Pretending to Be an Alpha in an All-Alpha Boy Band - Chapter 142

Chapter 142: Dormitory Agony Room

“So, who do you think the two male leads are?”

Yuan Shiyuan set down the documents in his hand, his gaze meeting a row of anxious eyes. He deliberately drew out the final syllable, “Who could they possibly be?”

Ying Mingxi sighed helplessly. “Shiyuan, stop teasing us.”

Yuan Shiyuan chuckled, relenting, “Alright, I’ll cut to the chase. The two male leads are Brother Mingxi and Jiang Heng…”

He turned to Pei Yanbing and the others, “As for you guys, you’ll also have roles, but only in flashback scenes.”

These scenes mostly consisted of the protagonist reminiscing about past liaisons with his casual partners—explicit, sensual memories. In other words, though Pei Yanbing and the others hadn’t secured the male lead positions, they had managed to win roles involving intimate contact with Yuan Shiyuan.

Even if only for one-time scenes.

Ying Mingxi and Jiang Heng were both stunned, clearly still reeling from the good news.

Zhuang He exclaimed, “Excellent! The entire Scepter team made the cut! Don’t let your ‘cannon fodder’ roles fool you—your scenes are still quite substantial… and incredibly sensual.”

Noticing the darkening expressions on Bo Jin and the others, he quickly added reassuringly, “It’s still a good opportunity to showcase your talents!”

Ying Mingche wore a look of utter despair. He leaned sideways and clung to Yuan Shiyuan’s waist, burying his face in the crook of Yuan Shiyuan’s neck and wailing, “I didn’t get the part… How could I not get the part?!”

“How come you didn’t get it? Weren’t you cast as the fuckbuddy?” Yuan Shiyuan shot him a sidelong glance.

“That’s different! To truly embody the mistress vibe, I’ve been binge-watching TV dramas and reading novels about mistresses clawing their way to the top every single day…” Ying Mingche’s voice trailed off, a hint of bitterness creeping in. “And yet Director Chen still favored your Childhood Friend.”

The sourness in his words was almost palpable.

Yuan Shiyuan: “……”

Why is he being so passive-aggressive?

“It just means Jiang Heng’s audition performance was more compelling and resonated with the director,” Yuan Shiyuan objectively assessed, his gaze sweeping over the others. “Of course, all of you did wonderfully—otherwise, he wouldn’t have cast you in any role.”

“You’re all fantastic,” he added, patting Ying Mingche’s shoulder, who was closest to him, in a gesture of comfort.

Ying Mingche suddenly froze.

The clingy, jealous, and petulant man from just moments ago now wore an unnatural expression, his earlobes flushing an odd shade of red. He stole a glance at Yuan Shiyuan’s hand, and while Yuan Shiyuan was distracted, his fingertips slipped between Yuan Shiyuan’s fingers, gently intertwining their hands.

Ying Mingche completely ignored the gazes fixed on him, boldly squeezing Yuan Shiyuan’s fingers even tighter.

“Oh,” he said, barely suppressing his joy that Yuan Shiyuan hadn’t shaken him off. Feigning composure, he added magnanimously, “It’s fine. Whoever got the role, it’s all the same.”

He even uttered something he barely believed himself: “After all, we’re a team.”

Such a statement promoting team unity, coming from Ying Mingche’s mouth, even drew a surprised glance from Zhuang He.

The three actors who lost the second male lead role to Yuan Shiyuan initially felt a pang of disappointment and resentment, but they quickly came to terms with it. Yuan Shiyuan was right: if the director hadn’t chosen them, it must mean someone else had given a better performance.

Fortunately, they had all secured other roles, so they wouldn’t even miss out on the chance to observe.

Zhuang He looked at Ying Mingche with genuine satisfaction. “Good. You’ve matured lately, become much more steady.”

Ying Mingche hadn’t shouted or acted out; instead, he remained quietly by Yuan Shiyuan’s side, even understanding the concept of teamwork.

It seemed Scepter’s cohesion was growing stronger, though the way it was consolidating was rather unique—entirely centered around Yuan Shiyuan.

Yuan Shiyuan, his fingers being idly toyed with by Ying Mingche, paid him no mind. Suddenly, a thought struck him.

“Oh, right, Brother Zhuang,” he said, “I need to go to campus in the next couple of days.”

“Classes started already?”

“Yeah, I was planning to go register this afternoon,” Yuan Shiyuan replied. “I also need to go to the registrar’s office to adjust my class schedule.”

A University, where Yuan Shiyuan studied, was renowned for its emphasis on humanistic values and its liberal academic atmosphere.

If students felt overwhelmed or unprepared for university life, they could apply for a leave of absence and pursue any path—travel, entrepreneurship, skill development. The university even offered on-campus positions like library assistant. Within ten years, students could return to their studies at any time.

Throughout this decade, A University kept its doors open to its students.

Alternatively, students with special circumstances like Yuan Shiyuan could apply for online courses. The specific class times could be adjusted through communication with the university and the instructors.

Yuan Shiyuan had initially chosen A University precisely because of its unique culture of tolerance and freedom.

“What time are you going? I’ll drive you,” Bo Jin offered.

“I was thinking of getting to campus around two o’clock. My roommates should be back in the dormitory by then,” Yuan Shiyuan said. “I’ll go buy some things first.”

“Buying something?” Jiang Heng asked.

“I’m getting some gifts for my roommates,” Yuan Shiyuan explained. “They really took care of me before.”

When Yuan Shiyuan was short on money, his roommates had gone out of their way to help him. They’d “accidentally” order an extra takeout portion, “forget” to finish their fruit… and sometimes even secretly top up his meal card or water card.

He had never forgotten their kindness.

Now that school was starting again and he was financially secure, Yuan Shiyuan naturally wanted to show his appreciation.

Knowing his roommates wouldn’t accept extravagant gifts, he chose items they’d long coveted but couldn’t bring themselves to buy: a new gaming keyboard for the one who played online games, a projector for the one who loved watching movies in the dorm, and high-performance headphones for the introverted roommate who always wore them to listen to music.

They’ll like these, Yuan Shiyuan thought.

“Are you heading to school for registration?” Ying Mingche asked, seeing Bo Jin had already snatched the chance to be the driver. “Then I’ll come too. I can help you carry everything.”

Yuan Shiyuan was about to decline when Ying Mingche added, “Aren’t you still getting gifts for your roommate? With all those bags, it’ll be a hassle to carry everything.”

Yuan Shiyuan thought it over and realized Ying Mingche had a point.

On registration day, vehicles needed advance permission to enter campus. Bo Jin’s car could only park at the gate. The campus was vast, and the two of them would have to lug heavy bags around while also going to the registrar’s office to adjust courses and fill out various application forms…

With just the two of them, it would indeed be too much to handle.

When Yuan Shiyuan had enrolled in university previously, even with Yuan Xing ill, his parents and younger brother had come along, carrying all his luggage as they walked him into campus. They helped him familiarize himself with the surroundings, fill out the paperwork, and even shared his first lunch in the university cafeteria.

If his current schedule weren’t so inflexible, not only Yuan Xing and her husband but also Yu Jiao and her husband would have insisted on joining him for registration.

Just two days ago, the family group chat had been buzzing with questions about his registration plans.

That familiar atmosphere of familial care subtly overlapped with the present moment.

Yuan Shiyuan didn’t want to trouble his family with such a small matter, especially since they were all so busy.

“Alright, then you can be my pack mule and carry the stuff,” he said to Ying Mingche with a smile.

Just as Yuan Shiyuan agreed to Ying Mingche’s suggestion, Jiang Heng chimed in, “Little Yuan, I’m coming too. Is that okay?”

Jiang Heng wanted to come too? Yuan Shiyuan frowned and looked over, only to find Pei Yanbing staring at him intently, and even Ying Mingxi giving him a warm, gentle smile.

Yuan Shiyuan: “……”

The final result: the entire group was going.

Bo Jin’s car couldn’t possibly fit six people, so they had to take the company’s nanny van instead. Fortunately, Yuan Shiyuan didn’t need to bring luggage; the trunk only contained gifts for his roommate, leaving plenty of space inside.

After Bo Jin parked, the four Alphas instinctively grabbed the items from the trunk and waited on the first floor of the office building. Yuan Shiyuan, meanwhile, dashed to the administrative office to fill out paperwork and formalities before racing back downstairs.

They were all fully armed with masks, hats, and other disguises. Yet even so, their tall frames and impeccable proportions drew curious glances from passersby.

And among them, Yuan Shiyuan, with his distinctive pink hair and noticeable size difference, instantly became the center of attention.

Three students walking together stared intently in his direction.

Six people, five Big Refrigerators, and a pink-haired youth… The answer flashed through their minds, almost making them scream with excitement.

“Done already? That was fast!” Ying Mingche exclaimed, surprised by A University’s efficiency.

“Yes, the teacher happened to be free and processed it right away,” Yuan Shiyuan replied. “The dormitory isn’t far from here…”

Before he could finish, a suppressed, excited voice tentatively called out from behind.

“Little Yuan?”

“Are you Yuan Shiyuan?!”

“Is it really you? Can we take a picture together?”

Yuan Shiyuan froze behind his mask, surprised that he could be recognized even so well disguised.

He quickly turned to meet the fans’ eager gazes, then immediately turned away, lowered his head, and pressed a finger to his lips.

“It’s me,” Yuan Shiyuan said in a low voice, clasping his hands together. Beneath the brim of his hat, a pair of pleading, teary eyes peeked out. “We can take a picture, but quietly, okay? Today is check-in day for returning students, and I don’t want to cause any trouble for the school.”

“We’ll be quiet!” one of the Omegas quickly assured him. “We came to cancel our dorm contracts… We never imagined we’d run into you here!”

“I’m a senior!” another Beta exclaimed. “Can we really take a photo with you?”

“Of course, Seniors,” Yuan Shiyuan replied politely, turning to the group of Alphas beside him. “Let’s find a corner and take a group photo. Is that alright with you all?”

In the empty classroom, the members of Scepter briefly removed their masks and hats. Yuan Shiyuan patiently posed for the photos, carefully checking each shot to ensure everyone looked clear and even thoughtfully asking, “Is this angle okay?”

He glanced at the time—it was still early. “If you don’t like them, we can keep taking photos until you’re satisfied,” he offered.

“No, no, this is perfect!” the Beta quickly assured him. “This is enough! Thank you, Little Yuan.”

“We won’t bother you any longer!”

The fans knew they shared a school with Yuan Shiyuan and had often fantasized about a chance encounter. But fantasy remained fantasy; when the moment actually materialized, they were struck by an almost dreamlike sense of unreality.

Aware this was Yuan Shiyuan’s personal time, they refrained from lingering and waved goodbye, immediately departing.

Yuan Shiyuan smiled and waved back until their retreating figures vanished from sight, then promptly readjusted his mask.

The Alphas silently picked up their bags and parcels. “Let’s go to your dorm,” they said.

While Yuan Shiyuan wasn’t paying attention, they had each quietly added gifts to their bags.

Since Yuan Shiyuan’s roommates had helped him through tough times, it was only right, given their current relationship, to properly thank these friends who had offered a helping hand in his hour of need.

Yuan Shiyuan’s roommates were all locals and had already checked into the dormitory that morning. They didn’t have a habit of napping at noon, usually spending the time in the library or playing video games.

When Yuan Shiyuan swiped his keycard to open the dorm room door and stepped inside, all three roommates turned to look at him simultaneously, their eyes wide with surprise.

“Our Yuan’s back?!” one Alpha exclaimed, immediately setting aside his ongoing game and standing up to greet him. “It hasn’t been that long since we last saw you, but you seem taller! Am I imagining things?”

Yuan Shiyuan raised an eyebrow and lifted his foot slightly. “I’m wearing height-boosting insoles,” he quipped.

Laughter erupted in the room. The roommates crowded around Yuan Shiyuan, with roommate A remarking, “It’s been so sunny lately, but you haven’t tanned at all? I’ve gotten several shades darker!”

Roommate B chimed in, “You know Yuanbao never tans. He’s naturally pale-skinned.”

After a warm round of greetings with Yuan Shiyuan, the roommates finally noticed the imposing figures standing in the doorway. They paused, then quickly realized who they were when they saw their masks and hats.

The five Alphas before them were likely Yuan Shiyuan’s teammates from his idol group.

“Yuan’s teammates are our friends,” Roommate C said, gesturing them inside. “Come in and sit down… What’s with all the gifts?”

Roommate A affectionately draped an arm around Yuan Shiyuan’s shoulders, guiding him toward the dorm room.

Meanwhile, Roommate B diligently wiped down a chair for him, then retrieved a carton of strawberry milk from the mini-fridge, peeled off the plastic, inserted a straw, and handed it to Yuan Shiyuan, attending to him with such meticulous care that he might as well have fed him by hand.

Ying Mingxi said gently, “Shiyuan prepared all this for you.”

Roommate C scolded playfully, “Yuan, this is your fault! How can you spend your first earnings so carelessly? Are you trying to make us mooch off you?”

“Now that I’ve made some money, of course I wouldn’t forget you guys,” Yuan Shiyuan said matter-of-factly, echoing the words they used when they used to help him out. “If we’re brothers, just take it. If you’re being polite with me, you’re not treating me like family.”

His roommates immediately protested, “Of course we consider you our brother!”

Bo Jin now got PTSD every time he heard the word “brother.”

He entered the dormitory, removed his mask, and silently scanned the room before falling into an even deeper silence.

A University’s dorms were fairly basic, but Yuan Shiyuan’s roommates were meticulous about cleanliness. Each desk was neatly organized, reflecting their distinct personalities.

However, the one glaring commonality was that every Alpha’s desk was piled high with Yuan Shiyuan merchandise.

Mountains of magazines, keychains dangling from pegboards, neatly organized pin badges and plush dolls… there were even a few individual acrylic display cases serving as the dolls’ personal bedrooms and walk-in closets.

But that wasn’t the most shocking part. What truly caught the eye was the massive Yuan Shiyuan poster dominating the dormitory wall.

The poster featured Yuan Shiyuan from his jewelry campaign shoot, sprawled across a fabricated reef, his amber eyes piercing through the lens. His bare back and waist were paired with a haute couture jeweled body chain…

Though Yuan Shiyuan’s nape was exposed, many considered an Alpha’s gland no different from an Adam’s apple—not requiring special protection. In today’s liberal society, even Omegas filming commercials for pheromone-shielding collars rarely bothered to conceal their glands. Applying a pheromone-protection membrane was considered the height of social etiquette.

Despite this, Bo Jin’s sense of unease deepened.

A good friend? A true brother? Would they really go this far?

Turning the dormitory into a personal torture chamber dedicated to his “good brother”?

And brazenly display such a visually arresting poster on a wall they see every day?

What’s the difference between this and those otakus fantasizing about their goddess?

As Bo Jin pondered this, his gaze swept across each bed.

Every Alpha’s bed was adorned with a custom-made, life-sized Yuan Shiyuan body pillow!

Not just Bo Jin, but the other four Alphas froze, an identical, primal sense of danger surging through them.