What Should I Do If My Ex-Girlfriend's Pheromones Smell Too Good? - Chapter 1

Let me introduce myself. I’m the Yan you’ve all been talking about…

The Alliance Military University’s plaza buzzed with activity during the opening of the academic year.

The scorching September sun couldn’t melt the enthusiasm of the freshmen and their visiting family and friends. Older students, volunteering for academic credit to maintain order, had to shout at the top of their lungs:

“Mecha Department! Mecha Department, follow me!”

“Political Science Department, this way—”

“…”

Amidst the chaos, a determined figure wearing a thick mask and cotton neck guard despite the blazing sun weaved through the crowd. After finally squeezing through to the Mecha Department’s gathering point, they were drenched in sweat from being so bundled up.

“Student, do you need any help?” a volunteer girl in a red vest asked kindly. “I can carry your suitcase for you.”

A smile bloomed behind the mask, and the figure replied with a slightly breathless voice, “Thank you, but I’m fine. Is this where the Mecha Department registers?”

“Yes,” the volunteer paused, then quickly led her to a small green tent nearby. “What’s your name, Junior?”

“Shu Qiong.”

The volunteer senior turned to operate the self-service kiosk. “Okay, Shu Qiong… are you Shu Qiong?”

Realizing her overreaction, she lowered her voice awkwardly. “Sorry, I was just a bit surprised, ha ha. St-Student Shu, we need to record your facial data here. Um… could you remove your mask for a moment?”

Shu Qiong was long accustomed to such reactions and didn’t find them offensive. Her mother was too famous; Shu Ci’s name was legendary among mecha enthusiasts, and as her daughter, Shu Qiong naturally drew considerable attention.

She stepped up to the scanner and removed her mask, revealing her high, straight nose and full lips. Her amber eyes curved into a friendly smile at the senior in the red vest, their warmth making them shine even brighter.

The senior blushed and quickly returned the smile.

An electronic voice announced, “Registration successful. Welcome to Alliance Military University, Student Shu Qiong! We wish you a pleasant start to the semester!”

Hearing the announcement, Shu Qiong immediately replaced her mask, ignoring the senior’s hesitant expression. She freed one hand to grab the Freshman Orientation Booklet the machine spat out, then effortlessly hoisted her massive suitcase with the other and strode away.

Halfway across the hall, her wrist vibrated. Clamping the booklet under her arm, Shu Qiong glanced down at her communication wristband and answered, “Where are you, Young Miss?”

A leisurely female voice replied, “Naturally, I’m using the VIP entrance. Did you really think I’d be pushing and shoving through the crowd, sweating like a pig? Ugh, just imagining it makes me want to suffocate!”

“Then what are you waiting for? Come rescue me!”

Shu Qiong finally found a secluded corner, removed her mask and neck guard, and checked the map. “I’m at the north entrance of the administration building. There are so many people outside, Young Miss, save me!”

Jin Yan scoffed proudly. “Coming! Look up!”

The faint hum of a car engine grew louder. Shu Qiong looked up in surprise and saw a vintage four-wheeled car speeding toward her. Behind the wheel sat a female Alpha, her radiant face tilted slightly upward, her curly golden hair gleaming under the sun. She steered with one hand while waving with the other, sunglasses dangling from her fingertips.

Screech!

Jin Yan drove the car with the flair of a high-performance hovercraft, executing a sharp, stylish drift turn to park right at the nearest building entrance.

“Impressed? I had this vintage model specially prepared for you. Too bad hovercars aren’t allowed on campus—otherwise, I’d show you what my driving skills are really like.”

As Jin Yan took in Shu Qiong’s appearance, she burst into laughter. “What’s with this getup? You look ridiculous!”

Shu Qiong glanced at her reflection in the car window. Her mask hung half-off her chin, the neck guard drooped like a wilted scarf, still radiating heat, and two flushed patches bloomed on her cheeks from the stuffiness. She looked utterly disheveled.

Shu Qiong tossed her suitcase into the car and slumped into the seat, collapsing weakly. “With so many Omegas here, what if I get triggered?”

She wished she could wear a gas mask whenever she went out.

“True,” Jin Yan sighed as she started the car. “Who would have thought that the mighty Shu Qiong, a legendary figure, would turn out to be a ‘stomach-nourishing Alpha’? No one would believe it if the news got out!”

Shu Qiong sprawled ungracefully in her seat, basking in the air conditioning, finally feeling a bit more alive. “Driver, focus on the road.”

Jin Yan casually slipped on her sunglasses. “Hmph, today’s a special case, so I won’t hold it against you. Just remember to pay the fare when you get out.”

Shu Qiong immediately began flattering Jin Yan, massaging her shoulders and back. “Young Miss, don’t be like that! It’s too formal!”

Jin Yan glanced at her through the rearview mirror. “I’m serious. What did the doctor say about your condition? Can it be cured completely?”

Shu Qiong shrugged indifferently. “Heterosexual pheromone intolerance—a rare case affecting only one in ten million people. It’s notoriously difficult to treat. During my checkup last week, the doctor said they could at best help me avoid fainting or allergic reactions to Omega pheromones in the future. Anything beyond that is wishful thinking.”

Jin Yan immediately felt pity. “So you’ll have to live on suppressants from now on?”

Shu Qiong couldn’t stand being pitied. It was just a stomach issue, nothing serious!

She retorted stubbornly, “What if I meet a kindred Beta girl someday? As long as there’s love, I’d gladly spend my life on suppressants!”

“I don’t get it, I don’t get it. My ideal type is a cute Omega girl.”

Jin Yan turned the steering wheel, the sunlight glinting off her extravagant, multi-million-dollar watch. “Why aren’t you considering the possibility of meeting a kindred Alpha someday? You’re being so narrow-minded! Are you prejudiced against Alphas?”

With a flourish, she winked at herself in the rearview mirror.

“……”

Shu Qiong grimaced. “Then I’d rather die alone.”

What would being with an Alpha even be like? Just two people hugging and biting each other’s necks during heat cycles?

Her imagination wandered briefly, and a chill ran down her spine.

With Jin Yan’s private chauffeur service, Shu Qiong arrived at the Alpha dormitory building without any delays. She relaxed as soon as she stepped inside; there were no Omegas here, so there was no risk of her condition flaring up.

Although Jin Yan didn’t live in the dormitory, she couldn’t resist sneaking in for a look.

After a quick scan, she concluded, “It’s a bit run-down, but clean enough to live in.”

Shu Qiong stared at the spotless, gleaming communal appliances and housekeeping robots in the first-floor lobby, utterly baffled by the Young Miss’s definition of “run-down.”

She logged into the Military University’s student system on her wristband and searched for her dorm number.

“406. Fourth floor. Not bad.”

The Alliance Military University, under the guise of daily physical training, had deliberately omitted elevators from its dormitory buildings. Shu Qiong hefted her suitcase and steadily climbed the stairs.

Jin Yan trailed behind, scrolling through the Military University’s campus forum on her wristband as she walked—a terrible habit.

Suddenly, she stopped and called out to Shu Qiong, who was huffing and puffing as she carried her luggage, “A’Qiong!”

Shu Qiong: “Huh?”

Jin Yan, her expression odd, tore her gaze from the forum. “Look who this is!”

Shu Qiong set down her suitcase and leaned in to see.

It was a confession post asking for someone’s contact information. Posted around 9 AM, just an hour ago, it already had a “hot” tag.

Main Post: Shocking! Are this year’s freshmen all this gorgeous?! Offering a hefty reward for Junior Yan’s contact info! [Image] [Image]

The main post itself was unremarkable. During the start of the semester, many students were filled with excitement and budding romantic feelings. A group of young people fresh from the grueling college entrance exams, their pent-up energy bursting with newfound freedom, were at the peak of their infatuation. The forum’s homepage was flooded with posts seeking connections and confessions, but none had gained as much traction as this one.

Curious, Shu Qiong clicked on the images. The face that filled her screen was instantly familiar.

The girl in the photos stood tall and slender, her hands casually tucked into her pockets as she waited in line. Her dark eyes were deep and sharp, her long, straight black hair simply tied back. Her clothes were dark, clean, and understated, yet the combination exuded an undeniable allure.

Taller, with broader shoulders, and now an Alpha, but unmistakably the same person.

Shu Qiong’s emotions churned as she scrolled down, compelled by some strange impulse. As expected, the comments beneath the post were a flood of simpering admiration.

4L: Prpr this face… Even with that stoic expression, I’m in love!

19L: Judging by the background… Is she the cool Alpha senior from the Mecha Department?!

37L: I’m in the Mecha Department too! Young Miss, please add me!

40L: Report—I’m a volunteer at the reception desk. This must be Yan Xiangyu from the Mecha Combat major. Junior Yan’s voice is so lovely!

Jin Yan patted Shu Qiong’s shoulder. “Let’s get an interview. Student Shu, what are your thoughts on this situation?”

Shu Qiong forced a smile. “My thoughts are: black clothes, black pants, black shoes—the price of looking cool is roasting alive and not even being able to complain.”

“Pfft. That’s it?”

Shu Qiong swatted away Jin Yan’s hand. “She’s just an ex-girlfriend. What else is there to think?”

Jin Yan clicked her tongue. “Such a stubborn woman! Reunited exes, both now Alphas… dry wood meets raging fire… wait, you two won’t start fighting over some lingering grudge, will you?!”

Shu Qiong had already picked up her suitcase and started climbing the stairs again. Without turning back, she retorted, “Let me make this clear. I’m a dignified person. The past is the past. Besides, we’re not even in the same major! The Mecha Department is so popular, with so many freshmen every year. The chances of us running into each other are… this small.”

She pinched her fingers together with her free left hand, indicating that she would keep her distance from Yan Xiangyu.

Shu Qiong was eager to change the subject from ex-girlfriends. “If you’re not staying in the dorms, where are you living?” she asked Jin Yan.

“The Instructor’s Quarters,” Jin Yan replied. “Single rooms with elevators. My mom donated two entire buildings for it.”

Shu Qiong immediately regretted asking the question.

Suddenly, Jin Yan looked up. “Oh, I remember now! I was originally assigned to Dorm 406 too. Now that I’m moving out, I wonder if your dorm will stay with three people or get a new roommate.”

“You were in 406 too?” Shu Qiong asked, surprised. “Aren’t you a Commander?”

The Mecha Department at Alliance Military University had three specializations: Tactical Command, Mecha Combat, and Mecha Design and Manufacturing. These programs trained Commanders, Single Combatants, and Mech Pilots, respectively. Traditionally, students from different specializations were housed separately.

Shu Qiong was studying Mecha Design and Manufacturing.

“I’m not entirely sure about the details,” Jin Yan shrugged. “But I did hear some rumors.”

By then, they had reached Dorm 406. The door was slightly ajar, with a small, elegant metal number plate hanging above it.

Shu Qiong set down her bags, took a deep breath, and prepared to greet her future roommates with enthusiasm.

Jin Yan paused before continuing, “This year, to encourage students to strive for excellence, the school seems to have adjusted the dormitory assignment system. They’re grouping students based on their department-wide rankings from the entrance exams, with those ranked closer together sharing rooms. The higher the ranking, the lower the floor.”

She glanced specifically at Dorm 405 next door to support her theory. “Hmm, Dorm 405 houses sophomores. So, Dorm 406 must be the highest-ranked freshman dorm in the Mecha Department…”

As Jin Yan spoke, Shu Qiong reached out to push open the dormitory door.

Perhaps because they had lingered outside for too long, footsteps echoed from within, signaling the arrival of an early roommate.

Before Shu Qiong could even apply pressure to the door, she felt a sudden, forceful tug from the inside.

The dormitory door swung open with a soft creak from its rusted hinges.

Caught off guard, the two girls stared at each other through the doorway, eyes wide and locked in a silent standoff.

“……”

For a split second, Shu Qiong thought her pheromone intolerance had flared up, causing dizziness, blurred vision, and hallucinations. Reacting faster than her brain could process, she lunged forward and slammed the door shut with a thud.

The entire sequence—opening and closing the door in one swift motion—ended with another soft creak. Through the crack, she glimpsed Yan Xiangyu’s face, now even more sour than before.

So, it wasn’t an episode after all.

At that moment, she felt an eerie sense of calm.

From behind Shu Qiong, Jin Yan’s voice rang out: “See? I told you the dorm doors were too flimsy. A’Qiong, if you can’t stand it, why don’t you move in with me? It’s so quiet at my place, you’d never have to deal with that Yan bking…”

Before Shu Qiong could stop her best friend’s runaway mouth, a voice laced with icy amusement cut through the air: “Let me introduce myself. I’m the Yan bking you’re talking about.”

“……”

A suffocating silence hung in the air.

Shu Qiong, trapped between the two women, lowered her head so far she wished she could bury it in the floorboards. How had she never noticed Miss Jin’s surprisingly clueless side before?