Chapter 113: How to Deal with a Kissing Addiction

Chapter 113: How to Deal with a Kissing Addiction

On the way back to the hotel, Qi Xie took a seat next to Ying Li.

Almost everyone who boarded the car cast a glance their way.

Xie Wen Shi voluntarily sat further back, sensing the atmosphere in the car had dropped to a chilly tension.

Shen Yao, with his eyes closed, lounged casually behind Ying Li.

Song Ji Mo, upon entering the car and noticing the two together, arched an eyebrow and asked, "Sitting together?"

Ying Li tugged at her jacket and responded with a soft "Mhm."

Bian Qiao smiled at him and pointed to his popped collar, saying, "It's not set right."

Ying Li asked, "Where?"

Having lingered in the changing room for quite a while, he had hastily thrown on his jacket. Tilting his head, he noticed the right corner of his collar sticking out.

As he reached to adjust it, a slender, fair hand from the side beat him to it, folding and pressing down the protruding collar.

The cool touch of fingers unintentionally brushed against the skin of his neck. A surge of familiar sensation awakened, causing Ying Li to stiffen for a moment. From the tips of his ears to the edges, they turned deep red.

Qi Xie retracted his hand and said, "All set."

Without glancing at him, Ying Li responded curtly, "Thanks."

Noticing the cameraman in the passenger seat still holding the camera, he whispered, "Are we still live?"

The cameraman replied, "Still rolling."

Ying Li nodded, shoving both his hands deep into his pockets, gripping them tightly.

[Seems like Ying is still a bit shy. Love it when he blushes.]

[Is there a chance he saw the comments we're sending?]

[Usually, Ying sits with Xie or with Yao, right? I don't think he's ever sat next to the captain before.]

[Ying got on first, then the captain. I'm totally fangirling (wriggling like a worm)!]

[Ying is such a good boy. He looks so compatible sitting next to anyone. Sweet yet savory, really want to take a bite.]

[Not gonna lie, seeing them together gives off strong wedding photo vibes.]

[Sisters, spill more tea!]

The car started, heading back to their hotel. Taking a turn, the vehicle tilted, and Ying Li unintentionally brushed against Qi Xie's shoulder. Qi Xie's brow furrowed momentarily, relaxing soon after.

The live stream ended once they reached the hotel. As they took the elevator upstairs, Xie Wen Shi and others gradually retired to their rooms.

At a blind spot around a corner, Ying Li's wrist was abruptly seized, his back pulled into a strong embrace. Arms encircled him tightly from the front, almost lifting him off the ground.

Ying Li tried to pry off the hand around his waist but failed. Instead, his hand was caught. Qi Xie buried his face into the crook of Ying Li's neck, inhaling his scent. "Does it still hurt?"

Strands of hair brushing against the sensitive flesh of his neck sent tingles down his spine. Ying Li's eyelashes fluttered, turning to glare at him with a fierce tone, "Back off. Keep your distance."

"Still mad at me?"

Recalling the mottled, swollen marks on his chest, Qi Xie showed a rare expression of remorse, "It was my fault. Please, don't be mad anymore, okay?"

All the way, Ying Li acted as if he barely knew Qi Xie, refraining from initiating conversations and avoiding physical contact. Qi Xie was left feeling both anxious and clueless.

The whisper by his ear was soft and intensely tender, causing the defenses Ying Li had built to waver slightly. Yet, the periodic pain from his chest, rubbing against his clothes, reminded him of what Qi Xie had just done — as if trying to draw milk from there, the tiny nubs swelling to three times their size.

Ying Li was genuinely angered, a mix of shame and ire.

"Don't... Don't use that tone with me, or look at me that way," Ying Li declared with determination, "I won't waver."

Qi Xie lowered his gaze, sighing, "You can bite back, hit or scold me. Just don't stay mad."

"I am mad," Ying Li huffed, "I told you not to bite... It hurts."

Qi Xie raised an eyebrow, "Just pain?"

The light illuminated Ying Li's blushing ears, making them seem thin and translucent. His fair face resembled a plump peach, even the faint fuzz was adorable.

The tip of his tongue moved subtly within his mouth, "...Not entirely."

An itching, tingling sensation deep within, so intense he felt like tearing that skin off. It was an entirely different sensation than being kissed elsewhere.

He initially thought getting aroused from a kiss was embarrassing enough, but Qi Xie's mere bites had him overwhelmed. What's worse, Qi Xie knowingly tormented him, teasing him relentlessly.

Time and again, Qi Xie overstepped his boundaries, effortlessly manipulating every one of his senses. Ying Li felt like a puppet, played with however Qi Xie desired, and he couldn't resist. The feeling of being controlled scared him.

"Next time, I'll be gentler to make it more comfortable for you."

"Will you listen to me, okay?"

Qi Xie gazed into Ying Li's eyes. The previously intense and dangerous spark in his eyes softened. He couldn't help but peck Ying Li's cheek, like one would with a child, pure and innocent.

Ying Li wasn't swayed by his few words of appeasement; instead, she realized she was once again being led by the nose by him. "You're changing the subject again. You're really devious, truly excessive."

Qi Xie accepted all accusations, playing along with her words: "I'm too devious, way too excessive."

He pressed his forehead against Ying Li's, prying her fingers open one by one and slipping something into her palm. "Can you be a little less upset?"

Ying Li pursed her lips, looking at the coin-sized seashell in her hand. It was milky-white, with its irregularly shaped edges resembling waves. Quite captivating.

Her mood slightly lifted: "Where did you find such beautiful little shells?"

Qi Xie replied: "The ocean floor."

"From your last diving trip?"

"Mhm."

With a stern expression, Ying Li asked: "Another one for me to keep safe?"

To say it's for safekeeping is just an excuse. After all this time, he never asked for it back. Clearly, he intended to gift it.

Qi Xie shook his head, "No, it's for you. The previous ones were also for you. I was afraid you'd throw them away."

Ying Li's lips tightened further. He remembered the beautiful little conch Qi Xie gave him the last time he was seasick. Qi Xie had found it while they were still diving. Was he so eager to give it to him then?

His heart softened bit by bit. Qi Xie truly knew how to act pitiful and win his affection.

He recalled the sight of Qi Xie's fingers, wrinkled and pale from being soaked in seawater, as he handed over the small conch. It seemed he had started to like Qi Xie a little back then.

Ying Li asked again: "How many did you collect?"

"A lot," Qi Xie whispered, "I'll give them all to you, alright?"

Heat rose to Ying Li's cheeks. He slipped the shell into his pocket, muttering, "No matter how many you give, you can't bribe me with these."

"Then what should I do? How can I earn your forgiveness?" Qi Xie's adoring gaze settled on Ying Li's face, meticulously tracing the contours of his features.

Ying Li puckered his lips, a frown still etched on his brow, contemplating whether to just forgive him. After all, he did feel rather comforted...

The buzz of a phone vibrating came from his pocket. Someone was calling Ying Li, and Qi Xie discreetly stepped away.

Ying Li glanced at the caller's name.

It was Ying Tao.

"Hello?"

"AHHHHH, BROTHER!!!"

Ying Tao's exhilarated shriek came from the other end. Even from miles away, her sheer joy was palpable.

"You were amazing! So impressive! Utterly cool!" Ying Tao rattled off excitedly, "I never realized you had such potential when we were kids."

As a child, due to malnutrition, Ying Li developed slower than his peers. His physique wasn't the best, and he was never allowed to partake in the school's physical activities. It wasn't until high school that he began to catch up, and even then, he rarely indulged in sports unless absolutely necessary.

Ying Tao suggested, "You should train and maybe try for the Olympics! Who knows, our family might even produce a champion!"

Ying Li held the phone away, waiting for Ying Tao's excited squeals to subside before bringing it back, jestingly remarking, "By the time I finish, you might not have a brother anymore."

Ying Tao tsks, "What nonsense are you spouting?"

Hearing her voice full of vitality, Ying Li asked, "Have you completed your check-up for today?"

Ying Tao said, "Of course I have; I'm getting ready for bed."

They were eight hours ahead of their homeland; it was already nighttime there.

She then inquired, "You've made it back to the hotel, right?"

"Just arrived," Ying Li responded. "What's the call for, just to praise me?"

Ying Tao hesitated playfully, "Well, I missed you. Just finished watching your live broadcast, hehehe..."

"What's so funny?" Ying Li could sense mischief in her laughter.

"I saw Qi Xie joining you for the run," Ying Tao's voice teased, drawing out her words with obvious jest.

Subconsciously lowering the phone's volume, Ying Li glanced over at the balcony. Qi Xie was engrossed in his phone, leaning against the wall. The faint glow from the screen illuminated his pale skin, creating a halo effect on his face. He seemed unaware of Ying Li's gaze.

A tiny smile curled the corner of Ying Li's lips as he put on his headphones, "And? What does that imply?"

"He didn't run with Shen Yao, nor with Xie Wen Shi, and neither with Song Ji Mo or Bian Qiao. He ran with you. It signifies how important you are to him," Ying Tao reasoned systematically. "Just like the boys in our class would always run with the ones they fancy during sports events."

A monosyllabic "Oh" escaped Ying Li's lips.

Thinking her brother was being oblivious, Ying Tao bluntly stated, "Brother, Qi Xie must surely like you."

Ying Li nodded but casually remarked, "Perhaps."

Ying Tao immediately countered, "Not perhaps, definitely!"

The smile on Ying Li's lips widened, creating subtle dimples on his cheeks. He asked in a hushed tone, "That certain?"

"Absolutely. I have a keen eye, after all."

The netizens were incredibly observant. As soon as the livestream ended, the fact that Qi Xie had accompanied Ying Li in his run dominated the trending topics. Online discussions were rife, with most of them "shipping" the pair. Yet since neither party had confirmed anything, some users started to stir the pot, making all sorts of derogatory comments. Ying Tao countered each one, her keyboard almost smoking from the fervor.

Ying Li checked Weibo and noticed the trending topic had been removed. Only under the show's official account was there a slew of comments, forming a towering thread. After scrolling for quite a while, he didn’t find a single negative comment directed at him—likely the show's team had moderated the comments.

"Hehe, nothing escapes my notice," Ying Tao declared proudly.

Ying Li raised an eyebrow, teasing, "Your surname is Ying, not Sun."

"Why are you taking jabs at me today?" Ying Tao couldn't see her brother's expression, but she detected a different tone in his voice. She cautiously inquired, "Did someone upset you?"

"Did they?" Ying Li furrowed his brows, "Not that I'm aware."

Ying Tao pouted, instinctively poking her pillow, "It's so evident! Don't hide it from me. Who annoyed you? Just tell me."

"..." Was it that obvious?

Besides, how could he possibly explain being bitten on the...?

After a few more exchanges, Ying Li urged her to get some rest.

Ying Tao advised, "Stay safe, take care, and try not to get too upset."

Ying Li replied, "Mhm, you rest up too."

After hanging up, Ying Tao quickly opened another chat window: "I did my best QAQ. My brother didn't share anything with me, and I couldn't coax it out of him. If I push further, he'll get suspicious of me."

The other party replied instantly.

Q: "Understood."

"Why is my brother angry? What did you do to upset him?" Ying Tao couldn't figure it out.

Her brother has an incredibly good temper. Even when she was mischievous as a child, he never hit or scolded her. To anger him, one must have done something quite outrageous.

She sides with her loved ones over what's right.

The other party was typing. After a long while, they sent just three words.

Q: "You're still young."

Ying Tao pouted again, "Oh."

Q has initiated a transfer to you: 2000.

Feeling the power of money, Ying Tao pressed her hands together in gratitude, "Thank you, big brother! I'll pray for you!"

After a quick lunch, they headed to the steam bathhouse. The masseuse hired by the production crew had a tremendous strength. After just a couple of presses, Xie Wen Shi cried out in pain, wishing he could fly back home for a traditional massage and cupping.

Shen Yao believed those masseuses were not as professional as he was.

Considering their physical conditions, after the steam session, Li Chang Hong let them rest at the hotel. Everyone slept soundly until the production crew woke them up for dinner when it was time.

The group gradually made their way to the dining hall.

Xie Wen Shi was still in his pajamas, his hair tousled. "After that nap, I feel like every bone in my body is falling apart."

"This bed is too soft; I felt a bit uncomfortable as soon as I slept on it last night." Shen Yao twisted his neck, the sound from his vertebrae making one cringe.

Apart from feeling a bit head-heavy, Ying Li was otherwise fine.

Shen Yao took a seat next to him, "Does your leg hurt?"

Ying Li's masseur had skilled hands with a firm touch. He shook his head, noting, "It doesn't hurt, just a bit sore."

Shen Yao commented, "Soreness is normal; as long as it doesn't hurt, it's fine."

Qi Xie moved to Ying Li's other side, casually pouring him a drink.

A mocking smile involuntarily crept onto Shen Yao's lips.

They waited for everyone to gather before serving the dishes. The dinner, arranged by the production team, was a whole lamb feast - a veritable calorie bomb on a table.

Xie Wen Shi's mouth watered uncontrollably. With sharp eyes, he noticed several cameras set up near the dining table: "Are they going live again?"

A crew member replied, "We just started recording."

Xie Wen Shi exclaimed, "When you called us earlier, no one mentioned going live! I haven't even changed my clothes!"

[Golden-haired idol with a ton of baggage, always conscious of his image.]

[Even in pajamas, he looks dashing.]

[Them sitting in a row is such a treat for the eyes.]

Shen Yao had a hunch there was more to it: "They're just going to watch us eat?"

"Merely watching you eat might be a tad boring," Director Li Chang Hong chimed in, "How about we play a game?"

Xie Wen Shi was the first to respond: "No, I decline."

Shen Yao queried, "What's the production team plotting now?"

Song Ji Mo laughed helplessly, "Director, can you spare us the torture this time?"

"Can't we just have a peaceful meal?" Bian Qiao remarked with a smile.

Li Chang Hong ignored their protests, turning instead to Ying Li, who was sitting primly to the side: "Little Ying, you won't refuse, will you?"

Ying Li, upon being singled out, felt a prickling sensation on his back, akin to pins and needles. Taking a small sip of his drink, he inquired, "What game?"

College students are so easy to deceive, their eyes clear yet naive.

At least Xiao Ying is saving face; the rest are seasoned pros!

Xiao Ying still hasn't been taken advantage of by the production team.

Li Changhong said, "Before I announce the game rules, hand over your phones."

Xie Wen mumbled, "Handing over phones again..."

They verbally resisted, but obediently handed over their phones.

Li Changhong smiled satisfactorily and began explaining the game rules: "See those mats over there?"

Everyone looked in the direction he pointed and realized that the crew had pieced together numerous mats while they weren't paying attention.

"The rules are simple. The six of you will split into two teams, each person will have two balloons. Each round, one player comes forward, but the opponent gets to decide where on the body to tie the balloons," Li Changhong said seriously. "The goal is to pop the opponent's balloons. Whoever remains unpopped can proceed to the next round."

On closer inspection, Ying Li realized the mats were acupressure pads. Having experienced their pain just by standing on them, he couldn’t imagine running on them.

Xie Wen took a sharp breath, "Acupressure pads again? The production team is ruthless!"

"Are there rewards or penalties?" Bian Qiao asked the crucial question.

Li Changhong said coldly, "This time, there are no rewards, only penalties."

The scene went silent, while the live comments were bursting with laughter.

It's so quiet; why isn't anyone speaking?

They're all stunned by the production team's audacious move.

The production team is quite unpredictable; at times generous and at times stingy.

Li Changhong spoke without mincing words, "A few days ago, there was an online poll titled 'Idol Secrets Revealed.' Netizens voted for the top five secrets they most wanted you to disclose. The penalty for losing is tied to this poll."

"What poll?!" Xie Wen's eyes widened in disbelief, "We weren't informed!"

If you had known, where would the fun be?

Xie, given your reaction, there must be some secrets you're keen to hide. Let's start with you.

Oh my god, this is that online poll! Some fans had suggested it to the production team earlier; I didn't expect them to take it up! Kudos to the director!

The top five selections from the 'Idol Secrets Revealed' poll are:

1# Reveal the top contact on WeChat.

2# Share a chat history with one WeChat friend.

3# Show the latest liked post from a Weibo secondary account.

The most recent content copied to Clipboard #4.

The latest browsing history on Browser #5.

[Help! Each one is so embarrassingly cringeworthy!]

[So, they're confiscating phones to prevent evidence disposal, right?]

[Even if I die, I want my chat and browsing histories deleted. I must maintain my reputation in the world!]

Shen Yao's temple throbbed, a tic developing at his forehead, "Director, isn't this taking things a bit too far?"

Cold sweat broke out on Xie Wen's brow, "Not just a bit too far, it's way over the line!"

To avoid slip-ups, many celebrities have their official social media accounts managed by their agencies, using private accounts for casual browsing. If their casual browsing gets exposed, it would be disastrous.

Ying Li was getting anxious. He had pinned his family contacts on WeChat, surfed through a lot on Weibo, and couldn't remember which post he last liked. And then there's the browsing history…

His most recent search was "how to deal with addiction to kissing".

Author's Note:

sigh sigh sigh sigh sigh sigh sigh sigh.