Chapter 24

Chapter 24

"Well..."

Under everyone's watchful gaze, Bai Chen suddenly hesitated for a moment.

He lowered his gaze, his cheeks flushed slightly, and his voice softened, "I gradually learned these things after meeting His Highness."

Publicly, they claimed to have met online and chatted for a long time.

So this answer wasn't out of place and neatly complemented their previous story.

However...

The Alpha on the cliff frowned slightly.

As the one directly involved, he naturally knew the full story.

The microphone was passed to him again.

Xie Yilin's gaze intensified, and he said calmly, "Yes."

After his answer was deemed correct, he tightly gripped the safety rope and took three steps up.

It was still an effortless, calm, and composed move. In comparison, Cheng Ziang, who had finally managed to climb up again, was hardly worth mentioning, and the otaku manga artist Xin Yu beside him was breathing heavily, with beads of sweat on his forehead.

This type of rock climbing, with the tight protective gear, was physically demanding even when stationary in mid-air. Only Xie Yilin remained unfazed, as if he were walking on flat ground.

In the barrage, comments about him gradually increased.

"So His Highness's military service was genuine..."

"Same here, I initially thought, like those nobles, it was just for show, to polish his resume. Now I realize those military honors weren't easily earned."

"His Highness is incredibly handsome, and Bai Chen is adorable."

"Is Bai Chen concerned about His Highness? Such a thoughtful and well-behaved partner, I wish I had one too."

But after all the chatter, the conversation inevitably returned to Bai Chen.

...Probably because Xie Yilin didn't seem like someone you could easily joke around with.

The fourth question was also answered, and the following questions, Bai Chen handled them all without hesitation, answering them very cleverly.

As they approached the top, Xie Yilin strode over the last obstacle, exerted force with his feet, leaped up, and landed lightly on the cliff top.

The man stood on the highest point of the cliff, looking down calmly.

Bai Chen waved vigorously.

Their gazes met.

The Omega suddenly burst into a big smile, looking from afar like a sunflower leaning towards the sun—but even the sun would be moved by such a radiant smile.

Xie Yilin's breath slightly hitched.

He seemed to want to know the answer to that question even more.

***

Today's little game concluded with Bai Chen and Xie Yilin's triumphant first-place finish.

The staff began packing up and heading back, and the guests were no exception. Cheng Ziang, sore all over, struggled to take off his protective gear, rubbing his wrists as he descended the mountain from the other side.

Tang Congyun didn’t wait for him, and Cheng Ziang stumbled down the mountain alone, only to see Bai Chen walking towards him—naturally, he was going to find Xie Yilin.

The Omega still wore a smile, looking very friendly. Cheng Ziang’s eyes darkened, and he moved closer: "Mr. Bai."

Bai Chen paused for a moment, "Oh, it’s you."

He smiled politely, "You must be tired after today."

"Mr. Bai," Cheng Ziang clenched his teeth, forcing a smile, "You must be tired too... By the way, did you think about what I suggested last time?"

"Suggested?"

Bai Chen widened his eyes, looking completely innocent as he asked, "What suggestion?"

"..."

Cheng Ziang was briefly stunned, carefully examining Bai Chen’s expression—his eyes, expression, details... none of it seemed fake.

He had to bring it up again, vaguely: "It’s... well, the suggestion about me wanting to support you."

"Oh..."

Bai Chen "suddenly realized," "You mean that..."

He smiled warmly and politely said, "Of course."

...Just like that?

Cheng Ziang was about to celebrate when Bai Chen continued, "Do you want an autograph? Or a photo?"

He thought for a moment, slightly troubled, "Life-sized standees are booked until next month, so they’re out of stock now."

Cheng Ziang: ???

Autograph? Photo? Standee?

What is this nonsense?

What he meant was to tell Bai Chen that he could seek his help if needed.

That way, he could gain Bai Chen’s trust and do more...

But now, Cheng Ziang realized that Bai Chen seemed to have misunderstood his words?

Holding back the urge to lie down, he tried to explain, "Mr. Bai, I think there’s been a misunderstanding..."

"Not at all?"

Bai Chen interrupted him, very directly saying, "Isn’t the support you’re offering for me personally?"

"Even though I have many fans, I’m glad to have someone like you."

"Oh, and if you want to join my fan club, that’s cool too. I’ll speak to my agent when I return and set you up with a high-level account."

He blinked playfully, adding, "I promise it’ll be a high-level account!"

Cheng Ziang was speechless...

He was so angry he lost his composure, "Bai Chen, the support I mentioned isn’t this kind of support, it's..."

Nobles have their own way of speaking, but Bai Chen didn’t follow the usual script and refused to play along!

Of course, Bai Chen wasn’t from their class, after all.

Cheng Ziang’s eyes flashed with disdain. With no one around, his tone grew impatient, "Bai Chen, what I mean is..."

"Bai Chen."

Before Cheng Ziang could finish, Xie Yilin’s deep voice cut in from nearby.

It was soft, almost understated. But it hit Cheng Ziang like a splash of cold water, jolting him back to reality.

...That’s right. Even if Bai Chen seemed like a lower-class climber to him, now he was Xie Yilin’s partner—someone far beyond his reach.

His expression tightened, and his body stiffened involuntarily.

Xie Yilin walked over.

The man was tall and straight, his brow as cold as ever. He stepped closer to Bai Chen, standing slightly behind him. From a distance, it looked as if the smaller Omega was leaning into his embrace, completely enveloped in his arms.

The posture was undeniably protective.

At the same time, an oppressive aura, perceptible only to Alphas, began to emanate.

"Your Highness!"

Cheng Ziang immediately reined himself in, doing his best to seem harmless, "I was just... just talking to Bai Chen for a few words..."

He was on edge, his nerves frayed—the Alpha’s pheromones were everywhere, locking onto him with precision.

It was a formidable will, forged in countless battles and bloodshed.

Why... why on earth...

He had only spoken a few words to Bai Chen...

Cheng Ziang’s heart felt like it was being crushed in a vice, ready to snuff him out at any moment. He swallowed hard, his hair standing on end, as a thought he couldn’t shake flashed through his mind.

If Xie Yilin decided to act, he’d be dead in an instant.

Escape hadn’t even crossed Cheng Ziang’s mind.

As an Alpha, he knew better than Betas or Omegas what the name Xie Yilin meant.

In the Alpha world, strength reigns supreme—and Xie Yilin was the strongest.

He held his breath, bit by bit, not daring to make a sound.

However, Xie Yilin’s aura was withdrawn at this moment.

The sudden release of pressure made Cheng Ziang’s body go slack. He gasped for breath, unable to control himself. From the diagonal position, the Alpha placed his hand on Bai Chen’s shoulder, slightly turning his head, his gray eyes calmly looking at him.

"What did he say?"

Bai Chen: ...He didn’t say much.

He pressed his lips together and smiled, "Your Highness, Cheng Ziang and I are asking for your autograph."

"I'm very grateful for his support."

The Omega's words undoubtedly took Cheng Ziang by surprise.

He couldn't help but glance up at Bai Chen.

Bai Chen didn't even glance his way.

At this moment, the striking Omega tilted his chin up slightly and turned to meet Xie Yilin's gaze. Their gazes locked, weaving an unspoken tension between them.

Then, Bai Chen's voice came, laced with a playful whine, "Your Highness?"

"We haven't had our hug today."

Hug.

The word acted like a simple incantation.

The frost in the Alpha's demeanor thawed, his expression softening. He turned to leave with Bai Chen, and in the moment they started walking, he cast a single, fleeting glance back at Cheng Ziang.

Just one glance.

Cheng Ziang broke into a cold sweat instantly.

Xie Yilin must have figured it all out.

He needed to return, to urgently alert the masterminds, to let them adjust the plan...

Yet, he stood helplessly, watching the two depart, his legs feeling like they were glued to the ground, immobile.

...Meanwhile, Bai Chen's focus had already wandered.

He strolled briskly along the path, occasionally stepping over small stones. The man-made scenic area was breathtaking, with every spot offering an excellent view.

They followed the path, rounded a bend, and rejoined the main road. Perhaps due to their delay, the staff had already left, leaving only the faint sound of vehicles starting in the distance.

Bai Chen was about to pick up his pace. But the next second, Xie Yilin stopped.

The towering man's presence loomed larger as he came to a halt.

Bai Chen halted too, confusion coloring his voice, "Your Highness?"

"Why are we stopping? Aren't we heading back for our hug?"

He had already decided—today, he'd seize the chance to extend their hug! Just... one more minute.

But Xie Yilin didn't move.

He didn't move, so Bai Chen didn't move either.

After a moment, the man slowly turned around and stood face to face with him.

His stormy gray eyes seemed to churn with brewing intensity, as though he were holding back a roaring wind. A heavy snow was about to fall, as dark clouds quietly approached from the distant horizon.

Only the Omega before him remained blissfully unaware, still pondering how to sneakily prolong the hug without anyone noticing.

He looked at the man in confusion and asked again, "...Your Highness?"

Alpha suddenly pulled him into a hug.

"There won't be another time like this."

Xie Yilin finally spoke, his brows furrowed with restrained emotion.

"Don't worry about him."

Bai Chen blinked, "Huh?"

Did he mean Cheng Ziang?

But Bai Chen thought it was no big deal.

Cheng Ziang's petty tricks didn't fool him for a second.

Bai Chen smiled reassuringly, "It's fine."

"I've got this."

His eyes lit up as he snuggled closer to Xie Yilin, raising his hand, fingers poised as if to strike. "I'll deal with the small fry."

"If I run into a big boss, I'll call you for backup, alright?"

Alright?

The Omega looked serious, but his eyes twinkled with mischief, as if his playful words always carried a deeper meaning.

Xie Yilin gazed at him intently before speaking softly, "I'll handle it promptly."

Cheng Ziang won't get another chance—three strikes, and he's out.

Those pulling the strings have gone too far.

"Your Highness? Mr. Bai Chen?"

The staff, having waited, retraced their steps to find them. The scene shifted, revealing the two...

They were locked in an embrace.

The towering Alpha cradled the smaller Omega in his arms, his gaze flickering toward the approaching staff.

He wasn't as icy as before, but his presence was still overwhelming. It was as if, at this moment, only the Omega in his arms was the one he needed to focus on.

Like a dragon spotting treasure, though not yet claimed, the signs were unmistakable.

Signs of an eternal desire to protect.

The staff: ...

For some reason, he instinctively felt he shouldn't be there.

And that this moment shouldn't be disturbed by anything.

So, he subconsciously lightened his steps, took two steps back, and as if guided by fate...

He captured the moment, preserving it forever.

***

After the second episode aired, the popularity didn't wane but instead increased, attracting even more viewers.

Especially, the scene where Bai Chen and Xie Yilin embraced in the courtyard surpassed previous ratings records, reaching a new high.

The moment the sweet Omega and the tall Alpha came together was turned into a GIF, enhanced with dreamy filters, and spread everywhere.

"I'm going crazy, seriously, why did I even start watching this show?"

"Same here, wasn’t it to mock Bai Chen and wait for him to get abused?"

"Abuse? Still talking about abuse? Look at this, does this look like abuse? They could never be abusive! I’m going to die from the love hammer first!"

"By the way, if Bai Chen really is a sea fishing champion, I just hope he reels me in."

"Me too..."

"Please, me too..."

"Hey everyone, I’m already soaking in the sea, Bai Chen is on his way!"

"Damn, our planet is a desert, no sea, what should I do??? Can I just buy a fishhook and stick it in my mouth?"

Even those who previously said that small celebrities in the entertainment industry were not worthy of His Highness the Crown Prince have changed their stance, enthusiastically engaging in self-face-slapping.

"Actually, upon careful consideration, His Highness’s partner is quite impressive."

"Bai Chen is great, if I had an Omega who loves me, cares for me, and worries about me... I’d wake up laughing in my sleep!"

"Absolutely! His smile is so sweet, sweeter than puppy love!"

"Yes, yes, every time I see Bai Chen’s dimples, I’m reminded of my teenage years..."

"As long as His Highness likes it! They’re living their lives, why should we freaks make a big deal?"

And naturally, Bai Chen went viral again.

#BaiChenHug, #BaiChenLoveDish...

This time, even the sweet vegetables from Endo Star sold out. Although in reality, sweet veggies got their name from their high content of a certain sugar substitute, among netizens, sweet veggies are now Bai Chen’s sweet veggies.

Moreover, the research institute at the Imperial University of Technology announced they’d work on developing and promoting mass artificial cultivation of sweet veggies, getting them into homes everywhere.

"Pfft!"

When Bai Chen heard about the new veggie name, he was on a spaceship heading back to the capital planet, happily sipping a fresh cup of orange juice.

Every cup sold means a sweet orange gets mercilessly squeezed—so cruel.

He quickly downed the last sip of orange juice to avoid a spill. Then, quickly, he set the empty cup down.

Not far away, Xie Yilin, reviewing some documents, glanced up.

"...Thank you."

Xiao Ling handed over a tissue box, Bai Chen said thank you, took one, and wiped the corner of his mouth.

A bit too hard.

The Omega’s lips instantly turned bright and stayed that way for a while. There was still a bit of sweetness on his lips, Bai Chen subconsciously licked his lips, adding a layer of moisture, making the color particularly striking.

In the seat directly opposite, the Alpha's eyes darkened.

He casually adjusted his posture and pressed the service bell, ordering a new drink.

Bai Chen smiled and took it, his dimples clearly visible. "Thank you, Your Highness."

Only the three of them were inside the cabin, with the dark universe outside. The starship glided smoothly forward and would land at the capital planet's port in a few hours.

...They were going to attend the national day ceremony the next day.

The national holiday was just a day away, and the production team adjusted the shooting schedule, deciding to add a live broadcast, which would take place at the palace square where the national day ceremony was held.

Thus, His Highness the Crown Prince, an active military officer, and Bai Chen, a new military spouse, were the top choices for the celebration.

No surprise there.

The trip back would take roughly half a day, and the production team prepared the tickets, but of course, Xie Yilin brought Bai Chen aboard the royal emblem-adorned starship.

The massive starship boasted sleek and elegant lines, and the moment it docked at the starport, Bai Chen was eager to board it.

Rumors had it that this was a starship reserved exclusively for royalty, specially designed, spared no expense, and could quickly transform into a combat starship in emergencies.

It was touted as the most luxurious starship ever built, featuring lavish interior decor and furnishings, with even original paintings by certain famous artists hanging in the main cabin.

It was said...

In a nutshell, Bai Chen was a tad jealous.

He glanced around as he stepped inside, then sat in the lounge for a while, had a drink, checked the news, and still couldn't resist the impulse, eagerly getting up and asking Xiao Ling, "Adjutant Xiao, mind if I take a look around the starship?"

"Don't worry, I'll steer clear of any off-limits areas."

He knew a royal starship would have its share of secrets.

Xiao Ling instinctively glanced at Xie Yilin, seeking his approval.

The man still seemed engrossed in the documents on the screen, but as soon as the Omega finished speaking, he closed the documents and stood up.

The Alpha's cool gray eyes shifted, and Adjutant Xiao stiffened, instinctively bracing himself, and nervously swallowed. "Your Highness, perhaps..."

"Maybe I should see how much longer we have?"

Xie Yilin slightly nodded. "Go ahead."

Xiao Ling immediately ran off with his "tail" between his legs, and as soon as he left, only Bai Chen and Xie Yilin remained in the cabin.

An Alpha, and an Omega.

Married, but single.

One of them still carried the temporary mark of the other.

...The relationship was quite complicated.

Bai Chen blinked, still wanting to make an effort. "Your Highness, can I go?"

There was a hint of a plea in his tone, very obvious, and his sparkling eyes also showed more anticipation.

When a beautiful Omega stared at someone like this, showing such a hopeful expression, even the most hard-hearted person would be moved.

Xie Yilin was silent for a moment, then walked towards the cabin door.

Bai Chen's eyes sparkled, and he hurried after him.

Outside, a narrow corridor led to the bridge, offering a view of the starry sky. One tall and one short, one leading and one following, they paused before the transparent canopy. Gazing into the distance, the galaxy stretched endlessly, with dazzling stars twinkling occasionally, offering a view unlike anything seen on land.

Bai Chen had never seen the stars from this perspective before.

He usually traveled on public transport, where even first-class cabins were cramped and lacked such an expansive viewing platform. At this moment, he stood as if in the heart of the universe, purely and thoroughly savoring the view.

It was mesmerizing. As the stars reflected in his eyes, it seemed as if they had truly descended, landing in his gaze.

Thus, Bai Chen's eyes also looked like two little stars.

Xie Yilin stood beside him and, unconsciously, noticed these two little stars.

From an Alpha's perspective, he naturally glanced again at the slight bulge at the back of the Omega's slender neck.

The fresh scent of oranges slowly emanated, and because it had been temporarily marked, it was particularly clear and noticeable to Xie Yilin, like a blazing sun amidst the vast stars.

A little star with a sweet scent.

The man's fingers twitched.

A temporary mark could last up to seven days.

After filming two episodes, only four or five days had passed.

...He suddenly felt that time was flying by.

The Omega took two steps forward, shifting his position so that most of his face was now facing Xie Yilin.

The faint red on his lips had faded, returning to normal, but the corners of his mouth were slightly upturned, revealing his pleasant mood.

He shifted to the left, then again, as if chasing a fleeting meteor, and then turned abruptly, bumping into Xie Yilin.

"...Your Highness?" Bai Chen asked, startled.

Bai Chen hastily stepped back, apologizing, "Sorry, I didn't notice..."

He quickly steadied himself, about to look again, when he noticed a familiar figure hurrying towards them from the other end of the corridor.

"Your Highness!" Adjutant Xiao rushed over, out of breath, "Did you set your communicator to silent? Quick, take a look!"

"The Duke of Cohen's ship reported some issues and wants to temporarily board ours to return to the capital planet, but we couldn't reach you..."

The Duke of Cohen's family? Bai Chen's ears perked up with interest.

At the banquet that day, someone had brought up the Cohen family.

Heard that they... also had an eligible Omega on the matching list?

The captain had assessed the request from the other ship and relayed his recommendation.

"...The energy reserve tank has detached, possibly due to equipment updates," Xiao Ling summarized briefly. "Emergency rescue has been conducted, and everyone has boarded our ship. They heard you were also on board and wanted to pay their respects."

He hesitated slightly, his eyes flickering towards Bai Chen, then added in a low voice, "That... that person is also here."

Xie Yilin slightly furrowed his brows, "The Duke of Cohen?"

"No, not him!" Xiao Ling didn't expect him to mistake the person and stammered, "It's the one from the Cohen family, the one on the list... that one."

Geez, the young master of the Cohen family had previously known that he was also on the matching list and had been very confident that he could marry His Highness the Crown Prince.

But who would have thought, out of nowhere came Bai Chen, quickly announcing to the world, set in stone, a done deal...

Now meeting again, it would surely be a majorly awkward situation.

Xiao Ling, who prided himself on having hinted enough, carefully suggested, "How about letting Mr. Bai first..."

Should we avoid him?

It's said that the young master's temper is not very good, a notoriously spoiled Omega in the capital. With the Duke of Cohen standing behind him, he is deeply cherished by his family. If they were to clash, it might not be good for Bai Chen.

...Others don't know they are in a sham marriage, but Xiao Ling knows. If they divorce later, without the protection of His Highness, Bai Chen would have a hard time.

However, what he didn't expect was that Xie Yilin had to think for a moment before realizing who he was talking about.

The Alpha's brows furrowed even tighter.

His face suddenly turned frosty, his steely gray gaze filled with displeasure, and then he said indifferently, "There's no need to meet."

"Since they are just visiting guests, you go and handle the reception."

This matter has nothing to do with him or Bai Chen.

"Huh?"

Xiao Ling was stunned.

He thought, given the Duke of Cohen and the Cohen family, His Highness would at least put on a show. But now...

Adjutant Xiao looked left, looked right, and walked away, puzzled.

Besides, he felt...

After these days of filming, His Highness has changed somewhat?

But exactly where...

Xiao Ling disappeared around the corner of the corridor, while Bai Chen next to him snapped out of it, realizing what had happened.

Xie Yilin didn't seem to want to meet that Omega from the Cohen family, but if it was because the other was also on the matching list, that wasn't the reason.

He seemed not to care about that.

Whoever was on the matching list didn't matter. Because he wanted to choose someone different.

That was Bai Chen.

Because Bai Chen was different from those people, that's why he chose him.

And, he also didn't care about the status of the Duke of Cohen.

Bai Chen didn't understand these political complexities, but for a second, he actually felt rather fortunate.

Fortunate that he was different, and thus became the chosen one.

Omega thought for a moment and tentatively asked, "Your Highness, actually, I can..."

I can go around by myself.

If Xie Yilin had other things to do, he didn’t need to stay with me.

However, the man lowered his gaze slightly and looked at him.

Their eyes met, and Bai Chen saw no sign that he intended to leave.

"No need," he said firmly.

The Alpha repeated the words, his tone subtly different—too faint and brief for Bai Chen to catch.

Xie Yilin simply looked at him calmly.

"With me, you don’t have to worry about anyone else."

This was the second time Xie Yilin had said this.

Bai Chen paused, then suddenly smiled, "Alright!"

***

The starship glided smoothly into the port.

The Koen family had already left, so they didn’t run into them. After getting off, they took the arranged vehicle and dropped Bai Chen off first.

Xie Yilin had other business, so Bai Chen went with the production team to the celebration square for some pre-tour intros.

This was being broadcast live.

Maybe because Xie Yilin wasn’t there, the comments were pretty wild.

"Wife, wife, wife! Gotta shout my love!"

"Bai Chen, Bai Chen, Bai Chen! I’m camping out tonight to be first in line tomorrow!"

"Wuwuwu, finally, the live broadcast! Don’t move—I’m printing every frame for my bedside!"

Bai Chen, used to live broadcasts, kept a professional smile and chatted with the audience now and then.

"Hey everyone, it’s Bai Chen! I’m at the grand square where tomorrow’s national celebration will happen..."

"I heard you’ll need tickets for the central area tomorrow, so plan your trip and transportation carefully..."

"Oh, and there’s tons of great food around here!"

The comments went wild, and rockets started flooding the screen.

Gifts filled the screen, and the director was thrilled. After a quick thought, he came over to ask if they could squeeze in a quick interview.

"Sure," Bai Chen said.

"It has to follow the contract, and we can’t go too deep into His Highness or the royal family."

"Got it, got it."

The director thought to himself, we’re even more concerned about this than you are. If we ask something we shouldn’t, the first to suffer would definitely be the director.

He quickly pulled out the prepared interview outline and called over the female director to give her some instructions. After an urgent discussion, the live broadcast camera zoomed out, showing Bai Chen sitting on an elegant street corner bench with a gentle breeze. The female director adjusted her glasses, sighing inwardly.

Such a beautiful Omega so close, but too bad... already taken!

Happiness always seems to belong to others, while the rest of us are stuck with work.

The female director snapped out of her thoughts and glanced at the interview outline. But the first question made her do a double take.

She hesitated, glancing at the director, who was grinning goofily behind the camera, and signaled with her eyes: What’s with these questions?

The director caught her look and shot back with his eyes: Exactly what you’re thinking.

Female director: What I think? What exactly are you implying?

Director: Oh, just roll with it! Don’t overthink it!

Female director: ...

Alright then.

Across from her, Bai Chen raised an eyebrow: "...What’s up?"

"...Nothing, nothing." The director quickly recovered and smiled warmly, "These questions are based on what our viewers are most curious about..."

"So first, Bai Chen, as everyone knows, you and His Highness had a whirlwind romance. His Highness has been stationed at the border... Do you miss him?"

"Of course," Bai Chen nodded. "I think any couple in love would struggle with being apart for so long."

"Wow, he’s really smooth with his answers..."

"My heart’s melting, but why doesn’t the first question on the outline match this?"

"I thought so too—it looked shorter than this."

The live comments popped up, and both the director and the female director noticed them. The director frantically signaled to her: What’s happening? Stick to the script!

"...Ahem." The female director cleared her throat awkwardly and started over, "So Bai Chen, as everyone knows, you’re an Omega and an actor who’s been in the industry for a few years now."

"It’s impressive how well you’ve kept things under wraps. Everyone knows about your whirlwind romance, but the details are still a mystery..."

"What’s up with the host? What’s she trying to get at?"

"Yeah, she’s stalling, like she’s too shy to ask."

"Ah, cut her some slack. You know how netizens can be."

"So, is it one of *those* questions?"

"Probably not—I doubt it’s that direct."

"You’re overthinking it—I meant that angle."

"?????"

Not being a professional host, the female director couldn’t hold back anymore. She finally stammered and tactfully asked, "Bai Chen, everyone’s curious—when are you planning to expand the royal family?"

Bai Chen: ???

Wow, netizens are really something, jumping straight to that question?

But yeah, the question is a bit edgy, but not completely out of bounds.

Bai Chen paused for a moment, his expression steady, smiling sweetly, "We just got married, so we haven't thought that far ahead yet."

"...Okay."

The director, relieved, quickly moved on to the next question, "Bai Chen, ah, everyone really likes you, and they all know you're into His Highness now. But, everyone still wants to know... what's your type? Do they still stand a chance?"

"Hehe," Bai Chen chuckled again, his dimples popping. In front of everyone, he said with a smile, "My ideal type? That's His Highness."

"I've liked him for a long time now."

"And also..."

"Really? No way!"

"Really? I'm tearing up!"

"Hold up, stop scrolling, Bai Chen's not done yet!"

"Haha!"

Not far away in the palace, Xiao Ling, waiting in the reception room, sneezed and burst out laughing.

His smartwatch buzzed with the live feed of Bai Chen's interview. On the screen, the Omega's smile was genuine and sweet, his words like a spring brook, flowing straight to the heart.

Filling up, spilling over, creating a beautiful spring day.

He thought, actors are just... incredible!

If he hadn't seen the whole arranged marriage setup, he might've thought Bai Chen really liked Xie Yilin.

...But wait, thinking about it, it's not impossible, right?

Xiao Ling couldn't help but wonder.

Wanting a hug right away, going along with everything, always thinking of His Highness... past and present, all mixed up, not without reason—or maybe, a truth with a bit of fiction, is still the truth.

Such sincere, passionate, direct affection—even he, as an outsider, couldn't tell what was real, so what about His Highness... what does he think?

Falling for His Highness, wouldn't that be a disaster? The Omega is so cute, how could he be so reckless?

He hesitated, then sent a message.

"Your Highness, did you catch Mr. Bai's interview today?"

Then, he heard Xie Yilin's familiar voice from behind.

"I am watching."

At some point, the Alpha had been standing behind him, watching the live feed.

In the gray eyes, there was nothing else, only the Omega in the live broadcast.

Bai Chen.

Author's note: Thank you, little fairies, for reading~! MUA~!

Also, thanks to 49310292 for the landmine~ Thank you for your support~