The Marked Alpha Is Extremely Hard to Coax - Chapter 41

Jiang Yunbian and Zhou Die sat at the table, and Jiang Yunbian felt an intense sense of being caught in the act in front of Xu Zhan, even though nothing had happened.

 

Xu Zhan, on the other side of the table, looked pained as if he were a parent dealing with a difficult situation for the first time.

 

Especially since the real troublemaker, Zhou Die, was lounging back in his chair, looking sleepy and lazy, completely unaware of the situation.

 

“I had a vague feeling there was something off between you two…” Xu Zhan crossed his hands in front of his lips, his expression severe. “But I thought it was just some issues, not that you two would actually get involved with each other!”

 

Jiang Yunbian felt as if Xu Zhan was about to leap up and shout “You dare!” at him.

 

“No, it’s not that problem,” Jiang Yunbian said, his head aching more than it had from a hangover the night before. He paused and then reacted, “What do you mean, you had a vague feeling we had a problem?”

 

He glanced back at the big cat who was trying to snuggle closer, then focused on Xu Zhan.

 

Xu Zhan thought he was still trying to make excuses and huffed, “You two go out to eat first. I’ll block the sun for you during your run and write your speech. Jiang Yunbian, Zhou Die, all your sins… No, all your ironclad offenses, didn’t you two already have something going on from the start?”

 

When these issues were mentioned, Jiang Yunbian could only recall vague snippets. He looked back at Zhou Die with a questioning expression, trying to verify what had happened.

 

Isn’t this normal behavior between good friends?

 

Zhou Die raised his eyes with a look of honest confession. “He’s right.”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “…Are you two performing a comedy skit?”

 

The dormitory door was tightly closed, and Xu Zhan, who had stayed long enough, finally caught the faint, lingering mint scent mixed with cedar.

 

He was no longer in the mood for jokes. “Jiang Yunbian, are you… in your sensitive period?”

 

During an Alpha’s sensitive period, they emit pheromones that irritate others of the same kind. Xu Zhan, too, felt agitated.

 

Encountering a sensitive Alpha, other Alphas generally choose to avoid them and not stimulate them with their own pheromones.

 

But what is with this cedar scent?

 

“Xu Zhan.” Jiang Yunbian realized he couldn’t keep it a secret anymore and sighed. “I need to tell you something. Don’t panic.”

 

Xu Zhan: “I’m already starting to panic.”

 

“It’s about me and…”

 

“I’m an Enigma.” Zhou Die interrupted Jiang Yunbian’s awkward explanation and said softly, “I’ve affected him. His sensitive period requires my pheromones.”

 

Zhou Die didn’t embellish or distort the facts.

 

Jiang Yunbian lowered his eyes, sitting next to Zhou Die like a child waiting for parental reprimand.

 

Xu Zhan: “…”

 

Xu Zhan pinched his own face, with all the physiological knowledge about Enigmas flooding his mind. He turned to Jiang Yunbian. “So, you’ve been marked by him?”

 

Jiang Yunbian cleared his throat. “Just twice, temporary marks.”

 

Xu Zhan took a deep breath, feeling a dizziness as if his brain was hitting the wall.

 

After a series of rational and emotional struggles, the last thing left in his mind was: Congratulations to the newlyweds.

 

“When did this start?” he asked, feeling somewhat detached from reality.

 

How to accept the fact that a good friend has been taken away by another good friend who was just a reserve?

 

“Second week of the semester,” Jiang Yunbian admitted.

 

The physiological changes did indeed start then.

 

Xu Zhan was shocked. “That early? Weren’t you two still at odds back then?”

 

Is this the so-called surface disagreement but behind-the-scenes lip service…

 

Zhou Die noticed Xu Zhan’s trembling pupils and could hardly hide his smile.

 

The two were clearly on completely different wavelengths.

 

Before he could even overturn the situation, Jiang Yunbian had already muddled the truth.

 

“It was a misunderstanding back then,” Jiang Yunbian ruffled his hair, not knowing where to start. “It’s my fault anyway.”

 

Xu Zhan covered his lips, his voice trembling. “You were the one who made the first move?”

 

Zhou Die felt a kind of sorrowful discovery, like a father unexpectedly finding his daughter had run off and was now adamant about staying with someone forever.

 

“I have a high degree of pheromone compatibility with Jiang Yunbian, so I changed him. Follow-up withdrawal treatment has been arranged. He’s still an Alpha and won’t become my…” Zhou Die paused, hiding a slight regret, “exclusive Omega.”

 

Jiang Yunbian quickly nodded. “I’m still an Alpha. You understand what I mean?”

 

Xu Zhan: “Do I understand? Does it change anything?”

 

Jiang Yunbian was stunned.

 

Zhou Die straightened up, his previously relaxed attitude now serious. He looked at Xu Zhan. “I genuinely like Jiang Yunbian.”

 

Xu Zhan, Jiang Yunbian: “…”

 

Why does this person still sound like he’s asking for the hand of your daughter?

 

“Ugh, can you stop saying things that lead to misunderstandings?” Jiang Yunbian pushed Zhou Die. “We’re just…”

 

“Jiang Yunbian,” Xu Zhan interrupted, “Don’t tell me that he blocks the sun for you, plays piano accompaniment for you, marks you temporarily, sleeps in your bed, and covers you with your own blanket, and you’re just friends?”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “…Indeed.”

 

Xu Zhan almost choked on his own words. Is this something a carbon-based life form can say?

 

“Enigma has absolute control over Alphas,” Xu Zhan glanced at Zhou Die and said candidly, “Are you really willing?”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “…Indeed.”

 

Xu Zhan: “Then aren’t you two a couple?”

 

Zhou Die: “Indeed not.”

 

After a pause, he added slowly, “I confessed only yesterday. He hasn’t replied yet.”

 

Xu Zhan: “…”

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t expect Zhou Die to be so bold, even urging him for a response in front of Xu Zhan without changing his expression.

 

“I said I was drunk and not in a good state!” Why is he urging me like an exam proctor calling time?

 

Zhou Die looked innocent. “I’m just answering questions.”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “You think I’m still drunk, don’t you?”

 

Xu Zhan sat in his chair, stunned, watching Jiang Yunbian’s rebuttal, and suddenly understood.

 

If Jiang Yunbian didn’t like him, he would have clearly rejected him in any situation and never wasted someone’s time or feelings.

 

He always thought Jiang Yunbian was decisive and heartless.

 

But now, he’s saying he needs time to think… Could it be that he’s moved but hasn’t realized it, which is why he can’t cut through the confusion as he usually would?

 

Realizing this, Xu Zhan suddenly remembered Zhou Die’s comment that day: “Spoiled, he won’t run off with anyone else.”

 

Jiang Yunbian was indeed spoiled.

 

Xu Zhan couldn’t clearly recall how he left Room 707. When he returned to his dormitory, he felt as if his soul had been drained.

 

Zheng Xinglin saw him dazedly leaning against the door, looking up at the sky, and instinctively felt something was wrong. “Xu Ge? What’s wrong?”

 

Xu Zhan mumbled, turning to look at him. “The world is really strange.”

 

With such a nonsensical response, Zheng Xinglin looked at the tightly closed door of Room 707 and suddenly had a bad premonition.

 

But he only pursed his lips in silence, restraining his gaze.

 

Some things are better left unasked.

 

*

 

After sleeping all day, even in winter, Jiang Yunbian couldn’t stand it. He found some clothes and went to the bathroom to wash up.

 

The warm water completely washed away his fatigue. He tilted his head, feeling the steam rise beside him, and completely emptied his thoughts.

 

When he came out after changing clothes, Zhou Die was not in the dormitory.

 

That was a relief; otherwise, he wouldn’t have known how to face him.

 

While drying his hair, he noticed that quite a few things had fallen under his desk. As he bent down to pick them up, he suddenly pulled out a red blanket.

 

…Zhou Die had wrapped him in this last night and even called him Little Red Riding Hood.

 

Damn, who is Little Red Riding Hood?

 

Jiang Yunbian’s face, which had just regained some warmth, instantly flushed again. He helplessly covered his face and sighed, “This is bad.”

 

He had intended to take some time to respond to Zhou Die, hoping to give him some space so he wouldn’t mistake his pity from last night as affection.

 

But the more time passed, the clearer his mind became, and the more details he recalled.

 

It seemed like he was slowly starting to experience being liked and cared for.

 

This feeling was too new for Jiang Yunbian, and he found himself at a loss, standing there helplessly.

 

Even picking up the blanket was challenging his sense of shame.

 

How could he have been so reckless with someone?

 

Click.

 

The sound of a key turning in the lock made Jiang Yunbian quickly stand up, feeling uncomfortable with the blanket and throwing it back in place.

 

When Zhou Die opened the door, he saw Jiang Yunbian in a state of panic, unsure whether to pick up the blanket or not.

 

Zhou Die placed the dinner he had brought on the table and bent down to pick up the things Jiang Yunbian was avoiding.

 

“I’ll clean this up and return it when I get a chance.”

 

“You…” Jiang Yunbian began to speak but didn’t know what to say, just wanting to find a place to hide.

 

He only remembered fragments, which were already enough to make him feel extremely embarrassed. It was hard to imagine that a clear-headed Zhou Die had witnessed his disgraceful behavior all night.

 

He had never felt so humiliated in his seventeen years.

 

Zhou Die observed his expression and then smiled gently. “I wrapped an Alpha in this blanket and will wash it properly.”

 

With a tone like a ruler rewarding a loyal minister.

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t want to hide anymore; he wanted to bury Zhou Die instead.

 

“Get dressed and eat. You haven’t had anything all day,” Zhou Die said, not teasing him further. He took the blanket to the balcony and put it in a basin to soak.

 

Even the young master, who couldn’t manage to wash his own clothes, actually began washing the blanket.

 

Jiang Yunbian bit his lip, suddenly feeling that he was being too ungrateful.

 

“Zhou Die,” he followed him to the balcony door.

 

Zhou Die rolled up his sleeves and continued to measure the detergent, not looking back. “Put on your coat before you come out, and remember to take your medicine after eating.”

 

“I’m an Alpha,” Jiang Yunbian said.

 

As he filled the basin, Zhou Die methodically added the detergent and began to stir. “I know.”

 

“Alphas aren’t as sweet and gentle as Omegas. The physiological structure is different, and what we can offer…” Jiang Yunbian’s words lacked logic.

 

He had briefly discussed what his future partner would be like with friends.

 

The Alphas he knew said they must find an Omega with compatible pheromones. Among all the mixed opinions, Jiang Yunbian remembered the most “A high-level Alpha without a suitable Omega is truly a waste of genes.”

 

He had never thought he needed to find a specific gender for his future partner. He believed that as long as he liked them, a Beta could also have a good life.

 

But Zhou Die was different.

 

In a wealthy family like the Zhou family, perhaps they needed an Omega like Xu Zhaoruo who was a good match.

 

He certainly wasn’t the most suitable candidate.

 

“I think you might be better suited…”

 

“Jiang Yunbian,” Zhou Die rinsed his soapy hands and spoke with a hint of confusion, “Why are you so old-fashioned?”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “…”

 

He took his time to soak the blanket and then walked over to his spot, grabbing a tissue. “In this regard, even my grandfather is more open-minded than you.”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “.”

 

Jiang Yunbian felt that Zhou Die was being unreasonable. “Do you think this is my problem? You’re a rare Enigma! Do you know how beneficial it would be for you to find a highly compatible partner?”

 

Zhou Die replied calmly, “By your logic, I should choose a partner from a gene pool and not have feelings like ordinary people, right?”

 

“Even if that’s what you think now, but your family…”

 

“Oh,” Zhou Die raised an eyebrow, “Some people are already thinking about my family’s affairs before they even agree to anything with me?”

 

He seemed to ponder seriously, weighing the pros and cons, and said sincerely, “I’m the only heir in the Zhou family. As long as I’m not completely out of my mind, I should be able to inherit the family business, even if things don’t go well. I can still ensure you have a comfortable life.”

 

“If you’re not satisfied, I’ll try harder to make you live better.”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “…Do you always have to speak like this?”

 

“Alright, I won’t,” Zhou Die sat down obediently, watching him. “But Jiang Yunbian, I don’t believe that compatibility determines everything. Or do you want a sweet and gentle Omega and resist an Enigma?”

 

Why does this person always use others’ arguments as weapons against them?

 

Jiang Yunbian was at a loss.

 

“I’ve considered everything you’ve said seriously, but I also sincerely like you,” Zhou Die rested his chin on his hand, looking down. “I wouldn’t make such an important decision hastily.”

 

It should have been gradual, slowly occupying a place in Jiang Yunbian’s heart, gradually eliminating his concerns, and then calmly expressing his feelings.

 

But last night, Zhou Die was so upset that all his plans were disrupted.

 

Seeing his slowly despondent expression, Jiang Yunbian suddenly felt a pang of guilt.

 

“I, I might,” he stood by the door, looking at his feet, his voice lacking confidence for the first time, “I should be… feeling something for you too…”

 

He noticed Zhou Die sitting up straight.

 

But this wasn’t an answer.

 

“Just a little, just a little.” Jiang Yunbian felt like he was being tortured as he spoke.

 

From the depths of his conscience.

 

“I can’t distinguish if my current feelings are due to gratitude for your help last night or if it’s really…” Jiang Yunbian had never encountered such a situation before.

 

He knew there were many reasons for feelings to develop and had heard of relationships that started because of emotions but ended in mutual dislike.

 

He hadn’t noticed Zhou Die’s feelings before and was now caught off guard by a series of direct confrontations, making it impossible not to be confused.

 

But temporary feelings of gratitude would never sustain a relationship.

 

He really needed time.

 

“I understand,” Zhou Die responded softly, “I was too hasty. Sorry.”

 

His politeness made Jiang Yunbian uncomfortable. “No, it’s my hesitation…”

 

Zhou Die smiled lightly and looked at him. “Let’s give ourselves some time.”

 

Jiang Yunbian’s essence was gentle. Beneath his cold and arrogant exterior was a bare, sincere heart.

 

When others showed him even a little kindness, he always wanted to return it twofold.

 

Zhou Die was certain that if he showed a bit more grievance and acted more pitiful, Jiang Yunbian would likely agree to him reluctantly.

 

But this was a form of unconventional binding, stemming from the fictional role he was playing and the highly compatible pheromones between them.

 

He didn’t want Jiang Yunbian to feel compelled to hurt himself.

 

“It’s not the right time to discuss this. We have plenty of time to choose in the future,” Zhou Die said, slightly leaning on his arm with his gaze down, like a kitten waiting for its owner to pet it.

 

“But if there’s anything I can do to earn extra points, could you let me know?”

 

Jiang Yunbian looked at him, his freshly dried, tousled hair feeling good to the touch in the light.

 

“I want to work hard and score high in making you like this subject.”

 

*

 

Jiang Yunbian carefully classified his feelings and realized they were complex regarding Zhou Die.

 

There was gratitude, affection between friends, genuine admiration, and even a trace of inexplicable excitement.

 

He wanted to understand the source of these feelings, but being in the same dorm with Zhou Die, and being well cared for by the cedar-scented pheromones, Jiang Yunbian thought seriously for five minutes after turning off the lights and then fell asleep until morning.

 

The next morning, the guilt was heavier.

 

When Jiang Yunbian returned to the classroom, he felt uneasy about looking at Zhou Die’s face.

 

After the morning study session, he mustered up the courage to speak to the person sitting behind him when the class monitor, who had returned after submitting homework, tapped on his desk.

 

“Yunbian, the head teacher wants you to go to the office.”

 

Jiang Yunbian replied and rummaged in his drawer, pulling out a piece of candy.

 

It was from the New Year’s Eve party that afternoon when they were playing games in the classroom.

 

He placed a mint-flavored candy on Zhou Die’s desk as he got up. “Wait for me to return.”

 

Zhou Die raised an eyebrow; it was the first time Jiang Yunbian had given him mint-flavored candy.

 

As Jiang Yunbian passed by, Zhou Die hooked his clothes with his fingertip and received a gentle pat.

 

Zhou Die planned to wait for Jiang Yunbian to return and then eat the mint candy.

 

But during the last period, the head teacher returned and told the class monitor first: “From today until the end of the semester, Jiang Yunbian has requested personal leave.”

 

The class fell silent for a moment, and then whispers started.

 

Xu Zhan stood up directly: “Teacher? Jiang Yunbian asked for leave?”

 

“Yes, there’s something at home. He’s already gone,” the head teacher sighed, looking uneasy. “I know you’re concerned about him, but he’s just dealing with something at home. Worrying about top students is less important than worrying about yourselves. There are only three weeks left until the final exams.”

 

Realizing the deadline, the class finally understood the urgency of their own situation.

 

Xu Zhan was stunned for a long time, took out his phone, and sent Jiang Yunbian a message, but there was no response by the end of the class.

 

Before school ended, Xu Zhan looked back at Zhou Die. “Did you send Jiang Yunbian a message?”

 

“I did,” Zhou Die frowned slightly, glancing out the window. “No reply.”

 

Xu Zhan hesitated but still stopped the class monitor who was about to go eat.

 

“I went to submit homework during the morning study session and didn’t notice what happened… But the head teacher seemed to have called Jiang Yunbian’s family, so it should be something at home.”

 

Considering the timing, it must have been related to that night.

 

“There was a similar situation before, but Jiang Yunbian handled it himself at that time,” Xu Zhan said, pressing his forehead with some frustration. “I also had difficulty reaching him back then.”

 

As students gradually dispersed for meals, Gao Zining and Yang You were still waiting for the two to go to the cafeteria.

 

“If Jiang Yunbian replies, let me know.”

 

Zhou Die sat at his desk as the classroom quieted down after the students left. The sunlight outside fell on the desk, casting a faint shadow on the pen and notebook.

 

He rested his chin on the desk, looking slightly dejected, and lightly turned the mint candy with his fingertip.

 

*

 

Jiang Mu came to pick him up from school personally.

 

When Jiang Yunbian saw him in the office, the day’s mood had largely dissipated.

 

It felt like three years ago when his father had stood in the school office, looking coldly at him and saying, “Yunbian, I’m taking you home.”

 

“I’ve handled the incident where you got into a fight. Is Ning Gao that student you used to know?”

 

Jiang Yunbian sat in the back seat, gazing absently out the window, without responding.

 

Jiang Mu glanced at him through the rearview mirror. “Still fighting over past issues? Didn’t you say it was resolved?”

 

Jiang Yunbian pulled out his earphones from his pocket and, after connecting them, heard his father’s apology while choosing a song.

 

“I spoke too harshly that night. I was just too anxious.”

 

Jiang Yunbian almost smiled but restrained himself.

 

After all, this was his father’s first apology in years.

 

The car stopped in front of the hospital. Before Jiang Yunbian opened the door, he heard his father sigh.

 

“Go up and apologize to Aunt Bai. Pretend the incident never happened.”

 

In the elevator, Jiang Yunbian patiently reviewed past memories. It seemed his father had only ever been so humble once, for a woman.

 

He must care a lot.

 

Ms. Bai was lying in the nearby ward, waiting for his apology.

 

Jiang Yunbian’s gaze lowered as he heard another voice before entering the ward.

 

“Yunbian.” Ji Min emerged from the other elevator and walked over to him.

 

Jiang Yunbian was surprised. How did his mother end up here?

 

“Yunyi told me about what happened the other day,” Ji Min said, hugging him and gently patting the back of his head. “Why didn’t you tell me when you got home that day?”

 

Jiang Yunbian’s voice was a bit hoarse, and he didn’t know what to say.

 

“Where is he?” Ji Min was asking about his father.

 

“Park the car. He should be coming up soon,” Jiang Yunbian answered softly.

 

Even though he simply looked obediently down, Ji Min saw him as suffering greatly.

 

Her son was going to apologize to the mistress.