Forced to Pretend to Be an A and Marry the Best Actress Omega - Chapter 19

What was worse, her body was responding to Jiang Lingyu’s gradually overflowing pheromones.

Her heartbeat accelerated, her breathing grew faster and more erratic.

A scent invaded her nostrils—like a patient fully recovered after treatment.

She could smell again.

…It was the fragrance of bergamot.

Jiang Lingyu’s skin, her eyelashes, her lips, even the tip of her tongue peeking out as she desperately gasped for air to maintain composure—all appeared softly before her eyes.

Xu Mifei stared at Jiang Lingyu in her arms, only her pupils moving, not blinking once.

Unable to tear her gaze away from Jiang Lingyu, she stopped resisting altogether, forcing herself to face this situation with clarity. Holding her breath, she studied Jiang Lingyu meticulously—from the strands of her hair down to her body.

This wasn’t the gaze of a hunter.

In a daze, Xu Mifei realized—she was the one who had become this omega’s prey. She was enthralled.

Drowning in the faint scent of Jiang Lingyu’s pheromones, that shattered bottle of inducer was different from before. After the initial overwhelming burst, the remaining traces were so light they might as well not exist. All she could smell now was Jiang Lingyu’s pheromones.

If she were an alpha…

How could she possibly resist Jiang Lingyu’s allure right now?

Normally so aloof, yet now, in the throes of heat, the elegant curve of her neck tilted slightly, her ears flushed crimson, her jaw tensed as she subtly turned away—only to brush against Xu Mifei’s fingers.

Xu Mifei’s hand clenched uncontrollably.

Jiang Lingyu’s wrist instinctively rested atop Xu Mifei’s hand, the bones protruding slightly from the tension, fingers curling and tightening. Every part of her exuded an indescribable allure and beauty, as if nature had crafted her to showcase its finest skills.

Such perfection didn’t stir protective instincts in Xu Mifei’s heart.

Instead, it awakened destruction—she wanted to crush Jiang Lingyu in her embrace.

“I can’t stay here any longer,” Xu Mifei said, trying to regain composure. She attempted to press her earpiece to call for assistance, to have Hu Yigui bring suppressants.

This was too sudden. Among the props team, Hu Yigui was the only one she knew well.

Jiang Lingyu’s fingertips pressed against Xu Mifei’s. “No… it’s too late.”

Her rationality was nearly gone.

Jiang Lingyu even wanted to nuzzle against Xu Mifei’s fingers.

Her body hadn’t fully recovered from last time, when suppressants had barely contained her heat. And now, this state had fallen into Xu Mifei’s view once more.

A thread of self-loathing twisted in Jiang Lingyu’s heart.

She hated herself for saying she envied betas’ freedom earlier.

Even Xu Mifei, a beta, was affected by her now.

Could Xu Mifei restrain herself from acting?

Hearing Jiang Lingyu’s response, Xu Mifei’s mind clouded over again.

The hand gripping Jiang Lingyu’s shoulder tightened slightly.

Did Jiang Lingyu even realize what she was saying?

Xu Mifei! Stay awake! You’re a beta!

Yet her arms locked around Jiang Lingyu like shackles. It wasn’t that Jiang Lingyu lacked strength to break free—rather, Xu Mifei was taking advantage of the situation, keeping Jiang Lingyu trapped in her embrace, immobile.

She was nothing but a despicable villain, deluding herself into thinking she could play the saint.

Xu Mifei bit her own tongue, tasting the metallic tang of bl00d in her mouth, forcing herself to stay calm.

Jiang Lingyu’s pheromones were gradually eroding her rationality. Soon, she wouldn’t be able to control herself—her vision blurred as she watched her own hands slowly clench tighter.

Yet her consciousness remained painfully clear. She couldn’t let herself become a slave to pheromones—

Jiang Lingyu suddenly gasped in pain—Xu Mifei’s grip had tightened too much.

She tilted her head up just as Xu Mifei looked down, their eyes meeting.

Xu Mifei sharply turned her face away, spitting out the bl00d in her mouth, finally grasping a sliver of clarity.

But all she could see now were Jiang Lingyu’s eyes from moments ago.

So beautiful.

Amber-colored, cold and piercing, yet now the ice seemed to be melting. Jiang Lingyu’s eyes made her feel as if she were seeing spring.

Something was heating up—enough to melt everything. A heat neither she nor Jiang Lingyu could resist. In the end, it was impossible to tell who was affecting whom.

“…I’ll help you up.” Xu Mifei released one hand, no longer supporting Jiang Lingyu’s waist, only for Jiang Lingyu to slide straight into her lap.

Helpless, Xu Mifei had no choice but to catch her, pressing her slightly bent legs together to support her. The soft, rounded curve of Jiang Lingyu’s body pressed against her thighs under gravity’s pull, and for a moment, Xu Mifei’s mind went blank.

“……”

Jiang Lingyu lifted her chin, the nape of her neck brushing against Xu Mifei’s lips.

Scalding heat.

Jiang Lingyu shuddered slightly, surprised to find the restless agitation inside her momentarily soothed.

What harm would it do to let her bite?—Jiang Lingyu was startled by the absurdity of the thought that crossed her mind.

After all, Xu Mifei was just a beta. She couldn’t complete a temporary mark.

Even if it only worked halfway, just enough to endure the worst of it, she could still get medicine later.

It wouldn’t be a problem. Just let Xu Mifei bite her.

Jiang Lingyu turned her head to look at Xu Mifei, now so close. The corners of her eyes flushed faintly red, her prolonged stare making her forget to blink, the dryness forcing a sheen of moisture into her eyes.

“Xu Mifei,” she said, enunciating each word, “bite me. Right now, bite me.”

This was all she could manage to say while holding herself together. If Jiang Lingyu wasn’t mistaken, the vial she had shattered earlier contained a Class C inducer.

Fast-acting, potent—within half an hour, it would push an omega into heat, ready to submit, leaving no trace afterward.

This drug had once been popular for treating sexual dysfunction in A/O pairs.

Xu Mifei’s eyes widened in shock, as if she couldn’t believe Jiang Lingyu had said such a thing to her.

The last time Jiang Lingyu had spoken to her like this, she had been fully lucid.

But Jiang Lingyu now—was she even still conscious?

The sting on her tongue remained. She wanted to push Jiang Lingyu away, yet couldn’t bear to let her sit on the floor like this.

“Biting you won’t help,” Xu Mifei replied with restraint. “I’m a beta.” She spoke each word clearly, though it was unclear whether she was saying it for herself or answering Jiang Lingyu.

“If you don’t bite me now, in five minutes I might lose all reason. I’m begging you to do this. Either let the cameras catch us, or go find someone else.” Jiang Lingyu dug her nails into her palm. “Even without injecting pheromones, just stimulating the scent gland can alleviate my symptoms.”

Hearing this, Xu Mifei finally understood.

Right—they didn’t have much time. They couldn’t avoid the cameras for long, nor could they let anyone know Jiang Lingyu was deep in her heat.

Having read the original novel, Xu Mifei knew just how intoxicating Jiang Lingyu’s pheromones laced with s3x hormones became during heat. Every alpha present, including the staff, would likely start fighting over her.

The thought sent a chill down Xu Mifei’s spine.

Jiang Lingyu was right—this was the only way forward now.

Even a brief moment of relief would be enough for Jiang Lingyu. Xu Mifei didn’t fully understand what this “Class C inducer” was, but anything labeled as an “inducer” couldn’t be good.

Her voice came out hoarse, “Then I… I’m sorry.”

At Xu Mifei’s apology, Jiang Lingyu’s heart sank. So it was true… Xu Mifei really wouldn’t help her?

Of course.

Why would Xu Mifei help her? From Xu Mifei’s perspective, she probably wanted nothing more than to see Jiang Lingyu ruined, crawling at her feet.

Yet, in the next moment—

Xu Mifei’s hand closed around the omega’s vulnerable neck, fingers pressing against the pulse point beneath. Without mercy, she tilted Jiang Lingyu’s head to the side, exposing the slightly raised scent gland more clearly, and pressed her lips against it.

The sudden, intense stimulation made Jiang Lingyu’s back arch instantly.

Even her toes curled tightly.

She threw her head back, her swan-like neck elongating as she stared blankly upward.

Like a greenhouse bud slowly unfurling, delicate petals glistening with morning dew.

Xu Mifei’s body heat, transmitted through those soft lips, spread over her skin—swift and domineering.

Even when Xu Mifei’s hand moved to her chin, gripping the pulse of her life and forcing her to tilt her head further to expose the gland, what Jiang Lingyu felt wasn’t threat but—

A primal response coded in her genes. Like an electric shock, her body trembled, her mind going blank.

Xu Mifei was so different now… She didn’t bite, only kissed her fiercely. This comfort was undeniably torturous temptation. Jiang Lingyu didn’t know whether her craving for more stemmed from her heat or because Xu Mifei was too good at this.

She was growing addicted to Xu Mifei’s kisses.

Overwhelmed by shock and shame, Jiang Lingyu struggled in Xu Mifei’s grasp.

To keep her still, Xu Mifei effortlessly bent Jiang Lingyu’s leg, making her kneel astride her lap.

Her hand returned to Jiang Lingyu’s chin, pulling her closer.

Jiang Lingyu’s body was unbearably soft.

Like a bow drawn backward, her upper body tensed further forward from the compromising position. At one point, Xu Mifei felt two soft mounds brushing against her arm as Jiang Lingyu swayed slightly.

Cloud-soft yet substantial as ripe peaches—as if a single squeeze would release an overflow of sweet nectar.

The temperature here wasn’t too cold, so no one was wearing much clothing. In contrast, Xu Mifei was bundled up tightly, forming a stark contrast with the woman in her arms.

Xu Mifei could only force her gaze to return.

She discovered that kissing Jiang Lingyu worked.

In truth, while doing these things, Xu Mifei couldn’t even think about what her next move should be. She didn’t know how much force she was using, didn’t realize she was actually restraining Jiang Lingyu.

If there had been a third-person perspective, one would have seen that in terms of possessiveness, Xu Mifei was nothing like an ordinary beta—she resembled an alpha instead.

Jiang Lingyu’s struggles only stirred a more obvious urge to destroy within Xu Mifei. She exhaled softly against the back of Jiang Lingyu’s neck, feeling the pulse of the scent gland there.

She didn’t want to leave bite marks on Jiang Lingyu—that was something the original owner of this body had done. For some reason, Xu Mifei still wished to distinguish herself from the actions of her predecessor.

She was herself.

“Do you still need it?”

When her lips pressed against Jiang Lingyu’s scent gland, the rich floral and fruity fragrance overwhelmed her senses.

So sweet.

Jiang Lingyu was cool and aloof, yet her pheromones reminded Xu Mifei of tropical fruits—sweet, ripe, dripping with nectar.

Just kissing this spot already evoked such an extreme attraction—what would happen if she actually bit down? How crazed would she become?

Xu Mifei thought hazily.

In her mind, she truly wanted to let Jiang Lingyu go. But when she asked that question, Jiang Lingyu didn’t answer.

No answer meant she should continue—

“Then… do you need it kissed harder?”

Xu Mifei inquired, but the omega beneath her palm stirred again. An itch spread along her arm—perhaps Jiang Lingyu wasn’t even aware of what she was rubbing against Xu Mifei’s body, only instinctively seeking relief from her own heat, craving comfort.

A fire ignited in Xu Mifei’s chest, burning away her restraint.

Encouraged, she no longer just kissed—she began sucking fiercely.

Pressed against the soft scent gland, she sucked upward with deliberate cruelty, pressing inward, kneading, grinding, tracing—her movements instinctively skilled.

“…Xu… Xu… stop…”

In that instant, tears welled up uncontrollably in Jiang Lingyu’s eyes. A soft moan escaped her lips, her ears flushing crimson as if about to bleed.

She wanted to turn her head away, but her neck was held firmly in place, leaving her no choice but to endure.

It was a forced position, yet… she felt a strange thrill from it. Her heartbeat grew wilder, betraying just how much her body enjoyed it.

How could this be? Jiang Lingyu thought through tear-blurred eyes. There were too many tears, as if a water jar had been overturned, leaving her drenched.

And only now did Jiang Lingyu understand why Xu Mifei had apologized to her earlier.

Her “I’m sorry” wasn’t because she couldn’t do it.

It was—

I’m sorry, I’m going to bully you now.

The omega’s voice finally shattered into unmistakable whimpers, her faint sobs laced with an irresistible allure, as if she had already submerged herself in a sea of indulgence.

Rising and falling.

“Has everyone figured out the sleeping arrangements for tonight?” Yi Baoyou smiled as she returned to the living room. “There are two sleeping bags. Squeezing in, we can still fit four people.”

Xu Wanzhi asked, “Why are you alone? Where’s Lingyu?”

“Don’t worry, fetching the bag is a solo task. She’ll come back once she gets it—you shouldn’t disturb her.” Yi Baoyou gave Xu Wanzhi a reproachful look. “What’s with that expression? It’s just a one-and-a-half-hour task. Do you really think the production team would eat Lingyu alive?”

“Let me remind you, Tuo Island gets quite cold at night. You’ll need to gather supplies this afternoon.” Yi Baoyou pointed to the empty fireplace by the window. “Without proper heating, the night will be tough. But, of course, you can exchange for whatever you need here—as long as you have the corresponding points.”

She continued, “Points can be earned by collecting supplies or completing tasks outside. Points can be transferred, gifted, or even seized under specific circumstances. You can also buy on credit—but any borrowed points must be repaid by the next day, or there will be penalties.”

In this regard, the production team was being somewhat considerate. But given the nature of this special variety show, these rules felt like a giant trap waiting to be sprung.

I instinctively sense something’s off—is the production team scheming again?
Are you encouraging the guests to turn on each other?
Not really. At most, it’s every pair for themselves. They’re all AO couples anyway, so splitting into pairs is natural. Since Jiang Lingyu has the backpack, she and Xu Wanzhi can take the two sleeping bags.
Spoken like someone without a partner. Don’t you get it? The couples should share one sleeping bag each—that way, they can cuddle while also doing the other pair a favor.
Think outside the box—why not a threesome? Two sleeping bags would be perfect for that /laugh
Genius. The production team should recruit someone like you, lol.

“Your biggest problem right now is figuring out how to spend the night.” Yi Baoyou glanced subtly toward the backyard, hearing no movement, her smile deepening. “No one came here to suffer. Come on, why not buy beds on credit?”

“It’s a scam!” Shen Wansui suddenly exclaimed. “I think we should wait for Yuyu-jie to return before deciding how to divide things.”

“We don’t have many points left,” Wen Yue said worriedly, looking outside. After losing to Jiang Lingyu and paying the entry fee, their original 100 points had dwindled to just 20.

A bed cost 100 points—were they being forced to complete tasks or genuinely sleep outdoors?

And then there was the issue of meals. With the theme being free exploration and survival, it sounded ominous—they’d probably have to cook for themselves.

As far as she knew, neither she nor Wen Yue could cook. Would they even have to pay for food later?

Lin Su said, “It’s fine, it’s still early. We can go out later to complete tasks and earn more points.” She paused, then added, “Zhenzhen and I will need two beds because… I’m a restless sleeper. I’d keep her awake.”

This only added to the pressure.

Would the six of them really need six beds?

Yi Baoyou smiled ambiguously.

Wait for Jiang Lingyu? She wouldn’t be coming! Jiang Lingyu must already be trapped there by now. Soon, only the cameras would go over to capture her going into heat on the spot.

The drug would cause her body temperature to rise rapidly. An omega without relief would exhibit various symptoms, but without exception, they would tear off their clothes, instinctively exposing their scent glands.

“Wanzhi, will you and Jiang Lingyu be sharing a sleeping bag?” He Yanzhen suddenly asked.

Xu Wanzhi lowered her head with a shy smile. “If there’s really no other choice, we’ll naturally comply with the mission arrangements.”

Ahhhh! She’s blushing, she’s blushing!

 

Little one, we can all hear what you’re thinking in that head of yours—yes! We also want to see you sleeping together!

 

All for the mission! (righteous tone)

 

I paid for membership just to see this scene. Please hurry up and sleep together for us to watch

Just as everyone was hesitating, Xu Wanzhi checked the time. “Why is completing a simple task taking so long? That bag is quite heavy. I’ll go check on her.”

But Yi Baoyou stopped her. “Wait! That would violate the rules. This is a solo mission. If the time runs out and it’s not completed, the director will send someone. Otherwise, we won’t get the backpack.”

Xu Wanzhi felt something was off. Why hadn’t these requirements been mentioned earlier? She brushed off Yi Baoyou’s hand and had just reached for the doorknob when someone opened the door from the other side.

Jiang Lingyu appeared on camera, carrying a backpack half her size as she walked in.

The bag was enormous, and she was struggling with it. Xu Wanzhi immediately took the backpack from Jiang Lingyu’s hands and asked with concern, “You should’ve called me. Why strain yourself carrying it alone? Your face is all red from exertion.”

Jiang Lingyu’s voice was cool. “Sorry, the bag got caught on a flower stand. It took some time to free it.”

Yi Baoyou couldn’t hide her shock, her eyes widening.

How was she fine?

There wasn’t even a trace of pheromones on her. Her face was slightly flushed, and the disheveled strands of hair only made her look more beautiful, as if she had just returned from diligently completing the task.

“I know we can buy on credit,” Jiang Lingyu said, her gaze sweeping over everyone before settling on Yi Baoyou. Though Yi Baoyou felt guilty, she maintained her composure, meeting Jiang Lingyu’s eyes directly.

She wanted to see what else Jiang Lingyu could possibly stir up!

Jiang Lingyu continued, “Since we can buy on credit, why don’t you all borrow from me? I’ll buy the beds for you, and you can pay me back later—no interest. That way, the production team can’t use this to torment you.”

Yi Baoyou exclaimed, “Lingyu! That’s way too against the rules!” The production team had set it up this way for the punishment effect. Wouldn’t this ruin the entertainment value?

Wen Yue’s eyes widened. “Sis, you’re literally my savior. How much do you have now?”

“280. My points are enough to buy two beds. Combined with the two sleeping bags, we’ll have four resting spots for tonight,” Jiang Lingyu said slowly. “Don’t spend all the points.”

She had other plans.

Actually, Jiang Lingyu wanted to say that, to be safe, it would be best if all six of them had their own beds tonight. Sleeping together still wasn’t ideal.

Xu Wanzhi heard her words, his eyes flickering slightly, but when he looked up again, he smiled, “I still have 180 points here. If we combine our points, we can probably get two beds, right?”

“Since we’re in the same group, let’s pool our points together. It’ll be more convenient this way.”

“Here, transfer all my points to you. It’s fine.”

I’m seriously moved to tears. How is this any different from handing over the household finances to your wife?

 

I didn’t miss the fleeting disappointment in my dear Zhi Bao’s eyes—she must have thought we could sleep together, wuwu

 

What kind of family hierarchy is this?! This is it!!!

“No need,” Jiang Lingyu shook her head. “It’s still early—we can go explore first. Let’s establish the four-bed foundation for now. The production team didn’t merge our points from the start, which might be useful later. Keep your own points in case you need them for unexpected situations.”

Her reasoning made sense, and no one objected. Shen Wansui thought for a moment and said, “Though we don’t have many points, we should still explore first. If we really can’t find anything, we can come back to exchange for beds. How does that sound?”

Jiang Lingyu nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, Xu Wanzhi had unpacked the contents of her backpack: two double sleeping bags, two foldable tents, and some miscellaneous outdoor supplies—thermal blankets, raincoats, and flashlights.

Yi Baoyou asked, “Aren’t you going to exchange for some food?”

Everyone had eaten breakfast before coming, but Wen Yue and the others had been vomiting so much on the yacht that they were practically starving. However, seeing Yi Baoyou ask, she knew it would cost points. Gritting her teeth, she tugged Shen Wansui’s arm. “Let’s go explore first. Surely an island this big must have food?”

Jiang Lingyu added, “When I jumped down earlier, I noticed there are plenty of coconuts on the island.”

Lin Su smiled gently. “You’re very observant.”

“You think everyone’s like you, just sitting back now and letting the younger ones spend their points…” He Yanzhen smirked and lightly pinched her arm. “Come on, let’s go explore together.”

“Wait,” Yi Baoyou called out again. “There’s one more game rule for today that I haven’t told you.”

“In the Truth Game, all members of the Lie Faction failed their challenge. Except for Jiang Lingyu, everyone else has received two Truth Buff cards. During today’s tasks, anyone can use these cards on a buff holder at any time, and the target cannot refuse.”

He Yanzhen, “So if I make someone tell the truth, they have to comply?” She understood—today’s tasks would revolve around honesty.

“Exactly. Meanwhile, Jiang Lingyu has obtained four Lie Cards, to be used at her discretion.” Yi Baoyou sounded almost resentful as she said this.

Our Yuyu is undoubtedly the biggest winner!

 

Hahahaha, so it’s mutual destruction? The cards are for others to use—only those who can use them freely truly have the upper hand.

 

I’m curious what tasks the production team has planned to extract their secrets. Looks like there’ll be some classic Q&A sessions.

After this interlude, everyone set out to search for supplies—except Yi Baoyou, who slipped into the backyard and stood beneath the flower trellis where the backpacks had previously hung. The ground and the trellis were spotless, as if nothing had happened at all.

How was this possible… Yi Baoyou frowned, lost in thought. Suddenly, she tensed and glanced around.

Just now, she had distinctly felt a chilling gaze upon her—but when she turned, all she saw were the greenhouse roses, blooming vibrantly even in winter.

“Who’s there?!”

A long silence followed. No one answered.

In the director’s office, Xu Mifei, wearing a mask, stared at the monitor displaying Yi Baoyou before turning to ask the director, “How long is her contract with you?”

Jin Chiyu replied, “Two episodes. Why?”

“Replace her next episode, or even today.”

Assuming it was just Xu Mifei’s sudden temper flare-up, Jin Chiyu had no idea how Yi Baoyou had offended this big shot. Hesitantly, she said, “Make her quit mid-recording? Besides the breach penalty, it’s hard to explain to the audience…”

Xu Mifei’s intuition told her that the inducer in Jiang Lingyu’s backpack was no accident.

And the mastermind was likely this person who had come back to check again.

Although the original text didn’t specify Yi Baoyou’s ultimate role, there were brief mentions of her long-standing conflict with Jiang Lingyu—a cannon-fodder character just like herself.

“Review all surveillance footage featuring Yi Baoyou between nine and nine-thirty.”

Xu Mifei’s cold tone made Jin Chiyu realize—

Despite Xu Mifei’s excellent performance in the props team and her usual approachability, how could she have forgotten? This was still a Xu family alpha at the end of the day.

Her temper was truly terrifying when unleashed.

Jin Chiyu quickly agreed, then scolded a few staff members smoking nearby. “Go, go! If you want to smoke, do it outside. Can’t you see Little Xu is wearing a mask because of you?”

The group hurriedly apologized. Xu Mifei followed them out and had just removed her mask when Hu Yigui called her over. “Little Xu, everyone else is out. You should follow the second camera—make sure the guests don’t mess with any props they shouldn’t.”

When Hu Yigui got closer, she exclaimed, “Did you just eat spicy strips? Your lips are so swollen from the heat.”

“…Just a sudden craving,” Xu Mifei mumbled before hastily covering her mouth with the mask again and rushing off.

Her lips were swollen?

She must have sucked too hard in the heat of the moment… Xu Mifei pulled out her phone, turned on the front camera, and cautiously peeked at herself without the mask. Her face burned.

Her lips were red—clearly from prolonged suction.

She must have been insane. Jiang Lingyu must have suffered terribly under her assault. If her own lips were like this, she couldn’t imagine the state of Jiang Lingyu’s delicate scent gland…

Though she hadn’t bitten it, this might have been worse.

Later, when she handed Jiang Lingyu a scent blocker and mint-flavored suppressant, Jiang Lingyu showed no trace of their earlier passion—except for the lingering redness on her ears.

Like a dream, leaving no mark behind.

Xu Mifei had wanted to examine Jiang Lingyu’s scent gland more closely, but Jiang Lingyu had covered it tightly, refusing to let her see.

There had been no time for Jiang Lingyu to thank her for the “help,” either. By the time Xu Mifei helped her put her shoes back on, the mission deadline was almost up.

Xu Mifei guessed Jiang Lingyu must have been uncomfortable—she’d been too rough… She needed to find a chance to apologize, even if she hadn’t intended things to go that far. She had to admit it.

Jiang Lingyu’s pheromones had overwhelmed even a beta like her.

For a fleeting moment, she had wanted to sink her teeth in deep, gripping that fragile neck, forcing Jiang Lingyu to moan for her alone.

The thought that if she hadn’t come to guard this task point and noticed Jiang Lingyu’s unusual behavior—or if it had been someone else, or even the cameras that discovered Jiang Lingyu in that state—made Xu Mifei’s gaze turn cold. Her steps quickened.

She would never let that person off lightly.

All six guests had chosen to go out to search for supplies, but none of them even had bags to carry things in. Fortunately, apart from the two large bags belonging to Xu Mifei and Jiang Lingyu, they found a few cloth pouches along the way that they could use, each carrying one.

Though Xu Wanzhi was already carrying a bag, as soon as they set out, Wen Yue volunteered to carry Jiang Lingyu’s bag.

“Lingyu-jie, you looked pretty tired after completing the task earlier. Let me carry this bag—it’s empty anyway.”

Jiang Lingyu didn’t refuse and walked slowly beside Wen Yue as they all searched the nearby area together.

Outside, there were square airdrop packages placed at regular intervals, but what was inside wasn’t necessarily food—it all depended on luck. Some might even be empty.

To find coconuts, they followed the coastline near their home this time.

Even the supply packages that did contain food didn’t have much. Some had pre-cooked items like millet porridge, steamed sweet potatoes, or potatoes.

The program team’s intention was clear: while they did provide enough food to stave off hunger, the effort was minimal. Today’s food was guaranteed, but the remaining three days weren’t.

Even if stored in a fridge, these items wouldn’t last long—certainly not enough to sustain six people for four days.

Thinking about exchanging supplies for points, everyone collected as much as they could along the way, whether it was useful or not.

The temperature was around twenty-something degrees, and gradually, everyone began to tire. Wen Yue, carrying the large bag, fell to the back of the group, and Jiang Lingyu slowed her pace as well.

The lingering sensation from the greenhouse earlier still remained—her feet seemed to retain the memory of Xu Mifei’s touch.

Later, when Xu Mifei brought the suppressant, she also brought wet wipes, holding Jiang Lingyu’s foot to clean it before putting her shoes back on. Jiang Lingyu couldn’t break free.

To shake off this awkward feeling as soon as possible, Jiang Lingyu had been very active in searching for supplies, and her cloth pouch was nearly full now.

But when she caught sight of that familiar figure gradually catching up, her mind grew unsettled again.

She unconsciously quickened her pace, but Xu Mifei soon caught up regardless. Jiang Lingyu walked even faster, failing to notice the slight bump in the soft sand ahead.

Shen Wansui happened to run to the back and teased Wen Yue, “Baby, are you giving up already? Look at Teacher Lin—she’s carrying a lot too, but she’s walking so steadily!”

He Yanzhen walked beside Lin Su and tried to support her bag, but Lin Su shook her head. “Underestimating me?”

He Yanzhen: “…I’m just worried about your waist. After all, we’re almost forty.”

Ah, the sisters are so good—just a blink and they’re already flirting.

 

Zhenzhen-jie is worried about Teacher Lin’s waist? Spread the word: Teacher Lin and Zhenzhen-jie have been married for nearly twenty years and still have an active s3x life—how enviable…

 

I don’t believe it unless you show me.

 

Enough—your ulterior motives are hitting me in the face, sis.

“Who says I can’t do it? I’m perfectly capable!” As an alpha, how could she possibly admit to being incapable? Stung by the remark, she deliberately glanced toward Lin Su and He Yanzhen’s group and realized Shen Wansui was right. Immediately, she hoisted her backpack, determined to sprint ahead to the supply point in one go to prove herself to her omega.

Just as she was about to dash past Jiang Lingyu, her bulky backpack brushed against Jiang Lingyu’s cloth bag. The weight of both packs disrupted their balance, and they were about to topple over when suddenly, a hand effortlessly lifted the backpack.

Wen Yue, her center of gravity shifting, rose onto her tiptoes and stumbled backward.

Xu Mifei, after releasing the bag, swiftly steadied Jiang Lingyu with a light touch on her back.

Not on the waist—a restrained and proper distance and position.

Even though the contact was fleeting, the warmth from that palm traveled up Jiang Lingyu’s spine, reaching her scent gland. Her body clearly remembered what Xu Mifei had done and was eager to respond.

Jiang Lingyu paused mid-step, convinced she must be bewitched. She had wanted to keep her distance, yet here she was.

Wen Yue turned back in disbelief—how could anyone single-handedly lift such a heavy bag? When she saw Xu Mifei already back in position, understanding dawned.

Oh, it’s Xu Mifei. Of course. Could any alpha from the Xu family be anything less?

“There seems to be a box here!” Shen Wansui pointed near Wen Yue’s feet. “The ground around here is sunken. That was close—if you’d stepped here earlier, you would’ve fallen.”

Wen Yue shuddered at the near-miss, then had an untimely thought: Did Xu Mifei save me just now to prevent Jiang Lingyu from falling?

Crack—

Out of the corner of her eye, Wen Yue noticed Xu Mifei splitting open a coconut, having somehow procured a bowl filled with clear, glistening coconut water.

Even from a distance, she could almost smell its sweetness.

The group had already trekked quite a distance, and Wen Yue, burdened by her heavy backpack, was parched.

Ironically, none of the supplies they’d collected so far included water.

“Let’s find one more crate of water before heading back,” Lin Su, the seasoned member, suggested. “We can leave the food behind for now. Anything else we don’t immediately need can wait. Let’s regroup first, take stock of our supplies, and plan accordingly.”

Wen Yue swallowed hard. Just one sip would be heavenly!

Her pace noticeably slowed. Shen Wansui punched her shoulder. “You really can’t keep up, huh? Why are you lagging?”

“I want coconut water…” Wen Yue whined to Shen Wansui, nodding toward Xu Mifei. “Over there.”

An idea struck her.

Wen Yue hurried to Jiang Lingyu’s side. “Lingyu-jie, aren’t you thirsty? Do you think it’d be against the rules if we took some of the staff’s supplies?”

Jiang Lingyu took in Wen Yue and Shen Wansui’s dry, cracked lips and understood her intention.

“We have our own if we want some.”

“But we don’t have a knife to open them. Come on, let’s go together. We’re at the back of the group—no one will notice.” Wen Yue tugged Jiang Lingyu toward Xu Mifei.

She always felt that the relationship between Xu Mifei and Jiang Lingyu wasn’t as bad as everyone made it out to be.

Xu Mifei held the freshly prepared coconut juice, straw in hand, when she noticed Jiang Lingyu staring at her longingly with a couple in tow.

What?

Just moments ago, Jiang Lingyu had been desperate to keep her distance.

Xu Mifei: “…”

“Xu… Xu assistant, can I have a sip of your coconut juice?” Sticking to professionalism at work, Wen Yue refrained from calling her “Young CEO Xu.” Uttering those words on camera would undoubtedly stir up a storm, so she settled for “Xu assistant” instead.

Xu Mifei shook her head. “No, you can’t. If you really want some, you can exchange points for it.”

Wen Yue eyed the straw. “But you were about to drink it yourself—ah! You drank it!” She lowered her microphone to keep their conversation from being recorded.

Xu Mifei had only taken a sip. “This is testing the prop.”

“That counts as a prop?”

“Of course. I was testing the prop’s durability just now.” Xu Mifei’s ability to lie with a straight face was impressive, and Jiang Lingyu couldn’t help but smirk.

Xu Mifei quickly caught up to Jiang Lingyu at the back of the group, leaning in to whisper, “Are you feeling alright?”

Having just been forced into a brief Heat without receiving a proper temporary mark, she must still need time to recover and adjust.

Yet, after Xu Mifei helped her put on her shoes, Jiang Lingyu had immediately resumed filming.

Xu Mifei had no doubt—though Jiang Lingyu was an omega, she was undoubtedly ruthless.

Knowing a bite could stabilize her temporarily, she hadn’t hesitated to let Xu Mifei do it.

Just like last time.

Using herself to test whether Xu Mifei had truly improved.

Could it be… she still didn’t trust her this time?

Xu Mifei sighed inwardly, gaining new insight into Jiang Lingyu’s character. No matter how much the book described her, nothing compared to firsthand experience.

“I’m fine,” Jiang Lingyu said.

But Xu Mifei could hear the dryness in her voice, strained from walking too long without water.

Quietly avoiding the cameras, Xu Mifei offered the coconut juice to her.

Jiang Lingyu didn’t take it.

What, was she really upset about how hard Xu Mifei had sucked earlier…? Xu Mifei felt a pang of regret, but now wasn’t the time to explain. Instead, she said, “This is a personal gift from me. No points needed—just for you.”

“Drink it quickly to regain your strength.” Though Xu Mifei stayed close, she maintained a careful distance, ensuring her words reached Jiang Lingyu’s ears. “Later, we can have a doctor check on you…”

The very scene and sensations Jiang Lingyu had tried to forget now flooded back. Gripping her bag strap tightly, she cut Xu Mifei off.

“Stop talking.”

What did she mean, “regain your strength”? Didn’t she know how suggestive that sounded to an omega who had just been soothed?

The Heat period could last anywhere from three days to a week. During this time, an omega needed to constantly replenish their energy to endure repeated marking and bonding sessions.

Even if Xu Mifei wasn’t an alpha, she might not have been aware of this implication—

Yet Jiang Lingyu still felt her ears grow hot.

She was heating up—she really needed that cold coconut water to cool herself down.

Just as she paused to take the coconut from Xu Mifei’s hands, Wen Yue noticed Jiang Lingyu’s indifferent expression and slightly furrowed brows. Worried that the two might sour the mood over something as trivial as coconut water during filming, she quickly intervened, saying, “Fine, I’ll drink it!”

Xu Mifei swiftly pulled out the straw she had been using, and in the next second, the coconut water was already in Wen Yue’s hands.

They were so thirsty they didn’t even need straws anymore. Carrying the bowl like a treasure, they took it to their omega, sharing sips back and forth until it was finished.

“They’re so affectionate,” Xu Mifei mused. She had expected nothing but drama and hair-pulling fights on this show, but real couples without scripts could be this sweet.

When she turned to cut another coconut for Jiang Lingyu, the latter had already walked ahead with a cold expression, refusing to engage further.

What now? Xu Mifei couldn’t figure out what she had done wrong, eventually attributing it to having sucked too hard earlier.

She’d probably need to apply some ointment later. Just this once—never again. She couldn’t risk upsetting Jiang Lingyu like this in the future.

Perhaps thanks to that coconut water, Wen Yue’s luck finally turned around. Along with Shen Wansui, she found thick straw bedding and a set of blankets inside a makeshift abandoned treehouse.

The couple discussed it and decided it could serve as a makeshift bed, so they carried it back.

Wen Yue was especially thrilled, feeling like she had just saved 100 points, regardless of how comfortable the straw bedding might be.

Coincidentally, in the supply box buried under the sand that Wen Yue and Jiang Lingyu had discovered earlier, there was also bottled water, temporarily solving their hydration issues.

After returning to the campsite, they kept what they needed and exchanged the rest for points, leaving them with a more comfortable budget.

But this trip also made them realize how difficult gathering supplies could be. Just as Jiang Lingyu was about to request a tent, He Yanzhen approached her. “No need, Xiao Jiang. Susu and I can share a sleeping bag tonight. Your group can take one, Wen Yue and Sui Sui can use the straw bedding—that’ll be just enough. We’ll save some points this way.”

“It’s fine. I’m not really comfortable sharing a bed. It’s… inconvenient,” Jiang Lingyu murmured the last part, and He Yanzhen immediately understood.

Even though this was a survival-themed show, unless absolutely necessary, having Jiang Lingyu and Xu Wanzhi share a bed right away wasn’t appropriate.

Xu Wanzhi caught up to Jiang Lingyu as she went to find Yi Baoyou, sounding slightly anxious. “Lingyu, didn’t we agree to save points? Exchanging for a bed would cost so much—can’t we think of another solution?”

Jiang Lingyu replied, “I’ll ask if there’s a cheaper option first.”

Xu Wanzhi had no choice but to follow behind her.

“A cheaper option? Of course there is.” Yi Baoyou grinned. “I can give you a tent and a sleeping bag—but you can’t set it up in the bedroom. It has to be placed outside the main living area. Only 50 points.”

Xu Wanzhi wanted to refuse on Jiang Lingyu’s behalf, but Jiang Lingyu had already agreed: “Fine, I’ll take this one.”

She needed a place where she could be separated from the other guests at night. Yi Baoyou had intended to make things difficult for her, unaware that this arrangement actually suited her perfectly.

In the temporary campsite set up outside the wooden building, Xu Mifei was chopping coconuts while several strong beta guests nearby were splitting firewood to prepare for the evening fire.

The evening outdoor scenes with the guests would be filmed here later.

“Xiao Xu! Get that tent out!” Hu Yigui came looking for her, and Xu Mifei paused what she was doing. “Which one? Who’s sleeping in it?”

The temporary tent could only be set up outdoors and would trigger a mission—Xu Mifei had already read about it in the documents.

“Jiang Lingyu exchanged for that tent. She’s alone.” Hu Yigui patted Xu Mifei’s shoulder succinctly. “It’s going to be a long night. The props team needs to send someone, so you’re assigned to set it up.”

Xu Mifei held a coconut jelly pudding, feeling conflicted—the night’s task was simple in theory. Someone from the props team had to wear a special costume and sneak into the tent to scare the guests.

Usually, the person who set it up would do it, since they could rig the props while unfolding the tent. The props team was well-versed in this.

The goal was to scare the guests back into their bedrooms, into their partners’ warm embrace, ideally providing the show with tearful, clingy moments followed by sweet comfort—perfect sugar-coated material.

It was tricky.

She had no choice but to fetch the tent from the props van first. Just as she closed the cargo door, she overheard a hushed argument nearby.

“Why are you doing this? We came on this show together. Don’t draw such clear lines with me, Lingyu!”

It was Xu Wanzhi, and the person with her was obvious. Xu Mifei knew she shouldn’t eavesdrop and was about to leave with the tent when she suddenly heard her own name.

“You don’t actually think Xu Mifei can make you happy or protect you, do you? Do you really believe—she can’t even manage basic pheromone suppression, let alone soothe you. Don’t you get it? The photos of you and A-Fei in bed were all her doing.”

Xu Mifei tilted her head slightly and caught sight of Jiang Lingyu standing before Xu Wanzhi. She was clearly on guard, having just taken a step back when Xu Wanzhi gripped her shoulders.

“Let go.”

Jiang Lingyu immediately raised her hand to knock Xu Wanzhi’s away, but Xu Wanzhi had no intention of letting her leave.

She tightened her grip, her expression turning cold. “Your heat is coming up, isn’t it? What, are you using suppressants again? Will your alpha—” she emphasized the word, “—help you?”

Pheromones?

Xu Mifei could actually smell them.

She couldn’t take it anymore and was about to step out when Jiang Lingyu said, “She can soothe me. No need for your concern.”

Xu Mifei froze.

Was that true? Or was it just to save face in front of Xu Wanzhi, to uphold their agreement and hide their struggles?

Xu Wanzhi suddenly laughed. “Lingyu, Lingyu, it’s just a game. Why so serious? Using a bluff card on me now?”

The next moment, her wrist was seized and twisted aside with force.

Xu Mifei shielded Jiang Lingyu behind her, shoving Xu Wanzhi away as effortlessly as toppling a flimsy foam board.

She stepped forward, crouched down, and fished a tiny camera from Xu Wanzhi’s pocket. Her eyes gleamed with dark amusement, like a cat prowling at night, seeing through every trick.

Xu Wanzhi opened her mouth to curse but faltered under that gaze, rendered speechless.

The atmosphere instantly froze.

“You’re such a gentleman, so remarkable, even your spying is justified.” Xu Mifei reached out and pinched, the seemingly sturdy camera instantly shutting down. Her voice carried a cold tone, her smile not reaching her eyes.

She lounged lazily, yet Xu Wanzhi felt Xu Mifei could step on her the next second, just like she had destroyed that camera.

Xu Mifei slowly leaned closer.

At that moment, Xu Wanzhi actually felt a chill run down her spine, fear rising from the depths of her heart.

Xu Mifei suddenly stopped and laughed.

“Seems like I don’t even need pheromones to suppress you, sister.” Xu Mifei laughed genuinely. “Do I really need to perform how I comfort my fiancée right in front of you?”

At that moment, Jiang Lingyu, standing behind Xu Mifei, didn’t even realize her own breath had slightly stilled.

From this angle, she could clearly see the scent blocker on the back of Xu Mifei’s neck.

Something was off.

That spot, which she had personally inspected not long ago, now seemed slightly raised—no longer smooth as before.

That was unmistakably the location of a scent gland… something only alphas and omegas possessed.