Chapter 31

Chapter 31

031

Do You Know a Li Hua Cat?

They changed direction and walked towards where the cat had disappeared.

After about five minutes, they saw a student sitting on a stone bench by a flower bed, talking to a classmate on the phone.

"Yes, it's eating well. I visit once in the afternoon every day and bring it food... I've discovered how clever it is. It even knows how to open the fridge, and it doesn't use the litter box that much."

The young Omega, dressed in a white shirt and dark blue trousers, sat under the shade of a tree. As he listened to his classmate, a subtle smile formed at the corners of his eyes, revealing his joy. With his fair complexion and exquisite features, he was a sight that brought delight to anyone who looked at him.

Ya Lan immediately forgot her purpose and stared at the student in a daze. "Ah... This little brother is so clean. Yiyi, I'm in love."

Feng Yiyi knew she loved making these playful remarks, and no one in the expeditionary force took them seriously. But in school, such words might be considered harassment towards an Omega.

Although the Empire treated Omegas as delicate treasures, they also provided genuine protection for them. Alphas were not allowed to approach or pester Omegas without their consent.

Unable to resist, he tapped Ya Lan on the forehead gently and whispered, "Drop the jesting and talk business with him."

Ya Lan had only been joking. Prompted by Feng Yichen, he immediately became serious. "I'll find him once my brother finishes his call."

---

On the stone bench, Chu Li inquired about Li Hua Cat's condition attentively. The classmate in front of him reported that everything was normal.

When he mentioned Li Hua Cat's remarkable ability to understand humans with a tone of astonishment, Chu Li couldn't help but smile. His little kitten was adorable and obedient, wasn't he? Envy it?

After chatting about other topics for a while, Chu Li ended the video call.

He hadn't eaten lunch yet. As he carried his food back to the rest area, he lifted his head and noticed two people standing not far away.

A man and a woman. The man stood at around six feet tall, exuding maturity and stability with a pair of gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. He seemed to be between twenty-five and thirty years old. The woman, at least five foot nine, wore a red mini dress, revealing her slender legs. She was on towering heels.

However, she didn't appear as aloof as her attire suggested. A faint smile lingered on her lips, giving off an approachable vibe.

Noticing that Chu Li was observing them, the woman greeted him proactively, "Hello there, little brother. What's your name?"

"I bear the surname Chu," Chu Li said. "And you?"

The woman smiled and approached Chu Li. "My name is Ya Lan. I believe you've heard of me."

Ya Lan.

Of course, Chu Li had heard of her.

Wasn't she the assistant sent by the Expeditionary Force to supervise the military exercise at the school?

Chu Li was rather surprised. What could such an important figure possibly want with him?

However, Ya Lan noticed the fine, soft fur on the bottom of Chu Li's pants.

Considering that her boss had previously undergone severe injuries that led to transformations, Ya Lan could somewhat claim to have experience taking care of a cat. She knew that cat fur was incredibly fine and soft, and might not even come off after multiple washes.

After only a few glances, she was convinced that this young man owned a cat.

Ya Lan was astonished. He looked like an Omega, yet he was at a military academy and kept a cat... He was quite unique.

Ya Lan smiled. "Don't be nervous. I just want to ask you something... Have you seen a very pretty Li Hua cat?"

A Li Hua cat?

Chu Li paused. "Why are you looking for a Li Hua cat?"

Ya Lan chuckled. "I just passed by a side road and saw a very beautiful Li Hua cat. I don't have many hobbies, but I do love cats and dogs. However, I'm not particularly favored by cats, so I thought I'd ask if you're familiar with them? Could you take me to see it?"

Chu Li didn't expect that this grand entrance was all for finding a cat.

But her gaze was sincere, and she didn't seem to be lying.

Besides, she was just a student. There shouldn't be any need for the vice admiral of the expeditionary force to come and deceive her specifically.

Chu Li shook her head. "I think you must have mistaken, there doesn't seem to be any cats on campus."

She couldn't figure out what these two people were up to, so she instinctively hid the existence of Little Li Hua.

Aside from Little Li Hua, she had indeed never seen any cats on campus.

This wouldn't count as lying.

Ya Lan scrutinized the student before her, sensing that they weren't being truthful.

Yet, the young man's expression was serene and impeccable, giving no indication of deceit. Besides, they had just met, and what she had asked wasn't of great significance. Why would he lie?

Ya Lan smiled, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "Is that so? I thought I might get to pet a cat since our breaks aren't frequent."

As she spoke, she glanced back at Feng Yichen.

Feng Yichen returned a loving smile, gently stroking her hair, making them appear like an ordinary couple.

Ya Lan turned to Chu Li. "Then, may we know your name?"

Despite his high-ranking position, he was unexpectedly courteous and polite. Chu Li hesitated for a moment before revealing his identity. "I'm Chu Li."

Ya Lan immediately smiled. "Student Chu Li, it's a pleasure to meet you. Even though there's no cat, your school is very beautiful. I wish you great success in your military exercise. We won't disturb your meal any further."

With that, Ya Lan left with Feng Yichen.

Chu Li couldn't help but glance at the two men a few more times.

---

Once they were out of Chu Li's sight, Ya Lan tugged on Feng Yidun's arm, slightly nervous. "Did I see correctly just now? He's an Omega?"

Feng Yidun nodded.

How could an Omega be in a military academy? Moreover, it seemed he had been permanently imprinted.

Most importantly, Ya Lan sensed a long-lost scent of his Alpha from the man's presence.

Could it be... that during his prolonged absence, with no memory recovery, the Big Boss really got married outside?

Could that stiff, emotionally clueless Big Boss have a wife?

Ya Lan found it hard to believe.

Chu Li found the encounter rather peculiar.

Yet, the stranger had come and gone like a gust of wind, leaving no trace or extra words behind.

Despite his suspicions, there was no way to investigate further.

Upon returning to the lounge and finding it empty, he freely opened the lunch box, enjoying his meal while leisurely watching the video of Li Hua Cat sent by his desk mate.

In the video, the Li Hua Cat sat elegantly on the stair railing, its two paws curled into balls, placed neatly in front of its body. Its emerald-green eyes were slightly narrowed, with vertical pupils filled with scrutiny.

Chu Li nibbled on his chopsticks; indeed, this was his Li Hua Cat, so dashing!

---

Chu Li didn't have much time for introspection. Just as he finished his meal, he received a message from the infirmary, informing him that two injured individuals had arrived and needed his assistance.

He hastily gathered his things and rushed to the infirmary.

As the military exercise progressed and the number of tasks increased, Chu Li's workload became more demanding.

During the initial days, Wang Xing, his roommate, would still make sarcastic remarks at him, but soon, he was swamped with work and had no energy left to engage in wordplay.

Chu Li was exhausted as well. He relied on watching secret videos of his cat every night in bed to recharge himself.

Two weeks passed in a blink of an eye, and military training finally came to an end.

The night before their departure, the military academy held a bonfire gathering on the training field to celebrate the conclusion of the entire training exercise. As expected, the medical students who had been assisting were also invited.

They wouldn't be able to return home until the next day, so if they didn't attend this gathering, they would have to stay in their dorms and sleep.

After some thought, Chu Li decided to join them.

The entire medical dormitory went together, and since they arrived early, the students from the military academy were still setting up the venue. A few tall Alphas were pushing around decorative trees across the lawn when the leader suddenly slapped his thigh. "Wait, something's wrong! These are the trees for the school celebration a few days from now. We've moved the wrong ones... You guys, go back to the warehouse and switch them out."

The instructed students immediately winced, pouncing on the person. "Damn it! Why didn't you say anything earlier? We've been moving these trees back and forth for ages! Are you playing us for fools?!"

Their chase nearly bumped into Chu Li.

"See, these young bucks from the military academy, full of vigor, right?"

A mirthful voice echoed from behind, and Chu Li turned to see Cao Yun approaching from a short distance away.

During these past two weeks, Chu Li and his companions had witnessed the myriad ways the military academy students could injure themselves. Some fell off their mechas, fracturing their legs, while others, out of curiosity, attempted to lift a rock on the training ground, only to accidentally drop it on their feet. There were still more incidents... After experiencing these two weeks, Chu Li came to the profound realization that the Alpha students at the military academy were a group of reckless fools.

Against this backdrop, observing their current "energetic" state made Chu Li feel particularly conflicted. His lips twitched as he replied, "Yes, they're indeed full of energy."

Energy, coupled with a knack for courting disaster.

Cao Yun chuckled and led them to a less crowded area nearby.

At such a time, Cao Yun was also busy. Just as she delivered them to their destination, someone called her away.

Cao Yun said, "I'll be going first. You two can wander around freely. The military academy doesn't have too many rules. You can sit wherever you like in a bit."

Chu Li nodded.

After Cao Yun left, Wang Xing glanced at Chu Li and asked with a crooked smile, "So, where do you plan to go?"

Chu Li was baffled. This person clearly disliked him but still cared about where he intended to go?

He spoke coolly, "Go sit in the corner over there, goodbye."

With that, he walked alone to a secluded spot in the crowd.

Wang Xing felt like he had been given a figurative slap in the face, his expression changing as he fumed, "What's wrong with this guy? We're all Alphas here. I was just kindly asking where he was going, and what kind of attitude is that?"

The other two Betas exchanged glances. Was Brother Xing concerned about Chu Li?

---

Chu Li didn't turn around, so he was unaware of the internal struggle the Alpha who disliked him was experiencing.

His mind was solely focused on his studies.

Professor Wenren had sent him some materials two days ago, but due to his busy schedule with the military exercise, he hadn't had time to look at them yet. Today, finally having some free time, he found an empty corner and took out the documents.

The material was filled with specialized terminology, making it difficult to read. As Chu Li's gaze fell upon it, he became engrossed, and before he knew it, hours had passed, and the sky grew darker. A bonfire was lit in the center of the venue, drawing more students around.

Unbeknownst to him, many eyes were trained on him.

"Is this the Omega sent over from the Nursing Department? He's quite good-looking."

"Not only that, he's also highly skilled. Last time when Ah Yang broke his leg, it was him who helped with the treatment..."

"Hey, hey, hey! I've been to the infirmary too! His attitude is completely different from the other Alpha's. Truly worthy of being an Omega, so gentle. If only all healthcare professionals were Omegas..."

"You're daydreaming too much."

Lost in his reading, Chu Li paid no attention to these whispers.

As he read on, the surroundings suddenly fell silent. Realizing something was amiss, Chu Li lifted his head, only to find that many people were still present. They had gathered together, seemingly staring at him. Yet, their gazes shifted away the moment he looked at them.

Chu Li: "?"

Confused, he was about to stand up and investigate when the crowd in front of him parted.

A familiar figure emerged from the center.

It was Shu Chenghang.

After their encounter in the cafeteria last time, Chu Li hadn't seen him again. Presumably, he had intentionally kept his distance knowing that he was unwelcome.

Initially, Chu Li was pleased that the other party had finally shown some sense. But now, what was this all about?

Chu Li put away the documents and stood still. Shu Chenghang approached him hesitantly. Probably feeling that he was too slow, the people behind him started to egg him on, "Go for it! Be bold!"

Shu Chenghang: "..."

Mustering up his courage, Shu Chenghang finally reached Chu Li's side, "Little Li... I have something I want to tell you."

Chu Li: "..."

With the atmosphere as it was, Chu Li suppressed his impatience and forced a tepid smile, "Go ahead."

Shu Chenghang: "Little Li, I've thought about this a lot. I still like you. I know you don't feel the same way. My persistent pursuit has only been a disturbance to you... but I can't help myself. I just want to be with you."

Chu Li took a deep breath, "I understand. Thank you for liking me, but since you've already decided to get engaged to Chu Heyang..."

"I didn't!" Shu Chenghang suddenly looked up, interrupting Chu Li's words. "I'm not engaged to him. I've already told my family that I won't marry him. Little Li, I've already... Can you give me another chance?"

Shu Chenghang had actually broken up with Chu Heyang.

This was unexpected for Chu Li, but he was also helpless. Even if they broke up, he still wouldn't agree to Shu Chenghang's pursuit.

With no other choice, Chu Li said, "I'm sorry, I feel regretful about your breakup with Chu Heyang, but I can't be with you either because... I've already been permanently marked by another Alpha."

The news of Chu Li being permanently marked had long spread throughout the school.

Shu Chenghang had certainly heard about it, but he believed that Chu Li had made up this story on purpose to avoid him.

At this moment, he still refused to believe it and took a step forward, reaching out to grab Chu Li's hand. "Little Li, I don't believe it. Yang Yang said you didn't leave the house all summer. It's impossible for you to have met another Alpha!"

Since Chu Li found out that men in this world could bear children, he had become very sensitive to Alphas. He quickly stepped back, increasing the distance between them.

His expression was no longer as gentle as before; a coldness appeared at the corners of his eyes and brows. "There's no need for me to lie to you. I have indeed been permanently marked by someone else. I like him, and he loves me too. Our relationship is great, and we plan to spend our lives together. I'm grateful that you like me, but I'm sorry, I can't reciprocate your feelings. Please don't say such things again. I'm afraid my Alpha might become unhappy."

Chu Li's cold words struck at Shu Chenghang's face like ice, leaving him seemingly stunned. He gazed blankly at Chu Li, repeating, "Impossible, I can't believe this..."

In the midst of the clamor from the onlookers, such an unexpected turn of events unfolded before everyone's eyes, provoking a collective sigh.

Seeing Shu Chenghang falling into a state of obsession, the students from the military academy behind him grew anxious as well.

Many were aware of Chu Li's 'fame,' and they feared that if Shu Chenghang persisted, Chu Li might deal him another slap.

Someone stepped forward to pull Shu Chenghang back, whispering, "Brother Shu, forget it, forget it. He... he already has an Alpha. You shouldn't persist. That... that permanent mark isn't a lie, and during his time here in the military academy, he indeed hasn't worn a collar."

Unprotected Omegas, without their collar to shield them, are vulnerable to the pheromones of Alphas. If not already claimed, they would have been involuntarily induced into rut.

Finally, Shu Chenghang had to reluctantly accept the reality that Chu Li was an Alpha, and he was unwillingly pulled away.

He walked away, his gaze lingering on Chu Li for a considerable distance.

It stirred an ominous premonition within Chu Li.

Upon transcending into this new world, why does it seem like every Alpha I encounter is so intricately entangled in my life?

Does persisting and clinging onto someone who doesn't fancy you or has rejected you have the power to alter their feelings towards you?

I'm afraid not, it would only serve to deepen their disgust and resistance.

Chu Li let out a long sigh. It would be more productive to devote time to studying more documents and gaining knowledge than to dwell on these romantic entanglements. Besides, one could always spend extra time pampering their feline companion at home.

Can an Alpha have a cat pheromone?

After the unexpected incident with Shu Chenghang, Chu Li lost interest in staying at the military academy. He sought out Cao Yun and expressed his desire to return home.

Cao Yun hesitated for a moment but eventually consented.

Cao Yun said, "Alright, I'll accompany you back to your dorm. You can pack up, and I'll send you to the Medical Department."

"Thank you, Professor Cao," Chu Li expressed his gratitude.

Chu Li returned to the dormitory with Cao Yun. Within ten minutes, he came downstairs with his suitcase in hand.

Cao Yun found the situation amusing yet poignant. "You're so quick. Seems like you've been eager to go back home."

Chu Li replied, "Yes."

After all, there was still a cat waiting for him at home.

Seeing Chu Li's brief response and his earnest desire to return home, Cao Yun said, "Alright then, I'll send you back."

The military academy was quite far from the Medical Department, so Cao Yun called a car. Twenty minutes later, Chu Li finally arrived at the entrance of his dormitory.

Gazing at the standalone building that served as his dormitory, Cao Yun chuckled. "Your living conditions here in the Medical Department are pretty decent."

In this era, human territory was much larger than it had been in Chu Li's previous life. There were no real estate moguls, so housing prices were reasonable. It wasn't uncommon for students to live in double-decker single rooms.

Chu Li simply smiled in response, not bothering to engage in further jest.

Noticing his lack of interest in conversation, Cao Yun chuckled again. "Alright then, go on in. If there are any internships in the future, I'll look for you."

"Sure, thank you, Teacher," Chu Li replied. "Please head back soon too. Their bonfire banquet hasn't ended yet, and they might be looking for you."

Cao Yun smiled and turned to leave.

After seeing Cao Yun off, Chu Li retrieved the spare key and unlocked the courtyard gate.

Even before reaching the door, Chu Li eagerly called out to Little Li Hua Cat, "Kitty Li Hua, meow, meow... I'm back."

However, there was no response.

A sense of foreboding suddenly welled up in Chu Li's heart. He quickened his pace and arrived at the entrance, using the key to unlock the front door.

The unoccupied house for over two weeks carried an air of dustiness. It was dimly lit, giving off a chilly vibe. As Chu Li dragged his suitcase inside, he shouted, "Little Li Hua Cat!"

No feline response came.

Chu Li's heart skipped a beat.

After being away for so long... Could it be that Little Li Hua Cat assumed he wasn't coming back and sneaked out through the window?

It was, after all, a small stray cat. If its owner didn't return home, it might very well choose to revert to its previous life of freedom.

But his desk neighbor had been sending videos every day.

Chu Li's heart tightened, and he hastily rushed upstairs without caring about his luggage.

As he walked towards his room, Chu Li called out the cat's name loudly. There was no response... still no response.

He arrived at the bedroom door with little hope, but to his surprise, upon opening it, he found a beam of cool moonlight shining on his bed. A slight bulge could be seen on the pillow.

"Little Li Hua Cat!"

Chu Li quickly ran over, lifted the covers, and indeed found Little Li Hua Cat curled up, sound asleep beneath them.

Chu Li reached in to lift the cat out from under the bedding. Startled from its sleep, the feline let out a soft meow, "Meow~"

"You were sleeping! Waaaah, you didn't even come downstairs to see me when I returned. I thought you had run away, I was so scared!"

Overwhelmed by the joy of reuniting, Chu Li rather ungracefully pulled Little Li Hua Cat into his embrace and took a deep sniff of its belly. It seemed the cat had lost some weight during Chu Li's absence.

The Li Hua Cat in his arms initially didn't react, but soon realized that the two-legged creature's actions were a bit excessive. With its black-gloved paws, it swatted Chu Li's face, putting an end to his continuous cat-sniffing.

"Meow!" Didn't you leave?

"Meow! Meow! Meow!" Weren't you away for over two weeks?

"Meoow!" Get away, you have another cat outside!

"Meow! Mew!" Don't touch me!

Li Hua Cat launched into a verbal tirade at Chu Li, but unfortunately, its voice was naturally soft and lacked intimidation. Instead, it sounded like it was pleading for attention.

Chu Li listened at first but eventually couldn't hold back his laughter.

He flipped over and placed the little Li Hua Cat on the bed, lying beside it as he poked its belly and chuckled. "Li Hua Cat, you seem like a neglected concubine in a palace."

"Meow?!"

Human, let me tell you, teasing a little kitty like this might lead to consequences!