Mu Ye was not surprised by Shen Huaixiu’s provocation. As an Alpha, he naturally understood the possessiveness one had toward their partner. “It’s fine. The result isn’t important but the process can’t be skipped.”
He thought he might have to play the villain this time, but there was no other way. He needed to put on a show and let those old folks back home see that he had tried his best; it wouldn’t be his fault if things didn’t work out.
After the exam, Rong Shu stood outside the teaching building, anxiously scanning the crowd for the person he was waiting for.
Chen Jing, not wanting to be a third wheel, had made an early exit.
Shen Huaixiu didn’t keep him waiting for long. As soon as Rong Shu saw him, he smiled and rushed over.
Noticing Mu Ye walking behind him, Rong Shu paused momentarily but quickly shifted his attention back to Shen Huaixiu.
“How did you finish so fast? Did you hand in the paper early?” Shen Huaixiu naturally took his hand and asked gently.
“I only finished five minutes early. I checked it several times, really,” Rong Shu said, shaking the hand that was holding his, as if worried that Shen Huaixiu wouldn’t believe him.
Shen Huaixiu chuckled, “Got it. Let’s go eat.”
Ma Jinyan, who was walking behind the pair, took in the scene in front of him. Turning to Mu Ye, who was beside him, he couldn’t help but ask, “What are you planning to do?”
Mu Ye glanced at him, “It’s none of your business. Mind your own.”
Mu Ye looked down on people like Ma Jinyan—those who had no real abilities but excelled at stirring up trouble.
Ma Jinyan’s heart clenched as he watched Mu Ye, who didn’t even spare him a glance. His mood darkened further.
Wasn’t the enemy of my enemy supposed to be my friend? What was Mu Ye’s problem? Couldn’t he just follow the normal script?
The intimacy between Rong Shu and Shen Huaixiu confirmed to everyone that the two were indeed in a relationship.
Those who had refused to believe the truth finally broke down in tears after seeing the photos posted on the school forum.
Why? Why did their school heartthrob choose an Alpha?
Weren’t Alpha-to-Alpha relationships supposed to lack attraction? Why did they look so sweet together?
The fact that Rong Shu and Shen Huaixiu were together broke many hearts.
As Chen Jing ate, he scrolled through the forum. To be honest, he had been waiting for this day for a long time.
Finally, he could witness the reactions of those who had idolized the school heartthrob after finding out that he liked an Alpha.
Sure enough, Rong Shu was the type to make a stunning impact when he decided to act.
Seeing the forum filled with heart-wrenching comments, Chen Jing felt a sense of satisfaction. Now others could experience the same feelings he had when he first learned the truth.
With four exams in one day, even though they had a long break at noon, it was hard to get any proper rest. After returning to the dorm, Rong Shu was dragged by Shen Huaixiu to review the subjects for the afternoon, leaving him feeling like he was questioning his life.
He had never put in this much effort before an exam in his life.
Looking at Shen Huaixiu, Rong Shu felt like the situation was a bit surreal. “You’re kind of breaking character, you know? As the school tyrant of the North Campus, shouldn’t I be the one tutoring you? I never imagined things would turn out like this.”
“You can start imagining it now,” Shen Huaixiu said, placing the notebook he had just finished reviewing back on the desk. He glanced at the time and continued, “I’ve looked at your past grades. You fluctuate around the top thirty of the entire grade. Most of your mistakes are due to carelessness. So, Rong Shu, can you make it into the top ten this time?”
“Top ten is a bit of pressure for me.”
“You’ve ranked first before, so the top ten shouldn’t be a problem. I can guarantee I’ll make the top five. I don’t want too many people between our rankings. Do you?”
“I don’t.” Rong Shu blurted the words without even thinking and immediately saw the Alpha in front of him smile, clearly expecting that response.
“Good, then focus on the exam, and don’t hand in your paper early.”
Rong Shu felt like he was beyond saving.
He couldn’t believe he actually thought that this version of Shen Huaixiu was absurdly handsome.
Clearly, he wanted to do all sorts of things with Shen Huaixiu, but instead, Shen Huaixiu insisted on making him study, and the bait he offered was impossible to refuse.
Just the thought of his name appearing next to Shen Huaixiu’s on the ranking board, side by side—
It would be the perfect opportunity to publicly flaunt their relationship. If people looked at Shen Huaixiu’s rank, they would see his name, and if they saw his name, they’d see Shen Huaixiu’s. They’d always be together.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to show off their love, absolutely unmissable!
Rong Shu’s dark eyes lit up with determination. “Are you sure you can get into the top five?”
Shen Huaixiu replied confidently, “Yes, I can.”
“Alright.” Rong Shu vowed to make it into the top four or six—one of those spots had to be his!
So, during the afternoon exam, Rong Shu took the test with a seriousness he had never shown before.
As soon as he left the exam room, he couldn’t wait to drag Shen Huaixiu back to study.
However, when they reached the dorm building, they saw a crowd gathered at the entrance.
As soon as the people saw him and Shen Huaixiu approaching, they suddenly dispersed, automatically making way for them.
Rong Shu saw roses arranged on the ground and standing in the middle of them was Mu Ye.
The tall, handsome Alpha was holding a large bouquet of bright red roses in his arms. Rong Shu’s heart skipped a beat as he cursed inwardly—this bastard was about to stir up trouble.
“Xu Shu.” Mu Ye called out as soon as he saw him, giving Rong Shu no chance to escape. He walked over with the flowers in his arms, seemingly unfazed by the icy aura Shen Huaixiu was emitting. “Can I have a few minutes of your time?”
Rong Shu immediately tightened his grip on Shen Huaixiu’s hand. “I already have an Alpha. I don’t have time for you.”
Mu Ye hadn’t expected him to be so direct. For a brief moment, he actually felt a bit envious of Shen Huaixiu. “I know about your relationship but since you haven’t formed a bond yet, I still have a chance. You’ve probably heard that our Mu family highly values our reputation. Once we say something, we’ll make it happen. I’m here to promise you that if you agree to be with me, I will protect you for the rest of your life.”
“Sorry, I already have someone I like. He will protect me. I don’t need you. Thank you for everything you’ve prepared, but I don’t need it.” After saying that, Rong Shu glanced at Shen Huaixiu, silently asking if they could leave.
Shen Huaixiu nodded, casting a cold look at Mu Ye. As they brushed past each other, Shen Huaixiu’s lips parted slightly: “I’m protecting him. You don’t need to bother.”
The expected failure didn’t faze Mu Ye much. After packing up the flowers and throwing them in the trash, he sent a video of the event to his family group chat with a simple message: He’s not interested in me.
Anxious, Rong Shu dragged Shen Huaixiu back to the dorm and shut the door. He pressed Shen Huaixiu against the door, staring into the Alpha’s eyes. “Are you mad?”
Shen Huaixiu took in the boy’s nervousness. “You already rejected him. Why would I be mad?”
“You’re not mad?” Rong Shu raised an eyebrow. His feelings were a bit complicated. On one hand, he was worried Shen Huaixiu would be angry about Mu Ye’s confession, and on the other hand, he was concerned that if Shen Huaixiu wasn’t mad, it might mean he didn’t care whether someone else liked him or not.
Shen Huaixiu reached out and gently rubbed Rong Shu’s cat ears. “You rejected him, so I’m not angry. But that doesn’t mean I don’t care about things like this. Rong Shu, are you my Omega?”
“Of course!”
“Hmm, then if someone confesses to you in the future, will you reject them like you did today?”
“I will!”
The boy’s quick and decisive answer eased the bit of gloom in Shen Huaixiu’s heart. He leaned in and kissed the corner of Rong Shu’s lips. “But from now on, I won’t let things like this happen again.”
He wouldn’t let anyone have the chance to covet his Omega ever again.
Rong Shu didn’t know what Shen Huaixiu was truly thinking, but it didn’t stop his own possessiveness toward him. He reached out to hook his arms around Shen Huaixiu’s neck and leaned in closer. “It’s not okay if someone else likes you either. You have to reject them immediately and tell them that you already have an Omega. And not just any Omega, the best Omega in the world. Got it, my Alpha?”
“Hmm, got it. I’ll tell them I already have the best Omega in the whole world.”
Shen Huaixiu, fully cooperating, repeated the words. The young Omega in front of him smiled beautifully, so captivating that Shen Huaixiu couldn’t resist leaning in to kiss him again, deepening the kiss that had started as a brief peck.
When the kiss ended, Rong Shu was left weak in Shen Huaixiu’s arms. “My heat is coming soon.”
It was a seemingly random comment, but one full of implications.
Shen Huaixiu’s throat bobbed. He looked down at Rong Shu, whose face was flushed. “Hmm, so what?”
Seeing that Shen Huaixiu was feigning ignorance, Rong Shu wrapped his arms around his neck and practically hung from his embrace. “So, you need to help me. I’m not planning on using suppressants anymore. As someone who has the world’s most handsome and amazing Alpha, why should I use such degrading things as suppressants?”
Shen Huaixiu chuckled and pinched his cat ears. “No need to flatter me so much.”
“You must be praised! After all, the person I like is so amazing. I’m going to take a shower.” Rong Shu released his grip as he sat up, but still tugged at Shen Huaixiu’s T-shirt. “I want this T-shirt you’re wearing.”
“There are clean ones in the closet,” Shen Huaixiu said, sitting up as well, his hand naturally resting on Rong Shu’s waist.
“I don’t want the ones in the closet. I want this one you’re wearing. Are you giving it to me or not?”
Rong Shu did not attempt to hide the desire in his eyes. Shen Huaixiu pinched his waist lightly, watching as the boy instantly softened. “Don’t act up!”
“I will act up, I will! If you don’t take it off, I’ll take it off for you!” Rong Shu braced himself and reached to pull Shen Huaixiu’s shirt off.
The Alpha sat there without resisting but also without helping, letting him struggle.
Finally, frustrated, Rong Shu smacked his shoulder. “What are you doing? Bullying me!”
Shen Huaixiu was charmed by his cuteness and leaned in to kiss him, then raised his arms cooperatively. “Alright, go ahead.”
Rong Shu, who had insisted on helping, suddenly felt embarrassed now that Shen Huaixiu was cooperating so easily.
But since he couldn’t go back on his words, Rong Shu quickly pulled the shirt off of the Alpha, jumped out of bed, and shuffled to the bathroom in his slippers.
Shen Huaixiu, watching him stumble, called out, “Slow down.”
“Bang!” The bathroom door slammed shut in response.
Shen Huaixiu chuckled, shaking his head. Acting bold but still so flustered.
Inside the bathroom, Rong Shu held onto Shen Huaixiu’s shirt, his heart racing. He glanced at his reflection in the mirror, his face flushed, and pursed his lips in self-mockery. He’s already mine, yet a single shirt can still make me blush like this?
He brought the shirt to his nose and took a deep breath. Hmm, it smells like Shen Huaixiu, with a hint of warmth still lingering.
Unable to resist, Rong Shu buried his face in the shirt, feeling like a bit of a pervert but finding himself unable to stop.
Anyway, the door is closed. Shen Huaixiu can’t see me, he thought, allowing himself a few moments of indulgence before lifting his head. He neatly folded the shirt and placed it on the sink, then started his shower.
When he emerged, dressed in Shen Huaixiu’s T-shirt, he saw the tall Alpha sitting in a chair, his muscular upper body exposed. Shen Huaixiu’s deep gaze was fixed on him, with no intention of looking away.
Feigning calmness, Rong Shu walked over. “How do I look?”
He realized that when he’d done things like this before, it was just to flirt with Shen Huaixiu. Now that their relationship was clear, it felt more like seduction.
“Come here.” The Alpha crooked his finger at him.
Rong Shu’s heart fluttered at Shen Huaixiu’s gesture. “What are you doing?”
Though he asked that, his body had already moved forward on its own.
As Rong Shu approached, the fresh scent of roses drifted over. “The air conditioning is on—put on some pants.”
The mood was going so well, but now Rong Shu stopped in place. “You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you!”
Shen Huaixiu chuckled. “Be good. You just took a shower, you’ll catch a cold.”
Rong Shu had no more words, glaring at him with his beautiful peach-blossom eyes. “Fine, fine! One day, you’ll be the one asking me to take them off, hmph!”
He rummaged through the closet, pulled out a pair of sweatpants, and angrily put them on before sitting down in the chair. “Don’t talk to me right now. I’m really mad. I’m going to do some practice problems.”
Shen Huaixiu leaned in. “You’re mad already? Well, if you’re mad, let me at least dry your hair for you.”
“Even if you try to be nice, I can’t be soothed right now.”
“What should I do, then?”
“Figure it out yourself.”
After Rong Shu said this, Shen Huaixiu took his hand and placed it on his abs. “How about you touch my abs—will that help?”
Rong Shu: “…”
Is this seduction?
Shen Huaixiu is seducing him, right?
Pfft, some Alphas say they don’t want you to act up, yet when they do, there’s no limit to it. Hmph, he wouldn’t fall for it!
Though…the feel was really nice. So different from his own soft belly.
“I’m not fully appeased, but since you’re offering so earnestly, it would be rude not to. Hmm, I guess…it’s passable!” Rong Shu said seriously before pulling his hand back. “Aren’t you going to dry my hair? Hurry up.”
Shen Huaixiu smiled. “So you’re not mad anymore?”
Rong Shu gave him a sidelong glance. “Just a little bit, depending on how you do.”
“Alright, I’ll do my best to make it up to you.”
Shen Huaixiu rubbed his cat ears, then went to the bathroom to grab the hairdryer, carefully drying Rong Shu’s damp hair.
—
Ma Jinyan saw Mu Ye discard the flowers and walk away as if nothing had happened. A big question mark popped into his head. Unable to hold back, he caught up with him. “You’re just going to let it go like that?”
Mu Ye sighed lightly when he saw him. “What else can I do? I’ve tried chasing him, but it didn’t work. I’m not as persistent as you, nor am I as nosy. Just be yourself.”
Ma Jinyan watched Mu Ye walk toward the school gates, seemingly relieved.
A complicated feeling arose in his heart. He couldn’t help but understand Mu Ye’s thoughts. In the end, it was about his own desires—after all, even if the person was a male from the Rong family, possessing a Rong family male could alter the genetic future of an entire family.
Wasn’t that temptation enough? Not enough to sacrifice one’s own desires?
Do you really have to truly like someone to make it work?
Author’s note:
Rong Shu: Without love, it’s all just playing around!
