After Being Bitten By Top-Tier O, Flop A Went Viral - Chapter 51
51: Had Enough Hugging?
Was it really appropriate to say something like that in front of the camera?
Qin Que’s peripheral vision caught the camera still following them.
Mi Sike had mentioned that today’s live broadcast would be delayed by four hours, but eventually, the audience would still see it.
She was afraid fans might misunderstand, but she also couldn’t clarify things outright.
At this moment, Yan Qing’s words sounded like a complete joke. If she were to jump in anxiously and deny it, it would only come across as overly defensive.
Better to pretend she hadn’t heard anything.
Qin Que chose to continue playing the role of a silent ghostly swordsman.
“Ah, sorry, I genuinely think your partner’s cosplay is amazing,” the young girl seemed to realize she might have been too forward and took a step back, bowing slightly in apology.
“No worries. Complimenting her beauty is the same as praising my good taste,” the witch tipped her hat in acknowledgment. “Didn’t you want a photo? Come here. Don’t let her silence fool you—she’s actually thrilled.”
Qin Que: “…”
It wasn’t that exaggerated.
The girl stared blankly at the witch. When the hat had lifted slightly earlier, she’d caught a glimpse of the eyes usually hidden beneath its brim.
The corners of those upturned eyes curved elegantly, and the indigo irises shimmered with a mesmerizing glow.
Such a rare eye color—were they colored contacts?
Even though the witch’s face was mostly concealed, the girl felt a strange sense of familiarity.
So, when the witch reached for her phone to help take a photo with the silent ghostly swordsman, she suddenly changed her mind.
“Can I take a photo with both of you?”
The witch paused, then chuckled softly. “Sure.”
Her voice was low, magnetic, like a deep, flowing river.
Qin Que watched as the girl shyly rubbed her ear, thinking to herself that Yan Qing’s charm clearly wasn’t limited to her face. This woman could flirt with anyone, even while dressed like a villain.
Of course, she wasn’t about to admit that she was feeling a little unhappy right now.
Not that she was jealous—it just felt unfair.
Why was Yan Qing completely unbothered when others took photos with her, while she felt suffocated just seeing Yan Qing being popular?
The girl called over another staff member to help take the photo, posed with the two of them, and then enthusiastically escorted them into the venue.
By now, the impatient Yan Yuzhen had long since dragged Jin Shuo away, disappearing without a trace.
The venue wasn’t very large, and the layout seemed chaotic at first glance. Colorful booths were scattered haphazardly across the space, but even more chaotic were the hair colors of the attendees—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet—like a rainbow had exploded.
Having never attended such an event before, Qin Que’s first thought was of a university club fair.
“Ahem, it might look a bit messy. It’s nothing compared to the bigger conventions, but this is Fengcheng’s first comic con. Everyone’s really excited, so feel free to enjoy yourselves,” the girl waved goodbye. “Hope you have fun!”
“Uh… where should we go first?” Qin Que stared blankly at the booth names—she didn’t recognize a single one.
Yan Qing clearly didn’t have much experience in this area either, but she didn’t care. She grabbed Qin Que’s hand and pulled her forward. “Let’s just wander around. It’s not like they’ll kick you out for not knowing the characters’ names.”
“Excuse me, can we take a photo with you?”
They hadn’t taken more than a few steps before they were stopped again—this time by a group of girls dressed in ancient-style costumes. At first glance, it looked like a group of noble ladies had stepped out for an outing.
The leader of the group eyed the camera behind them and asked curiously, “Are you guys live-streaming?”
Qin Que’s heart skipped a beat, but Yan Qing smiled and replied smoothly, “Yes, we’re reporters from Fengcheng Express. Our boss asked us to cover the event, so we’re keeping a low profile with portable cameras.”
“Oh, that’s some dedication—you even cosplayed for it.” The girl didn’t seem suspicious and instead gazed admiringly at Qin Que. “You’re so pretty! You look like a professional cosplayer.”
Yan Qing, standing beside her, nodded in agreement. “I think so too.”
Qin Que: “…Thanks.”
She figured most of the credit had to go to Yan Qing’s styling and the striking red outfit. Even if she’d done it herself, she doubted she could have achieved the same effect.
Since everyone in the group was in ancient-style costumes, Yan Qing’s witch cosplay stood out awkwardly. So, she volunteered to take the photo instead.
Qin Que found herself surrounded by a group of girls, two of whom even tugged at her sleeves.
She wasn’t entirely comfortable, but it wasn’t as paralyzing as when Yan Qing got close to her.
Yan Qing, standing opposite them, looked delighted. She raised a hand and prompted, “Say cheese!”
The photo captured on the phone screen showed a cluster of smiling girls, with the icy-faced red-clad swordswoman in the center—looking like something out of a horror movie.
“Thanks! Here, this is for you.” Before leaving, the lead girl handed Qin Que a delicate beaded hairpin. Before Qin Que could refuse, the girls giggled and ran off.
“It’s quite pretty. Probably handmade.” Yan Qing leaned over, plucking the hairpin from Qin Que’s hand to examine it.
She didn’t seem the least bit concerned.
Qin Que’s chest tightened with frustration. Without responding, she strode toward the denser cluster of booths.
“Hey, aren’t you taking the gift they gave you?” Yan Qing called after her.
“You keep it.”
Since you like it so much, you can have it.
Qin Que pressed her lips together and quickened her pace.
Logically, she knew throwing a tantrum like this was childish and unreasonable.
Once the dating show aired, Yan Qing would only become even more popular, and the woman had always been warm and friendly to well-meaning people.
If she wanted to be with Yan Qing, she’d have to get used to it.
But she still couldn’t stand the way Yan Qing so cheerfully pushed her into taking photos with others—as if she were some beautiful trophy to show off.
What’s gotten into her?
Yan Qing watched Qin Que’s retreating back, baffled. She wanted to chase after her and ask, but she was stopped by yet another group asking for photos. By the time she finally extricated herself, the red-clad figure had long since vanished from sight.
“Sorry, excuse me.” Yan Qing wove through the bustling crowd, phone in hand, searching for Qin Que.
The call didn’t go through, but Qin Que’s height and outfit made her easy to spot in a crowd. Once Yan Qing made it past the densest part of the crowd, she immediately spotted Qin Que—once again being stopped for photos.
The red-clad swordsman still wore a stern expression, as if everyone owed her a life debt. Fortunately, the people taking photos with her assumed it was part of her character and didn’t mind.
Yan Qing waited nearby. Just as the group dispersed and she was about to approach, Qin Que was intercepted by another wave of people. By now, both of them had reached the center of the venue, and Qin Que had attracted quite a bit of attention.
No one here knew they were together. Qin Que was surrounded, barely able to keep up with the requests, while Yan Qing couldn’t even get a word in.
Hmm… I think I understand why Qin Que was upset earlier.
Seizing a brief lull between groups, Yan Qing stepped forward, grabbed Qin Que’s hand, and pulled her away.
“Hey—” The people who hadn’t gotten their photos called after them.
Yan Qing turned and waved her broom. “Sorry, my friend and I need to talk. Can you all wait a bit?”
The witch’s tone was gentle but carried an unspoken threat—as if further pestering would earn them a smack from the broom.
The moment she said this, the heavy, reluctant figure behind her suddenly lightened, willingly following her lead.
Oh? So you were just waiting for me to say that?
They reached a quiet, secluded corner of the venue. Yan Qing turned around, and Qin Que averted her face.
“Alright, no more hiding. Let me see which little brat is sulking one moment and smiling the next.” Yan Qing hooked a finger under Qin Que’s chin, forcing her to meet her gaze. The alpha’s lips were pressed into a thin line, but the smile on her face was impossible to suppress.
So embarrassing.
With her chin held captive, Qin Que met Yan Qing’s teasing eyes. She was mortified but couldn’t escape, so she settled for looking away.
When Yan Qing had pulled her away earlier, she’d been thinking she wouldn’t just follow her so easily.
If you like me taking photos with others so much, I’ll just do my best to comply.
But then Yan Qing had actually refused on her behalf… and she’d been so pathetically happy about it.
Yan Qing does care about me, after all.
“You don’t like taking photos with people? Sorry, I didn’t consider that.” Yan Qing’s voice was tinged with regret, as if she were blaming herself.
“No! I just don’t like it when you push me toward others.” Qin Que hurriedly looked back at her, only to see the woman’s amused smirk.
There wasn’t a trace of guilt on her face.
She’d been tricked.
“Oh, I get it. You’re mad I didn’t get jealous?” Yan Qing watched Qin Que’s betrayed expression, torn between finding her adorable and wanting to laugh. She patiently explained, “I was happy for you. Isn’t it a good thing people think you’re beautiful? As for closeness and distance—that’s something public figures have to learn early. You have to meet fans’ expectations for performances, but you can’t interfere too much in their lives. How could that compare to what we have?”
Yan Qing genuinely didn’t see anything worth being upset about. If she got jealous over this, then once Qin Que became famous, she’d have nothing to do but stand by a vat of vinegar and ladle it out all day.
People wanting photos with Qin Que was just admiration for her appearance—like how fans might adore an idealized version of her, not necessarily the real person. That kind of affection couldn’t be compared to real-life relationships.
“Yeah, you’re right.” Qin Que could only nod, but inwardly, she thought:
That’s probably because you’ve never worried about losing me.
She understood Yan Qing’s logic, but it was like trying to solve an unsolvable math problem—the only thing she could do was repeat the steps.
She didn’t know if she was unique to Yan Qing, so she couldn’t help but feel uneasy when the woman was kind to others.
Because there was no answer, her heart remained unsettled.
Still moping?
Maybe it wasn’t that she didn’t understand—maybe she just lacked a sense of security?
After some thought, Yan Qing concluded that this was the only explanation.
It wasn’t an unsolvable problem.
Though she would have preferred Qin Que to muster the courage to claim her directly, it seemed that was still too much to ask for now.
Qin Que was still berating herself for being a killjoy when a dark shadow suddenly flashed before her—and a warm body crashed into her arms.
Qin Que: “?!”
Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around Yan Qing’s waist, feeling the woman’s firm muscles through the silky robe.
“Y-Yan Qing?”
Her heart raced from the sudden intimacy. Yan Qing’s hat had fallen to the ground during the abrupt movement, and as the woman tilted her head up, her smooth forehead was just inches from Qin Que’s lips. Her smile was as mischievous as a witch plotting to steal a heart for her potions.
“Feeling better now? I don’t usually hug people like this, you know.” Her eyes were like mirrors, reflecting Qin Que’s petty jealousy.
She’d been completely seen through.
Worse—she’d actually relied on this hug to dispel her unease.
Yan Qing had hugged her, so it was okay to indulge a little, right?
Qin Que let out a soft “Mm,” then buried her face in the crook of Yan Qing’s neck. The scent of wine from her pheromones made her dizzy, but she only inhaled deeper, like an alcoholic savoring the aroma.
The alpha’s warm breath against her neck tickled, and Yan Qing instinctively wanted to shrink away. But Qin Que tightened her grip around her waist, nuzzling her cheek as if warning her not to move.
Oh? You’re pretty good at taking advantage of the situation.
Yan Qing chuckled, reaching up to stroke Qin Que’s smooth hair as a reward.
Mindful of the live broadcast, Qin Que didn’t dare hug her for too long. Reluctantly, she let go after a moment.
Yan Qing took in the blush on her cheeks and the satisfied curve of her lips, suddenly reminded of a saying: Outwardly obedient, secretly scheming.
Though, given Qin Que’s innocence—where even kissing was the height of her fantasies—she probably couldn’t scheme much.
Teasingly, she asked, “Had enough hugging?”
“Mm…” The alpha nodded reluctantly. “For now.”
Soon, Yan Qing understood what Qin Que meant by “for now.”
After leaving the secluded corner, they ran into several more people asking for photos. As Yan Qing waved off the last group, a pair of strong arms suddenly wrapped around her waist from behind.
If not for the familiar pheromones clinging to the person, she might have elbowed them on reflex.
Warm breath brushed against her neck again, and Yan Qing laughed. “So this is what you meant by ‘for now’?”
Qin Que’s reply was immediate, as if she’d prepared the excuse in advance. “I’d had enough earlier, but we took more photos just now.”
Yan Qing: “…”
Qin Que was really good at making shameless excuses with a straight face.
But she didn’t bother refuting her. After all, the poor thing had finally mustered the courage to seek some affection. If she teased her too harshly and scared her off, what then?
And so, the witch dragged the swordsman—who towered over her—back through the booths. Everyone who saw them gaped in surprise and automatically made way.
No one asked for photos this time.
Qin Que faintly overheard someone muttering, “Damn, their cosplay is so immersive. Just looking at them, I can imagine the story—a witch summons a swordsman from another world, but the swordsman dies in battle. The witch, who’d already fallen for her, carries her body in despair, searching for a way to bring her back to life.”
This person’s imagination is way too melodramatic.
Qin Que’s face wasn’t that thick. She quickly straightened up.
Yan Qing turned her head, her profile barely concealing her amusement. “Looks like I found the medicine to revive you?”
Qin Que gently turned her head back forward and muttered, “The swordsman never died. She couldn’t bear to make the witch sad.”
Yan Qing gasped in mock surprise. “So she faked her death just to see the witch grieve? How cruel.”
Qin Que: “…”
Their storyline was pretty melodramatic too.
The two wandered through the booths. They didn’t recognize most of the characters, but Yan Qing still bought a lot of merchandise—mostly animal-themed figurines and cute plushies of various anime characters.
As Qin Que carried the bags for her, she quietly noted Yan Qing’s preferences.
She seemed to favor canines the most.
Pulling a fluffy gray puppy plush from one of the bags, she gave it a squeeze.
It squeaked.
“Oh, this one’s even cuter.” Yan Qing held up a slightly larger black puppy and placed it beside Qin Que’s face, grinning. “Its expression looks just like yours.”
Qin Que: “…I’m not a dog.”
Her protest was weak. The booth attendant, however, was bold. “That’s the animal version of Li Zhe from After Transmigrating into a Side Character Omega, I Was Pursued by Five Alphas.”
Qin Que: “…”
No wonder it looked familiar—the simple rogue outfit on the plush was her character.
Yan Qing picked up a white cat next to the dog and asked curiously, “Is this also an animal version of a drama character?”
“No, that’s from a movie,” the attendant explained. “It’s Qing Zhong from Not Fish.”
Yan Qing: “Oh?”
That was Yan Qing’s character.
Something felt off.
Qin Que picked up an even more familiar double-sided standee. “And this is…?”
The attendant: “The Li Zhe and Qing Zhong CP standee.”
“Wait,” Qin Que was thoroughly confused. “But they’re not even from the same series?”
“Ever heard of shipping?” A passerby answered her question. “Do you have any idea how popular the Qin-Qing CP is right now? Real-person shipping isn’t allowed at cons, and they’ve never officially collaborated, so fans just pair their old roles. This is the most popular pairing right now—called ‘Love Within Reason’ or something.”
Qin Que: “…”
She really hadn’t known.