After we shook hands on our truce, we worked out a deal: whenever he needed, he’d come to me for pheromone comfort, and in return, he’d help me keep my Omega status a secret. I’d also keep quiet about his disorder.
But he had one more demand: “You’re not allowed to yell at me anymore.”
I stared at him. “If you stop provoking me, maybe I’ll consider it.”
He just smiled.
Growing up, I’d somehow managed to match him in everything, even as a Beta. That’s probably why he was always picking fights with me. From elementary school through high school, whether it was academics or martial arts, I could hold my own against him. Now, as a Beta, I’d even made it into the prestigious Huaxing Imperial Military Academy as a special recruit—a place usually reserved for A-level Alphas and Omegas.
People were impressed, but they didn’t know the real reason: I just wanted to escape my family.
I didn’t want my mother, Madam Su, to find out I’d become a “golden ticket” Omega. She’d probably sell me off to the highest bidder.
Speak of the devil—she called me right then.
“Yun Fei, are you trying to get yourself killed? Why would you pick a fight with Young Master Lin? If you hurt him, you’ll be dead meat! How did our family end up with a troublemaker like you?”
I sneered. “How do you know it was my fault? Did my dear little brother Yun Han tell you?”
She snapped, “Does it matter who told me? Just go apologize to Young Master Lin!”
No way. I hung up on her.
If she found out I’d presented as an Omega, she’d be over the moon and sell me off that night.
Soon, everyone at the academy knew about my fight with Lin Zeyan and our trip to the hospital. When we returned to the dorm at the same time, our two roommates stared at us in shock.
When Lin Zeyan asked if I wanted to shower first, their jaws hit the floor.
Once he was in the bathroom, the dorm leader gulped. “You two are being way too civil. Yun Fei, blink twice if you’re being threatened.”
The other roommate looked horrified. “If Lin Zeyan’s forcing you, just say the word.”
I laughed. “And what would you do if he was?”
They answered in unison, “We can’t help you!”
Ouch.
After some banter, they got serious. “So, are you two friends again?”
“Watch your wording,” I grumbled.
“Doesn’t matter. If you’re getting along, the academy will probably send you both to the intercollegiate tournament.”
Oh, right. There was a big competition coming up—mecha and martial arts. Winning could get you recruited straight into the military.
I used to care about that a lot. But now, with my new status and the looming threat of the novel’s plot, I shook my head. “I’m not planning to compete.”
“Why not?” Lin Zeyan asked, stepping out of the bathroom, his tone sharp.
I just smiled and didn’t answer.
The real reason? I didn’t want to end up angering Lin Zeyan’s secret crush—my own brother, Yun Han.
I’d always dreamed of joining the military and escaping my family. But now, as an Omega, that dream seemed out of reach. Unless I could somehow become an A-rank, it was impossible.
My only goal now was to break free from the Yun family and Madam Su.
If I drew too much attention, I’d just end up in more trouble. I just wanted to slip away quietly.
But Lin Zeyan seemed genuinely upset. “This is your chance to join the military. Aren’t you going to try?”
I shrugged. “I’m just an ordinary Beta. How could I possibly compete with Alphas?”
He glared at me, clearly angry.
I didn’t get it. What was his problem?
Later, lying in bed, I noticed Lin Zeyan had sent me a bunch of messages, asking why I wasn’t entering the tournament. Why was he suddenly so concerned?
I ignored him and checked my messages from Yun Han.
[Big bro, Lin Zeyan just has a bad temper. Don’t take it personally. If you hurt him, the Lin family won’t forgive us. Mom will be mad too.]
What a hypocrite. If he hadn’t tattled to Madam Su, none of this would’ve happened.
I blocked him without hesitation.
Now that I knew Lin Zeyan’s secret crush was Yun Han, I wanted nothing to do with either of them.
The only way to escape the plot was to get married before my Omega status was made public. That way, my family couldn’t sell me off.
Chapter 03
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