“You want to join our group, Cen Chi? That’s great! This class actually requires some medical knowledge…” Tao Ran said excitedly.
But Cen Chi’s eyes remained fixed on Chi Zhan’s face, as if waiting for his response.
Chi Zhan kept a neutral expression.
“…Sure. Let’s all head to the library afterward.”
Cen Chi let out a soft “mm,” watching as Chi Zhan packed his bag and politely said goodbye before leaving with Tao Ran. He tapped his fingers on the table twice, lost in thought:
Chi Zhan seemed… off today. What could it be? Surely it wasn’t because he didn’t get matched with the Crown Prince?
Was he… jealous?
Whatever the reason, realizing Chi Zhan so wholeheartedly admired the Crown Prince left a strange bitterness in Cen Chi’s chest.
His lips still held a faint smile as he leaned back in his chair, tapping his pen lightly. But his pale gray eyes gradually darkened, deepening into a more intense shade.
That kind of single-minded devotion… only made him want to take it away even more.
But Chi Zhan didn’t seem to be an Omega.
Even after last night’s deep kiss, he hadn’t entered Heat, nor had his pheromones leaked. And today’s lab report made things clear—the report from the Pheromone Research Institute was absolutely authoritative, and with Lin Feng personally overseeing the test, there was no chance of tampering.
And yet, Chi Zhan had entered Heat before.
Why didn’t it happen this time?
Tao Ran had another lab class, but Chi Zhan didn’t. They’d already made lunch plans, so he headed to the training hall in the meantime.
Aside from the classroom and his dorm, the training hall was where Chi Zhan spent the most time. As a Beta, his physical strength naturally lagged behind Alphas. Even a slight lapse in training would make it difficult to catch up again. To maintain his edge, he had to spend long hours training every day, building the muscle memory needed to keep pace.
Thanks to his consistent attendance, the regulars at the training hall all knew who he was. Chi Zhan moved through the crowd and entered the lounge. As he opened his locker, an Alpha he’d partnered with before happened to be beside him.
“Can I ask you for a favor?”
Ding Hao had just closed his locker. Hearing the voice, he turned and grinned brightly.
“Of course! What’s up? Just say the word.”
Ding Hao was a sunny, upright kind of guy—kind-hearted and well-liked among the Alphas. Unlike many who looked down on Betas, Ding Hao was friendly with everyone, Betas and Omegas alike.
More importantly, he was a player.
Ding Hao had joined the game at a friend’s urging. Though he was gay, he wasn’t looking to pursue any in-game romance—he was more interested in the star system’s lore, which is why he chose to play as an Alpha.
Still, his impression of Chi Zhan was… a little different.
Compared to other Betas, Chi Zhan seemed delicate and bookish, with pale skin and a quiet demeanor. But once he started fighting, he transformed completely—fierce, focused, relentless.
Though he rarely spoke during training and always left right afterward with just a polite goodbye, Ding Hao still found himself quietly intrigued.
This was the first time Chi Zhan had ever asked him for something in such a direct tone.
“Could you come a little closer?”
Ding Hao blinked. “Uh, sure. You’re not planning a sneak attack, are you? Not that I’d mind, but I’d hate to fall and hurt you.”
Chi Zhan shook his head.
So Ding Hao stepped closer. He moved so quickly that the tip of his shoe nearly grazed Chi Zhan.
Aside from sparring matches, he’d never been this close to him before. Even though Chi Zhan was an NPC, there was something… different about him. The longer you spent around him, the more attractive he seemed.
The kind of beauty that grew on you the more you looked.
Ding Hao had sometimes sneaked glances at this NPC, even used the system camera to snap a few photos on the sly. But Chi Zhan always seemed so distant, so untouchable—and besides, he wasn’t even a romanceable character.
Up close, Chi Zhan had a pleasant scent—something fruity, maybe his body wash or shampoo. Ding Hao inhaled softly, his heart beating faster.
What was he planning?
“Can you smell any pheromones on me?”
Ding Hao froze again.
But… you’re a Beta. How could you have pheromones?
He wanted to ask—but some instinct made him stop. Instead, he lowered his head and leaned in, sniffing near Chi Zhan’s neck.
Huh… there was something there. A faint, unpleasant undercurrent in the mix. Definitely Alpha pheromones.
He was about to say so, but then caught sight of Chi Zhan’s pale neck, framed by those inky black strands of hair. For some reason, the words caught in his throat. Instead of answering, he leaned in a little closer.
How often did he get a chance to be this near? He might as well savor it…
Just as Ding Hao had that thought, he sensed someone striding up behind him. Before he could react, something yanked hard at his collar—he was forcibly dragged backward.
All 80 kilograms of him, hoisted like a chick by the scruff and flung aside. He was stunned.
“Were you putting your hands on my gege?”
Xiao Xing roared, rage burning off him like wildfire. He looked ready to tear the rude Alpha into pieces. His pheromones surged out uncontrollably, creating a suffocating pressure in the air.
Under that oppressive weight, Ding Hao stammered helplessly, “I-I wasn’t! He asked me—how could I possibly…”
“Still denying it?! I saw everything! You were clearly trying something indecent and now you want to weasel out of it?!” Xiao Xing growled, teeth clenched. “You dare touch my gege? You’re dead…”
Before he could finish, someone tugged his arm.
“It was my request. You shouldn’t hit people without cause.”
Xiao Xing’s furious expression faltered.
“Sorry—did it hurt when you fell?”
Chi Zhan asked as he let go, about to step around Xiao Xing to help Ding Hao up. But Ding Hao had already gotten to his feet, looking a bit disheveled.
“I’m fine. Just a misunderstanding.”
He was still angry, but one look at Xiao Xing—one of the romance targets—made it clear he stood no chance.
In this world, romance targets were always strong. Picking a fight with one wasn’t just reckless—it was suicidal. Ding Hao knew better than to push it.
With a frustrated scowl, he muttered, “I’ll be going now.”
