The Marked Alpha Is Extremely Hard to Coax - Chapter 47

Zheng Xinglin didn’t know why he was doing this. He didn’t have the courage to give Jiang Yunbian chocolate, nor did he dare to let Jiang Yunbian accept the chocolate from Zhou Die.

 

He thought he liked Jiang Yunbian, but when pushed to the brink by Zhou Die, he couldn’t bring himself to say a single word to that person.

 

Zheng Xinglin realized too late that he didn’t actually want Jiang Yunbian for himself; he just didn’t want anyone else to have him.

 

When he realized this, he was strangely relieved to be just a beta.

 

“Why do this?”

 

The cold male voice from the back door hit Zheng Xinglin like a bolt of lightning.

 

Jiang Yunbian walked in slowly, first going to the trash can to retrieve the bag.

 

Although it wasn’t polite to say, he was indeed a bit eager about Zhou Die’s chocolate, but he hadn’t expected to return to such a scene.

 

“Fortunately, the trash hasn’t been collected yet,” he said, retrieving the bag. “The bag’s surface was just in the paper pile, so it didn’t affect the chocolate inside.”

 

“You’ve seemed off for a while, but I didn’t notice until now.” Jiang Yunbian took out the chocolate and slowly folded the paper bag.

 

Zheng Xinglin watched him return to his seat with a calm demeanor, looking for a tissue to wipe the chocolate’s packaging.

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t look at him. “Regardless of the reason, it’s impolite to throw away someone else’s belongings.”

 

“Are you not angry?” Zheng Xinglin felt his throat tighten. If someone had thrown away something Jiang Yunbian gave him, he would have been furious.

 

“I am angry.” Jiang Yunbian put the chocolate into his bag, showing how much he valued it. “But I’m going to listen to your reason before I act.”

 

“There is no reason.”

 

“If it’s just pure malice…” Jiang Yunbian placed a hand gently on Zheng Xinglin’s shoulder, his fist ready.

 

Before Zheng Xinglin could react, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his stomach, curling up and squatting in front of Jiang Yunbian, his vision blurring for a moment.

 

Jiang Yunbian squatted down to be at eye level with him. “I’ve held back my strength. We’re even now. Tell me honestly why you threw away my things.”

 

“You,” Zheng Xinglin coughed weakly. The difference between AB was still too obvious. “There are so many people giving you chocolate today. Why did you only accept Zhou Die’s?”

 

“Is that a difficult question?”

 

Zheng Xinglin looked up in astonishment, thinking Jiang Yunbian wouldn’t admit it.

 

“I like Zhou Die, so I want to receive his chocolate. Is that not allowed?”

 

Jiang Yunbian’s first admission of liking made his heart race slightly, but he felt quite relieved.

 

Liking is just liking; there’s no need for twists and turns.

 

Zheng Xinglin knew that a relationship between two Alphas was against the law and generally unacceptable.

 

He thought Jiang Yunbian and Zhou Die wouldn’t admit it.

 

Jiang Yunbian, at his age, was arrogant and reckless. Admitting his feelings was undoubtedly a constraint for him.

 

“Or do you like Zhou Die too?” Jiang Yunbian was taken aback. He quickly recalled scenes related to Zheng Xinglin and suddenly noticed many details he had previously overlooked.

 

Especially that yogurt rabbit.

 

“Jiang Yunbian, don’t be foolish.” Zheng Xinglin released his hand from his stomach and stood upright. “Zhou Die has already noticed. Didn’t you?”

 

“He noticed you like him?”

 

“He noticed I like you.” Zheng Xinglin felt like his tongue had been scraped with a blade, painfully raw. “I like you.”

 

“Ah.” Jiang Yunbian snapped back to reality, clapped his hands together, and thought seriously for a moment. “So that’s how it is.”

 

“I’m serious. I’m not joking with you.” Zheng Xinglin was a bit overwhelmed by his nonchalant expression.

 

To Jiang Yunbian, his feelings seemed trivial.

 

“No, I’ve seriously considered all our interactions,” Jiang Yunbian said, not intending to soothe his turbulent emotions. “I don’t know what I did to make you like me.”

 

Zheng Xinglin was stunned. “You’re excellent. You’re first in the grade, a high-level Alpha, good-looking, and confident. I…”

 

“Let me tell you, my grades were at the bottom in middle school. I was once assessed as a high-risk abnormal A, and my parents are divorced,” Jiang Yunbian said. “Do you still like me?”

 

Zheng Xinglin’s pupils contracted in disbelief. “How is that possible? If you’re going to reject me, just reject me without making excuses!”

 

“Alright,” Jiang Yunbian stood up straight. “Thank you for your affection. I’m sorry, but I have someone I like.”

 

Zheng Xinglin’s fingertips trembled slightly. He suppressed his emotions and replied, “I understand,” before turning and leaving the classroom.

 

Jiang Yunbian sighed, washed his hands, and took out the chocolate again.

 

He carefully unwrapped it without damaging the packaging, revealing eight neatly arranged white chocolates. He licked his lips and ate one.

 

“Ugh, it’s so sweet.”

 

*

 

At the end of the second week of school, the school released a list of top students who would attend the eight-school joint training.

 

Both Jiang Yunbian and Zhou Die’s names were on it.

 

Xu Zhan, who ranked fifteenth in the grade, missed the chance and patted Jiang Yunbian on the shoulder before leaving.

 

“I heard that during the training, there are uniform exams every day. You’ll go for two weeks and have four uniform exams, twice a week,” Xu Zhan said, shivering. “I should be glad I didn’t get close to the top ten in the grade last semester.”

 

“It’s okay. If you’re scared, just stay in school,” Jiang Yunbian said with a smirk. “I’ll show you what it means to dominate the rankings.”

 

Gao Zining gave a thumbs up. “Awesome.”

 

Although it seemed like training, it was essentially a fierce competition among the top ten of eight schools. No one wanted to end up at the bottom.

 

As Jiang Yunbian packed his luggage, Xu Zhan didn’t disturb him, and before leaving, he sent a message to Zhou Die.

 

[Brother Zhou, the Saturday after your training ends is Yunbian’s birthday.]

 

Since Jiang Yunbian wasn’t at school this time, they could freely prepare without worrying about exposing their surprise.

 

[He probably doesn’t remember, so don’t remind him. Let’s coordinate and give him a surprise.]

 

The departure day was a Saturday morning. The top ten students from the third middle school were all in one car. Jiang Yunbian, carrying a suitcase, looked drowsy and was trying to avoid the sun.

 

Xu Zhao had an umbrella, and Jiang Yunbian greeted her and took it.

 

“I’ve gained some skills. I actually waited for Jiang Ge to hold the umbrella for me,” Xu Zhao said with a smile.

 

Jiang Yunbian yawned. “When Zhou Die arrives, he’ll be the one holding the umbrella for you.”

 

Xu Zhao: “Well, you’re more capable, able to get him to hold the umbrella for you.”

 

Jiang Yunbian chuckled. The team leader was Jiang Yunbian’s chemistry teacher, who started calling the roll once everyone was present.

 

“Wei Chu knew he could face you directly during training, so he brought a box of books,” Xu Zhao said, finding Wei Chu’s box among the luggage. “Two-thirds of it is practice questions.”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “Isn’t that like bringing a box of bricks?”

 

“After all, you can boast about your comeback for two months.”

 

At this time, Zhou Die arrived with his suitcase.

 

“Why are you so slow?” Jiang Yunbian raised the umbrella slightly, so Zhou Die could walk into the shade.

 

Though he had said Zhou Die should hold the umbrella, he was still taking care of the young master.

 

Zhou Die held a small suitcase by his side. “Your suppressor. I almost forgot to bring it.”

 

Xu Zhao shook her head. “I’m so jealous. Why is no one helping me with the suppressor?”

 

“Everyone’s here, get on the bus. I’ll explain the training requirements to you.” The teacher in charge knocked on the bus door. “Hurry up.”

 

“This time it’s an eight-school training camp with a total of eighty students participating, all top ten from each school in their grade, their level is comparable to yours. There will be a unified exam every Wednesday and Friday to test your learning outcomes. Since next Sunday coincides with the countdown to the final hundred days, there will be a physical training activity for the school students, and you will also participate. The groups will be mixed with the other seventy students, and the specific arrangements will be announced later.”

 

The chemistry teacher briefly explained the plan for the next two weeks and then set off.

 

Jiang Yunbian and Zhou Die were sitting in the back double seats. The sun outside made the glass windows a bit hot, and Jiang Yunbian, wearing a hat, was looking for a place to shield himself.

 

“Lean on my shoulder,” Zhou Die said, hugging his backpack and tilting slightly towards Jiang Yunbian. “The height should be about right.”

 

Jiang Yunbian was feeling a bit carsick and wanted to find a comfortable way to spend the ride. When Zhou Die offered, he leaned over without hesitation.

 

The faint cedar scent eased his discomfort.

 

The homeroom teacher originally wanted to chat with the students about the plan to ease their nerves.

 

But he found that aside from Wei Chu, who responded most enthusiastically, everyone else was looking towards the back.

 

“What are you looking at? Is there a view outside?” He stood up curiously and moved towards the back.

 

As soon as he took a few steps, he saw Jiang Yunbian, his hat pulled over his face, asleep in a bundle with his arms crossed, leaning on Zhou Die.

 

The other person, however, seemed unfazed, wearing headphones and watching a movie on his phone.

 

A girl beside them whispered, “I’ve been so moved, I’ve already said I’m tired.”

 

“Thanks to the live show, I feel like the meridians have been opened.”

 

“I’m all sugar, not a drop of water in my blood.”

 

Homeroom teacher: “…”

 

The third school was the third batch to arrive at the training camp. After getting off the bus, the chemistry teacher led them to the dormitory.

 

A female instructor was waiting at the entrance, and soon the boys and girls were separated.

 

“We have only four female students, two to a dormitory. You’ll arrange yourselves. The male students, come over here and collect your dormitory keys!” The chemistry teacher took out the keys. “Come on, the boys first!”

 

Except for Wei Chu, everyone else was an Alpha, so the dormitory arrangement wasn’t restricted, and they could team up freely.

 

Zhou Die took the key and helped Jiang Yunbian with his suitcase. “Let’s go, we’re on the third floor.”

 

Jiang Yunbian followed lazily behind him, looking a bit groggy from lack of sleep.

 

“There’s only one dormitory building here; other buildings are not open. Remember not to go to the wrong place,” the chemistry teacher pointed out every sign. “Also remember the floors: the first floor is for the first and fourth schools, the second floor is for the municipal first and third schools, and we and Ning High are on the first floor…”

 

Jiang Yunbian fully woke up at the mention of Ning High.

 

What a coincidence.

 

When the teacher brought the students to the dormitory, the dorms next door at Ning High were empty. The students had likely arrived, but no one was present.

 

As Jiang Yunbian dragged his suitcase and entered the dormitory with Zhou Die, he paused at the sight of the empty room.

 

The beds and desks were separated, seemingly to ensure that students were not affected, with a rather spacious distance, larger than the dorms at the third school.

 

The bed covers looked relatively new, but it was hard to tell how many batches of students had used them.

 

Jiang Yunbian turned around to take his things out of the suitcase but was gently stopped by Zhou Die.

 

“Is there something you need to tell me?” Zhou Die leaned down to make eye contact.

 

“What?” Jiang Yunbian was momentarily confused.

 

“When the teacher mentioned Ning High, you seemed very pleased.”

 

Jiang Ye was from Ning High.

 

Jiang Yunbian thought it was time to let Zhou Die know some things.

 

Jiang Yunbian’s fingertips, which had been hovering over the combination lock, relaxed slightly. He sighed and sat on the edge of the bed.

 

“When I was in middle school, I had a very good friend named Wen Lin.”

 

They were in the same class in the first year of middle school, and Jiang Yunbian met Wen Lin before he had differentiated.

 

Wen Lin was the first Alpha to differentiate in their class and was quite a rich young master, very popular, always surrounded by girls wherever he went.

 

At that time, Jiang Yunbian was a typical troublemaker in the eyes of the teachers, disinterested in studying, sleeping in class, and avoiding classes to fight.

 

There was a habit of having top students mentor the struggling ones, and the teacher arranged Jiang Yunbian to sit next to Wen Lin, making them desk mates.

 

“At first, we fought every day. I didn’t like him, and he didn’t want to deal with me, but I don’t know what our homeroom teacher was thinking; whenever I caused trouble, Wen Lin had to share half the blame. He probably was so fed up with me that he just stuck with me all day.”

 

Jiang Yunbian was quite solitary back then, with an average relationship with classmates, and would ignore anyone who called him on the street.

 

At first, Wen Lin would beat him if he ignored him, and later he would just follow him around if he was ignored.

 

Jiang Yunbian secretly learned to play the guitar and sing, which Wen Lin discovered. Wen Lin pointed at him and said, “You skip an afternoon to come here and listen to him play? It’s not as good as a blind man under the bridge playing the erhu.”

 

Jiang Yunbian raised his hand to hit him, but Wen Lin stopped him. “Here’s the deal: as long as you stick with me and don’t cause trouble, I’ll teach you how to play the guitar.”

 

Jiang Yunbian wasn’t particularly interested, just thought it was a way to pass the time, but as Wen Lin taught him, things began to grow like seeds soaking up water and eventually becoming a big tree.

 

Including later, his desire to form a band was greatly influenced by Wen Lin.

 

After differentiating into an Alpha, Jiang Yunbian became best friends with Wen Lin.

 

In the first semester of the third year of middle school, they first tried to form a band, with Wen Lin on guitar and bass, Jiang Yunbian as the vocalist, and later also including Xu Zhan and Jiang Ye from the neighboring class. They gained some fame within the school.

 

The turning point came later.

 

“Right after graduating from the third year, Wen Lin contacted an underground band that had a venue and offered us two hours of performance time.”

 

That night was Jiang Yunbian’s first time performing as a lead vocalist on stage, a small live performance for about five to six hundred people, enough to burn his dreams with fiery passion.

 

That night, at the celebration banquet, he drank himself into a stupor, repeatedly talking about the future, and woke up to a series of phone calls.

 

“Yunbian,” Xu Zhan’s voice trembled on the phone, “Hurry to the hospital, Wen Lin marked your sister…”

 

Zhou Die sensed that Jiang Yunbian’s emotions began to shift here.

 

“I treated him as my best friend. I never stopped him from getting to know my sister, but he did this.”

 

Jiang Yunbian had differentiated late, identifying as Omega in the second semester of high school, and his family took good care of him, fearing any health issues for his sister.

 

“Yunbian.” Zhou Die held the hand resting on his knee. “Jiang Yunbian.”

 

Jiang Yunbian seemed to awaken from a nightmare, looked up at Zhou Die, and after a while managed to compose himself and retract his clenched fist from Zhou Die’s hand.

 

“I’m fine.” Jiang Yunbian opened his suitcase, taking out his pillowcase and quilt cover. “Later, I had a fight with Wen Lin. He ended up in the hospital for a few months. My parents got divorced, and we haven’t met again since.”

 

Although his parents never openly discussed it in front of him, Jiang Yunbian knew that the incident had intensified family conflicts to some extent.

 

Zhou Die took the items from him and embraced him.

 

“Yunbian, it wasn’t your fault.” Zhou Die gently stroked his hair. “Sorry, let’s not think about it.”

 

The faint cedar scent from Zhou Die’s clothes made Jiang Yunbian feel like a taut string in his mind had suddenly relaxed.

 

Then came overwhelming fatigue.

 

“Zhou Die, I’m tired.” Jiang Yunbian rubbed his eyes.

 

“I’ll put on the sheets and let you sleep.” Zhou Die leaned in to help arrange them and then placed a scented sachet with blocking effects on the table.

 

“Take a nap. I’ll wake you up for dinner.”

 

Jiang Yunbian turned over and lay on the bed, wrapping himself in the quilt and falling asleep.

 

Although the temporary dormitory was very clean, Zhou Die still found a cloth and wiped down the desks and cabinets. After finishing, he took the cloth to the hallway. Just as he was hanging it on the railing, students from Ning High had returned.

 

“Hey, I heard the Third School is next door. The rumor is that the top student who took a year off and came back with excellent grades is also here. I wonder if we’ll run into him.”

 

“Probably. There are only three dorms. If you’re interested, you could knock on each door.”

 

“That’s unnecessary. I heard there’s a Jiang who’s really good at fighting. Is that Wen Lin you know? What’s his full name?”

 

When Zhou Die turned around, he saw four boys coming up the stairs.

 

They were all wearing Ning High’s school jackets. The one at the front was about Zhou Die’s height and smiled slightly when their eyes met.

 

Although they were just standing at the door, the glance felt like a blade meeting another blade, with Wen Lin sensing the faint, oppressive cedar scent.

 

The person in front didn’t show any friendliness towards him.

 

Zhou Die expressionlessly turned back and closed the dormitory door.

 

The few people behind him fell silent, not understanding why one glance from the Third School student felt so intimidating.

 

Wen Lin tilted his head, “Aren’t you all looking to meet that Student Zhou?”

 

“Huh?” The boys behind looked puzzled. “That person just now wasn’t…”

 

“Yeah, the one just now was him.”

 

The boys behind looked horrified and hurried into their dormitory with their heads down.

 

Wen Lin glanced back slowly after passing the Third School’s dormitory, his gaze darkening slightly as it lingered on the door Zhou Die had entered.

 

Jiang Yunbian woke up at 5:30, still feeling a bit uncomfortable in his neck. It took him a while to realize he wasn’t lying in his dormitory bed.

 

“Thirsty?” Zhou Die’s voice came from behind. Jiang Yunbian turned around to find his roommate had already turned on the light and was working on practice questions.

 

“Why have you tidied everything up already?” Jiang Yunbian noticed the changes in the dormitory environment only when he got up. “You’re making it seem like I’m exploiting you.”

 

Zhou Die opened a drawer. “The suppressants are here. Your heat is approaching, so remember to carry them with you.”

 

Jiang Yunbian flipped over on the bed and took out his phone. “You really know more than I do.”

 

The homeroom teacher set up a group for the students from the Third School to keep in touch. Jiang Yunbian opened the group and saw some messages.

 

He couldn’t help but laugh. “Wei Chu is such an idiot. He doesn’t even know to bring his own pillowcase.”

 

Wei Chu had brought a suitcase full of books, and the remaining part of the suitcase was filled with pens and a desk lamp, with no extra snacks.

 

[Xu Zhaoru: Stack your exercise books, use them as a pillow~]

 

[Wen Shuoyu: Tape the exam papers together, use them as a blanket~]

 

A bunch of merciless “hahaha” responses.

 

[Teacher Wang: There’s a small shop at the training base that seems to sell them.]

 

[Teacher Wang: Everyone gather. It’s time for dinner.]

 

Jiang Yunbian initially wanted to go downstairs and make fun of Wei Chu, but when he opened the door, he first saw the group from Ning High.

 

Several people were chatting and laughing in the hallway, and when Jiang Yunbian opened the door, it fell silent immediately.

 

Zhou Die, noticing Jiang Yunbian’s change in mood, said softly, “Let’s go. I’ll go with you.”

 

Jiang Yunbian agreed and went downstairs with a serious face.

 

He didn’t see Wen Lin.

 

The teacher served meals for the ten students. The cafeteria provided a uniform meal for the eighty students, ensuring balanced nutrition.

 

Xu Zhaoru brought two rows of yogurt to distribute to the classmates and asked Jiang Yunbian what flavor he wanted.

 

Jiang Yunbian took the yogurt and asked Zhou Die, “Which one do you want?”

 

“Strawberry.”

 

“Got it.”

 

As soon as they sat down, Wei Chu carrying daily supplies ran over. “The shop is so far away; I ran all the way here.”

 

“Was it well-stocked?” Xu Zhaoru asked.

 

“Not bad, quite comprehensive. Students from several schools were buying things there. I even saw someone from Ning High.”

 

Someone asked, “Who?”

 

“Could it be the rumored top student who can rival our two geniuses, Wen Lin?”

 

Wei Chu nodded. “Yes, that’s him.”

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t expect to hear news about Wen Lin here and felt a bit nauseous.

 

“Wen Lin, my idol.” Wei Chu seemed to be sincerely talking to Jiang Yunbian. “I heard from Ning High that he’s diligent, polite, and an Alpha.”

 

Converted, Wen Lin’s status at Ning High was similar to Zhou Die’s.

 

The girls started discussing Alpha appearances and were talking about him when someone in the cafeteria called out.

 

“Wen Lin, come over here!”

 

Ning High’s homeroom teacher was also calling his students.

 

Xu Zhaoru was about to look back to see the legendary Alpha when Jiang Yunbian put down his spoon.

 

“I’m full. I’m going outside to get some fresh air.”

 

Before the teacher could call him back, Zhou Die also stood up. “Not appetizing. Going outside for some fresh air.”

 

Teacher: So today’s students all like to go outside for fresh air, huh?

 

Wen Lin came in through the back door while Jiang Yunbian walked out through the front door without looking back.

 

“I’m just going for a breath of fresh air,” Jiang Yunbian glanced at Zhou Die and smiled, “It’s nothing.”

 

Zhou Die looked around and said, “I don’t want to eat. I’m going to the shop.”

 

Finding his direction, he fixed his gaze on Jiang Yunbian. “I cleaned for an afternoon. Shouldn’t you show some appreciation?”

 

“Sure,” Jiang Yunbian agreed readily. “Let’s go. I’ll treat you to some candy.”

 

Zhou Die leaned in and whispered in his ear, “Can I choose? I want Little Yunbian candy.”