Failed to Pretend to Be an Alpha and Got Marked by the Enemy (ABO, GL) - Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Yu Jing’s body was slowly lifted higher. Their combined heights, plus her arm length, easily reached the top.

But Ming Zhu’s earlier hit had tangled the three balls tightly. Yu Jing struggled for a while to untie them. Red, yellow, green—each seemed to contain something. Unsure which to pick, she wanted her teammate’s opinion and looked down at Ming Zhu. “What do you think…”

Her clear voice carried the joy of nearing victory, her face unable to hide a smile.

But after three words, seeing Ming Zhu’s upturned face, the two camera crew members, and the two NPCs moving nearby, Yu Jing’s smile froze, her voice cutting off.

Her bright eyes dimmed as if covered in ash, moving slowly, searching.

She saw more heads—spectators craning their necks beyond the barricades, watching her.

“Ahhh, it hurts, it hurts! I’m done!”

A piercing scream hit her ears, and she looked over blankly.

She knew it was Chen Chen’s voice, but her vision blurred, seeing nothing clearly.

The sunlight stung her eyes, the wind and heat clogged her ears. She only saw the bobbing heads, the indifferent onlookers pointing.

Bl00d rushed upward, but her body grew cold and weak.

Below, Ming Zhu waited.

Against the light, Ming Zhu tilted her head but couldn’t see Yu Jing’s expression. After waiting without hearing the rest of her sentence, she felt Yu Jing’s legs trembling in her arms.

Thinking she was scared, Ming Zhu held her tighter. “Don’t be afraid. Trust me, I won’t let you fall.”

Her cool voice carried a strange power, driving away the terrifying noises.

Yu Jing’s vision slowly focused.

Looking down, she saw Ming Zhu’s calm, composed face, her steady eyes filled with unmistakable concern.

Swallowing, Yu Jing’s expression was dazed.

Without a response, Ming Zhu called, “Yu Jing, you okay?”

Yu Jing blinked slowly. Her sweat-soaked hands gripped the three balls tightly. Forcing a smile, she said, “I’m fine.”

Ming Zhu frowned.

Though she couldn’t see her face clearly, Ming Zhu heard the tremble in her voice. She didn’t sound fine.

“I’ll put you down first.”

“No, no.” Yu Jing interrupted quickly, smiling more naturally, her voice clear again. “Hold me tight. I’m starting to untie the rope.”

Seeing she wouldn’t come down, Ming Zhu held her securely.

Yu Jing forgot to ask Ming Zhu’s opinion. She untied a rope at random, not checking the color, stuffed it in her pocket, and smiled down. “Okay, put me down.”

Ming Zhu slowly loosened her grip, moving her hands from Yu Jing’s calves to her thighs, then her waist, gently setting her down.

Their many close contacts during this didn’t spark the usual CP fan frenzy. The excitement was replaced by concern.

[Is Yu Jing afraid of heights?]

[It’s not even three meters. Probably not.]

[But her lips went pale. Even if it’s not fear of heights, she was scared, right?]

[Scared of this height? She’s an Alpha. How embarrassing.]

Yu Jing’s feet touched the ground. She stepped back, pulled the ball from her pocket, and said eagerly, “Let’s see what’s inside.”

She avoided the cameras, but Ming Zhu noticed her trembling hand gripping the ball.

Her ten slender fingers looked fragile, as if they’d snap, her sweaty palm struggling to twist the ball open. A drop of sweat slid down her chin.

Ming Zhu remembered that before lifting her, Yu Jing had only a slight flush, looking fresh. Now, she was drenched, hair soaked.

It wasn’t even three meters—impossible for the temperature to be higher up there.

On live, Ming Zhu couldn’t say much. Staring at Yu Jing’s furrowed brows and the glistening sweat on her nose, her gaze lingered on her pale lips for two seconds.

Yu Jing bit her lip, tried again, failed, and deflated, handing the ball to Ming Zhu. “You do it.”

Ming Zhu glanced at her a few times, took the ball, and opened it effortlessly.

Inside was a green banana leaf.

Yu Jing studied it repeatedly, confused.

Ming Zhu didn’t get it either.

The nearby NPC didn’t explain, only saying it was a banana leaf. “Congratulations, Teachers, for being the first to get the treasure info. The other teams haven’t finished. You can rest now.”

Confused, Yu Jing and Ming Zhu headed to the rest area the NPC pointed to.

A parasol shaded plastic chairs and a round table with sponsor drinks—DIO cocktails and yogurt.

Thirsty from the games, Yu Jing grabbed a yogurt, took a sip, and, meeting Ming Zhu’s unreadable gaze, handed her one.

Ming Zhu held it without drinking.

Yu Jing brushed sticky hair from her face. “It’s pretty good, smooth and fragrant, but a bit sweet. Don’t you like it?”

Ming Zhu shook her head slightly, her cool gaze scanning the crowd, noting the camera crew hadn’t followed—probably finding rest time boring.

Ming Zhu didn’t care, her gaze returning to Yu Jing.

The girl’s small mouth sipped the straw, her lips now rosy, a stark contrast to their earlier pallor.

Ming Zhu raised her right hand, covered her mic, and asked softly, “Are you afraid of heights?”

Yu Jing froze, her wet lashes trembling. She spat out the straw, glanced at the spot with the two remaining balls, and quickly looked away.

Lowering her lashes, without covering her mic, her voice flat, “A little, I guess.”

Either you are or you aren’t. Why be vague?

Ming Zhu didn’t understand her hedging. Realizing she’d lifted her without asking, she felt guilty. “Sorry, I didn’t know.”

“It’s fine.” Yu Jing grinned carelessly, her eyes sparkling. “The sun was too strong today, and after all that exercise, looking down made me dizzy. It’s nothing.”

It sounded reasonable, flawless.

Ming Zhu studied her face. Aside from lingering sweat, she seemed fine. After a pause, she asked, “Still dizzy?”

Yu Jing sipped her yogurt, shaking her head with a smile.

There were chairs nearby. Yu Jing’s legs felt weak, and she sat to rest, but a cool hand grabbed her wrist.

She looked at Ming Zhu, surprised.

Ming Zhu didn’t let go, pulling her up. “Don’t sit here.”

Yu Jing blinked, confused. “Where then?”

Ming Zhu nodded toward the bustling square center, turning from the crowd, silently mouthing: Go where there are more cameras.

Yu Jing got it.

She’d almost forgotten!

With Zhang Xu’s pettiness, their scenes might get cut again. With the live stream still on, she needed to seize more screen time.

The live audience and CP fans were frantic. Yu Jing and Ming Zhu’s sudden disappearance from the cameras left only choppy audio, driving them to spam complaints about the camera crew. Others, annoyed by the MingYu hype, started arguing, sparking a comment war.

Amid the chaos, Yu Jing and Ming Zhu reappeared in the frame.

[They’re back!]

[MingYu forever!]

[Am I seeing right? Are they holding hands???]

Appearing together, the camera crew had to follow. One noticed their clasped hands and zoomed in for a close-up.

Their fingers were interlocked, not entwined, making it unclear who initiated it.

The bullet comments went wild.

[They’re really holding hands!]

[This hand-holding locks MingYu in!]

[MingYu, go!]

[Okay, hugging for the game made sense, but the game’s over, and they’re still holding hands? Too intimate.]

[I’m confused too. They were rivals in the first episode. How are they so friendly now? This shift is weird.]

[Feels like the show’s hyping them. Those feud rumors were probably fake to draw viewers—fight one episode, then push a CP for contrast. It’s a fan magnet.]

[Hype’s unlikely. Their beef started last year—check the red carpet video. Ming Zhu was cold, ignoring Yu Jing. ‘Treasure Hunt’ only started planning six months ago. The timeline doesn’t match.]

[Their relationship changing so much does seem suspicious.]

[Who cares if it’s hype? I’m all in for MingYu!]

[Exactly, variety shows are for fun, CP shipping is for fun. We don’t care about their real relationship.]

[MingYu iconic moment x4]

Yu Jing didn’t know their hand-holding would spark such debate. She’d dragged Ming Zhu over. Both had offended Zhang Xu, so they’d share the struggle and the spotlight.

It wasn’t long. Reaching the track, Yu Jing let go.

Chen Chen, wiping sweat with his shirt, saw them. “You’re done?”

“Yup.” Yu Jing’s eyes squinted against the sun, curving like crescents. She grinned, “We’re here to cheer you on. Keep going, Brother Chen. Yihuan and Brother Chao are at the third stage.”

Chen Chen looked over, seeing Xiao Yihuan and Xie Haichao at the fourth stage, grabbing balls. He and Peng Ze were stuck at the third stage’s second pole.

Panicked, Chen Chen said, “Xiao Peng, quick, one more try.”

Peng Ze, holding ten ping-pong balls, glanced at Chen Chen’s red, punctured soles, hesitating. “Brother Chen, maybe we should give up.”

The second pole was only a meter high. Chen Chen had copied Ming Zhu, carrying Peng Ze, but the sharp bamboo spikes stabbed his feet, making him unsteady. The balls fell repeatedly, failing every time.

Though Chen Chen was usually carefree, rules were rules. No passing, no treasure info.

Patting Peng Ze’s shoulder, he said seriously, “I’ll get you that ball.”

They tried again and finally succeeded.

Peng Ze, thrilled like a kid, showered Chen Chen with praise. “Brother Chen, you’re awesome, the best, so cool!”

Chen Chen’s face flushed.

For more screen time, Yu Jing followed them, noticing Ming Zhu hadn’t moved. She reached back to pull her, leaving Ming Zhu helpless.

It wasn’t just for exposure. Chen Chen and Peng Ze were far behind, and carrying Peng Ze over the acupressure board had worn Chen Chen’s feet raw, leaving bloodstains. Yu Jing felt bad and wanted to encourage them.

Xiao Yihuan and Xie Haichao, who loved teasing Chen Chen, returned after getting their info to cheer them on too.

[I’m actually touched.]

[The production team’s cruel. Why use acupressure boards? It’s torture. Are the guests not human?]

[Brother Chen went all out. His feet are bleeding. Poor guy.]

[Chen Chen’s serious side is so cool!]

[Everyone cheering together is so wholesome.]

[I’m feeling ‘Treasure Hunt’’s team spirit for the first time.]

When Chen Chen carried Peng Ze to grab the last ball, the crowd cheered. Though they finished last, no one mocked them.

All three teams got their treasure info, but it was baffling: Yu Jing and Ming Zhu got a banana leaf; Xiao Yihuan and Xie Haichao, a peanut; Peng Ze and Chen Chen, a sticky rice grain.

Yang Ming told them to guess.

Xiao Yihuan: “Do we find these things separately?”

Yang Ming: “Yes, find them first.”

Yu Jing: “Then what?”

Yang Ming looked at Peng Ze. “Xiao Ze grew up here. You’re familiar with these, right? What could they be used for?”

“Banana leaf, peanut, sticky rice…” Peng Ze muttered, unsure. “To make sticky rice cakes?”

Yang Ming smiled. “Exactly.”

“Nice one, Xiao Ze!” Chen Chen winked.

Peng Ze smiled shyly. “No, Director Yang’s hint was too obvious.”

Yang Ming didn’t tease further. “This episode, we thank Bishui Town’s government and tourism bureau for their support. Sticky rice cakes are a traditional local treat, symbolizing unity. This episode has no winner. Each team finds their materials, then all six of you make twenty sticky rice cakes together to give to twenty elderly residents, completing the task.”

Compared to the first episode, this one shifted from competition to teamwork and meaning. The six guests and live audience liked the new format.

With rules explained, they began.

Yang Ming had three locals guide the teams to find materials.

For viewing ease, the live stream split into three screens. Over 20 million viewers split, with Yu Jing and Ming Zhu’s feed drawing the most—over 10 million.

Yang Ming directed from the base.

Too far to see the guests, he watched via the live platform. Seeing Yu Jing and Ming Zhu’s feed had the most viewers, he wasn’t surprised, just reflective and annoyed.

As a director, Yang Ming hated capitalists meddling in production. Last episode, Yu Jing and Ming Zhu had the most buzz, their interactions captivating. He’d hoped their scenes would boost the broadcast, but Zhang Xu ordered cuts.

This episode had plenty of highlights too. If they got cut again…

Yang Ming sighed, shaking his head.

The camera shook as it followed. Watching the harmonious, eye-catching MingYu duo, Yang Ming wondered: Why did their relationship improve?

Yu Jing and Ming Zhu followed a local uncle to his banana tree.

Their task was simple—cut banana leaves. The tree wasn’t tall, no need for lifting. One cut, the other held, straightforward.

As CP fans lamented the lack of iconic moments, Yu Jing, holding a pile of leaves, tripped over a dried banana branch and stumbled forward.

Ming Zhu, catching it out of the corner of her eye, dropped her curved knife and quickly caught her. “You okay?”

“Fine. Thanks.” Yu Jing stood upright, stepping out of her arms.

Her forehead had brushed Ming Zhu’s shoulder, messing her bangs. With her hands full, Ming Zhu smoothed them for her.

After, picking up the knife and meeting Yu Jing’s stunned gaze, Ming Zhu realized what she’d done and froze.

They locked eyes silently for two seconds, then looked away as if nothing happened.

[Smoothing her bangs was so natural!]

[I noticed Ming Zhu’s been the initiator today. Who says she’s cold? She’s just gentle with Yu Jing!]

[That eye contact was electric.]

[kswl]

[MingYu iconic moment x5]

[Waiting for x6]

No x6 came.

Smoothing Yu Jing’s bangs crossed Ming Zhu’s line. They weren’t close, and she didn’t know why she did it, feeling annoyed.

To avoid more awkwardness, Ming Zhu was cautious later, avoiding physical contact.

An hour later, the six regrouped.

They combined their materials and started making sticky rice cakes. Chen Chen, the mood-maker, kept things lively, so it wasn’t dull.

But the process dragged. Yang Ming had the live stream cut.

Another hour later, they steamed the cakes and delivered them to the twenty elderly residents.

By the time they finished, it was dark.

Peng Ze rushed home to see his parents. The other five returned to the guesthouse.

The host had prepared a lavish dinner.

To maintain her figure, Ming Zhu ate some fruit and returned to her room. Yu Jing used to skip dinner, but since differentiating as an Omega, her frail body needed energy.

She ate a full bowl of rice, then played cards with Xiao Yihuan, Chen Chen, and Xie Haichao.

After, Yu Jing returned to their room and found Ming Zhu had showered.

Ming Zhu, with half-wet hair, sat by the window, reading in the breeze. Her dark purple silk pajamas rippled, hugging her shapely figure.

To avoid disturbing her reading, Ming Zhu had swept her long hair to one side. From this angle, Yu Jing saw her elegant swan-like neck and the glaring wound on it, her heart tightening.

She stared intently, not wanting to interrupt, but couldn’t help asking, “Why no bandage? Need… my help?”

Ming Zhu turned, her makeup-free face striking yet calm, her voice steady. “It’s itchy, so I’m skipping it today.”

Itchy? Yu Jing stepped closer, checking the wound. It was red but not bleeding. Still uneasy, she asked, “Is it bad?”

“It’s fine,” Ming Zhu said lightly.

Yu Jing pursed her lips, still worried. “Should you see a doctor?” What if it worsened?

Ming Zhu shook her head, her slender fingers flipping a page, speaking casually. “I sweated today, and it got stuffy. No big deal, don’t worry.”

“Okay.” Since she said so, Yu Jing didn’t press, smiling slightly. “Keep reading.”

“Yeah.”

Yu Jing went to shower. A sudden breeze brought that familiar, enticing cold tea scent. She paused, turning back to Ming Zhu.

“You…” Yu Jing pinched her thigh hard to resist the pheromone’s pull, her gaze flickering to the wound leaking it, her voice hoarse. “Didn’t you buy the suppressant I recommended?”

Ming Zhu looked up, seeing her odd expression, realizing she’d smelled her pheromones again. Covering the wound, she said apologetically, “I checked the pharmacy yesterday. That brand has something I’m allergic to, so I didn’t buy it.”

“Okay, can’t use it if you’re allergic.”

Yu Jing didn’t dare say more. Ming Zhu’s pheromones were dangerous to her. Fearing she’d lose control and pounce, she fled to the bathroom.

Her frail body was extra tired today. After showering and drying her hair, Yu Jing returned to bed, planning to use her phone until eleven. But she fell asleep unknowingly.

In the middle of the night, a churning in her stomach woke her. She climbed out of bed slowly, not wanting to disturb Ming Zhu by turning on the light. Clutching her stomach, she tiptoed to the bathroom.

She’d eaten too much today—yogurt, sticky rice cakes, and a messy dinner. Thinking it was food poisoning, she sat on the toilet, but after a while, had no urge to go.

The churning grew worse, a strange heat spreading from her abdomen through her body, her skin burning.

It wasn’t diarrhea, but she couldn’t pinpoint why. Her body was hot, thirsty, her insides empty and aching, craving comfort, to be filled…

Snap—

In the quiet night, every sound was amplified.

Ming Zhu, a light sleeper, was roused by the noise. Opening her eyes, she saw light spilling from the bathroom.

Was Yu Jing using the toilet?

Not thinking much, she rolled over to sleep.

“Mm—”

A pained moan drifted to her ears. Ming Zhu’s drooping lashes lifted alertly, her body turning to face the lit door.

She didn’t want to interfere.

Thud— Like something heavy falling.

But it was too loud.

Unsure what Yu Jing was doing, Ming Zhu thought even a midnight bathroom trip shouldn’t be this noisy.

She threw off the blanket, turned on the bedside lamp, and walked over.

Knock, knock, knock— Ming Zhu politely knocked, paused, and said, “Yu Jing, can you keep it down?”

Thump— Another noise answered.

Ming Zhu frowned. It didn’t sound like a bathroom visit—more like demolition.

Calling a few times got no response, just endless clattering. Feeling something was off, Ming Zhu wanted to check.

Her hand turned the knob without hesitation.

As the door cracked open, a sweet, almost seductive strawberry milk scent flooded out. Ming Zhu’s step to enter froze.

Why was there an Omega’s pheromone in their room?

“Mm—”

Another pained moan came from inside. Without time to think, worried for Yu Jing, Ming Zhu rushed in.

The closer she got, the stronger the sweet scent.

She found Yu Jing collapsed on the floor.

Something was definitely wrong.

But Ming Zhu didn’t dare get too close.

The girl’s cheeks were flushed, every pore exuding an enticing sweet fragrance.

Ming Zhu felt her own pheromones stir, forcibly suppressed them, and stared wide-eyed at the curled-up girl, her voice hoarse. “You’re an Omega?”

Yu Jing was barely conscious.

Her eyes were watery, her cheeks unnaturally flushed, her soft hands touching Ming Zhu’s slender ankle, letting out a comfortable sigh. Her parted lips exhaled a hot, alluring sweet scent.

Ming Zhu stared, realizing belatedly that the girl before her wasn’t just an Omega…

She was in heat.