After Being Bitten By Top-Tier O, Flop A Went Viral - Chapter 38
38: If All Else Fails
The atmosphere froze for a moment before Qin Que finally broke the silence. Her face was still red, and she didn’t dare to look directly at Yan Qing.
“You go in first, then message me when you’re done.”
Under normal circumstances, Yan Qing would never pass up the chance to tease her.
But today, the woman, who had just regained her composure, merely gave a soft “Mm” before turning and entering the bathroom.
Qin Que sat outside, restless and uneasy, for three minutes until her phone buzzed—Yan Qing had sent her a message.
“Done.”
Qin Que put down her phone and spent another dozen seconds steeling herself before finally walking into the bathroom.
In Live Broadcast Room No. 2, the audience was practically scratching their heads in frustration.
Comment 1: I owe Yan Qing an apology. At first, I also misunderstood. I thought this show was about to witness its first explosive, passionate moment.
Comment 2: Turns out it’s a children’s channel. Feels like the dirtiest minds here are ours. Are they really regressing to high schoolers?
Comment 3: Let’s be real, given how open kids are these days—even if literary works don’t allow underage romance—high school relationships are way bolder than these two. I thought Yan Qing was some master, but turns out she’s all bark and no bite. Her face just now was almost as red as Qin Que’s.
Comment 4: This is the first time I’ve seen Yan Qing look so… shy outside of acting. What was she thinking about?
Comment 5: She was thinking about what Qin Que was thinking about.
Comment 6: But she probably wasn’t thinking what we were thinking. Sorry, but any writers out there doing bathroom play? I’ll PayPal you 50.
Comment 7: Pale face + drooling emoji
Comment 8: I know the bathroom is a private space, but I really, really want to see what’s happening inside… Are they secretly doing it without us?
Comment 9: Please pull up your pants, this isn’t the uncensored zone.
Comment 10: Isn’t it easy to tell? Just see if Qin Que can walk out of the bathroom in one piece later. With her tolerance level, forget doing it—if she sees something she shouldn’t, she’ll probably nosebleed herself into a coma.
Comment 11: I suspect you’re subtly mocking Qin Que, and I have proof.
Despite the audience’s wild imaginations, the situation inside the bathroom was actually quite calm.
When Qin Que entered, the shower curtain separating the space had already been tightly drawn. The curtain was thick, not even a shadow visible, with only the stronger-than-usual scent of alcohol-laced pheromones indicating there was more than one person inside.
Even so, Qin Que immediately averted her gaze, walking to the sink and soaking a towel while silently reciting electrical theorems in her head.
Otherwise, under the influence of the pheromones, it would be hard to stop herself from imagining what was happening inside.
That would be far too disrespectful.
Yan Qing, meanwhile, remained silent the entire time, unsure if she was still embarrassed or just afraid of scaring Qin Que off.
The bathroom was filled only with the sound of water rinsing the towel.
Once the warm water had thoroughly soaked the towel, Qin Que wrung it out several times with controlled strength until it reached a suitable temperature and dampness. She then said, “Yan Qing, the towel’s ready.”
She realized her voice was slightly hoarse.
A few seconds later, the curtain shifted slightly, and a pale, slender arm reached out.
Qin Que hurriedly placed the towel in the outstretched hand.
The arm retracted as quickly as a cat caught stealing from a cup.
Qin Que pressed her lips together, holding back a laugh. Yet, the image of that pale arm lingered in her mind like a carving on wood, refusing to fade.
She had seen Yan Qing’s arms before—not only had the woman worn a sleeveless dress at their first meeting, but Qin Que had also bandaged Yan Qing’s arm that very afternoon.
But this time, it felt different.
Soon, the arm reached out again, and Qin Que took the cooled towel to rewet it.
The rest of the time passed peacefully in this cycle until the outstretched arm was also faintly damp.
Yan Qing finally spoke her first words since Qin Que had entered, her tone calm and detached. “Done.”
But Qin Que had no energy to dwell on that. Her mind was entirely occupied with the need to leave this increasingly pheromone-saturated space. Even though there was no steam in the bathroom, her clothes were already soaked with sweat.
“Then I’ll head out first. Message me if you need anything.” With that, she pushed the door open and left, only daring to take deep breaths once the door was closed behind her.
The live broadcast chat erupted briefly.
Comment 1: She’s out, she’s out! Hey!
Comment 2: Can you not make it sound like she just gave birth?
Comment 3: Let me take a good look… Can’t tell much. Her face was already red when she went in.
Comment 4: Never thought the day would come when a thin skin would become Que Que’s protective coloring.
Comment 5: Qin Que’s nose is intact? So nothing happened. Tsk.
Comment 6: Isn’t that normal? You think this is some adult website?
Joyful Smile: Doesn’t matter, we can write fanfiction. Qin Qing’s Bliss – Bathroom Edition coming right up.
I Am Yan Qing’s Dog: Holy crap, bowing in gratitude! Thank you for the food, author!
Comment 7: Huh? There’s already fic? What kind of typing demon is this?
Joyful Smile: My boss is on a business trip, so my job is just watching variety shows.
I Am Yan Qing’s Dog: Same here, hehe~
Comment 8: You two should just get together. Also, is your company hiring? Hook me up.
Fengcheng Hotel
Bai Tuantuan writhed on the bed as she read the freshly published fanfic, then privately messaged the author.
I Am Yan Qing’s Dog: Author, wanna be mutuals?
The author, Joyful Smile, was straightforward and immediately sent back a WeChat ID.
Bosen Entertainment
Deng Xi set down her coffee and closed the document just as Ai Jia approached.
Ai Jia eyed her suspiciously. “You’ve been pretty enthusiastic about overtime lately?”
Deng Xi declared righteously, “All for the boss!”
Ai Jia: “……Then could you not grin at your computer screen like that?”
Meanwhile, behind the shower curtain, Yan Qing finally relaxed completely after hearing Qin Que leave and close the door. She lowered her head, gazing at her clean, bare body, letting her thoughts drift.
When she’d asked Qin Que to help her bathe, she hadn’t felt anything amiss. The subsequent embarrassment was only because Qin Que had misunderstood her meaning.
It wasn’t until she was undressed, after sending Qin Que the message and waiting for her to enter, that Yan Qing felt the slightest unease.
That unease peaked when Qin Que walked in.
This was the first time she’d ever shared a bathroom with someone while showering.
And that someone was an alpha.
Even if it was Qin Que, she couldn’t help tensing up, her eyes fixed on the curtain.
She had no doubt that at the slightest disturbance, she’d hurl the nearest bottle of body wash at it.
It was an instinct for self-preservation.
The moment she was potentially naked in front of a fully clothed alpha, that instinct overwhelmed all reason.
She even began to regret it.
Why did she trust Qin Que so much?
If it had been anyone else today, she probably would’ve chosen to endure, preferring not to bathe at all rather than put herself in such a vulnerable position.
But in the end, none of the bad things she’d imagined happened.
From start to finish, Qin Que never overstepped. After Yan Qing said she was done, the other woman had practically fled the bathroom.
It almost made Yan Qing feel like she’d overreacted.
But she didn’t think it was her fault.
The woman shook her head with a wry smile, slowly changing into her clothes.
Why did she trust Qin Que so much?
Because so far, Qin Que had never let her down.
“Uh, do you want to wash your hair? I can help.” Qin Que looked at Yan Qing, who had just emerged from the bathroom, and after some hesitation, made the offer.
After a day in the dust, not washing would probably make sleeping uncomfortable.
“Do you really think I’m a kid?” The woman laughed at her.
Qin Que also felt she was worrying too much and was about to say she’d go shower when Yan Qing pushed the bathroom door open again, looking at her curiously. “What? Weren’t you going to help me wash my hair?”
Qin Que: “……Okay.”
The two stood side by side at the sink. Qin Que wrapped Yan Qing’s injured arm with another layer of clothing. “Remember to keep your hand behind you later so it doesn’t get splashed.”
Yan Qing’s voice was laced with amusement, dragging out her words. “Even kindergarteners know that, Teacher Qin. No need to teach me.”
Qin Que chuckled, finally managing to retort, “Kindergarteners are the ones who need help washing their hair.”
Yan Qing snorted. “Just wait until my arm heals.”
Qin Que immediately surrendered. “No, no, please forgive my insolence, Your Highness.”
She tested the water temperature under the faucet before letting Yan Qing bend over, still not entirely reassured. “Is the temperature okay?”
Yan Qing teased, muffled, “It’s fine. But if you ask a few more times, are you going to try selling me a membership card?”
Qin Que pretended to be wronged. “Misunderstanding. Our services are completely free.”
The fine strands of hair grew even softer when wet. Qin Que carefully massaged them, momentarily feeling like she was washing some small animal.
The alpha’s hands gently moved over her scalp, paired with the warm water, making Yan Qing so comfortable she nearly dozed off.
She could feel Qin Que pause every time she encountered a tangle, carefully separating it before continuing.
She wanted to say Qin Que was being too meticulous—even she sometimes just yanked them apart.
But in the end, she didn’t say anything, happily accepting it instead.
After washing her hair, Qin Que blow-dried it for Yan Qing, who was now drowsy, her head nodding forward as if about to collapse onto the table.
Qin Que had no choice but to let her lean against her like last time while she dried her hair.
“All done. Go to bed.”
Qin Que set down the hairdryer and gently patted Yan Qing’s shoulder.
The woman blinked sleepily at her but didn’t get up immediately.
Qin Que frowned at the single-person ladder leading to the loft bed. She couldn’t exactly carry Yan Qing up.
But then Yan Qing spoke. “You’re a bit like my mom.”
Qin Que: “Huh?”
Was she that out of it?
But for most people, being compared to one’s mother was high praise.
Qin Que scratched her head, embarrassed. “Do we look alike?”
Yan Qing laughed. “No, I mean you’re both good people.”
You both make me feel safe.
She kept the latter part to herself, climbing into bed and curling up under the covers before saying to Qin Que below, “Thanks. Goodnight.”
The alpha was puzzled but smiled back. “No need to thank me. Goodnight.”
The fifth day’s broadcast sounded at nine as usual, and the main task was announced.
“Main Task Five: All students, please gather in the classroom at 10 a.m. for the Life Skills Competition.”
When the two arrived at the classroom, they almost thought they’d walked into the wrong room.
The classroom, which had looked like an ordinary high school classroom just two days prior, had been completely renovated. Ovens, cooking utensils, and workstations were all set up, the air thick with the sweet scent of cake—like the back kitchen of a bakery. The only unchanged elements were the podium and blackboard, now bearing the words:
“Class 1-1 Life Skills Competition”
“They work fast. Sending us out yesterday was just to renovate this place?” Yan Qing picked up a bag of fresh flour from the workstation, smiling at Qin Que. “Looks like we’re having cake today.”
Yan Yuzhen’s eyes sparkled. “Perfect! I’ve almost forgotten what cream tastes like!”
Jin Shuo looked at her, visibly holding back words.
Qin Que understood Jin Shuo’s meaning. These were all raw ingredients—they’d probably have to make everything themselves.
Given these two’s cooking skills, it was hard to say what the end result would be.
Mi Sike walked in and stepped onto the podium, holding three booklets that looked like baking guides.
“Class, today’s first event is pastry-making. You have two hours to choose any recipe from the booklets. But note two things: First, the difficulty of the pastry will affect your final score. Second, no matter what you choose, the pastry must be edible by the deadline, or you’ll get zero points.”
Yan Yuzhen eagerly raised her hand. “What counts as edible? Burnt still counts, right? It’s not like you can’t eat it.”
Mi Sike stared at her for three seconds. “Edible as in the kind you’d actually buy at a bakery.”
Yan Yuzhen groaned. “Then we’re doomed.”
Everyone couldn’t help but laugh.
“Well, I’ve done a bit of baking before.” Qin Que took the booklet, and Yan Qing flipped straight to the last page, pointing at the cream cake. “If we’re doing this, let’s go all out.”
Qin Que looked at the woman’s confident smile and grinned, rolling up her sleeves without hesitation. “What do you need me to do?”
She’d never made a cake before, but she had plenty of experience as an assistant.
Making a cream cake could roughly be divided into two steps: preparing the ingredients and shaping it. The cake base and cream weren’t overly complicated—even a beginner could manage them by strictly following the instructions without major mishaps.
For two people with some cooking experience, it was even easier.
Qin Que handled the cake base. After whipping the egg yolks and sugar, she mixed in the flour, poured it into a round mold, and placed it in the oven.
“Mmm.” When she opened the oven, the sweet aroma of cake wafted out, making Qin Que swallow hard.
The cake in the mold had a tempting golden-brown crust, soft and springy to the touch—a perfect bake.
Qin Que resisted the urge to take a bite and turned with the mold. “Yan Qing… uh.”
Behind her, Yan Qing had already finished the cream and was happily eating a small portion scooped into a bowl.
Startled by Qin Que’s voice, the woman looked up, her upper lip still dotted with a bit of white cream.
Okay, that was kind of adorable.
But who the hell eats raw cream like that?
Seeing Qin Que’s expression, Yan Qing’s tongue flicked out, licking the cream off her lip as she said innocently, “I haven’t had cream in so long.”
She then picked up another bowl. “Want some? I’ll scoop you a bit.”
Did she think Qin Que was upset about not sharing?
Also, eating plain cream was way too rich.
“Sure.” Qin Que averted her eyes and held out the freshly baked cake. “But maybe have some cake with it?”
In the end, they had a cake base missing two small pieces. Fortunately, Yan Qing had made extra cream, so they could fudge it.
Next was the harder part: decorating. They couldn’t manage anything too elaborate, so they settled for smoothing the cream into a flat surface and drawing simple patterns.
But even that proved challenging.
The obstacle wasn’t the task itself but Yan Qing’s perfectionism.
“Ugh, not quite right.”
Yan Qing set down the spatula, frowning at the uneven edge of the cream. “Haven’t done this in a while.”
Qin Que scraped together the excess cream for Yan Qing’s next attempt, glancing at the clock.
This was Yan Qing’s fifth try.
Smoothing cream required placing the cake on a turntable, holding the spatula steady, and rotating the cake to scrape off excess cream, creating an even surface.
It demanded steady hands. Honestly, Qin Que thought Yan Qing was doing great—just a slight tilt during rotation caused minor unevenness, easily fixable.
But right now, Yan Qing seemed less focused on finishing the cake and more obsessed with achieving a flawless surface in one go.
Qin Que didn’t care about winning. She was pretty sure even their half-finished cake would beat Yan Yuzhen and Jin Shuo’s burnt biscuits.
But as Yan Qing’s frown deepened with each failed attempt, Qin Que inexplicably grew anxious—like watching a hero in a movie get repeatedly beaten by a monster, willing them to win.
On Yan Qing’s seventh attempt, Qin Que finally spoke up. “Want me to try?”
“Fine.” Yan Qing checked the time, realizing she’d spent too long on the cream, and reluctantly handed over the spatula.
Stay steady.
Qin Que mimicked Yan Qing’s motions, gripping the spatula firmly with one hand while rotating the turntable with the other.
The white cream flattened like an avalanche under the spinning, forming a perfect circle.
Just like that, it was done?
Before Qin Que could set the spatula down, Yan Qing grabbed her hand.
The woman inspected her hand like it belonged to an alien, then looked up at her admiringly. “Impressive. Such steady hands. How’d you practice?”
Uh, because soldering circuits goes poorly if your hands shake.
Both wore disposable gloves, making the touch novel but the warmth familiar.
It wasn’t a big deal.
But under Yan Qing’s admiring gaze, Qin Que felt pretty accomplished.
At least she’d earned Yan Qing’s praise, right?
She smiled sheepishly. “Probably from soldering circuits. Want to try again?”
“Maybe not.” Yan Qing checked the time and the near-perfect cake, restraining herself.
She’d already realized she was being too nitpicky. Finishing the cake was the priority.
“It’s fine.” Qin Que immediately scraped off the smoothed cream and handed the spatula back.
The alpha’s smile was gentle yet smug—she knew she could help now. “We’ve got time. You can practice as much as you want.”
“If all else fails, you’ve got me.”