Chapter 35: Fever

Chapter 35: The Craze

First place!

Yuan Shiyuan had never anticipated such astonishing success for his debut announcement.

Overjoyed, he instinctively grabbed the nearest person, Pei Yanbing, and hugged him tightly. "Our sales broke the record!"

Moonlight dappled the sea, reflecting on Yuan Shiyuan’s face. Pei Yanbing froze, his grip on the bow tightening then relaxing. Just as he was about to return the hug with one arm, Yuan Shiyuan pulled away.

Pei Yanbing: "..."

The other Alphas subtly converged. Ying Mingche was the first to protest: "Why only hug the captain? We’re a team; you can’t play favorites."

Jiang Hang and Bo Jin stared intently at Yuan Shiyuan, while Ying Mingxi’s gaze softened. Though silent, they clearly endorsed Ying Mingche’s words.

"You’re right, we’re a team. The magazine sales exceeded all expectations—we should definitely celebrate."

"Come on, everyone gets a hug!"

Yuan Shiyuan smiled, spreading his arms wide, ensuring everyone received equal attention as he embraced each Alpha in turn.

After the final hug, Bo Jin suddenly seized Yuan Shiyuan’s wrist, then pressed a hand to his shoulder, guiding him into a nearby seat. "Did you learn piano before?" he asked. "You never mentioned it."

The other Alphas also took their seats. Ying Mingxi offered Yuan Shiyuan a tissue to wipe his sweat, and Ying Mingche handed him a glass of water…

Pei Yanbing set his violin aside and sat directly opposite, his gaze fixed on Yuan Shiyuan’s face.

"I did learn it."

Yuan Shiyuan casually wiped the sweat from his neck, pushing his pink bangs back. He tilted his head, flashing Bo Jin a faint, playful smirk. "I have many talents, you know."

"You’ll find out soon enough."

He even seemed a little smug.

"You must have practiced since childhood to reach this level, right?" Ying Mingche clicked his tongue. "I learned a bit when I was young, but I’m nowhere near as good as you."

"Yeah, I took lessons on and off as a kid," Yuan Shiyuan said. "But it was just a hobby—I never took exams or competed seriously."

"Just a hobby and you…" Ying Mingche struggled for words, then finally gave a thumbs-up. "Well, geniuses are on another level. You and the captain must have a lot in common."

Pei Yanbing hailed from a musical family, exposed to music since childhood and lauded as a prodigy. Comparing them like this—wasn’t that setting him up for undue praise?

Yuan Shiyuan waved a hand. "Not really."

"Don’t be modest," Pei Yanbing looked at him. "Your foundation is solid, and your performance has a unique style. That piece, 'Nightfall,' was brilliant…"

He paused. "Do you also like Elder Yu’s works?"

Elder Yu was a revered figure in the piano world, a celebrated pianist.

Pei Yanbing had been fortunate enough to receive instruction from him.

Everyone called Pei Yanbing a genius, but under Elder Yu’s exacting standards, he only earned the comment, "Skilled, but lacking in emotion."

"Real music speaks to your soul and resonates with you." Pei Yanbing had remembered Elder Yu’s words for years.

The first time Pei Yanbing heard Yuan Shiyuan play the piano, his usually calm and controlled heart felt like a musical beat thrown off, into uncontrollable imbalance. The heartstrings he thought were still seemed to surge with emotion.

"Of course I know him—he’s famous," Yuan Shiyuan thought for a moment and said, "But he hasn’t put out new work in a long time."

"True," Pei Yanbing replied. "Not just him, but his most proud daughter hasn’t released anything new for years either. Ever since his young grandson was kidnapped, their family has been searching nonstop, never giving up."

"Their family’s musical career has been on hold for years because of it."

Many found it a shame.

"Um, excuse me…"

Yuan Shiyuan chewed on the straw of his juice box, keeping his head down as he slowly turned.

A slim Omega timidly approached, clutching a Polaroid and a marker. His voice was soft. "Brother Shiyuan, could I get an autograph?"

"Of course."

Yuan Shiyuan stood up and took the Polaroid, his slender fingers holding the marker as he left a neat signature. "Are you here on vacation?" he asked gently, trying to ease the other’s nervousness.

"Yeah! I’m traveling with my parents." The Omega clutched at his phone, fingers curling nervously. "We knew there would be a variety show being filmed before we boarded, but I never expected to bump into you…"

"Then I’m even luckier to have met you." After signing, Yuan Shiyuan handed the Polaroid back with both hands, a gentle curve softening his eyes. "Would you like to take a photo together?"

"R-Really? Is that okay?"

"Of course."

Yuan Shiyuan was half a head taller, so he considerately knelt down a bit, his posture tensing. He adjusted the angle a few times. "Is this angle okay?"

"Yes!"

The Omega immediately lifted his head. He was so nervous he didn’t know how to pose, awkwardly flashing a peace sign.

Seeing this, Yuan Shiyuan also threw up a peace sign, tilting his head and smiling at the camera. He snapped a few pics in a row, tweaking the angle each time. If he took enough photos, one was sure to be good.

"Thank you, Brother Shiyuan! I’ll let you get back to it." The Omega’s face flushed with excitement. Before leaving, he worked up the nerve and called out, "Baby, you’re so pretty!"

Yuan Shiyuan’s smile stiffened.

"Brother, I love you!"

Before Yuan Shiyuan could react, the Omega had already darted off, leaving him standing there stunned.

Yuan Shiyuan mechanically slumped back into his seat, a faint blush creeping up from his ears down to his neck. His fingers fidgeted absently, and his knees clamped tightly together.

Why did he call me "baby"...

He laughed off the online fans' teasing, but it was the first time he had been called something that intimate by someone of the opposite sex in real life.

His fingertips felt hot, and this somewhat embarrassed and innocent look didn't escape the Alphas' notice.

The Alphas' expressions suddenly intensified.

They had forgotten that Yuan Shiyuan was a relationship newbie who'd never dated, and his sexual orientation was Omega.

"Heh," Ying Mingche said with a low, teasing tone, "Enjoying yourself, Yuan Yuan baby?"

"..."

Yuan Shiyuan snapped out of it immediately. "Thanks, I’m wide awake now."

Ying Mingche said sharply, "You know we’re not allowed to date, right? Not Omegas, not Betas either."

The tips of Yuan Shiyuan’s ears were still red as he explained, "I know, and I don’t have any intention of dating. It’s just that being called 'baby' so suddenly... I’m not used to it."

Just being called "baby" could provoke such a reaction?

"Is that so, Shiyuan?"

Ying Mingxi chuckled lightly. "Then you should get used to it sooner. There will be many people calling you that in the future."

"I’ll get used to it."

Yuan Shiyuan’s eager nod made Jiang Hang pause his pen. Ink smudged on the paper, drawing Yuan Shiyuan’s attention.

"Are you working on a song?"

"Yeah," Jiang Hang said. "For the new album."

Ying Mingche added, "Right, since we don't have anything else going on now, we can work on the songs for the new album. We’ve been waiting for you to join, so we hadn't finalized anything yet."

"Now that you’re here, we can get to work."

Pei Yanbing went to talk to the staff. When he brought the equipment back, the staff had already adjusted the equipment around them. The cameraman stood far away with his camera, and the nearby microphones had been removed.

Yuan Shiyuan glanced around curiously. "Have the hidden cameras around us been removed? Does that mean they can’t film us here anymore?"

"The ones in the distance are still there," Pei Yanbing scanned the area. "From afar, the cameras can’t capture our notes, and the mics are removed to prevent the songs from leaking early."

To accommodate them, the production team was willing to make such a big sacrifice.

Yuan Shiyuan couldn’t find any cameras at all. He leaned in curiously and asked, "Captain, how can you find the cameras so easily?"

Pei Yanbing’s breath caught. He looked down at the other’s collarbone peeking from his collar, then looked away and said, "It takes getting used to."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"I used to be afraid of cameras," Pei Yanbing lowered his eyelids. "But I’m not afraid anymore."

"You’re amazing, facing your fears. I’m the opposite." Yuan Shiyuan gazed at him admiringly. "I wasn’t afraid of the dark before, but now I am."

"I’m still afraid now."

Yuan Shiyuan was afraid of the dark?

Pei Yanbing recalled that Yuan Shiyuan always kept a lamp lit by his bedside, with a stuffed animal tucked under the lampshade. He had thought Yuan Shiyuan was homesick or uncomfortable with new surroundings, but it never occurred to him that Yuan Shiyuan was afraid of the dark.

Just as Pei Yanbing was about to say something, Ying Mingche’s voice came from the side. "What are you talking about?"

Ying Mingche turned and placed an earbud into Yuan Shiyuan’s ear. He chewed on his pencil and said, "Listen to this. It’s a demo we started a while ago."

"Is the opening not catchy enough?" Yuan Shiyuan thought for a moment and said.

Bo Jin agreed, "True, it doesn’t have a memorable part. Jiang Hang made some changes, but this version is too high and tough to sing."

Jiang Hang added, "We’ve all tried it. It’s really difficult to sing, and we’re worried about stability during live performances."

"This version is much better, with a stronger rhythm that’s very catchy," Yuan Shiyuan continued. "Actually, we could simplify it. If we’re worried about live performance stability, making it simpler as a backup might not be ideal."

Ying Mingche said, "You’re right, but it’s really high. I practiced for a long time to hit those notes, and after singing it a few times, my vocal cords were sore the next day."

He suddenly tapped Yuan Shiyuan’s cheek with the earphone. "Why don’t you give it a try? I haven’t heard you sing yet."

More accurately, he hadn’t heard Yuan Shiyuan sing live.

Yuan Shiyuan pushed Ying Mingche’s face away. "Wait, let me listen a few more times to get familiar with it."

After listening three times, under the watch of the other Alphas, Yuan Shiyuan effortlessly sang the high notes that had been tormenting them for so long.

Ying Mingche put down his earphones.

"This part is really hard to sing," Ying Mingche said. "I strained my voice from practice before I could finally sing it."

He asked persistently, "You really don’t think it’s difficult?"

Yuan Shiyuan answered honestly, "Actually, it’s okay."

He had sung even higher notes before.

"And your voice sounds so good…" Ying Mingche muttered. "It sounds familiar."

He often was online and stayed current. He felt like he had heard this voice somewhere before because it was so unique.

Yuan Shiyuan’s speaking voice sounded nice, but his singing voice was different—clean, distinctive, and memorable.

"Then we don’t need to change this part," Jiang Hang said. "You can sing it, and so can I. We’ll figure out the balance later."

Yuan Shiyuan joined the creative discussion, and before long, his mouth felt dry. Absentmindedly, he picked up a coffee and took a big swallow, only to immediately make a face and stick out his tongue from the bitterness.

"Shiyuan, you grabbed the wrong one."

Ying Mingxi couldn’t help but chuckle. "This cup is mine."

"Brother Mingxi, I’m sorry…"

Yuan Shiyuan’s words were a bit slurred. He felt as if he had taken a big sip of chilled bitter medicine, bitter enough to numb his tongue.

Dejectedly, he pushed the coffee aside and said once his tongue felt better, "I’ll buy you another cup…"

"No need."

Ying Mingxi took the coffee back. His fingers hesitated for a moment when they touched the damp rim of the cup. He gave a gentle smile. "It’s not good to waste."

But he'd already drunk from this one...

But then it occurred to him that Ying Mingxi had also drunk this iced Americano, which meant he had essentially tasted Ying Mingxi’s coffee as well. In that case, did that make them even?

Besides, Ying Mingxi was right—wasting was shameful.

Bo Jin’s gaze shifted between the two before he poured a glass of juice for Yuan Shiyuan. "Drink this to wash the taste away; it won’t taste as bitter afterward."

As Yuan Shiyuan was focused on drinking the juice, he didn’t notice Ying Mingxi, who had been focused on listening to the demo, suddenly pick up that cup of iced Americano.

On the rim of the cup was a wet spot, a mark left behind by Yuan Shiyuan.

Ying Mingxi could actually sense the pheromones lingering on the rim, giving off a faint, sweet scent.

The pheromones seemed to hold a powerful pull for him, making him lean in closer and closer. The moment his lips touched the rim, that sweetness washed down his throat and into his chest.

Ying Mingxi’s eyes went wide, and his fingers tightened around the glass.

On the other side, Ying Mingche suddenly broke the pencil in his hand. His breath hitched as he was staring at Ying Mingxi in shock.

"Brother?!"

Yuan Shiyuan looked over at the sudden noise and asked, confused, "What’s wrong?"

Ying Mingche didn’t respond. He was staring intently on Ying Mingxi, a mix of confusion and weird fascination. Ying Mingxi, just as confused, his throat worked before saying, "I need to go to the restroom."

Ying Mingche immediately followed him.

Inside the restroom.

Ying Mingche looked completely confused. "Brother, what were you thinking just now? How could you…"

"I just touched the coffee Shiyuan drank," Ying Mingxi said, throwing his head back with his eyes closed, his voice tight. "It was… delicious."

"Huh?" Ying Mingche was stunned. "Just because you drank from the same cup, you react that strongly? That can’t be."

As soon as the words left his mouth, Ying Mingche went quiet.

The thrill he had felt moments earlier, along with the taste lingering in his mouth, was indeed as his brother had described—delicious.

Ying Mingxi splashed cold water on his face, gripping his hands against the sink as cold water dripped down his jawline. The reflection in the mirror showed him disheveled, nothing like his usual composed self.

"Maybe I’ve truly gone crazy."

Ying Mingxi thought it was crazy that he could be so drawn to that faint wet spot on the cup’s rim—a trace that held an addictive, mesmerizing power he couldn't resist. And all of it came from Yuan Shiyuan.

How was that possible?

Ying Mingxi splashed his face again.

The water was still running, but it couldn't wash away the agitated S-class Alpha pheromones floating around.

By the time Ying Mingxi returned to the deck, he was completely composed again, as if his earlier breakdown had never happened.

The S-class Alphas sitting around were each engrossed in their own tasks—some composing music, others playing guitars or sharing ideas…

The boat moved into the dark distance, yet the deck, under the moonlight, was bright like daytime. The peaceful scene of everyone focused on their duties actually looked united.

…

By 10 p.m., Yuan Shiyuan was so tired he could barely keep his eyes open, while the other members were still wide awake, still composing.

Too tired to stay up any longer, he got up, yawning. "I’m heading back to sleep."

Bo Jin stood up as well. "Me too."

They chatted along the way.

"I thought you guys never sleep."

Yuan Shiyuan yawned again. "Brother Mingxi is pretty hardcore—he can drink iced Americano even though it’s so bitter… What’s the difference between that and drinking herbal medicine?"

When Yuan Shiyuan had worked part-time at a café, he had tried almost every type of coffee. But after his first sip of iced Americano, he never dared to take a second.

Back then, his coworker had laughed and taken the cup from him, finishing the remaining iced Americano.

"Why do you keep bringing him up?" Bo Jin interrupted coldly.

"When did I keep bringing up Brother Mingxi?"

"Not only did you mention him, but you also called him so affectionately."

"……??"

Yuan Shiyuan was baffled. "Aren’t I the youngest in the group? Isn’t it more polite to call him ‘brother’?"

Bo Jin replied, "Oh? You’ve never called me that."

Yuan Shiyuan suddenly stopped walking, leaning back against the railing as he looked up, his eyes curving into a smile. "Brother Bo Jin."

"Brother Bo Jin," he drawled, elongating the syllables. "Are you satisfied now?"

"……"

Bo Jin’s expression turned slightly awkward as he pulled Yuan Shiyuan away from the railing. "Don’t stand so close to the railing; you might fall."

Yuan Shiyuan tugged at his clothes insistently. "You haven’t answered me. Is it okay if I call you that?"

Brother.

That intimate and unique form of address stirred a secret delight and satisfaction in Bo Jin’s heart.

Having a younger brother like Yuan Shiyuan didn’t seem so bad after all.

Bo Jin felt a hidden thrill but kept a straight face as he grunted in agreement. "Call me that from now on."

He hadn’t expected Bo Jin to be so particular about seniority norms in the entertainment industry.

But it didn’t matter. Since Yuan Shiyuan was the youngest, it was only natural for him to address the others as "brother." Bo Jin’s request wasn’t unreasonable.

"Why are you heading back so early? Is your rut coming again?" Yuan Shiyuan asked curiously. He had assumed Bo Jin would stay up late composing like the other members.

"It seems like it’s been a while since your last rut, hasn’t it?"

Bo Jin replied nonchalantly, "I’ve been taking inhibitors and sexual suppressants regularly."

His inhibitors were specially formulated with unique components. If he had schedules or other commitments, he would increase the dosage in advance to ensure he remained in control.

This method was effective, but it came with unknown side effects. The higher the dosage, the greater the risk. One day, when his body could no longer handle the high concentration, it might trigger unforeseen consequences.

"But lately, I really haven't been having episodes like I used to."

At the very least, Bo Jin could control his pheromones and wouldn't indiscriminately affect others.

Yuan Shiyuan bumped his fist against Bo Jin's shoulder and said happily, "That's great! It means you're getting better. Maybe one day, you'll be completely cured, and you won't have to endure this torment anymore."

Bo Jin stared at the hand that was pulled back, its knuckles distinct and slender. He said, "Thanks for the good wishes."

The production crew lifted the restrictions on bathroom use, so Yuan Shiyuan could use the facilities without restrictions. After spending the evening on the deck, he had gotten sweaty, so he took a quick hot shower.

Then he picked up his small plush toy, placed it on the bedside table, slid into bed, and carefully covered the toy with a towel.

Bo Jin remained seated on the sofa, keeping his eyes on him.

"Aren’t you going to sleep?"

"I’ll sleep later," Bo Jin said. "I have to wake up early tomorrow for work."

Yuan Shiyuan was about to speak when Bo Jin interrupted, "You stay home and rest."

The alpha male complex was showing again.

The light from the lamp fell on Yuan Shiyuan’s face. Bundled in the blanket, his pale fingers clutching the edge, he looked curiously at the Alpha on the single sofa.

"Why don’t you want me to go to work?"

He was genuinely curious about this. Although other Alphas also tried to stop him from working, none were as forceful as Bo Jin. He said, "Have you forgotten that I’m an Alpha too?"

"I’ve met many Alphas before who thought I didn’t act like an Alpha, let alone an S-class, because I’m different from other S-class Alphas. But I always made them recognize the reality." Yuan Shiyuan asked, "Do you think the same? That I’m not an Alpha?"

"It has nothing to do with gender."

Bo Jin suddenly stood up, his tall figure casting a shadow. He sat on the edge of the bed and said, "I think... I should protect you."

Bo Jin found it hard to articulate his feelings and thoughts, but he simply didn’t want Yuan Shiyuan to work. More precisely, he didn’t want Yuan Shiyuan to struggle so much when he was around.

If Yuan Shiyuan still handled everything on his own even with him there, then what was the point of having him around?

Yuan Shiyuan blinked in disbelief. "Protect me?"

They were so close that Bo Jin could clearly see Yuan Shiyuan’s curious, calm expression.

Wearing his cotton pajamas, Yuan Shiyuan lay in bed, wrapped in the blanket, looking up at him. The warm light illuminated his features, making his pink hair appear exceptionally soft.

It was strange—he used to hate the color pink the most.

"Shouldn’t friends be like this?" Bo Jin reached out and swept the pink hair aside from his forehead, revealing his full face. "Since we’re friends, is there a problem with me wanting to protect my friend?"

Yuan Shiyuan finally understood. "No problem at all."

This way, Yuan Shiyuan could relate.

He and Bo Jin were similar—the type who are good to their friends. Sometimes, he wouldn’t even buy things for himself, but when it came to friends, he never thought his gifts were good enough.

Because he believed his friends deserved the best things in the world.

"Alright, I’ll trouble you to protect me from now on," Yuan Shiyuan said with a laugh, burrowing back under the covers, his voice muffled by sleep. "Then I’ll leave it to you... Brother Bo Jin."

The soft tone made Bo Jin’s fingers jerk slightly.

Yuan Shiyuan felt the warmth from the large hand on his forehead. Different from Pei Yanbing's, Bo Jin’s body temperature always ran hot, making him feel comfortable and drowsy.

Bo Jin suddenly asked, "Is your rut coming on?"

"Hmm... Huh?" Yuan Shiyuan murmured sleepily. "No, it just ended recently…"

Even if his rut came, it wouldn’t be a problem. His ruts were always manageable, unlike Bo Jin’s loss of control.

Bo Jin frowned heavily, his hand moving from Yuan Shiyuan’s forehead down to his reddened eyes, finally resting on his flushed cheek.

By then, Yuan Shiyuan had already fallen into a deep sleep, completely vulnerable. His lips parted slightly as his face was cupped, showing a flash of white teeth.

Bo Jin’s fingers suddenly felt hot.

He jerked his hand back, his frown deepening.

Yuan Shiyuan’s body temperature was clearly abnormal.

It was very similar to the fever symptoms before a rut.

But Bo Jin didn’t have any regular inhibitors.

He asked a staff member for one and gently placed it next to the small plush toy. If anything happened in the middle of the night, Yuan Shiyuan could reach it easily.

Under the soft glow of the night light, Bo Jin studied Yuan Shiyuan’s peaceful sleeping face. He suddenly remembered the day Yuan Shiyuan first arrived at the dorm, his luggage filled with assorted belongings—plush toys, pillows, a small lamp... like a child running away from home.

Yuan Shiyuan was indeed still very young.

Yet at such a young age, he had extensive work experience. Compared to other S-class Alphas, he seemed too slight.

Bo Jin always felt that it shouldn’t be this way.

Absentmindedly, he reached out and touched a loose strand of pink hair.

Why?

Have you suffered a lot?

But you’re so young, still at an age where you should be studying.

Lost in thought, Bo Jin gently stroked the ends of Yuan Shiyuan’s hair, brushing the pink hair behind his ear.

Perhaps because the light was a bit too bright, Yuan Shiyuan’s brows furrowed slightly, and he raised a hand to cover his eyes.

Bo Jin immediately grabbed his wrist, taking the place of the slender hand with his own large palm, gently covering Yuan Shiyuan’s eyes. He turned off the main light first, then slowly adjusted the brightness of the small lamp until the light was soft and gentle before slowly removing his hand.

He didn’t turn off all the lights.

Perhaps this was the advantage of being roommates—he could tell from Yuan Shiyuan’s behavior in the dorm that he was afraid of the dark.

Even though Yuan Shiyuan had never mentioned it.

About an hour later, the other members returned to the suite one after another.

Pei Yanbing paused abruptly as he pushed the door open, hit by a wave of intense pheromones. He stopped in his tracks, his gaze fixed on the large bed in the center of the room.

Another Alpha had already reached Yuan Shiyuan’s side first.

"He…" Jiang Hang trailed off, unable to continue.

Bo Jin lowered his voice: "His rut might be coming. When I felt his forehead earlier, he was very hot."

Ying Mingche frowned: "What were you doing touching him?"

"Quiet," Pei Yanbing interrupted, "He's sleeping."

"So, please don't argue," Ying Mingxi interjected at the right moment, his gentle voice carrying a firm tone, "And don't do anything that might wake Shiyuan."

The Alphas exchanged a glance charged with tension.

Ultimately, their eyes fell on the sleeping figure on the bed, and they all yielded in unison.

Late at night.

An almost inaudible whimper broke the silence.

Yuan Shiyuan was not sleeping peacefully; he tossed and turned restlessly in his sleep. The S-class pheromones floating in the air, which should have brought him comfort, instead triggered surges of inexplicable heat.

An indescribable heat…

In his half-conscious state, he thought confusedly—was it a pheromone rejection? A fever?

It didn’t feel like a rut either…

Yuan Shiyuan’s toes curled slightly, his pale arch rubbing fitfully against the sheets. Unconsciously, he bit the corner of the blanket, and the corners of his eyes dampened with moisture.

"Shiyuan?" Ying Mingxi asked tentatively.

The air in the room went still.

The Alphas waited for Yuan Shiyuan’s response.

There was no answer.

Multiple S-class pheromones leaked out uncontrollably, saturating the suite. The Alphas, unable to sleep, remained in different corners of the room yet were simultaneously drawn to the scent emanating from the bed.

As if sensing Yuan Shiyuan’s unease, they subconsciously released their pheromones.

While trying to soothe him, they also grew strangely agitated.

Yuan Shiyuan’s breaths and sleep-talking acted like an intense catalyst, leaving the Alphas agitated.

This wasn’t right.

This wasn’t how Alphas typically reacted to one another.

Unless…

What they were smelling was an Omega's pheromones.