LNTSWJLY Chapter 46

#JiXingyuPassesAway#

#YuZhiDiesForLove#

#CruiseIncident#

#ShanhaiGroupApologizes#

Early in the morning, netizens habitually reached for their phones. Soon enough, one shocking bombshell after another hit, completely rocking the internet.

At first, many refused to believe it. But when they checked Weibo and saw the official announcements from the police, disbelief was no longer an option.

Qingcheng Police (v): ⟬ Yesterday (Month X, Day X), the police received a report of terrorists aboard the XX cruise ship on the sea… ⟭

The police didn’t just outline the report; they also disclosed the casualties. Though only surnames were given, netizens’ detective skills are legendary. Using tiny clues, they quickly pieced together the identities of those involved. And then the internet truly erupted.

Every single one of the victims was a major industry figure with significant influence. The sudden deaths of so many prominent people set off a frenzy of speculation online.

But when Yu Zhi and Ji Xingyu’s identities were revealed, this wasn’t just a shockwave, it was an earthquake leveling mountains.

The news even spread internationally.

Countless platforms crashed under the traffic, only returning to normal after an hour of emergency maintenance.

As users finally re-logged onto Weibo, the police had already posted an update specifically about Ji Xingyu and Yu Zhi. With too many inquiries and the situation spiraling out of control, authorities needed to clarify or perhaps redirect public attention so they officially explained the cause of death for the two.

Of course, this was also necessary because they were the only two among the victims not killed directly by the terrorists.

Netizens quickly learned: Ji Xingyu had died from a venomous snake bite, while Yu Zhi had leaped into the sea and died.

That day, countless people took leave from work or school. Millions clutched their phones, crying uncontrollably.

 ⟦ Impossible, impossible, impossible!!! Fake, fake!!! Someone tell me this isn’t real!!! How could my Film Emperor be dead?! It must be a dream! A nightmare!! ⟧

 ⟦ I was just watching 《The Chronicles of Imperial Court》and saw Prince Lang die on-screen, crying my eyes out, and then the news pushed me to Weibo. Why did I see Yu Zhi die on TV, and now in real life too? This can’t be real, right? It just can’t be! ⟧

 ⟦ Boo-hoo… I don’t accept this! He was fine yesterday! Brother Ji just posted on Weibo saying he wanted to confess to someone. How could he just vanish overnight??? Even a joke isn’t this cruel!!! ⟧

⟦ Um… I even saw the post where the Film Emperor said he would confessed. At the time, I thought, no way, I won’t accept that unknown sister-in-law easily, I wouldn’t be happy. Who knew today… if I’d known, I would have just wished him well. I wish them longevity, peace, and happiness! ⟧

⟦ So the Film Emperor’s gone… what about the person he liked? Did he successfully confess last night? If he did, and the next day they’re gone… what am I supposed to do? My heart can’t take it! Boo-hoo… ⟧

⟦ Upstairs, don’t worry. Because that person already went with him.⟧

⟦ What do you mean, upstairs?!!! ⟧

⟦ Ji Xingyu’s body sank into the sea. Yu Zhi, after being rescued, jumped again and died. When they pulled them both out, they were together… inseparable. Haven’t you understood that from the news? ⟧

⟦ You mean, the Film Emperor died, and Yu Zhi, even after being saved, jumped into the sea to die with him? Oh my god! Dying for love… this is too surreal! ⟧

⟦ Surreal my foot! I’d rather they were fine, living happily together. We’d totally support and bless them. Why do this? Did they think my tears weren’t enough? Or that my heart was too soft and needed a pain check? ⟧

⟦ Boo-hoo… Yu Zhi… Until now, I never believed in a love where you live and die together. Now I do! But I wish I didn’t… ⟧

The online sentiment shifted slowly. From initial shock and disbelief, it took netizens and fans a full two days to come to terms with the deaths of the two.

In the face of their act of dying for love, anyone who tried to criticize or attack them for being homosexual fell silent. Any bold attempt to speak against them would trigger thousands of angry responses online.

True love renders gender irrelevant.

Moreover, now that both were gone, anyone daring to speak ill would be publicly condemned by fans and netizens alike.

Online, a massive wave of people mourned and blessed Ji Xingyu and Yu Zhi. Even knowing the two could no longer see it, knowing they were gone, people persisted, hoping they would be happy together in the next life.

If Ji Xingyu’s death brought shock and sorrow, Yu Zhi’s act of following him in death brought shock and awe.

Humans are emotional creatures; who doesn’t love a beautiful, moving love story? But reality usually falls victim to the mundane pressures of daily life. That’s why people yearn for the kind of passionate, sincere romance found in novels.

And now… it had become reality.

The internet was awash in tears, many grieving deeply for the two.

CP fans were utterly shattered. They had only been indulging in a ship; who could have imagined that overnight, the ship would become reality, and then both protagonists would die? What had they done wrong?

While a ship coming true is normally a joy, for it to materialize only to vanish immediately made them wish it had never come true at all.

Everything must be a lie. Ji Xingyu and Yu Zhi didn’t die. They were still the happy CP for the fans.

Yet, facts are facts. After denial came acceptance, and fans held an online together in life, together in death funeral for the pair, crying and quietly sending blessings.

Not long after, 《Evolution》 officially premiered.

As the posthumous work of Ji Xingyu and Yu Zhi, and with the two still portrayed as a couple in the film, 《Evolution》 became a hit even before its release, immediately generating massive anticipation.

Once it hit theaters, almost every ticket sold out within minutes. Cinemas had no choice but to increase showings to meet the overwhelming demand.

As a sci-fi blockbuster, 《Evolution》 was already a high-quality film, with exquisite production and detailed special effects. But the added factor, that it was the posthumous collaboration of the Ji Xingyu–Yu Zhi couple, drew countless fans to the theaters.

Audiences watched as Yi An transformed from a human into a regenerated human, then, after shedding unnecessary emotions, into a machine cloaked in human skin.

They watched as his lover relentlessly pursued him, only to be mercilessly abandoned by Yi An, witnessing the lover’s heartbreak at Yi An’s transformation.

His lover could no longer tell whether the current Yi An was still the person he loved. Yet he loved him regardless; beyond pursuit, there was no other path.

Yi An had convinced the world, turning all humans into a regenerated human, granting them immortality.

Only his lover refused.

He did not want immortality. He refused to become a regenerated human like Yi An.

Yi An could not understand why. Immortality, the very thing humans had dreamed of since ancient times, why would this one person reject it?

“Do you think that becoming a regenerated human means you are no longer human? That this world will be ruled by monsters like me, is that why you refuse?”

“But have you considered that since the universe was born and Earth was nurtured, humans haven’t always ruled? Evolution is the natural path of the world. Humans once held the upper hand, now regenerated humans take over. This is merely a part of that inevitable process.”

“I am a regenerated human, yet I possess reason. I can calculate, I can maintain this world. How am I different from humans?”

“Perhaps in the future, others will replace us just as we replaced humans. I am willing to accept that day’s arrival.”

As a regenerated human, he wielded absolute reason and logic, convinced that his actions merely followed destiny.

Evolution, in his view, carried no notions of right or wrong. It was only inevitable.

Yet his lover looked at him, shaking his head with a gentle smile:

“Do you think I refuse to become a regenerated human because I do not acknowledge you, or because I see you as outsiders?”

Yi An frowned. “Isn’t that the case?” If not this, then what else could it be?

His lover reached out, tracing the familiar contours of Yi An’s face, identical to the person he once knew. The warmth was the same as before.

“No. You are wrong.”

“I do not refuse to become one of you because of rejection. I refuse because I do not want to forget the feeling of loving you.”

Yi An froze. Since his transformation into a regenerated human, he had never encountered such a glitch, as if his core had failed to issue commands, leaving him dumbstruck.

His lover quietly shed tears, eyes overflowing with love as they gazed at Yi An.

“Yi An, you’ve forgotten how to love me. I don’t blame you.”

“But you have no right to make me forget the feeling of loving you.”

A blade pierced his own heart. His lover, bleeding, still smiled, his body collapsing softly into Yi An’s arms, their clothes and skin soaked in blood.

For the first time, confusion and helplessness flickered in Yi An’s eyes. He seemed unable to comprehend why his lover had done this.

At the brink of death, his lover still gazed weakly at him, his bloodied hand trying, though failing, to caress Yi An’s face one last time.

With a look of tender pity, he murmured, “I’m sorry… I’ll have to leave you alone. Though… perhaps you don’t need me anyway…”

He twisted his lips in a faint grimace, his eyes showing pity, though it was unclear for whom it was meant.

“It’s snowing…”

“So beautiful… such a shame… I won’t see it again…”

Snow fell silently; the world held its breath.

When the film premiered, audiences wept once more, uncontrollably.

In reality, the two had perished. In the film, their love was left incomplete. The heartbreak mirrored, almost replayed, the anguish of hearing the news of their deaths.

《Evolution》 had relatively few romantic scenes, but those it did have were painted in vivid, unforgettable strokes. These moments became the centerpiece of the film. Coupled with the audience’s knowledge of Yu Zhi and Ji Xingyu’s moving real-life story, all other aspects of the movie were overshadowed. Online discussions surged, and the film became a viral sensation.

《Evolution》 achieved global acclaim, and Yu Zhi, as the male lead, rose to worldwide fame alongside Ji Xingyu and the story of their love.

Even in death, Yu Zhi had fulfilled the narrative of the original owner achieving monumental success, but half of that fame owed itself to the story he shared with Ji Xingyu.

Fans and audiences, no matter their country, whispered their silent blessings:

May heaven have you. May all lovers in the next life find happiness together.

………………

Capital City, Yangliu House

As the largest brothel in the capital, Yangliu House was bustling every night, teeming with guests like clouds gathering in the sky, a scene of unparalleled liveliness.

The mingling scent of incense and fragrant powders lingered in every corner, leaving no place to escape.

Yu Zhi, still regaining consciousness, immediately caught a whiff of the rich, cloying sweetness that hit him like a physical force, nearly causing him to faint.

“Honored guest, Ying Feng just arrived here and is still inexperienced. She might have offended you. She hasn’t formally received visitors yet, so perhaps she hasn’t met your expectations. Allow me a few days to teach her properly, and you may visit again. Would that be acceptable?” a woman’s voice spoke kindly, smoothing over the tension.

At the same time, several men’s raucous voices reached his ears.

“How can you run things so carelessly, old matron? Do you know who is before you today? That is none other than Prince Ying’s heir! If your little girl were to catch his eye, it would be a fortune beyond measure!”

“Exactly! Step aside, everyone. Don’t ruin the wedding night for the heir!”

A group of men laughed shamelessly, while the matron’s heart secretly raced.

Yu Zhi had just opened his eyes, only to find a heavily made-up woman pressed into his embrace, the other hand reaching for a place that should not be touched.

Yu Zhi: “……”

He was about to push away, casually glancing at this person, but with just one look, he could not turn his eyes elsewhere.

Moments ago, he had been holding that body beneath the sea; now, suddenly, he saw her again. Though the appearance was different, Yu Zhi’s soul recognized her instantly.

It was her.

The person before him, right here.

In an instant, the familiar pang of heartache surged through him, and unknowingly, his eyes reddened.

His reflex was to pull her tightly into his embrace, but the next moment, a tremendous force slammed into his chest, shaking him to the core, blood surging within.

His body, as if riddled with holes, coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood!

The woman, who believed she hadn’t used much force: “……”

Was he… dealing with a professional scammer?

Yu Zhi forced a bitter smile.

Could it be that after chasing him so desperately in his past two lives, the anger and frustration accumulated to the point that she would injure him upon first sight?

It didn’t seem entirely impossible.

Dizzy and on the verge of losing consciousness, he still gripped the woman’s wrist tightly, forcing out a few words with effort:

“Don’t… leave…”

Then, collapsing, he fell against the woman, utterly unconscious.

Woman: “……”

Those nearby were instantly alarmed. Several of Yu Zhi’s playboy friends immediately pointed at her, shouting, “You, did you hurt the heir?!”

Woman: “……” Not me, don’t say that!

“My… my lady…”

He was about to gather his wits and respond when a few ruffians forcibly accused her:

“Ha! Refusing the heir might be one thing, but you even dare to harm him?! The heir himself said you’re not allowed to leave! If he doesn’t wake up today, don’t even think about running away!”

Ridiculous. If anything happened to Prince Ying’s heir, the first ones to be held accountable would be these wealthy libertines who played around with Yu Zhi. Someone had to answer for it, and if this woman escaped, wouldn’t they bear the blame instead?

So, no matter how the matron pleaded, the woman was forcibly kept in Yu Zhi’s room, forbidden to leave.

The group of libertines agreed to summon a physician but had no intention of staying, they simply left some servants behind to guard the door, ensuring the woman could not escape.

Watching Yu Zhi asleep on the bed, Ying Qingzhu’s eyes flickered with a trace of disdain and impatience.

Had he known today would bring such trouble, there was no way he would have left the palace.

Unfortunately, hindsight offered no mercy.

The matron whispered, “There’s a secret passage in the room. Perhaps I could escort you out?”

Ying Qingzhu shook his head. “Don’t alert the snake; it would only reveal our hand.”

As far as he knew, this Prince Ying’s heir was nothing more than a frivolous wastrel, unlikely to notice anything. But if he discovered the impersonation, it might actually draw his attention, and if word leaked, Ying Qingzhu himself might be exposed.

The matron lamented, “I am sorry for troubling you!”

“What if this person forces themselves?” she fretted.

Ying Qingzhu’s gaze darkened. “I will find a way.”

The matron felt slightly reassured. If her master said so, then he surely had a plan.

With no other choice, she had to leave the room; lingering too long would only arouse suspicion.

Ying Qingzhu walked to the bedside, his eyes fixed on the unconscious man lying there.

Prince Ying’s heir, Yu Zhi, had a reputation that spread far and wide in the capital, but unfortunately, it was far from honorable.

A libertine and a rake, he slept with one flower after another, leading a life of indulgence.

Though handsome, he was nothing but a gilded wastrel, prompting countless people to sigh in disappointment that the illustrious Prince Ying had such a son.

Yet no one doubted the blood relation between father and son. Yu Zhi inherited about seventy percent of his father’s features, a face perfectly blending the best of both parents’ appearances, so exquisitely handsome it was mesmerizing.

Ying Qingzhu forced himself to look away from that exquisitely beautiful, otherworldly face.

From his sleeve, he produced a pinch of powder, no bigger than the space between his fingernails, and stirred it into a teacup.

The medicine was potent, just this tiny amount could render a normal adult man incapacitated for an entire month.

When the physician arrived to examine Yu Zhi, he would merely claim that the nobleman was weak, that the recent excitement had disturbed his vital energy, and that proper rest and care would restore him.

Not long after the physician left, Yu Zhi, now dosed with the powder, gradually stirred awake.

The moment he opened his eyes, he saw the woman from before, heavily made up just prior to his collapse, standing by the bed, dutifully offering him tea and water.

“Noble Sir, I did not act deliberately today. If it has harmed you in any way, it is entirely my fault,” Ying Qingzhu said, tears welling. He had not looked in a mirror, but he imagined the paint-smeared, grotesque mask he now wore. If he could speak so freely even in such a state, he had to admire this person’s nerve.

“You just woke, surely you are thirsty. I am here to serve you water.” He held the teacup, intending to feed Yu Zhi, who simply watched silently. He did not resist or move, allowing the servant to attend to him as though he were wandering in a dream.

Ying Qingzhu frowned. Was this man stupid?

Watching the water flow into Yu Zhi’s mouth, his anger gradually ebbed. People like this… deserved their impotence.

Yu Zhi’s mind had not yet fully returned from his previous life. Seeing Ying Qingzhu now, he knew he was not remembered, but his heart recognized him as his lover.

Memories of the previous life surged at once, emotions rushing over him uncontrollably.

Guilt, heartache, tender concern… and love, long suppressed for a lifetime, now boiling and threatening to overwhelm him.

His soul trembled violently.

The impulse to leap into the sea from his past life surged again, uncontrollable. He yanked Ying Qingzhu into his arms, disregarding the paint-smeared mess on his face, and kissed him fiercely…

The tea, not yet swallowed, mingled between their lips, flowing and entangling with each breath and instinctive swallow.

Ying Qingzhu: “……”

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