Zhuang Lin, after slapping his own face, felt as though he had completely broken free from his restraints. The surging desires and obsessions in his heart could no longer be suppressed.
Zhuang Lin lay beside Yu Deng, reaching out to gently tease Yu Deng's soft lips, whispering, "Woof woof, I'm a dog. Can I be your dog baby?"
"..."
Of course, Yu Deng, in his sleep, could not understand what Zhuang Lin was saying. He only vaguely heard the "woof" and became even more convinced that he was dreaming about a naughty dog.
He mumbled a few more words of reprimand, buried his head in the pillow, and continued to immerse himself in his dream.
Zhuang Lin stared at Yu Deng's small movements without blinking, nearly fainting from how cute it was.
Zhuang Lin's face still had faint red marks, left by the slap from Yu Deng just moments ago.
Boys at this age are full of vigor, and when Zhuang Lin had been with Yu Deng, he had already proudly stood up.
After this slap, it became even more noticeable.
However, when faced with the choice between taking matters into his own hands or continuing to cuddle, Zhuang Lin unhesitatingly chose to stay with Yu Deng.
Zhuang Lin gently bit the slightly swollen pink area, rubbing it softly before buttoning Yu Deng's sleepwear back up.
The young man leaned forward, holding the sleeping beauty in his arms. "Thank you, baby, that was so satisfying. I wish you could slap me again."
...
The next day.
Yu Deng, rare as it was, woke up naturally in this campus instance, and for a moment, he couldn't tell whether it was day or night.
He stared blankly for a few minutes, then climbed out of bed and greeted his system with a "Good morning, Tongtong. I had such a strange dream last night. I dreamt that a big black dog jumped onto my bed and kept pushing at me... Huh?"
Yu Deng's words suddenly stopped.
As he sat up, his sleepwear inevitably rubbed against his skin. That's when he noticed something was off.
His eyes felt a bit sore, and then there... Yu Deng hesitated and stretched out his hand, poking at himself. He immediately felt a slight pain and tingling, trembling as he pulled his hand away.
How strange, he thought, it had swollen there...
Yu Deng was completely confused.
He grabbed the collar of his sleepwear and looked down through the gap.
What had once been a faint cherry pink was now almost a dark red, swollen and puffed up.
It looked like it had been roughly handled.
Yu Deng thought for a few seconds with his not-so-sharp mind.
Could it have been a mosquito? But would a mosquito really bite there? That would be too perverted...
System 01 seemed to want to say something, but all Yu Deng heard was a burst of static, clearly indicating that the system's message was blocked.
[Good morning, baby. Hmm? Wait, why are your eyes so red? Did someone bully you last night?!]
[Wifey, how... does it feel like you've been messed with? (panicked)]
[No, doesn't anyone care about my breakdown? Why did you look inside my collar, baby!? What happened when the screen went black last night?! Screaming.jpg]
[Did some bad dog sneak a bite!!]
Yu Deng was still questioning life. The dormitory door was gently pushed open, and Zhuang Lin, who hadn't slept all night but looked energetic, walked in.
Upon meeting Yu Deng's gaze, Zhuang Lin immediately smiled. "You're awake."
"Mm... Zhuang Lin, do we have mosquitoes in the dorm?" Yu Deng asked awkwardly, his voice filled with grievance. "They bit me in such a strange place."
"…"
The culprit, Zhuang Lin, swallowed. He was excited that the marks he left had been discovered, but he was also afraid that Yu Deng would hate him once he knew the truth.
After hesitating for a few seconds, Zhuang Lin avoided Yu Deng's eyes. "There might be, after all, there are so many flowers and trees around the school. It's normal to have mosquitoes."
After explaining, he added somewhat evasively, "I have some ointment, I'll help you apply it later."
Yu Deng nodded, then shook his head. "Okay... no, I don't want you to help, I'll do it myself."
"Alright." Zhuang Lin hid the regret in his eyes. "Can you come down? I'll help you."
Yu Deng leaned against the iron railing, met Zhuang Lin's gaze for a few seconds, then leaned half of his body out, swaying in the air.
Zhuang Lin hurriedly caught him and helped him down.
Yu Deng stood on the floor, casually glancing at the mirror in the dorm, only to notice that the corners of his eyes were red.
He had wondered why his eyes felt a bit sore when he woke up, and now he realized that last night, he really had cried.
When Yu Deng couldn't control his tear ducts in such situations, his first reaction was always that he had cried, never considering that someone might have been bullying him during the night.
Yu Deng pressed his lips together, took the ointment that Zhuang Lin handed him, and slowly went to the bathroom to wash up, while also applying the ointment to the swollen area.
The cold ointment made Yu Deng shiver when first applied, but he quickly got used to the temperature, and the swollen area felt much better.
Yu Deng stood at the washbasin on the balcony, carefully washing up while glancing around.
It was already bright outside, and many students were reviewing on the balcony. On the balcony next door, a tall and slim classmate was memorizing vocabulary. Oh, he had greeted this classmate on his first day in the instance.
As he was thinking, the classmate turned around and, with a very exaggerated gesture, nodded at Yu Deng. After realizing the gesture was too dramatic, he adjusted his neck and nodded again.
Yu Deng looked at him in confusion and nodded back before returning inside.
"I brought breakfast back," Zhuang Lin said, standing by the table. "Do you want some?"
Breakfast?
Yu Deng looked curiously at the bags on the table. These were the breakfasts Zhuang Lin had brought from the cafeteria, two bags full of all sorts of food, at least seven or eight different items.
Yu Deng stared blankly and opened his mouth. "Is this... all for me?"
"Yes, the cafeteria's breakfast is decent. Eat it while it's hot."
"But I can't eat this much," Yu Deng frowned. "We can't waste food."
Zhuang Lin didn't mind at all. "I'll eat the leftovers."
Yu Deng finally, slowly, began to notice the change in Zhuang Lin.
It seemed like Zhuang Lin had suddenly become... overly attentive overnight?
It was as if he had figured something out. Just yesterday, he was threatening to call him a dog if he helped him again, and today he was bringing him breakfast.
Yu Deng blinked, mentioning Zhuang Lin's harsh words, and hummed lightly: "You said yesterday that if you talk to me again, you'd be a dog."
Zhuang Lin froze for a second, quickly pushing aside his embarrassment and self-consciousness.
The tall and rebellious youth lowered his eyes and leaned in, imitating a dog's bark in Yu Deng's ear: "Yeah, woof woof woof."
Yu Deng widened his eyes: "?!"
"Well, if I'm a dog, then I'm a dog." Zhuang Lin had fully surrendered to his inner thoughts, becoming a dog so naturally, and even feeling a bit proud.
"Baby." Zhuang Lin openly began to lay the groundwork, "I'm really good at being a dog, better than anyone else. You should take a look at me."
— He would do it better, and when the time comes, don't pay attention to that bookworm Lu Yan, think about him instead.
"Eh? But right now, I'm looking at you." Yu Deng didn't immediately catch the deeper meaning, and his words made Zhuang Lin's heart race wildly.
Yu Deng didn't pay any more attention to the stunned Zhuang Lin and opened the breakfast box. The food inside smelled quite nice, at least much better than the lunch and dinner meals.
However, Yu Deng knew his own appetite and was very self-aware. He tried a few bites of each type and quickly felt full, leaving most of the breakfast for Zhuang Lin.
After filling his stomach, Yu Deng went back to the problem he hadn't figured out yesterday, unwillingly continuing to think.
Yesterday, with the system's prompt, he had already figured out the two main characteristics of Guihuai High School. Among the remaining clues, the most confusing thing was the two boys he saw fighting during break time.
Yu Deng thought for a long time before finally coming up with the right words to describe their behavior... The tall boy who was hitting and insulting others could already be considered bullying.
So, does that mean the small groups Yu Deng occasionally saw at Guihuai High, and the boy who threw a basketball at him during PE class, could also be considered bullying? Or is it more like a display of different social statuses?
Yu Deng thought back for a long time and slowly remembered what the boy who threw the basketball had said.
— "He's a transfer student."
So, whether it was the exclusion of the transfer student or some other reason, that person's actions could indeed be classified as bullying.
"But... it still feels different." Yu Deng frowned, feeling like he was still missing something.
Ugh, his head itched, as if he was about to gain some insight.
The gentle electronic voice of System 01 spoke: [Host, don't rush, take your time to think.]
Yu Deng irritably poked at the books stacked on the shelf, accidentally knocking them over. The one on top fell first, and the books underneath were now crushed beneath it.
Yu Deng stared blankly at the fallen books, thinking to himself that the bullying he had seen in real life and in TV shows was still different from what he was seeing at Guihuai High.
He had never seen bullying like this — where the bully completely loses all ability and courage to resist once effectively countered, becoming timid and willing to be hit and insulted.
It was like the fallen books, their order completely reversed, as if their positions on the food chain had flipped.
Yu Deng slowly sorted through his thoughts, and the valid information hidden under various clues became clearer.
Lu Yan had told him that there was no requirement for kindness among classmates here, which suggested that this was a universally accepted rule.
[Ding. Triggered keyword, congratulations to player Yu Deng for discovering the hidden rule: the status hierarchy chain.]
[Detailed rules require the player to continue exploring.]
Yu Deng heard the system's announcement and slowly widened his eyes.
Level hierarchy...? So, in this distorted school environment, bullying is indeed allowed, and there's some sort of hierarchy similar to a food chain.
He actually thought of something so complicated; he's so smart.
But I wonder how it connects with the main school rules and the academic rankings.
[Wow, there's even this kind of setting, baby is so impressive!]
[I've seen many bullying plots in campus stories, but this is the first time I've seen a food chain. It's interesting, my wife is indeed opening new side story plots.]
[Drama enthusiasts boldly analyze: there shouldn't just be one food chain, or this food chain might be closely linked with the main plot.]
[What's going on? Why are there suddenly so many people in our live stream? Oh, turns out it's because Deng Deng's stream is on the homepage recommended section.]
[Newcomers, let me check which copy this is... Holy shit, the host is so beautiful, I'm following instantly!]
Yu Deng felt a little proud in his heart but suddenly thought of something.
That being the case, he actually has two side quests that fall under the category of bullying, and the targets are the top student of the grade and someone who can control a whole group of athletes... a school bully?
He's done such bad things, would Lu Yan and Zhuang Lin turn around and bully him instead...
Yu Deng nervously scratched the hem of his shirt. While feeling uneasy, he also thought of Zhuang Lin's "woof woof" earlier.
"Zhuang Lin." Yu Deng turned around and hesitantly called out to his sports roommate, "What did you feel about me having you do chores, like washing clothes, over the past few days?"
What feeling? Zhuang Lin lightly coughed a few times, his gaze burning: "It felt great, please give me more orders."
Yu Deng: "?" That's a weird reaction.
But with this, maybe he can try to complete his special mission?
"Then..." Yu Deng thought for a moment, "Will you listen to me?"
Zhuang Lin immediately raised his head: "Of course." As long as he kicks that Lu Yan out, he's willing to listen more.
Yu Deng waited expectantly for a few seconds but found that, just like in the castle copy, simply agreeing wasn't enough, the mission display didn't mark as complete.
Forget it, take it slow.
Hmm, Lu Yan has also become a lot more obedient. He'll try to complete the special mission when he sees Lu Yan tomorrow.
---
Sunday on campus was quieter than on weekdays. To describe it as quiet wasn't quite right, it felt more like dead silence.
After discovering an important hidden rule, Yu Deng didn't force himself to keep thinking.
Even organizing details requires balancing work and rest.
However, in the afternoon, Yu Deng heard the system's electronic voice again.
[Ding. Triggered Lin Qinxu side quest (2): Go to the school clinic for a follow-up checkup.]
[Complete within three hours.]
Yu Deng was confused: "Tontong, does a quest trigger even if I haven't met the mission target?"
[...Yes.] System 01 maintained a calm tone, [Some missions are triggered based on the actions of the mission target or the overall progress of the copy. Even without contact, it can still advance.]
Yu Deng suddenly understood: "I see..."
System 01: [.] The host is so easy to please.
It was clearly because a certain man had been waiting for several days without seeing the host, and his strong desire to meet had turned into a mission.
"There's a time limit, so I'll go now, or it'll be dark soon." Yu Deng scratched his cheek, preparing to head to the school clinic.
System 01 quietly watched as Yu Deng left for the side quest.
As a system, it was not supposed to have human emotional fluctuations, but 01 occasionally felt displeased.
For example, at this moment, the system's code displayed a few error codes resembling curses, clearly expressing its dissatisfaction with a particular special mission target.
But as long as Yu Deng wasn't in danger, according to the guidelines, System 01 couldn't stop Yu Deng from meeting these men.
At most, it could remind him to be cautious.
[.] Tch.
---
Yu Deng was carried by Zhuang Lin to the school clinic.
Of course, Zhuang Lin wanted to stay with Yu Deng during the follow-up checkup, but was persuaded to leave by Dr. Lin.
Only Yu Deng and Lin Qinxu remained in the clinic.
"The swelling has gone down a lot, walking slowly should be fine," Lin Qinxu pressed on Yu Deng's ankle and after checking, said, "But you have the scent of a different ointment on you. Did you get hurt again?"
Yu Deng shook his head: "No, it's just that I think I was bitten by a mosquito, and it got swollen, so I applied some ointment."
Mosquito? Lin Qinxu sneered in his heart.
There are no mosquitoes in this season. That's probably a poor excuse from those boys who are eyeing Yu Deng.
But he didn't expose it, instead, he asked another question: "How about your skin hunger, do you need treatment for that now?"
Lin Qinxu's voice was very gentle, but his eyes and actions left no room for refusal, exuding a convincing, almost scorching aura of authority.
Yu Deng hesitated, then looked at him and nodded: "I… I guess it's fine."
Lin Qinxu's smile deepened as he gently stroked Yu Deng's cheek and neck.
The rough pads of Lin Qinxu's fingers pressed against Yu Deng's neck, brushing over the fading red marks. Lin Qinxu's gaze dropped lower, noticing fresh marks on Yu Deng's collarbone.
His grip tightened slightly, almost grinding those marks with his fingers.
"Yu Deng, be careful," Lin Qinxu said softly. "There are many bad people in this world."
Yu Deng didn't understand the meaning behind Dr. Lin's words, nodding absently, "Oh..."
He was half-hugged, and they stayed close for a few minutes before being let go.
Lin Qinxu patiently instructed, "I'll go get you a new ointment. After you return, apply it to your sprained ankle. Wait here for a bit."
Yu Deng nodded, watching as Lin Qinxu left the examination room, unsure where he had gone.
The clinic was quiet with no other patients. The female doctor seemed to be absent.
Yu Deng lingered in the room for a while before sluggishly getting up, deciding to search for clues.
In many movies and shows, hospitals, clinics, and school infirmaries often hide some kind of clue. He figured he could explore a little, carefully of course.
Yu Deng slowly walked into the corridor and glanced around.
The school infirmary was actually divided into four rooms. Two large rooms served as both examination and patient rooms, next to which was Dr. Lin's office. The farthest room seemed to be the pharmacy?
Hmm, there's another door next to Dr. Lin's office.
Yu Deng stood at the door, hesitating before poking at the iron door. To his surprise, it wasn't locked, and with a light push, the door creaked open.
The inside space was surprisingly large, almost as big as a classroom. However, it was dimly lit, and Yu Deng took a few seconds to adjust before he could clearly see the room.
The walls were covered with various surgical knives and sharp instruments Yu Deng couldn't name. In the center of the room was a rusty hospital bed. In the corners, there were various bottles and jars, soaking unknown objects. Labels on them made it difficult to see what was inside.
The cold, eerie air rushed out as soon as the door opened, mingled with an unpleasant smell.
It felt like something bad had happened in here.
Yu Deng's thoughts scattered. Was this where the punishment for cafeteria waste occurred? Or maybe something else? Oh, and more importantly, who performed these "surgeries"?
Suddenly, a shelf in the corner shook inexplicably, and the bottles clinked together, making a sound like they were struck. Yu Deng shuddered, his legs going weak.
Ugh, why is this copy a solo instance with such supernatural elements!!
Shivering, Yu Deng was caught by a pair of hands.
"Yu Deng, what are you doing here? You shouldn't go in there. Those things are dangerous."
A handsome doctor in a white coat reached out, steadying the student who nearly stumbled into the strange room.
Once Lin Qinxu appeared, the sounds in the room stopped.
Yu Deng didn't notice this detail. He grabbed Lin Qinxu's collar like a drowning person clutching a lifeline, "Dr. Lin..."
"Don't be afraid. Let's go back to my office and rest for a bit. My office is safe," Lin Qinxu said as he looked down at Yu Deng leaning into him, hiding a smile in his eyes. He guided Yu Deng to the office next door.
"No, wait..."
Just as they reached the office door, Yu Deng stopped, his eyelashes fluttering as he tried to push Lin Qinxu away.
The man tightened his arm discreetly, asking with concern, "What's wrong?"
"You're lying, aren't you..." Yu Deng sniffed, smelling the same scent on Lin Qinxu as in that room.
A gleam appeared in his round black eyes as he pressed his lips together, cautiously watching the gentle, patient Dr. Lin.
"You're a bad guy, aren't you? I don't want to go in there with you..."