Pretending to Be an Alpha in an All-Alpha Boy Band - Chapter 75

Chapter 75: Wagging His Tail 

“Yuan Shiyuan!”

“Little Yuan Baby!!”

The roar of the crowd in the mall surged like boiling water, layer upon layer. Trapped outside, fans seemed to receive some unspoken signal and collectively shouted Yuan Shiyuan’s nickname through the wall.

At the sound of “Baby,” the tips of Yuan Shiyuan’s ears twitched slightly, a faint blush creeping across his cheeks.

He instinctively looked toward the source of the voices, offering a polite, shy smile.

Encouraged by his response, the fans chanted even louder: “Little Yuan, you are a baby!”

“We love you!!”

Waves of “Baby” swept through the crowd, carrying the fans’ fervor. Even those who had been calling him “Big Brother” earlier joined in, their faces beaming with laughter.

Yuan Shiyuan completely forgot the expression management skills he had learned in class. All his carefully practiced techniques failed, leaving only his most genuine emotions on display.

Though deeply embarrassed, he still smiled, trying his best to show his fans the best version of himself.

When Yuan Shiyuan finally stopped in front of the Silence boutique, he dismounted with a clean, swift motion. The pale pink tips of his hair danced in the air like musical notes, tracing light, graceful arcs.

Fans held up their phones on tripods to film, while a line of stern-faced black-suited bodyguards stood guard near the barricades, preventing the crowd from spiraling out of control.

Surrounded by store managers, Yuan Shiyuan was about to enter the boutique when he suddenly turned back and smiled at his fans.

Maintaining his smile, he pivoted halfway around, as if ensuring every fan nearby could capture a clear shot, before saying, “Thank you all for coming to see me.”

“I’m so happy to see you all.”

“Until next time.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the partition at the boutique’s entrance slowly rose, blocking the view both inside and out. The fans outside remained frozen in place, their gazes still glued to the partition as if their beloved pink-haired idol were still right before their eyes.

“How is he even more stunning in person than on camera?”

Among the crowd were Alphas, Omegas, and Betas, yet this was everyone’s unanimous sentiment.

It was as if someone had truly stepped out of a magazine cover, his features meticulously sculpted stroke by stroke, so flawlessly perfect that they defied criticism.

“His entrance was so dramatic! Like a prince on a white horse!” A Beta bowed his head, repeatedly rewatching the video he had just taken. “What’s the difference between this entrance and a fairytale prince in a romance drama?”

“There were too many people! I could have gotten a clearer shot otherwise.”

“It’s no use complaining. The mall was packed today. The staff said they counted over 200,000 visitors—more than four times the usual 50,000 during the National Day holiday!”

“How many hundreds of thousands did you say?” someone asked in astonishment.

“Over two hundred thousand! And that doesn’t even count the fans who couldn’t get inside the mall!”

They exchanged stunned glances, none of them realizing that fans were still stubbornly holding their ground outside. While the mall’s interior was crowded, at least it was air-conditioned. Outside, only a few areas offered shade, and they knew better than anyone how scorching A City’s summers could be!

One of the Omegas suddenly remembered a Beta friend who might be trapped outside. He immediately messaged to ask if she was okay and if she’d suffered heatstroke.

The Beta immediately replied with a voice message: “Don’t worry! It’s hot out here, but not that bad. Shiyuan had the staff bring in several large industrial fans…”

Realizing some fans couldn’t get inside to see him in person, Yuan Shiyuan contacted the other staff and asked them to livestream the event. The angle was a bit distant, but at least the fans outside could watch through the livestream and wouldn’t have made the trip for nothing.

The staff also prepared cooling supplies like huoxiang zhengqi water, herbal tea, fans, and mini-fans, as well as necessities like tissues, pheromone suppressants, pheromone neutralizers, and barrier patches.

Just then, a fan’s pheromone barrier patch loosened. As they were about to buy a new one from a staff member, the staff simply handed it over with a smile, saying, “No need to pay, it’s on the house. Someone’s already taken care of it.”

The fans traveling together froze, then immediately realized: “Little Yuan Baby must have asked the staff to prepare these for us!”

Yuan Shiyuan had already settled the bill in advance, so the fans didn’t need to pay.

Many had been disappointed at not seeing their idol in person that day, but this gesture of care from him filled the void. With so many security guards patrolling the mall, they knew that if they’d arrived even a little later, they wouldn’t have been able to squeeze into the area near the entrance!

“Willing is too amazing! It’s gone viral online! I’ve never seen a mall so packed they had to close it down…”

A fan, who was editing videos and creating fan content on her laptop, proudly raised her head at the sound of this. “We Willing Fans are just that awesome!”

Silence’s brand style leaned towards neutral, de-gendered aesthetics, attracting a primarily young clientele—mostly Omegas and Betas, with a smaller number of Alphas.

As soon as Yuan Shiyuan entered the store, he became the focal point of every camera lens. Many customers raised their phones to snap photos, while professional photographers hired by the brand captured the scene from another angle.

He approached the products, struck a pose for the cameras, and held up the items, showcasing them with a warm smile.

To ensure every customer could capture a clear shot of his face, he deliberately adjusted his angles. Sometimes, while the photographers checked their frames, he would subtly tilt his head, precisely meeting the gaze of a particular customer’s lens with a dazzling smile.

In a corner, a pair of fraternal twin Omegas froze mid-motion, staring at him in stunned silence.

“This bag would look amazing on you!” a nearby customer exclaimed, pointing excitedly at a shoulder bag.

Yuan Shiyuan immediately picked it up to showcase: “Is this the one?”

“Yes, yes!” the customer eagerly told the sales assistant. “Pack up that bag Shiyuan just held up for me right away!”

A nearby customer looked regretful, lamenting their missed opportunity.

“Shiyuan-ge!”

A familiar voice rang out. Yuan Shiyuan turned his head and saw Song Mian waving excitedly. Beside Song Mian stood Lu Lin, a cold-as-ice Omega and Song Mian’s best friend.

Both carried backpacks adorned with chibi-style keychains of Yuan Shiyuan and wore the same haute couture outfits he had previously modeled.

“Hello there,” Yuan Shiyuan greeted them with a wave. “Long time no see.”

Speaking to his idol at such close range, Song Mian nearly jumped out of his skin with excitement.

Lu Lin’s expression remained impassive, but his eyes seemed tethered by invisible threads, unable to break free from Yuan Shiyuan’s magnetic pull.

When Yuan Shiyuan smiled at him, Lu Lin flinched as if burned, his lips pressing into a tight line.

Just as the Omega was about to speak, another customer called out to Yuan Shiyuan. He shot a frustrated glance at Yuan Shiyuan’s retreating figure, regretting his hesitation.

Yuan Shiyuan patiently accommodated each customer’s requests, demonstrating how the merchandise looked when worn. Every turn of his body, every smile, drew countless gazes across the store.

Among them were the silent fraternal twins, Omegas, who watched him quietly from a corner. Whenever Yuan Shiyuan glanced their way, they would quickly avert their eyes, pretending to focus intently on a nearby item. Yet the faint blush creeping up their ear tips betrayed their nervousness.

Yuan Shiyuan picked up an exquisite pink crossbody bag and approached them. “You seem to have been eyeing this. Would you like to see how the limited-edition details look when worn?”

“Mmm-hmm!” the fraternal twins nodded in unison, their voices barely audible like the buzz of mosquitoes. “It’ll definitely look good on you.”

“You’re so pretty! Pink suits you perfectly!”

“You two are beautiful too,” Yuan Shiyuan replied with a sincere smile, carefully maintaining a respectful distance. He deftly slung the bag over his shoulder, shifting angles to ensure they could see every detail clearly.

“You’re both wearing light colors today. This pink bag would look amazing with your outfits,” he said gently, seeking their opinion. “What do you think?”

The big brother hesitated. “I… I’m not fair-skinned enough. It might not look good on me…”

Though the little sister remained silent, her eyes mirrored the same anxiety.

“You’re not fair-skinned?” Yuan Shiyuan asked in surprise.

“But we still feel like we’re not fair enough,” the twins replied. “Lots of people are fairer than us. Our grandparents often say we’re too dark and that pink doesn’t suit us…”

Yuan Shiyuan didn’t respond directly. Instead, he asked, “Do you like this style?”

“Yes!” came the immediate and unanimous reply.

“Exactly! Since you’re the ones who’ll be using it, you deserve anything you desire. Your preferences and feelings come first,” Yuan Shiyuan said earnestly, looking at them. “You’re already perfect just as you are.”

His gentle voice, soft as a feather, rippled through the Fraternal Twins’ hearts like ripples across a serene lake.

They stared blankly at the pink-haired alpha before them, momentarily forgetting how to speak. A poised Omega Madam approached, gently stroking her children’s heads. “He’s right. Your preferences and feelings are what matter most.”

“Tell Mommy, do you like this bag?”

The Fraternal Twins’ gazes lingered between Yuan Shiyuan’s warm smile and the exquisite little pink bag. As if reaching a decision, they nodded vigorously. “We love it! We want to buy it!”

This was Yuan Shiyuan’s first time attending such an event, and he couldn’t deny feeling nervous, surrounded by such intense attention and enthusiasm.

He tried his best to present his best self, hoping to give his supportive fans the best possible response.

Salespeople were bustling about in a frenzy, the air thick with the scent of high-tier fragrances and an invisible, fervent heat ignited by Yuan Shiyuan’s presence.

The store manager stepped forward at the opportune moment, his smile radiant as he steered the conversation. “We have many of your fans here today, all wearing the same signature pieces as you. Silence’s haute couture jewelry line has also been receiving a lot of attention recently… Many fans are curious—which collection do you prefer?”

Yuan Shiyuan paused thoughtfully, first offering a safe reply: “I adore every collection. Each Silence haute couture piece carries a unique meaning.”

“But if I had to choose just one… it would be the ‘Perfect’ collection.”

The store manager looked surprised. “That’s quite unexpected. The ‘Perfect’ collection hasn’t received as much attention in the market.”

He phrased it diplomatically.

In reality, it had the lowest sales.

“After all, everyone’s tastes are different,” Yuan Shiyuan said with a smile.

The store manager nodded. “Indeed. Aesthetics and design are inherently diverse. Yet many believe nothing in this world is truly ‘perfect.’ Devon’s decision to name his collection ‘Perfect’ is certainly intriguing.”

“Perhaps Devon believed that aesthetics are inherently subjective, with each person holding their own unique perspective. But above all, self-confidence is paramount. Even if others don’t perceive his designs as perfect, that shouldn’t diminish the creator’s belief in their own work’s perfection.” Yuan Shiyuan’s gaze drifted again to the Fraternal Twins huddled in the corner as he spoke, his voice clear and unwavering. “I understand Devon. Beauty itself is defined by humanity. Therefore, I can also declare myself perfect.”

He turned to the Fraternal Twins—the brother and sister who had been staring up at him from their corner of the sofa—and said, “Every one of us, no matter how ordinary we may seem, has the right to believe in our own perfection.”

“We shouldn’t feel ashamed of how others see us.”

The Fraternal Twins’ mother, a sharp-dressed Omega Madam, was watching her children.

“Did you hear that?” she murmured, taking her children’s hands. “Each of us can believe we are perfect, and we have the right to think so.”

“We shouldn’t feel ashamed of how others see us.”

“So, if your grandparents don’t like you, it’s not your fault—it’s their problem,” she said gently. “You’ve already done your best.”

Her marriage was strained. When the children were young, their father took care of them, but his busy schedule soon led to them being left with their paternal grandparents. The elderly couple, critical of their daughter-in-law, extended their disdain to the children as well.

The children grew increasingly sensitive, their confidence eroding day by day. Upon learning of this, she immediately brought them back to live with her.

Knowing her children idolized a particular celebrity, she wholeheartedly supported their fandom, even accompanying them to offline events, hoping to reignite their lost radiance. Initially, she had little interest in idols, even harboring negative views, seeing them as mere fabricated personas.

Now, her perspective had shifted.

Her gaze toward the pink-haired alpha was filled with newfound admiration. She immediately turned to the salesperson beside her and said, “I’d like to order ten sets of the ‘Perfect’ series he just mentioned.”

The salesperson gasped, drawing in a sharp breath. “Madam Liao, each set costs…” Two million!

Before the salesperson could finish, the customer casually interrupted, “Also, give me two sets of everything Yuan Shiyuan touched or displayed today.”

The fraternal twins looked at their mother in delighted surprise, their eyes gleaming anew.

Madam Liao’s gesture ignited the other VICs’ enthusiasm like wildfire. A chorus of orders erupted: “I want a ‘Perfect’ series set too!”

“Three sets for me!”

“Besides that series, there’s another one… I want that too!”

Although Yuan Shiyuan wasn’t under sales pressure today, the day’s revenue would indirectly influence the artist’s contract renewal terms, endorsement fees, and serve as a benchmark of his commercial value and the consumer group’s approval of his brand representation.

In just ten minutes, orders for haute couture jewelry alone approached a hundred sets!

This sudden surge in sales left the sales staff stunned, even more amazed by Yuan Shiyuan’s astonishing sales conversion rate.

Amidst the frenzy, Yuan Shiyuan was warmly surrounded by customers. He offered each a polite smile, then, guided by the manager, posed for group photos with the VICs.

The crowd included not only Omegas and Betas, but also some Alphas. To ensure the former’s comfort and shopping experience, Alpha customers were typically accommodated in a separate area.

As Yuan Shiyuan approached the Alpha customer area, his gaze was immediately drawn to two familiar figures.

Bo Jin, dressed in a black turtleneck with the brim of his hat pulled low, was fully armed with anonymity, not even his ears showing. Beside him, Ying Mingche slightly lifted his sunglasses, raised an eyebrow, and grinned at Yuan Shiyuan.

Didn’t Ying Mingche have a personal engagement today?

As if reading Yuan Shiyuan’s thoughts, Ying Mingche said, “I got my brother to cover for me.”

Yuan Shiyuan: “……”

He was incredulous. Can you even do that?

“What’s the big deal?” Ying Mingche said nonchalantly. “We look practically identical anyway. If something comes up for him, I’d cover for him too.”

Aside from Yuan Shiyuan, no one could tell the twins apart.

Bo Jin and Ying Mingche were one thing, but what truly astonished Yuan Shiyuan was the sight of three other Alphas, similarly cloaked in disguise, sitting on the opposite sofa.

Completely concealed by hats, masks, and sunglasses, he still recognized them instantly: Nan Liujing, Yue Xiao, and Su Luochen from the Necro Boy Group.

Yuan Shiyuan: “……”

What are they doing here?

Yuan Shiyuan couldn’t fathom why they’d come to join the crowd, but he still professionally plastered on a smile.

The number of Alphas present far exceeded Yuan Shiyuan’s expectations, rivaling the combined count of Omegas and Betas. Apart from the two fully armed boy groups, each remaining Alpha was strikingly handsome, impeccably dressed in tailored suits, and clearly meticulously groomed—the epitome of the “Big Refrigerator” type.

After returning their smiles one by one, Yuan Shiyuan couldn’t help but feel a flicker of confusion.

Does Silence really have so many Alpha customers? And they managed to buy VIC?

Suddenly, a small boy in a black vest wrapped his arms around Yuan Shiyuan’s leg from behind.

Puzzled, Yuan Shiyuan tilted his head and recognized the familiar, tender face.

It was Gu Weiyuan, the lost boy he’d encountered at the company last time. Yuan Shiyuan had an excellent memory and immediately recognized him, also knowing that Gu Weiyuan was the adopted son of Yu Sijing from the Yu Family.

Gu Weiyuan looked up, his chubby little hand extending from behind him to present a bouquet of lilies of the valley. “My daddy gave these to you!”

“Mommy, you look so pretty today!” the little boy said, nuzzling against the back of Yuan Shiyuan’s knee.

The moment they heard that word—”Mommy”—every Alpha in the room stirred uneasily.

Initially, the Alphas had maintained an air of restrained elegance, as if attending a formal banquet. Every detail, from their impeccable attire to their meticulously groomed hair, exuded an air of refined sophistication.

But the moment the little boy called out “Mommy,” a uniform hostility flashed across the Alphas’ faces, their sharp gazes snapping toward the tall figure who had suddenly appeared.

“Little Gu, don’t call out like that,” the Alpha said, his voice deep and commanding.

He stood at the boundary of light and shadow, his lean, muscular frame encased in a flawlessly tailored silver-gray suit. Silver-rimmed glasses perched on his high, straight nose. Behind the clear lenses, his gaze was deep and serene, radiating the self-assured aura of a seasoned executive accustomed to command.

“I apologize for causing you trouble again,” Yu Sijing said, lifting Gu Weiyuan into his arms. He glanced at the flowers in Yuan Shiyuan’s hand. “Little Gu saw them on the way and insisted on buying them for… you.”

Yuan Shiyuan looked into those wide, expectant eyes and smiled gently. He accepted the bouquet. “Thank you, Little Gu. They’re beautiful. I really like them.”

As soon as Yuan Shiyuan finished speaking, he distinctly sensed the Alphas’ pheromones swirling around him, silently spreading with a dangerous aggression and subtle, probing hostility.

All of it was directed at Yu Sijing alone.

Yuan Shiyuan’s smile remained perfect, a testament to his professional idol demeanor, as he chatted with Gu Weiyuan.

Gu Weiyuan chattered incessantly, while Yu Sijing remained steadfast and silent, like a mute statue.

Through snippets of Gu Weiyuan’s conversation, Yuan Shiyuan finally understood that Gu Weiyuan knew Yu Sijing wasn’t his biological father.

Gu Weiyuan was the son of Yu Sijing’s adoptive father’s comrade-in-arms. When tragedy struck the comrade, Gu Weiyuan was placed in the Yu Family’s care, with the entire household taking turns looking after him. Ironically, Yu Sijing showed the least attention.

But later, when Gu Weiyuan’s biological parents also met with misfortune, he refused to return to the Gu Family and chose to remain with the Yu Family. Given the choice of a family, he’d selected Yu Sijing to be his father.

The reason was simple: the others were either too old, too young, or already had children. Only Yu Sijing remained single, of suitable age, and perpetually busy, which meant he wouldn’t meddle much—making him an ideal father figure.

As Yuan Shiyuan spoke with Gu Weiyuan, Yu Sijing remained silent, his gaze fixed on Yuan Shiyuan’s profile.

Then, his eyes drifted to the two small moles at the corners of Yuan Shiyuan’s eyes.

Yu Sijing’s fingers twitched slightly. He adjusted his wristwatch and said, “Are you from A City?”

“Hmm?” Yuan Shiyuan was caught off guard by the sudden question, but he answered honestly, “My parents live in A City, but we always go back to our hometown for the Lunar New Year… So I guess we’re A City people?”

Yu Sijing paused, “I see.”

He continued, “Do you go back every year? Have you ever thought about bringing your elders here?”

The question seemed somewhat odd, but it wasn’t an intrusive one. Yuan Shiyuan replied, “They prefer staying in their hometown—it’s more peaceful, I suppose. My parents have suggested bringing them here, but they refuse… Still, they take the train to visit us when they miss me and my younger brother.”

Yuan Shiyuan’s mood visibly brightened as he spoke of his family, the corners of his lips tilting upward.

Yu Sijing watched his serene expression, his thumb absentmindedly tracing circles across his knuckles.

“You have a wonderful family atmosphere,” he observed.

Yuan Shiyuan clearly came from a very happy home.

The manager called Yuan Shiyuan over. He responded with a quick nod and patted Gu Weiyuan’s head. “I’ll be right back, okay?”

Gu Weiyuan instinctively tried to follow, but Yu Sijing gently held him back. “Don’t disturb Big Brother while he’s working.”

“Okay,” Gu Weiyuan wilted instantly, like a withered bean sprout. But he stubbornly corrected, “Not Big Brother—Mommy.”

Mom? That depends on whether Yuan Shiyuan is willing.

If Yuan Shiyuan hadn’t endorsed Silence, Yu Sijing would never have attended this event. He casually flipped through the catalog, finding none of the styles suited him.

But he knew the day’s total sales would inevitably impact the brand ambassador’s image. He beckoned a sales representative over.

“I’ll take one of everything in the catalog. Have it delivered to this address.” He gave his adoptive mother’s address.

The sales representative showed no surprise at such a lavish purchase.

Before Yu Sijing, many other customers had made equally extravagant purchases. The Alphas, whom they’d initially assumed were just browsing, had surprisingly contributed significantly to the day’s sales!

“Very good, Mr. Yu,” the representative said, offering a polite reminder. “Your total spending has exceeded 5 million yuan. You’re now eligible for a photo opportunity with Mr. Yuan Shiyuan. If you’re interested, please don’t leave too early.”

Yu Sijing froze. A photo opportunity?

Gu Weiyuan clapped his hands excitedly. “Yay! Dad, we can finally take a family photo with Mom!”

“What bullshit family photo?” a cold sneer came from a corner. Su Luochen lounged languidly on a sofa, his gaze under the brim of his hat tinged with mockery.

“Hello,” he said, sitting up straight and tilting his head when Yuan Shiyuan passed by. A slip of paper was pinched between his fingers. “I’ve ordered ten sets.”

Even though Su Luochen was completely covered up, he still looked utterly repulsive.

Yuan Shiyuan said calmly, “Very well, sir.”

Yuan Shiyuan didn’t have pierced ears, so to demonstrate the earrings, he had to ask a sales associate to help stick them on temporarily. Once finished, he smiled and bent down, tilting his head to show Su Luochen the earrings up close.

The somewhat loose collar of his shirt suddenly gaped open, exposing his snow-white collarbones—uncovered and thrusting into Su Luochen’s line of sight.

The Alpha, who had been lounging casually with an almost arrogant air, froze instantly. Entranced by the intoxicating scent wafting from Yuan Shiyuan at such close proximity, he was momentarily stunned into inaction.

When Su Luochen finally snapped out of his reverie, he felt inexplicably ashamed and irritated. He raised his hand, his fingertips gently tracing the cold earring before brushing against Yuan Shiyuan’s warm earlobe.

Feeling Yuan Shiyuan tremble at his touch, a twisted sense of perverse excitement surged through him.

“Very pretty,” Su Luochen murmured with a low chuckle, his tone deliberately feigning confusion. “But our Princess Yuanyuan doesn’t have pierced ears?”

“Well, she’s already gorgeous as is. If she got her ears pierced, she’d look even more like a little girl.”

Yuan Shiyuan shot him a brief, detached glance.

Growing increasingly agitated, Su Luochen, as if deliberately seeking attention, pressed, “Are you really not interested in getting your ears pierced?”

“……”

The next moment, Yuan Shiyuan flashed a sudden smile.

It was a radiant, friendly smile—almost warm. His amber eyes, bathed in the shadows, glowed with a gentle, mesmerizing light.

Su Luochen watched, transfixed, as Yuan Shiyuan leaned closer and closer, his face descending, their lips drawing nearer…

Warm, sweet-scented breath washed over his face, their lips mere inches apart.

Su Luochen’s heart pounded wildly, gripped by an absurdly intense anticipation. He stared at those slightly parted, moist lips, his Adam’s apple bobbing involuntarily.

“You know what?”

Yuan Shiyuan moved with intimate familiarity, his lips barely grazing Su Luochen’s ear. Simultaneously, a cool hand seized the hair at the back of his head, the grip unyielding, pinning him in place.

Forced to tilt his head back, Su Luochen’s eyes collided with Yuan Shiyuan’s cold, condescending gaze.

The ice-cold, undisguised contempt in those eyes formed a stark contrast to the smile on his face.

Yuan Shiyuan leaned in again, his lips nearly touching the Alpha’s ear, whispering each word with deliberate precision.

“You’re so fucking annoying.”

With that, Yuan Shiyuan released him, brushing him off like a speck of dust, and walked away with a smile.

Su Luochen stood frozen, rooted to the spot.

His breath came in ragged, shallow gasps, his heart clenching painfully in his chest.

The soft brush of Yuan Shiyuan’s lips against his earlobe and the warm breath from his words swept across Su Luochen’s senses. The undisguised disgust in those words… it felt like an electric current searing through his body.

After what seemed an eternity, Su Luochen suddenly coughed violently, realizing he’d forgotten to breathe for too long, leaving him in such a disheveled state.

“Fuck…”

Su Luochen pressed a hand to his chest, trying to slow his racing heart. Don’t act like Yuan Shiyuan’s pet dog, he warned himself. He kicks you, and you still wag your tail, eager for more!

“What did he say to you?” Yue Xiao asked beside him, frowning. “You were so close.”

“What exactly did Shiyuan say? Did he mention me?” Nan Liujing pressed anxiously, his eyes filled with desperate hope and lingering sorrow. “He didn’t even glance at me…”

Hearing this, Su Luochen flexed his wrist, a hint of secret pleasure glinting in his eyes. He adopted an air of detached nonchalance, his expression reverting to its usual carefree, cynical demeanor.

“Nothing much, just a simple greeting.” He turned his head to look at Nan Liujing, his gaze toward his former friend laced with blatant provocation. “Weren’t you two close back in the day? If you want to know, why don’t you ask him yourself? Why ask me?”

He deliberately emphasized the word “back in the day.”

Nan Liujing’s thin lips pressed into a tight line.

Su Luochen knew Nan Liujing would never ask.

That was why Yuan Shiyuan had spoken only to him, ignoring everyone else, including his former best friend, Nan Liujing.

And he’d said eight words! A twisted sense of triumph surged through Su Luochen.

Just as Su Luochen was basking in his smug satisfaction, his gaze abruptly froze.

The smile in his eyes hadn’t even deepened before it vanished, replaced by a cold glare directed at Yuan Shiyuan.

Ying Mingche, as if recognizing the Alpha, deliberately pulled Yuan Shiyuan into his arms. Under Su Luochen’s watchful gaze, he pressed his face against Yuan Shiyuan’s ear with natural intimacy.

Across the crowd, Ying Mingche met Su Luochen’s icy gaze with precision. He said nothing, merely lifted his chin slightly, his eyes brimming with blatant provocation and triumph.

As if silently declaring—

Look, he’s in my arms now.