CH 10

Chapter 10: Zaizai

Before the program team sent them the filming notice, Situ Ya already created a four-person Dingxun group chat.

This time, they couldn’t bring their managers or assistants to the show. At this moment, they have just realized that neither of these two, who were about to go on the show, were ready.

Xu Tangzhou was relatively more well-behaved between the two of them, but he didn’t have any experience. Anything he would say or do could be exaggerated by the camera. He was the one more prone to accidentally making mistakes.

But Ling Che was different. Although he hadn’t participated in a variety show before, he still had countless experiences in facing the camera. These experiences often made him feel trapped. If there was no manager watching, there was a high chance he wouldn’t cooperate. Or in more serious cases, there was no guarantee he wouldn’t simply rage quit halfway.

Situ Ya spoke a lot in the group chat. In regards to Xu Tangzhou, Huang Qian already spoke to him, but Xu Tangzhou earnestly listened. Most of the words spoken by Situ Ya were for Ling Che.

Situ Ya: [Ling Che, are you not paying attention to Dingxun?]

TN: Reminder that Dingxun is a made-up messaging app

Ling Che’s bright Dingxun avatar indicated he was still online, but he hadn’t spoken a word in the group chat.

Situ Ya asked again.

It took a full five minutes before Ling Che replied.

Ling Che: [ . ]

Xu Tangzhou: “......” Just a period?

Situ Ya didn’t continue asking, as if she was used to this way of communication. She then asked the final question.

Situ Ya: [Zhouzhou, including Ling Che, there are two alphas among the guests. You will record the show together, so you’ll have frequent contact with them. Have you taken your estrus inhibitor yet?]

This sentence could be read as Situ Ya looking after Xu Tangzhou’s safety, but it could also be read as - she didn’t want him and Ling Che to have an “accident” and end up in a scandal. No matter what, if a scandal truly happened, it would leave a greater negative impact on Ling Che.

This was an awkward topic, after all, their genders were different. Once an omega went into estrus, the alphas present would also go into heat. Unmarked Omegas and Alphas together were always like a ticking time bomb, so precautionary measures must be carefully taken.

It wasn’t easy for the alpha Situ Ya to plainly say these words, but Huang Qian understood and also briskly replied: [He has taken it, Zhouzhou’s inhibitor is still effective for half a year. In addition, he knew that he was going to be on the show, so he had been taking medication to adjust his sensitivity to pheromones. He also brought a neck ring* and Mist inhibitors. I guarantee that he wouldn’t affect Ling Che.]

TN: Neck rings are larger chokers that prevent alphas from biting the omega’s glands on the nape of their necks.

Work was work, and Huang Qian clearly drew a line.

He tacitly spoke for Xu Tangzhou and took the initiative to remain distant from Ling Che.

Xu Tangzhou was sitting next to Huang Qian: “Actually, my body wasn’t feeling well…”

Exactly how he didn’t feel well was “I really want to be marked by Ling Che”, but he couldn’t say it out loud because it sounded too indecent.

Huang Qian patted his shoulder: “This way, they could rest assured. Ya jie is very perceptive."

Situ Ya replied that she could rest easy now.

On the other hand, Ling Che coldly sent out a message: [That’s for the best.]

After sending the message, his avatar instantly darkened as he went offline.

The conversation was officially over.

Xu Tangzhou let out a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, Huang Qian spoke. It seemed like Ling Che didn’t want anything to do with him.

Huang Qian told Xu Tangzhou: “Remember the following points, I’ve heard that Ling Che is a very light sleeper and he’s easily woken up. After he wakes, he is often in a bad mood, so try not to speak to him in the morning. Another thing to note is that he’s very picky. If you could indulge him, then do so. In addition, his hair is off-limits. Don't’ touch his hair.”

“Why?” Xu Tangzhou was curious, “What happens if I touch it?”

Huang Qian: “Do you want to try?”

Xu Tangzhou recalled Ling Che’s appearance: “No, no.”

Maybe he would transform.

The two of them needed to pretend they were friends, so it’s not as if he couldn’t know about these things. They’ve previously agreed to find some time to meet and learn about each other, but they’ve never had the chance to.

Now he could only learn everything at the last minute and try to remember whatever he could.

*

Huang Qian was like an old father, giving out a million instructions in fear that something would happen to Xu Tangzhou.

He had already met the director and the assistant following them around, hoping that they would be kinder to Xu Tangzhou. The other party replied that they would, but in truth, Huang Qian didn’t dare believe them.

After all, this show was known for its pits.

Upon arriving outside the recording studio, Huang Qian was stopped.

After waving goodbye to Xu Tangzhou, Huang Qian still looked back in worry multiple times, making Xu Tangzhou feel a little reluctant to part.

Huang Qian had been carefully taking care of Xu Tangzhou these few days. If Huang Qian wasn’t too young, Xu Tangzhou would have called him dad.

Before his emotions faded, Xu Tangzhou came face to face with a dark camera the moment he stepped out of the car. The program group actually began filming the moment they got off the car without even giving him notice in advance.

Xu Tangzhou was suddenly stunned, his indifferent face revealed a rare trace of confusion.

“......”

The following assistant Momo happily brought them to greet the cameraman: “Good morning Zhouzhou! You’re the third one to arrive!”

Xu Tangzhou wasn’t good at all.

TN: So hello in Chinese translates to “You good”, so Zaizai is saying he’s “not good” as a response XD

The camera lens was about to hit his face.

How could he not be nervous? His only experience with the camera was while shooting advertisements. Not to mention, the director for the advertisements only took photos of what they thought was beautiful. However, this big brother wanted to capture how many pores Xu Tangzhou had through the lens.

“Good morning.” Xu Tangzhou tried to appear calm.

Momo was a Beta girl. She blushed and took him to the location to sign his name.

The signature book was beautifully done, with the sparkly words [Our Perfect Trip] written on the cover. Inside was written “I agree to participate in this trip” and other terms of agreement.

Xu Tangzhou finally felt like he was going on a variety show.

There were already two signatures under the signature column. Xu Tangzhou recognized they were the signatures of Lu Chengan and Mi Fei, the Alpha and Beta couple who came earlier than him.

In other words, Ling Che still hadn’t arrived yet.

Xu Tangzhou picked up the pen and wrote his name stroke by stroke: Xu Tangzhou.

Momo brought him into the recording studio. Perhaps she sensed his nervousness, but Momo asked some irrelevant questions while walking to lighten the mood. She then asked: “Did you only bring one suitcase? What’s inside?”

Xu Tangzhou: “???”

This sister, did you have amnesia? Weren’t she the one who sent that list of prohibited items?

Aside from clothes, what else could he bring?!

No matter how much Xu Tangzhou mentally complained about the program’s arrangements, he was shocked when he entered the recording studio: within the magnificently arranged recording studio, there was a space in the middle with five suitcases stacked on top. So they could actually bring that many?!

Lu Chengan and Mi Fei - the owners of the five suitcases - greeted him and laughed at his solitary suitcase.

“Sure enough, he’s too young.” Lu Chengan was a little older than the others and he had a mature and elegant demeanor. Last year, he won the title of TV emperor.

“How could the other be a cunning fox like you.” Mi Fei was still a young actor, revealing his canines when smiling. “Zhouzhou, can I call you Zhouzhou? I believe your fans all call you Zaizai.”

*TN: Reminder that Zaizai means cub, but it’s an endearing nickname for a young child too

There were seats arranged in the recording studio, and another field of heads on the opposite side. There were only six guests, but there were more people since each guest had a cameraman following them, and there was also the director, assistant director, scene assistant, etc.

Xu Tangzhou sat next to Mi Fei, and the multitude of cameras left him at a loss.

Originally, he sat up straight, but the more nervous he became, the colder he appeared. His fair skin was like a piece of cold jade, making other people wonder how to approach him.

Lu Chengan and Mi Fei eased his nervousness. He was a little surprised: “How did you know?”

Mi Fei said: “My younger sister is an Omega. After you endorsed Mist, she liked you. When she knew that we would be on the show together, she would talk to me about you every day.

“I didn’t endorse Mist.” Xu Tangzhou slightly blushed, “I only had photos taken for their new product advertisement.”

Mi Fei didn’t panic after being mistaken: “Is that so. Sooner or later you will. Trust me.”

Lu Chengan held Mi Fei’s hand, his pheromone which smelled like orchids as gentle as the person himself. He also spoke gently: “Trust our Xiao* Mi, he’s very clever.”

TN: Xiao in front of names means little (Or it's a surname, depends honestly), but it's a way of addressing people you care about who are younger.

Xu Tangzhou said: “Really? Thank you for the encouragement.”

“No problem.” Mi Fei suddenly revealed a mysterious smile. It seemed that this Xu Tangzhou was a bit different from his appearance.

Not long after, the two beta sisters also arrived.

The older sister was called Xia Yue*, while the younger sister was called Xia Xing*. They weren’t as extreme as Lu Chengan and Mi Fei, but they still brought three suitcases. Girls naturally have more luggage than boys.

TN: Xia Yue translates to Summer’s moon, while Xia Xing translates to Summer’s stars.

After they arrived, the well-known host of the indoor scenes called Qi Mu also came. She would officially announce the program rules once everyone arrived.

But half an hour passed, and Ling Che still hadn’t arrived yet.

At this moment, the appointed arrival time had been missed.

“I heard that Ling Che is preparing for a concert.” Xia Xing said, “We both share the same choreographer, and he had been busy practicing in the dance studio lately. If he practiced late last night, then he might not be able to get up today.”

Xia Yue, from a few seats away, leaned over and looked over: “Xu Tangzhou should know.”

Xu Tangzhou who was suddenly called upon: “Hm?”

He doesn’t know!

So what did Ling Che do yesterday?!

“I’m… not too certain.” Xu Tangzhou used up all the acting skills he had, “He has been very busy lately.”

Fortunately, his facial expressions were originally never expressive, so even if he appeared very calm, he was completely panicking inside.

He couldn’t go wrong in saying that.

Suddenly, everyone remembered the “he and Ling Che were good friends” setting, and even Qi Mu said: “What if Zhouzhou gives him a call? We can then adjust the schedule accordingly.”

Many people were waiting at the site.

Many people were well aware of the true purpose behind Ling Che participating in the show. Otherwise, how could they invite Ling Che?

Xu Tangzhou, who suddenly appeared, actually played the “good friends” card with Ling Che. Wasn’t it because he was a clean and new Omega?

When Xia Xing mentioned this, it could have been a lighthearted prank or perhaps it hid ill intentions, but Xu Tangzhou didn’t know.

Qi Mu, however, as a highly accomplished host, asked the question to contribute to the viewer’s publicity. This moment would be the first explosive point after broadcasting.

Xu Tangzhou was about to blow his cover.

He took out his phone and looked for Ling Che’s name in the contacts.

Mi Fei scooted over and quietly asked in a volume only they could hear: “Do you have it?”

Xu Tangzhou understood Mi Fei’s good intentions. He lightly nodded, and the finger swiping at the screen paused. The name “Ling Che” appeared in his contacts.

Thank goodness! Huang Qian saved Ling Che’s phone number in advance!

The venue became very quiet.

Qi Mu didn’t think it was interesting enough, so she asked him to switch to the show’s phone to call Ling Che, and connected it to the speakers. The “beep” sounded for a long time. When the line finally connected, everyone was very excited.

“Hello?” Ling Che’s sounded deep and sluggish as if he was still sleeping.

Xu Tangzhou resisted the urge to instinctively reply ‘hello’ as he tried to speak naturally: “Where are you?”

“On the way.” Ling Che replied instantly without asking anything back, “There’s a traffic jam. Who knows what’s going on ahead. Annoying.”

Ling Che had always been arrogant and he wasn’t the type to be restrained.

So there was a high probability he simply slept in the car and he didn’t even make it a secret.

“Oh.” Xu Tangzhou didn’t know what to say.

Qi Mu quickly wrote on the prompt board. After Qi Mu urged him, Xu Tangzhou read those words, “Do you know who I… am?”

What?

Xu Tangzhou clammed up.

Ling Che also suddenly fell silent.

From the moment Ling Che picked up the phone, he never asked who the other speaker was. Xu Tangzhou’s voice wasn’t very distinctive and after passing through the microphone of the studio, if they weren't familiar with each other, he might not be able to instantly recognize him.

Xu Tangzhou knew he stepped into one of the show’s pits.

Under the gazes of everyone, his breathing almost stopped and his heart beat quickly.

Ever since the annual party, they have not met again. Strictly speaking, Xu Tangzhou and Ling Che have only met once.

“Zaizai.”

A while later, Ling Che spoke in a slightly rough voice.

“!!!” Xu Tangzhou’s heart skipped a beat, and his ears began to burn.

Before hanging up, Ling Che used a very tone reserved for familiar people to say: “Do you think I’m an idiot?”