Mark Me, Okay? - Chapter 22

“I really think Class Seven is getting too arrogant,” Qi Xiangxing had just stepped out of the classroom when the students of Class Four began murmuring among themselves.

The class organizer slammed a hand on the table. “This is too much!”

The sports committee member followed suit, producing a loud bang that made everyone turn to look at him. He smiled awkwardly, secretly rubbing his hand, but his imposing demeanor didn’t waver as he added, “Let’s kick their asses!”

“Kick what?! Holy crap, the class monitor just fainted!” Du Ziheng pointed toward the back door and shrieked before rushing out.

For a moment, the Class Four students were stunned. A few seconds later, they gasped and bolted out as well.

At the back door of Class Four, Qi Xiangxing lay limp in Luan Li’s arms. Du Ziheng, sharp-eyed, even noticed her hand clutching the front of Luan Li’s school uniform.

He sniffed the air, catching the scent of an omega’s pheromones, and realized Qi Xiangxing wasn’t sick. Relieved, he waved off the classmates who had hurried over, winking meaningfully.

Disperse, disperse—nothing’s wrong. The class monitor is just in heat.

Just a simple case of being in heat, simply collapsing softly into her “sister-in-law’s” arms.

Except…

Looking at Qi Xiangxing and Luan Li’s current position, Du Ziheng hesitated—was he about to witness a CP reversal? The way the class monitor looked so soft and delicate didn’t seem like a top at all.

“Luan Li…” Qi Xiangxing struggled to open her eyes, her gaze slightly reddened and shimmering with tears. Before this, Luan Li had only known Qi Xiangxing’s eyes were beautiful, but she’d rarely had the chance to examine them this closely.

Qi Xiangxing’s eyes were somewhat almond-shaped, but the outer corners were slightly more elongated than usual, giving her a sharp, commanding air when she spoke seriously.

But now, as she lay weak in Luan Li’s arms, all that remained was a delicate, alluring vulnerability.

Qi Xiangxing’s lips parted slightly, revealing a hint of crimson tongue and pearly white teeth. Luan Li stared at her flushed lips, the pulse in her own neck growing more frantic. She gritted her teeth, the innate instincts of an alpha urging her to sink her teeth into the gland at the back of Qi Xiangxing’s neck.

She wanted to bite her, to pour all of her pheromones into her.

That way, Xingxing would be completely hers.

The omega in her arms was soft and pliant, her scent still faintly milky—but it wouldn’t stay that way for long.

As the richer, more intense omega pheromones threatened to burst forth, Luan Li narrowed her eyes, casting a warning glare at the few alphas lingering nearby. Her own pheromones flared like a declaration of ownership.

This is my omega. My Xingxing.

Mine.

Perhaps it was natural possessiveness, but Luan Li tightened her grip around Qi Xiangxing, who was nearly unconscious.

Luan Li was an S-rank alpha. Under the overwhelming pressure of such a high-tier alpha’s pheromones, the other alphas retreated, slinking back to their classrooms in defeat.

Luan Li’s pheromones… It was Lili’s scent…

Qi Xiangxing had never smelled Luan Li’s pheromones before. She thought it was Luan Li’s way of keeping her guard up, a sign that Luan Li didn’t like her. But she had never considered what it meant when an alpha released pheromones toward an omega.

It meant staking a claim.

It meant, you are mine.

Luan Li’s pheromones carried the rich, intoxicating scent of fine rum—sweet from the pressed sugarcane, yet laced with the heady allure of strong liquor.

Intoxicating.

The scent sharpened Qi Xiangxing’s senses momentarily, but after taking a deep breath, her cheeks flushed crimson, her gaze locking onto Luan Li with unmistakable intensity.

Luan Li could even see her own reflection in those clear eyes—wavering, distorted by the haze of desire in Qi Xiangxing’s gaze.

“Have you been drinking?” Qi Xiangxing looped her arms around Luan Li’s neck, nuzzling close like a puppy, sniffing before whispering, “Be careful, or Director Wang will scold you!”

Luan Li nodded calmly, but the fire inside her raged uncontrollably.

“Tell them I’m taking Qi Xiangxing for leave,” Luan Li murmured to a classmate near the back door of their classroom. Perhaps due to the deliberate release of pheromones, her voice was low and rough, carrying an undeniable authority.

The students in the back row: “…”

They nodded.

“I’m taking her to the hospital,” Luan Li added, as if trying to justify herself, before sweeping Qi Xiangxing into her arms.

The moment they left, the class erupted:

“Are the class monitor and our sister-in-law going to— (speechless from excitement)?”

“Sister-in-law? That’s clearly our brother-in-law!”

“Wuwu, brother-in-law is so domineering!”

“Wuwuwu my ship reversed but it’s still so sweet, what do I do…”

Luan Li wasn’t sure how she made it to the hospital with Qi Xiangxing. All she knew was that under the temptation of Qi Xiangxing’s pheromones, she was losing control, her gaze burning with unrestrained desire.

“She’s in heat. Why would you bring a heat-stricken omega to a crowded place like a hospital?” The emergency room doctor—the same one as before—frowned disapprovingly at Luan Li.

Flustered, Luan Li adjusted Qi Xiangxing, who was slipping off her shoulder. Face reddening, she stammered, “I—”

“Clearly, this heat is intense,” the doctor said flatly. “You already know the last suppressant barely worked for an S-rank omega like her—if anything, it backfired.”

“So, for her sake, just mark her already.”

The doctor arched a brow, scrutinizing Luan Li before finally smirking. “Don’t tell me… you can’t?”

Tsk, poor little omega. Stuck with an alpha who can’t perform.

How tragic—yet hilarious.

Luan Li caught the doctor’s teasing tone. Her ears burned scarlet, and even her usually composed eyes flickered with helplessness.

“…It’s not that you can’t, it’s that you don’t know how?” The doctor stroked her chin, examining Luan Li with a scrutinizing gaze.

A straight-A student, huh? Quite the model pupil.

Luan Li flushed crimson, unwilling to continue this conversation: “So you’re saying… I need to mark her?”

The doctor nodded: “Yes, and not just any ordinary mark—it has to be a deep bond.”

A deep… bond?

As a modern adult (though still in school), Luan Li was certainly no blank slate in such matters. She recalled what certain online encyclopedias described about alphas performing deep bonds with omegas, and her breathing grew ragged just thinking about it.

Even the hand she’d placed on Qi Xiangxing’s waist to steady her now felt feverish.

“I understand.”

The doctor called after her: “You’re both adults, right?”

Luan Li rolled her eyes internally but remained silent.

What kind of stupid question was that? Everyone presented their secondary gender after coming of age anyway.

While fumbling with her keys at the door, Luan Li glanced around like a thief, terrified of running into Qi’s parents. Getting caught by parents in this situation would be beyond awkward.

As she opened the door while supporting the barely-standing Qi Xiangxing, Luan Li had never been more grateful for her own parents’ business trip.

“Xingxing?” After settling Qi Xiangxing on the sofa, Luan Li turned to pour her some water. But before the cup was half full, she heard muffled sobs—

“Wuwuwu Luan Li!”

“Luan Li, hold me…”

“Luan Li wuwu, don’t leave!”

“Luan Li Luan Li Luan Li… I’ll memorize vocabulary, don’t abandon me…”

Qi Xiangxing now resembled a lost child, putting on a tough front against unfamiliar surroundings while secretly wanting to burst into tears.

The softest part of Luan Li’s heart was struck. She hurried over with the half-filled glass.

Qi Xiangxing’s gaze had been unfocused, sitting blankly on the sofa with tears streaming down. But seeing Luan Li approach, she swiftly wiped her face with one hand while continuing to shed golden teardrops as she scooted closer:

“Luan Li Luan Li…”

Apparently finding this distance insufficient for intimacy and security, she directly straddled Luan Li’s lap. Looping her arms around Luan Li’s neck, she looked down at her from above.

Qi Xiangxing’s hands inadvertently brushed against the scent gland at the nape of Luan Li’s neck. The omega’s gland burned fiercely during heat, like wildfire spreading through every limb.

“You smell so good…” Qi Xiangxing murmured, burying her face in the crook of Luan Li’s neck to deeply inhale her pheromones. After a long moment, she lifted her head, squinting like a contented kitten with a satisfied “Mmm,” then asked:

“Is your pheromone some kind of alcohol?”

“I feel like my legs go weak just smelling you.”

Mumbling drowsily with half-lidded eyes, Qi Xiangxing’s words made Luan Li’s heart pound violently.

“Why aren’t you talking? You have to tell me what your pheromone smells like.”

Qi Xiangxing’s voice completely lacked its usual vivacity. She unconsciously drew out her syllables, ending each phrase with a tremulous, melodious quiver that turned Luan Li’s ears scarlet.

Seeing Luan Li still silent, Qi Xiangxing pouted and muttered, “Stingy Luan Li.” With that, her hand reached behind Luan Li’s neck and gently pressed the alpha’s soft gland.

Luan Li’s breathing suddenly became rapid. Her whole body trembled as nearly all her senses focused on the gland at the back of her neck.

“It’s rum,” she whispered.

“See? I told you it was alcohol.” Satisfied, Qi Xiangxing cupped Luan Li’s face and vigorously rubbed her cheeks before pointing at herself proudly, declaring, “Me! Top alpha!”

Luan Li: …

Qi Xiangxing’s hand wavered unsteadily before pointing at Luan Li: “You! Soft omega!”

Luan Li: …

She sighed and caught Qi Xiangxing’s unsteady hand.

“I want to top you!”

Qi Xiangxing widened her eyes, displeased as she shook off Luan Li’s grip, yet continued rubbing against her body. After a long moment, her tearful voice sounded helplessly in Luan Li’s ear:

“Wuwu… I… I don’t know how…”

Just as Luan Li had brought her back from the sofa to her bedroom, in the next second, Qi Xiangxing pinned her down and sealed her lips. Simultaneously, a scorching tongue slipped in skillfully, carrying the milky fragrance unique to Qi Xiangxing yet brimming with her characteristic aggression.

Truth be told, during her teenage years, Luan Li had also dreamed various dreams where, without exception, the protagonist was always Qi Xiangxing.

She had waited far too long for this kiss.

Or perhaps, she no longer wanted to wait.

The next moment, Luan Li raised her hand and precisely caught Qi Xiangxing’s restless fingers, intertwining them tightly. Luan Li could clearly feel the dampness and trembling in Qi Xiangxing’s palm.

Xingxing, are you afraid?

Leaning back slightly, Luan Li paused the kiss and whispered to Qi Xiangxing, “Xingxing, don’t be afraid.”

Just like that night when they sneaked to the seaside to watch the stars—the weather was freezing, and Qi Xiangxing trembled in Luan Li’s embrace, feeling a long-lost warmth.

Back then, Luan Li had said the same thing. Her voice, light as a feather, had drifted into Qi Xiangxing’s ear. Past and present overlapped, the two familiar voices intertwining. Qi Xiangxing knew it was Luan Li speaking to her—

“Xingxing, don’t be afraid.”

She also understood the unspoken second half of Luan Li’s words—

“I’m here.”

Qi Xiangxing’s body shook violently. Her eyes reddened, and through the blur of tears, she saw Luan Li’s gentle gaze.

Those eyes that made her lose herself—irresistible.

“Luan Li, I want to kiss you.”

Qi Xiangxing pressed her forehead against Luan Li’s, placing delicate kisses along her lips. At Luan Li’s slightest command, she would charge forth without hesitation, leading an army.

“May I?”

Qi Xiangxing’s voice carried tenderness, sincerity, and a plea Luan Li couldn’t possibly refuse.

“Okay.”

Luan Li heard her own soft reply.

Qi Xiangxing’s kiss finally landed on Luan Li’s lips.

Luan Li, do you know? I’ve wanted to kiss you for so long. Ever since you smiled at someone else, I’ve wanted to kiss you like this. To make you mine alone—to smile only for me, to be gentle only with me, to indulge only me.

They both knew this kiss had nothing to do with pheromones.

Luan Li used to think that relying on pheromones to feel desire made her seem like an animal. But now, her fingertips touched real warmth, and she felt as if she were floating in a hazy dream. Now, she thought, this was affection—no, this was love.

At first, it was cautious exploration, but later, the armor of propriety was cast aside. They embraced, baring their softest parts to each other.

Qi Xiangxing fiercely nipped at Luan Li, then suddenly stopped. Her peach-blossom eyes, glistening with moisture, fixed intently on Luan Li as if admiring a priceless treasure that belonged only to her.

“Luan Li…”

Qi Xiangxing called her name softly, her cool fingertips lifting slightly to brush against Luan Li’s flushed, slightly swollen lips.

“Xingxing.”

Luan Li gasped, her lips parting. She was losing control.

“Are you real?”

Qi Xiangxing suddenly felt a sense of unreality. Scenes like this often appeared in her dreams, and sometimes she couldn’t distinguish between dream and reality. So now, was the person before her really her Lili?

The alpha instincts Luan Li had been suppressing could no longer be held back. Her thumb traced Qi Xiangxing’s skin as heat surged through her.

Qi Xiangxing was wrong—she shouldn’t have tempted an alpha like this.

Especially an alpha who had liked her for so, so long.

Luan Li wrapped an arm around her waist and shifted her weight. Qi Xiangxing’s eyes widened as the world spun around her. In the next moment, their positions had reversed.

Luan Li’s tongue flicked over her sharp canines, her predatory gaze locking onto the flustered Qi Xiangxing. Her brows lifted slightly, and her voice, no longer clear and gentle, dropped into a husky, electrifying murmur:

“Xingxing, I’m an alpha.”

For the first time, panic flickered in Qi Xiangxing’s eyes. The unfamiliar, aggressive aura radiating from Luan Li left her nearly powerless to resist. But out of pride, Qi Xiangxing bit her lip, fighting back the tears threatening to spill.

Ugh, Luan Li is so mean.

So mean, so mean, so mean.

Qi Xiangxing pouted secretly. “Ugh.”

Luan Li’s feigned fierceness softened. She ruffled Qi Xiangxing’s silky hair, thinking how nice it would be if her personality were this pliant too.

“No more suppressants,” Luan Li said, nipping Qi Xiangxing’s lower lip.

Qi Xiangxing blinked her reddened eyes, finally regaining some clarity. She tilted her head up defiantly. “No!” But the moment she spoke, her body stiffened.

Luan Li’s fingers were stroking the most sensitive spot at the nape of her neck—lightly, yet enough to send shivers through Qi Xiangxing.

Luan Li felt like she was petting a big, soft cat—one that would flick its tail when proud but roll over to show its snowy belly when it wanted affection.

“I like you.”

Luan Li’s voice was quiet, yet so firm that Qi Xiangxing almost thought she was hallucinating.

How could she say those four words with such certainty?

The scent of rum around Luan Li grew richer, but unlike other overpowering fragrances, it didn’t suffocate. Instead, the deeper it became, the sweeter it turned—a crisp, intoxicating sweetness laced with a hint of mesmerizing fragrance.

“Wh-what did you say?” Qi Xiangxing narrowed her eyes, staring at Luan Li as if she couldn’t believe it.

“You asked me last time if I liked you.” Luan Li smiled softly, her eyes filled with a gentle warmth like the morning breeze of a summer day. “You said you’d tell me when you were ready to hear it.”

“But Xingxing, I can’t wait any longer. I like you.”

Qi Xiangxing’s mind went completely blank. She stared dumbfounded at Luan Li, swallowing hard before repeating, “What did you say?”

Luan Liliked her… Luan Li actually liked her too!

Overwhelming joy flooded Qi Xiangxing in an instant. Her eyes widened into perfect circles, as if doubting whether her ears were playing tricks on her.

If words were too inadequate, then actions would have to suffice.

Luan Li’s kisses first descended upon Qi Xiangxing’s lips like a storm, then scattered delicately across her eyelids.

Xingxing’s eyes are so beautiful—could you look only at me?

“Then… can you mark me?” Qi Xiangxing straightened slightly, her fingertips reaching behind Luan Li’s neck. She pressed her lips together and whispered, “If you mark me, I won’t need suppressants anymore.”

After saying this, Qi Xiangxing suddenly lifted her head again, putting on a fierce expression: “If you don’t mark me, I… I’ll find another alpha!”

Her threatening tone grew weaker, her gaze beginning to dart around nervously. She couldn’t meet Luan Li’s deep pupils, so she looked everywhere else instead.

“Luan Li, you—”

“Call me jiejie.”

Luan Li’s index finger lifted Qi Xiangxing’s chin, her eyebrow arching slightly as her gentle voice took on a teasing lilt.

Qi Xiangxing’s face immediately flushed red. She remembered how she’d resented Luan Li as a child for being born earlier. With an “aowu” sound, she caught Luan Li’s fingertip between her teeth, about to bite down before changing her mind and instead licking it appeasingly.

“An alpha’s fingertips are very sensitive,” Luan Li said, narrowing her eyes with warning in her voice.

Qi Xiangxing nuzzled against her neck in supplication, softening her voice in a coquettish attempt to escape: “Lili…”

Lili had changed—she used to be such a gentle little white rabbit, how had she turned into this big bad wolf now?

Wuwu.

What to do what to do what to do!

Qi Xiangxing’s brain raced to think of a way out, but the next moment, Luan Li released her pheromones. The instant Qi Xiangxing smelled them, all strength left her body, leaving her limp in Luan Li’s arms.

“You cheated!”

The soft little omega protested weakly.

The sound of entangled lips and tongues filled the room as Qi Xiangxing’s clever tongue moved appeasingly through Luan Li’s mouth.

“Jiejie… mmm—I was wrong…”

Only after Qi Xiangxing begged for mercy did Luan Li release her, planting a kiss at the corner of her lips.

“Luan Li, will you mark me?”

“I’ll give you one chance to say that again.”

“…Mmm—jiejie… will you mark me?”

The alpha’s canine teeth pressed against the omega’s slightly hardened scent gland, then with gentle pressure, pierced through. The crisp aroma of rum blended unexpectedly harmoniously with the sweet scent of milk.

After drinking rum and milk, it’s time to sleep.

Drowsiness washed over Qi Xiangxing as she slumped weakly into Luan Li’s embrace. The alpha pulled her up, a hint of grievance in her voice: “You haven’t marked me yet.”

Oga’s teeth easily pierced the alpha’s gland. Luan Li held her contentedly in her arms and whispered, “Now I’m yours.”

Qi Xiangxing was utterly exhausted. With a muffled “Mmm,” she half-opened her eyes and placed an imprecise kiss near Luan Li’s lips.

“Goodnight, Lili.”

“Goodnight, Xingxing.”

“Sitting at Qin Qing’s dining table, Yue Qiu rubbed her chin uneasily. ‘I keep feeling like something’s about to happen,’ she said, her mind restless.”

Qin Qing sat across from Yue Qiu, wearing a little brown bear apron. Hearing her words, Qin Qing shook her head with a resigned smile: “Your first time skipping work? I remember you skipped plenty of classes back in school—drove your homeroom teacher Ms. Zhao up the wall.”

She reassured Yue Qiu: “You’re just overthinking things. I was the same way when I first started teaching your class, but eventually learned not to be so cautious.”

Worrying too much ages you.

Qin Qing thought to herself.

Yue Qiu rested her chin in her hands, realizing there was truth to that. Pouting, she said: “But you weren’t my homeroom teacher back then—you never had to worry about me.” Quietly, she added in her heart—if only I’d studied humanities, maybe I could’ve been in Qin Qing’s class.

Qin Qing seemed to read her mind, smiling knowingly: “Too late for regrets now!”

Yue Qiu picked at her food, lowering her head dejectedly: “You wouldn’t even talk to me back then.”

Sitting beside her, Qin Qing found Yue Qiu’s sulky expression amusing. She reached out to ruffle Yue Qiu’s hair—its smooth texture reminded her of petting a golden retriever.

The “golden retriever” perked up at the touch, though still mumbled half-heartedly: “Why’re you touching my head?”

“…You’re such a dummy.” Qin Qing suddenly burst into laughter, her shoulders shaking.

Yue Qiu felt her alpha dignity slipping away, yet couldn’t bring herself to retaliate against Qin Qing, settling instead for a pitiful pout.

“Alright, enough of that—try my specialty, scrambled eggs with tomatoes.” Qin Qing served her a portion.

Yue Qiu held out her bowl eagerly, eyes fixed on the chopsticks despite her words: “Isn’t this just a basic home-cooked dish?”

“It is basic—don’t like it?” Qin Qing arched an eyebrow, her tone carrying a subtle threat.

Yue Qiu: “Love it! My favorite! Delicious! Teacher Qin is the best!”

Qin Qing chuckled: “Enough already, just eat.” Then, smiling softly to herself, she murmured: “The little troublemaker who ran wild in school has grown so cautious at work now?”

Hearing this, Yue Qiu thought—it’s not caution, just fear that my recklessness might cause you trouble.

Haven’t I always been this way, Teacher Qin? Never causing you any trouble.

Yue Qiu lowered her head, a faint smile playing at her lips.

She carried a secret—one kept since sophomore year, never shared with anyone. An emotion too difficult to voice aloud, something she dared not confess nor act upon. The boldest thing she’d ever done was stealing a kiss on Qin Qing’s cheek while she slept.

Yet she suspected Qin Qing’s sharp mind had long since guessed. The teacher’s silence was probably just to spare her feelings.

As she served more food, Qin Qing thought—you little rascal, brave enough to steal a kiss but not to confess?

You’re not even as bold as Qi Xiangxing.

“Ah! Come to think of it, I still don’t know what Teacher Qin’s pheromones smell like…” Yue Qiu suddenly looked up, sensing this might be the perfect opportunity to ask.

She had always wanted to ask this question, but Qin Qing was aloof and reserved (actually just a huge closet exhibitionist), so she never dared to bring it up.

Qin Qing raised an eyebrow slightly, surprised. “Why suddenly ask about this now?”

Yue Qiu smiled guilelessly. “I just want to know! I’ll secretly tell you my pheromone scent is—” She paused, her face turning slightly red, as if what she was about to say was embarrassing.

She looked at Qin Qing, hesitating. “Promise you won’t laugh when I say it…”

Qin Qing rolled her eyes internally, thinking, “It’s just mint, I already knew that.”

“My… pheromones smell like mint,” Yue Qiu said awkwardly, then felt annoyed at herself for acting so effeminate. Why did she have to be a mint-scented alpha? There was no dignity in that at all!

Other alphas had woody or boozy scents, but hers was just grassy. Yue Qiu couldn’t help feeling a bit embarrassed.

“Hmm.” Qin Qing nodded calmly.

Yue Qiu looked at her expectantly. “Then what’s Teacher Qin’s scent?”

A meaningful smile played on Qin Qing’s lips. “No need to rush. You’ll find out eventually.”

Hmph, little mint.

While Class 4 was brimming with confidence, Class 7 was clearly not as lively, their atmosphere heavy with gloom.

Class 7 had always lacked cohesion due to their unreliable class monitor Wu Zhi, and now they resented him even more for escalating his personal grudge into a conflict between the two classes.

Most students in Class 7 actually wanted to focus on their studies. They had no interest in getting involved in this mess, but Wu Zhi was forcing them into a feud with Class 4.

Who wanted to make enemies? Only a nutcase like Wu Zhi, who thought he was the greatest and went around picking fights.

When their homeroom teacher Cao Nannan announced the competition in class, groans filled the room, and many glared at Wu Zhi—all because of this lunatic. Why did he have to go around provoking people for no reason? Was he out of his mind?

Cao Nannan, misunderstanding their reaction, tried to reassure them. “Don’t worry, everyone. Although Class 4’s overall grades are better, this competition is based on specific metrics set by the school leadership. There won’t be any fairness issues.”

The students muttered under their breath:

“Who the hell cares about fairness? This is just stirring up trouble for no reason!”

“Seriously, does she think we’re all like Wu Zhi, not studying? I still want to get into college, you know.”

“This is insane. And Teacher Cao just enables him like this?”

Wu Zhi clearly heard the whispers. He stood up abruptly, his face dark. “Got the guts to gossip behind my back? Say it to my face!”

No one spoke up—not because they were afraid, but because the last person who stood up to call Wu Zhi out had immediately been targeted. Even the homeroom teacher seemed bewitched, instantly calling that student’s parents.

The students of Class 7 still vividly remembered Cao Nannan’s sharp words: “The class monitor represents me. Disrespecting the monitor means disrespecting the homeroom teacher! If you dare defy teachers at such a young age, who knows what crimes you’ll commit when you grow up?”

At this recollection, they all instinctively shrank their necks.

Though her face remained impassive, Cao Nannan was determined to confront Yue Qiu properly. Their rivalry had begun in high school over Qin Qing, and ever since, Cao Nannan had lost more battles than she’d won against Yue Qiu.

The thought of losing to Yue Qiu again gnawed at her, filling her with helpless frustration. Take this recent class reassignment for instance—she was supposed to partner with Qin Qing to teach Class 4, but her students’ poor performance in the final exams had relegated her to teaching Class 7, an ordinary class at best.

Her expression darkened momentarily, but she maintained her composure, calmly instructing, “Continue with your self-study,” before leaving the classroom.

Noticing her distress, Wu Zhi glanced around at his classmates and followed her out. Catching up in quick strides, he called out, “Teacher.”

Recognizing him, Cao Nannan sighed and began venting: “I only want what’s best for them. Look at them—completely lacking any drive. First, they lost to Class 8 in the competition. Must they lose to Class 4 next time too?”

Wu Zhi frowned, sensing an underlying accusation in her words, though he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what was amiss.

“You and the Class 4 monitor—what’s her name again?” Cao Nannan paused.

“Qi Xiangxing.”

“Ah yes, Qi Xiangxing, that Oga girl.” She patted his shoulder. “Though our classmates may disapprove of your bet with her, as your teacher, I fully support you.”

Wu Zhi looked at her sharply.

Cao Nannan smirked. “After all, teachers should value capable students, not just those who know how to curry favor.”

Her words seemed to carry a veiled jab at someone, but Wu Zhi couldn’t figure out who she meant.

Noticing his confusion, she added with a smile, “We Betas have our share of talented individuals too. We’re not all mediocre and incompetent.”

Wu Zhi nodded, his eyes gleaming with newfound determination.

“Damn it! That bastard Wu Zhi is lurking outside our classroom!” A Class 4 student burst in frantically. With both their homeroom teacher and monitor absent, the class had grown somewhat unruly.

In Qi Xiangxing’s absence, Du Ziheng and a few others took charge. Grabbing a stack of papers from the desk and rolling them into a makeshift baton, Du Ziheng stormed out, growling, “Looking for trouble, huh?”

“Hell yeah! Count me in, Du Ziheng! Let’s teach that psycho a lesson!”

A mob armed with brooms and mops flooded into the hallway, startling Wu Zhi as he passed by Class 4—

What the hell? Had Class 4 gone mad? He was just walking by! Was this murderous hostility really necessary?

Squinting, Du Ziheng sneered sarcastically, “Well, well, if it isn’t the great Class Monitor Wu Zhi.”

Wu Zhi frowned, wanting to argue back, but the hostile gazes of the Class 4 students behind him made him hesitate. He forced a smile instead, treating it as a greeting.

“Hey? Why are you running away?” Du Ziheng raised an eyebrow with a smirk, turning to his classmates and announcing loudly, “Who would’ve thought the fearless Class Monitor Wu Zhi would chicken out today!”

Wu Zhi gritted his teeth, pretending not to hear as he hurried away. Yet, his resentment toward Class 4 deepened—though mixed with anticipation for Qi Xiangxing’s impending downfall.

Go ahead, gloat. It won’t last long.

His eyes burned with malice.

“Huh?” Qi’s father glanced at the clock—already 9 p.m., and Qi Xiangxing still hadn’t returned. He turned to his wife, who was watching TV, and asked, “It’s so late. Why isn’t Xingxing back yet?”

His wife, enjoying her leisure, replied casually, “The Luans are away on business, and Lili’s home alone. Xingxing called earlier, saying she didn’t want Lili to feel scared, so she went to keep her company.”

Qi’s father rubbed his temples and sighed softly, “A grown daughter belongs to another’s house.”

His wife rolled her eyes ungracefully. “What nonsense! You don’t understand a thing!”

Qi’s father: “…”

Fine, I know nothing.

“But honestly, we really should thank Lili,” his wife mused. “Thanks to her tutoring, Xingxing’s grades have improved so much. Look how fast she’s progressing!”

Qi’s father nodded in agreement. “True. Once the Luans return from their trip, we ought to properly thank them.”

“I wonder if Xingxing’s asleep yet. That girl’s so picky about beds—she might not sleep well at Lili’s place.”

Meanwhile, the supposedly “sleep-deprived” Qi Xiangxing had already woken from a nap. Nestled in Luan Li’s arms, she nuzzled against her drowsily upon waking.

Luan Li hadn’t slept at all. For nearly two hours, she had been enveloped in Qi Xiangxing’s scent—soft milk blending with her own rum-like aroma, making her feel as if they had merged into one.

But not yet.

Luan Li flexed her fingers. At least until after the college entrance exams.

“What’re you thinking about?” Qi Xiangxing’s voice was soft, still hazy from sleep, her mind blank except for the undeniable truth her scent gland conveyed—she had been marked by Luan Li.

What’s it like to be marked by your crush?

Thanks for asking—already in bed.

Luan Li brushed her nose playfully against Qi Xiangxing’s, strands of hair tickling their faces.

Qi Xiangxing, ticklish, dodged the strands and lightly nipped Luan Li’s chin before whispering, “Can we not wake up so early tomorrow?”

Luan Li nodded without hesitation. “Sure.”

“Of course.”

Qi Xiangxing hurriedly assured her: “It’s just for tomorrow! My legs are a bit weak…” Her face flushed slightly: “I might not be able to get up tomorrow morning.”

“Why are you so nervous?” Luan Li blinked, pressing a fleeting kiss to Qi Xiangxing’s lips: “My girlfriend.”

Girlfriend, girlfriend, girlfriend!!!

Ahhhh!!! Luan Li called me her girlfriend, ahhhh!!!

Qi Xiangxing’s eyes instantly lit up.

“But I still prefer it when you call me ‘jiejie’.” Luan Li’s fingertips lightly traced Qi Xiangxing’s scent gland as she murmured softly: “Xingxing, be good—call me ‘jiejie’.”

Qi Xiangxing’s eyes reddened, overwhelmed by her teasing. She bit Luan Li in frustration before turning away with a huff.

Luan Li hummed playfully, leaning close to whisper in her ear: “Please…?”