Chapter 46

Chapter 46

Ye Jishu's response was entirely unexpected.

Although to outsiders, his face remained as expressionless as ever, showing no emotional fluctuations, which should have made him seem non-threatening, but now, under his gaze, an involuntary chill ran down my spine.

"Don’t remember… anymore?"

The person being questioned just paused briefly, handed over the phone, turned his back, and stopped looking at the eerie things, as if the matter was over.

"I'll wait for you over there. Come find me when you're done."

Yan Mei, still dazed, took the phone, his gaze still fixed on Ye Jishu.

Of all the reactions he had anticipated, this was the one he hadn’t expected.

"Jishu, aren’t you going to ask if I’m human? I definitely didn’t act recklessly, because the source of infection needs to continuously influence those around it to survive, otherwise, it’s trapped in one place. If it has been here for a long time, it only means..."

His gaze landed on the figure on the ground. Though bloodied and mangled, it still resembled a human. The other, clearly shocked by this unexpected turn, gaped in shock, eyes locked on Ye Jishu’s retreating figure.

Ye Jishu: "Yeah, I believe you."

"..."

"I believe you won’t act recklessly."

With that simple reply, Ye Jishu walked toward the corridor.

"Really, no extra questions."

Realizing he wouldn’t look back, the figure on the ground frantically crawled forward a few steps, shouting, "How is this possible? I’ve been by your side for so long, done so much for you—how can you—"

But its protest fell on deaf ears.

Because Ye Jishu was already walking toward the corridor, his figure quickly disappearing into the darkness.

Throughout it all, he never looked back. Never wavered.

"Cold."

"More like heartless."

If Ye Jishu had passively become a 'nameless background character' because no one noticed him, he’d have to notice and remember the people around him, because passivity would lead to some desires.

But he hadn’t paid attention to the people around him.

He was a 'nameless background character.'

But, to him, others were also 'nameless background characters.'

So he didn’t bother remembering names or faces, even after spending a long time together, there was no change in his thoughts. It was because he couldn’t muster any interest that he was like this.

In other words—

"Jishu, the first person he actively noticed was me."

"I am Jishu's special existence."

This thought filled his mind.

Yan Mei felt a surge of excitement and sweetness like never before, filling his chest.

He glanced at the figure huddled on the ground, his face still soft, but his eyes turned icy in an instant.

His words reverberated through the dark hallway.

It was like a pitch-black train tunnel, evoking the terror of being crushed by the tracks.

"You’ve been stuck here for a while now."

He said, "Let me set you free. How about that?"

These were the last words Ye Jishu heard before he disappeared into the deserted corner.

……

……

"That’s pretty much how it went down," Ye Jishu said.

He was seated in the familiar 24-hour library. Not long ago, Lin Lin had questioned him about "Chen Heming"—the spoiled rich kid.

It was the same spot as before.

Even the iced drink the waiter brought was identical.

The cold drink met the humid air, causing condensation to form and drip down, leaving a sticky puddle on the table.

Lin Lin, sitting across from him, couldn’t help but look dazed.

Even though not much time had passed, it felt like everything had shifted. Was it because Ye Jishu wasn’t the outsider he’d thought? Or was it because he’d discovered that the guy’s possessive boyfriend was some kind of god-like entity?……

So why was he so chill about it?

"You really didn’t do anything? That must’ve been horrifying."

"Yeah," Ye Jishu said, "That’s all I had in me."

Honestly, no matter how many times he saw it, the sea of eyeballs and the floor splitting like muscle tissue sent shivers down his spine. But ignoring it seemed like the only option.

Ye Jishu had faith in Yan Mei.

Not just because of how desperately the guy had tried to explain himself, but also because of the look in his eyes.

"The Bureau said if Yan Mei really wanted to do something, there’d be no stopping him."

Because the guy seemed to be on a whole other level right now.

So, he could flaunt his weirdness in front of him, while other 'sources of infection' couldn’t pull that off.

"If that’s how it is, no need to explain."

"……"

Lin Lin: "……You’ve got a point."

After all, when the guy showed up, everyone at the Bureau’s containment facility had bailed. Even his team leader might not have the confidence to face Yan Mei…… So, that "source of infection" was indeed commendable for its courage.

Maybe it had been running wild in Chenchuan County for so long that it lost its sense of danger? That was Lin Lin’s take. But at this point, there was no use wondering why.

"I have one last question."

He picked up the cold drink on the table, took a large sip, then put it down and looked seriously at the person across from him.

"Are you... really not remembering that classmate?"

When he first heard Wei Yangze say that it was someone very close to Ye Jishu, he was genuinely surprised. Because the word "close" carried too much weight, he couldn’t picture Ye Jishu being close to anyone.

But if it were true, coupled with the unpredictability of Yan Mei, the situation would be pretty scary.

The captain obviously thought the same.

So, after receiving the message, she immediately reported it to headquarters.

The system’s analysis concluded—"no record."

But after all, it was AI, and further human verification was needed.

Therefore, Lin Lin participated in the task of reviewing Ye Jishu’s past records. He witnessed firsthand that there was indeed a role in the other’s past experiences that could be called "important." It was this classmate of six years.

Three years in middle school.

Three years in high school.

This couldn’t be a coincidence; it had to be intentional. Before this, to avoid anyone mixing personal feelings to influence Ye Jishu, the Bureau relied on the system for analysis, but for some reason, the system didn’t flag this as an anomaly.

Even when Ye Jishu left school and returned to his hometown for research, the system didn’t sound the alarm.

Was it a misjudgment...? Or because...?

But the detection data showed the system was running just fine.

Everyone at the Bureau was puzzled, but no matter how they thought about it, they couldn’t figure it out. All they could do was take corrective action.

And then—

It was now.

The whole thing had quietly come to an end.

The Bureau didn’t get a chance to step in, and the source that was "crucial" to Ye Jishu had already been dealt with.

"...I thought you would at least have some impression of it."

And then it would become difficult to decide.

Torn between the person you love and the one who matters.

"Mm. At least according to common sense, that’s how it should be."

Hearing "common sense" from him was downright shocking.

Ye Jishu: "But, I’m really not interested."

Hearing this, Lin Lin was taken aback.

"I have plans tonight, so I’ll head out first." Ye Jishu said, "I know why you’re here today. Yan Mei is not what you think. But I’ll do my best to help the Bureau handle anomalies going forward."

After saying this, he stood up from his seat.

After glancing at Lin Lin, Ye Jishu said "goodbye" and left the library.

It wasn’t until he watched the other person walk away and completely disappear from sight that Lin Lin snapped out of his trance, a complex look crossing his face.

"Jishu didn’t deny it."

"He didn’t say he truly didn’t remember."

"..."

Lin Lin walked to the checkout counter and paid.

Then, he also stepped into the night.

Only when he arrived at the familiar tree did he take out his phone and, as usual, log the details of this mission.

The cicadas buzzed louder and louder overhead, everything just like that day, now intertwined with his chaotic emotions. Sweat trickled down his back, soaking through the back of his shirt.

"From the moment I sat down, I never brought up the Bureau’s plans, but Jishu saw through it. Indeed, the Bureau plans to recruit him after graduation because his ability to erase all anomalies is exactly what the Bureau needs now."

"Previously, we kept a low profile because Ye Jishu was too special. To foster a stable, unshakable personality, we tried to avoid letting him know about the hidden world prematurely. But now it seems... his personality might be a bit too perfect... he remains completely unfazed by things he's not interested in."

Writing this, Lin Lin looked up from his phone screen and gazed above.

The tree shadows swayed in the night breeze, like swirling patches of dark mist.

Suddenly, he thought of something.

For that "six-year" classmate, Ye Jishu had always been nonchalant.

"Because he’s been brought up this way since childhood..."

"Even when it comes to anomalies around him, Ye Jishu maintains an indifferent attitude."

So, if things had gone as usual, the timeline where he didn’t meet Yan Mei, even if the Bureau approached him after college, he’d probably be like, "What a hassle," "Not interested," "Does it really have to be me?"...

Though he’s inherently good.

It’d take a lot of convincing to get him to say, "I’ll give it a try."

But now—

He took the initiative to say those words.

Was it because of Yan Mei? Because of Yan Mei’s special status? Because of that, even if it’s troublesome, he would try hard...?

Suddenly, it hit Lin Lin. That is, the "choice" the other made at the shelter was meaningful.

Ye Jishu’s meaning was clear.

He would take responsibility for his choices—in other words, "Yan Mei" was his responsibility.

To fulfill this responsibility, he would engage with the Bureau afterward. Even if it’s a troublesome matter. He would still do it.

From the moment he made the choice, Ye Jishu was prepared to give everything for "Yan Mei."

"Being with Jishu feels so safe."

"It’s understandable why He doesn’t want to part... because being by Jishu’s side, one can truly feel inner peace."

"..."

However, that conceptual being was also influenced by Ye Jishu.

Before, the Bureau of Infection Management and Control would never have imagined Him suppressing His own nature—all for Ye Jishu.

The influence went both ways.

Running into Him was completely unexpected, but that didn’t automatically make it better than the original timeline.

Lin Lin let out a sigh.

The unknown was still out there, but for some reason...

After learning about the other’s special identity and facing one surprise after another, his tense body finally relaxed.

Even his restless heart had, at some point, calmed down.

"My first mission… I guess it’s finally done."

The cicadas’ intermittent chirping was sharp, but the night breeze slipped through his cuffs, lightening his limbs.

Lin Lin gave the bright library one last lingering look, tucked away his phone, and walked off without a backward glance.

...

Ye Jishu adjusted the recording equipment in front of him.

Tonight was the second session of game planning.

This time, though, it wasn’t in his dorm but Yan Mei’s.

The folklore department had few students, so Yan Mei had a single room.

This way, they wouldn’t disturb any roommates.

"Strictly speaking, anyone he might disturb probably wouldn’t care..."

Besides, the math department dorms were likely empty by now.

Rather than asking the dorm manager for a key, they found a quiet spot.

Ye Jishu glanced at the dorm desk out of the corner of his eye.

He’d brought along the little goldfish the other had given him at the aquarium.

Yan Mei had set up a clear glass bottle that refracted colorful light when hit by any beam—just looking at it lifted the mood.

As he adjusted the mouse, he felt a warm presence behind him.

Then, a voice whispered near his ear: "Jishu, same game stream as last time? Same people?"

Ye Jishu paused, silent.

He’d never told Yan Mei about these things, but he sensed the other already knew everything.

Back then, Bo Zhehan had asked why he’d refused so bluntly.

This was why.

"Yeah," Ye Jishu said, "I signed up for five episodes."

"Oh, I see."

Yan Mei paused, "What’s on the agenda today?"

"Same game as before, but we’ve got a Q&A this time."

As usual, Ye Jishu muted the computer speakers and double-checked to make sure the same problem wouldn’t happen again.

By the time he was done, it was already go-time for the stream.

Ye Jishu joined the stream.

The chatter died down for a second before picking back up.

On the surface, everything seemed fine.

But you could feel the tension in the air.

"YJS is really just going on with the stream like nothing’s wrong."

"I’m telling you fans to chill, it was all in your heads, and now you’re throwing a tantrum because you got called out..."

"Come on, it’s obvious who’s more popular. Bai Feng probably only did that for the company, but some people just burn bridges and act like they’re hot stuff, and who even knows if they’ve got a boyfriend."

"Enough already, the randoms are just here for the game."

"Stop fighting, it’s so annoying!!"

...

Maybe catching the comments, Yan Mei’s voice came through again, with a hint of amusement.

But Ye Jishu could tell Yan Mei was actually pissed.

"I don’t really care about the hate comments..."

"Is Jishu gonna talk?"

"Nope."

The platform didn’t make him interact.

Better to ignore it than argue with strangers online and prove a point. It could just cause more drama later.

But Yan Mei wasn’t happy with that.

Feeling Yan Mei’s eyes still on him, Ye Jishu hesitated.

Then he said, "If you need to, say whatever you want later."

Ye Jishu wasn’t in it for the money. But even if he was, it didn’t matter.

What mattered more was that he hated seeing Yan Mei upset.

But after hearing that, Yan Mei suddenly leaned in closer.

The soft ends of his hair brushed against Ye Jishu's neck, bringing an unidentifiable tingling that rose from his spine.

However, it was contrary to his otherwise gentle demeanor.

The strength with which he hugged him from behind felt like he wanted to pull him closer.

"It's okay," Yan Mei said, "I know Jishu doesn't care, and he likes me too, so he won't act as carelessly as before..."

Before he could finish speaking.

A few comments flashed by. "yjs is the worst", "yjs and Bai Feng forever".

It looked like they were at it again.

The person beside him suddenly spoke.

"......I just can't get over it. Jishu, can I argue against it?"

Ye Jishu: "...Yes."

......

Still, Yan Mei didn't do anything until it was all over.

He just silently watched Ye Jishu close the game.

All the comments vanished under his watchful eyes. As Ye Jishu packed up and turned, he caught Yan Mei's eye.

He was fiddling with the stone he'd given him earlier.

"...Jishu must be wondering why, even now, I still lack that confidence."

Yan Mei looked at him and said, "There's something I've been keeping from you, Jishu, and I'm not sure if I should say it. But you, knowing your own strengths, would figure it out soon enough. So I've been mulling it over."

Ye Jishu paused.

He sensed that this was the final barrier between them.

"It's fine if you don't want to tell me."

"...That's just how Jishu is."

Yan Mei looked down, his expression unreadable.

The room went quiet.

Finally, he looked up.

"No, I need to tell Jishu."

It happened in the first week they were together.

Yan Mei knew he had a hard time keeping his cool around Ye Jishu. He'd been doing his best to hold back.

That day.

The other was gaming in the usual stairwell.

Yan Mei wasn't surprised to see Ye Jishu there. But this time was different—Ye Jishu was his boyfriend now, so kissing and hugging were on the table.

From the top of the stairs, one could see Ye Jishu playing the game.

The game had reached its final stage.

So, the phone screen showed "About to end."

Ye Jishu was completely absorbed.

He didn’t even notice when someone walked past him.

Yan Mei felt confident. He thought he stood out from the crowd. If he sat next to him this time, Jishu would surely notice. Then he’d ask him out for their first date—that was the plan.

But before he could approach, Yan Mei heard Ye Jishu mutter.

"...Why does it feel like there are so many people today? I wish no one could see me."

It was probably just a passing remark.

Ye Jishu always preferred quiet, avoided crowds, and stayed in his dorm whenever possible.

His personality made the complaint feel real.

But then—

Ye Jishu vanished from his view.

Then he reappeared.

His sudden disappearance seemed to flicker in Yan Mei’s sight.

But it wasn’t a trick of the eye.

At that moment, Yan Mei realized something.

Jishu had a unique ability.

If Jishu didn’t want to be seen, he couldn’t be seen.

For now, Jishu was unaware of this.

...

What if.

If Jishu ever grew tired of him, Yan Mei would have no way to reach him.

Even someone like him could lose a person he cared about.

From that day, fear took root in his heart.

"Keep the world normal for Jishu."

He held himself back for this purpose.

But it also carried a bit of Yan Mei’s own selfishness.

Unwilling to let the other leave his sight, wanting to be with Jishu at all times. As long as the other didn’t speak, he would meaninglessly call out the other’s name, even a simple "Hmm" would make him so happy.

He’d pick him up after class.

If possible, I wish we could be together twenty-four hours a day.

Otherwise, Jishu might disappear without me even knowing.

That’s why.

For so long, these thoughts have been like a sweltering summer, raging like a chaotic storm in his chest.

"Eventually, that day will come," Yan Mei said, "If Jishu doesn’t like me, he can walk away at any time—"

His words cut off abruptly.

Because Ye Jishu suddenly stood up and kissed him.

But it didn’t go further, just their lips touching, and then a slight flick of his tongue, gently brushing the other’s lip seam. Such a clumsy attempt, yet it made his chest ache more intensely than ever.

However, this was the first time Ye Jishu had taken the initiative.

Until he moved away from Yan Mei, the latter remained frozen in the same position, as if he had solidified in place. And on that beautiful face, a dazed expression crossed his face for the first time.

"Yes. You’re right," Ye Jishu said, "So, if you’re with me, always remember this."

"This isn’t what should be said in a confession... more like a binding condition."

But looking at the intense emotions flickering in the eyes of the person before him, it made Yan Mei’s heart ache uncontrollably, more than a confession ever could.

"This is a curse."

Just like he said back at the aquarium.

It is the curse’s binding force that ties them together.

Compared to healthy, normal love, a twisted curse makes you certain the other will always need you.

"This is fate."

From the moment they first met until now, they’ve been inextricably tangled.

One thing Yan Mei knows Ye Jishu is also clear about.

If there’s anyone who can truly threaten his existence, it must be Jishu.

"Jishu is my everything."

And correspondingly, Ye Jishu, who possesses the heavy burden of Yan Mei, is no longer just a nameless background character.

From this moment on.

Truly—

"Bound together forever."

For someone born from twisted love, this is undoubtedly the most perfect ending.

"I’ll be good, I’ll be obedient," Yan Mei gazed at the human before him, saying word by word, "Even if countless people like me, I only see Jishu, forever and always... I’ll always love Jishu."

Even if it’s a false "heartthrob."

But—in his world.

Ye Jishu will always be the "protagonist."

This will be the deepest affliction of this world, the most twisted and persistent curse... that cannot be undone by any means. Not even death can stop it.