Chapter 64

Chapter 64

On the premiere day of *Interstellar Exploration*, the final box office broke all previous records, enough to make history in film.

On social media, the movie was being praised everywhere. It was considered to have set a new standard for commercial success.

Plans for the second installment were quickly underway—notably, whenever the movie was discussed, apart from the main character and the plot, everyone would also mention Bai Chen.

"Bai Chen nailed his role as the elven prince. I really hope he’s in the sequel!"

"It’s probably unlikely. I’m a book purist—the sequel is set on a different planet and has no connection to the first."

"But the elven prince didn’t appear as much in the novel, since they made some changes?"

"Me too, I’m holding out hope, or at least a flashback."

"That’s right, that moonlit confession scene was so beautiful—how could the protagonist ever forget it?"

Then, the director had Song Lei notify Bai Chen.

He got a Best Supporting Actor nod at the Galaxy Awards for his role as the elven prince.

The Galaxy Awards ceremony is held on December 12th at the end of the year, with just a month to go.

When Song Lei contacted Bai Chen, Bai Chen was...

Going through a tough pregnancy.

Bai Chen: ...It’s so hard.

He had no idea Omega pregnancy would be like this.

Even though he was nervous about becoming a dad soon, trying to get ready as fast as he could, once he was actually pregnant, Bai Chen tossed those thoughts aside.

Because it was pure torture.

Omega pregnancy includes this thing called nesting.

In short, it’s like being in heat, but worse—totally out of control.

Omegas feel super vulnerable, hiding away like scared animals.

They can’t stand being apart and crave the Alpha’s pheromones.

And Bai Chen’s reaction was particularly intense.

The royal doctor said it might be because he’s carrying an Alpha.

At this moment, Bai Chen had been holed up in his room for days.

He was like a helpless little creature, curled up in the big bed. The curtains were drawn, and in the dim space, the Omega was battling the heat and urges inside him, his fingers unconsciously clutching a piece of clothing that clearly didn’t belong to him.

Those things—thick quilts, a large coat with Xie Yilin’s scent—wrapped around him, as if forming a soft wall around him. The Omega curled up in the middle of this pile of messy fabrics, his face flushed, his head buried in a soft pillow, fighting back the moans rising in his throat.

"Ugh..."

It was as if he was suffering from double torment.

One layer came from inside his body, and the other... also from inside his body.

Why... why is this happening?

When he found out about his pregnancy, Bai Chen's mom video-called him specifically, going on and on about the precautions he needed to take. But when it actually happened, Bai Chen felt as if he had plunged straight into the ocean.

A vast, bottomless ocean.

Waves crashed one after another on the surface.

It was like the fiercest tsunami, tossing him relentlessly, □□ on the crest of the waves, the sea breeze picked up, and the waves surged over him. He was tossed about repeatedly, and for a moment, he felt as though he were walking on a scorching iron plate.

Scalding, steaming... as if nearing the mouth of a volcano.

His thoughts spiraled out of control. He couldn't help but remember the Alpha's faintly bitter patchouli scent during the mating heat, his broad chest, his strong arms, and...

And those burning, unforgettable details.

The other man's body heat, his scent, everything about him, all vividly clear, replaying in his mind like a carousel, lingering endlessly.

"Creak..."

The door opened.

Xie Yilin quickened his steps and pushed aside the curtain.

Bai Chen immediately threw himself at him, whimpering...

His eyes were teary, a mix of grievance and coquetry, his voice fragmented and incoherent, as if it took immense effort to get the words out, "You... why did you take so long..."

Xie Yilin still had state affairs to attend to.

He had tried to condense his time or shifted it to after Bai Chen was asleep. Fortunately, the Alpha's physique was robust, capable of handling any situation.

The man didn't speak, simply pressed a soothing kiss to his forehead.

But the brief touch of cool lips ignited a wildfire.

"Whimper..."

Bai Chen's forehead was damp with sweat, his eyes glistening, biting his lower lip, both annoyed and shy, unable to help but despise himself, with a slight sense of unwillingness.

Too much, it's too much, why is he an Omega?

This feeling, this physiologically insurmountable feeling...

He was so uncomfortable.

His waist was unbearably soft, every inch of his skin burning with a flame, like a traveler roasted in the desert for three days and nights, he wanted Xie Yilin to hold him a million, ten million, a hundred million times.

That kind of hold.

His petal-like lips murmured, uttering indistinct whispers, "Husband..."

"Can... can you hold me, please?"

Xie Yilin held him tightly.

All he could do was hold him tightly.

The man's gray eyes were extremely dark, a raging fire burning, he used immense willpower to restrain himself, to resist the impulse to "embrace" the Omega at that moment.

The beast within him was chained, but the chains were strained, on the verge of breaking at any moment.

No, he must endure.

The Omega was like a tiny star, radiating the fragrance of sweet oranges. Each time he held him, it felt as though he was embracing the whole world.

His entire world.

That’s why he had to cherish, endure, and tread carefully, as if facing the gravest of battles.

"Chen Chen," Xie Yilin murmured, his voice already hoarse.

"You need to rest."

Rest was his only option.

"Bzzz bzzz bzzz..."

Bai Chen’s smart device buzzed on the bedside table. The screen lit up with Song Lei’s name.

"Uh..."

The vibration jolted Bai Chen awake, as if from a dream. His cheeks flushed, his legs stiffened, and his trembling hand reached for the device.

Xie Yilin reached over, grabbed the device, and answered for him.

"...Chen Chen?"

Sure enough, it was Song Lei.

Xie Yilin turned away to fetch a glass of water. Thinking Xie Yilin was leaving, Bai Chen desperately clutched at his shirt, pleading, "Don’t leave me alone..."

His eyes reddened, brimming with a desperate plea. Xie Yilin’s heart melted. He fetched the water and returned, wrapping Bai Chen in his arms.

Bai Chen finally felt a bit more at ease.

On the other end, Song Lei, met with silence, called out louder, "Chen Chen? Can you hear me?"

"Uh..."

Bai Chen didn’t want to speak to him.

He nestled into Xie Yilin’s embrace, shifting slightly, hoping to drift off. But soon, the Alpha’s pheromones overwhelmed his fragile resolve. The Omega bit his lip, unable to stop himself from squirming—

"I’m still so uncomfortable..."

He whimpered, his face burning with embarrassment.

Of all times, why now?

Xie Yilin froze.

Without hesitation, Xie Yilin grabbed the device and curtly said, "He’s unavailable at the moment."

He hung up immediately.

Song Lei was speechless.

Was that the Emperor’s voice?

Oh no, did I... did I interrupt them?

Bai Chen couldn’t care less about anything else.

Xie Yilin had already taken off his coat, wearing only a thin shirt inside.

He hugged the man tightly, his hands tracing the smooth lines of his muscles and firm waist. Every part of him brought back many memories.

Sweet, beautiful, joyful, delightful... riding the waves, rising again and again, reaching the highest peak.

That feeling, once experienced, could never be forgotten.

Especially...

Bai Chen already knew that their compatibility was very high.

It was hard to tell if it was fate.

The Omega tilted his small, delicate face, his eyes blinking as stars seemed to sparkle within them. Xie Yilin glanced at him once, then couldn’t resist lowering his head to kiss him again.

...Every move, every word, every glance made his heart race, deepening his love with each moment.

Xie Yilin tried to steady himself.

Bai Chen was expecting.

As reason returned, Xie Yilin picked up the water cup, intending to offer him a drink. But then, Bai Chen pushed himself up, leaned on Xie Yilin’s shoulder, and whispered softly in his ear—

“I’ve been told that after three months, it’s safe...”

His face flushed like a blooming rose, and he added softly, “Tomorrow marks three months...”

With a crash.

Xie Yilin heard the sound of his reason collapsing.

In an instant, the world seemed to turn upside down.

...And everything fell into place.

***

The next evening, Song Lei finally got a call back from Bai Chen.

Even over the phone, Song Lei could tell Bai Chen was exhausted.

His voice was unusually hoarse, and he paused frequently after just a few words.

So, Song Lei asked carefully, “Chen Chen, are you alright?”

“Yesterday... I didn’t interrupt anything, did I?”

“...No, you didn’t.”

Bai Chen replied wearily, “Nothing happened. Tell me why you called.”

"Oh, that’s how it is."

Hearing that he was fine, Song Lei felt relieved and spoke more animatedly, "Do you remember when you were filming 'Interstellar Exploration,' the director talked about submitting it for awards?"

"Guess what? It worked out."

"Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, Best Music, Best Editing, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup... And the list goes on!"

"And you! Best Supporting Actor!"

Song Lei was overjoyed, "I’ve seen this year’s shortlist; you’re a strong contender!"

"Eh?"

After listening, Bai Chen didn’t immediately feel happy but instead asked with confusion, "What about Best Actor and Best Actress?"

Song Lei said, "Oh, they weren’t nominated."

He quickly explained, "You know, commercial films rarely make it into these more prestigious awards. But this is a huge breakthrough for you! A big breakthrough!"

"What does it say? It says your performance was outstanding! Even outshining the leads!"

Bai Chen seemed thoughtful.

Song Lei continued, "I get your hesitation. But there’s really no need to worry about this."

"Even if commercial films get nominated for Best Actor or Actress, winning is still tough. In the end, it’s usually the technical categories like effects and makeup that take home the consolation prizes."

Bai Chen: ...That’s true.

Commercial films really struggle to win awards.

'Interstellar Exploration' making the shortlist might also be due to the original work’s influence—the original novel won the Empire’s top literary honor, the Lixing Award, and is extremely profound, a rare series that’s both literary and entertaining.

The film adaptation had the original author’s involvement, so not only was it faithful to the source, but it was also deeply refined to better suit cinematic expression.

...As they say, just being nominated is an honor.

Stay level-headed. Not too high, not too low, just stay calm.

Song Lei rambled on a bit more, "Hey? What are you planning to wear to the ceremony? Is the palace handling it, or should I line up some sponsors?"

"We’re not in the days when brands ignored us... hehe, let me tell you, all! The top five brands have contacted me, quietly asking for your size..."

Bai Chen thought for a moment, "Turn them all down; I’ve got outfits ready."

He’s now treated like royalty, and the royal tailor has already prepared many formal outfits for him.

Just...

Because of the pregnancy, his body has changed, and he needs adjustments every few days.

At times like this, it’s best to let the royal team handle it.

Song Lei acknowledged and chattered on a bit more. As Bai Chen listened, he suddenly felt a bit itchy.

...At some point, Xie Yilin had returned and hugged him from behind.

Alpha's chest felt broad and warm. Bai Chen instinctively leaned back into him, and Xie Yilin caught him, a spark of amusement flickering in his eyes as his large hand playfully slipped under his pajamas.

Bai Chen: "..."

Ever since he was told that the pregnancy was safe from three to six months, Alpha seemed to have turned on a switch.

Before last night, Bai Chen thought he had already reached his limit.

But Xie Yilin showed him that there was always another level.

Because of the pregnancy, there were many precautions to take.

But Xie Yilin found another way to avoid potential risks, making it even more...

The Omega's cheeks flushed red.

Xie Yilin wrapped his arms around him and whispered in his ear, "How about I give you a massage?"

Bai Chen... what else could he say?

He quickly said to Song Lei, "If there's nothing else, I'll hang up now. In the future, if there's something, send me a message first, don't call directly. Goodbye!"

And then...

They were completely wrapped up in each other.

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