Failed to Pretend to Be an Alpha and Got Marked by the Enemy (ABO, GL) - Chapter 31

Chapter 31

The sun slowly climbed the treetops, the temperature quietly rising.

Under the bright light, the camera lens caught a dreamy halo, framing the two tightly embracing figures like a sweet couple from a fairy tale.

Yu Jing, like a confused kitten, tilted her head slightly, her small hands nervously clutching Ming Zhu’s shoulders.

The surroundings were noisy—opponents’ strange yells, the crowd’s cheers and jeers—but she seemed to hear none of it.

She couldn’t even hear her own heartbeat.

After what felt like a second or maybe a minute, her heart suddenly started pounding again, loud enough to drown out the opponents’ screams, thumping like it would burst from her chest.

The feeling made her inexplicably anxious.

But this time, Yu Jing didn’t lose her composure. Glancing at the camera crew nearby, her dizzy mind regained clarity. Realizing they were filming, she forced herself to stay calm.

Ming Zhu didn’t know she was an Omega. Her actions and words were for the game, unintentional. Don’t overthink it.

Yu Jing shut her eyes tightly, mentally preparing herself. When she opened them, her gaze was clear.

Smiling brightly at her partner, she said, “Sorry, I lost my balance just now.”

Ming Zhu’s long lashes cast a shadow beneath her eyes, her lips pressed lightly as she quietly looked at Yu Jing.

Was it her imagination, or had she seen a fleeting blush on the girl’s face?

…Was it because they were too close?

It was Ming Zhu’s first time being this close to someone. She wasn’t used to such intimacy, but in that moment, there was no time to think. If Yu Jing fell, tied together, Ming Zhu would fall too. Delaying the game was minor; the real issue was the sticky glue below, which would be a hassle.

Instinctively, Ming Zhu pulled her back, but that line…

Thinking back, it wasn’t quite right. “Hold me tight” sounded so suggestive.

Ming Zhu hadn’t meant anything by it but felt uneasy about her slip-up. She turned her head, hiding the emotion in her eyes, then looked back calmly. “You steady now?”

Yu Jing nodded.

Ming Zhu subtly moved her hand from Yu Jing’s waist, creating a slight gap between their bodies, and rested it on her slim arm. “Watch your feet. Don’t get distracted.”

Yu Jing nodded obediently again.

The oppressive feeling in her chest finally eased. Yu Jing lowered her head, eyes wide, staring intently at their feet.

A breeze lifted her soft hair, revealing her flushed ears. In a blink, the spying wind hid them again, drifting away.

This subtle change went unnoticed by Ming Zhu, focused on directing their steps, and the camera crew, restricted by the glue, couldn’t get close enough to see.

The live audience and CP fans went wild.

[I knew there’d be an iconic moment!]

[They hugged again!]

[Worth setting that early alarm for this live stream. “Don’t panic, hold me tight” just killed me.]

[My gosh, Ming Zhu is so Alpha!]

[Was Yu Jing blushing? Camera guy, give us a close-up!]

[CP fans are satisfied. Thanks, production team, for the “Trouble.” This scene is pure joy hahaha.]

Step by step, they moved as if on thin ice.

Yu Jing’s forehead and palms were sweaty, but fearing she’d dirty Ming Zhu’s clothes, she didn’t grip her, instead clenching her fists and resting them on Ming Zhu’s firm arms.

She moved cautiously, also expending half her focus to control her emotions, afraid Ming Zhu would notice something.

She regretted it. Had she known “Trouble” would be this troublesome, she’d rather have faced the acupressure board or dry ice spray than this track.

This damn glue and narrow balance beam felt like the production team was deliberately messing with her and Ming Zhu, making her utterly uncomfortable.

The beam was so narrow their bare feet on it inevitably touched at times. Each touch quickened Yu Jing’s heartbeat.

The ten meters between the first and second obstacles felt like a century. When their feet touched the soft mat, Yu Jing’s spine stiffened. Turning, they shifted from face-to-face to side-by-side.

Her movement was so quick it drew Ming Zhu’s glance.

Yu Jing forced a smile.

Ming Zhu saw nothing odd and crouched to untie the rope.

Yu Jing’s clenched fists slowly relaxed. Moving her stiff neck, she looked around.

Peng Ze and Chen Chen, Xiao Yihuan and Xie Haichao were a step ahead, already jumping rope. But they weren’t doing well. Peng Ze and Chen Chen, tormented by the acupressure board, yelped with every jump. Xiao Yihuan and Xie Haichao weren’t much better, distracted by the dry ice gun. Xie Haichao was furious. “Stop spraying!”

The NPC looked innocent. “You told me to spray more.”

Xie Haichao gritted his teeth, laughing in frustration. “Fine, let’s see how much dry ice you’ve got.”

Production team: Don’t worry, Brother Chao, we’ve got plenty.

“Done.” Ming Zhu’s cool voice sounded.

Yu Jing’s gaze returned, looking down. The red rope binding them was undone, and she finally relaxed.

She picked up the jump rope from the mat, handing one end to Ming Zhu.

This stage required ten consecutive jumps together, testing teamwork and coordination.

The production team gave them another “Trouble”—the rope was short.

Compared to earlier, Yu Jing found this “Trouble” merciful.

With the short rope, they had to crouch to jump. After discussing rhythm and cues, they tried their first attempt.

After three jumps, the rope caught on Ming Zhu’s toes.

“Sorry,” Ming Zhu said softly, lifting her foot to free the rope.

Yu Jing’s eyes followed, landing on Ming Zhu’s bare feet—thin soles, long, bony toes, like a supermodel’s. They’d look great in heels.

Unable to gauge their size, Yu Jing noticed her own size 37 feet looked dainty next to Ming Zhu’s. She wiggled her toes unconsciously.

Ming Zhu, looking down, saw those delicate feet. Rarely exposed, their skin was translucent, faint blue veins visible. The restless toes were like mushrooms sprouting after rain, tender and playful.

An Alpha with such cute feet? Ming Zhu was surprised.

“Brother Chen, jump already!” Peng Ze’s anxious voice drifted over.

Ming Zhu realized she’d stared too long. Refocusing, she said to her seemingly dazed teammate, “Again.”

Yu Jing: “Oh.”

Their second try failed after one jump.

This time, it wasn’t toes but Yu Jing’s loose hair tangling the rope.

Her hair, soft and sleek, untangled itself quickly.

The town’s climate was pleasant—cool at night, not hot during the day. Yu Jing had worn her hair down, and the makeup artist hadn’t considered it. Checking her bare wrist, she realized she forgot a hair tie.

This mistake was her fault, and she felt embarrassed. Tying her hair wouldn’t matter much, and Ming Zhu didn’t comment. Racing against time, they tried a third time.

Failed.

Failed again.

On the fifth try, they completed ten jumps, dropped the rope, and rushed to the third stage.

The other two teams, tormented by acupressure boards and dry ice, were still struggling at the second stage.

The third stage was transporting ping-pong balls.

An NPC had placed ten ping-pong balls in a split bamboo tube. They could only hold the tube, not touch the balls, and had to cross obstacles to deliver all ten to the designated spot.

The obstacles were three bamboo poles at different heights. The poles were precariously placed, falling at the slightest touch, requiring a restart if dropped.

Keeping the balls steady while avoiding the poles doubled the difficulty.

Yu Jing and Ming Zhu exchanged a glance, both taking a deep breath before grabbing the tube.

They moved carefully, as if holding fragile treasure, cradling the ten balls.

The first pole was half a meter high, easy to step over. But the balls were light, and any movement could dislodge them, making crossing a technical challenge.

Yu Jing instinctively looked at Ming Zhu.

Ming Zhu glanced at the obedient balls in the tube and said softly, “We can’t move together—that’d shake them more. You go first, slowly.”

Ming Zhu had led the previous stages, her voice cool and emotionless but steady, giving a sense of calm. Yu Jing decided to let her lead, following orders.

Lips pursed, Yu Jing held the tube steady, moving her right foot like a sloth.

Ming Zhu waited until she was stable before stepping forward.

Repeating this twice, they cleared the first pole.

Yu Jing’s face lit up. “Not that hard, right?”

Ming Zhu raised a brow, noncommittal.

Turtle-like, they moved two meters to the second pole.

Its height was trickier.

Seeing the “1M” label, Yu Jing glanced at her legs, then Ming Zhu’s.

At 168 cm, her legs were 112 cm. Ming Zhu, 7 cm taller, had longer legs. Yu Jing figured crossing wouldn’t be an issue.

Ming Zhu thought they could step over too.

Using the same method, Yu Jing went first.

*Snap—*

The pole fell.

Yu Jing’s foot hadn’t even landed. Seeing the pole at her feet, she was stunned. “I didn’t touch it. Why’d it fall?”

An NPC came over, resetting the pole. “Teacher Yu Jing, your pants knocked it down.”

Yu Jing checked her outfit—light blue, loose athletic pants, the thin fabric billowing at the crotch.

She’d chosen them for comfort and breathability, not expecting them to hinder the game.

“Hold this.” She handed the tube to Ming Zhu, grabbing her waistband and pulling it up tight.

[Pfft, first time seeing a female artist yank up her pants like that!]

[Did she forget this is live? Yu Jing, you’re too carefree. This move’s killing me.]

[So cute pulling up her pants. I’m a fan!]

Ming Zhu hadn’t expected Yu Jing to hike up her pants in front of everyone.

The girl’s expression was serious, cheeks puffed, teeth clenched, as if unsure. She jumped a few times to ensure the pants wouldn’t fall, then looked up, took the tube, and grinned. “Okay, let’s try again.”

“…” Ming Zhu’s lips twitched, suppressing a smile, and nodded for her to continue.

Yu Jing lifted her foot again.

*Snap—*

The pole fell again.

“Why?” Yu Jing was near breakdown. Her legs weren’t that short. Was the show rigging this?

Before the NPC could explain, Ming Zhu looked at her legs, wrapped in loose fabric, and said helplessly, “Still the pants. The legs are too wide and touched it.”

Yu Jing shook her baggy pant legs, kicked the pole in frustration, and said worriedly, “What do we do?”

She could pull the waistband tight, but the legs? She couldn’t strip on the spot. Though she wanted to win, she wasn’t crazy.

Ming Zhu stayed silent. After the NPC reset the pole, she easily stepped over it, then stepped back, eyeing the pole thoughtfully.

Watching her long legs move effortlessly, Yu Jing had an idea. “Or you hold the balls and cross, and I jump over alone.”

“No,” the NPC overseeing them interrupted. “Rules say the balls and people must cross together.”

Yu Jing was speechless. The six guests had an even AO split, and Alphas were generally taller, so crossing was fine. But what about the Omegas? At 168 cm, she couldn’t make it. Xiao Yihuan, at 163 cm, had no chance. Peng Ze was 2 cm taller, but his legs weren’t as long.

Yu Jing felt the stage was unfair and opened her mouth to protest.

Ming Zhu cut her off. “I have an idea.”

Yu Jing quickly asked, “What?”

A flicker of something crossed Ming Zhu’s cool face. Her gaze moved between Yu Jing’s legs and the balls, then settled on her, hesitating. “You hold the balls.”

But didn’t the NPC say both people and balls had to cross together? Yu Jing didn’t get it. “What about you?”

The sun glared, shining into Ming Zhu’s amber eyes, hiding a trace of emotion.

Her long lashes fluttered, and the emotion vanished.

Meeting Yu Jing’s confused look, Ming Zhu said calmly, “I’ll carry you over.”

“…”

Yu Jing’s pants were a problem. They’d never cross smoothly, and to ensure the balls and people moved together, this was the only way—Yu Jing holding the balls, Ming Zhu carrying her over.

Yu Jing wasn’t dumb; she got it quickly.

It was a good plan, but Ming Zhu carrying her…

Whatever, they’d hugged before.

All for the game!

Yu Jing bit her lip, deciding quickly. With a bright smile to hide her nerves, she said casually, “Sure.”

Ming Zhu handed the balls and tube to the NPC to hold temporarily.

Yu Jing stood, puzzled. “How are you—ah!”

Before she could say “carry,” her body was lifted. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around Ming Zhu’s neck, eyes wide with shock.

Ming Zhu’s “carry” wasn’t what she’d imagined…

[More candy!!!]

[wsl]

[I love this princess carry!]

[So sweet, only the live stream gives us these gems!]

[Ming Zhu’s so Alpha. I’m falling for her. Yu Jing’s so lucky, I’m jealous.]

[MingYu iconic moment x2]

[I predict moments x3, x4, x5, x6, xn]

[Is Yu Jing shy or shocked???]

At nineteen, Yu Jing had never been princess-carried, let alone by Ming Zhu.

The sudden lift made her nose bump Ming Zhu’s slim shoulder. A dull pain was drowned by a familiar cool scent. She inhaled deeply, dazed.

Ming Zhu looked down into her bright, watery eyes and froze.

No mistake this time—Yu Jing was definitely shy.

An Alpha this bashful?

No time to dwell, Ming Zhu’s gaze shifted. “Grab the balls.”

The NPC, standing awkwardly nearby, felt like a third wheel.

Snapped back by her voice, Yu Jing’s face heated. She let go of Ming Zhu’s neck, steadied herself, and took the balls.

During the handoff, the ten balls wobbled slightly. Yu Jing held her breath, eyes glued to them.

Ming Zhu didn’t dare move, watching the balls until they settled.

The sun felt especially strong today.

Yu Jing’s body warmed, especially her back, where a certain spot touched…

Ming Zhu didn’t know she was an Omega, but Yu Jing couldn’t take advantage just because she hid her status.

She tried to shift away from that sensitive spot.

“Don’t—” Ming Zhu called urgently.

Too late.

Yu Jing’s small move shook the tube. The ten balls scattered like they’d been freed, rolling everywhere. Her body stiffened, like a kid caught misbehaving. She looked up timidly at Ming Zhu.

A flicker of regret passed through Ming Zhu’s eyes, but she wasn’t angry.

One failure meant trying again.

Ming Zhu didn’t care much about winning, but having promised to help Yu Jing win, the dropped balls felt like a pity.

It was just a moment.

Without blaming her for moving, Ming Zhu gently set her down.

Yu Jing couldn’t explain that Ming Zhu’s chest against her back felt too strange, too overwhelming, causing her to lose control…

Ming Zhu was so focused she might not have noticed the contact… or noticed but didn’t care, thinking they were the same.

But Yu Jing couldn’t stay that calm.

The invisible embarrassment tormented her alone. She didn’t want to retry, but for the game, she had no choice.

The noise from nearby grew louder. Xiao Yihuan and Xie Haichao had reached the third stage, catching up. Yu Jing pushed down her panic and crouched to pick up the balls.

Ming Zhu helped.

After gathering the balls, they continued.

Yu Jing prepared this time. When Ming Zhu lifted her again, she kept her back less close. Free of distraction, she held the tube steady.

Ming Zhu stepped firmly.

They cleared the second pole, both relieved.

The live audience and CP fans sighed in regret, spamming comments, hoping they’d keep failing, stuck at the second pole, hugging until the end, because they hadn’t had enough!

Yu Jing had had enough.

The third pole, at 1.5 meters, could be ducked under. With experience from the first two, it was easy, and they passed smoothly.

They reached the final stage—grabbing balls in the air.

Three fist-sized balls hung high, each containing treasure info. The NPC said each team could take one.

Too high to reach even by jumping, Yu Jing grabbed a bamboo pole from the last stage as a prop.

She poked a ball, but the rope held tight, and the light ball swung without falling, no matter how she tapped.

Ming Zhu took the pole, aimed at the middle ball, and hit hard.

*Bang—* The ball made a loud noise but didn’t fall.

Worse, Ming Zhu’s force made it swing wildly, tangling with the other ropes. The three balls ended up tightly knotted.

“!” Yu Jing was stunned. Ming Zhu’s move made it impossible!

Unfazed, Ming Zhu squinted at the balls.

Made of durable plastic, hitting them was a waste of energy and time.

With an idea, Ming Zhu tossed the pole aside and turned to Yu Jing. “Go up and untie it by hand.”

Climb up?

No, the supporting poles couldn’t hold a person’s weight. Lowering them to untie was impossible with two NPCs watching.

Ming Zhu’s eyes assessed her from head to toe, murmuring, “You’re 168, I’m 175. Our height should be enough.”

She walked toward Yu Jing.

Yu Jing’s mind flashed to Ming Zhu’s earlier words: “Hold me tight” and “I’ll carry you.”

She vaguely grasped Ming Zhu’s new plan, her eyelids twitching.

Ming Zhu squatted, wrapped her long arms around Yu Jing’s legs, and lifted her without a word.

“…”

Was she so used to carrying her she didn’t need to ask anymore???

Breathing the fresh air above, Yu Jing thought desperately: This track shouldn’t be called “Trouble.” It should be “Endless Hugs.”