Her skin was smooth and creamy like milk, so soft it seemed to sink at the slightest touch, even softer than cotton candy.
Lu Xian’s neck and face flushed a deep red: “Soft.”
The skin on Lu Xian’s hands was a cool porcelain white, while Ling Tingyu’s was a delicate pink. The contrast between white and pink created an irresistibly alluring visual.
Ling Tingyu took a step forward, inevitably pressing against Lu Xian’s palm.
Instantly, Lu Xian’s palm burned as if set aflame: “Teacher Ling, I’ve already applied it…”
“Mhm.” Ling Tingyu leaned into her, her soft hands resting on Lu Xian’s shoulders as she murmured, “Lu Xian, I think I still need a massage.”
The Omega pressed close, fitting perfectly in her grasp. Lu Xian’s chest burned, and she moved her hand away, commenting, “Just right.”
Ling Tingyu shook her head. “Not enough.”
Lu Xian leaned back against the couch, nowhere left to retreat, her gaze lingering on Ling Tingyu’s eyes.
The two locked eyes for a moment before Ling Tingyu whispered, “It needs to be a little bigger than your hand.”
“…” Lu Xian’s gaze darkened, her throat dry and tight. “I should get going.”
Ling Tingyu refused to relent. “Then will you help me or not?”
Lu Xian: “…”
Ling Tingyu: “If you don’t agree, you’re not allowed to leave.”
After several minutes of back-and-forth, Lu Xian finally gave in. “Fine, I get it.”
Ling Tingyu: “Hm?”
Lu Xian lowered her voice. “I’ll follow the massage guide… and help you.”
Ling Tingyu enunciated each word: “No. Taking. It. Back.”
After leaving the hotel.
Lu Xian recalled the novel’s original setting that the protagonist couldn’t live without Ling Tingyu. But now, it seemed Ling Tingyu was the one who couldn’t let go.
Lu Xian exhaled softly, the lingering sensation of softness and silkiness still on her palm. A few more seconds, and she might have lost control and kneaded it.
“…” She was drenched in sweat. If this continued, she’d suffocate under Ling Tingyu’s influence sooner or later.
Back at the training camp dormitory.
Lu Xian changed her clothes just as You Yijia returned with her guitar. “Lu Xian, where were you last night?”
Lu Xian deflected. “Went home to grab some things.”
“Oh.” You Yijia didn’t question it. “Did you see the outdoor shoot announcement the crew sent out last night?”
“Not yet.” Lu Xian checked her phone and found the message.
Mentioning an outing made You Yijia excited. “It’s been ages since we went out. Staying cooped up in the training camp is driving me crazy. Oh, and the crew arranged for us to stay overnight at the mountain peak tonight, so pack some spare clothes.”
Lu Xian: “We’re not coming back tonight?”
“Yep.” You Yijia grinned. “They say there’s going to be a meteor shower. Watching it together at the summit sounds so romantic.”
Lu Xian opened the trainee group announcement:
[Due to Mentor Ling Tingyu’s health condition, she will not participate in today’s hiking activity. This afternoon, Director Lin Xiangjun and the other three mentors will lead the teams. Participants will be divided into groups based on ABO designation for a hiking competition. The first team to reach the summit wins a ¥10,000 reward.]
A ¥10,000 reward.
Lu Xian, who had initially been indifferent, suddenly perked up. She was in.
The crew provided hiking gear, and the fifty participants were divided into three teams by ABO status, each marked with a number and their assigned mentor’s name.
Lu Xian was placed in Mentor Chang Yuhuan’s team.
You Yijia changed into her hiking gear and said, “Let’s go.”
Lu Xian slung her bag over her shoulder. “Alright.”
The production team arranged two buses. By the time Lu Xian and You Yijia arrived at the training camp entrance, everyone had already found their seats.
The bus had limited seating, with no remaining pairs of adjacent seats only two scattered spots left.
One of the empty seats was next to Lin Xu. Given the awkwardness of the rumored CP between Lu Xian and Lin Xu, You Yijia took the initiative to sit beside Lin Xu, saying to Lu Xian, “There’s a seat over there.”
“Mm.” Lu Xian walked over and politely asked the person sitting on the aisle, “Is this seat taken?”
Xia Wanzhou, wearing headphones, didn’t notice someone speaking to her.
Lu Xian waved a hand in front of her eyes, and only then did Xia Wanzhou snap out of her thoughts, hurriedly removing her headphones.
Lu Xian smiled. “Is the inner seat taken?”
“Sorry, I didn’t hear you with my headphones on.” Xia Wanzhou scooted inward to make space. “You can sit here.”
Lu Xian nodded. “Thanks.”
Xia Wanzhou and Lin Xu were both contestants who had directly advanced to the top 50, their skills outstanding.
However, the novel hadn’t described Xia Wanzhou in much detail. Lu Xian only knew she was highly capable professionally but had faced industry discrimination due to being a Beta. Before joining the survival show, she had worked odd jobs to keep her dreams alive.
Lu Xian often felt the ABO hierarchy depicted in this novel was brutally unfair, no matter how hard Betas worked, they remained at the bottom of society.
Alphas and Omegas were far more favored in this world than Betas.
The bus’s air conditioning was set too low, icy wind blowing down from the vents above.
Xia Wanzhou rubbed her arms, feeling cold, and reached up to close the vent above her. But even after shutting it, she was still chilly another vent was aimed right at her.
After hesitating, she turned to Lu Xian. “Could you help me close the vent above? I can’t reach it.”
“Sure.” Lu Xian casually shut the air vent.
Xia Wanzhou: “Thank you.”
Lu Xian: “No problem.”
Once all the trainees from both teams had boarded, the bus set off.
Lu Xian was about to message Ling Tingyu to let her know when a notification popped up.
Ling Tingyu: [Left yet?]
Lu Xian: [Just set off.]
Ling Tingyu: [Oh.]
A single word it sounded a little dejected.
Even through the screen, Lu Xian could almost picture Ling Tingyu’s pout.
She replied: [Wait for me to come back.]
Ling Tingyu knew the outing was arranged by the production team, and Lu Xian couldn’t skip it without causing issues.
Though she still struggled to accept Lu Xian’s desire for independence, out of respect, Ling Tingyu reluctantly responded: [Got it.]
Lu Xian: [Will you be scared sleeping alone?]
Ling Tingyu sent a frightened bunny sticker.
The little rabbit was adorable soft, white, and fluffy, just like…
Lu Xian mentally scolded herself. What was she thinking? Even a bunny sticker could send her imagination running wild.
Xia Wanzhou happened to glance at Lu Xian’s slightly flushed cheeks and asked apologetically, “Lu Xian, are you feeling hot?”
Lu Xian looked up. “Huh?”
Xia Wanzhou said, “If you are, you can turn the vent back on. I was only thinking about myself, sorry about that.”
Lu Xian cleared her throat. “…It’s fine, I’m not hot.”
After exchanging messages with Ling Tingyu, Lu Xian leaned back in her seat to rest. She hadn’t slept much last night after being worn out by Ling Tingyu, and now, as soon as she closed her eyes, drowsiness overwhelmed her.
The training camp was about a forty-minute drive from Jingling Mountain.
When they arrived, Lu Xian was sound asleep. Xia Wanzhou called her name several times, but there was no response. It wasn’t until everyone else had gotten off the bus that Xia Wanzhou finally poked Lu Xian’s arm.
Lu Xian frowned slightly and slowly opened her eyes to see Xia Wanzhou standing beside her. Xia Wanzhou said, “We’re here.”
Lu Xian gradually regained awareness and noticed the bus was empty. “Sorry, I fell asleep.”
The two of them stepped off the bus one after the other.
Xia Wanzhou stood beside Lu Xian and struck up a conversation. “Did you not sleep well last night? You look like you have slight dark circles.”
Mentioning last night, Lu Xian only felt heat rising again and gave a faint “Mm.”
Xia Wanzhou said, “In that case, if you feel too exhausted during the hike, you can request to take the cable car.”
Lu Xian replied, “No need. I can hike.”
Having slept a bit on the bus, Lu Xian had regained some energy. She wouldn’t take the cable car.
Xia Wanzhou nodded. “Same here.”
The first to reach the summit would receive a 10,000-yuan reward this was also Xia Wanzhou’s goal.
All fifty trainees gathered.
Ye Xiangjun reminded everyone of a few key points to note during the hike and concluded with, “Everyone, know your limits.”
The Omega team clearly lacked enthusiasm. They believed Omegas were naturally delicate and had little interest in activities that showcased physical strength. In contrast, the Alpha team was brimming with competitive spirit, eager to demonstrate their innate superior stamina.
The Beta team was eager to prove themselves, holding onto a stubborn determination to show they were stronger than Omegas and not inferior to Alphas.
Among the fifty, it seemed only Lu Xian, Lin Xu, and Xia Wanzhou had their sights set on the 10,000-yuan prize.
After Lin Xiangjun announced the start of the competition, the Alpha team surged forward in unison, leaving the cameramen assigned to them panting and grumbling under their breath.
Lu Xian took the lead, her steps steady and firm as she climbed the stone steps.
Layers of dense forest canopy blocked the scorching sunlight but also cut off the breeze.
Lu Xian felt slightly stifled, but her pace didn’t falter.
You Yijia had been following Lu Xian the whole way and finally called out to her, “Lu Xian, slow down a bit.”
Hearing this, Lu Xian turned around. The winding mountain path revealed only a few scattered figures behind her.
You Yijia rested her hands on her knees, catching her breath. “Don’t go so fast, no one can keep up with you.”
Apart from You Yijia, who was relatively close behind, the other Alphas had been left far behind by Lu Xian.
Further down, Xia Wanzhou and Lin Xu could barely be seen in the distance.
Lu Xian pulled a bottle of mineral water from her backpack and tossed it to You Yijia.
You Yijia caught it. “Thanks. How did you know I didn’t bring water?”
“I didn’t,” Lu Xian said bluntly. “I had two bottles. Giving you one lightens my load.”
“…” You Yijia took a sip and laughed. “Well, I definitely won’t go easy on you then.”
You Yijia was an athlete, excelling in physical endurance. In a competition purely testing stamina, she would give it her all, she just hadn’t expected Lu Xian to push even harder.
Separated by the steps between them, Lu Xian replied fearlessly, “Bring it on.”
For the rest of the climb, all Lu Xian could hear was the wind rushing past her ears and the gradually quickening beat of her own heart.
Scaling Jingling Mountain took about two hours.
After adjusting her rhythm, Lu Xian powered through to the summit in one go. When she finally saw the peak, excited cheers rang out in the distance.
Reaching the mountaintop by cable car, the Omegas saw Lu Xian about to summit and began chanting in unison: “Go Lu Xian! Go Lu Xian! Go Lu Xian!”
Ye Xiangjun, waiting at the summit, smiled and said, “Lu Xian, just one more step.”
Panting lightly, Lu Xian surged past the finish banner stretched across the peak.
Omegas crowded around, offering water.
“Lu Xian, you’re amazing.”
“Lu Xian, have some water.”
Lu Xian’s climbing suit was soaked through, sweat dripping from their brow down their face, a moment the photographer captured and magnified, inexplicably captivating.
The Omegas surrounding Lu Xian blushed at the sight of their sweat-drenched appearance.
“Thanks, but no need.” Lu Xian declined all offers, retrieving their own water from the backpack.
Lin Xiangjun clicked her tongue, thinking privately that if Ling Tingyu saw this scene, jealousy would be inevitable.
As the aunt, Ye Xiangjun felt obliged to protect Tingyu’s Alpha.
“Make way, everyone. Don’t block the other team members reaching the summit.”
When Ye Xiangjun spoke, no one disobeyed. The encircling crowd quickly dispersed.
Lu Xian finally relaxed, finding a quiet corner to rest, unaware of someone approaching from behind.
“You’re quite popular.”
Turning at the voice, Lu Xian said, “Sister Luli, you’re here too.”
“Had some free time, came hiking. Didn’t expect to run into you all.”
Luli’s gaze drifted toward Lin Xu at the mountainside, making her words less than convincing.
Lu Xian smiled. “What a coincidence.”
Luli responded with an unaffected hum.
Looking around, Lu Xian asked, “Did you come alone?”
“Wen Tian took the cable car up halfway. She’s resting at the summit hotel now, exhausted.”
Though relieved Luli hadn’t left Wen Tian home alone, Lu Xian knew trouble would brew if Lin Xu discovered they’d come together.
After some thought, Lu Xian said, “Sister Luli, I’d like to take Wen Tian back tomorrow. It’s really not convenient for her to stay with you.”
“There’s no inconvenience. I’m rarely home anyway and don’t have time to look after her.”
From Luli’s tone, Lu Xian sensed she simply saw Wen Tian as a child, nothing more.
“Besides…” Luli glanced at Lu Xian. “If you take her back now and leave her alone, I wouldn’t feel at ease either.”
After consideration, there seemed no better solution.
With Wen Tian’s parents away on business and both Lu Xian and Ling Tingyu absent, leaving her alone was indeed worrying.
Lu Xian sighed. “Then we’ll have to trouble you a while longer.”
Luli seemed unbothered, her attention fixed on Lin Xu nearing the summit. She hesitated, water bottle in hand.
Lu Xian noticed too, Lin Xu was the only Omega to summit unaided, earning everyone’s applause upon arrival.
Dizzy, Lin Xu murmured, “Thank you…”
Once all fifty trainees reached the top, the team mentors took roll call.
Ye Xiangjun produced a 10,000-yuan cash prize. “Congratulations to Lu Xian, Xia Wanzhou, and Lin Xu for placing first in each team. Their perseverance sets an example for all of you.”
Trainees who’d initially dismissed the prize now found the reward personally distributed by CEO Ye suddenly appealing, regretting not completing the climb.
After the three received their awards, the mentors handed out hotel room keys for the summit lodge.
Ye Xiangjun said, “There are limited rooms at the summit. We’ll assign two people per room as per dormitory arrangements. Everyone, head back to rest now. We’ll watch the meteor shower tonight.”
The trainees responded in unison, “Got it!”
Groups of trainees set off toward the mountaintop hotel.
Lin Xu had forced himself to keep going with sheer willpower. Now that everyone had left, his last reserves of energy were spent his legs gave out, and he collapsed onto the ground.
“Lin Xu.” Lu Xian was about to go help when someone else reached him first.
Lu Li picked Lin Xu up, muttering, “Why did you have to push yourself so hard?”
“You… how did you…” Lin Xu had no strength left to resist, unusually docile in Lu Li’s arms.
Lu Li said, “Stop talking.”
Lu Xian followed behind at a leisurely pace, watching the two with quiet satisfaction.
…
Upon entering the mountaintop hotel, a cool breeze from the air conditioning brushed against their faces.
Only then did Lu Xian feel like she had come back to life.
Following the assigned hotel keycard, Lu Xian found her room. When she pushed the door open, she saw You Yijia already sprawled on one of the beds.
You Yijia was exhausted. “Lu Xian, you’re seriously a demon. Your stamina is insane, I couldn’t keep up with you at all.”
“You did pretty well too.” Lu Xian remembered that You Yijia had reached the summit not long after her, though she had been too exhausted to speak, collapsing unnoticed to the side.
“I’m sleeping. Wake me up for dinner.” You Yijia was completely drained. Even though she had summited around the same time as Lu Xian, she had clearly exerted herself much more.
“Got it.”
Lu Xian took a shower in the bathroom and then dozed off.
By the time she woke up, the sky had already darkened.
Lu Xian reached for her phone to check the time, only to notice several missed calls.
All from Ling Tingyu.
Quietly slipping out of the room, Lu Xian returned the call.
Ling Tingyu answered almost immediately. “Were you asleep just now?”
Lu Xian walked slowly down the hotel hallway, humming in agreement.
Ling Tingyu said, “I saw you took first place in the climb.”
“Huh?” Lu Xian’s first reaction was, “You’re here?”
Ling Tingyu, wearing sunglasses, stood not far away. “I see you.”
The hallway was empty. From a distance, Lu Xian looked up and spotted Ling Tingyu. “When did you get here?”
Ling Tingyu waved her keycard. “Just arrived.”
“But how did you…” Lu Xian wanted to ask how Ling Tingyu knew she had won the climb, but Ling Tingyu finished her thought.
“You forgot this event was livestreamed.”
Ling Tingyu hadn’t originally planned to come, but after seeing Lu Xian surrounded by so many Omegas in the livestream, she had immediately packed her bags and rushed over.
Ling Tingyu chuckled as she looked at Lu Xian. “Lu Xian, your stamina is really impressive.”
The words traveled through the phone, sending a tingle down Lu Xian’s ears. Coming from anyone else, the remark would have been harmless, but hearing it from Ling Tingyu made Lu Xian’s thoughts drift uncontrollably.
Around dinner time, the hallway suddenly grew crowded.
Ling Tingyu put on her mask and said, “My room is on the top floor. Come find me when you’re free.”
“Okay.” Lu Xian hung up immediately.
At a time like this, it was better to be cautious and avoid drawing attention.
Ling Tingyu took the elevator upstairs to avoid the crowd.
As Lu Xian withdrew her gaze, someone approached. “Lu Xian.”
Xia Wanzhou followed Lu Xian’s line of sight. “What were you looking at? I called you a few times, but you didn’t hear me.”
“Nothing much,” Lu Xian replied. “What’s up?”
Xia Wanzhou said, “Dinner time is here. We can head to the restaurant downstairs now.”
“Thanks.” Lu Xian went to call You Yijia, and when they came out, she noticed Xia Wanzhou was still waiting.
Lu Xian asked, “Why haven’t you gone down yet?”
“No rush.” Xia Wanzhou smiled. “I’ll wait for you.”
Lu Xian didn’t think much of it and helped support You Yijia. “Let’s go then.”
You Yijia wasn’t fully awake yet, yawning. “So tired and sleepy.”
Then she added, “And hungry.”
Patting her cheeks, You Yijia said, “Food is still the priority.”
Lu Xian teased her, “You Yijia, you’re so weak. Xia Wanzhou seems tougher than you.”
Xia Wanzhou glanced at Lu Xian. “Really?”
“Huh?” You Yijia immediately perked up. “I’m not tired at all. I could climb Jingling Mountain again right now without breaking a sweat.”
Lu Xian let go of You Yijia’s arm, causing her to stumble slightly.
Both Lu Xian and Xia Wanzhou burst out laughing.
Nearly falling, You Yijia felt embarrassed and wrapped an arm around Lu Xian’s neck. “Can you save me some face and stop laughing?”
Lu Xian tried to hold back her laughter while supporting her. “I’ll try.”
The three of them arrived at the first-floor buffet restaurant.
Others had already gathered in small groups and found seats.
While Lu Xian and You Yijia were still looking for a spot, Xia Wanzhou waved at them. “Lu Xian, there’s space here.”
Lu Xian turned toward the voice. “Got it.”
You Yijia nudged Lu Xian’s shoulder and clicked her tongue. “We came together, so why did she only call your name?”
Lu Xian frowned. “What do you mean?”
You Yijia shrugged. “Figure it out yourself.”
Lu Xian didn’t understand. “Maybe she knows me first and isn’t as familiar with you yet.”
“You forget I have top-tier social skills?” You Yijia chuckled while picking out dishes. “What if I actually met her before you?”
“…” Lu Xian had no response. “Anyway, you’re overthinking it.”
You Yijia shrugged.
Since only Xia Wanzhou’s table had space left, Lu Xian and You Yijia picked their food and walked over.
As soon as Lu Xian sat down, her phone buzzed with a message.
Opening it, she saw it was from Ling Tingyu.
Originally, the contact name was just “Ling Tingyu,” but the direct name was too conspicuous, so Lu Xian had changed it on the bus.
Little Rabbit: [What are you doing?]
Lu Xian could imagine Ling Tingyu sprawled on the bed, bored. Smiling, she replied: [Having dinner. Have you eaten?]
Little Rabbit: [No, I’m starving.]
Lu Xian: [The hotel offers room service. I can call the front desk to arrange it for you.]
Little Rabbit: [No, I want you to cook for me.]
Lu Xian: [Be good. I’ll make whatever you want when we get back.]
Little Rabbit: [Really?]
Lu Xian: [Mhm.]
Little Rabbit: [I want to eat you.]
Lu Xian: “…”
Lu Xian: [You seem confused, you can’t eat me.]
Little Rabbit: [Oh.]
Lu Xian thought Ling Tingyu had finally settled down, but her phone buzzed again seconds later.
Little Rabbit: [Want you to eat me.]
“Cough!” Lu Xian choked, reaching for her glass only to find it empty.
Xia Wanzhou took the cup and poured water for her. “Here.”
“Thanks.” Lu Xian drank it all in one go.
You Yijia grinned. “What were you looking at that made you choke while eating?”
Lu Xian put her phone away. “Nothing.”
You Yijia whispered, “Judging by your reaction, was it your girlfriend?”
Xia Wanzhou asked upon hearing, “Does Lu Xian have a girlfriend?”
Lu Xian nearly choked again and quickly replied, “No.”
Indeed, it wasn’t a girlfriend, it should be called a wife.
Hearing Lu Xian’s denial, Xia Wanzhou secretly breathed a sigh of relief in her heart.
You Yijia teased, “Just kidding, why are you so nervous?”
Startled by Ling Tingyu’s words earlier, and now frightened by You Yijia’s remark, how could she not be nervous?
Lu Xian took a deep breath to calm her flustered heart. “Just eat your meal.”
After dinner, Lu Xian wanted to take a walk alone and parted ways with You Yijia and Xia Wanzhou.
She deliberately sent them away and went to the front desk to order room service for Ling Tingyu. There were still about two hours left before the meteor shower viewing at the mountaintop, so everyone was free to do as they pleased. Trainees could be seen all over the mountaintop hotel.
Lu Xian considered going to find Ling Tingyu but ultimately decided against it.
Meeting in a place like this would be too risky, someone might notice. Better to just return to her room and rest.
On her way back, as she passed a room at the end of the hallway, a warm touch encircled her wrist, a soft hand pulling her in.
The next moment, Lu Xian caught the familiar, crisp scent of white tea.
Ling Tingyu’s arm looped around her, gently but firmly tugging her inside.
Once the door closed behind them,
Ling Tingyu pressed Lu Xian against the door, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Why did you change rooms?”
“I didn’t.” Ling Tingyu leaned in, her hand sliding past Lu Xian’s waist to lock the door. “I just booked an extra one.”
Lu Xian: “Huh?”
As Ling Tingyu withdrew her hand from the lock, she let her fingers trail along Lu Xian’s waist. “To make it easier to sneak around with you.”
Right now, they really did feel like they were sneaking around.
Just beyond the door, voices echoed in the hallway.
Xia Wanzhou passed by outside, calling out, “You Yijia!”
You Yijia: “What’s up?”
Xia Wanzhou, her face flushed, asked, “Have you seen Lu Xian?”
“No, I haven’t.” You Yijia replied. “Do you need her for something?”
“Nothing important.” Xia Wanzhou laughed, trying to hide her nerves. “I just thought it’d be fun to watch the meteor shower together. It’s kind of boring alone.”
You Yijia: “I’ve been looking for her too. No idea where she disappeared to in such a short time.”
Xia Wanzhou: “Then I’ll just message her on WeChat.”
As the two walked away, their conversation lingered on Lu Xian.
Ling Tingyu heard every word. She remembered Xia Wanzhou was a Beta but a pretty one, with a sweet voice.
So now, not only were Omegas interested in Lu Xian, but even Betas had taken a liking to her.
Lu Xian herself didn’t seem affected, but Ling Tingyu’s gaze had noticeably darkened.
Her warm fingers traced the delicate skin behind Lu Xian’s ear, teasing lightly.
That spot was Lu Xian’s weak point. The usually smooth gland there swelled slightly under the stimulation.
Within seconds, Lu Xian’s breath hitched, her skin burning hot. Her eyes reddened, dark pupils shimmering with restrained moisture.
“L-Ling Laoshi…”
Lu Xian caught Ling Tingyu’s wandering hand, pleading, “You can’t touch me there.”
Just then, her phone buzzed. At a time like this, could it really be Xia Wanzhou?
Ling Tingyu: “Lu Xian.”
Lu Xian’s damp gaze flickered. “Mm?”
Ling Tingyu looped her arms around Lu Xian’s neck, lips brushing against her ear as she whispered, “Really, won’t you let your jiejie touch you?”
TERMS:
LAOSHI means Teacher
Jiejie means Sister