After Being Bitten By Top-Tier O, Flop A Went Viral - Chapter 37
37: You Help Me Wash
The first post under the trending topic was the video Yan Qing had posted. Fans were in a frenzy, each expressing their madness in their own way.
Comment 1: I feel like that shrew who was arguing fiercely with outsiders bullying my wife, only to be called back home by my adorable wife, only to realize I’m actually the mother-in-law… My wife brought her wife home to show me, and I have to smile and forgive her. Aaaaaah! (Vibrating with rage.jpg)
Comment 2: Such complicated family dynamics. Girlfriend fans, you’ve suffered. Mommy fans, pat pat. Xiao Qin is quite good, quite good. Just don’t let me catch you wronging Qingqing~ (Sharpening knife.gif).
Comment 3: It’s not real. Dating shows require CP (couple promotion). Qingqing is just being professional, understand? Wait until after the show to see.
Comment 4: Hey, you can fool others, but don’t fool yourself. Weren’t you all laughing at Lu Lu for clinging to Xu Zheng before? Now your big-shot Yan is clinging to someone too, and the person isn’t even as good as Xu Zheng. At least Xu Zheng is the second-in-command at Bosen. What is Qin Que?
Comment 5: Lu Lu fans, get lost, will you? Our family’s business is none of your concern. Qin Que might be a nobody, but at least she’s good-looking, understanding, and has a clean background. Your brother-in-law was just photographed with a young model last night. Gross!
Comment 6: Though I don’t like Qin Que either, comparing her to Xu Zheng is an insult to Qin. Being poor and unknown is temporary, but moral bankruptcy is usually permanent.
Comment 7: How blind do you have to be to think Yan Qing is clinging to someone? She’s good to Qin Que, but she’s good to everyone she’s close with. Look at Qin Que—to exaggerate, if Yan Qing ever killed someone, she’d be the one handing her the knife.
Comment 8: I’m an all-positive fan. Qingqing can play with whoever she wants, like whoever she wants. She hasn’t broken any laws or neglected her work. What’s it to me?
Comment 9: Exactly. Even if it’s just for the dating show now, it’s perfectly reasonable if they really date. Yan Qing never portrayed herself as some celibate monk like certain others. You can’t expect her to stay single forever.
Aside from the CP fans who were head over heels for the “Qin-Qing Pair,” Yan Qing’s solo fans were split into two factions. Most fans, while not exactly welcoming Qin Que’s presence, could accept it. After all, if Yan Qing had to date someone, Qin Que was far better than those morally ambiguous, ugly rich kids. A small faction of extreme girlfriend fans, however, had already started insinuating that Qin Que was just using Yan Qing to promote herself, no different from those who’d stirred up dating rumors before. But since Yan Qing had always been a highly independent artist with little reliance on fans, and with the dating show still filming, they hadn’t yet escalated to directly attacking Qin Que.
Just as tensions between the two factions were heating up and an internal war seemed imminent, fans of Bosen’s other star, Lu Lu, jumped in. The two factions immediately set aside their differences to unite against a common enemy. Even the most toxic solo fans began highlighting Qin Que’s virtues to prove she was a hundred times better than Lu Lu’s boyfriend, Xu Zheng.
This was inevitable. The feud between Lu Lu and Yan Qing was long-standing. Lu Lu had risen to fame earlier and was originally Bosen’s leading star. But after Yan Qing’s meteoric rise, Lu Lu’s status gradually declined. Though many still referred to them as the “Twin Stars of Bosen,” whenever their names appeared together, Lu Lu was always second to Yan Qing.
Lu Lu’s resentment was no secret. Whenever she appeared alongside Yan Qing, she dressed to steal the spotlight and insisted on the center position. Though Yan Qing never competed, Lu Lu would inevitably film something similar whenever Yan Qing did, and Lu Lu’s promotions often disparaged Yan Qing. Lu Lu’s fans, following their idol’s lead, constantly picked fights with Yan Qing’s fans. Even the most patient “Little Swallows” (Yan Qing’s fans) couldn’t tolerate such provocation. Over time, the two fanbases became sworn enemies.
Among enemies, there were still distinctions. Qin Que was just a temporary CP, and she genuinely cared for Yan Qing. How could she compare to a sworn enemy like Lu Lu?
Beyond the fan wars, some more neutral observers detected another layer of meaning in Yan Qing’s video.
If “whether Dai Yuchen intentionally harmed Yan Qing” was the topic, then Qin Que and Dai Yuchen represented the “yes” and “no” sides.
The show’s official statement had taken no side, but Yan Qing, the victim, had now featured Qin Que in a video with her, displaying clear intimacy.
This indirectly affirmed Qin Que’s innocence, lending more credibility to rumors that someone was protecting Dai Yuchen.
Regardless of the online drama, the matter was finally put to rest. At 7 p.m., the three live streams of Destined resumed simultaneously.
Five minutes before the restart, Mi Sike approached Dai Yuchen with two follow cameras, her tone polite but firm. “Mr. Dai, to prevent similar incidents, the production team has decided to equip you with two additional cameras. Do you have any objections?”
The message was clear: your luck won’t hold twice.
In the past, Dai Yuchen would’ve thrown a fit over such blatant suspicion and surveillance. But now, the man merely opened his mouth before swallowing his protests.
Once filming resumed, Dai Yuchen didn’t need prompting. He stepped up to Yan Qing and bowed deeply at a 90-degree angle, teeth gritted. “I’m sorry, Miss Yan. Even though it wasn’t intentional, I’m truly sorry for injuring you.”
Yan Yuzhen and Jin Shuo exchanged glances, unused to such dramatic humility from the usually arrogant man.
Nie Sijun, who’d already heard the full story from Yan Qing, looked at him with a complicated expression, as if wondering how she’d ever been foolish enough to marry such a man.
Qin Que silently took her place slightly in front of Yan Qing, her gaze wary as she watched Dai Yuchen.
Yan Qing, however, was the most at ease. She knew the spoiled rich kid’s type well—his father must’ve given him a stern warning. She let him bow for an uncomfortably long time before smiling leisurely. “Alright, stop acting like you’re the victim here. Who’s bullying who isn’t even clear yet.”
Only then did Dai Yuchen dare straighten up, dizzy from the prolonged bow. He’d already cursed everyone present in his heart but didn’t dare show it. “Thank you.”
“Good. Today’s spring outing activities have concluded, but there’s still one audience task left,” Mi Sike interjected, cutting through the awkwardness. “Today’s ‘Sweetness Points’ winners are once again Live Stream Two.”
Yan Yuzhen giggled. “Next time, just announce the task directly. At this rate, Sister Yan and the others will end up doing all thirty audience tasks.”
Qin Que nervously eyed Mi Sike, worried the audience would come up with another task that pushed her limits.
“Both of you are injured. As the saying goes, ‘blowing on it makes the pain go away.’ So we suggest you blow on each other’s injuries for one minute.” Mi Sike read the audience’s comments, then added the show’s incentive. “Completion earns each of you 20 campus coins. Do you accept?”
Qin Que: “…”
She was speechless at the audience’s endless creativity. Even their injuries became fodder for CP? And blowing on wounds—weren’t they a little old for that?
But Yan Qing clearly didn’t share her reservations. The woman smacked her fist into her palm as if struck by inspiration. “Right! Why didn’t I think of that?”
Without waiting for Qin Que’s response, she took her hand and gently blew on the bruise on her arm.
Caught off guard, Qin Que’s arm erupted in goosebumps at the sudden contact, and she shivered violently.
The injured skin was still warm, and the cool breath did soothe some of the swelling. The tingling numbness that followed even dulled the pain.
Did it actually work?
Suppressing the urge to pull her hand back, Qin Que focused her thoughts elsewhere, avoiding looking at Yan Qing, who was intently blowing on her arm.
The woman’s lowered eyes were too tender. She feared her own thoughts might wander.
Only when Mi Sike announced, “Classmate Yan, it’s been two minutes already,” her tone laced with exasperation, did Qin Que snap back to reality.
She quickly withdrew her hand.
Yan Qing massaged her sore jaw and smiled. “Feel better?”
She seemed entirely unbothered by the intimacy, as if genuinely concerned about Qin Que’s injury.
Like a diligent doctor checking on her treatment’s efficacy.
Qin Que found the woman’s concern more comforting than the blowing.
Torn between guilt and gratitude, she nodded emphatically.
“Really? Then it’s your turn to blow on mine.”
Yan Qing promptly thrust her bandaged arm into Qin Que’s lap, utterly shameless.
Qin Que instinctively caught the offered hand, her gaze falling on the slender arm wrapped in gauze. Her heart ached anew.
The bandage was neat, and the bleeding had long stopped, but as the one who’d dressed the wound, Qin Que remembered how it had looked before.
Bl00d streaking across pale skin like red plum blossoms in snow—fragile and delicate.
Now she understood Yan Qing’s perspective. She no longer saw the task as an awkward audience-driven intimacy stunt.
If it could ease Yan Qing’s pain even slightly, she’d gladly blow longer.
Bending down, Qin Que caught the scent of medicine on the bandage. She exhaled as softly as possible, her breath fluttering the gauze’s butterfly knot like a gentle wingbeat.
At first, Yan Qing’s hand twitched in her grip, as if unaccustomed to the contact. Qin Que tightened her hold to keep it still.
Soon, Yan Qing’s voice came from above, slightly hoarse. “Is time up yet?”
Mi Sike replied, “Fifteen seconds left.”
Why was Yan Qing asking?
Qin Que puzzled over this but kept blowing.
“Time’s up.”
The moment Mi Sike spoke, Yan Qing yanked her hand back.
“Huh?”
Qin Que stared blankly at her empty palm before looking up at Yan Qing.
Night had fully fallen, and the dim car lights provided the only illumination.
She couldn’t be sure if the blush on Yan Qing’s cheeks was a trick of the light. Hesitantly, she asked, “Are you okay?”
She wanted to ask if it felt better but sensed Yan Qing’s current expression was more perplexing.
“Pretty good.”
Yan Qing’s reply was calm and polite, leaving Qin Que no room to press further.
Watching the clueless alpha, Yan Qing couldn’t even pinpoint where to direct her frustration. She settled for pinching her own palm lightly.
What was wrong with her?
Seeing Qin Que’s gentle expression, she’d almost imagined the woman was kissing her wound.
The thought made her uncharacteristically flustered.
The faint airflow only intensified that feeling, accelerating her heartbeat until a mere minute felt endless.
Yan Qing watched Qin Que’s retreating figure as she went to help Mi Sike, feeling oddly unbalanced.
Was she the only one feeling this way?
After packing up, the group boarded the bus back to school. This time, everyone wisely buckled up and covered their heads with their jackets, leaving Mi Sike alone to eat dust.
“Let’s use my jacket. It’s cold at night.” Qin Que fretted, eyeing Yan Qing’s discarded coat.
The woman arched a brow, displeased. “Then you wear mine. I don’t want you catching cold either.”
Qin Que: “…”
Where did this competitiveness come from?
But she obediently complied.
The return trip was just as bumpy. Qin Que braced herself with one hand and shielded Yan Qing with the other, just as before.
Soon, a weight settled on her shoulder.
She turned instinctively, only for her chin to brush against soft, fragrant hair.
She froze.
Even in the darkness, she could picture Yan Qing leaning against her shoulder.
Her body stiffened, and she whispered,
“Yan Qing…”
No response.
Asleep?
How could anyone sleep through this shaking?
The doubt flickered briefly before she remembered Yan Qing’s injury and the exhausting negotiations with Dai Yuchen’s backers.
She must be truly tired.
Qin Que tensed further. The hand meant to secure Yan Qing hesitated before finally settling on her shoulder, striving to provide stability amid the chaos.
It wasn’t easy, and with the darkness outside, she failed to notice Yan Qing’s faint smile.
As the bus neared the school gates, Yan Qing “woke up” right on cue.
She yawned and pulled the jacket off their heads. “Did I fall asleep?”
“Just for a bit.”
Qin Que sighed inwardly, relieved she wouldn’t have to choose between waking Yan Qing or letting her sleep through the rough ride.
Exhausted from the day’s events, the group exchanged brief goodbyes and retreated to their dorms.
“Ugh, covered in dust.” Yan Qing tossed her battered uniform jacket into the laundry basket, touched her face, and winced. “Need a shower ASAP.”
“Wait, your injury!” Qin Que suddenly remembered and stopped the woman from darting into the bathroom.
Yan Qing’s wound wasn’t severe, but a freshly bandaged open cut couldn’t get wet.
The dorm’s shower was a standing one—no matter how careful, water would inevitably splash it.
“Oh, right.” Yan Qing frowned at the troublesome bandage, as if weighing whether to tough it out.
This wasn’t something Qin Que could help with, right?
Just as the thought crossed her mind, Yan Qing turned, her gaze locking onto Qin Que with startling intensity.
If this were a cartoon, a lightbulb would’ve appeared above her head.
A sense of foreboding gripped Qin Que. She instinctively opened her mouth to stop whatever Yan Qing was about to say.
“Wait—”
“Why don’t you help me wash?”
They spoke almost simultaneously—one panicked, the other breezy.
No no no no no.
The screaming marmot in Qin Que’s brain returned, this time drowning out even her most familiar electrical laws.
Her face burned, and the images flashing through her mind were too scandalous to examine.
Even if you trust me, this is too much.
This isn’t happening. Absolutely not.
“Wait, what are you thinking?”
As her mind spun, a hand grabbed her collar.
Qin Que looked up into Yan Qing’s scowling face.
Under the dorm’s bright lights, she could finally confirm:
Yan Qing was blushing.
Her fair skin was flushed like peach blossoms in spring.
But clearly, the reason for the blush differed from Qin Que’s.
Paired with those half-annoyed, half-embarrassed eyes and pursed lips, the expression was unmistakably flustered irritation.
At this point, Qin Que’s first thought was still—I’ve never seen Yan Qing like this. It’s kind of cute.
Yan Qing seemed to realize she’d overreacted. She took a deep breath, her tone softening. “Did you forget the shower has a curtain? I meant for you to help me wet a towel outside at the sink so I can wipe down. Any problem with that?”
“Oh.”
The explanation was clear. Qin Que dumbly nodded, then turned even redder.
Yan Qing released her collar, her blush lingering as she muttered, “What kind of person do you take me for? You…”
Do you think I’m some fox spirit luring people into my cave?
She trailed off, unwilling to admit her strong reaction stemmed from imagining the same scenario as Qin Que.
Yan the superstar had seen it all but was still single. Such R-rated thoughts involving herself were a bit much.
“N-no, that’s not it… Sorry.”
Qin Que stammered her apology, feeling utterly wretched.
Yan Qing enjoyed teasing her but would never… go that far.
How could she have thought that?
She didn’t blame Yan Qing for the misunderstanding at all.
The two stared at each other—one blushing for jumping to conclusions, the other blushing for realizing what conclusions had been jumped to and getting flustered over it.
An awkward silence enveloped the dorm.