 didn't respond.

Song Yu sniffed, his eyes reddening. He stood blankly in front of the mirror for a while, waiting for the sound outside to subside before taking it out.

He first reached for his phone on the coffee table, intending to call Gu Linwei after leaving, but just as he touched the phone, he heard a sound from the doorway.

Song Yu's fingers went limp with fright, and he rushed into the bedroom without even taking the phone.

The bedroom…where could he hide…?

Song Yu frantically shoved himself into the closet. He didn't know if the other person would check, but at least this enclosed space would give him a sense of security.

The footsteps grew closer, each one like a hammer blow to Song Yu's heart.

His whole body trembled uncontrollably, and he could barely breathe, yet he tightly covered his mouth, afraid to make a sound.

The space inside was small, the air thin, and soon, Song Yu felt a knock on the closet.

"Little cat. You can hide in such a small place."

Song Yu's body trembled violently, an uncontrollable, weak tremor escaping his throat.

Like prey knowing it was about to die, timid and fearful, yet still clinging to the last glimmer of hope.

The voice outside appeared again.

Song Yu recognized it as Zhou Qiao's voice,

but the tone was completely different—

low, hoarse, and gloomy.

"You smell so good."

Fear gripped his limbs; Song Yu hid among a pile of clothes, still refusing to speak or come out.

Strangely, the other person could have easily pulled him out by opening the wardrobe, but they didn't.

Song Yu was struggling to breathe, his face streaked with tears, pitifully huddled in the corner, his long, thin legs propped against the wardrobe wall.

It ached terribly.

He let out a soft sob, but soon, the other person left.

The footsteps faded, and the tense, oppressive feeling disappeared.

Even in this tense moment, Song Yu felt dizzy and lightheaded from lack of oxygen, his eyelids drooping as he huddled inside, almost unable to distinguish between reality and a dream.

He even saw himself being wheeled into the operating room.

...

He didn't know how much time had passed.

What brought Song Yu fully awake was a strong, masculine arm.

The other person didn't seem to exert much force, yet Song Yu, along with his damp clothes, was pulled out of the closet.

"Ugh..."

Song Yu made a muffled sound, limp and weak, collapsing onto his clothes. His knees brushed against the cold leather shoes, and his arm seemed to touch a metal buckle.

Song Yu shivered, his vision blurring.

His arm had touched the other person's belt buckle.

Cold.

Above him was the face of a handsome, unfamiliar man.

The man was tall, his gaze indifferent, looking down at him with an aura of superiority.

This tall man made Song Yu's shoulders tremble uncontrollably. He instinctively shrank back, his hands and feet frantically retreating, only to accidentally step on his bathrobe.

The already loosened straps immediately came undone, and half of the bathrobe fell down.

Song Yu tried to grab it, but pulled the other side down as well.

In the end, nothing was covered.

His soft, white skin was completely exposed to the other person's view

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