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Chapter 8

Trending Topic: #JiangYuLive suddenly soared to the top of the charts. Topics like #JiangYu’sStrongResponse and #JiangYuYuShiqing were still heating up.

The gossip-hungry crowd couldn’t get enough—they were practically choking on all the drama. When netizens clicked into the page, they found that the live broadcast had already ended. In fact, the whole thing had only lasted a few minutes. No announcement, no promotion. It seemed Jiang Yu had simply gone live on a whim, exchanged a few unclear words with Yu Shiqing, then shut it down.

The most liked post under the topic was a short video clip taken during the stream. There were only two lines:

“Yu Shiqing.”

“What is it?”

Just a few seconds, and the frame froze on Yu Shiqing’s smiling face as he looked into the camera.

The comments were full of curious netizens:

  • “Ahhhhhh he’s so handsome!!”
  • “That angle! That face! Ahhh my heart!”
  • “Yesterday someone said the pictures were photoshopped and I believed it. But now—boom, slapped in the face. Tell me now what shows Yu Shiqing has been in! I need to binge them all!”

Of course, there were also some trolls arguing:

  • “So that leak from yesterday is just forgotten now? Come on, Jiang Yu says it’s Yu Shiqing and we just believe him?”
  • “Poor Yu Shiqing, getting dragged into drama by a co-star.”
  • “The new movie hasn’t even started shooting and the hype is already off the charts. Jiang Yu really knows how to cling to fame, lol.”

The more popular Jiang Yu was, the more haters he had.

So, when Tan Yanfei saw the trending topic explode, he felt a surge of frustration rush to his head. Unable to control the impulse, he called Jiang Yu immediately.

As soon as the call connected, Tan Yanfei demanded, “Did you just go live?”

Jiang Yu replied, “Yes.”

Tan Yanfei grabbed his hair in frustration. “Why didn’t you tell me beforehand?”

Jiang Yu said calmly, “It was just a live stream. Not a big deal.”

Hearing that, Tan Yanfei covered the mic, took two deep breaths through clenched teeth, then said, “Yu Shiqing’s already caused you to be followed by paparazzi. You won’t even draw a line with him—and now you’re doing things that only make things worse? Can’t you see? Every time you’re trending, you’re basically giving Yu Shiqing a boost!”

Jiang Yu glanced at Yu Shiqing, who was flipping through the script again.

Tan Yanfei continued, “And don’t you think it’s strange? Every time the two of you are involved, there’s a photo. Coincidence? What if someone is doing this on purpose?”

The line went quiet. Tan Yanfei thought he was finally getting through, so he pressed harder.

But Jiang Yu said, “This has nothing to do with Yu Shiqing.”

Tan Yanfei was furious. “What—”

He honestly didn’t understand what kind of spell Yu Shiqing had cast on Jiang Yu.

Jiang Yu cut him off, calmly saying, “No matter who’s behind this, if they want to see me and Yu Shiqing together, then I’ll let them see it all they want.”

Yu Shiqing, sitting across from him, finally looked up when he heard his name again.

Jiang Yu turned his gaze away.

Yu Shiqing: “…”

On the other end of the call, Tan Yanfei felt nothing but deep regret. “What else do you plan to do?”

How could he have known that the gossip posted about Jiang Yu would end up benefiting Yu Shiqing instead? Even the follow-up attention helped raise Yu Shiqing’s popularity step by step.

Using Jiang Yu’s name as a shield, Yu Shiqing remained almost completely untouched—and gained a lot.

This entire scheme had become a free publicity boost for Yu Shiqing!

Jiang Yu then said, “Go to that pajama store and buy the surveillance footage. Use it to issue an official statement to clear up yesterday’s scandal.”

Tan Yanfei clenched his teeth.

He could already imagine how, once this statement with both Jiang Yu and Yu Shiqing’s names came out, it would give Yu Shiqing yet another chance to shine.

Jiang Yu being reckless was one thing, but now he had to help Yu Shiqing too?

“You should’ve thought of that earlier,” Jiang Yu said.

His voice was slightly distorted through the phone, and though it carried no anger, Tan Yanfei—who knew Jiang Yu well—felt a sudden chill. He could tell Jiang Yu was displeased.

The rumor had been brewing for a whole day, and the studio still hadn’t handled it. That was a mistake on his part.

Tan Yanfei swallowed his frustration and said apologetically, “You’re right. I was careless. I’ll handle it right away.”

He hung up.

Jiang Yu turned and sat down on the sofa.

Yu Shiqing watched him move and said, “You could’ve told Tan Yanfei that we’re only rehearsing for one week.”

Jiang Yu clearly didn’t plan to explain. “He’ll figure it out.”

“Figure it out?” Yu Shiqing didn’t dwell on the wording. He glanced at his watch and said, “Maybe we won’t even need to wait that long. You only have four days left in your susceptibility period. It’ll be over soon.”

Jiang Yu straightened. “Four days?”

Yu Shiqing smiled. “For the past three days, your pheromones have been stable. You might make it through.”

But by the next afternoon, things didn’t go so smoothly.

After two days of training, they’d just finished warming up in the morning. The action director told Yu Shiqing they had choreographed a new fight scene and wanted him to try it with Jiang Yu, to adjust it later if needed. Yu Shiqing agreed, and the director went to ask Jiang Yu.

Soon, Jiang Yu came over. “How are we testing it?”

The director demonstrated the full routine, then stood up and said, “Just like that. It should be easy for you two.”

After observing them for two days, it was clear Yu Shiqing had years of theater training and Jiang Yu had a dance background. They both had strong stage experience and were the fastest learners among the cast.

As expected, after just one demo, both had memorized the basic moves.

Only one thing needed clarification—Jiang Yu asked, “Who gets thrown?”

The director replied, “Teacher Yu.”

Jiang Yu laughed. The soreness from training faded instantly. He glanced at Yu Shiqing, raised an eyebrow, and said, “Then let’s begin.”

Staff helped them put on protective gear. Following instructions, Yu Shiqing raised a hand to grab Jiang Yu’s shoulder, only to be slapped away. As he lifted his hand again, Jiang Yu’s punch came flying—

The first time was clumsy for both of them. But for the final over-the-shoulder throw, Jiang Yu did it smoothly, as if he’d practiced it countless times in his head.

Yu Shiqing landed on the mat, pinned by Jiang Yu, who gripped his collar at the neck.

“Teacher Yu, are you okay?” Jiang Yu looked down at him, sounding concerned—but there was a smile at the corner of his lips.

Yu Shiqing chuckled softly.

Jiang Yu’s eyes narrowed. “What are you laughing at?”

Without replying, Yu Shiqing suddenly pressed down on his arm, elbow to chest. Caught off guard, Jiang Yu saw stars as he was flipped onto the mat.

Now the positions were reversed.

Yu Shiqing pinned his wrist to the mat and asked with a grin, “Teacher Jiang, are you hurt?”

Jiang Yu’s face darkened. “That wasn’t part of the routine.”

Yu Shiqing smiled. “I added it. How did it feel?”

Jiang Yu looked furious. “It felt terrible!”

The directors stood to the side, staring at each other. Finally, someone stepped forward. “Um, teachers, sorry… should we continue?”

Yu Shiqing said, “Sure.”

He stood up and offered Jiang Yu a hand, helping him up.

Jiang Yu walked off the mat, face dark, and pointed at Yu Shiqing as he told the action director, “Warn him. No more improvised moves.”

“Huh?” The team was stunned, then looked at Yu Shiqing. “Uh, Teacher Yu?”

Yu Shiqing smiled. “You can tell him—I heard him.”

The directors: “…”

Are you two kids or what?

Thankfully, after that, the pair proved to be very professional. After several practices, their moves became much more fluid.

“Can we go one last time? We want to double-check one part,” the director asked cautiously when he saw both actors sweating.

Jiang Yu looked at Yu Shiqing. His part was more aggressive, while Yu Shiqing’s was mostly defense—meaning Yu got thrown every time. He was obviously more tired.

But Yu Shiqing didn’t hesitate. “Sure.”

He took the water bottle from a crew member and drank quickly to slow his breathing and heartbeat. Then he nodded at Jiang Yu. “Let’s start.”

“One last round, then rest,” Jiang Yu said.

He glanced at the sweat trailing down Yu Shiqing’s temples, then looked toward the director. His usually sharp eyes held an unreadable look.

The director nodded quickly. “Yes, yes—after this, you both can rest! Thank you!”

Yu Shiqing placed a hand on Jiang Yu’s shoulder and patted it lightly. “Thank you.”

Jiang Yu raised an eyebrow. “I’m the only one working hard?”

Before Yu Shiqing could answer, Jiang Yu brushed his hand away. The practice started.

After repeating it so many times, their bodies moved on instinct. Yu Shiqing blocked Jiang Yu’s punch, turned sideways, and went to strike with his elbow—

But Jiang Yu suddenly swayed forward, not stepping back as expected. Yu Shiqing couldn’t stop in time, and his elbow scraped Jiang Yu’s cheek.

The action team gasped.

Yu Shiqing immediately stopped and stepped forward to help him up. He cupped Jiang Yu’s face and checked it with a frown. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Jiang Yu grabbed him, lowered his voice, and said quickly, “No time. To the rest room—now!”

His pheromones were in chaos.

He was about to lose control.

athena
Author: athena

Accidentally Marked the Top Alpha

Accidentally Marked the Top Alpha

Status: Completed Author:
It spread online that the washed-up film emperor, Yu Shiqing, was seen entering and leaving the same hotel as the popular idol Jiang Yu. The media, eager for gossip, rushed to get an interview. As usual, Yu Shiqing refused: “Don’t disturb me while filming.” Jiang Yu, known for being strong-willed, said, “You guys should know your limits when making things up. How could two Alphas have a scandal?” Even the fans came out to clarify professionally: “They’re filming together. Please don’t misunderstand!” That night. Inside the hotel. For some reason, Yu Shiqing pinned the wrong Jiang Yu against the door and bit his gland. With a strange Alpha’s pheromones invading his body, Jiang Yu felt both pain and pleasure. His face turned dark with anger. “Hey, bastard, you bit the wrong person!” Yu Shiqing looked up and, oh— it really was the wrong person. So he simply apologized: “Sorry. Let’s pretend tonight never happened.” Jiang Yu: “…” Scumbag! If I don’t turn this around, I’ve lost!

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