IMAO Chapter 31.1

The pair walked side by side and pushed open the bar’s doors. Inside was a different world entirely, with deafening music and a kaleidoscope of lights greeting them. The dance floor teemed with people swaying to the rhythm.

“What can I get you, gentlemen?” asked the bartender in a crisp suit, leaning on the counter with a gentle smile.

Ji Rong’s arm snaked around Jiang Yuan, guiding him to an adjacent seat. “What would you like, Jiang Yuan?”

They sat close enough for Jiang Yuan to hear Ji Rong’s breathing. Unsettled by Ji Rong’s pheromones, Jiang Yuan had no appetite for drinks. He awkwardly told the bartender, “I’ll have whatever you recommend.”

Ji Rong released Jiang Yuan and grinned at the bartender. “Make that two.”

The bartender nodded knowingly, clearly accustomed to such patrons. He set about mixing without further questions.

Soon, two identical cocktails appeared before them. Sliding one towards Jiang Yuan, the bartender explained softly, “This is called ‘Ocean Starry Sky.’ It’s a blend of five spirits, resembling the cosmos.”

Jiang Yuan studied his glass. The drink indeed mimicked a starlit sky, with twinkling particles suspended within. It certainly lived up to its name.

The bartender nudged the glass closer, encouraging Jiang Yuan to taste it.

Jiang Yuan took a small sip. The flavor was intense and invigorating. It was sweet yet tangy, with a hint of bitterness and spice in the aftertaste.

“This drink has a sweet and sour taste mixed with a bit of bitterness and spiciness. Its flavor is much like our lives. But if you take a moment to appreciate the drink’s appearance and think about the starry sky, there’s really not much to worry about. In the face of the universe, we are so insignificant, and the trivialities of life are hardly worth mentioning.”

Clearly, the bartender assumed Jiang Yuan was someone looking to drown his sorrows in alcohol. However, with Ji Rong by his side, Jiang Yuan didn’t feel the need to explain; he decided to let it be.

Regardless of the drink’s taste, at least its appearance was quite pleasing to Jiang Yuan. In his previous life as an adventurer, he had spent a considerable amount of time exploring the edges of the universe, accompanied only by spaceships, Alphonse, and the starry sky.

“It’s excellent. Thank you,” Jiang Yuan said quietly.

“Enjoy,” the bartender smiled, then turned his attention back to his work.

Beside him, Ji Rong picked up his glass, took a sip, and remarked quietly, “This drink is pretty good, even better than what they serve on Noth Star.”

Hearing Ji Rong mention Noth Star, a hint of surprise flashed in Jiang Yuan’s eyes. He asked, “You’ve been to Noth Star?”

Noth Star is located on the fringes of the Federation, its geographical position being extremely significant. The planet is covered in snow year-round. From space, it appeared as a perfect white sphere, earning the nickname ‘Ice Queen.’

“I grew up there,” Ji Rong explained.

“I’ve heard it’s brutally cold. Don’t people avoid going out after 8 p.m.?” Jiang Yuan recalled Noth’s notorious climate. If not for its strategic location and abundant resources, the planet might have been abandoned long ago.

“That’s right,” Ji Rong confirmed. “Daytime temperatures hover around -3°C, but after 8 p.m., they plummet to -30°C. The snow and auroras are breathtaking, though.”

“In that case, I’m a bit curious to see it,” Jiang Yuan mused.

“Sure, I’ll take you there in the future,” Ji Rong offered.

Ji Rong’s underlying implication was ‘I’ll take you home to meet my parents,’ but Jiang Yuan, of course, had no idea what Ji Rong was really thinking. He was genuinely interested, and if given the chance, he would love to see it. “I’d like that!”

Ji Rong’s expression remained calm, but inside, he was bursting with excitement!

Rounding it off, Jiang Yuan had just agreed to go home with him to meet his parents!

Jiang Yuan had never expected that Ji Rong was from Noth Star. Due to its unique geographical position, the number of soldiers on Noss Star was double that of ordinary citizens, making it the only planet in the Federation where the military outnumbered the civilian population.

As Jiang Yuan and Ji Rong chatted and drank, Ji Rong stepped away for a moment, leaving Jiang Yuan alone at their table. He rested his chin on one hand, waiting boredly for Ji Rong to return.

Noticing Ji Rong’s absence, a man nearby whispered to his friends before approaching. He was handsome, exuding a faint Alpha pheromone. He ordered a drink from the bartender and slid it towards Jiang Yuan.

Jiang Yuan raised an eyebrow at him.

“Let me buy you a drink. Don’t worry; this one won’t get you drunk,” the man said softly. “That drink you’re holding looks nice, but it has quite a kick.”

“No, thank you,” Jiang Yuan politely declined.

Unfazed, the man tucked a stray hair behind his ear, his dark eyes twinkling like deep pools. He sipped the drink himself and struck up a conversation. “You seem young. Still a student?”

“Mm-hmm,” Jiang Yuan replied noncommittally.

“So young,” the man chuckled, unbuttoning his collar to expose his throat in what he deemed a seductive manner. He leaned in, breath ghosting over Jiang Yuan’s ear. “You’re not an Omega, are you? Want to hook up?”

Jiang Yuan: …

Before Jiang Yuan could refuse, a strong hand suddenly wrapped around him from behind, pulling him into an embrace reeking of Alpha pheromones.

The scent of pine filled the air, confirming Ji Rong’s Alpha status to onlookers.

Ji Rong rested his chin on Jiang Yuan’s shoulder, fixing the man with a steely gaze. “He. Is. Mine,” he enunciated slowly.

The smile on the man’s face froze instantly.

When Ji Rong was serious, his deep-set eyes and furrowed brows resembled cold stars, exuding an oppressive aura that made it difficult for the man to meet his gaze. Hearing Ji Rong’s low, threatening words, the man instinctively rubbed his nose and then walked away, clearly disgruntled.

As the man left, Ji Rong felt a wave of irritation wash over him. He had only stepped away for a moment to use the restroom, and already someone had come over to flirt with Jiang Yuan. He had noticed that several people had been watching them, and this man was clearly one of those who coveted Jiang Yuan.

Shameless bastards!

Couldn’t they see Jiang Yuan came with him?

How dare they try to seduce Jiang Yuan?

He was 1.9 meters tall!

Was he invisible?!

Ji Rong was furious!

With Ji Rong holding him by the neck from behind, Jiang Yuan noticed the man leaving and quietly reminded Ji Rong, “He’s gone. How long are you going to keep holding me like this?”

Ji Rong hastily released him. “Sorry, I forgot…”

“Let’s go back,” Jiang Yuan said, glancing at the time. It was already ten o’clock at night. He then looked back at Ji Rong.

Ji Rong nodded, “Okay!”

As they were leaving, Ji Rong noticed several attractive young men approaching them.

Damn it!

They dared to hit on Jiang Yuan right in front of him?

As a few flirtatious Omegas drew closer, Ji Rong shot them a fierce glare. The omegas, who had intended to talk to Ji Rong, shrank back in fear at his intimidating expression.

After Ji Rong left, the pretty Omegas whined:

“Waaah, that alpha was so fierce!”

“The scent of his pheromones was incredible. It’s the best I’ve ever smelled! I’m in love!”

“I want him to mark me…”

An Alpha passing by: ???

There were indeed people staring at Jiang Yuan, but there were also many who were focused on Ji Rong. However, Ji Rong seemed to completely overlook this…

Back at school, Jiang Yuan opened his door and turned to Ji Rong. “Thanks.”

“Get some rest. Goodnight,” Jiang Yuan said.

“G-goodnight,” Ji Rong stammered.

With a click, Jiang Yuan’s door locked automatically. Ji Rong entered his own room, closed the door, and leaned against it, breathing deeply. A closer look would reveal his ears had turned bright red!

Ahhhh!

Just now, he claimed Jiang Yuan was his! And Jiang Yuan didn’t refute him!

Although he knew Jiang Yuan was just avoiding conversation with that man, Ji Rong couldn’t help feeling excited. His heart raced uncontrollably.

Ji Rong stared at his hand, still warm from Jiang Yuan’s neck. He pressed it to his chest.

Thump thump thump thump.

His heart rate must be over 140 now.

In his room, Jiang Yuan immediately undressed and entered the shower. As he pulled off his shirt, it revealed his toned, muscular physique, with well-defined abs accentuating his sexy figure.

Jiang Yuan tilted his head back, letting cold water cascade over him. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he wiped excess water from his face, eyes half-closed.

His body… finally cooled down.

Ji Rong’s pheromones really did make him… uncomfortable…

Though… they smelled incredible.

Before he went to bed, Jiang Yuan received comforting messages from Ji Yang, Ma Lin, Armand, Mu An, and others. He thanked each of them for their concern.

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