Chapter 45: Intimate Scene (Part 1 + Part 2)

Chapter 45: Intimate Scenes (First and Second Update)

Only upon entering the hospital room did Yuan Shiyuan dare to remove his mask and hat, his nose tip beaded with sweat from the heat. The stifling summer warmth had flushed his entire face, and his pink hair clung damply to his temples.

“Here, have some water.”

Yuan Xing immediately handed him a cup. “Xiao Ze is going back to school today. Don’t you need to go to the company?”

“Can you really take so many days off?”

Yuan Xing looked concerned, fearing something had happened to Yuan Shiyuan. It was a reasonable worry—Yuan Shiyuan had just signed a contract and his popularity was peaking. The company should be capitalizing on this, not giving him time off.

Logically, Yuan Shiyuan should have been busy with promotions, but he had unexpectedly undergone a secondary differentiation. Zhuang He, sympathetic to his youth, wanted him to take time with his family to process the situation, which is why he made an exception for Yuan Shiyuan to rest.

Yuan Shiyuan didn’t dare bring up the secondary differentiation at that moment. He gulped down some water before explaining, “Our agent is really good. He thoroughly vets every opportunity… Giving us time off now probably means he’s sifting through resources.”

“Once the resources are sorted, I’ll be busy again.”

Yuan Xing nodded in understanding. Though unfamiliar with the entertainment industry, he remarked, “Then your agent is truly excellent.”

Just then, Yuan Shiyuan received a new message. “Huh?”

“What is it?”

“The director of *Struggle for Survival* asked if I can take his call now.”

“Then go outside to make the call,” Yuan Xing said gently. “Don’t delay your work.”

Yuan Shiyuan replied, “It’s fine, I’ll take it here.”

The director of *Struggle for Survival* likely wanted to discuss work. Talking about work in front of Yuan Xing might also put his mind at ease.

As soon as the call connected, the director coughed, sounding a bit awkward. “Xiao Yuan, how are you feeling? I hope I’m not disturbing you. I’m calling to tell you something—do you know Elder Yu? He’s returning to the country soon…”

Yuan Shiyuan didn’t understand why Elder Yu was being mentioned but politely replied, “That’s wonderful!”

“His granddaughter wants your contact information,” the director said after a lengthy preamble, finally getting to the point. “Is it okay to give it to her?”

Without Yuan Shiyuan’s permission, the director couldn’t casually share his contact details.

“It’s not for matchmaking or to bother you—she simply admires you. You know, their family is involved in piano… She saw clips of you playing and wanted to reach out.”

Yuan Shiyuan said, “Huh? Sure, give it to her.”

“Then I’ll give it to her?” the director said excitedly before adding, “Actually, she thinks you have great potential and wants to recommend you to Elder Yu for mentorship, to become his final disciple…”

“Actually, never mind,” Yuan Shiyuan refused outright.

The director immediately understood. “Alright, I get it. I’ll just tell her I don’t have your contact info.”

This way, Yuan Shiyuan wouldn’t be put in an awkward position.

After hanging up, Yuan Xing’s pale face showed a hint of nostalgia. “When I took you to after-school classes as a child, many teachers liked you too. They said they would waive the tuition fees as long as you were willing to learn there.”

From a young age, Yuan Shiyuan had shown exceptional musical talent. He quickly picked up any instrument, and many tutors remarked that he had absolute pitch.

Unwilling to let his talent go to waste, his parents took him to various classes to try different options, helping him find what he truly loved.

They had even asked if he wanted to pursue a career in music.

After careful thought, young Yuan Shiyuan shook his head.

He didn’t want to turn his hobby into his career. He enjoyed the pure joy that music brought him and the creative inspiration process. If he were to rely on music for a living, it would start to feel like a task.

“Those were just words of encouragement from the teachers,” Yuan Shiyuan said with a smile before changing the subject. “Is your gland still hurting badly lately?”

“Not really,” Yuan Xing replied, downplaying his problems. “Don’t worry about me. Besides, isn’t the surgery scheduled for tomorrow? Once it’s over, everything will be fine.”

Yuan Shiyuan had just nodded in agreement when Yuan Xing frowned and said, “Xiao Yuan, can you return these books for me and borrow some new ones?”

“Sure, I’ll send you photos of the shelves for you to choose from,” Yuan Shiyuan said, standing up promptly.

Yuan Xing loved reading, and his tastes were varied. Having grown up around him, Yuan Shiyuan had also developed a love for books.

Yuan Shiyuan carefully photographed the bookshelves, capturing the sections and titles, and selected a few he thought Yuan Xing would like, taking separate pictures of their covers.

He waited for a response but heard nothing.

A surge of unease washed over him.

Yuan Shiyuan hurried back to the hospital room and stopped in his tracks at the doorway.

A group of medical staff had gathered around the bed, wires from various machines tangled around Yuan Xing, making his already pale face look even paler. His lips were tightly pressed together, clearly battling intense pain.

“What happened?” For a moment, Yuan Shiyuan felt like his head was spinning. He wanted to rush to the bedside but stopped himself, afraid of interfering with the treatment.

A nurse, busy preparing equipment, took a moment to answer, “Mr. Yuan was likely enduring the pain and only pressed the call button when he couldn’t take it anymore. It’s probably the malignant mass in his gland pressing against the surrounding nerves and blood vessels.”

“The surgery has to be moved up!”

Yuan Xing’s gland tissue had grown abnormally, with a malignant mass inside. His gland often caused him pain, and given the sensitivity of the area, the discomfort was agonizing.

He had thought it was just another episode of ordinary pain and, not wanting to worry his child, had purposely asked Yuan Shiyuan to leave.

Yuan Xing hadn’t expected this pain to be different.

Yuan Shiyuan stood there helpless, wanting to approach but afraid of hindering the emergency care. His hands trembled violently as his eyes met Yuan Xing’s across the stark white room.

“Xiao Yuan…”

Yuan Xing’s pale lips moved, and Yuan Shiyuan immediately rushed forward, grasping his cold hand. Forcing a smile, Yuan Xing said, “The surgery will be over quickly. I’ll be fine. Don’t be scared…”

Choking back a sob, Yuan Shiyuan also forced a smile. “I’m not scared, and you shouldn’t be either. Once the surgery is done, we can go home together.”

Yuan Xing lifted a hand as if to touch Yuan Shiyuan’s face but was taken into surgery before he could.

“Why so sudden…”

The doctor said hurriedly, “Don’t worry. Mr. Yuan has been examined before, and his body can handle the surgery… We’ll do our best!”

The surgery had originally been scheduled for the next day. His brother and father had taken time off to accompany Yuan Xing.

But now, Yuan Shiyuan was alone.

The beeping of machines, the footsteps of medical staff, and the distant conversations merged into a chaotic, distorted noise in Yuan Shiyuan’s ears. He shakily sent messages to his father and brother but received no response.

Yuan Shiyuan found an empty corner to sit in. Only when the world quieted down did he realize how badly he was trembling, fear raging in his chest. To make matters worse, the hallway lights flickered ominously, as if an ill omen.

Suddenly, a shadow fell over him, carrying the warmth of another person.

Jiang Hang appeared nearby at some point, seeing Yuan Shiyuan sitting alone on the bench, his face ashen. Without hesitation, he took off his jacket, and the coat still warm with an Alpha's body temperature instantly formed a barrier, blocking out everything else.

Beneath the oversized jacket, Jiang Hang pressed Yuan Shiyuan's face into the crook of his neck, his large palm completely covering Yuan Shiyuan's ears.

“It's alright.”

Jiang Hang wrapped Yuan Shiyuan up entirely in his embrace, rhythmically patting his trembling back. He lowered his head just like he did when they were kids, his cheek brushing against Yuan Shiyuan's, slowly nuzzling against him like two little animals seeking warmth from each other.

“Back then, my grandfather's surgery had less than a 10% success rate, but he still made it.”

Jiang Hang soothingly rubbed Yuan Shiyuan's earlobe, comforting him in a low voice, “So your uncle will be okay, too.”

His warm, large hand slid to the back of Yuan Shiyuan's neck, squeezing it gently as if helping him relax. The close proximity allowed Yuan Shiyuan to clearly hear Jiang Hang's strong heartbeat and his low, rough voice.

“I'll stay with you.”

“I won't go anywhere.”

The fear of not knowing whether a loved one would survive and the panic of feeling completely alone seemed to find an outlet in this moment. Even with his ears covered by that large hand, Yuan Shiyuan could still make out some outside noise.

Surrounded by the Alpha's pheromones and body heat, Yuan Shiyuan gradually regained his breathing rhythm.

He slowly calmed down.

At this moment, Yuan Shiyuan felt that Jiang Hang was incredibly familiar—a familiarity he had sensed before but never thought much about.

The embrace now, along with the nuzzling like a small animal, felt increasingly familiar… as if someone had done this to him before.

His nerves, calmed by the S-class Alpha's pheromones, slowly relaxed. Without thinking, Yuan Shiyuan nestled closer into Jiang Hang's arms, resting his chin in the crook of Jiang Hang's neck.

“I kinda…” His fingers clutched Jiang Hang's collar, hesitating for a moment before he finally said, “wanna smell your pheromones.”

“Now?” Jiang Hang replied, “I can't release pheromones in public.”

They were highly compatible. After being calmed by the S-class pheromones, Yuan Shiyuan felt much better, though he was still tense.

He wanted Jiang Hang to release a bit more pheromones for him to smell.

But Jiang Hang's words suddenly reminded Yuan Shiyuan that they were still in a corner of the hospital hallway.

The jacket covering both of them felt like a barrier Jiang Hang made just for him, giving Yuan Shiyuan the illusion that he was in a safe space.

“Right,” Yuan Shiyuan said, “I wasn’t thinking…”

“But you can sniff my gland directly,” Jiang Hang suggested. “It's not as much as releasing pheromones outright, but direct contact with the gland will still let you get a whiff.”

Yuan Shiyuan was surprised: “Is that okay?”

“Yes.”

Before Yuan Shiyuan could react, a strong arm wrapped around his waist, hoisting him onto the Alpha's lap. He ended up straddling Jiang Hang, his knees sinking into the soft cushions on either side of the seat.

He only needed to lean in slightly to reach the Alpha's gland.

Hidden in the corner and shielded by the oversized jacket, they went completely unnoticed.

Yuan Shiyuan hesitated, unsure, but eventually used his slender, pale fingers to push aside Jiang Hang's hair and slowly buried his face. As soon as the tip of his nose touched that patch of skin, the sharp scent of wine surged up.

Their compatibility was so high that even a light sniff strangely relaxed him.

Maybe it had something to do with Jiang Hang's pheromones being alcohol-based.

After just a few moments of smelling it, Yuan Shiyuan began to feel dizzy. The sweet-and-sour flavor made him slightly intoxicated. Unconsciously, he swayed a little and gently licked it with the tip of his tongue.

Under the jacket, Jiang Hang froze abruptly, his large hand instinctively grabbing Yuan Shiyuan's waist, stiff and at a loss.

Was Yuan Shiyuan… licking his gland?

The realization made the Alpha's ears instantly flush red. He could clearly smell the faint, lingering scent emanating from the other, mingling with his own pheromones like a cocktail of mixed drinks, so intoxicating it made him lightheaded.

His gaze slowly shifted, eventually landing on the slender nape of Yuan Shiyuan's neck, where his gland was fully exposed to him.

That patch of skin was thinner and more delicate than the surrounding area, now flushed faintly as if drunk-flushed.

Beside his ear were the soft, delicate sounds of Yuan Shiyuan's gentle licks. Jiang Hang tilted his head slightly, adjusting to a position that made it easier for Yuan Shiyuan.

He closed his eyes. Even though he couldn't see Yuan Shiyuan's face clearly, he could imagine what he looked like right now—a small tip of the tongue peeking out from between his lips, licking delicately and slowly, licking his gland until it was wet…

Just like how Yuan Shiyuan had licked Bao Jin's finger before.

“Sorry,” Yuan Shiyuan finally came to his senses, drawing back, embarrassed. “Your pheromones are too tempting. I couldn't help myself…”

S-class pheromones held an immense attraction for Yuan Shiyuan. Every day, he felt an unusual hunger that only eased when he smelled S-class pheromones.

The doctor had repeatedly emphasized that, while sniffing might work at first, eventually he would need to have S-class Alpha pheromones introduced into his system…

And it couldn't be just from one S-class Alpha.

The thought of having to be serviced by multiple people in tea ceremonies made his skin crawl, as if his world were about to collapse.

At this moment, Yuan Shiyuan felt even guiltier.

As a good friend, Jiang Hang had immediately comforted and worried about him, yet he was treating his friend like a tool. Not only was he using his friend for pheromones, but he was also licking his gland.

Wasn't this repaying kindness with betrayal?

What would come next? Would he become so audacious as to secretly sneak a taste of his friend’s parts?

Yuan Shiyuan straightened up and immediately apologized: “I shouldn't have taken advantage of the situation.”

“This isn't taking advantage.”

Jiang Hang held the back of Yuan Shiyuan's neck, forcing him to look up. Their eyes met under the jacket. “I really liked you licking me, so this isn't taking advantage.”

Yuan Shiyuan stared in disbelief: “How could an Alpha like being licked on the gland by someone of the same sex?”

“Don't you also like smelling pheromones from other guys?” Jiang Hang said casually. “Though I don't know why you like smelling same-sex pheromones… from another perspective, I'm the same as you. I like you smelling my pheromones, and I like you licking my gland.”

“When you lick me, it feels amazing.”

Of course, having your gland licked feels good—just look at what kind of area it is! But hearing this from the stoic guy Jiang Hang made Yuan Shiyuan feel strange.

It sounded a lot like something a gay Alpha would say.

Yuan Shiyuan averted his eyes: “…You don't have to be so explicit.”

He looked as if he had been shocked, as if he’d been harassed, mixed with a bit of confusion.

Jiang Hang suddenly let out a low laugh. He rarely laughed. Now, his chest vibrated slightly with laughter, carrying the scent of Cabernet Sauvignon pheromones that brushed against Yuan Shiyuan's cheek.

He lowered his head, his fingertips gently brushing the moisture at the corner of Yuan Shiyuan’s eyes: “Are you feeling any better now?”

“Way better.”

Yuan Shiyuan propped his hand on Jiang Hang’s chest and sighed deeply. “You're the one who helped me again. If you hadn’t been here, I would’ve been completely flustered just now… not knowing what to do.”

Even though Yuan Shiyuan could handle many things independently, he was still a student—how was he supposed to handle a crisis like this?

He checked his phone; his father and younger brother had replied as soon as they were free and saw the messages. They were just as worried and were rushing to the hospital as quickly as possible.

“I’m glad I could help,” Jiang Hang said. “And I didn’t really do much.”

Just handing over his jacket and releasing his pheromones were no big deal to Jiang Hang. He didn’t see it as a sacrifice, and he wasn't about to take credit for it.

Jiang Hang kept his promise and stayed with Yuan Shiyuan the whole time. If Yuan Shiyuan needed to smell his pheromones, he would drape his jacket over both of them.

The Alpha’s Cabernet Sauvignon pheromones filled the small space, intertwining with their breaths and body warmth. Under the jacket, it felt as though they had created a small world that belonged only to them.

Not long after, a nurse hurried over: “Finally found you! Mr. Yuan’s surgery was very successful. The anesthesia hasn’t worn off yet, so now it’s just about resting well…”

Yuan Shiyuan’s eyes went wide; he was overjoyed. He turned and gave Jiang Hang a tight hug: “The surgery was successful!”

“Yeah, very successful.” Jiang Hang hesitated but hugged him back briefly before letting go. Watching Yuan Shiyuan’s visibly excited and flushed face, he couldn't help a slight smile.

“I really need to thank you. You've helped me before, and now here you are again.”

“You don’t need to thank me.”

Thanking each other felt too formal for friends. Jiang Hang, though outwardly cool, was warm-hearted. Constantly expressing gratitude would only create more distance.

Yuan Shiyuan bumped Jiang Hang’s shoulder with his fist and added, “But honestly, I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere before.”

Jiang Hang looked at him.

“But it must be my imagination. I don’t remember knowing anyone with black curly hair, and you’re so tall and handsome—if I’d seen you before, I definitely wouldn’t have forgotten.”

“…”

Jiang Hang watched his lips move as he spoke, and said, “Is that so?”

“Of course, I have a great memory.” Yuan Shiyuan was proud of his memory.

Yuan Shiyuan knew many friends who wore earrings. Among them was a friend he met at the orphanage, whose earring was almost identical to Jiang Hang’s.

But they absolutely couldn’t be the same person.

His friend didn’t have curly hair, let alone black hair, and was skinny and short, only slightly taller than him.

Moreover, Yuan Shiyuan knew his friend’s secret.

His friend was abandoned because his father, through a professional agency, had tested his differentiation potential. The report indicated that he was highly likely to become a Beta.

But Jiang Hang was not only an Alpha—he was an S-class Alpha.

After learning that Yuan Xing’s surgery was successful, a huge weight lifted, and he felt light as air. He unconsciously rose slightly on his toes, spinning leisurely on the spot.

“That’s great, the surgery was successful,” he said earnestly, turning to Jiang Hang. “I still feel like buying you a meal isn’t enough.”

There was also the rest of the team—he should thank them too.

But how to express his gratitude was another matter. They were well-off and didn't expect anything in return, but that didn’t mean he could do nothing and take advantage of their kindness.

What should he give them?

“Xiao Yuan!”

“Brother!”

Two Alphas came running over, sweating profusely. Yuan Shiyuan quickly stood up and waved.

Yuan’s father grabbed Yuan Shiyuan by the shoulders, speaking rapidly in his anxiety: “You must have been so scared! Such a big matter, and you were alone—you must have been terrified…”

“No, I…” Yuan Shiyuan was about to introduce Jiang Hang to his father, but when he turned around, Jiang Hang was already gone.

Yuan Shiyuan froze.

Yuan Shize said regretfully, “I shouldn’t have gone back to school first. It’s all my fault.”

“No one expected the surgery to be moved up so suddenly. Thankfully, everything went smoothly, and the doctor said it was very successful.” Yuan Shiyuan withdrew his gaze and forced a smile. “From now on, Mom just needs to focus on resting.”

The family had finally overcome the difficult time.

In the hospital room, Yuan’s father wept tears of joy while Yuan Shiyuan and his younger brother comforted their parents.

After learning that the person who had stayed with Yuan Shiyuan during the wait was Jiang Hang, his parents wanted to thank him in person. They knew Yuan Shiyuan must have been very frightened, and it was a relief that a friend had been by his side so he wasn’t alone.

Yuan Shiyuan sent Jiang Hang a message.

Yuan Shiyuan: You there? My parents want to treat you to a meal to thank you in person.

Jiang Hang: No need to be so formal.

Yuan Shiyuan: No, really, it is. My parents really want to meet you.

Jiang Hang: Your parents want to meet me?

Jiang Hang: Sure, when?

Their team was going to be swamped, and Jiang Hang wouldn’t have time every day.

Yuan Shiyuan thought for a moment: How about we figure it out when I'm back at the company? We can pick a time that works for you.

Soon, Jiang Hang replied: Okay, I’m free anytime. It depends on your parents’ schedule.

When Yuan Shiyuan returned to the company and pushed open the door to the agent’s office, he immediately noticed many familiar faces.

He was about to wave hello but first caught their strange expressions on the faces of these S-class Alphas.

The way they looked at him was really complicated, as if… he had some unspeakable, hidden ailment?

Zhuang He was the first to speak excitedly: “There’s good news and bad news. Which do you want to hear first?”

Yuan Shiyuan raised an eyebrow: “The good news?”

Zhuang He clapped his hands excitedly: “Your magazine is getting extra print runs—even the extra copies they kept printing are sold out!”

“And the bad news?”

“The bad news is, you’re going to be very busy from now on.”

Yuan Shiyuan picked a seat and was about to lean back when he felt an intense stare from one side.

Ying Mingche, who was usually the most talkative, now looked at him, at a loss for words.

Not only was Ying Mingche acting strangely, but the other Alphas were also giving him weird looks, with some unreadable meaning.

What's happening?

Five mysterious guys?

“Let's talk about Shi Yuan's schedule first.”

Zhuang He’s voice interrupted Yuan Shiyuan’s thoughts.

“A few TV dramas have submitted scripts, but I'm not really considering them. The production value is decent, but they require you to dye your hair,” Zhuang He said. “Your current hairstyle is quite distinctive, and the company doesn’t plan to change your image, so I passed on them.”

“There’s another script… Actually, I wanted to show it to you all earlier. But now, scratch that.”

“I’ve decided not to take it for you.”

Yuan Shiyuan leaned forward curiously. “What kind of script?”

Ying Mingche, who had only been quiet for a few minutes, was getting restless again. He quietly moved closer to Yuan Shiyuan, trying to throw an arm around his shoulder.

“I’m also curious about what kind of script it is,” he said, about to rest his chin on Yuan Shiyuan’s shoulder as usual, but Zhuang He yanked him back by the collar. He complained, “Brother Zhuang, what are you doing?”

Zhuang He glanced at Yuan Shiyuan and cleared his throat pointedly. “We’re discussing the script. No touching.”

“This is the first LGBTQ+ series since the policy restrictions eased. The director is very famous and it's awards bait. He specifically requested Shi Yuan as the lead and doesn’t require him to dye his hair. He also wants to pick two more members from our group…”

“As for which two members, it’ll depend on your audition performances…”

“Aiming for awards, and the director is famous—isn’t that great?” Yuan Shiyuan didn’t understand. “Plus, the director might cast three members from our group. Isn’t that a great opportunity for us?”

“Why not take it?”

Was it because they were idols with poor acting skills, and Zhuang He was worried they’d get criticized later? But that didn’t make sense.

Several S-class Alphas and the only Omega all turned their confused and suspicious gazes toward Zhuang He.

Zhuang He grew increasingly restless, especially when he looked at Yuan Shiyuan, his expression growing even more unnatural. “I originally planned to take it and have all members except Shi Yuan audition one by one… But the issue is, this drama has quite steamy scenes.”

“There are a lot of kissing and bed scenes… You get the idea. I’m afraid you might not be able to handle it, so let’s just forget it.” As he spoke, he glanced at Yuan Shiyuan again.

The air instantly froze.

Steamy… scenes?

Yuan Shiyuan immediately understood that this was the reason for the rejection.

Back when he was an Alpha, Zhuang He thought it was just art and no big deal. But now that he had undergone a secondary differentiation into an Omega… Zhuang He couldn’t bring himself to throw him to the wolves.

The other S-class Alphas were stunned at first, then their expressions turned strange, before finally settling on Yuan Shiyuan with tacit understanding.

“Wow.”

Ying Mingche was the first to speak. He suddenly moved like a predator ready to strike, closing in on Yuan Shiyuan.

With a serious expression, as if pondering a profound academic question, his warm breath brushed against Yuan Shiyuan’s well-defined earlobe. He said gravely, “So, Brother Zhuang… you mean both roles would have intimate scenes with our Princess Yuanyuan?”

“Kissing scenes, bed scenes,” he continued, leaning even closer to Yuan Shiyuan. “If I pass the audition, I’ll get to film them with our Shi Yuan?”

Brother Zhuang pushed Ying Mingche’s face away. “In principle, yes. But these two roles aren’t just open to our team—they’re also available to your competitors, the Necro Boy Band members.”

“Necro will also be competing.”

Yuan Shiyuan’s expression turned horrified, and he broke out in goosebumps.

Ying Mingxi said gently, “Shi Yuan wouldn’t want to film intimate scenes with them, right?”

“Of course not!” Yuan Shiyuan shivered. “I’d rather film them with you all than with them.”

The words slipped out before Yuan Shiyuan realized what he’d said. He looked up at the Alphas around him, and the S-class members all seemed to relax, their lips curling almost imperceptibly, as if… smug?

Ying Mingche immediately jumped in, “Okay, it’s settled then. Brother Zhuang, Shi Yuan has agreed to film it, and I have no objections.”

“I’m willing to take one for the art.”

“Are you serious?” Zhuang He locked eyes with Yuan Shiyuan. “There really are a lot of kissing and bed scenes, and none of you have ever filmed intimate scenes before… If you go for the audition, you’ll need to put in plenty of practice during this time.”

“You need to think it through carefully,” he said, directing this at Yuan Shiyuan.

These Scepter members had no experience filming intimate scenes—they’d all been lifelong singles. If they were to audition, they’d have to practice intimate scenes with Yuan Shiyuan repeatedly beforehand to secure the roles…

These S-class Alphas, who had never been in relationships, taking turns practicing kissing scenes with Yuan Shiyuan? Zhuang He didn’t even dare imagine the mess that would follow.

Yuan Shiyuan knew what Zhuang He was worried about, but for the sake of the team, he nodded. “I really have no problem with it.”

Yuan Shiyuan spoke decisively, but his fingers unconsciously gripped the edge of his shirt, and his foot tapped nervously on the floor.

He took a deep breath, trying to convince himself.

Since he’d chosen this career, he had to overcome this hurdle. Many idols acted—he couldn’t limit his development just because he was uncomfortable with same-sex scenes.

Yuan Shiyuan glanced unconsciously at the familiar figures in the room, silently comforting himself.

It’s just kissing and shooting romantic scenes—it should be over quickly, right? Besides, filming intimate scenes with teammates he saw every day was better than with strangers.

“It’s just… kissing,” Yuan Shiyuan said, trying to sound casual. “No sweat.”

It probably wouldn’t be… too bad, right?

Zhuang He hadn’t expected Yuan Shiyuan to be so open to it.

He had originally planned to reject the offer, but the director was too big an opportunity to pass up.

Jiang Hang thought it over for a moment before saying, “The director specifically requested Yuan Shiyuan, and the other two roles… Should all five of us compete for them?”

To prevent Yuan Shiyuan from having intimate scenes with outsiders, they had to ensure at least two of the five succeeded in the audition.

Zhuang He: “That was my initial thought… Sending all of you to audition would improve our odds.”

He shot a discreet look at Bao Jin.

“Why are you looking at me,” Seeing Yuan Shiyuan also glanced over, Bao Jin turned his head away, revealing slightly reddened ears. His tone was flat, “Didn't you say it yourself, Brother Zhuang? This is a team arrangement. I follow orders.”

The most rebellious Bao Jin actually nodded in agreement? Zhuang He looked astonished, like hell had frozen over.

All six members unanimously accepted. That left only one last question. Yuan Shiyuan asked the key point: “What are the character profiles of the other two roles?”

“Oh, I forgot to mention this to you.”

Zhuang He took out the script, looking at the eager S-class Alphas before him, feeling that something was off. He explained, “Shi Yuan is naturally our protagonist. The other two supporting roles also revolve around Shi Yuan.”

“One of the roles is Shi Yuan's official boyfriend, and the other role is the third party having an affair with Shi Yuan.”

“…”

“Wait?”

A third party?!