Chapter 43

Chapter 43

There weren’t many people heading to Chenchuan County together.

Even including Ye Jishu and the lead teacher, there were only about a dozen people.

Yan Mei must have given the others a heads-up, so when Ye Jishu showed up, they weren’t surprised and naturally made space for him next to Yan Mei.

But everyone’s eyes were on him, like he was some kind of rare animal.

"We’re all under the same mentor. Doesn’t it feel weird for a stranger to just join in?"

"But still, this whole thing feels off."

Ye Jishu’s gaze shifted to Yan Mei.

Yan Mei had finished talking with the lead teacher and was walking from the front of the car toward him. As he moved, the others’ gazes followed, landing on Yan Mei.

"...Whatever. Let it go."

"It’s like anything weird just makes sense when it’s about Yan Mei."

It’s always been like that. Probably.

Even now, knowing Yan Mei isn’t exactly human, you don’t immediately connect the weird stuff to him.

Yan Mei stashed their bags under the seat and sat down next to him. Noticing his look, Yan Mei asked right away, "What’s up, Jishu? You okay? Want me to turn on the AC?"

Maybe because folklore studies has so few students, the department couldn’t match the math department’s budget. They rented a bus for the trip, so everyone could pick their seats without any hassle.

Ye Jishu just shook his head in response.

He turned and pulled back the window curtain, letting the bright sunlight flood in.

It was still blazing hot outside.

But since Chenchuan County is pretty out of the way, the drive passed through some shady spots, so the heat wasn’t too bad.

It was just the usual view.

But Ye Jishu kept his eyes fixed on the window.

Without Ye Jishu noticing, Yan Mei kept watching him, his eyes hiding emotions that were hard to read.

...

Before long, they reached the homestay.

The lead teacher stood by the door, waiting for everyone to get out.

Yan Mei noticed Ye Jishu’s eyes lingering on the big tree in front of the homestay.

But before Yan Mei could say anything, Ye Jishu had already looked away and quietly walked over.

"..."

Ye Jishu walked just like he was.

Totally silent, with a slow, steady rhythm—it was calming to watch.

"So cute."

The thought crossed Yan Mei's mind as he looked down at the top of the person's head.

Before the other person could react, Yan Mei had already leaned down and kissed his lips. Then, he kissed the tip of his nose, cupped his cheeks, and kissed him again.

Once.

Twice.

Ye Jishu didn't have time to react before the kisses rained down.

"..."

Was it an illusion, or not?

Although since that night, there had been no significant change in their relationship, Yan Mei was still as clingy and unpredictable as ever, but it seemed easier for him to initiate surprise kisses now.

It was as if something he had been suppressing had been released all at once, no longer restraining the already minimal distance.

He didn't mind it too much.

But others might find it uncomfortable. After all, this was a public place.

And everyone was constantly paying attention to Yan Mei.

Waiting for Yan Mei to end the sudden display of affection and step aside, Ye Jishu noticed that no one behind them was looking in their direction—as if they hadn't noticed at all.

"It's fine, Jishu."

"..."

"Even if I do something more excessive, even on the bus, it's easy to block others' perception. If you don't believe me, we can try it later? Even if you sit on my lap, no one will even notice us."

"..."

"That's not necessary."

Ye Jishu glanced at Yan Mei, not sure if he had more to say.

Then, he turned around, ready to head towards the registration entrance with the others, but suddenly felt a tug on his wrist.

Ye Jishu turned back to look at the person behind him.

"...?"

"No rush, we’re free until tomorrow morning." Yan Mei stared into his eyes, those dark eyes almost pulling him into an emotional whirlpool. "You grew up here, right? Can you show me around?"

Ye Jishu didn't speak.

It was unexpected.

No beating around the bush.

Although he had prepared himself mentally when he agreed, he hadn't expected Yan Mei to ask so directly, instead of waiting for the right moment like before.

"This is totally unlike Yan Mei."

"I also considered being indirect... but I just can't hold back anymore."

Yan Mei lowered his gaze, his hand still clutching Jishu's fingers, tightening his grip. "I've been holding back for a long time, maybe Jishu hasn't noticed at all. But... I want to hear from you, personally, about everything that happened in your past."

That kind of greedy desire would only grow.

Even if just a part was enough before, the more he indulged, the more he wanted.

Because he didn't understand, didn't know Jishu's past.

So, from those subtle reactions, he couldn't help but wonder if there was something he didn't know, something being concealed.

If the other person actually had other options.

In that place he had never seen, there might be something more important than him... and so on.

"My... everything?" Jishu repeated.

The sunlight was somewhat blinding.

Yan Mei stared at the person in front of him, who seemed oblivious.

His restless heart was churning, a wave of unbearable frustration surging in his chest.

Why wasn't he answering?

Under his pressing, the other person only said this, then suddenly fell silent, seemingly deep in thought.

"Don't like it."

"Disgusted by this possibility."

There was something else hidden in Jishu's heart.

Yan Mei's hand jerked.

What is Jishu thinking now?

If only he could know everything about Jishu. Is there any way to discover? But Jishu's nature is very unique, conventional methods can't be used to investigate. What to do, what to do.

But what he initially wanted wasn't a wholehearted person, just someone to be by his side. So, indeed, it should be as before, just let Jishu stay with him alone—

Just as Yan Mei's thoughts were teetering on the edge of something dangerous, the person in front of him suddenly spoke.

"I tried, but I truly can't remember. Now you ask me... what I care about. It seems there's nothing like that."

Just going to school, attending classes.

After school, doing homework, then sleeping, and going back to school.

Before college, life was just a simple daily cycle like that, nothing out of the ordinary.

He didn't know why Yan Mei would think he had something special.

It was really just a very ordinary life of a nameless background character.

Three points and a line, except occasionally changing the place to go home, there was nothing to say.

Yan Mei's thoughts were abruptly interrupted.

He suddenly looked up, the other person's expression carrying a trace of distress, and clearly somewhat confused.

"You're not lying to me."

"..."

Yan Mei said, "Then why were you acting like that earlier?"

"Because the internet in Chenchuan County is spotty, and the signal is weak."

Although most places have modernized, the people here seem to prefer the old way of life. Even a homestay labeled as a three-star hotel has spotty internet, worse than campus Wi-Fi.

Seeing Yan Mei's expression, Ye Jishu took out his phone from his coat pocket and handed it to him.

The signal on the screen showed only one bar.

Even though it was supposed to be 4G, it had just dropped to 2G.

Ye Jishu sighed, "There's no helping it. Why did we have to come here for fieldwork, after all..."

"This is the first time I've heard Jishu sigh since we met."

"But it's because of this reason."

"..." Yan Mei.

This feeling is hard to put into words.

Especially since the truth is so different from what I thought.

Yan Mei slowly lowered his head, staring at the phone screen.

Then, he drifted into an awkward silence.

For a moment, he felt a rush of relief that nothing out of the ordinary had happened, mixed with a petty jealousy and possessiveness that would surprise others if spoken aloud, "Is the game really that important?" These feelings tangled up, gnawing at him.

No wonder he kind of spoke with such a resigned tone, saying he would accompany me...

Hmm. But.

In a way, did I kind of briefly surpass the game?

"Because Jishu agreed to come with me."

A warm, sweet feeling washed over him.

The doubts that had been clouding his mind since making the request disappeared.

Ye Jishu just hadn't figured out how to prove himself yet and was hesitating when he suddenly saw the person in front of him brighten up.

"..."

"You’re so easy to please, Yan Mei."

Then, the other person leaned over, lightly brushing against his neck.

"It's not like I just specifically chose this place. It's just that this project happens to involve Chenchuan County." Feeling just no resistance from the person beside him, Yan Mei smiled, his tone revealing a hint of nonchalance, "They say there’s this kind of mysterious stone that grants wishes... something pretty dull."

Folklore studies often involve local customs and legends, mostly spread by word of mouth. The reason the folklore department chose this place for fieldwork is that the idea of 'granting any wish' has always kind of been a big draw for people.

But—

It sounds laughable.

If it weren't for the sake of "normal" fitting in with the group, coming to such a place with others would be completely out of the question.

"Even if we know which mountain it's on, we don't know the exact location and need further investigation. These are just rumors. I'm already getting a bit bored. If I could, I'd just like to visit the places where Jishu lived."

Yan Mei is the most powerful being in the world.

Therefore, he is completely uninterested in such things—even if they were real, they wouldn't compare to his own power.

Other classmates, though, are really excited about the stone.

"I know where it is."

A flat voice came from above.

Yan Mei seemed to pick up on something.

He froze.

He raised his head from the warm neck and glanced toward the voice.

But Ye Jishu's expression was serious.

He spoke in a calm tone, like he was discussing the weather, saying something that would astonish others if they heard it: "If it's the stone just mentioned. Do you want to see it? I can take you there now."

"Jishu is someone without desires."

"But why does he mention the stone so smoothly? It's as if... he has searched for it before."

Yan Mei suddenly felt an indescribable emotion surging in his chest.

Jishu, who wants nothing—

He actually had a wish he desperately wanted to fulfill.

What could it be?