Free Web NovelChapter 54: Ch 54: Shadowed Thoughts
While Su Wanyan and Mo Xingxue remained wrapped in their warm, playful bubble near Mo Yan’s stroller—laughing softly and exchanging tender words that made the live chat erupt in endless cheers—the rest of the alphas were deep in the throes of the sabotaged wall climb. freewebnøvel.com
The afternoon sun continued to beat down on the padded course, turning the soaped surfaces into glistening hazards that tested not only physical strength but patience and temper as well.
By some miracle—or perhaps an unseen force fueled by sheer stubborn pride—Gu Chengze had clawed his way back into the lead. His movements were aggressive and relentless, driven by bruised ego and simmering fury.
Behind him, Zhao Yichen and Qin Yuran trailed in the dust, but the two weren’t pushing for victory. They were simply having fun with their increasingly refined chaotic technique, using each other as human ladders and supports while laughing through the exhaustion.
Still, hunger gnawed at all of them like a persistent beast. Their stomachs had been empty since the early morning, and the intense physical demands of the course only made it worse.
Gu Chengze reached another soaped platform and glared forward through his blindfold, impatience radiating from every tense line of his body. His hunger and wounded pride were driving him close to madness.
I’ll certainly get my revenge! Gu Chengze cursed inwardly, directing venom at both PD Xu Cui and a certain "inferior" alpha who wasn’t even nearby. He climbed carefully up the slippery surface, muscles straining and hands gripping with white-knuckled force.
Meanwhile, Qin Yuran and Zhao Yichen’s cooperation had improved dramatically with practice. Their teamwork was so effective that they soon caught up to Gu Chengze’s position.
"Hey! Don’t pull me with you!" Qin Yuran yelled at Zhao Yichen as they struggled on a particularly slick section.
Gu Chengze heard the commotion and felt his temper flare hotter. How dare these two idiots catch up to me? Gu Chengze fumed. Do they think they’re capable? They’re just some puny, lowly entertainment artists—they don’t have the right! He pushed himself harder, climbing faster despite the burning in his arms and the treacherous soap under his fingers.
Back on their section, the duo continued bickering good-naturedly. "How is it my fault? You’re the one who keeps moving!" Zhao Yichen shot back, still trying to find stable footing.
Qin Yuran used her surprising strength to steady herself and pulled Zhao Yichen up with a grunt. They finally succeeded and collapsed onto the slippery platform, chests heaving, strength nearly spent.
The live barrage couldn’t resist teasing them:
[Where did the refined alphas on the first stream go?]
[Refined? Are you talking about Qin Yuran and Zhao Yichen?]
[Yeah.]
[Maybe you should get your eyes checked. They aren’t refined at all.]
[Oof—you’re right, lol.]
[These two are so funny, lol!]
[Help, why are these two just laying there as if the world has ended?]
[Because when you’re hungry and you still have to work for the said food, it’s like experiencing the end of the world—being left to struggle for a single meal.]
[Lol, that’s so accurate.]
The two alphas didn’t move an inch for a long moment, sprawled dramatically on the platform.
"I’m damn hungry," Qin Yuran finally groaned, staring up at the sky.
"Ahh, stop saying you’re hungry. You’re making me more hungry too," Zhao Yichen complained, scratching his head fiercely in frustration.
They fell silent again, the weight of their empty stomachs pressing down. Eventually, the promise of food motivated them to move. "Let’s just get this over with," Qin Yuran said, stepping onto Zhao Yichen’s back once more and using him as a living ladder.
The pair continued their ridiculous but effective teamwork, laughter mixing with groans as they pushed through the soaped walls. Victory no longer mattered—dates were forgotten. They just wanted to eat.
Gu Chengze, still ahead but hearing their persistent progress, clenched his jaw tighter. His whole body shook with irritation and exhaustion, yet he refused to slow down. The course had become more than a game; it was a battlefield for his pride, and he was determined not to lose to anyone—especially not to the "inferior" alphas behind him.
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After a not-so-fierce but undeniably exhausting battle against the soaped walls and blindfolded challenges, the remaining three alpha-omega pairs finally completed the course.
The omegas had successfully identified their partners through touch alone, sparing everyone the dreaded penalty of repeating the hellish wall climbs. Relief washed over the alphas like cool water after a long run, though their bodies ached and their stomachs growled in protest.
The production team quickly tallied the results. As expected, first place belonged to Su Wanyan and Mo Xingxue. Second place went to Gu Chengze and Lin Xuanyu. Third place was awarded to Zhao Yichen and Song Meiyu, while fourth went to Qin Yuran and Han Jiho.
In truth, Qin Yuran and Han Jiho had been on track for third, but the pair—neither particularly choosy about food—graciously let the others take the higher ranking, shrugging it off with tired but genuine smiles.
The groups slowly made their way back to the main resting area, wiping sweat from their brows and stretching sore muscles. The autumn sunlight still bathed the park in warm gold, but the competitors moved with the heavy steps of those who had earned their upcoming meal the hard way.
As they approached the shaded resting zone, the sight that greeted them brought a mix of amusement and quiet envy. Su Wanyan, Mo Xingxue, and little Mo Yan were chilling comfortably, the two women laughing softly while playing with the baby.
Su Wanyan knelt beside the stroller, making silly faces and cooing gently, while Mo Xingxue watched them both with a radiant, tender smile. The scene was peaceful and heartwarming, like a small pocket of domestic joy amid the competitive chaos.
The other guests couldn’t help but shake their heads fondly, some chuckling at the contrast between their own disheveled states and the trio’s relaxed happiness.
However, not everyone shared the lighthearted reaction.
Gu Chengze’s gaze locked onto Su Wanyan with a murderous glare that could have curdled milk. That’s supposed to be my spot! he thought venomously, clenching his fist so tightly that his nails dug into his palm, drawing blood that dripped slowly down his fingers. His hand trembled with the sheer force of his fury.
He shifted his eyes to little Mo Yan next, irritation flaring even hotter. This child is my own flesh and blood, yet there she is—making rapport for her mom to cheat on me. Dark plans began forming in his mind about how to "teach" the baby proper behavior in the future.
Finally, his gaze landed on Mo Xingxue. The murderous look softened into something possessive, but it quickly twisted into a mocking smile. Hmph, this vixen. He looked at her condescendingly. She already has me, yet she still keeps getting close to other alphas? What a disgrace!
She’s just a slut who would jump to another alpha as soon as she’s done with the previous one, not even remembering our good past. Disappointment and superiority warred in his thoughts. Still, he consoled himself. It’s fine. I can still teach her how to behave properly later. She’s just playing hard to get right now.
If Su Wanyan or Mo Xingxue could have heard his thoughts, they would have considered him utterly mad. After all, who in their right mind would call a traumatic violation a "good past"? Fortunately—or perhaps mercifully—they could not.
Lin Xuanyu, standing slightly behind Gu Chengze, observed every shift in the alpha’s expression with sharp eyes. He had known Gu Chengze long enough to read the subtle changes like an open book. A bitter taste filled his mouth as he watched the other man stare at Mo Xingxue.
If only she wasn’t here! Lin Xuanyu thought, biting his lower lip hard enough to sting. He conveniently forgot that Gu Chengze had joined the variety show precisely because he knew Mo Xingxue would be participating.
This can’t go on, Lin Xuanyu decided darkly. His gaze slid over to Su Wanyan, narrowing with calculation. I have to accelerate the plan.
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The afternoon sun continued to cast its warm, golden light across the park as the other guests finally made their way back to the resting area. Their footsteps were heavier now, bodies weary from the intense physical demands of the course.
Su Wanyan, who had been peacefully playing with little Mo Yan alongside Mo Xingxue, looked up at the approaching group and her eyes widened in genuine shock.
"Why are you guys in such a mess?" she exclaimed, pointing directly at Qin Yuran and Zhao Yichen. She quickly covered her mouth with her right hand, trying—and failing—to hold back her laughter. Her shoulders shook with suppressed mirth as she took in their disheveled appearances.
Mo Xingxue turned her head as well, and even she couldn’t hide her amusement. A soft, elegant smile curved her lips as she observed the stark contrast between the alphas and the relatively clean omegas.
Unlike the omegas, whose main tasks had been being carried in princess style and then locating their partners by touch, the alphas looked like they had survived a war zone. Qin Yuran and Zhao Yichen were completely soaked from the soapy sabotage, their clothes clinging awkwardly to their bodies in wrinkled, damp patches.
Their hair was a wild disaster—strands sticking out in every direction, matted with soap residue and sweat. Even Gu Chengze, usually so meticulously put-together, was far from his usual polished self. His neatly tailored suit was rumpled and stained, the fabric clinging uncomfortably after the repeated climbs and slips.
Qin Yuran shot Su Wanyan a half-hearted glare, though there was no real heat behind it. "Shut up," she said simply, which only made Su Wanyan’s laughter burst out louder, bright and infectious.
Zhao Yichen shook his head in exaggerated defeat as he got closer, a tired grin tugging at his lips. "Not everyone is a monster like you," he teased, playfully punching Su Wanyan on the shoulder once he reached her.
Su Wanyan just laughed harder, shaking her head in fond exasperation at the group’s sorry state. The contrast was almost comical—the omegas looking fresh and composed while the alphas resembled survivors of a particularly slippery battlefield.
As the laughter settled, Su Wanyan’s gaze drifted past Zhao Yichen. Her smile faltered slightly when she met Gu Chengze’s eyes. He was glaring at her with unmistakable intensity, dark and brooding. Su Wanyan frowned in confusion. What did I do this time? she wondered, holding his stare steadily without backing down.
Seeing her refusal to yield, Gu Chengze’s glare deepened, his jaw tightening. Just you wait, he thought venomously, the fury simmering just beneath the surface like a storm ready to break.
