PTBC chapter 30

Xia Yan and Xu Cong returned to their dormitory, not resting at all and quickly diving into work. As the two most popular members of their boy band, their schedules were packed with no room to spare.

But perhaps because the treatment from the hospital last time had been effective, Xu Cong had been avoiding using the suppressant patches lately, allowing his pheromones to quietly seep through Xia Yan. Xia Yan’s body had remained stable, and the side effects of differentiation hadn’t appeared in a long time, making him feel like he had been reborn. His condition was much better during public events, glowing with energy, dazzling under the lights like a diamond, causing fans to scream wildly.

At first, Bai Yu had been as cautious as if guarding against thieves, and the other three members also often watched them sneakily, worried that at any moment, these two might commit a terrible sin because of their pheromones.

But time passed, and nearly two months went by.

The two remained calm and nothing happened.

Xia Yan still had only one goal in mind: to destroy the neighboring Forest Group, steal all the boy group fans, and dominate the entertainment industry.

Xu Cong remained silent and indifferent, always doing things like peeling oranges or feeding cherries to Xia Yan, just like before.

“I think our manager is really overthinking,” Lin Qixu couldn’t help but complain. “Our captain is probably going to marry work in this life, and Xu Cong, he’s like an emotionless person. What kind of spark could they even have? They probably find each other less attractive than a beta. Even if they were naked in bed, they’d probably just end up fighting with their own hands.”

Xiao Ning and Ye Zhaoyang nodded in agreement.

In the end, even Bai Yu relaxed. He saw how healthy Xia Yan looked recently, and even optimistically thought that maybe the differentiation period had ended. Xia Yan was once again a lively and healthy guy, and there was no more need to worry.

Time quickly passed into September.

Xia Yan and the entire group were about to shoot for the October issue of TK.

Every September and October cover was a big deal for TK, so Bai Yu naturally went to the scene and even bought afternoon tea and coffee, enthusiastically distributing them to the staff.

This time, besides the group cover photo, each member also had their own separate pages.

Xia Yan and Xu Cong had a special double-page spread.

This decision was made by the editor-in-chief after watching the preview of ‘Relaxing Vacation’.

The editor-in-chief, standing behind the camera and chatting with Bai Yu, said, “The young girls and boys these days are really something else. Even my niece ships these two. I tried to wake her up to reality, telling her that both of them are alphas, and the chances are slim. But she scolded me for being old-fashioned and said that the marriage law has passed Apha and Alpha, so why wouldn’t they work?”

She smiled helplessly, but there was affection in her words.

Bai Yu knew that she really adored her niece, having raised her since she was seven or eight years old—she was like a daughter to her.

He smiled and thought to himself, little do you know, they’re one Alpha and one Omega. If your niece knew, she’d probably lose her mind.

He quietly took a sip of his coffee.

As they chatted, Xia Yan and Xu Cong’s looks were already done.

Because there was a special double-page spread, their outfits were redesigned. The other three members had already finished their shots and went to record some behind-the-scenes bloopers and extra footage, which would later be released on the public account.

When the editor-in-chief saw Xia Yan and Xu Cong’s outfits, she couldn’t help but say “Wow.”

“Actually, my niece has a good eye. These two look great together. I almost want to ship them myself.”

…….

In the studio, several people let out sounds of amazement.

Xia Yan, who usually exuded a seductive and bold image, was dressed in a very conservative and restrained black suit. Every button was properly fastened, and the snowy white collar hugged his long neck. He also held a black cane shaped like a snake’s head.

His hair was slicked back, revealing a face that was strikingly handsome and arrogant. He wore gold-rimmed glasses, looking cold and distant, yet his features were so beautiful that it made people long for him.

His lips were intentionally covered with foundation, making them pale and thin, creating the image of a sickly, serious gentleman—bitter, arrogant, and with an air of superiority that seemed innate.

In contrast, Xu Cong was the complete opposite.

He wore a loose black shirt, the buttons seemingly torn off by someone, barely hanging on by a few threads. His broad chest was exposed, showing off his toned muscles, with scratches and lipstick marks that looked like they were left by someone else. The ambiguous red color was enough to trigger everyone’s imagination.

He looked like a playboy—flirtatious and passionate—someone who would steal the hearts of all the omegas in social settings.

But on his face, he wore a muzzle.

Bai Yu couldn’t help but frown.

In modern society, it was rare for an alpha to wear a muzzle. The device had a connotation of restraint, even looking fierce and crude, carrying a sense of suppressed beastliness.

Typically, an alpha would only wear it if they demanded it themselves.

But surprisingly, it fit Xu Cong well.

His face was cold, arrogant, and untarnished, as if he didn’t care for anyone, never lowering his head for anyone.

Yet, he wore this steel muzzle.

The black leather strap and cold metal constricted his skin, leaving red marks on his pale, sharp cheekbones.

It made him look like a captive beast.

Dangerous, yet full of temptation.

The suffocating screams in the studio rang out continuously. Everyone was trying hard to restrain themselves, but Bai Yu still saw a little girl in the back, stomping her feet, biting her fist.

“I told you, this issue of the magazine is going to sell like crazy,” the editor-in-chief whispered next to Bai Yu, her voice full of smug satisfaction.

Xia Yan had just seen Xu Cong’s full outfit.

They had just been in two different dressing rooms.

“Wow.”

Xia Yan let out a teasing sound, looking at Xu Cong and saying, “It’s rare to see you like this.”

He waved his hand in front of Xu Cong and asked, “Hello, can you still speak normally?”

Xu Cong lowered his eyes and glanced at him, only giving him three words: “Don’t provoke me.”

Xia Yan burst out laughing, his back almost breaking from it.

Xu Cong helplessly closed his eyes, raising a hand to rub the back of his neck, feeling a little uncomfortable.

No alpha would like wearing a muzzle.

It represented restraint.

It meant being kept away from their beloved omega.

And alphas were naturally inclined to attack and hunt.

“Alright, Xia Yan, Xu Cong, please come over for the shoot,” the photographer waved at them.

Xia Yan and Xu Cong cooperated and walked over.

They had done photoshoots before and weren’t nervous, but soon, Xia Yan heard the photographer say, “Xia Yan, lie on the floor, and Xu Cong, lie on top of him. Use your cane to hold his chin, stop him from getting any closer.”

Xia Yan froze for a moment.

Even with his experience, he felt this pose was overly suggestive.

But as a professional, he didn’t show any hesitation and lay down without even furrowing his brow. Behind him, the set featured a dark walnut staircase. He leaned against the stairs, his back pressing against the edge. It was a bit painful, but his face showed no sign of discomfort.

“Yes, that’s it. Lift your head up, show contempt, mockery. Yes, be even harsher. You hate this person, but you enjoy him submitting to you.”

The photographer kept directing from the side.

Xia Yan complied, lifting his head.

Xu Cong grasped his arms.

They were of similar height, but it was only when they were this close that it became clear Xia Yan was slightly slimmer than Xu Cong. His shoulders were narrower, and his neck was more delicate.

They were pressed closely together.

Xia Yan’s snakehead cane pressed against Xu Cong’s throat like a blade, but it was useless. It couldn’t stop Xu Cong’s advances.

Their breaths intertwined.

Xu Cong’s gaze was heavy as he looked at him, filled with a desire to dominate and an unabashed possessiveness.

Without the muzzle, perhaps the next second, his fangs would pierce Xia Yan’s neck.

The camera’s shutter kept clicking away.

Xia Yan, however, momentarily lost focus.

He rarely saw Xu Cong look at him with such eyes—ferocious, wild—reminding everyone of his identity as a top-tier alpha.

At the same time, he caught the faint scent of sandalwood pheromones slowly drifting from Xu Cong.

These days, due to his condition, Xu Cong hardly used suppression patches around him. He only sprayed a little pheromone blocker when necessary.

Today, during the shoot, Xu Cong had only sprayed a tiny bit.

Now, they were so close that the barrier effect of the spray was almost nonexistent.

The sandalwood scent rushed toward Xia Yan like fresh rain.

His cold expression almost faltered.

His hand gripping the cane tightened imperceptibly, and his knee jerked, brushing against Xu Cong’s inner thigh.

Luckily, the photographer had already captured the perfect shot.

“Alright, let’s change poses. You can get up now.”

Xia Yan almost awkwardly pushed Xu Cong off him.

But as he stood up, his knees involuntarily wobbled, stumbling a bit. Fortunately, Xu Cong was right there, catching him just in time.