Chapter 8

The aircraft weaved through countless towering buildings that pierced the clouds.

Xu You pulled out his holographic computer and began jotting down a memo, quietly murmuring, “Water cups, watermelon milk, utensils, slippers... Oh, this one’s already bought, plus the aquatic plants Song Yichu wanted, and the limes and mint leaves for Song Yao’an.”

After finishing, he turned his head and asked, “Do you have anything else to add?”

In the back row, Lin Zhaoyi sat on the left side, fists resting on his knees.

On the right, Chi Xun leaned on the windowsill, propping his chin as he gazed absently at the colorful skyscrapers outside.

Both shook their heads in response.

Xu You scrutinized their faces concealed by hats and masks—especially Lin Zhaoyi—ensuring no features were exposed that might give them away to fans, before adding, “When we get to the mall, don’t wander off. Stay close to me, so I can handle any unexpected situations.”

Lin Zhaoyi nodded, “Okay.”

Chi Xun straightened up, “Got it.”

Looking into their innocent eyes, Xu You felt a warmth rise in his eyes—finally, he was entrusted with the angelic little ones!

God only knew how difficult it had been to manage Xie Sisheng and Song Yao’an’s two mischievous Beagles before—always either causing trouble or on the verge of it, leaving him constantly on edge.

Upon arriving at the mall, Xu You flashed his SVIP pass and led them through a private entrance.

They picked up a robot sales assistant, who pushed a cart, and he confidently headed straight for the high-end section. A glance behind confirmed Lin Zhaoyi and Chi Xun were obediently following.

“What’s your most expensive lime here?” Xu You asked.

The robot mimicked a child's voice, soft and sweet, “This entire row.”

Curious, Chi Xun picked up a box, sniffed it, then quickly put it back upon seeing the price.

So many zeros—it was almost half the amount of her penalty fee.

She glanced around casually; most items started at a thousand Federation credits. Just looking at them made her wince, while not far off, Xu You was still firmly bargaining with the robot.

“This one isn’t upscale enough. My ancestors have seen the world; I want something that, once brought home, they’ll recognize as refined. Price is no object.”

“In that case, I recommend this limited edition lime—only ten pieces released throughout the entire Federation...”

Chi Xun pursed her lips to suppress a smile.

Those ten limited editions looked just like the ones she had grown—nutrient-deficient in appearance. Hers all died off except for one lone seedling, which might as well have been the only one on Earth.

Behind him, Lin Zhaoyi silently observed the fleeting dimple that appeared on Xu You’s pale cheek. Then he shifted closer, lowering his voice, “Did you buy your grapefruit cake at this mall too?”

“Yeah, on the first floor.”

“Is there a queue?”

Lin Zhaoyi shook his head, “SVIP can skip the line.”

He paused, then added almost involuntarily, “But it might sell out if you’re late. You could sneak over and buy it first.”

Chi Xun was taken aback, studying him with surprise.

Lin Zhaoyi quickly lowered his head, blushing as he clenched his hands nervously. “I—I was just saying that. If it sells out, it sells...”

Chi Xun grabbed his wrist firmly, cutting him off.

“Let’s go!”

Lin Zhaoyi froze, then allowed himself to be pulled as they deftly weaved through the aisles, their pace quickening.

They dashed out of the supermarket, blending stealthily with the crowd flowing toward the escalator.

Leaning against the handrail, Chi Xun gasped for breath, then glanced back to see the silver-haired youth calmly standing a step behind her, barely winded.

Is it the Alpha’s natural talent? How could the seemingly frail one in the group possess such endurance?

“I think I see the cake shop you mentioned,” Chi Xun said, pointing at an elegantly decorated storefront. “There’s a long line. Only four grapefruit cakes left at the counter. We need to hurry.”

Lin Zhaoyi could smell the cake too.

But rather than just smell, it was as if the aroma was splashed like paint on the canvas of his vision. Earlier, when they had arrived, the orange-red hues had veiled his sight like a light mist, and his tongue had already anticipated the grapefruit’s bittersweet tang.

Now, however, his attention was entirely on Chi Xun.

He could detect the boy’s subtle scent from the fine, pale nape of his neck to his ankles and between his legs—a continuous fragrance blending green grapes with faint lavender, and a sweet, milky musk that stirred a yearning to savor it.

“It’s so hot; is the mall’s air conditioning off?” the boy murmured, inching closer.

Heat and breath mingled, scent intensifying. Lin Zhaoyi held his breath, yet in that moment, the gnawing hunger flared anew.

He was so hungry.

More so than any prior synesthesia episode.

As Chi Xun reached the counter, a girl was buying the last grapefruit cake. Too late, Chi Xun could only watch the cake disappear, bidding it a wistful farewell.

Perhaps her gaze was too eager, as the girl suddenly turned and sized her up. “...What’s your name?”

Chi Xun was startled, “Me?”

“I’m Silipa,” the girl said proudly, flicking her hair. “You want this cake? I’ll give it to you.”

Chi Xun refused repeatedly, “No, no, I can buy something else.”

But the next moment, a dessert bag was firmly shoved into her hands.

“I want to try the green apple flavor today, so this one’s no use to me,” the girl spoke quickly, leaving no room for refusal. “Turn on your holographic computer; let’s add each other. You transfer the money.”

Chi Xun barely had time to thank her before the girl was swept away by a group of bodyguards and attendants.

The entourage cast envious yet disdainful glances at Chi Xun, as if she held something of great value.

Chi Xun raised the transparent bag, looking at the neatly square pink cake inside.

Was it really that sought after?

Well, it made sense—it cost a thousand Federation credits. After the transaction, her account balance was left with a pitiful little over a hundred.

“Here,” Chi Xun handed the cake back to the waiting boy. “It has a two-day shelf life; it should be fine for your breakfast tomorrow.”

Lin Zhaoyi took the paper bag, just as a wave of gasps rose around them. He looked up to see the entire mall’s holographic screen, spanning from the top floor down to the basement, displaying their group’s name—Isaro.

Then, photos of the six members and magazine spreads cycled through, each frame change met with louder cheers.

“Isn’t our debut show two weeks from now? Just thinking about ticket snatching the day after tomorrow keeps me up at night.”

“The day after tomorrow?! I thought it was tomorrow—ah! I set my alarm wrong!”

“I feel like I need a box of blocking meds for the concert; otherwise, I’ll hit the vulnerable phase halfway through. Just looking at their photos already makes my legs weak...”

“Don’t worry, in ABΩ society, you can only snag tickets in your own section. Alphas will probably come the least.”

“Chi Xun isn’t even in the publicity photos, right? Is he even debuting?”

“I hope he doesn’t. Why invite a rotten apple into the group? No height, no skills.”

“He’s probably going to be that ‘Back’ member who instantly sparks fake CP rumors to attract fans. I hope my baby stays far away from him, no vampirism, please.”

“Relax, those six wouldn’t stoop to play with him.”

Hearing the nearby whispers, Lin Zhaoyi clenched the bag tightly and glanced subtly at Chi Xun.

But Chi Xun seemed oblivious, frowning as he tapped and swiped on his holographic screen.

He hadn’t activated privacy mode; Lin Zhaoyi saw messages flooding from a user named “Queen Silipa.”

[Hey, you still haven’t told me your name.]

[How old are you? Are you an adult? Do you have a girlfriend?]

[XUN, is this your name?]

Chi Xun’s typing was slow; his reply came sluggishly.

[I’m an idol, about to debut.]

Lin Zhaoyi quickly withdrew his gaze, whispering, “Silipa is the daughter of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.”

Chi Xun’s eyes widened slightly. “You know her too?”

But the silver-haired boy appeared reserved, still avoiding her gaze, lowering his head to say, “Yeah, we ate together as kids, but haven’t kept in touch since. I heard she’s an S-rank Omega, soon to be engaged to the new Alpha crown prince.”

Chi Xun thought she still looked like a little girl.

“By the way, I haven’t asked your name,” she said, handing over her holographic computer. “Let’s add each other.”

“Lin Zhaoyi.”

He enunciated each syllable clearly, his voice clear and pleasant.

Chi Xun introduced herself as well, “I’m...”

“I know. You’re Chi Xun,” he interrupted softly. “I heard your name from Xie Sisheng.”

Chi Xun blinked. “Oh? Why would he mention me?”

“He said one of his admirers was about to join the group, named Chi Xun.”

Lin Zhaoyi paused, as if finally mustering courage to meet her eyes briefly. “Right?”

“Uh...” Chi Xun scratched her head; that sounded about right.

She was currently playing the role of her brother, who had indeed once harbored feelings for Xie Sisheng.

Seeing the boy’s tacit admission, Lin Zhaoyi lowered his lashes, clenched his fists, and took a deep breath.

...So hungry.

But he mustn’t.

Chi Xun was his good friend’s admirer. Even if he was having an episode, he shouldn’t entertain hunger toward him—that would be immoral.

Seeing him lost in thought, Chi Xun curiously asked, “Do you have other errands later?”

Lin Zhaoyi shook his head. “I want to buy more sweets to take back.”

“Okay, I have some urgent matters to attend to. Let’s split up? Afterward, I’ll take a cab back to the dorm.” She added quickly, “I’ll explain it to Xu You!”

With a smile, she waved, “See you tonight.”

The purple sea of fragrant flowers that had surrounded Chi Xun swiftly faded as Lin Zhaoyi walked away, the world’s noise and mingling scents returning.

His vision once again became a muddled palette of colors.

Lin Zhaoyi’s limbs felt icy cold, nearly unable to stand—symptoms identical to hypoglycemia.

He didn’t even have the strength to open the paper bag’s fastener, so he could only stare at his fingertips—the spot that had brushed against Chi Xun’s hand when he took the bag.

It was already marked with his scent.

Instinctively, he brought his hand to his nose, inhaling deeply, his Adam’s apple bobbing with a faint swallow.