Chapter 8

Chapter 8

The Irresistible One? What is that?

Bai Chen instinctively stepped aside to let Song Lei in. The latter rushed in with a single stride, his face beaming with joy, gesticulating wildly, and holding a few specially printed materials in his hand. "I brought them to you as soon as I got them! A star-level variety show! Number one in ratings! Marriage... wait, wait?"

He abruptly stopped, his face turning from red to black, from black to white, a mix of colors... finally settling into a liver-colored hue.

"This... such a great opportunity..."

Song Lei cursed, "It's all because of those haters!"

Bai Chen blinked, "Huh?"

"Don't you know?" Song Lei said indignantly, "What kind of mess is this? Such a great opportunity, if you just act solidly, you could eventually get similar resources. But now, finally a chance comes, and you can't take it..."

He rambled on and muttered for a while, and Bai Chen finally understood roughly.

"The Irresistible One" is a nationally popular celebrity dating and marriage variety show. It focuses on the love and marriage aspects of celebrities.

Among other things, the show has another nickname—"the celebrity marriage truth mirror."

The public's eyes are sharp, and netizens have eagle eyes and are fully skilled. Every celebrity couple or married partner who appears on this show must withstand the intense scrutiny of the onlookers.

According to statistics from unknown gossip sources, in the seven years since its premiere, 15 couples who appeared on the show broke up or divorced after the show. And three couples, before the show even finished recording, had a big fight, exchanged harsh words, and vowed never to see each other again.

Because after just a few episodes, the audience could tell their relationship was not good.

In short, those who can safely pass the show's test are certified by the entire empire as having a love as strong as gold, a match made in heaven. Their careers also flourish and reach new heights.

"I heard this time it's going to be completely revamped... the original feature of the show was to put celebrity couples through various trials, showcasing their feelings for each other... ahem," Song Lei said, "Forget it, sometimes I feel scared just watching it, thinking I might not survive if I were on it."

That's what he said, but his face was marked with two bold words: regret.

You know, with Bai Chen's current status, he actually doesn't qualify for this S-level variety show.

A rare opportunity, but in such a situation. At this moment, even Song Lei had to sigh: fate plays tricks.

But Bai Chen seemed thoughtful.

The Omega hugged a pillow, curled up on the sofa, head slightly lowered, pondering. Song Lei sighed and went into the kitchen. He had come in such a hurry that he hadn't eaten breakfast himself.

Soon, the sound of cooking came from the kitchen, and Bai Chen leaned to the right, lying on the sofa. Suddenly, there was a sound outside—

"Knock knock."

Someone was knocking again.

The rabbit slippers pattered over. The door opened, and outside was the Alpha's cold, ice-like handsome face. He walked into the Omega's warm and comfortable room, strangely, without lowering the temperature too much.

Bai Chen looked up and smiled, "Your Highness? Good morning."

The light gray eyes reflected his dimples, and the man's voice was indifferent, giving a faint "hmm"—it's worth mentioning that he was also holding a small suitcase.

It had been agreed upon earlier, a fake marriage is still a marriage, and it's best to live together.

Xie Yilin had been stationed at the border for many years and only recently returned to the capital, so he wasn't familiar with the area. Living at Bai Chen's place was convenient. However, Bai Chen didn't ask why he didn't live in the palace.

He guessed it himself, probably because it's a fake marriage? Living in the palace would make it hard to end.

Song Lei walked out with a plate of food, stunned: "You... Your Highness... Bai Chen?"

He blurted out, "Bai Chen, why are you in my house?"

Bai Chen chuckled, "I know what you mean... I married His Highness, so he moved in."

Song Lei: ...Well, I guess I can't just drop by here anymore!

The agent's voice instantly lowered significantly, hurriedly served breakfast, and left without eating a bite.

So, only Bai Chen and Xie Yilin remained in the house.

...The freshly minted so-called "fake couple."

The guest room was fully furnished, and after a quick clean-up, Xie Yilin came out. In the living room, Bai Chen was watching a projection screen while stuffing a fried egg into his mouth. Seeing Xie Yilin come out, he immediately beamed: "Your Highness, do you need anything else?"

The Alpha replied coolly, "No need."

Bai Chen smiled again—he seemed to love to smile, and when he did, his dimples faintly appeared, making him look even more sweet and charming. Like a ripe, beautiful fruit hanging on a tree, ready to be picked by someone with a discerning eye.

The Omega was also very polite, graciously offering half the sofa and warmly asking, "Have you had breakfast yet?"

Xie Yilin replied in the negative.

There were no other seats in the room, so the tall Alpha walked over, paused, looked around, and then sat on the other side of the sofa.

He was still wearing his usual military uniform, which looked out of place in the simple yet elegant little house. Upon reflection, this was the first time they were truly alone together.

Completely alone, with no one else around.

...The first meeting lasted only a few minutes, and it was just to sign the agreement, so it didn't count.

Probably feeling more relaxed at home, Bai Chen nonchalantly turned on the projection screen in the living room and logged into a social platform. Glancing at it, he saw the top trending topic.

"Unstoppable Ta 7th Anniversary"

Bai Chen: ...Oh, this is already the seventh season.

Bai Chen couldn't resist and clicked on it.

...Not far away, Xie Yilin's gaze drifted slightly.

"Congratulations on the 7th anniversary of Unstoppable Ta! Everyone in our family never misses an episode!"

"Awwww, I'm so excited to see who the guests will be this time! Watching them fall in love is so sweet!"

"Wahhh, even though I'm single, I just love watching others fall in love!"

"Exactly! But I have another purpose, teehee..."

"Hey, you there, I'm the same, my little notebook is ready! Whether it's true love or fake, all my gossip accounts are prepared!"

Among the comments, there were also some haters who took the opportunity to praise some and criticize others, still holding a grudge against Bai Chen.

"LOL, some people got married but didn't make it on the show. Wonder if they're at home fuming and wanting a divorce."

"Hey, don't run, your comment made me burst out laughing. True, someone even hurriedly showed off their wedding ring, but it didn't make any waves."

"If this keeps up, someone really will have to quit the industry and go home to have babies."

It was a bit awkward.

Although he didn’t care about these haters and just saw them as a joke, having Xie Yilin next to him made his cheeks flush slightly.

His eyes darted back and forth, wondering if he should skip this part before Xie Yilin noticed. The next second, the Alpha suddenly frowned slightly, his gaze fixed on the large screen for a moment.

Oh no, Xie Yilin had seen it.

Bai Chen’s heart skipped a beat, and he was about to explain. The man had already turned his gaze away and glanced at him sideways.

"Bai Chen."

He called his name.

Bai Chen immediately put down the chopsticks in his hand, "Yes, Your Highness?"

His expression was clear and bright, as if the protagonist in the haters' words wasn’t him at all, seemingly unaffected. Xie Yilin’s gaze intensified, noticing the small dimple Bai Chen couldn’t help but show, then he abruptly looked away and asked directly, "Is this the variety show you mentioned?"

"Ah?"

Bai Chen was taken aback, wondering why he brought this up. But soon, following Xie Yilin’s gaze, he noticed the stack of documents on the coffee table.

It was the materials Song Lei had brought earlier, printed specifically for reference, including the relevant contracts for *The Irresistible Ta*.

Bai Chen nodded almost involuntarily, "Yes, the show’s producers also reached out to me."

"But..."

Xie Yilin quickly countered, "Are you worried I might refuse?"

"...Yes."

Bai Chen admitted straightforwardly.

After a moment’s thought, he honestly said, "Actually, I also thought about asking you."

"Just felt..." He hesitated for a moment, then softly voiced the reason, "I just thought you’re not the type to appear on variety shows."

Someone who defines his life through his military career is unlikely to get involved in these entertainment industry matters. Moreover, the man’s natural aloofness says it all.

So, like Song Lei, he was also tempted by the offer, but Bai Chen restrained himself—even if they were truly married, Xie Yilin was unlikely to participate in a variety show with him, let alone now that it’s fake.

It’s better not to bother him.

However, at this moment, Xie Yilin didn’t immediately reject.

His light gray eyes grew more intense, fingertips lightly tapping on the armrest, the man clearly lost in thought, with a different expression than usual appearing between his brows.

Bai Chen was somewhat surprised.

Under his even more surprised gaze, Xie Yilin’s eyes narrowed, his slender fingers moved to another place, tapped a few times on his wristwatch, and made a call.

It was to Xiao Ling.

Xie Yilin gave a few simple instructions and issued two commands. Bai Chen didn’t listen too carefully, hurriedly cleaned up breakfast, and put the dishes into the dishwasher. When he came out, Xie Yilin was still in the living room, but—

A crowd had gathered outside.

Well-dressed, obviously elite lawyers; nobles wearing royal insignias, with naturally haughty manners; and Xiao Ling, bustling around, busy directing.

Xie Yilin stood among the crowd, in the very heart of it, where the light seemed to converge, making him the undeniable center of attention.

Seeing Bai Chen emerge, the Alpha instinctively turned his gaze toward him and extended his hand.

He spoke, his voice calm but commanding.

"Come here."

The Omega, a term denoting his submissive role in their dynamic, moved towards him, seemingly in a trance.

Xie Yilin's raised hand did not lower but instead gently pressed on his shoulder. The man's demeanor was as icy as ever, yet his breath near his ear carried a surprising warmth.

With a subtle nudge, he directed Bai Chen's attention to the documents on the table.

"This," he said, his tone firm, "is the new contract."