Chapter 78: Confession (Part 1 + Part 2)

Chapter 78: Confession (First and Second Update)

"What were you doing just now?!"

Following Su Luochen's outburst was an equally furious Nan Liujing.

Faced with his friend's relentless questioning, Yue Xiao's reaction was remarkably calm: "I wasn't doing anything."

"Just apologizing, that's all."

"..."

Su Luochen was almost driven to laughter: "Apologizing in this manner? You call this an apology?!"

"This is between Yuan Shiyuan and me. It has nothing to do with you." Yue Xiao pushed aside Su Luochen, who was blocking his path, and slowly smoothed the wrinkles on his collar. Only when he noticed a faint bloodstain did his brow furrow almost imperceptibly.

"Nothing to do with us?" Su Luochen sneered, "You say this has nothing to do with us? Who do you think you are? Stop flattering yourself."

On the sofa, Bao Jin carefully settled Yuan Shiyuan onto his lap, meticulously checking for any other injuries. Ying Mingche knelt on the floor, holding Yuan Shiyuan's socks and shoes, ready to help him put them on.

But Yuan Shiyuan wrinkled his nose and pulled his feet back, his face a mask of disgust. The plump toes below the arch of his foot reflected a silvery sheen under the light. He was clearly extremely uncomfortable with the lingering sensation on his foot.

Hearing the intense argument within the Necro boy band, the members of Scepter found it both absurd and laughable. They hadn't even begun to demand an explanation, and Necro was already embroiled in internal conflict?

Especially Su Luochen, who was acting like a mad dog, tail stepped on, lashing out at everyone, not even sparing his childhood friends.

"Shi Yuan..."

Finally, Nan Liujing spoke timidly. He looked at Yuan Shiyuan on the sofa, not even daring to approach, his voice extremely soft: "Can we... talk alone?"

"Excuse me, who are you?"

Ying Mingche, who had been holding back his anger, interrupted rudely, "Our 'Princess Yuanyuan' is very busy. Do you think you can just talk to him whenever you want? If you really want to chat with him, fine—contact our company through the proper channels, secure a sufficient budget, and get in line."

After being provoked by a fellow S-class Alpha, Nan Liujing's expression instantly darkened.

But when he looked at Yuan Shiyuan again, his handsome face showed only a nearly pitiful, pleading expression.

Yuan Shiyuan glanced at him but said nothing.

He was very familiar with that expression and tone. Back when they were on good terms, if the other had upset him, he would use this pitiful, pleading expression and tone to beg for forgiveness.

While Nan Liujing could tolerate Ying Mingche's provocation, Su Luochen was completely ignited. He had long held a grudge against Ying Mingche and finally found an outlet for his pent-up anger.

"And who do you think you are? Since when can you call him 'Princess Yuanyuan'?" Su Luochen let out a sarcastic laugh. "Oh, I remember now—you're that clingy good-for-nothing."

"Right, knowing you're nothing, you finally managed to invite Yuan Shiyuan, so you shamelessly cling to him. Do you desperately want to lick him while sleeping every day, afraid he'll run away?"

The insulting words poured out, but Ying Mingche showed no reaction, only latching onto the last few words. He thoughtfully repeated, "Lick him while sleeping?"

He actually seemed to consider it seriously for a moment before turning to Yuan Shiyuan and asking earnestly, "Is that allowed?"

"You—!" Su Luochen was so angry that the veins bulged on his forehead.

The high-end VIP dressing room had turned into a battleground, and Yuan Shiyuan couldn't understand why these S-class Alphas were arguing so fiercely.

"No," he first curtly rejected Ying Mingche. Then he said indifferently, "But you're right, I'm usually very busy."

"If you need to contact me, please reach out to my company."

Ying Mingche looked pleased, obediently snuggling against Yuan Shiyuan's knees, his cheek resting against Yuan Shiyuan's calf. He turned his head toward Su Luochen and flashed a silent, provocative, victorious smile.

Yuan Shiyuan was too lazy to listen to their internal conflict and found it all baffling.

Uncomfortable with the feeling on his foot, he didn't want to put on his shoes. Bao Jin simply picked him up, holding him facing him.

Ying Mingche stood up as well, holding Yuan Shiyuan's socks and shoes.

Throughout it all, Yuan Shiyuan didn't even spare them a glance.

He lazily rested his head on Bao Jin's shoulder, his arms naturally wrapping around Bao Jin's neck, his chin nuzzling into the Alpha's neck. He was clearly accustomed to such intimate contact, a habit formed through daily routine.

Just as Ying Mingche opened the door and they were about to leave, a frantic shout suddenly came from behind.

"The reason I ignored you during that time was because I realized I had developed feelings for you!"

Ying Mingche and Bao Jin stopped in their tracks simultaneously, turning back in surprise.

Yuan Shiyuan, still being carried by Bao Jin, also froze for a moment.

The room fell silent, with only Nan Liujing's voice echoing in the empty space, his voice trembling: "Because I realized I liked you, I was afraid... I was afraid you would think I was just like the other Alphas who harassed you—a disgusting gay Alpha!"

"So I didn't dare face you. I was afraid you would find out, afraid you would know, afraid you would hate me. I wanted to deal with my feelings as quickly as possible, to at least make me like you less... As long as I pretended well enough, we could still be good friends like before."

Because they were close, Yuan Shiyuan had once told Nan Liujing about being harassed by other men, including some obsessive and extreme pursuits.

And because they were close, Nan Liujing knew better than anyone that, no matter how un-Alpha-like Yuan Shiyuan seemed, he was a genuine straight Alpha, with absolutely no chance of changing his sexual orientation or liking other Alphas.

Nan Liujing's first instinct was to hide his feelings well; otherwise, they wouldn't even be able to remain friends.

"But I couldn't do it!"

The Alpha's voice suddenly rose, then fell again. Like a lost large dog in a storm, he drooped his head dejectedly. "No matter how hard I tried, no matter how I adjusted or distracted myself... it was useless."

"I still... really like you."

After hearing all this, Yuan Shiyuan remained expressionless. Instead, the large hand belonging to Bao Jin, resting on his waist, suddenly tightened. He looked up and unexpectedly met a pair of deep, intense eyes.

At the same time, Ying Mingche was also staring intently at him.

Yuan Shiyuan didn't turn around, only saying coolly:

"Noted."

Using the excuse that his clothes were dirty and he needed to freshen up, Yuan Shiyuan finally got the chance to wash his feet.

He had been standing all day, exhausted from being on his feet. Now, if someone else could do it for him, he wouldn't lift a finger himself. He lazily sank into Bao Jin's embrace, leaning back and adjusting to the most comfortable position, completely silent.

Bao Jin, surprised by his fluid, effortless movement, glanced down at him.

Yuan Shiyuan lazily opened his eyes and gave a silent questioning look: "?"

Bao Jin naturally wrapped an arm around his waist: "You're quite practiced at getting comfortable like this."

Ying Mingche was just placing a basin of warm water on the floor and had picked up Yuan Shiyuan's foot.

Hearing this, he scoffed: "If you're not happy with it, I'll take over."

Ying Mingche's tone was full of displeasure.

He was a moment too late, and Bao Jin had already swept Yuan Shiyuan into his lap. As a result, Ying Mingche could only compromise by helping Yuan Shiyuan wash his feet.

Ying Mingche had never waited on anyone in his life, but when he lifted that foot, the pale, delicate foot held firmly in his larger, darker hand created a striking visual contrast, giving him a bizarre pleasure.

Cupping warm water in his palm, he slowly poured it over the instep. As his large hand kneaded the arch and worked the sole with just the right pressure, the slick lubrication of the water made the touch feel even more intimate and subtle.

"How is even your foot so pale?" Ying Mingche muttered suddenly.

"Feet are always covered by socks, never exposed to the sun, so of course they're pale," Yuan Shiyuan replied lazily, too comfortable to even open his eyes, his voice carrying a sleepy nasal tone. "Just like the butt. No matter how dark someone is, their butt is always pale."

Bao Jin unexpectedly pictured a patch of white.

His fingertips twitched slightly, recalling the sensation of warmth and softness. He agreed, "Indeed."

"What do you mean, 'indeed'?" Ying Mingche scoffed coldly. "Have you seen it? Stop fantasizing here."

Bao Jin glanced at him, the corner of his lips curling into a meaningful smirk, but he didn't refute.

Of course he had seen it—not only seen it but experienced it up close.

Ying Mingche was just talking tough for now.

Yuan Shiyuan nestled quietly in Bao Jin's arms, using the foot-washing as an excuse to pretend to doze, treating it as a short nap.

But he wasn't actually asleep. While Ying Mingche was washing his feet, whether by accident or not, his fingertips would occasionally brush against the sensitive sole, sending a tickling sensation shooting up his body. Unable to help himself, Yuan Shiyuan turned his head, rubbing his cheek randomly against Bao Jin's chest, letting out intermittent, breathy, nasal murmurs.

"Does it feel that good?"

Bao Jin looked down at Yuan Shiyuan's slightly mussed pink hair, feeling the subtle friction against his chest and the faint, soft hums. He asked curiously, "Did you react like this when your former teammate licked you?"

"Of course not," Yuan Shiyuan said lazily. "That's a different matter."

"Then how did it feel when you were licked?" Ying Mingche pressed, unconsciously increasing the pressure of his massage, his thumb pressing heavily against the sensitive spot on the sole.

Yuan Shiyuan jolted at the pressure, his fingers gripping Bao Jin's arm tightly as he let out a sharp breath.

"Of course it was disgusting. What else could it feel like?" he said, puzzled. "Who would enjoy having an Alpha lick their feet? Isn't that weird? It's too gross."

Yuan Shiyuan still couldn't understand why Yue Xiao would do such a thing.

Bao Jin and Ying Mingche's gazes simultaneously fell on the pair of feet in the basin, now pinkish-white from soaking, and they fell into a brief silence.

"Besides disgust, what else?" they asked again. "No other feelings?"

Yuan Shiyuan was confused. "Why are you asking this?"

"We need to know all your feelings," Bao Jin said without changing his expression. "Aren't we a team of good brothers?"

Ying Mingche chimed in, "Exactly. This also helps us understand your body more deeply."

"Ah." Yuan Shiyuan parted his lips, letting out a meaningless sound before seemingly starting to seriously recall the details. "Besides disgust... it felt a bit warm and very ticklish?" He paused, then added, "And a bit numb? When you guys came in, I couldn't control my body and just collapsed into the sofa."

"Numb? Ticklish?" Ying Mingche summarized accurately. "Sounds like pleasure."

"So sensitive." Bao Jin seemed to chuckle, his large hand resting on Yuan Shiyuan's waist, fingers curling slightly to gently rub against Yuan Shiyuan's knuckles.

Yuan Shiyuan casually hummed in agreement. He was indeed quite sensitive, with many ticklish spots on his body, especially around his waist.

If someone suddenly touched his waist, he might just jump up.

Though the sensation in his palm was smooth and delicate, Ying Mingche felt an inexplicable surge of sourness. He clicked his tongue, "Tsk, your former teammate really scored... I've never even licked you."

So far, he had only kissed Yuan Shiyuan's cheek and held his hand.

To think an outsider had beaten him to it.

Yuan Shiyuan was speechless. "Stop with the gross talk."

Bao Jin, feigning casualness, steered the conversation elsewhere. "But... what do you think about your former teammate saying he likes you?"

"Don't make it sound like he's my ex-boyfriend."

Yuan Shiyuan still wore his indifferent expression, lazily adjusting his posture. "What's there to say? It's all water under the bridge."

"If he likes me, so be it."

After all, plenty of people liked him.

If he had to respond to each one and look back every time, he'd be exhausted.

"Your former good friend likes you, and that's all you've got to say?" Bao Jin was surprised.

"You said it yourself—former."

If Yuan Shiyuan and Nan Liujing were still friends, he might have been troubled by his friend's confession.

But now they were nothing more than strangers who had met and spent some time together, not worth his energy.

The almost cold response plunged the two Alphas into an even deeper silence.

Yuan Shiyuan had a good temper and could take a joke, but he also seemed particularly ruthless. Once he decided to cut ties with someone, there was no room for reconciliation.

The only sounds left were the faint splashing of water and breathing. Yuan Shiyuan contentedly accepted the service of the two S-class Alphas, dozing off, when he suddenly grew puzzled.

Weren't they just yammering on? Why were they so quiet all of a sudden?

Weren't they fond of asking questions?

Perhaps it was precisely because it was too quiet that Yuan Shiyuan recalled Nan Liujing's confession. He blurted out of nowhere, his voice tinged with obvious confusion, "Actually... I find it strange."

"We're both Alphas. Why did he fall for me?"

Although Yuan Shiyuan was now an Omega, when he met and interacted with Nan Liujing, he was an Alpha through and through. Knowing full well that he was an Alpha, how could Nan Liujing still fall for him?

Bao Jin lowered his head silently, his gaze pinning Yuan Shiyuan, nestled in the crook of his arm, with an intense stare.

Yuan Shiyuan happened to look up at him, his amber eyes like dewy pools under the light.

Bao Jin didn't understand how Yuan Shiyuan, who was born charming, could say such a thing.

As Yuan Shiyuan adjusted his collar and prepared to return to his post, he noticed a crew member wearing a black mask carrying a camera.

He called out to them, "Hello?"

The cameraman seemed to pause momentarily, his tall figure stiffening abruptly. As if controlled by invisible strings, he slowly turned around.

A wide brim and a tight-fitting mask concealed most of his face, leaving only a pair of eyes sunken in shadow.

Yuan Shiyuan picked up an unopened bottle of mineral water and handed it over, a polite smile naturally forming on his lips. "You've worked hard today. Have some water and take a break."

The cameraman's gaze swept quickly across Yuan Shiyuan's face before flinching away as if scorched.

He placed his expensive equipment on the ground and reached out with both hands to take the water, his fingers trembling noticeably.

Yuan Shiyuan watched him, a flicker of suspicion in his amber eyes. Before he could speak, the other quickly snatched up the equipment from the ground and all but fled in a panic.

In the evening, Yuan Shiyuan still had to attend a banquet prepared by the brand. Many celebrities, influencers, and VIPs were invited to the event.

After the store-closing event, he returned to the dressing room to gather his things.

In the extremely private VIP room, an unfamiliar object had suddenly appeared on the table.

A cold, cylindrical glass container. It seemed familiar—exactly like the container for pheromone extract.

After a moment of thought, Yuan Shiyuan used a tissue to turn it around and check the label code on the container's surface.

He had a sharp memory, and he immediately confirmed that this extract was the one that had been stolen earlier.

The S-class Alpha pheromone extract originally contained inside had suddenly vanished.

In its place was an unfamiliar solution that refracted an eerie, dim glow under the light.

Yuan Shiyuan immediately went to find Bao Jin and Ying Mingche to explain the situation.

The Alphas' first reaction was: "You didn't open and smell it, did you?"

Yuan Shiyuan wasn't that foolish: "No, I only checked the label."

Yuan Shiyuan was very cautious; he even used a tissue as a barrier while examining the label. From start to finish, he never touched the object.

"It might be something like a sedative—many obsessive fans are into this kind of stunt," Bao Jin said coldly.

But when Bao Jin sent the extract for analysis, the results showed it wasn't dangerous—just an ordinary, synthetic pheromone.

However, because it was a low-quality synthetic pheromone, it had a cheap smell, like toilet air freshener, and even smelled somewhat pungent.

The van drove smoothly, the interior softly lit.

Yuan Shiyuan frowned in thought, his fingertips unconsciously tapping on the leather armrest, completely baffled.

"Who would go to the trouble of stealing pheromone extract?"

"Steal it just to return it and swap the contents?"

To those who don't need it, pheromone extract is worthless.

Could the thief have a deficiency? Or a pheromone dysfunction? Did they need S-class Alpha pheromone extract for auxiliary treatment?

Ying Mingche had a rough guess.

He casually crossed his long legs, but his gaze remained fixed on Yuan Shiyuan. "I suspect it might be one of your extreme fans who misunderstood—seeing you carry our pheromone extract with you... and mistakenly thought we were in a secret relationship?"

Bao Jin: "What's ambiguous about that?"

"An Alpha carrying another Alpha's pheromone extract—isn't that ambiguous enough?"

Ying Mingche chuckled softly, leaning slightly forward with his elbows on his knees, looking up at Yuan Shiyuan. "In the world of Alpha/Alpha relationships, this is how they 'mark' their partners. Since they can't leave pheromones on their lovers directly, they extract the pheromones and have their partners carry them around, creating the illusion of being marked and immersed in their scent."

"Even if it's just a self-deceiving fantasy, it's enough to satisfy them."

Yuan Shiyuan shuddered: "I was using it medicinally."

Carrying the pheromone extract was just for emergencies. Who would have thought others would see it as a sign of an Alpha/Alpha relationship?

"Alpha/Alpha relationships are a niche community; this is a customary practice among them. It's normal that you wouldn't know, given how innocent our little princess is."

As Ying Mingche spoke, he slung an arm over Yuan Shiyuan's arm, nuzzling into the crook of his neck and taking a deep breath. "I've wanted to do this for a long time."

Seeing Yuan Shiyuan offer no resistance and even seeming used to it, Bao Jin felt stifled, his brows furrowing tightly.

"You seem to know a lot about it," he sneered. "Are you into Alpha/Alpha relationships?"

"Of course I know," Ying Mingche said casually. "I was born into a double-Alpha family. Both the mother who gave birth to me and me father are Alphas. What's strange to you is everyday knowledge for me."

"But—"

Ying Mingche paid no mind to Bao Jin's hostility, instead pulling Yuan Shiyuan closer, his fingers lightly twirling the pale pink ends of his hair while sneaking a couple of kisses.

"I am curious, though—whose pheromone extract was it that got stolen?"

Yuan Shiyuan thought for a moment: "I believe it was the captain's."

There was a reason Yuan Shiyuan had saved Pei Yanbing's pheromone extract for last. Pei Yanbing's pheromone had a cooling effect, and Yuan Shiyuan planned to use it when it got hot.

Unexpectedly, it was stolen by someone malicious.

"Oh? Then the captain should be careful."

Ying Mingche chuckled lowly, gloating. "In the eyes of this obsessive fan, the captain is probably the number one rival. They must be thinking, 'Oh my god, my Yuan Yuan baby likes Pei Yanbing so much that he even carries Pei Yanbing's pheromone extract with him...'"

Imitating the tone of an obsessive fan, he breathed suggestively against Yuan Shiyuan's ear. "What did you two do in private? Did you kiss? Did you hug?"

Well, they had done all of that.

Not just kissing and hugging, but also deeper, more intense temporary marks.

Yuan Shiyuan expressionlessly shoved Ying Mingche's face away. "Stop putting yourself in the shoes of an obsessive fan and fantasizing about all this nonsense."

Bao Jin sneered: "I think he'd rather take their place and become your obsessive fan himself."

"Do I need to be an obsessive fan?"

Ying Mingche raised an eyebrow, provocatively looking at Bao Jin. "I'm in the same group as the little princess. I can do whatever I want."

He paused deliberately, his fingers curling suggestively and brushing against Yuan Shiyuan's waist. "Openly, right in front of all of you."

"Enough."

Yuan Shiyuan didn't want to hear any more on this topic, nor did he want to listen to Alphas fantasizing about him. He analyzed seriously, "To sneak into the filming location unnoticed and enter the dedicated area's interior under everyone's noses... I think the person's identity is likely that of a staff member, like a cameraman."

"I encountered a rather strange cameraman today." He couldn't quite put his finger on what was off.

"With all the layers of security, the fact that he managed to sneak in suggests there's a high possibility of an inside job."

"Someone has already been sent to check the surveillance footage," Bao Jin said in a low voice. "The staff will pay special attention to the cameraperson."

This kind of matter didn't require Yuan Shiyuan's attention—someone else would handle it for him. He gave a lazy "Mm" and reclined comfortably in his chair.

The nonstop work hadn't left him overly exhausted.

However, the intense pheromones of two S-class Alphas permeating the enclosed car interior stirred a lingering hunger deep in his abdomen.

Fortunately, the feeling wasn't too strong.

It was more like craving dessert or some fruit after a full meal—a lingering craving rather than an urgent need.

The temporary mark from Pei Yanbing, an S-class Alpha, was still quite effective.

With more schedules ahead and the need for intense classes and training, Yuan Shiyuan decided to be safe and contacted Ying Mingxi.

He opened his chat with Ying Mingxi and tapped on his avatar.

Yuan Shiyuan: Brother Mingxi?

Ying Mingxi: I'm here.

Yuan Shiyuan: I think I'm feeling a bit needy. [twiddling fingers.jpg]

Ying Mingxi: Do you need my Jingye?

Seeing this message pop up suddenly, Yuan Shiyuan almost jumped out of his seat.

He had originally intended to ask Ying Mingxi for a temporary mark, just like Pei Yanbing had given him—quick and simple, a single bite to finish the job (as long as it wasn't as protracted as with Pei Yanbing).

But then Yuan Shiyuan suddenly remembered the alternative method Ying Mingxi had proposed last time. Instead of direct contact, it would be like making cream puffs: first, the cream would be prepared, then injected using a tool, such as a syringe.

This would avoid direct contact between Xiao Xue and the orange segments, and the needle was small, making it easy to use and ingest.

Yuan Shiyuan deleted the text in the chat box and typed again.

Yuan Shiyuan: Yes, please~ [eager jpg]

Since he was asking for a favor, it was better to be enthusiastic. He added an eager, waiting emoji.

Ying Mingxi must have been on his phone, as the chat immediately showed "typing," but Yuan Shiyuan didn't receive a reply right away.

About a minute later, his phone finally vibrated.

It was a voice message.

Yuan Shiyuan put on his earphones and listened to Ying Mingxi’s slightly hoarse voice, said with a soft laugh.

"I'm looking forward to it too, Shi Yuan."

At that very moment, Ying Mingche, sitting in the adjacent seat, let out a stifled groan. His body tensed almost imperceptibly, and his breathing grew labored and uneven.

He tugged at his collar, but his gaze fixed precisely on Yuan Shiyuan.

"What are you chatting about with my brother? You look so happy."

Ying Mingche leaned over, pulling Yuan Shiyuan halfway into his embrace. His tone feigned casualness, but it carried a mix of chaotic panting and heat sparked from afar.

"?" Yuan Shiyuan said, "Were you spying on my phone screen?"

"Do I need to peek? I can tell just from your expression."

In truth, he had figured it out from the intense excitement and anticipation transmitted through their empathic connection.

Ying Mingche’s tone was casual, but it held clear curiosity and jealousy. "What are you talking about that you can't show us? We're all family."

"Or maybe…"

Ying Mingche’s fingers slowly closed around Yuan Shiyuan’s wrist. "Are you planning to sneak behind my back and get up to something with my brother?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Bao Jin, who had been silent all along, finally lifted his gaze. His eyes, piercing and physical, rested silently on Yuan Shiyuan, who was half-embraced by the Alpha, as if catching someone red-handed.