Chapter 63

Chapter 63

Two months later, the internet was buzzing with promotions for the movie "Interstellar Exploration."

The premiere was set for this Sunday.

There was no premiere event, but it would be released at the same time in major theaters across the empire. Due to the many gimmicks, tickets for the first week sold out a week before the release.

Countless people who didn’t get tickets were kicking themselves, scrambling to buy overpriced tickets online.

Xiong Kaikai was one of those who had managed to snag tickets early.

And he was quite proud of it, even posting a blurred screenshot of his e-ticket online to brag.

"Two tickets, hehehe~~~ 'Interstellar Exploration,' here I come!"

Shortly after, his friend messaged him privately: "Who are you seeing the movie with? Do you have a girlfriend?"

"Nope," Xiong Kaikai replied, still smug, "I'm a huge fan of the book, so I grabbed an extra ticket for a second watch."

"??? Come on, I'll pay top dollar for it. Let me go see it!"

"No way, I'm not giving it up! Don’t you know? Second viewing tickets are already gone!"

Xiong Kaikai guarded his smart device firmly, shaking his head resolutely.

His friend panicked and offered a hefty sum, "I'll pay triple? How about it? I missed out, just need this one ticket, my girlfriend really wants to see it…"

Xiong Kaikai: "No, I was thinking of a third watch, but I couldn’t snag a ticket."

Just kidding, how much could a movie ticket cost? Even for the premiere, it’s just over a hundred star coins. Triple that wouldn’t make much money.

As for the friend… well, it’s just a superficial friendship, thanks.

At midnight on Saturday, he cheerfully got dressed and hopped on the city’s monorail, heading to the nearest cinema to his home.

The midnight show was packed with "Interstellar Exploration" fans, and everyone was there to watch this movie. Lots of book fans even cosplayed as characters from the movie. Couples dressed up as the male lead and female lead.

As Xiong Kaikai walked by, he saw tons of male leads, supporting actors, female leads… Suddenly, he thought he spotted someone in the crowd.

He looked familiar, but Xiong couldn’t place him.

Maybe it’s just some acquaintance? He thought to himself, then grabbed some popcorn and soda.

After buying them, sitting in the waiting area, he started to regret it a bit.

…If he had sold the ticket to that friend and agreed to come together, couldn’t they have cosplayed as the main trio?

At least, it would be better than being alone now, clearly just a lonely, friendless otaku.

Oh well, since I’m already here…

As time passed, the previous movie was wrapping up, and the midnight crowd started lining up.

Standing in the line, Xiong Kaikai suddenly felt that the two people in front of him looked really familiar.

Not just everyday familiar, but like he had seen them somewhere before… Are they celebrities? Or…

As he moved forward, he secretly observed them.

One tall and one short, both males, their closeness suggested they might be a couple.

Both looked young, dressed simply but with a high-end style—the kind of fabric and tailoring Xiong Kaikai had only seen once in the closet of a super-rich friend.

Even that friend had said the clothes were pricey—pricey by his own standards.

As for their looks...

Xiong Kaikai glanced up and was instantly stunned.

These two didn’t show their faces; their features were impossible to make out.

Not only did they hide their faces, but they also wore hats and masks... it was winter, so they were bundled up in scarves, completely covered. Since they were indoors, they’d taken off their sunglasses, which dangled from their collars.

Now, all he could see was the taller, seemingly Alpha, slightly older man with icy gray eyes.

They were icy cold. Just a quick glance out of the corner of his eye made Xiong Kaikai feel like he was about to freeze.

Hiss... colder than the ruthless villains he’d seen in movies and TV shows, with an indescribable air of authority and detachment.

Like a god. A kind of indifference that seemed to look down on everything.

This wasn’t something that could be faked.

Xiong Kaikai felt uneasy and quickly looked away, turning his gaze to the side.

The younger guy beside him was much more approachable.

He was a bit shorter, standing next to the tall man, looking almost delicate. His eyes were dark and bright, like little stars that had fallen from the sky and were shining right there. Xiong Kaikai’s eyes met his for just a moment, and instantly, the icy chill from the man melted away, leaving him feeling like it was spring again.

He felt like he’d come back to life.

Was he an Omega? Xiong Kaikai, being a Beta, couldn’t pick up on pheromones very well.

But just by looking at them together, they seemed like an unusual pair.

The otaku in him muttered, already deciding: better not mess with them, better keep his distance.

The movie finally began.

The line moved forward, and when it was Xiong Kaikai’s turn, he quickly scanned his ticket and went in. While finding his seat, he happened to see those two again.

What a coincidence—they were sitting right in front of Xiong Kaikai, in a two-seater.

The tall man looked a bit out of place in that setting. Xiong Kaikai couldn’t help but feel that this man belonged more... on a battlefield?

He must be here with his boyfriend. Tsk, they must be really close.

He felt inexplicably sour again. The lights went off, and the screening room was plunged into darkness, with only the screen showing a prompt that the movie was about to start.

Soon, they would enter the holographic imagery. Xiong Kaikai quickly put away his curiosity and looked at the screen with full anticipation—

Then, in the dim light, he saw the two in front of him, oblivious to everyone else, take off their masks and kiss.

Xiong Kaikai: ...

Enough already! You annoying couples!

Is anyone going to do something about this? Huh??? Are you here to watch the movie or to make out?

He’s a die-hard fan of the original novel! He stayed up late just to snag tickets for the premiere!

Back then, he got so caught up in the novel that he missed his date and has been single ever since. Who could possibly understand that pain?

Ugh, so annoying, so freaking annoying!

Bear Kaikai was seething with frustration and resentment.

Fortunately, the movie started soon.

Bear Kaikai got absorbed in the movie, missing the conversation right in front of him.

In the seat ahead, Bai Chen whispered softly to Xie Yilin, "No one has noticed us, right?"

It’s not that he’s overly nervous, but ever since the wedding live stream, his fan base has exploded!

Now, every time he steps out, he’s bound to be recognized.

He’s been cooped up in the palace for a month. Even as a celebrity, he never felt this trapped.

...Yes, Bai Chen has officially moved into the palace’s finest suite, even bringing his pillows along.

But shortly after moving in, the palace steward set up a special room to display them.

Saying... they’ll be available when needed?

But everyone knows Mr. Bai now hugs His Majesty every morning and night, so the pillows are completely forgotten and useless.

Of course, Bai Chen hasn’t thought of this yet.

Because... Xie Yilin’s embrace is just too cozy.

Maybe it’s the permanent mark, but now hugging Xie Yilin feels... incredibly, incredibly comfortable.

It’s something pillows can’t hold a candle to—so it’s no wonder they’ve been unconsciously neglected.

Plus... His Majesty naturally loves it.

An Omega seeking hugs, even if it’s due to skin hunger, is a huge perk. Any Alpha would be thrilled.

So, when "Interstellar Exploration," featuring Bai Chen’s cameo, was released, the ever-cheerful Emperor Xie Yilin thoughtfully suggested they watch it together.

Bai Chen was of course very happy.

When an Omega’s happy... well, even public displays of affection are enjoyable.

They weren’t trying to flaunt it; it just came naturally and was impossible to resist.

...Who can stop lovers?

The opening credits have passed, the main characters have appeared one after another, and Bai Chen also shifted his attention, fully immersing himself in the movie.

He didn’t notice, or maybe he was just too used to it, his fingers slipped back into Xie Yilin’s large hand, grasped and held tight, refusing to let go.

The male lead appeared, and someone in front whispered, "Not bad, pretty close to the character, huh?"

"I heard the female lead is played by Liao Xingxing, and she looks good on the poster... As long as the plot doesn’t fall flat, I’ll definitely watch the sequel."

"Yeah, after all, it’s a childhood memory, haha."

Bai Chen had also read the original book for the role.

At this moment, he leaned closer to Xie Yilin and whispered, "That’s the male lead..."

The Omega was so close, practically nuzzling into the man’s chest, who naturally wrapped his arm around Bai Chen’s shoulder, pulling him closer.

Bai Chen was momentarily surprised, then fully leaned in, smiling, he whispered into Xie Yilin’s ear again, "That’s the male second lead, he’s responsible for the comedy..."

From every angle—front, back, left, right—they looked like a couple in love.

The movie gradually hit its stride.

The special effects, production, script, and actors were all spot-on, and the audience was fully immersed, gasping or cheering as the plot unfolded.

Bai Chen was glued to the screen.

But...

The holographic images were incredibly realistic, lifelike, and immersive.

It was an adventure film.

The male lead and second lead were yelling and chasing through the jungle, dodging elven guards, with wooden arrows whizzing past them. The male lead twisted, narrowly avoiding the arrow, and then the arrowhead rushed toward the audience—

Bai Chen instinctively flinched to the left. He turned his head... accidentally brushing his lips against Xie Yilin’s cheek, who hadn’t pulled back.

Xie Yilin’s gaze deepened.

He tilted his head and kissed Bai Chen.

A deep, passionate kiss between lovers.

Xiong Kaikai, who witnessed it all from behind:... This movie’s unwatchable, seriously.

Bai Chen’s cheeks were tinged with red.

Just here to watch a movie, he hadn’t expected this.

After all, they were in public... they had to be cautious.

If they were caught, it’d turn into... "Shocking! Emperor and Consort Caught Kissing in Cinema!"

"Top Secret! Royal Privacy Revealed! This Is the Kind of Emperor You Are!"

And so on, and so forth.

He quickly got a grip on his emotions and casually turned back, continuing to watch the movie.

The plot had progressed to the point where they discovered the elven tribe.

When the magnificent, natural, radiant, and gentle elven settlement appeared in the valley, all gasped in awe.

"It's so beautiful, so stunning... Wow, give me three minutes to find out where this place is and I’m moving there!"

"Wait, are all the elves drop-dead gorgeous? So stunning, did they hire supermodels to play them?"

"I want to travel there, it's so beautiful, really so beautiful... Is this a real place, or is it all CGI?"

Then, the elven prince appeared.

On the big screen, every detail popped, fully revealing Bai Chen's entire face.

He was dressed in a delicate, lightweight robe, looking even more otherworldly in the beautiful surroundings. When the prince's gentle eyes looked towards the trio of protagonists, everyone held their breath.

"Forget what I said before, this is real beauty..."

"That’s it, I’m getting the Blu-ray collector’s edition! Ahhh, this screenshot is going on every screen I own!"

"So beautiful, wow... Is that Chen Chen? It’s really him! So this is his cameo, wow, will we see him again? Waaah..."

Bai Chen secretly glanced at Xie Yilin.

The man was also glued to the screen, watching him.

The Omega’s face turned a little red—this was the first time his lover was watching him on screen.

He wasn’t sure what the other guy would think.

Fortunately, the role was very positive. But sometimes, actors also encounter some very challenging roles.

Like villains, side characters... or not-so-nice roles. Even in acting class, the teacher made them play roles like streetwalkers.

Then, the plot continued.

The prince found out what the protagonists were going through and decided to help. But then something happened in the elven tribe, and the protagonists thought it had something to do with them.

By the moonlit lake, the prince delivered those lines.

Lines that were a little ambiguous, a little suggestive.

"Tsk tsk tsk... Wasn’t Chen Chen still on a variety show when they filmed this? So this part..."

"I’m curious too, haha, does the big boss know?"

On the big screen, the prince, stunningly beautiful, got a close-up.

"In our tradition, honored guests from afar can join us."

"I accept you, I recognize you, my friend."

"From now on, when you see the stars, the leaves, the streams, you might think of me."

"This is a kind of connection."

His eyes sparkled like stars and the moon, filled with endless beauty and a hint of affection.

The male lead was also captivated by it.

In the audience, Xie Yilin tightened his grip.

He suddenly lowered his head and whispered in Bai Chen's ear, "Can you repeat it for me when we get back?"

***

The movie finally ended.

The audience, still immersed in that wondrous world, buzzed with excitement, discussing the plot, the original characters... and that elven prince.

Soon, Bai Chen's high-definition stills from the movie were released on the StarNet.

"OMG, this is my new obsession!!!! What a divine character!!! So beautiful!!! So cute!!!"

"I want to take Chen Chen away, wuwuwu... I want Chen Chen, waaah... Ugh, I really want to steal him from His Majesty!!!"

"Will Chen Chen still act in the future, wuwu? Since that day of the wedding, there has been no news at all!!!"

"Could it be that His Majesty has locked him away in a golden cage? [dog head] Imagining a hundred thousand words..."

"Psst, I’ve got the latest scoop. My second uncle’s cousin’s sister’s aunt’s son’s girlfriend works in the palace. She said she’s seen Chen Chen a few times, and he’s doing very well... Wuwu, I think he’s so happy he’s forgotten all about us fans."

"Come on, think about it. They’re just newlyweds..."

"No no no, just thinking about His Majesty, that big bad dragon, hogging Chen Chen makes me cry cry cry..."

On the way back, Bai Chen skimmed through the reviews, and they were all raving about him.

Some praised his acting, others said his image was spot-on, and some admired his efforts to push his limits...

Others were already asking when he’d act again—the audience couldn’t wait.

Bai Chen thought for a moment and said to Xie Yilin beside him, "I’m thinking of going back to work next month, how about that?"

He said it casually, in a light tone.

But to his surprise, Xie Yilin replied coolly, "No."

Bai Chen: ???

Wait, is this the infamous post-marriage change I’ve heard about?

You—how could you be like this, Xie Yilin?

The Omega’s eyes widened in shock, then his expression shifted to one of hurt as he asked, "Why?"

Could it be, as StarNet rumors suggest, that Xie Yilin is actually a big bad dragon in human form, who would lock the Omega in the deepest part of the palace, with chains jingling, bells jingling, no clothes or anything, thinking about food and lust every day...

Ahhh, just imagining that, Bai Chen instinctively clutched his waist, tears welling up, and said, "I don’t want that."

The seven days of mating heat every month were already pushing him to his limit.

If it were like that year-round, month after month, day after day, he... he’d be done for!

A faint smile flickered in Xie Yilin’s eyes.

The hovercar glided forward smoothly. The Alpha, calm and composed, showed no intention of explaining. Instead, he changed the subject, asking softly, "Have you been feeling any discomfort lately?"

"Huh?"

Bai Chen was taken aback, not expecting him to suddenly bring this up.

"Not really..." he hesitated. Since entering the palace, he had been eating well and sleeping soundly... though the sleeping part wasn’t always consistent. Xie Yilin had also scheduled several health check-ups for him.

...Health check-ups?

Something flashed through Bai Chen's mind, fleeting and hard to grasp.

He couldn’t help but blurt out, "Is... is something wrong with me?"

Besides this, he couldn’t figure out why Xie Yilin, who had previously approved his work, would suddenly change his mind.

Xie Yilin’s gray eyes twinkled with amusement as he gazed at him fondly.

Bai Chen stared back at him, stunned.

After what felt like an eternity...

The fleeting thought returned, and it suddenly clicked for Bai Chen—

"You... you mean..."

In response, Xie Yilin leaned in and kissed him gently again.

Soft and loving, tender and affectionate. The Alpha lowered his voice, his warm breath brushing against his ear.

He gave him a firm answer.

"Yes," he murmured.

Xie Yilin smiled softly and whispered, "Chen Chen."

"You’re pregnant," he said gently.

Author’s Note: Thank you to everyone who supported me with overlord tickets or nourished me with nutrient solutions from September 27, 2021, 14:17:09 to September 28, 2021, 13:12:28~

Thank you to the little angel who threw a landmine: Xu Nihuan (1);

Thank you to the little angels who nourished me with nutrient solutions: Distant Mountains and Rivers (10 bottles); Diligence (6 bottles); Little Red (5 bottles); Yuan (2 bottles); Ye Lingxue (1 bottle).

Thank you all so much for your support—I’ll keep working hard!