The Marked Alpha Is Extremely Hard to Coax - Chapter 50

“I heard there’s a matchmaking tree on the back mountain of the training center. Past trainees come here secretly and hang their name tags on it, hoping for a good match.”

 

Xu Zhaoru excitedly shared the newly acquired information with her classmates.

 

“Is there any basis for this?” a girl from the next desk asked curiously. “If so, I should go hang a name tag before I leave.”

 

Xu Zhaoru honestly replied, “I heard it from the girls from No. 2 High School this morning. It seems like a non-traditional custom. I’m not sure which senior started it.”

 

“So it’s just a rumor?” a boy chimed in. “But true love depends on oneself. Don’t rely on deities—just go for it!”

 

“Go away, you don’t understand the romance of a crush at all.”

 

Xu Zhaoru secretly turned to Jiang Yunbian and shared the secret with him. “So, are you interested in trying your luck with the matchmaking tree?”

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t even look up. “Do I look like someone who needs this?”

 

Xu Zhaoru said, “You don’t really need it.”

 

Jiang Yunbian dismissed the group of love-seeking students with a light heart and started re-reading the questions. Just then, someone beside him tapped him on the shoulder.

 

“Excuse me, are you interested in looking for the tree with me?”

 

Jiang Yunbian was taken aback and, with a wry smile, lowered his voice. “You believe in this too?”

 

“I want to hang the name tags we exchanged,” Zhou Die said, leaning on the desk, his clear and pure eyes fixed on him.

 

He really looked like a cat.

 

Jiang Yunbian was somewhat overwhelmed by his stare and covered Zhou Die’s eyes with his hand. “Think about it tonight.”

 

Although he said to think about it, he still ended up going out with Zhou Die that night.

 

When Jiang Yunbian finished his shower and came out, he saw the student who had consistently ranked first in the exams lying on the chair, waiting for him.

 

Unable to resist, Jiang Yunbian reached out and ruffled his hair. It was already March and not very cold. Zhou Die was wearing a short-sleeved shirt with a Shiba Inu design. The cool mint scent lightly lingered on Jiang Yunbian’s fingers as he approached Zhou Die.

 

When the cat was caught, it would nuzzle. After that, Zhou Die pressed his chin against Jiang Yunbian’s fingertips. “I want to go out for a walk.”

 

“What’s wrong? Do I need to lead you around like a dog?” Jiang Yunbian said with a hint of amusement. “You’re not a dog.”

 

Zhou Die didn’t speak but just pressed his face against Jiang Yunbian’s palm and looked at him quietly.

 

Jiang Yunbian couldn’t help it and pinched his face with his fingertips. “Alright, let’s go and have a look.”

 

Jiang Yunbian wore a new black thin jacket that was slightly oversized, with sleeves hanging past his hands, revealing only a bit of his fingertips.

 

Zhou Die observed for a while and found it difficult to hold.

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t notice his thoughts and only realized that they had to pass by the teacher’s duty room when asking Xu Zhaoru for directions on his phone.

 

[Xu Zhaoru: Brother Jiang, didn’t expect you to be the type to say one thing and mean another.]

 

Jiang Yunbian replied with a question mark.

 

[Xu Zhaoru: You seemed indifferent in the morning, but now you’re the first to actively go looking. Don’t tell me you have a split personality.]

 

Jiang Yunbian wanted to tell her it was Zhou Die’s idea but refrained.

 

As they passed by the teacher’s duty room, Jiang Yunbian put on the hood of his jacket and pulled Zhou Die behind him. “Lower your head, don’t get spotted.”

 

The curfew was set at eight in the evening, and the teacher didn’t allow students to come and go freely.

 

Zhou Die felt the slight itch when his fingertips brushed against Jiang Yunbian’s jacket sleeve as he held his wrist.

 

Jiang Yunbian circled around and found the small tree. It was early spring, and it hadn’t started sprouting yet, but a few red name tags were already fluttering on the branches.

 

Someone had arrived before them to hang their names.

 

“Zhou Die, look at the group with you…”

 

As soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Yunbian felt his hand being tightly clasped.

 

Jiang Yunbian was stunned and looked up to see Zhou Die’s eyes full of smiles. “What?”

 

“…Nothing, hurry up and hang it,” Jiang Yunbian’s playful mockery vanished, and he urged Zhou Die to hang the name tags.

 

Zhou Die seemed reluctant to let go, trying to walk to the base of the tree with Jiang Yunbian. However, Jiang Yunbian’s bottom line was not wanting to be like those little girls who were superstitious.

 

Seeing through his emotions, Zhou Die leaned close and whispered, “Don’t you want to hang our names on the matchmaking tree with me?”

 

“Not really,” Jiang Yunbian said awkwardly, muttering, “This isn’t a matchmaking tree. Are you not thinking straight?”

 

Zhou Die lowered his head like a cat being scolded and, upon hearing the second half of the sentence, let go of his hand.

 

Jiang Yunbian suddenly realized what he had blurted out and felt flustered, quickly trying to make amends.

 

He heard a low voice from nearby, “So I’m not thinking straight.”

 

Jiang Yunbian: …

 

What does it mean when the top student admits with a downcast head that he’s not thinking straight?

 

“I’m not, I really…”

 

“Is it here?” a curious female voice came from behind.

 

Compared to arguing with Zhou Die now, Jiang Yunbian felt more embarrassed being seen at the base of the matchmaking tree, whether by students from any school.

 

Ignoring the apology he wanted to give Zhou Die, Jiang Yunbian grabbed his hand and jumped down from the platform.

 

They were pulled behind the tree, enveloped in darkness. The summer night’s insect chirping surrounded them like creeping vines.

 

Alpha held one of Zhou Die’s arms with one hand and placed the other on his lips.

 

“Shh.”

 

The faint minty breath brushed against Jiang Yunbian’s face from Zhou Die’s lips, close enough to touch.

 

Zhou Die squinted his eyes, wanting to tell him at this distance that he had long been coveting those lips.

 

But would saying it now scare Jiang Yunbian?

 

Though the school bully seemed fierce and had a strong sense of pride on the surface, he was as innocent as a child underneath. Even holding hands made him awkward, and the slightest touch made him shiver.

 

Enigma’s thoughts were always profound. During the quietest nights, he wanted to weave a net and carefully hide this person beside him, to tease and lock him up, allowing every inch of minty pheromones to intertwine with cedar.

 

But when he looked at his snow-white neck, he suddenly felt reluctant.

 

He was an Alpha, not an Omega.

 

Jiang Yunbian deserved to live freely under the sunlight.

 

There were more people arriving in front of the tree. Jiang Yunbian stood quietly behind the tree, thinking about how to leave without being spotted.

 

He shouldn’t have come tonight; otherwise, he wouldn’t be in such an awkward situation.

 

He wanted to blame Zhou Die and mock him a little, but when he looked up, he suddenly met those deep, sea-like eyes.

 

Deep as a black whirlpool, silently swallowing his figure.

 

Jiang Yunbian involuntarily shuddered and quickly averted his gaze.

 

What was Zhou Die looking at just now?

 

The person in front suddenly grabbed his wrist and, taking the opportunity, leaned down to rest on his shoulder.

 

“Yunbian.” Zhou Die whispered softly, kissing Jiang Yunbian’s earlobe. “I really like you.”

 

Jiang Yunbian felt as though his heart had split into several pieces, being stirred by those four words until everything felt chaotic and his chest ached.

 

But Zhou Die’s advances didn’t stop there.

 

The hand gripping his wrist slyly explored his palm, tracing the lines of his hand, spreading his knuckles, and holding tightly.

 

“I really like you.”

 

Despite merely holding hands and leaning on his shoulder, without any extra gestures or a hint of pheromones escaping, Jiang Yunbian felt completely soft in his embrace, using all his strength just to stand.

 

“…Got it.” He realized his voice was trembling.

 

Zhou Die chuckled softly, as if soothing a drowsy child, his voice barely audible. “Can I hang our names on the tree?”

 

“…Sure.”

 

“Will that make us look foolish?”

 

“Zhou Die.” Jiang Yunbian was jolted by this remark and felt a bit irritated. “Are you trying to make things difficult for me? That’s not what I meant.”

 

“I don’t know,” Zhou Die persisted, “Everyone says that falling in love lowers one’s IQ, but even though I’m not in love yet, it seems like my brain isn’t working properly.”

 

Jiang Yunbian thought to himself, you’re being very astute.

 

He was trying to use his own words to trap him.

 

“I…”

 

Before Jiang Yunbian could respond, the footsteps in front of the tree became clearer.

 

Someone was coming.

 

The ambiguous atmosphere was interrupted as both of them listened to the sounds behind them.

 

“Wen Lin, I’ve hung it up~” A girl’s voice, filled with a hint of laughter, asked the person behind her.

 

Jiang Yunbian’s brain, which had been softened by Zhou Die’s affection, finally resumed normal function.

 

Wen Lin was here too?

 

“Of course.” The male voice was slightly light and carried a faint smile. “Can it be hung up? Do you need my help?”

 

“No need, I’m already very happy you came with me.” The girl’s reply was sweet as she jumped and tossed the name tag up.

 

Unfortunately, she didn’t have enough strength and the height wasn’t enough, so the paper fluttered down from the highest point.

 

Unwilling to give up, she picked it up and tried again.

 

Still, it didn’t stay up.

 

Wen Lin, standing behind her, withdrew his gaze from her back. His smiling expression faded, and he glanced at his watch.

 

It was already this time.

 

The girl, having failed to hang the name tag after several attempts, stood awkwardly with a red face.

 

“It seems like the matchmaking tree doesn’t accept us…”

 

Wen Lin rubbed her head with a slightly disapproving and disgusted tone. “Forget it. It’s too dirty.”

 

The girl understood and stood in place, feeling embarrassed.

 

“But, but if it doesn’t get hung up, doesn’t that mean we came for nothing…”

 

“It doesn’t matter,” Wen Lin interrupted gently, adding with warmth, “As long as we truly like each other, it doesn’t matter, right?”

 

The girl, though downcast, mustered a smile. “Yes, you’re right.”

 

“Let’s go back.”

 

Before leaving, Wen Lin glanced back at the tree with a furrowed brow.

 

Jiang Yunbian breathed a sigh of relief once the footsteps of the departing group faded. “Almost got spotted.”

 

He didn’t care who Wen Lin was with or what he was doing, as long as he was gone.

 

As he tried to leave, Zhou Die tugged at him. He turned around and saw Zhou Die’s stubborn and serious expression.

 

“I have to hang it up.”

 

Jiang Yunbian took a moment to realize that Zhou Die wasn’t satisfied with Wen Lin’s comments.

 

“Fine.” He made a gesture inviting him to proceed. “Go ahead. If we don’t hang it up tonight, we’ll stay here and sleep.”

 

Zhou Die walked around and found a good spot.

 

“I’ve hung it up.”

 

“Are you a robot or something?” Jiang Yunbian said helplessly. “Does everything have to be approved by me?”

 

Zhou Die withdrew his gaze and threw the tag gently.

 

It landed at the tip of the branch and spun around twice.

 

Jiang Yunbian whistled and genuinely praised him. “Good aim.”

 

Zhou Die ran over, extending his palm. “So, what’s the reward?”

 

Jiang Yunbian thought for a moment, knowing he wanted to hold hands but instead hooked his finger.

 

Zhou Die raised an eyebrow and leaned in.

 

Jiang Yunbian pressed his cheek against Zhou Die’s.

 

The distance was perfectly controlled, with only his breath brushing against Zhou Die’s face, without actual contact of lips.

 

The tall Enigma stood still, unsure whether to look at him or reflect on the sudden intimacy.

 

But Jiang Yunbian seemed to retreat at the last moment and didn’t kiss him.

 

Jiang Yunbian put on his hat to hide his flushed ears, patted Zhou Die’s hand, and turned around with a feigned nonchalance.

 

“Keep trying.”

 

*

 

The training schedule was packed, and many students visibly lost weight after two weeks.

 

Xu Zhaoruo was struggling to keep up, and by the last day of training, she was so exhausted she ended up climbing down from her seat halfway through the class to sleep.

 

She really wanted to know how Zhou Die and Jiang Yunbian, these two monsters, managed to maintain their top two spots while being so flirtatious with each other.

 

You guys are still unbeatable during the training, while I’m enjoying sweet dreams during breaks.

 

We all have bright futures ahead.

 

Returning to the city was on Saturday morning. Jiang Yunbian, dragging a suitcase and looking half-asleep, had Zhou Die holding an umbrella for him.

 

“Just hang in a little longer, and we’ll be on the bus.”

 

Jiang Yunbian groaned, “I feel like I’m going to throw up on the way.”

 

Zhou Die softly said, “Wait here,” and handed him the umbrella.

 

Jiang Yunbian stood there looking drained, waiting a while for Zhou Die to return.

 

When Zhou Die came back, he had a small bag with anti-motion sickness patches and medicine.

 

“Do you want to apply it?”

 

Jiang Yunbian grumbled, “I think it’ll make it worse.”

 

“Then take the medicine.” Zhou Die handed him a bottle of water and the pills.

 

Jiang Yunbian sighed and took the pills.

 

Fortunately, they worked, and he didn’t feel too nauseous on the way. Stretching and getting some fresh air after getting off the bus made him feel better.

 

“Thanks for your hard work during these two weeks. Rest well in the dormitory and continue with your studies!”

 

The twenty students, feeling exhausted, responded weakly and trudged back to their dorms.

 

Zhou Die helped Jiang Yunbian with his suitcase and asked, “Do you want to take a nap later?”

 

“Not really, I’m not that tired.” Jiang Yunbian touched his neck and thought about going out to eat something.

 

Zhou Die’s phone buzzed twice, and he checked it after putting things away in the dorm.

 

Xu Zhan was asking where they were.

 

[Xu Zhan: How’s Jiang Yunbian’s condition? I heard the training was pretty brutal.]

 

[Zhou Die: He’s okay.]

 

[Xu Zhan: We’ve booked a KTV, and almost everyone from the class is here. The surprise is ready!]

 

Zhou Die received a photo showing a wall with “Happy Birthday Jiang Wangwang” written on it.

 

A cliché yet cute surprise.

 

“Do you want to eat something?” Jiang Yunbian sprayed some barrier spray on himself. Since it was his sensitive period during the training, Zhou Die’s temporary marking had worked well.

 

“I’ll book it.” Zhou Die said, “Shall we go now?”

 

“Sure.”

 

When Zhou Die arrived at the KTV following Xu Zhan’s address, Jiang Yunbian looked puzzled.

 

“Zhou Die, I think you should know we’re not yet of legal drinking age.”

 

Zhou Die responded with a puzzled “Hmm.”

 

Jiang Yunbian pointed to a nearby budget hotel. “Also, I didn’t bring my ID. Please curb your dangerous ideas.”

 

Zhou Die glanced at the cheap-looking hotel and licked his teeth.

 

“Do I seem like someone who would casually book such a place?”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “It does seem unlike you.”

 

“Let’s go in. It’s right here.” Zhou Die pointed to the KTV, where the neon lights hadn’t yet turned on.

 

Jiang Yunbian was stunned. “Are you suddenly in the mood to show off your singing skills?”

 

“Not really,” Zhou Die replied. “I want to hear you sing.”

 

“Well, I could sing for you in the dorm. There’s no need to come here…”

 

Zhou Die didn’t answer and led him to the private room.

 

He knocked three times as instructed by Xu Zhan and stepped aside to open the door.

 

As soon as Jiang Yunbian entered, two small fireworks exploded from behind the door.

 

Confetti fell on his hair, and people from Class Six were watching him.

 

“Happy birthday, Jiang Ge! Congratulations on turning adult!”

 

Over thirty people, each more excited than the last, shouted “Happy Birthday!”

 

Jiang Yunbian, realizing it was indeed his birthday after checking his phone, was caught off guard.

 

Gao Zining wanted to put a small party hat on him but was stopped by Jiang Yunbian’s warning glance.

 

Gao Zining gathered his courage, “Come on, you can’t have a birthday without a hat! Don’t be mad at me; I’ve got over thirty people backing me up!”

 

Yang You joined in, “Put it on! Put it on!”

 

Xu Zhan, who had known him the longest, directly held Jiang Yunbian’s neck and pushed him toward Gao Zining.

 

“Put it on!”

 

Jiang Yunbian was forced to wear the shiny birthday hat and was then pushed into the middle of the crowd.

 

Zhou Die, standing nearby, watched Jiang Yunbian, who was on the verge of exploding but forced himself to endure, looking both embarrassed and touched as the crowd sang the birthday song. It amused him.

 

Xu Zhaoruo, mingling among the crowd, pushed Zhou Die, “Hurry up, sing ‘Happy Birthday’ with us!”

 

Jiang Yunbian barely endured the auditory torture of the birthday song, but Gao Zining, showing no mercy, demanded they sing it again because the voices weren’t in sync.

 

Jiang Yunbian: “Alright, enough already. I appreciate your…”

 

Gao Zining sang, “Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to dear Jiang Dogzi…”

 

“Happy birthday goose!” Xu Zhan elbowed him, “Why not ‘happy birthday duck’?”

 

“This is the Gao family’s unique singing style, you don’t understand a thing!”

 

Jiang Yunbian endured another round of singing, and a few girls turned off the lights and drew the curtains, pretending it was night.

 

Zhou Die, given the important task, brought out the cake.

 

The cake had an “18” candle and a Q-version figurine of Jiang Yunbian designed according to the class uniform. The cake’s surface had a message:

 

[Happy 18th Birthday to our Jiang Wangwang, Class Six will always love you!]

 

Since his parents’ divorce, Jiang Yunbian hadn’t celebrated his birthday. Xu Zhan used to remember and send him birthday wishes regularly. Later, the band would bring him a small cake after work when they knew his birthday.

 

Jiang Yunbian never cared much about these occasions and found them somewhat bothersome.

 

After all, his situation was tight, and receiving gifts meant he had to think of ways to reciprocate, like treating people to a meal which could involve multiple outings.

 

But today was different.

 

The surprises today were beyond his expectations, and every person’s wish felt like a perfectly sweet, freshly baked cake, warming his heart.

 

Sitting in the crowd, Jiang Yunbian made eye contact with Zhou Die.

 

“Thank you.”

 

“Make a wish and blow out the candles,” Zhou Die said with a light smile. “Happy birthday.”

 

At this moment, Gao Zining realized they had sung the birthday song too early. After cursing a bit, he started encouraging everyone again.

 

“Enough,” Jiang Yunbian was really fed up, “I’ll just make a wish.”

 

He clasped his hands together, closed his eyes, made a wish, and blew out the candles.

 

“What did you wish for? Interested in sharing?” the class monitor asked with a smile.

 

The class leader quickly stopped him, “No, if you say it, it won’t come true!”

 

“Right! Let’s cut the cake! I’ve been craving this chocolate for so long!”

 

“Alright, alright, look at you!”

 

The Q-version figurine of Jiang Yunbian was appreciated by him after observing it for a while. He finally commented on the fine workmanship.

 

“It’s very cute,” Xu Zhaoruo said, bringing the cake closer and whispering, “I heard Zhou Die specifically had it made.”

 

The original design was just a flat sketch, and turning it into a small candy figure required a lot of work. Class Six hadn’t initially thought of this.

 

Jiang Yunbian actually liked the little figurine and hesitated to eat it after looking at it for a while.

 

“It’s very sweet.” Zhou Die leaned closer, “My suggestion is to have a taste, but don’t finish it.”

 

“Such a waste,” Jiang Yunbian said, cutting off the figurine’s arm with a fork and drinking a big gulp of water. “It’s indeed a challenge.”

 

Zhou Die chuckled, taking advantage of the lively atmosphere to lean closer and look at Jiang Yunbian.

 

“Happy birthday, little Jiang Ge.”

 

Jiang Yunbian couldn’t handle Zhou Die calling him “Ge” with that look and tone.

 

This was over the top.

 

Zhou Die was waiting for him to avoid eye contact, his neck and ears reddening. Unexpectedly, Jiang Yunbian leaned in closer, the distance suddenly shrinking.

 

“Why did you only remember I’m your older brother now?” Jiang Yunbian narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone carrying the natural arrogance of an Alpha. “Kid, show some respect from now on.”

 

Jiang Yunbian felt he delivered this line quite well, with force and deterrence, taking advantage of his age to make this person who always provoked him suffer a bit.

 

He felt satisfied and in a good mood.

 

Zhou Die’s eyes flashed with a subtle dark shade, calmly replying with temporary meekness.

 

Jiang Yunbian felt a satisfying thrill from Zhou Die’s expression.

 

“It’s okay, even though I turned adult before you, it’s not a big deal, I…”

 

Before he could finish, Zhou Die said with a hint of a smile, “Yes, now that you’re an adult, you can do many things.”