Chapter 24 .1: 10k Words for VIP Release! Thank you all for your support, I’ll keep improving…

Noise and clamor.

The morning bustle had awakened in this city when the first light of dawn touched the horizon, only embracing its own daybreak when full daylight arrived.

Pedestrians already chattered noisily around breakfast stalls, greeting the first rays of summer morning sunlight as they embarked on their respective journeys.

Lin Yu got out of bed and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window. Drawing back the curtains, the gauzy fabric diffused through the glass like mist, permeating the room with freshness.

Flowers had bloomed early, stretching freely beneath the morning sun.

Their fragrance drifted indoors.

Lin Yu inhaled deeply, glanced back at the still-sleeping Zhang Modu, then turned again to watch the rising sun.

Zhang Modu lay curled on his side, hands clasped together in an insecure posture. Though he’d faced Lin Yu when first falling asleep, by midnight he’d unconsciously turned away.

—He looked profoundly insecure.

Zhang Modu’s face now appeared peaceful, his faint breathing occasionally audible yet utterly tranquil, as if habitually concealing his every movement even in sleep.

Safe. Cautious.

Lin Yu approached and sat on the bedside, leaning halfway across to study the sleeping figure intently, as if contemplating something.

This was how Zhang Modu found himself being watched when he awoke.

?!

His eyes fluttered open, still gathering his thoughts when an impossible-to-ignore gaze pinned him—

???

Startled, Zhang Modu scrambled upright, arms already moving to embrace the other when Lin Yu’s flat voice stopped him:

“Why did you sleep so late?”

Zhang Modu’s eyes cleared slightly as he shook his head. “I was exhausted yesterday…” His gaze carried a trace of unspoken reproach as he looked at the other man.

“Fine.”

Lin Yu retreated a few steps, though his impassive eyes remained fixed on Zhang Modu, calm as a frozen winter lake.

After a moment, he gave a slow nod—almost like approval—then reached out to hand Zhang Modu some clothes.

Not a suit, but an exquisitely tailored, impeccably designed polo shirt.

“Going today?”

Lin Yu spoke again, his cool voice blending with the fresh morning air drifting through the window, like summer’s refreshing soda.

“Morning’s perfect,” Zhang Modu extended his arms toward Lin Yu, beaming with sunny enthusiasm. “Hug?”

After a brief hesitation, Lin Yu decisively stepped forward, kneeling on one knee beside the bed before gently opening his arms to embrace the other.

The summer morning held a hazy beauty, like a spring floral wreath crowning them both.

The view beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows had long been obscured, leaving only the silhouettes of two protagonists.

The light remained constant—filtered through gauze into dappled patterns, like scattered threads.

Lin Yu’s hand slipped through his body, slowly bending his wrist to press against the bedside; his palm cupped the back of his head, applying gentle pressure as the two instantly drew close together.  

A tender kiss descended.  

The warmth melted between their lips.  

So even the coldest person’s lips were warm.  

Zhang Modu felt slightly dizzy, his hands clinging to Lin Yu’s shoulders, swaying unsteadily until he had no choice but to lean his full weight against him.  

“Ayu…” A soft, fragmented murmur escaped the corner of his lips.  

Lin Yu twisted his wrist, pulling Zhang Modu entirely into his embrace, deepening the kiss with increasing intensity until there was almost no space left between them.  

“Hmm?”  

“G-good morning…”  

“Good morning.” His usually cool voice was tinged with desire, as if allowing himself to sink deeper, step by step, into uncharted territory.  

……  

Lin Yu poked at the sunny-side-up egg in front of him. The morning meal prepared by the housekeeper was simple—just a few lightly seasoned dishes, as if tailored to suit Lin Yu’s preferences.  

But when the housekeeper saw another person descending the stairs hand-in-hand with Lin Yu, even she couldn’t hide her surprise.  

Once they had eaten their fill, they stepped into the morning breeze, driving two separate cars to the place where they had first met.  

The morning wind was still there today.  

But this time, it carried just the right warmth of summer—not the scorching heat of midday, but a steady rush of air that accompanied them along the way, like the prelude to a melody, tapping out its own notes in a Utopian rhythm.  

Today, the north wind blew at level three.  

No soul could live forever in paradise, just as no life could remain forever free.  

The melody of freedom was often just a fleeting bloom before shattering the next second.  

But today, the morning breeze was kind, and everything went smoothly.  

Lin Yu arrived first, stopping by the manager’s office at the foot of the mountain to sort through some documents before leisurely making his way back to the reception area.  

As he stepped out, he cast an inadvertent glance back—  

He saw the name “Zhang Modu.” He only looked for a moment before gesturing for 001 to scan and record everything, then gave the manager a meaningful look.  

The manager bowed with a smile and retreated, leaving Lin Yu alone. He stared at the records displayed on the screen, showing how frequently Zhang Modu had visited this place over the past month.  

But after the day he encountered Lin Yu, it had all come to an abrupt stop.  

Lin Yu closed the records on the screen, then raised a hand in greeting as Zhang Modu approached from a distance.  

The morning wind slipped through the gaps between Lin Yu’s fingers, wrapping around them like a soft ribbon.  

Zhang Modu jogged the last few steps, effortlessly tossing his car keys to Lin Yu with a flourish.  

“Snap—”  

Lin Yu caught them, glanced back at him, then ambled toward the car door.  

Opening the door, adjusting the seat, releasing the brake—all in one smooth motion.  

He heard Zhang Modu’s laughter-laced voice, “This time, I won’t lose to you.” The words seemed to drift slowly through the air, carried by the currents until they reached his ears.  

Of course you won’t lose to me, Zhang Modu.  

I’m not the original owner—I don’t even know how to drive.  

You should understand that.  

Zhang Modu’s nearly brand-new sports car accelerated like a bolt of lightning, leaving behind nothing but an elusive shadow in an instant.  

Dust swirled in the wake of his movement, thick and choking, gradually engulfing the surrounding space.

Lin Yu gazed at the distant car that had nearly disappeared from view before leisurely releasing the handbrake.  

When Lin Yu finally reached the mountaintop, as expected, Zhang Modu was already seated in his usual spot.  

Hearing the engine roar behind him, Zhang Modu lifted his head and waved at Lin Yu.  

The wind brushed against the edges of their clothes, rustling softly, harmonizing with the sound of their footsteps.  

The grass atop the mountain was lusher than before, vibrant as if freshly washed by rain.  

A sea of emerald green stretched across the landscape, obscuring everything else in sight. The closed flower buds mirrored the clouds above the peak, which gathered and swirled around the summit like a halo.  

This time, Zhang Modu didn’t rise to greet him. Instead, his dark eyes remained fixed on Lin Yu, intense and unreadable.  

Lin Yu braced one hand against the ground and slowly settled beside Zhang Modu. Tilting his head, he watched the strands of Zhang Modu’s hair dance in the wind before reaching out to smooth them back into place. Studying his slightly dazed expression, Lin Yu finally spoke:  

“Did you used to sit here often?”  

Zhang Modu turned his head. Strands of hair occasionally drifted past his sorrowful eyes in the breeze. “Yeah. Ayu, don’t you like it here?”  

Lin Yu’s gaze returned to the horizon, where the distant skyscrapers seemed to undulate with the wind. Below, people moved like ants, and even the clouds appeared scattered by the gusts.  

Birds soared freely against the wind, gliding effortlessly through the sky.  

“I do.”  

Zhang Modu seemed surprised. He turned back, pupils dilating slightly as he regarded Lin Yu with confusion.  

As his emotions gradually settled, realization seemed to dawn on him, and his expression softened back into its usual melancholy.  

His brows furrowed faintly, his eyes carrying an indelible weight. Pressing a hand against the ground, he pushed himself up with practiced ease, then brushed the grass blades from his trousers once fully standing.  

Lin Yu tilted his head, puzzled.  

Zhang Modu stood still, his gaze locked on the distance. The wind toyed with his hair, making it sway like a kite cutting through the sky.  

Then he focused on Lin Yu, lowering his eyes as he murmured,  

“If I died… would you still like me?”  

Lin Yu shook his head. Before Zhang Modu could react with shock, he continued.  

“You won’t die.”  

Lin Yu’s expression was resolute, as though he had long settled on this answer—the firmest reply possible.  

“Really?” Zhang Modu’s voice was hollow, his eyes losing focus as his words seemed to drift away with the wind.  

“Okay…”  

“Then… will you remember my name?”  

“I’m Zhang Modu. Maybe just a passerby in your life—”  

Zhang Modu’s words were abruptly cut off as Lin Yu grabbed his wrist.  

Losing his balance, Zhang Modu stumbled forward, collapsing straight into Lin Yu’s arms.  

Lin Yu stared intently at Zhang Modu’s startled face, lifting a hand to cradle his cheek. After a gentle caress, he spoke with unwavering certainty:  

“You won’t die.”  

A faint blush crept up Zhang Modu’s ears as he lay limply against Lin Yu, flustered and unsure.  

Lin Yu bore most of Zhang Modu’s weight, holding him in a comfortable embrace before pressing a tender kiss to his ear.  

“You won’t die.”  

Lin Yu repeated it once more, as if offering reassurance, his gaze unwavering.

“Is it true?”

“It is.”

The wind swept through their hair, the dark strands intertwining like threads, their ends brushing against each other’s cheeks as they stood close.

Zhang Modu’s expression was dazed.

After a moment, as if releasing all the strength in his body, he spoke in a low voice, “I love you, Lin Yu.”

“From this moment on, I am willing for my soul to belong to you forever.”

Like a broken Ragdoll, he uttered only this one sentence, yet it seemed to drain every ounce of his energy.

—Just as Lin Yu was about to speak, Zhang Modu pressed a hand over his mouth.

Lin Yu’s eyes were filled with confusion, his concern almost overflowing as he looked at Zhang Modu’s hand covering his own, his expression puzzled.

“Don’t say anything. Don’t respond to me.”

“I already understand everything.”

Zhang Modu’s face was earnest, his hair scattering in the wind, his smile gentle as his gaze softly rested on Lin Yu.

Lin Yu felt Zhang Modu lean in lightly, their burning hearts pressing against each other’s chests, feeling the scorching rhythm of their heartbeats.

Zhang Modu pecked Lin Yu’s lips, sharing their breaths.

Lin Yu didn’t understand.

Today, the north wind was at level three.

The weather was fine.

But Lin Yu felt strange.

……

Actually, Lin Yu was a college student.

By noon, the sun was already high in the sky, tirelessly radiating its scorching flames.

Like tongues of fire sweeping across the asphalt ground, as if trying to char it into coal, the pavement seethed, roasting the sneakers commonly worn by the students underfoot.

It was already two in the afternoon.

Lin Yu stood motionless in the corridor outside the dormitory, head lowered as he looked at the new message Lu Yixing had sent him.

When Lu Yixing hurriedly pulled on his T-shirt and rushed out like a whirlwind, stirring up the surrounding air—

Damp, heat-laden air.

Lin Yu lifted his head, watching Lu Yixing panting heavily, and silently took a step back.

“Lu Yixing, go ahead.”

Lu Yixing braced his hands on his knees, lowering his head to take a few deep breaths. Only after the uncomfortable feeling in his stomach subsided did he straighten up and pull out his phone from his pocket.

Lu Yixing tapped the screen. “Senior Lin, look…”

“A few days ago, I noticed the Group Owner speaking again after several weeks, so I set up an address tracker on it.”

“And I found that, by chance, students who pay close attention to you are invited by the Group Owner into a higher-privilege group, which seems to be time-based.”

“But the tracker only confirms that the Group Owner is indeed from our school.” Lu Yixing scratched his head sheepishly, lowering his gaze with a hint of embarrassment.

But soon, seeing Lin Yu’s encouraging look, he continued.

“Later, based on the exact times the Group Owner spoke, I checked the surveillance footage classroom by classroom in the computer lab.”

A drop of sweat rolled down Lu Yixing’s neck. Lin Yu hesitated for a moment before handing over his handkerchief. “You’ve worked hard.”

“Heh.” Lu Yixing rubbed his head again, his 185 cm frame somehow appearing a little small at that moment. He accepted the handkerchief gratefully and thanked him.

“I compared the timestamps in the computer lab one by one, matching them with the Group Owner’s recent posting frequency.”

“Is it useful?” Lin Yu’s gaze remained fixed on Lu Yixing, who was speaking earnestly, listening to his words while conversing with 001 in his mind.  

He didn’t think this method would yield any results—otherwise, 001 would have already reported the findings to him.  

Lu Yixing nervously accepted the handkerchief, lowering his head shyly before murmuring, “Not very useful…”  

After a moment, he looked up again, wiping the sweat from his forehead, his eyes firm as they locked onto Lin Yu. “Later, I used big data analysis to cross-reference all recent group messages with your movements, narrowing down possible classmates in your vicinity.”  

“Then, I compared those potential classmates with the surveillance footage of the computer lab.”  

Beads of sweat rolled down Lu Yixing’s cheeks, making his obsidian-like eyes appear even more resolute as they remained fixed on Lin Yu.  

Lin Yu found himself momentarily speechless.  

He had only saved the person before him because the system’s main quest required it.  

He rarely experienced selfless, genuine help from others—  

Except from Shen Qian, Zhang Modu… and now, the person standing before him.  

The sweltering heat permeated every corner of the dormitory building, punctuated by the occasional *drip-drip* sound piercing through the air, like an old faucet leaking in the afternoon.  

The air was stifling. Mornings were bearable, but by evening, the humidity became overwhelming. Even dragonflies flew low, and mosquitoes buzzed noisily by the school’s lake.  

Lin Yu’s gaze never left Lu Yixing as he asked the final question before the conversation ended, “Thank you. So, what’s your conclusion?”  

Lu Yixing hesitated. “Based on the timeline overlap… I think it’s your roommate, Chen Shuhua…”  

He lowered his head, fidgeting with his sleeve, the handkerchief crumpled tightly in his palm. “It’s just a guess. If we consider motive…”  

Lin Yu shook his head, tapping his temple. “I don’t have much time left. Let’s cut to the chase.”  

Without another word, Lin Yu turned and gestured for Lu Yixing to follow before striding toward the dormitory stairs.  

Their rooms were on the third floor—Room 304.  

Back then, Li Yide couldn’t stay on campus, so he picked the most convenient, poorest, and seemingly easiest-to-control candidate—Chen Shuhua—to be Lin Yu’s sole roommate, also assigning him to monitor Lin Yu’s every move.  

But—  

Over the years, Chen Shuhua had changed.  

He was no longer the impoverished boy everyone could push around, nor were grades his only lifeline.  

*What have you become now, Chen Shuhua?*  

*Are you still the simple boy from the original host’s memories?*  

The two walked side by side up the stairs, their footsteps creaking on the elevator-less hallway, stepping over the polished tile floor.  

Even on the third floor, the dampness lingered, the faint stench in the air growing more noticeable. The sound of a dripping faucet grew clearer, an incessant disturbance to the residents’ ears.  

The air was still oppressive, though slightly less stifling than downstairs—but not by much.

Lin Yu stood once more before the dormitory door, taking in the yellowed, peeling paint and the unchanged rusted lock. It was hard to imagine this as a place where a wealthy young master would frequently reside.

He placed his hand on the doorknob, turning it slowly clockwise. With a creaking sound, the interior of the dormitory came into clearer view—

“Lin Yu?!”

Chen Shuhua’s voice shifted from initial confusion at the sound of the door opening to sheer delight and excitement upon seeing him.

Dragging his slippers, he shuffled over with a clatter, rushing forward as if welcoming someone home.

Chen Shuhua looked just as he had when they first met—thick books spread across the desk, wearing rimmed glasses. Though not tall, he appeared exceedingly refined.

The moment he was about to reach Lin Yu, he noticed Lu Yixing standing beside him—

Chen Shuhua restrained himself, pulling his head back slightly.

“Lin Lin, you’re back.” His eyes sparkled with hopeful anticipation, like a large gemstone glittering. “I kept your bed just as it was, even covered it with a dust sheet. You can come back to sleep anytime.”

Lin Yu took a step forward, entering the dormitory as Chen Shuhua spoke.

It was exactly the same as when he had first arrived.

The elongated dormitory light filament flickered rapidly in the night, casting a dim yellow glow, with an odd hint of incongruity seeping in from the window.

Lin Yu waved at Lu Yixing, gesturing for him to take one of the two remaining seats.

Chen Shuhua seemed somewhat awkward, retreating to his own seat with a subdued gaze. He wanted to speak but didn’t know where to begin.

“Lin Lin, what’s wrong…?”

Lin Yu’s expressionless face turned toward Chen Shuhua, his eyes flashing with a sharp intensity. He crossed his legs, his delicate knuckles tapping lightly on the table in an inverted motion.

“Can I ask you something?”

“W-what is it?” Chen Shuhua swallowed hard.

“That group—you’re the Group Owner, aren’t you?”

“H-huh?” Chen Shuhua’s pupils constricted abruptly. This wasn’t the first time Lin Yu had asked him this, yet his gaze darted around nervously, fingers digging into his palms.

“It was Li Yide who provided you with the technical support, wasn’t he? That explains it.” Lin Yu’s elegant fingers tapped rhythmically on the table as he tilted his head, resting it on one hand. His tone seemed almost indifferent.

“All it took was one computer—one that wouldn’t expose your identity…”