X
Join our Discord server and get release updates for every novel you follow.
Join the ServerIt was an overcast day.
Dim daylight filtered through the grimy windows as Ji Xiao woke in a strange room. The air carried a sickening, rotten stench.
He glanced around at the dirty, cluttered space, his brow furrowing in displeasure. Pushing himself up, he headed toward the bathroom.
Black Cat: “I suggest you don’t. The water here isn’t clean.”
Ji Xiao kept walking. “Well, I’ve got plenty of points saved up. Buy a bathtub, fill it with clean water. Thanks.”
Black Cat: “…” Fine.
While Ji Xiao bathed, the Black Cat transmitted the plot of this world to him.
It was an apocalypse.
No one knew what caused it or where it began.
All they knew was that overnight, the entire world seemed to mutate.
Some turned into disgusting, flesh-eating zombies. Others awakened various superpowers. And some remained unchanged—ordinary people.
Order collapsed.
Originally, the body belonged to Zhang Xiao, a huge star before the apocalypse. After the outbreak, he didn’t awaken any powers either. While fleeing with his crew, he was nearly killed by zombies, only to be saved by the security captain, Liang Qiujian.
This room belonged to neither Zhang Xiao nor Liang Qiujian.
Liang Qiujian had brought him back from the outskirts and taken over this empty house.
Now, Liang Qiujian had gone out to find food.
Liang Qiujian was a fan of Zhang Xiao. When Zhang Xiao’s agent approached the company to hire bodyguards, he had been ecstatic.
But then the apocalypse struck.
The crew fled in chaos and disorder.
One of the three bodyguards turned into a zombie; the other two, caught off guard, were infected by scratches.
Liang Qiujian immediately went to Zhang Xiao and took him away.
The world had changed.
Zhang Xiao was never a strong-willed man. He knew he had no abilities, and to survive, he needed a patron.
Liang Qiujian had awakened metal powers and was originally the security captain—skilled in both combat and abilities.
Zhang Xiao made a decision: win him over, body and soul, so Liang Qiujian would willingly protect and serve him.
But when they joined other convoys heading to a base, Liang Qiujian was scratched by a zombie while protecting Zhang Xiao.
He didn’t dare tell anyone, terrified that Zhang Xiao would be left without protection if he were cast out. He hoped he could pull through.
But Zhang Xiao discovered it and immediately exposed him, coldly watching as the others drove him out of the convoy.
Then Zhang Xiao quickly latched onto another convoy leader, Liang Bohui, having noticed Liang Bohui’s admiring glances long ago.
What Zhang Xiao didn’t expect was that Liang Qiujian survived and even developed a second power. When he happily went to the base to find Zhang Xiao, he saw Zhang Xiao and Liang Bohui frolicking together.
Enraged, Liang Qiujian tried to kill Liang Bohui, but Liang Bohui dragged Zhang Xiao down with him instead.
Black Cat comforted Ji Xiao: “Even though this world is dangerous, your task is simple—stick with Liang Qiujian before he dies, and just survive.”
Ji Xiao: “…”
Black Cat: “As long as he doesn’t die, you follow him, just coast through. After all, he’ll protect you with his life.”
“This is the dangerous world you mentioned?” Ji Xiao’s lips curled. “Just a bunch of rotting corpses.”
Black Cat: “…”
It wasn’t wrong, though.
Those who turned into zombies were the ones who couldn’t withstand the mutation and died, becoming zombies.
Later, those scratched or bitten by zombies also mutated because they couldn’t endure the energy surge and died, changing.
“But later on they evolve powers, gain intelligence. Don’t underestimate them. You have no powers; you might not win.”
Ji Xiao didn’t answer.
Black Cat: “Once you’re done washing, get dressed and go out. Liang Qiujian should be back soon.”
“Buy me a few sets of clean clothes. Take one out first.”
“…”
“You’ve followed me through worlds. You know my style. No flashy stuff.”
“…” Understood. Simple is best.
When Liang Qiujian returned, Ji Xiao had changed into clean black pants and a white T-shirt. His hair was still damp, dripping onto his shoulders, clearly soaking the fabric.
He sat on a chair, his fair, handsome face carrying a gentle smile.
Liang Qiujian’s expression changed. He dropped his backpack, stepped forward quickly, and grabbed Ji Xiao’s shoulders. He wanted to scold but couldn’t bear it, his voice strained:
“Can’t you… can’t you just bear it? The water now can infect you. Are you okay?”
At this point, Liang Qiujian and Zhang Xiao had just fled back to the city from the zombie attack on set.
Zhang Xiao hadn’t started seducing Liang Qiujian yet.
Liang Qiujian was still his fan—admiring him with fantasies, but not love, not daring to overstep.
Ji Xiao placed his hand over Liang Qiujian’s, his voice soft: “But I can’t stand being dirty anymore.”
Feeling Ji Xiao’s hand on his, Liang Qiujian’s rugged, resolute face froze for a moment. His palm was on Ji Xiao’s shoulder, the back of his hand covered by Ji Xiao’s.
He pulled his hand away, flustered inside. Celebrities like to look good, but the situation was special—water was contaminated. If he used it to bathe, he might get infected.
But before he could finish the thought, Ji Xiao reached out and hugged him.
Ji Xiao asked, “You’ll protect me, won’t you? Even if I become a zombie?”
If he became a zombie…
Following that thought, the ripples just rising in Liang Qiujian’s heart solidified into determination: “I won’t let you become a zombie!”
He loved cleanliness so much.
Even with the apocalypse, even with contaminated water, he still wanted to bathe.
If he turned into a zombie… Liang Qiujian placed his hand on Ji Xiao’s damp, soft hair, repeating, “I will never let you become a zombie.”
Ji Xiao hummed in acknowledgment, then lifted his head. “Captain, I’m hungry.”
The bodyguards had been hired by the agent before joining the crew.
Zhang Xiao hadn’t gotten to know them all, only remembered Captain Liang.
He couldn’t even recall Liang Qiujian’s name, so he simply called him “Captain.”
Liang Qiujian quickly picked up the backpack he’d dropped and opened it. “I found some good stuff today. Nothing expired. See if there’s anything you want to eat.”
Ji Xiao glanced at the contents—a mixed bag.
There were sausages, bread, snacks, and even milk.
“This must have been hard to come by, right? Are you hurt?”
Liang Qiujian stiffened, then said honestly, “Don’t worry. I did get injured, but not by a zombie.”
“Actually, after I bathed, I really did get infected. I had a bit of a fever.”
Ji Xiao shifted the topic abruptly, making Liang Qiujian forget everything else. He reached out to touch Ji Xiao’s forehead.
It was fine—normal temperature.
Ji Xiao smirked. “Then I got through it and awakened my powers.”
Liang Qiujian withdrew his hand. “That’s great. What kind of power?”
“I can get whatever I want out of thin air, but it comes at a cost. The more precious the thing, the greater the price.”
“…”
Liang Qiujian frowned. “What price?”
“I don’t know. I just know that when the power appeared, the concept came to me naturally.” Ji Xiao sighed softly. “Maybe health, maybe lifespan, maybe the soul…”
“Don’t use it.” Liang Qiujian’s face was solemn. “If you need food, I’ll find it. If you need to bathe, I’ll find a way. Anything you want, if I can give it, I will. So don’t use your power.”
Ji Xiao said innocently, “But I already used it earlier.”
“Then don’t use it again. Are you feeling unwell?”
“Not yet. Even if my lifespan shortened, I wouldn’t know.” Ji Xiao stood up. “I changed the water and got clean clothes. They’re in the bathroom. You go wash up.”
“You…”
“Go on. You stink.”
“…”
Liang Qiujian headed to the bathroom.
Ji Xiao watched him close the door, then walked to the balcony, lit a cigarette, and gazed at the desolate street below, his expression cool.
Black Cat whispered, “Host, what angle are you playing? This feels weird.”
Ji Xiao took a drag, the cigarette held loosely between his fingers. [Don’t ask.]
Black Cat: “I’ve analyzed it. Liang Qiujian is rugged and strong, a tough-guy type. Your body is a delicate, pretty little star… So, are you going for the ‘delicate wife’ route, getting the tough guy to protect you?”
[Curious?]
“Yeah!”
[Piss off.]
Ji Xiao thought this Black Cat had no tact.
Black Cat: “Wah, I guessed wrong. No need to be so mean.”
[Do I look like the delicate wife type?]
“No, but you act it well.”
[Alright, shut up.]
Ji Xiao finished his cigarette, returned to the living room, and looked at the dirty room. He closed his eyes.
[Get me a luxury off-road RV.]
“Are you sure? That’s expensive.”
[Buy it.]
“Fine.”
…
When Liang Qiujian came out of the shower, he had changed out of his uniform into black pants and a white T-shirt, matching Ji Xiao’s.
The difference was that Ji Xiao’s clothes fit perfectly.
Liang Qiujian’s, on the other hand, were tight against his body.
Ji Xiao: “…”
After all, the clothes were bought in Ji Xiao’s size.
Ji Xiao had a good figure—handsome face, slender build, with the faint outline of abdominal muscles.
But Liang Qiujian was powerfully built.
Though he managed to squeeze into the outfit, it felt like a second skin.
“They’re a bit small. Let me get you a new—”
“No need.” Liang Qiujian cut him off, serious. “You said getting anything comes at a cost. Don’t use it recklessly.”
“A set of clothes shouldn’t cost much…”
“No. No matter how small the price, I don’t want you to pay it. I’ll wash these with the bathwater and wear them once they’re dry.”
“…Fine.”
Liang Qiujian looked at the backpack on the floor. “You haven’t eaten?”
Before Ji Xiao could answer, he took out a loaf of bread and a carton of milk and handed them over.
“I know you’re used to a good life and this change is hard. Just bear with it for now, okay? I’ll try to make you comfortable.”
Ji Xiao took them, meeting his earnest gaze. Curious, he asked, “Why are you so good to me?”
Liang Qiujian: “…” He averted his eyes, unable to meet Ji Xiao’s gaze.
How could he say it?
He wasn’t just his fan—he was a ‘boyfriend fan’.
He had fantasized about that kind of relationship.
Even before, when he realized his orientation, he had fantasies about others.
But after becoming Zhang Xiao’s fan, he almost never fantasized about anyone else.
“Because, because I’m your fan…”
Ji Xiao pressed, “A fan of my acting?”
Liang Qiujian lowered his head. “A fan of your looks.”
Honest.
Ji Xiao moved closer. “Only ever a fan of me?”
Liang Qiujian felt a twinge of guilt but didn’t want to lie. He hesitated. “I was a fan of others too.”
“Then now? While being my fan, are you also a fan of others?”
“Only you.” After all, the apocalypse had wiped out other celebrities.
Only this one remained.
Ji Xiao chuckled softly, then embraced him. “Thank you for being my fan.”
Whether it was the scent of the soap or the shampoo, Liang Qiujian caught the fragrance from Ji Xiao’s neck, and his eyes darkened.
“Eat first.”
Ji Xiao hummed in agreement, nodded, let him go, and held out both hands.
Liang Qiujian took the items, opened the packaging, and inserted the straw for him.
With bread in one hand and milk in the other, Ji Xiao ate while occasionally glancing at Liang Qiujian, who was munching on a sausage.
He didn’t know how it had gone in the original plot.
But after some probing, Ji Xiao could deduce…
Liang Qiujian liked men and was a looks-obsessed.
Zhang Xiao had managed to lure him, and Zhang Xiao’s handsome face and perfect figure played a huge role.
At the same time, Liang Qiujian was a man who couldn’t lie, was straightforward, and had a strong sense of responsibility.
“Actually, I just exchanged for something more expensive.”
“!”
Liang Qiujian jerked his head up, staring at him.
“I can get a car. You—”
“It’s already done. Let’s go down and take a look, okay?”
“…”
“Captain~”
“…”
Liang Qiujian had no choice but to take him downstairs. “Stay close. I cleared some zombies around here, but there are definitely still some.”
“Okay.”
When they saw the luxury RV, the veins on Liang Qiujian’s forehead bulged. “You—”
“That house is so dirty. I want to sleep in the RV tonight. Captain, go check it out.”
“…”
Liang Qiujian looked at the opulent RV with its soft, high-end-looking bed, then at Ji Xiao’s handsome face and clear eyes. His stomach churned. He said earnestly,
“Brother Zhang, don’t use your power casually anymore. You’re draining your own life, understand? I—”
“Drop the ‘Zhang’.” Ji Xiao smirked. “Just call me.”
“…Brother.”
Black Cat: “…” Painful to watch.
Had the host turned into some kind of switch after Chen Shuhui? He liked hearing people call him “brother”?
The problem was, given his current build, Liang Qiujian should be the older one, right?
The adventure continues! If you loved this chapter, This Card Cannot Be Removed is a must-read. Click here to start!
Read : This Card Cannot Be Removed
If You Notice any translation issues or inconsistency in names, genders, or POV etc? Let us know here in the comments or on our Discord server, and we’ll fix it in current and future chapters. Thanks for helping us to improve! 🙂