The Companion Player Doesn’t Want a Shura Field [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 21.1

At the fansign entrance, four cardboard boxes were lined up with each member’s name written in marker. After fans handed over their letters, they could place headbands, plushies, or other props in the boxes for the members to wear during photos, retrieving them after the event ended.

The first box on the left, labeled “GALAX (Qi Ming),” was already overflowing. The most eye-catching item was a snow leopard plushie perched on top. It had black and white spotted fur, dark green upturned eyes, and a tuft of black fur at the tip of its long tail.

This was the animal persona voted on by Qi Ming’s solo stans, the Jasmines. Other fans of the group Lumos often remarked of him, “Our leader is truly a gentle person, just like a father, right?”

Whenever Lumos appeared together on shows, the members would instinctively flock to Qi Ming’s side. Like his three little cubs, they followed him wherever he went. Over time, the image the leader projected to the outside world was that of a man like the sea. This was not because of the ocean’s vastness or power, but because of its silent tolerance and patience. It felt as though he could gently embrace anything, be it a storm or starlight, with his broad heart.

However, in the eyes of fans who truly understood Qi Ming, the moment the stage spotlight hit him, that gentle outer shell would instantly shatter. Standing in the center of the stage, every one of Qi Ming’s movements carried a sense of restrained power. This pent-up energy and the sharp edge that leaked out in flashes created a marvelous balance within him. It was breathtakingly beautiful, making it impossible to look away.

It was just as people know the danger of a snow leopard, yet remain captivated by the elegance of its stride, its lethal power when hunting, and the stunning color of its eyes when it occasionally looks up. This contrast between his off-stage and on-stage persona attracted a massive wave of career stans who hoped their idol would shine on stage forever.

Once the fans finished dropping off their letters and props, they took their seats according to the numbers they won during the album draw. While waiting, they found partners to help take photos and stared longingly at the side entrance. The fans in the front rows, hearing footsteps behind the door, began to stir. They simultaneously pulled out small mirrors to check their makeup and touch up their lipstick.

The first to peek through the door was Jin Youxing, with his bright orange curly hair. He made a “shh” gesture toward those behind him, trying to sneak a peek at the crowd. However, he was ruthlessly pushed from behind by Cui Yuxuan, stumbling into the room and making the fans burst into laughter.

“Leader, your back collar is flipped up.”

Qi Ming, who was a few steps behind Cui Yuxuan, did not turn around when he heard Bian He’s voice. He stood in place and gave a casual wave to the person behind him. “Then Xiao He, help me fix it.”

“Okay, it will be quick.”

Bian He raised his hand and lightly pinched the fabric of Qi Ming’s smooth shirt collar, pulling it down slightly. He looked down and suddenly froze. On the spot where the man’s neck met his shoulder, there was a faint red mark. Because his skin was so pale, it was quite striking. At a glance, one might mistake it for a mosquito bite.

“Is it done?”

Sensing that the person behind him had stopped moving, Qi Ming felt a bit confused. In an instant, Bian He suppressed all his emotions. He quickly pulled up the back collar, hiding the mark completely. “It is done.”

Lightly patting the man’s suit jacket to brush away non-existent dust, Bian He draped an arm over his shoulder and walked out. “Let us go together; the fans are calling our names.”

After Jin Youxing and Cui Yuxuan came out, the other two were slow to appear, making the fans restless. Thus, when Qi Ming finally emerged, he was met with a tidal wave of cheers. “Wow! We thought something happened; we were so worried! Are you really okay? Are you feeling unwell? You must be tired after performing; do you need more rest?”

He walked quickly to the front of the stage, placed his right hand over his chest, and bowed slightly with an apologetic expression. “I am sorry. It has been a long time since I wore a suit, so I took some time to adjust it. Sorry for making you wait.”

As soon as Qi Ming spoke, the fans immediately shifted their focus from his face to his styling for the fansign. Idol stage outfits are usually exaggerated, designed to fit a concept while highlighting individual charms. To prevent the makeup from being washed out by harsh stage lights, even male idols usually wear heavy eyeshadow and contouring.

But Qi Ming’s look today was entirely different from the stage. He had superior bone structure, a high brow bone, and deep-set eyes that gave him a natural, striking silhouette. The makeup artist had only applied a thin layer of clear base to even his skin tone. His complexion looked healthy, and his upturned lips were a natural pale red.

He wore a light gray suit made of crisp fabric with a sharp cut. The black shirt underneath perfectly accentuated his waistline. Two buttons at the collar were left undone without a tie, adding a touch of casualness. This was a version of Qi Ming the fans had almost never seen.

When Lumos walked red carpets in the past, the company rarely put them in black suits because the members were young, and suits felt too mature. To fit their ages, their styling was usually more youthful. As the eldest, Qi Ming was naturally the most suited for a suit. Every gesture carried a gentle elegance. With his bow and apology, he looked like a well-bred gentleman. His smile was like a spring breeze, making the fans feel that the distance between them was not so far after all.

“Wow.” “Amazing. Is this what a husband looks like?” “I regret it. I should have bought a better lens. This piece of junk cannot even capture a tenth of his beauty!” “Qi Ming, please wear suits more often in the future, please!”

Even fans of the other three members could not help but gasp in admiration. The leader was objectively handsome; that was an undisputed fact. Even Qi Ming’s detractors never attacked his visuals; to do so would make them look pathetic, as if they had gone blind at a young age.

Regardless of the chatter below, the four on stage could not hear clearly. They kept smiling. Qi Ming nodded to the crowd and gestured for the three to sit in their current order.

“Brother, let us go by age. You sit first.”

Hearing this, Cui Yuxuan suppressed the towering rage he felt toward Bian He and walked to the fourth chair. Their group had no strict hierarchy in seating, but as the eldest and leader, Qi Ming rightfully took the first spot. After sitting, Cui Yuxuan stared at the crowd with a blank face. He did not dare look at Qi Ming, fearing he could not hide the sadness and grievance in his eyes. As someone who had previously behaved inappropriately toward Qi Ming, Bian He was naturally the number one thorn in Yuxuan’s side.

Since the two of them had confirmed their romantic relationship, how did Bian He, that incompetent loser, have the nerve to be alone with his man? They should maintain a proper distance. Of course, this was not Qi Ming’s fault; it was all that brat’s fault.

Thinking this, Yuxuan’s face soured even more. For today’s stage, his wolf cut was dyed a new color, smog blue. Combined with his monolids and his lips trembling slightly from gritting his teeth, he looked incredibly fierce. However, the fans were used to his scowling face, viewing him as a cool, prideful wolf pup.

Qi Ming glanced at the back of the head nearby. The smog blue hair was still damp in places, looking like a sky where dark clouds had not fully cleared after a rain. He recalled what had happened in the bathroom not long ago. At that time, Qi Ming was watching Cui Yuxuan shower. After a while, he found it boring. He had seen plenty of men’s bodies; they did not hold much attraction for him, certainly less than a lollipop. Unfortunately, his manager had recently put him on a sugar-controlled diet.

Without sugar, Qi Ming felt the urge to smoke, specifically cheap cigarettes. He could not get used to high-end brands; they felt too mild, like smoking nothing at all. To him, only the harsh, pungent taste that felt like a knife stabbing into his throat and nose could suppress the irritability and violence churning in his heart.

However, he had not smoked in a very long time because he hated the smell on himself. When his cravings got bad, he would unwrap a candy and bite the stick until it was scarred. If that did not work, he would pick a clean gentleman to vent on. Qi Ming was actually quite skilled, but since he was usually in a bad mood, he did not care about technique; he only cared about his own pleasure. He did not want to work hard for others. If he had to find everyone’s special spot and cater to them, it was exhausting work. He would not tire himself out for someone else.

The downside was obvious. He usually had to plug their mouths first; otherwise, the screaming, like a pig being slaughtered, would ruin his mood further, making him strike harder and leading to even worse noise. It was a vicious cycle. But humans are a wise, adaptive species. Qi Ming was smart; he learned a new skill: conquering their hearts. He made them view the pain he inflicted as a supreme pleasure, until they started begging for it as a gift.

His thoughts returned to the bathroom. Qi Ming tossed the towel he had used to cover Yuxuan’s mouth into a basket and put a clean one on his own head. He turned to leave, but Yuxuan did not want him to go. The younger man, previously too shy to turn around, saw Qi Ming leaving. His body moved faster than his brain; he ran over naked, jumped onto Qi Ming’s back, and wrapped his arms around his neck.

A sudden leap from an adult man would normally knock someone over, but Qi Ming did not flinch. He took a few steps forward to neutralize the momentum and caught the man’s thighs firmly. He did not speak; he simply pinched the hard thigh muscle with force until Yuxuan cried out in pain. When he let go, two clear red marks, turning purple, were left on the wheat-colored skin. Qi Ming had not held back at all.

“Brother, before you go, let me kiss you. If you want me to be obedient, give me a reward first, okay?”

The youth’s voice in his ear was blurry from the steam, his husky tone dragging out as he rested his chin in the crook of Qi Ming’s neck. Qi Ming tilted his head, noticing Yuxuan’s grip was loose enough to break easily.

“You were just apologizing, and now you are asking for a reward. Xiaoxuan, am I such an easy person to talk to?”

Qi Ming’s voice was neutral, but he arched his left eyebrow, a sign of interest. Yuxuan’s eyes darted around. He lowered his head and barked twice in Qi Ming’s ear. “Woof, woof! It was Xiaoxuan who made a mistake earlier, but the one on your back now is a puppy. Puppies do not make mistakes; they just want a kiss from their master.”

Qi Ming scoffed at the thick-skinned remark. “If you are a puppy, how do you dare be on your master’s back?”

Yuxuan immediately let go, slid down, and knelt at Qi Ming’s feet, hugging his pant leg. He looked up at his master. In the light of the bathroom heater, Qi Ming’s silhouette was outlined in gold. Yuxuan reached out to cup Qi Ming’s bare feet, wanting to kiss the water droplets on the instep. But Qi Ming lightly kicked his chest, pushing him away. Yuxuan stumbled back and fell onto the floor.

“So dirty,” Qi Ming said, stepping on Yuxuan’s thigh, right on the bruise he had just made, and grinding his foot slightly. Yuxuan’s face contorted in pain, but he quickly hugged Qi Ming’s leg again, rubbing his cheek against the fabric. “I am sorry. The puppy made a mistake too. Does this mean I cannot kiss Master anymore?”

His voice trembled. After a moment of silence, Qi Ming withdrew his leg. Yuxuan panicked, crawling forward on his knees to grab something, but he caught only air. His heart felt empty. Was he dead? Suddenly, he was lifted by his waist from behind. A warm palm pressed against his muscle. He felt the cold touch of a ring against his spine, the one Qi Ming wore around his neck.

“Master.”

Qi Ming covered his mouth. Yuxuan held his breath, not wanting to wet the palm further. Qi Ming traced Yuxuan’s collarbone with a fingernail, then turned his head around to face him. He looked into those dilated black pupils and smiled gently. “Puppies, of course, cannot kiss their masters.”

The youth’s face darkened with disappointment. “But,” Qi Ming added slowly. Hope returned to Yuxuan’s eyes. “Xiaoxuan can.”

“Can I kiss anywhere?” “Well, that depends on where you want to kiss,” Qi Ming said meaningfully.

Yuxuan leaned toward his neck. “Is it okay?”

Feeling the air on his skin, Qi Ming grabbed the youth’s blue hair and pulled him closer. “As you wish.”

Despite the words, his grip on the hair suggested that if he were unsatisfied, Yuxuan might lose some hair. But Yuxuan only wanted to cherish him. He pressed his lips to the skin, sucking gently and licking it. A small red circle bloomed. A hidden possessiveness flashed in Yuxuan’s eyes.

Later, Qi Ming looked at the hickey in the mirror. It was low enough that a collar would hide it. “So, Xiaoxuan wants to declare sovereignty?”

“Yes. Will you hate it? I want those bad guys who lust after you to see it.” Yuxuan gave a bright smile, showing a hint of his canine teeth.

Smiling like a good boy, but acting like a brat, Qi Ming thought. He was annoyed by the word lust. “I see. You make me sound like a useless vase that just sits there for people to fight over. If they like me, what does that have to do with me? Xiaoxuan, you should not think that way. You should go deal with those people.”

“I am sorry, brother, I said the wrong thing again.” Startled by the cold tone, Yuxuan grabbed his arm.

“Though, it is not entirely useless,” Qi Ming muttered. He pushed Yuxuan under the showerhead. “Since you were crawling around, wash again before coming out.”

Later, in the stadium hallway, when Bian He stopped him to fix his collar, Qi Ming knew the boy was lying. He had checked himself in the mirror; his shirt was perfect. Bian He was lying. Why lie?

Qi Ming guessed it easily. While he was with Yuxuan, Bian He had likely knocked on his door and sent dozens of messages. When Qi Ming did not reply, Bian He probably checked Yuxuan’s room and found it empty too. Qi Ming decided to lean into the suspicion. He did not like instability in his game, and Bian He’s complex, moody type was not his favorite. He decided to give Bian He a push to face reality and drop those unrealistic fantasies. Whether Yuxuan would face trouble later was not Qi Ming’s concern. If Yuxuan could not handle his own problems, Qi Ming would be disappointed. A useless person was not worth his time.

Meanwhile, Jin Youxing, caught between the two, observed the tension. Even for someone as thick-headed as him, the smell of gunpowder between Yuxuan and Bian He was impossible to ignore. Having napped after his shower, Youxing was the only one completely in the dark, assuming the two were still fighting over that night. Just thinking about it made him annoyed. In Bian He’s eyes, were he and Yuxuan just idiots who bickered every day while Bian He secretly made his move?

Although the four men had their own hidden thoughts, the moment the first fan stepped onto the stage, they simultaneously composed themselves and put on perfectly calibrated professional smiles.

This was work, after all. Fans had spent a fortune to be here, and as idols, it was their duty to provide emotional value. Even someone with a temper as volatile as Cui Yuxuan would not allow his negative emotions to affect the fans. They loved his music, loved his performances, and gave him the validation he never received from his parents. Deep down, Yuxuan was grateful and genuinely wanted to give back to them.

The order at the signing table from left to right was Qi Ming, Bian He, Jin Youxing, and Cui Yuxuan.

The first fan to approach was clearly a devotee of Qi Ming, her eyes fixed on him without blinking. The girl was visibly nervous. After sitting down, she pulled out a piece of paper and lowered her head, whispering a small greeting in Korean.

Qi Ming glanced at the paper and spoke in standard Mandarin. “Hello. How should I address you, sister?”

The girl was startled, her eyes widening. “My name is Shen Yuqi.”

“What a beautiful name. So, Yuqi, would you like to hold my hand?” Qi Ming smiled gently, reaching out his right hand with the palm facing upward.

The fan was momentarily dazed. By the time she realized what was happening, her fingers were already intertwined with Qi Ming’s in a dizzying lock. He raised their joined hands and gazed intently at her flushing face. “During the concert, were you in the middle of the second row?”

“Yes! Yes! How did you know?”

“Because you were working so hard. You were holding several of my banners at once. I noticed you immediately; I thought you were very special.”

Tears welled up in the girl’s eyes. To attend this fansign, she had bought hundreds of albums just to win a slot. Because of the language barrier, she had translated everything she wanted to say into Korean and wrote it on that paper. But the moment she saw Qi Ming’s face, her mind went blank. Each person only had a minute or two, and she felt a desperate urge to convey her feelings but did not know where to start.

She never expected Qi Ming to speak Mandarin, let alone speak it so well. This was something the Jasmines had never known. The man’s gentle gaze finally gave her the courage she needed. She raised both hands and gripped Qi Ming’s right hand tightly.

“You are the first person I ever loved, and you will be the last. I want to tell you that you are truly amazing. No matter what others say, I will love you forever. I hope you are happy.”