Forced to Pretend to Be an A and Marry the Best Actress Omega - Chapter 21

Yi Baoyou was completely enraged by Jiang Lingyu’s expression.

Provocation—this was outright provocation!

Even in front of the cameras, she could barely control her emotions, itching to tear off Jiang Lingyu’s facade right then and there.

What was she pretending for? Yi Baoyou still remembered a time at an awards ceremony when her seat was arranged next to Jiang Lingyu’s. She had personally heard Jiang Lingyu say she was allergic to cat fur.

If she was going to lie, couldn’t she at least come up with a better excuse? Wasn’t this just blatant deception?

Was she trying to rebrand herself as an animal lover to milk her fans after realizing she might have offended Xu Wanzhi? Yi Baoyou had always known Jiang Lingyu was the most hypocritical of them all.

Though her goal was to make Xu Wanzhi detest Jiang Lingyu, seeing how Jiang Lingyu had so blatantly disregarded Xu Wanzhi’s feelings—leaving her momentarily speechless—Yi Baoyou still despised Jiang Lingyu and felt a pang of sympathy for Xu Wanzhi.

“You’re lying!” Yi Baoyou scoffed. “Since when do you have a cat? And now you love cats?”

Jiang Lingyu’s gaze slowly drifted toward the sidelines.

As for Xu Mifei, she hadn’t initially grasped Jiang Lingyu’s meaning when she mentioned the cat. But the moment Jiang Lingyu glanced her way, realization struck.

Was she talking about her? Herself? A cat???

Ah…

She had just called her a cat in front of the cameras.

And even mentioned holding her in her arms.

Wait.

Jiang Lingyu had used the “lie” card!

So which part of what Jiang Lingyu said was the lie? That the gift was for a cat? Or that she wanted to hold the cat in her arms?

Lost in her thoughts, Xu Mifei momentarily spaced out and locked eyes with Jiang Lingyu.

Unexpectedly, Yi Baoyou followed Jiang Lingyu’s gaze and noticed her looking at Xu Mifei.

Oh… So it wasn’t that she loved cats, but that she had no choice but to love them, huh? Though she hadn’t heard anything about Xu Mifei owning a cat, she also hadn’t heard that Xu Mifei disliked them. Satisfied with her own reasoning, Yi Baoyou smirked. “I see. So, it’s not that you love cats—it’s that someone in your household does, and you’re just following suit.”

With a pointed tone, Yi Baoyou added, “How fickle, Lingyu.”

?

 

Baoyou, sweetie, so you weren’t here to make up?

 

Yi Baoyou, what’s your problem? Don’t think just because you’ve shown kindness to our Yuyu before that we fans won’t come for you. What kind of person even are you?

 

When two omegas fight, an alpha benefits. Honestly, our Baoyou and Xu Wanzhi would make a great pair too. Your beloved Jiang already got engaged, okay? What part of what Baoyou said was wrong?

 

…How old are you, commenter above? A child? Can’t you see the blatant capital coercion happening here???

The tension only grew thicker.

Everyone knew Yi Baoyou was referring to Xu Mifei, and her later remark about being “fickle” was a dig at Jiang Lingyu for two-timing—reminding the audience of Jiang Lingyu’s engaged status.

Only those within the industry knew that appearances on shows, actions, and even words could all be scripted or dictated by capital interests.

Did they really think this was just a variety show? It was merely another job to complete. As insiders, they shouldn’t be making things so difficult for each other.

Besides, how many in the industry pretended to be single while married or played the pure-hearted lover while being absolute scum? Jiang Lingyu was already one of the more transparent ones.

He Yanzhen saw Jin Chiyu still hiding behind the monitor and finally couldn’t hold back from speaking up. But just then, Jin Chiyu’s chair suddenly made a “crack” sound, and for some reason, a tightly wound spring popped up from beneath, hitting her right on the bottom.

The spring was made of heating wire, and the sudden burn sent Jin Chiyu leaping forward, landing right in front of Yi Baoyou.

Jin Chiyu didn’t dare look back because she knew this was the work of the props team.

Even Hu Yigui wouldn’t dare pull such a stunt—so who else? The investor mommy must be angry and calling her to work now.

Knowing when to quit is the golden rule for staying in the investor mommy’s good graces.

“Baoyou, questioning like this won’t get you anywhere. Lingyu still has three cards left—if she doesn’t want to answer your questions, why push it? Let’s all save face.” Jin Chiyu clicked her tongue regretfully at the discarded lie cards on the floor, then patted Xu Wanzhi’s shoulder and said:

“Alright, it’s only the first night. Let’s all keep things civil.”

Jin Chiyu could feel the gaze burning into her back—heavy, pressing.

She swallowed nervously a few times. What? Had she said something wrong?

She was an Alpha herself and had seen plenty in the industry. There was even some Alpha ranking list floating around before, and she’d seen it all. Maybe she’d seen too much, making the hierarchy between Alphas blurry in her mind.

But it wasn’t until she met Xu Mifei—who could still smile and talk to her while clearly furious—that she realized.

Without any interference or balance from pheromones, Xu Mifei simply standing there, not even needing a cold glare, was enough to instill fear and dominance.

Just like now.

Everything had been fine a moment ago, and suddenly, she was the one being blamed.

Facing Xu Wanzhi, Jin Chiyu felt much more at ease. Though Xu Wanzhi’s pheromones could still make her uncomfortable, it wasn’t as terrifying as Xu Mifei’s.

Xu Wanzhi stayed silent, lips pressed tightly together, visibly upset.

Right now, it was best not to let her speak. The mere thought of Xu Mifei showing up was enough to infuriate her.

With a belly full of anger and nowhere to vent it—and still on camera—she might as well direct it all at Xu Mifei. Every wrong was Xu Mifei’s fault anyway.

Who told her to steal her engagement? Who told her to bite Jiang Lingyu? Who told her to tag along on this show?

Xu Wanzhi’s silence stemmed from knowing Xu Mifei genuinely liked those fluffy little animals.

But Xu Wanzhi didn’t.

She hated the thought of those dirty, shedding creatures trampling over her expensive haute couture, furniture, and rugs.

She used to find them cute too.

Until the day her little dog wagged its tail happily at Xu Mifei—that lowly woman.

In that moment, Xu Wanzhi stopped liking the dog. Just looking at it felt filthy.

And now Jiang Lingyu was siding with Xu Mifei? Had that bite really created some twisted dependency? Absurd! Impossible!

Jin Chiyu spoke up again, “Alright, alright, all the guests’ buff cards except Lingyu’s have been used up. You’ve had a long day, and it’s only the first night on the island. Let’s all get some rest.”

She quickly slipped back into the crew, signaling the cameramen to disperse with the guests.

Xu Wanzhi remained rooted to the spot. Just as Jiang Lingyu was about to leave, Xu Wanzhi seemed poised to grab her wrist when Jin Chiyu was suddenly ejected again, landing squarely between the two.

Jin Chiyu: “…”

This time, Jin Chiyu couldn’t hold back anymore. She turned her head with a resentful glare. The instigator merely waved at her with a smile, holding a prop remote control in her hand.

Xu Mifei signaled with her eyes—Director, you’re the most suitable one to step in front of the camera. You’re the director, after all! It wouldn’t be appropriate for me, a staff member, to intervene.

“Do you really like cats?” Xu Wanzhi asked Jiang Lingyu in a low voice, her expression stiff from being held too long, as if she could only repeat one sentence: “Why do you like cats? I want the truth.”

Jiang Lingyu pressed a “Lie” card into Xu Wanzhi’s palm, “Cats are good. People are bad.”

“I’m not playing games with you!” Xu Wanzhi pushed Jin Chiyu aside and immediately turned off her microphone.

She wanted to tear the irritating card to shreds, but no matter how hard she tried, it wouldn’t rip—who knew what material it was made of? Xu Wanzhi could only crumple the card repeatedly before tossing it to the ground in frustration, then yanked off her microphone.

“I don’t like cats, Jiang Lingyu. And I don’t like this pudding either. You’ve embarrassed me.”

Jin Chiyu, caught in the middle, awkwardly waved her hands, signaling the cameraman to cut the shot.

Jiang Lingyu stared at Xu Wanzhi and said, “You’ve embarrassed everyone.”

Xu Wanzhi: “???”

“Who I give pudding to, whether I like cats or dogs or anyone—that’s my business,” Jiang Lingyu said. “It has nothing to do with you.”

Xu Wanzhi’s face finally came alive, flushed with anger. Jin Chiyu’s expression changed, and she instinctively took a step back, unable to react in time.

Xu Wanzhi was about to release her pheromones in anger!

This was bad.

Luckily, most of the people on set were Alphas and Betas, but Jiang Lingyu was…

A smirk suddenly curled at the corner of Xu Wanzhi’s lips.

“Oh? It has nothing to do with me?” She wanted to see just how irrelevant it was.

The compatibility between her and Jiang Lingyu was high enough to send Jiang Lingyu into heat the moment she caught her scent.

As for how others would handle it, Xu Wanzhi didn’t care.

Jin Chiyu even accidentally stepped on someone’s foot while backing away.

Just as she turned to apologize, she saw Xu Mifei rush past her like a gust of wind.

Wait—hold on! What are you doing? Don’t start a pheromone battle too! Do you want me to lose control of this set?!

Although Xu Mifei was an Alpha, her pheromone scent had never been publicly revealed.

She always wore scent blockers, and her susceptible periods were irregular—it seemed no one truly understood her.

But Jin Chiyu guessed Xu Mifei’s pheromones must be incredibly potent. If released, they might force the show’s production to halt for days.

Yet, since Xu Wanzhi had started this, Jin Chiyu didn’t dare stop Xu Mifei now.

Two Alphas fighting over an Omega—even as a fellow Alpha, she couldn’t mediate.

Was her only option to turn on the cameras here?

No, that wouldn’t do either. This was practically a family matter now.

But she could edit these into highlights. Jin Chiyu silently gestured for the cameraman to capture all of this as footage.

“Indeed, it has nothing to do with you.” Xu Mifei stepped forward, pulling an inhibitor from her front pocket, and swiftly jabbed it into Xu Wanzhi’s arm. “Apologies, my skills are limited—it might hurt a little. This is a high-potency Alpha pheromone inhibitor.”

She casually pulled Jiang Lingyu to her side, shielding her with her own body.

“According to the contract you signed with the production team, Alphas are prohibited from privately releasing hormonal pheromones for suppression or inducement outside of uncontrollable susceptible periods. Violators will pay double the penalty, and the production team reserves the right to take emergency measures.” Xu Mifei smiled, waving the now-empty syringe in front of Xu Wanzhi’s face. “You won’t have any pheromone leakage for the next month. You’re welcome.”

The moment Xu Mifei said this, the rest of the crew, Jin Chiyu, and even Lin Su and He Yanzhen, who had emerged from a distance after hearing the commotion, all froze in shock.

Bearing the surname “Xu” meant wielding unchecked influence in the industry. The clauses in the contract were mere formalities to Xu Wanzhi, which was why Jin Chiyu never dared to use penalties to restrain her.

Now that she thought about it, Xu Mifei seemed like the best candidate. Even if things went south, it could be dismissed as internal family matters.

But no one expected Xu Mifei to be this bold—directly injecting her with an inhibitor!

“Xu Mifei! Xu Mifei, you—!!” Xu Wanzhi’s face flushed with rage, her usual gentle demeanor nowhere to be seen.

Xu Mifei lightly grasped Jiang Lingyu’s wrist, pulling her slightly behind her to shield her from whatever erratic behavior Xu Wanzhi might resort to in her fury.

Jiang Lingyu remained protected behind her the entire time.

She couldn’t help but compare Xu Mifei and Xu Wanzhi in this moment, only to realize there was no basis for comparison at all.

If it were the old Xu Mifei—

What had the old Xu Mifei been like? The memory, once so clear in her mind, now felt strangely blurred.

Jiang Lingyu only recalled how well Xu Wanzhi had behaved during their past collaborations—respectful and professional.

It seemed the change had started after Xu Mifei became engaged to her.

Time and again, Xu Wanzhi had been provoked by Xu Mifei, revealing more and more of her true nature.

Someone once said that to judge a person’s true character, you must see how they treat you in anger and conflict.

Right now, Xu Wanzhi looked like she wanted to strangle Xu Mifei.

Xu Mifei had no restraint with the injection—a small bruise had formed on Xu Wanzhi’s arm, and her entire body was now cooling under the drug’s effects.

“You did this on purpose. You deliberately brought a high-potency inhibitor, waiting for this moment, didn’t you? Just to use it on me.” Xu Wanzhi’s voice trembled. “A-Fei, I’ll tell Father about this.”

“How old are you, still tattling to Dad, jie?” Xu Mifei refused to back down, even stepping closer to Xu Wanzhi and speaking clearly enough for everyone to hear. “The high-potency inhibitor was originally for me. Who knew it’d end up being used on you?”

“As for why I needed a high-potency inhibitor… you know better than anyone, don’t you?”

The original host was made to live as an Alpha, wearing suppressant patches year-round and carrying potent inhibitors, even injecting herself when necessary—all to convince others she was a genuine Alpha.

This entire act was a performance orchestrated by her family for outsiders.

Even the idea of carrying potent inhibitors and deliberately injecting them in front of others was Xu Wanzhi’s brainchild.

At such a young age, she already knew how to manipulate her weak younger sister, ashamed of having a beta sibling.

She didn’t even bother hiding her disdain in front of the original host: “Overusing potent inhibitors shortens a normal person’s lifespan. I wonder how many years you’ll last?”

Now, that same potent inhibitor was being injected into her.

“I’m an Alpha, and my susceptible periods are chaotic. I carry these to avoid affecting others,” Xu Mifei said casually, tossing the empty syringe into the trash with a flourish. She blinked her charming eyes and flashed an exceedingly gentle smile. “I should thank whoever reminded me to always bring inhibitors.”

Xu Wanzhi was left speechless. Under the inhibitor’s effects, she couldn’t even muster a counterattack.

All she wanted was rest—even speaking felt exhausting now.

“Had enough? Done filming? Get her to rest,” Xu Mifei said coolly, glancing at Jin Chiyu. She adjusted her wording—originally, she’d meant to say “escort” Xu Wanzhi to rest.

Jin Chiyu hurried over.

“Oh, right. Her body temperature will drop tonight due to the special circumstances. The crew should give her an emergency electric blanket—and deduct the points for it. She’s still got 180 unused,” Xu Mifei added.

Xu Wanzhi’s face fell completely.

Xu Mifei ignored it, leaving with Jiang Lingyu without a backward glance.

He Yanzhen, who’d witnessed the entire scene, snapped out of his daze and turned to Lin Su. “Did you smell that?”

“…No.” Lin Su was still reeling. “The way Xiao Xu shielded Lingyu—she’s really into her, huh?”

“Yeah, me neither. A young Alpha who can suppress Xu Wanzhi without even releasing pheromones? Unheard of.” He Yanzhen recalled Jiang Lingyu’s question during the game earlier. “Some kind of tragic love story? Why else would she ask you that?”

Her question had been about the limits of love, coupled with her disbelief in lasting, stable relationships.

“Hard to chase,” Lin Su said, an uncharacteristic hint of teasing in her steady voice. “Like you.”

…

“Finally, it’s over.” Xu Mifei brought Jiang Lingyu to the resting tent and was about to leave when Jiang Lingyu stopped her.

“Where are you going?”

“I left something with the director. I’ll bring it to you later.” Xu Mifei rubbed the back of her head and then her nose, looking sheepish. “Sorry about earlier—I didn’t know you didn’t like sweets. That’s why I gave you the pudding.”

“It’s fine,” Jiang Lingyu said. “We don’t know each other well anyway.”

There were still so many differences between them.

Xu Mifei muttered, “Actually, I’ve learned a little.”

After Jiang Lingyu rejected her pudding, she’d frantically searched up Jiang Lingyu’s wiki page to cram.

The wiki, maintained and updated by dedicated fans, ensured accuracy and timeliness.

The details went as far as listing Jiang Lingyu’s favorite snacks as rice crackers and her preference for Sichuan-style hot pot with a sour and spicy flavor.

Unfortunately, these were hard to come by on this deserted island.

Jiang Lingyu: “What?”

She took a step forward, closing the distance between herself and Xu Mifei, reaching out as if to ask her to wait a moment.

“I have something to attend to tonight, so I need to go ahead,” Xu Mifei said, mistaking Jiang Lingyu’s strange expression for concern about Xu Wanzhi. “Don’t worry about Xu Wanzhi—she’ll behave these next few days. If she dares to release pheromones, she’ll be in for a world of pain.”

After speaking, Xu Mifei politely brushed the back of Jiang Lingyu’s hand and murmured, “Don’t worry, get some rest early.”

Only after Xu Mifei left did Jiang Lingyu reach into her pocket, clutching the pudding she had repeatedly failed to give away. She lowered her eyes in frustration, annoyed at herself.

She had never hesitated like this before.

……

In the director’s workspace.

As Xu Mifei entered, she caught a familiar scent lingering faintly in the air. Even though it was just a trace, she noticed it immediately.

Her nose… had become much sharper these past few days.

She walked straight up to Jin Chiyu. “Director Jin, I want some rice crackers and self-heating hot pot.”

“What the—?” Jin Chiyu found the request oddly familiar, though not entirely. “If you’re hungry, we have working meals.”

“I don’t want a working meal. I want the self-heating hot pot you just had,” Xu Mifei said with a smile, sending another chill down Jin Chiyu’s spine.

Jin Chiyu eyed the inhibitor patch on the back of Xu Mifei’s neck suspiciously.

Did this thing even work on her? Why did she always feel such an overwhelming pressure?

“Will you give it to me? If not, then keeping Yi Baoyou in the show to keep questioning Jiang Lingyu isn’t exactly fair either,” Xu Mifei listed off. “Hmm, and there’s also the double penalty fee Xu Wanzhi owes the show—shouldn’t the production team handle that? Oh, and also—”

“Fine, fine! Take it, take it all!” Jin Chiyu nearly wept.

How had she never noticed before how devious Xu Mifei could be? In just a few sentences, she’d emptied out her entire snack stash!

——

Meanwhile, Jiang Lingyu sat inside her tent, staring at the warm yellow glow of the camping lantern.

She had wanted to take a shower earlier but was told that outdoor tents required self-sufficiency. The only option outside the campsite was a simple, opaque shower curtain enclosure. She had checked—inside was a heavy overhead pipe, impossible to move, with freezing cold water that might not even be clean.

Just touching it made her shiver.

Now she finally understood why Yi Baoyou had given her such a meaningful smile when she chose this tent.

Only now did she start feeling uncomfortable.

She had carried heavy loads and walked quite a distance today, working up a sweat. Not showering was unbearable…

Her back still carried the sticky sensation of dried sweat.

Should she spend points to buy some bottled clean water? But she’d need to heat it, and she had no container.

Or… maybe she should just tough it out for one night.

With a sigh, Jiang Lingyu changed into a fresh pair of thermal socks and was about to lie down in her clothes when she saw Xu Mifei striding over with a bag in hand.

After setting it down on the grass beside the tent, Xu Mifei glanced around before carefully pulling out a pack of cotton wipes and a small metal bucket.

Before Jiang Lingyu could even ask her, the girl had already run off again. Jiang Lingyu watched as she entered the shower curtain shed and came out holding that large water hose.

Just how strong is this person…

Seeing Xu Mifei turn on the faucet over there, Jiang Lingyu began to understand what she intended to do.

Was this her way of practically demonstrating—taking care of her?

“Stop messing with it, there’s no clean water inside.”

Xu Mifei gave her an OK sign, placed a large bucket in front of the pipe, and began filling it with water.

The initial water had a faint yellow tint, as if mixed with mud.

Slowly, the water cleared.

Only then did Xu Mifei use a clean metal bucket to collect water, placing it directly over the fire.

She performed these tasks with practiced ease, soon returning with hot water. After laying a protective mat inside the tent, she set the metal bucket down.

“Bathing isn’t convenient here, so make do with a wipe-down.”

“…” Jiang Lingyu slowly raised her eyes to look at her. Thinking she had concerns, Xu Mifei lowered her voice, “Go inside the tent. I’ll keep watch outside.”

Jiang Lingyu’s emotions were complicated. She frowned slightly, unnaturally, “What are you doing?”

“Taking care of you. You shouldn’t use cold water at this time.”

Jiang Lingyu couldn’t understand Xu Mifei.

She seemed genuinely unaware that the cat she mentioned was herself, not asking a single word about it.

Had she lost her appetite? Or did she not like it either?

Seeing Jiang Lingyu still unmoving, Xu Mifei took two steps back herself, “I won’t look either! Don’t look at me like I’m some kind of villain…”

Aren’t you?

Jiang Lingyu still murmured her thanks.

She secured the tent flap, and the warm air quickly raised the temperature inside the small space.

A soft cotton towel slowly soaked up the warm water.

Jiang Lingyu gently stirred the water with her fingers, the towel swaying slightly with the ripples from her fingertips.

Just like her inexplicably fluctuating heart.

Uncertain and wavering.

She unzipped her jacket and took it off. After a brief pause, she finally removed the thin fleece she wore closest to her skin, revealing a delicate camisole beneath. The slender lace straps rested on her smooth shoulders, resembling the delicate edges of a mousse cake.

Jiang Lingyu swept all her hair to one side, wrung out the damp cotton towel slightly, and began wiping her exposed, slender neck.

There was no sound from outside.

Jiang Lingyu’s fingers tensed slightly, “Xu Mifei?… Are you still there outside?”

Outside the tent, Xu Mifei kept her eyes downcast, the tips of her ears illuminated by the firelight like rubies.

She had no idea that Jiang Lingyu’s shadow could be seen so clearly from outside.

Watching as Jiang Lingyu removed her clothes one by one, wiping her neck, collarbone, and then…

Her slender waist and delicate shoulders, full of spring-like allure.

Even though the tent fabric separated them and she couldn’t see anything, it was enough to make one’s mouth dry and heart itch.

As if she were truly seeing Jiang Lingyu undressing before her.

Xu Mifei only glanced at the silhouette on the tent for a moment before quickly averting her eyes.

Was the allure of an omega too overwhelming? Was this the charm of a top-tier omega, capable of making rationality teeter on the edge without even using pheromones?

Don’t look.

Just lower your presence.

As long as Jiang Lingyu could finish quickly without calling out—calling out would easily… stir up excitement.

And then.

Xu Mifei heard Jiang Lingyu call her name.

It was like an electric shock. She jerked her head up, directly meeting the slender figure projected onto the tent.

“…I’m here.” Xu Mifei took a deep breath and grabbed the strap of the water bottle, only to find it was empty.

“I didn’t see you, come closer.” A muffled voice came from inside, “You won’t leave halfway, will you?”

“I won’t.”

Xu Mifei closed her eyes and took a few steps forward. Only two words echoed in her mind: I’m doomed.

She saw Jiang Lingyu washing her neck and behind her ears, head tilted back, the profile of her face beautiful and clear. The full curve of her raised form resembled a freshly ripened cherry, as if a single pinch would make it fall, filling the air with a rich, bittersweet fragrance.

Perhaps feeling an itch, Jiang Lingyu shook her hair and casually gathered it all up.

She turned, her back now facing the tent’s zipper.

The sound of water dripped quietly in the still air as Jiang Lingyu gently wrung out the soft cotton towel.

But Xu Mifei could see the deep curve of her waist, so slender it seemed it could be grasped in one hand.

Whether it was the light or the steam, her silhouette trembled faintly against the tent, like willow branches swaying in the wind, brushing against Xu Mifei’s heart.

The thirst in her mouth had become unbearably intense. Xu Mifei felt her body acting strangely, as if a bundle of burning firewood had been placed in her arms—painful, scorching, consuming her body and heart. Without the quenching water… she would turn to ashes alongside this heat.

Only Jiang Lingyu had the water that could extinguish her flames.

The firewood crackled.

Xu Mifei’s head spun, and before she realized it, her fingers were pressed against the tent’s surface. Her heart lurched—the zipper opened on its own.

Jiang Lingyu, freshly washed, pulled open the zipper while holding a basin of warm water, her face slightly flushed from the steam. “Thank you,” she murmured.

“N-no problem. I’ll take this, y-you should rest early.”

Before Jiang Lingyu could reach out, Xu Mifei swiftly snatched the bucket from her hands, took a hasty step back, then shoved the bag she’d brought into Jiang Lingyu’s grasp before quickly retreating.

As she left, her right foot stumbled over her left, as if fleeing in panic.

Jiang Lingyu still hadn’t managed to give her the remaining coconut pudding.

Did this thing even have an expiration date? Was it destined that Xu Mifei wouldn’t get to eat it?

Jiang Lingyu stood outside the tent for a while before going back inside and opening the bag Xu Mifei had brought her.

Inside were spicy rice crackers and two boxes of self-heating hotpot, along with a small note. The handwriting was bold and vigorous, each stroke exuding a carefree elegance.

Sorry, couldn’t find the rice crackers you like. I’ll make it up to you with your favorite flavor next time 🙂

It was hard to imagine this was Xu Mifei’s handwriting—Jiang Lingyu was seeing it for the first time.

Jiang Lingyu traced her fingers over the note, suddenly realizing one thing, Xu Mifei was actually trying to understand her.

She turned off the light only when she lay down.

The moment the light went out, stars seemed to scramble to life on the tent’s ceiling—faint, gentle artificial starlight that dispelled the loneliness of being alone outside at this moment.

–

The island’s night was exceptionally quiet. Though the guests in the wooden cabin worried about Jiang Lingyu outside, sleep eventually overcame them.

At half past eleven, Hu Yigui arrived punctually at the props workshop and found Xu Mifei still staring silently at an iron bucket.

“Mission time! Get moving!” Hu Yigui rapped her knuckles against Xu Mifei’s desk, frowning. “You’ve been staring at this bucket for an hour. Figured out what’s different about it yet?”

Xu Mifei looked up with an ingratiating smile, “Team Leader Hu, maybe someone else should go for this project instead.”

She really couldn’t bring herself to enter Jiang Lingyu’s tent.

If not for what happened that night, it might have been fine. But after that incident, Xu Mifei couldn’t calm her mind.

It wasn’t Jiang Lingyu’s problem—it was her own. She was the one who’d become unhealthy, impure, and unclean.

Hu Yigui smiled back: “Xiao Xu, the props team doesn’t keep idle people. Go change your clothes, hurry up!”

Ten minutes later, a strange skeleton figure made its way toward Jiang Lingyu’s tent.

The live-stream audience, who had been about to bid each other goodnight and go to sleep, were startled awake by the sight.

What the hell is that weird thing walking over?!

I was wondering why the production team hadn’t turned off the cameras yet—turns out they still had something up their sleeves.

 

No wonder this tent outside was so easy to exchange for. Please don’t bully our precious Yuyu, production team TAT

 

That person… looks familiar? Not sure, let me take another look.

When the “skeleton” figure approached the camera, the infrared lens revealed the furtive, utterly suspicious figure from head to toe—it was Xu Mifei.

She wore an oddly tight bodysuit that covered her completely, leaving only her face exposed.

Seeming hesitant, Xu Mifei paced back and forth outside the tent for two full minutes before touching her earpiece—likely receiving instructions from the production team—then quickly unzipped the tent and slipped inside.

Comments flooded in: ????????

What are you DOING?!

Inside the tent, it was pitch black, as was the surrounding area.

Thankfully, the glow-in-the-dark stars above provided enough light for Xu Mifei to see Jiang Lingyu lying on her side, fast asleep.

How the hell was she supposed to scare her?!

Maybe she should dance? Her outfit was printed with skeletons and bones, making her look like a walking human skeleton.

That would probably scare most people.

Or maybe just blow some air and run—that would definitely feel creepy.

Having made up her mind, Xu Mifei slowly crouched down, planning to prop herself up on her elbows behind Jiang Lingyu, blow a little air near her face, and then make a quick escape.

Jiang Lingyu lay perfectly still, deeply asleep.

Good. Keep going.

Xu Mifei held her breath, nerves stretched taut, her heartbeat pounding loudly in her ears. Her focus was entirely on the pillow—so much so that she failed to notice the supposedly sleeping woman had already lifted a corner of the blanket.

Now! This was the moment!

Open mouth, blow—

Something soft, slippery, milky-sweet, and creamy was shoved into her mouth, pressing against her lips and tongue.

By the time she realized what was happening, a hand had already gripped her chin in the darkness. Xu Mifei tumbled onto the edge of the blanket, becoming the one who was scared instead.

Her lips parted slightly as she instinctively lifted her head under Jiang Lingyu’s guidance.

Xu Mifei couldn’t see Jiang Lingyu’s face clearly, but she could feel the pressure of her fingers as a trembling spoonful of pudding was squeezed out, brushing against her lips.

Helpless, Xu Mifei could only tilt her head back and swallow, her breathing growing heavier.

Unlike Xu Mifei’s limited vision in the dark, Jiang Lingyu—long accustomed to the darkness—could see every detail of Xu Mifei being forced to swallow the pudding. She could even hear the sounds of Xu Mifei’s lips and tongue working around the pudding—how her tongue pushed aside overly large chunks, how she slowly sucked and swallowed.

And when she unconsciously licked the sweet residue from her lips, she accidentally brushed against her own fingers instead…

Jiang Lingyu’s scent gland became active, even sending faint stings of sensation. What she wanted to offer seemed to be more than just this belated pudding.

It was as if only by personally sealing Xu Mifei’s lips, preventing her from swallowing like this, could these thoughts of hers be completely dispelled.