The Marked Alpha Is Extremely Hard to Coax - Chapter 53

“My countdown calendar is broken.” Gao Zining complained to his classmates while holding his small desk calendar, “Why was there still a dozen pages left before, but now there are only a few days left?”

 

Yang You was equally shocked, “How could this happen! Where has all our time gone? Who stole our time!”

 

Jiang Yunbian looked at these exaggerated high school students with amusement, “Is deceiving yourself interesting? Instead of making a fuss here, you might as well go solve a few more practice problems.”

 

Xu Zhan shook his head, “Look at the wickedness of this top student. Are you still not motivated to work hard?”

 

The group of students went back to their practice problems, wailing and moaning.

 

Jiang Yunbian sat at his desk, staring at the chairs and desks behind him, suddenly feeling a bit anxious.

 

What should he give Zhou Die?

 

Just as Xu Zhan finished a set of problems and turned around, leaning on Jiang Yunbian’s desk, he struck a professional pose, “I specialize in solving the confusion of teenage boys. Come on, tell me your wish, and I’ll help you come up with a plan.”

 

Jiang Yunbian’s fingertips tapped on the desk, his gaze cold as he looked at him.

 

Xu Zhan realized he had said something wrong and quickly corrected himself, “I specialize in solving the unsolved mysteries of the handsome and charismatic campus bullies. So, shall we talk?”

 

Jiang Yunbian sighed, “Zhou Die’s birthday is on the 5th.”

 

Xu Zhan tapped his palm with his pen and turned back, “What are you planning to give him?”

 

“Isn’t that why I’m asking you?”

 

Xu Zhan licked his lips and chuckled dryly, “That’s indeed an unsolved mystery.”

 

Zhou Die wasn’t short of money. Expensive gifts might just be pocket change for him, but if it’s about matching his interests… Jiang Yunbian really didn’t know what Zhou Die particularly liked.

 

“I thought about it seriously. How about taking him to an amusement park for a day?” Xu Zhan turned around and showed him his phone, “There’s a discount at the water park after the college entrance exams. We can form a group to go.”

 

“That’s pretty standard, isn’t it?” Jiang Yunbian tapped his hand, “Isn’t it common sense to go out after the exams?”

 

Xu Zhan made a pitiful face, pretending to be aggrieved, “You’re so fierce to me…”

 

“Ah…” Jiang Yunbian, a bit frustrated, leaned on the desk, “How about just getting a puppy?”

 

Xu Zhan nodded, “Jiang, I’m glad you have the awareness to offer yourself as a gift.”

 

After all, after the exams, it would be the romance of two adults, and no one would interfere with their affectionate moments.

 

Jiang Yunbian sighed, “I mean a pet dog.”

 

“You’re positioning yourself as a pet?”

 

“……”

 

Xu Zhan withdrew to a safe distance before Jiang Yunbian could make a move and obediently continued solving problems.

 

Jiang Yunbian was about to ask Zhou Die directly when he suddenly noticed his phone’s home screen.

 

He raised his eyebrows and called the lead singer.

 

With the courses over before the exams, the teachers only came to the classroom for standby duty. Students with questions sought them out, and those without questions managed their own time.

 

On the penultimate day, the classroom was emptied, and students moved to the self-study rooms in the Science Building.

 

The Science Building was cool and well-air-conditioned, and close to the cafeteria. The only downside was that the desks were not individual.

 

Sometimes, when Jiang Yunbian felt sleepy, he would lean on his desk, and when he woke up, he’d end up on Zhou Die’s desk next door. The top student had to squeeze against the edge of the desk to write problems.

 

Jiang Yunbian yawned, looking at his position in confusion, “How come my sleeping chair was moved here too?”

 

Zhou Die tidied his messy hair, “Do you think it was me?”

 

Jiang Yunbian replied confidently, “Who else could it be!”

 

Zhou Die chuckled, “Well, it’s my fault.”

 

Jiang Yunbian stared at him for a while and suddenly said, “Zhou Die, let’s go out to play after the exams.”

 

“After the exams?” Zhou Die rested his chin on his hand, looking at him with meaning, “It seems like there’s something important that still needs to be done.”

 

“……What is it?”

 

“Let me give you a hint. Tomorrow is June 5th.”

 

In Jiang Yunbian’s perception, Zhou Die always maintained a composed and mature demeanor. Except when eating yogurt rabbits, he was otherwise not like a boy younger than him.

 

Except for today.

 

“Got it, I know tomorrow is little Zhou’s coming-of-age day. I’ll get a cake and candles ready for you.”

 

Zhou Die chuckled, holding up his hands to indicate a size, “This size is enough. The day after tomorrow is the college entrance exams, no need for celebrations.”

 

Jiang Yunbian asked, “You don’t want to celebrate?”

 

“There are family arrangements after the exams.” Zhou Die propped his chin with one hand and gently brushed his fingertips with the other, “We can invite them over later.”

 

“Really? Then I won’t be polite. Thanks in advance, Die Ge!” Gao Zining smiled and turned back, taking out a gift from his backpack, “I tend to suffer from insomnia before exams, and my mom has been monitoring my sleep schedule these nights. Birthday wishes can be given tomorrow morning, but gifts can be given now.”

 

Gao Zining led by example, and soon Jiang Yunbian saw what seemed like a large-scale bribery scene as Zhou Die began receiving gifts one after another.

 

The instigator, Gao Zining, was still fanning the flames, “Oh, what about our little Jiang’s gift? Could it be that no one has prepared a gift?”

 

Jiang Yunbian really wanted to slap him.

 

Xu Zhan took the mischief-maker away, and before leaving, he smiled and told Zhou Die and Jiang Yunbian, “After all, you two have been classmates for three years and one year. Come on, you two top students, stand up.”

 

Jiang Yunbian, full of question marks, was pushed to the blackboard by Xu Zhan and then stood side by side with Zhou Die.

 

“Okay, don’t move.”

 

Xu Zhan confirmed that the two were in the center, then stepped down from the podium, clasped his hands in a prayer position above his head, and bowed deeply.

 

“May the top students bless me, may the top students bless me.”

 

After his prayer, the line of gift-givers started forming again.

 

Jiang Yunbian momentarily felt like he wasn’t a student from San Zhong but rather a local deity at a temple.

 

Finally, having dealt with this superstitious group of high school students, Jiang Yunbian returned to his seat. Xu Zhan, still grinning, showed him some photos.

 

“Look, I’m going to set you two as my phone wallpaper from now on. May everything go smoothly for me and be free of worries.”

 

“There’s no such function!” Jiang Yunbian grabbed his backpack and tilted his chin towards his deskmate, “Let’s go, it’s time for dinner.”

 

It’s not advisable to eat indiscriminately before major exams, so Jiang Yunbian and Zhou Die went to their usual small restaurant.

 

While Jiang Yunbian was browsing the menu, he noticed Zhou Die staring at him intently. He furrowed his brow and put down his phone, “Do you have any comments on my handsome face?”

 

Zhou Die shook his head, still looking at him with that meaningful gaze.

 

He didn’t say it directly, but there was no need to guess what he was thinking.

 

“I’ve got something prepared for you! Xu Zhan just helped me pick up the package from the dorm.” Jiang Yunbian felt a bit embarrassed and touched his nose, “Anyway, just… don’t expect too much.”

 

Just like Zhou Die, they both weren’t very confident about the gifts they gave.

 

Zhou Die’s fingers lightly touched the rosewood inlay of the guitar, gently picking it up by the neck.

 

Zhou Die recognized that this guitar was the same one Jiang Yunbian had in his videos. His heart felt like it was rippling with drops of water.

 

He thought Jiang Yunbian would give him something edible, jewelry, or even a pair of earrings as a return gift.

 

But he never expected it to be this guitar.

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t know that Zhou Die had liked “Cross Star” for a long time but was willing to give Zhou Die a piece of his past on his eighteenth birthday.

 

In the most natural way he thought of.

 

Zhou Die tested the open strings, unable to hide his smile: “Yunbian, I really like it. Thank you.”

 

Jiang Yunbian felt embarrassed and ran his hand through the back of his hair, finally mumbling, “I’m glad you like it.”

 

“I want to hear you… can you sing ‘It’s You’ for me now?”

 

“Now?” Jiang Yunbian was a bit surprised; the guitar was still quite loud.

 

“Just a part.” Zhou Die pulled out his phone and showed him the lyrics.

 

Jiang Yunbian found himself at a loss but was eager to see Zhou Die play the guitar. He agreed.

 

Jiang Yunbian had liked this song ever since he first heard it. He thought the original singer’s hoarse voice was steeped in sadness, evoking a sense of midnight drunkenness and despair.

 

But now he realized that one of the lyrics was: [I’m so scared to fall in love but if it’s you then I will try.]①

 

Zhou Die’s eyelashes lowered as he gently strummed the guitar strings, but Jiang Yunbian still noticed.

 

He was quietly singing that line.

 

How could someone be so gentle?

 

Jiang Yunbian suddenly remembered that he and Zhou Die had sung this song before, but back then, he didn’t know he was already liked.

 

For the first time, Jiang Yunbian felt that what he heard from this song wasn’t heartbreak and separation after entanglement, but a cautious and hopeful secret admiration.

 

It ached in his heart.

 

When Zhou Die heard his voice falter, he looked up and saw Jiang Yunbian covering his chest with a slightly pained expression.

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

Jiang Yunbian quickly removed his hand, clearing his expression: “Nothing, just suddenly felt tired.”

 

Hastily changing the topic with no clear idea, Jiang Yunbian could only dig himself into a hole to escape.

 

There was still a small cake hidden, and he didn’t know when to give it to Zhou Die.

 

Jiang Yunbian touched his clothes and went to the bathroom. When he came out, he saw Gao Zining, Xu Zhan, Yang You, and He Ru sitting in the dormitory.

 

“What’s going on?” Jiang Yunbian hung up his towel, “The exams are coming up soon. What are you all doing here together?”

 

Gao Zining clasped his hands together: “Bro, it’s not that we’re intentionally bothering you, it’s just that we’re feeling really anxious.”

 

With the college entrance exams looming, Gao Zining suddenly found himself unable to face the exams with the composure of the class monitor or student representative. Every time he closed his eyes, he only thought about his failing exams, the classes he skipped, and the basketball games he played with great enthusiasm.

 

Every day of the past three years felt like it was being torn away from him, leaving behind the final thought: “I’m totally screwed.”

 

Jiang Yunbian couldn’t help but laugh at him: “So why aren’t you quickly going back to studying and practicing questions?”

 

“I am studying!” Gao Zining said without changing his expression, pulling out a test paper. “I’m just looking at mistakes while hanging out in your dorm.”

 

“Does our dorm have exam questions on the walls?”

 

“Your dorm has the aura of top students, you know?” Yang You added, spreading his arms to make a circle. “I feel like this dorm’s feng shui is different from the others.”

 

He Ru closed his eyes and took a deep breath: “Yes, it has a calming, Buddha-like aura.”

 

Xu Zhan said, “I’m different. I came here to slack off.”

 

Seeing their varied expressions, Jiang Yunbian suddenly realized that they were indeed under a lot of pressure.

 

“Only stay until lights out,” Jiang Yunbian patted Zhou Die’s shoulder with a serious expression, “Top student, it’s up to you to handle them.”

 

Zhou Die: “……”

 

Gao Zining’s attention span lasted only fifteen minutes. From the sixteenth minute, his gaze began to wander.

 

The 707 dorm was different from other male dorms—clean and tidy, with no smelly socks or scattered sneakers.

 

The air had a pleasant scent, like chocolate.

 

“Damn, if those Omegas knew your dorm was so clean, they’d definitely want to move in one by one.”

 

He Ru leaned against his back, stretching like a sofa cushion, which annoyed Gao Zining.

 

“Don’t just mention Omegas. Even when I first walked in, I felt like I was being purified.”

 

Gao Zining pushed He Ru away, who then rolled over to Jiang Yunbian’s chair, putting on a pitiful look and pulling down the collar of his short sleeve.

 

“Brother Jiang, how about an AA relationship? I’m super obedient.”

 

Xu Zhan: “……”

 

Although He Ru was joking, he still sensed the atmosphere next door dropping to freezing point.

 

Ah—so this is Enigma’s possessiveness?

 

Jiang Yunbian was considering which foot to kick this person away with when Xu Zhan had already come over to clear the scene.

 

He Ru was dragged away.

 

“Let’s go, don’t embarrass the Alphas.”

 

Yang You couldn’t stop laughing, giving him a light punch: “If Jiang Yunbian really wanted an AA relationship, it would definitely be with Zhou Die. You’re just a nobody.”

 

Gao Zining also chimed in sarcastically: “Yeah, Zhou Die would outshine you by a hundred and eight streets.”

 

The group was thoroughly unable to focus on studying. The conversation veered from climbing mountains and worshiping gods to learning new skills. The topics became more and more distant.

 

Gao Zining, with a serious look, said, “Seriously, I just started learning Tarot. Want me to do a reading for you?”

 

Yang You: “Does the Tarot have any guidance on when you’ll find love?”

 

He Ru: “Does the Tarot offer guidance on whether you should choose University A or University C?”

 

Xu Zhan: “Does the Tarot suggest you should focus on studying instead of learning Tarot?”

 

Gao Zining: “……”

 

After the precise strikes, the three were still interested: “Come on, do a reading for us.”

 

Gao Zining snorted, pulled out his phone, and opened a video: “Alright, pick one.”

 

Jiang Yunbian used to do his own readings but had high requirements for the location and state of mind before doing so. He had been kicked out a few times because he made Jiang Yunbian unable to concentrate.

 

This was the first time he encountered an online method.

 

“I actually thought you went to study this mysterious divination ritual,” Yang You rolled his eyes, finally seeing the cards in the video.

 

“Come on, let’s hear what the Tarot has to say.”

 

There were four sets of cards in the video. Jiang Yunbian, who originally wanted to ignore these annoying cards and focus on final reviews like Zhou Die, glanced over and found his eyes drawn to the amethyst in front of the third set.

 

The four of them attentively felt out the readings, then began to check the progress.

 

Each set of cards had someone who picked it. Jiang Yunbian listened to the first two sets: “As long as you work hard, your wishes will come true,” and “A bright future awaits you,” both overly positive.

 

Xu Zhan: “Come on, the third set. Let me feel the blessings from the divine!”

 

“The third set shows fluctuations; you might soon face new changes. Your career and study status are excellent, with clear goals and full motivation. However, you will face many new challenges in your relationships, and there might be serious crises…”

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t remember the latter part well, but the phrase “relationship facing a major crisis” felt like a heavy stone dropped on his chest.

 

……No, it must be wrong.

 

“I didn’t concentrate on sensing it, so it doesn’t count this time.”

 

Xu Zhan let out a sigh of relief: “Fortunately, I’m a single dog and never worry about relationship issues.”

 

The fourth set was He Ru’s cards, and since the previous three sets had taken all the luck, his academic outlook was dismal.

 

“I’m done with this, I’m going back to study. I need to win in the last 24 hours!” He Ru ran off with a crying tone.

 

It was almost 11:25 PM, and with only five minutes until lights out, the remaining three felt too embarrassed to linger any longer.

 

“Let’s go, goodnight, dads.”

 

Jiang Yunbian closed the door, flipping through the test papers in front of him, though his gaze was somewhat unfocused.

 

Was it really some sort of warning…? Whatever, human determination triumphs over fate. Even if it is a warning, as long as he is aware and takes action in time, it’s not a big deal!

 

Jiang Yunbian steeled himself, adopting a brave attitude that wouldn’t fear failure.

 

“Lights out,” Zhou Die also turned off the desk lamp. “I had a great time today. Goodnight.”

 

“Goodnight.”

 

Though they said this, Jiang Yunbian couldn’t calm down when he lay in bed.

 

As midnight approached, Zhou Die was still waiting for a “Happy Birthday” message on his phone when he suddenly felt a knock at the side of his bed.

 

He sat up, and Jiang Yunbian, holding a small cake with a candle, said, “Happy 18th birthday, Zhou Die.”

 

The phone was soon bombarded with late messages, but Zhou Die couldn’t tear himself away to read them.

 

Jiang Yunbian was right underneath his bed, holding the small cake, his pure, clear eyes reflecting the candlelight.

 

“Thank you.”

 

“Don’t be in a hurry to get up. Make a wish and blow out the candle,” Jiang Yunbian raised the cake a little higher.

 

Zhou Die seemed to be influenced by Jiang Yunbian’s urgency, closing his eyes gently and making a wish quickly.

 

“Why so fast? Did you make your wish seriously?” Jiang Yunbian was a bit dissatisfied, muttering, “You only turn eighteen once in a lifetime.”

 

“I made it very seriously.” Zhou Die blew out the candle, and their gazes met in the dark, surrounded by the drifting smoke.

 

“Zhou Die, will you be my boyfriend?”

 

“Yunbian, I want to be your boyfriend.”

 

Their voices almost overlapped and they both paused for a moment, then laughed together.

 

Zhou Die divided the small cake with Jiang Yunbian. Jiang Yunbian was disinterested in sharing a birthday cake that was only a few bites big, but the next second Zhou Die had forked a small piece and held it to his lips.

 

“Really don’t want any?”

 

“It’s just a tiny bit, we’ll finish it in two bites. It’s still your birthday cake.” Jiang Yunbian folded his arms, looking quite proud. “No.”

 

“Some people, who just agreed to be my boyfriend, now won’t even eat a piece of cake fed by their boyfriend.”

 

“……” Jiang Yunbian found this person too much, but still took the bite from the fork. “Is that enough?”

 

Zhou Die chuckled: “That’s enough.”

 

The cream wasn’t greasy, and there was a light, lingering fragrance after eating. Jiang Yunbian was still craving more.

 

Watching his newly-acquired boyfriend calmly eating in front of him, Jiang Yunbian rested his hand on the table, leaning in and breathing close.

 

“It tastes pretty good. Want another bite?”

 

Zhou Die bit into the plastic fork, meeting his gaze calmly and without fear.

 

Once it was quiet again, only the sound of the small clock on the table ticking remained.

 

Jiang Yunbian wasn’t sure why he was crossing the line. Technically, they were both adults, so it wasn’t a big deal.

 

But he wanted to share a cream-flavored kiss that night and confirm some things.

 

Like, Zhou Die indeed belonged to him.

 

However, as his gaze became bold, Zhou Die gently laughed.

 

“You’re laughing…”

 

Jiang Yunbian felt the cream at the corner of his lips being wiped away by Zhou Die’s fingertips.

 

Zhou Die fed him another bite of the cake.

 

“All right, little Jiang Ge, finish up and rest early. Goodnight.”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “…… Goodnight.”

 

Author’s note: ①The line comes from the English song “It’s You,” which was mentioned earlier.