The Marked Alpha Is Extremely Hard to Coax - Chapter 35

Jiang Yunbian brought a change of clothes himself. After washing up, he lay on the bed scrolling through his phone and discovered that his class was actually holding a vote.

 

They were debating whether the New Year’s Eve party should feature a class poetry recital, a stage play, or a solo performance.

 

[Xu Zhan: The stage play seems like it requires a lot of preparation. Choosing a script now seems a bit rushed.]

 

[Class Monitor Lian Shanyu: Indeed, it also needs to be submitted for preliminary review. Let’s consider the poetry recital and solo performances instead.]

 

[Gao Zining: Solo performance! Last year Jiang Ge was supposed to sing, but it was suddenly changed to a class choir. I was so disappointed!]

 

[Study Committee Member Han Jingqiao: Really? Is it possible? Can the students fulfill their dream of seeing Jiang Ge’s solo performance?]

 

[He Ru: @Yun]

 

He Ru started the trend, and soon more than forty people tagged Jiang Yunbian’s name.

 

Looking at the continuous message notifications on his phone, Jiang Yunbian thought about sending an emoji to brush it off, but instead, he opened the cat meme that Zhou Die had previously sent him.

 

He sent it with a tap of his finger.

 

[Xu Zhan: Wow, you’re becoming quite the little girl.]

 

[Class Monitor Lian Shanyu: Cats don’t suit you, school bully. Use this instead.]

 

[Class Monitor Lian Shanyu: Muscular bully dog.jpg]

 

[Yun: ?]

 

Xu Zhan sent him a private message, relaying the study committee’s pleas to Jiang Yunbian.

 

[Xu Zhan: She’s been hoping you’d go on stage for a long time. Do you have any intention of showing off your singing skills?]

 

Jiang Yunbian replied with just two words: “Sleepy.”

 

There was no reply from Xu Zhan. After a few minutes of silence, Jiang Yunbian heard a knock on the door.

 

The door to Zhou’s house looked expensive and sounded pleasant when knocked on. Jiang Yunbian straightened up and watched Zhou Die enter after getting permission.

 

“The New Year’s Eve party, they said you’re going on stage, and they asked if I play any instruments.”

 

Jiang Yunbian lazily replied, “You’ve been tricked.”

 

If it weren’t for the coincidence of him and Zhou Die being in the same house tonight, he might have been tricked into performing on stage.

 

Zhou Die stood at the door, watching Jiang Yunbian prop himself up on his hands and tilt his head slightly, his slightly long, tousled hair swaying gently, making one want to ruffle it.

 

“I can play the piano.”

 

“Oh, then you’re truly the perfect school idol,” Jiang Yunbian chuckled, “Good grades, handsome, wealthy family, and multi-talented.”

 

Xu Zhaoru came in with a board game and heard their conversation at the door. She added, “I heard Grandpa say you were forced to learn the piano and guitar?”

 

Zhou Die noticed Jiang Yunbian raise an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the show.

 

He looked down, “I had more time back then.”

 

With few friends and not much time spent on studying, the rest went into developing hobbies.

 

Jiang Yunbian felt like he might have touched on something he shouldn’t have and turned to Xu Zhaoru, asking, “Are many people signing up to sing this year?”

 

“There are twenty classes, and it seems like two have signed up, one for a choir and one for a solo performance,” Xu Zhaoru, as the student council president, was quite familiar with school event arrangements. “Jiang Ge, I heard you were supposed to sing last year. Are you planning to make up for it this year?”

 

Jiang Yunbian found it somewhat amusing, “Is not singing considered a regret?”

 

Xu Zhaoru’s look clearly said it was indeed a regret.

 

“Why don’t you fulfill my regret? I really want to hear you sing,” Xu Zhaoru recalled missing a chance to hear him sing when they first met. “Especially after learning you’re the band’s lead singer, I’m even more eager.”

 

Singing wasn’t something to be hidden. Jiang Yunbian lazily said, “Alright, then you pick a song.”

 

Xu Zhaoru chose a song, and Zhou Die watched as Jiang Yunbian leaned forward to look at the song title, then awkwardly said, “I’m not very familiar with this. Do you have the lyrics?”

 

Xu Zhaoru found the lyrics and adjusted the accompaniment. Although Jiang Yunbian was initially offbeat, once he got into rhythm, his vocal advantages were fully displayed.

 

The song was a love ballad with a bit of a lament for a breakup. Jiang Yunbian’s clear diction and the melody of each word felt like painting musical notes, with a refreshing, minty sweetness similar to his pheromones.

 

It was like a lover’s whisper, all the reluctance and affection crystallizing into emotions falling upon his ear.

 

It was similar to before but not quite the same.

 

Before, it was something unattainable, only to be analyzed from brief audio snippets and supplemented with imagination.

 

Now, it was right before him, all the mystery like misted gauze fitting his original outline, revealing the features Zhou Die had been searching for.

 

Now, Jiang Yunbian was like a sweet surprise revealed after layers of colored candy wrappers.

 

From fifteen to seventeen, he had always been Zhou Die’s guiding star in the quiet night.

 

“Beautiful!” Xu Zhaoru was stunned. She knew Jiang Yunbian’s voice was good, but hearing it in person was still shocking. “Your voice… I’d trade a year of desserts for it.”

 

Jiang Yunbian replied, “It might need an additional year without spicy or fried food.”

 

Xu Zhaoru: “That’s not acceptable.”

 

“You’re just like my sister,” Jiang Yunbian was amused.

 

“Is your sister also a siren?”

 

“She’s a trumpet siren.”

 

Xu Zhaoru clicked her tongue, “Heartless brother.”

 

They spread out a game of Flight Chess on the floor. As Jiang Yunbian picked a color, Zhou Die stood up from the chair.

 

“I’m going out for a bit. You guys play first.”

 

Xu Zhaoru watched Zhou Die leave the room and leaned closer to Jiang Yunbian, whispering like sharing a secret, “Jiang Ge, if you feel wronged in the future, don’t hold it in.”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “?”

 

Xu Zhaoru made a fist, looking serious, “Reject forced affection, starting with you and me.”

 

“…?” Jiang Yunbian thought Xu Zhaoru’s thought process was as distant as his sister’s.

 

“You’ll understand my heartfelt words in the future,” Xu Zhaoru shook the dice in her hand, “Now, let’s battle.”

 

Jiang Yunbian was intrigued, though the well-meaning reminder sounded quite arrogant, “I’m pretty lucky at these small games.”

 

He hadn’t even rolled a six yet, and Jiang Yunbian already had three planes home.

 

“Not bad, you managed to make me really frustrated,” Xu Zhaoru stopped herself from cursing, touching her nose.

 

Jiang Yunbian placed the dice in front of her, “Throw as you like. I’ll count until I come back.”

 

Saying that, he walked out gracefully, leaving Xu Zhaoru to struggle with the dice.

 

Jiang Yunbian stepped outside and found Zhou’s house was indeed huge. He scanned around before spotting Zhou Die at the window ledge on the second floor.

 

Silver moonlight spilled over his hair, like a spoonful of syrup from the edge of the sky, casting a faint light around him. The smoke from his cigarette blurred his outline, creating a surreal feeling.

 

The minty smell of the smoke made Jiang Yunbian’s neck itch slightly.

 

“You smoke?” he asked, surprised.

 

Zhou Die looked back, lightly shaking the ash into the ashtray, “Do you want some?”

 

Jiang Yunbian raised his hand in a cross gesture, “I’ve quit.”

 

“It’s not that I don’t smoke; I’ve quit.”

 

Noticing the curiosity in Zhou Die’s gaze, Jiang Yunbian licked his lips, feeling a bit embarrassed: “I used to smoke when I was in the band. My sister didn’t like it, so I stopped. I wasn’t very addicted anyway.”

 

However, Zhou Die hadn’t smoked much in front of him, so it probably wasn’t something he couldn’t live without?

 

Zhou Die squinted slightly and casually asked, “Aren’t you going to continue playing the game?”

 

“Beating newbies feels awkward.” Jiang Yunbian looked at the moonlight outside and joked, “How about moon gazing?”

 

Zhou Die extinguished the cigarette with a slight movement of his eyes, and the last puff of smoke was carried away by the wind outside.

 

He handed his phone to Jiang Yunbian, showing a grade report.

 

It was the class monitor’s report, which, although not yet compiled into a final ranking, already showed their scores.

 

“Wow, the grading is fast.” Jiang Yunbian reviewed each item and saw that he was still three points behind Zhou Die in the final total.

 

Just three points.

 

He was still second in the grade, while Zhou Die was first.

 

Having lost again, he handed back the phone, his expression unchanged, as if he was about to sulk.

 

Zhou Die gently held Jiang Yunbian’s right hand, his index finger resting on his wrist bone, noticing that the Alpha’s wrist was slightly thinner than his own.

 

Jiang Yunbian did not turn around: “I’m so embarrassed right now that if you keep talking to me, it’ll feel like humiliation.”

 

Zhou Die licked his lips, and the faint burnt minty smell of the smoke, similar to Jiang Yunbian’s pheromones, created a certain illusion.

 

As if Zhou Die had bitten him.

 

“How about this: I’ll be your errand boy for a week if you give me some chocolate?”

 

This person really loves chocolate, doesn’t he?

 

Jiang Yunbian waved his hand dismissively, appearing heartless and unyielding: “No, I’m going to renege. If it’s not there, it’s not there.”

 

Zhou Die didn’t bring it up again. When they returned, Xu Zhaoru had just moved one plane and was shaking the dice furiously.

 

Jiang Yunbian watched her perform a series of ritualistic gestures before clasping her hands together and blowing on them with great sincerity. The dice rolled onto the carpet and landed on a 1.

 

Then the usually gentle and sweet school beauty roared, “Ah! Damn it!”

 

*

 

Before the check-up the next day, Mr. Zhou instructed the doctors to take care of the two kids. The subsequent medical exams went smoothly, and after a blood test and several psychological evaluations, the two returned to school.

 

The report would be out in a couple of days. Jiang Yunbian’s pheromone percentage in his blood was below the reference range, and further observation was needed to determine the next steps for detoxification.

 

This data occasionally fluctuates in ordinary people without much impact, but it’s more crucial for detoxification.

 

Jiang Yunbian planned to adjust his condition after the holidays, but Zhou Die began monitoring his diet.

 

No greasy or spicy food, no staying up late, more exercise—he was even taken to run laps, something he usually avoided.

 

“You’re being overly diligent,” Jiang Yunbian complained on the playground, shielding his eyes from the sun. “It’s not like the drop is significant. No need to be so nervous.”

 

“Get some sun and replenish your calcium.”

 

Xu Zhan and Gao Zining nearby were left speechless.

 

Zhou Die was the first to call Jiang Yunbian out for running laps for such a reason.

 

“I’m 1.81 meters tall. I’m not short,” Jiang Yunbian said irritably, turning his back as if he didn’t want to bask in the sun.

 

Zhou Die smiled slightly and stepped forward to block the sunlight.

 

When the mid-term exam results were announced, the senior year had a grade meeting. Zhou Die and Jiang Yunbian, being the top two in the grade, were to give speeches on stage.

 

While waiting offstage, the grade supervisor walked up to Jiang Yunbian with a smile: “Jiang Yunbian, I told you this speech should be no less than a hundred words, right?”

 

Jiang Yunbian froze for a moment, remembering being reminded by the supervisor when he submitted his homework two days ago.

 

He had completely forgotten.

 

“Off-script? Impressive, worth appreciating,” the grade supervisor patted his shoulder. “Don’t let me down.”

 

After the supervisor left, Zhou Die saw Jiang Yunbian’s troubled expression and chuckled, pulling a small piece of paper from his pocket.

 

“A quick note I wrote, use it.”

 

Jiang Yunbian opened it to find a brief speech, only five or six lines long.

 

Elegant and beautiful, just like Zhou Die himself.

 

“Exactly one hundred words, written with that in mind,” Zhou Die added.

 

Jiang Yunbian snapped back to reality: “What about you?”

 

“I have a script.”

 

Jiang Yunbian coughed lightly, and before going on stage, he quietly said, “Thanks.”

 

On stage, he unfolded the note, glanced at the students below, and read Zhou Die’s speech word for word: “Not insignificant, it creates a guiding light. In the study of the senior year…”

 

Xu Zhan, watching from the audience, furrowed his brows: “When did he write this speech? I didn’t know about it.”

 

Gao Zining: “To be honest, I just saw it. This note was given by Zhou Die.”

 

“What the hell? The top student is providing ghostwriting services to the second? Is this the school bully’s coercion, or is it…”

 

Yang You added four words: “Deep affection.”

 

The speaker was casual, but Xu Zhan suddenly shivered, then looked thoughtfully at the two on stage.

 

When Jiang Yunbian came off stage, he felt dry-throated. Reading just a hundred words was more exhausting than singing for a whole night.

 

Formal speeches were indeed not his forte.

 

As Zhou Die brushed past him, Jiang Yunbian heard his voice.

 

“Studying is important, but students should balance their time…” This speech was quite different from the meticulously written one, flowing freely and even mentioning the upcoming New Year’s Eve party.

 

If this were a speech competition, Zhou Die would be constantly veering off topic.

 

Just as Jiang Yunbian stood, he looked back at the stage and noticed Zhou Die’s gaze landing on him.

 

Then, under the setting sun, the top student softly added, “Christmas is coming soon. I hope every student gets some chocolate.”

 

The audience was silent for a few seconds before erupting.

 

“What did Zhou Die just say?”

 

“No way, is that a hint? I’m really shocked. He’s more frivolous than I imagined?”

 

“Although you’re right, I still think he’s very handsome…”

 

“Chocolate? What kind of chocolate? Be specific, and I’ll buy it for you!”

 

At first, Jiang Yunbian thought Zhou Die was lowering himself, but then he realized Zhou Die was deliberately provoking him.

 

On the surface, he pretended to be indifferent, as if he had forgotten, but in reality, he cared more than anyone else.

 

Damn, he was just talking about not giving it.

 

On the way back to the classroom after the meeting, many people surrounded Zhou Die, asking him what the chocolate on the stage was about.

 

Zhou Die replied uniformly that it was meant literally.

 

“Who receives chocolate at Christmas? Isn’t it usually on Valentine’s Day? That’s not really a blessing!” Gao Zining complained.

 

Zhou Die glanced at Jiang Yunbian, who was watching him from his seat. The school bully was probably preparing to settle the score.

 

With no visible emotion, Zhou Die responded to Gao Zining, “I might not receive any on Valentine’s Day.”

 

Gao Zining fell silent.

 

Gao Zining felt a bit humiliated.

 

Sitting down amidst the disapproving glances from the front row, Zhou Die looked curious, “What’s the matter?”

 

“Stop pretending,” Jiang Yunbian placed his hands on Zhou Die’s desk, showing no politeness, “You really need chocolate?”

 

“Yes, I really need chocolate.”

 

Jiang Yunbian muttered a curse under his breath and turned to get ready for class.

 

In the world of Jiang Yunbian, fairness and accepting the outcome were important. He pulled out his phone and texted his sister, asking if she could make chocolate.

 

After getting an affirmative reply, Jiang Yunbian agreed to go home this weekend and asked her to prepare the materials for making chocolate.

 

Jiang Yunbian sent multiple excited emojis in response.

 

The December wind was cold. With not many coats, Jiang Yunbian snuggled in bed after washing up. Xu Zhan teased him several times about going into hibernation.

 

While chatting with his sister under the covers, Zhou Die called his name.

 

Jiang Yunbian lifted the blanket, revealing his slightly disheveled hair: “What’s up?”

 

He was only wearing a short-sleeved shirt inside. As he lay down, the collar hung low, and Zhou Die’s gaze fell into his collarbone.

 

After casually looking away, Zhou Die asked, “Are you free this weekend?”

 

“Going home.” Jiang Yunbian’s phone vibrated a couple more times with messages from his sister sending pictures of chocolate molds.

 

“Going home to make chocolate?”

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t look up but heard the laughter in Zhou Die’s voice, which made his ears itch for some reason.

 

He mumbled a response and heard the door lock as Zhou Die left.

 

[Jiang Yunyi: Did you pick them out? I bought them all.]

 

[Jiang Yunbian: ……]

 

Pushing his luck.

 

While Jiang Yunbian was still browsing through the molds she bought, he received a message from Zhou Miaomiao.

 

[Zhou Miaomiao: Is the dorm convenient?]

 

Jiang Yunbian asked what was wrong.

 

[Zhou Miaomiao: It’s the Winter Solstice today.]

 

[Zhou Miaomiao: They want to eat tangyuan. Can you lend us a pot?]

 

[Cloud: I’ll bring the pot to 705. Don’t come to our dorm.]

 

When the Alphas started causing a ruckus, their pheromones were all over the place.

 

Jiang Yunbian got out of bed, dressed, cleaned the pot, and took it to 705. Zhou Die was waiting for him in the hallway.

 

Xu Zhan was very grateful and started cooking the tangyuan.

 

Gao Zining followed behind, looking displeased: “We eat dumplings for the Winter Solstice.”

 

“Those who want dumplings can turn right. Those who want tangyuan can stay,” Jiang Yunbian said nonchalantly, glancing at the door, and added lazily to Zhou Die, “Those who want chocolate can go to heaven.”

 

Xu Zhan and Yang You burst into laughter.

 

When Zheng Xinglin came out of the bathroom, the tangyuan was ready. He looked at the pot and walked over to Jiang Yunbian’s side: “Did they bother you again?”

 

Such small matters were hardly a bother. Jiang Yunbian shook his head: “No, have some yourself.”

 

Zheng Xinglin wanted to speak but noticed Zhou Die’s presence.

 

Their eyes met, and Zheng Xinglin instinctively flinched. Zhou Die’s expression was flat, seemingly just a casual glance, but it made him uneasy.

 

Zheng Xinglin looked away.

 

Jiang Yunbian actually didn’t like tangyuan much. He was just joining in the fun, and after eating two, he found them too sweet and was looking for a place to put the paper cups they bought.

 

Zhou Die came over, gently tapped the bottom of the cup, and took it from his hands.

 

Jiang Yunbian was momentarily stunned, then saw Zhou Die place the cup on the edge of the table: “We’ve finished eating. We’re heading back now.”

 

Xu Zhan was still grabbing the last tangyuan from Yang You. He said, “Oh, go back then. I’ll wash the pot and return it to you later.”

 

As Zhou Die and Jiang Yunbian left, Zheng Xinglin followed them out.

 

Noticing his actions, Jiang Yunbian turned around: “What’s wrong?”

 

Zheng Xinglin, still holding the cup, paused and smiled: “Nothing, just airing out. Checking if the dorm supervisor is coming.”

 

Jiang Yunbian said, “Oh,” and continued back to the dorm with Zhou Die.

 

Zheng Xinglin’s expression clearly indicated he had something to say. Jiang Yunbian was a bit puzzled, his gaze aimlessly sweeping across the seventh floor.

 

“Do you think,” Zhou Die’s voice suddenly came close, “that Zheng Xinglin is acting a bit strange?”

 

What Jiang Yunbian was thinking matched with Zhou Die’s observation, and he turned back quickly, whispering, “You think so too?”

 

Zhou Die raised an eyebrow, his gaze deepening: “Have you noticed?”

 

“Just now,” Jiang Yunbian said, resting his hand on his chin and lightly stroking it as he thought seriously, “It feels like he might be, following… us?”

 

But Jiang Yunbian couldn’t find a reason; he and Zheng Xinglin had no previous issues.

 

“Could it be because he brought me breakfast before…?”

 

Zhou Die listened to his nonsensical analysis with a somewhat indifferent look in the dimming twilight.

 

He showed little emotion: “Perhaps, it’s my issue.”

 

Jiang Yunbian asked why Zhou Die always took the blame on himself.

 

“Not at all,” Zhou Die said as he opened the dorm door and entered before Jiang Yunbian could, “If I’m not mistaken, I might like the same person as him.”

 

*

 

The sudden confession from Zhou Die shocked Jiang Yunbian all night.

 

By the next morning, Jiang Yunbian regained his composure and turned to Zhou Die with a mysterious air: “I thought about it last night. The only Omega or girl you frequently interact with seems to be Xu Zhaoruo?”

 

Xu Zhaoruo is the school flower, and it would be normal for Zheng Xinglin to like her. Plus, it was rumored that she had something with Zhou Die.

 

This seemed like the most reasonable answer.

 

Zhou Die was focused on solving a chemistry problem and appeared much calmer than the curious Jiang Yunbian.

 

“No.”

 

“How could it not be?” Jiang Yunbian felt Zhou Die was dismissing him. “Or are you shy and don’t want to admit it?”

 

Zhou Die calculated an answer and switched to a new problem: “Hmm, very shy.”

 

Nonsense.

 

Jiang Yunbian wanted to tear up his test paper to make Zhou Die speak properly: “I’m trying to help you. Don’t you realize? You have a rival.”

 

Zhou Die, seemingly uninterested, asked, “Who?”

 

“Zheng Xinglin, of course. Didn’t you say last night that you both like the same person?”

 

Zhou Die’s pencil paused, his index finger tapped the pencil shaft, and after a circle on his knuckles, he put the pencil down and looked at Jiang Yunbian lazily: “So, help me analyze my chances of winning.”

 

Seeing that Zhou Die finally took it seriously, Jiang Yunbian said, “Tell me about the person you both like. I’ll help you analyze.”

 

“He,” Zhou Die glanced at Jiang Yunbian and then out the window, “is an idiot.”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “…?”

 

Zhou Die had nothing more to reveal. During class, Jiang Yunbian asked Xu Zhan if Zheng Xinglin had recently been close to any girls or Omegas.

 

Xu Zhan looked suspicious: “Not really. That guy spends his free time playing games with me. When he’s not gaming, he’s reading. He hardly touches his phone, so he probably doesn’t have anyone he likes.”

 

Jiang Yunbian confirmed several times and realized he might have been fooled by Zhou Die.

 

After class, Zhou Die asked if Jiang Yunbian wanted to go for a meal. Jiang Yunbian sneered, “No, you have someone you like. I can’t stop you from pursuing love.”

 

Zhou Die found his expression amusing.

 

Jiang Yunbian grabbed his coat, smiling on the surface: “Good luck. If you succeed, remember to treat me to some candy.”

 

Xu Zhan, who had witnessed the entire exchange, wanted to comment on Jiang Yunbian’s sudden shift in attitude but heard Zhou Die laugh quietly.

 

“…So what’s going on between you two?” Xu Zhan, though confused, instinctively started stirring the pot: “I’ll tell you, Jiang Yunbian can’t be spoiled. He has this way of pushing boundaries. Come on, let’s not take this nonsense.”

 

Zhou Die lazily picked up his coat and followed Jiang Yunbian.

 

“Get used to it,” he said drowsily, with a hint of unnoticeable affection, “If spoiled, he won’t run off with someone else.”