Pretending to Be an Alpha in an All-Alpha Boy Band - Chapter 133
Chapter 133: Fierce Competition
“Dad, can I still call him ‘Mom’?”
As Yuan Shiyuan was being warmly embraced by his family, Yu Sijing watched quietly from a distance, cradling a well-behaved little boy in his arms.
Having met Yuan Shiyuan several times beforehand and being the eldest among his peers, Yu Sijing graciously ceded more time with their mother to his younger siblings.
The little boy in his arms suddenly looked up at him, asking earnestly, “Can I?”
“You can ask him yourself,” Yu Sijing replied softly. “Whatever he wants you to call him, that’s what you should call him.”
Gu Weiyuan pondered for a moment, then nodded. “Then I’ll ask Mom next time what name he prefers.”
He remembered clearly that he couldn’t call him “Mom” in public, but it was okay in private.
Now that Mom had come home and they were finally a family… calling him “Mom” still felt a bit awkward.
Unsure of Yuan Shiyuan’s feelings, Gu Weiyuan resolved to find an opportunity to clarify things.
Before long, guided by a staff member, two elderly men hurried backstage.
The moment their footsteps stilled, Yuan Shiyuan seemed to sense something, turning his head to meet the gaze of two elderly figures, travel-worn and trembling with emotion.
Tears immediately welled up in the old couple’s eyes as they stepped forward shakily. “He’s all grown up now…”
Their gazes shifted to Yuan Xing and her husband standing nearby, their voices choked with emotion. “You’ve raised him so well… we can’t thank you enough!”
“Little Yuan, I’m Grandma Yu, and this is Grandpa Yu,” Grandma Yu said, taking Master Yu’s hand as they stood together before Yuan Shiyuan.
Yuan Shiyuan obediently greeted in a soft voice, “Grandma, Grandpa.”
The tears in the elderly couple’s eyes grew even more profuse.
They had waited so long, so very long, for this simple greeting.
“We brought you a gift… but things happened so suddenly, we only managed to bring a little.”
Grandma Yu handed over an exquisite wooden box containing a Peace Amulet, Peace Blessing Talisman, and other protective charms. “We’ll bring the rest tomorrow…”
Yuan Shiyuan accepted the box with both hands, but Yu Jiao interrupted from the side. “Alright, Mom and Dad, we can discuss all this later. There’s no rush.”
Only then did Grandma Yu and Master Yu realize they had been a bit too eager.
They knew young people disliked elders’ nagging, and since this was their first meeting, excessive enthusiasm might make Yuan Shiyuan uncomfortable.
They quickly stopped talking, repeating instead, “So good, so good.”
Yuan Shiyuan gazed at the Peace Amulet in the wooden box, his expression stunned. Hand-embroidered with “YUAN” in meticulous, even stitches, it was identical to the Peace Amulet he’d had as a child.
This was Grandma Yu’s handiwork, each stitch sewn with the sincere blessings of his elders.
Deeply moved, Yuan Shiyuan stepped forward and hugged the two elders in turn.
At this, Grandma Yu and Master Yu could no longer contain their emotions. They pulled Yuan Shiyuan down to sit beside them.
Seeing Yuan Shiyuan’s teammates, whom they assumed were his friends and colleagues, the kind-hearted elders had prepared thoughtful welcome gifts for everyone.
“Little Yuan is still so young. Thank you all for taking such good care of him…”
Yu Jiao’s expression was subtle.
Her parents were rather traditional. She hadn’t told them about her true relationship with Yuan Shiyuan, so they naturally assumed they were just colleagues or friends, eager to help their child build connections.
If Yuan Shiyuan didn’t bring it up himself, Yu Jiao couldn’t bring herself to broach the subject.
Maybe Yu Sijing was right—Yuan Shiyuan was just chasing novelty, seeking thrills, playing around? Their adopted son had always had a keen eye for the bigger picture, thinking long-term and comprehensively.
Even if Yuan Shiyuan had more than one Alpha, they wouldn’t object. As long as he was happy, that’s all that mattered.
After chatting with his grandparents for a while, his elder sisters and brothers took turns asking for autographed photos. Each time he correctly recited their names and addressed them as “Big Sister” or “Big Brother,” they’d be visibly surprised.
“You actually remember us all?!” One or two could be a fluke, but for Yuan Shiyuan to recall every single one of them without error was astonishing.
Yuan Shiyuan grinned smugly. “My memory’s just that good.”
Yu Ming chuckled. “It’s not just your memory that’s remarkable—your piano skills are extraordinary too. I even showed Grandpa clips of you playing on Struggling to Survive… Even before you came home, he admired you greatly and wanted to nurture your talent.”
Yuan Shiyuan remembered that time—Yu Ming had even tried to get his contact information through other people.
Master Yu beamed, the wrinkles around his eyes softening, making him look several years younger. “This is fate—a truly marvelous twist of fate!”
Holding his grandson’s hand, Master Yu’s affection deepened with each passing moment. “Just look at these hands—they were born to play the piano,” he murmured, his voice thick with pride.
Yuan Xing smiled. “When Little Yuan was young, we took him to the Children’s Palace. He spent ages staring at the pianos on the first floor. That’s how we eventually decided to send him to lessons, and he later explored many other instruments too.”
Teachers at various extracurricular classes praised Yuan Shiyuan’s natural talent. From a young age, he was remarkably bright and had an exceptional memory, allowing him to learn things at an astonishing pace.
But Yuan Shiyuan’s greatest passion remained the piano.
Master Yu’s gaze at Yuan Shiyuan’s hands told him everything he needed to know about how well the young man had been cared for. Long, slender fingers with soft, delicate skin—it was clear that Yuan Shiyuan had been cherished and well-nurtured all these years.
Yet Master Yu couldn’t help but recall the news he had seen online: his grandson had once been abandoned by a cruel family… As the thought lingered, tears welled up in his eyes.
Yuan Shiyuan gently wiped away his grandfather’s tears with a tissue, softly comforting him, “Grandpa, don’t be sad. I’ve had a wonderful life these past years. I have a loving family now—Mom, Dad, and my little brother.”
“And now, I have all of you who love me too.” He smiled. “I’m truly blessed, incredibly happy.”
Yuan Shiyuan chose his words carefully.
When he was younger, his hands weren’t so delicate. Because he often helped with household chores, his hands were always dry and cracked. Malnutrition left them bony and rough.
Fortunately, Yuan Xing and her husband raised him well. Precisely because they cherished his hands, they never let him do housework. Even when he insisted on helping, they only allowed him to do simple, easy tasks.
Even when his parents were away, his younger brother always rushed to finish the dirty and tiring chores before Shiyuan could even touch them.
“As long as you’re happy, as long as you’re happy,” Master Yu murmured, pulling Yuan Shiyuan into a gentle embrace, as if holding a precious treasure he’d recovered after losing it. His voice still trembled with emotion.
That night, Yuan Shiyuan was genuinely happy.
Everyone could see it. The other members of Scepter, perceptive as always, didn’t intrude on his reunion with his family. Instead, they went out of their way to warmly welcome Yuan Shiyuan’s family.
They offered to take photos, helped tidy up the venue, poured tea and water… Their excessive enthusiasm made the family feel a little awkward.
“They’re all Little Yuan’s friends. Please sit down and rest; there’s no need to go to any special trouble for us…”
“We’re very close to Shiyuan,” Ying Mingxi said warmly, his voice sincere. “As his family, you’re our family too. Please don’t stand on ceremony with us.”
The group of S-rank Alphas maintained dignified composure, their manners impeccable. This left Yuan Shiyuan’s family with a favorable first impression.
Before arriving, they had researched Yuan Shiyuan’s group online, reading past news articles and watching videos. They had seen Bo Jin’s “straight-A cancer” remarks and Ying Mingche’s public defiance of the media. These reports had painted a rough picture of Scepter:
Untamed beasts, disregarding social norms, doing as they pleased, and showing no respect for anyone.
Now, seeing them in person, the young men didn’t seem nearly as exaggerated as the online descriptions had suggested.
Even amidst the recent scandalous rumors about a “boy group communal marriage,” the photos and videos circulating clearly showed how well Yuan Shiyuan was being cared for by his teammates behind the scenes.
With that, they could rest a little easier knowing Yuan Shiyuan wanted to stay with the boy group.
“Little Yuan,” Grandma Yu asked, “would you like to endorse this brand?”
As they chatted, Grandma Yu couldn’t resist pulling out her mobile phone and opening a brand’s official website. “This jewelry brand is run by a friend of mine, and it has a pretty good reputation… And these other brands too—take a look.”
“See if any of them catch your eye.”
Yuan Shiyuan understood that his grandmother was trying to secure resources for him. He looked at his mother for help.
Yu Jiao smiled and interjected, “Mom, you really shouldn’t meddle in these matters. If your friends like Little Yuan and want him to endorse their brands, they should submit a business proposal directly to the company.”
“These brands are indeed reputable and well-known. But we also need to consider whether their image and target market align with Little Yuan’s brand… The company’s team will conduct a professional assessment.”
“You’re right,” Grandma Yu nodded. “Ah, I don’t really understand these things. I was oversimplifying it. I’ll talk to them later.”
Grandma Yu hadn’t thought so deeply. Overjoyed to have finally found her long-lost precious one, and knowing Yuan Shiyuan was an artist in the entertainment industry, she wanted to shower him with every good opportunity.
All she wanted was to wholeheartedly support her child’s career.
Grandma Yu eagerly asked about Yuan Shiyuan’s childhood anecdotes, but many details were clearer in the memories of Yuan Xing and her husband.
As the conversation grew livelier, Yuan Xing and her husband brought out numerous childhood photos of Yuan Shiyuan. The elders’ eyes lit up, and they eagerly pulled out their mobile phones, waiting for the original images to be sent.
“Me too!” “Send me a copy too!” The other siblings couldn’t contain their excitement, waving their phones and clamoring, afraid of being left out.
This scene felt eerily familiar.
The sight of everyone saving his childhood photos triggered a wave of familiar embarrassment in Yuan Shiyuan.
He sat demurely on the sofa, his knees pressed tightly together.
Suddenly, a small figure darted forward and threw its arms around him in a hug.
Gu Weiyuan, looking slightly embarrassed, glanced around at the family gathered nearby before shyly running off.
Master Yu remarked in surprise, “Little Gu seems quite fond of you.”
“Indeed,” Grandma Yu said. “Little Gu is quite introverted.”
Yuan Shiyuan was taken aback. “Really?”
“Yes, he’s very obedient and polite, but he doesn’t like close physical contact and isn’t used to being too familiar with people. He prefers being alone. In that respect, he’s just like Sijing… both are such pitiful children.” Master Yu sighed. “They both have trouble expressing themselves, yet their hearts are exceptionally sensitive and delicate.”
Yuan Shiyuan suddenly thought of Yuan Shize.
His younger brother was just like that.
The backstage lounge was crowded with people. Yuan Shiyuan spotted Yuan Shize sitting quietly in a corner, rarely joining the conversation, but his gaze never left him.
After exchanging a few hushed words with the elders, Yuan Shiyuan got up and walked toward Yuan Shize.
He noticed a fruit platter on the coffee table, freshly cut—presumably by one of the Alphas. “Is it good?”
Yuan Shize nodded. “Delicious.”
“Why haven’t you said anything all this time?”
“I have said things.”
“Are you unhappy?”
“No.” Yuan Shize shook his head, his tone earnest. “I’m very happy.”
Yuan Shiyuan looked at him. “Tell me the truth, Brother.”
“I’m genuinely happy,” Yuan Shize replied, not lying. “Brother, your family loves you so much. Seeing you like this makes me really happy.”
Yuan Shiyuan smiled, gently patting his head before shifting to stroke it softly. “What are you talking about? You’re family too, and you love me just as much.”
“You all love me so much.”
Without realizing it, Yuan Shize had grown nearly half a head taller than his brother. He instinctively hunched slightly, lowering his head to keep their gazes level, their eyes meeting on the same plane.
“Mm,” he murmured softly, his voice brimming with affection. “Brother.”
In that single call, Yuan Shiyuan seemed to understand all the unspoken words in his brother’s heart.
“I know you love me,” he said slowly, stroking the back of his brother’s head. After a moment’s pause, his voice turned gentle yet resolute. “I love you too.”
“And that will never change.”
Yuan Shiyuan had always known his brother was emotionally sensitive.
This sensitivity had lessened considerably as Yuan Shize grew older.
But during Yuan Shize’s early days with them, he had been desperately insecure, clinging to Yuan Shiyuan while rarely speaking. Even when Yuan Shiyuan actively tried to start conversations, he would only respond with silence.
Yuan Shiyuan had once believed his brother might not truly love him.
One Chinese New Year, they were visiting their ancestral home in a small town. As he and his younger brother, Yuan Shize, were playing with Rubik’s Cubes in the courtyard, a rabid stray dog suddenly charged out, barking furiously.
The dog bared its teeth, clearly ready to attack. Yuan Shiyuan was startled but instinctively shielded his younger brother.
Just as the dog lunged, the usually taciturn Yuan Shize abruptly broke free from his brother’s protection and stepped in front of him instead.
Though trembling with fear himself, Yuan Shize bravely blocked the vicious dog, refusing to let it get anywhere near his older brother.
Yuan Shize suffered multiple bites on his arm and had to get multiple rabies shots.
It was then that Yuan Shiyuan truly understood: his younger brother simply wasn’t good at expressing himself. Yet Yuan Shize’s care and affection were no less profound than anyone else’s.
Beneath that silent exterior lay a courage that would readily spring forth to protect his big brother.
For many years, the two brothers had supported each other, weathering life’s storms together.
After the rest of the family had departed, Yuan Shiyuan cradled a bouquet of flowers and ducked into the nanny van.
The staff brought over fan letters to load into the van, only to realize that one vehicle simply wouldn’t be enough. Yuan Shiyuan felt a pang of regret but could only randomly grab a heavy basket of letters and carefully place it beside his seat.
The fans’ meticulously prepared letters radiated heartfelt sincerity from their very envelopes. Adorned with handmade embellishments and charming hand-drawn illustrations, each one was a labor of love.
Anxious about crushing them, Yuan Shiyuan repeatedly turned to check on the letters during the drive.
Not content with just that, he pulled out his mobile phone, activated the camera, and called out, “Everyone, huddle up! Time for a Weibo update!”
The remaining five members of Scepter finally managed to divert some of Yuan Shiyuan’s attention. They crowded around him, encircling his seat.
Yuan Shiyuan looked into the camera lens, while the other five members all gazed at his reflection in the front-facing screen.
Though he had removed his makeup, Yuan Shiyuan’s complexion remained rosy, radiating a healthy, natural blush. Facial glitter, stubbornly clinging to his skin despite efforts to wash it off, still shimmered across his cheeks like scattered stardust.
He flashed a peace sign at the camera and casually snapped the photo. As he reviewed the shot, Bo Jin reached out and gently brushed at his cheek.
But the glitter remained stubbornly fixed.
When the vehicle arrived at the dormitory, Yuan Shiyuan only realized something was amiss as he got out.
“Why did you guys come all the way to see me back to the dormitory?” he asked, puzzled. “It’s such a short walk.”
Ying Mingche casually draped an arm around his shoulder. “Baby, why wouldn’t we drive you even if it’s just a short walk?”
His gaze swept brazenly across the room. “Why don’t I… stay here tonight and keep you company?”
Bo Jin’s brow furrowed deeply, shooting him a displeased look.
Yuan Shiyuan flatly refused. “No thanks, I prefer sleeping alone.”
Ying Mingche withdrew his gaze regretfully.
Ying Mingxi, not wanting to make things awkward for Yuan Shiyuan, took Ying Mingche away first. Before leaving, he glanced back at Yuan Shiyuan.
Yuan Shiyuan flashed him a bright smile.
Jiang Heng lingered, reluctant to leave. He suddenly reached out, wrapping his arms around Yuan Shiyuan’s waist, and pressed a kiss to the curve of Yuan Shiyuan’s ear.
“Little Yuan,” he murmured, “see you tomorrow.”
A wave of goosebumps instantly rippled across Yuan Shiyuan’s skin.
He was merely returning to his dormitory, yet these five Alphas had insisted on escorting him—an already absurd situation.
Now what are they doing? A farewell ceremony?
But the main thing is, we have team plans tomorrow morning. We’ll see each other again after we wake up!
Why does this feel like parting in a long-distance relationship?
After Jiang Heng left, only Pei Yanbing remained. Pei Yanbing stared intently at Yuan Shiyuan, his unwavering gaze making Yuan Shiyuan increasingly uneasy.
Suddenly, Yuan Shiyuan’s wrist was seized, and he was pulled into the dormitory, Bo Jin’s arm wrapped firmly around his waist.
Bo Jin completely ignored Pei Yanbing, slamming the door shut with a bang, leaving Pei Yanbing stranded outside.
“What?!” Yuan Shiyuan exclaimed, shocked. “You’re just going to leave the captain like that?”
Bo Jin shrugged dismissively. “Why should I care?”
Was he supposed to give Pei Yanbing and Yuan Shiyuan a chance to be lovey-dovey? Have to hear Pei Yanbing call Yuan Shiyuan “Baby” right in front of him?
It was only then that Yuan Shiyuan remembered Bo Jin was an Alpha completely devoid of moral restraint or social grace. He hurriedly pushed Bo Jin inside, opened the door, and, as expected, saw Pei Yanbing’s face etched with disappointment and loss.
“Sorry about that, Captain,” Yuan Shiyuan said awkwardly. “You should go back and get some rest too.”
Pei Yanbing stared at him for a moment before abruptly stepping forward and taking his hand.
Then, right under his gaze, he leaned down and gently kissed Yuan Shiyuan’s knuckles.
“Good night, Baby.”
Dazed, Yuan Shiyuan turned around, but snapped back to reality a moment later.
Bo Jin was leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, watching him with a half-amused, half-threatening look.
That look was all too familiar.
It was the classic “caught in the act” expression.
Yuan Shiyuan’s conscience was clear. He walked forward with feigned nonchalance, only to be swept up by Bo Jin, who lifted him by the waist and placed him on the dormitory desk.
He watched as Bo Jin knelt before him, removed his shoes and socks, then rose to pull him into a tight embrace.
Bo Jin’s body temperature was always very warm, and when it met the cold air in the dormitory, it created an extremely comfortable sensation. Yuan Shiyuan narrowed his eyes, slightly raised his knee, and hooked the Alpha’s leg.
“Why are you still eavesdropping on me and the captain talking?”
“Eavesdropping?” Bo Jin repeated the two words. “I’m listening openly.”
“Listening to my wife flirt with other Alphas.”
Yuan Shiyuan: “……”
This address made him awkwardly scratch his fingers. He didn’t want to respond, so he unnaturally changed the subject, “Do you shower first or do I?”
“Never mind, I’ll go first.” He directly made the choice for Bo Jin.
Even if Yuan Shiyuan didn’t say anything, Bo Jin would let him wash first.
The bathroom Yuan Shiyuan used always had a faint fragrance. He liked it very much.
“Answer me one question before you shower.” Bo Jin stroked Yuan Shiyuan’s cheek, “I didn’t get a chance to ask before.”
“My pheromone and Pei Yanbing’s pheromone came in turns, did you like it very much?”
Yuan Shiyuan almost choked on his own saliva.
He slapped away the Alpha’s hand, looking astonished: “Why are you asking this?”
“Didn’t you want to try it before? Now that you’ve tried it, how does it feel?” Bo Jin pressed on relentlessly, asking, “I want to hear all the details.”
“Why do you always want to hear all the details?” Yuan Shiyuan couldn’t help but retort. “Are you some kind of pervert?”
Hearing himself called a pervert, Bo Jin merely raised an eyebrow and leaned in close, whispering deliberately near Yuan Shiyuan’s ear, “If my wife says so, then so it is.”
Yuan Shiyuan, at his wit’s end, covered his ears and retreated to the restroom, as if that could block out the embarrassing term of endearment.
As soon as he finished showering, Bo Jin slipped into the restroom almost seamlessly.
Yuan Shiyuan lay sprawled on the bed, lazily scrolling through his mobile phone and replying to messages from his family. He read each one carefully and responded earnestly, giving each message his full attention.
As he typed, his arm suddenly grew sore, and he let out a lazy yawn.
Lately, he had been severely lacking in sleep due to preparations for the concert. On the very morning of the concert, he had still been… busy with various Alphas.
Earlier, his mind had been occupied with nerves and excitement. Now that the concert was over, exhaustion finally crashed over him like an overdue wave.
His physical stamina had indeed been stretched thin; he needed to catch up on sleep.
Though his body was exhausted, his mind buzzed with energy. Yuan Shiyuan couldn’t resist pulling out his phone and chatting with his family for a while longer.
He was so engrossed in his conversation that he didn’t even notice when Bo Jin emerged from the shower and skillfully slipped into bed beside him.
Only when Bo Jin’s arm circled his waist, pulling him close, did Yuan Shiyuan frown slightly. “So quick?”
“Quick?” Bo Jin nuzzled his chin into the hollow of Yuan Shiyuan’s neck, inhaling deeply. “There’s barely any of your scent left in the bathroom.”
Otherwise, Bo Jin would have lingered longer.
“Still chatting with your family?” Bo Jin hadn’t glanced at Yuan Shiyuan’s phone, but the curve of his lips gave it away.
“Yeah,” Yuan Shiyuan yawned, leaning back against the Alpha’s chest and rubbing his cheek against Bo Jin’s shoulder.
Bo Jin’s hand instinctively began stroking Yuan Shiyuan’s lower abdomen. This gesture had become so habitual that it was now an unconscious reflex.
“Your belly’s still red,” Bo Jin murmured, lifting the edge of Yuan Shiyuan’s shirt for a peek. “I can feel it every time.”
Yuan Shiyuan didn’t even bother looking up, continuing to focus on replying to his messages. “My stomach has always been thin.”
“It’s just redness, anyway. It’s hidden under your clothes, so no one will see it.”
No one would be bored enough to lift his shirt just to look.
At least, that’s what he told himself.
Still, every time Bo Jin saw the mottled, reddish marks on Yuan Shiyuan’s abdomen, where the internal swelling pushed through the skin, his heart couldn’t help but stir.
He gently patted Yuan Shiyuan’s knee. “Spread your legs a bit. Let me see if it’s still swollen.”
Yuan Shiyuan naturally parted his legs, resting the crook of one knee on the Alpha’s arm and allowing Bo Jin to examine the wound.
Bo Jin pried open the slightly exposed wound for a closer look. It was still somewhat swollen.
However, it had slowly transformed from a mere “•” to a distinct “。”
“Still needs ointment.”
Bo Jin squeezed out a dollop of milky-white ointment and applied it in circular motions around the inflamed edges. The cool cream melted against the warmth of Yuan Shiyuan’s skin, allowing the medicine to absorb properly. He patiently waited until the ointment had fully emulsified before gently pushing the remaining cream deeper into the wound, meticulously coating every crease and fold.
Yuan Shiyuan’s eyes narrowed, a low hum of pleasure escaping his throat. He spread his knees wider, making it easier for the Alpha to apply the ointment.
“A little deeper,” he urged with a low, throaty groan.
Bo Jin chuckled. “You’re already biting me incessantly. Isn’t that enough?”
Yuan Shiyuan didn’t bother responding to Bo Jin. After all, he’d already achieved his goal—Bo Jin had not only listened to him but also flipped him off.
He leisurely replied to messages when he suddenly saw one from Ying Mingche.
Ying Mingche: You really don’t need me?
Ying Mingche: I got a new tongue stud. This one’s different—it’s got a little electric current. Licking feels even better.
Ying Mingche: Seriously, you don’t want to try it?
Yuan Shiyuan raised an eyebrow.
Where does Ying Mingche come up with all these tricks? Electric current?
He’d never tried anything like that before. The last tongue stud and the subsequent experience had been quite eye-opening, even making that ugly Citrus Lobe look somewhat appealing.
But he was already getting ready for bed.
It’s so late. I really don’t want to bother with this now.
Bo Jin, seeing Ying Mingche’s relentless barrage of suggestive photos, scoffed, “So cheap.”
Hearing those words from Bo Jin’s mouth, Yuan Shiyuan found it inexplicably amusing.
He chuckled softly and decided to ignore Ying Mingche, pretending to be asleep.
Ying Mingche: You’re ignoring me on purpose?
Ying Mingche: Then I’m coming over right now.
Yuan Shiyuan: No, no, no! Don’t come over! I was about to go to sleep.
Ying Mingche: Wanna try it before bed? No ulterior motives—just worried about wasting all the fluid you’ve been leaking lately. Thought I’d drink it all up.
Yuan Shiyuan: Shut up.
Yuan Shiyuan locked his phone with a deadpan expression, but a jolt of electric tingling instantly surged through his fingertips, nearly making him drop the device.
He gently bit down on his curled fingers, letting out a soft, unsuppressed moan.
“Do you like this?” Bo Jin’s husky voice whispered close to Yuan Shiyuan’s ear, warm and raspy.
“Mm, mmm…” Yuan Shiyuan mumbled, leaning his head against Bo Jin’s shoulder. “More.”
Bo Jin gave him no chance to catch his breath. He lowered his head and captured Yuan Shiyuan’s slightly parted lips, his rough tongue storming through the narrow confines of his mouth. Simultaneously, his pressed-together middle and index fingers moved with such speed in the unseen depths that they blurred into afterimages.
Even the sound of the melting ointment became clear and resonant.
“Ugh—” Yuan Shiyuan’s eyes glazed over as he was kissed, fixating on a point in the distance before going completely still.
The ointment had fully melted. When Bo Jin withdrew his hand, his fingers glistened, drenched in watery residue. He bent down to lick away the tears pooling at the corners of Yuan Shiyuan’s eyes, then gently patted Yuan Shiyuan’s back, as if comforting him.
“Do you like it?”
“Hm? Mm… I like it,” Yuan Shiyuan murmured absently, his voice still trembling slightly. “It feels really good.”
Bo Jin: “There’s even better. Want more?”
Yuan Shiyuan chuckled, pushing Bo Jin’s face away. “Nah, I’m gonna sleep.”
It was the middle of the night, and Yuan Shiyuan didn’t want to exert himself, let alone experience Bo Jin’s legendary weapon—the one rumored to pierce souls.
A quick jerk-off would suffice. Fed with pheromones, he was perfectly content.
“You can still get some even while you’re asleep,” Bo Jin said, pulling him back. “You sleep, I’ll do my thing.”
“Are you going to fuck me in my sleep?” Yuan Shiyuan asked, surprised. “What’s the point? I won’t even react.”
Bo Jin smiled, his wet fingers gently pinching Yuan Shiyuan’s earlobe. “How do you know you won’t react?”
Yuan Shiyuan was sound asleep, yet his body responded without fail.
Sometimes, perhaps dreaming of something insufficient or disliking the rhythm, he would even writhe and pleasure himself.
“I’m asleep! How could I possibly react?”
Yuan Shiyuan casually reached down to check. Bo Jin’s state was astounding. He quickly retracted his hand, feigning nonchalance. “Is that what you really want?”
“But I don’t want to. What are you going to do about it?”
Bo Jin stopped teasing him, pulled Yuan Shiyuan down to lie with him, and casually draped the small blanket from the bedside plushie over them. He turned off the main light, leaving only the nightlight glowing softly.
“I’m not going to do anything,” Bo Jin said, his large hand gently stroking Yuan Shiyuan’s nape, squeezing it neither too hard nor too soft. “If you don’t want to, we won’t.”
He leaned down and kissed Yuan Shiyuan’s cheek. “Good night, wifey.”
The next morning, Yuan Shiyuan was still groggy when Bo Jin dug him out of bed.
Bo Jin cradled Yuan Shiyuan in his arms, one hand supporting his bottom while the other used a towel to wipe his face. After washing up, he patiently dressed him.
Even before Yuan Shiyuan was fully awake, Bo Jin took the opportunity to hold him while he peed, completing the entire process in one seamless motion without giving Yuan Shiyuan a chance to react.
By the time Yuan Shiyuan’s morning grogginess wore off, he was clean and refreshed, his hair neatly combed, ready to go out immediately.
Bo Jin casually packed Yuan Shiyuan’s backpack. Noticing him standing motionless, Bo Jin stepped forward, his large hand sliding down Yuan Shiyuan’s waistband. With his index and middle fingers forming a scissor shape, he parted Yuan Shiyuan’s legs and glanced at Xiao Xue.
She wasn’t as swollen as before.
Just as Bo Jin was about to withdraw his hand, Yuan Shiyuan leaned into his arms like a boneless creature, his entire weight collapsing against him. Bo Jin raised an eyebrow and casually delivered a crisp slap to the round, firm flesh of Yuan Shiyuan’s bottom.
“!!” Yuan Shiyuan jolted awake, hastily retreating two steps and pulling up his pants. “Brother, what are you doing first thing in the morning?”
“What could I possibly be doing?” Bo Jin casually wrapped an arm around his waist. “Let’s go. The car’s waiting downstairs.”
Yuan Shiyuan remained wary. He had discovered Bo Jin’s peculiar habit of repeatedly grabbing and slapping his “pigudrum”—not painful, but for a grown man… it was utterly bizarre.
The intense psychological shame made it unbearable.
Yuan Shiyuan vividly remembered how Bo Jin, fully aware that the term “wife” would humiliate him, had deliberately kept calling him that while gently patting him with his palm.
Caught in a hazy, semi-conscious state, Yuan Shiyuan had instinctively tensed up, tears streaming down his face in mortification as he clung desperately to the Alpha, refusing to let go…
Yuan Shiyuan and Bo Jin were the last to board the car.
The other Alphas were already seated, each in their designated spot. As Yuan Shiyuan entered, their gazes converged on him in unison.
When their eyes fell on Bo Jin, however, they bristled with barely concealed hostility, tinged with veiled curiosity.
Fortunately, Yuan Shiyuan showed no outward signs of distress. He greeted his teammates warmly, “Good morning, everyone! Am I late?”
Yuan Shiyuan settled into his seat with practiced ease. No sooner had he buckled up than Zhuang He handed him a tablet and began outlining the day’s schedule.
“Director Chen’s upcoming project will officially begin auditions soon.”
“Thanks to Shiyuan’er, we’ve got a slight advantage: early auditions… But don’t get too excited. We’re not the only team with this privilege.”
“The Necro Boy Group also gets an early audition.”
The Alphas instinctively frowned.
Zhuang He laid out the intelligence he’d gathered one by one. “I’ve sent all the information I have to the group chat. The competition’s going to be far fiercer than we anticipated.”
Since Yuan Shiyuan’s role was already secured, he was more concerned about whether his teammates would succeed in their auditions.
He quickly scrolled through the group chat, studying the familiar yet unfamiliar faces. Only then did he truly grasp what his manager meant by “fierce competition.”
There were recently skyrocketed young idols and even a film emperor who had just won Best Actor… Given their star power, they certainly wouldn’t be vying for ordinary cannon fodder roles.
The roles they were competing for were undoubtedly either the male lead’s official boyfriend or his steady secret lover. These two roles had the most screen time and were ripe for memorable performances.
Yuan Shiyuan’s brow furrowed deeply.
He’d seen these actors on TV before, but the thought of performing intimate scenes with them… it just felt incredibly strange.
Perhaps Yuan Shiyuan was still too traditional and conservative, unable to accept performing intimate scenes with strangers.
He simply couldn’t let himself relax around people he didn’t know.
“Why are all these people here trying to get in on this?”
Ying Mingche frowned, his tone laced with annoyance. “Weren’t these guys always acting like big shots? Just a while ago, they said in an interview they’d only take on ‘deep, male lead roles.’ Now they’re scrambling for supporting parts? Where’s their dignity?”
The car fell silent, the Alphas’ eyes growing increasingly grave.
The competition was fiercer than they’d imagined.
They instinctively glanced at Yuan Shiyuan. He was sitting quietly in his seat, the curtains drawn tight, with only a sliver of warm golden sunlight slipping through the gap, landing on his pale pink hair and highlighting his soft features.
He seemed enveloped in a halo of light, like he had his own soft-focus filter, so beautiful it was impossible to look away.
In the next instant, they all realized the truth almost simultaneously.
These people weren’t here to compete for roles at all—they were all after Yuan Shiyuan!
Zhuang He rallied them: “The competition’s tough, so you need to work even harder! Shiyuan’er has been practicing with you guys privately lately, right? Don’t let his efforts go to waste.”
He paused, his gaze toward Yuan Shiyuan deepening with concern. “Shiyuan’er also said he doesn’t want to film intimate scenes with strangers.”
Now that Yuan Shiyuan had differentiated into an Omega, filming intimate scenes with a stranger… that could lead to serious trouble.
Wouldn’t that just be letting someone take advantage of him? If a teammate from the group got the role, at least it would be family—an Alpha Yuan Shiyuan had already acknowledged.
The thought pierced the Alphas’ hearts like a thorn.
They wanted this role more than anything.
But they were non-professional actors, while their rivals were trained professionals with extensive experience. Their chances of winning were slim.
Bo Jin closed his eyes in deep thought, even considering how much money it would take to guarantee success.
After a long silence, Jiang Heng suddenly spoke up. “If… I mean, if none of us get the part—”
He turned to Yuan Shiyuan, his palms clammy. “If we all fail the audition and you have to film intimate scenes with a stranger… how would you feel?”
All eyes fixed on Yuan Shiyuan, their breaths held.
This was the worst-case scenario.
None of them had succeeded in the auditions, not even landing cannon fodder roles. Though the odds were slim, it wasn’t impossible.
The pool of competing Alphas was overwhelmingly composed of classically trained actors with extensive performance experience. Combined with their good looks and established reputations, Director Chen had no reason to choose anyone else.
Under the intense scrutiny, Yuan Shiyuan remained composed, his fingers still swiping across his tablet. “While I genuinely don’t want to film those kinds of scenes with strangers, if none of you get the roles and someone else is cast, I’ll do my best to overcome my discomfort and deliver my best performance. I won’t let the director or the audience down.”
He lifted his gaze to meet the Alphas’ eyes. “Whether it’s kissing scenes or more intimate scenes like… bed scenes.”
The moment he finished speaking, the car fell into dead silence.
After a few seconds, the Alphas spoke almost in unison.
“We won’t let you film intimate scenes with another Alpha.”
No matter the cost, they were determined to secure the roles.