The Marked Alpha Is Extremely Hard to Coax - Chapter 43

Ji Min drove Zhou Die back to school in the end. The two kids sat silently in the backseat, and their lack of conversation made her a bit uncomfortable.

 

“Are you two feeling awkward because of what I said?” she asked with a smile. “Did I meddle too much?”

 

“No,” Jiang Yunbian said, looking out the window with little emotion.

 

Zhou Die, sitting next to him, had his face turned to the side, lightly tapping on his phone screen. The light reflected in his eyes.

 

After sending the message, Zhou Die finally looked up. “Xu Zhan asked you to reply to his message.”

 

Jiang Yunbian remembered he had been occupied with Zhou Die all night and quickly pulled out his phone to reply.

 

When they arrived at the school, Zhou Die softly thanked Ji Min, and Jiang Yunbian gave him a wave without looking up.

 

“He’s a good kid,” Ji Min concluded with a smile.

 

For some reason, hearing his mother praise Zhou Die made Jiang Yunbian feel embarrassed.

 

He touched his ear and distractedly played with his phone, eventually opening Weibo.

 

There were new messages.

 

He opened the private messages and found one from the user “Sweet Little Kitten.”

 

After Jiang Yunbian replied “Have a great day” before, this sweet O had sent him a bunch of stickers.

 

Apparently thrilled by receiving a reply, she had sent numerous declarations of affection.

 

Jiang Yunbian found her exaggerated reaction a bit cute but was taken aback by the latest message: [I feel like I’m going to get my heart broken. I’m sad. No one to talk to, just telling you secretly.]

 

The message was sent twenty minutes ago.

 

He hesitated for a moment and replied with a straightforward Alpha response: [Better things are coming.]

 

*

 

Jiang Yunbian was not the type to admit defeat easily, especially when he knew what he wanted.

 

Though Jiang Yunyi had a tutor, she was quite lazy at home, usually studying for an hour and resting for thirty minutes. When at home, Jiang Yunbian would seize the opportunity to make her do exercises.

 

Jiang Yunyi complained, “Brother, don’t you understand? I’m an art student!”

 

“Art students still need to study cultural subjects,” Jiang Yunbian set an alarm for her. “I’ll correct this paper for you. Write it.”

 

Jiang Yunyi, unable to argue with her brother, wept while holding the pen.

 

Three weeks was neither too long nor too short, and Jiang Yunbian returned to school on the morning of the final exams.

 

Jiang Yunyi had prepared oil sticks and eggs for him and clasped her hands together, saying, “Bless my brother to get a hundred points.”

 

Jiang Yunbian knew she was pretending to be silly and knocked on her forehead, “A perfect score is one hundred and fifty.”

 

Jiang Yunyi stuck out her tongue secretly.

 

Ji Min packed his things with a smile and drove him back to school.

 

Zhou Die had sent him the exam schedule the night before, and Jiang Yunbian went straight to the exam room.

 

The seating in the third high school was arranged according to the last exam’s results, so he sat in the second seat of the first classroom, right in front of Zhou Die.

 

Xu Zhan sat in the third row and teased when he saw Jiang Yunbian, “I thought Jiang the Academic God was planning to leave us with just the Chinese exam.”

 

Jiang Yunbian smiled with bright eyes, “As top students, we are always modest in victory and resilient in defeat.”

 

After speaking, he lightly tapped Zhou Die’s chair in front of him.

 

“Classmate, can I borrow a pen?”

 

Zhou Die, casually lifting his gaze, didn’t turn around but pulled a pen from the desk and handed it back.

 

Jiang Yunbian took it with a smile and said softly, “Borrowing the Academic God’s aura to help me get back to first place.”

 

The person in front had a faint smile and hummed lightly.

 

Xu Zhan saw this and made a gesture towards them both, “Academic God, can you lend me a pen too?”

 

Jiang Yunbian pulled out a pen from his own pencil case and threw it over, “You only deserve to use mine.”

 

Xu Zhan: “…” Dogs are really dogs.

 

Entertainment was banned during exams. After the first day of exams, Jiang Yunbian felt uneasy and practiced two more sets of problems at home before fighting again the next day.

 

When the final bell rang, Jiang Yunbian finally breathed a sigh of relief.

 

Zhou Die leaned back slightly, his peripheral vision encompassing half the classroom, seeing a mix of joy and sorrow.

 

“How was it?”

 

“I’m really confident this time,” Jiang Yunbian twirled the pen in his fingers, “Zhou Die, your position as top of the grade isn’t safe.”

 

“Hmm, then what do you want?”

 

Jiang Yunbian met his gaze, feeling somewhat uneasy under his stare, and handed him the pen, “I’ll tell you once the results are out.”

 

Yesterday, Ji Min had informed him that the court had made a decision: Jiang Mu had returned custody rights.

 

Jiang Yunbian no longer had any relations with that man, and he promised not to disturb the child’s normal life again.

 

Ji Min allowed him to go out and play under safe conditions.

 

As everyone packed up to go home for the winter vacation, Jiang Yunbian originally planned to wait for Zhou Die to return to the dorm with him, but there were too many eyes on him along the way, making him uncomfortable. So he decided to go back first.

 

Xu Zhan messaged him asking if he wanted to go out for a meal, and before he could reply, the dormitory door was already pushed open.

 

Jiang Yunbian instinctively took a few steps back, feeling awkward as if waiting for someone but being caught. “You, you’re back?”

 

Zhou Die leaned against the door, observing his emotions, and waited until Jiang Yunbian stood straight before seriously saying, “Hmm, I’m back.”

 

Since their feelings were made clear, Jiang Yunbian noticed the atmosphere between them when alone was quite off, leading to an awkward moment: “Xu Zhan asked if you wanted to go out for a meal.”

 

“Now?” Zhou Die looked at the time and said, “Hmm, sure.”

 

Jiang Yunbian grabbed his hair and, while Zhou Die went to put things away, replied to Xu Zhan: [I’ll bring Zhou Die along.]

 

[Xu Zhan: …… Are you trying to be a dog abuser?]

 

Jiang Yunbian typed an explanation for a while, then suddenly felt it wasn’t necessary.

 

[If I’m being a dog abuser, so be it. If you’re unhappy, deal with it.]

 

When Xu Zhan received this message, he was almost laughing with anger: “What kind of person is this, not even together yet and already like this!”

 

Zheng Xinglin, who was packing his bags, looked up slightly, his eyes deep but his tone light: “What’s this about being together?”

 

“Who else could it be? The dog from 707,” Xu Zhan grumbled, deciding on a restaurant for dinner. Just as he was about to place the order, his roommate asked.

 

“Xu Ge, aren’t you going home?”

 

“Not for now.” Xu Zhan was still flipping through the menu.

 

“I,” Zheng Xinglin hesitated, “My home will be empty tonight. Can I join you for dinner?”

 

“Sure.” Xu Zhan agreed readily, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “Let’s head over first. The boss said there aren’t many seats left, so we can’t hold one for us.”

 

They got a window seat, and when Xu Zhan sat down, he sighed, “Jiang Yunbian likes these corner spots.”

 

It was a table for four, and Zheng Xinglin sat across from Xu Zhan. “Why did Jiang Ge take a leave recently?”

 

“Family matters.” Xu Zhan seemed distracted while chatting on his phone.

 

The waiter brought two glasses of water. Zheng Xinglin took a sip and lightly traced the rim of his glass with his fingers.

 

“By the way, a junior came to me recently asking about Jiang Ge,” Zheng Xinglin lowered his gaze. “She wanted to know if Jiang Yunbian had anyone he liked, as she wanted to confess.”

 

Xu Zhan clicked his tongue, “Although I know Jiang Yunbian is quite popular, he’s been having too many admirers lately, hasn’t he?”

 

The Omegas and Betas were one thing, but now it was an Enigma, and Zhou Die’s level at that.

 

“Your junior isn’t very lucky. I’d suggest she give up.”

 

Zheng Xinglin caught on: “Does Jiang Ge really have someone he likes?”

 

“He might not like me, but the one pursuing him is very aggressive.” It was only a matter of time.

 

“What kind of person is she?”

 

“She is…” Xu Zhan realized he almost let something slip and quickly put down his phone and picked up his tea cup, “Cough, she’s just a very cute girl, soft, sweet, and considerate.”

 

“What’s this ‘considerate’ thing?” Jiang Yunbian’s hand was on Xu Zhan’s shoulder. After greeting Zheng Xinglin, he poked his face, “Come on, what’s this soft, sweet, and considerate?”

 

Xu Zhan: “…”

 

Looks like you’re in the reserves for your boyfriend.

 

Jiang Yunbian was so focused on facing off with Xu Zhan that he didn’t notice the seating arrangement. Instinctively feeling that Zhou Die and Zheng Xinglin weren’t familiar, he gave the seat next to Xu Zhan to Zhou Die.

 

Zhou Die watched Jiang Yunbian sit down, his eyes darkening slightly, but he remained silent.

 

“By the way, Die Ge, what was the value for the last chemistry question?” Xu Zhan had been brooding over it all day and directly asked the Academic God now that he was here.

 

Zhou Die thought for a moment and gave a number.

 

Xu Zhan’s heart sank immediately. “Ah—wrong, I initially got it right but then changed it!”

 

Just as Jiang Yunbian sat down, Zheng Xinglin handed him a glass of water.

 

He was momentarily taken aback but then smiled lightly. “Thank you.”

 

Zheng Xinglin’s eyes followed him. “Jiang Ge, is there anything you want to eat?”

 

Jiang Yunbian remembered and asked Xu Zhan, “Have you ordered? Don’t get anything spicy.”

 

Xu Zhan was momentarily stunned, his first thought going to Zhou Die from the hot pot dinner.

 

He had originally thought Jiang Yunbian ordered a separate hot pot base for him simply because he was treating, showing special consideration.

 

Jiang Yunbian then remembered and turned to Zheng Xinglin. “Can you handle spicy food?”

 

Zhou Die’s smile from Jiang Yunbian’s consideration was suppressed, his gaze lifting to the boy occupying the seat next to Jiang Yunbian.

 

Zheng Xinglin looked at Jiang Yunbian with a smile in his eyes and said softly that he couldn’t eat spicy food, meeting Zhou Die’s gaze.

 

That little smile disappeared. Zheng Xinglin initially wanted to look away but felt a surge of frustration as he locked eyes with Zhou Die.

 

It seemed like he was trying to assert something.

 

“Zhou Die,” Jiang Yunbian was browsing the menu and suddenly smiled when he saw the desserts. 

 

Zheng Xinglin then saw Jiang Yunbian lightly tug on Zhou Die’s sleeve, then quickly withdrew his hand as if to hide something.

 

He turned pale and awkwardly averted his gaze.

 

Xu Zhan was engrossed in looking at the menu on his phone, debating what to choose, completely unaware of the shifting emotions at the table.

 

Zhou Die looked down indifferently at the items Jiang Yunbian had selected on his phone.

 

“There’s this here too.”

 

Yogurt Bunny.

 

Zhou Die suddenly felt like laughing and did so, opening his phone with a smile.

 

Jiang Yunbian waited for him to decide and received a new message on WeChat.

 

[Zhou Meow Meow: Are you still ordering for everyone this time?]

 

Jiang Yunbian sensed a hint of grievance, as if being accused of favoritism.

 

His ears turned inexplicably warm. Hadn’t they only recently moved to this kind of relationship?

 

Xu Zhan made his decision and looked up. “Alright, order. What do you both want to eat?”

 

Zheng Xinglin suddenly leaned in, speaking quietly, almost to Jiang Yunbian alone: “Are there any desserts? I suddenly feel like having something sweet.”

 

Jiang Yunbian, who had just ordered the yogurt bunny for Zhou Die, hesitated with his fingers on the menu. His first reaction was to switch from desserts to main dishes, then realized that might seem rude, so he switched back.

 

Zheng Xinglin’s eyes darkened slightly but he still looked at the yogurt bunny. “We’ve had this before, so maybe…”

 

“No.”

 

The Enigma across from him pulled down his jacket zipper and leaned back in his chair, unexpectedly irritable. “No.”

 

Zhou Die wasn’t the type to interfere with others’ choices, and his tone didn’t seem right. Xu Zhan immediately caught on.

 

There was a time when the usually careless Jiang Yunbian had asked him if Zheng Xinglin liked anyone, and that day after class, Xu Zhan had made a stern remark to Zhou Die, saying, “If things work out, remember to treat me to some candy.”

 

Despite not having concrete evidence, Xu Zhan suddenly realized something.

 

… Zheng Xinglin couldn’t be interested in Jiang Yunbian like Zhou Die was, could he?

 

“Big man,” Jiang Yunbian patted Zheng Xinglin’s shoulder, awkwardly making an excuse, “Yogurt bunny is childish, don’t order it.”

 

Zheng Xinglin leaned slightly as directed, then looked at him with a low smile, nodding obediently. “Okay, then I won’t order it.”

 

Xu Zhan felt the air around the top student next to him become tenser.

 

Was this really a battlefield? Jiang Yunbian didn’t seem to have noticed anything yet?

 

Jiang Yunbian placed the order. While waiting for his sister’s reply about what she wanted, he was completely oblivious to the shifting emotions at the table.

 

After a while, Xu Zhan suddenly stood up. “Yunbian, I need to use the restroom. Will you come with me?”

 

Jiang Yunbian frowned and put down his phone. “Are you a little girl? Do you need a team for the restroom?”

 

“I am, alright?” Xu Zhan glared at him.

 

Jiang Yunbian made an expression as if saying, “Fine, I’ll accompany you to avoid you holding it in,” and stood up.

 

As they left the table, Zhou Die’s gaze casually drifted out the window, not feeling the awkward atmosphere that followed.

 

Zheng Xinglin’s fingers tightened around his cup, and he spoke quietly, “Zhou Die, the ‘soft, sweet, and cute’ Xu Zhan mentioned, is it you?”

 

Even though Xu Zhan tried to hide it, some answers were obvious.

 

Zhou Die had confessed to Jiang Yunbian.

 

Zhou Die rested his chin on his hand and glanced back slightly, his eyes as cold as a window touched by the eastern wind, the light falling on them without warmth.

 

Zheng Xinglin knew this was an acknowledgment.

 

“Did he,” despite summoning all his courage, his throat still tightened in front of Zhou Die, his inherent gender advantage gradually erasing his pride, “Did he agree to you?”

 

“Curious about him but afraid to act, instead wanting to restrict me.” Zhou Die looked at him. “What’s the rush now?”

 

Zheng Xinglin’s fingers around the cup turned white, but he remained silent.

 

Indeed… He was originally on the same starting line as Zhou Die.

 

The restaurant didn’t have a restroom, so Jiang Yunbian and Xu Zhan walked up to the second floor of the mall before finding a sign.

 

There weren’t many people in the restroom. Jiang Yunbian stood by the door playing with his phone while Xu Zhan hesitated inside, unable to move for a while.

 

Jiang Yunbian waited and said, “What’s the matter? Is there a seal in the restroom preventing you from going in?”

 

Xu Zhan shook his head. “Bro, do you know you’re attracting a lot of attention lately?”

 

“… Is it really that much of a compliment to Zhou Die?”

 

Xu Zhan was taken aback. “No, is he all you’re focused on now?”

 

Jiang Yunbian felt somewhat unsettled by this, trying to save face. “Who’s only focused on him? Do you even know how to talk?”

 

“Then tell me, during your time off, have you been chatting with Zhou Die?”

 

“…” Jiang Yunbian bit his lip.

 

Xu Zhan pressured him. “Speak quickly!”

 

“… Yes.”

 

“Frequency?”

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t need to recall much. He touched his nose and said, “… Every day.”

 

“Have you given him an answer?”

 

“Are you acting like a primary school student? Do you always have to stir up trouble when someone likes someone else?” Jiang Yunbian, who disliked discussing romance and being pressed for answers, pointed at Xu Zhan. “Ask me about today’s bill.”

 

Xu Zhan was taken aback and only realized after the person came out of the restroom. “Damn, I’m treating today!”

 

Since it was abnormal for Xu Zhan to need to use the restroom, Jiang Yunbian headed back toward the restaurant.

 

“Jiang Yunbian.” Someone called his name from behind. Jiang Yunbian frowned slightly, though it was barely noticeable.

 

The person was Jiang Ye.

 

It seemed he had run over from a distance. He was out of breath, and there were no other Ning Gao people behind him.

 

Jiang Yunbian’s expression was indifferent as he quietly looked at him.

 

Jiang Ye was a bit intimidated by Jiang Yunbian’s expression, but he controlled his temper, remembering why he was here.

 

“I’m sorry about that night.”

 

Jiang Yunbian was unmoved by his apology.

 

Since Xu Zhan mentioned Wen Lin had called him, he had anticipated this outcome.

 

“No need. I was the one who called you.” Jiang Yunbian replied dismissively, not accepting his apology.

 

Jiang Ye clenched his fists. “I’m apologizing. It’s not that… Wen Lin explained the situation to me!”

 

Jiang Yunbian really didn’t want to discuss old issues.

 

He had moved past that shadow, and Jiang Yunyi was doing well. There was no need for these people to keep reminding him.

 

It was truly annoying.

 

Jiang Ye realized his disregard and clenched his fists.

 

That night, while lying in the hospital, Wen Lin had come in person, offering no extra explanation, simply telling him, “You misunderstood Jiang Yunbian. Apologize to him properly next time.”

 

“Don’t let me find out you’re interfering in his life again.”

 

Wen Lin’s warning, though spoken with a smile and a gentle tone, had made him break out in a cold sweat.

 

Jiang Ye couldn’t understand why Wen Lin still protected Jiang Yunbian after what had happened years ago.

 

His thoughts were frozen. He wanted to chase after him and get a clear answer but was suddenly stopped by the sight of Zhou Die at the restaurant’s entrance.

 

Zhou Die stood at the door, his calm glance alone making Jiang Ye feel paralyzed.

 

He was even more intimidating than Wen Lin.

 

Jiang Yunbian noticed Zhou Die and realized he had seen the person behind him.

 

Enigma had a possessive desire for their marked object, which Jiang Yunbian understood very well. Considering that night over half a month ago, he completely understood why Zhou Die had come out.

 

Not wanting to cause any trouble, Jiang Yunbian tugged at the person’s jacket and lowered his voice unconsciously.

 

With a hint of coaxing, he said, “It’s fine. Let’s go in and eat.”

 

Zhou Die’s gaze fell on Jiang Yunbian’s hand holding his jacket, a hint of a smile flickering in his eyes, but he refused to comply. “I don’t want to go in.”

 

“What’s wrong?” Jiang Yunbian thought Zhou Die was upset by Jiang Ye, so he moved his hand from Zhou Die’s jacket to his waist. “It’s cold outside. Let’s go in.”

 

Zhou Die’s hand slowly dropped and gently covered Jiang Yunbian’s hand on his waist. He whispered, “Someone inside is trying to steal my bunny.”

 

It sounded like he was feeling wronged or unfairly treated.

 

When Jiang Yunbian looked up, he saw Zhou Die, who, despite his tall stature, was looking down as if he were a neglected kitten.

 

He suddenly wanted to ruffle Zhou Die’s head.

 

The thought flashed by, and Jiang Yunbian realized his hand was already near Zhou Die’s forehead.

 

That was close.

 

Before he could pull it back, Zhou Die leaned in, not with his head, but with his face.

 

Zhou Die slightly leaned forward and rubbed against Jiang Yunbian’s fingertips. His slightly hoarse voice carried a trace of laughter. “Pet me, comfort me?”

 

Jiang Yunbian felt helpless.

 

If there weren’t so many people around, he might have…

 

He gave a quick pat and then quickly turned his gaze away, walking into the restaurant with a “don’t try to seduce me” expression.

 

Zhou Die followed behind him, smiling at his flushed ears.

 

When Xu Zhan returned, he complained that Jiang Yunbian hadn’t waited for him, but Jiang Yunbian merely scoffed and didn’t give him any attention.

 

After the meal, Xu Zhan and Zheng Xinglin headed back to the dorm to pack up and said their goodbyes.

 

Jiang Yunbian and Zhou Die took a walk around the small square. Although it was time to part ways, neither of them brought up leaving.

 

The evening breeze was a bit chilly, and Jiang Yunbian zipped his jacket up to the top. “Zhou Die.”

 

“Hmm?” The person beside him responded as if hearing his name.

 

“Well, about the detox program you mentioned before.”

 

Zhou Die took out his phone and pulled up the hospital’s schedule. “The doctor is still arranging it. We should have results in a couple of days.”

 

“I might,” Jiang Yunbian stood still, half his face buried in his collar, and whispered his last sentence, “I might not need it.”

 

Zhou Die’s fingers paused slightly, and a trace of surprise appeared in his eyes when he realized what Jiang Yunbian was saying.

 

Jiang Yunbian found his reaction somewhat amusing.

 

“You gave me a pheromone necklace, and the heat…” He didn’t continue, “Anyway, I think things are fine as they are now.”

 

He didn’t dislike Zhou Die’s pheromones.

 

The boy, who was a head taller than him, faced him and slightly lowered his head. “Jiang Yunbian, do you know what you’re saying?”

 

“…”

 

“You don’t need detox right now, which means your heat needs me to be by your side. You will accept my temporary mark and pheromones, and you will…” Zhou Die paused maliciously, a slight smile and satisfaction showing through. 

 

“You will consider becoming my exclusive Omega.”

 

Jiang Yunbian’s face turned a deep red.

 

But the person in front of him wasn’t about to let him off easily. He leaned in closer and asked, “Is my understanding correct?”