MTLNOVEL Chapter 46 - Always Together.
Ye Jishu’s response was completely unexpected.
Even though, to outsiders, his face remained as expressionless as ever, showing no visible emotional fluctuations—ordinarily, this should make him seem entirely non-threatening—at this moment, simply looking at him inexplicably sent a chill down the spine.
“You don’t remember…?”
The person being questioned only paused slightly, handed over the phone, then turned his back, no longer sparing even a glance at the eerie surroundings, as if he had already moved on.
“I’ll wait for you ahead. Come find me when you’re done.”
Yan Mei dazedly took the phone, still somewhat unable to process what had just happened. His gaze remained fixed on Ye Jishu.
Of all the reactions he had anticipated, this was the one he had never considered.
“Jishu isn’t asking me whether it was human or not? I absolutely didn’t act recklessly because an [Source of Infection] must continuously influence the people around it in order to survive. Otherwise, it can only remain trapped in one place. If it has been here for a long time, that only means…”
His gaze shifted to the figure lying on the ground. Despite its mangled flesh, its human shape was still discernible. The figure clearly had not expected such an unforeseen development either. Its mouth hung open in stunned silence, its eyes fixed unblinkingly on Ye Jishu’s retreating back.
Ye Jishu simply said, “Mm, I believe you.”
“……”
“I believe you wouldn’t act recklessly.”
With that simple response, Ye Jishu turned and walked down the hallway.
He truly had no further questions.
Realizing that he really wouldn’t turn back, the figure on the ground desperately crawled forward a few steps and shouted, “How is this possible?! I’ve stayed by your side for so long, done so much for you, how could you—”
But its accusations had no effect.
Because Ye Jishu had already disappeared into the darkness of the hallway.
He never looked back. He never wavered.
Cold.
Or rather, ruthless.
If Ye Jishu was merely a “passerby” because no one paid attention to him, then it would be impossible for him to not see the people around him, impossible for him to forget them. Being ignored would naturally create a longing for recognition.
But he had genuinely never paid attention to the people around him.
He was a [passerby].
And to him, others were also [passersby].
So there was no need to remember names, no need to care about faces. No matter how long they spent together, he never changed his mind. Because he simply had no interest.
Which meant—
[Jishu, the first person you actively noticed was me.]
[I am special to Jishu.]
That thought surged into Yan Mei’s mind.
A previously unknown excitement, a sweet sensation, filled his chest.
His gaze shifted to the curled-up figure on the ground. His expression remained gentle, but his eyes instantly turned ice-cold.
His words echoed down the dark hallway.
Like the overwhelming pressure of a pitch-black train tunnel, evoking the fear of being crushed under iron tracks.
“You’ve been here for so long.”
He said, “Let me set you free. How about it?”
That was the last thing Ye Jishu heard as he walked into an empty corner, completely alone.
—
—
“That’s pretty much what happened,” Ye Jishu said.
He sat in a familiar 24-hour library. Not long ago, Lin Lin had asked him about [Chen Heming]—that rich second-generation heir—right here.
The same booth.
Even the iced drink the waiter brought over was the exact same.
The cold condensation, meeting the humid air, gathered into droplets that slid down the glass, leaving a sticky puddle on the table.
Seeing this, Lin Lin, sitting across from him, showed a momentary look of disorientation.
Not much time had passed, and yet, there was an undeniable feeling that things had changed.
Was it because Ye Jishu was no longer the outsider Lin Lin had imagined? Or was it because he had learned that Jishu’s possessive boyfriend was actually something akin to an eldritch god…?
Why is he so calm about all this?
“You really didn’t do anything about it?” Lin Lin asked. “That scene must have been terrifying.”
“Mm,” Ye Jishu responded. “There was nothing else I could do.”
To be honest, no matter how many times he saw them—the dense clusters of eyes, the floor cracking open like muscle fibers—it never failed to send chills down his spine.
But aside from ignoring it, there really didn’t seem to be any other option.
Ye Jishu trusted Yan Mei.
Not just because of how desperately he had tried to explain himself, but also because of the look in his eyes.
“The Bureau said that if Yan Mei truly wanted to do something, I wouldn’t be able to stop him anyway.”
Because his existence was, at least for now, clearly stronger than Ye Jishu.
That was why he could reveal his strange form in front of him, while others [Source of Infection] never could.
“If that’s the case, then there was no need for him to explain anything to me.”
“……”
Lin Lin hesitated. “You do have a point.”
After all, when Yan Mei appeared, the entire Bureau facility had evacuated. Even his captain probably wasn’t confident enough to stand in front of Yan Mei…
So, that [Source of Infection] was either incredibly bold or incredibly stupid.
Maybe it had grown arrogant after running rampant in Chuan County for so long, dulling its sense of danger? Lin Lin guessed as much.
But at this point, there was no point in dwelling on it.
“I have one last question,” Lin Lin said.
He picked up his iced drink and took a deep swig before setting it down, then fixed his gaze firmly on Ye Jishu.
“Do you really not remember that deskmate?”
When Wei Yangze first mentioned that this person was someone very close to Ye Jishu, Lin Lin had been genuinely shocked.
Because the weight of the word “close” was too heavy.
He couldn’t picture Ye Jishu being close to anyone.
But if it were true—if you added an unpredictable variable like Yan Mei into the mix—then the situation became downright terrifying.
His captain clearly thought so too.
That was why, as soon as she received the information, she reported it to headquarters.
The system’s analysis concluded: [Nonexistent].
But artificial intelligence still required manual verification.
So Lin Lin had been assigned to review Ye Jishu’s past records.
And he had seen with his own eyes—
That in Ye Jishu’s past, there had indeed been someone who could be considered important.
A deskmate for six years.
Three years of middle school.
Three years of high school.
This can’t be a coincidence—it can only be intentional.
Previously, to prevent personal emotions from interfering with Ye Jishu, the Control Bureau relied entirely on the system for analysis. But for some reason, the system did not recognize this as an anomaly.
Even when Ye Jishu left school and returned to his hometown for “fieldwork,” the system still didn’t issue any alerts.
Was it a misjudgment…? Or was it because…?
Yet, the detection data showed that the system was still functioning normally.
Various possibilities echoed in the minds of everyone at the Control Bureau, but no matter how they thought about it, they couldn’t figure it out. The only thing they could do was implement a remedy.
And then—
It was already over.
The entire incident had unknowingly reached its conclusion.
The Control Bureau hadn’t even had a chance to intervene, and the source of infection that was “very important” to Ye Jishu had already been dealt with.
“…I thought you would at least have some impression of it.”
That way, it would be more difficult to decide.
Torn between someone he likes and someone important to him.
“Hmm. At least, that would be the case under normal circumstances.”
Hearing the words “normal circumstances” from the other party made one’s first reaction disbelief.
Ye Jishu: “But I really have no interest in it.”
Hearing this, Lin Lin’s whole body trembled.
“I have plans tonight, so I have to leave first,” Ye Jishu said. “I know why you came to see me today. Yan Mei isn’t what you think. But I’ll try my best to help the Control Bureau deal with anomalies in the future.”
After saying that, he stood up from his seat.
He glanced at Lin Lin, left behind the words “goodbye,” and walked out of the library.
It wasn’t until he watched Ye Jishu’s figure disappear completely that Lin Lin finally snapped out of his frozen state, his expression turning complex.
[Jishu didn’t deny it.]
[He didn’t say he truly didn’t remember.]
“…”
Lin Lin walked toward the cashier and paid for his books.
Then, he too stepped into the night.
When he reached a familiar tree, he took out his phone and recorded his mission as usual.
Above him, the cicadas buzzed louder and louder. Everything was the same as that day, blending with his chaotic emotions. Sweat trickled down his back, soaking through his shirt.
[From the moment I sat down, I never brought up the Control Bureau’s intentions, yet Jishu saw through it. The Control Bureau indeed planned to recruit him right after graduation because his ability to erase anomalies is exactly what the Bureau needs right now.]
[We never approached him before because Ye Jishu was too special. To cultivate a stable, undisturbed personality, we avoided exposing him to the hidden world too soon. But now that I think about it… isn’t his personality a little too fitting? He genuinely, completely ignores anything he isn’t interested in.]
As he wrote this, Lin Lin lifted his eyes from the phone screen and looked up.
The tree branches swayed in the night wind, like an ink-stained mist connected as one.
Suddenly, a thought struck him.
For that “desk mate of six years,” Ye Jishu had always been indifferent and passive.
[Because he was raised this way from childhood…]
[Even when facing anomalies right beside him, Ye Jishu remained completely detached.]
So, if things had followed their normal course—if he had never met Yan Mei—then even if the Control Bureau approached him after graduation, he would likely respond with:
“What a hassle.”
“Not interested.”
“Does it really have to be me?”
Even though deep down, he had a lawful and kind nature, it might have taken a lot of effort to get him to say something like, “I’ll give it a try.”
But now—
He had said it of his own accord.
Was it because of Yan Mei? Because of Yan Mei’s special identity?
Was it because, even if it was troublesome, he was willing to try…?
A realization flashed through Lin Lin’s mind.
Ye Jishu’s choice at the shelter mattered.
His intentions were clear.
He was willing to take responsibility for his decision.
In other words, [Yan Mei] was his responsibility.
To fulfill that responsibility, he was willing to engage with the Control Bureau.
Even if it was a troublesome task, he would still do it.
From the moment he made that choice, Ye Jishu had already prepared to give everything for [an Mei.
[Dating Jishu must be really reassuring.]
[I can understand why “He” doesn’t want to be separated… because being by Jishu’s side genuinely brings peace of mind.]
“…”
But even that conceptual existence had been influenced by Ye Jishu.
After all, before this, the Control Bureau never would have imagined that He would suppress His own nature—and all for Ye Jishu.
This influence was mutual.
Although meeting Him was an entirely unexpected turn of events, it didn’t necessarily mean it was a worse outcome than the original timeline.
Lin Lin let out a breath.
The unknown still existed, but for some reason…
Ever since learning about Yan Mei’s special identity and experiencing these unexpected developments, the tension in his body finally had a chance to ease.
Even his previously restless heart had unknowingly settled.
[My first field mission… I guess it’s finally over.]
The cicadas continued their intermittent, piercing cries.
But the night wind slipped through his sleeves, lightening his limbs.
Lin Lin took one last deep look at the brightly lit library before putting away his phone and leaving without looking back.
…
Ye Jishu adjusted the recording equipment in front of him.
Tonight was the second episode of the game planning series.
But this time, it wasn’t in his dorm—it was in Yan Mei’s.
There were very few students in the Folklore Department, so everyone got a single-person room.
This way, he didn’t have to worry about disturbing any roommates.
[Though technically, anyone he could disturb probably wouldn’t mind anyway…]
Besides, his math department dorm should be empty by now.
But instead of going through the trouble of getting the dorm key from the admin, it was easier to find a quiet place.
Out of the corner of his eye, Ye Jishu glanced at the dorm room desk.
The little goldfish Yan Mei had given him at the aquarium that day had been brought here as well.
Yan Mei had prepared a transparent glass jar for it, and whenever light shone on it, it refracted into dazzling colors. Just looking at it was enough to lift one’s mood.
Just as he adjusted his mouse, a wave of warmth leaned against his back.
A voice whispered beside his ear:
“Jishu, is it still that same game stream? With the same group as last time?”
Ye Jishu: “…”
Although he had never told Yan Mei about these things, he had a feeling that the other person actually knew everything.
At that time, Bo Zhehan had asked him why he had rejected so directly.
…
That was the reason.
“Mm,” Ye Jishu said. “I signed the contract. There are five episodes.”
“…I see.”
Yan Mei paused for a moment. “What’s today’s content?”
“The same game as last time. Just with an added Q&A session.”
Following his usual habit, Ye Jishu turned off all the computer speakers, then double-checked to ensure that the issue from last time wouldn’t happen again.
By the time he finished, it was already time for the livestream.
Ye Jishu entered the chatroom.
The noisy conversations clearly stalled for a moment before resuming as if nothing had happened.
On the surface, there seemed to be no problem.
However, anyone could sense a stiff atmosphere spreading through the air.
【yjs actually continued streaming like nothing happened.】
【I’m telling you fans not to be too much. You imagined things yourselves, then got furious when corrected…】
【Seriously, isn’t it obvious who’s more popular? Bai Feng probably acted that way because of the company, but some people just burn bridges after crossing them, acting all high and mighty. Who knows if they even have a boyfriend?】
【Enough, I’m just here for the game.】
【Ugh, stop arguing already!!】
…
Perhaps noticing the chat, Yan Mei’s voice came from the side again, carrying a slight hint of amusement.
But Ye Jishu knew—that was a sign that Yan Mei was already angry.
[I don’t really care about hate comments myself…]
“Jishu, can you speak?”
“No.”
The streaming platform didn’t require him to interact.
Rather than arguing with strangers online and proving himself, it was better to ignore everything. After all, that would likely cause less trouble in the long run.
However, Yan Mei didn’t seem satisfied with the response.
Sensing that the other person’s gaze was still fixed on him, Ye Jishu paused.
Then, he spoke.
“If you need to, you can say whatever you want later.”
Ye Jishu didn’t plan on making money from this. But even if he did, it wouldn’t matter.
More than that, he simply didn’t like seeing Yan Mei unhappy.
However, after hearing his answer, Yan Mei suddenly leaned in.
The soft ends of his hair brushed against Ye Jishu’s neck, sending an inexplicable tingling sensation up his spine.
But in contrast to the gentle movement—
The arms tightening around him from behind seemed determined to pull him completely into the other person’s embrace.
“It’s okay,” Yan Mei said. “I know Jishu doesn’t care, and you like me, so you won’t just…”
Before he could finish speaking—
A few lines of chat messages scrolled by: 【yjs is trash】
【yjs x Bai Feng 99¹】
The argument seemed to have started up again.
Then, the person beside him suddenly spoke.
“……I really can’t accept this after all. Jishu, I can fight back, right?”
Ye Jishu: “…Mm.”
…
Even so, until everything ended, Yan Mei didn’t actually do anything.
He merely watched silently as Ye Jishu closed the game.
The chat messages all disappeared from his sight.
When Ye Jishu finished packing up his equipment and turned around, he met Yan Mei’s gaze directly.
In his hands, he was playing with the stone Ye Jishu had given him earlier.
“…Jishu must be wondering why, even now, I still don’t have that kind of confidence.”
Yan Mei looked at him and said, “Actually, I’ve always had a secret. I wasn’t sure if I should tell you. But if it’s you, since you already know your own abilities, you’d definitely realize it quickly… So I kept thinking about it.”
Ye Jishu’s movements stilled.
His instincts told him—this would be the last thing standing between them.
“If you don’t want to tell me, that’s fine too.”
“…Jishu is always like this.”
As his words fell, Yan Mei lowered his gaze, making it impossible to read his expression.
The room fell into silence.
Eventually, the person in front of him lifted his head.
“No, I want to tell you.”
It happened in the first week of their relationship.
Yan Mei had always known that whenever he was around Ye Jishu, he would easily lose control. He had tried his best to restrain himself.
That day.
Ye Jishu was playing a game in the familiar stairwell.
Yan Mei wasn’t surprised to see him there.
But unlike the previous times—this time, Ye Jishu was his boyfriend, which meant he could kiss him, hug him.
From the higher steps, Yan Mei could see Ye Jishu controlling his character.
The final stage had begun.
The words [Ending Soon] appeared at the top of the phone screen.
Ye Jishu was completely focused.
Even as people passed by him, he didn’t seem to notice at all.
At that moment, Yan Mei felt confident. He believed he was different from everyone else.
This time, if he sat beside him, Jishu would definitely notice him.
Then he would ask him out—for their first date.
That was the plan.
But before he could get closer, Yan Mei heard Ye Jishu muttering to himself.
“…Why does it feel like there are so many people today? It’d be nice if no one could see me.”
It was probably just a casual complaint.
After all, Ye Jishu had always preferred quiet places, disliked crowds, and would stay in his dorm whenever possible.
Because of his personality, the words felt incredibly genuine.
But the next moment—
Ye Jishu’s figure vanished before his eyes.
And in the very next second, he reappeared.
The sudden disappearance seemed to flicker for only an instant in Yan Mei’s vision.
But it wasn’t an illusion.
At that moment, Yan Mei became certain of one thing.
Jishu’s body was special.
If Jishu didn’t want him to see him, then he wouldn’t be able to see him.
So far, Jishu hadn’t realized this.
…
But what if—just what if—
One day, Jishu got tired of him?
Then, no matter what he did, Yan Mei would never be able to get close to him again.
Even someone like him could have a person they could never have.
From that day on, a terrifying seed of fear took root in his heart.
[Maintain the world Jishu sees as normal.]
Although he did restrain himself because of this, he also carried his own selfishness.
He couldn’t bear to let the other leave his sight, wanting to be with Jishu at every moment. As long as Jishu didn’t speak, he would keep calling his name meaninglessly. Even just a single monotonous “mm” from him could make him incredibly happy.
Class ended, he had to pick him up.
If possible, he wanted to stay together 24 hours a day.
Otherwise, Jishu might one day decide, without warning, that he no longer wanted to be seen by him.
That was the reason.
For so long, these thoughts had been like a raging summer storm, thundering within his chest.
“That day will come sooner or later, won’t it?” Yan Mei said. “If Jishu ever stops liking me, he can leave at any moment—”
His words were abruptly cut off.
Because Ye Jishu suddenly stood up and kissed him.
There was no extra movement—just their lips pressed together. Then, Jishu slightly extended his tongue, gently brushing against the seam of his lips. This unfamiliar, hesitant response made his chest tighten far more than any other moment before.
It was the first time Ye Jishu had ever taken the initiative.
Even when he pulled away, Yan Mei remained frozen in the same position he had been in when he was ambushed, his entire body seemingly turned to stone. For the first time, an expression of shock appeared on that exquisitely beautiful face.
“Mm. You’re right.” Ye Jishu said. “So, if you’re with me, always remember that.”
[This isn’t something you say in a confession… It’s more like a kind of restraint.]
Yet, looking at the overwhelming emotions flickering in Jishu’s eyes, it made Yan Mei’s heart clench harder than any confession ever could.
[This is a curse.]
Just like back then, in the aquarium.
It was the binding force of a curse, tying them together.
Rather than a healthy, normal kind of love, a twisted curse was far more capable of ensuring he would always be needed.
[This is fate.]
From their first meeting until now, they had been entangled with each other without end.
And there was one thing Yan Mei knew Jishu also understood.
If there was anyone in the world who could truly threaten his existence—
It would be Jishu.
“Jishu is my [everything.]”
And in exchange, the Ye Jishu who now carried the heavy burden of Yan Mei—was no longer just a [passerby].
From this moment on.
In the truest sense of the word—
[They were bound together, forever.]
For a being born from distorted love, this was undoubtedly the most ideal ending.
“I’ll be good. I’ll listen.” Yan Mei gazed at the human before him, speaking each word carefully, deliberately. “Even if many people like me, I will only see Jishu. Forever, forever… forever, I will only love Jishu.”
Even if he was a false [heartthrob]
But—
In his world.
Ye Jishu would forever be the [protagonist.]
This would be the deepest infection in this world, the most twisted and obsessive curse…
A bond that could not be undone by any means.
Not even death could sever it.
The End.
¹久久” (jiǔ jiǔ) – Long-lasting. It sounds like “long-lasting” in Chinese and is often used to express eternal love or something that lasts a long time.