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    Chapter 29

    It was a shame about the little kitten.

    Three days later, the military exercise officially began.

    Early in the morning, Chu Li's dorm room door was knocked on.

    Still half-asleep, Chu Li was startled awake by the knocking. Dazed, he propped himself up, while the little Li Hua Cat beside him had woken up, its tail puffed up, making it appear twice as thick.

    That was quite amusing.

    Chu Li smiled, petting the fluffy cat's tail, then threw on a robe and lazily made his way downstairs.

    Ever since Chu Heyang had spread the news about Chu Li being permanently marked, Chu Li no longer had any reservations. He didn't need to wear an Omega collar like others, nor did he have to worry about other Alphas' pheromones affecting him.

    Over time, he gradually forgot some of the precautions that Omegas usually took.

    The one who knocked was his Beta former desk mate. Upon opening the door, he saw Chu Li dressed in a crumpled white T-shirt and light gray cotton shorts, revealing his straight, fair legs. There were fresh pressure marks on the outer side of his thighs, slightly flushed.

    He had thrown on a jacket, but hadn't even bothered to slip his arms into the sleeves; it simply hung loosely on his shoulders.

    With the door ajar, the delightful scent of an Omega wafted toward him. Even though Betas couldn't detect pheromones, the former desk mate felt as if he was surrounded by Chu Li's essence.

    Chu Li, still half-asleep, wore a slightly dazed expression on his usually aloof face. Rubbing his eyes, he recognized the person in front of him and mumbled, "Why... former desk mate?"

    "..."

    After a moment of trembling, the former desk mate regained his composure and said, "The military drill at the Military Academy is starting today. One of the nurses who was previously assigned there had an incident, so they need someone to fill in temporarily. Professor Wenren recommended you. Do you want to go?"

    "Hmm?" Most of Chu Li's sleepiness dissipated.

    Chu Li knew he wasn't chosen for such an opportunity and had already accepted that this grand event was irrelevant to him. To his surprise, a last-minute chance had unexpectedly fallen into his lap.

    Of course he would go. It was a rare chance for training. Not only did he want to go now, but he also hoped to have the opportunity to intern on the front lines in the future.

    Chu Li said, "Of course, should I prepare anything?"

    His beta classmate looked embarrassed and replied, "Y-You should change your clothes first."

    Only then did Chu Li realize that his attire was disheveled – though not terribly so, as his clothes were still on him, albeit wrinkled from tossing and turning in bed the previous night.

    Considering the various expectations imposed upon Omegas in this world, Chu Li didn't comment further. Instead, he invited his beta classmate to sit in the living room while he went upstairs to change.

    Once in the living room, the beta classmate felt quite uncomfortable.

    The house was spacious, and Chu Li hadn't done much cleaning since moving in. Most of the rooms remained untouched.

    He was usually busy, and when he returned home, he would only sleep in his dormitory. The living room was rarely used, with the dining table being the most frequently utilized area.

    The space was filled with Li Hua Cat's belongings: a cat tree in the corner, a cat bed, a food bowl, even a litter box... although the little feline had never used it.

    It either solved its needs outside or in the bathroom's toilet. At first, Chu Li was surprised by this, but in his previous life, he had encountered many intelligent kittens who knew how to use the toilet. Though startled, he eventually accepted it as a natural behavior.

    As Chu Li headed upstairs to change, the beta sat nervously on the sofa. Soon, he caught sight of Li Hua Cat sitting on the first floor staircase.

    During the day, Li Hua Cat's vertical pupils narrowed into a thin line as it sat atop the high staircase, silently observing below with its emerald green eyes, exuding an even colder demeanor.

    The Beta had a peculiar feeling, as if in this household, this particular Li Hua Cat was the true master, sitting in the position of authority and quietly sizing up the outsider that he was.

    How could this be...

    Just then, Chu Li emerged.

    The restless Beta promptly stood up.

    His actions were so unusual that they caught Chu Li's attention.

    Beta, at a loss for words, stammered, "Y-You... Your cat is quite extraordinary."

    As he spoke, he recalled the rumors surrounding Peng Zihao.

    It was said that Peng Zihao had attempted something untoward towards Chu Li in the unsupervised library, only to be terrified by a cat, ultimately resulting in his withdrawal from school.

    Was that cat... this very Li Hua Cat?

    Nowadays, there were plenty of genetically synthesized animals that appeared cute and harmless on the surface but were actually deadly weapons in disguise.

    This Li Hua Cat might be one of them!

    With this thought in mind, the Beta no longer dared to stay and hastily told Chu Li, "Well, it's not appropriate for a Beta like me to stay here. You take your time cleaning up; I'll wait for you outside!"

    Without waiting for Chu Li's response, he darted away like a rabbit.

    Looking at his departing figure, Chu Li was somewhat confused.

    What was inappropriate about a Beta staying with an Omega? He had even lived with a few male Beta roommates for over a year.

    At that moment, the little Li Hua Cat came to Chu Li's side and meowed at him softly.

    Chu Li's attention was immediately diverted by the cat, and he forgot about the Beta who sat in front of him. Squatting down, he stroked the cat's head and said, "It's your first day alone at home, so be a good boy. I'll come back as soon as I can."

    But then he realized that anything could happen when he went to the military academy for nursing, and he might not return early.

    So, he added, "I'll try my best to come back early."

    "Meow-" The little Li Hua Cat's cry carried a hint of grievance.

    Two-legged creature, always telling lies to deceive a cat!

    ---

    Chu Li didn't keep the person in front of him waiting outside for too long. He quickly tidied up and went out.

    During the time the person in front was waiting at the door, God knows what they had imagined. They didn't even dare to lift their head to look at Chu Li, their face flushed as they steamed, "Let's go."

    Chu Li: "..."

    Alright then, he didn't understand the way people's minds worked in this world, so it was best not to ask too many questions and just get down to business.

    Unknown to Chu Li, shortly after he left the dormitory, a certain little kitten skillfully opened the window. It slipped nimbly through the window gap, stood on the windowsill to stretch, and then dashed off in the direction of somewhere within the campus.

    ---

    Apart from the First Prince Lancelot Butler, there were other influential figures within the school.

    These were the Expeditionary Forces responsible for military training.

    This time, it was Deputy Commander Ya Lan and her team of seven.

    Seated in the office specially allocated to them by the principal, Ya Lan gazed out the window with ennui.

    "We were supposed to be the stars of the military training exercise, but ever since Butler Ba Telei arrived, even the principal has been revolving around him," she said, propping her chin on her arm resting on the table. "When did the Expeditionary Forces lose our prestige? If I had known, I wouldn't have come."

    Before she could finish, the redhead playing games opposite her interjected, "We lost our prestige ever since the Admiral went missing. Stop staring, just accept our fate as laborers."

    As they spoke, Ya Lan's assistant Feng Yichen entered. Upon noticing her mischievous posture with her legs crossed, he promptly walked over and gently tapped her shoulder. "Put your legs down."

    Ya Lan grumbled, about to protest, but when she turned to see her assistant's calm gaze behind his golden-rimmed glasses, she immediately relented. She uncrossed her legs and sat up straight, smiling. "Yichen, when did you come in?"

    "Just now," Feng Yichen replied coolly, placing a red velvet cake in front of her. "Didn't you say you wanted a cake?"

    The small cake was beautifully adorned, with a layer of cream concealing its burgundy red velvet filling.

    Ya Lan cheered. "Yichen, you actually managed to get one! Amazing!"

    Listening to her voice, the redhead beside her grumbled, "Enough already, I'm still alive. Can't you two tone it down a bit?"

    Ya Lan, with a fork in her mouth, smiled and said, "If you're unhappy, go find an assistant yourself."

    The redhead rolled his eyes. Was this really about finding an assistant? Clearly, they were indulging in an office romance!

    But the two of them never openly acknowledged their relationship, and Feng Yidun always conducted himself professionally without any mishaps.

    Besides, their boss didn't forbid office romances. He was merely annoyed that his daily dose of 'couple goals' had been disrupted, and after two eye-rolls, he let the matter drop.

    Taking a bite of cake, Ya Lan sighed again. "Tell me, where on earth is our boss, huh?"

    He's been missing for almost half a year now.

    If we can't find him soon, will he really have turned into a stray cat outside?

    Everyone in the Expeditionary Force was familiar with their boss's quirks, and at this topic, their expressions grew more solemn.

    The redhead asked, "When he turns into a cat... does he still remember that he's human? Does he actually believe he's a cat, and has a family out there?"

    Thinking of the possibility that one day they might find their boss guarding a female cat and a litter of kittens... Redhead shuddered. In that scenario, they would probably be doomed!

    Ya Lan savored her cake while fearlessly teasing her absent superior, "Actually, that wouldn't be too bad. Think about it, with Boss's personality, he'd never have a wife if he were human. As an Alpha in his prime, his heats... Tsk tsk, I worry for him."

    Redhead pondered for a moment, "That's true."

    In the courtyard, Li Hua Cat, busy with its chores, suddenly stopped and sneezed loudly.

    Feeling that the conversation in the office was veering off course, Feng Yidun interrupted with a sigh, "The General's feline form is merely a low-energy mode for self-protection. It's unlikely to have reproductive capabilities, nor would he develop feelings for other cats."

    Therefore, the image you have of a bunch of kittens wouldn't come to fruition.

    "Tsk." Ya Lan grinned, expressing a vague sense of regret, "What a shame, those kittens."

    ---

    Chu Li was escorted into the military academy campus.

    Although the military academy was part of a comprehensive school, it was separated from other departments by high walls. Due to military exercises, security was much stricter. Upon reaching the entrance, they were approached for identity checks.

    A Beta in front of them presented his pass, and after a thorough inspection, they were allowed to proceed.

    As Chu Li walked past them, he was briefly stopped.

    Stopping in his tracks, Chu Li raised an eyebrow at them.

    The group of people boldly appraised Chu Li, their gazes unsettling. "You're an Omega?"

    Chu Li knew that his gender would always be a point of criticism. He smiled amiably. "Yes, I am."

    They raised their eyebrows. "Since when do Omegas get admitted into the Medical Department? And even come to our Military Academy to study nursing?"

    Chu Li replied, "A few months ago."

    He answered earnestly, seemingly oblivious to the contempt in the guards' words.

    His seriousness left the guards speechless.

    At this moment, one of the Betas ahead, visibly nervous, interjected, "You... If you have any more questions, ask quickly. We're going to be late."

    The guards exchanged glances before allowing Chu Li to enter.

    The two of them quickly left the entrance and walked to a secluded spot. The Beta whispered, "Those Alphas in the military academy are really hard to deal with. They didn't bully you, did they?"

    Chu Li replied, "It's normal for students in the military academy to be rebellious. They thrive on passion and a bit of recklessness."

    Having an ordinary personality without any aggression would make it difficult to survive in a military school.

    These were trivial matters that didn't affect anything. Chu Li usually wouldn't bother paying attention to such insignificant things.

    Looking at Chu Li's composed expression, the Beta sitting in front of him said enviously, "Your personality is great... You don't take those words to heart. If I were in your shoes, I'd definitely be anxious for a long time and doubt if I'm suitable for this opportunity or if I can live up to it."

    Chu Li chuckled. "I didn't get in through the back door. Since they called me here, it means they think I'm capable. If they believe in me, why should I waste my energy doubting myself?"

    Everyone had a mouth, and there was no way to control what they said. All he could do was pretend not to hear it.

    Carrying everything to heart was too exhausting.

    As they strolled through the campus of the military academy, the atmosphere here was evidently much more stern than outside. The greenery consisted of neatly trimmed cypress trees arranged in straight lines.

    Soon, the classmate in front of Chu Li dropped him off at the entrance of a building. He said, "You'll be staying here temporarily. Your dorm is on the third floor, room 302. All the necessities have been prepared for you. During this time, you're not allowed to leave the military academy campus. As for a map... they should've provided one, so I won't go up with you."

    Chu Li: "..."

    Only then did he remember the strict rules of the military academy. He took out the key to his dorm and handed it to the classmate in front of him. "While I'm away, can you help me feed my cat? I can pay you for your trouble."

    "Ahh?" The classmate quickly waved his hand. "No need, no need. It's only for a few days, I'll help you out..."

    "No, I can't let you do it for free." Chu Li shook his head firmly. "Also, my cat is rather special, so taking care of it might be troublesome. Let me explain..."

    He then told the classmate about the precautions when raising Little Li Hua Cat. The classmate's eyes widened in surprise when he heard that the cat didn't eat cat food and had to be fed from the cafeteria.

    Chu Li continued, "So, I still have to give you money. Use this to buy food for my cat every day, and bring the leftovers back with you the next day... Sorry, it's really complicated, so I'll bother you with this."

    With that, Chu Li transferred a sum of money to the classmate.

    The classmate glanced at the amount and his eyes widened again. "T-That's too much."

    Chu Li had spent a lot of time with this classmate and knew he was a kind person. He said, "This money is for taking good care of Little Li Hua Cat. It's really important to me, so if you find it troublesome and don't want to take care of it, please don't force yourself. Just tell me, and I can find someone else."

    "No, it's fine!" the classmate in front replied. "I was just helping out. I have the time, and I do like cats, so don't worry."

    With this assurance from his classmate, Chu Li felt slightly relieved. He nodded and bid farewell to the person in front of him.

    Turning around, he entered the building alone.

    There were many medical students with different courses, some of which involved medical equipment. Chu Li had not chosen those, and coupled with the fact that he often had one-on-one tutoring sessions with Wen Renjian in the laboratory, he didn't appear much in front of other students after transferring departments. Many in the medical faculty had yet to meet him.

    Given his experience with the guard at the entrance, he could easily anticipate the attitude of these 'classmates'.

    Stopping briefly in front of Room 302, Chu Li knocked on the door.

    Receiving no response, he pushed the door open.

    It was a four-person dormitory with two bunk beds, both mostly occupied. Only the lower bed nearest the door was empty. Chu Li scanned the room from the doorway and noticed that they were all males, two Alphas and a Beta.

    One of the Alphas sneered upon seeing Chu Li enter. "Well, look who's here, little bunny. Aren't you afraid to live with us?"

    Chu Li gave him a cold glance before walking over to his assigned bed and unpacking the items provided by the school.

    Noticing his disregard, the person directly jumped down from the top bunk. With his height nearing six feet three inches and his long limbs, he exuded an intimidating presence as he approached.

    Yet, Chu Li had lived two lifetimes; these students who were still in school appeared as mere inexperienced chicks in his eyes. Otherwise, why would he bother investing his attention in them?

    The fact that they have the leisure to form alliances indicates that the tasks assigned to them from above are not challenging enough.

    Intrigues within the company imply that overtime is not overly demanding yet, and salaries are still inadequately meager.

    At this moment, it was no different.

    Before Alpha could approach, Chu Li straightened up and smiled at him. "Or should I leave?"

    Alpha: "…"

    Chu Li pressed on. "Should I tell the principal or will you?"

    The Alpha's expression shifted abruptly. "Don't think you can threaten me with the principal."

    "I don't believe the principal has that kind of influence over you," Chu Li said with a smile. "After all, both the First Prince and the Expeditionary Force are currently at the academy. Wouldn't it be easier to consult any one of them instead?"

    "You!" The Alpha hadn't expected that after he warned the other party not to report, the other party would so straightforwardly declare that he would not only report but also escalate it all the way to the highest authority.

    Almost grinding his teeth, the Alpha said, "You have the nerve to threaten us in such a manner!"

    Chu Li lifted a finger and wagged it. "Wrong, I'm not threatening you. It's you who are threatening me. Now, you have two choices. Either put away your bad temper and coexist peacefully with me until the military exercise ends, where we'll each return to our own homes without interfering with one another. Or, make a big scene right now. Whether the principal removes me or you, I'll accept either outcome."

    The Alpha: "…"

    Of course, he didn't dare escalate the matter. He had just disliked Chu Li and wanted to provoke him a little.

    But the other party was completely unfazed by his provocations and even turned the tables on him.

    Chu Li seemed to see through his thoughts and gave him a smile that wasn't quite a smile.

    The Alpha: "…"

    The Alpha quickly retreated and returned to his companions. Watching Chu Li make his bed, his face was dark.

    They had been here for a few days and had quickly established a hierarchy in the dormitory. Everyone else addressed him as their leader.

    Observing this, they approached one by one, whispering, "Boss, what should we do now?"

    The Alpha gritted his teeth and said, "For now, let's see how long he can hold out."

    Author's Note:

    I imagined the attacker turning into a cat, and Li Li also turning into a cat, with the whole family of fluffy felines cuddling together in a nest, grooming each other... Slurp, I can't handle it, hurry... Give me mouth-to-mouth resuscitation! I'm about to be overwhelmed by cuteness!!

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