Pretending to Be an Alpha in an All-Alpha Boy Band - Chapter 134
Chapter 134: Embezzlement
At the audition site, Yuan Shiyuan had just stepped out of the car when he noticed a black vehicle had arrived ahead of them.
A staff member held a parasol, beneath which stood a tall, slender Alpha. Perhaps sensing movement, he slowly turned his head, his gaze locking precisely with Yuan Shiyuan’s across the distance.
Yuan Shiyuan’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.
In the next instant, Jiang Heng subtly shifted, shielding him behind his back without a word.
Jiang Heng held a deep-seated dislike for Su Luochen.
Yuan Shiyuan withdrew his gaze, remarking casually, “Ignore him. Let’s pretend he doesn’t exist. We’re unlikely to cross paths anyway.”
Yuan Shiyuan had expected the auditions to be conducted individually in sequence. However, upon all candidates arriving at the designated location, Chen Yin gathered them together for a group introduction.
Their paths had inevitably crossed.
The sun blazed overhead. As Yuan Shiyuan stepped off the stone stairs, the glaring sunlight pierced his eyes. He instinctively raised a hand to shield his brow.
Seeing this from nearby, Nan Liujing immediately grabbed his umbrella and hurried over. But Ying Mingxi was faster, already gently opening his umbrella to shield Yuan Shiyuan from the scorching sun. The other Alphas weren’t idle either, some fanning him with handheld fans, others hand-feeding him water…
In an instant, Yuan Shiyuan was surrounded by Alphas, leaving no room for anyone else.
Nan Liujing’s expression fell, and he stopped dejectedly. He had forgotten that they were no longer the friends they once were. Now, he had no chance to approach Yuan Shiyuan, forced to watch helplessly as the other Alphas showered him with attention.
Su Luochen shot Nan Liujing a contemptuous glance. What a spineless wimp.
He was spineless before confessing, and even more spineless after. A complete and utter waste!
Su Luochen smirked coldly, his gaze fixed on the scene unfolding before him. After Yuan Shiyuan took a few sips of water, his lips were stained a vibrant, dewy red. Ying Mingche immediately stepped forward, tenderly wiping away the water droplets with his fingertip.
After a brief exchange, Yuan Shiyuan’s eyebrow suddenly arched, a playful curve tugging at the corner of his lips. He even raised his hand and gave Ying Mingche’s cheek a light, deliberate pat.
What should have been a humiliating gesture left Ying Mingche with an expression of utter contentment. He even nuzzled Yuan Shiyuan’s palm, only to have Yuan Shiyuan yank his hand away with a look of disdain.
“…”
“Absolutely disgusting,” Su Luochen muttered, barely suppressing his rage. “Crawling over each other like servants, practically paying to be Yuan Shiyuan’s lapdog.”
Yue Xiao shot him a bewildered glance, unable to grasp the reason for his sudden rage.
Su Luochen seethed with frustration and disbelief. How did becoming Yuan Shiyuan’s lackey require a competition now? Did you have to fight for the job?
He glared at his childhood friends and teammates, sneering coldly. A bunch of useless failures, as always. I can’t rely on them for anything.
They can’t even beat others to becoming his dog? No wonder Yuan Shiyuan ran off with someone else.
“Did you see them? They’ve been watching you the whole time.”
Ying Mingche pressed his cheek against Yuan Shiyuan’s palm, his expression clingy, but his voice carried a faint, eerie undercurrent.
Yuan Shiyuan dismissed it with a shrug. “People stare at me all the time.”
Ever since his school days, Yuan Shiyuan had been accustomed to being the center of attention. Even casual trips to the cafeteria or the sports field drew lingering gazes.
On his very first day of school, senior students had flocked to the doorway of his classroom, completely blocking the corridor just to catch a glimpse of him.
To Yuan Shiyuan, the gazes of Su Luochen and the others were no different from anyone else’s.
When Ying Mingche asked his question, he kept a close watch on Yuan Shiyuan’s expression. Only when he saw that Yuan Shiyuan paid them no mind did his brows relax slightly.
Thinking of Nan Liujing’s confession and Yue Xiao having once held Yuan Shiyuan’s feet…
He grew impatient again.
Why do these people keep haunting me like restless spirits?
“Director Chen is here!” a staff member called out, and everyone turned in the same direction. Chen Yin was accompanied by a large group, with two figures flanking him and a retinue trailing behind.
Based on their positions, Yuan Shiyuan guessed that the two beside Chen Yin were the highest-profile actors. Having reviewed the information Zhuang He had sent him beforehand, he immediately recognized them.
The Alpha on the left was Yin Yan, a wildly popular rising star. On the right stood Xie Shengjin, the newly crowned Best Actor, a powerhouse of talent.
“Everyone’s here?” Chen Yin greeted them with a warm smile, then walked straight to Yuan Shiyuan. “Come, Shiyuan, let me introduce you. This is Yin Yan and Xie Shengjin… both outstanding actors, and one of them is our freshly minted Best Actor!”
“Shiyuan, if you ever have any questions about acting, don’t hesitate to ask him for guidance,” Chen Yin quipped, seizing the moment.
Xie Shengjin smoothly played along, “Director Chen, if you keep saying that, I might get a big head!”
They laughed heartily, the atmosphere warm and convivial.
Chen Yin sobered slightly, his voice turning more serious. “All jokes aside, I mean it. Shiyuan, if you ever have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your senior for guidance. Why don’t you two exchange contact information?” He turned to Xie Shengjin. “What do you think?”
“Of course,” Xie Shengjin replied with a polite smile, his gaze softening as he turned to Yuan Shiyuan. “Shall I scan your QR code?”
Yuan Shiyuan paused, taken aback.
He had initially assumed this was just polite small talk, meant to be heard but not taken seriously. He knew of Xie Shengjin, of course—a household name with fiercely loyal fans, and more importantly, a young actor with multiple critically acclaimed roles, his acting skills considered top-tier among his peers.
Yuan Shiyuan quickly realized this was Chen Yin deliberately trying to connect him with industry veterans, expanding his network. Even if they couldn’t collaborate immediately, it opened doors for future interactions.
As the junior, it was customary for him to scan Xie Shengjin’s code. He replied equally politely, “Wouldn’t it be more appropriate for me to scan yours, Senior Xie?”
Yuan Shiyuan introduced himself earnestly, “I’m Yuan Shiyuan from Scepter…”
Before he could finish, Xie Shengjin smiled warmly, his tone affable. “We already know you. No need for such formalities or the constant ‘you’re welcome’ nonsense. I’m only five or six years older than you.”
“If anything, I’m just about the right age to be your Big Brother. All this ‘sir’ and ‘ma’am’ makes me feel ancient.”
So he’s not one for hierarchy, Yuan Shiyuan thought. He seems easygoing, but it’s still our first meeting.
Yuan Shiyuan adjusted his approach, testing the waters. “Then… Brother Xie, can I scan your QR code now?”
Xie Shengjin readily agreed, letting Yuan Shiyuan scan his code on the spot and promptly accepting the request.
Nearby, the group of Alphas watching exchanged darkening glances.
What the hell?
They’ve only just met, and they’re already exchanging contact info?
“Add me too!” Yin Yan chimed in with a grin, stepping forward. “It’ll make it easier to stay in touch.”
He fixed Yuan Shiyuan with a direct gaze. “I’m really looking forward to collaborating with you.”
Compared to Xie Shengjin’s composed demeanor, Yin Yan was far more outgoing and cheerful. As soon as they had added each other as friends, he suddenly reached out toward Yuan Shiyuan’s fingertips.
Yuan Shiyuan remained motionless, calmly observing him. Yin Yan’s hand stopped tactfully just short of his fingers, maintaining a respectful distance, close but never touching.
Yin Yan flipped his hand over repeatedly, marveling at the comparison. “You really don’t seem like an Alpha at all,” he exclaimed. “How are your hands so small?”
“And so fair.”
“I thought you were wearing makeup earlier, but you haven’t even put on foundation? Do you never go out in the sun?”
Yin Yan’s words came in a rapid, disjointed stream.
Yuan Shiyuan patiently answered each question. When he returned to his teammates, Bo Jin immediately scowled and wiped his hand with a wet wipe, as if it had been contaminated by something dirty.
Jiang Heng frowned. “What was he trying to do? Touch your hand?”
“Isn’t that sexual harassment?” Ying Mingche chimed in. “A pervert!”
Yuan Shiyuan shot him a puzzled glance. Ying Mingche actually has the gall to call someone else a pervert and a harasser?
“Not really,” Yuan Shiyuan said, amused. “He didn’t even touch me.”
“Even if there was contact, it was probably accidental, with no malicious intent,” Yuan Shiyuan said nonchalantly. “They seemed pretty friendly.”
He had spent some time at Ximi Entertainment, where the seniority culture was rampant. Many so-called “seniors” loved to flaunt their age and status. While he understood that juniors should respect their seniors, he disliked that kind of atmosphere.
Yin Yan and Xie Shengjin, whom he had just met, showed none of that condescension. Their conversation was witty and humorous, and they were impeccably polite—a stark contrast to the so-called “seniors” Yuan Shiyuan had encountered before.
Initially, he had been worried that filming intimate scenes with strangers would be awkward. But after meeting them and spending a little time together, he found himself not as resistant as he had anticipated.
Moreover, their exceptional acting skills might even rub off on him, allowing him to learn some real techniques.
As soon as Yuan Shiyuan finished speaking, the other Alphas fell into an eerie silence.
They had keenly sensed the subtle shift in Yuan Shiyuan’s demeanor. Their vigilance spiked, and anxiety began to spread.
How could they have forgotten that Yuan Shiyuan was a hundred percent pure-blooded straight man?
It wasn’t just a fleeting touch of the hand—Yuan Shiyuan’s personality was such that even more intimate physical contact would likely be dismissed as normal interaction.
Before entering the room, they’d thought it was all a joke.
Even if he actually did go inside, Yuan Shiyuan would rationalize it with his straight-man logic: What’s the harm? We’re all guys, let’s have some fun.
They needed to start practicing immediately. They couldn’t let those other Alphas steal his role.
Those Alphas just now had their eyes glued to Yuan Shiyuan, their intentions clear—restless, opportunistic types.
And to openly ask for Yuan Shiyuan’s contact information right in front of everyone…
“Filthy man! Filthy man!”
“A bunch of filthy people!”
In the break room, Su Luochen violently overturned a small cart. His chest heaved with fury, his eyes dark and menacing as the scene replayed endlessly in his mind.
Those filthy men had their eyes glued to Yuan Shiyuan the entire time. How could he not see their intentions? Yet he just stood there, letting them stare!
And even scanned someone’s contact information himself?!
He could smile warmly at strangers upon first meeting, his attitude almost sickeningly sweet, yet he wouldn’t even spare Su Luochen a glance. When their eyes occasionally met, Yuan Shiyuan would frown and look away, his disdain utterly undisguised.
This blatant preferential treatment burned Su Luochen like a raging fire, searing his very organs.
When Yue Xiao pushed open the door, he found the room in disarray and his teammate seething with fury.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, puzzled.
“Nothing,” Su Luochen replied flatly, suppressing his anger.
“Oh.” Yue Xiao didn’t press further, taking his word for it. After sitting down, he suddenly remembered something and remarked, “Yuan Shiyuan looks… really good.”
Good didn’t even begin to cover it.
In just a short time apart, Yuan Shiyuan seemed even more radiant than before. Su Luochen still vividly remembered Yuan Shiyuan’s dazzling presence on stage, each movement radiating fatal allure, making it impossible to look away.
But offstage, he possessed an even more vibrant beauty. When he spoke with others, his genuine, radiant smile held a captivating intensity.
Su Luochen had never seen such a genuine smile on Yuan Shiyuan’s face before.
He felt captivated, yet a bitter ache pricked at his heart.
However, seeing Yue Xiao’s calm expression and wistful demeanor, Su Luochen couldn’t contain his rising anger. His voice seethed with barely suppressed fury.
“Can’t you see anything strange? They’re getting way too close to him, aren’t they?”
The mere thought of it made his blood boil. What kind of relationship do they have behind the scenes? Why are they always pawing at Yuan Shiyuan? And why doesn’t he stop them? As an idol, how can he allow such ambiguous and suggestive behavior with other Alphas? It’s outrageous!
“Is there?” Yue Xiao asked.
“Are you blind? Didn’t you see them? His teammates were all over him—arms around his waist, touching his hands, caressing his face… It’s disgusting, absolutely revolting!” Su Luochen sneered. “And Yin Yan is such a sleazy bastard. ‘Your hands are so small’? How utterly sickening! If there weren’t so many people around, he probably would have tried to lick them!”
“And Ying Mingche? Constantly clinging to Yuan Shiyuan in public, like some kind of dog-skin plaster!”
As Su Luochen ranted, his voice grew increasingly harsh, his words almost spitting venom. “A bunch of disgusting, sleazy bastards!!”
Yue Xiao stared at his friend in stunned disbelief.
He didn’t understand. How could his usually level-headed friend suddenly be snarling like a rabid dog, spewing venomous curses from his mouth?
But saying nothing seemed just as bad.
After a moment of silence, Yue Xiao squeezed out, “Don’t you think it’s just… close camaraderie between teammates?”
“Close camaraderie my ass!” Su Luochen snapped. “Yue Xiao, you’re such a goddamn idiot.”
Too lazy to argue further, Su Luochen rolled his eyes and turned to leave. As soon as his back was turned, he pulled out his phone and fired off a quick message to his assistant:
Su Luochen: Are the actors in place?
Assistant: Already arranged. They’re near the audition venue.
Su Luochen: Good. Make sure they put on a convincing show. I’ll pay extra afterward.
Still uneasy, Su Luochen added: Just target everyone but Yuan Shiyuan. Don’t drag him into this. If he gets dragged into it, I won’t pay a single cent.
Outside the audition venue, a massive crowd of fans suddenly surged forward, causing a commotion. Yuan Shiyuan, walking inside with his teammates, instinctively glanced over, startled by the noise.
A sea of fans, waving light sticks and brandishing support banners, swarmed around the area, creating utter chaos.
“Those seem to be your fans?” Yuan Shiyuan guessed, based on the merchandise they were carrying.
Ying Mingche looked astonished. “All our fans? Not even one for you? Probably fake fans.”
Ying Mingxi stared intently for a moment, his brow furrowing. “Something’s not right.”
These fans hardly seemed to be here to support them; they were clearly trying to stir up trouble.
They surged forward, shouting slogans like “I’ll always support you!” and “XX has to get the role!”
The audition was supposed to be strictly confidential, and their behavior risked seriously irritating the director.
He might conclude that the actor lacked talent and needed his fans to pressure the production team.
Fortunately, the staff acted quickly to restore order, and the surroundings fell silent again. Yet the sudden disturbance left Yuan Shiyuan feeling inexplicably uneasy.
Yuan Shiyuan also thought the scene just now was bizarre, even unsettling.
Before he could dwell on it, he felt a sharp urge to relieve himself. Glancing at his teammates engrossed in their scripts, he stood up and said, “I’m going to the restroom.”
The Alphas immediately chimed in: “I’ll go with you—”
“No need,” Yuan Shiyuan interrupted firmly. “You guys focus on the scripts. The restroom’s right over there.”
He wasn’t some fragile porcelain doll who needed to be escorted and protected every step of the way, even to the restroom.
“Prepare well for the audition,” Yuan Shiyuan said with a smile, projecting just the right amount of exasperation. “I don’t want to do intimate scenes with any Alpha except you guys.”
“Don’t disappoint my expectations, okay?”
The words had the desired effect. The Alphas immediately gripped their scripts tighter, immersing themselves back into their roles, seeking the right mood for the upcoming auditions.
After using the restroom, Yuan Shiyuan finished washing his hands and looked up to see a silent figure had materialized behind him in the mirror.
Su Luochen was lurking in the shadows behind him, silently staring at him. Perhaps sensing his gaze, the Alpha responded with a chilling, viscous smile.
“Why don’t you even say hello when you see us? We spent quite a bit of time together, after all.”
Yuan Shiyuan calmly dried his hands. “Is there really any need? There are plenty of people I’ve spent time with.”
He tossed the damp paper towel into the trash can, lifted his gaze to Su Luochen’s reflection in the mirror, and offered a smile devoid of warmth. “Besides, if I were going to greet anyone, I’d start with your good buddy Nan Liujing, wouldn’t I?”
“You’d never get your turn.”
Su Luochen’s fists clenched so tightly at his sides that his fingertips trembled uncontrollably. Yuan Shiyuan’s words had struck him squarely in the heart.
Whether in the past or present, Yuan Shiyuan’s gaze had always fallen first on Nan Liujing, never on him.
Yet even though Yuan Shiyuan’s smile was dripping with insincerity and mockery, it still sent a dizzying surge of flattery through Su Luochen, mingled with a secret, hidden delight.
“That’s not a certainty,” Su Luochen retorted, stepping closer and fixing Yuan Shiyuan with a direct stare. “It might be my turn next, you know. We’re all auditioning.”
“Director Chen has his eye on me,” he added, carefully observing Yuan Shiyuan’s expression.
When Yuan Shiyuan’s expression remained unchanged, even displaying a hint of composure, Su Luochen’s emotions intensified. His feelings seemed easily stirred by Yuan Shiyuan’s presence.
As if trying to provoke a reaction, Su Luochen chuckled deliberately and continued.
“Director Chen thinks I’m perfect for the role of your lover. What will you do? Even if you hate me, we might still have to film intimate scenes together.”
“Before the official shoot, we’ll definitely need to practice those kissing scenes extensively.”
Su Luochen’s gaze locked onto Yuan Shiyuan’s lips, his heart pounding for no reason. His breathing quickened.
Was it his imagination? Yuan Shiyuan’s lips seemed fuller and more vividly red than he remembered, parted slightly with a hint of moisture.
“As you said,” Yuan Shiyuan replied coolly, “it’s just a might. Let’s wait until you’ve secured the role.”
“If you pass the audition, I’ll naturally rehearse the kissing scenes with you.”
The moment these words left Yuan Shiyuan’s lips, Su Luochen, who had been wearing a malevolent expression and even harboring thoughts of deliberately provoking him, froze. His ears, neck, collarbones, and a large swath of his face flushed crimson in an instant.
“You… what nonsense are you spouting?! Who said I wanted to kiss you?!”
Is he out of his mind?
Yuan Shiyuan had always known Su Luochen’s temperament was erratic—to put it bluntly, he was crazy. As a normal person, he couldn’t fathom the twisted logic of a madman. Moreover, since they were at an audition, he didn’t want to stir up unnecessary trouble.
He tried to sidestep Su Luochen, but the latter stubbornly blocked his path like a persistent ghost.
“How can you casually say something like that to an Alpha? Invite an Alpha to practice kissing scenes? How can you be so indifferent? This is kissing, mouth-to-mouth kissing!”
“Even if it’s just for a scene, it’s still kissing…”
Su Luochen couldn’t decide whether to be delighted or furious.
He was overjoyed that Yuan Shiyuan was willing to kiss him if he landed the role. But he couldn’t suppress his burning anger: did Yuan Shiyuan mean he’d kiss anyone who got the part?
Anyone?
How could Yuan Shiyuan be so casual about this?!
The Alpha’s expression was a kaleidoscope of emotions. Instead of anger, Yuan Shiyuan found himself amused. “It’s just a kiss scene. We’re practicing beforehand. What’s the big deal?”
“What’s the big deal? How can you say it’s no big deal? This is…” This is my first kiss!
But Su Luochen would never voice such a sentiment. Seeing Yuan Shiyuan’s nonchalant expression, he retorted sarcastically, “Oh? So you and your teammates practice kissing often? Well, you’re as pretty as a little girl. Who could resist?”
Su Luochen couldn’t help but imagine the scene: Yuan Shiyuan in casual clothes, taking turns practicing kiss scenes with his teammates, tilting his head back, obediently opening his mouth, sticking out his tongue…
Recalling those scandalous headlines, he sneered. “Those mad dogs must have chewed your tongue raw by now, right?”
“Yeah,” Yuan Shiyuan replied, surprisingly taking the initiative to pat Su Luochen’s shoulder. He even stuck out the tip of his tongue for the Alpha to see, then chuckled. “They did get a bit carried away.”
“I’ll have a proper word with them later.”
“Tell them to… take it easy next time.”
A soft, warm touch landed on his shoulder, followed by the faint fragrance of Yuan Shiyuan’s scent. Su Luochen’s senses were instantly ensnared, swept away, and his entire being became immersed in the intimate stimulation Yuan Shiyuan brought.
He held his breath, barely daring to breathe, yet secretly inhaled, surreptitiously savoring Yuan Shiyuan’s scent. His heart pounded wildly in his chest, yet the words he heard ignited a fierce anger within him.
They’ve actually kissed behind my back?! I knew it… I knew it!
Yuan Shiyuan was so beautiful, just standing there like a tempting dessert, so innocent and unguarded. How could any Alpha resist?
Those clingy parasites, those disgusting bastards!
Su Luochen should have been furious, but the scent of Yuan Shiyuan inexplicably filled him with a surge of elation. Yuan Shiyuan had actually touched him, even if it was just a small pat on the shoulder.
“Oh, what should I do?” he asked, staring directly into Yuan Shiyuan’s eyes. “I can’t stand the sight of them anymore.”
“I’ve always hated them, and now I’m especially, especially pissed off.”
Yuan Shiyuan slowly frowned. “What do you want to do?”
“Why would I tell you?”
Seeing the worry in Yuan Shiyuan’s eyes for the other Alphas, Su Luochen felt both resentful and excited, a twisted pleasure surging through him.
He suddenly flashed a malevolent grin. “Just wait and see.”
“Sure, I’ll wait,” Yuan Shiyuan replied dismissively, sidestepping him and heading for the exit.
As he descended the steps, the hem of Yuan Shiyuan’s robe accidentally snagged on a decorative ornament, causing the fabric to snap sharply upward.
From Su Luochen’s angle, he caught a glimpse of Yuan Shiyuan’s flat, snow-white abdomen, crisscrossed with gruesome scars.
Su Luochen’s eyes snapped into focus. He lunged forward, his voice tight with tension. “What’s this? Did they beat you?”
Yuan Shiyuan didn’t react immediately. “What?”
Su Luochen’s response was explosive. He seized Yuan Shiyuan’s hand. “Did they hit you? How dare they lay a hand on you?!”
He began recklessly yanking at Yuan Shiyuan’s robe, trying to pull it open to confirm his suspicions. Yuan Shiyuan, startled, stumbled back two steps.
“Are you crazy?”
“I just wanted to see if they’d been bullying you!”
The marks were strikingly mottled, their vivid color betraying their recent origin. Su Luochen had considered whether they might be dance-related bruises, but what kind of dance posture could leave such peculiar red marks across the lower abdomen?
An ominous premonition surged through him, chilling him to the bone.
If they dared lay a hand on Yuan Shiyuan, I’ll make those bastards pay…
Su Luochen’s thoughts ground to a halt. Before he could even confirm his suspicions, Yuan Shiyuan deftly slipped free of his grasp.
As Su Luochen moved to follow, an Alpha suddenly flashed into view and landed a solid punch squarely on his face.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Jiang Heng demanded, shielding Yuan Shiyuan firmly behind him, his eyes narrowed with vigilant suspicion.
Caught off guard by the sudden blow, Su Luochen reeled, momentarily stunned. Then, in a daze, he stared at Yuan Shiyuan, who stood behind another Alpha, frowning at him.
Even though he was the one who had been hit, Yuan Shiyuan immediately checked Jiang Heng’s hand, scrutinizing it carefully for any injury.
The sight pierced Su Luochen’s heart like a dagger, an agonizing mix of bitterness and resentment surging through him.
Forgetting where he was, Su Luochen erupted in a furious shout: “You always do this!”
“You always treat me differently! It was the same before and it’s the same now. I got beaten twice, and you never once showed any concern for me! Your attention is always focused on everyone else!”
“Even back when you were still at the company… you brought mango cake from home and shared it with everyone—except me!”
“Everyone else got a piece, so why didn’t I?! Why me?!”
“Why, Yuan Shiyuan? Why do you always do this? It’s not fair!”
“It’s not fair at all!”
Su Luochen loathed unfairness above all else, and he hated Yuan Shiyuan’s preferential treatment even more.
He couldn’t understand why Yuan Shiyuan always overlooked him. He knew Yuan Shiyuan was closer to Nan Liujing, but why would he share cake with everyone except him?
Why him specifically? Was he really that repulsive?
What had he done wrong this time?!
Hearing this outburst, Yuan Shiyuan was taken aback. He instinctively replied, “Aren’t you allergic to mangoes?”
Su Luochen, his voice choked with emotion and on the verge of losing control, jerked his head up.
He was utterly stunned.
“You… you know I’m allergic to mangoes?”
“Didn’t you feel really unwell the first time I brought mango cake to the company?” Yuan Shiyuan frowned, seemingly puzzled by Su Luochen’s sudden outburst. “Yet you still ate it.”
“You actually knew I was allergic to mangoes?!”
The gloom and resentment instantly vanished from Su Luochen’s face, replaced by a radiant, almost manic joy, as if he’d stumbled upon earth-shattering good news.
Even his own parents had never noticed his mango allergy, and he’d never told anyone about it—he never willingly revealed his weaknesses to others.
Yet Yuan Shiyuan had discovered it!
“So, after I had an allergic reaction the first time, you didn’t give me any the second time? Because I’m allergic, you wouldn’t give me any?”
What Su Luochen had always cared about wasn’t the missing slice of cake, but the fact that Yuan Shiyuan never seemed to truly care about him.
Now he finally understood: Yuan Shiyuan hadn’t withheld the mango cake out of dislike or intentional favoritism. He had remembered Su Luochen’s allergy, cared about his well-being, and worried about his health!
This realization, like a belated slice of cake, instantly dispelled all his resentment.
The first time Yuan Shiyuan brought cake to the company was for Yuan Xing’s birthday. Although Yuan Xing had retired from teaching, many of his former students still prepared cakes for him as usual.
Because Yuan Xing loved mangoes, he received mango cakes in every conceivable flavor.
Since they couldn’t possibly eat all the cakes themselves, Yuan Shiyuan, who was interning at Ximi Entertainment at the time, brought them to share with his colleagues and friends.
The second time, Yuan Xing was suffering from a gland disorder and prolonged depression. To lift his spirits and distract him, Father Yuan accompanied him to the hospital’s free cafeteria to bake together.
Yuan Shiyuan said helplessly, “The second time, I made a special tiramisu just for you, but I didn’t see you at the company. Didn’t I ask your little lackey to deliver it to you? Did he not give it to you?”
His little lackey? Su Luochen instantly realized who he meant, his face darkening to an inky, dripping rage.
This was that despicable wretch who had broken into Yuan Shiyuan’s dormitory, stolen his personal belongings, and then dared to pin the blame on me!
As if making him the scapegoat wasn’t enough, the bastard had even dared to devour the unique cake Yuan Shiyuan had specially prepared for him?!
Su Luochen laughed, cried, and raged, his emotions shifting violently in rapid succession. Then, his face twisting with stubborn defiance, he snarled, “So what if I’m allergic? I can still eat it! You could have just given it to me directly!”
“It’s just an allergy! It won’t kill me!”