Being an Extra Actor in an Escape Game

Soon enough, Lin Qin is at X Beijins bookstore.

He already has free access to the residence, so he doesnt need to wait until X Beijin is at home, as X Beijin gave him the privilege a rather long time ago.

As one of the owners of this bookstore now, Lin Qin actually hasnt even been back at his own residence for a long time.

X Beijin can see that, on the control panel, a shiny glowing name of Lin Qin follows right after the Bookstore (Bottom floor) entry.

Its quite fascinating, really.

When he first met Lin Qin, he thought the young man was unreasonable and a nuisance. Why would someone so insist on fighting with him for so many times?

No matter how many times he refused him, too. Lin Qin was stubborn. Then he started to buy drinks to appeal to him, and inserts himself into his dry, monochromatic life

All the little details add up, narrowing the distance between them.

Regardless, it seems the moment Lin Qin noticed X Beijin, their futures were destined to intertwine.

Theyre both special in the Tower, and special in a way only the other one understands.

X Beijin cant help but feel something tugging at his chest thinking so.

After the momentary distraction, he uses the control panel to first lock up his Nightmare, so that no one can enter.

Its a shame he can only lock his own Nightmare, because he is technically the Server right now, so he can lock up his, Iros, Nightmare.

The Server doesnt have the authority to shut down Nightmares of other Tower residents. Its the games own rules.

Only when X Beijin has such a special identity, plus NE being asleep, does it mean that he will be able to let himself have a good sleep by exploiting the situation.

Then, X Beijin modifies the setup of the top floor a little, giving himself an isolated space with a window

Unlike NE, he would rather not sleep somewhere with only walls and a feeling of confinement and emptiness.

There is a bed by the windows side, and only a rolling grey fog makes up the scenery outside.

But fortunately, X Beijins state of mind has changed.

Once, the grey fog was only home to their lost companions.

Now, the grey fog is also home to an NE

Thinking so, X Beijin cant help but want to laugh at NEs expense.

An AI? Hah. You still have to deal with useless, junk data.

Though, junk data, huh

X Beijins smile fades, and he sighs.

He goes to bugger Lin Qin with more conversation instead rather than continuing to wallow in his thoughts.

Finally, he has a chance to have a good, long talk with Lin Qin. He told him what happened in the past, what faces humanity now, and what he talked about with NE. Then, after some consideration, he tells Lin Qin about his memories.

Do you want to remember the past?

X Beijin is lying on his bed right now, and so is Lin Qin.

X Beijin can feel sleepiness threatening to drag him deep down, but hes still staving it off for now to ask Lin Qin.

Lin Qin mumbles something.

What? X Beijin asks, I couldnt hear.

Ill do what you want, Lin Qin says, it doesnt matter to me.

X Beijins sleepiness is gone in an instant. He explains, but its your own past.

I dont think of it as my past, Lin Qin says earnestly, that is no longer my past. I dont know what Ill be like with the memory back.

X Beijin is quiet.

Hes also worrying about that. Hes worriedLin Qin with his memories back, would become unfamiliar. What if, Lin Qin no longer likes him once he regains his memories?

But that line of thought is quite selfish, thinks Lin Qin. He should trust Lin Qin more, instead of being so self-centred.

Lin Qin is clearly aware of the possibility as well.

Its quite true he might not desire to remember his past either. Its something thats already not him. The old Lin Qin has already died.

X Beijin is quiet for long enough that he feels like he should say something.

Lin Qin is the first to break the silence, though, I dont especially want my memories back, he continues, frankly, I feel pretty good like this, being with youAnd the others, but mainly you. To work together for success.

I think its quite pleasant to me already. If my memories came back, it might just throw a wrench in things.

X Beijin isnt sure what to say to that.

Finally, Lin Qin concludes, with a pretty cheerful tone, we can talk about it after were done saving the world. Oh, and Beijin, you can also help me see what the memories are like, first.

X Beijin is surprised, and awkwardly says, what do you even mean help you see the memories first

I trust you.

X Beijin falls silent once again.

Lin Qin quietly adds, if you think that, youll still like me with my memories back, then Ill take them. If you dont like the me in my memories, then not.

X Beijin furrows his brows, explaining, Lin Qin, I cant Its your own memories. You cant just judge it off of whatIlike

But Im happy to, Lin Qin refutes, my world has always been blank, and youve said it as well. Youre my entire worldIts all you, you and me.

Its good enough for me, so I dont really care about my past memories.

He is really thinking of it like that.

X Beijins lips tremble a little.

He wants to tell him, the Lin Qin right now doesnt know about all the grandeur in the world;

He is only someone living in this closed, myopic game world. Only an NPC.

X Beijin really doesnt want to describe Lin Qin like that, but it is truly an apt description.

Right now, at a moment in time when there is true hope they can leave the Tower, X Beijin wishes that Lin Qins world could be more colourful.

He never thought about it this way before, having both been long-time prisoners of the Tower, when it would be delusional; however, now, its different.

Even if theres still a possibility neither of them could leave the Tower.

X Beijin is smiling somewhat bitterly.

Lin Qin can hear his loves self-mocking smile. He knows his love is thinking pessimistically again.

He says, never mind all that. Well think about memories and stuff after weve saved the worldNo, I mean, after weve finished unserious business.

X Beijin, speechless, asks, is that all you think about every day now?

Because I want to be closer to you, Lin Qin says quite literally, to be negative in distance.

X Beijins face is burning up. Thank goodness no one can see him hear. Giving up all pretensions of courtesy, he just says, sure.

Lin Qin immediately sits back up from his bed, but then morosely says, but youre not on the bottom floor right now.

X Beijin sounds quite amused, thats why, it is unsuitable to engage in unserious business right now.

Lin Qin

Is it fun to tease him like that?!

Falling back onto the bed with a thump, sulking angrily for a bit, he dryly says, good night

X Beijin chuckles again, and replies, good night.

This has perhaps been the most relaxing and peaceful night hes spent since entering the Tower.

However, when he wakes up the next day, hell still have to face much more pressing issues.