The Marked Alpha Is Extremely Hard to Coax - Chapter 26

At ten o’clock in the morning, the high jump began registration. When Jiang Yunbian arrived at the main camp, he saw Gao Zining holding a banner that read, “A6 Yunbian, atop Mount Gao.” There was a second part, but before it could be displayed, he grabbed it, crumpled it up, and threw it in the trash.

 

“If anyone dares to read even a single word from that banner during the competition,” Jiang Yunbian said expressionlessly, “let’s see what happens.”

 

Class Six fell silent, Class Six was intimidated.

 

Xu Zhan laughed and tried to smooth things over: “Well, Xiao Jiang only got a silver medal last year. Don’t put too much pressure on him.”

 

Xu Zhaoruo, who was passing by, joined in: “Jiang Ge, good news, Class Twelve sent a stack of support letters to the broadcasting station.”

 

The class monitor said, “No way! Our Jiang Ge has both skill and looks. Why should our support lag behind theirs? Ladies, let’s vote!”

 

Jiang Yunbian wasn’t concerned with such flashy things. For him, sports were about doing his best, as sometimes talent alone isn’t enough.

 

As the competition time approached, everyone from A6 gathered, and Zhou Die arrived in a jacket.

 

After yesterday’s match, Zhou Die had become famous throughout the school, and no one failed to see him as a big shot.

 

Wherever Zhou Die went, he was the center of attention, with people surrounding him and discussing him, even making way for him to enter.

 

When two girls finally mustered the courage to approach, Xu Zhan spotted them and led them to the competition area.

 

The high jump is a visually appealing event, and the curve of a boy’s body in mid-air was quite a sight, especially with Jiang Yunbian among them. The area was already crowded with students.

 

The responses were enthusiastic. Regardless of whether the jump was successful, everyone applauded, highlighting a friendly appreciation.

 

After the groups finished jumping, there were four remaining contestants after two rounds: Jiang Yunbian and a sports student from Class Twelve.

 

“High Three Thirty-Two, Guan Jiajie!” The judge called out.

 

Yang You: “Damn, this kid starts with a 1.8-meter jump? Impressive.”

 

Jiang Yunbian narrowed his eyes. If he remembered correctly, he could only jump 1.83 meters last year.

 

The boy named Guan Jiajie took a few jumps on the spot and then threw a provocative glance at Jiang Yunbian, looking ready to cause trouble.

 

Unfortunately, Jiang Yunbian didn’t meet his gaze and was idly kicking pebbles on the ground.

 

“Jiang Ge, can you show some respect to your opponent? It’s hilarious.”

 

“High jump is no fun compared to kicking pebbles. You wouldn’t understand!”

 

Guan Jiajie gritted his teeth, ran a curve, and successfully leaped over the bar.

 

Applause erupted around.

 

“High Three A6, Jiang Yunbian.”

 

Gao Zining made a show of folding his hands in prayer, being overtly sincere: “It’s Jiang Ge’s turn. Quickly, everyone, stand in a line and start praying with me!”

 

Xu Zhan patted Jiang Yunbian on the shoulder: “Go for it!”

 

Zhou Die, wearing a mask, stood not far off. He originally wanted to see Jiang Yunbian’s expression, but as Xu Zhan approached, the girls watching began covering their mouths and exchanged excited glances.

 

Several phones were already raised, capturing images of Jiang Yunbian.

 

…He was indeed popular.

 

Zhou Die looked away and saw that Jiang Yunbian had just jumped over 1.8 meters.

 

He landed with his back first, his body arching gracefully in mid-air, his legs lifting slowly from the back. When he landed on the soft mat, he fell to one side, his ankle dangling prettily by the edge of the mat, and it even swayed a bit.

 

When Jiang Yunbian rolled off the mat, his school uniform had flipped up, revealing a section of his well-defined abs. He seemed unaware, lying on the mat, glanced at the bar above him, and confirmed he hadn’t touched it before sitting up with his disheveled hair.

 

Zhou Die heard the girls behind him go wild again.

 

“It’s a cute doggie! Such a cute doggie!”

 

“Jiang Ge’s high jump is really a sight to behold. His body looks so light and flexible… Ugh, my devilish words.”

 

Light and flexible.

 

Zhou Die raised his eyebrows slightly, the memory of the beautifully defined waist flashing in his mind.

 

It was even slimmer than he had imagined.

 

The remaining two contestants were stuck at 1.8 meters and couldn’t get over it.

 

In the next round, Guan Jiajie raised the bar to 1.85 meters and managed to jump over it with great effort.

 

Jiang Yunbian looked at the bar, now higher than his head, and sneered inwardly.

 

Is he playing for keeps?

 

Guan Jiajie, full of confidence, was about to provoke Jiang Yunbian like a cocky rooster. However, Jiang Yunbian suddenly stepped up.

 

Guan Jiajie immediately forgot his smugness, focusing intently on Jiang Yunbian. He misstepped! His rhythm was off! He couldn’t make it!

 

Then he watched as Jiang Yunbian stood under the bar and knocked it down: “I can’t jump over it.”

 

There was a two-second silence.

 

The sports teacher looked at him: “Alright, since you’re not going to struggle, Class Twelve gets first place in high jump, and A6 gets second.”

 

Guan Jiajie’s face turned red, pointing at Jiang Yunbian: “You… you… you’re cheating!”

 

In the tense atmosphere, Jiang Yunbian lightly laughed: “Who’s cheating to get second? Don’t take first and then act ungrateful.”

 

Then he added, with a casual tone: “I just can’t jump over it. I’m just bad. So what?”

 

Among the astonishment, Zhou Die chuckled softly.

 

Some school bullies act out, some bully with power, and some school bullies declare “I’m not as good as you” with more toughness than “Who the hell are you.”

 

Maybe that’s Jiang Yunbian.

 

At lunch, Class Six gathered in the cafeteria.

 

Xu Zhan couldn’t stop laughing at Guan Jiajie’s face: “I’m dying laughing. As expected of Xiao Jiang, always surprising us.”

 

Gao Zining was also impressed by Jiang Yunbian’s performance: “People on the forums are already treating ‘I’m just bad. So what?’ as the Jiang-style bible. I’ve never seen anyone admit defeat so fiercely. Jiang Ge, respect.”

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t think he had done anything earth-shattering and ignored them, glancing around for Zhou Die.

 

Zhou Die was sitting by the wall, with Yang You in front of him.

 

Despite having known the class for so long, he still looked out of place. Tsk.

 

The class monitor and two boys walked over with drinks: “Quick, everyone, here are some refreshments from Zhou Die. Let’s share!”

 

The class erupted in cheers, each thanking Zhou Die.

 

Jiang Yunbian watched Zhou Die frown in silence and suddenly wanted to laugh. He probably didn’t know that Zhou’s wife had come to deliver the snacks.

 

“Heh, a little drink and some snacks, and you’re all bought off. Rich people really know how to win people over.” Guan Jiajie, holding a tray, said with a mocking tone.

 

He purposely stood behind Jiang Yunbian, clearly unhappy about the morning’s bold move.

 

He couldn’t understand why Jiang Yunbian, who couldn’t jump, was being treated like a hero. It made him furious!

 

Jiang Yunbian wanted to let it go, but having the fly buzzing around was annoying.

 

He put down his spoon: “If you’re capable, you can pay money, and I’ll let you sit at the center position in San Zhong. If you’re not capable, you can challenge me and still be a different kind of center position.”

 

Guan Jiajie didn’t expect this retort, couldn’t come up with a response, and walked away with a dark expression.

 

Xu Zhan laughed until his stomach hurt: “Hahaha, our Jiang Ge is really the epitome of toughness, proposing two debut options and leaving Guan Jiajie speechless!”

 

“Indeed, he can jump, but he’s still a bit lacking in fists.”

 

“Jiang Ge is awesome!”

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t want to let Guan Jiajie’s comments bother him, but Zhou Die’s current state and that “rich people really know how to win people over” remark kept nagging at him.

 

He didn’t understand anything.

 

If money could buy people off, who the hell would be willing to run with a fever?

 

The noise picked up again, and Xu Zhan, noticing Jiang Yunbian’s indifferent expression, was about to ask if he regretted running in the 4×100 relay in the afternoon.

 

Jiang Yunbian raised his chin slightly: “Not only am I going to run, but I’m also going to win first place.”

 

The relay race was the main event, starting at 4 p.m. for the senior year students.

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t return to the dorm for his nap. Zhou Die searched the track field but couldn’t find him. He happened to encounter Xu Zhaoruo passing by Class O.

 

“Zhou Ge!” Xu Zhaoruo waved a small fan at him, “Come and take a look!”

 

Zhou Die looked at the fan, featuring a Q-version character with brown dog ears, and guessed, “Did you guys do this?”

 

“Yeah, we got the original image from the girls in your class and printed these support fans!” Xu Zhaoruo flipped the fan, “This cat is you!”

 

With the hot weather and the fans featuring two big male idols, the first batch Xu Zhaoruo printed was already all taken.

 

An Omega nearby blushed slightly: “Classmate Zhou, would you like a fan? It’s so hot, it would be nice to have some breeze.”

 

Zhou Die wanted to let a certain classmate see it. Just as he raised his hand, Xu Zhaoruo intercepted the fan.

 

“Tsk, now students who want a fan have to line up. Young Master Zhou, if you want one, you can just reach out?”

 

Zhou Die: “?” 

 

“Say something nice, and if I’m in a good mood, I’ll give you two fans,” Xu Zhaoruo instructed.

 

Zhou Die walked away without turning back.

 

“Hey, hey, hey! Here, here!” The girl next door, seeing Xu Zhaoruo’s frustration, couldn’t help but laugh, “Xiao Xu is just joking, take it.”

 

After everyone left, the girl looked at Zhou Die’s back with a silly grin: “I really love how proud and aloof Die Die’s personality is.”

 

“We need to pamper our little princess,” another girl agreed.

 

Xu Zhaoruo: “… I don’t understand.”

 

Zhou Die took the fan and walked around, then noticed Jiang Yunbian sleeping on the audience seats with a gingerbread pillow as a cushion and his jacket over his face.

 

If it weren’t for the faint minty scent, he might not have found him.

 

Xu Zhan happened to return to get his notebook: “Brother Zhou, only you can handle him just waking up. I need to copy our class’s scores, please!”

 

Zhou Die withdrew his gaze and realized Xu Zhan was very familiar with Jiang Yunbian’s habits.

 

Zhou Die reached out and lifted the jacket, revealing Jiang Yunbian’s surprisingly obedient sleeping face.

 

Before he could wake him, a few girls rushed by with their hands over their mouths.

 

He glanced at them, holding the jacket: “Jiang Yunbian, wake up.”

 

“Annoying.” Jiang Yunbian, feeling the sunlight, opened his eyes unhappily, “It was raining yesterday, how is there sunlight now?”

 

“If you don’t want to, go back to sleep. I’m going for a run.”

 

“No.” Jiang Yunbian sat up, stretching his arms over the gingerbread pillow, “I have to go.”

 

Though he said that, he wasn’t fully awake yet, and tugged at Zhou Die’s pants, pulling him towards the sunlight, “Block the sun, I can’t open my eyes.”

 

Zhou Die noticed that whenever Jiang Yunbian slept, a tuft of hair on the top of his head would always stick up.

 

Sometimes it was on his forehead, sometimes on the back of his head.

 

Jiang Yunbian, coming to his senses, stood up and kicked his feet: “I’m awake, let’s go.”

 

At 3:30, the relay race for the first and second years had already heated up the scene. When the third year students entered, the younger students began to scream.

 

Seniors had a halo around them, and with many famous Alphas in the third year, everyone was waiting.

 

“Hey, the last runner for Class 6 is actually Senior Jiang! Isn’t it supposed to be Senior Zhou?”

 

“Senior Zhou is sick, didn’t you know?”

 

“Look, he’s over there… What the hell, is that a CP fan in Senior Jiang’s hand?”

 

In the audience, a sudden uproar erupted over a fan, and the fans of the couple ship were caught off guard, creating a stir.

 

The fourth runner for Class 6 was Zhou Die, and Jiang Yunbian felt a bit nervous, not paying much attention to what the girls across were discussing.

 

Coincidentally, the fourth runner for Class 12 was also Guanjia Jie, who was said to be a sports all-rounder and was planning to clear his previous shame on the track.

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t know where this person’s fighting spirit came from, but since the morning he had been provoked, winning had become his only thought. Unfortunately, he was not an explosive type athlete, and running the crucial fourth leg added to his psychological pressure.

 

Honestly, he felt a bit regretful.

 

But seeing Guanjia Jie from the other side, he felt compelled to run.

 

He had to teach them who was the boss.

 

“Alright, the judges are ready, and the highly anticipated senior year relay race is about to begin!” The PE teacher coordinated from the stage, announcing each runner’s name.

 

And the broadcasting station, perhaps managed by a middle-schooler, played “ButterFly.”

 

“Damn, what’s the broadcasting station thinking? Do they want to level up the runners on the track?”

 

“Help, this is so awkward and intense.”

 

Class 6 was already in place at the four key positions, cheering loudly. Jiang Yunbian noticed that among the crowd, some students had managed to find and print his chibi image from Class 6 on fans for support.

 

Jiang Yunbian thought it was absurd, but then he saw that Zhou Die, standing opposite him at the fourth position, also had a fan.

 

… That fan had Jiang Die as a cat on the back! Absurd!

 

“Everyone, let’s give a warm cheer!” The PE teacher shouted from the podium, “Which team will win first place in the relay race?”

 

The teacher led the cheering, and all the students below responded loudly, creating an increasingly heated atmosphere.

 

“Recreate the glory of the sports class, it’s our duty!”

 

“Class 6, the highest peak of the mountain!”

 

“Class 7, go for it! Beat those Alphas!”

 

The chaotic cheering was finally drowned out by the starting gun, and the teachers on the track stood in a strict formation.

 

Bang—

 

The race began!

 

“Ah!” Screams and cheers erupted continuously!

 

Jiang Yunbian felt a bit restless. As the starting gun fired, he had trouble focusing until he saw the first runner, Gao Zining, hand over the baton to Xu Zhan. It was as if he was suddenly set on fire.

 

Here it comes!

 

“Go, go, go!”

 

“Jiang Yunbian, believe in yourself!”

 

“Class 12 is first!”

 

“Go to hell, Class 6 is first!”

 

The third runner, Yang You, seemed a bit too nervous, starting slowly. The gap that was once even with Class 12 quickly widened, and the distance with the following teams also increased.

 

“Ah!” Someone from Class 6 couldn’t hold back their shout, while the sports class erupted in cheers, with even some people starting to boo.

 

The scene before him seemed like a distant camera shot. The surrounding noise was automatically muted for Jiang Yunbian. His rapidly beating heart began to calm as he focused on the runner in front of him.

 

Outside the crowd, Zhou Die watched the row of runners in the intense cheering.

 

Some were growing more anxious, some were impatient, but Jiang Yunbian’s expression slowly relaxed. Amidst all the passion, he was frighteningly calm.

 

Yang You passed the baton to Jiang Yunbian. The moment their hands touched, he turned and dashed off.

 

Like a bowstring released, a swift rush of wind followed.

 

“Damn! Jiang Yunbian has such explosive power!”

 

“I didn’t even see him clearly before he was gone, my God!”

 

“He overtook instantly! Overtook immediately!”

 

Jiang Yunbian never had an empty mind, but at this moment, his vision was solely on the departing Guanjia Jie and the red line a hundred meters ahead.

 

The air in his lungs felt like it was rapidly heated, burning his chest almost to the point of tearing, but his steps were surprisingly fast and steady. The wind blurred everything in his peripheral vision into indistinct color blocks, and he ran forward with single-minded determination.

 

The setting sun’s rays hit the final fifty meters of the track. As Jiang Yunbian stepped into the light, the fierce wind seemed to clear away the shadows from his outline, and the brilliant youth illuminated every pair of eyes.

 

The sprinting runners appeared to be bathed in light, with Jiang Yunbian being the most dazzling one.

 

“Catch up! Catch up! He’s caught up!”

 

“Sprint!”

 

“I’m about to cry, oh my God!”

 

In the final ten meters, Jiang Yunbian caught up, overtook, and dashed across the finish line first with the baton!

 

“Ah—”

 

“First place!! Alphas are always the strongest!”

 

“Jiang Yunbian, I love you ah ah ah!”

 

Cheers and screams erupted, some throwing fans into the air, others joyfully waving their jackets.

 

As soon as Jiang Yunbian stopped, he was engulfed by the crowd. Some patted his shoulder, some cried, and all the flowers and applause of the world surrounded him, with everyone shouting his name.

 

Jiang Yunbian, Jiang Yunbian.

 

In his seventeen years of life, he had never felt so intensely alive. The wind seemed to pass through him, making him feel utterly clear.

 

Jiang Yunbian saw Zhou Die, who was smiling among the crowd.

 

The spirited youth raised his hand, still holding the baton. The red end seemed to have lost some paint, but the color was still striking.

 

Jiang Yunbian’s voice was hoarse, but it was compelling, breaking through the crowd: “Class 6 of the senior year, first!”

 

Everyone around, both from Class 6 and those not, both from the senior year and not, echoed in unison:

 

“Senior Year Class 6! First!”

 

“Congratulations to Senior Year Class 6!!!”

 

*

 

“Overall first place, heh, first place!” On the sports field, Gao Zining was so proud he was almost over the moon, “So what if high jump is first, the overall score can’t be matched, ah, so angry!”

 

The students from Class O next door had just finished their group photo. Xu Zhaoruo came over to greet Zhou Die and Jiang Yunbian, with a few girls following for a photo.

 

Jiang Yunbian, wearing his jacket and holding a sports drink, said: “You’re just showing off now. If you keep this up in college, you’ll definitely be scorned.”

 

Gao Zining quickly pretended to cry: “Wuwuwu, I won’t have Brother Jiang to support me in the future!”

 

Xu Zhan handed him a drink, saying, “Watch your mouth.”

 

The class monitor added, “Indeed, everyone is happy, but we still have some issues with you.”

 

Xu Zhaoruo covered her mouth with a fan, originally intending to take a photo and leave. However, Jiang Yunbian stopped her.

 

He first clicked his tongue and said quietly, “This ugly fan.”

 

Xu Zhaoruo wanted to mention that the fan had their and Zhou Die’s pictures on it.

 

However, Jiang Yunbian didn’t dwell on this and asked quietly, “Does Zhou Die like anything other than candy?”

 

Xu Zhaoruo was momentarily taken aback before realizing what Jiang Yunbian was asking. “…Brother Jiang, your relationship with him is developing faster than I imagined.”

 

Jiang Yunbian frowned, not understanding her. “No, I just asked Zhou Die to cover for me during evening study and said I’d treat him to something.”

 

But he had been too rushed that day and hadn’t prepared for the sports meet, so he hadn’t fulfilled his promise.

 

Gao Zining, the top gossip, chimed in, “Hey, what’s going on with you two?”

 

Xu Zhaoruo was alarmed and shook her head rapidly, “Oh, don’t use that phrase. Otherwise, I’ll have to take someone’s head off.”

 

Jiang Yunbian turned back and cursed her lightly, then said, “Do me a favor and find out?”

 

Xu Zhaoruo shrugged, “I’d love to help, but unfortunately, I don’t know him well, so I know less than you do.”

 

Noticing Zhou Die approaching, Xu Zhaoruo gave a thumbs up, “Ask him directly. You can do it, Brother Jiang!”

 

When Zhou Die arrived, he saw Xu Zhaoruo leaving with a laugh.

 

Her laughter was never a good sign. Zhou Die turned to Jiang Yunbian, “What was she here for?”

 

Jiang Yunbian thought for a moment, “None of your business.”

 

Zhou Die: “…”

 

Everyone is so rebellious.

 

“Alright, alright,” the homeroom teacher finally adjusted the selfie stick, “Quick, let’s take a group photo!”

 

Since they had been told to take a group photo on the last day, everyone had put on their class uniforms.

 

Even though Jiang Yunbian didn’t like it much, he had to wear the uniform and was pulled down for the photo.

 

“Brother Jiang, move a bit closer,” the girl pulling his jacket urged.

 

Jiang Yunbian was nudged until he ended up right next to Zhou Die.

 

His rebellious image lasted only a moment before breaking down. Zhou Die noticed Jiang Yunbian’s slightly uncomfortable expression and smiled softly.

 

“Hey, stand in the center, everyone gather closer!”

 

When the homeroom teacher said that, the previously reserved distance collapsed, and Jiang Yunbian ended up pressed against Zhou Die.

 

“Hey, don’t block the dog on Jiang Yunbian’s shirt!” a girl in the front row quickly turned to direct them.

 

Jiang Yunbian glanced at Zhou Die and suddenly gritted his teeth, reaching up to hook his arm around Zhou Die’s neck.

 

“It’s just a photo.”

 

Zhou Die smiled down at him, his right hand naturally resting on Jiang Yunbian’s hip, gently hugging his side.

 

In that moment, as they took the photo, he whispered, “Yes, just a photo.”

 

“Sports meet, end!”

 

After the sports meet, it was vacation time. Many students packed up and went home, while only a few planned to stay overnight.

 

Jiang Yunbian had just opened his phone to send a couple of photos to his sister when someone knocked on the table.

 

He looked back to find Zhou Die unexpectedly close, almost bumping into his chest.

 

The scent of cedar filled his nose, like a small snowflake falling in winter.

 

Jiang Yunbian stepped back, “You startled me.”

 

Zhou Die looked at him, “Want to go out for dinner?”

 

“Why? Are you treating?”

 

“Hmm.” Zhou Die’s eyes were smiling as he looked at him.

 

“After all, I need to win people over.”