TCFGBH Chapter 73

The man was eating his food slowly, looking gentle with a slight, polite smile on his lips—yet his expression was utterly void of feeling.

Wen Changming couldn’t understand why Xia Yan suddenly chose him.

Whether it was sudden interest or simply a childish ploy to make Shen Wenqing jealous didn’t matter; Xia Yan was getting closer to him. And one day, he extended his hand, and the overhead light filtered through his hair, a few strands catching in his palm.

—He would capture that single ray of light.

The conversation among the younger generation went unnoticed by the adults at the table, and the twin siblings had enough tact not to gossip behind people’s backs, giving them the freedom to discuss romantic matters in peace.

In contrast to Wen Changming’s confident intent, Wu Qin’s feelings were much more complicated.

“I’m going to smoke,” he announced, standing with a scowl, his naturally fierce face looking even more intimidating.

The twin siblings exchanged glances. Despite the many questions they had, they wisely refrained from voicing any.

It was nearing the end of the year, and the temperature had dropped sharply. Wu Qin stood on the balcony, white puffs of air visible with every breath, a cigarette hanging from his lips as he looked at his phone.

The wallpaper displayed a penguin plushie—wholly at odds with his rough demeanor.

He should tell Shen Wenqing about Xia Yan’s dates with his cousin, and let them fight it out until both are thoroughly hurt… Yet he couldn’t bring himself to do it.

After a long time, he took a deep breath and put his phone away.

And said nothing.

—

The Third Bar.

Nighttime at the bar was at its peak. Last month’s incident with the stalker was already forgotten, and men and women were entangled on the dance floor, reveling in the multicolored lights as they flirted and danced with abandon.

Xia Yan sat in his usual spot, a glass of whiskey beside him, occasionally glancing over at Xu Rang, who was chipping ice for a drink.

Though his gaze was light and peaceful, lacking any aggression, being watched by such beauty was still nerve-wracking for Xu Rang. His hand slipped, pressing too hard, and the ice ball cracked in two.

He scratched his head and set down his tools with resignation. “…Why do you keep staring at me?”

“I was just wondering how long we’ve known each other.”

“That’s it?” Xu Rang dried his palms. “You started performing here last autumn, so we’ve known each other for over a year.”

Xia Yan gave a noncommittal nod. “Oh.”

That tone—he clearly wasn’t paying attention. The question was probably just something he asked offhand.

Xu Rang, feeling increasingly perplexed, took a deep breath and decided to switch the topic. “Tang Zihang’s performances have been going well lately. I heard a talent agent’s interested in signing him and bringing him into showbiz.”

Xia Yan’s response: “Oh.”

“What about you? Aren’t you going to give it a shot?”

With his looks, Xia Yan could have his pick of roles, even if he was completely tone-deaf. Yet every agent who approached him had been turned down.

Xia Yan had no interest in fame—he’d already been a celebrity in his last world and found it tiresome.

Besides, his current identity came with quite a few skeletons in the closet; if he tried to enter showbiz, he’d probably be all over the tabloids the very next day.

But most importantly… his mission was the priority!

He waved his hand dismissively. “Not interested.”

Xu Rang switched the focus back to Tang Zihang. “If he makes it into the industry, you’ll be down a guitarist and will have to find a new one.”

Xia Yan: “…”

“Not only that, but Fan Ting has also been looking pretty stressed these days,” Xu Rang continued as he passed a tray to the waiter.

Seeing the red-haired youth looking contemplative, he added, “His wife’s pregnant.”

Xia Yan touched his chin thoughtfully. “That’s a happy occasion. I should send him a nice gift.”

Xu Rang nodded. “He’s nearly thirty, right?”

“?”

“Right around that age—wife’s pregnant, but he’s still working a gig in a bar, living off the ‘young and wild’ years while barely making ends meet. It’s rough.”

Xu Rang wasn’t saying it outright, just hinting at the reality of things: “I’ve seen plenty of bands come and go after a few years with no luck. They fizzle out naturally.”

The current popularity of Sunday Band was propped up solely by Xia Yan’s presence.

If he were willing to break into the entertainment industry, he could bring the whole band along with him. But he had no interest in that, and without him, the band would lack a star figure and fail to make an impact, even if it entered the industry.

—Especially now, when agents only had eyes for Tang Zihang.

Xia Yan listened in silence.

“If you keep an eye out, you might find a good guitarist or bassist,” Xu Rang suggested. “If you’re the one asking, I doubt anyone would turn you down.”

“…”

Truthfully, each member of Sunday Band made enough to support a family comfortably; providing for Fan Ting’s family wouldn’t be a problem.

But the issue was…

Sometimes, adults wanted not just financial stability but also the certainty that came with a stable, reliable life.

Xia Yan sipped his drink, looking as though he was idly savoring his whiskey, even as countless ideas raced through his mind, piecing together the real mission at hand.

The original owner didn’t have a degree, family connections, or a solid background, and thus lived off his looks and charm, working in a bar to “cash in on his youth.”

After starting his relationship with Shen Wenqing, his character didn’t change. As he wore out his welcome and became increasingly isolated, the only people left for him to turn to were the band members.

However… with two members leaving in quick succession, the band’s shows would have to stop.

Dejected, he decided to return to his hometown with Xu Rang. But after experiencing the lights and excitement of the city, how could he be content with a quiet life?

And thus, his ultimate fate… disappearing without a trace.

“Hey! What are you so serious about all of a sudden?”

Xia Yan slowly responded, “I was just wondering… if the band disbands, would you go back to my hometown with me?”

“???”

Xu Rang’s hands twitched. Luckily, he’d been stunned so many times by Xia Yan’s candid remarks that he was able to catch the glass before it shattered.

“Don’t joke around.”

“I’m serious,” Xia Yan blinked. “It’s nearly New Year’s, and you’ve got no family around; I’m an orphan too. Why don’t we just make do together?”

Xu Rang: “…And your boyfriend?”

“Of course, he’ll be spending the holidays at home.” Xia Yan shot him a condescending look as if to say, “Isn’t that obvious?”

“If Shen Wenqing is so crazy about you, he wouldn’t let you be alone for the holidays.”

“Well…” Xia Yan’s lips curved slightly.

“?”

“Maybe he’s not so crazy about me anymore.”

Xu Rang felt a sense of dread. “What did you do?”

He didn’t need to guess—if there was an issue, it had to be Xia Yan’s doing. Shen Wenqing was blindly devoted… although, okay, if he and Xia Yan were together…

Snap out of it. Stop dreaming.

Xia Yan shifted uncomfortably, a bit embarrassed by his own actions but determined to look entirely justified. “All I did was go on a few meals and have a few teas with Wen Changming—and I received a few gifts, that’s all.”

“…”

“…”

“…”

Xu Rang coughed, nearly choking. “Xia Yan!!!”

“I’m listening; you don’t have to shout.”

Noticing that people were starting to look their way, Xu Rang lowered his voice. “Can’t you just settle down with a boyfriend and have a genuine relationship for once?”

The youth rested his head on one hand, his clear, sharp eyes full of a strange innocence, one that was almost ruthlessly blunt, “If I only had one person, wouldn’t my gift count be a fraction of what it is now?”

“…”

“I like opening gifts.”

Xu Rang: “…I almost forgot you’re only nineteen.”

“??”

The young man frowned, unsure why Xu Rang was bringing up his age.

“Immature and playful.” Xu Rang’s feelings for Xia Yan were complex. He once had a faint crush on him, but later, realizing he couldn’t reach Xia Yan, he transformed those feelings into a kind of “elder” concern.

Even though Xu Rang was only twenty-six, he couldn’t shake the feeling of looking after an older child.

He sighed heavily.

Xia Yan: “…”

Xu Rang wasn’t wrong. The original Xia Yan was indeed immature and playful; he wanted everyone to be nice to him and relished being the center of attention, so he wouldn’t give up a whole forest just for one tree.

Simply put…

It was because he didn’t love anyone enough.

And maybe, for a nineteen-year-old boy, love felt too far away.

The topic ended there.

The bar was crowded, full of familiar faces Xia Yan recognized.

When Yan Ming was pushed forward by his roommate, he was hesitant, eyes darting around as he avoided looking directly at Xia Yan. “Xia Yan, you’re drinking too?”

Isn’t that obvious? Why else would you come to a bar if not to drink?

This was the first time they’d seen each other since the stalker incident.

Xia Yan greeted him indifferently and said nothing more.

Yan Ming, full of hope, asked, “Can we drink together?”

“Sorry, I want to be alone.”

“Ah… oh.” After a long hesitation, Yan Ming couldn’t bring himself to leave, and he tentatively asked, “After what happened last time, I feel like we’re friends now.”

“…”

The young man turned his head and looked at him seriously.

Yan Ming straightened up, nervous.

“About the stalker incident, I am grateful for your help.”

Yan Ming’s face lit up, but then Xia Yan changed his tone. “But… that has nothing to do with my still disliking you.”

Yan Ming remembered what he had done in the past, and his face turned pale. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have spread those rumors, making others curse at you.”

“Oh, that? I forgot about that long ago.”

Yan Ming was puzzled. “Then why…” would you still dislike me?

“Have you forgotten what you did to Tang Zihang so quickly?” Xia Yan, sitting on a high stool, looked down at him with a gaze that completely overpowered Yan Ming, even though he was seated lower.

Yan Ming had deceived Tang Zihang emotionally, and when exposed, he’d turned on him angrily.

But that was something he’d done to someone else, right?

Why would Xia Yan be angry about it? Wasn’t he always so self-centered, putting nothing and no one in his eyes? Even Shen Wenqing, the only child of the Shen family, was under his thumb.

Yan Ming stood there blankly for a full minute.

Then it dawned on him that, despite Xia Yan’s selfish appearance, he was a person too. He could have things that mattered to him, things he cherished.

But those things weren’t him, weren’t Shen Wenqing, and certainly weren’t Wu Qin—not the love they valued. What he truly cared about… was friendship?

Looking back, Xia Yan had always treated his suitors with indifference.

But with his bandmates, the bartenders, and even the waitstaff at the bar, he was much kinder than he ever was with them.

Yan Ming’s face turned pale, then flushed, then pale again. “Tang Zihang isn’t worth your regard. He even mocked you, called you greedy and obsessed with money back then.”

Xia Yan looked at him strangely. “I do like money, though.”

One line, KO.

“That’s not what I mean… I know you like money, but your liking it is… different from that kind of liking,” Yan Ming stammered, unable to find the right words, and then finally just blurted, “Anyway, I don’t think you’re materialistic.”

Xia Yan: “…” Why are Alphas all so fickle?

“I’m also not apologizing to him.” Yan Ming was, after all, a wealthy young master. Bowing to Xia Yan was something he’d done willingly.

But bowing to Tang Zihang? Ha!

Are you kidding? If you’re fine, then eat some plum candy.

Yan Ming muttered under his breath, “Unless… he apologizes to you first.”

Xia Yan had no idea what Yan Ming was imagining. He was about to say something when he noticed Xu Rang’s expression shift. Following Xu Rang’s gaze, he saw Shen Wenqing not far away.

Shen Wenqing was wearing a low-profile black sweater with a mask, only revealing his pitch-black eyes. He looked incredibly cold, standing in the shadows, though it was unclear how long he had been watching.

In that instant, Xia Yan felt a chill run up his spine, cold sweat breaking out all over his body.

It was as if he were being hunted by a massive predator, and a long-lost sense of danger washed over him.

But when he blinked and looked again, Shen Wenqing had already walked over to his side casually, throwing an arm around his shoulder. “Yan Yan.”

Was it just his imagination?

Xia Yan looked at him, dazed. “What a coincidence.”

“It’s not a coincidence. I came here specifically to find you.” Shen Wenqing smiled. “Since you weren’t answering my calls, I had no choice but to come find you in person.”

‘Wait, how did Shen Wenqing know I was at the bar?’ Xia Yan wondered.

Shen Wenqing seemed to read his thoughts, pointing toward Yan Ming’s roommates. “I saw it on their social media.”

Yan Ming: “…”

Roommates: “…” We’re so sorry.

“Yan Yan, the ruby I got you has been finished,” Shen Wenqing said.

“…”

“I just received it today, and I couldn’t wait to show it to you.” Shen Wenqing’s hand slid down Xia Yan’s shoulder, clasping his hand tightly, fingers intertwined, the gesture intimate.

He invited softly, “Yan Yan, will you come home with me? I want to put it on you myself.”

Xia Yan slowly nodded. These past few days, he’d been deliberately avoiding Shen Wenqing, sometimes even posting photos of meals he had with Wen Changming just to make Shen Wenqing lose interest.

He felt like shaking him awake. Couldn’t he just see his true nature and let him go already?

Xia Yan was exhausted.

He couldn’t help but consult the system: [For the next world, let me be the one to dump the protagonist.] He promised he’d be decisive, not dragging it out.

The system was also a bit bewildered.

Why did the important characters in each world seem so fixated on the host?

All it could do was reassure him: [I’ll start selecting the next world right now, and it’ll be a good fit for you.]

[Okay.]

As for now? He’d just have to make do.

—

The black car drove down the road, and the scenery outside began to look increasingly unfamiliar.

Xia Yan glanced out the window, puzzled. “This isn’t the way to your house.”

“They delivered the jewelry to my villa,” Shen Wenqing said, driving with his usual calm. His handsome face remained expressionless and tranquil, yet a fire already burned deep in his gaze.

A twinge of unease flickered in Xia Yan’s mind.

It came fast and left just as quickly, impossible to grasp.

He laughed at himself for being overly sensitive. Shen Wenqing was an Omega, after all. What could he possibly do? It wasn’t like he could top him or anything—haha!

—

And then… Xia Yan was ‘eaten’.

—

He didn’t wake up until the following evening. When he saw the ruby anklet on his foot, he was still in a daze, completely unresponsive.

At first, everything seemed normal when they arrived at the villa.

The ruby, the size of a baby’s fist, had been cut into three pieces and fashioned into a crown, necklace, and ring set, the gold and ruby jewelry was ornate and exquisite.

Xia Yan sat on the couch, letting Shen Wenqing “crown” him.

Shen Wenqing leaned on his calf, head resting on his knee, looking up at him like a devoted subject.

But when it comes to a foolish king, even a loyal subject can rebel.

The man’s hand gripped his ankle, rubbing that tender patch of skin. And just as Xia Yan was still in a daze, Shen Wenqing suddenly stood up and pulled him down.

In an instant, the situation was reversed.

The young man found himself lying back on the couch, one foot held firmly, unable to move. Sensing the danger, he even lowered his voice, “What… what are you doing?”

“Yan Yan, help me remove my collar.”

“……”

He leaned down, biting gently at Xia Yan’s ankle. Hearing the muffled sound Xia Yan made, Shen Wenqing smiled and said, “I’m only an Omega. What could I possibly do?”

Yes, he was just an Omega, after all.

Thinking of the ABO worldview, Xia Yan calmed down a bit. “You’re in heat.”

“…Yes.”

Shen Wenqing leaned in and, as Xia Yan hesitated, grabbed his hand and undid the collar. The sweet pheromones, tightly controlled by Shen Wenqing, wrapped around Xia Yan.

The S-rank pheromones made Xia Yan dizzy, his teeth itching, a latent aggressiveness unique to Alphas surfacing.

But every one of his attempts was suppressed by the Omega.

“Good boy.” Shen Wenqing stroked his face, reaching under the couch to pull out a ruby chain. “Before we continue, I wanted to give you one more gift.”

Xia Yan tilted his head, looking puzzled.

“A strong, unbreakable ruby anklet. Do you like it?”

“Custom-made just for you.”

He sighed. “I hadn’t intended to go this far, but Yan Yan, you’ve been trying to leave me. That just won’t do.”