Was this suddenly giving dating show vibes?!

[Smelling and covering = brains and brawn?!]

[Hahaha, Assistant Chen, you really know your homophone jokes!]

[No, I just want to ask: you're already on a variety show, yet you keep calling other people fake. What brand of plastic bag are you, then?!]

Qin Yufan looked a little awkward. "Sorry, I study the violin..."

Understanding dawned on Chen Bei. "Oh, you want to do somersaults while playing the violin?"

Qin Yufan's voice rose in agitation. "I don't! I can't! Don't make things up!"

Chen Bei abruptly wiped away his smile. "Then quit yapping if you can't!"

[Hahaha, that felt good!]

[Someone below, translate that.]

[No can, no yap!]

Qin Yufan shut up completely, but his gaze grew increasingly resentful.

Seemingly casually, he raised a hand to stroke the scent-blocking patch on the back of his neck, which brought to mind the message his manager had sent ten minutes earlier-

[Tonight's cruise is the perfect opportunity. Just trigger a pheromone imbalance in Luo Chen, and you'll be the one making headlines at dawn with a temporary mark!]

Qin Yufan skimmed it and instantly replied, [How?]

He had had enough of being background scenery on the show.

If this kept up, he might as well quit outright!

But before quitting, he had to do something big!

[Get Assistant Chen out of the way during the cruise dinner, then get Luo Chen to drink the sponsor's milk tea and help him to the lounge... won't everything fall into place?!]

The plan looked simple, but carrying it out would be difficult.

Especially with Assistant Chen.

He was practically everywhere!

Qin Yufan replied sullenly, [Do I get any help?]

[Of course!] His manager sent another message. [The waiter is your helper.]

[All right.]

Qin Yufan tucked his phone back into his pocket, his expression growing darker.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

So many omegas had climbed their way up like this!

Meng Han had been remembered so fondly after a single temporary marking.

Why couldn't he do it?!

The somersault performances soon ended, and every team had earned some money. It was time for the final act, the fire-breathing snake.

The host looked at the four domineering CEOs with some hesitation. "Um... do you still have money for lessons?"

Since their suits restricted their somersaults, they had earned the fewest tips from performing. After paying for the previous lesson, they had almost nothing left.

Old Luo First clearly hadn't expected this result. He had thought his status as a domineering CEO would win him endless affection, but the audience hadn't bought it at all, giving all their money to his so-called partner.

They had no taste!

Luo Chen scowled. "Can I use a card?"

He condescended to hold out his hand. "A million limit. Charge whatever you like."

The host said, "..." I'd love to take it, but the show doesn't allow it.

"Pfft!"

Someone laughed out loud.

Luo Chen turned around. "Assistant Chen, you dare laugh at me?! Are you jealous that I'm rich?"

"I certainly am." Chen Bei couldn't control his mouth. "I'm jealous that you ripped your crotch doing somersaults and got to enjoy a nice breeze down there."

Luo Chen abruptly covered his crotch. "Why are you only telling me now?!"

Couldn't you have warned me sooner?!

You let me embarrass myself all this time?!

"Pants! Production Crew, get me a new pair!" Covering his crotch, Luo Chen walked aside in an odd posture.

Every guest present gazed up at the sky, desperately searching for the saddest story of their lives, shaking from head to toe.

Finally, one person lost control first and burst out laughing, setting off a domino effect.

"Hahahahaha, holy crap, he didn't even know he'd split his crotch, and he's blaming other people for not telling him?!"

"That's the kind of shit I did in elementary school, isn't it?!"

"Did you see the color of his underwear?! Red! Is this Oily President's zodiac year?"

"What does professional comedy look like? This! I'm a goddamn veteran actor, and even I admit defeat!"

"..."

The obscure celebrities who usually started bickering at the slightest disagreement found common ground because of one person, creating a brief scene of harmony.

Behind the monitors, Director Yang was extremely displeased at the sight. He picked up his walkie-talkie. "Quick, quick, quick! Move on to the next segment!"

"Then hurry up and get on the boat!"

"I want to see them fighting to the death on that cruise ship."

"Throwing punches!"

Only that would win the ratings back, aaaaaah!

And piss off that dumbass junior turd!

And so, at the director's urging, the fire-breathing snake performance soon began.

This time, afraid of embarrassing themselves by failing to board the cruise ship, the four young masters started taking things seriously.

Although fire-breathing was a traditional performing art that was difficult to master, learning the basics wasn't a problem.

Under their teachers' guidance, the guests gradually got the hang of it.

In no time, flames rose one after another along the riverbank as evening approached, staining half the sky red.

Amid the audience's cheers, the street performances reached their climax.

The cruise ship slowly approached from the distance, and the host announced excitedly, "All guests have earned enough for their tickets. Please head to the cruise ship entrance immediately and prepare to board."

"Please head to the cruise ship entrance immediately and prepare to board!"

The guests headed forward one after another, with Chen Bei bringing up the rear, a lollipop in his mouth.

He had barely taken a few steps when someone tugged his clothes, and a furtive voice spoke. "Want a new advertising endorsement? It pays well!"

Chen Bei glanced back and saw Director Meng looking shifty. He raised an eyebrow. "You're not trying to screw me over, are you?"

"Of course not!" Director Meng grinned. "Just deliver the ad lines, and you get this much."

He held up five fingers.

Chen Bei narrowed his eyes and paused before saying, "The usual rules. Transfer first, performance second."

"No problem." Director Meng shot his assistant a look. "No backing out once you're paid, or you'll owe double in damages!"

Chen Bei said, "...I've got no money, just this one life. Sue me if you don't like it?"

Director Meng wanted to say a little more, but the assistant had already handed over the boxed milk tea.

Chen Bei picked up the milk tea cup with his free hand, his long, evenly proportioned fingers looking slender and fair. "Just me?"

"Find a partner. You only need to say one line!"

"Preferably with some suggestive posing."

"Like exposing the gland on the back of your neck..."

"Hey, hey, Assistant Chen, I haven't told you the lines yet! Don't go!"

By the time they boarded the cruise ship, it was night.

The deck was brightly lit, and the dinner venue was being set up.

Guests arrived one after another, while waiters wove among them, serving drinks and food.

Having just embarrassed himself, Luo Chen picked up a wineglass and took a large gulp, but his frustration lingered.

Qin Yufan picked his moment to approach and comforted him gently. "Luo Chen, don't be upset. Your crotch split open, but nobody really saw much."

It would have been better left unsaid. Hearing it only infuriated Luo Chen further, and his face instantly flushed red. "Can you stay away from me?!"

As though he hadn't heard, Qin Yufan continued on his own. "Drinking is bad for your health. Have some milk tea instead."

"I just made a cup. Luo Chen, you-"

Behind the monitors, Director Meng froze. "Where did this guy get milk tea?! Why does it look just like the one we gave Assistant Chen?!"

"A coincidence?" The assistant was puzzled too.

Meanwhile, Chen Bei was looking for his partner, Ergou.

It wasn't that he hadn't considered anyone else.

He had simply used him for the shampoo ad and found him convenient.

The next second, Chen Bei spotted that familiar wicked, wildly arrogant smile. His lips moved as he called, "Second Young Master, come here."

[Hahaha, that's exactly how I call my dog!]

[Ergou is so obedient. His legs didn't miss a beat as he ran over.]

[Are they teaming up for another ad? Is it still healthier to wash?]

"Assistant Chen." Luo Ming approached, unable to suppress the curve of his lips. "Need something?"

Chen Bei stuffed the prepared milk tea into Ergou's hand. "What am I to you?"

Ergou froze and looked down at the steaming liquid. "You're my... milk tea?"

"Ah-I'm milk tea?!" Chen Bei sounded aggrieved.

Ergou was still dazed. "So I can hold you in the palm of my hand?"

Chen Bei gave him a look that said, You can be taught. Ergou happily took a sip. Did I get it right?

Mmm, that's the flavoring-and-coloring taste!

Delicious-

Wait... something's wrong?

Luo Ming suddenly leaned forward, bringing his nose close to the back of Chen Bei's neck. "Assistant Chen... your pheromones smell so good..."

[Holy shit, was this suddenly giving dating show vibes?!]