Chapter 25: Small Plushie

Chapter 25 The Little Plushie

Yuan Shiyuan had initially thought Zhuang He would use this gathering to discuss something important, but Zhuang He spent the entire time just eating and enthusiastically kept ordering more food for them, as if worried they might not have enough or enjoy the food.

As the meal drew to a close, Zhuang He lazily yawned: "It's getting late, so don't bother going back. Just stay here for the night. I've booked a few rooms for you—there's one two-room suite, and the rest are standard twin rooms."

"To make it fair, we'll be drawing lots to assign the rooms."

A waiter brought over a drawing bucket, and Pei Yanbing subtly eyed his bowtie.

This was no ordinary bowtie.

Ying Mingche brushed off the drawing bucket, slinging an arm over Yuan Shiyuan's shoulder: "I don't care, I want to room with you."

His tone was matter-of-fact, "Even if you draw someone else, I'll sneak into your room in the middle of the night and sleep with you."

Yuan Shiyuan was used to Ying Mingche's physical familiarity. He shifted his shoulder slightly to adjust into a more comfortable position, leaning against Ying Mingche.

"Go ahead then," he laughed, "I'll just lock the door."

"Locking the door won't stop me," Ying Mingche tapped Yuan Shiyuan's shoulder with his finger, "I'll climb in through the window. I can swim anyway, so falling into the water doesn't matter."

"If all else fails, I'll hide in the closet like last time," he said, "You can't stop me."

If Ying Mingche set his mind on doing something, no one could stop him.

Yuan Shiyuan was completely exasperated: "You're like a mad dog."

"Mad dog?"

Ying Mingche raised an eyebrow ever so slightly. It was the first time anyone had described him that way. Surprisingly, he didn't mind at all—in fact, he found it... kind of exciting.

He deliberately pinched Yuan Shiyuan's shoulder and lowered his voice, "Good that you know I'm a mad dog."

"To keep me from biting people randomly, you'll have to be the one to leash me. We're sharing a room tonight—it's settled."

Bo Jin coldly interjected, "Brother Zhuang said we're deciding by drawing lots."

Though irritated, Ying Mingche was aware that hidden cameras were likely recording them—perhaps from the moment they stepped on board.

He cooperatively participated in the draw. After all, no matter what he drew, he planned to sneak into Yuan Shiyuan's room that night.

Yuan Shiyuan got lucky and drew the largest suite, with Ying Mingxi as his roommate.

"Shi Yuan and Mingxi are sharing a room," Zhuang He declared, ignoring the others' protests, "Since the rooms are assigned, everyone head back to your own rooms. I'm going to bed—I'm dead tired."

"You should all rest early too. Tomorrow will be busy."

His words seemed meaningful.

At this point, they were completely certain that the program recording had begun.

Perhaps every corner of the ship, every passing tourist and waiter, was equipped with cameras—all arranged by the production team, like in *The Truman Show*.

Before leaving, Zhuang He ordered more food for them, randomly picking dishes from the menu.

Yuan Shiyuan noticed an intense stare from beside him and met Bo Jin's eyes, suddenly remembering something.

"Why have you been on such a shopping spree lately?" he said, "You bought so many clothes, the closet can't even hold them all?"

Bo Jin looked a bit uncomfortable and replied calmly, "Is it a lot? It's not that bad."

He paused, subtly observing Yuan Shiyuan's expression, "You've looked in the closet?"

"I saw what was in the closet, but not the piles on the floor."

"Why didn't you open them and look?"

Yuan Shiyuan was baffled: "Why would I look at the things you bought?"

"..." Bo Jin frowned, "They're for you, so they're yours."

Yuan Shiyuan froze, pointing at himself in disbelief: "For me?"

Ying Mingche remarked sarcastically, "How touching, even buying clothes—what deep roommate bonds."

Bo Jin ignored Ying Mingche's sarcasm and looked at Yuan Shiyuan: "Yes, for you. Do you like them?"

Yuan Shiyuan had only glanced briefly—the closet was filled with designer clothes, including many pajamas in noticeably larger sizes.

"I like them, of course I do," he said, then added, "But I have enough clothes."

It was a polite refusal.

Ying Mingche burst out laughing.

Bo Jin's expression darkened, but he quickly figured it out. He had bought those clothes based on his own taste, so it was natural if Yuan Shiyuan didn't like them and refused.

Next time, he would take Yuan Shiyuan shopping and let him pick out what he liked. They could even catch a movie and have a meal together.

With that thought, Bo Jin felt much better.

"If you don't like them, just throw them away. You can handle them however you want," he said, "I never take back what I've given."

Quite the alpha male mentality.

"Is this a recording? Has it already started?" Yuan Shiyuan changed the subject.

Yuan Shiyuan gazed into the vast night around them. The cruise ship had moved far from the shore, and the towering buildings stood like differently sized blocks along the coastline.

He rarely watched variety shows and had only filmed group variety shows before, so he wasn't very familiar with this kind of program's flow. "So what should we do now?"

Everyone looked at Ying Mingche.

Ying Mingche had done more variety shows and was more familiar with their flow.

"Based on my experience, the recording started the moment we stepped out of the car. The tourists and others on the ship are all NPCs arranged by the production team. They might be watching us from some room, occasionally giving tasks to the NPCs to guide us to the next stage."

"Brother Zhuang is the first NPC. He treated us to a meal—maybe a last supper out of guilt? He told us to go back to our rooms..." Ying Mingche speculated, "There might be task cards or hints in the rooms."

This speculation made sense. Variety shows need the production team to move things along. Zhuang He urging them to return to their rooms quickly was likely a hint.

Yuan Shiyuan recalled Zhuang He's expression before leaving. His face, framed by pink hair, was unusually serious: "I think Brother Zhuang is setting us up."

"Even though he treated us to a good meal at the end, I feel like he was smiling slyly. The more he urged us to go back to our rooms, the more I didn't dare to." His perception of people's emotions was very sharp. He looked at Pei Yanbing, "Captain, you said there are many cameras on the ship, right?"

"Everywhere," Pei Yanbing said.

"If it were an ordinary variety show recording, the production team wouldn't need to hide, and there wouldn't be so many cameras—after all, cameras cost money. Spending so much to fill the ship with cameras instead of showing themselves feels more like a malicious prank." This was Yuan Shiyuan's intuition.

Ying Mingche pondered for a moment before suddenly saying, "Now that you mention it, I recall a reality show."

"It's been really popular lately—it's called *Struggle for Survival*. They take pleasure in pranking the guests, and the show is streamed live 24/7, documenting every move the guests make. In the last episode, the production team told the guests they were going on a vacation to an island, but they ended up being stranded on a deserted island. The guests had to pitch tents, start fires, and catch fish, spending their days exposed to the elements, looking disheveled and visibly lost several pounds."

"That episode made for great TV and was a huge hit with viewers. But those guests said they would never dare to appear on the show again."

Ying Mingxi said, "Shi Yuan might be onto something."

"He really did guess right."

Zhuang He, who was supposed to return to his room to rest, exchanged a glance with a nearby waiter, who responded with an "okay" gesture. He quietly went down a floor and entered a room in the corner.

The room was crowded and filled with various filming and live-streaming equipment. The main screen at the front displayed surveillance footage from different areas of the cruise ship, while a large electronic screen on the side scrolled with real-time comments.

—Yuan Shiyuan's intuition is so sharp!!

—*Struggle for Survival*, you've really outdone yourselves this time. The guests are actually all members of Scepter! With my wife here, I’m definitely going to watch the entire live stream. [Smirk]

—○’s face is so flawless, photogenic from every angle! Hehehe, I can’t wait to see ○’s sleeping face. So excited.

—Don’t get too excited yet. Those Scepter alphas are so stuck-up and hot-headed. I’m worried they’ll refuse to cooperate with the show’s arrangements and just walk out. There’ve been cases like that before. [Facepalm]

—Honestly, it’s hard for me to imagine these tough guys filming *Struggle for Survival* and how things will unfold. Given the show’s nature, they love tormenting the guests, and with the live broadcast, nothing's faked—even an Oscar-winning actor wouldn’t be spared. The guests from the last episode looked so haggard afterward. I’m really worried Yuan won’t eat or sleep well. [Crying]

—Scepter’s alpha types, I apologize for my past harsh words. I’m begging you... please take good care of my baby. [Praying] [Kowtowing] [Bursting into tears]

—No, no, my Yuan Yuan is a little princess! Don’t bully my Yuan Yuan! [Crying]

—Even if you want to mess with my wife, I’ll accept it—just don’t let my Xiao Yuan go hungry! [Crying]

The director glanced at Zhuang He, recalling his earlier performance, and couldn’t help but laugh. "You’re too ruthless, conning them into joining the show like that."

"Only Shi Yuan in your group brought a small backpack? And it only has some snacks? How are they going to survive this?"

Although their show prides itself on surprises, and many celebrities have been "tricked" into participating, most of them have some idea of what to expect and bring essential items beforehand. But Scepter came completely unprepared.

Zhuang He brushed it off. "Isn’t your show all about authenticity? Keeping it real makes better TV."

The director said, "Polished idols struggling to survive—the contrast is striking, so it’s definitely entertaining."

Zhuang He just smiled.

Idols should indeed shine brightly, but they must never act superior. Without their fans’ support, they are nothing.

Scepter is just too aloof and full of themselves.

Initially, Starry Night Entertainment mishandled the branding of Scepter, trying to market them with S-class Alpha as the selling point and amplifying alpha male traits, which provoked a lot of backlash. When people think of Scepter, their first impression is that they’re pretentious, fitting the stereotype of S-class Alpha.

This first impression is so deeply ingrained that even though they’ve since released decent work, they still haven't won over many fans.

The director joked, "Aren’t you afraid they’ll walk off set?"

"They’re a handful, but their tempers aren’t that bad," Zhuang He shook his head.

There were rumors before about Scepter walking off a show, but that was because the production team forced a nepotism hire into the show, pushing out another talented but less influential artist, and then gave them a script.

They had no choice but to quit midway.

"They’re heading back to their rooms now," the director said. "Pay attention and switch to the main live feed later."

The live stream was divided into main and side screens. On the main screen, as the Scepter members returned to their rooms, Jiang Hang suddenly doubled back and headed in the opposite direction.

—?? What is Jiang Hang doing?

—Isn’t his room right ahead? Why is he going upstairs? That’s the totally wrong way.

—Wait... regular rooms are on this floor; the suites are upstairs. Jiang Hang is going to find Yuan Shiyuan!

—Visiting Xiao Yuan at night to get up to no good—it’s only human to give in to temptation, right? [Rose in mouth]

—Not sleeping at night and knocking on my Xiao Yuan’s door—how inappropriate! [Angry]

—Right now, ○ is about to take a shower, and Ying Mingxi isn’t around. If Jiang Hang doesn’t take this chance, I’ll really start to question his virility. [Thumbs up]

—Jiang Hang, don’t let me down, okay? Go for it fiercely—I want to see some action. [Yellow heart]

Jiang Hang stood outside Yuan Shiyuan’s room, staring at the door right in front of him. He seemed about to knock but pulled his hand back.

After hesitating several times, urged on by the excited comments, he finally knocked on the door.

No one answered.

Jiang Hang stood frozen at the door.

Just as he thought no one would answer, the door opened from the inside.

Jiang Hang’s eyes went wide.

A warm, golden glow fell on the light pink hair, creating a halo effect.

Yuan Shiyuan was wearing only a simple bathrobe, his face damp and slightly flushed. Seeing it was Jiang Hang, he seemed surprised and looked up and asked, "What are you doing here?" He had thought it was Ying Mingxi returning.

"You..." Jiang Hang seemed unsure how to begin, his gaze subtly drifting inside.

"It’s cooler inside. Come in and talk," Yuan Shiyuan said after a moment’s thought, adding, "Relax, I’m alone in the room."

"Brother Mingxi hasn’t come back yet."

—What a suggestive conversation... [Hehe]

—Oh my god, what a naughty Xiao Yuan... Taking advantage of his roommate (actually, his husband) being away to secretly let another teammate (actually, his lover) into his room and saying something like that... Isn’t this an invitation?! [Covering eyes]

—Damn it, damn it! This has me seeing red! Let me punish this bad Yuan. [Furious] [Pants] [-1]

—Jiang Hang, if you don’t make your move now, I’ll do it for you! [Angry]

—Without a second thought, I’d just go bang bang bang. [Smirk]

After entering the room, Jiang Hang keenly caught a faint scent. He instinctively glanced at the slightly disheveled bed—the spot where Yuan Shiyuan had just been lying.

"You..." He looked at the little plushie on the backpack on the sofa.

"Is there something you want to say to me?" Yuan Shiyuan asked curiously. "You’ve been watching me."

Jiang Hang’s fingers tightened abruptly.

"From the company entrance, to the car, and even during dinner just now, you’ve been watching me."

Yuan Shiyuan had noticed.

Jiang Hang thought his peeking was discreet, but it was just him thinking he was being clever—Yuan Shiyuan was fully aware of all his little actions.

Jiang Hang tried hard to stay calm, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Yuan Shiyuan removed the bag charm from his backpack. "Do you really like this little plushie?"

It was a light-colored bunny plushie with a pink heart-shaped nose and a small pink bow tie on its chest. It looked like a no-name brand, but its fur was smooth and clean, clearly well-cared-for by its owner.

Jiang Hang repeated the question, "Do you really like this plushie that much?"

Instead of answering, Yuan Shiyuan asked, "Why do you ask?"

"I'm just a bit surprised." Jiang Hang spoke as if it were nothing. "This plushie looks shabby and unattractive—it doesn't seem like your style."

Jiang Hang carefully observed Yuan Shiyuan’s expression.

Yuan Shiyuan remained quiet, his face slightly flushed, perhaps from just washing it.

Jiang Hang hadn’t been drinking, but seeing this, he felt a bit intoxicated nonetheless.

After a moment, Yuan Shiyuan called out, "Jiang Hang."

Hearing his full name, Jiang Hang’s heart tightened, as if an invisible shackle had locked around his neck.

Yuan Shiyuan said, "I think it’s a bit impolite to casually belittle something someone else likes."

Jiang Hang’s pupils dilated.

"Sorry, that’s not what I meant." He seemed unsure how to phrase his thoughts.

"I accept your apology." Yuan Shiyuan said indifferently. "Is there anything else?"

"If not, I’m going to finish washing my face." He added, "I need to use hot water soon, or I’m afraid there won’t be enough when Brother Mingxi gets back."

Jiang Hang shook his head.

After Yuan Shiyuan went into the bathroom, Jiang Hang didn’t leave immediately.

He stared blankly at the bag charm on the backpack.

Did Yuan Shiyuan just say… he liked it?

Did Yuan Shiyuan really like this little plushie?

Jiang Hang’s fingers trembled violently. He had thought Yuan Shiyuan had forgotten—back when they first met, he had been wearing his mother’s silver earring on his right ear.

On the small bed in the orphanage, he had clumsily written down his secret and exchanged it with Yuan Shiyuan.

But Yuan Shiyuan didn’t remember.

After all, they were young then, and neither knew the other’s name. It was normal not to recognize or remember. He didn’t blame Yuan Shiyuan; he could only blame himself for not leaving a strong enough impression.

Yet Yuan Shiyuan had kept this little plushie all along.

Had he… kept it all this time?

Yuan Shiyuan had kept this little plushie, even though it wasn’t delicate or expensive.

But this plushie was a gift from his childhood friend, making it extraordinarily meaningful—more precious in his eyes than any luxury item.

Yuan Shiyuan had always made a habit of treasuring and preserving gifts from others.

Yuan Shiyuan usually had no concept of skincare. After signing with Starry Night Entertainment, Zhuang He often gave him skincare products, especially sunscreen.

Zhuang He repeatedly emphasized the importance of sunscreen—even if he didn’t do any other skincare, sunscreen was a must.

Yuan Shiyuan appeared refined, but like most Alphas, he lived simply. Still, he couldn’t resist Zhuang He’s daily supervision.

The first thing Zhuang He did after waking up was remind him to apply sunscreen.

Yuan Shiyuan had no choice but to obediently follow.

And because he used sunscreen, he had to wash it off with facial cleanser. After lathering his palms with foam, he rubbed his face directly, without any technique.

His clumsy movements caused foam to get into his eyes, making them uncomfortable.

Hearing footsteps in the living area, Yuan Shiyuan wiped his face but still couldn’t open his eyes. Dazed, he felt his way along the wall and called out, "Jiang Hang, are you still here?"

"Could you grab a disposable towel from my bag?"

Yuan Shiyuan was very particular about cleanliness. Even though he knew the items on the cruise ship were regularly cleaned and disinfected, he still couldn’t get past his mental barrier.

He preferred using his own disposable items.

Coincidentally, Yuan Shize had prepared many disposable items for him. Yuan Shiyuan had brought his backpack to share snacks with everyone.

Unexpectedly, it came in handy during the show.

"Sure." Jiang Hang said, "This one?"

Yuan Shiyuan struggled to open his stinging eyes, barely able to see. He walked to the sofa and watched as the Alpha opened the backpack and took out a pack of clean disposable items.

"Yes, that one." The corners of his eyes were pitifully wet, his eyelashes trembling, and the stinging sensation grew worse.

"Found it."

As soon as Yuan Shiyuan heard the sound of the plastic wrapper tearing, he instinctively bent down and leaned forward, offering his damp face.

Both of them froze.

Yuan Shiyuan was used to ordering Yuan Shize around and, for a moment, forgot himself, instinctively treating his teammate like his younger brother who waited on him.

Feeling awkward, he was about to snap out of it when a hand gently gripped his chin.

The grip wasn’t strong, but it was commanding. With a slight press of the thumb, his face was tilted upward.

"Come a little closer." Jiang Hang said, "It’s too far—I can’t reach."

"Spread your legs."

—Your "wife" is practically dropped right into your lap, and you still won't take a bite? If you won't use your mouth, I will! [pacing anxiously]

—Am I the only one who couldn’t stop staring at his waist? It’s so slender...

Yuan Shiyuan was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Alright."

Yuan Shiyuan quickly realized this was part of their fanservice act.

Still, he was genuinely surprised—Jiang Hang, who usually brushed everyone off, would take the initiative to engage with him like this...

Jiang Hang’s movements were awkward, but he wiped carefully, prioritizing the droplets at the corner of Yuan Shiyuan’s eyes since they were bothering him.

When his fingertips brushed the sensitive tear ducts, Yuan Shiyuan instinctively parted his knees to steady himself.

Once his eyes were fully open, he saw a face extremely close to his. With a slight downward glance, he could see the other Alpha’s thighs between his own pale legs.

To make it easier for Jiang Hang to wipe his face, Yuan Shiyuan was standing with his legs on either side of Jiang Hang’s thighs, while Jiang Hang’s knees were positioned right between his legs.

The slightest physical contact sent a strange, electric sensation through him.

Even though Yuan Shiyuan was mentally prepared for their fanservice, his straight-guy instincts screamed, making him instinctively turn his head away to avoid the closeness.

But Jiang Hang gripped his chin and turned it back, forcing him to meet a pair of dark, intense eyes.

"Done," Jiang Hang said.

—Done? Then let go already? Addicted to touching his face, are you? [eye roll]

—Well, now it’s confirmed—Jiang Hang's useless. A delicious Xiao Yuan served right to him, and he still doesn't make a move after three chances. [facepalm]

Yuan Shiyuan stared blankly at Jiang Hang, blinking in confusion.

Only then did Jiang Hang finally release his grip.

As Yuan Shiyuan stood up to leave, Jiang Hang rose as well. Yuan Shiyuan, caught off guard, stumbled and momentum sent him falling backward. Jiang Hang reacted instantly, grabbing his hand and pulling him back.

They both tumbled onto the sofa together.

From the force of the fall, Yuan Shiyuan ended up kneeling upright on the sofa facing Jiang Hang, positioned at his side. To prevent Yuan Shiyuan from falling, Jiang Hang held him with one hand on his waist and the other gripping the back of his thigh.

In a complete embrace, he trapped him in his arms.

Yuan Shiyuan leaned over Jiang Hang’s shoulder, hands braced against his chest. He was badly startled, still tense and on high alert.

Thankfully, the sofa and Jiang Hang's body acted as a buffer—otherwise, he would’ve fallen flat on his back.

Jiang Hang was also rigid all over.

His gaze drifted down along Yuan Shiyuan’s shoulders and neck. Under the indoor lighting, he could clearly see the slender waist under his large hand and the legs exposed to the air.

So slender, so pale.

Yuan Shiyuan’s waist was truly very thin.

Flustered, Jiang Hang averted his eyes, landing them on a small plush toy nearby.

He thought, dazed:

What a tiny waist.

"Sorry, I slipped..." Yuan Shiyuan still wasn’t sure whether he’d tripped over the rug or Jiang Hang’s foot.

But this kind of physical contact felt somewhat too forward to Yuan Shiyuan, a straight guy.

Just as Yuan Shiyuan was about to quickly get off Jiang Hang, he felt a force holding him in place at his waist and behind his thigh.

Puzzled, he was about to speak when he heard the sound of a keycard swiping and footsteps at the door.

The door swung open immediately after.

Ying Mingxi had returned.