The Marked Alpha Is Extremely Hard to Coax - Chapter 27

The news that Zhou Die was treating soon spread.

 

As soon as Xu Zhan heard about dinner, he quickly listed a few popular places: “I’ve been wanting to eat skewers for a while but never had the time. Today’s perfect! I’m starving!”

 

Jiang Yunbian was still considering whether Zhou Die could handle certain foods when he suddenly remembered that Zhou Die wasn’t a pampered young master, and he smiled.

 

Zhou Die noticed and leaned over to him, “What are you laughing about?”

 

“Nothing, I just can’t imagine you eating street food.”

 

Zhou Die didn’t respond and went with them to the dining place.

 

It was indeed a popular spot. Even before they arrived, they could hear the lively voices inside. When they entered, they even ran into Class Twelve, who had been at odds with them in the morning.

 

“Damn it,” Yang You cursed, “Are we going to have a fight just for dinner?”

 

Jiang Yunbian wasn’t afraid. Seeing the others, he put on a fierce expression, ready for a confrontation if needed.

 

However, they were soon told by the owner that there were no tables available and that they had to wait.

 

“Frustrating,” He Ru said.

 

Just as Jiang Yunbian was about to leave, someone from Class Twelve stood up. It was the runner-up from the 200-meter race, Number Seven.

 

Number Seven waved, “Hey, we have a big table over here. If you don’t mind, you can join us.”

 

Xu Zhan hesitated a bit, but Jiang Yunbian had already gone over and pulled out a chair, “Sure, let’s sit together.”

 

Who’s afraid of whom?

 

Zhou Die smiled slightly and also sat down next to Jiang Yunbian.

 

The leaders of the group took their seats, and their companions gradually settled in, turning the once single round table into two separate worlds.

 

“I lost the race today, and I accept it,” Guanjia Jie said, having found a can of cola from somewhere. After opening it, he extended it towards Jiang Yunbian, “You’re stronger than I imagined.”

 

Jiang Yunbian was a bit surprised but quickly recovered and clinked his drink with Guanjia Jie’s, “I didn’t intend to compete with professionals.”

 

He hadn’t really planned to beat someone with expertise in sports.

 

Guanjia Jie then looked at Zhou Die, “Zhou, I spoke thoughtlessly this morning. I shouldn’t have accused you of bribing classmates.”

 

Boys being competitive is normal. Initially, they resented Alpha’s perceived privilege, but after the sports meet, their respect for strength prevailed.

 

Jiang Yunbian said, “Not at all. You’re strong too. Your high jump was impressive.”

 

“I’ve been practicing high jump since I was young,” Guanjia Jie sighed, “If I couldn’t win, being a sports student would be pointless.”

 

Number Seven chimed in, “Zhou, your sprinting is really impressive. Have you trained before?”

 

When it came to resolving conflicts among boys, it usually involved either a fight or a drink. After a few exchanged words, they started chatting more freely.

 

From talking about performance to motivational speeches, from exams to school beauties.

 

“I originally had a grudge against Zhou Die because of Xu Zhaoruo,” Number Seven said, his face reddening after drinking a beer, “She’s my goddess.”

 

The gossip opened up, and everyone started probing into Zhou Die’s love life.

 

After all, there were many rumors about Xu Zhaoruo and Zhou Die.

 

Jiang Yunbian leaned back in his chair, comfortably watching the gossiping boys, feeling quite at ease.

 

He had known that secret for a long time.

 

Zhou Die noticed Jiang Yunbian’s detached expression and said calmly, “It’s okay, I’m not dating.”

 

“Oh—” Guanjia Jie quickly patted Number Seven’s back, “Bro, you still have a chance!”

 

“And what about Brother Jiang?” another boy asked, “I’ve heard a lot about your romantic rumors, especially with that school beauty from another school…”

 

Jiang Yunbian had been known for his reputation since freshman year, with countless Omega girls pursuing him over the years.

 

“Such nonsense,” Jiang Yunbian chuckled, “I’m not interested. My goal is to study.”

 

“People who say such things seem foolish, but when you say it, it just sounds arrogant, haha!”

 

Among boys, there’s rarely anything that counts as deep-seated hatred. Over time, grievances become bridges for making connections. By the end, the sports class students were all a bit tipsy. He Ru and Yang You struggled to carry two of them back, while Xu Zhan, already dizzy, was carried out together.

 

Jiang Yunbian had a bit to drink and decided to enjoy the fresh air, sitting still in his chair.

 

“Jiang Yunbian,” Zhou Die asked, looking down at his phone and lightly tapping the screen, “When are you planning to go back?”

 

Jiang Yunbian grabbed a cup, opened a can of cola, and considered mixing in some beer.

 

Zhou Die frowned slightly and placed his hand over the cup, stopping him from adding the beer.

 

“What’s wrong?” Jiang Yunbian frowned, “Do you want to drink?”

 

Zhou Die took the cup and said, “Alcohol makes carbon dioxide evaporate, which is bad for the stomach.”

 

Jiang Yunbian licked his lips, which glistened slightly in the light.

 

“I know,” he said, “We used to drink like this in the band. I just wanted to try.”

 

Zhou Die smiled, finishing the half-full cup of cola with a possessive air, “You’re underage. Don’t be so reckless.”

 

Jiang Yunbian chuckled softly and abandoned the idea of mixing the drinks.

 

It was strange that it was just him and Zhou Die left, and Zhou Die still wouldn’t let him drink.

 

When did their relationship become so close?

 

While his thoughts drifted, Jiang Yunbian heard Zhou Die ask, “Will you still make breakfast tomorrow?”

 

“…Have you become addicted to being pampered?” Jiang Yunbian held up five fingers, his smile carrying a deeper meaning, “Do you know how much I charge to cook for someone? Let’s go, we’re heading back.”

 

Having had enough of the wind, Zhou Die went back with him. As he watched Jiang Yunbian walk ahead with a relaxed pace, another thought crossed his mind.

 

Before it could be settled, the person ahead turned and lowered his voice.

 

“But if you help me with something, I might consider making breakfast for you tomorrow as well.”

 

As if sharing a secret, Zhou Die also slightly lowered his head and spoke softly, “What is it?”

 

“Let’s go shopping this weekend.”

 

Jiang Yunbian was someone who followed through on his word. He promised Zhou Die he’d make breakfast, and on Saturday morning, he prepared sandwiches and hot milk for him.

 

Enigma was in good health and recovered from illness in about two days. Jiang Yunbian only added a fried egg after confirming he was back to normal.

 

Zhou Die sipped his milk, watching him busy on the balcony, “Where are you going shopping?”

 

Jiang Yunbian wiped his hands, “Xu Zhan’s birthday is coming up. I want to buy him a gift.”

 

He hated buying gifts. It wasn’t about the money but not knowing what to choose.

 

Zhou Die, being knowledgeable, was a good person to offload this problem onto.

 

“He’ll be eighteen in December. I want to get him something more formal,” Jiang Yunbian said, scratching his head, “But I really don’t know what to get.”

 

Zhou Die held the milk, staring blankly at some point on the table. Jiang Yunbian pulled out his coat, “If you’re not willing to help, I’ll do it myself…”

 

“Let’s go,” Zhou Die put down his cup.

 

They went to a shopping mall in the city center. Jiang Yunbian was a bit hesitant at first, but Zhou Die stood in front of him, “Do you want to change?”

 

Jiang Yunbian tightened his grip on his phone, “No change.”

 

His living expenses seemed to be saved up by himself. Zhou Die likely knew he didn’t rely on his parents. The fact that he walked into the mall with his head held high showed how much Xu Zhan meant to him.

 

Enigma’s expression was calm, with no trace of emotion.

 

Jiang Yunbian glanced at the mall directory and went to the basement level. Zhou Die followed him and discovered that the lower floor was all food-related.

 

Jiang Yunbian took him to a candy store, “Which one do you like?”

 

Zhou Die raised an eyebrow slightly, “Me?”

 

“Yeah, remember you promised that if you helped me out, I’d get you candy,” Jiang Yunbian said, raising his hand, “Pick what you like. I’ve got money.”

 

Even though he had secretly checked his account balance before coming in.

 

Since Zhou Die had said so, he didn’t hold back and asked the store clerk for mint candies.

 

“Why do you always fixate on mint candies?” Jiang Yunbian frowned, looking at a row of chocolates, “Aren’t these tempting?”

 

He remembered Zhou Die liked chocolate.

 

Zhou Die looked at the fancy chocolate packaging and then at a makeshift counter behind him, “I prefer handmade chocolate.”

 

Jiang Yunbian said, “Go live with your mint candies then.”

 

Zhou Die finally bought a small bag of mint candies, tearing one open to eat right after paying.

 

Jiang Yunbian realized Zhou Die genuinely loved sweets. He clutched the candy like a tree bear, wanting to hold it with both hands.

 

He laughed, “Should I make a pocket on your stomach so you can keep this candy in?”

 

Zhou Die glanced down, slowly putting the candy into his backpack, and then looked at Jiang Yunbian’s abdomen.

 

The implication was that while he couldn’t open Jiang Yunbian up, he could help him with it.

 

Jiang Yunbian understood his meaning but felt it was a bit odd to have an Alpha’s abdomen scrutinized. Realizing his joke might have gone too far, he stepped aside, “Let’s go, let’s get to the main task.”

 

He had actually started thinking about Xu Zhan’s gift a month in advance, but with limited experience, he had to rely on practical attempts.

 

Jiang Yunbian, self-aware, skipped a few high-end brands and stopped in front of a watch store.

 

This brand was considered affordable luxury and had recently released new models suitable for students.

 

He was deep in thought, and Zhou Die watched him for a while before shifting his gaze.

 

Just as Jiang Yunbian was about to enter, Zhou Die stood behind him, “Why buy something so expensive?”

 

“…” Jiang Yunbian stepped back out, somewhat doubtful, “Is it really that pricey?”

 

Starting from a thousand, Zhou Die knew this was within Jiang Yunbian’s budget, but he said, “Expensive.”

 

Jiang Yunbian stood next to him, “Then let’s find something else.”

 

Before today, Jiang Yunbian thought he was accompanied by a taste detector, believing Zhou Die could help him find something decent yet reasonably priced. However, after browsing around, Zhou Die led him to either end-of-season sales or clearance stores.

 

He even suggested Jiang Yunbian buy a ten-yuan three-pack tie to take home.

 

“Brother, do you know what it means to be an adult?” Jiang Yunbian looked at the yellow polka-dotted blue tie, nearly speechless. “Or do you think I earn money by begging under the bridge?”

 

Zhou Die seemed to realize his excessiveness, looked at him for a while, and then said, “I’ll treat you to a meal.”

 

Sitting in the restaurant, Jiang Yunbian took a sip of tea and checked prices on the official website with his phone.

 

“You often buy gifts?” Zhou Die asked casually.

 

“No, I used to just send red envelopes,” Jiang Yunbian put down his teacup. “But Xu Zhan doesn’t lack money. Since he’s eighteen, it’s worth putting some thought into it.”

 

Zhou Die responded with indifference.

 

Jiang Yunbian continued to browse for styles and added, “We’ve known each other for six years, and he’s always taken care of me. It would be ungrateful not to return the favor.”

 

Besides, Xu Zhan was the only one still standing by him after that incident.

 

“And your birthday?” Zhou Die asked.

 

“Mine? Next March.”

 

“March, huh.”

 

Zhou Die raised an eyebrow.

 

“And yours?” Jiang Yunbian asked in return.

 

“June.”

 

“Oh, you’re younger than me.” Jiang Yunbian pondered. “Our school completely bans birthday celebrations before the college entrance exam. What’s your exact date in June?”

 

“… The 5th.”

 

Jiang Yunbian couldn’t help but laugh, “How unlucky, it’s just the day before the exam.”

 

Zhou Die remained silent. Jiang Yunbian thought his joke might have gone too far and tried to make amends, “If you don’t mind, I can secretly get you a cake with Xu Zhan.”

 

Zhou Die raised an eyebrow, showing no reaction. “Cake?”

 

“Yeah, there are cake shops outside the school. I’ll sneak one for you,” Jiang Yunbian gestured and then pushed his phone towards Zhou Die. “How about this watch? I think it suits Xu Zhan.”

 

Zhou Die looked down, and perhaps because of Jiang Yunbian’s offer, he found the watch more appealing.

 

“It’s acceptable.”

 

“Then I’ll take this one. I’m too lazy to choose.”

 

After dinner, they went to the watch store and bought the gift. When they came out, Jiang Yunbian checked his balance, and his expression clearly showed his financial discomfort.

 

Zhou Die asked, “Is it painful?”

 

“Just a bit,” Jiang Yunbian said flatly. Just then, his phone lagged and showed an incoming call from an unlisted number.

 

Jiang Yunbian glanced at it and answered, “Hello?”

 

Zhou Die watched his expression darken gradually. Just as he was about to ask what was wrong, Jiang Yunbian had already hung up.

 

“What happened?”

 

Jiang Yunbian averted his gaze, “It was a wrong number.”

 

The call lasted fifteen seconds with no sound from the other end.

 

Zhou Die observed his reaction and determined that a typical scam call wouldn’t cause such a quick emotional shift.

 

“Let’s go,” Jiang Yunbian suddenly grabbed Zhou Die’s wrist and glanced around.

 

“Jiang Yunbian,” Zhou Die called his name and gently pressed his wrist, “Want some ice cream?”

 

Jiang Yunbian was momentarily stunned and turned back to look at him, “Huh?”

 

Zhou Die held his wrist and took him to a dessert stand to buy two ice creams—chocolate for Jiang Yunbian and strawberry for himself.

 

Jiang Yunbian watched as Zhou Die placed the chocolate ice cream in his palm, holding it for a while until it began to melt before looking up.

 

“Zhou Die.”

 

Zhou Die licked a bit of strawberry from his spoon, with some pink sauce on his lip, which he seemed unaware of, and tilted his head, asking, “Don’t you like chocolate?”

 

Jiang Yunbian picked up the spoon and suddenly smiled, “Thanks.”

 

Zhou Die watched him sit on the chair, holding the spoon and eating the ice cream like a good boy, and suddenly realized this was the first time Jiang Yunbian had said thank you.

 

When he’s angry, he’s like a little dog with its fur bristled, but with a bit of sweetness, he’s instantly obedient.

 

Jiang Yunbian found it too sweet and looked at Zhou Die after finishing, “Why do you like eating sweets so much?”

 

Zhou Die bit his spoon and, while replying to a message, mumbled, “I like sweets, is that a problem?”

 

“Well, you’re quite easy to please. Just give you sweet gifts,” Jiang Yunbian smiled and lowered his head to send a message to the cake shop.

 

Seeing Jiang Yunbian’s thoughtful order, Zhou Die realized his attention to detail and his efforts to prepare gifts and surprises were more meticulous than he expected.

 

“You’re good at comforting people,” Zhou Die concluded when they returned to school.

 

Jiang Yunbian blinked, confused by the compliment, “So, should I congratulate my future partner?”

 

Zhou Die paused while opening the dormitory door and glanced back at him.

 

Jiang Yunbian felt he wanted to say something but, as he waited, Zhou Die pushed the door open and went inside.

 

… Huh? Something feels odd.

 

With the gift prepared, Jiang Yunbian specifically went to find He Ru on Monday morning to discuss Xu Zhan’s birthday on Tuesday.

 

He Ru pointed to the electrical switch behind him, “I get it, you want to surprise Xu Zhan. Gao Zining will definitely keep him busy. I’ll handle the lights.”

 

Gao Zining stood ready, “Okay, Supervisor.”

 

He Ru added, “Go die.”

 

“Brother Jiang,” Zheng Xinglin called from outside.

 

Just as Jiang Yunbian stepped out, he saw Zhou Die looking sleep-deprived at the stairway. He made way for Zheng Xinglin and was about to speak with him.

 

But Zhou Die didn’t enter, only watching them.

 

Jiang Yunbian blinked, “Am I blocking you?”

 

Zhou Die looked at him for a moment, didn’t answer, and walked into the classroom.

 

Zheng Xinglin watched Zhou Die’s retreating figure, then turned to Jiang Yunbian with a smile, “I’m here to pick up the cake.”

 

“Oh, here it is,” Jiang Yunbian handed it to him and patted his shoulder, “Thanks for your hard work, buddy.”

 

The plan to surprise Xu Zhan went smoothly. Jiang Yunbian relaxed, but during the chemistry class, Gao Zining almost blew their cover.

 

The four of them were discussing mistakes when Gao Zining suddenly leaned back and said, “I can’t wait to eat cream.”

 

Zhou Die noticed Jiang Yunbian’s sudden stiffness and slowly lifted his gaze to glare at Gao Zining.

 

Xu Zhan laughed, “You’ll be able to eat it in a few days; my birthday is coming.”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “…”

 

Zhou Die couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

 

“What’s so funny?” Xu Zhan asked, confused, “Is it amusing that my birthday is coming up?”

 

Gao Zining realized his blunder and quickly coughed to cover it up.

 

Jiang Yunbian sighed, “How do you plan to celebrate your birthday?”

 

“At school, then home for the weekend,” Xu Zhan asked Jiang Yunbian with a smile, “Yunbian, are you coming back with me?”

 

Zhou Die glanced at Xu Zhan, noticing that inviting him home was routine for them. Jiang Yunbian thought for a moment, “I have a part-time job.”

 

The topic shifted smoothly, and Gao Zining breathed a sigh of relief, looking like he wouldn’t dare to speak out of turn again.

 

Just past midnight on Monday, Xu Zhan’s phone was bombarded with birthday wishes.

 

Jiang Yunbian sent his message on time and then turned on the desk lamp to study.

 

At twelve twenty, Xu Zhan finally called.

 

Jiang Yunbian glanced at Zhou Die, who was already asleep, and went to the balcony, “Happy birthday.”

 

“Thank you, thank you. I appreciate you remembering my birthday amid your busy schedule.” Xu Zhan’s side was quiet, probably after celebrating.

 

“Since it’s your birthday, let me call you ‘brother’ for once,” Jiang Yunbian said with a smile.

 

“Alright, you call me ‘brother,’ and I’ll call you ‘ancestor,’ each to their own?”

 

“Be serious,” Jiang Yunbian lowered his gaze, “I wouldn’t take advantage of a friend on their eighteenth birthday.”

 

Xu Zhan laughed casually, “There’s nothing to be sentimental about. I trust you, be friends with you, stand by you. Is there anything wrong? There isn’t, after all, like father, like son.”

 

“Heh.”

 

Jiang Yunbian wasn’t sure where Xu Zhan’s confidence in him came from, especially since even his parents had not paid much attention to his words at that time.

 

“Do I look sincere enough?” Xu Zhan paused, “But there’s something I think I need to tell you. Yunbian, we ran into Jiang Ye during our meal.”

 

The smile on Jiang Yunbian’s lips faded.

 

Xu Zhan seemed troubled, “He still seems the same. Always misunderstanding you.”

 

Jiang Yunbian quickly responded with a cold tone, “It doesn’t matter. I don’t care.”

 

“Yunbian,” Xu Zhan called his name, “I know other people’s opinions don’t matter to you, but you need to learn to make peace with the past.”

 

“Next time,” Jiang Yunbian said with a nonchalant smile, as if he didn’t care, “Definitely next time.”

 

After chatting a bit more, Jiang Yunbian hung up the phone and saw Zhou Die yawning while slumped over his desk.

 

Jiang Yunbian froze, and instinctively backed up against the door, bumping his shoulder against the balcony door handle, which was a bit painful.

 

Hearing the noise, Zhou Die looked back and asked,

 

Jiang Yunbian realized Zhou Die had been waiting for him, walked inside, and said, “No, you go ahead. I’m going to sleep.”

 

However, he tossed and turned in bed all night, unable to fall asleep.

 

At first, he covered his head with the blanket to block out any noise, trying to force himself to sleep, but the darkness seemed to deepen, making the images in his memory clearer.

 

It was so stifling that he could hardly breathe.

 

Jiang Yunbian, feeling frustrated, threw off the blanket and decided to get some fresh air. As he passed by Zhou Die’s bed, he heard the sound of knuckles gently tapping on the armrest.

 

He looked up to see Zhou Die, half-asleep, with one hand hanging down and the other resting on the armrest, pressing down: “Jiang Yunbian, can’t you sleep?”

 

Jiang Yunbian was startled and took out his phone to check the time, “It’s three o’clock. You’re still awake?”

 

Zhou Die looked into his eyes. They were only a short distance apart. He reached out and placed his hand on Jiang Yunbian’s head.

 

His hair was much softer than expected.

 

Zhou Die rubbed it gently, his voice slightly hoarse but soft from just waking up, “Do you want some pheromones?”