Instinctive aversion to each other’s pheromones existed between Alphas.
Xiao Can had just finished being marked by He Xingzhou and rushed to the shooting without freshening up. He would inevitably carry some of He Xingzhou’s scent.
This kind of pheromone residue, like a declaration of sovereignty, was difficult for Betas and Omegas to perceive, but if both were Alphas and got close, there would definitely be a reaction.
This was common knowledge. The first time Xiao Can was forced to have sex with He Xingzhou in a hotel, he still remembered this point. He purchased neutralizing agents along with the suppressants.
But as his feelings for He Xingzhou gradually changed, and subjectively he no longer minded having He Xingzhou’s scent on him, this knowledge was swept into the corner of his mind.
Last time, he didn’t take any action after having contact with He Xingzhou, but he didn’t have close contact with any Alphas in the days that followed, so no one noticed.
This time, there were a few Alphas on set, but they all kept a certain distance from him, so no one noticed before.
The essence of Alpha pheromone scent residue was a warning: This is my Omega. You’re getting too close, so please back off.
Realizing what Luo Yinan smelled as “uncomfortable,” Xiao Can quickly raised his hand and covered his neck with a slap, while visibly leaning to the other side.
One second after subconsciously completing this action, he regretted it.
Wasn’t this just giving himself away? It would have been better to play dumb.
Feeling extremely embarrassed, Xiao Can wanted to say something, but saw Luo Yinan frown slightly, looking serious.
The atmosphere was tense, and both remained silent.
After a moment, Luo Yinan suddenly smiled and said, “Why isn’t he helping you out?”
This statement was out of the blue, and Xiao Can didn’t understand, so he asked, “What do you mean?”
“Everyone knows you lost the role,” Luo Yinan said, “He’s quite strict with you. Why isn’t he helping you?”
Xiao Can finally understood.
The “he” Luo Yinan referred to undoubtedly meant He Xingzhou.
He thought that when He Xingzhou pointed out flaws on set yesterday, it was a form of “control” over him. He also thought that He Xingzhou knew about him losing the role but chose to ignore it and didn’t want to lend a hand.
This was very absurd.
What right did He Xingzhou have to control him?
Even if he liked He Xingzhou, Xiao Can would never obediently follow someone else’s commands. Even if they were in a romantic relationship, he was an independent individual who could suggest and discuss, but no one could dictate to him.
As for the role change, it was as if Luo Yinan assumed he would complain about it.
Even if He Xingzhou knew about it and wanted to intervene, Xiao Can would definitely stop him.
Otherwise, if everyone knew about their close relationship, who knew what consequences it might bring?
Although He Xingzhou and Tan Zhen had officially announced their breakup, it had only been a little over a month. With the tangled relationship between the three of them in public, Xiao Can couldn’t afford to take such a risk.
Seeing Xiao Can remain silent with a serious expression, Luo Yinan thought he had hit a sore spot and continued, “With his resources and connections, he’s still letting you suffer in a place like this,” he said with a light chuckle, “Do you really think it’s worth it?”
This sounded more and more strange, as if Xiao Can was selling his body for profit, while He Xingzhou greedily enjoyed his beauty without giving anything in return.
Xiao Can couldn’t help feeling annoyed.
He could sacrifice a lot for his career, but his body was absolutely not included.
Moreover, He Xingzhou had always been straightforward, not the kind of sly person who took advantage of his status and reputation.
He suddenly asked Luo Yinan, “How did you get your role?”
His question was too abrupt, and Luo Yinan was puzzled, asking, “What?”
“What did you pay?” Xiao Can continued, “Whose favor did you win over? This is your first time as the lead. Who rewarded you?”
“What do you mean by that, I am—” Before Luo Yinan could finish, he was interrupted by Xiao Can.
“Did I misunderstand something? I’m sorry,” Xiao Can smiled at him, “I thought you were sharing experiences with me.”
He usually appeared gentle and without sharp edges, but now he suddenly turned harsh with his words. Luo Yinan looked surprised, unable to recover for a while.
Xiao Can, carrying He Xingzhou’s pheromone scent, approached him actively, clasped his hands near his mouth, and smiled sweetly, “Just kidding, don’t take offense,” he said, pointing to Cai Yawen beside him, “Actually, this is the scent of the anti-wolf spray my assistant bought for me.”
Luo Yinan was blocked from speaking out, unsure whether Xiao Can’s words were true or false, frowning and remaining silent.
“I can’t smell it at all, and I never knew if it really worked,” Xiao Can said sincerely, looking at him, “Is the scent very obvious?”
“Why do you use this?” Luo Yinan asked.
“As long as there are Alphas trying to get close to me, I’ll use it as a precaution,” Xiao Can said. He seemed to suddenly realize something and waved his hands anxiously, “Not you, of course!”
Before Luo Yinan could say anything, the shooting started again.
Xiao Can immediately got up, packed his lunchbox, waved to him, and ran off.
It wasn’t until he was in position that he suddenly snapped back to reality, realizing he had forgotten to reply to He Xingzhou’s message.
Thinking that he would meet He Xingzhou in the evening and feeling irritable because of Luo Yinan, he felt a lot better.
Luo Yinan’s words just now sparked some curiosity in him.
What would He Xingzhou’s reaction be if he knew about him losing the role? Would he want to seek justice for him, or would he advise Xiao Can to consider the bigger picture?
Would He Xingzhou feel a little bit sorry for him, unwilling to see him suffer?
These days, Xiao Can had complained to Mu Nianwen in private quite a bit, venting his frustrations without reservation. But when facing He Xingzhou, he hoped to be comforted, to be cared for, yet he was unwilling to reveal too much distress.
Was this also because of affection?
Xiao Can’s experience in this regard was limited, he couldn’t figure it out, no matter how much he thought about it, he was still confused.
They continued shooting until the sun completely set, and the day’s recording plan couldn’t be completed smoothly.
The two scenes they managed to shoot were somewhat forced. Rather than saying they finished, it was more like the director decided to “call it quits”.
While they were shooting, Cai Yawen specially bought neutralizing agents and sprayed them all over Xiao Can, for which he was very grateful.
“I should have thought of it, I neglected it,” she apologized to Xiao Can.
Xiao Can felt ashamed and embarrassed. “You can’t smell it either. And… your former employer probably didn’t have this kind of trouble.”
Cai Yawen was already very familiar with him and could naturally joke with him, “But he’s troubling me now.”
Xiao Can chuckled a few times.
On the other side of the set, Ying Qiwen sat on a chair looking dejected.
Xiao Can briefly felt a sense of compassion and considered whether to go and comfort him.
Anyone would feel resentful being dragged down like this, Xiao Can wasn’t a saint, naturally he would also have complaints against him.
But just now, according to Luo Yinan’s implication, it was completely public knowledge that he had lost his role, so his attitude towards Ying Qiwen would undoubtedly be easily used against him.
In front of everyone’s eyes, it was still necessary to take some action.
Xiao Can boldly walked through the middle of the set being cleaned up, walked to the front of Ying Qiwen, squatted down, looked up at his face, and asked, “Why aren’t you going back?”
Ying Qiwen smiled reluctantly at him, “I’ll leave soon. What about you?”
“I have a night scene later,” Xiao Can said, “I’ll touch up my makeup here.”
“Oh,” Ying Qiwen nodded.
Xiao Can naturally reached out and held his hand, speaking gently, “Actually, those first few scenes you did were quite good, just a little lacking in confidence. It’s not a matter of ability at all, you can totally do it, it’s just that you’re too nervous.”
Ying Qiwen blinked.
“Sometimes I get like that too, the more I want to do well, the more I don’t know where to put my strength,” Xiao Can smiled at him, “you, you’re just too serious and hardworking. These are all strengths.”
Ying Qiwen’s eyes suddenly reddened, “I… I really want to perform well.”
Xiao Can stood up and sat down next to him, “Yeah, everyone can see that.”
“Recently I heard something,” Ying Qiwen said, “The original choice for Xiang Xiang was… was…”
He struggled to speak, and Xiao Can naturally picked up, “It was me.”
This child might be silly, but having been in the crew for so long, he would eventually hear some gossip.
“…” Ying Qiwen forcefully pursed his lips.
Xiao Can said, “You must really like Xiang Xiang, that’s why you wanted this character, right?”
Ying Qiwen nodded.
“Do you now feel like you can’t do it well? Are you lacking confidence?” Xiao Can asked again.
After hesitating for a while, Ying Qiwen nodded again.
Xiao Can leaned closer to him, “Do you want to switch back with me?”
“Huh?” Ying Qiwen was surprised.
“It’s impossible now,” Xiao Can smiled and returned to his original position, “you see, you’re not willing from the bottom of your heart, right?”
“…”
“Go back and find your feeling again,” Xiao Can got up and patted his shoulder, “Effort is also a kind of talent, don’t waste your talent.”
Ying Qiwen nodded dumbly.
He watched Xiao Can leave, and after a while, he finally came back to his senses and shouted at Xiao Can’s back, “Thank you!”
Many people looked at Xiao Can.
Back in place, Cai Yawen asked curiously, “What did you say to him?”
“Some nonsense,” Xiao Can said, “Where’s my phone? Give me my phone quickly.”
Taking back his phone, he was disappointed to find that He Xingzhou hadn’t contacted him again.
“How boring,” Xiao Can sighed and handed his phone to Cai Yawen, saying, “Let’s take a detour on our way back tonight.”
“Sure,” Cai Yawen said, opening the map app on her phone, “Where to?”
“Check if there’s any good night market nearby,” Xiao Can said.
At half past eleven that night, Xiao Can, wearing a hood, holding two large bags, pressed the doorbell of He Xingzhou’s room.
When the door opened, he immediately raised his hand, walked in, and smiled, showing He Xingzhou.
“Why didn’t you let me know you were coming over?” He Xingzhou followed him, “What are these?”
Xiao Can said, “Courtesy demands reciprocity, today it’s my treat to you for some delicious food.”
He walked to the living room table with the bags, placed them on the table, turned around, and saw He Xingzhou still standing in the corridor, urging, “What are you standing there for? Come help me unpack.”
He Xingzhou stepped forward and said with a smile, “I thought you wouldn’t come.”
Xiao Can, in his heart, thought, How could I bear not to come.
I’ve missed you so much, I’ve been thinking about you all day.
But admitting this in his heart, he was already embarrassed and blushed, lowering his head, not daring to look at him.
