NOVEL NEXT Chapter 269: 9.15
"Tsk." Ling Zhuang scoffed softly. "The Zombie King awakening a space ability? Do you think I wouldn't notice?"
Jiang Jiamian blinked slowly, feigning nonchalance. "Oh? You understand? Then tell me, how did I become the Zombie King?"
Ling Zhuang's lips curved slightly, the corners lifting with amusement. "It's a long story. I'll tell you one day. But don't be so nervous. I have no reason to expose you. In fact…" His gaze deepened. "Even if you're not the same Jiang Jiamian you once were, it only benefits me. It's not a bad thing."
Jiang Jiamian arched a brow. "Oh? And why's that?"
Ling Zhuang's hand landed on his shoulder, fingers stroking idly before sliding up to his neck. His voice dropped, "Because the Jiang Jiamian before was boring. Cowardly. Stupid. A waste, aside from his looks."
If not for his desire to craft a perfect creation, if not for that flawless face, Ling Zhuang would never have chosen him.
But Jiang Jiamian had been too beautiful. That beauty alone excused his flaws, because in the end, they were all destined to die anyway. The body was all Ling Zhuang needed.
Yet now, this was no longer the same man. Or rather, not the same soul.
And that revelation thrilled Ling Zhuang.
This Jiang Jiamian was sharp, defiant, amusing. He was full of secrets, layered and dangerous. A body that was already perfect now housed an unexpectedly fascinating soul.
This creation surpassed every expectation.
Ling Zhuang's delight showed in his eyes. His hand slid higher, hooking around Jiang Jiamian's neck as he leaned forward, pressing a kiss against his lips.
This kiss was different, slow, deliberate, savoring every moment as though he feared missing a single sensation. His devotion wasn't tender, it was obsessive, almost ceremonial.
For a heartbeat, it felt as if the apocalypse had receded. As if the night itself had been stilled, leaving only the quiet intensity of two breaths mingling.
When at last Ling Zhuang withdrew, he sat back against the wall with closed eyes, silent once more.
Jiang Jiamian's thoughts, however, churned. This was the first time someone had directly pierced his disguise. Exposed him not as the 'original' Jiang Jiamian, but as someone else entirely.
Yet the outcome… wasn't as disastrous as he had feared.
Ling Zhuang knew. But he didn't press. He didn't demand the truth. Instead, he held it like a secret kept between them, unspoken, tacit.
If he had been exposed publicly, punishment would have been unavoidable. His soul would be dragged into the punishment world for revealing his identity as an outsider.
"Come." Ling Zhuang murmured suddenly, pulling him into his arms with unexpected gentleness. "Rest. Whether you're on watch or not, you know the truth, zombies won't come."
Jiang Jiamian stiffened in the embrace, a wry thought flashing: This pervert again.
But Ling Zhuang only held him quietly, doing nothing further, wearing once again his calm, almost kind facade.
The stillness was suffocatingly tranquil, as if the nightmare world outside had been pushed away.
Jiang Jiamian eventually shut his eyes as well, but sleep never came. Instead, his consciousness slipped into the quick-transmigration group chat.
[Lone Commander: Is anyone here? Has anyone ever been sent into the punishment world? @I can't think of a name @Sword Master @Group Leader]
[I can't think of a name: What's wrong with you!? Did you fail your mission!?]
[Lone Commander: No, no. Just curious.]
[I can't think of a name: You scared me half to death!]
[Sword Master: Same. And tagging Group Leader? Are you insane?]
[Lone Commander: Well, I figured if you two haven't been there, maybe the boss would know. After all, the group owner is definitely a big shot. He'll clear up my doubts, right? @Group Leader]
[I can't think of a name/Sword Master: …]
[Group Leader: Why are you asking about this? Shouldn't you be focused on your mission?]
[I can't think of a name/Sword Master: !!!]
Holy crap.
The elusive Group Leader actually replied.
[Lone Commander: I'm just curious. I mean, I should know the consequences if I fail, right? That way I can scare myself into working harder. Motivation by fear, it's foolproof! A model employee!]
[Group Leader: Stop being glib. Do your mission properly. Don't break rules you shouldn't break. Don't ask about things you shouldn't ask. The consequences are more than you can bear.]
[Lone Commander: Ooo, scary! But now I'm even more curious about what the punishment world is like.]
[Group Leader: ...]
The other two didn't even dare type. Their silence screamed: He's going to get himself killed.
[Lone Commander: Fine, then! I've decided! I'll go experience the punishment world once. Either I fail this mission or I expose myself as a transmigrator. Whatever works, I just need to see it with my own eyes!]
[Group Leader: Stop joking.]
[Lone Commander: Just kidding!]
[Group Leader: If you're really that curious, forget the punishment world. I'll simply erase you myself.]
[Lone Commander: Wow, such power. Just erase me then, boss. Tsk, tsk!]
[Group Leader: Finish your mission. You're due for a promotion. Don't waste it with reckless thoughts.]
[Lone Commander: Ah, you know just how to sweet-talk me. Fine, fine, I'll be good!]
In the corner of the chat I can't think of a name, and Sword Master both sweated buckets.
The atmosphere between Lone Commander and Group Leader… was seriously weird.
In the darkness, Jiang Jiamian suddenly opened his eyes. He lifted a hand and gave Ling Zhuang's shoulder a gentle shake.
"Hm? What is it?"
Ling Zhuang's eyes snapped open instantly.
Jiang Jiamian was half draped across him, leaning in close, his posture mischievous, almost like some midnight spirit perched on his shoulder. "I have something to tell you."
Ling Zhuang lowered his gaze through the lenses of his glasses. Because of Jiang Jiamian's enticing posture and teasing smile, his breathing hitched ever so slightly, though it was hard to tell if it was real or only imagined. His expression remained unreadable. "What is it?"
Jiang Jiamian's lips curved, his voice soft and sweet. "Don't you want to know whether I'm really the original Jiang Jiamian? I'll tell you…"
"I don't want to know."
Ling Zhuang cut him off without hesitation.
Jiang Jiamian: "…"
The smile on his lips deepened silently. He tugged on Ling Zhuang's arm, giving it a playful shake like a spoiled child. "No, but I want to say it. I want to say it!"
Ling Zhuang's eyes dropped, his tone flat. "I already know. You're not him. That much is enough. As for the rest, where you came from, how you came here, I don't care."
"Don't care? How can you not be interested at all?"
Jiang Jiamian's spirits only rose higher. The more he was forbidden, the more he wanted to rebel. His gaze chased after Ling Zhuang's, sharp and intent. "I think you were very interested before, weren't you? If you ask, I'll tell you everything."