The Marked Alpha Is Extremely Hard to Coax - Chapter 32

After hiding the clothes, Jiang Yunbian’s first reaction was to glare at the only other person in the dorm.

 

Zhou Die leisurely looked at him and said, “Do you want me to go to the balcony so you have space to try on your clothes?”

 

Jiang Yunbian retorted, “Zhou Die, isn’t it good to stay alive?”

 

Before he could confront Jiang Yunyi, his phone rang. Jiang Yunbian scoffed, “You already called? So quick to check if I’ve received it.”

 

Jiang Yunyi giggled, “I bought the same series for myself. I have a little bunny one. If you don’t like the Shiba Inu, you can send it back, and I’ll send you the bunny one instead.”

 

Jiang Yunbian was amused by her cheekiness, “Jiang Yunyi, do you think your brother is just here to be your tool?”

 

Jiang Yunyi dragged out her words on the other end of the line, acting all cutesy, “Please, if you don’t want to wear it, at least take a picture and show me how it looks.”

 

Jiang Yunbian could never really say no to her. He glanced at Zhou Die, grabbed the pajamas in his hand, and snapped at his phone, “In your dreams.”

 

After hanging up, Zhou Die watched Jiang Yunbian for a moment, seemingly wanting to say something but ultimately keeping quiet. He then grabbed the pajamas and headed to the bathroom.

 

Zhou Die couldn’t hold back a chuckle. Jiang Yunbian really was the type to say one thing and mean another.

 

Jiang Yunbian just planned to quickly try on the pajamas and take a photo to send to Jiang Yunyi, so she wouldn’t keep pestering him about them. But as soon as he hung up, Jiang Yunyi went and asked Xu Zhan for help.

 

Xu Zhan, who had long been used to this “proxy cutesy act,” received the call and confidently knocked on the door, preparing to deliver his teasing lines, only to be greeted by Zhou Die instead.

 

“Ah… I’m here to see Jiang Yunbian,” Xu Zhan corrected himself, then called out into the dorm, “Brother Jiang, can I please see your super cute doggy pajamas?”

 

Though he was joking, that familiar tone of endearment made Zhou Die’s expression darken slightly.

 

Jiang Yunbian’s voice came from behind the bathroom door, “Get lost.”

 

Naturally, Xu Zhan wasn’t ready to give up so easily, but before he could say anything else, Zhou Die stepped in front of the door.

 

Xu Zhan suddenly caught the scent of cedarwood in the air.

 

“Sorry, but I don’t like other Alphas coming in,” Zhou Die’s tone was polite but carried a clear warning. It wasn’t harsh, but Xu Zhan understood Zhou Die’s message loud and clear.

 

He wasn’t going to let anyone intrude on his territory.

 

Xu Zhan retracted his foot and apologized instinctively, “My bad.”

 

Typically, Alphas don’t show hostility to one another so easily. After a moment’s reflection, Xu Zhan realized that Zhou Die’s behavior wasn’t about defending territory… it was more like he was preventing Xu Zhan from getting close to something.

 

Wait, but the only other person in the dorm is Jiang Yunbian.

 

Xu Zhan was momentarily stunned and looked at Zhou Die with a mix of confusion and surprise.

 

Zhou Die’s expression remained calm, betraying no emotion.

 

“Zhou Die, are you there?” Jiang Yunbian called out from the bathroom.

 

Zhou Die replied, “Yeah.”

 

Jiang Yunbian asked, “Has Xu Zhan left? If not, toss him out and close the dorm door.”

 

After hearing this, Xu Zhan left, clearly frustrated.

 

Once the door was closed, Zhou Die returned to his desk, where he noticed a red box in the corner.

 

It wasn’t his, and there was even a faint scent of mint lingering on it.

 

He gently opened it, revealing a round jade pendant inside, glowing with a rich green hue—very beautiful.

 

Zhou Die’s fingers paused slightly as he touched the cool jade.

 

This was the “payment” Jiang Yunbian had given him.

 

Jiang Yunbian stayed quiet in the bathroom for a moment, then carefully opened the door and poked his head out, “Has he left?”

 

Zhou Die nodded, “Jiang Yunbian, did you buy back the jade pendant?”

 

Jiang Yunbian scratched his head, “Didn’t I break your original one before? This is to replace it.”

 

He had damaged someone else’s item, so it was only right to compensate for it, but he felt a bit embarrassed that it had taken him two months.

 

Zhou Die watched as Jiang Yunbian emerged from the bathroom, still wearing the pajamas, with his half-wet school uniform in hand.

 

The Shiba Inu pajamas looked slightly oversized on him, the loose neckline revealing his well-defined collarbones. Though the relaxed fit didn’t show off his waistline, it gave him a cozy and comfortable appearance.

 

Zhou Die’s eyes fell on the round, fluffy tail at the back.

 

If he remembered correctly, a Shiba Inu’s tail shouldn’t look like that.

 

“Ugh, the uniform fell on the floor,” Jiang Yunbian muttered, shaking out the uniform before soaking it in water.

 

When he turned back, he noticed Zhou Die staring at him and felt a bit awkward, “Stop looking, these clothes are really childish.”

 

The ears on the hood and the tail clearly made it something for young girls.

 

Zhou Die stared for a moment longer, his voice calm, “It’s pretty cute.”

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t catch what he said, “Huh?”

 

“Nothing, thanks. I’ll cherish this pendant.”

 

Jiang Yunbian wanted to take a storage box down from the bookshelf, but something wasn’t latched properly, and as soon as he lifted it down, it fell to the floor.

 

Zhou Die turned at the noise and saw a small black earring roll to his feet.

 

It was a tiny black cross earring, nothing out of the ordinary, but Zhou Die recognized it instantly.

 

A cross star.

 

His dark eyes rippled slightly as he turned to look at Jiang Yunbian.

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t notice the gaze fixed on him. He was busy picking up the small items his sister had sent.

 

As he counted them, he realized one of the earrings was missing.

 

He glanced around and muttered, “Where did it go?”

 

“Is this it?” Zhou Die walked over and gently opened his palm, revealing the black earring.

 

Jiang Yunbian was a bit surprised, “Yeah, thanks.”

 

Zhou Die’s gaze followed the strands of hair framing Jiang Yunbian’s face, falling on his earlobe. There were two piercings on his slightly pointed right ear.

 

Just like ten star.

 

“Jiang Yunbian.”

 

“Yeah?” Jiang Yunbian looked up at him, “What’s up?”

 

“Take me back to where you work part-time,” Zhou Die said softly. “Can you?”

 

There was no reason to refuse, so Jiang Yunbian found Zhou Die’s excessive politeness a bit odd, “Sure, I’ll call you next time.”

 

However, despite agreeing, Jiang Yunbian didn’t receive any work invitations afterward.

 

He thought it was strange and called the lead singer, who explained that a new band had taken over for the next few days, so there was no work for them.

 

Since having the same group perform all the time could bore the audience, Jiang Yunbian accepted this explanation and didn’t dwell on it.

 

With no part-time job over the weekend, he stayed at school, lazily sleeping in until ten on Saturday morning.

 

Just as he woke up and stretched, he noticed his phone vibrating by the bedside.

 

[Film Emperor of No. 3 High: What do you want for breakfast?]

 

Jiang Yunbian looked over and realized the other bed was already empty.

 

Yawning, he thought the slightly sarcastic nickname wasn’t quite fitting anymore. Just as he was about to change it to Zhou Die, he suddenly remembered the school sports day.

 

Jiang Yunbian chuckled and typed in Zhou Meow Meow.

 

Only then did he reply: [Anything is fine, I’m not picky.]

 

At 9 AM, they had to start morning self-study. After washing up, Jiang Yunbian arrived early.

 

He initially thought Zhou Die would casually buy something at the school gate, but it turned out that Zhou Die had brought gourmet breakfast from a restaurant.

 

“Young Master Zhou, out drinking tea early in the morning on a holiday?”

 

Zhou Die draped his jacket over the back of a chair. “Xu Zhaoruo sent it over.”

 

Jiang Yunbian responded with an “Oh,” guessing it was a thank-you gift.

 

Before eating breakfast, he touched his cheek. “Zhou Die, I’m sorry. I promised to take you out, but it seems the band won’t be performing.”

 

Zhou Die, seeing his apologetic look, smiled faintly. “I’m not in a hurry.”

 

Xu Zhan, unwilling to be idle over the weekend, started planning a murder mystery game early in the morning.

 

Zhou Die glanced at a message. “Xu Zhan is asking if you want to join the game.”

 

Jiang Yunbian frowned. “Why did he ask me instead of messaging you?”

 

“He was afraid you wouldn’t be awake.”

 

If Jiang Yunbian were woken up while sleeping, the consequences could be quite serious.

 

When they arrived at the classroom, the seats were already arranged, with various snacks and drinks piled up on the side.

 

“Good, you’re here! Come over, I need to count the numbers!”

 

There were only about a dozen students from the Alpha class staying at school over the weekend, and after morning self-study, most returned to their dorms. A few who had nothing to do stayed in the classroom to play the game.

 

Jiang Yunbian roughly counted. Including himself and Zhou Die, there were only six people.

 

“Zheng Xinglin is coming too.” Xu Zhan moved Gao Zining’s desk over, forming a circle of seven people.

 

Five boys, along with the class monitor and the study committee member, both girls. Jiang Yunbian sat between Zhou Die and Xu Zhan. When he took his seat, one of the girls respectfully said, “Brother Zhou, sorry to bother you.”

 

The words were addressed to Zhou Die, but her gaze was on Jiang Yunbian.

 

However, the latter didn’t notice, as he was focused on the app Xu Zhan had mentioned.

 

Zheng Xinglin arrived fashionably late, sat next to Xu Zhan, and after settling in, greeted with a smile, “Good morning, Brother Jiang.”

 

Zhou Die lifted his eyes to glance at him but said nothing.

 

He Ru clicked his tongue. “Brother, is the school bully the only one in your eyes? Are us mere mortals not worth your attention?”

 

Zheng Xinglin waved his hand. “No, good morning to everyone.”

 

Jiang Yunbian teased, “Do you really need to be so meticulous when greeting people?”

 

He Ru puffed out his chest. “Just because I’m also an Alpha, so what?”

 

Xu Zhan, finding their banter childish, picked out a script and had everyone choose their roles.

 

The only two female roles were taken by the girls. Jiang Yunbian randomly clicked on a name, only to find out he was the lover of the victim when he opened the script.

 

The story was about a victim who was an arrogant second-generation rich kid in the school, flirting everywhere despite having a lover, with poor morals and a lack of self-respect. He had conflicts with all the characters except the police officer, who was drawn by Zhou Die.

 

Jiang Yunbian skimmed through the victim’s background and thought that this character deserved their fate.

 

“Damn, this victim didn’t seem to have any moral inclinations,” He Ru shook his head, “Classmate, this isn’t an untimely death but divine justice.”

 

While reading through the script, Jiang Yunbian glanced at his character’s background, nearly getting goosebumps.

 

His character was the victim’s childhood sweetheart and lover, deeply in love, to the point of obsession. When they were young, it was a pure friendship, but after the victim discovered a new world, they had always been cold and distant.

 

“Everyone done reading?” Xu Zhan put down his phone and handed out a stack of paper from his notebook to everyone. “Alright, let’s introduce ourselves. Remember, murder mystery games require immersion, a sense of involvement. Don’t be shy, I’ll go first.”

 

“Ahem, my name is…” Xu Zhan began dramatically, “I’m a Beta, the victim’s roommate. We had an average relationship, not much interaction.”

 

Next was Zheng Xinglin. “I’m also a roommate, a Beta. We got along well; he often treated me to food.”

 

Then came He Ru and the two girls. When it was Jiang Yunbian’s turn, he took a sip of water and calmly said, “I’m an Omega, the victim’s…”

 

“Stop, stop, stop!” Xu Zhan interrupted, looking dissatisfied. “Brother, it’s about immersion, you know?”

 

Jiang Yunbian resisted the urge to punch him. “What’s there to immerse in with this character?”

 

“You’re the only Omega in this game! Omegas are supposed to be delicate; where’s your delicateness?”

 

Jiang Yunbian could feel everyone’s eyes focusing on him at that moment, including Zhou Die’s beside him.

 

“…I’m an Omega, the victim’s lover, childhood sweetheart.” Jiang Yunbian chose to ignore it.

 

Xu Zhan initially wanted to protest but held back after a glare from Jiang Yunbian.

 

Zhou Die introduced himself in a similar understated style, leaving Xu Zhan no choice but to move on with the game.

 

“Okay, let’s go over the timeline of the crime and search for evidence.”

 

Because it was a mobile game, Jiang Yunbian leisurely searched through, only to find someone constantly searching him.

 

He frowned. “Who’s focusing on me?”

 

Zhou Die casually responded, “It’s me.”

 

Jiang Yunbian: …You’re quite honest.

 

After one round of evidence collection, Xu Zhan began analyzing the conflicts and somehow concluded that Jiang Yunbian acted out of love and revenge, directly pointing the finger at him.

 

“Spill it, where were you at 3 AM yesterday?”

 

Jiang Yunbian was speechless, flipping through his script. “I told you, at 3 AM, I entered a special period, took an inhibitor at home, and went to sleep!”

 

He Ru seized the opportunity to chime in, “Then why does your tone sound so strong?”

 

“Are you looking for a beating from this sweet, gentle, lovely Omega?”

 

He Ru: “Sorry, my bad.”

 

Zheng Xinglin had been watching Jiang Yunbian, and just as he was about to speak, Zhou Die put down his phone. “I want to talk to the victim’s lover alone, is that okay?”

 

There was a small storage room in the classroom, where students kept their lockers. It was cramped but otherwise fine.

 

The class monitor led the two inside. “When you’re done talking, knock on the door, and I’ll let you out.”

 

After the door closed, the only light was a dim bulb casting a yellow glow. Jiang Yunbian leaned against a locker with his arms crossed, looking at Zhou Die. “Let me clarify, Xu Zhan’s reasoning is full of holes. If you just think about it…”

 

“I believe you,” Zhou Die said.

 

Jiang Yunbian was stunned for a moment. “Then why did you ask me to chat? Isn’t the killer still at large?”

 

Zhou Die, with a faint smile, replied, “I need your statement to corroborate my deduction.”

 

During the investigation, the police found a bottle of inhibitor containing lethal chemicals on the lover. It was a scent the lover often used, and there had never been any accidents before, so it was likely replaced by someone.

 

“This morning, you ran into your…” Zhou Die paused, then slowly continued, “boyfriend’s roommate, and he handed you the inhibitor, right?”

 

“Which roommate?”

 

Zhou Die thought for a moment, unable to recall the name. “Zheng Xinglin.”

 

“Oh, yeah, I saw him. He gave it to me.”

 

Zhou Die looked into his eyes and smiled lightly, “Why do you trust him so easily?”

 

Jiang Yunbian snorted, “It’s not like I wanted to; it’s what the script says. The script also says I’m a delicate and frail Omega, who gets short of breath every three steps and coughs every five. So, do you want to take a whiff of my lily-scented pheromones?”

 

As he spoke, he lifted his wrist in front of Zhou Die, looking as if he would be offended if Zhou Die didn’t take a sniff.

 

Regardless of whether one is an Alpha or Omega, the most concentrated areas of pheromones are the nape of the neck and the wrists. Jiang Yunbian was always unaware of how vulnerable he was making himself in front of others.

 

But Jiang Yunbian didn’t think too much of it; he just found it absurd to be expected to follow the script every day. He really didn’t fit the soft and cute persona.

 

Just as he was about to pull his hand back, Zhou Die’s fingertips had already clasped around his wrist.

 

Before Jiang Yunbian could register his surprise, his wrist was lifted to Zhou Die’s lips. Enigma lowered his eyes slightly and brought his face close to Jiang Yunbian’s wrist.

 

Jiang Yunbian had a fleeting suspicion that Zhou Die might actually kiss his wrist, though he wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination or overactive self-awareness.

 

But Zhou Die only took a sniff before releasing his hand. He leaned in close to Jiang Yunbian’s ear and whispered, “You’re lying; you’re mint-scented.”

 

Jiang Yunbian quickly pulled away and turned his head awkwardly. “This immersive experience thing is really dangerous.”

 

Zhou Die smiled, “Not satisfied? Want to smell me back?”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “… Not interested!”

 

When they emerged from the small room, the class monitor and class representative were looking at them with barely contained excitement.

 

Jiang Yunbian was puzzled, “What’s up?”

 

He Ru said, “They’re saying you two were playing some little black room game.”

 

The class monitor gave him a pat, “Can’t you speak like a normal person?”

 

He Ru lifted his chin, “Come on, pheromone battle!”

 

Xu Zhan laughed and pushed him, “What’s wrong with you?”

 

Jiang Yunbian sat back down, only to notice Zheng Xinglin staring at him. “What’s up?”

 

“I’ve analyzed all the conflicts and concluded that you’re the most suspicious.”

 

Jiang Yunbian grabbed Zhou Die’s hand, “Come on, tell him what’s really going on with me.”

 

Zhou Die glanced at the finger Jiang Yunbian had draped over his wrist, then calmly looked at Zheng Xinglin, “But wasn’t it you who gave him that suppressant?”

 

Zheng Xinglin’s expression changed slightly, and He Ru suddenly remembered, “Oh right, there was a clue about that, but why couldn’t I remember it?”

 

Jiang Yunbian watched their faces light up in sudden realization and huffed, then threw his arm over Zhou Die’s shoulder.

 

“In that little black room earlier, he verified my innocence, so don’t go spreading nonsense.”

 

The delayed immersion made Jiang Yunbian’s words sound ambiguous, but he was too busy showing off to notice the two girls exchanging excited glances.

 

With the key clue revealed, they found enough supplementary evidence in the second round of searching to deduce the real culprit.

 

Only Xu Zhan remained obstinate, “But they’re just roommates! I still think the most likely motive is a crime of passion.”

 

Jiang Yunbian wanted to knock some sense into him, “It is a crime of passion! Can’t you see?”

 

Xu Zhan: “Huh?”

 

“The victim was a player, had ambiguous relationships with five people in the room. Zheng Xinglin’s character secretly liked him, the victim agreed to break up with me to be with him, but then went back on his word, so Zheng Xinglin killed him out of love and hatred!” Jiang Yunbian explained, arms crossed. “Anything else you need me to clarify?”

 

Xu Zhan finally understood, “So that’s how it is.”

 

He Ru sighed, “With that IQ, you should say goodbye to script-killing games.”

 

After the vote, Zheng Xinglin indeed didn’t escape justice.

 

By the time they finished, it was already three in the afternoon. An hour and a half of intense discussion had left Jiang Yunbian exhausted. He turned to Zhou Die, “Are you hungry?”

 

Zhou Die looked into his eyes, “What do you want to eat?”

 

“There’s a new hot pot place nearby. Want to go?”

 

Hot pot is a lively affair, and He Ru immediately raised his hand, “Count me in!”

 

The restaurant was located two stops away from the school in a small square, and they settled around a large table.

 

“Nine-grid hot pot, nine-grid hot pot! I love nine-grid!” He Ru was practically dancing.

 

The two girls, who could handle spice, started discussing what to order.

 

As they were deciding on the base, Jiang Yunbian leaned over and whispered, “Can you handle spicy food?”

 

Zhou Die thought for a moment, placing his hand on his stomach, “I can.”

 

Jiang Yunbian glanced at his hand on his stomach and sighed, “Do you prefer beef broth or tomato soup?”

 

“… I can handle spicy,” Zhou Die lowered his voice.

 

“I can’t, okay?” Jiang Yunbian ordered the beef broth. “This one’s pretty good; is it okay with you?”

 

Zhou Die looked at him and nodded.

 

They ended up with a nine-grid hot pot and a separate beef broth pot. Xu Zhan, sitting across from them, asked curiously, “Yunbian, I thought you could handle…”

 

The class monitor, who had overheard everything, kicked him under the table, and Xu Zhan held his ankle in confusion.

 

The class monitor muttered, “Not even a pile of beef could shut your mouth.”

 

Zhou Die chuckled as he watched Jiang Yunbian adjust the single pot. He gently tugged on the hem of Jiang Yunbian’s shirt, “Sorry for the trouble.”

 

Jiang Yunbian let his hand drop, patting Zhou Die’s hand lightly as he continued chatting with He Ru.

 

“Order some vegetables too, don’t just eat meat.” After giving instructions, he turned back, “Anything you want to eat?”

 

Zhou Die thought for a moment and motioned for Jiang Yunbian to lean in under the table.

 

Jiang Yunbian leaned down to listen, and Zhou Die whispered with a hint of a request, “I want to try the yogurt rabbit, it’s under the dessert section of the menu.”

 

Jiang Yunbian couldn’t help but laugh, pulling up the menu on his phone, “You’ve got sharp eyes; they’ve also got egg tarts and tiramisu. Just the yogurt rabbit?”

 

Zhou Die leaned closer to look with him, following the lines of his long fingers to the screen, “It does seem a bit childish. Maybe I should pick something else.”

 

“If you like it, then have it.” Jiang Yunbian found Zhou Die’s innocent side endearing. “Okay, I’ll order everything for them too, so you won’t stand out.”

 

Zhou Die understood and chuckled softly in Jiang Yunbian’s ear, “Thank you.”

 

The unexpected low laugh sent a shiver through Jiang Yunbian, and he unconsciously rubbed his ear.

 

After placing the order, he didn’t look at Zhou Die again, instead turning to listen to Xu Zhan’s recap.

 

Zheng Xinglin, sitting to Jiang Yunbian’s left, noticed he had finished ordering and leaned in, “Brother Jiang, just one question. How did you know I was the killer?”

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t hide anything, “Zhou Die told me.”

 

Zheng Xinglin was momentarily stunned, “Zhou Die?”

 

His gaze shifted slightly upwards, unconsciously looking at Zhou Die, who was sitting behind Jiang Yunbian.

 

Zhou Die met his gaze with a calm expression, exuding a natural sense of dominance, as if he had claimed Jiang Yunbian as part of his territory, only allowing him to interact with others within his reach.

 

“Yeah,” Jiang Yunbian mimicked a gun with his fingers as if taking aim at him, “Zhou Die saw through your little scheme from the start.”