After Pretending Became Real, the Kept Lover Ran Away

[Updated whenever inspiration strikes, writing slowly until it's finished] The first time they met, Yu Suizhou was the big bad in a tokusatsu show, while Bai Cang was the amusement park owner's non-biological younger brother. The two of them happened to help a child together. Yu Suizhou slipped a coin into Bai Cang's pocket. "Mortal, this is your reward. Remember to pick it up at the mysterious shop to the left of the carousel." Bai Cang took out the coin and saw four big characters engraved on it: "All-you-can-eat grilled sausages." The second time they met, Yu Suizhou was a foolish rich playboy tricked by his father into going on a blind date, while Bai Cang was a timid tutor who'd just been splashed in the face by a student. Yu Suizhou gently wiped the water from Bai Cang's face and offered him a rose he'd folded himself. "So fragile, so pitiful. You look utterly captivating right now." The third time they met, Yu Suizhou became Bai Cang's savior. When Yu's father's assistant showed up at the hospital, Yu Suizhou took Bai Cang's hand and said with a defiant smile, "This is my new canary." At first, their arrangement was just a mutually beneficial deal. Yu Suizhou provided Bai Cang with financial support, while Bai Cang helped Yu Suizhou stand up to his father. But this canary turned out to be surprisingly well-behaved and useful! He could charm guests and run a kitchen, provide all the emotional support Yu Suizhou could want, and give massages at a truly world-class level. Yu Suizhou felt thoroughly relaxed, body and soul. Yu Suizhou thought making their arrangement official might not be such a bad idea. But when he brought out the freshly printed, upgraded Canary Care Contract, Bai Cang had vanished without a trace. When they met again, Bai Cang had transformed into one of the heirs who'd fought his way to the top of the Bai family, as well as the power behind a rapidly rising company. There wasn't a trace left of the pitiful, fragile canary. Right in front of him, Yu Suizhou tore the Canary Care Contract to shreds. "Get lost." The usually docile canary suddenly lunged at him, biting down hard on his neck without a second thought. "Owners who abandon their pets have to be punished." While juggling his half-siblings, Bai Cang unexpectedly became Yu Suizhou's canary. It was supposed to be nothing more than a game of mutual cooperation, but Bai Cang discovered that Yu Suizhou was an interesting person. He usually spouted embarrassing, over-the-top lines, recited the student code when drunk, then stubbornly insisted when sober that he'd been reciting underworld rules. He had plenty of little secrets, like disappearing for a day every two weeks and keeping a locked room in his house. Bai Cang was willing to play along with Yu Suizhou, even shamelessly calling him "Master," just because he liked seeing Yu Suizhou blush. He thought things would go on like that forever, but his leaving without a word enraged Yu Suizhou. When Bai Cang realized Yu Suizhou no longer looked his way, he completely panicked. Even after they later signed a new Canary Care Contract, Bai Cang couldn't stop himself from going wild whenever he remembered Yu Suizhou's cold expression back then. At times like that, Bai Cang would hold Yu Suizhou close as he grew hazy with desire, asking again and again, "Master, Master, don't leave me. Look only at me, okay?" Yu Suizhou would soothe him, stroking his hair and neck. "As long as you're my canary and mine alone, my eyes will always be on you." [Synopsis screenshot taken on 2025.5.29] Here's a recommendation for my new novel! If you're interested, feel free to visit my profile and add it to your collection~ "Going Viral After Joining a Dating Show with My Archrival" Lin Zhuo spent five years as an extra in the entertainment industry before finally becoming a minor celebrity, with a small fanbase of his own. Just as he thought his future looked bright and he could keep working toward his dreams, his agent told him that if he didn't start making money soon, they wouldn't renew his contract! Lin Zhuo: ... He sent messages to all his acquaintances late into the night, asking if they knew of any opportunities to appear on camera. But he'd forgotten that among his friends was a childhood companion he hadn't contacted in ages, who was actually his sworn rival. And yet it was this very rival who extended an olive branch, inviting him to join a dating show. Lin Zhuo: ??? Had this guy been possessed or something? They'd been at each other's throats since childhood, competing over everything. Then they entered the entertainment industry together: Lin Zhuo became an unknown nobody, while the other guy soared to become a rising star and award-winning actor. Lin Zhuo had a sudden thought. Was Ye Yiqing trying to use this chance to humiliate him? He wanted to turn him down, but in an era when everyone shipped couples, appearing on a dating show was practically a golden ticket to fame. Lin Zhuo gritted his teeth and sent back two words: "I accept." In an era when everyone shipped couples, dating shows were among the audience's favorite programs. The dating shows hosted by Orange TV were especially popular, having brought together quite a few real-life couples. So the new season was already highly anticipated before it even aired, especially after word got out that award-winning actor Ye Yiqing would be taking part. Netizens speculated about who the show would pair him with, guessing everyone from an award-winning actress to a rising star, and even the handsome young actor from the neighboring studio. But in the end, it turned out to be some unknown extra. Netizens: Ye Yiqing, if you've been kidnapped, blink twice. Fans: Where did this washed-up nobody with connections come from? Could he stay away from our Ye? But after the show aired, the netizens realized the extra was stunningly handsome, and Ye Yiqing was acting kind of strange too. The production team served a lavish lunch. Just as Lin Zhuo was about to dig in, Ye Yiqing picked the eggs out for him. "Did you forget you're allergic to eggs?" The production team set up a spooky atmosphere. Ye Yiqing instinctively covered Lin Zhuo's eyes and ears. "Don't be scared. I'm here." In his arms, Lin Zhuo blushed. The audience couldn't keep calm. "What exactly is their relationship? Make them official already!" "Ahhh, so sweet! I never knew Ye could be this gentle!" But only Lin Zhuo knew the truth: he and Ye Yiqing were childhood friends and sworn rivals, and everything they did on the show was an act. He kept reminding himself not to fall for him. They were just working together, and once the show ended, they would go their separate ways. At last, the day the show wrapped arrived. Lin Zhuo rushed off to join a new production, avoiding Ye Yiqing. Before long, he got a call from him. The usually composed man was drunk and slurring, "You used me and then threw me away! Lin Zhuo, you're such a heartless bastard!" Heartless Bastard Lin Zhuo: ??? Theme: Find yourself, overcome challenges, and keep growing.