The Marked Alpha Is Extremely Hard to Coax - Chapter 46

Jiang Yunbian was startled by Zhou Die’s sudden approach. It took him a moment to come to his senses while feeling Zhou Die’s arms around his waist: “If it were anyone else, I would’ve elbowed them by now.”

 

Zhou Die chuckled lightly: “So fierce, how can you be so fierce?”

 

Despite his apparent innocence, Jiang Yunbian brushed off Zhou Die’s hands, intending to confront him directly.

 

When facing Zhou Die, Jiang Yunbian saw sincerity in his eyes: “Thank you for standing up for me.”

 

Jiang Yunbian avoided eye contact: “That kid’s own mouth was dirty. I would’ve taught him a lesson no matter who it was.”

 

Zhou Die responded with a soft “thank you.”

 

Lunch was arranged at a hotel, and Mrs. Zhou handled the arrangements. Xu Zhaoruo and Jiang Yunbian stayed at the Zhou residence.

 

After the house quieted down, Old Mr. Zhou looked at the two children with a smile: “Did we disturb you this morning?”

 

Neither Xu Zhaoruo nor Jiang Yunbian dared to nod and simply sat down to have lunch.

 

Before they left, the elderly gentleman gave both of them red envelopes. Jiang Yunbian noticed something was off about the weight of the envelopes.

 

However, Old Mr. Zhou just smiled and instructed Zhou Die to see the two children off.

 

Xu Zhaoruo didn’t mind whether she received more or less and enjoyed watching Jiang Yunbian’s reaction, intentionally teasing: “Oh, the treatment for the daughter-in-law is indeed different.”

 

Jiang Yunbian handed over the red envelope: “Are you implying you want to switch?”

 

Zhou Die raised an eyebrow.

 

Xu Zhaoruo protested: “No, I didn’t. Don’t say that!”

 

The journey back was noisy and chaotic. Xu Zhaoruo was dropped off at her home with a bright smile, waving goodbye and saying she’d see them next semester.

 

Jiang Yunbian suddenly realized the college entrance exams were approaching.

 

He asked Zhou Die: “Have you thought about which university you want to go to?”

 

Zhou Die named a university and looked back at him: “And you?”

 

Jiang Yunbian had previously felt indifferent about which university to attend, mainly considering which city he liked. But Zhou Die’s clear goals made him feel uneasy.

 

“For me, it’s about the same. I haven’t decided on a major yet.”

 

He wasn’t particularly fond of studying. Initially, he had to study for his younger sister, and now, it was just about maintaining good grades.

 

Balancing what he liked and what he should do was never easy.

 

“Do you want to go together?” Zhou Die gently held Jiang Yunbian’s fingertips, rubbing them slowly with his own: “I want to be with you.”

 

Jiang Yunbian curled his fingers slightly into a fist, then slowly relaxed his hand, touching Zhou Die’s hand: “Sure.”

 

*

 

The high school senior break was short. On the first day back, everyone was frowning, many still tired from adjusting to the time difference.

 

The first evening study session was to catch up on winter break homework and get back into routine. When Jiang Yunbian returned to the classroom, he almost thought he had walked into a zombie horde rather than a senior class.

 

Gao Zining looked exhausted: “Jiang Ge, save me… I really can’t finish this chemistry homework…”

 

Jiang Yunbian responded with a smirk: “Then let’s take you out and execute you.”

 

He Ru also extended his hand: “Ge, where’s the physics homework?”

 

Jiang Yunbian dug through his bag and handed it over.

 

Gao Zining jumped up: “What? How come copying physics is okay but copying chemistry means execution? It’s not fair!”

 

Jiang Yunbian pulled out the chemistry test paper: “It’s not about the subject; you just need some discipline.”

 

Gao Zining was grinning with his test paper: “Jiang Ge’s discipline is the best.”

 

Xu Zhan shook his head with sympathy: “What about your dignity?”

 

“Fed to the dogs.”

 

The evening study session had already been going for half an hour. The empty seats in the class were Jiang Yunbian’s and Zhou Die’s.

 

The top two students in the grade were late and unbothered, quite relaxed.

 

When Jiang Yunbian returned to his seat, Xu Zhan turned around: “How’s it going with that person? Over winter break, all your messages were just a word here and there, and all your time went to him?”

 

Jiang Yunbian smiled: “All my time went to my favorite subject.”

 

Xu Zhan was about to call him insincere when the lights suddenly went out.

 

Students who were frantically working on their assignments were momentarily stunned: “Damn, a power outage?”

 

Jiang Yunbian pulled aside the curtain. The streetlights outside were off, confirming the power outage.

 

The class monitor took out his phone, turned on the flashlight, and set up a makeshift stand, then continued writing.

 

“You’re so dedicated!” His desk mate immediately moved his paper closer: “Let me borrow some light, love you.”

 

While some students worked diligently, Gao Zining and Yang You seemed to be driven mad: “Power’s out, not writing anymore, to hell with winter break homework!”

 

Jiang Yunbian noticed Xu Zhan opening a bottle of water, sipping it like tea, and sighed: “The ways of the world.”

 

Just as the commotion from the power outage was still ongoing, a flashlight began to flicker downstairs.

 

The grade director’s angry voice echoed through the building: “Don’t run!”

 

Gao Zining’s gossip radar was on high alert, and he quickly peeked into the hallway. At the same time, someone from the adjacent class was also peeking: “Bro, what’s going on?”

 

“Here’s what I heard,” answered the neighboring classmate, “Since the holiday just ended, many long-distance couples couldn’t hold back and planned to come back to school…”

 

The classmate made a pouting gesture: “But the director struck hard, having already set up a stakeout.”

 

Gao Zining shivered: “Damn, the director’s ruthless.”

 

“Yeah, reliable sources say four or five pairs got caught, but with the power outage, the unfortunate couples scattered, so now they’re escaping.”

 

Just as he finished, hurried footsteps were heard. Gao Zining vaguely saw two figures and suddenly felt a burst of righteousness: “Come on, hide here!”

 

The unfortunate couple instantly darted into Class 6.

 

Jiang Yunbian had been staring out the window, but he didn’t expect the couple to be suddenly brought right in front of him by Gao Zining.

 

“Hide here. Jiang-ge’s aura of dominance will protect you!”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “…Are you looking for trouble?”

 

The couple clasped their hands together in a pleading manner. Jiang Yunbian pressed his lips together, thinking it’s better not to see.

 

The director finally arrived, breathlessly holding a flashlight: “Did you just see two students pass by? A boy and a girl?”

 

Class 6 answered sparsely: “No.”

 

The director was taken aback. He clearly heard footsteps disappearing from this direction. Where could they have gone?

 

As he wondered, a figure appeared at the door. The director’s flashlight beam revealed Zhou Die, who had just returned to the classroom with slightly squinted eyes.

 

“Zhou Die?” The director glanced at his watch, “Why are you just coming back? What time is it?”

 

Zhou Die first shielded his eyes, his voice slightly hoarse: “I wasn’t feeling well, so I stayed in the dorm for a while.”

 

He then picked up his bag and headed to his seat.

 

The director, shaking his flashlight, approached to check on the young master’s condition. Jiang Yunbian noticed the two hiding couples next to him were trembling.

 

If the director came over, they would definitely be discovered.

 

“Hey.” Jiang Yunbian suddenly stood up.

 

All eyes turned to him.

 

He thought to himself that this was troublesome, then walked up to Zhou Die: “If you’re not feeling well, let me take you to the infirmary!”

 

The grade director, worried about Zhou Die’s condition but also focused on catching the couple, quickly agreed.

 

“Yes, Jiang Yunbian, you accompany Zhou Die to the infirmary. I’ll help you with the flashlight.”

 

Zhou Die raised an eyebrow slightly. As Jiang Yunbian reached out to support his wrist, Zhou Die tapped his palm.

 

Jiang Yunbian, shielded by the director’s flashlight, whispered in his ear: “Help me out, I’ll explain in the infirmary.”

 

Zhou Die nodded lightly and suddenly withdrew his hand, draping his arm over Jiang Yunbian’s shoulder.

 

The entire class watched as Zhou Die leaned against Jiang Yunbian.

 

Master Zhou cleared his throat: “Thank you, Jiang, I’m indeed feeling a bit dizzy.”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “…” The act was getting old.

 

After the holiday, every student experiences post-holiday syndrome, and it’s even worse for Zhou Die. The grade director, persistent in breaking up couples, had Zhou Die and Jiang Yunbian leave together. Afterward, Zhou Die, holding a flashlight, continued to search for people in a rush.

 

On the dark campus path, Jiang Yunbian finally breathed a sigh of relief.

 

“The director really is relentless when it comes to breaking up couples,” Jiang Yunbian commented.

 

Zhou Die showed a hint of interest. “Breaking up couples?”

 

“The director caught a couple hiding in our classroom, right next to my seat. They were about to be found, but fortunately, you came back.”

 

“So, I inadvertently did a good deed?”

 

Jiang Yunbian nodded, patting his head in praise. “Yes, you did.”

 

Zhou Die lowered his head and nuzzled against Jiang Yunbian’s palm.

 

Jiang Yunbian suddenly noticed that Zhou Die didn’t seem right and withdrew his hand. “What’s wrong?”

 

When they returned earlier, Jiang Yunbian had noticed Zhou Die sleeping and assumed he was just adjusting his state, so he hadn’t woken him for evening self-study.

 

Zhou Die hung his head, his voice a bit hoarse. “I’m not sure. Let’s go to the infirmary.”

 

His nasal voice sounded like he might have a cold. Jiang Yunbian lost his playful mood and helped Zhou Die to the infirmary.

 

Unfortunately, the school doctor wasn’t there at the moment, so Jiang Yunbian had to let Zhou Die lie down on the bed.

 

Zhou Die lay on his side, his eyes half-closed, looking like a lazy cat.

 

Jiang Yunbian watched for a while and then said, “Could it be that you’re entering your heat?”

 

As soon as he said that, he saw Zhou Die’s hand slowly moving to his forehead, gently pressing it.

 

Acknowledged.

 

Jiang Yunbian was momentarily stunned and leaned in to sniff.

 

“But I don’t smell your pheromones?”

 

With his marked Alpha right next to him, even if Zhou Die tried to restrain himself, he couldn’t hold it anymore.

 

He wrapped his arms around Jiang Yunbian’s waist and pulled him into his embrace.

 

Jiang Yunbian’s ear was pressed against Zhou Die’s chest, and he seemed to sense the rhythm of his heartbeat.

 

“I took two doses of a strong suppressor, so you can’t smell it.”

 

The effect of a strong suppressor is greater than that of a regular one. It’s said that even an adult Alpha usually only needs one dose.

 

Jiang Yunbian propped himself up, anxious. “Why two doses? This could be harmful to your body!”

 

“Because I’m an Enigma, my heat is harder to control compared to other Alphas,” Zhou Die said with a slightly amused smile. “Mainly, I was afraid of scaring you.”

 

Jiang Yunbian suddenly realized that Zhou Die might also lose control.

 

Because his physiology made him the strongest Enigma.

 

“And the doctor said that once a month won’t have a significant impact; you can adjust it later.”

 

Enigma’s heat is rare, and an occasional occurrence is not serious. The side effects of two doses of suppressor include fatigue and weariness.

 

“I wanted to study with you tonight, but now I’m too sleepy,” Zhou Die said, sounding weaker than he intended.

 

“It’s okay, I’ll stay here…”

 

Suddenly, a hand fell over his eyelids.

 

Jiang Yunbian’s warm palm gently spread over his skin, and then he heard the soft voice of Alpha. “Sleep, I’ll stay with you.”

 

Zhou Die lightly bit his tongue.

 

“Go back. You’ll just keep me awake.”

 

Jiang Yunbian said softly, “I’ll be quiet.”

 

“You’re my marked Alpha. At times like this, the closer you are, the more I want to hold you.”

 

Zhou Die’s eyelashes fluttered, and Jiang Yunbian felt an itch in his palm.

 

“Alright then.”

 

Zhou Die sighed in relief, then felt his wrist gently being held.

 

He opened his eyes, feeling the drowsiness deepening his gaze.

 

Jiang Yunbian averted his eyes, too shy to look at him, and spoke softly. “Go back to the dorm. I’ll hold you while you sleep.”

 

Jiang Yunbian wasn’t sure what mood he was in when he said this.

 

But thinking about how he had acted during his own heat, he felt uneasy leaving Zhou Die here alone.

 

This is his Enigma.

 

Jiang Yunbian sent a leave request to the class monitor, who reminded him to rest well and helped them both take leave.

 

After Zhou Die lay down, Jiang Yunbian took a shower. When he came out of the bathroom, he suddenly hesitated to turn the doorknob.

 

He belatedly realized that he seemed to be no different from a tray of food sent to someone else.

 

Moreover, they hadn’t explicitly communicated their feelings yet.

 

When Zhou Die had asked him whether he was considering becoming a dedicated Omega, Jiang Yunbian had given a vague answer.

 

But he had thought about it.

 

After reading relevant materials, Jiang Yunbian realized that becoming a dedicated Omega wasn’t simple.

 

An Alpha needs to receive a deep mark from an Enigma before their body starts to receive signals for transformation and change.

 

Jiang Yunbian was still a month away from turning eighteen, and this news was quite shocking to him.

 

The term “deep mark” felt like a scorching brand. It would be false to say he wasn’t scared, especially since Jiang Yunbian was originally an Alpha meant to mark others.

 

After much consideration, he hesitated again, deciding to make a decision only after starting college.

 

But seeing Zhou Die unhappy now, he realized he had no real bottom line.

 

They wouldn’t go overboard; they both had boundaries.

 

Jiang Yunbian opened the balcony door and first saw Zhou Die lazily resting on the railing.

 

He seemed to have waited for a while and only slowly opened his eyes when he heard the noise.

 

“If you’re scared, you can rest. I’ll just sleep for a bit.”

 

“Who says I’m scared?” Jiang Yunbian closed the door and walked to the bed.

 

Jiang Yunbian’s hair was slightly damp, and a faint mist covered the pale skin of his neck, which made Zhou Die’s throat tighten.

 

But Jiang Yunbian seemed oblivious and instead gently tugged at the corner of the blanket.

 

Jiang Yunbian then noticed his fingertips were red, not very natural. “Just so you know, I don’t sleep well and tend to steal blankets.”

 

It sounded like a grumpy warning, but Zhou Die felt his heart melt.

 

Before Jiang Yunbian could even pull the blanket, Zhou Die had already pounced on him and pinned him to the pillow.

 

The faint scent of cedar enveloped him from all directions, as if he were buried under a layer of thin snow.

 

Zhou Die tightened his hold around his waist, covered them both with the blanket, and whispered, “Okay, I won’t steal the blanket.”

 

Just holding you is enough.

 

Jiang Yunbian felt stiff and mentally repeated: I am just a toy, a toy being held.

 

Zhou Die nuzzled along his slightly damp hair, his voice trailing off with a satisfied laugh. “So comfortable.”

 

Pheromones intertwined, soothing and fulfilling possessiveness, like savoring the best cake in the right amount.

 

Jiang Yunbian thought, to hell with being a toy.

 

Then he reached out, pulling Zhou Die closer and gently patting his head.

 

With clumsy dominance, he said, “Alright, sleep now. I’ll stay with you.”

 

A Good Night’s Sleep

 

Jiang Yunbian suddenly understood why some Alphas become addicted to being around Omegas—because the feeling of matching pheromones interacting is really pleasant.

 

Last night was especially peaceful, with not a single unnecessary dream.

 

If Zhou Die hadn’t been playing with his waist this morning, Jiang Yunbian felt he could have slept until noon.

 

His side felt slightly itchy.

 

He jolted awake, threw off the blanket, and firmly pinned Zhou Die’s hand under the blanket.

 

“What are you doing!”

 

The Enigma behind him murmured with a hint of sleepy confusion and slowly opened his eyes. “What?”

 

It took Jiang Yunbian several minutes to catch the fleeting smile in his eyes. He snorted and handcuffed Zhou Die’s hand under the blanket. “The evidence is clear. You’re committing a crime.”

 

Even though Zhou Die knew his pretense of sleeping was exposed, he remained unflustered.

 

“What crime?” He leaned against the pillow, which still had a hint of mint fragrance. “I just woke up.”

 

Jiang Yunbian was about to laugh in frustration. “This student, I was being considerate because you were feeling unwell and acted as a pillow last night. Taking advantage is punishable.”

 

Zhou Die’s gaze traced his profile, his smile no longer hidden, but he still feigned ignorance. “I really don’t know what you’re talking about.”

 

“Where did your hand just touch?”

 

“Touched the pillow.”

 

Jiang Yunbian really wanted to smother him with the pillow.

 

“Don’t pull this in the morning.” He released his hand, sitting awkwardly. “It’s easy to accidentally cause trouble.”

 

Then he heard Zhou Die laugh.

 

It was a hearty, unrestrained laugh.

 

Jiang Yunbian really wanted to hit him.

 

“So, this little pillow, did you cause trouble?”

 

“……Get lost.”

 

Jiang Yunbian, extremely annoyed, got out of bed with his messy hair and went to the bathroom.

 

Zhou Die slowly got up and looked toward the balcony, still feeling unsatisfied.

 

Such a close call.

 

*

 

On the first night of school, two unfortunate couples were caught by the grade director and apparently had their parents called in.

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t follow up on how it was handled, but the two couples he and Zhou Die saved seemed to be fine.

 

The whole grade was quiet for a while, and during evening self-study, no one sneaked into the woods to hold hands anymore.

 

But in mid-February, the sweet scent of chocolate brought the flirtatious wind back.

 

Gao Zining bet Xu Zhan during the break.

 

“How many boxes of chocolate do you think Jiang Yunbian will receive this year?”

 

Yang You, passing by, commented, “I don’t know how many boxes he’ll get, but you won’t get any.”

 

Gao Zining was exasperated. “That’s because our grade’s Omegas and girls have no taste! As an Alpha, I have my charm!”

 

The class monitor turned back, holding a half-eaten Mili Su. “Here, have a piece.”

 

When Gao Zining, grinning, reached for it, the study committee intercepted him. “Dogs can’t eat chocolate. It’s harmful to health.”

 

Gao Zining: “Thanks for your concern, but I’ll never reconcile with you in this lifetime.”

 

As they chatted, Xu Zhan saw several girls by the back door, blushing and waving at him.

 

He walked over.

 

“This bag is for Jiang Yunbian, and this one is for Zhou Die,” one of the girls said clearly, “Don’t mix them up. Zhou Die’s bag is sweeter.”

 

Xu Zhan: “……Got it.”

 

Then, as if giving him travel money, the girl slipped a small box of chocolates into Xu Zhan’s hand. “This one is for you.”

 

Xu Zhan thought it would have been better if she hadn’t given it.

 

Gao Zining and He Ru looked at the two bags with displeasure.

 

He Ru: “I’m going to buy lemons in bulk.”

 

Gao Zining: “Good Ge, help me buy ten pounds too.”

 

When Zhou Die and Jiang Yunbian returned, their seats were already filled with a variety of snacks.

 

Jiang Yunbian sighed, thinking he wasn’t running a snack shop and couldn’t finish all these.

 

There was even a thoughtful card on top.

 

[If you can’t finish it, you can share with other students~]

 

He turned around and looked at Zhou Die.

 

“What should we do? Should we distribute it?”

 

Zhou Die slowly looked at him for a while, then stood up and handed the entire bag of snacks from Jiang Yunbian’s desk and a piece of his own to Gao Zining.

 

“Just distribute it.”

 

“Damn, thanks, bro.”

 

Jiang Yunbian yawned, about to rest his head on the desk for a bit, when his chair was gently tapped.

 

Jiang Yunbian turned around.

 

“You can’t accept other people’s chocolates today,” Zhou Die said.

 

Jiang Yunbian responded, “Why?”

 

He usually didn’t accept chocolates. Last year, he had rejected them in person, and the ones left behind were secretly stuffed in his desk. Unable to find the owner, Jiang Yunbian had taken them back, and they were eventually shared by the band.

 

Zhou Die twirled a pen. “Because I’m giving you one.”

 

Jiang Yunbian looked at him. “When?”

 

“Within today.”

 

“……Then give it to me now.” Jiang Yunbian wasn’t sure what “within today” meant. “Do you want me to wait with anticipation for a day?”

 

“Hmm, probably.”

 

“No way. See, it’s physical education class later.” Jiang Yunbian pointed to the schedule. “When I come back, I want to see the chocolate in my desk, understood?”

 

The bully Jiang Wangwang had returned.

 

Zhou Die nodded. “Alright, Jiang Ge.”

 

Jiang Yunbian smirked. “Good.”

 

During physical education class, Jiang Yunbian deliberately dragged Xu Zhan and Gao Zining to the sports field, seemingly eager to receive the chocolate and creating a gap for Zhou Die.

 

After the class was over and everyone had left, Zhou Die took a bag out of his desk.

 

It was black with a deep brown bow.

 

He placed it on Jiang Yunbian’s desk.

 

Soon, the last student from Class Six also left the classroom.

 

The class bell rang, and students rushed back to their classes in the corridor.

 

At the door, a figure suddenly entered Class Six and walked to Jiang Yunbian’s desk.

 

Then, the black bag was picked up and thrown into the trash can.