Pretending to Be an Alpha in an All-Alpha Boy Band - Chapter 106
Chapter 106: Ankle Chain
It wasn’t until nightfall that Yuan Shiyuan finally ironed out all the details with the Legal Department.
Fortunately, his memory served him well, preserving vivid recollections of his childhood. The staff at the A City Welfare Institute were equally cooperative, providing all relevant documents and videos to assist the company’s Legal Department with their investigation.
“Alright, thank you all,” Yuan Shiyuan said politely as he stood up. “I appreciate your hard work.”
His assistant pulled the door open for him.
As soon as Yuan Shiyuan stepped into the corridor, he spotted a dark figure leaning against the wall.
Jiang Heng stood there, having waited an unknown amount of time. Seeing Yuan Shiyuan emerge, he strode forward without hesitation.
As if oblivious to the others present, Jiang Heng pulled Yuan Shiyuan into a tight embrace. The arm around his waist trembled slightly, his emotions clearly running high.
The assistant beside them hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back. Yuan Shiyuan smiled reassuringly at him, signaling him to leave first.
Then, Yuan Shiyuan wrapped his arms around Jiang Heng’s waist and slowly led him to a bench at the side of the corridor. Green leaves peeked through the corridor windows, swaying gently in the moonlight.
Just as Yuan Shiyuan was about to speak, he felt warmth against his shoulder.
“You…” Yuan Shiyuan panicked instantly. He was terrified of seeing others cry, his composure momentarily crumbling. “What’s wrong?”
Yuan Shiyuan never imagined that Jiang Heng, the usually cold-faced, cool guy, would ever hug him and silently weep.
“……”
Jiang Heng remained silent, burying his face in Yuan Shiyuan’s shoulder. After another minute or two, he seemed to compose himself. Taking Yuan Shiyuan’s hand, he wordlessly led him toward the elevator.
Along the way, Jiang Heng deftly retrieved a mask and sunglasses from his pocket, fully equipping both himself and Yuan Shiyuan. Instead of hailing a taxi, they walked side by side along the nighttime sidewalk.
As they walked, Yuan Shiyuan was led to a nearby High Tier apartment complex.
“Wait… you still haven’t told me why you’re bringing me here?” Yuan Shiyuan grabbed Jiang Heng’s arm.
Jiang Heng glanced back at him, his gaze softening as he saw Yuan Shiyuan looking up at him. He reached out and gently stroked the corner of Yuan Shiyuan’s eye.
“You’ll find out soon enough.”
Security at the High Tier apartment complex was strict, requiring either a keycard or facial recognition for entry and exit.
At the turnstile, Jiang Heng produced a keycard, swiped it to open the gate, and then casually slipped the card into Yuan Shiyuan’s pocket.
By this point, Yuan Shiyuan had a pretty good idea of what Jiang Heng intended.
He tilted his head to look at Jiang Heng in surprise. The night wind tousled Jiang Heng’s dark hair, obscuring his features. Yuan Shiyuan could only make out the Alpha’s reddened ear and the Adam’s apple bobbing nervously in his throat.
As the elevator ascended, the metal doors slid open, and Yuan Shiyuan’s eyes were immediately covered.
“So mysterious?” He chuckled. “Looks like Big Brother Jiang Heng has prepared quite the surprise.”
Jiang Heng’s fingers twitched slightly, his gaze instinctively drifting to the upturned corners of Yuan Shiyuan’s lips.
“No,” he paused, then murmured, “Don’t set your expectations too high… I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed.”
“Nonsense! Whatever you’ve prepared, I’ll love it,” Yuan Shiyuan insisted, gripping Jiang Heng’s wrist.
Jiang Heng led Yuan Shiyuan through the corridor, the silence so profound they could hear only their slow footsteps.
A bead of warm sweat glistened on his palm as he slowly opened the apartment door.
“We’re here.”
The hand covering Yuan Shiyuan’s eyes loosened but didn’t immediately withdraw. Jiang Heng waited until Yuan Shiyuan’s eyes had adjusted to the light, no longer stinging from the glare, before finally removing his hand completely.
The apartment’s interior featured a light-toned decor:
Multiple floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the expansive space in natural light. An open kitchen flowed seamlessly into the living area, furnished with cream-colored furniture. A circular balcony extended beyond the wraparound windows, complete with a swing, a barbecue grill, and even a small garden plot.
Yuan Shiyuan’s pupils dilated sharply.
He gripped Jiang Heng’s hand in stunned silence. “This…”
The small apartment before him was nearly identical to the dream home he had envisioned and longed for since childhood!
“When we were kids, we used to dream about having our own little house,” Jiang Heng said, his voice low and gentle. “Nothing too big, just enough for us.”
Growing up in the welfare institute, they had yearned for a home of their own.
“If we could, it would be great to have a little balcony where we could swing and have barbecues.”
“And we could even grow some flowers and herbs!”
This was the happiest time they could imagine as children.
“I’ve tried to decorate it simply,” Jiang Heng said, his palms sweating nervously. “My memory isn’t as good as yours… I could only remember the general idea.”
Yuan Shiyuan: “Don’t tell me… this is your birthday gift for me.”
“Mm-hmm. I originally planned to bring you here on your birthday,” Jiang Heng said, lowering his gaze. “But I wanted to make you happy sooner.”
“You didn’t need to buy such an expensive birthday gift…” Yuan Shiyuan said helplessly. “I would have been just as happy with a little plush doll like you used to give me.”
“When I bought you plush dolls as a kid, it was because that’s all I could afford,” Jiang Heng said, his gaze serious. “That was all I had back then. Now that I have the means, I just want to give you the best I can within my means.”
After a moment of silence, the Alpha added softly, “But my current capabilities are still limited. I can’t give you anything better… I’ll make it up to you bit by bit in the future.”
Jiang Heng’s words carried a clear sense of indebtedness. He had indeed earned some money over the years, but after covering his grandfather’s medical expenses, his savings were limited.
Fortunately, he lived frugally and had few expenses. After covering household expenses, he was able to save most of his initial signing bonus and subsequent appearance fees.
The apartment he purchased was worth tens of millions. After making the down payment, Jiang Heng had virtually no savings left. He hadn’t even checked his balance at the time.
It wasn’t until he saw a silk scarf that would perfectly suit Yuan Shiyuan that he realized he couldn’t even afford the 1,950 yuan price tag.
Despite exhausting his entire savings, Jiang Heng still felt he hadn’t given enough. If he were more capable, he could have bought Yuan Shiyuan something even more extravagant, something truly worthy of him.
Just like when they were children, he would always feel he hadn’t given enough.
Yuan Shiyuan wasn’t materialistic and never sought extravagant gifts. But behind expensive presents lay precious emotions, representing the giver’s unwavering affection and sincerity.
He turned and hugged Jiang Heng tightly. “I love it so much.”
“It’s wonderful,” Jiang Heng said, gazing at Yuan Shiyuan. “Our childhood dream has come true. We have our own little home, just for us.”
Jiang Heng cupped Yuan Shiyuan’s face in his hands and tentatively kissed the corner of his lips.
As he watched Yuan Shiyuan’s reaction, Yuan Shiyuan decisively opened his mouth, wrapped his arms around Jiang Heng’s neck, and returned the kiss.
The temperature in the room soared as the sound of their lips and teeth intertwined grew more fervent.
Their kisses deepened until they unconsciously tumbled onto the sofa. Yuan Shiyuan sprawled across the Alpha’s body, his knees falling open naturally. As the kiss intensified, his gland subtly rubbed against Jiang Heng’s bent knee.
“Mmm…”
Jiang Heng could clearly feel Yuan Shiyuan’s body heating up. He pressed his hand against the back of Yuan Shiyuan’s neck. “Do you want my pheromones?”
“Hmm? Hmm?” Yuan Shiyuan’s eyes were slightly hazy. After a moment, he murmured, “It’s okay for now, I think…”
Then he added, “But I love them. I really love your pheromones.”
Yuan Shiyuan seemed utterly oblivious to the implications of that statement for an Alpha.
Jiang Heng’s breathing hitched, and his Cabernet Sauvignon pheromones surged forth in a feverish wave.
“Me too,” Jiang Heng murmured, gently touching the corner of Yuan Shiyuan’s eye. Seeing Yuan Shiyuan’s eyelashes flutter, he leaned closer and whispered into his ear, “…I like you.”
The Cabernet Sauvignon pheromone swirled around them, leaving Yuan Shiyuan feeling as if he were drunk, a faint blush rising on his cheeks.
Sprawled against the Alpha’s body, Yuan Shiyuan’s eyes, wide with shock, were both wet and clear, an unconventional kind of seduction.
Jiang Heng noticed the tips of Yuan Shiyuan’s ears reddening, realizing what he had just said. Though he meant every word, he wasn’t sure if Yuan Shiyuan had truly understood.
He lowered his head again, pressing his forehead against Yuan Shiyuan’s, and gently rubbed his nose against Yuan Shiyuan’s, a silent exchange like two animals.
“What about you?” the Alpha asked, his voice laced with uncertain longing. “Do you like me?”
The air hung silent for a few seconds. Jiang Heng suddenly snapped back to reality, realizing the foolish question he had asked.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked…”
Yuan Shiyuan looped his arms around Jiang Heng’s neck and rubbed back, “Of course I like you. You’re my best friend.”
“Just… friends?” Jiang Heng’s voice and expression were visibly crestfallen.
“What’s with that?” Yuan Shiyuan laughed. “Want to be my husband?”
The words slipped out before Yuan Shiyuan could stop them.
Yuan Shiyuan blurted it out without thinking. Seeing Jiang Heng’s intense gaze and recalling the expression on Jiang Heng’s face when he’d recently said “I like you,” Yuan Shiyuan’s ears inexplicably grew hot.
He averted his gaze, ignoring the sudden surge in his heart rate, and nonchalantly snuggled into the Alpha’s arms.
Can I be… that?
Jiang Heng almost asked the question aloud, but seeing Yuan Shiyuan’s relaxed, blissful, and clearly delighted expression, he couldn’t bring himself to ruin his good mood.
After all these years, what’s a little longer?
He could wait, and he was willing to wait forever.
A faint but distinct vibration came from near his wrist.
Jiang Heng took Yuan Shiyuan’s hand and glanced down. The white fitness tracker on his wrist was displaying a heart rate spike alert. He froze momentarily, then slowly lowered Yuan Shiyuan onto the sofa.
In the next instant, he knelt beside the sofa and lifted the hem of Yuan Shiyuan’s shirt.
The cool air brushed against Yuan Shiyuan’s skin, and before he could react, a warm sensation bloomed on his lower abdomen.
Jiang Heng buried his face there.
The Alpha’s sharp, straight nose grazed lightly over Yuan Shiyuan’s lean, well-defined abs, while his scalding breath, carrying the heat of his words, cascaded down.
Tickled by the brushing, Yuan Shiyuan pushed at the Alpha’s head, half laughing, half panting, “It’s so ticklish… What are you doing?”
“Baby.”
“?”
“…Baby?!”
Yuan Shiyuan’s relaxed expression froze. He instinctively pressed his knees together. “What are you shouting for?”
“The captain calls you that too,” Jiang Heng mumbled, his voice muffled.
“That’s different!” Yuan Shiyuan tried to sit up, but the head pressing against his waist pinned him down. He had no choice but to lie still and speak. “I don’t know what’s gotten into the captain lately. He keeps calling me ‘Baby.'”
“Every time he says it, I get startled too.”
“Little Yuan,” Jiang Heng interrupted abruptly, using Yuan Shiyuan’s childhood nickname.
Yuan Shiyuan, who had heard that nickname all his life, looked over. As their eyes met, the Alpha slowed his speech, pronouncing each syllable carefully:
“Ba-by.”
Yuan Shiyuan’s fingers curled instinctively. He chuckled and nudged Jiang Heng’s head. “Alright, enough’s enough.”
“When I call you that, how does it make you feel?” Jiang Heng asked, his gaze fixed on the data displayed on Yuan Shiyuan’s wrist-worn fitness tracker.
“Probably the same as when the captain calls me that.”
“Does your heart rate increase?”
Yuan Shiyuan paused, considering for a moment. “Yes,” he admitted.
Jiang Heng seemed particularly fascinated by the feel of Yuan Shiyuan’s abdomen.
Jiang Heng adored Yuan Shiyuan’s stomach—not for exaggerated abs, but for the perfectly balanced, supple, and beautifully defined lines of his thin muscles.
He buried his face in Yuan Shiyuan’s abdomen again, inhaling deeply, before pressing his ear against Yuan Shiyuan’s chest to listen to his heartbeat.
The steady, powerful rhythm resonated through Yuan Shiyuan’s chest, perfectly synchronized with the digits on his smartwatch.
Yuan Shiyuan’s heart rate had always been remarkably stable, likely due to his lifelong habit of exercise. As a child with a weak constitution, Yuan Xing and her husband had always encouraged him to stay active.
It started with simple walks, then progressed to family hikes and runs. Once his physical condition improved, Father Yuan introduced him to tennis, badminton, basketball, and other sports.
That was how Yuan Shiyuan’s body had gradually been nurtured to health.
Over the years, apart from his still-unstable glandular hormones, all his other physical metrics remained remarkably healthy and robust.
“I think I’ve discovered your secret,” Jiang Heng murmured, his voice low and intimate. “A secret you didn’t even know you had.”
“What is it?”
“I’m not telling you.”
Yuan Shiyuan raised an eyebrow, feigning a huff. “Oh? Isn’t that the same person who was crying just now, now playing coy?”
Jiang Heng’s cheeks flushed slightly, but he didn’t argue. He continued to press his ear against Yuan Shiyuan’s chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
“In the video, you were hugging that little plush doll… It broke my heart,” he said, closing his eyes. “You suffered even more than I imagined.”
As a child, Yuan Shiyuan had nothing but that little plush doll. It was his only possession, the sole gift left by his best friend.
“When we were kids, I promised to always protect you, to stay by your side… But I failed to keep that promise.”
Yuan Shiyuan placed his hand on the Alpha’s head, his fingers gently threading through Jiang Heng’s dark hair.
“But you’re back now, aren’t you?” he smiled. “See? I’ve kept the doll you gave me all this time.”
Jiang Heng replied, “I thought you might have thrown it away or found something you liked better.”
“I’m not like that,” Yuan Shiyuan said. “I cherish the things that have been with me a long time.”
“So you don’t need to feel guilty. Just stay with me and protect me from now on, okay?”
“Or… do you want to leave me again?”
“Never,” Jiang Heng said without hesitation. “I will never leave you again.”
“Good,” Yuan Shiyuan’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “Then stay by my side forever, just like the doll you gave me.”
“That’s odd. Why are you all coming back together?”
Yuan Shiyuan and Jiang Heng ran into Bo Jin and the Ying brothers returning to the company.
Bo Jin’s been with them? He suddenly caught a whiff of a refreshing scent—shower gel.
Yuan Shiyuan leaned in close to the Alphas, sniffing them one by one, his expression suspicious. “You guys even took showers?”
They couldn’t possibly return smelling of sweat and blood.
Bo Jin instinctively frowned at the sight of Jiang Heng beside Yuan Shiyuan. He was about to step forward when Ying Mingche preemptively wrapped an arm around Yuan Shiyuan’s waist, burying his face in the crook of his neck.
Bo Jin’s frown deepened, but he refrained from commenting, instead switching on all the lights in the room to ensure ample illumination.
“What are we gonna do…” Ying Mingche’s voice was muffled, laced with frustration. “My brother and I just got word—we have to fly to Country Y tomorrow for an endorsement shoot.”
“This sucks! I won’t be able to spend your birthday with you.”
Yuan Shiyuan was taken aback. “So sudden?”
Just half an hour earlier, Zhuang He had frantically notified the Ying brothers of the urgent need to travel to Country Y for the shoot. Fortunately, they had already secured ten-year multiple-entry visas. The staff scrambled to book the earliest flight, and they were scheduled to depart in the early hours of the morning.
“The brand just notified us, and Brother Zhuang only found out moments ago,” Ying Mingxi said, turning to Yuan Shiyuan with a gentle but apologetic tone. “I’m sorry, Shiyuan.”
“Why are you apologizing to me?” Yuan Shiyuan chuckled, about to say more when his chin was suddenly gripped and turned. He found himself staring into a face identical to Ying Mingxi’s.
“Stop talking to my brother all the time,” Ying Mingche grumbled, his expression sour. “Look at me more instead.”
“The car Brother Zhuang arranged will be here soon to take me to the company. I have to leave right away,” he said, looking expectantly at Yuan Shiyuan. “Give me a kiss, please?”
Yuan Shiyuan drawled lazily, “No.”
Rejected, Ying Mingche looked like a drenched, dejected dog, even his wagging tail drooping. Yet, as if struck by a sudden thought, he didn’t press further. Instead, his voice dropped.
“Alright,” he said quietly. “No kiss then.”
“So obedient today?” Yuan Shiyuan raised an eyebrow in surprise. He casually stroked the Alpha’s cheek, then, under the frozen gazes of the surrounding Alphas, leaned in and lightly kissed Ying Mingche’s cheek.
“Is that enough?”
The gentle smile on Ying Mingxi’s face stiffened, while Jiang Heng and Bo Jin’s expressions instantly darkened. Only Ying Mingche looked utterly stunned, completely unprepared for Yuan Shiyuan to actually kiss him!
It seemed being obedient did have its rewards. Ying Mingche’s heart pounded wildly as he longed to return the kiss. Yet, fearing Yuan Shiyuan might not treat him the same way afterward, he ruthlessly suppressed his instincts, feigning the loyal, obedient demeanor of a devoted house pet.
The twin brothers’ sudden trip abroad for a brand endorsement shoot wasn’t a major concern for Yuan Shiyuan. His only worry was their uncertain return date—he didn’t know how long the shoot would take.
What if he suddenly wanted…? Fortunately, Jiang Heng and Pei Yanbing were still around, so it wasn’t too much of an issue.
Still, Yuan Shiyuan trusted Ying Mingxi’s skills more than anyone else’s. After all, Ying Mingxi was remarkably considerate, meticulous, and eager to please. Even when doing something for the first time, he always executed it flawlessly, causing Yuan Shiyuan no discomfort whatsoever.
If it were someone else… Yuan Shiyuan couldn’t help but worry. Could they truly feed me Silent Night smoothly? Would they ensure not a single drop went to waste?
On Yuan Shiyuan’s birthday, he practically monopolized every city’s subway advertising screens. The Silence Brand, for which he served as an ambassador, seized the opportunity, splurging tens of millions to secure mega screen ad slots in multiple cities to celebrate his birthday.
Simultaneously, Chen Yin officially announced the cast for the drama Greed. The only confirmed lead was Yuan Shiyuan.
Chen Yin’s Greed was already a well-known work, and the announcement of its adaptation sent the original fans into shock.
Wait, they’re really filming something this explicit?
Has the entertainment industry gone mad? Is my phone possessed? If I remember correctly, Greed ends with a 1-vs-n scenario, right? The protagonist is either sleeping with his boyfriend or sneaking around with others. And there’s that classic line: “I’m greedy, and I want it all.”
I only dared read the original novel when no one was around. And Little Yuan’s actually going to film it? Oh my god, all those dicks! Baby, I dropped my soap—can you pick it up for me? [Laughing emoji]
The day also happened to be Yuan Shiyuan’s birthday, and the buzz around him exploded.
The company specially adjusted Yuan Shiyuan’s schedule so he had no engagements that day. When he went live to interact with fans, he immediately disabled the gift-giving feature.
Seeing many fans urging him to turn it back on and saying they wanted to send him birthday gifts, he smiled and said, “Thank you all so much. I know you want to wish me a happy birthday, but gifts aren’t necessary. I’m already so happy just having you watch my livestream.”
Baby, don’t let that bloodsucking family ruin your mood! T.T Mommy’s heart aches for you.
Happy birthday, Little Yuan! May you be happy every day!!
Big Brother, we all love you!!
“I’m not letting it get to me, really. I’m perfectly fine,” Yuan Shiyuan said, leaning closer to the screen. “It’s all in the past now. I’m leaving the rest to the lawyers and trusting the company’s Legal Department.”
“I love you all too.”
Seriously, no offline fan meet-up? I’m gonna cry! I even made so many support materials!!
The company seemed to be planning one originally. Why was it suddenly canceled?
On an artist’s birthday, many fans organize offline support events to celebrate. These require fans to decorate venues, prepare materials, and rent spaces—all to express their love and support for the artist.
“The company did mention it,” Yuan Shiyuan admitted honestly. “But the weather’s so hot right now. If we actually held one, many of you would have to travel from other cities… I don’t want you all to go to so much trouble.”
“I’m still a newcomer with limited opportunities for offline events. But I’ll work hard to improve myself and take on more offline engagements, so we can have more chances to meet in person.”
“Please wait for me a little longer.”
The danmaku scrolled by rapidly. Yuan Shiyuan diligently read and responded to the comments. Suddenly, a fan posted in astonishment:
I just noticed! Little Yuan donated 520,000 yuan to each of ten welfare institutes! And they’re all in the name of our fan group, “Willing”!
One, two, three, four, five, six… Little Yuan donated to ten welfare institutes?!
Oh my god… Little Yuan just debuted! He hasn’t even landed many endorsements, and he still has to split his earnings with the company. Yet he donated a total of 5.2 million yuan to ten welfare institutes! All in our name!!
Who could resist falling in love with Little Yuan?!
After the livestream ended, Yuan Shiyuan rubbed his slightly strained eyes, planning to head home for a nap.
His mobile phone vibrated briefly.
Ying Mingche: I can’t be there in person to celebrate your birthday, or even wish you a proper Happy Birthday in person. 😭😭
Yuan Shiyuan couldn’t help but chuckle softly.
It’s not like it’s a big deal. Does Ying Mingche really have to be so dramatic?
Yuan Shiyuan: It’ll be the same if you say it in person after you finish filming the endorsement.
Ying Mingche: But today is your birthday.
Ying Mingche: I’ll find a way.
Find a way? What way?
qun6.8嗣粑叭51碔陆
Surely Ying Mingche wouldn’t fly back home just for my birthday?
Yuan Shiyuan was typing a reply with his head down, walking forward absentmindedly.
Halfway there, he carelessly stumbled and was suddenly pinned against a corner by a scorching embrace.
Beneath his suddenly racing heart, a low, husky voice whispered in his ear, laced with amusement:
“Happy birthday, Little Princess.”
Yuan Shiyuan froze, staring in astonishment at the fully armed yet unmistakably flamboyant figure before him. “Ying Mingche?! I thought you were still in Country Y? What are you doing here…?”
Ying Mingche tugged Yuan Shiyuan into a small room, his voice laced with feigned irritation. “Why aren’t you even a little happy? Not even a hint of surprise?”
He grumbled, pulling Yuan Shiyuan onto his lap. “Come on, give me a kiss first.”
Yuan Shiyuan raised a hand to block Ying Mingche’s advancing face. “You haven’t answered my question yet. Why are you here? Where’s Brother Mingxi?”
“Stop bringing up my brother all the time,” Ying Mingche whined, burying his face in Yuan Shiyuan’s neck and nuzzling against it. “His flight’s a bit later. He had to handle some things since I left. But it’s fine—we’re experts at pretending we know each other well.”
“I’m so tired… just let me hug you.”
Though he claimed to be tired, his voice was brimming with excitement. A few seconds later, as if suddenly remembering something, he hurriedly grabbed a beautifully packaged cake from the side. “Quick, blow out the candles! You can’t have a birthday without cake!”
Yuan Shiyuan couldn’t help but laugh at the crooked, haphazardly placed candles sticking out of the cake. “Who puts candles in like this?”
Ying Mingche groaned in frustration. “I was in a rush this time. After the endorsement gig is over, I’ll make it up to you with a proper celebration.”
“Hurry up and blow out the candles! Make a wish!”
Yuan Shiyuan leaned forward obediently and blew out the flames. Then he heard Ying Mingche singing “Happy Birthday” softly in his ear.
The moment the candles flickered out, Ying Mingche conjured a dazzling, radiant crown as if by magic and carefully placed it on Yuan Shiyuan’s head.
Leaning back, Ying Mingche’s lips curled into a triumphant grin. “I knew it—this crown belongs to you.”
Yuan Shiyuan felt the heavy weight on his head and turned to glance at his reflection in a nearby mirror. The crown’s elegant silhouette framed his face, centered by a pristine, brilliant pink gemstone surrounded by diamonds that shimmered like a flowing river of stars.
“There’s only one crown like this in the world. I searched for ages to find it,” Ying Mingche murmured, wrapping his arms around Yuan Shiyuan and burying his face in the crook of his neck, inhaling his scent. “There’s a legend about it too—they say it brings good luck and helps the wearer’s wishes come true.”
Ying Mingche finished speaking, then suddenly remembered the cake-cutting process. He grasped Yuan Shiyuan’s hand and together they cut the cake, muttering, “Is this the right way to cut it? Will it look too ugly if we cut it like this?”
Throughout the entire process, Yuan Shiyuan kept his eyes fixed on Ying Mingche. The Alpha was covered in dust and grime, his coat and trousers crumpled—clearly he hadn’t even had time to change his clothes.
The Alpha’s face was slightly gaunt, with dark circles under his eyes, suggesting he had rushed straight from finishing part of his journey to the airport, racing against time to catch the earliest flight.
All this trouble, crossing thousands of miles, just to wish him a happy birthday in person.
“Aren’t you tired?” Yuan Shiyuan suddenly interrupted Ying Mingche’s rambling, his fingertips gently caressing the Alpha’s cheek.
Ying Mingche leaned into the touch, rubbing his face against Yuan Shiyuan’s palm. “Exhausted,” he admitted. “I haven’t slept at all. I didn’t dare close my eyes on the plane either.”
“But it’s strange—the moment I saw you, the fatigue just vanished.” Ying Mingche chuckled softly, his breath brushing Yuan Shiyuan’s wrist. “Can’t I have just one kiss? I suddenly really want to kiss you.”
Ying Mingche was an astute observer, acutely aware that Yuan Shiyuan would likely indulge most of his requests at this moment.
Seizing Yuan Shiyuan’s momentary distraction, he suddenly leaned down and pressed a gentle yet possessive kiss against the side of Yuan Shiyuan’s ankle. He followed it with a light, lingering suck, leaving a vivid red mark.
“Hiss—” Yuan Shiyuan, his body hyper-sensitive, instinctively kicked the Alpha in the chest.
Ying Mingche chuckled softly, pressing his advantage and pulling Yuan Shiyuan back into his arms. “Okay, let me hold you for a bit while I sleep. Just half an hour… then I have to go to the airport.”
Cradled in Ying Mingche’s arms, Yuan Shiyuan listened to the Alpha’s murmured words beside his ear. After a moment, he withdrew his hand.
Adjusting his posture, he nestled quietly into the Alpha’s embrace, listening to the gradually calming rhythm of the Alpha’s breathing beside his ear as he closed his own eyes.
This nap seemed to stretch on endlessly.
So long, in fact, that Yuan Shiyuan didn’t even notice when the door creaked open.
When Ying Mingxi pushed the door open, he found Yuan Shiyuan nestled peacefully in his younger brother’s arms, sleeping soundly.
The half-eaten cake on the table exuded a sweet, cloying aroma. A magnificent, glittering crown tilted slightly in Yuan Shiyuan’s pale pink hair.
Ying Mingxi tiptoed into the room, but the moment he drew near, he noticed the fresh, vivid red kiss mark on Yuan Shiyuan’s calf.
After a moment of silence, a faint, self-deprecating smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
Ying Mingxi placed the cake he’d bought in the refrigerator and arranged a bouquet of fresh pink roses on the table.
Then, he knelt on one knee by the sofa and carefully took Yuan Shiyuan’s limp hand, pressing it against his cheek.
“Happy birthday,” he murmured softly.
It’s just so unfair.
Ying Mingxi had always known this.
Yuan Shiyuan was closer to Ying Mingche, never resisting his touch. In his younger brother’s presence, Yuan Shiyuan was more carefree, uninhibited.
Only when Ying Mingche went too far or Yuan Shiyuan grew annoyed did he remember Ying Mingxi. He was like a tool, used to distract his younger brother.
Ying Mingxi had traveled across thousands of miles, his purpose identical to Ying Mingche’s: to say “Happy birthday” in person.
Now, having finally reached Yuan Shiyuan, he found him sound asleep in his brother’s arms.
Yet he couldn’t bring himself to wake him.
It’s truly, utterly unfair.
Ying Mingche always saw you: lucid, smiling at him.
Ying Mingxi closed his eyes, his cheek gently brushing the back of Yuan Shiyuan’s hand like a dog begging for affection, yet fiercely restraining itself.
His lips accidentally brushed against Yuan Shiyuan’s warm fingertip. In that instant, a long-suppressed impulse surged, and he abruptly parted his lips, biting down neither too hard nor too softly, leaving an ambiguous mark on the pad of his finger.
“Mmm—”
Still asleep, Yuan Shiyuan suddenly kicked out reflexively, landing a blow between the Alpha’s knees.
The pain momentarily froze Ying Mingxi’s breath, followed by a twisted, stormy ecstasy. A sickly blush instantly flooded his cheeks, and he couldn’t suppress a low, hoarse gasp.
He lowered his gaze to Yuan Shiyuan’s smooth, fair foot, his eyes swirling with a viscous blend of infatuation and possessiveness.
He retrieved a delicate golden anklet and, with gentle yet unyielding movements, fastened it around Yuan Shiyuan’s ankle. The anklet’s pendant perfectly concealed the glaring kiss mark left by another Alpha.
Only after completing this did Ying Mingxi let out a soft chuckle.
Then, he slowly leaned down, reverently pressed his face against the back of Yuan Shiyuan’s foot, and tilted his head to leave a tender kiss.
“…Thank you, Shiyuan.”