The Marked Alpha Is Extremely Hard to Coax - Chapter 34

Jiang Yunbian’s thoughts were entirely focused on the new patterns emerging on his abdomen, and he didn’t notice the change in Zhou Die’s emotions.

 

Should he tell Zhou Die? Could it be removed? What would his partner think if they saw it in the future?

 

Too many questions left him feeling overwhelmed, and he was deep in thought as he returned to the dormitory.

 

“Jiang Yunbian.”

 

Only when someone called his name from behind did he snap out of his daze. He turned to look at Zhou Die. “What’s up?”

 

“Are you feeling unwell?” Zhou Die asked, standing a bit behind him.

 

Enigma has a sharp sensitivity to Alpha’s pheromones. If he got any closer, he wouldn’t be able to avoid leaving his scent all over Jiang Yunbian.

 

The ylang-ylang fragrance displeased him.

 

Jiang Yunbian looked at him for a moment, then grabbed his wrist. “Zhou Die, come in.”

 

After they entered the dormitory, Jiang Yunbian pressed Zhou Die against the door, placing one hand against the adjacent wall.

 

If a girl had seen this scene, she would probably have screamed, as it was Jiang Yunbian taking the initiative.

 

Zhou Die’s peripheral vision caught Jiang Yunbian’s hand pressed against the side of his face, and he could also smell the faint minty scent.

 

As his gaze shifted slightly, his eyes were even darker than the unlit dorm room.

 

Jiang Yunbian was in front of him, lifting up his shirt.

 

Jiang Yunbian hung his head, somewhat at a loss, and used his other hand to tug at the hem of his shirt. “The pattern the biology teacher mentioned… it’s really come out.”

 

The faint reddish pattern looked like a lock on his skin, hiding some secret, physiologically-driven thought behind its alluring color.

 

“What should I do?” Jiang Yunbian asked him.

 

His voice carried a sense of dependence and helplessness, like a teenager who had made an unexpected mistake.

 

Zhou Die’s gaze deepened with each passing moment. Even though Jiang Yunbian was seeking help, Zhou Die uncontrollably wanted to touch the mark that belonged to him.

 

He had changed the Alpha before him, making Jiang Yunbian unique.

 

Some hidden thoughts within Enigma suddenly broke free of their suppression, roaring like a beast capturing prey, wanting to reveal its claws.

 

Everyone should have a sense of reverence towards Enigma, or at least fear.

 

Not like Jiang Yunbian, who showed no sign of apprehension.

 

Zhou Die’s hand slowly rose and finally grasped Jiang Yunbian’s hand, which was clutching his uniform, pressing it down.

 

“There are two ways to remove it,” Zhou Die’s voice was raspier than expected.

 

Jiang Yunbian finally sensed the anomaly. The Alpha, who had been worn down and tamed, was belatedly aware of the danger. He tried to retreat but found Zhou Die’s grip terrifyingly strong.

 

He frowned at his wrist.

 

Zhou Die quickly noticed Jiang Yunbian’s discomfort and released his hand.

 

He felt a moment of relief, at least Jiang Yunbian was still able to sense danger, even if a bit slow.

 

But the next moment, Zhou Die’s hand suddenly pressed against his neck, forcefully pinning him against the door, and his hands were swiftly restrained by Jiang Yunbian.

 

“Zhou Die, what were you just thinking?” Jiang Yunbian’s voice was low, with a belated anger and disbelief.

 

He exerted a lot of force, and Zhou Die could indeed feel his breathing being restricted, but he showed no sign of embarrassment or pain.

 

He lowered his eyelids slightly, watching the increasingly fierce Alpha trying to resist.

 

Jiang Yunbian was still intense.

 

He really wasn’t suited to be an Omega.

 

“… You know,” Zhou Die said, his four words carrying boundless possessiveness.

 

If an actual Omega heard this, they would probably have no chance to resist.

 

Jiang Yunbian exerted even more force, grinding his teeth, a shiver of goosebumps rising on his skin.

 

“Stop it,” he repeated loudly, “stop it!”

 

“I won’t do anything to you.” Zhou Die slightly lifted his chin. In truth, if he wanted to, breaking free from Jiang Yunbian’s restraint would be easy.

 

But he chose to negotiate with the Alpha in a gentle manner.

 

“Enigma is different from Alpha. Even if there is a physiological reaction, we won’t fall into the frenzy and lose control like some Alphas.”

 

Except for himself, nothing could control him.

 

Jiang Yunbian smelled the cedar scent, probably because his excessive reaction made his physiology sense that his behavior was offending Enigma, causing pain in the glands at the back of his neck.

 

It was the same pain he felt when he wanted to bite Zhou Die.

 

As Jiang Yunbian relaxed his grip, Zhou Die raised his hand to support him and led him to a seat. “Are you okay?”

 

Jiang Yunbian shook off his hand, belatedly realizing he had overreacted, and took a deep breath. “Sorry.”

 

Zhou Die placed the pheromone blocker on the desk and turned on the fan to disperse the pheromones.

 

Jiang Yunbian felt much better. He applied some more pheromone blocker and realized what a foolish thing he had done.

 

He always thought of himself as an Alpha and Zhou Die as an Alpha.

 

“Sorry, I’ll be more restrained in the future.”

 

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” Zhou Die looked at him. “I said you should tell me if you have any physical problems. This time, I didn’t control myself properly, so you felt uneasy.”

 

Jiang Yunbian avoided his gaze. “What’s the method to remove it…?”

 

“There are two options. One is to successfully complete the withdrawal reaction, which will make it disappear. The other is a temporary marking.”

 

The imprint changes and darkens as it approaches special periods, serving as a reminder for Alpha to replenish Enigma’s pheromones.

 

“Then let’s go with the withdrawal reaction,” Jiang Yunbian didn’t consider the latter option at all.

 

“That will start next month at the earliest. The hospital needs to make more detailed arrangements, including physical exams and blood tests.”

 

It requires time, so he’ll have to wait until the winter break.

 

“Alright.” Jiang Yunbian felt more comfortable and put on his jacket as he left the dormitory.

 

After the morning’s events, Jiang Yunbian realized that there should be a distance maintained between EA.

 

In this world, gender influences relationships so that even unrelated people can develop feelings because of scent and become entangled.

 

He was somewhat resistant to this kind of romance, as it wasn’t true love but rather a love driven by physiology, which always felt fragile.

 

Just like his parents.

 

An extremely failed marriage had only left him and Yun Yi with indelible pain.

 

He considered Zhou Die a good friend, and he cherished this relationship. He didn’t want to cross boundaries because of a physiological mistake.

 

If Zhou Die, who clearly didn’t like him, was continually attracted by his pheromones…

 

That would be a real mess.

 

During the weekend, Jiang Yunbian didn’t talk to Zhou Die.

 

On Monday morning, the atmosphere around Jiang Yunbian was visibly low and oppressive.

 

Even someone as thick-skinned as Gao Zining didn’t dare approach and only whispered to Xu Zhan.

 

“What’s up with Jiang Yunbian? He looks like he owes someone eight million.”

 

Xu Zhan thought for a moment. “If you gave him eight million, I think he might smile.”

 

Gao Zining: “……”

 

He was unreliable. Gao Zining sneakily asked Zhou Die from behind. “Brother Zhou, what’s wrong with your deskmate?”

 

Zhou Die saw Jiang Yunbian impatiently put down his pen but seemed unwilling to turn around, so he didn’t reprimand Gao Zining.

 

He thought for a moment and said in a tone loud enough for the deskmate to hear, “I upset him.”

 

Gao Zining didn’t expect this at all. “Why?”

 

Zhou Die answered seriously, “It’s my own fault.” 

 

Gao Zining: “……”???

 

A teacher who constantly praises others, never initiates trouble, pays for meals when dining out with classmates, and is the standard heartthrob on the confession wall—how could he possibly upset Jiang Yunbian, the little tyrant?

 

Zhou Die looked at Jiang Yunbian’s back, his voice softening as if seeking a solution: “Help me think of how I should apologize.”

 

Gao Zining felt like he’d been on a roller coaster, standing up and feeling dizzy: “Uh, why not go kneel in front of him and knock your head a couple of times?”

 

Such a solution was too extreme and would be ignored by anyone.

 

Zhou Die: “Will he forgive me if I do that?”

 

“What are you two doing?” Jiang Yunbian could no longer listen and turned around, tossing his chemistry homework into Gao Zining’s arms, pointing at him, “Try misleading my roommate again?”

 

Gao Zining chuckled and left.

 

Zhou Die rested his fingertips on his pen, stopping it when Jiang Yunbian turned around and looked at him: “He didn’t mislead me. I made you angry.”

 

Jiang Yunbian realized that Zhou Die was not the type to beat around the bush; in fact, his straightforwardness made him even more calculating.

 

“Zhou Die, I’m not angry. I just don’t want to affect you.”

 

“You haven’t affected me.”

 

Jiang Yunbian wanted to say that he was overthinking it, but he realized that Zhou Die was indeed a self-controlled Enigma.

 

Fine, whatever he said was fine. Jiang Yunbian would just be more cautious in the future.

 

Jiang Yunbian placed his water bottle in front of him: “Since you insist on thinking that way, here’s a chance for you to make amends. Go get me a pot of hot water, not cold.”

 

The class monitor passing by heard this and laughed: “You’re really picky.”

 

Zhou Die gently took the water bottle from his hand, with a slight smile: “Precious.”

 

Before the end of Chinese class, the homeroom teacher mentioned the New Year’s event.

 

“This year, New Year’s Day falls on a Saturday, which means we have the New Year’s Eve party on Friday night.” She handed the schedule to the class monitor, “Discuss what programs to prepare and start rehearsing this month.”

 

The class visibly became excited.

 

On the day of the New Year’s Eve party, there would be no classes in the afternoon, and the evening party would be held on the sports field, essentially a break from evening study.

 

“Hey, are we going to the rooftop again this year?” As soon as the class ended, Xu Zhan eagerly turned around.

 

Yang You, with sharp ears, immediately ran over: “Really? Then I’ll start preparing cards!”

 

Jiang Yunbian wasn’t particularly interested, but remembered something and turned back: “Do you want to join us that day?”

 

“What?” Zhou Die looked up from his notes.

 

“The cultural evening usually has the senior grades perform first, and then there’s about two hours of free time after it ends.” Jiang Yunbian patiently explained, “They plan to go to the art building’s rooftop to play cards.”

 

Yang You added: “Every school’s art building has its own ghost stories, like a rooftop that has twelve steps during the day but thirteen at night, or Beethoven’s eyes moving in the music room…”

 

Jiang Yunbian snorted: “Last year, some people went ghost hunting and ended up catching a big rat in the music room.”

 

Gao Zining recalled and shivered: “Damn, that rat was as big as my forearm. I thought it was going to turn into a spirit.”

 

Hearing that it wasn’t a good place, Zhou Die looked back at Jiang Yunbian: “Are you still going?”

 

“Teenagers are like that,” Jiang Yunbian said, patting Gao Zining on the head, “They always feel unique by doing things differently.”

 

Gao Zining: “Why does your gaze carry paternal affection?”

 

After setting the destination, Xu Zhan wanted to check if the key still worked during evening study.

 

Last year, they secretly made a copy of the rooftop gate key for night exploration, but he didn’t know if the lock had been changed this year.

 

Xu Zhan wrote a note and threw it onto Gao Zining’s desk. Gao Zining scribbled on it and threw it back to Yang You, who wasn’t happy and threw it back.

 

It was like fighting a war.

 

Until the note landed on Jiang Yunbian’s desk, and he clicked his tongue.

 

Immediately, the eyes of students staying for evening study turned toward Jiang Yunbian.

 

Jiang Yunbian walked to the trash can, threw the note away, then returned to Xu Zhan and extended his hand: “Give me the key.”

 

Xu Zhan hissed: “Kid, tonight is the grade director’s patrol. You’re quite brave.”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “I think it’s you who wants to clarify things tonight.”

 

Xu Zhan quickly handed him the key: “Good luck, love you.”

 

Jiang Yunbian walked over to Zhou Die, gently adjusting the curtain to look at the office of the grade director.

 

The light was on, so the director should still be patrolling.

 

Jiang Yunbian turned back, and Zhou Die was watching him.

 

He paused for a moment, then suddenly said: “Come with me?”

 

Zhou Die didn’t mind: “Okay.”

 

As soon as they left the classroom, Jiang Yunbian headed towards the convenience store.

 

Zhou Die looked at his back, the night breeze was cool.

 

Jiang Yunbian turned back: “Aren’t you going to ask why I’m going to the convenience store?”

 

Zhou Die: “I’m not planning to help them unlock anything.”

 

Jiang Yunbian chuckled and stretched: “I couldn’t stand being in the classroom; it was too noisy.”

 

In his first and second year of high school, he mostly avoided evening study, either working part-time or sleeping in the dormitory, only coming out when bored.

 

“It’s quite quiet now. After evening study ends, many people hold hands and walk on the field.”

 

The grade director always catches students in the bushes.

 

Zhou Die looked at the crescent moon over the cafeteria and responded: “What about you?”

 

A breeze brushed over Jiang Yunbian’s hair by the riverbank, and under the light, he exuded a youthful exuberance.

 

“I’m quite capable; the director has never caught me before.”

 

“Jiang Yunbian.” The voice of the head teacher suddenly came from behind.

 

Jiang Yunbian froze for a moment, then turned to see the director walking out from the nearby forest, looking stern. “It’s not after self-study yet. What are you doing?”

 

The head teacher then turned to follow his gaze. “And Zhou Die?”

 

Jiang Yunbian had never expected that right after boasting, he would be dragged to the office by the director.

 

Previously, Jiang Yunbian was the top student in the grade, and the director could only turn a blind eye. Now that Zhou Die was around, the director finally had a chance to say to Jiang Yunbian: “You should learn from Zhou Die.”

 

Jiang Yunbian nodded seriously while counting the spines on the cactus on the director’s desk.

 

“Look at you, still slacking off in your senior year. What you should learn is Zhou Die’s attitude…”

 

Zhou Die slightly raised his gaze and gently interrupted the director, “Director, it has nothing to do with Jiang. I wanted to go to the convenience store.”

 

The director and Jiang Yunbian both looked up.

 

“You want to go to the convenience store?” The director was surprised. “And you want Jiang Yunbian to take you?”

 

Jiang Yunbian met Zhou Die’s gaze and raised an eyebrow slightly.

 

The latter lifted his chin, “Yes, he wouldn’t dare refuse.”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “…”

 

This way of shifting the blame was somewhat exaggerated.

 

The director knew that the young masters from wealthy families were difficult to handle, but he didn’t expect that right after the start of school, Jiang Yunbian would threaten Zhou Die in front of him, and now it seemed like karma had come around.

 

Jiang Yunbian, who had been portrayed as a neglected and bullied model student, was let off by the director, while Zhou Die stayed in the office for a discussion.

 

After leaving, Jiang Yunbian still went to the convenience store, then headed to the music room to make sure the key worked before sitting on the stairs waiting.

 

Zhou Die said he would come over.

 

As footsteps approached, Jiang Yunbian leaned on the stair railing. “Why are you taking the blame for me?”

 

Zhou Die’s gaze wandered casually before finally settling on Jiang Yunbian. “After all, the law doesn’t penalize the top students?”

 

Jiang Yunbian snorted dismissively and handed him a bag of candy. “Here, a token of thanks.”

 

Zhou Die glanced at it; it was grape-flavored.

 

“Don’t you know my taste?”

 

“Go buy mint candy yourself.” Jiang Yunbian ignored him.

 

Zhou Die laughed and opened the package.

 

“What did the director say to you?” Jiang Yunbian couldn’t resist asking, as the director’s nagging was infamous for being mentally exhausting.

 

“Nothing much. He just told me to maintain being the top student and not to let it happen again.”

 

“Maybe that won’t be easy,” Jiang Yunbian said with some regret, “after all, you have a strong competitor like me.”

 

Implying that he had a goal for the next monthly exam.

 

Zhou Die raised an eyebrow. “Is that so? Are you very strong?”

 

Not meant to be mocking, but definitely a bit provocative.

 

Jiang Yunbian leaned over the stair railing to make eye contact with him. “How about a bet? If I surpass you, you’ll be my errand boy for a week?”

 

He had already planned how to use Zhou Die.

 

“And if you don’t surpass me?”

 

“I’ll be your errand boy for a day.”

 

A week versus a day; clearly, he was good at business.

 

Zhou Die smiled. “I don’t lack errand boys. Jiang Yunbian, if you lose, I want homemade chocolate for Christmas.”

 

*

 

After agreeing to Zhou Die’s bet, Jiang Yunbian devoted almost all his time to studying.

 

He stayed in the dormitory for self-study, working on problems until one in the morning.

 

The competitiveness of an Alpha is beyond ordinary understanding. While Xu Zhan was exhausted and sleeping on the desk as soon as the class ended, Jiang Yunbian could still squeeze in a few more challenging problems.

 

On the night before the monthly exam, Jiang Yunbian closed his book and lay on the bed, playing with his phone.

 

When Zhou Die returned from self-study, he looked at Jiang Yunbian lounging with his legs dangling off the bed and asked, “Aren’t you studying tonight?”

 

“I can’t focus anymore.” Jiang Yunbian yawned. “I’ve done my best, and I’m ready to have an extra errand boy.”

 

Zhou Die took off his coat. “What a coincidence, I’m also ready to receive chocolate.”

 

With the harsh words said quietly, Jiang Yunbian was fully alert during the next two days of exams. He completed the test, checked, and even re-verified the challenging problems before writing his answers.

 

After the exam, Jiang Yunbian felt a sense of relief for the first time.

 

Perhaps the pressure from previous exams was never as great as this time.

 

He didn’t want to lose to Zhou Die.

 

When he returned to the dorm, his competitor was already packing up.

 

Zhou Die arranged his clothes. “We have a physical check-up scheduled for tomorrow. Do you have any plans for tonight?”

 

“Tomorrow?” Jiang Yunbian realized it was about the withdrawal symptoms he had mentioned before. “No, are you going back to Aunt Wen’s place?”

 

“To the Zhou family. Come with me.”

 

Jiang Yunbian was taken aback, suddenly feeling pressured.

 

Seeing his hesitation, Zhou Die said softly, “No one will make things difficult for you. It’s just that the check-up is scheduled for the morning, so it might be a bit rushed if you leave from school.”

 

Jiang Yunbian wanted to say that it didn’t matter if it was rushed.

 

“Or are you scared?”

 

“….” Jiang Yunbian pressed his tongue against the roof of his mouth. “What am I scared of?”

 

He then packed two sets of clothes into his backpack and slung it over his shoulder. “Let’s go.”

 

When they arrived at the Zhou family’s house, dinner was already prepared, and Mr. Zhou was waiting for the two children in the living room.

 

When the door opened, he stood up with his cane but showed no particular expression upon seeing them, only saying, “Let’s eat.”

 

Jiang Yunbian instinctively felt that the old man was somewhat difficult to approach but still politely greeted, “Good evening, Grandpa.”

 

Mr. Zhou seemed a bit caught off guard and looked at Jiang Yunbian.

 

Jiang Yunbian sensed the old man’s surprise but didn’t perceive any malice.

 

Mr. Zhou, knowing he had little interaction with his grandchildren, called Xu Zhaoru over as well.

 

As Jiang Yunbian arrived at the dining table, Xu Zhaoru greeted him with a small spoon.

 

“It’s great you’re here. I was really starving.” Xu Zhaoru whispered to Jiang Yunbian as they sat down.

 

Mr. Zhou coughed and said, “Auntie still has work to do, so she won’t be joining us for dinner. Let’s start eating.”

 

Dining at someone else’s house requires adhering to etiquette, so Jiang Yunbian ate very restrainedly, without any unnecessary movements after finishing.

 

When he put down his chopsticks, Zhou Die had also just finished. “I’m full. I’ll take my classmate upstairs.”

 

He gave Jiang Yunbian a look, and Jiang Yunbian politely said, “Then Grandpa, I’ll head upstairs.”

 

With a small portion of food remaining, Xu Zhaoru suddenly picked up her chopsticks and exclaimed, “Wait for me.”

 

But neither of the two heard the sound of her chopsticks hitting the bowl, and they left without looking back.

 

Xu Zhaoru wanted to cry.

 

“Zhaoru,” Mr. Zhou called her name softly, “Don’t hurry, take your time.”

 

Xu Zhaoru: No, I’m in a hurry.

 

“What kind of student is that Alpha in your school?”

 

Xu Zhaoru put down her chopsticks. “Jiang Ge… Jiang Yunbian is quite good. He’s excellent in academics, has good physical fitness, is popular, and the teachers like him.”

 

Mr. Zhou nodded, without making any judgment. “And Zhou Die?”

 

“Zhou Die?” Xu Zhaoru thought for a moment. “He’s quite good too, good grades, good physical fitness…”

 

“I mean, how does Zhou Die view him?” Mr. Zhou stared at the stairs. “That kid never opens up to us, and I never know his thoughts.”

 

As a former daughter-in-law candidate, Xu Zhaoru knew a bit about the Zhou family’s matters.

 

Zhou Die’s father seemed to have passed away quite early, and there was no marriage certificate with Aunt Wen, let alone meeting Zhou Die.

 

“He should like him,” Xu Zhaoru said with a smile. “Whenever he’s around Jiang Yunbian, he seems much more relaxed compared to when he’s with me.”

 

Mr. Zhou thought for a moment and then asked, “If that’s the case, would it be appropriate for me to go to Jiang’s house to discuss a marriage arrangement?”

 

Xu Zhaoru: “… Um?”