Chapter 86: Jiang Huizhou, the Little Wild Dog (Combined)

Chapter 86: Jiang Huizhou, the Little Wild Dog (Combined)

Jiang Huizhou was completely bare, nervously clinging to the doorframe and whispering, "I know I was a bit... earlier, but you shouldn’t take that. It's not good for your health."

Shen Zhixue glanced up at him briefly.

Jiang Huizhou, feeling a bit guilty, glanced to the side and quickly lowered his gaze, embarrassed, to his toes.

He shouldn’t have acted so impulsively earlier, but... it was emotionally unbearable. It felt like only that way could he truly feel Shen Zhixue’s presence, that he was still by his side and hadn’t left.

It seemed he really couldn’t do without Shen Zhixue anymore.

Shen Zhixue searched frustratedly for a while before finding the leftover pills. He glanced at the instructions, quickly snapped six pills out, and tossed them directly into his mouth.

Jiang Huizhou hesitated for a moment, then hurriedly poured him a glass of ice water.

Shen Zhixue glanced coldly at him but didn’t take the water. Expressionlessly, he deliberately crunched the bitter pills, rolled his throat, and swallowed them.

To Jiang Huizhou, who was extremely averse to bitterness, Shen Zhixue’s actions were akin to killing a hundred people in front of him.

In summary, Shen Zhixue was a wolf, even more ruthless than a tough person.

Jiang Huizhou was visibly heartbroken. He gently held Shen Zhixue’s chin and looked him over, worried. "Let me make you some honey pomelo water. Otherwise, you’ll feel bitter all night."

Shen Zhixue sneered coldly, "No, I want to remember this bitterness, remember who made me suffer like this!"

Jiang Huizhou opened his mouth but had nothing to say.

Shen Zhixue said coldly, "We're done. Can I go to sleep now?"

Jiang Huizhou pouted, pretending to be pitiful. "I have a fever..."

"Yes, you're burning up. I remember!"

"Zhi Zhi..."

"Get out!"

"My head is spinning. I can't just roll out."

"You weren't this dizzy when you made me remember the pain earlier!"

"Zhi Zhi, I'm sick. You can't treat me like this."

"No, I can."

"Zhi Zhi..."

In the end, Mr. Jiang was unceremoniously rolled up in the blanket and kicked out by Shen Zhixue.

Even a worker has a bit of temper, right? He could have made it less painful for him in bed!

Mr. Jiang stood awkwardly at Shen Zhixue's door, touched his nose, and then turned around, barefoot and bare, shuffling away.

Shen Zhixue lay in bed but couldn't fall asleep.

Jiang Huizhou really had a fever, and it seemed the guest room wasn't prepared. His clothes were still in the room.

"..."

He lay there for two minutes, then gave up and sat up in bed, holding his forehead as he spoke: "Shen Zhixue, oh Shen Zhixue, feeling sorry for a man brings a lifetime of misfortune, you're just being foolish..."

While muttering to himself, he grabbed Jiang Huizhou's clothes, got out of bed, and walked over to open the door.

Jiang Huizhou had already left the doorway. Shen Zhixue felt a twinge of disappointment but took the clothes and headed to the guest room.

The guest room was empty as well.

Shen Zhixue frowned, hearing noises from downstairs.

He turned and went downstairs, only to see Jiang Huizhou, completely naked except for a small bunny apron he usually wore, standing in the open kitchen, bent over, doing who knows what.

Although Jiang Huizhou's body was well-proportioned, with a slim waist and long legs, the scene was so shocking that Shen Zhixue was momentarily stunned.

Jiang Huizhou was mumbling something under his breath.

Shen Zhixue walked over and asked softly, "What are you up to? Trying to curse me?"

Jiang Huizhou was startled by Shen Zhixue, nearly dropping the glass bottle in his hand. He quickly turned around, blinking innocently, "No, I wanted to brew you some honey pomelo tea."

Shen Zhixue threw the clothes at him, "Get dressed. I don't want any tea."

"Just wait a little, it'll be ready soon," Jiang Huizhou grabbed his hand, shaking it playfully, "I'm sorry, don't be mad at me. I know I messed up. You have an audition tomorrow, and we'll be apart for at least three months, you know. Do you really want to stay mad until the very end?"

Shen Zhixue pursed his lips, rolling his eyes helplessly, "First, put some clothes on. You're still running a fever. If it gets worse and I'm not here, you could die at home, and no one would even know."

Jiang Huizhou's eyes lit up, picking up the clothes with a smile, "I'm already feeling better. I sweated a ton earlier."

Shen Zhixue glared at him, "You still have the nerve to say that?"

Jiang Huizhou quickly shut his mouth and put on the clothes.

Shen Zhixue took out a thermometer, stuck it in Jiang Huizhou's mouth, and then turned to go back to sleep.

Jiang Huizhou, with the thermometer in his mouth, mumbled, "Don't leave yet, it's almost ready, Zhi Zhi."

Shen Zhixue stopped, arms crossed, and sat down on the sofa, "Alright, I'll check if your fever has gone down. You have five minutes."

Jiang Huizhou grinned and sat down beside Shen Zhixue, holding his hand and giving it a gentle rub.

Shen Zhixue impatiently yanked his hand away, pretending to be mad.

Once the fever had gone down, the honey pomelo tea was ready. Knowing Shen Zhixue preferred cold drinks, Jiang Huizhou quickly chilled the hot tea, turning it into a refreshing, icy drink.

As Shen Zhixue checked the thermometer, Jiang Huizhou eagerly brought over the chilled tea.

Shen Zhixue reluctantly took a sip, the cool, sweet flavor filling his mouth and soothing his throat, which was sore from crying too much.

"How is it? Tasty?" Jiang Huizhou knelt in front of him, eyes sparkling like a puppy.

Shen Zhixue was momentarily stunned, looking at Jiang Huizhou's face.

Jiang Huizhou was always unpredictable, and Shen Zhixue was well aware of that. When he wasn't being crazy, he could actually be quite endearing.

Unfortunately, Mr. Jiang was rarely sane.

"Mm," Shen Zhixue finished the entire glass of iced honey pomelo tea, set the cup aside, and said, "Your fever is almost gone. I'm going to sleep."

Jiang Huizhou hugged the cup and nodded, "Oh."

Shen Zhixue was indeed exhausted. After going upstairs, he curled up under the blanket and dozed off almost immediately.

Five minutes later.

Shen Zhixue gritted his teeth and snapped, "What the hell are you doing?"

Jiang Huizhou, holding the blanket, knelt by the bed and looked at him pleadingly, "I want to sleep with you."

"No way," Shen Zhixue shot back, "Letting you on the bed was the biggest mistake of my life."

"I'm freezing, Zhi Zhi."

"If you're cold, go put on a damn sweater."

"You're so mean, I have a fever!"

Shen Zhixue scoffed, "I already checked—your fever’s gone, drama queen."

"So if I still had a fever, would you let me sleep with you?"

Before Shen Zhixue could respond, Jiang Huizhou jumped up, "Hold on a sec!"

After saying that, he ran out.

Shen Zhixue was about to lose his mind over this lunatic. He rolled over, muttering to himself, "Did that idiot really go take a cold shower?"

If he did, screw him—let him freeze, Shen Zhixue thought bitterly. At least I’d get his fortune and skip town—sounds like a win to me.

Five minutes later.

Shen Zhixue groaned, slapping himself twice, "Why the hell did I provoke him?!"

He bolted to the bathroom, only to find it empty.

No cold shower? Seriously?

Shen Zhixue shouted through the house, "Jiang Huizhou, where the hell are you?"

No response. Shen Zhixue called him and discovered the idiot had gone to the basement.

An elevator in the living room led straight to the basement. When Shen Zhixue reached the basement, he found Jiang Huizhou submerged in a foggy barrel, his lips blue.

Good news: He didn’t take a cold shower. Bad news: It’s way worse.

Bad news: The idiot was soaking in liquid nitrogen!

Liquid nitrogen is insanely cold—it can drop to minus 300 degrees Celsius in seconds.

Shen Zhixue rushed over. Grabbing Jiang Huizhou’s arm, his own hand went numb from the cold. "You absolute maniac! Are you trying to die? Get the hell up!"

Jiang Huizhou leaned over, "Feel my forehead—am I burning up again?"

"I don’t know about hot, but if you stay in there any longer, you’ll turn into a human popsicle and shatter!"

"Relax, liquid nitrogen doesn’t touch the skin—it just chills the air. I’m fine," Jiang Huizhou grinned, "Zhi Zhi, you’re totally worried about me."

Anyone crazy to this extent deserves Shen Zhixue's concern for their mental state!

"Get up, I'm telling you again, get out of the freezer!"

Jiang Huizhou clung to the edge of the freezer: "Then I’ll sleep with you."

Shen Zhixue took a deep breath: "Fine, let’s sleep now."

Only then did Jiang Huizhou climb out of the freezer, quickly wrapped in a towel by Shen Zhixue and pulled upstairs.

The room was warm, and Jiang Huizhou lay beside Shen Zhixue, his body quickly warmed up.

Shen Zhixue turned his back to him and slept quietly.

Jiang Huizhou leaned over, hugged Shen Zhixue's waist, rested his chin on his shoulder, and said, "Can’t sleep? Want me to sing you a lullaby?"

"Please, just let me sleep," Shen Zhixue said in despair, "I have to get up for an interview in four hours."

Jiang Huizhou then started humming a tune in his ear. At first, Shen Zhixue thought it was just annoying noise, but eventually, he got used to it and actually fell asleep to Jiang Huizhou's lullaby.

The next morning, Shen Zhixue woke up right on time.

Jiang Huizhou was curled up against him, hugging his waist, and sleeping soundly.

Last night’s sleep felt unusually deep. Even with just four hours of sleep, Shen Zhixue felt refreshed.

Plus, Jiang Huizhou was a quiet sleeper, lying still like a corpse once he was out.

He carefully lifted Jiang Huizhou’s arm off his waist, got up, tidied himself, and left.

Jiang Huizhou, still in bed, slowly opened his eyes.

He sat up, activated his light brain, and called Ji Yuan.

When Shen Zhixue arrived at the meeting spot, he didn’t see the director but instead ran into the film star Lu Qingyan.

He hesitated, turned around, and was ready to leave.

Lu Qingyan caught up and blocked his path, saying with a sigh, "Why run when you see me?"

Shen Zhixue let out a strained laugh: "I thought I was supposed to meet Director Zhang."

"Yes," Lu Qingyan nodded, "He hasn’t arrived yet."

Shen Zhixue asked, "Why are you here?"

"I’m here to help Director Zhang with the final call," Lu Qingyan raised an eyebrow, "After all, this is my first time playing a supporting role, so picking the lead has to be done carefully."

Shen Zhixue was shocked: "You are..."

"The second male lead," Lu Qingyan made a victory sign, "My big male lead."

Shen Zhixue was silent for a long time before cautiously asking, "Is it because of me that..."

Lu Qingyan laughed and patted his head: "What are you thinking? Do you have that much influence? I just have too much free time, so Director Zhang gave me a job."

Shen Zhixue nodded, feeling conflicted: "That’s good."

"You don’t seem very happy to be filming with me," Lu Qingyan crossed his arms, "What’s wrong, afraid your Alpha will get jealous?"

Shen Zhixue originally wanted to say not really, but remembering Lu Qingyan's feelings for him, he nodded: "Jiang Huizhou can be scary when he loses it."

"Divorce him," Lu Qingyan said. "I'll take care of you."

Shen Zhixue covered his ears. "I'll pretend I didn’t hear that this time, but don’t bring it up again."

Lu Qingyan chuckled. "Hey."

"Oh, Director Zhang!" Shen Zhixue quickly changed the subject. "What brings you here?!"

Lu Qingyan sighed. "...Weren’t you waiting for Director Zhang here? Why the act? Shen Zhixue, don’t be so clueless."

Shen Zhixue hurried over to Director Zhang, politely extending his hand to introduce himself. "Hello, Director Zhang, I’m Shen Zhixue, here to audition for the lead role."

Director Zhang glanced at Shen Zhixue and nodded. "Go ahead."

Shen Zhixue glanced at Lu Qingyan and followed Director Zhang inside. It was a large venue with a temporary set on stage. The audition scene was about the lead character leaving his hometown to venture into the martial world.

Shen Zhixue had studied the script thoroughly and felt confident.

"There are quite a few people auditioning for the lead role today," Lu Qingyan said, sitting close beside him. "Did you read the script yesterday?"

"I did," Shen Zhixue nodded. "The script is well-written, but it’s not enough to justify someone of your caliber taking on a supporting role, is it?"

Lu Qingyan looked at him. "What can I do? If I don’t take this role, how else will I get to see you?"

Shen Zhixue paused, feeling exhausted. "Maybe I haven't made myself clear enough, Lu Qingyan, I really..."

"Then we’ll stay friends," Lu Qingyan interrupted. "Who knows, maybe one day you’ll change your mind about me? Until then, I’ll keep my distance. Is that okay?"

Shen Zhixue pursed his lips. "You really don’t need to go this far for me."

"But I want to," Lu Qingyan looked at him. "Feelings aren’t something you can just turn on and off, Shen Zhixue. You have to give me time, at least a chance to try. It’s not fair to expect someone to give up without even trying."

Shen Zhixue could only remain silent.

As more people started arriving for the auditions.

At first, Shen Zhixue’s competition wasn’t this intense. But once word got out that Lu Qingyan was taking a supporting role, the number of people auditioning for the lead role skyrocketed.

After all, Lu Qingyan was the most sought-after actor in the entire empire. His presence alone guaranteed attention and popularity. Having such a renowned actor in a supporting role gave a psychological edge and would look impressive on any resume.

Shen Zhixue even spotted Jiang Yu at the venue.

It had been a while since Shen Zhixue last saw Jiang Yu and Little Grape after the variety show ended.

Jiang Yu noticed him too, his eyes lighting up as he hurried over. "Zhixue, I knew you’d show up!"

Shen Zhixue smiled. "Oh? How did you know?"

"Who else could get Lu Qingyan to take a supporting role? I can’t think of anyone," Jiang Yu chuckled. "I could tell during the show, you're truly my matchmaker! You have no idea how popular your pairing is online. I see your fan content every day!"

Shen Zhixue was taken aback. "Being obsessed with everything will only lead to trouble."

"Wrong! Being obsessed with everything keeps me well-nourished! I'm here to witness you becoming the lead!" Jiang Yu rubbed his hands together. "If you two share the screen, it'll be so sweet!"

Shen Zhixue forced a laugh.

Thankfully, Jiang Huizhou doesn't browse entertainment gossip online.

Jiang Yu added, "But there are so many people auditioning today, you need to be careful. I remember that annoying guy is here too. If you see him later, it's best not to engage with him."

Shen Zhixue didn’t have much of an impression of people in the entertainment industry. Just as he was about to ask who the "nuisance" was, he saw a large group of people bustling outside the venue, heading their way with a clamor.

"Chen Yifan, born extraordinary!!!"

A deafening shout rang out in their ears, causing both Shen Zhixue and Jiang Yu to wince simultaneously.

Jiang Yu rubbed his arms nervously and said, "Zhixue, quickly look down. This is the Capital Star estate villa I’ve carved out for you with my toes..."

Shen Zhixue felt his scalp crawl: "Whose fans are these?"

They really know how to make things awkward!

"Who else?" Jiang Yu pouted. "The nuisance, of course."

An unremarkable-looking man walked in, dressed in a high-end tailored suit, his face caked with what looked like three layers of powder, to the point where the excessive smoothing almost flattened his already poor bone structure.

Shen Zhixue glanced at him and quickly averted his gaze. After spending so much time with people like Jiang Huizhou, Lu Qingyan, and Wan Chenghan, his eyes couldn’t handle such visually offensive sights.

Director Zhang quickly noticed the commotion at the entrance and called for staff to keep the fans outside. The venue wasn’t very big to begin with, and today's audition content needed to be kept confidential from fans.

Upon hearing this, Chen Yifan looked a bit annoyed but complied with the director's instructions, asking his fans to wait outside.

As he entered, he immediately noticed Lu Qingyan sitting next to Shen Zhixue and approached with a sycophantic smile: "Lu Qingyan, long time no see! How have you been lately?"

His tone was too chummy, prompting whispers among the surrounding people.

Even Jiang Yu started to wonder if Chen Yifan was actually close to Lu Qingyan.

Lu Qingyan raised an eyebrow: "Have we met?"

The burn was sharp and clear, and Jiang Yu nearly burst out laughing.

Chen Yifan’s face turned red with a mix of embarrassment and anger: "Lu Qingyan, you must have forgotten, but I could never forget you. After all, basic manners are essential!"

Lu Qingyan turned to Shen Zhixue: "He’s saying I’m rude."

Shen Zhixue paused: "He’s talking about you, not me. Why should I care if you’re rude?"

"Aren’t you going to back me up?" Lu Qingyan said. "I can’t argue with him."

Shen Zhixue: "Who in the entire entertainment industry doesn’t know that I, Shen Zhixue, am gentle, introverted, and bad with words?"

Jiang Yu was about to raise his hand but was immediately shut down by a glare from Shen Zhixue.

Chen Yifan looked Shen Zhixue up and down and said with a raised chin, "So you’re Shen Zhixue? I’ve seen the variety show you were on. Funny! You, gentle and introverted? Not good with words?"

Jiang Yu and Lu Qingyan instantly shot Chen Yifan a look of mock pity.

As if they were watching a brave soul about to meet his doom.

Shen Zhixue raised an eyebrow: "Funny? Then come over and bow to your dad. Let me see how filial you are."

Chen Yifan was momentarily stunned by Shen Zhixue’s retort, then grew visibly angry: "You’re only this bold because Lu Qingyan’s got your back. If you dare, don’t let Lu Qingyan interfere, and we’ll settle this one-on-one!"

Lu Qingyan smirked, about to say that he was more than happy to back Shen Zhixue up, but before he could speak, Shen Zhixue beat him to it.

Shen Zhixue frowned: "What, are you a piece of trash that I need to personally pick?"

Lu Qingyan was momentarily stunned, then chuckled and closed his mouth.

Indeed, if this person were any less of a handful, Yexue wouldn't be sewing in the imperial prison right now.

He never seemed to need an Alpha's protection.

Lu Qingyan looked at Shen Zhixue's back, seemingly beginning to understand what Shen Zhixue meant about not wanting to submit to pheromones, even as an Omega.

Yes, Shen Zhixue should be like this—bold and free-spirited, relying on no one, and even alone, no one could bully him.

Chen Yifan was clearly not used to being cornered like this. In the past, he was the one who scolded others; no one dared to corner him like this, leaving him at a loss for words!

Soon, he became furious: "You!"

"What's wrong, out of words already?" Shen Zhixue said, "Your vocabulary isn't quite up to snuff. Before you try to argue with me, ask your late mother if she agrees."

"You're just... you're just rude!" Chen Yifan was at a loss for words and could only point at him, shouting, "I've never seen someone with such a foul mouth. I'm going to expose you!"

Shen Zhixue stretched lazily: "Why don't you go get a few more moms on Pinduoduo before talking to me? Otherwise, talking to you is just plain boring."

Chen Yifan was so cornered that he could only stammer, "You... you..." Finally, he gritted his teeth and said, "Today's lead role is definitely mine. Shen Zhixue, do you think just because you have some popularity from that variety show, you can beat me to this role? Dream on!"

Shen Zhixue picked at his ear and nodded: "Yeah, yeah, yeah, you're ugly, so of course, you're right."

Chen Yifan's face turned red with anger, and his manager was frantically trying to hold him back, but couldn't stop the impulsive Chen Yifan.

He stormed over, reaching out to grab Shen Zhixue and throw a punch!

But before his hand could even touch Shen Zhixue, Shen Zhixue dramatically fell to the ground, tears brimming in his eyes as he said, "Mr. Chen, why... why did you push me? Did I do something wrong? Even so, you shouldn't hit me. I just had surgery on this leg, and now it seems like it's not working again... sob, it's all because I'm just too fragile."

Chen Yifan: "?"