Chapter 97: Reality

Chapter 97: Reality

◎I Only Like You◎

Opening the door, a figure radiating green light rushed in: "Brother Qingqing! You scared me to death, I thought you..."

Bao Huai pushed him with one hand, shielding Shi Youqing with the other.

Hao Tianshuo couldn’t stop in time and "thump" fell to the ground. Without bothering to get up, he clutched tightly at Shi Youqing's pant leg: "Brother Qingqing! Are you alright?"

"…I’m fine." Shi Youqing noticed the redness around his eyes and felt a twinge of concern. Just as he was about to help him up, Hao Tianshuo sprang to his feet: "Did the butterfly sting you?! Where’s the wound, I’ll suck out the poison!"

Bao Huai immediately scowled, "Don’t you dare!"

Shi Youqing laughed, "I’m really fine."

In contrast, Feng Bin was much calmer. Seeing Shi Youqing with his own eyes, the weight in his heart lifted. He scrutinized the young man before him; there seemed to be nothing unusual... except, why did his lips look somewhat red?

He asked in confusion, "Youqing, what’s with your lips?"

...Oh dear, it was noticed.

Shi Youqing awkwardly placed his hands behind his back and abruptly changed the subject, "How many black chess pieces did you guys get this time?"

"Speaking of that..." Hao Tianshuo's spirits instantly lifted, "The system actually got upgraded! No more worrying about chess pieces being stolen or players killing each other! This time... let me see, ah, I got sixteen!"

"I got twenty," said Feng Bin, "It's the first time I've heard of a system upgrade like this... wonder who did it."

He said this while keeping his gaze fixed on Shi Youqing.

Shi Youqing smiled, "Who knows, maybe the system has developed a bit of humanity."

“……”

Seeing Shi Youqing not revealing more, Feng Bin didn’t probe further: "Anyway, it's good that everyone made it out safely."

"I have another piece of good news," Shi Youqing paused for effect, blinking, "Have you guys heard of the Ultimate Level Entry Ticket?"

Hao Tianshuo, preoccupied with watching Shi Youqing, suddenly felt as if he was struck by lightning, speechless.

Feng Bin was visibly shaken: "Ultimate Level Entry Ticket?!"

"Yes, it can be used once the total number of chess pieces reaches one hundred," explained Shi Youqing, "I currently have 84 chess pieces, so I should be able to use it after one more copy."

Feng Bin pursed his lips, a whirlwind of emotions inside.

It was hard to say whether this was good or bad news. Getting closer to the final level would save a lot of time and avoid the dangers of countless intermediate copies. However, the difficulty of the ultimate level could be overwhelming for players, and early death was a possibility.

A middle school student can’t handle a high school exam, unless they are a genius.

"I know what you’re thinking," Shi Youqing, tired from standing, sat down on the sofa, "I haven’t decided when to use that ticket yet. Let’s think about it when I have the necessary number of chess pieces."

"Hmm," Feng Bin nodded.

Hao Tianshuo, who had been staring at Shi Youqing for a long time, only then noticed a white spherical hair clip on Shi Youqing’s head, fascinated: "Brother Qingqing, why didn’t you say you were using a hair clip? It’s so cute! I want to buy one!"

Reminded by Hao Tianshuo, Shi Youqing remembered Cheng Yang, widened his eyes slightly, then touched his hair proudly, "This is not just a hair clip."

Shi Youqing felt no need to hide Cheng Yang’s identity and quickly explained everything.

However, the fact that he could bring his opponent into reality was indeed a surprise to him. If it weren’t for Hao Tianshuo’s exclamation, he would have forgotten about the man on his head.

"So, this thing has now become your pet? That's really strange, but it seems like something that would only happen to Brother Qingqing..." Hao Tianshuo said, stroking his chin in thought, then suddenly shook his head, "No way! If he’s like this now, wouldn’t he be able to spy on you anytime? No, no, no!"

Isn't that too fortunate?

Shi Youqing replied, "No, it's like he's locked in a prison. He can't even see me."

Only then did Hao Tianshuo relax, his gaze flickering to Bao Huai, who was peeling fruit. The knife's glint revealed a pair of cold, shadowed eyes glaring at him.

"...Brother Qingqing, let's talk more about that thing you mentioned!"

"Sure."

They enthusiastically discussed the "hair clip" for a while until Bao Huai stood up to interrupt them: "It's time for Qingqing to eat."

Feng Bin and Hao Tianshuo exchanged glances and decided to stay.

They successfully hung around under Bao Huai's sharp glares for a lavish and nutritious meal, spending more time with Shi Youqing, +1!

After a hearty meal, Feng Bin quickly sensed someone's burning desire to sweep everyone but Shi Youqing out of the room. He mischievously suggested, "Hao Tianshuo said he has a big house nearby and wants us all to move in together."

Hearing this, Hao Tianshuo eagerly nodded, "Yes, yes! Brother Qingqing, if you come, I’ll take care of you personally!"

"Don't even think about it!" Bao Huai's face changed color.

Hao Tianshuo protested, "We’re all teammates, why should only you take care of him? Even if we consider order of arrival, the newcomers can’t always be in line, right? It should be my turn now!"

Shi Youqing solemnly said, "…But my mom has already signed a contract with him."

Hao Tianshuo, in dismay, exclaimed, "Arranged like that?!"

"Shut up!" Bao Huai's gaze was murderous. He picked up Hao Tianshuo, who frantically tried to push him away, "Don’t come near me! I’m only talking to Brother Qingqing. You're unreasonable!"

"Enough playing," Feng Bin held back his laughter, feeling like he was watching a fight from the sidelines, but also worried they might actually start fighting, "Alright, let's go. We need to hurry and find clues."

"Who’s playing!" Hao Tianshuo huffed, pulling at his clothes, turning to face Shi Youqing, "Brother Qingqing, I’m serious. One can get tired of living in the same place. My house and I will always be waiting for you!"

He was unceremoniously kicked out by Bao Huai in the blink of an eye.

The once noisy room finally quieted down.

Bao Huai went to clean the dishes, leaving Shi Youqing with nothing to do, so he went to the balcony to water the plants.

The floating frame in front of him suddenly lit up, but before Shi Youqing could take a closer look, he heard a somewhat familiar voice:

"Youqing, you can't keep me locked up here!"

"You don't understand anything. Only with me around can those people be saved!!!"

Shi Youqing looked down, curiously eyeing the floating frame that had undergone a subtle change.

On the screen, there was a new icon of a small loudspeaker, next to which were two characters [Cheng Yang].

It suddenly felt like it had turned into a smart customer service system.

"Why?" Shi Youqing asked in his mind.

After several rounds of roasting by fire, Cheng Yang had learned of Shi Youqing's cruelty and could no longer see him as the naive, easy-to-trick child he once was. With a grave tone, he said, "You need to understand, everything in the world has two sides, Youqing. Have you ever thought that the existence of the game is not just detrimental? It might have more advantages than disadvantages!"

Shi Youqing honestly replied, "I haven’t thought about that."

"..." Cheng Yang, gritting his teeth, said, "Then let me tell you."

Shi Youqing put down the watering can and sat down on a rocking chair nearby, ready to listen, "Go ahead."

"The reality you live in was supposed to be destroyed! It is the existence of the game that has absorbed all catastrophic disasters meant for the real world!"

Shi Youqing’s eyes widened slightly.

Thinking he had convinced him, Cheng Yang quickly intensified his efforts, "Youqing! I’m not a bad person. In some ways, you and I are both saviors of Earth. Because of us, the game world exists, and the real world continues to survive! If you imprison my consciousness and the game world encounters a bug, can you bear the consequences?"

"Why should I bear them?" Shi Youqing asked seriously.

Cheng Yang was suddenly at a loss for words, "...Aren’t you trying to save people? You’re not..."

Shi Youqing rocked on the chair and shook his head, "I just want to find my mother. I haven’t thought about what you said, nor is it my concern."

"Nonsense! You clearly destroyed so many copies for their sake..."

At this, Shi Youqing’s eyes widened even more, suddenly like a keen student in class, "If you say the game world saves the real world, then why, after so many copies in the game world were destroyed, was there no impact on reality?" He spread his hands, "It’s contradictory."

Cheng Yue was almost driven mad by frustration. He never used to find Jiang Zhanpeng so infuriating.

No, that wasn’t right. Back then, when Shi Youqing was in a confused state, he would just obediently listen to Cheng Yue and couldn’t anger anyone.

Cheng Yue still preferred the old Shi Youqing and resented Bo Huai, who had unexpectedly appeared and taken his beloved away. He continued his brainwashing plan: "It’s not a contradiction. There are countless scenarios in the game world. Destroying a few won’t significantly affect the real world, but if you..."

Suddenly, Shi Youqing interrupted, "Have you heard of the story of 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf'?"

Cheng Yue was taken aback, "What?"

Shi Youqing played with his fingers, "You lie too much; I can't trust you."

Cheng Yue: "..."

Seeing the other party was about to argue, Shi Youqing clicked the mute button on the floating chat box, and the world finally fell silent.

Dealing with such a habitual liar was indeed exhausting. Shi Youqing yawned and went back to the bedroom to lie down, planning to discuss Cheng Yue's behavior with Bo Huai later.

As soon as Shi Youqing lay down, he fell asleep and didn't wake up until it was dark. Bo Huai was sitting by the bed, working on something. Seeing Shi Youqing wake up, he immediately put it down and half-knelt beside him: "You're awake?"

Shi Youqing had initially just wanted to lie down and wait for Bo Huai, but waking up to find the day had ended, he felt an indescribable irritation, as if half his day had been stolen.

Seeing his downcast expression, Bo Huai thought he was unwell and helped him up, hugging him tightly: "Are you feeling unwell somewhere?"

Their faces were extremely close, Shi Youqing's forehead against his chin, feeling the heat from his face. Looking up, he asked, "Why is your face so hot?"

Bo Huai tensed up, gazing down at him.

The youth's black eyelashes were thick and curled, quivering slightly in a drowsy innocence. His pale face, with strands of hair clinging to it, looked like a little white rabbit... Bo Huai's breathing became utterly disordered. He had recently resented the presence of Hao Tianshuo and others, but now felt such concerns would never cease – who wouldn't like a Shi Youqing like this?

So, for a few brief seconds, Bo Huai experienced the extreme emotions of resentment for those who liked Shi Youqing and disbelief at anyone who wouldn't.

Seeing his face alternating between red and white, Shi Youqing, frightened, sat up straight: "You’re not sick, are you?"

"...", Bo Huai, at the limit of his patience, embraced him tightly, burying his face in his neck as if to find some calm, "I'm not sick, I like you."

Shi Youqing nodded: "I know."

He had known for some time. Blinking, about to reply, he then heard Bo Huai's hoarse voice: "I only like you, in life and in death, always you! The Youqing from kindergarten, the Youqing in the mountains, the Youqing now, even the transformed Youqing... I like them all the most. I don’t expect you to respond, but I can’t help it... I have to tell you, otherwise, you’ll never understand!"

Shi Youqing stared at him with wide eyes.

After saying all that, Bao Huai tightened his grip on Shi Youqing's shoulders, his temples throbbing visibly.

"I get it, you like me," Shi Youqing slowly spoke, his voice somewhat hoarse, "Why would you say that about me?"

“……”

Bao Huai gazed down at him, lost in thought.

Shi Youqing's body went limp, almost curling up in Bao Huai's embrace, pouting slightly in displeasure as he continued, "I've known for a long time that you liked me. Why would you speak of me like that? Where don’t I understand? You're just talking nonsense."

Bao Huai felt as if his heart was being extracted, a tangle of painful yet sweet emotions engulfing him. Unable to control himself, he embraced Shi Youqing's shoulders, longing to be this close to him.

Shi Youqing was startled by his gaze for a moment but continued:

"Once my mom is out, I'll take you to see her... I didn’t mention it before because I wasn’t sure where she was, and it felt like empty talk. Now that I know, I will definitely take you." His eyes grew a bit sore as he spoke, but he firmly patted Bao Huai, "Don't talk about me like that."

For a moment, Bao Huai felt as if he was about to die, his heart pounding uncontrollably, as if it would leap out just to wrap this person in its core.

The man lowered his head, his lips trembling as he gently kissed Shi Youqing's cheek, a mixture of excitement, obsession, and various impulses surfacing. In the end, just gazing at Shi Youqing filled him with an affection so intense it hurt: "Who would dare to speak of you? I’d kill them."

[Author’s Note]

Accidentally published my draft... Perhaps it's fate, sigh! I won't be able to write for the next few days, will take a break, and come back full force on Friday (8.25)! Sending love!

Thanks to the little angel who dropped a mine: Lin Beibei, 1;

Thanks to the little angels for irrigating with nutrient solution: perperper, Yi Xiao, Mida, 20 bottles each;

Thank you very much for everyone's support, I will continue to work hard!