Chapter 20

Chapter 20

020

Let's talk properly, no pheromones!

Chu Li didn't wait for Peng Zihao in the classroom after all. He returned to his dormitory early, leaving Peng Zihao with an empty search.

The next day, Chu Li removed the patch covering his gland on his neck. His previously loose hair that reached his ears was now tied up in a small bun.

Although he still wore a collar when he went out, the white bite mark on his gland that wouldn't fade away was clearly visible.

He had been permanently marked.

Since it was already exposed, there was no need to hide it anymore. He openly displayed these changes to everyone.

There were even more discussions about his permanent mark on the forum, and Chu Li could sense the increased curiosity from those around him. However, he didn't mind. He didn't think it was shameful for an Omega to be permanently marked before marriage – even if the reason behind his marking was quite comical.

Two more days passed, and Chu Li received a notice from the academic affairs office, informing him of an upcoming transfer exam. If he passed, he would be allowed to switch majors.

Chu Li suspected that this plan was meticulously crafted to challenge him after days of deliberation on their part. However, he had no choice but to comply. Thus, he dedicated himself even more tirelessly to the library over the following days. Chu Li was innately persevering. His chronic illnesses in his previous life had instilled in him a profound sentiment towards medical care, though he never had the chance to pursue it then. Now, with a healthy body and an opportunity at hand, he threw himself into the field with double the passion and effort. He became so engrossed in his studies that he neglected even his beloved kitten. One evening, in the library. When it was mealtime, the other visitors gradually left to dine. Chu Li still had two pages left to read, so he remained seated. After some time, the slightly ajar library door was stealthily pushed open, admitting a small figure into the room. The setting sun cast a long shadow of the tiny silhouette, which gracefully glided across the floor and landed on Chu Li's desk. Chu Li was intently studying the hand movements of a surgeon through a 3D projection, oblivious to the arrival of a "little visitor" in the library.

The little cat quietly approached Chu Li's side. When it realized that the two-legged creature wasn't paying any attention to it, it meowed in dissatisfaction.

However, the usually doting two-legged creature seemed not to hear it at all, still staring intently at a corner of the table. As the 3D projection was displayed from his personal terminal, and Chu Li was particularly protective of his privacy, he always kept the anti-snooping feature on. Thus, the little cat couldn't see what he was looking at.

Feeling increasingly discontent, the kitten jumped onto Chu Li's lap and flipped over, exposing its soft belly.

Thanks to Chu Li's attentive care and nourishment, the wound on the kitten's abdomen had fully healed, and its new fur had grown softer and thicker.

Little Li Hua Cat had long noticed that the two-legged creature had an unusual fondness for its soft belly fur. Several times, it had buried its face in it to sniff! However, the kitten didn't particularly enjoy the feeling of being rubbed there, so it would typically maintain its aloofness and escape after allowing a brief moment of contact.

This time, by proactively exposing its belly, the kitten was certain that the two-legged creature would hold it tightly and indulge in a good sniffing session!

But to its surprise, even with its soft belly on display, the two-legged creature remained unmoved, seemingly resembling a master who had renounced worldly desires! Despite its obvious "seductive" efforts, it failed to elicit a response!

Little Li Hua Cat instantly fell into panic: "Meow?"

The two-legged creature wasn't going to sniff it anymore! It didn't love it anymore!!

How could it have fallen out of love so quickly? Dissatisfied, the kitten used its paws to desperately hook Chu Li's fingers, meowing repeatedly, demanding another glance at the cat.

If any senior feline were here, they would undoubtedly give it a swipe with their claw. How could a kitten be so "submissive"?! They were cats, not those silly dogs! A kitten shouldn't act this way, being overly subservient would lead to no good!

---

Chu Li was so engrossed in his observation that he didn't realize half an hour had passed until he came back to his senses.

Looking down, he found Little Li Hua Cat curled up into a circle on his lap, sound asleep.

Chu Li was momentarily taken aback, then he smiled and gently scratched behind the little cat's ear with his finger.

Feeling the itch in its sleep, the kitten twitched a bit and turned its head to another side, continuing its slumber.

It was truly adorable.

If he could successfully pass his exam, he would have his own independent dormitory, allowing him to adopt Little Li Hua Cat.

Since arriving in this world, he hadn't felt any sense of reality, nor did he know what his future held. But after meeting Little Li Hua Cat, he gradually found solace and started to form his own goals.

Now, Chu Li's goal was simple: adopt Little Li Hua Cat and have a "family" of his own!

Not wanting to disturb the sleeping Li Hua Cat, Chu Li began to leisurely gather his books. By now, the sky outside had turned pitch black. Glancing at the time, he realized he had missed dinner at the cafeteria.

Deciding not to rush, he finished packing and then held Li Hua Cat in his arms, lost in thought.

After an unknown period, a faint noise came from the entrance.

In this era, students led colorful lives. Those from ordinary families like Xu Dongfeng and Ning Yue would often gather in their dorms to play games after evening classes. The wealthier ones would purchase holographic log-in devices and stay online all night.

More ambitious students, like Lin Chengming, would still be conducting experiments in the lab at this hour.

Very few ventured into the library.

Chu Li, however, had a preference for reading physical books due to his past life's habits, which was why he deliberately came to this library.

Although it was usually deserted, there were still occasional visitors.

Hearing the sound, Chu Li tensed up, assuming someone had arrived. He held Li Hua Cat tightly and stood up.

It wouldn't be a problem if he were seen, but if Li Hua Cat's sneaky entry was discovered, it wouldn't be ideal.

He carried the little Li Hua Cat and walked out, planning to bypass that person and leave through a side door. However, just as he reached the entrance, the man took two strides to block his path. "I came here looking for you. Don't go."

Chu Li lifted his head and saw a familiar face.

It was actually Peng Zihao.

Peng Zihao stood a head taller than Chu Li, now looking down at him with a twisted, cold smile on his lips. "Long time no see, Junior Chu Li."

Chu Li instinctively sensed danger. The aura around this person seemed much more menacing than before, and as he drew closer, he could detect a faint trace of alcohol on the man's breath.

Chu Li frowned. "Did you drink?"

Peng Zihao tilted his head to sniff his own clothes. There was indeed a scent, but it wasn't strong.

He replied, "Yes, I did, but only a little. I'm not drunk."

Chu Li held the little Li Hua Cat tighter in his arms and took a step back, trying to create some distance between them.

Unexpectedly, this action provoked Peng Zihao. He suddenly stepped forward, grabbing Chu Li's wrist firmly.

"What are you doing?!"

His grip was so forceful that Chu Li felt a sharp pain in his wrists, feeling as if they were turning blue. His hold on the little Li Hua Cat loosened, and the feline tumbled out of his embrace.

Peng Zihao paid no attention to the cat that had landed on the ground – it was just a long-haired beast, unworthy of his attention.

Instead, he fixated on Chu Li before him, the corners of his lips curling into an increasingly wicked smile. "Ha, you're scared? I thought you'd never be afraid. Weren't you quite brave when you slapped me earlier?"

Realizing Peng Zihao's abnormal state, Chu Li dared not provoke him further. "I was wrong before. Please let go of me first."

"Let you go?" Peng Zihao tightened his grip on Chu Li, pulling him closer.

He exerted too much force, causing Chu Li to stumble and nearly fall into his arms.

Their proximity was now extreme, their noses almost touching. A strange scent assailed Chu Li's senses, and... Chu Li gagged, making an empty retching sound.

Peng Zihao was startled by this reaction and instinctively released his grip.

Chu Li tumbled onto a nearby stool, covering his nose. "What kind of smell is this..."

Why did it smell like rotten eggs boiled in a sulfur hot spring, the kind where the yolks have turned black?

Peng Zihao's face was ashen.

The pheromones of Alphas and Omegas were distinct. Omegas' pheromones were more restrained, usually having a lighter scent unless they were in heat, when they would release them more abundantly. In contrast, Alphas were assertive and tended to emit their pheromones regularly to dominate their peers or showcase their 'strength' to the opposite sex.

Each individual's pheromones had slight variations. Pheromones were abstract, and only upon smelling them would one's mind conjure associated imagery. Technically speaking, pheromones weren't a 'smell' detected solely by the nose.

Highly compatible AO pairs might have an affinity for each other's pheromones. However, what a small Omega found appealing might not hold the same appeal to another Omega.

If one couldn't tolerate the other's pheromones, it was an indirect sign of low compatibility.

Yet, Chu Li had already been marked by another Alpha, so his pheromones wouldn't affect Peng Zihao in any way – positively or negatively. It was just a faint scent of pheromones, but that wasn't the case for Chu Li! He would reject all pheromones inferior to those of the Alpha who had marked him!

It was akin to savoring delicacies and then struggling to return to a diet of coarse food and gruel.

Peng Zihao had never taken Chu Li's Alpha seriously. His pheromones were popular, even though society prohibited categorizing them into ranks. Yet, he knew his own were of a high grade! To his surprise, Chu Li actually wanted to vomit after smelling his pheromones!

Could that Alpha who marked Chu Li be incredibly skilled?

How could such a powerful Alpha leave his freshly permanently marked Omega alone for so long?

Gazing at Chu Li, who was still sitting on the stool and retching, Peng Zihao narrowed his eyes. "Are you pretending?"

Chu Li: "?"

At this moment, he also wanted to ask Peng Zihao if he was alright.

But out of stubbornness, Peng Zihao released even more pheromones, which were even more overwhelming to Chu Li's senses!

It was no longer the stench of rotten eggs in a hot spring; it was as if a septic tank had exploded!

The gland at the back of his neck twitched, seemingly protesting against being exposed to such low-grade pheromones.

Chu Li couldn't endure it any longer. He covered his nose and grumbled, "Let's talk properly, stop releasing your pheromones."

However, his words only infuriated Peng Zihao further.

Peng Zihao had come with the intention of doing something to Chu Li, but he hadn't expected this reaction... Feeling nauseous? Haha, then he would let him vomit until he had his fill!

Peng Zihao no longer restrained his pheromones as he approached Chu Li. He pulled Chu Li off the stool and reached out to tear at his clothing.

But just then, a shadow began to loom behind him.

A chill ran down Peng Zihao's spine, causing him to instinctively freeze in his action.