Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Bai Chen was stunned.

Was His Highness... making a joke?

Was His Highness actually... making a joke???

He stared in shock, unable to believe it was really Xie Yilin.

For a moment, Bai Chen even thought about pinching himself to see if he was dreaming.

Then, a camera lens snapped him out of his wild thoughts.

"OMG! What kind of fairy-tale love is this!"

"I died, I came back to life, I'm doing sit-ups in my coffin! Ah! This is too sweet, I can't handle it!"

"Oxygen! I need oxygen! My chest is so tight, I can't breathe!"

After saying this, Xie Yilin seemed completely unaware of the shock he caused. He reached out and took Bai Chen's free hand, leading him toward the stage.

Bai Chen trailed after him, still in a daze.

Xie Yilin's warm, strong hand held his, and they walked hand in hand in front of everyone, openly and without a care.

The guests and staff were equally dumbfounded.

Was this... the first time?

The first time His Highness took the lead?

Before, it was always Bai Chen who sweetly showed his love—it wasn't one-sided, but it seemed like His Highness rarely expressed his feelings.

He was a reserved person, appearing quite cold on the outside.

So, today... did the sun rise from the west or something?

The flood of comments nearly covered the entire screen.

"Wuwuwu, they're holding hands! I've seen them hug so many times, but this is the first time they've held hands!"

"I don't know why, but this hand-holding feels just as sweet as their hugs!"

"I feel the same way! Wuwuwu, just holding hands is enough to make me scream like a chicken!"

Of course, Bai Chen was oblivious to all this.

All he felt was the slight warmth of Xie Yilin's hand holding his.

Was it Xie Yilin's body heat? It spread over, warming him too—just as he had always sensed, the man's hands and chest weren't as cold as they seemed.

So... why was this happening now?

Could it be...

Bai Chen's mind raced with thoughts before he finally landed on a solid one: Got it! His Highness must be playing along!

We haven't been lovey-dovey enough lately! That's right!

He’s gotta step it up!

The female director stepped up, trying to keep her cool. "Your Highness, Bai Chen, shall we continue?"

Honestly, she was dying to see them get all lovey-dovey, but the director was glaring daggers at her, urging her to pay attention to the time and speed up the process.

Trying not to squeal, she kept her excitement in check, coughed dryly, and said, "Congrats, you guys are in first place again today!"

"Wait, Your Highness, you can fix little toys like this?"

Xie Yilin was still tightly holding Bai Chen's hand, hummed in acknowledgment, and at the same time said, "This toy’s a mini mecha—lots of the parts are the same."

"So that's how it is!" The female director seemed to understand but not quite, "So, Your Highness, you do your own mecha maintenance?"

"Correct." Xie Yilin said indifferently, "Mechas are like a warrior’s battle buddies."

At the same time, he tightened his fingers, gripping Bai Chen's hand even more firmly.

The latter blinked, and that subtle feeling in his heart rose again.

"That line was kinda badass. Mechas are companions, like comrades-in-arms, right?"

"OMG, His Highness holding Bai Chen’s hand and saying stuff like that is so swoon-worthy. It’s like he’s got a sword in one hand and his lover in the other—total protector vibes."

"As the reward for first place..."

The female director paused slightly, then smiled and said, "You get first dibs on picking kids."

"Wait, what? Are we picking kids to cook and eat them or something?"

"The crew’s clearly out of ideas—can’t they come up with something better? Let me! I demand the next challenge be an hour-long make-out session for the winners!"

"Damn, that’s hardcore—an hour of kissing? Lips are gonna fall off."

"Uh, isn’t this show rated 12+? An hour of kissing would totally push it to 17+... but who's afraid of who, hahaha, I'm already a 30-year-old grand mage! Hurry up!"

To be precise, each group picks five kids to play games with, helping them to get the prizes they want.

Each game awards different points, and the points required to exchange for the desired prizes also vary.

This is gonna be tough.

Kids aren’t like adults—they’re not gonna just go along with it. You’ve gotta sweet-talk them and get them to listen.

For the guests who’ve never dealt with kids, this is a nightmare.

So at times like this, picking kids first is a huge advantage if you play it right.

On the left side of the playground, right opposite the stage, a new game scene has been set up, with different toys that children like placed around.

Bai Chen thought for a second, then shook his head. "I’m not really feeling this."

"Why?"

The female director asked him curiously, "This is the prize for winning..."

"I understand."

Bai Chen tilted his head, smiling as he responded, "I just don't want the children to feel like they're being chosen."

The term 'chosen' can easily be misinterpreted.

"How about...?"

He glanced at Xie Yilin.

Xie Yilin still hadn't let go of his hand, but their eyes met, and a silent understanding let Xie Yilin approve Bai Chen's move.

Bai Chen understood as well.

He eased his grip on Xie Yilin's hand, and as their fingers parted, it felt like a brief separation. But the fleeting sense of loss went unnoticed by everyone.

Bai Chen walked over and stood in front of the fifty children.

He crouched slightly to meet the children at eye level and asked with a smile, "We're going to play a fun game next!"

"Here's the plan: I need five kids to join me. Now, I'll turn my back, and whoever stands behind me first will get to play the game with me and the hunter brother, okay?"

As promised, he turned around and covered his eyes.

The kids exchanged wide-eyed looks of surprise.

...The live chat was buzzing with surprise.

"Bai Chen really... knows how to handle kids."

"He truly understands kids' feelings and sees things from their perspective, which is rare."

"Wow, what's happening? I went from disliking him to calling him my wife, and now I want a dad like Bai Chen?"

"Hey, don't mess with the royal bloodline—watch out for assassins tonight!"

After a pause, the mecha-loving boy was the first to run and stand behind Bai Chen.

No surprise there. Within a minute, Bai Chen had five kids lined up.

Now, he looked like a young father, trailed by three boys and two girls.

A few others were eager but missed their chance.

They could only watch with envy.

"I see! This is next-level thinking! The kids who join will totally cooperate!"

"Exactly, Bai Chen's a pro—he's in a league of his own!"

The children were all excited.

Since the runners-up couldn't pick, the production team let the kids choose for Han Yunyun, Xin Yu, and Bie Jiaze, just like Bai Chen did.

Han Yunyun whispered, "Noted! I'll use this trick with my future kids!"

Xin Yu panicked, "Wait, are we talking about kids now?"

Han Yunyun blushed: ...Just saying, don't get the wrong idea!

Bie Jiaze felt a bit down.

Because just one kid wanted to hang out with him.

It was the sole vote for the big bad wolf.

He gave the little boy a look that was both amused and exasperated, and asked seriously, "So, you're into the big bad wolf?"

"No."

The boy replied seriously, "I had a little gray pup once, but it ran away. I really miss it..."

"I couldn't help but laugh out loud..."

"Aw, that's heartbreaking. He wasn't rooting for the wolf, but for his lost little gray dog..."

Bie Jiaze sighed, feeling a bit defeated. "Then, which one do you want to choose?"

Oh well, he's no match for Bai Chen and Xie Yilin anyway, so one kid's enough.

He's just here for the fun, not to win or lose, hmph.

Once the choices were set, the guests led the kids to start playing games. Bai Chen checked in to see what the kids were hoping for.

Some asked for candy, others for dolls, plushies, or remote-controlled cars. Bai Chen figured they'd need around 380 points in total.

The games ranged in challenge level.

The more physically demanding games racked up higher points. Brainy games scored well too, though not as high as the sweat-inducing ones.

Right then, Bai Chen was on the fence.

Just then, Xie Yilin stepped up, standing a bit behind him, both scanning the game options on the screen.

He tilted his head slightly, his breath once more grazing Bai Chen's ear.

Bai Chen's ear tingled slightly.

On camera, he kept it cool, just turning with a smile, "Your Highness? What's your pick?"

...Out of nowhere, his ear grazed Xie Yilin's lips.

Bai Chen's eyes widened in shock.

His earlobe flushed instantly, his heart skipping a beat. The Omega kept his cool, casually asking, "Your Highness?"

Xie Yilin acted as if nothing had happened.

He leaned in naturally, almost embracing Bai Chen from behind, but held back at the last moment.

Then, he raised his arm, encircling the Omega in this posture, and said lightly, "I'm fine with anything."

Whether it's a physical or mental game, it doesn't matter.

The two were too close.

Like a hug, but reversed. Bai Chen was stunned for a moment, and it took him a while to find his voice again, "Then..."

Xie Yilin's expression was indifferent, directly opening his screen selection page and tapping a few times.

...are the highest-scoring activities.

Also the most difficult ones.

Bai Chen exclaimed, "Isn't that going to be too exhausting?"

He just thought, should there be a balance between work and rest?

The camera kept focusing on them—director's orders.

"Wah, I'm bawling like a 300-pound lonely bullfrog... Why isn't anyone concerned if I'm tired?"

"Stop joking, bullfrogs are edible, what can your 300 pounds do?"

"Wuwu, can I be a cautionary tale for singles?"

Bai Chen's face was reflected in the cool gray gaze, the Alpha's tone was calm and composed. He gazed deeply at him, suddenly raised his hand, brushed away the hair in front of Bai Chen's forehead, and murmured, "Trust me."

Trust me.

It wasn't a formal setting, but as soon as these words were spoken, the mood suddenly intensified. Bai Chen couldn't help but nod eagerly, as if bewitched, his dimples showing. He said sweetly, "I believe in my husband!"

He's got this, he's the sweetest, he's the top actor!

"I can't take this anymore, I need to get an oxygen tank."

"I can't take this anymore either, I need to find love! Right now! Immediately! I want to have sweet love!"

"I'm so jealous, I'm practically bubbling with envy... I can't stop burping!"

The staff quietly steered clear of them.

Cameraman: ...Oh man, my hands are shaking.

The two of them, leading five children, headed to the games.

Once there, Bai Chen realized something.

It seemed like he was... just there to watch the kids and cheer them on?

Five kids sat on the sidelines, along with Bai Chen, who had nothing to do but watch Xie Yilin, cheer him on, and shout encouragement.

So, the venue split into three distinct scenes.

On the left were Han Yunyun and Xin Yu.

The two "newbie parents" were swamped, juggling comforting the kids, teaching them the games, and keeping them on track...

They were drenched in sweat, barely keeping up.

"This is hilarious, they're the most realistic pair. I've got four kids, and my parents looked just like that when I was little..."

Bie Jiaze was in the middle.

Even with just one kid, who was quite headstrong, Bie Jiaze mostly followed orders.

"Don't touch that, oh, you're so clumsy!"

"Left, left, oh, do you even know what you're doing?"

"Hahahahaha... Bie Jiaze is actually being rejected hahahaha..."

And to the right of Bai Chen and Xie Yilin...

Five children sat in a row, along with a big friend, Bai Chen, quietly sitting on the edge of the field, staring intently at Xie Yilin in the field.

In the field, Xie Yilin was playing a mecha battle game.

It's the most famous virtual mecha combat game in the interstellar world, currently adjusted by the show's production team to human vs. machine mode—it's said that every year, outstanding talents are selected from this to join the super training camp and compete in national championships.

So, the highest difficulty is insanely hard—the absolute toughest, especially difficult.

It's worth mentioning that a physical combat part has also been added. Of course, it's also to discover talents.

Perhaps inspired by the mecha, the Alpha's eyes were as sharp as blades. In the close-up, he slightly lowered his hat brim, looking like a drawn sword—ready and fully prepared.

He rolled up his sleeves, revealing muscular forearms. He attached the game sensors to his upper arms and calves. Then, he stepped forward with his long legs, standing at the starting position.

A flash of light illuminated the virtual screen, revealing his current view.

The vast universe, with countless twinkling and dazzling stars.

But Xie Yilin suddenly paused.

A moment later, the Alpha pressed the pause button, temporarily exited, and looked towards Bai Chen at the edge of the field.

The Omega's eyes lit up when he saw Xie Yilin choose the mecha battle, shining like two twinkling stars.

When he saw Xie Yilin stop, he blinked, a flicker of confusion in his eyes.

Xie Yilin looked at him deeply.

He called his name, magnetic, deep, like a resonant chord.

"Bai Chen."

Bai Chen walked over, puzzled.

He stepped into the starting circle, standing beside Xie Yilin. Xie Yilin raised his arm, gently pulling Bai Chen into his embrace and positioning him in front.

Then, he switched to duo mode.

Bai Chen's eyes lit up even more: Does this mean... he gets to play too?

Ahhh, he can tag along with the big shot, let the big shot carry him, right?

Without hesitation, he adjusted his posture, bending his legs slightly, ready to strike as the music began.

From afar, it almost looked like he was perched on Xie Yilin's lap.

"Whoa... is this something we can watch?"

"Oh my god... ahhh, I can! More please!"

"Duo mode seems even tougher, right? Omegas can only handle the simple level, right? According to official stats, Betas can only manage normal difficulty."

"Guys, zoom in!!! This is nightmare-level difficulty—the absolute peak! Duo mode makes it twice as hard!"

Then, some skeptical comments appeared in the bullet comments.

"Isn't His Highness getting a bit ahead of himself?"

"It's not that His Highness isn't strong. I’m sure His Highness can handle the highest difficulty on his own, but with an Omega holding him back?"

"Come on, it's just a game. Losing’s no big deal, right?"

"Ah, alright, since you say it's just a game. Just don’t go blaming Bai Chen if things go south."

But Xie Yilin didn’t just pick the highest difficulty and duo mode.

In the magnified interface close-up, he also selected the synergy mode.

In this mode, two players stick together, working in sync to tackle challenges.

The whole thing involves a lot of physical contact and pulling off some tricky moves.

"Three, two, one... start!"

In the virtual interface, the black mecha, led by Xie Yilin with Bai Chen as support, started moving slowly.

The highest difficulty level is no joke—asteroid belts ready to smash into you, radiation zones with no clear path, and areas where you’re completely lost... each one’s a tough challenge.

Some viewers were already on edge, hearts pounding.

Bai Chen looked pretty serious too.

The Omega’s usual dimples were nowhere to be seen, replaced by a focused, serious look. He asked Xie Yilin seriously, "Your Highness, what do I do?"

Xie Yilin reached out, his hand covering Bai Chen’s.

His deep voice echoed in his ear, firm and steady, "Leave it to me."

And then—

He launched the attack.

The production team nailed it; the background music for this part was a C major piece.

The grand, sweeping music played, fitting perfectly with the vast space backdrop, like something out of a space opera. Amid the dazzling action—cannon fire, precise aiming, and agile moves—everything was thrilling and exhilarating.

They skillfully weaved through the asteroid belt, dodging every potential crash.

In the radiation zone, they held their breath, trusting their instincts to push forward.

In the pitch-black void where they couldn’t see or find their way, they held onto each other tightly.

"The vast cosmos is my home, the stars my sanctuary."

As the final shot lined up, their hands overlapped on the trigger. With a deafening blast, the last enemy mecha went down, and a huge 'Congratulations!' flashed on the screen.

Bai Chen leapt up, spun around, and without a second thought, flung himself into Xie Yilin’s arms.

"Ahhhhh!!!"

So pumped! Sure, the big shot carried him, but he still beat the highest difficulty!

Before they knew it, everyone in the room had gathered around, clapping together.

"Incredible, absolutely incredible!"

The school's science teacher jumped out of the first-floor window and ran over, shouting, "Who set this record? I must report it to the Capital Military Academy..."

"Oh? You're filming a show? Oh, never mind then, never mind..."

The barrage of comments finally started pouring in.

"OMG, OMG, OMG!!!"

"I don't know what to say, words are so inadequate, so powerless."

"I... I just quietly went to look in the mirror."

"Me too, that's a good way to wake up to reality quickly."

"I don't care!!! I won't look in the mirror! I just want to scream and shout! His Highness and Bai Chen are so handsome, ahhhh!!!"

"Who said Bai Chen was dragging them down earlier! Who was it! Speak up! You're full of it!!!"

"Yeah! Who was it! Say it now if you dare! Dare you!"

...That guy had already taken off.

Bai Chen was just grinning from ear to ear, "Your Highness, that was amazing!"

"Ahhh! That was incredible!"

Just this experience alone was a single word: exhilarating!

He was slightly out of breath, hugged Xie Yilin briefly and then quickly let go, calming his breathing, his eyes sparkling with joy and excitement.

Five kids also rushed over, surrounding them, their faces flushed with admiration and reverence.

"Brother Hunter is so awesome!"

"Brother Bai is amazing too!"

It was clear that Xie Yilin had completely gone all out.

Yet, compared to Bai Chen's heavy breathing and sweaty forehead, Xie Yilin showed little sign of exhaustion, his breathing steady and unhurried.

The barrage of comments exploded with shock.

"I’ll say it again, just how strong is His Highness?"

"I think Bai Chen is actually pretty strong too, he managed to keep up. By the way, is Bai Chen actually an Alpha? [dog emoji]"

"Here’s the expert analysis, you can watch the replay, look closely, it's mostly His Highness carrying Bai Chen, taking on over 80% of the load..."

"We don't need professionals right now! Highest difficulty, duo mode! But even 20% is more than many can handle."

"Exactly, one side being stronger isn't the issue here, the key is Bai Chen's absolute trust in His Highness, and His Highness coordinating both their movements perfectly..."

"They seem like a perfect match, made for each other... I’m so jealous ahhh..."

The competition was already over.

Han Yunyun stopped playing that other game and dragged Xin Yu and the kids over to watch. She was jumping and clapping until her hands turned red.

Bai Chen took a moment to calm down.

He quickly rushed over again and said to Xie Yilin, "Your Highness, thank you!"

"Thanks for carrying me, you're a legend!"

When their eyes met, the Alpha's eyes clearly smiled.

He glanced around; sure enough, they had enough points. He walked over and grabbed the prizes the five kids wanted.

...He was so good that there were still dozens of points left.

He paused, glancing at Bai Chen.

Bai Chen got the hint, smiled, and leaned in, "I want this!"

It was a big bag of candies, enough for every kid there to get one.

The kids happily scampered off to eat their candies.

Bai Chen grabbed the last piece, ran back, and handed it to Xie Yilin. He beamed and said straightforwardly, "Your Highness, I'm so happy."

Xie Yilin took the candy, unwrapped it, and pressed it to Bai Chen's lips. The Omega instinctively took the candy into his mouth.

Huh? Xie Yilin doesn't eat candy?

Bai Chen's tongue pressed against the sweet orange candy, his eyes questioning. Xie Yilin stood before him, head slightly lowered, their foreheads and noses touching.

His gray eyes locked onto Bai Chen.

A sentence slipped out quietly.

"I said," he murmured, "you're also my little friend."

Author's note: [1] "Gulliver Foyle is my name, and Tara is my home planet. The deep universe is my dwelling, and the stars are my destination."

"Tiger, Tiger," also known as "The Stars My Destination," is quoted from Blake's famous poem, first published in London in 1956.

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Author: Ah, some Alphas are just too good. You don't even need to wonder if he can do it. When he can...

Xie Yilin: "Death ray.jpg" (implying a threatening look).

Author: "Sealed" (implying silence).

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Thanks to everyone who voted or supported me from 2021-08-29 to 2021-08-30.

Special thanks to those who threw landmines: Wu Guan, also known as Third Brother, 2 times.

Thanks for the nutrient solution: Deer Corner (15), Puffing Moths, Black and White Fur Balls, 47121251 (10), Wang Family's A Teng, (?ω?)hiahiahia (5), Yell, Bojun Yixiao (Xiao) (3), AILSA, 42037037 (2), Seventeen Xiaoqi, Sugar Anan, First Snow Moon Spirit (1).

Thank you very much for your support, I will continue to work hard!