Chapter 240 Epilogue - New World Arc (Thirty-Seven)
Yu Qingzhou suddenly woke up from her dream.
The content of the dream is no longer very clear.
It felt like being trapped in a dark, sunless underground, entangled by gnarled vines.
Unable to move or breathe.
But he did not feel fear; on the contrary, he felt a sense of security, like returning to the womb.
And so he fell into a deep sleep, completely oblivious to everything else.
Forget the outside world...
Forgotten by the outside world...
Finally, I forgot myself and sank into the eternal peace of the soul's annihilation.
But at that moment, he heard that voice—a voice of sorrow and helplessness, like that of a lost child.
Familiar yet unfamiliar.
I feel like I've heard it more than once before, but I can't quite recall it.
Even so, upon hearing that sound...
Inside the body—the place called the heart—stirred up strange emotions involuntarily.
A complex mix of emotions including sympathy, pity, and curiosity.
"Yu... Qingzhou..."
Yu Qingzhou woke up.
It was still pitch black in front of me.
But it's different from the pure darkness in the dream.
He could vaguely make out the outline of the object in front of him—the outline of E027 clinging to him like an octopus.
So close, so within reach.
The sweet aroma emanating from the other person, which he couldn't quite distinguish as either candy or pastry, lingered around Yu Qingzhou's nose, making him feel a rare pang of hunger.
Then he heard that voice again—
"Yu... Qingzhou..."
This time it wasn't a dream.
It is the E027 that is truly right in front of us.
E027 He... actually called out his own name in his dream?
What surprised Yu Qingzhou even more was that E027 kept uttering not loquat, nor the number E025, but his real name—Yu Qingzhou.
In her memory, this was the first time Yu Qingzhou had heard this name from E027.
Yet the other person's tone was so familiar, as if they had called out to him countless times in their dreams...
But why?
When Yu Qingzhou came to her senses, she was already close to the boy's lips, perhaps wanting to verify whether everything that had just happened was just her imagination.
The movement startled E027 from his sleep, and a hint of unease appeared on the boy's sleeping face.
Between the opening and closing of her lips, she uttered murmurs that sounded like delirium.
"Don't...go..."
"Please...it was so hard...we finally found it..."
"Yu Qingzhou...don't...don't leave me again..."
E027's pleading words startled Yu Qingzhou.
Perhaps it was because, since he could remember, this was the first time he had been asked to stay.
In particular, the dampness that seeped from the corner of the boy's eye to his temples when he leaned in.
They were clearly tears.
He cried.
E027 cried.
Not just now, but also before...
Yu Qingzhou suddenly remembered the slightly cool water droplets that had landed on his cheek when E027 had pinned him down earlier. He didn't actually think it was saliva; he had only said it to disgust the other person.
So, E027 was already... at that time.
But the same question remains—why?
If the reasons are the same now and then... if E027 isn't just pretending at this moment...
A flood of thoughts rushed through her mind, and she couldn't tell whether she wanted to comfort the other person or simply wanted to shake the boy awake.
Yu Qingzhou reached out and touched E027 for the first time.
Her soft hair, damp with tears, had the pitiful feel of a kitten soaked by rain.
Yu Qingzhou had never actually owned a cat, but she believed it from the bottom of her heart.
As he thought this, his hand movements changed from tentative touches to gentle caresses.
Seemingly feeling comfortable because of this, E027 closed its eyes and rubbed against Yu Qingzhou's palm.
Her smooth cheeks still bore traces of tears.
never mind……
Yu Qingzhou heard a soft sigh coming from somewhere.
It felt as if my thoughts were merging with someone else's across lifetimes.
In that instant, what rose in Yu Qingzhou's heart was a tender emotion that even he himself had not anticipated.
That's it.
The voice in my heart spoke again.
Yu Qingzhou then lay down again in the darkness and closed her eyes.
When I woke up, I was unexpectedly all alone.
Peeking out, I saw E027 already washed up and was sitting in a chair eating breakfast.
Seeing Yu Qingzhou peeking out from her bed, E027 greeted her with a casual smile, as if she had completely forgotten what had happened the night before.
Good morning, I brought you breakfast.
Yu Qingzhou's mind went blank for a few seconds before she suddenly realized something was wrong.
time……
"What time is it?!"
He hurriedly put on his coat and got out of bed, but slipped and almost fell vertically from the top bunk.
"Watch out!"
E027 muttered to himself as he reached the bottom of the shelf.
Yu Qingzhou reached out and blocked the other person's exaggerated movement as if catching a chick, and landed steadily on the ground.
Upon seeing this, E027 first breathed a sigh of relief, then, as if realizing something, crossed its arms and slightly raised its eyebrows.
"Hey, it's only been one night, are you already turning your back on us?"
Yu Qingzhou was baffled and frowned as she looked at E027, who had a matter-of-fact expression on his face.
"No, do you know what nonsense you're talking about?"
E027 didn't directly answer Yu Qingzhou's question. Instead, he wore an expression that said, "I knew it," and shook his head with a sigh, "As expected, I knew it..."
As he spoke, he began to sway and stagger back.
Yu Qingzhou always disliked people who only spoke halfway, so she directly reached out and blocked the other person's path.
What exactly do you mean?
Even when E027's collar was grabbed, she wasn't in a hurry. Instead, she lowered her head to look at him, her eyes smiling, like a beast willingly being tamed.
That look was too direct.
Yu Qingzhou, on the contrary, was somewhat unable to cope.
He instinctively wanted to avoid her, but E027 smiled slightly and grasped Yu Qingzhou's hand first, then lowered her head.
A kiss as light as a dragonfly skimming the water.
Yet it carried an almost solemn reverence.
When E027 looked up again, her eyes crinkled with laughter.
“That’s exactly what I mean,” he announced solemnly. “I’ve given you my stamp of approval.”
"..."
Yu Qingzhou was startled by this sudden action and stood there stunned for a while before abruptly pulling her hand back from E027's grasp.
After hesitating for a long time, I finally managed to find a suitable adjective.
"Divine gold——"
E027 wasn't angry when he heard this. He turned back to the table and picked up his breakfast, which he had only eaten half of before hurriedly putting it down.
They ate with relish while listening to the sound of running water coming from the bathroom.
Yu Qingzhou repeatedly rinsed the areas that E027 had touched.
Although the idea of stamping with lips was utter nonsense, Yu Qingzhou clearly felt the heat rising from that small patch of skin.
—As if in response to E027’s childish and foolish actions.
The more you try to wipe it off, the more distinct the sensation becomes.
Yu Qingzhou ultimately gave up.
Because it has absolutely no effect other than having a negative impact.
Besides, I did indeed...
Yu Qingzhou splashed a few more handfuls of cool water on her face, staring at her sleepy and somewhat lazy face in the mirror, and felt a real sense of shame.
He immediately turned off the tap, turned around, and walked out.
E027 had already finished its breakfast, but now it seemed to be constantly chewing something, making crunching noises.
Yu Qingzhou sometimes felt strange that, despite eating like E027, she hadn't become a big fat person.
That can be considered a talent.
Perhaps this is the legendary "can't gain weight" physique. Thinking about it that way, it's not so surprising.
Upon seeing Yu Qingzhou return, he immediately put on an innocent smile and handed her another breakfast on the table.
Egg crepes, unsweetened soy milk.
It's a very simple setup, but it's the breakfast combination that Yu Qingzhou finds most acceptable.
He was indeed hungry, so he stopped refusing.
He thanked her generously, took the food, and started eating.
Perhaps because the memory of last night was too vivid, Yu Qingzhou was somewhat absent-minded.
As I was eating, I suddenly felt something was off... and when I looked up, I was met with E027's smiling gaze, his chin resting on his hand.
My scalp tingled for no reason.
After finally swallowing what was in her mouth, Yu Qingzhou looked at E027 with a somewhat complicated expression.
"What...are you going to do now?"
"It's okay, you eat yours, I'll watch mine, it won't bother you."
E027 smiled and waved, appearing magnanimous.
The problem is—
Who's really getting in whose way?
Isn't this just one-sided visual harassment?
Yu Qingzhou wanted to say something in rebuttal, but thinking that she might receive an even more disgusting reply, she silently shut her mouth.
He still needs to save his appetite for breakfast.
Yu Qingzhou had been wanting to ask about what happened last night, mainly about what E027 had dreamed about.
Ironically, he inexplicably felt that he could find the key to solving the question that had been troubling him for so long through this.
But--
For a moment, I didn't know where to begin.
Furthermore, Yu Qingzhou felt as if she had forgotten something... but what exactly was it?
—Oh right! Gather together!
He actually forgot about that?!
Yu Qingzhou's mind went blank, and her heart sank.
He thought he had long since adapted to the life and routine of the detention center, but he never expected that the incident last night would make him forget everything.
"It's okay~"
The voice of E027 suddenly rang out.
As if sensing what Yu Qingzhou was thinking, he casually explained, "I've already asked for leave."
"...What?" Yu Qingzhou was still a little confused.
Seemingly amused by his rare bewildered expression, E027's smile deepened.
"I got you sick leave. I hate to admit it, but even in a place like this, having one or two acquaintances can be of some use."
Yu Qingzhou initially couldn't quite understand what E027 was saying, until—.
"Hey, long time no see."
"It hasn't been that long, you're still alive, aren't you?"
Yu Qingzhou stared at the unexpected visitor, unsure how to react.
E027 did take the initiative to greet them, but the smile on their face was as fake as could be.
After a few rather perfunctory pleasantries, Shen Yingxue turned her gaze to the back of E027, her emerald eyes gazing intently at the somewhat dazed Yu Qingzhou.
Is there anything that's bothering you?
A businesslike tone.
Yu Qingzhou subconsciously shook her head, but after meeting Shen Yingxue's scrutinizing gaze, she belatedly changed her mind and nodded.
He still didn't speak.
The atmosphere in the room became somewhat awkward for a moment.
E027, who was observing from the sidelines, clicked its tongue softly.
"Hey, you're going to scare him like that."
Upon hearing this, Shen Yingxue scoffed lightly, her emerald eyes above her mask narrowing slightly as if she were laughing, but there was no real smile in her eyes.
"Is that so? In my opinion, someone who can stay in the same room with a guy like you for so long and still maintain their composure and not go crazy shouldn't be that mentally fragile, right?"
Shen Yingxue calmly uttered provocative words, ignoring E027's gradually fading smile, and directly bypassed the latter to ask Yu Qingzhou.
Are you going crazy?
It certainly hasn't come to that point yet.
But Yu Qingzhou also doubted whether she was as healthy as Shen Yingxue described.
He also noticed the tone of their conversation; it seemed tense, but in reality, it was full of familiarity.
Putting aside E027's quirky, overly friendly personality.
Shen Yingxue doesn't seem to be the type to quickly become familiar with strangers.
So, barring any unforeseen circumstances, these two people must have known each other before they met.
However, based on the current situation, it is not yet possible to determine the specific relationship.
Friend? Classmate? Neighbor?
Or perhaps—
"...What are you thinking about? Why are you so hung up on him? Could it be that you've fallen for him?"
After a brief inquiry and examination, Shen Yingxue promptly issued a certificate.
[She has a slight fever. After taking the medicine, she should get a good night's sleep.]
Shen Yingxue calmly instructed: 【Avoid unnecessary exercise and get plenty of rest.】
Those green eyes were as calm and undisturbed as when they first met. Even though they hadn't said anything, Yu Qingzhou had the illusion that they had been seen through instantly.
After seeing Shen Yingxue off, Yu Qingzhou returned to her room and saw E027 leaning against the bed railing.
The latter, unusually, wasn't eating, and had a strange, ambiguous expression on his face, a half-smile.
Yu Qingzhou didn't quite understand what the other party was trying to do.
This tone and this behavior are exactly like a clingy, jealous girlfriend in a TV series.
However, E027 isn't even a girl.
It is even more difficult to understand what stance the other party took when making these remarks.
Although Yu Qingzhou's memory was somewhat hazy, the scene of their first meeting was unmistakably etched in her mind.
That person who was entangled with their former roommate, rolling around shamelessly like animals in heat, was clearly...
Now, however, they're putting on this act of accusing someone of adultery and demanding an explanation.
Yu Qingzhou suddenly felt intense annoyance.
He tried to push E027 away to get back to his bunk, but the other person grabbed his arm.
What are you doing?
Yu Qingzhou tried to shake it off but failed, and glared at E027 with increasing frustration.
The latter pursed his lips, his smile gone, his eyes fixed blankly with a bewildered look, and his face was terribly pale.
Even Yu Qingzhou, who had seen many madmen, was momentarily frightened by the other party's appearance.
"you--"
The rest of the conversation was interrupted by a breathtaking hug.
Yu Qingzhou was about to speak again to stop E027 from going crazy, otherwise she would strangle it to death.
However, E027 spoke first, her trembling voice sounding like a hoarse voice being torn and squeezed from the depths of her soul.
"It's you...it really is you..."
"I knew it... I knew it... This time it would definitely succeed..."
As Yu Qingzhou listened to E027's incoherent words, her heart began to tremble for no reason.
The tone, the words—it was as if he had heard them last night, or perhaps in a dream.
The next second, a pair of cold hands cupped Yu Qingzhou's cheeks, which were slightly flushed due to a low fever.
With foreheads touching, Yu Qingzhou saw a face that seemed to be both crying and laughing.
It wasn't E027, nor was it anyone he had ever met in real life.
Yu Qingzhou was absolutely certain that they knew each other.
Long ago, before he became who he is now, they must have met somewhere... somewhere!
"It's okay, it's okay... Even if it's not now, not here, it will be in the future, or in the past... I will definitely find you, and I will never let you leave me again..."
E027 spoke haltingly, a splash of crimson suddenly escaping from the corner of her lips.
Then... more blood.
The stains on that white paper looked like crimson flowers blooming on a cold, snowy ground.
Yu Qingzhou's pupils suddenly contracted, and she instinctively reached out to hug that incredibly cold and thin body.
As his lips brushed against his ear, he seemed to hear the person's tender whisper.
"Unfortunately, there's not enough time... Please take good care of yourself this time too, and wait for me... wait for me..."
Yu Qingzhou was unable to hear what followed.
A sudden ringing in his ears, and when he came to his senses again, he was already standing in front of an unfamiliar door.
He had forgotten how long he had been standing there.
He was the only one in the empty corridor, staring intently at the red indicator light above.
After an unknown amount of time, the lamp turned from red to green, and the door opened.
Seeing the person walking out from inside, Yu Qingzhou seemed to be freed from a petrified state.
"...How is he? Dr. Shen...he, he is..."
"He's not dead yet."
The calm voice coming from behind the mask was like a reassuring pill.
Yu Qingzhou slowly exhaled, only then belatedly realizing that her whole body was soaked in cold sweat.
"Are you that concerned about whether that guy lives or dies?" Shen Yingxue's calm voice carried a hint of indescribable complexity.
Yu Qingzhou did not answer immediately.
He didn't know why, he just knew that seeing E027 like that really made him panic.
But he wasn't sure whether he was worried about E027 himself, or about the other person who might be inside the other person's body.
—Does that person really exist?
—Is everything I've experienced truly real?
Yu Qingzhou was lost in thought, and everything before her eyes became increasingly blurry.
Along with the sound...
They plunged together into the unseen depths of darkness.
Could it be jagged pebbles?
Could it be a sideways branch?
Could it be... a bottomless pit?
He seemed to see countless endings—tragic, painful, peaceful… spectacular, silent…
Until the white snowflakes began to fall.
It landed on the steep stone steps, and also on clothes stained with blood.
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