Chapter 33

Chapter 33

"How could things have turned out like this?"

The cigarette between Wei Yangze's fingers burned, the heat searing his skin.

But he was completely oblivious.

His eyes were fixed on the dormitory building before him.

It flickered intermittently in the raging storm, like a ghostly image on a damaged electronic screen.

The rain was pouring down violently.

But the weather on his phone still showed normal conditions.

Wei Yangze knew.

He was no longer in the real world.

He was trapped in a special space.

Everything around him had disappeared, and in the endless darkness, only this dormitory building remained visible.

"This is an unprecedented spatial distortion caused by three consecutive infections."

Wei Yangze inhaled deeply.

The first time.

Wen Yuhe stopped suppressing his abilities and chose to infect the normal surroundings.

Therefore, no additional people would appear.

The normal students behind the dormitory doors had already mutated, and no one would dare disturb his approach to Ye Jishu.

Then, the roommate entered the dormitory building.

As the 'third stage,' it had already lost its human form, the price of which was the ability to unfold a complete independent space.

This space enveloped Wen Yuhe's infection.

But while the second 'source of infection' only caused the environment to mutate, the final overlay completely distorted the space.

Because—

'Yan Mei' had appeared.

Just by standing on the stairs, Yan Mei utterly destroyed the presence of Wen Yuhe and the roommate.

The reality surrounding the dormitory building collapsed.

Though aware of the urgency, Wei Yangze had been standing there for over ten minutes. Even after hearing the gunshots on the stairs, he didn’t intervene.

The reason was—

he had finally received a reply from headquarters.

"What are they doing? It’s been four months, and only now are they responding to the report about the incident involving our companion."

This is what any normal person would think first.

However, Wei Yangze realized what this meant.

The headquarters couldn’t possibly be this inefficient.

Their task information is handled by a massive terminal system, so there’s no way information could be missed.

There’s only one possible explanation.

They intentionally ignored his report back then.

"The headquarters always has its own reasons."

But what does this reasoning imply...

Wei Yangze wasn’t sure what he was hoping to find.

But what he saw next was far from what he expected.

The report was brief.

It was concise, straight to the point—typical of the system.

The headquarters replied.

"We’ve been keeping an eye on Ye Jishu."

"We know he’s unique, that he’s the anchor keeping reality stable."

...

"That’s why we’re observing him. Everything in this area is set up to keep his mental state stable. The occasional source of infection is just to keep things dynamic."

"That includes you, second-level employee Lin Lin."

...

What is this?

Wei Yangze felt like he’d been struck in the temples.

A wave of dizziness washed over him.

What is this?

Is this some kind of *The Truman Show*?

He’s just another cog in the system’s big data machine.

No wonder the report disappeared into the void.

No wonder Lin Lin returned after leaving.

Because here, there’s a reason to come back.

Just like him.

If not for his companion’s accident, he’d have been transferred out of this area ages ago. But now he’s still stuck in that endless, damp rainy night.

They are all part of the algorithm, indispensable "roles."

Stuck here by the past, pushing the so-called plot forward.

And Ye Jishu is probably that "nameless background character who doesn’t know he’s the protagonist but actually is," living according to a predetermined trajectory. Like a goldfish trapped in a fishbowl, the seemingly transparent environment is actually the chains that bind his life.

"What about... Him?"

This thought flashed through Wei Yangze’s mind.

If Ye Jishu is the goldfish in the bowl, carefully protected, then... that existence whose identity cannot be comprehended with words, how could He appear here... This is definitely not a deliberate arrangement.

He is keenly aware of one thing.

That is, no one at headquarters has the authority, ability, or means to bring an existence like Him into this plan.

Even those above him, the top-tier personnel, are the same.

Every instinct in him tells him that Yan Mei is definitely not something as simple as a "Source of Infection."

Because "Sources of Infection" are all transformed from humans.

"Yan Mei."

Is definitely not human.

So far, although he has only briefly encountered Him once, passing each other on the stairs, and the other didn’t even look his way.

But he has already felt that dread.

It’s a fear that creeps from the depths of his bones, spreading through his muscles.

And after revealing the truth, the order from headquarters is clear: Wei Yangze must not interfere...

Therefore.

A vague suspicion has surfaced.

"The Bureau of Infection Management and Control also did not anticipate His appearance there."

"They couldn’t even imagine that the two would form a connection."

"At first, no one would have noticed Ye Jishu; he was supposed to continue playing the role of a nameless background character."

But—

Yet, such a person was noticed by Him.

Wei Yangze shivered.

This is... utterly absurd.

Someone whose status, whether in the inner world or reality, is worlds apart.

How could He notice that insignificant, dusty background character?

Unaware of what the Bureau has done, or what bizarre notions they have implanted, Ye Jishu has never had deep connections with anyone, living the monotonous, uneventful life as planned.

But all that changed a few months ago.

Why would someone as striking as Yan Mei become his lover?

Why is He so deeply obsessed with Ye Jishu?

Why would He suppress Himself, act like an ordinary student, and refuse to leave Ye Jishu's side?

Even when those "sources of infection" recklessly show up, even when the Bureau’s humans wander around Him, clueless and irritating, He still doesn’t act... even though it’s nothing to Him?

It’s been four months! If He wanted to, He could’ve done anything by now! But now, He’s just living a college life.

Wei Yangze just can’t wrap his head around it.

Why does He care so much about a human most people see as worthless?

It’s just beyond comprehension!

Why? Is it affection? Is it love?

But does something so inexplicable even feel emotions like normal beings?

Wei Yangze stands here, ordered to stay put.

Truth is, the Bureau can’t figure out what’s really going on, so they’re playing it safe, keeping him on standby, right?

The headquarters must’ve done something behind the scenes, barely getting Ye Jishu to rationalize this, then bringing in Wei Yangze and others, slowly moving things along, carefully testing that absurd idea——

"It’s all because of love."

"Just love."

But if it’s truly "love"...

Wei Yangze shivers as the rain soaks his back.

Even Ye Jishu couldn’t handle such overwhelming emotions.

But if he avoids it, what then——

……

The dorm is deathly quiet.

No rain falls, but stifling heat presses in from all sides.

"Tap." With each step forward, Bao Zhehan retreats, until his back is pressed against the wall, with no way to retreat.

If Ye Jishu hadn’t pulled him, he would’ve already slipped to the ground in a panic.

But the next moment, he regrets breathing a sigh of relief.

Because he watches helplessly as Yan Mei’s gaze moves to their clasped wrists and stops.

"…………Are you two close?"

Fear grips Bao Zhehan; his eyes widen, and sweat beads on his forehead.

How should I answer this question?

Now that he and Ye Jishu are roommates, and Ye Jishu is still the senior he admires, their relationship should be pretty close, right...

Ye Jishu: "It’s just average."

"..."

Bao Zhehan.

Should he feel relieved, or completely heartbroken?

Hearing this, Yan Mei smiled.

As if the gloom of that moment was just a fleeting illusion, like something from a rainy night.

"This is so terrifying."

This thought surfaced in Bao Zhehan's mind.

A wave of terror spread through his limbs.

But the scariest part is that he doesn’t even know why he feels this way.

In Bao Zhehan's eyes, Yan Mei still looks so beautiful.

Just looking at that face fills him with an indescribable admiration... Why is he afraid? He likes him so much.

If the other person looked at him, he’d feel nothing but joy and excitement.

But goosebumps rise uncontrollably when the other’s gaze sweeps over him, making him shiver.

At some point, Ye Jishu let go of his wrist.

Bao Zhehan pushed himself up on his elbows, struggling to move backward.

Yan Mei softly said, "I bought you a gift while I was out gathering inspiration. Is anyone in the dorm? I’ll leave it on your desk later."

"Someone’s there," Ye Jishu said, "but the door’s open."

Even though Bao Zhehan suddenly pulled him and rushed out.

Wen Yuhe was still in the dorm, and he caught a glimpse of the other’s shocked expression.

Hearing this, Yan Mei simply said, "Is that so?" and reached for Ye Jishu’s hand, which hung at his side.

Their fingers interlaced.

They loosely intertwined, fingers slipping into the gaps, then tightened for a few seconds.

"A subtle feeling washed over them."

Ye Jishu looked down as the other person turned his wrist over.

As if handling a precious treasure, checking for any lingering scent left by someone else.

Within his view.

His cold fingers lightly and carefully stroked his wrist.

The moist breath slowly spread over the red marks left by Bao Zhehan's pressure.

...

Only after several seconds did Yan Mei look up.

He gazed intently and spoke.

"Jishu, stay here and wait for me, okay? Don’t speak to anyone until I’m back."

Though his tone was soft.

But—

"Was this a request, or a demand?"

"I’ll be right back."

Under Jishu's gaze, Yan Mei simply smiled, his eyes dark and stormy, let go of his wrist, and headed upstairs.

As he passed the staircase wall.

Bao Zhehan shrank back even more, trying to make himself as small as possible.

But Yan Mei didn't glance at him again, instead slowly ascending the stairs.

At the edge of the staircase, only the green emergency light shone below.

The dormitory was swallowed by darkness, with just an old incandescent light casting a faint outline of Yan Mei's figure.

...

He vanished into the shadows.

Yet, the hallway was eerily silent.

A heavy, dead silence filled the air, sending a chill down their spines.

Ye Jishu stared in the direction he had vanished.

After a few seconds, Bao Zhehan suddenly jumped to his feet, his shadow flickering under the dim light: "Jishu, we gotta get out of here!!!"

He was on the verge of tears.

Though he didn’t get what was going on, his gut screamed this wasn’t right.

"While they’re gone, let’s get out of here fast... please, I’m begging you."

Lin Lin meant to keep Ye Jishu in the dark about 'that world,' but he never said they couldn’t run.

They had to get out of there fast.

If they didn’t act now, there’d be no turning back...!

Like in a game, once you miss your chance, the only option is to start over—there’s no fixing it.

But in the real world, how could there ever be a chance to start over?!

Yet, under his desperate and frantic gaze, Ye Jishu finally looked away from the stairs and turned to face him.

"No."

"What—"

"Yan Mei said no. So, that's that."

Bao Zhehan's heart skipped a beat.

Right, how could he have forgotten.

The one he fell for at first sight, who stripped him of his self-esteem and reason, the one he became obsessed with—

Was the very one who instilled fear in him.

Yan Mei had just said...

He’ll be back soon.

"What does that mean?"

Bao Zhehan glanced at Ye Jishu, panicked, only to find that the other’s face showed none of the fear he’d expected from someone whose life was threatened. But instead, it was as calm and expressionless as ever.

"..."

"You should go ahead," Ye Jishu said, "I’ve got something to say to him."

"..."

Ye Jishu was puzzled: "Do you want to stick around?"

Just moments ago, he’d been so worked up, on the verge of tears. But now, he was just staring at him, dumbfounded, as if he’d seen something utterly baffling.

At this, Bao Zhehan snapped out of his trance.

When their eyes met again, he shuddered, struck by a sudden realization, murmuring, "You’re really... into Yan Mei, aren’t you?"

"I won’t be into him for much longer," Ye Jishu said.

At this, Bao Zhehan was stunned, his eyes widened as he whipped around to face Ye Jishu.

"What’s that supposed to mean...?"

But the other gave no indication of explaining.

And that was that.

Ye Jishu's hand was inside his coat.

Although it was sudden just now, fortunately, he had always kept the gift on him, so now he saved the time of going back.

He’d wait for Yan Mei to come back.

Because, indeed, there was something to say.

...

After what felt like an eternity, Ye Jishu finally heard footsteps echoing on the stairs.

And then, an unsettling drip of water.

Alone, he leaned against the wall, phone untouched, and glanced up, searching for the sound’s origin.

"Drip."

"Drip."

...

Why was there water dripping here?

Ye Jishu squinted to spot the source of the noise.

The next moment, Yan Mei's voice suddenly echoed from the shadows: "...Jishu, you're still here waiting for me."

His figure appeared under the glow of the incandescent bulb.

His dark eyes, as if beholding something unbelievable, lit up astonishingly bright.

"You didn't leave."

"Mm," Ye Jishu replied.

Hearing his answer, pure joy flickered in Yan Mei's eyes for the first time.

"Jishu."

"Mm."

"...Jishu."

"Mm."

Every time, Ye Jishu answered.

"What is it?"

Yan Mei: "I’m so happy, my mind’s gone blank—I just want to say your name..."

Ye Jishu paused, taken aback.

The other person...

seemed genuinely, overwhelmingly happy.

"Why are you acting like this?"

"Did you think he’d just leave like Bao Zhehan?"

Ye Jishu wasn’t one to care about much.

But even so, he couldn’t help but notice the oddities around him, though he couldn’t quite figure out why.

"Honestly, how clueless would someone have to be to miss these unreal developments?"

In this situation.

Most people would have left right away.

But Ye Jishu knows this world is just a novel, so he brushes it off without a second thought.

It doesn’t mean anything special.

Maybe that’s why Yan Mei thinks Ye Jishu is special, making him believe Ye Jishu is different from others.

All this time, Ye Jishu has known.

He’s been deceiving Yan Mei all along.

So much so that Yan Mei treasures him, a mere background character.

He’s been standing here because he’s made up his mind...

"It’s time to set things right."

"No more putting it off."

Tonight’s the perfect time.

Doing it sooner would just seem weird.

Waiting longer would only let his anxiety fester.

He needs to lay it all out.

Yan Mei will probably get it.

Their first date and the aquarium trip were both flops, which shows they’re just not a good match.

He’s tried, though.

To stay on the sidelines like the novel wants.

But he just can’t bring himself to.

The ache he feels watching Yan Mei talk to others makes it impossible to stick to the script.

So Ye Jishu’s not going to force it.

He’s always been low-key, not wanting much—a weirdo others avoid.

Even though there’s no warning about straying from the plot, it could end in someone’s death.

But even if straying from the plot means death...

Compared to seeing Yan Mei with someone else with his own eyes, it seems he doesn’t care anymore.

Yan Mei walks towards him.

Then rests his head on Ye Jishu's shoulder, pressing close to his neck, and raises his arms to hug him.

As if seeking praise, he immediately starts talking non-stop, his nose constantly nuzzling Ye Jishu's neck.

He’s being all clingy and needy.

From Ye Jishu's perspective, he could see the swirl of his hair.

"Jishu, I remember that human, was it Lin Lin? You said you had feelings for him, so he's still fine, I didn't touch him. As for the roommate... as long as he stays far away and doesn't try to take Jishu away, it's fine, aren't I being generous? As for the other one, I've already dealt with him, no need to worry about that kind of person—"

"Yan Mei," Ye Jishu said.

He rarely called him by his name.

Yan Mei's movements stopped.

"I've thought about it for a long time," Ye Jishu said, "We should break up."