When Song Yi got up in the morning, the world outside was gray and drizzly. The doorbell chimed persistently, still groggy, he stumbled out of bed and peeked through the peephole to see a delivery person holding a beautifully crafted wooden box.

He brought the box inside and rummaged through a drawer for a paper cutter to pry it open.

Inside the box lay a bottle of red wine, nestled in elegant white velvet. The bottle bore a delicate cursive logo of a brand he used to enjoy, accompanied by a handwritten note.

[Happy Birthday — Mr. Zhou]

Song Yi stared at the signature for a few seconds, his sleepy confusion gradually fading. Squinting, he casually tore the note into pieces and tossed it into the trash.

As for the wine, he placed it on the wooden wine rack in the living room. The wine was innocent; there was no need to hold a grudge against it.

His mood remained unaffected as he went about his day.

In the afternoon, he settled into the massage chair in his study to watch a movie when his phone suddenly buzzed.

The caller ID displayed Director Yang from “Romantic Times.”

Song Yi pressed the button to answer, greeted by a burst of boisterous laughter from the other end.

“Xiao Song, you’re impressive!” Director Yang said, laughing excitedly.

Song Yi, confused, asked. “What’s going on?”

“Didn’t you check Weibo? Gu Xingchuan posted something, and it features you, right?”

Weibo?

A sinking feeling settled in as Song Yi opened the app. The trending headline read: #Gu Xingchuan Releases New Song ‘Riding the Wind’ Suspected to Announce Relationship#

The top search was Gu Xingchuan’s post, which simply said, “New Song — ‘Riding the Wind’” along with a black-screen vlog.

Curious, Song Yi clicked on it and to his surprise, he heard Gu Xingchuan singing “Riding the Wind” while holding a guitar. At the end, Gu Xingchuan in his playful style, asked for “800,000 for a kiss.” However, Song Yi’s voice had been altered and only someone very familiar with him could detect it from the tone.

Director Yang’s curiosity was piqued. “Xiao Song, you’re not being honest. Didn’t you say you were just classmates?”

Song Yi was taken aback, feeling both amused and exasperated. “Please don’t misunderstand; we were just joking around.”

“Really? It doesn’t seem that way to me.” Director Yang teased playfully.

Song Yi felt neither awkward nor embarrassed; he realized that admitting it wouldn’t help, nor would denying it. “Honestly, I wouldn’t lie to you.”

Director Yang didn’t believe there was anything romantic between Gu Xingchuan and Song Yi, considering how they were always at odds on set. After teasing him a bit, he ended the call.

Scrolling through the comments, Song Yi noticed everyone was speculating about who the person was in the video that Gu Xingchuan couldn’t get a kiss from, listing numerous names of popular artists. He carefully read through the comments and was relieved not to see his name mentioned.

The upside of not being famous was that no one could connect him to any gossip or scandals.

Just as he closed his phone, he heard Zhao Hongyan talking in the living room; it sounded like someone had arrived. He couldn’t make out what Zhao Hongyan was saying from so far away, but he could tell she sounded quite excited.

Song Yi pushed open the study door and craned his neck to see. Cursing under his breath, he spotted the culprit: Gu Xingchuan, casually standing in his living room with Zhao Hongyan beside him, looking a bit shy.

When Gu Xingchuan noticed Song Yi, he winked playfully. “I thought you weren’t home.”

Zhao Hongyan turned around, her face flushing. She hurried over, holding a jewelry bag. “Xiao Gu brought me a jade necklace; the quality is amazing! It’s too extravagant; I really can’t accept it.”

Despite saying she couldn’t accept it, her face radiated joy.

Song Yi understood the situation and sighed inwardly. “It’s fine; since he gave it to you, you should keep it.”

Zhao Hongyan let out a sigh of relief and glanced nervously at Song Yi.

Song Yi ignored her, giving Gu Xingchuan a nod before turning to head back into the bedroom. With Zhao Hongyan present, there were some things he preferred not to discuss.

Gu Xingchuan understood and followed him in, shutting the bedroom door behind him.

He eagerly surveyed the room. This was his third visit to Song Yi’s home, but he had only been in the living room or kitchen until now—this was his first time in Song Yi’s private space.

The bedroom was clean and tidy with fresh, light-colored wooden furniture. The bed was perfectly made, and aside from the essentials, there was no sign of personal interests or hobbies.

Song Yi took a seat on the only chair in the room, frowning slightly. “You can post about your new song on Weibo, but you couldn’t have edited out my voice?”

Gu Xingchuan leaned his hands on the chair’s armrests, looking down at Song Yi’s fluffy head. He scoffed lightly. “How many people wish they could be featured in my vlog and never get the chance? Why are you complaining?”

Song Yi shot him a sideways glance. “I find it troublesome.”

Even someone like Director Yang who wasn’t particularly close to Song Yi, could tell it was him in the vlog. Someone with a closer relationship would certainly recognize him, and he wouldn’t be able to explain it away easily.

Gu Xingchuan leaned in slightly, catching a whiff of the shampoo in Song Yi’s hair, his tone a bit stiff. “You’re not allowed to complain about me being a hassle.”

Song Yi internally rolled his eyes. Sometimes Gu Xingchuan really seemed like a schoolboy, yet they’d shared a bed, and there, Gu Xingchuan was as wild as a beast. The contrast was unsettling.

“It’s not what you think.” Song Yi began patiently, keeping his cool. “Your fame is huge, and being associated with you puts me right in the spotlight—I don’t like that feeling. Besides, there’s nothing between us, so there’s no need for anyone to misunderstand.”

Gu Xingchuan narrowed his eyes, lashes dark and long staring directly at him.

Unable to read his expression, Song Yi paused, then continued. “I get your interest and possessiveness toward me; it’s common between alphas and omegas after they’ve been intimate. But I suggest you find a different outlet. I know an AO mutual aid site—someone with your status would definitely be popular with omegas, so why don’t you—”

Before he could finish, a shadow loomed over him. His chin was suddenly gripped, and an intense, impulsive kiss crashed down on his lips. It was rough and forceful.

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