"After all, dogs are supposed to eat their owner's leftovers."
With just one short sentence, the nature of their relationship was completely defined as an unequal one.
Yu Deng always said things like this as if they were self-evident.
Lu Yan thought bitterly: Boyfriend? I'm nothing more than a dog trying to please this pretty desk mate.
Yu Deng, unaware of the complicated emotions brewing in his desk mate-slash-boyfriend, urged him impatiently, "Lu Yan, hurry up and eat. I need to take a nap later."
After three consecutive classes, Yu Deng felt utterly drained and desperately needed to rest.
"Lu Yan, I don't like disobedient bad dogs."
Yu Deng's bright, round eyes looked at him, and though his words were laced with cruelty, his expression was utterly innocent. His fair hand was still clasped around Lu Yan's wrist, and the skin where they touched felt slightly warm.
Caught between irritation and self-mockery, Lu Yan also felt an inexplicable… subtle excitement.
He lowered his head, gently removed Yu Deng's hand, pulled the tray toward himself, and said softly, "You're really an unreasonable bully."
Yu Deng looked confused.
How am I a bully?
Dogs are supposed to do this kind of thing. Am I wrong?
［Tch, this bad dog is still reluctant. Baby's already being so good to you! Baby is upgrading your meals, okay?］
［I'm waiting for this bad dog to have a "true fragrance" moment. You hate being treated like a dog now, but soon you'll be begging to be baby's dog!］
［As someone who's followed two live broadcasts, I can confirm: my darling always has multiple dogs.］
［Let the male competition begin!］
Lu Yan, despite his reluctance, obeyed his "boyfriend's" order and started eating the leftovers.
Yu Deng, satisfied that someone was taking care of his uneaten food, added, "Make sure you eat everything. Otherwise… hmph, I'll punish you."
"…Okay."
Reassured, Yu Deng propped his chin on his hand and began watching other students in the cafeteria.
Not far from their table, some commotion broke out.
For some reason, a student had gotten into an argument with someone at a neighboring table. Their voices were low at first, but before long, they started shoving each other.
With a loud clang, one of the students' trays was knocked over, spilling food all over the floor.
The two arguing students froze immediately, and the surrounding students watched in silence.
Seconds later, a cafeteria staff member walked over, expressionless, and began cleaning up the mess on the floor.
"Two hundred grams," the staff member said flatly after finishing.
"I understand…" The student whose tray had fallen stood up, face pale, and followed the staff member out of the cafeteria.
From a distance, Yu Deng watched the scene unfold, feeling an indescribable sense of unease. He crossed his arms and rubbed them lightly.
Across from him, Lu Yan glanced at Yu Deng several times while eating the leftovers.
Given Yu Deng's earlier "threats," Lu Yan had thought Yu Deng might monitor him or do something else humiliating, but to his surprise, Yu Deng didn't pay him any attention at all.
Instead, Yu Deng seemed more interested in those unfamiliar students.
"…I'm done," Lu Yan finally said.
The chopsticks made a soft sound as he set them down on the tray. Yu Deng's attention finally shifted back to him.
Seeing the two empty trays, Yu Deng praised softly, "Well done. So obedient."
It was no different from complimenting a well-behaved pet dog.
"…"
Lu Yan still wasn't used to Yu Deng's attitude.
But he had to admit that, after eating two servings, the persistent hunger he'd been living with had finally subsided. For the first time in half a month, he'd tasted something other than plain rice.
Lu Yan looked at Yu Deng for a long moment before lowering his gaze and silently placing both trays in the collection bin.
Yu Deng, happy to avoid lifting a finger, followed the crowd out of the cafeteria. Just as he stepped outside, he noticed a small convenience store nearby. After a moment of thought, he walked in and bought a bag of junk food.
[Hahaha, our baby is so cute! Just like me during school days—skipping proper meals and heading straight to the snack shop.]
[How is this our baby's fault? Clearly, the cafeteria food isn't tasty enough!!]
[Correction! Dengdeng is doing a good deed! He gave the food to the bad dog and had to eat snacks himself instead!]
...
Yu Deng casually solved his lunch problem and returned to the classroom.
Students at Guihuai High School were allowed to return to their dormitories for lunch breaks.
However, Yu Deng decided to make do in the classroom… because he didn't know where his dormitory building or room was. (Huhu.)
By the time he found the dorm, it would probably already be afternoon.
Many of the day students were still resting with their heads down on their desks. Yu Deng, finding the desk too hard, requisitioned Lu Yan's school jacket as a pillow.
The jacket was also quite old but very clean, with a fresh soapy scent. Yu Deng found it satisfactory.
He drifted into a nap for the entire noon break, waking up with a numb arm. Still groggy, he muddled through the afternoon classes.
When the final class ended, Lu Yan unexpectedly stood up, slinging his bag over his shoulder as if ready to leave.
Yu Deng tilted his head up in confusion to look at him.
"Why are you leaving? Are you a day student? …No, wait, even day students have to attend evening self-study," Yu Deng muttered, unable to make sense of it.
Lu Yan paused for a few seconds, giving an account of his plans for the first time.
"I have something tonight. I've been excused from evening self-study."
"Oh…"
Lu Yan stood there for a moment, waiting for Yu Deng to say something more. When nothing came, he left the classroom with a neutral expression.
Yu Deng was left staring at the mountain of assignments given by the teachers. All of it seemed impossibly difficult.
During the evening self-study, he couldn't get anything done. With a furrowed brow, he stared blankly for an hour before a bold idea struck him: he opened the bullet screen to ask for help from his viewers.
Apparently, the system didn't classify regular assignments as part of the dungeon-clearing requirements, so the audience in the live stream was allowed to help Yu Deng with his homework.
New viewers in the live stream were momentarily confused—was this a horror survival stream or a study stream?
[I'm done. I can't believe I'm doing math problems in an infinite survival live stream.]
[I was just about to show off in front of my wife, only to realize I don't know how to solve it either. I'm so mad at myself, it's hilarious.]
[But watching our baby frown while doing problems is so satisfying… Baby, I'm sorry. I don't mean to make you solve these, but your concentrated look is just too cute.]
With the help of his enthusiastic audience, Yu Deng managed to finish his assignments.
Wonderful! Thanks to his audience friends, he shouldn't have to worry about exams either!
[Host, I must remind you,] the system said, [cheating is a violation of school rules. Therefore, during quizzes and exams, bullet screen discussions about problem-solving will be disabled.]
What?!
Yu Deng felt as if struck by lightning, and tears welled up instantly.
Sob sob, he didn't want to live anymore.
...
At last, the bell for the end of the evening self-study rang at 10:30 PM. The grueling study session was finally over.
Dragging his body, battered by knowledge, Yu Deng followed the crowd, trembling slightly as he walked along the dark campus paths, his nerves on edge until he reached the dormitory area.
Standing in front of the dormitory building, Yu Deng clutched the key he had fished out from his backpack, staring blankly at the tall structure.
Oh no, which room was his again?
Hmm, wait, dormitories should have designated areas, right? Should he first check what the dorm rules were?
Yu Deng glanced around and spotted a small booth where the dormitory manager and security guard were stationed.
On the glass window of the booth, there was a poster similar to the one he had seen in the cafeteria.
[Guihuai High School Dormitory Rules:
1. Lunchtime nap is from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
2. Students must return to their dormitories before 11:00 PM, and lights-out is at 11:15 PM. No talking or roughhousing is allowed after lights-out. If caught by the dorm manager, the offender must reflect in the self-reflection room for one day.
3. After lights-out, no matter what noises are heard outside the dormitory, students are not allowed to leave the dormitory without permission.
4. Students are not allowed to enter or leave the dormitory building during class hours. Special circumstances require a note from the homeroom teacher. ]
Yu Deng quickly took out a small notebook and copied down the dormitory rules under the watchful eyes of the dormitory manager.
After he finished, he returned to his earlier dilemma: Which dormitory was he staying in?
Yu Deng stood dazed at the dormitory entrance, exchanging awkward stares with the dormitory manager.
"What are you doing here, student? If you wait any longer, it'll be lights-out," the dormitory manager couldn't help but remind him. "Hurry up and go upstairs."
Yu Deng cautiously looked at the dormitory manager in the booth.
She appeared to be in her fifties, her sparse long hair tied up on top of her head. Her face bore clear wrinkles, giving her a stern look, though she didn't seem particularly strange or out of the ordinary.
Feeling helpless and anxious, Yu Deng's eyes began to water slightly, and a faint itch spread over his skin.
The dormitory entrance was busy with students rushing in and out, all moving quickly with indifferent expressions. But upon closer inspection, many of them were sneaking glances at Yu Deng.
They were looking at the only person in the crowd who wasn't wearing a school uniform — a pretty and distinctive presence.
After a few seconds of hesitation, Yu Deng decided to admit his predicament. Speaking softly, he said, "Auntie, I forgot which dormitory I'm in."
The dormitory manager was taken aback for a moment. She glanced at Yu Deng's well-behaved and delicate face and didn't make things difficult for him. "Ah, young man, why didn't you say so earlier? You're the transfer student from a few days ago, right? Your room number is 414."
The number sounded ominous. Aren't rooms like this the ones where bad things always happen in horror movies?
Yu Deng muttered internally but thanked the dormitory manager politely before quickly heading upstairs.
He had dawdled too long; there were hardly any students left in the stairwell.
Fighting back tears, Yu Deng looked at each door carefully until he finally found his dormitory at the end of the fourth floor.
Outside room 413, a tall and slender male student stood by the door. Hearing Yu Deng's movement, the boy turned his head silently and nodded as a greeting.
Before Yu Deng could get a clear look at the student next door, the boy went inside. Left alone, Yu Deng turned back to his door and fumbled to open it.
Click. Creak—
The dormitory door slowly opened, revealing a pitch-black interior. It seemed no one was inside.
"Tongtong, is it safe in here...?" Yu Deng's voice carried a hint of a sob.
System 01 sighed and reassured its host: [Host, it's safe for now.]
Encouraged, Yu Deng stepped into the dormitory and found the light switch near the door.
However, the dormitory lights weren't of great quality. After flipping the switch, it took more than ten seconds for the lights to flicker on slowly.
Yu Deng squinted, adjusting to the light before taking in the layout of the room.
It was a four-person dormitory with bunk beds on one side and desks and wardrobes on the other. There was a small balcony and a tiny private bathroom.
His bed was likely the top bunk near the balcony. Of the other three beds, two were unoccupied, while the top bunk beside his had bedding.
Having never stayed in such a dormitory before, Yu Deng observed for a few seconds before walking further inside.
The room was empty, with just him inside.
Yu Deng felt a bit uneasy, debating whether or not to shower. Skipping a bath for a day would be gross... but he was also a bit scared.
After some consideration, Yu Deng released his paper effigies, Xiao Hong and Xiao Lü.
"If there's any danger, remember to warn me, okay? But make sure you stay hidden so no one else sees you."
The two paper effigies patted their chests in assurance.
Feeling a bit more secure, Yu Deng rummaged through the wardrobe for a clean change of clothes since he didn't have a school uniform yet.
Next to the wardrobe was a long full-length mirror. A glance revealed his appearance in this instance.
The boy in the mirror had fair skin and delicate, youthful features — his appearance at around eighteen years old.
Wait, hold on.
Yu Deng's eyes fell on his hair, which was almost brushing his shoulders. He reached up to touch it.
So that's what he had forgotten—he needed a haircut. But it didn't seem like there was a barbershop on campus.
Mentally reminding himself of this task, Yu Deng carried his clothes to the bathroom. The hot water was lukewarm at best, and he hurriedly washed despite the strange itch on his skin.
When it came time to dress, he glanced at the red marks on his thighs from the rough denim jeans. Hesitating for a few seconds, he skipped the pants and opted to wear only an oversized sweatshirt.
Yu Deng stepped out of the bathroom, damp and smelling fresh.
Click. The dormitory door opened again.
Yu Deng looked up warily and saw a tall male student walk in.
The boy had a sharply handsome and intimidating face, a muscular build, and tanned skin. His school uniform shirt was casually unbuttoned at the top.
Was this his roommate?
Their gazes met and locked for a few seconds.
"So you're my new transfer student roommate?" The boy strode in, his eyes dropping to Yu Deng's bare legs. He frowned and asked stiffly, "Why aren't you properly dressed?"
As he spoke, he couldn't help but glance again.
His new roommate was only wearing a loose sweatshirt, which emphasized his slim, flexible waist. The hem barely covered his hips, leaving his long, slender, pale legs completely exposed.
"Because it's uncomfortable," Yu Deng frowned as well. "My jeans are too rough—they're rubbing me raw."
As he spoke, he pointed to the top of his thigh to prove he wasn't lying.
Indeed, the delicate, fair skin of his thigh showed a small red patch, which trembled faintly.
The boy's gaze flinched as though burned and abruptly turned away.
...How could someone be this delicate? He wore jeans every day and never had a problem.
The boy tossed his bag onto the desk and said, "Zhuang Lin. That's my name."
Yu Deng thought for a moment and returned the courtesy, "My name is Yu Deng." Then he remembered one of his to-do items. "Oh, by the way, do you know if there's a barbershop at the school?"
"No, you'll have to go to the school gate."
The school gate... Yu Deng wasn't even sure if he could leave campus. He pursed his lips and asked, "Then do you know how to cut or blow-dry hair?"
Zhuang Lin looked puzzled. "I guess I know how. Why?"
[Ding. Special side mission triggered.
Target: Zhuang Lin.
Task 1: Force Zhuang Lin to do something for you.]
Huh? Force him to do something...? Perfect, he needed a haircut.
Yu Deng tilted his chin slightly and said to his roommate, "Great, then help me trim my hair a bit."
Zhuang Lin took a step closer to Yu Deng.
Standing side by side, Zhuang Lin's height of at least 190 cm made the difference between them particularly stark.
"Why are you bossing people around the moment we meet?" Zhuang Lin clicked his tongue softly, looking down at his delicate and spoiled roommate.
"Because I can't do it myself," Yu Deng replied with a frown. "If I cut it myself, it'll turn out horrible. I don't want that."
As Zhuang Lin moved closer, the strange and unbearable sensation in Yu Deng's body grew stronger. Instinctively, he reached out and grabbed Zhuang Lin's hand, giving it a small shake.
The discomfort immediately eased significantly.
Remembering his mission, Yu Deng racked his brain for a threat and tried to sound as imposing as possible. "Aren't you my roommate? Roommates are supposed to help each other out! Otherwise—otherwise, I won't let you back into the dorm!"
...Tch, not only delicate but also bossy.
Zhuang Lin listened to Yu Deng's soft voice and closed his eyes.
Was this roommate of his trying to threaten him or acting coquettish?
Yu Deng's soft and warm hand was still resting on the back of Zhuang Lin's hand. Since it helped alleviate the discomfort, he hadn't let go.
"Zhuang Lin, are you going to help me or not?" That light, soft voice stretched out, with the tone lazily trailing at the end.
Against his better judgment, Zhuang Lin agreed to Yu Deng's request. "Fine."
A few seconds later, he realized what he had just agreed to. With a dark expression, he grabbed a pair of scissors and quickly trimmed Yu Deng's hair.
Yu Deng obediently sat in the chair. When he felt Zhuang Lin's movements stop, he tilted his head up. "Is it done?"
"Yeah."
Without the hair covering his face, Yu Deng's delicate and beautiful features struck Zhuang Lin. Even under the dim lighting, Yu Deng's fair skin seemed to glow.
Standing behind Yu Deng, Zhuang Lin unintentionally caught sight of the exposed skin at the loose neckline of Yu Deng's oversized shirt. With the slight turn of Yu Deng's body, the hem of his shirt lifted slightly, revealing a glimpse of white fabric underneath. That, paired with his long, slender legs, made Zhuang Lin's gaze waver.
For a brief moment, Zhuang Lin's expression froze, and the tips of his ears inexplicably turned red.
"Zhuang Lin?" Yu Deng called out.
Zhuang Lin, as if electrocuted, quickly withdrew his hand. He tossed the scissors aside, grabbed some clothes, and rushed into the bathroom.
[Ding! Side Quest (1) Complete.]
Yu Deng: "??"
He stared in confusion at his roommate's retreating figure into the bathroom. Unable to make sense of it, he turned back to check himself in the mirror.
To his surprise, Zhuang Lin's haircut skills were unexpectedly good. His hair was now neatly trimmed, but not too short—just the usual length he preferred. It looked soft and fluffy.
---
In the bathroom, Zhuang Lin wore a complicated expression.
Cold water poured over his head, soaking his thin school uniform, revealing the firm and muscular lines of his body.
Looking down, Zhuang Lin thought to himself.
How could I possibly react to a guy? I must be overheated or something.
Outside, Yu Deng, hearing the splashing sound of water, kindly reminded him, "Oh, by the way, the hot water is a little cold today."
Zhuang Lin nearly slipped in the shower upon hearing Yu Deng's voice.
"Cold water is fine!" he retorted.
Yu Deng: "?" What a strange roommate. I don't get it, but I'll respect it.
The sound of running water grew louder.
Zhuang Lin turned the faucet to maximum and stood under the stream for several minutes before finally peeling off his now-soaked uniform.
The next second, his movements froze again.
Yu Deng's discarded clothes were all tossed into the dirty laundry basket. Having been worn for an entire day, they were filled with a sweet fragrance that was unmistakably noticeable, even from a slight distance.
Zhuang Lin's temple throbbed.
Why were his roommate's clothes so fragrant... and why didn't he wash them instead of just throwing them around?!