Pretending to Be an Alpha in an All-Alpha Boy Band - Chapter 103
Chapter 103: Concern
“I’m no longer young, while your life has only just begun.”
“If I want your affection, I must pay the price.”
Though Yu Sijing had never been in love, he understood a fundamental truth: to earn someone’s love, one must offer sincere dedication and prove it through tangible actions.
Not mere words.
Before this, Yu Sijing had never loved another person, nor had he ever considered marriage or having children. His adoptive parents, enlightened and understanding, believed that life’s fulfillment didn’t depend on marriage, and that a hasty union would be irresponsible to both partners.
While his parents supported him, Yu Sijing couldn’t escape the relentless pressure from conservative elders who insisted he marry. He finally declared bluntly that he was A-same, attracted only to Alphas.
Without any preamble or warning, the dining table fell into dead silence. The younger generation stared, their eyes wide as saucers, incredulous that he would reveal such a truth so directly!
The elders who had been pushing for marriage froze, their teacups clattering to the floor. Their expressions were a mixture of shock and hesitation, their mouths opening and closing, searching for the right words that never came.
Yu Sijing knew that from that day forward, they would never pressure him about marriage again.
What had originally been a casual remark to appease his elders had unexpectedly come true. For the first time, Yu Sijing found himself drawn to someone—and that someone was another male Alpha.
It was the first time Yu Sijing had ever felt such a strong desire to be close to someone.
From the very first glance, he’d yearned for it desperately.
“So… may I?” the Alpha murmured, his voice lowered in hesitant request, his gaze steady yet burning with intensity.
Yuan Shiyuan had plenty of experience being confessed to by Alphas, but Yu Sijing’s exceptional status—his frequent investments in entertainment industry projects and potential business ties to Yuan Shiyuan’s company—made this situation unique.
After a moment’s careful consideration, he offered a tactful reply: “CEO Yu, I appreciate your kindness. But I’m an Alpha.”
“Gender doesn’t matter,” Yu Sijing countered, his gaze unwavering. “I don’t care about gender. What matters is whether I can love you.”
“Shiyuan… may I?”
The Alpha’s voice carried the deep, husky timbre unique to mature men. When he spoke Yuan Shiyuan’s name, Yuan Shiyuan felt an inexplicable unease, a sense of discomfort he couldn’t quite explain.
“I’m sorry, I’m not A-same,” Yuan Shiyuan replied. He smiled at the Alpha. “Let’s be friends, okay?”
Yu Sijing smiled back. “Alright, I’ll do as you say.”
Yu Sijing was a shrewd man, and Yuan Shiyuan’s reaction was precisely what he had anticipated. Yuan Shiyuan seemed to have a cadre of fiercely loyal but notoriously infamous Alpha fans, whom other fans regarded as no different from rabid dogs.
Yuan Shiyuan’s classmates had even posted online accounts of witnessing Alphas pursuing and harassing him in real life.
Given such experiences, it was no wonder Yuan Shiyuan struggled to warm up to Alpha suitors. Not to mention, most Alphas were unwilling to accept AA relationships.
I rushed things too quickly, Yu Sijing sighed inwardly. He had planned to play the long game, but the usually composed strategist had lost his composure entirely in Yuan Shiyuan’s presence.
He had spilled his heart out after only a few words—utterly foolish.
But thankfully, he still had a chance.
Yuan Shiyuan’s offer of friendship was the perfect opportunity.
“Since we’re friends now, it’s only natural I’d prepare a birthday gift for you, right?” Yu Sijing presented a small square box. “Little Gu and I have been working on it for quite some time.”
“Would you accept this as a token of our affection?”
When the small square box was opened, it revealed a rare, uncut pink diamond.
“You can have it cut into any shape you desire.”
Yu Sijing tentatively placed the box in Yuan Shiyuan’s palm. His broad hand brushed against Yuan Shiyuan’s wrist, the cold metal of his mechanical watch gently scraping against Yuan Shiyuan’s sports watch. At that moment of skin-to-skin contact, his fingertips paused almost imperceptibly.
Seeing Yuan Shiyuan didn’t withdraw his hand, Yu Sijing gently closed Yuan Shiyuan’s fingers around the box. The movement was delicate, yet the way he closed Yuan Shiyuan’s hand betrayed the inherent possessiveness of an S-rank Alpha.
Though the Alpha’s request carried a hint of assertive possessiveness, his voice softened to a near-whisper.
“Please don’t refuse me, okay?”
Yuan Shiyuan felt a headache coming on, but ultimately decided to accept the gift.
He found Yu Sijing reasonably agreeable, and becoming friends would be ideal. He lowered his gaze to the childish square box in his palm, his expression gradually softening.
Yuan Shiyuan could easily imagine Gu Weiyuan painstakingly crafting it by hand.
Yet the pink diamond resting quietly inside the box had come from the boy’s nominal father.
This father and son pair… they really are something.
If Yu Sijing had presented an expensive jewelry box from the start, Yuan Shiyuan would have undoubtedly refused. But this small, square box, clearly handmade and slightly rough around the edges, lowered Yuan Shiyuan’s guard, and he accepted it without suspicion.
Little did he know, it held a hidden surprise—a raw, uncut pink diamond Yu Sijing had prepared.
Should I find a chance to return the favor with a gift? Yuan Shiyuan wondered uncertainly.
Yu Sijing was a busy man. After meeting Yuan Shiyuan, his secretary rushed over with a laptop.
With his extensive part-time work experience, Yuan Shiyuan immediately recognized that the secretary had urgent business with Yu Sijing.
Very urgent business, indeed.
Yet Yu Sijing remained composed, bidding farewell with gentlemanly grace. He picked up his coat, which Yuan Shiyuan had creased while sitting on the bench, and put it on with practiced ease.
Had Yuan Shiyuan not been so observant, he likely wouldn’t have realized that Yu Sijing had squeezed time out of his hectic schedule to meet him and personally deliver the birthday gift.
He carefully closed the small square box and tucked it into his pocket.
Turning around, Yuan Shiyuan had barely taken a few steps when he spotted a tall Alpha standing in the shadows at the corner ahead.
“Captain?” Yuan Shiyuan paused, then approached him. “When did you get here?”
“Have you finished recording your part of the trial footage?”
“My part’s done.” Pei Yanbing glanced at Yuan Shiyuan, then added softly, “You were gone for quite a while.”
Pei Yanbing had come looking for Yuan Shiyuan only to find him talking with another Alpha.
The glass door muffled their conversation, making it difficult to hear. But he recognized the expression on the suited Alpha’s face—a look all too familiar.
Though Pei Yanbing knew he had no right to interfere, seeing another Alpha making advances toward Yuan Shiyuan still made his heart sink.
Despite this, he remained nearby, afraid someone might stumble upon the scene or snap photos, which could tarnish Yuan Shiyuan’s reputation.
Only after the Alpha left did he approach.
As he drew closer, Yuan Shiyuan’s faint fragrance wafted into the air.
Pei Yanbing struggled for a long moment to steady his breathing. Finally, he asked cautiously, “Can I hug you?”
“May I?”
“Of course.”
Yuan Shiyuan generously opened his arms, only to be pulled into a tight embrace a moment later.
He clearly felt Pei Yanbing’s breathing quicken sharply in his ear. With a swift motion, Pei Yanbing pulled him even closer, his arms tightening around him.
Beneath that cold, austere face, his heartbeat pounded heavy and urgent.
Though the Alpha’s body ran hot, the lingering traces of his pheromones felt cool and soothing, bringing Yuan Shiyuan a sense of comfort. He instinctively tilted his head to nuzzle into the hollow of Pei Yanbing’s neck.
Pei Yanbing seized the opportunity, interlacing their fingers tightly, his fingers slipping between Yuan Shiyuan’s as their hands clasped firmly within the embrace.
Yuan Shiyuan didn’t resist, allowing the Alpha to take the lead.
After a moment, he couldn’t suppress his curiosity. “Captain, do you have skin hunger? I’ve noticed you really crave physical touch like hugs and holding hands.”
Pei Yanbing had repeatedly requested hugs and hand-holding. Whenever they made physical contact, Pei Yanbing’s breathing would quicken, his fingers—even his entire body—trembling almost imperceptibly.
But did skin hunger even exist? Yuan Shiyuan had only read about it online and couldn’t be sure.
Pei Yanbing’s body stiffened before he quietly admitted, “Yes.”
“I have skin hunger. I crave physical contact with you.” He lowered his gaze, avoiding Yuan Shiyuan’s eyes, as if gathering courage for the next question. “Will you… find me disgusting?”
Yuan Shiyuan froze, stunned. “How could you? Why would you ever think that?”
He hugged Pei Yanbing tightly in return, rubbing his cheek against the Alpha’s neck and jawline, deliberately creating more physical contact. “Then Captain, you must be under so much stress,” he said. “And you have such severe germophobia…”
No wonder Pei Yanbing always wears gloves, Yuan Shiyuan thought.
“If you ever need anything in the future, just ask. I’ll help you.”
Pei Yanbing’s heart skipped a beat. Yuan Shiyuan continued, “You’ve helped me before too. We’re a team—mutual support is only natural.”
“Only by helping each other can we improve.”
“…”
“That’s not why,” Pei Yanbing corrected softly. “It’s not because we’re a team that I want to be close to you.”
“You don’t need to explain so much. I understand,” Yuan Shiyuan said, his face radiating empathy as he pressed even closer into the Alpha’s embrace. Tilting his head, he asked considerately, “Captain, is there anything else you want or need? You can always ask me.”
The sudden, extensive physical contact, accompanied by Pei Yanbing’s intoxicating scent, stunned him momentarily. Instinctively, he wrapped his arms around Yuan Shiyuan’s waist, pulling him even tighter.
“Can I have your temporary mark?”
Yuan Shiyuan froze. “My temporary mark?”
“I want…” Pei Yanbing paused, looking slightly embarrassed. He hesitated before finishing, “I want you to mark me, like last time.”
“To be your Alpha.”
“……”
If Pei Yanbing had only said the first half, Yuan Shiyuan would have agreed instantly. A temporary mark was just a quick bite for him. He was already comfortable with kissing and even intimate acts like rimming—what was a bite on the gland compared to that?
But Pei Yanbing’s second sentence sent a sudden shiver down Yuan Shiyuan’s spine, his fingers curling involuntarily.
That’s a bit… cheesy.
“Is it okay?”
“I want your temporary mark. Is that okay?” Pei Yanbing lowered his head, nuzzling Yuan Shiyuan’s hair. “I won’t let anyone find out.”
“……Alright,” Yuan Shiyuan finally agreed.
Yuan Shiyuan guessed it was his skin hunger acting up, coupled with the fact that he’d erased Pei Yanbing’s temporary mark twice before. Repeatedly removing the marks would understandably make any Alpha feel insecure.
Especially since one of those times, he’d erased it right in front of Pei Yanbing. Pei Yanbing could only watch helplessly as the mark he’d given vanished, leaving behind just a faint bite mark.
For an Alpha, being unable to mark their Omega meant their partner could leave at any moment, never truly belonging to them.
The higher the Alpha’s rank, the more deeply they clung to their partner. Pei Yanbing’s attachment to Yuan Shiyuan likely stemmed from the influence of his pheromones.
Just give in, just a temporary mark.
This would also make it easier for Yuan Shiyuan to ask Pei Yanbing for Silent Night next time.
Such matters required reciprocity. If he kept selfishly taking without giving back, he’d feel too embarrassed to ask again.
Yuan Shiyuan readily agreed, but as soon as he finished speaking, he saw Pei Yanbing suddenly lower his head to look at him.
A flicker of burning joy surfaced in those cold, indifferent eyes. When their gazes met, both seemed momentarily stunned before quickly averting their eyes with an almost electric awkwardness.
Yuan Shiyuan tugged at the Alpha’s sleeve, his ear tips inexplicably warming. Discussing a temporary mark in broad daylight felt oddly intimate…
Like openly indulging in forbidden desires.
Though, admittedly, he’d done plenty of that before…
“Baby.”
As Yuan Shiyuan shifted his gaze to distract himself, a low, affectionate murmur brushed against his ear.
Startled, Yuan Shiyuan instinctively recoiled, but the Alpha’s arm tightened around his waist.
“Captain, what are you calling me that for?!”
Yuan Shiyuan couldn’t handle such an intimate term of endearment. He immediately glanced around like a guilty lover, terrified someone might overhear.
“Can’t I call you that?” Pei Yanbing’s eyes dimmed, yet he stubbornly leaned closer to Yuan Shiyuan’s ear, repeating, “Baby.”
Oh heavens, just shut up already!
Yuan Shiyuan had initially thought their interaction was perfectly normal, but that single “baby” abruptly dragged him back to the frenzied, feverish atmosphere of the music room.
Those chaotic, steamy images flooded his mind unbidden—including the detail of his loss of control and the stain he’d left on Pei Yanbing’s face, all flashing vividly before his eyes…
A faint blush rapidly spread across Yuan Shiyuan’s cheeks and the tips of his ears, his embarrassment so acute he didn’t know where to look.
“Shiyuan, Captain.”
During lunch break, the corridor should have been deserted.
The sudden, gentle voice from behind made Yuan Shiyuan reflexively turn his head.
Still tightly encircled in Pei Yanbing’s arms, Yuan Shiyuan half-turned to meet Ying Mingxi’s smiling gaze.
Ying Mingxi seemed completely oblivious to the intimacy of their embrace, approaching with a perfectly natural demeanor.
“What are you two chatting about? So engrossed!” he asked casually. “I’ve been calling you several times.”
The arrival of another Alpha instantly extinguished all of Pei Yanbing’s outward emotions.
His face turned cold and grim, the clingy and affectionate demeanor from moments ago vanished entirely, replaced by the predatory aura of a male alpha defending his territory.
Before Yuan Shiyuan could urge him, Pei Yanbing released his grip on Yuan Shiyuan’s waist.
However, his hand, which had been interlocked with Yuan Shiyuan’s, not only didn’t loosen but tightened visibly under Ying Mingxi’s gaze.
“Captain, the Producer wants to discuss some adjustments to your part during the lunch break. He’s waiting for you in the office.”
Ying Mingxi’s gaze lingered almost imperceptibly on their clasped hands. Though his smile remained, the warmth in his eyes gradually faded. “Are you free now? He’s waiting for you in the office.”
Pei Yanbing met Ying Mingxi’s gaze for a brief moment.
Though it lasted only a second, no Alpha would mistake the silent warning in that look.
“Then I’ll go over there first,” Pei Yanbing murmured, squeezing Yuan Shiyuan’s fingertips. “What you said earlier… do you still mean it?”
A temporary mark? Yuan Shiyuan pushed Pei Yanbing’s shoulder. “Yes, yes. Go on, don’t keep the Producer waiting.”
Ying Mingxi stood by like a silent observer, watching Yuan Shiyuan and the other Alpha’s intimate interaction.
Only after Pei Yanbing had left did he produce a bottle of water, thoughtfully unscrewing the cap and holding it to Yuan Shiyuan’s lips.
Then, as if casually, he asked, “Does the captain know too?”
Yuan Shiyuan tilted his head back and took a long drink, the cool water soothing his parched throat. He felt much better.
“Mm-hmm,” he replied, knowing exactly what Ying Mingxi was referring to. “The captain knows too.”
As expected.
Ying Mingxi gently wiped the corner of Yuan Shiyuan’s mouth with the pad of his finger, his tone unchanged. “The captain may be quiet and seem aloof, but he’s a trustworthy Alpha.”
“More importantly,” he added with a smile, “he’s also an S-rank with a very unique pheromone. He can really help you.”
Yuan Shiyuan was a little surprised that Ying Mingxi’s thoughts aligned so closely with his own. Pei Yanbing was trustworthy. Moreover, he really liked Pei Yanbing’s pheromone; being near him on a hot day felt like hugging a natural ice block.
In winter, however… perhaps he’d have to switch to a furnace-like Bo Jin.
The two walked down the corridor. It was lunchtime, so the cafeteria would be crowded, and there might not even be any good food left.
Sensing Yuan Shiyuan’s thoughts, Ying Mingxi spoke first. “I’ve already ordered takeout from our usual restaurant. It hasn’t arrived yet—probably another ten minutes.”
“Thanks, Brother Mingxi,” Yuan Shiyuan said, once again marveling at Ying Mingxi’s thoughtfulness.
Ying Mingxi truly lived up to his reputation, always managing to arrange everything flawlessly.
Just then, Ying Mingxi suddenly stopped walking and gently placed a large hand on Yuan Shiyuan’s shoulder.
He deliberately leaned down, keeping their eyes level as he spoke, “You seem to like the captain a lot.”
Yuan Shiyuan froze, then nonchalantly replied, “Do I? I guess I do. Even though the captain doesn’t talk much, he makes me feel really safe.”
And maybe… a little guilty?
From their first meeting, Yuan Shiyuan had been impressed by Pei Yanbing, seeing him as a dependable Alpha. Later, when Yuan Shiyuan secretly took Pei Yanbing’s temporary mark and was revealed to be an Omega, Pei Yanbing’s reaction and attitude completely surprised him.
Pei Yanbing didn’t say a single harsh word, nor did he press for details. Instead, he continued to comfort Yuan Shiyuan and even gave him another temporary mark.
Though the marking process had been rather awkward… Yuan Shiyuan recalled Pei Yanbing’s flushed face, the blush that had just faded from his own ears resurfaced, and the tips of his ears twitched slightly.
Ying Mingxi watched as Yuan Shiyuan’s cheeks and neck flushed a delicate, ambiguous pink at the mention of another Alpha.
Ying Mingxi’s hand, hanging by his side, clenched subtly. His face remained calm, a gentle smile playing on his lips as he asked, half-jokingly, “What about me, then? Shiyuan, do you like me?”
“Of course I do,” Yuan Shiyuan replied without hesitation.
Ying Mingxi’s pupils widened slightly. He was about to speak when Yuan Shiyuan continued, “We’re a team, so naturally I like all of you. Not just the captain and you, but also Bo Jin, Jiang Heng, Ying Mingche, Brother Zhuang, Xiao Huang…”
Yuan Shiyuan’s excellent memory allowed him to reel off a long list of names smoothly.
“…”
“Alright, Shiyuan,” Ying Mingxi interrupted gently, his smile nearly faltering. “That’s enough.”
If Yuan Shiyuan continued listing names, Ying Mingxi feared he’d recite the entire company roster.
Ying Mingxi knew he shouldn’t be greedy, yet he couldn’t help but crave more. He pressed further, “Besides that kind of liking… Shiyuan, do you have any other feelings for me?”
After considering carefully, Yuan Shiyuan confessed, “Sometimes I think you’re too clever—so clever it scares me.”
“Scared?” Ying Mingxi froze. This was the first time anyone had ever said such a thing to him. He immediately began to reflect on whether he had done something wrong.
Then he said, “I can be a little dumber.”
Yuan Shiyuan chuckled. “It wasn’t that serious. It’s just that, Brother Mingxi, you’re sometimes so perceptive. Like that time I accidentally dropped a suppository and you realized I was… Looking back, I was definitely careless.”
When Ying Mingxi discovered Yuan Shiyuan might be an Omega, he didn’t confront him directly. Instead, he silently returned the suppository, leaving ambiguous words hanging in the air.
Yuan Shiyuan had long known Ying Mingxi wasn’t as gentle and harmless as he appeared, but that moment still startled him.
Looking back, Yuan Shiyuan realized he had indeed acted rashly, without proper consideration. Given Ying Mingxi’s sharp eye, it was only natural he’d notice.
The Alpha’s expression darkened despite Yuan Shiyuan’s half-joking tone.
Ying Mingxi frowned and pulled Yuan Shiyuan into his arms, his palm gently pressing against the back of his head, his voice thick with tenderness. “You’ve already done so well. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
He tilted his head, his thin lips brushing lightly against the soft hair at Yuan Shiyuan’s temple. “You’re still young, you know.”
Even though Yuan Shiyuan had worked many part-time jobs, at heart, he was still just a student.
His current self-criticism for not being cautious or thorough enough back then seemed unduly harsh.
A pang of heartache struck Ying Mingxi as he distinctly detected the unmistakable pheromone of another Alpha clinging to Yuan Shiyuan.
Had Yuan Shiyuan truly allowed Pei Yanbing to leave such a potent scent? He couldn’t help but wonder. Did he love Pei Yanbing that much? Enough to choose him over me, without a second thought?
What had they been talking about just now? What promise had Yuan Shiyuan made to Pei Yanbing?
And that intimate “Baby”…
Chaotic images replayed relentlessly in his mind: the scenes he had witnessed firsthand, the voices from their phone calls, Yuan Shiyuan’s sobbing, the Alpha’s suppressed yet intensely tender voice, calling him by that affectionate nickname…
Baby.
Did Yuan Shiyuan really like being called that by Pei Yanbing?
Ying Mingxi’s emotions churned violently. A rare shadow fell across his usually gentle face, consumed by overwhelming anxiety and jealousy.
He buried his face in Yuan Shiyuan’s neck, desperately trying to cover the other Alpha’s lingering scent with his own pheromones.
“Brother Mingxi?” Yuan Shiyuan asked, confused. “Is your susceptible period approaching?”
Perhaps because Yuan Shiyuan had absorbed some of Ying Mingxi’s Silent Night pheromones, and given their high compatibility, he could keenly sense the Alpha’s pheromones surging with agitation.
Ying Mingxi froze for a moment, then murmured, “Maybe. Sorry, am I bothering you?”
“Oh, no, not at all.”
Omegas are easily forced into heat by high-ranking Alpha pheromones. But Yuan Shiyuan’s rank was extremely high—at least 3S—making him completely immune to such coercive pheromonal manipulation.
On the contrary, he had to be careful to control his own pheromones, lest they drive an Alpha into losing control.
“I just noticed you seemed off and thought your susceptible period might be approaching,” Yuan Shiyuan said with concern. “Brother Mingxi, we’re preparing for the album and stage performances. Will your body be able to handle the strain during your susceptible period?”
The album release date and stage performances were already set in stone. They couldn’t change the schedule on short notice due to one member’s susceptible period.
Ideally, they should have planned around their susceptible periods in advance. If necessary, they could have injected large doses of Inhibitors in advance to delay it, preventing the susceptible period from disrupting the team’s plans.
But this method could easily cause discomfort for Alphas, and Yuan Shiyuan worried it might affect Ying Mingxi’s performance. As a team member, he naturally wanted his teammates to be at their best.
This was his first team album and his first stage performance. He wanted everything to be perfect.
“Maybe it’s because of my susceptible period, but recently… I’ve been missing you terribly.”
Every time Ying Mingxi saw Yuan Shiyuan, his gaze would involuntarily follow him. But after a brief greeting, Yuan Shiyuan’s eyes would quickly glide past him, laughing and joking with others, giving him barely any attention at all.
What he did most often was watch helplessly as his younger brother interacted with Yuan Shiyuan. Ying Mingche, fully aware of his restraint and propriety, would deliberately drape an arm affectionately over Yuan Shiyuan’s shoulder, even pull him into a full embrace, right in front of him.
Yuan Shiyuan, long accustomed to Ying Mingche’s physical liberties, didn’t even bother with feigned resistance. He casually leaned into the other Alpha’s embrace, letting the man’s scent envelop him completely.
As long as it didn’t go too far, he wouldn’t push him away.
The Alpha with a face identical to his own received treatment so drastically different. At times like these, Ying Mingxi would maintain a gentle smile, looking down at his empty hands, the roots of his palms aching with a dull ache.
He knew better than Ying Mingche where to draw the line, yet he wasn’t even granted the right to act as recklessly as Ying Mingche did.
All of Ying Mingxi’s restraint and decorum had only earned him a spectator’s role, time and again. Just moments ago, he could only watch as Pei Yanbing intertwined his fingers with Yuan Shiyuan’s, drawing him close into his embrace.
The intimate, almost grating, “Baby” still seemed to echo in his ears.
“I think about it every day…” Ying Mingxi forced himself to stop reliving the memory, his voice low and hoarse. “More than ever before.”
Yuan Shiyuan stood on a higher step, gazing down at him, while Ying Mingxi remained below.
He took Yuan Shiyuan’s hand and pressed his feverish cheek against the cool back of it, slowly rubbing against it.
Ying Mingxi lowered his gaze, concealing the churning darkness in his eyes, and bowed in complete surrender. “Can you help me, Shiyuan?” he pleaded.