Zhou Le returned home with his haul. His mother, Cheng Ying, looked on curiously and asked a few questions. Zhou Le deflected them by mumbling something about a chemistry experiment.
Once back in his room, he carefully locked up the inhibitors like they were treasures, then took the Omega blocker and sprayed a bit on himself.
A soft, sweet scent filled the air, calming him.
Soon, he didn’t feel as dizzy as before.
Spending money was worth it—it saved him the discomfort.
From now on, he was determined to earn money!
Zhou Le slept soundly, hugging his pillow tightly.
The next day, on his way to school, he even discreetly tore the packaging off the blocker and took it with him.
“Zhou Le! Wait up!”
Xia Linchuan caught up from behind, chewing bubble gum. “Morning.”
He gave Zhou Le a quick once-over. “You’re… pretty cheerful today.”
Radiant, like sunshine.
Zhou Le just chuckled.
A moment later, he suddenly thought of something and paused.
“What’s up?” Xia Linchuan stopped as well.
Zhou Le stared at him, then chuckled again, twice.
Xia Linchuan shivered, hugging himself protectively. “What are you doing?”
But it was too late—Zhou Le lunged forward and hugged him tightly.
Xia Linchuan: !!!
Help! He felt tainted.
Zhou Le buried his face against Xia Linchuan, sniffing deeply. Sure enough, there it was—the scent of an Alpha.
Yet no matter how much he inhaled, it didn’t make him dizzy or cause his body to heat up.
Perfect!
Satisfied, Zhou Le let go of Xia Linchuan with a bright smile, even giving him a playful pat. “You’re not much of an Alpha, you know. Hugging you isn’t even comfortable.”
What?
Xia Linchuan looked offended, like he’d been used and discarded. “You—!” Get lost!
Before he could shout, shadows fell across them.
“How would you like to be hugged to feel comfortable?”
That voice, all too familiar. Zhou Le froze.
A hint of cool Alpha pheromones surrounded him.
Zhou Le turned, looking up, only to lock eyes with Lu Jingran’s dark gaze.
His heart skipped a beat.
Something was wrong.
Why was it like this?
When he smelled Xia Linchuan’s pheromones, he felt nothing. But just being close to Lu Jingran, inhaling a bit of his scent, even just looking at his face—Zhou Le wanted to step back, to escape. If he didn’t, he wasn’t sure what would happen, what he might turn into.
And so, he did step back.
Lu Jingran noted the retreat, his cold gaze narrowing slightly.
“Zhou Le, you really are the kind of person I thought you were,” Chen Nan teased, having just seen what Zhou Le did to Xia Linchuan. “A Beta like you, even going after Alphas and saying he’s not comfortable? So, what kind of Alpha do you want to hug?”
Zhou Le glanced nervously at Lu Jingran.
Chen Nan gasped, “You want to hug Brother Lu?”
Zhou Le: ?
Zhou Le: What nonsense are you spouting?!
I’m trying to keep him from figuring things out!
“Go ahead, then.”
Lu Jingran actually extended his hand, looking serious.
Zhou Le’s eyes nearly popped out of his head.
Chen Nan, enjoying the drama, egged him on, thinking Zhou Le had the desire but not the nerve. “Go on, hug him. Why aren’t you?”
Zhou Le didn’t move, cold sweat dripping as he looked down.
Chen Nan scoffed, but before he could say more, Lu Jingran pulled Zhou Le into his arms.
Chen Nan: Holy—
Sheng Qian raised an eyebrow.
Pulled into the embrace, Zhou Le instinctively closed his eyes.
His nose was filled with the Alpha’s scent. Although it was cool, it was also incredibly pleasant, and surprisingly gentle, comforting.
It felt like a hidden corner of his heart was finally being filled, wrapped up tightly, giving him an unprecedented sense of safety and satisfaction.
Now, Zhou Le understood why he’d wanted to run away just moments ago.
Because it felt too good.
Too good.
He almost wanted to stay like this forever.
Buried against Lu Jingran’s chest, Zhou Le’s throat tightened.
He couldn’t help himself and secretly took a few more sniffs of Lu Jingran’s scent.
“You’re so thin.”
The Alpha said, releasing him slowly.
Zhou Le kept his head down, lips pressed tight.
Beneath his lowered lashes, he still seemed a bit dazed.
Is this what a top Alpha is like?
It made sense why Omegas dreamed of them. Even pulling away took all his strength.
“Zhou Le.” Lu Jingran called his name suddenly.
“…Huh?” Zhou Le lifted his eyes, looking dazed and bright, like an Omega who’d just been gently cared for.
“Make sure you eat well.”
“…” Zhou Le: “Oh.”
He lowered his gaze again.
It was a simple sentence.
But… why did his face feel so hot?
—
When Zhou Le returned to his seat, he felt as though the Alpha’s scent was still lingering on him.
The coolness lingered on his clothes in delicate wisps.
This made him feel both comfortable and uncomfortable, a bit unsure, and… happy?
Anyway, it was a complicated feeling.
But overall, he kind of… liked it.
He liked Lu Jingran’s pheromones.
Even though he’d sprayed the blocker, even though he felt nothing from Xia Linchuan’s scent, just a faint trace of Lu Jingran’s pheromones on his sleeve made him feel excited.
It was as if he suddenly understood why a high-ranking Omega like Liu Yanyan would chase after Lu Jingran so persistently.
Just as he thought of this, as if on cue, Lin Xiaoxiao grabbed his hand. “Did you hear about Liu Yanyan?”
Zhou Le: “Huh?”
Lin Xiaoxiao: “She went into heat. It’s pretty severe, and she hasn’t been to school in nearly a week.”
Zhou Le: “…That serious?”
Lin Xiaoxiao: “Of course. Uh… but you wouldn’t understand since you’re not an Omega. Anyway! Did you see what she posted on her Moments?”
Zhou Le shook his head.
Lin Xiaoxiao clicked her tongue, pulled out his phone, and started scrolling through his Moments. “Ugh, what’s with all these job postings?”
Of course, these were his precious sources of income! He saved them just in case a job suited him.
Ignoring that, Lin Xiaoxiao finally found Liu Yanyan’s post. “Look here. It’s obvious she’s hinting at the class rep.”
Zhou Le took the phone.
He saw that Liu Yanyan had posted a melancholic image with a line—If only you were here with me right now…
Lin Xiaoxiao: “It’s clear who she means, right?”
Lu Jingran…
He wouldn’t have understood before, but now, he completely got how Lin Xiaoxiao and Liu Yanyan felt. For an Omega, Lu Jingran was like a drug—a dangerous allure that no one could resist, just from his pheromones alone.
“Not bad.” Zhou Le said, “Pheromones are tricky like that.”
It made sense why she needed and wanted Lu Jingran.
Lin Xiaoxiao was about to nod in agreement, but then frowned. “Why are you even commenting? It’s not like you have pheromones.”
Zhou Le: “…”
“You’re not an Omega—how would you know if pheromones are tricky?”
Zhou Le: “…”
Zhou Le: “I’m just really empathetic.”
Lin Xiaoxiao rolled his eyes dramatically.
—-
After successfully masking his pheromones, Zhou Le returned to his fearless self, picking up his old hustle with quick strides, once again becoming the one that even the dean, Old Feng, couldn’t catch.
Every time he saw someone, the first thing they’d say was, “You’re still doing deliveries? I haven’t seen you in ages—I thought you’d quit.”
“Aw, Little Lele, it’s great to have you here. I’m so sick of fighting for food in the cafeteria. Thank goodness for you.”
Basking in everyone’s “overflowing” affection, Zhou Le felt his heart swell. This was all money! Dear patrons, please keep loving me!
He was going to make more money, buy more blockers and inhibitors, and maybe even save enough to get surgery one day. Then, he would truly be free.
Thinking this way made Zhou Le feel that life had hope!
Not long after, he got another order.
And this time, it was for four people—a lucky break!
He looked at the WeChat profile picture. It looked familiar. Then he saw the note—Class Rep.
Zhou Le: Oh, d*mn!
This was the first time he’d received an order from Lu Jingran.
Soon, Lu Jingran sent over the menu and a red packet.
Four meals… but weren’t there only three of them?
Before Zhou Le could think about it, he rushed to the cafeteria. Luckily, he got there fast, and there was still plenty of the beef shank, roast duck, sweet and sour pork, and white fungus cucumber that Lu Jingran had ordered.
He had the cafeteria lady pack up four identical boxes. He couldn’t deny it—the food looked and smelled amazing.
Zhou Le swallowed involuntarily.
If he actually won the chemistry competition prize, and if his share was over 5,000 yuan, he’d treat himself to a meal like this. He’d even get one for his mom, and for Little White, he’d buy some premium dog food.
“Class Rep, your food’s here.”
Zhou Le entered the classroom and only saw Lu Jingran, Chen Nan, and Sheng Qian. Since it was lunch break, most people were at the cafeteria or had gone home for a quick commute.
He placed the four lunch boxes in front of them with a grin. “Enjoy your meal, Class Rep. I’ll be going now.”
“Wait.” Lu Jingran called him back, handing him one of the boxes and opening the lid for him. “Eat with us.”
The aroma hit him immediately, and Zhou Le’s stomach growled instinctively.
But… this meal was for him?
Lu Jingran held the box up a bit higher, looking at Zhou Le. “Take it.”
Chen Nan watched this and said, “Oh~ No wonder Brother Lu didn’t go out with us and insisted on eating in the cafeteria. You just wanted to eat with him.”
So, Lu Jingran had ordered this just to have lunch with him?
Lu Jingran didn’t deny it, essentially agreeing with Chen Nan’s words. He then urged Zhou Le, “Eat before it gets cold. It won’t taste as good if you wait.”
“No, no,” Zhou Le declined hurriedly. “I don’t need to, Class Rep. I already ate.”
He had already eaten a steamed bun, so technically, he’d had lunch.
He wasn’t sure why Lu Jingran suddenly wanted to share a meal, but Zhou Le didn’t feel quite comfortable about it. To be honest, seeing Lu Jingran made him feel awkward right now.
Especially since he might still have traces of Lu Jingran’s scent on him.
Without another word, Lu Jingran simply sat down, placed the lunch box in front of Zhou Le, and unwrapped the chopsticks, setting them on top.
“Eat.” The boy ordered coldly, without lifting his gaze.
“…okay.” Zhou Le dared to hesitate for only a second.
The overpowering presence of an Alpha was just that domineering, sigh.
But despite that, Zhou Le knew the class rep was only looking out for him.
And, wow, the food was truly delicious!
Just as he had imagined.
He hadn’t had such tasty meat in a long time.
Especially the braised beef—it really lived up to the cafeteria’s reputation, absolutely fantastic!
Zhou Le devoured it in no time.
Chen Nan, watching him eat, was shocked. “Didn’t you just finish lunch? It’s like you haven’t eaten in a past life!”
He was eating so fast; Chen Nan had just scooped one spoonful of rice when Zhou Le had already eaten half the box.
“Eat slower, there’s more.” Lu Jingran said, placing the braised beef from his own box into Zhou Le’s.
With oil on the corners of his mouth and a few grains of rice stuck to his face, Zhou Le said, “Class rep, there’s no need; I’ve had enough.”
Despite saying that, his eyes gleamed at the new pieces of braised beef in his box.
“I don’t like it. I’m cutting back on fat.” Lu Jingran added, “Eat it; otherwise, it’ll go to waste.”
Zhou Le gave him a puzzled look, wanting to give it back, but hesitated, worrying Lu Jingran would dislike his chopsticks touching it. As he debated, a few more pieces of braised beef appeared in his box.
Lu Jingran had taken them from Chen Nan’s bowl.
“He’s cutting back on fat too. Afraid of gaining weight, so he won’t eat it either.”
Chen Nan’s chopsticks, midair and reaching for the beef, froze. He looked at Lu Jingran in confusion, as if he hadn’t heard right.
Wait, who’s cutting back on fat? And who said you can’t eat beef if you’re dieting?
Who’s afraid of gaining weight? I’m perfectly slim, okay?!
Just as Chen Nan was about to argue, Sheng Qian placed all his braised beef into Chen Nan’s bowl. “Enough, eat.”
Chen Nan glared at him angrily: I’m not making a fuss; I’m serious! Brother Lu’s playing favorites, and I’m mad!
Sheng Qian even put the sweet and sour pork from his own bowl into Chen Nan’s, whispering in his ear, “Next time, I’ll get you a whole bag of it, and I’ll arrange for the cafeteria chef to make it at your place if you want.”
Hearing that, Chen Nan, like a soothed kitten, calmed down and obediently ate from his own box.
He shot a fierce glare to the side.
Zhou Le, feeling the weight of Chen Nan’s death stare, was unsure whether he should continue eating the braised beef.
Lu Jingran tapped his lunchbox.
So, Zhou Le obediently continued eating.
As he ate, he glanced at Lu Jingran, noticing how much he was eating of the roast duck, thinking he must like it. Zhou Le offered his own roast duck to him. “Class rep, this is too salty for me; I don’t really like it.”
Lu Jingran, fully understanding his intention, accepted it without a word.
By the end of the meal, Zhou Le had eaten everything, not even leaving a grain of rice, feeling so full his stomach felt rounded.
Lu Jingran handed him a napkin. “Wipe your mouth.”
Only then did Zhou Le realize his mouth might be covered in oil. He quickly took the napkin and wiped his mouth.
He caught a faint scent from the napkin—the class rep’s napkins were scented and smelled nice.
Before he could finish marveling, a bag of fresh milk appeared in front of him.
“Drink this; it’s close to expiration. If you don’t drink it, I’ll just have to throw it away,” said Lu Jingran.
Zhou Le: “…”
He took the bag and looked at the expiration date—there were still five months left, clearly freshly bought.
It was definitely just for him.
Zhou Le bit open a small hole and began sipping slowly.
The rich, creamy taste had a hint of sweetness.
Just the right thing to refresh his palate after the meal.
Zhou Le looked up at Lu Jingran, who was also watching him.
His gaze was calm and fixed, with a surprising touch of warmth.
“Taste good?”
“…Mm.” Zhou Le muttered, nodding.
Then he lowered his lashes, drinking slowly while avoiding Lu Jingran’s gaze.
The Alpha watched him, his lashes lowered, lips slightly pink from the milk. He could almost hear the sound of milk sliding down his throat.
Lu Jingran’s Adam’s apple involuntarily bobbed.
“Are you afraid of me?”
Behind them, Chen Nan and Sheng Qian were still arguing over whether egg and tomato or di san xian tasted better, oblivious to the atmosphere on this side.
Zhou Le gripped the milk in his hand. “…N-no.”
“Then why are you avoiding me?”
“I’m not…not avoiding you.”
“Then look at me.”
“…”
“Zhou Le, don’t be afraid of me.”
—
Don’t be afraid of him…what did that mean?
Did he know?
Or didn’t he?
After going over it repeatedly in his head, Zhou Le finally gave up.
Oh well, he could suppress his pheromones now anyway. Even if Lu Jingran said something, he had no proof; he’d just deny it.
“Zhou Le!!”
Zhou Le turned around to see Chen Nan running toward him.
?
When he reached him, he cornered him against the wall.
??
“Zhou Le, tell me the truth, are you…” Chen Nan squinted, scrutinizing him.
Zhou Le felt a shiver under his intense gaze.
“—Did you catch some dirt on Brother Lu?”
Zhou Le: …?
Chen Nan’s face lit up with excitement. “Tell me secretly; I swear I won’t tell Brother Lu!”
Zhou Le: “…”
Well, there is something, but maybe you have the subject and object flipped.
Zhou Le cleared his throat. “I think not.”
Chen Nan looked puzzled. “That doesn’t make sense… Brother Lu’s being unusually nice to you. Could it be that he’s…”
Chen Nan’s sentence trailed off oddly as he dragged out the words, staring at Zhou Le.
Zhou Le, not sure what he was going to say, started feeling nervous.
An Alpha being inexplicably kind to someone usually means they’re either a close friend or a lover. Chen Nan, squinting his eyes, certainly didn’t think he was the former; instead, he suspected that Lu Jiran might have a little crush on this person! But Lu Jiran, someone practically like a god, wouldn’t easily get involved in a casual romance, unless… it was due to the influence of Omega pheromones, forcing him to—Oh no, Chen Nan realized it!
“He is interested in Liu Yanyan and using you to play matchmaker, is he?”
“…”
Zhou Le heaved a sigh of relief, nearly collapsing in place.
As he voiced his thoughts, Chen Nan himself felt something was off. “That doesn’t make sense either. Brother Lu hasn’t even been around Liu Yanyan recently. Besides, does God Lu really need someone like you to play matchmaker?”
“Exactly!” Zhou Le nodded eagerly, “He definitely wouldn’t need my help.”
Chen Nan looked Zhou Le up and down thoughtfully. “Then maybe it’s…”
“Actually, I need to deliver a package to Class Five, so I’ll head out now. Let’s talk later!” Zhou Le quickly interrupted as he noticed Chen Nan stroking his chin in thought.
Watching Zhou Le’s hurried retreat, Chen Nan clicked his tongue. “I still think there’s something fishy, something really fishy.”
For the moment, though, he couldn’t quite figure it out.
Sheng Qian glanced over at him. “Stop overthinking it.”
If he figured it out, Sheng Qian would have to clean up the mess. What a hassle.
Chen Nan: “Don’t you think Brother Lu treats that kid a bit too well? Almost like how he treats us?”
“We’re his childhood friends. That kid only met Brother Lu when helping Liu Yanyan chase him. It hasn’t been long, yet Brother Lu’s acting… how do I put it, just odd. Don’t you think?”
“Not really,” Sheng Qian replied coldly. “Actually, it sounds more like you’re jealous.”
Chen Nan: “Jealous? Jealous of what?”
Sheng Qian said nothing, merely lowering his gaze.
Chen Nan’s brain finally caught up. “Oh no! You’re not thinking I like that kid Zhou Le, are you? Am I blind? He’s not even a soft Omega. Why would I be into him?”
Sheng Qian raised his eyes. “So… you only go for Omegas?”
Chen Nan found the question strange. “What Alpha doesn’t like Omegas? Who’d prefer an Alpha? Isn’t that a bit… abnormal?”
Sheng Qian lowered his gaze, his eyelashes trembling slightly, as if something had struck his heart hard, leaving it shattered.
“Oh, I see.”
After saying this, Sheng Qian turned to leave.
Chen Nan chased after him. “What do you mean, you see? Answer me, will you?! You know I hate it when you’re vague like this. Hey, why that expression? Did I say something wrong? Speak up!”
“How am I supposed to calm you down if you won’t tell me? Hey! Sheng Qian!!”
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Awww poor Sheng Qian D: