The Marked Alpha Is Extremely Hard to Coax - Chapter 54

Zhou Die’s birthday was indeed a bit uncomfortable, with Jiang Yunbian feeling that the joy of the birthday was barely tasted before being hit over the head by the reminder: “The college entrance exams are here, stop playing around!”

 

June is the rainy season, and on the morning of the 6th, lightning and rain began.

 

“We really have a good feng shui spot here,” Gao Zining complained while sitting by the window, “It always rains during the college entrance exams.”

 

Jiang Yunbian remembered that past seniors seemed to have faced torrential rain when they set out as well.

 

“Fortunately, our exams are at our own school,” Xu Zhan, who had put on a jacket due to the cold, said, “Those from other schools who have their exams here are worse off; rain causes the most traffic jams.”

 

As they chatted, they speculated whether there would be any news stories this year, like police officers delivering exam takers in the rain or unknown drivers finding admission tickets.

 

Jiang Yunbian had a cup of coffee in the morning and scanned the classroom aimlessly, eventually landing his gaze on Zhou Die.

 

The desk mate put down the book and made eye contact with him.

 

Ding—

 

The bell rang.

 

“All right, time to go to the battlefield!” The homeroom teacher, dressed in a red shirt, clapped at the door, “Give it your all and leave no regrets! Remember to write your name and exam number on the test paper first! Don’t rush; with your level, performing normally will be fine!”

 

“Good luck on the exams.”

 

Jiang Yunbian raised his fist, and Zhou Die bumped it.

 

“Yeah, good luck.”

 

*

 

After two days of exams, the students seemed to break free from the shell of constraint, celebrating wildly.

 

Jiang Yunbian and Zhou Die weren’t in the same exam room, so their end times differed slightly. When Jiang Yunbian returned to the study room, many students stopped him to take graduation photos.

 

Many students were hanging around; some he didn’t even recognize handed him flowers and letters, and a few girls were crying, saying they’d miss Jiang Yunbian.

 

“Seriously, is Jiang Yunbian going to disappear after the exams? Do they have to confess like this?” He Ru, feeling a bit sour, said, “Look at all these snacks and candies, they’re almost overflowing.”

 

Gao Zining, who had finished the exams and was relaxed, hopped over: “Guess how many Zhou Die will receive later?”

 

“Eh, Zhou Die seems to have been picked up directly. Give up,” the class leader, who was taking photos, said while checking his phone, “The Zhou family is hosting a banquet today.”

 

Everyone then remembered that the eldest son of the Zhou family had just turned eighteen two days ago.

 

“I’m suddenly nervous. Can we really go to the Zhou family’s place?”

 

“Ugh, I don’t know any social etiquette. Will I embarrass myself?”

 

Just as Jiang Yunbian was putting snacks into his backpack and preparing to leave, Xu Zhan grabbed his jacket: “Little Jiang, are you going to the Zhou family’s place?”

 

“Of course.” Jiang Yunbian patted his hand, “Zhou Die is waiting for me at the entrance.”

 

“Ha, I thought you’d have to figure out carpooling yourself. Turns out Zhou Die is specifically picking you up. My bad.”

 

Jiang Yunbian smiled faintly: “Nonsense.”

 

At the school gate, Jiang Yunbian spotted the Zhou family’s black Maybach among a sea of parents’ cars and walked towards the crowd.

 

“Sorry for the wait.”

 

Zhou Die lightly hooked his pinky finger when Jiang Yunbian sat down, his voice carrying a smile: “Not long, the patience of a boyfriend is still there.”

 

This was the first time he explicitly emphasized their relationship, making Jiang Yunbian cough involuntarily: “Don’t talk nonsense.”

 

Seeing Jiang Yunbian’s evasive gaze and awkward reaction, Zhou Die obediently responded with an “mm.”

 

Although Jiang Yunbian had guessed that the Zhou family’s coming-of-age ceremony wouldn’t be simple, he was still a bit nervous when he arrived.

 

The grandeur was even more than during the New Year.

 

Zhou Die had long noticed Jiang Yunbian’s nervousness. After greeting, he led him to his own room.

 

“Watch my skill combo, hey—”

 

When they entered, Xu Zhaoruo was fiercely battling Wen Yue with her character, but unfortunately, she still lost.

 

“Auntie, you’re so strong, how come I can’t win?”

 

Wen Yue’s smile couldn’t hide her pride: “This is the only thing I’m good at.”

 

When Jiang Yunbian arrived, Xu Zhaoruo was still pretending to cry, asking him to help her regain her dignity.

 

“Sure, I’ll help you.”

 

But Zhou Die took Jiang Yunbian’s hand the moment he stepped forward.

 

Jiang Yunbian was stunned. Zhou Die’s sudden introduction was quite formal: “Mom, let me introduce you to my boyfriend.”

 

Xu Zhaoruo blinked, then realized and covered her mouth with her hands, while Wen Yue also seemed surprised.

 

Jiang Yunbian’s face turned completely red within three seconds. He looked flustered at Zhou Die and whispered, “What are you saying? They know me already!”

 

Zhou Die’s eyes slightly lowered, whispering as if sharing a secret: “It’s different, the status is different now.”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “……”

 

Xu Zhaoruo gave a thumbs up and mouthed “True man.”

 

Wen Yue quickly accepted the change in their relationship, smiling as she patted the soft cushion next to her: “Come here, my future daughter-in-law, let me have a look.”

 

Jiang Yunbian’s first reaction was to turn and run out, but Wen Yue’s smile was too gentle. He struggled hard to resist the impulse to run away.

 

Mrs. Zhou came to knock on the door, and Zhou Die went to the living room.

 

“How did you feel about the exams today?” Wen Yue gently rubbed his hair and asked softly.

 

Xu Zhaoruo raised her hand: “I’ll answer this! We prepared thoroughly, entered the exam room confidently, and welcomed the vacation gracefully!”

 

Wen Yue chuckled: “You’ve worked hard. Enjoy this vacation.”

 

Xu Zhaoruo nodded vigorously. Seeing Jiang Yunbian still in a daze, she wanted to tease him but was afraid of making the school bully awkward.

 

She really didn’t expect Zhou Die to suddenly say, “This is my boyfriend” at such a moment.

 

Jiang Yunbian usually chatted a lot with Wen Yue, but Zhou Die’s remark had left him somewhat lost.

 

“Yunbian?” Wen Yue called his name gently.

 

Jiang Yunbian, waking from his daze, awkwardly touched his earlobe and looked at her, “Mm.”

 

Wen Yue smiled gently: “Xiao Die is always like this; when he’s set on something, he can’t hide it. Did it scare you?”

 

“Not really, just unexpected.”

 

“Yunbian, if you feel it’s not right or you don’t like it, you must tell him in time.” Wen Yue gently held Jiang Yunbian’s hand, speaking softly, “You must communicate your thoughts to him so he won’t make mistakes. Don’t compromise yourself for him, understand?”

 

Xu Zhaoruo, eyes glued to the screen, couldn’t help but reflect on Wen Yue’s words.

 

Such words would usually come from an Omega’s mother, but Wen Yue, as an Enigma’s mother, seemed even more inclined towards him, showing she really liked Jiang Yunbian.

 

Even the advice was so gentle.

 

Jiang Yunbian gently squeezed Wen Yue’s hand: “Being with Zhou Die… actually, it’s not a compromise.”

 

Wen Yue chuckled lightly.

 

Xu Zhaoruo gave a thumbs-up: “Auntie, you really don’t need to worry. Little Jiang here is quite a tough character at our school.”

 

Jiang Yunbian nodded earnestly, “I am a tough character.”

 

When Zhou Die opened the door, that was what he heard, and he gently rubbed Jiang Yunbian’s head with a fond smile: “Tough character, dinner is ready.”

 

The end of the college entrance exams was indeed special. Many students had to pack up and head home that evening. Some were very eager to come but couldn’t get train tickets, so they had to beg in the class group for photos with teary eyes.

 

Gao Zining was very generous, taking selfies after arriving at Zhou Die’s house.

 

[Gao Zining: Golden splendor, golden splendor, it’s really a pity you didn’t come. Did you know there’s a koi pond in the backyard?]

 

[Xu Zhan: Auntie is so beautiful! She’s been so considerate to us!]

 

[Yang You: We’re country bumpkins coming to the city, and Zhou Die has taken such good care of us. We’re on the second floor away from those adults, which is very touching for a social phobic like me 555]

 

[Chen Wenxin: Stop talking, just send the photos!]

 

[Gao Zining: Selfie.jpg]

 

[He Ru: Selfie.jpg]

 

[Yang You: Selfie of Gao Zining and He Ru.jpg]

 

[Class Leader Lian Shanyu: Gao, didn’t you notice your dog head is blocking most of the photo?]

 

[Academic Committee Han Jingqiao: Why not take a photo of Zhou Die? Why of yourself? I’m already tired of seeing it.]

 

[Shen Yao: You three should leave the group.]

 

[Gao Zining: Tough guy now.]

 

[Xu Zhan: Don’t upset him, he’s about to find a corner and cry.]

 

After a lot of laughter, the class leader started wishing Zhou Die a happy birthday, and over thirty people followed suit with copy-pasted messages and a flurry of cake emojis.

 

When Jiang Yunbian reviewed the chat history, Gao Zining and Xu Zhan were engaged in a game of Ludo.

 

As the top player, Jiang Yunbian quickly finished the game but was then kicked out by Gao Zining, leaving him to watch the phone.

 

When Zhou Die returned, Jiang Yunbian showed him the chat records with a smile: “Look at these people who aren’t being serious.”

 

Zhou Die casually scrolled through, seeing mostly cake emojis, then tapped a few times on Jiang Yunbian’s screen.

 

[Yun: Thank you, everyone.]

 

[Shen Yao: ?]

 

[Academic Committee Han Jingqiao: ?]

 

[Chen Wenxin: ?]

 

[Yun: I’m Zhou Die.]

 

Jiang Yunbian was stunned when he saw Zhou Die’s message on his WeChat: “Don’t you have a phone?”

 

When Jiang Yunbian reclaimed his phone, the chat exploded with “ahhh” and comments about their relationship being so intimate.

 

“What if there’s a misunderstanding?”

 

“What misunderstanding?” Zhou Die glanced at the lively crowd in the room and whispered, as if sharing a secret: “Our relationship isn’t close enough to be misunderstood? Boyfriend.”

 

“Are you two whispering secretly! Come on, Jiang, come sit behind me and give me some luck! I’m determined to send Xu Zhan back home!” Yang You grumbled while rolling dice. As Jiang Yunbian was about to go over, Zhou Die hooked his pinky.

 

He turned around, and the people behind him looked at him, questioning if he really wanted to go over.

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t hold back and walked over to Yang You: “Come on, I’ll give you luck.”

 

Xu Zhan, sensing the tension, extended an olive branch to Zhou Die: “So, Zhou, why don’t you come over and keep watch too?”

 

Originally, Jiang Yunbian was just joking around to support, but seeing Xu Zhan’s provocative look, his competitive Alpha nature flared up instantly.

 

“If that’s the case, shouldn’t we bet on something? Otherwise, it seems boring.”

 

Gao Zining, always eager to stir things up, said: “Sure, let’s bet on something!”

 

He Ru: “Everyone’s a hero, so let’s bet on Pocky.”

 

Xu Zhaoruo on the sofa instantly perked up: “If we’re playing this, I’m not sleepy anymore!”

 

Yang You grabbed a box of strawberry-flavored Pocky, originally confident that Gao Zining, Xu Zhan, or He Ru would engage passionately, but when Jiang Yunbian stood behind him, he went from a lucky star to a jinx. Rolling a six seemed impossible, and he was stylishly sent back home.

 

“Hahaha, Zhou, you’re amazing. With my good luck, I only needed one more to win first!” Xu Zhan danced with joy.

 

“Damn, what’s going on! You’ve gone out of control!” Yang You examined the dice, “Jiang, you should leave, I don’t want to see you.”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “I’m telling you, if I leave, you’ll lose your last bit of luck!”

 

As soon as he finished speaking, Yang You rolled a six.

 

Jiang Yunbian: ……This is really cursed.

 

After Yang You personally saw off the jinx, even though he made a late push, Xu Zhan was the first to reach the finish line.

 

“Come on, face your fate!” Xu Zhan quickly unpacked the snacks.

 

Yang You, first-class cheat, said: “I had irresistible factors, so it’s not my fault. I think I lost because Jiang was behind me.”

 

Jiang Yunbian: ?

 

Xu Zhaoruo, initially uninterested, got excited again upon hearing this: “I think the two of you had a serious impact on the game’s balance. You both should accept the punishment.”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “I just want to know how Ludo has balance.”

 

Yang You: “I agree, both hands and feet agree.”

 

Gao Zining: “Jiang, our Zhou Die has already accepted the challenge. Don’t be timid.”

 

Xu Zhan: “It’s all unpacked. You choose a stick.”

 

Jiang Yunbian initially wanted to show them what real force looks like, but Zhou Die took the Pocky and bit into it.

 

“It’s fine, he’s scared. I’ll eat it all.”

 

“……Damn it, just eat.”

 

When Jiang Yunbian bit into the other end of the Pocky, Xu Zhaoruo took out her phone and started taking pictures and videos frantically, rolling on the sofa like a lively loach.

 

The rest of the crowd: Damn, she’s so crazy.

 

Jiang Yunbian had a sudden urge to challenge anyone who backed down, but as the strawberry flavor touched his tongue, inch by inch, he felt his heart racing.

 

How did it turn into this in front of so many people……

 

Zhou Die lowered his head slightly, his gaze seemingly fixed on Jiang Yunbian’s unmoving lips.

 

Even if they kissed at this moment, it would just be a playful joke.

 

No one knew they were a couple.

 

Jiang Yunbian bit off the cookie stick, savoring the faint strawberry scent as he followed up.

 

Kiss or not, who’s afraid……

 

Click.

 

The lights went out.

 

“Tsk.” Zhou Die clicked his tongue lightly.

 

In the moment when Jiang Yunbian’s vision faded, he felt as if he had been momentarily empty. After Zhou Die pulled away, he wasn’t even sure if he had been kissed or not.

 

In the darkness, a projector displayed photos on the screen.

 

Jiang Yunbian saw Zhou Die’s profile in the dim light. He bit into a small piece of biscuit and touched his lips with his fingers.

 

Someone had meticulously prepared a PPT with slides showing many photos from Zhou Die’s senior year after returning to school.

 

School sports events, evening study sessions, New Year’s parties, training camps… The final slide read: “Zhou Die, Happy Birthday! Congratulations on Graduation!”

 

Jiang Yunbian realized it was the classmates’ final surprise for Zhou Die. His rapid heartbeat and regret vanished, and he quietly tugged on Zhou Die’s shirt.

 

“Boyfriend, happy birthday, and happy graduation.”

 

*

 

After the fun ended, it was almost ten o’clock. Xu Zhan and the others headed home together.

 

When Zhou Die returned, Jiang Yunbian had just finished tidying up his things. Taking advantage of the empty room, Zhou Die reached over and wrapped his arm around Jiang Yunbian’s waist.

 

“It seems like I didn’t get to kiss you just now.”

 

Jiang Yunbian felt his heart hit instantly, making him feel a bit weak.

 

Zhou Die’s breath brushed against the back of his head, like droplets of water spreading on his skin after a shower.

 

Tingly and itchy.

 

“…Don’t tempt me,” Jiang Yunbian said, struggling to keep his tone steady, “I need to go home.”

 

Zhou Die’s strength reached its peak before slowly loosening, sounding quite regretful, “Alright.”

 

Jiang Yunbian detected his tone of disappointment, avoiding eye contact, and gently rubbed his cheek to soothe him.

 

“Finally, a relaxing holiday.”

 

Zhou Die rubbed against his fingertips, “Any plans?”

 

“I wanted to ask if you’re free in the next few days. Let’s go to the amusement park?”

 

“Which amusement park?”

 

Jiang Yunbian knew from his question that Zhou Die had probably never been. He opened his phone and showed him Xu Zhan’s messages, “This one. I heard there’s a water music festival at night. Let’s go?”

 

“Just you and me?”

 

“You and… us,” Jiang Yunbian cleared his throat, “Xu Zhan, Gao Zining, the class leader…”

 

With every name Jiang Yunbian mentioned, he felt Zhou Die’s hand on his waist tighten a bit.

 

Jiang Yunbian reassured him, “There’s a music festival. I want to go.”

 

“If we go, someone might steal you away,” Zhou Die said with a hint of smugness, “Did you know, that last sentence you said, you sounded like an indifferent boyfriend.”

 

Jiang Yunbian’s ears warmed, and he looked at Zhou Die’s collar, whispering, “I’ll be with you that day, okay?”

 

His voice was loose and husky, with a hint of seductive coaxing.

 

“With me?” Zhou Die seized the key phrase, narrowing his eyes and leaning close to Jiang Yunbian, “So, Jiang Yunbian plans to follow me everywhere, not paying attention to anyone else?”

 

“…”

 

“Aren’t you trying to coax me? Why aren’t you answering?”

 

Jiang Yunbian’s expression was unnatural, but he wanted to persuade him, so he looked away, “Yes.”

 

“Besides the above request, can we do other things?”

 

“…Probably.”

 

The hallway’s light flowed into Zhou Die’s eyes, mixing with a meaningful smile. He leaned close to Jiang Yunbian’s ear, speaking in an even softer tone, “Then I agree.”

 

Jiang Yunbian felt his ears tingle, almost as if they would fall off from the sensation.

 

He had a bad feeling about what Zhou Die might be thinking in that short moment.

 

Jing Wen’s call came through at that time.

 

Since it was the first night after the college entrance exams, Jiang Yunbian had no intention of staying out.

 

Zhou Die accompanied him to the building entrance.

 

“What time?” Before leaving, Zhou Die held onto his pinky.

 

Jiang Yunbian was taken aback and then realized Zhou Die was asking about the day they would go out.

 

“In three days, we’ll leave at seven in the morning,” Jiang Yunbian held onto his pinky and then took his hand, “Zhou Die.”

 

“Mm?”

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t speak, just looked into his eyes.

 

He couldn’t explain why he was acting like this, but it all came down to Zhou Die’s influence.

 

Since Zhou Die had always flirted with him before confirming their relationship, he couldn’t help but want to get close to him after that.

 

For example, wanting a kiss.

 

Zhou Die looked at him for a while, as if understanding his meaning, and leaned in, lifting Jiang Yunbian’s face with his hand.

 

Jiang Yunbian tensed up, clenching his teeth and staring at his lips.

 

But Zhou Die only pinched his cheek and said, “Alright, I’ll message you when I get home. Good night.”

 

Jiang Yunbian: “…”

 

Jiang Yun, who had been lying on the sofa watching a movie, jumped up when she heard the door open. When she ran to the table, she remembered the college entrance exams were over.

 

She had almost been trained by her brother to instinctively act like she was studying.

 

“Brother, you’re back?”

 

Jiang Yunbian responded with a sound and then walked into his bedroom.

 

Jiang Yun instinctively felt something was off about her brother but couldn’t pinpoint what.

 

Jiang Yunbian lay on the bed, turned on the air conditioner, and tried to cool down.

 

He was unsure whether it was his failure to give proper hints or if Zhou Die had missed the connection… The atmosphere just now was perfect for a kiss!

 

Why was he avoiding it? Why was he dodging?

 

After pounding the pillow in frustration, Jiang Yunbian lay back in the covers, feeling dejected.

 

Perhaps it was the Alpha’s possessiveness; after having a partner, he unconsciously wanted to get closer to Zhou Die.

 

Remembering something, he lifted the edge of his short sleeve.

 

The lines on his abdomen seemed clearer in the light, like the color of a late spring flower yet to bloom, spreading across his pale, glowing abdomen.

 

Jiang Yunbian’s fingertips lightly touched the lines, feeling the tingling sensation instantly penetrate his blood, making his breath quicken involuntarily.

 

He realized he couldn’t touch too much here, or things would go awry.

 

Irritated, he let go of the hem of his shirt and forced himself to ignore the slight itch and heat. After a while of frustration, Jiang Yunbian took out his phone and opened a search engine.

 

[What happens after an Alpha falls in love…]

 

Then the search engine auto-completed: [Ten Little Thoughts of an Alpha After Falling in Love.]

 

It seemed to fit the situation perfectly, so Jiang Yunbian clicked on it.

 

It was a rather dark-looking forum with a black background, full of dating guides, Omega’s tricks, and how to make your pheromones more alluring…

 

Jiang Yunbian thought he must have been out of his mind five seconds ago to open this forum.

 

He was an Alpha—did he really need to follow such obscure tactics for dating?

 

After closing the page, related suggestions appeared: [Does your Alpha become less clingy after falling in love? You might be committing these taboos!]

 

After a second of cold laughter, Jiang Yunbian opened the webpage.

 

Less than five seconds later: “What nonsense.”

 

“Brother, why are you laughing and getting angry again?” From the gap in the door, Jiang Yun asked with a hint of worry, “Isn’t it Zhou Die’s birthday tonight? Did someone upset you?”

 

Jiang Yunbian quickly turned his phone face down on the bed, then awkwardly cleared his throat.

 

“When did you get here?”

 

“Just now.”

 

So he hadn’t seen him lift his shirt.

 

Jiang Yunbian lay back down, “You startled me.”

 

Jiang Yun pushed the door open, frowning with concern, “Mom said that an Alpha from a family like Zhou Die’s usually starts interacting with other Omegas around this time. Did you feel wronged tonight?”

 

Jiang Yunbian thought, “Feel wronged? Not at all.”

 

“Even so, if you have any relationship troubles, you can talk to me,” Jiang Yun said seriously, “I was known as the emotional advisor in our class.”

 

Jiang Yunbian raised an eyebrow, “Have you ever been in a relationship as an emotional advisor?”

 

“…Emotional advisors mainly deal with theoretical analysis, not practical experience,” Jiang Yun said stubbornly.

 

“Alright, Master Jiang, any advice to offer?”

 

Jiang Yun cleared his throat, “First of all, I think a relationship needs at least two people…”

 

“The door is over there, go straight and turn right.”

 

*

 

On the first night after the college entrance exams, most of the boys in Class Six teamed up for an all-night party in the canyon, exhausted after two days.

 

[Gao Zining: I haven’t been out for three days! I haven’t been out for three days during this great vacation!]

 

[He Ru: I heard we’re going to the water park tomorrow @Yun]

 

[Xu Zhan: Tomorrow I’ll enjoy the sunshine, artificial beach, and artificial waves @Yun]

 

[Class Leader Lian Shanyu: I’m already prepared with three sunscreens. @Yun]

 

Jiang Yunbian looked at these schoolmates with spring outing syndrome and took a screenshot to send to Zhou Die.

 

[Jiang Wangwang: Are you looking forward to it, Zhou?]

 

Zhou Die replied after about five minutes.

 

[Zhou Miao Miao: My phone was charging, I didn’t see it.]

 

[Zhou Miao Miao: Looking forward to it.]

 

Jiang Yunbian didn’t care how long it took for his reply, but Zhou Die’s response made him feel a bit inclined to be unreasonable.

 

[Jiang Wangwang: It’s okay, don’t worry about someone who is sad after waiting for five minutes.]

 

[Zhou Miao Miao: Miao Miao knows it’s wrong.jpg]

 

Jiang Yunbian was still considering how to continue teasing him when the phone rang.

 

“I was just helping Mom release fish fry in the backyard. I left my phone in the bedroom. Are you really upset?”

 

Jiang Yunbian couldn’t help but laugh, “No, I was just joking.”

 

“Do you want me to pick you up tomorrow?”

 

“No need, I’ll go straight to the subway station. Just remember to bring everything.”

 

“But I want to pick you up.”

 

If this were an ordinary ambiguous period, Jiang Yunbian firmly believed that with Zhou Die’s way of being ambiguous and his jerk-like tone, he could definitely raise a whole pond of fish.

 

He lowered his eyes, lightly raising his toes to step on the sunlight streaming through the window.

 

“Alright then, you can come.”

 

Since junior high, Jiang Yunbian hadn’t visited large amusement parks much, mainly because he was busy and didn’t like the crowds and sun.

 

When Xu Zhan organized this outing, he wasn’t too keen on going, but since it was one of the few class activities, he eventually gave in.

 

In the morning, when Jiang Yunbian was leaving, his sister handed him a bottle of sunscreen: “It’s not about getting tanned; prolonged sun exposure can cause peeling.”

 

Jiang Yunbian hesitated but still sprayed the sunscreen before putting it in his backpack.

 

Zhou Die arrived five minutes later, dressed in a jacket and long pants, with trendy sandals on his feet.

 

Jiang Yunbian whistled, “Where did this trendy guy come from? You look so fashionable.”

 

As Zhou Die approached, his gaze softened slightly. He lifted Jiang Yunbian’s face with his palm and traced his jawline with his fingertip. “Little kid, just had a milk bath?”

 

Jiang Yunbian was momentarily stunned before realizing he was referring to the milk-scented sunscreen.

 

“Stop talking. It’s my sister’s.”

 

“Got it.” Zhou Die took off his hat and placed it on Jiang Yunbian’s head. “Wear it to avoid sunburn.”

 

The hat had a faint cedar scent that was quite pleasant. Jiang Yunbian, trying to take advantage, handed his backpack to Zhou Die. “Help carry this?”

 

Zhou Die took it, weighed it in his hand, and remarked, “So light?”

 

“Not much inside.” Jiang Yunbian glanced at his phone. “It’s about time. Let’s go.”

 

At the meeting point in the subway, everyone had gathered. When Jiang Yunbian and Zhou Die arrived, it caused a small stir.

 

The class monitor couldn’t help but comment, “So this is the style of their casual wear? Wow, Zhou Ge is so cool.”

 

The academic committee member nodded, “Isn’t it reversed? Jiang Yunbian looks so obedient!”

 

The academic committee member and class monitor were speechless for a while and gave Gao Zining a label of a ‘country dog.’

 

Gao Zining was confused: “What does that even mean? It’s just normal clothing.”

 

Class monitor and academic committee member: “Move aside, beachwear person.”

 

Gao Zining, looking pitiful, ran to Jiang Yunbian’s side. “Brother, they’re discriminating against my beach shorts!”

 

Jiang Yunbian looked down and noticed Gao Zining was wearing brightly colored maple leaf beach shorts that stood out in the crowd.

 

He patted Gao Zining’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, you’re the most stylish one.”

 

Once they arrived at the water park, the crowd was huge. After passing security, they separated into different changing rooms.

 

Gao Zining dashed out of the changing room, shouting, “Swimming pool, here I come!”

 

When Xu Zhan finally emerged in his swimwear, he thought Gao Zining might be a bit crazy. After a while, He Ru and Yang You also came out.

 

“He Ru, you’re so thin, are you a reincarnation of a skeleton?” Yang You poked his waist.

 

“If you touch me again, I’ll cook you for soup. And what’s up with the color difference between your arms and belly?” He Ru retorted.

 

Yang You proudly put his hands on his hips. “That’s the color of an athlete. Do you even understand?”

 

After waiting a bit longer, Jiang Yunbian and Zhou Die finally appeared.

 

“Wow, I was expecting to check out the bodies of these two strong guys, but they’re both so covered up.”

 

Jiang Yunbian was wearing black beach shorts and a white short-sleeve shirt, while Zhou Die was in dark colors, completely covered.

 

“I wasn’t planning to go swimming and go crazy,” Jiang Yunbian said, not understanding their mentality. “Also, I didn’t want you guys to feel insecure.”

 

Yang You, He Ru, and Gao Zining: “…?”

 

As the three of them left the changing room, Jiang Yunbian grabbed Zhou Die’s wrist and pulled him into the changing room, pinning him against the door.

 

Zhou Die showed no sign of fear or panic, calmly looking at him. “Brother Yunbian, what do you plan to do with me?”

 

With a hint of playful amusement, he spoke as if Jiang Yunbian was threatening him.

 

Jiang Yunbian sneered and pulled up his short-sleeve shirt to reveal his increasingly prominent abdominal lines. “Look at what you’ve done.”

 

Author’s Note: Tsk, look at what you’ve done.