RBNR Ch43: So annoying

A single pebble stirred up a thousand ripples.

Qin Bao’s reply pushed the matter right into the eye of the storm. It hadn’t made the trending charts at first, but with his own hands, he pushed the tag #QinBaoHookup straight to the top.

An Qingyan was utterly speechless: “I’m begging you, go sign with an agency already! With no one around to manage you, you’re about to fly into outer space!”

Qin Bao: “…”

Qin Bao didn’t care in the slightest. He had never paid attention to online public opinion anyway; no matter how toxic the noise was, the moment he switched off the screen, his world was entirely peaceful.

However, while he felt refreshed after logging off, the online discussions around him continued to ferment.

The internet never forgot a thing. Outfits Qin Bao had worn on runways with slightly more daring cuts, previous commercial shoots, his dance clips on Flow, and even his old DM retort of “You can’t bite it” to an online harasser were all dredged up. Together, they coalesced into a tag named #QinBaoIsSoSensual, which climbed steadily higher up the trending ranks.

His mother-fans were heartbroken, critics were plenty, and anti-fans rejoiced, but a mysterious faction of fans openly calling him “Wife” gradually emerged into the spotlight.

[Wife is so hot [Drool][Drool]]

[Hooking up isn’t illegal. Can’t an Omega hook up? Some Alpha-chauvinists need to quit their double standards.]

[Should I say it… I’ve actually been a closeted body-fan of a certain BB for ages [Blush]. I just didn’t dare say it back when he was underage [Blush].]

[Me too. Sorry, I admit I’m a pervert.]

[A face so pure, a body so hot. Wife is genuinely so sensual, who gets it?!]

[Smoking is bad, but I really want to be the cigarette between Bao Bao’s fingers… [Drool] Bao Bao, stop smoking cigarettes, smoke me instead.]

In the evening, after returning from his driving lesson, a Dingxun notification popped up on Qin Bao’s phone: “Dad invited you to join the group chat [Harmonious Family].”

What on earth?

Qin Bao tapped to join. Checking the member list, there were 9 people, including himself.

Professor Lin: [A warm welcome to Xiao Bao joining our big family! [Smile]]

Ms. Rong: [Welcome.]

Old Master Qin: [Applause.]

Professor Feng: [Welcome, welcome.]

Mr. Qin: [[Smile]]

Grandmother: [Bao’er is here [Bouquet]]

Grandfather: [Where is Chengyu?]

Ms. Rong replied to him: [Dad, Chengyu is probably still in a meeting.]

The other member was Feng Chengyu, who hadn’t said a word since being added.

Qin Bao: […]

Qin Bao: [Good evening, everyone [Docile]]

Save me. This was bizarre. Was this the legendary family group chat?

No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than the old master began handing out digital red packets in the group. His maternal grandfather refused to be outdone, sending out packets as well, and for a moment everyone scrambled to claim them in high spirits.

Grandmother sent a voice message: “I saw the news. Bao’er went to Grodie. You must be exhausted after just flying back today, right?”

Grandfather: [Newlyweds, why did you suddenly run off abroad?]

Ms. Rong: [Dad, Bao’er went for work.]

Saying so, she shared several photos of Qin Bao on the Baufini runway.

Grandfather sent another voice message: “Why did he run off to walk runways again? Didn’t we agree he’d focus on his studies obediently?”

Likely having caught wind of past events, the group chat fell quiet for a moment.

Grandfather had always held objections to this, believing Old Man Qin had coddled his grandson by letting Qin Bao flaunt himself in public. This marriage had successfully crushed Qin Bao’s ambitions, and in his eyes, Old Man Qin had finally guided the child onto the proper path.

Ms. Rong said: “It’s summer break, and Bao’er only went as an emergency fill-in. The original model got into trouble, so they urgently sought his help. It’s a premier international brand—not just any model qualifies to walk for them. It brought immense face. You don’t browse the internet, which is why you haven’t seen the news.”

With her smoothing things over, the atmosphere finally relaxed slightly.

Professor Lin chimed in at just the right moment: [Chengyu accompanied Xiao Bao, right? I saw the news too [Giggles]]

Ms. Rong said: [Yes, Chengyu went to Grodie as well.]

Old Master Qin wasn’t necessarily in favor of Qin Bao resuming his modeling career, but he surprisingly refrained from criticizing it, likely because Feng Chengyu had been present.

The old gentleman had indeed seen the news, however, and reprimanded: [Hmph. A grown adult who doesn’t know to draw the curtains at night—utterly improper.]

Qin Bao felt his face burn instantly: [How was I supposed to know there were paparazzi?]

He typed rapidly: [And I didn’t ask him to come. He showed up out of nowhere on his own.]

Text carried no tone of voice. When Qin Bao sent that line, Ms. Rong even followed up with a [Giggles] emoji.

Old Master Qin: “Fortunately, they didn’t catch anything truly compromising. You might not care, but you must consider Chengyu’s public image.”

What did he mean by ‘you might not care’?!

Heat rushed straight to his head. Not wanting to throw a tantrum in the group chat, Qin Bao tossed his phone aside and paced around the room twice to cool off.

Picking the phone back up, he saw Mr. Qin speaking up on his behalf: [Actually, you don’t need to be so tense. Bao’er and Chengyu are legal partners. Even if Chengyu were photographed, it wouldn’t be a big deal.]

Professor Lin agreed: [Indeed. The young couple is deeply affectionate; occasional oversights happen. Just be more mindful next time. It hardly counts as a breach of propriety.]

Grandfather countered: “A prominent Alliance Councilor—how is it merely a breach of propriety?! I see none of you grasp the gravity of the situation! He’s young to begin with; being caught in such photos will only be branded as frivolous and erode his public credibility. What’s more, his Omega is running around working as a model?”

Professor Feng said: [Professor Rong, your concerns are valid, and your intentions are for their own good. But as you said, the children are still young. They can correct themselves gradually; let’s not get overly anxious and agitated.]

Grandfather: [[Link], [Link]]

Grandfather: “Look at these follow-up reports! People are calling him promiscuous and claiming he engages in random hookups—what kind of scandalous nonsense is this!”

Ms. Rong: [The innocent remain pure; people will say whatever they want.]

Old Master Qin: [[Rage] Which media outlet was it?]

The group chat had devolved into absolute pandemonium. Why call it [Harmonious Family]? They might as well rename it [Powder Keg Family]!

Enduring it invited a heart attack; taking a step back only made him angrier the more he thought about it.

Qin Bao finally snapped.

[No need to worry, I won’t drag the grand Councilor down.]

[We never intended to go public in the first place.]

[Far more than him losing face over me being a model, I’m terrified of people finding out I married him!]

[Even if he becomes the Alliance President in the future, I will never go public with him!]

Having unleashed his frantic tirade, Qin Bao tapped “Leave Group Chat” directly.

Much better.

Things like family group chats had zero reason to exist.

Qin Bao rejoiced over his earlier decision: thank goodness he hadn’t signed with any agency this time. Otherwise, he would have been reined in all over again. It wasn’t like two stubborn old men could control the executives of every luxury brand on the planet.

Half an hour later, Mr. Qin called, tactfully asking him to rejoin the group and delete his reply to the fan from yesterday, but Qin Bao flatly refused.

“I’m already married. Can you all stop meddling in my business?”

Qin Bao had mastered the art of firing back.

Marriage was like a multipurpose brick—ready to be laid wherever needed.

“If there’s an issue, Feng Chengyu will discuss it with me himself.”

Mr. Qin choked on his words, completely unable to refute the point, and could only let out a sigh: “Alright. We truly shouldn’t interfere too much in your affairs.”

He then added to Qin Bao: “Now that you’ve resumed working, I still have some funds saved up. If you need money to finance your independent activities, let me know anytime.”

Sitting cross-legged on the carpet, Qin Bao said, “Aren’t you afraid of defying Grandpa now?”

During the period he had been locked up at home, Qin Bao hadn’t been entirely free of resentment toward Mr. Qin for fading into the background.

Then again, he knew that Mr. Qin had lived under the old master’s thumb for most of his life, rarely having a voice of his own—much like Ms. Rong.

Mocked by his son, Mr. Qin remained cultured and refined: “Bao’er, having someone by your side who supports your dreams brings great relief to both your mother and me. Cherish it properly.”

Cherish it? Hmph.

Qin Bao thought to himself.

He didn’t need anyone to remind him; he would definitely make the absolute most of these five years.

The Capital People’s Assembly Hall.

The presiding speaker bowed, and thunderous applause erupted across the venue as the day’s proceedings finally drew to a close. People stood to gather their files, shaking hands with surrounding colleagues in appreciation, or waving farewell to political opponents across the floor.

Feng Chengyu remained polished and effortlessly poised.

Over ten grueling hours of meetings hadn’t left him looking fatigued in the slightest. It was as if he could sit through another ten hours of laser focus without missing a beat—the stamina of a young S-rank Alpha was terrifyingly boundless.

A cacophony of voices swelled inside the cavernous hall. As the councilors filed out, the press corps waiting outside had long grown ravenous.

“What is your stance on the proposal to establish a mining moratorium zone for Dysprosium-X?”

“Word is the Alliance plans to enact the Feilu Refugee Protection Act, drawing massive public reactions. Will detailed resettlement regulations be announced soon?”

“Aside from Feilu, there are four other Dysprosium-X extraction reserves across the globe. Does the Alliance Council have plans regarding those regions?”

“An armed clash broke out along the border last week, and Tuoduo claimed responsibility…”

In an instant, the main hall entrance was swarmed with crowds, blocked beyond passage.

Feng Chengyu glanced at his watch. He had received an invitation to the Capital Mayor’s office; the other party had requested a private discussion.

Lin Zi packed up the materials. Just as the two were about to slip away via the internal corridor, Shu Helan called out to him.

“Give me a ride,” Shu Helan said. “If I step out there right now, they’ll tear me to shreds.”

Feng Chengyu chuckled: “You can only blame your Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for having an oversized appetite lately. Swallow too much and you’re bound to cough some of it up; careful you don’t get devoured until there are no bones left.”

The group walked together toward the private corridor.

Chatting as they strolled.

Shu Helan said, “While you’re worrying about me, spare some thought for yourself. Countless pairs of eyes are glued to you. I heard Tuoduo bought out an underground contract, specifically targeting you for an assassination.”

“A society ruled by law.” Feng Chengyu arched an eyebrow. “Don’t buy into hearsay.”

The two were merely trading quips. Entering the elevator with no outsiders present, Shu Helan finally broached personal matters.

“I’m serious. Don’t you know your own situation? How dare you casually fly abroad like that? It’s lucky everyone’s lips are sealed, otherwise if those photos were scrutinized by that bunch… tsk, even being head over heels has its limits.”

Although few people knew Feng Chengyu and Qin Bao were married, and the photos only captured a silhouette of his back, the scene had been undeniably heated.

A few days ago, even Feng Chu had texted Feng Chengyu.

[Bro, you two were way too careless!!! My little cousin-in-law was practically exposed!]

[Still, keep the sweet moments coming, don’t mind me, I love eating dog food.]

[So happy [Hehe]]

Feng Chengyu had seen the news as well.

The paparazzi’s stealth shots were actually taken quite well. That snapshot of Qin Bao passing the window with an unlit cigarette between his fingers was practically worth saving.

However, it served as a wake-up call for Feng Chengyu. Even if his own itinerary was confidential, cameras were never absent around Qin Bao. Being caught on camera this time had been entirely due to his own negligence.

Shu Helan: “Still, what was with Xiao Bao’s public response? You’re keeping it under wraps?”

“Mm,” Feng Chengyu said. “He wants to wait a while before making any announcements.”

Considering the boy’s age, Shu Helan actually understood, but couldn’t resist teasing his friend: “Why? Does he think being tied to you is humiliating?”

Feng Chengyu: “If you’re this eloquent, why did you play mute during the council meeting earlier?”

“Are you the same as everyone else? I only like bantering with you,” Shu Helan said. “I’m just baffled… with all the wild suitors swarming around him, how long can you, his legitimate husband, hold back from staking your claim?”

Feng Chengyu shot him a pointed look: “Worry about yourself when you have the time. Don’t play yourself into a corner.”

“Not a chance,” Shu Helan dismissed smoothly. “We’re not like you two. Ours is a mature arrangement—parting on good terms, each taking what we need.”

The elevator dinged at their floor, and Feng Chengyu stepped out alongside Lin Zi.

Shu Helan called from behind, “Are you heading home tonight?”

Feng Chengyu answered, “Can’t make it back.”

Shu Helan: “Pitiful.”

Over these days since the wedding, although they weren’t separated by international borders like in Grodie, they rarely crossed paths despite residing in the very same city.

Feng Chengyu faithfully logged his location as agreed, but Qin Bao seldom replied.

By the time he wrapped up overtime discussions on official business, it was already late into the night.

Facing another early start tomorrow, Feng Chengyu checked into a hotel near the assembly venue. This time, Lin Zi had booked a room on a separate floor, agreeing on a time to deliver fresh changes of clothes the next morning.

Stepping into the suite, Feng Chengyu paused in the doorway for two seconds.

Then, his eyes caught the pair of shoes resting neatly on the rug.

Leaving the foyer and passing through the living room, the sweet scent of Omega pheromones grew increasingly unmistakable.

He spotted the figure reclining half-propped on the bedroom sofa, reading a book.

Qin Bao was dressed in a casual T-shirt and loose jeans, his slightly long hair resting softly against the slender curve of his neck. His lean, lithe physique needed nothing more than simple styling to perfectly match the internet’s verdict: a face so pure, a body so hot.

Catching sight of Feng Chengyu, he merely spared a single glance, as if entirely engrossed in the text, quickly dropping his eyes back to the printed page.

Unfastening his cufflinks, Feng Chengyu asked, “What time did you arrive?”

A suspicious flush crept over Qin Bao’s cheeks, his tone flat and stiff: “Not long ago. It’s Friday today. Weren’t you the one demanding we meet? So annoying.”

Sounding as though he had merely come to clock in for an assignment.

Those long legs were still propped casually over the back of the sofa, yet his pale toes curled inward in a subtle, unconscious fluster.

Feng Chengyu walked over and lifted the book from Qin Bao’s hands, earning a sharp glare: “What are you doing?”

Yet the moment the man sat down, Qin Bao rolled over, scrambled up, and straddled his lap, winding both arms around Feng Chengyu’s neck: “Feng Chengyu, I nearly fell asleep. It’s boring here, and your book is boring too. You people work yourselves to the bone with non-stop overtime—does the Alliance even pay your salary?”

“They do. If they don’t, I’ll go demand it.” Feng Chengyu leaned back, resting his hands at Qin Bao’s waist, his fingers tracing the curve of his hips.

Their eyes locked.

“I’m not waiting for you next time.”

With shifting eyes, Qin Bao dipped his head and pressed a soft kiss to Feng Chengyu’s lips.

The fingers around his waist tightened. With his sleeves rolled up, the veins corded across Feng Chengyu’s forearms stood out distinctly, yet his facial expression remained unchanged, save for the profound darkness deepening in his eyes.

This time, Qin Bao wanted to explore on his own terms. Breaking away from Feng Chengyu’s lips, he trailed kisses toward the man’s ear, finally coming to rest against the curve of his neck.

Inhaling deeply, the Alpha’s cool narcissus scent intoxicated him, turning his waist weak as his fingers locked firmly onto Feng Chengyu’s shoulders.

No need for pretense—he simply craved Feng Chengyu’s pheromones.

Yet right now, his favorite target remained Feng Chengyu’s lips.

Lips that looked so aloof and cold—how could they feel so good to kiss?

Unable to figure it out, Qin Bao straightened his spine and dipped his head, crashing down into a deep, consuming kiss once more.