[Fan Thread: Cotton Paper Factory (Mian x Zhi CP Central)]
Enhanced: So, who went to the cafeteria in Zone 1 for breakfast this morning? I heard Zhizhi was telling everyone he sprained his ankle?
[I was there on site. I glanced at them while buying my pancake wrap, and Zhizhi immediately pointed at his foot and said it was sprained. I said “Okay, okay,” and then Zhizhi patted Song Mian’s shoulder and whispered something in his ear. If I were Song Mian, I’d wake up laughing from a dream with such a cute wife!
[LOL, fainted from laughter. Back at the gym, Song Mian had just finished his match, and he showed up in those cute pajamas to find his hubby, even making Song Mian give him a piggyback. He blushed so hard that time, actually shy. This time… tsk tsk tsk.
[Upstairs, actually there’s an even better ship moment, might be a bit unfair to Zhizhi though. Zhizhi’s face was so red that day not from shyness, but because he was sick. But Zhizhi really can’t hide it—he went to cheer for his hubby even while ill. Song Mian, how do you deserve such a loving and adorable wife?!
[I ship it so hard! I ship it so hard! Please continue!]
Lin Zhi, who had already returned to the dorm, felt even worse. Slander! Outright slander! He was clearly straight, and Song Mian was the gay one—why was he the wife?!
For the first time, Lin Zhi replied to a post: [Does anyone else think Zhizhi is more like the husband? Song Mian is clearly Zhizhi’s little wife!]
After posting his reply, Lin Zhi climbed back into bed and promptly buried his face in the pillow, tears streaming down.
“Seven times? I can’t even do it once. Why treat a straight guy like me this way? I’d rather just die.”
The Romance Survival System’s electronic voice sounded weak: [Host, the deadline is Thursday at 8 p.m. This mission is special. From what this system knows, doing all seven at once might be too much for your body—you’ll need to do them in batches. Sigh! Host, stop crying. Once you complete it, you’ll live on for good!]
Batches, even. Lin Zhi’s tears fell even harder at the system’s words, soaking a huge patch on his pillow. From silent crying, it built to an uncontrollable sob. A man doesn’t shed tears without reason, but he was truly aggrieved! Lin Zhi tried to hold it back, but Song Mian still heard.
Lin Zhi froze the moment he caught the faint scent of woody tobacco.
Song Mian had sat down on the edge of Lin Zhi’s bed at some point, his voice low and soothing: “Why aren’t you crying in secret today?”
Why not in secret? Mocking his suffering?
Lin Zhi felt even more upset. Ignoring his image, he clumsily sat up on the bed, eyes still brimming with unshed tears. The moment he saw Song Mian’s face, grievance crashed over him like a tidal wave. Song Mian frowned slightly and was about to speak when Lin Zhi lunged forward, smearing all his tears across the chest of Song Mian’s shirt.
Hmph!
Xiao Zhu, who had just returned, heard the noise and quickly looked toward the upper bunk.
Song Mian let out a muffled grunt, tightened his arms, and gently patted Lin Zhi’s back. His voice turned cold: “Who bullied you?”
“You.”
Song Mian paused, quickly reflecting: “Where?”
Lin Zhi lifted his head, eyes red, cheeks flushed, looking utterly tormented. Song Mian’s gaze darkened as his thumb pressed against Lin Zhi’s cheek, slowly wiping away the tears.
Lin Zhi grabbed Song Mian’s wrist fiercely: “What are you doing? Trying to rub blush on me?”
Song Mian withdrew his hand, voice hoarse: “What did I do wrong?”
Lin Zhi nodded without hesitation, scrunching his face like a seal: “You and my system are in cahoots, giving me this super lewd mission. But I’m a straight guy with principles! I’ll die before I submit.”
Song Mian blinked, a lewd mission?
Xiao Zhu had read a lot of books, but not enough web novels, so he was utterly confused.
Song Mian stared at Lin Zhi, who had tear streaks like noodles on his face. Realization dawned, and Song Mian’s throat tightened with itchiness. Incredulous, he said: “You’re crying like this just to lay the groundwork for your perverted fantasies?”
Lin Zhi’s eyes widened, and he headbutted Song Mian again. “Of course not! Can’t you tell I’m really heartbroken? You don’t get me—not even qualified as a bro. I’m done playing with you.”
Lin Zhi flopped face-down on the bed, playing dead.
Song Mian: “……”
Song Mian’s chest heaved, his mood profoundly complicated.
Xiao Zhu went back to his own business, figuring he wasn’t needed.
Song Mian got down from Lin Zhi’s bed, but soon returned.
Lin Zhi faced the wall, ignoring him.
Song Mian said softly: “Carrot? Want one?”
Lin Zhi couldn’t resist twisting around. Song Mian held an exquisitely packaged item.
Song Mian opened the gift box right in front of him.
Inside was a carrot with smooth skin, vibrant color, even a hint of moist sheen, perfectly shaped and plump. Lin Zhi stared in awe. He was certain this was an ultra-premium, crisp, delicious carrot.
Lin Zhi sat up, no longer sad. His big eyes fixed on Song Mian as he furrowed his brows awkwardly: “F-for me?”
Song Mian: “Mm. Imported, just arrived yesterday. Forgot to give it to you.”
Lin Zhi was stunned—an import!
He reverently took out the carrot, admired it seriously, snapped multi-angle photos with his phone, then finally took a bite. It crunched sweetly, leaving a lingering fragrance. As he went for another bite, he glanced up at Song Mian, who watched him intently. Lin Zhi sobered up, lowering his head sheepishly: “I didn’t mean those words. Don’t take them seriously.”
Song Mian’s voice was murky: “I know. I shouldn’t have called you out.”
Lin Zhi blinked: “Called me out on what?”
Song Mian ruffled Lin Zhi’s hair, murmuring: “I know nothing.”
Lin Zhi looked baffled.
“System, what does that mean?”
Romance Survival System: [The Male Lead’s chest is soaked with your tears. You’re lucky he didn’t hold it against you—what’s there to ask me?]
Lin Zhi finally noticed the wet patch—good thing there was an undershirt.
Feeling guilty, Lin Zhi decided to hand-wash Song Mian’s shirt. Song Mian didn’t stop him. After hanging the wrinkled shirt to dry, Lin Zhi mused: “Once it’s dry, I’ll blow-dry it smooth for you.”
Song Mian’s heart itched unbearably, so he hugged Lin Zhi.
Lin Zhi’s eyes widened; he was about to protest when Song Mian lowered his gaze to Lin Zhi’s lips, voice laced with desire: “Can I kiss you?”
Lin Zhi shrank like a quail, timid: “N-no. Dorm!”
Song Mian: “Okay.”
Lin Zhi behaved. But beneath the obedience, he repeatedly signaled Song Mian and Xiao Zhu. Only after Song Mian’s “No crying, just water” and Xiao Zhu’s “I saw nothing” did he fully relax.
Even straight guys have breaking points, but better not leave evidence.
That night, however, Lin Zhi couldn’t sleep, tormented by the impossible mission. He repeatedly threw off his blanket, pretending to casually glance at Song Mian’s crotch.
Song Mian’s temple vein throbbed.
As Lin Zhi lay down, Song Mian yanked him over with a low threat: “Think recording us gives you free rein?”
Lin Zhi’s mood was heavy: “No. Just let me be quiet.”
He threw off the blanket and slept outside it, legs crossed, staring solemnly at the ceiling. Moments later, he got up and lifted Song Mian’s blanket, sighing deeply after eyeing a certain spot.
Song Mian: “………”
Song Mian began questioning his life.
Lin Zhi still didn’t want to die.
But as a straight guy, he couldn’t cross that mental hurdle. He’d studied it all night—Song Mian’s down there was too intimidating for a straight man like him.
“System, you’re sure Song Feng has that drug, right?”
Romance Survival System: [Yes! Though a tiny change led him to use laxatives instead in the end. That drug was available, just not used.]
Lin Zhi: “Got it.”
He decided to ask Song Feng where to get the drug. If he took it and lost his senses while doing it with Song Mian, he wouldn’t have to cross that hurdle consciously.
But Song Feng wouldn’t tell him directly.
Romance Survival System fretted for the first time at this loophole: [Host, remember to track the count. This system can’t count for you—only reports after judgment. Too many is fine, too few and you die!]
Lin Zhi blushed furiously!
H-he had a way to track it!
On Tuesday, Lin Zhi followed Xiao Zhu to the library.
Xiao Zhu looked puzzled: “You want to study with me?”
Lin Zhi sneaked around: “Can you send a message for me?”
Lin Zhi chose to use someone else’s phone to contact Song Feng. He didn’t approach Tong Xu this time—too worldly, would guess his intent. A top student was different.
Xiao Zhu agreed.
The message Lin Zhi dictated: “Where’d you buy that aphrodisiac?”
Xiao Zhu paused: “What do you need that for?”
Lin Zhi deadpanned: “Sting operation.”
Xiao Zhu doubted: “Is a sting operation your job?”
Lin Zhi scratched his face: “Yes, I’m an active Party member.”
“Give me the number.” Xiao Zhu looked down.
Lin Zhi opened Song Feng’s old message and read the sender’s number. Xiao Zhu typed it in and edited. At the last second, Lin Zhi chickened out.
“Sigh, don’t send it. Sting ops aren’t my thing.” His principles resurfaced.
Xiao Zhu looked up: “Already sent.”
Lin Zhi slumped over the table, frowning: “It’s fine, probably junk mail.”
He stayed, tense, thinking no reply in an hour meant it was ignored.
He even checked the school forum. His clean notifications now had dozens of messages. Curious, he opened them—his face drained of color.
[?? Zhizhi himself?]
[Zhizhi himself?]
[Please, baby Lin Zhi, give up topping ASAP!]
[Please, baby Lin Zhi, give up topping ASAP!]
[LOL, who else but Lin Zhi could post that? Show pics of those two to a roommate who doesn’t ship or know Song Mian and Lin Zhi, then show the comment—hospitalization from laughter.]
…
Damn it!!
Everyone stepping on him now!
Half an hour later, Xiao Zhu’s phone lit up.
Lin Zhi leaned in. The reply: [Lin Zhi, don’t think switching phones fools me. I told my bro!]
Lin Zhi whipped around and face-planted on the table, eyes closed. Better to die.
Xiao Zhu was shocked: “An acquaintance?”
Lin Zhi, lifeless: “Song Mian’s little brother.”
Xiao Zhu: “……”
Seconds later, Lin Zhi’s phone pinged. He bolted upright. Song Mian: [Where?]
Lin Zhi and Xiao Zhu exchanged glances.
Lin Zhi: [Studying in the library ]
Song Mian: [Don’t run. I’ll be there soon. Run and deal with the consequences.]
Xiao Zhu adjusted his glasses: “Here to settle scores.”
Lin Zhi looked miserable.
Better to die. Death resets time—no one would know his deeds! He’d redo it without asking Xiao Zhu to message, without the piggyback, without dorm tears, and get that yummy carrot again.
Romance Survival System: [Host! Death is terrifying—don’t treat it lightly!]
Lin Zhi ignored it.
The next twenty minutes dragged like years until Song Mian’s message: [Outside library. I come in, or you come out?]
Lin Zhi: [I’ll come out.]
Lin Zhi trudged out, dejected.
Song Mian waited at the library door in a fitted black trench coat, tall, long-legged, face stern— instant center of attention. Lin Zhi wanted to pretend not to know him, but under Song Mian’s gaze, he walked over obediently.
As soon as Lin Zhi approached, face scrunched like a pink dough ball, Song Mian couldn’t resist cupping his cheeks.
Lin Zhi tilted back, eyes wide: “Library!”
More eyes turned their way.
Song Mian released him. Lin Zhi slunk away, tugging Song Mian’s arm to a secluded side of the library.
Song Mian leaned in again to hug Lin Zhi, pinching his cheeks. Just as Lin Zhi was about to protest, Song Mian spoke first. “That kind of drug has banned substances added to it. You can’t use it.”
Lin Zhi’s face instantly turned beet red. He lowered his head, pretending to be perfectly calm. “Oh.”
In reality, he wanted to bolt.
Song Mian pressed him. “What do you want that stuff for?”
Lin Zhi stayed silent.
Song Mian lowered his gaze. “Speak.”
Lin Zhi turned his head away stubbornly and refused to say a word.
Song Mian had noticed that ever since they’d broken through that windowpaper-thin barrier, Lin Zhi had become even more coquettish and adorable.
Song Mian pinched Lin Zhi’s earlobe again. “Tonight, I have to make a trip to S City. I won’t be able to watch over you, so don’t pull any stunts.”
Lin Zhi panicked. He let out an “ah” and looked at Song Mian anxiously. “When will you be back?”
Song Mian replied, “Earliest is Thursday.”
Thursday?
If he got back on Thursday, could they really manage seven times before 8 p.m.? Lin Zhi was done for.
Lin Zhi said seriously, “I want to go too.”
Song Mian’s voice turned low and husky. “Can’t bear to be apart from me?”
Lin Zhi grew even more serious. “No, it’s about taking responsibility for my own life. Take me with you.”
Song Mian studied Lin Zhi’s expression and let out a scoffing laugh. “Lin Zhi, you’re getting better and better at flirting these days.”
Lin Zhi was baffled.
“Fine.” Song Mian leaned in even closer.
Lin Zhi had a vague feeling that something was off. Then, suddenly, the back of his head was held firmly—he knew what was coming! But Song Mian dipped his head lightning-fast and brushed their lips together. Lin Zhi was pinned against the wall, tilting his head back as he was forced to accept Song Mian’s wanton kisses.
A moment later, Lin Zhi’s legs went weak. He wanted to escape, but Song Mian held him tightly in his arms. Things were much more low-key out in public, so Song Mian just glanced down.
Song Mian suppressed his other urges and pinched Lin Zhi’s dough-ball cheeks. “Still haven’t learned how to breathe during it?”
Lin Zhi sighed in exasperation. “sigh.*”
He hadn’t gotten hard, which proved he was straight. So why hadn’t Song Mian gotten hard either?
At that moment, the happiest entity was the Romance Survival System.
[Host, you’ve finally come around! This system did the math for you: three times tonight, four times tomorrow night, and rest the day after! If the male lead isn’t free tonight, then five times tomorrow night, and squeeze in two more during the day on Thursday! Don’t wait until evening—time might run short. Host, this mission is simple but tests your time management skills perfectly.]
Lin Zhi’s face burned red as he listened. He tried to compose himself and sound noble and resolute. “After the drug plan failed, I chose to charge toward my doom. System bro, I’m not giving up my straight guy’s dignity just yet!”
The Romance Survival System was puzzled. [Then why are you insisting on following the male lead?]
Lin Zhi’s gaze deepened mysteriously. “Not telling.”
The Romance Survival System tried to peek into Lin Zhi’s inner thoughts but only sensed an utterly blank mind.
