Chapter 23: Midnight Song

Chapter 23 Midnight Song

In the dim sewer, only a faint red glow provided light. The little girl sitting on a pile of bones stared fixedly at the man not far away.

She seemed different from before, but the fluctuations of pollution around her told Shen Ji that she was not nearly as calm. The moment Shen Ji mentioned her parents were dead, she had already begun to lose control.

Pollutants are monsters of obsession. They live for their appetites and obsessions, existing as entities even more deranged than ghosts.

"Are you lying to me?" The little girl tilted her head, a small ulcer appearing under her eye. A brownish-red dot stood out starkly against her pale, tender cheek.

Shen Ji didn't plan to say more. Pollution doesn't play favorites; just as an ordinary child could transform into a high-level pollutant and kill countless people, Shen Ji would not show mercy simply because the pollutant took the form of a child. That would be a true disaster.

Hyphae spread from the pipes, finally sprouting menacingly before the little girl, looking every bit fully armed and ready for a fight.

The moment she saw these hyphae, the little girl snapped completely. She let out an enraged scream, clearly remembering how much trouble these things had given her.

"It's you! It was you!!"

The little girl pointed at Shen Ji. "It's because you're getting in my way that I can't find Mom and Dad. They must be in there!"

Shen Ji's gaze sharpened, his already cold expression turning even colder. In her words, he realized something—and evidently, the system did too.

"She had her eyes on the shelter long ago. She needed the medical staff to become her family, and the shelter had plenty of medical staff. The night of the shelter's contamination exposure was her first move."

"The shelter took emergency measures, or perhaps she retreated because a certain S-class pollutant was present at the time. After that, you were at the facility, so she never got the chance to try again to pollute it. This time, it was entirely because of Song Yuanzhang and Zhang Qingli that the second pollution point was discovered."

In the original storyline, when Chen Guo's pollution erupted, the S-class pollutant had also left the shelter—after all, he had only been dragged there for a day of volunteer work.

After he left, she had intended to carry out a second pollution incident, but unexpectedly ran into Chen Guo's pollution outbreak. Chen Guo then took care of her too.

"What a freak coincidence. The author might have botched the ending, but at least they followed logic."

Shen Ji reached out, hyphae winding around his arm. His left eye glowed with a bright red glow, adding a touch of allure to his cool demeanor.

Meanwhile, the little girl was still throwing a fit. She screamed, "They must be working at the hospital! As long as I keep looking, I'll find them!"

"Contamination levels are climbing."

"211, 259, 473... It's past 500."

"Not being able to accept the truth is no excuse for hurting people whenever you want." Shen Ji snapped his fingers, and the hyphae shot up from the ground as if obeying a command. They had been waiting too long.

Following their master meant starving all day. Now that they finally had a chance to eat, they had to grab their share!

The little girl bit down on her doll, her blood-red eyes filled with resentment. She watched helplessly as those pale red mushrooms filled the whole sewer, surging forward like a flood.

It wasn’t just the sewer—the hyphae left behind in the dormitory building also started to stir.

They released the infected patients in the dormitory, pouring en masse into the sewer. The patients left behind had all fallen unconscious, showing no signs of movement even after the hyphae departed.

Amid this scene of hyphae retreating and eerie silence, Zhang Qingli woke up groggily.

Before he could even make sense of things, a powerful wave of pollution struck again with a buzzing sound. His vision went white, and he blacked out once more.

"Ah, poor guy. What awful luck," the system remarked with a sigh.

"What?"

"Zhang Qingli. He just woke up only to be hit by the pollution from 'Midnight Song' again. He probably won’t be waking up anytime soon."

"We’ll find a way to apologize properly next time."

A huge mushroom cap took up most of the sewer, and Shen Ji sat atop its thick, fleshy surface.

At this moment, he looked like part of the mushrooms. Tiny spores dusted the skin under his eyes, and tiny, translucent pink mushrooms poked out near his temples and eyebrows. His mismatched red and white eyes gave him an unnatural air, yet despite this eerie appearance, he wore a neat, full suit.

It was an indescribable mix of cool control and strange pull, forming a complex, weirdly vibrant charm.

The pollutant dodged the hyphae lunging at her. Those mushrooms were exceptionally ferocious, tearing and biting at anything they could reach. Wherever they went, they devoured all living and dead matter, consuming every trace of pollution until the area was so clean it was as if no pollution incident had ever occurred.

Clutching her doll, she struggled to evade, but the hyphae seized her ankle, dragging her down from the towering pile of bones.

Shen Ji looked down at her from above.

"You have no right to stand on their remains."

"No! Stop!" She cried, sitting in the filthy sewer as she held up her doll.

"Reminder: This doll is the item with the highest concentration of pollution on her. It is very likely her Pollution Talent."

A melody began to emanate from the doll.

A woman’s voice sang a lullaby, its soothing tones inducing drowsiness, as if one could drift into dreams with the music, abandoning their thoughts, their very self, and everything else to assimilate and embrace the pollution.

"Mom," the pollutant whispered through tears. "Just like Mom, stay with me forever."

But how could a mere C-class pollution compare to an S-class pollutant? The S-class pollutant was the most unique of pollutants, having devoured countless others. All pollution became his sustenance. Shen Ji had even wondered: if pollutants had a group chat, the S-class pollutant would undoubtedly be the outcast.

The kind everyone would exclude and gossip about in private groups.

Hyphae crawled up the pollutant’s arm. Seeing that her Pollution Talent was useless, she cried even harder.

"Dad, save me!"

"Pollution Talent 'Doll's Song,' a pollution ability born from polluted obsession. The doll emits two different voices: the mother’s voice causes assimilation into a pollutant, while the father’s voice commands lower-level pollutants to protect it."

The doll then emitted an unfamiliar male voice, singing a child’s lullaby with a tone of laughter, promising to "always protect my precious."

It was still useless, because those lower-level pollutants had already been completely devoured by the hyphae.

Eagerly, they enveloped the entire pollutant, devouring the pollution from her body amidst her agonized screams.

"Stop crying," Shen Ji said softly in the final moments, descending from the mushroom cap and walking over to the pollutant now wrapped in a cocoon of hyphae.

"It’ll be quick. Just close your eyes, and when you open them again, you’ll see Mom and Dad."

Shen Ji’s voice was gentle and clear, as if offering a final prayer for her.

"They wanted you to live, but probably not like this—neither human nor ghost. You were their beloved, precious daughter. You shouldn’t have become a pollutant that takes countless lives."

No sound came from within the hyphae. Shen Ji didn’t know if she could hear him. But after dozens of seconds, the hyphae dispersed, their caps now several sizes larger. All that remained was the small doll, still singing the mother’s lullaby until it abruptly cut off after one final note.

Shen Ji reached down and picked up the doll, only then realizing it had no batteries.

Of course. After all these years, with the girl transformed into a pollutant, how could any batteries have lasted this long?

"Processing complete," the system announced promptly. "Now that we’ve dealt with Chen Guo and the culprit behind the shelter’s occupational exposure, the probability of being discovered by the protagonist has dropped to 30%!"

"Congratulations! We’re almost free!"

Shen Ji didn't bring up the flag topic again; he just hissed softly.

"Crap."

"?"

"I forgot to collect a sample." Shen Ji looked annoyed. "I told Zhang Qingli I came here to treat the contamination sickness, but now even the pollutant is gone. How am I supposed to treat it?"

"Doesn't that ruin my image?"

"..."

It knew Shen Ji would be unserious again after being serious.

"You can take this doll back. This doll is her Pollution Talent and carries her pollution. If there’s a special method to decode the contamination, this doll will work just as well."

"More importantly, we need to hurry back. I’ve detected that the Containment Facility is interfering with the polluted area."

Shen Ji stuffed the doll into his pocket and turned to leave. "The Containment Facility has ways to interfere with polluted areas too?"

"Don’t underestimate the Containment Facility. It was established around the same time as the Pollution Prevention Center and the Guard Unit. Although the Containment Facility isn’t very offensive, a strong defense can be offensive."

"And it still got invaded by pollutants, leading to a pollution leak?"

"In a way, the pollution leak at the Containment Facility is also a sign of a narrative collapsing. According to the original setting, the Containment Facility is very hard to corrupt—unless it’s an S-class pollutant. The author probably introduced Chen Guo and the filth to explain the cause and shift focus, just to avoid breaking the story."

What is this? Just the author’s small clever twist to keep the story from falling apart!

The hyphae were reluctant to leave. Even after Shen Ji turned the corner of the sewer, they were still there eating greedily. Even though the pollutant itself was dead, the contamination levels here remained higher than in other areas.

Shen Ji turned to look at them. "Let’s go."

Caught between their desire to eat and obeying their master, they hesitated back and forth. Finally, they decided to split into two groups: one would stay and keep eating, and the other would follow their master home. The light-red mushroom tops sprouted black dots, as if wearing chocolate mushroom hats.

Perfect!

Shen Ji: ...

"System, I haven’t even used the Undertaker’s Pollution Talent yet, and they’ve already mastered eating before anything else."

"Sigh, look at these pitiful yet obedient little mushrooms, working so hard just to get something to eat. You’re not being a very good owner."

"They’re getting fatter and fatter," Shen Ji concluded, watching them. "At this rate, they won’t just overrun my house—they’ll take over the whole building as their territory."

"Ah, that is a problem. Your hyphae have innate territoriality. They might expand on their own if they run out of space."

"Then we should put them on a diet. No more eating, no more eating!"

Shen Ji: ...

Weren’t you just saying the opposite?

Just as he was about to call the hyphae back, they suddenly became agitated and clustered together. Before Shen Ji could speak, they rushed toward him all at once, scampering into his body as if they had encountered some natural predator. The sewer was suddenly empty.

"Hm?" Shen Ji tapped the little black mushroom on his wrist. "Why’d you come back so suddenly?"

The small black mushroom swayed twice, as if pointing in a direction.

Shen Ji turned to look behind him. In the pitch-black pipe, a faint light suddenly appeared. Shen Ji’s eyes widened slightly, and he even pushed his glasses up with his index finger to see more clearly.

A blue, glowing butterfly fluttered gracefully in the pipe, followed by a man so familiar it made him sick.

Shen Ji: ...

Why did this killjoy end up in the sewer?!

Li Zhiyan stepped closer, still wearing that familiar black and blue uniform. "Didn't expect to run into you here."

Shen Ji didn't respond to that. He first looked around to confirm this was indeed just an ordinary sewer.

"Mr. Li?" Shen Ji asked doubtfully. "What are you doing here?"

Pointing around, Shen Ji continued, "You can see this is a sewer, right?"

Li Zhiyan was silent for a few seconds before speaking. "My car broke down, the manhole cover was stolen, and it's not that strange to accidentally fall into a sewer, is it?"

When reading this novel from Li Zhiyan's perspective as the protagonist, Shen Ji never found anything unusual about him from a god's-eye view. But after being transported into the book and becoming Li Zhiyan's opponent, Shen Ji developed many questions about this person.

Like: Is he even human? How does someone this abstract survive? Is he an S-Class Mutant because he's mentally ill?

"Then... didn't you try to climb back up?"

"Originally planned to climb right out, but then I saw some strange fat mushrooms. They ran away as soon as they saw me. Of course I had to follow such an interesting thing."

Li Zhiyan was more matter-of-fact than Shen Ji. "Those mushrooms acted alive and seemed afraid of me. Could they be contaminants?"

Shen Ji: ...

"..."

"I get it now. The hyphae have been expanding because you let them devour the pollution here. They naturally staked this place out as their territory and rapidly expanded, but they ran into the protagonist."

"Your subconscious wants to avoid the protagonist, so the hyphae maintain a 'caution! better avoid!' mindset towards him. They choose to retreat when detecting the protagonist."

Li Zhiyan reached out his hand as the blue butterfly landed on his fingertip. The light from its tail illuminated the sewer, making Li Zhiyan's white hair appear to glow.

He met Shen Ji's gaze with interest. "But after chasing them, I found you instead, Mr. Shen. Did you see those mushrooms fleeing like people? This is my first time encountering something like this."

"How fascinating."

Shen Ji's expression turned subtle. "You didn't even ask why I'm in the sewer."

"Not my concern."

Li Zhiyan sometimes gave off strong pressure because he enjoyed looking into people's eyes, maintaining eye contact with a rather dominant confidence.

When Shen Ji first started working, he also had this habit until his supervisor pointed out that staring too directly into people's eyes would only cause irritation.

It seemed the protagonist of this book didn't care if he rubbed people the wrong way.

Whether serious or joking, he said: "My only purpose coming here was those mushrooms. Rare to see such chubby mushrooms—they looked pretty tasty."

Shen Ji: ...?

"Just kidding of course. Those mushrooms clearly look poisonous. I wouldn't eat them."

*Wasn't the pot of toxic mushrooms delicious? I saw you enjoying it quite happily. It's just puzzling why it didn't finish you off.*

Shen Ji pushed his glasses up. He said very seriously: "Mr. Li's tastes are really something else."

"Are you mocking me?"

"How could I? I deeply admire Mr. Li, not only as a powerful S-Class Mutant but also for protecting many people. Everyone holds you in high esteem." Shen Ji's tone was filled with genuine admiration, as if he truly meant it. "If you were to sacrifice yourself, everyone would surely erect a statue and a merit monument to commemorate your contributions."

Li Zhiyan: ...

How did the conversation suddenly turn to his death?

But looking at Shen Ji's earnest and respectful expression, it didn't seem intentional.

"You journalists and your sharp tongues."

After a moment's hesitation, Li Zhiyan said, "I'm not particularly fond of statues or merit monuments. How about just putting my name in the history books instead? I'd like to have an entire chapter dedicated to me."

Shen Ji: ...

Well, that's one way to put it.

The system couldn't help but remark, "The protagonist sure has no shame!"

There was no point in continuing to stand off against Li Zhiyan, so... Besides, Shen Ji had originally intended to keep his distance from the protagonist by handling this contamination case. Bumping into Li Zhiyan was pure chance—blame it on the thief who stole the manhole cover. After mentally reassuring himself, Shen Ji continued making his way out.

As they walked, Li Zhiyan suddenly spoke up, "So what brought you down to the sewers anyway?"

Just moments ago, he'd said it was none of his business, so why ask now?

"Looking for an exit. The dormitory building is locked down, so I came down to the sewer to see if I could escape. Unfortunately, I got lost."

Shen Ji lowered his voice, letting a hint of regret color his tone. "I wonder how everyone still in the dormitory is doing. Really lucky I ran into you, Mr. Li. I bet you can find the way out in no time."

"Since the obvious path is blocked, you take the hidden route?" Li Zhiyan nodded. "Solid plan."

Shen Ji ignored him further, backtracking from memory to the original sewer entrance. Climbing up the ladder, he finally saw light.

He let out a soft sigh of relief.

Dark, cramped places are no place for humans—narrow, and seemingly endless. Such environments only add to the mental strain and worsen the spread of pollution.

"They're here," the system suddenly spoke.

'What?'

"The Shelter's making a move. Look to the side."

Shen Ji turned toward the dormitory door. With a deep hum, like a monk striking a bell, the resonant sound flooded directly into his mind, making him dizzy on the spot.

Cracks abruptly appeared in the air, spreading from above all the way to the ground. *Crack*—the air shattered like invisible glass. After a brief moment of chaos, like a mirage dissipating, Shen Ji gradually recognized the familiar scenery and familiar faces.

Shelter staff and guards came pouring in.

"It's open?" Shen Ji was surprised. "That easily?"

Li Zhiyan finally emerged leisurely from the sewer, yawning as soon as he surfaced. Only after hearing Shen Ji's words did he speak up. "It's a spatial-type Talent."

Shen Ji looked at him.

"I remember the first Shelter Director was an S-Class spatial mutant. He left something behind for the shelter when he departed, probably related to space as well." Li Zhiyan cupped a hand over his eyes, gazing into the distance.

"The shelter could also score a whole chapter in the history books."

Doctor Wang rushed into the dormitory building, and his first glance fell on Shen Ji. Doctor Wang sprinted over like a whirlwind.

"Xiao Ji! Are you alright?!"

Doctor Wang checked him over from every angle, ensuring he was neither contaminated nor injured before letting out a long sigh of relief.

Shen Ji allowed the inspection, playing the part of a respectful and obedient junior.

"Doctor Wang, I'm fine."

Wang Anle took out his communicator to report back to the facility. After finishing the report, he was about to take a closer look at Shen Ji when he suddenly noticed someone standing behind him.

He was so startled he almost fumbled his communicator.

"Mr. Li?!" Wang Anle exclaimed in shock. "What brings you here?!"

Li Zhiyan calmly pointed to the nearby sewer. "I came up through here. Are you going to ask why I emerged from the sewer? Because you can't always control whether you'll fall into a sewer at some point."

Wang Anle: ...I don't get it at all.

But Wang Anle was well aware that Li Zhiyan was connected to Shen Ji. He might even bear the responsibility of protecting this rare Healing-type mutant. So, he likely came to handle the situation after confirming something was wrong with Shen Ji, ultimately arriving even earlier than the containment team.

Crap, this looks bad. Would Mr. Li think their containment facility is completely useless?

Before Wang Anle could even attempt to explain, Li Zhiyan’s communicator rang. He pulled it out and answered the call.

"Boss! Where are you?!" a voice wailed on the other end, sounding panicked.

"You suddenly fell into a sewer, fine, but why did you lose contact?! Where are you?!"

"Cut the yelling. Come pick me up," Li Zhiyan replied, turning to walk away. "I’ll send you the address now."

As he walked, Li Zhiyan suddenly paused and turned back to look at Shen Ji, who watched him intently.

It was a gaze of scrutiny and observation—Shen Ji met his eyes without any attempt to conceal it. Those dark eyes held no trace of respect.

From the very first second their eyes met back in East City, Li Zhiyan had noticed this. The guy seemed serious, amiable, and a good listener—pleasant to be around. His appearance matched too: buttoned up to the top, glasses polished to a shine, sleeves meticulously rolled.

But the coldness in his eyes and that sharp, barely hidden intensity were unmistakable, like a bird soaring freely looking down upon those rooted to the ground.

Li Zhiyan enjoyed reading people’s eyes, and Shen Ji was no exception. Hidden beneath that gentle exterior was a gaze as sharp as a needle.

This was the biggest reason Li Zhiyan was interested in him—he could be sharp and aloof, but he hid it well. He could make everyone like him.

"By the way," Li Zhiyan said, "Do you want to try some fried flower petals?"

Shen Ji frowned slightly, then relaxed his brow. He asked, puzzled, "...Did you fry the flowers from this morning?"

Li Zhiyan neither nodded nor shook his head, only saying mysteriously, "So, you did see the message this morning. You just chose not to reply."

Shen Ji: ...

Is he insane?