Chapter 41: Hating That Beta Part 1

Yu Sui returned to the living room as the second round of the game began.

This time, Huo Tian was the king.

He waved his cards smugly before scanning the group and calling out a number at random.

Yu Sui’s body went stiff. He flipped his card to reveal a “5”.

No way. Was his luck really this bad?

“Go hug Jiang Nianxing,” Huo Tian said after a moment’s thought, “and tell him, ‘Bro, you smell so good.'”

Their relationship was clearly terrible, but they still had to pretend to be the best of bros on camera. So Huo Tian wanted Yu Sui to gross him out—ideally, to piss the guy off.

Yu Sui blinked in surprise. He eyed Huo Tian. Had this guy taken a bribe? Why was he constantly helping Jiang Nianxing?

[This kid’s hooked on the CP sugar?]

[Here comes the fan leader.]

[No whitewashing accepted lol.]

Steel yourself, Yu Sui stood up. He wasn’t thrilled about it, but this was all part of the live show.

In the kitchen, Shen Anliu was in high spirits while the others looked glum. The atmosphere had turned a bit tense.

Yu Sui arrived once more, and everyone stared at him eagerly, wondering who he’d pick this time.

The young man walked straight toward Jiang Nianxing. Shen Anliu’s smile vanished, and the others’ expressions grew even heavier.

He Baiyan couldn’t understand it. Why not even a glance his way? Wasn’t he good enough?

Yu Sui kept his head down and wrapped his arms around Jiang Nianxing.

The man’s body stiffened. Happiness had come so suddenly. “Sui Sui, you… what’s this?”

“Bro, you smell so good.”

Yu Sui felt utterly mortified. His face flushed red with embarrassment.

He pulled away as soon as the words were out.

But Jiang Nianxing grabbed his hand. The tips of his ears burned hot. “Ahem, Sui Sui, you…”

“Truth or dare,” Yu Sui said, signaling him not to overthink it.

“I don’t care.” Jiang Nianxing turned shameless. “Just how good do I smell? Be specific.”

Yu Sui hadn’t expected this level of cheek. He looked up, his face full of shock.

Jiang Nianxing caught the meaning in his eyes and met his gaze, cheeks reddening. “Sui Sui.”

His voice came out husky, laced with some unspoken emotion.

The others couldn’t take it anymore.

“Can we focus on cooking?” Lu Jinxia stepped in to interrupt.

“Ahem.” Jiang Nianxing finally tore his gaze away and released Yu Sui. “Sui Sui, we’ll talk about this later.”

“No need.” Yu Sui rejected him coldly and hurried off.

Jiang Nianxing’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Sui Sui’s hugs are so warm.”

Shen Anliu chopped the ribs in silence, his face icy.

“Yeah,” Lu Jinxia nodded. “We owe him big time from before.”

In an instant, everyone recalled how Yu Sui had swooped in like a hero to save the beauty—and he’d done it all on his own initiative.

Perfect. The smiles shifted right back.

Yu Sui returned to the living room and caught the meaningful glances being exchanged. He knew immediately they’d cooked up some scheme against him.

“I’m done playing.”

“Why? Can’t handle it?” Huo Tian taunted.

“I’m hungry.” Yu Sui wasn’t falling for it.

Deep down, though, he couldn’t figure it out. These guys supposedly hated each other—why were they helping their rivals boost their popularity?

The others in the kitchen waited eagerly, but come lunchtime, Yu Sui never showed.

The contrast put Shen Anliu and Lu Jinxia in excellent moods.

Lunch passed without much chatter.

He Baiyan had no appetite. He couldn’t figure out what he’d done wrong.

Could it be…

Did it really have to come to that?

He gripped his chopsticks tighter and steeled his resolve.

Lu Jinxia felt a pang of disappointment. He was the one left furthest behind now.

After a short rest, the production team announced the next game.

“Everyone’s familiar with performance stages,” the director said. “This one’s all about acting.”

“The winning guests get to pick their groups.”

Lin Xiaoyi headed to the small room to draw lots.

This time, the production team didn’t keep things mysterious. The audience learned the pairings—and the assigned roles—before the guests did.

[The production team’s not even pretending anymore.]

[Variety romance confirmed.]

[Classic Xiao Shen assist, yoyoyo.]

[Hell yeah, my CP’s racking up points!]

Lin Xiaoyi emerged and handed the list to the director before settling back on the sofa.

Yu Sui had a pretty good idea already. He’d definitely be grouped with Shen Anliu.

And sure enough, that’s how it shook out.

Everyone else got shuffled around, except for him and Shen Anliu.

The two of them were to play close friends chasing their dreams together.

That word “close friends” carried some intriguing weight.

Jiang Nianxing and the others were bitterly disappointed.

“You have to maintain your characters and busk on the street,” the production team continued. “Earn a certain amount of money. No actively revealing your identities, or it’s a fail.”

Shen Anliu glanced at Yu Sui. “Bro.”

Yu Sui stood, and they headed to the changing room first.

The others’ roles hadn’t been revealed yet, but no one seemed too interested.

In the changing room, Yu Sui felt a twinge of nerves at the thought of street performing.

He unbuttoned his shirt, oblivious to the gaze that lingered on him—shifting from shy to something else entirely.

Shen Anliu stared at Yu Sui’s waist, at the swelling…

Embarrassed at first to be sharing the room, he soon felt a surge of jealousy and envy.

That vivid mark must be Jiang Nianxing’s handiwork.

Remembering the haunted house setup, it made sense—easy for feelings to heat up.

He couldn’t tear his eyes away.

Poor guy. No sense of mercy or care. If it were him…

His ears turned scarlet. Fine, if it were him, he probably couldn’t hold back either.

With effort, he looked away and changed quickly.

They both wore matching khaki overalls.

Once dressed, Shen Anliu kept his eyes glued to Yu Sui.

The young man set his pants aside, revealing white briefs.

Shen Anliu stared intently, holding his breath.

His sharp eyes caught the red marks on the thigh.

He paused. Jiang Nianxing? Or He Baiyan?

It grated on him, but Shen Anliu had no right to complain. After all, he…

Yu Sui finished changing and turned to find the young man lost in thought, head down. He breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

This guy was clearly just here for the hype. No real interest in him.

“Let’s go.” Yu Sui’s tone grew even milder.

Seeing that smile made Shen Anliu feel guiltier than ever.

He clenched his fist. He had no right to demand any labels—not with the organization watching. He couldn’t just stand by. So… he’d make it up to Yu Sui some other way.

It wouldn’t fully erase the lies and manipulation, but at least it’d ease his conscience a little.

How, exactly?

His heart raced, and his gaze darted away.

Yu Sui didn’t notice his discomfort.

Back in the living room, the group stared enviously at their couple-like outfits.

Jiang Nianxing didn’t hide his jealousy. He Baiyan struggled to stay calm inside. Lu Jinxia felt a deep regret.

Shen Anliu stood beside Yu Sui, taking in the veterans’ envy. He nodded, reserved yet smug.

The others went off to change.

Aside from the two as close friends, everyone else’s roles were pretty ordinary. It was hard not to suspect Shen Anliu had pulled some strings with the production team.

Then the groups split off to various street corners.

To avoid recognition, no popular songs allowed.

In the car, Shen Anliu looked at Yu Sui. “Bro, you can just play a few chords on the side.”

“But I…” Yu Sui frowned. He hadn’t touched one in ages.

“Don’t worry, it’s simple.” Shen Anliu assured him.

They arrived, instruments in tow.

Geared up, Shen Anliu showed Yu Sui a few strings to pluck. “That’s all you need.”

He planned to sing the song he’d written for Yu Sui.

The street wasn’t busy. Passersby glanced curiously but didn’t stop.

For authenticity, the cameras stayed hidden.

This time of day, people were either at work or napping at home. Tough break for the guests.

Yu Sui murmured numbers to himself as he plucked the strings.

Shen Anliu cleared his throat and began to sing.

[So good!]

[Singing it for our Sui Sui again.]

[OMG, sounds amazing.]

[I hate not being in that city!]

[Damn it!]

[This CP is too delicious.]

Yu Sui felt awkward and flubbed a note. He quickly turned his face away.

Shen Anliu just smiled.

No interruptions? Perfect. He savored this cozy moment with Yu Sui.

Finally, someone stopped to listen.

Spotting the hat for tips, the guy tossed in ten bucks and waited for them to finish. “You two sound great. Are you a couple?”

Shen Anliu’s cheeks exploded with red at the question. “We’re…”

“Good friends.” Yu Sui cut in, terrified the guy might say anything for the clout.

“Oh~” The young man gave them a knowing once-over. “Mind if I snap a few photos?”

“Huh?” Yu Sui blinked.

“No worries, I’m a blogger. I won’t monetize your pics without permission.” He pulled out his phone and showed his account.

“You need to make a hundred bucks, right? Nobody’s around at this hour. I’ll give you a hundred if you model for me?”

Yu Sui hesitated, glancing at Shen Anliu.

“Sure.”

The blogger was a pro—no need for a special spot. He gestured for them to keep singing.

“You on the left, look at the guy next to you. Don’t be shy.”

Yu Sui bristled inwardly. Shy? Him?

He turned to Shen Anliu, who gazed back with eyes full of warmth.

The blogger was thrilled.

After several shots, he showed them. “Cool if I post these?”

“Uh…” Shen Anliu wavered.

“I get it—gotta check with production first, right?” the blogger said.

“You!” Yu Sui’s eyes widened.

“I’m a huge fan of yours.” The blogger grinned. “Sui Sui Peace 99.”

Shen Anliu thanked him generously. “Thanks.”

“Then I’ll post it in the CP fan thread,” the blogger said, pushing his luck.

They were in the middle of recording the show, so how could they refuse?

Shen Anliu couldn’t have been happier if the whole world found out. “Thanks.”

He was genuinely grateful.

[Holy shit, turns out he’s shipping them too.]

[Didn’t you see he’s a top fan in the thread?]

[I knew there was something fishy about this guy showing up.]

[So jealous! Getting to run into them like that.]

[Taking a couple pic with their own hands—pure bliss!]

Yu Sui’s group finished the task in record time, earning them the movie perk.

Hearing the chatter, Yu Sui’s mood lifted.

But by the time they reached the private cinema, he realized he’d gotten ahead of himself.

The room was tiny, barely big enough for two. And when he saw it was a horror flick, the producers’ intentions were all too obvious.

[Heh heh.]

[The crew knows what’s up.]

[Sui Sui’s scared of the dark. The producers did this on purpose, right?]

Yu Sui settled onto the sofa. The title flashed on the big screen, and his expression soured.

Shen Anliu scanned the room, then went over and locked the door.

Yu Sui was busy griping about how inhumane the producers were and didn’t notice.

The room’s cameras were now off.

Shen Anliu sat back down beside him.

The opening jump scare hit hard. Yu Sui jolted in fright.

Shen Anliu pulled him into a quick hug. “You okay?”