Ling Tingyu’s casual outfit today was particularly sweet yet spicy, a ruffled fishtail mini skirt that showcased her long, dazzling legs, paired with a drawstring cropped T-shirt that subtly revealed her slender waist.
Lu Xian’s arm pressed against the hem of her shirt, his warm hand accidentally brushing against the delicate skin at her waist.
That slight tingle spread from her waist to her lower abdomen, making Ling Tingyu tense. “Then… you can hold me a little longer.”
Lu Xian couldn’t resist. “Jiejie, you look so beautiful today.”
“Mmm…” Ling Tingyu’s earlobes flushed pink.
The Omega was soft and fragrant, her blushing face unbearably adorable.
But the stairwell wasn’t the safest place, if someone came by, they’d be seen.
Lu Xian only held her for a moment before letting go, stepping back to give her space to turn around.
Facing each other, Lu Xian bent slightly to meet Ling Tingyu’s gaze. “Teacher Ling, there’s really nothing between me and Lin Xu. Don’t you believe me?”
The Alpha’s eyes were level with hers, and Ling Tingyu found herself lost in their dark, glistening depths.
Lu Xian’s gaze was sincere yet tempting, leaving Ling Tingyu defenseless. “I believe you…”
The fifth floor was eerily quiet, the muffled sounds of discussion from the nearby conference room barely audible.
They couldn’t stay here too long they’d be discovered.
Having gotten the answer he wanted, Lu Xian suddenly remembered. “Teacher Ling, I think President Ye was looking for you earlier.”
Ling Tingyu had nearly forgotten. “I should go.”
“Mm.” Lu Xian stepped aside to let her pass.
Rarely the one to initiate, Ling Tingyu was reluctant to let go of this warmth. She looked at Lu Xian and asked, “Will you come to 1209 tonight?”
Lu Xian thought for a moment. “The competition will end very late, and there’ll be a lot of media around. If we’re seen entering the hotel together, it might cause trouble.”
“So…” Ling Tingyu’s expression fell. “You’re not coming?”
Lu Xian: “…”
Don’t look at him with those pitiful eyes.
“I won’t go tonight,” Lu Xian said. “To be safe, it’s best we don’t meet.”
Ling Tingyu let out a quiet “Oh.” “Then I’ll sleep alone.”
“Even though the room is big and empty, I won’t be scared…” Her voice grew increasingly forlorn as she glanced up at Lu Xian. “I’m leaving.”
Lu Xian couldn’t handle the Omega’s coquettish act and finally relented. “Wait for me tonight.”
“Huh?” Ling Tingyu blinked.
Lu Xian grabbed her wrist. “I’ll come.”
Inside the conference room.
Ling Tingyu couldn’t wait for the competition to end so she could go back.
Ye Xiangjun tapped the table to get her attention. “Teacher Ling, you seem to be in a particularly good mood today?”
Ling Tingyu suppressed a smile. “My apologies, President Ye.”
Ye Xiangjun chuckled. “Did you take note of everything I just said?”
“I did.” Ling Tingyu’s thoughts had wandered, but she’d still managed to note the work-related details.
“Good.” Ye Xiangjun turned to the others. “Do any of the mentors have further questions?”
The four mentors indicated they had none, and Ye Xiangjun declared the meeting adjourned.
After the meeting dispersed, Ye Xiangjun called out to Chang Yuhuan. “Teacher Chang, stay for a moment.”
After all these years apart, Chang Yuhuan had never imagined they’d reunite as superior and subordinate.
Once the others had left, Chang Yuhuan bowed slightly. “President Ye, what did you need?”
The title “President Ye” created an unmistakable distance between them.
Ye Xiangjun sighed. “Xiao Yu, don’t call me President Ye. I don’t want us to be so formal.”
Chang Yuhuan had a gentle personality, but her attitude toward Ye Xiangjun was cold: “If Director Ye is keeping me here to reminisce, I don’t think that’s necessary.”
“Xiao Yu, are you still angry with me?” Ye Xiangjun looked at her and said, “Back then, I had no choice about the arranged marriage…”
“Director Ye.” Chang Yuhuan interrupted her. “That’s all in the past. I respect your decision. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”
Chang Yuhuan left decisively. Ye Xiangjun murmured to herself, “But that wasn’t my choice…”
Outside the meeting room.
Ling Tingyu hadn’t gone far and accidentally overheard the conversation between Ye Xiangjun and Chang Yuhuan. Though she didn’t fully understand, she sensed there was history between them.
Chang Yuhuan’s expression was troubled as she hurried away.
Ling Tingyu knocked and entered: “Auntie, what did you say to Teacher Chang? I just saw her eyes were red.”
Ye Xiangjun seemed distracted as she replied, “Nothing much, just some work matters.”
“Alright.”
Since her aunt didn’t want to talk about it, Ling Tingyu didn’t press further.
On her way back to the recording set, Ling Tingyu noticed Wen Tian had arrived, with Lu Li’s car parked outside.
Ling Tingyu: “What brings you two here?”
Wen Tian happily signed: [Lu Li jiejie brought me to watch Lu Xian’s competition.]
Lu Li: “The sponsors happened to give us two tickets, so I brought Wen Tian along.”
Wen Tian: [That’s not true! Lu Li jiejie didn’t want to bring me at first. I insisted because it’s so boring staying home alone.]
Lu Li couldn’t understand Wen Tian’s signing but could tell she was complaining about her.
Ling Tingyu: “Lu Li, you should take Wen Tian out more often. Kids hate being cooped up.”
Lu Li responded softly, “Understood.”
Wen Tian frowned: [I’m not a kid. I’ll be an adult soon.]
Ling Tingyu smiled. “That’s what all kids say.”
Wen Tian: […]
Ling Tingyu walked over to Lu Li: “Lu Li, has the ‘Lu-Lin CP’ fan group issue been resolved?”
Lu Li: “It’s already handled.”
When Lu Li had helped Lin Xu buy trending hashtags, she noticed netizens shipping Lin Xu with Lu Xian. Without needing Ling Tingyu’s instruction, Lu Li had immediately shut down the “Lu-Lin CP” fan group.
Ling Tingyu: “You’re quite attentive about matters concerning me and Lu Xian. Thank you.”
Lu Li: “No need.”
It wasn’t entirely for you two anyway.
Ling Tingyu put an arm around Wen Tian’s shoulder: “Let’s go in. The live broadcast will start soon.”
Wen Tian was excited, she’d nearly gone stir-crazy staying at Lu Li’s place these past few days.
The three entered the live competition venue.
Lu Xian stood out strikingly, and Ling Tingyu spotted her immediately.
Wen Tian saw her too and waved enthusiastically.
Lu Xian hadn’t entered yet and was talking to someone nearby, unaware of their approach until You Yijia pointed out: “Lu Xian, look at that girl behind you, she’s really cute.”
Lu Xian showed little interest.
You Yijia nudged her: “She seems to be waving at you. Do you know her?”
Puzzled, Lu Xian turned and recognized Wen Tian.
Wen Tian ran over: [I came to cheer you on!]
You Yijia asked curiously, “What did she just sign?”
After Lu Xian translated, she asked Wen Tian, “How have you been these days? Did you cause any trouble for Lu Li jiejie?”
Lin Xu, standing nearby, glanced over at the mention of Lu Li’s name.
Wen Tian: [Of course not! I’ve been very well-behaved.]
“You Yijia: ‘Is she your sister?’
Lu Xian: ‘Yes, her name is Wen Tian.’
‘What an adorable name.’ You Yijia bent down to greet Wen Tian: ‘I’m You Yijia, Lu Xian’s roommate.’
You Yijia was too enthusiastic, and Wen Tian slowly gestured: [Hello.]
The staff then called for the trainees to enter the venue.
Wen Tian: [I’ll watch your performance from the audience.]
Lu Xian nodded.
The lighting in the venue was dim, so Wen Tian jogged back, tugging at Lu Li’s sleeve to find their seats. She only let go after they were seated.
Lin Xu noticed Lu Li with another girl and momentarily froze.
‘Lu Xian.’ Lin Xu lowered her gaze and asked softly, ‘Do you know Lu Li too?’
Lu Xian didn’t deny it, but inwardly panicked, she hadn’t realized Lin Xu was nearby when she spoke earlier. Would Lin Xu suspect something?
Fortunately, Lin Xu didn’t press further and instead grew curious about Wen Tian.
Lin Xu: ‘Does your sister live with Lu Li?’
Lu Xian answered without much thought: ‘She’s staying there temporarily. Why?’
Lin Xu shook her head.
As soon as she finished speaking, Lu Xian suddenly realized Lin Xu might misunderstand the relationship between Lu Li and Wen Tian. She quickly added, ‘I’ll take Wen Tian away once the competition is over.’
‘Huh?’ Lin Xu didn’t understand why Lu Xian was explaining to her and forced a smile. ‘I was just asking casually.’
Originally, Lu Xian had thought of Wen Tian as just an underage kid and trusted Lu Li to look after her. But from Lin Xu’s perspective, Lu Li was an Alpha, and Wen Tian was an Omega, it was indeed inappropriate for them to live together. She needed to move Wen Tian out of Lu Li’s place as soon as possible.
After that, they didn’t speak again, but Lu Xian could clearly sense Lin Xu’s low spirits. Several times, Lin Xu glanced toward Lu Li in the audience.
Lu Xian felt guilty. She had originally wanted to bring Lin Xu and Lu Li together, how had she accidentally created a misunderstanding instead?
Frustrated, Lu Xian was lost in thought when the other trainees began entering the venue.
A faint scent of white tea drifted by as Ling Tingyu passed behind her, her soft fingers lightly poking Lu Xian’s waist.
The touch was fleeting, but Lu Xian felt it clearly.
Ling Tingyu whispered, ‘Good luck.’
Lu Xian chuckled softly. ‘Mm.’
……
The competition proceeded smoothly.
Lu Xian was the first to take the stage in the elimination round, performing a challenging song this time.
Her stage presence was simple yet captivating her face alone drove the audience wild.
After the false accusations earlier that day, countless sympathetic fans cheered for her.
[Lu Xian, you’re so Alpha! I love you!]
[Marry me, Lu Xian!]
……
By the time the song ended, the atmosphere was electric.
This time, Ling Tingyu didn’t give her a hard time and awarded her an A: ‘Lu Xian, I look forward to your future performances.’
There was some distance between the stage and the judges’ panel, but Lu Xian met Ling Tingyu’s gaze. ‘Just wait and see, Teacher Ling.’
The two shared a knowing smile.
Chang Yuhuan was also impressed with Lu Xian and privately told her after the performance: ‘If you’re interested, you’re welcome at my studio. I admire your talent.’
Lu Xian was flattered. ‘Thank you for your kindness, Teacher Chang.’
The livestream ended close to midnight.
[Lu Xian, you were amazing! I had no idea you could sing so well!] Wen Tian had initially thought Lu Xian was just fooling around by joining the competition, never expecting her to be this skilled.
Lu Xian laughed. ‘Wen Tian, you’re exaggerating.’
Wen Tian: [I’m not! It’s the truth.]”
Lu Xian: “It’s too late today. Go back early with Lu Li. I’ll come pick you up in a few days.”
[Going back to our old place?] Wen Tian’s eyes lit up: [Have you made up with Tingyu sister?]
Lu Xian nodded.
Wen Tian: [Actually I don’t have to move back, I can give you two some alone time.]
Lu Xian immediately said: “No, we can’t bother Lu Li for too long.”
[Alright then.]
Hearing Lu Li calling her, Wen Tian bid Lu Xian goodbye and left.
Only after all the staff had left and the media retreated did Lu Xian leave the training camp for the hotel.
Lu Xian knocked on the door of room 1209. After a long while, the door opened from inside.
Ling Tingyu stood there with a loosely draped towel, sobbing as she called out: “Lu Xian.”
Alarmed, Lu Xian stepped in and closed the door: “What’s wrong?”
Ling Tingyu’s eyes were red-rimmed, her cheeks still wet with tears.
What could have happened in such a short time? Lu Xian asked anxiously: “Why are you crying? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?”
Ling Tingyu clutched the edges of the towel, careful not to let it touch her body.
“Your face is so red.” Lu Xian reached out to touch Ling Tingyu’s forehead.
“I don’t have a fever.” Ling Tingyu said: “I got burned.”
“Is it serious?” Lu Xian grabbed a coat from the sofa and draped it over Ling Tingyu: “I’ll take you to the hospital.”
“No need, it’s not too bad.” Ling Tingyu closed her eyes briefly.
Lu Xian looked her over: “Where did you get burned? Let me see.”
“…” Ling Tingyu lowered her head, glancing downward.
Following her gaze, Lu Xian saw the slightly swollen, snow-white skin below Ling Tingyu’s collarbone.
Realizing the location, Lu Xian averted her eyes: “…Does it hurt badly?”
Ling Tingyu nodded: “It hurts.”
“Wait a moment.” Lu Xian found the first aid kit in the cabinet and brought it over: “How did this happen?”
Ling Tingyu seemed embarrassed to explain: “…It was the massager. Maybe it malfunctioned, the temperature suddenly got too high and burned me.”
“Massager?” Lu Xian’s eyes fell on the scattered packaging and instructions for the massager on the bed.
Ling Tingyu hadn’t cleaned up yet, but it was too late to hide them now.
Lu Xian clearly saw the words “Breast Enhancement” on the packaging and paused slightly.
The atmosphere grew subtly awkward.
Lu Xian didn’t know how to react.
Ling Tingyu’s cheeks flushed crimson: “Lu Xian.”
Lu Xian looked up, waiting for her to continue.
Ling Tingyu’s heart raced: “You can’t touch here tonight.”
Lu Xian: “…”!?