A Tale of Changing Gongs

Ten years ago, a disaster struck, causing species to mutate, plunging the world into chaos. Two teenagers depended on each other for survival — and, against the odds, fell in love. In order to save Ye Lanzhou, Chu Chenli sustained life threatening injuries and fell into a coma for 10 years. But when he awoke, it was to a new world. One that, along with his former lover, had become unfamiliar.

During the missing years, Ye Lanzhou became a revered leader, surrounded by others, leaving no room for Chu Chenli and no time to provide him with comfort or companionship. Chu Chenli didn’t adapt well to this new world, but he didn’t mind. All he wanted to do was to stay with his lover.

Until the hospital was attacked by mutant creatures, and the recently awakened Chu Chenli was too weak to fight back. In an attempt to save others, he became a hostage. Ye Lanzhou rescued him, but couldn’t help blurting out:

“Can you not be a burden?”

Chu Chenli remained silent for a long time.

“Okay.”

A mere few days after awakening, he disappeared from Ye Lanzhou’s world.

He never had the chance to tell Ye Lanzhou how his resolve to see him again had allowed him to escape after ten years, surviving countless near-death experiences in that cruel, infinite world to return to reality.

Along with him, there was a companion that he experienced life and death with.

In the dark night, Chu Chenli dragged his injured body off the high floor of the hospital, leaping off and crashing into the embrace of that long-time companion of his. Mu Yanshen caught him readily, whispering into his ear with a light laugh, “Li-ge, I’ve come to marry you.”

Chu Chenli closed his eyes and ruffled his hair, saying, “Don’t joke around.”

Mu Yanshen just smiled. “Just kidding.”

It was much later when Chu Chenli realized that he wasn’t joking—

Mu Yanshen was capable of deceiving the whole world, but wouldn’t lie to him.

–

When Ye Lanzhou met Chu Chenli again, he was in the middle of a mission, surrounded by monsters, having accidentally fallen into a trap.

Just as he thought he was done for, Chu Chenli descended from the sky.

After narrowly escaping from death, memories of their past intimacy flooded back to Ye Lanzhou. However, this time, Chu Chenli didn’t sacrifice himself to protect him as he had in the past. Instead, he stood next to his companion, regarding him as he would a stranger.

Ye Lanzhou looked up and met a cold gaze.

Mu Yanshen leaned on Chu Chenli with an air of practiced intimacy, gaze towards Ye Lanzhou as sharp as a knife, as if silently declaring:

“He’s mine.”