09

 Waist circumference... Song Yu was stunned.

He hadn't measured it himself, so he lifted the blanket and looked down.

Before he could even have 009 measure it, Pei Feng looked away: "I know."

...Hmm?

"Xiao Yu?"

The male voice with static on the phone brought Song Yu back to his senses. The other party asked urgently, "Xiao Yu, where are you now? Can you send your location using your phone?"

"Hmm... Let me see." Song Yu opened the map, but the signal was probably not very good, and the location didn't appear for a long time.

"It's very remote here." Pei Feng had already picked up his clothes and probably heard the voice on the other end of the phone. "Is your friend coming to pick you up?"

Song Yu nodded.

"Where is he?"

Song Yu asked Qin Fei and then answered, "At the main base."

"That lousy place." Pei Feng gave a disdainful smile, then regained his composure. "It's not far from here, but the road is dangerous. Tell your friend not to worry, I will take you back safely."

Pei Feng's tone was very confident, but he seemed to have the right to be so. Song Yu relayed the message to Qin Fei on the other end of the phone.

Although Qin Fei was annoyed by the strange man, he couldn't find the location and could only wait at the main base.

"Call me if anything happens." He thought about what the man had said earlier, and it seemed Song Yu wanted to change into his clothes. So he subtly reminded her, "Change your clothes in the car. Don't change your clothes inside yet, we'll do it when we get back to the base."

Song Yu was puzzled, but obediently said "Okay."

After hanging up, Pei Feng handed her the clothes. He found a set that was relatively small, but thinking about Song Yu's slender waist, he still used a rope as a belt.

"Want to take a shower?"

Song Yu took the clothes, glanced outside, hesitated for a few seconds, and then shook her head.

"Okay, let's change right away then."

To avoid wasting time, Pei Feng didn't linger and got into the driver's seat and started the car.

The wind and monster roars were loud and occasionally came in through the car window. Compared to that, the sound of changing clothes in the back seat was nothing.

Pei Feng heard it all clearly.

The slight rustling of fabric, the squeak of toes on his pants… the man's ears burned.

In his panic, he accidentally glanced at the rearview mirror.

The blanket on Song Yu lay to the side, half-draped over her stomach, her long, slender back arched, forming a beautiful curve. Her

snow-white calves were red from the rough fabric, the soft flesh distorted by the pressure.

Pei Feng's heart pounded, and he immediately looked away.

But the scene he had just witnessed kept replaying in his mind.

How could someone have pink knees?

So beautiful.

Pei Feng frowned as he thought about the main base he was about to go to. He had stayed there for a while before; the benefits were high, and it was considered a relatively safe area in this environment.

But it seemed that the more dangerous the situation, the more it revealed people's true nature.

Those powerful people who stayed in the safest places every day were the most complex group of people in this apocalypse.

If Song Yu went there, wouldn't she be targeted?

Maybe he should stay at the base for now.

Pei Feng's clothes were too big; a small section of his shoulder was visible at the neckline of his shirt, and his pants were also much too long. Song Yu slowly wrapped the cotton rope around the waistband twice and rolled up the cuffs, finally feeling much more comfortable.

Leaning against the car window, he stared at the withered trees and limbs rushing past outside, unconsciously thinking of that vine again.

He wondered how it was now.

What would happen to the other person if he had self-healing abilities? What if he encountered other monsters?

Song Yu's eyes drooped, listless.

After a while, he felt a little itchy.

He rubbed it with his fingertips, but the itching didn't go away.

His body temperature was also getting higher and higher.

It shouldn't be a big problem...

Song Yu didn't say anything, biting his lower lip to endure it.

But this feeling grew stronger and stronger, and it seemed familiar, like the time he was entangled by the vine.

009 had already given Song Yu medicine when he first started feeling unwell, but the effect was minimal: [Host, it's possible you consumed too much nectar.]

"When you were injured, the vines applied their nectar to your wounds to give you healing power." Song

Yu vaguely remembered this.

No wonder he felt something soaking his shoulder back then, and it smelled so good.

"When it passed on, it probably also transmitted the plant's pheromones to you."

Hearing the word pheromones, Song Yu felt instinctively uneasy.

His voice trembled: "So...so..."

009: "You might experience some physical attraction, like in the last world."

"..."

Song Yu didn't speak again, wrapped himself tighter in the blanket, closed his eyes, and huddled in a corner.

His eyelashes trembled incessantly because of the strange feeling surging through his body.

It would take half a day to get to the main base, and they would need to stop and rest along the way.

Pei Feng had been fighting monsters for many years and was very experienced in where it was safe. He parked the car in a small, secluded spot, looked back at Song Yu, and noticed that the other's face was flushed.

He immediately asked with concern, "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Song Yu's eyes were misty from the burning sensation on his skin, and he let out a soft "humph."

The boy's gentle and obedient appearance made Pei Feng's breath catch in his throat. He looked away, coughed lightly, took a clean cup from the passenger seat, and poured some hot water into it.

Song Yu looked at the steaming cup handed to him, his voice as soft as a cat's: "No hot water."

"Want something cold?"

Pei Feng leaned closer and asked.

"Hmm..."

Most water-type ability users freeze water jets into ice to attack monsters; this was the first time he'd made ice for a handsome young boy.

Pei Feng himself didn't realize that he was exceptionally patient with Song Yu.

After adding ice to the cup, the temperature dropped. The man handed the cup to him again, and this time Song Yu finally moved.

His hand, emerging from the blanket, was white and rosy, even his knuckles were clean.

Song Yu took a small sip of half the cup of water, then continued to curl up in the corner, his discomfort causing him to groan softly from time to time.

So delicate.

Such a delicate and beautiful person needs to be carefully taken care of.

Pei Feng started the car, but in his heart he thought that he might also have the ability to take good care of the boy

.

By the time they arrived at the main base, the sky was already turning slightly gray. Song Yu felt much better after a nap in the car.

He had just opened the car door when someone grabbed him around the waist.

The person held him tightly, chin resting against his neck, the stubble tickling Song Yu's skin.

Song Yu smelled a familiar scent.

Standing to the side, Qin Fei, seeing Shen Songchen's reluctance to let go, said, "Alright, let him rest."

Although they were rivals, he wouldn't keep Song Yu's safety a secret from Shen Songchen. However, seeing the other's current state, he regretted it.

He had no right to reach out and hug Song Yu.

Shen Songchen finally released him. The man had clearly not rested well these past few days; his complexion was poor, his brows furrowed with a fierce look, and he appeared quite defeated.

Pei Feng also got out of the car. After a quick glance, he knew what was going on—

the two men's feelings for Song Yu were clearly unusual.

Upon seeing Pei Feng alight from the car, the people at headquarters immediately exclaimed, "Brother Feng, what brings you back?"

"Nothing much," Pei Feng smiled, then asked, "Is Old Zhao here?"

"Yes. Do you want to come over?"

Pei Feng nodded.

Clearly, the man who brought Song Yu back to the base was from headquarters. Qin Fei and Shen Songchen glanced at Pei Feng, suppressed their emotions, and thanked him.

Shen Songchen, in particular, held Song Yu protectively in his arms: "Thank you for helping me find Xiao Yu."

In one sentence, he was both polite and explained his relationship with Song Yu.

Pei Feng understood, but remained expressionless, waving his hand. He then looked at Song Yu: "You're still injured, aren't you? Let's see the base's doctor first. Shall I take you there?"

The three men surrounded the thin young man and escorted him to the infirmary.

Unidentified personnel returning from outside had to be registered and checked first to prevent bringing back any contaminants. Next to the registration office was the medical room. Dr. Zhao gave Song Yu a simple examination and, after drawing blood, exclaimed in surprise, "You're a superhuman?"

The others were also surprised, especially Qin Fei and Shen Songchen. They stared at the boy, eager to ask him about his experiences over the past few days.

Song Yu nodded but didn't elaborate on his abilities.

Further testing was needed to determine his superhuman abilities, so Dr. Zhao didn't keep them any longer and prescribed some sedatives for Song Yu.

Pei Feng had just returned to the base and had other things to do, so he said goodbye to Song Yu and left.

The two men stared at the crew-cut man, sensing danger.

Superhumans were treated differently from ordinary people; Song Yu was assigned to an apartment reserved for superhumans, sharing it with Shen Songchen and the others.

"Xiao Yu and I are a couple, so we can share a room," Shen Songchen said to the worker who led them to the apartment on the way back. "This will also save resources."

The worker was naturally happy to oblige: "Okay, just let me know if you need anything."

Qin Fei scoffed inwardly.

Song Yu was already exhausted. After washing up in her room, she closed her eyes the moment her head hit the pillow.

Her breathing gradually became even.

Shen Songchen's gaze was fixed on Song Yu's face. The unease that had been building up in his heart for the past few days finally erupted.

He knelt by the bed, feeling his heart pounding.

From the moment Song Yu insisted on leaving the base with him, he had a premonition that they would encounter danger.

He had given Song Yu many chances to stay, but she still insisted on going, even threatening to find other men.

So he wouldn't blame her.

Even if danger struck, he wouldn't care; it was none of his concern.

He hoped Song Yu would suffer the same pain as him, experiencing the slow descent into the abyss of darkness.

That's what Shen Songchen thought.

Yet, when danger truly arrived, he held Song Yu tightly, refusing to let go, even when he was covered in wounds from the monsters.

It hurt.

But the thought that if he didn't protect her, those wounds would fall on Song Yu.

That would hurt him even more.

Why was he like this? Why did he care so much about someone who had deceived his feelings?

Isn't that enough? Must he be utterly trampled before he wakes up?

Shen Songchen asked himself again and again.

But he also knew clearly how he had spent the days without news of Song Yu.

Anxiety, fear... more terrifying than when he died.

The person on the bed seemed to sense something, groggily opening his eyes, those clear, clean eyes looking at him: "Shen Songchen..."

He said something else, his voice very soft.

Shen Songchen leaned closer.

He felt a cool finger touch his brow.

"Don't, don't frown..."

Shen Songchen's heart skipped a beat.

He knew he had fallen for him. He

would completely surrender to Song Yu.

He accepted it.

Even if he was deceived, even if he was manipulated, he was willing to fall into this huge, addictive net.

Whether Song Yu liked him or not, whether he was sincere or not, no longer mattered.

Shen Songchen breathed shallowly, staring at Song Yu's face with almost obsessive adoration, then rubbed his face against Song Yu's palm.

When the warmth came through, he couldn't help but tremble.

“It doesn’t matter anymore… Song Yu,” Shen Songchen murmured. “As long as you stay by my side, that’s enough.”

He took a deep breath, and after noticing a mixed scent on the boy, he pulled him into his arms with displeasure, then turned his head and bit Song Yu’s lips.

He controlled his strength perfectly; Song Yu hummed a few times, nestled in his arms, unconsciously licking his lips, and wasn’t woken up.

“Little Yu.”

“Have you been kissed by other people too?”

Shen Songchen said it didn’t matter, but he was still incredibly concerned. He slowly unbuttoned Song Yu’s pajamas. When he saw the red marks, his face darkened.

“They all covet you.”

“Do you like them too? So many people, can you handle it?”

Shen Songchen’s voice was low as he gently kissed along the marks, marking his partner as if by primal instinct.

“You only like me, okay?”

*

When he woke up, Song Yu felt a little uncomfortable in his waist, like he had been bitten by insects, both painful and itchy.

009: [This is—beep—]

It's been censored again?

Song Yu: [009? Should I call 110 for you?]

009: ...

009 had no choice but to give up: [Host, no illness was found in your body.]

Song Yu was relieved.

He sat on the bed for a while, then heard a noise from the balcony and got up to check. Shen Songchen was standing by the sink washing machine, the small piece of fabric he was kneading in his hand… looked familiar.

Song Yu knew the other man had washed these things for him before, but seeing it in person still made him feel ashamed. His cheeks burned, and he immediately went over and grabbed the man's arm: "I… I'll wash it myself."

Shen Songchen's lips curled up: "Didn't I always wash them for you before? Why are you suddenly shy?"

Song Yu couldn't answer, so he silently withdrew his hand.

Shen Songchen stared at the boy's reddened earlobes: "Qin Fei has already returned to the base. We'll leave after you've rested."

Song Yu hummed in agreement.

He glanced at the slowly dissolving foam in the man's hand.

The man's fingers were long and slender, his palms broad and strong, making the small piece of fabric seem even smaller.

And he had rubbed it several times.

Song Yu opened his mouth, then closed it again, silently returning to his room.

His luggage was still there, his clothes and phone were all there.

He turned on his phone; the battery was full, probably charged by Shen Songchen.

Qin Fei had messaged him two hours earlier.

【I'm back at the base.】

【Come back soon.】

Song Yu looked at the message, thinking about what to reply, when Shen Songchen's tongue suddenly sounded behind him: "Pei Feng added you so quickly?"

Song Yu couldn't remember the name for a moment: "...Who?"

"The one who brought you back yesterday." Seeing that Song Yu hadn't even remembered the other person's name, Shen Songchen's expression brightened, and he immediately changed the subject, "Are you hungry?"

Song Yu's attention was quickly diverted, and he nodded.

There was a canteen at the base, and Shen Songchen didn't let Song Yu go out, going downstairs to get takeout himself.

After he left, 009 popped up: 【Host, the progress bar has reached 60%, the key plot is about to begin.】

Song Yu: 【Key plot?】

【After the protagonist arrived at the main base, he gained attention because of his healing ability. He cooperated with the base to complete the genetic experiments, enabling humans to fight monsters.】

Song Yu thought about his character: 【Do I have a mission?】 [

You have no mission for now, but you need to cooperate with the plot development. Due to the deviation from the main storyline, Shen Songchen has no intention of staying at the main base for the time being and wants to take you back as soon as possible.]

[You need to stall him and give the base enough time to find out that he has healing abilities.]

Song Yu nodded.

After finishing his lunch and resting enough, he went out of the apartment and walked around the area.

The main base's walls were very high, completely isolating the desolate outside, creating two separate worlds.

The day passed peacefully like this.

In the evening, Song Yu planned to use feeling unwell as an excuse to delay, but unexpectedly, he really felt unwell.

A heat was constantly surging in his body, and his skin became hot.

Shen Songchen noticed something and thought it was a fever, so he reached out and touched the other's forehead.

As a result, Song Yu couldn't stop trembling. He

was very sensitive, and his face was also red.

As if he had thought of something, Shen Songchen finally brought up the topic he had been unwilling to mention all day: "Did that vine entangle you?"

Song Yu was very uncomfortable and hummed softly.

This had happened once before.

Shen Songchen pulled him into his arms, pinched Song Yu's chin, and thrust deep inside.

...

The saliva of the superhuman seemed to have some effect; Song Yu no longer felt uncomfortable.

But when he woke up the next day, that strange feeling returned.

Song Yu tried applying cold water to his face, but it didn't help. Over the next few days, he took the initiative to kiss and hug, which did keep Shen Songchen at the main base, and the progress bar slowly increased.

But the price was that his lips were almost raw from

the kisses. Shen Songchen would kiss him for a long time each time, and Song Yu didn't understand why, when he was supposed to be consuming the superhuman's saliva, it ended up being him consuming Shen Songchen's saliva. His lips were very sore and numb. And it was only a temporary solution; he felt uncomfortable again not long after the kiss.

So he pushed Shen Songchen away petulantly, his fingers turning pink from the effort.

"I don't want to anymore..."

Shen Songchen ground his back teeth.

He was so eager to kiss him, but then he suddenly stopped.

He had checked Song Yu; he had no injuries and had developed self-healing abilities.

The reason for his persistent discomfort was simply that the vine had produced too much nectar, which Song Yu's frail body couldn't handle.

He could almost picture the boy being satiated.

His eyes darkened, and no matter how much dissatisfaction he felt, Shen Songchen could only suppress it, reaching for a tissue to wipe Song Yu's wet face clean. Still feeling unwell, Song Yu decided to find something to distract himself.

But Shen Songchen had already done everything he needed to do, even washing the last dirty piece of clothing. Song Yu: "..." He immediately went over and took the basin away: "I'll go dry it." There were many clothes and sheets in the basin, and Song Yu's fingers were white from the edge of the basin. Shen Songchen took most of the clothes out of the basin, leaving only three or four pieces for him: "Let's go together." The sheets were drying on the rooftop balcony, and the rare clear weather made Song Yu feel much better. After he finished drying his own basin, he saw Shen Songchen working on the sheets and went over to help hold up two corners. A smile appeared in Shen Songchen's eyes. "Hold on tight." Song Yu nodded. He felt the sheet in his hand shake, then his hand was brushed. A shadow loomed over him. Song Yu looked up. Shen Songchen was very close to him, his breath hitting the top of his head. Those eyes were dark and looked dangerous. Song Yu instinctively tried to back away, but his wrist was held captive. "Why won't you let me treat you?" Shen Songchen's voice was low, and his familiar, cool scent wafted over him. Song Yu tried to struggle, but the other man was very strong, and he gave up after a while: "It won't heal you anyway..." He then complained softly, "You'll have to kiss me for so long." Shen Songchen's eyelids twitched slightly as he stared at Song Yu's face: "A kiss on the lips might not be very effective." Song Yu had a bad feeling and looked up at him. When he looked up at him, the corners of his eyes were upturned. His expression was innocent, yet he looked like a little fox. "We can try kissing other places." What... Song Yu's ears burned, and he looked at Shen Songchen incredulously. But the man's expression was anything but frivolous; it was extremely serious, giving the man the illusion that he was the one who had misunderstood. What if he really was kind enough to help him with treatment?

Song Yu was trying to figure out how to politely refuse the other person, but Shen Songchen seemed determined to drag things out.

"How about it?"

"Let's try."

"What if it works?"

...

The back-and-forth whispers made Song Yu hesitate.

Shen Songchen's Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. He wanted to say something more when a cheerful male voice suddenly came from beside him—

"Finally found you!"

Shen Songchen's back stiffened, and he glanced at the other person.

Pei Feng had forgotten to ask for his name, and with everyone at the base busy, he had searched for several days before finally finding Song Yu. Excitedly, he ignored the man standing very close to Song Yu beside him: "What's your name? Let's exchange contact information."

Shen Songchen's face darkened, and he felt his hand go empty.

Song Yu pulled his hand away.

Disappointment and frustration welled up inside him.

After only a few hours of contact, he was already obsessed with Song Yu, clinging to her like a stray dog.

Song Yu also recognized Pei Feng, and remembering his playboy persona, immediately took out his phone from his pocket.

Pei Feng's brows furrowed with pleasure as he began editing a note: "Song Yu...which Yu?"

"The Yu of lush greenery," Song Yu replied.

Even his name sounded nice.

Pei Feng didn't leave after adding his contact information. After chatting for a few minutes, he asked how he was doing at the base.

"Fine..."

009 suddenly reminded him: [Pei Feng is from the main base; perhaps he can help you.]

Song Yu thought it made sense.

After all, he had been through quite a bit lately: "Do you know any doctors?"

"Are you feeling unwell?" Pei Feng recalled the boy's flushed face and burning body, curled up in a blanket in the car last time, and looked worried. "Are you still like that now?"

Shen Songchen, standing to the side, had a livid expression, but remembering Pei Feng's connections at the main base, he held back.

Song Yu drooped his eyelids and nodded pitifully.

Pei Feng was both worried and eager to see Song Yu's expression. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "I'll take you to see the best doctor in our base. But he's a bit strange, so don't worry about it. Just focus on getting better."

Seeing a glimmer of hope, Song Yu's eyes lit up. "Do I need an appointment?"

"I'll take you; no appointment is needed," Pei Feng smiled. "Let's go see him now; it wouldn't be good to delay your treatment."

Song Yu obediently followed. Just as Shen Songchen was about to step forward, Pei Feng turned back and glanced at him.

"By the way, don't bring too many people at once."

*

In the end, Song Yu went to the research institute alone with Pei Feng.

The institute wasn't tall; most of the space was underground.

The two entered the elevator, and Pei Feng pressed the button for the third basement level. The lower they went, the colder it got.

Song Yu involuntarily shrank his neck, and the next moment, a coat was draped over his shoulders.

Pei Feng had a cold expression, but his smile was surprisingly gentle. "It won't be so cold in the room later."

The research institute was clean and quiet. Along the way, everyone was wearing masks and working diligently, even their steps were hurried.

Soon, they arrived at the door of a room.

Song Yu glanced at the door; there was a sign—Dr. Chen Shuan.

He was mentioned in the files, not much, but his role in humanity's recovery was crucial; he was the one who developed the anti-pollution vaccine.

He was a very capable person.

Pei Feng knocked and, without waiting for a reply, pushed the door open and went in: "Old Chen, I need your help."

The man inside was either changing or putting on clothes; three buttons of his shirt were undone. He glanced at them briefly before looking away without speaking.

Chen Shuan had a very handsome and mature face, with deep-set features and classic phoenix eyes. The creases at the corners of his eyes were hidden, making them resemble a richly colored landscape painting.

This guy is so serious.

Song Yu nervously pursed her lips.

Pei Feng pushed Song Yu's shoulder forward, pressing the boy down into a chair by the table. "My friend escaped from the pollutants and has been feeling unwell ever since. You need to take a look at him quickly, and stop messing with your tattered clothes."

Pei Feng and Chen Shu'an were college classmates and roommates before the apocalypse, and had a good relationship. Pei Feng was practically Song Yu's only friend.

Chen Shu'an buttoned up his shirt before saying to Pei Feng, "You need permission to come in before you open the door."

"We're all guys, who's going to look at you?" Pei Feng didn't waste any time arguing with him, urging him to hurry up and examine Song Yu.

Chen Shu'an then focused his gaze on Song Yu.

His sense of smell was very strong; almost as soon as the boy entered, he smelled a faint floral fragrance.

It was mixed with a hint of sunshine, somewhat like freesia.

Song Yu was so nervous that his eyes were rounder than usual, his earlobes were pink, and he seemed even more sluggish than usual.

Like a regular doctor treating a patient, Chen Shu'an first filled out a patient file, and then inquired about the symptoms.

Song Yu truthfully told him about being saved by the vines and then gaining superpowers. After listening, Chen Shuan pondered for a moment: "How many times did the pollutants feed you nectar?"

Song Yu was a little embarrassed when he talked about this, and whispered: "I can't remember..."

"Any symptoms?"

"Um... I just feel uncomfortable, a little hot." Song Yu pursed his lips, "I want to be close to people."

"Similar to skin hunger?"

Song Yu was stunned.

It seems... it really is.

No wonder he's the best doctor.

Facing the boy whose eyes suddenly brightened, Chen Shuan's fingers holding the stethoscope paused, but he quickly recovered: "Take off your coat, I need to listen to your heart rate."

Song Yu hurriedly took it off, and he thought the stethoscope would be against his skin, so he immediately started to unbutton it.

He was too hasty, and his fingertips were rubbed red.

By the time Pei Feng reacted, the first button had already been unbuttoned. He was standing next to Song Yu, and being tall, he saw some things he shouldn't have seen when he looked down slightly.

So pink . Pei Feng snapped out of his daze and immediately stopped Song Yu from unbuttoning the second button: "Just... just listen through the clothes... that's fine too."

Song Yu glanced at Chen Shu'an: "Dr. Chen, is it okay to listen through the clothes?"

Chen Shu'an nodded, but accidentally glanced at Song Yu's neck. The man narrowed his eyes: "Was that left by contaminants?"

Hmm?

Song Yu followed the other's gaze and looked down, only to have Pei Feng cover her neck.

"Cough... that's not it." Pei Feng scratched his head, not understanding why he was covering Song Yu's hickey.

The thing is, he wasn't the one who put it there.

Song Yu then realized: "This was left by my boyfriend during my treatment."

Pei Feng's fingers paused.

Although he knew Song Yu and Shen Songchen's relationship was unusual, a wave of disappointment still washed over him upon hearing this.

He froze, forcefully buttoning Song Yu's shirt.

Chen Shuan's expression remained calm, but upon closer inspection, it seemed even more subdued than before.

The word "treatment" sounded like an attempt to save face, yet Song Yu's expression was earnest.

After a moment, Chen Shuan slowly asked, "What kind of treatment?"

"He's an ability user. An ability user's saliva can heal; it can be used directly... as medicine." Song Yu's voice trailed off; he was embarrassed to say he'd actually ingested saliva, so he used a more euphemistic approach.

Pei Feng let out an "Ah."

Song Yu instinctively sensed something was wrong, then heard a soft chuckle.

It carried a faint, mocking tone.

He stared blankly at the man before him.

"Who said a superhuman's saliva can cure illnesses?" Chen Shuan's gaze lingered on Song Yu's mouth for a few seconds; that small patch of her lip was very red and puffy. "Looks like you've been tricked into eating quite a bit of saliva." (

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