Chapter 51

Chapter 51

051

In just a year, Chu Li had risen through two grades, making him quite renowned within the school.

The teachers, who initially disapproved of his transfer, now treated him as a prized gem in the Healthcare Department. Many research groups tried to recruit Chu Li, but all their invitations were declined.

Chu Li's reason was: "I've already joined Professor Wen Renjian's team and don't have time for any other research."

This made those teachers both envious and jealous of Wen Renjian.

With Chu Li participating in the third-year advancement exam this time, Wen Renjian naturally became a celebrity in the office too.

During the grading period, no less than ten teachers came over to inquire, "Professor Wen, have you finished grading your papers? Will your student be able to advance this year?"

"Is he graduating next spring? I still want to invite him to join my group!"

"My uncle has just opened a hospital and is desperately in need of talented individuals. Could you ask Chu Li if he has any interest in joining our hospital after graduation?"

Some of these words were sincere, while others were mere politeness. Wen Renjian smiled wryly and replied, "The exam papers are all sealed. How would I know whose they are?"

"Don't say that," Cao Yun chuckled, standing in front of Wen Renjian. "The results should be out this afternoon, right?"

"Mm," Wen Renjian nodded. Suddenly, he couldn't bring himself to smile anymore as a thought crossed his mind.

He knew what Chu Li's urgent desire to advance his studies was all about... He wanted to intern on the frontlines.

In the past, he had never interfered with his students' decisions and had always supported their choice to go to the frontlines. However, considering recent rumors about the expeditionary force and Chu Li's gender, he couldn't help but feel worried. He even contemplated advising Chu Li against signing up.

---

Meanwhile, Jing Baiyuan, who was far away at the Lu Port Fortress, was also thinking about the same person.

Seated behind his desk, he gazed blankly out the floor-to-ceiling window at the dark expanse of space outside.

Lost in thought, the corners of his lips curled into a faint smile, a mix of helplessness and indulgence.

Just then, footsteps echoed from outside the door. Before his smile could fully form, he suppressed it entirely.

"Knock, knock, knock—"

The sound of knocking reached Jing Baiyuan's ears. He sat up straight, his expression composed and stern. "Enter."

Ya Lan pushed open the door, hurrying in. "General, the last person has been apprehended."

Jing Baiyuan's gaze sharpened, and he stood up. "Let's take a look."

---

The school results were released, and as expected, Chu Li topped the written exam, securing his promotion to the next grade.

In response, there were both doubts and congratulations within the school.

"So he's already advancing to third year this soon. Does he have some influential connections within the school?"

"It's unbelievable that an Omega can adapt to the medical program's pace and even skip two grades in a year. That can't be possible, right?"

"In this day and age, Omegas aren't fools. Why can't they advance two grades in a year?"

"If you were as dedicated as him, living and studying at the Tu Embassy all year round, you'd also be able to advance two grades... You should refrain from making jealous remarks without knowing how hard he's worked."

Chu Li had heard some of these whispers too. He was aware that there were people fanning the flames behind the scenes, but he didn't pay much attention to them. After checking his grades, he headed for the laboratory.

Over the past year, a few more students had joined the lab, but his closest friends remained Zhan Jiaqing and Liu Wei.

The moment he entered, Zhan Jiaqing congratulated Chu Li, "Congratulations, Junior... At this rate, you'll graduate before us."

Liu Wei was also there, whispering softly, "Congratulations."

Chu Li smiled, "Thank you. I won't graduate early, I still have many classes left."

Zhan Jiaqing, however, said, "There isn't much to learn in the Medical Care major anyway. The more advanced topics have been transferred to other disciplines. You should explore the field of biomedical science."

"No need," Chu Li wasn't ambitious. He was already stretched thin trying to do well in his current studies and had no plans to branch out yet. "Where's the professor?"

Zhan Jiaqing was taken aback. "Huh? Where did he go? He was just here... Oh, right, the professor mentioned earlier that he wanted to see you when you arrived. So, he must've gone back to his office."

Chu Li nodded. "I'll go find him in his office."

With that, he turned and left.

Next to the laboratory was Wen Renjian's office. Chu Li arrived at the door and found it closed. He knocked on it.

After a moment, a voice came from inside. "Come in."

Chu Li pushed the door open and entered, only to see Wen Renjian seated behind his desk, wearing a pair of gold-rimmed glasses as he read through some documents.

"Come sit down," Wen Renjian invited.

Chu Li walked over to the chair and sat down, silently observing Wen Renjian across from him.

Wen Renjian put down the paper documents in his hands. "You applied for an internship on the front lines?"

Chu Li was surprised. "Yes... How did you know, Teacher?"

"You're my student, so your application would naturally require my signature." Wen Renjian frowned. "Why do you want to go to the front lines?"

Chu Li replied, "Of course, to hone myself. Didn't Teacher say that one learns the most on the frontlines?"

Before he could finish, Wen Renjian stood up and said, "Don't give me that cliché. You've been promoted twice within a year just to rush to the frontlines, isn't it? Who are you going to meet?"

Chu Li fell silent.

He hadn't expected to be found out.

But it wasn't something he couldn't admit. Chu Li straightforwardly confessed, "Yes, I want to see someone."

Wen Renjian looked at him. "Your Alpha?"

Chu Li's family ties were simple, and Chu Heyang was still in school. Their relationship could be easily discovered with a bit of inquiry.

It couldn't be for his family.

So it had to be his Alpha.

The Alpha who... permanently marked him but had never shown up.

Wen Renjian was Chu Li's mentor, naturally he cared more about Chu Li.

He had long been displeased with this unseen Alpha, as if someone had stealthily trampled on their treasured cabbage but was reluctant to reveal themselves.

He constantly worried that Chu Li wasn't living well.

Now, Chu Li was going to such a dangerous place for the other party. Wen Renjian's brows knitted even tighter as he said, "You could wait until his break to see him, why must you go through such lengths?"

Chu Li's face flushed slightly as he softly said, "Teacher... I... my... it's almost time, I can't wait until his break."

Wen Renjian: "..."

Even if one hasn't eaten pork, they've seen pigs run. Wen Renjian quickly understood and fell into a brief daze. After a moment, his expression turned even worse.

Now, not only was Chu Li going to meet the pig, but he was also delivering himself to be trampled on.

Wen Renjian began pacing around the room. After a while, he said, "I'm not stopping you from going to the frontlines, but recently, the situation there has been somewhat unstable. You might encounter danger."

Chu Li had also been keeping an eye on the Expeditionary Force, but he didn't know of any dangers, so he asked, "Is it because the interstellar pirates have started causing trouble again?"

"Not exactly…" It was because the expeditionary force had removed the royal family's pawns, causing great dissatisfaction within the royal family. The parliamentarians were demanding Jing Baiyuan's removal, but they had no leverage to do so.

Wen Renjian was worried that Chu Li would be caught in the conflict between the expeditionary force and the royal family.

What he didn't know was that Jing Baiyuan was Chu Li's Alpha. If things really escalated, Chu Li, wherever he was, would inevitably be drawn into the turmoil.

Staying on Blue Stripe Star could become a leverage point for the royal family to manipulate Jing Baiyuan.

These matters involved sensitive information that couldn't be disclosed to Chu Li.

Looking at Chu Li once more, Wen Renjian finally relented. "The internship team sent by the school will have special protection. As long as you don't wander off, you won't encounter any danger. Forget it… If you really want to go, then go."

Chu Li was surprised by Wen Renjian's sudden acquiescence. His eyes widened. "Teacher, does that mean you agree?"

Looking at him again, Wen Renjian's expression softened. "What else? You've prepared for this for so long. If I don't agree, you'll keep applying… Forget it, forget it. I won't argue with you anymore."

A smile spread across Chu Li's face. "Thank you, Teacher!"

He needed to hurry back and tell Jing Baiyuan about this.

Before he could bid Wen Renjian farewell, hurried footsteps echoed from outside, interrupting their conversation.

The door was pushed open forcefully from the outside. Cao Yun, who oversaw the medical department of the military academy, entered without lifting her head as she said, "Professor, can you lend us two students from your medical department?"

Upon finishing her sentence and noticing Chu Li standing beside Wen Renjian, she continued, "You'll do, Student Little Chu. Come with me."

"En?" Still in a daze, Chu Li was pulled away.

Wen Renjian was helpless as well. "Don't rush. At least tell me what's going on."

Cao Yun sighed. "I don't even want to mention it. Those brats at the military academy have gotten into some sort of trouble. Two of them took out mechas from the training room and started brawling on the field, causing injuries to everyone there! We're short-handed, so we're borrowing a few students from you."

Chu Li: "…"

No wonder it was the military academy; they could stir up all sorts of chaos.

Upon hearing that it was the military academy's doing, he wasn't surprised anymore.

Wen Renjian felt just as helpless. He waved at Cao Yun. "Take him then. Is that enough? If not, I can send over another two."

Finally, Cao Yun borrowed Chu Li and Yuan Tan to help clean up the mess.

Upon arriving at the playground, they found bodies sprawled across the ground, some with bleeding heads, others with broken limbs.

Chu Li had initially assumed that any collateral damage would involve passersby or students engaged in outdoor training. However, seeing the number of people on the ground, it was clear that more than one class was affected.

Chu Li exclaimed, "How could there be so many people?"

Cao Yun massaged their temples, exasperated. "Don't even ask. Once they heard about the mecha duel, whether they were in class or not, everyone rushed over to watch. Not only did they want to watch, but they also surrounded the mechas to cheer them on... Then the mechas lost control and crashed down, causing this chaos."

Chu Li fell silent.

Although it wasn't very polite, it sounded as if the military academy was nurturing a group of fools.

Fools though they might be, their lives still mattered.

Chu Li could only approach with bandages in hand, tending to each person with emergency treatment.

Within the school, there were only two large medical devices, which were insufficient. They had to bandage and stop the bleeding first.

Cao Yun probably wanted to give them a lesson, so he didn't bother moving them and conducted simple treatments right on the playground.

Chu Li weaved through the crowd of Alphas. A few melodramatic ones approached him, asking, "Doctor Little Chu, are we going to be crippled, wuwuwu? Please be gentle! I was planning to dedicate myself to the Expeditionary Force after graduation!"

These Alphas from the military academy were not only foolish but also fond of joking around. Accidents happened frequently, and Chu Li often came over. After getting familiar with him, they would often try to outsmart him with their words.

Chu Li didn't mind. He skillfully bandaged their wounds and playfully patted one Alpha's injured leg, saying with a half-smile, "With how foolish you are, the Expeditionary Force probably wouldn't want you. You got injured watching the excitement, getting hit by mechs."

The Alpha yelped in pain and clutched his leg. "Stop, stop! I know I was wrong!"

Cao Yun approached from the other side, wiping the sweat off his forehead as he sighed. "It still has to be you."

Chu Li didn't quite understand why these Alphas listened to him so obediently, but obedient patients were always better than disobedient ones.

What he didn't realize was that he had unknowingly become Doctor Little Chu to all the Alphas in the military academy. It was because of his proficient skills, gentle actions, and the fact that he didn't disdain them like Teacher Cao Yun did for their frequent mishaps... Besides, who wouldn't like such an attractive Omega? The only regret was that the Omega already belonged to someone else.

But that didn't stop them from engaging in playful banter.

By the time Chu Li finished treating all the Alphas, it was almost noon.

The group of Alphas warmly invited Chu Li to stay for lunch at the military academy.

Although Chu Li couldn't vouch for the other dishes, the meat servings were top-notch. After a moment of hesitation, he agreed to stay with Yuan Tan.

A pack of recently healed Alphas surrounded the two as they headed for the canteen.

Yuan Tan wasn't new to cleaning up messes, but this was his first time being welcomed so warmly. He knew he owed it all to Chu Li and still felt giddy with disbelief.

Upon entering the canteen, the other Alphas went to get their food. It was then that Yuan Tan approached Chu Li and whispered, "I've never been so popular before."

This made Chu Li chuckle.

As they conversed, a familiar face approached from across the hall. The person seemed to be looking for Chu Li to speak with him.

However, before they could say anything, the group of Alphas who had escorted Chu Li earlier returned, noisily crowding around and inadvertently pushing the acquaintance away without even noticing who they were.

Shu Chenghang stood outside the crowd, gazing at the surrounded Chu Li with a tinge of resentment in his eyes.

He had thought that after breaking up with Chu Heyang, Chu Li would at least give him a glance. After all, when he proposed to Chu Heyang back then, Chu Li's rejection wasn't very firm... But to his surprise, since that day at Chu Heyang's house, when he told Chu Li that he was now in love with an Alpha and they had mutually marked each other, Chu Li truly hadn't looked at him again.

Although he regretted it, it was already too late.

He could only fantasize in his heart - if he hadn't gotten engaged to Chu Heyang back then, would Chu Li be his Omega now?

---

So-called delusional infatuation is that no matter how many "ifs" or hypothetical scenarios, none of them would ever come true.

---

Chu Li enjoyed this meal greatly, for the dishes in the military academy were indeed delicious.

As for who was lurking in the corner, he didn't even notice them.

Of course, there was a small episode during the meal - a first-year Alpha, accompanied by his friends, approached him hesitantly and asked if he had a boyfriend.

Chu Li chuckled. It was common knowledge that he had been permanently imprinted. What did this question imply?

The young Alpha probably didn't have the courage to try and steal him away, so he stammered, "I... I really like you. If there's a chance... please consider me!"

After saying that, he didn't even dare look at Chu Li's expression before scurrying away like a monkey.

Chu Li didn't even know his name.

Yuan Tan shrank to the side, his face filled with envy as he said, "How nice."

At first, he thought it was unfair that Chu Li's Alpha never appeared, but after witnessing various people expressing their affections for Chu Li over time, he began to sympathize with that unknown Alpha.

Chu Li looked at him amusingly and stood up, saying, "Let's go."

---

On the surface, he acted nonchalant, but the moment he turned around, he relayed the incident to Jing Baiyuanting.

He admitted that he was a country bumpkin, and he simply wanted to see his Alpha get jealous.

Sure enough, Jing Baiyuan was instantly hooked and asked, "Are you free tonight?"

Chu Li couldn't help but reveal a smile, which was noticed by Zhan Jiaqing sitting beside him. Zhan Jiaqing looked curious. "Who are you chatting with that makes you so happy?"

Reacting instinctively, Chu Li quickly closed his personal terminal.

Seeing this, Zhan Jiaqing clicked her tongue. "No need to be so cautious. I wouldn't snoop into your conversations."

Chu Li chuckled and apologized to Zhan Jiaqing.

---

At exactly 8:05 PM, Chu Li logged into Forest Cottage on time. As soon as he entered, someone grabbed him and pressed him against the door.

The game's simulation of characters was even more astonishing, with their breaths clearly visible.

Chu Li could distinctly feel the warmth of the person's breath on his neck, causing him to tremble slightly.

Jing Baiyuan was incredibly close, still dressed in the same attire from their last encounter, but his gaze had changed.

Fixing his gaze on Chu Li, he inquired, "Who is that person?"

The abrupt question left Chu Li momentarily stunned. After a moment, he chuckled and said, "You...

"He's actually asking who the confessing Alpha was."

Instead of retreating, Chu Li leaned even closer to Jing Baiyuan, placing a hand on his shoulder as he asked with a smile, "What? I don't understand."

Seeing Chu Li's joyful smile, a hint of irritation flashed across Jing Baiyuan's eyes.

Before he could respond, Chu Li suddenly kissed him and said, "I don't know him."

Jing Baiyuan: "..."

Game data was far more truthful than human emotions. Reflecting the surge of activity within his mind at that instant, Jing Baiyuan's character's ears and cheeks flushed slightly red.

Chu Li continued, "Young men are often impulsive, and when they can't contain their feelings, they speak without thinking. He didn't even tell me his name."

With a half-smile, Chu Li looked at Jing Baiyuan and asked, "You're not angry, are you?"

Jing BaiyuanYuanting: "..."

The man was extremely annoyed. The result of his pent-up tension reaching its limit was the urge to disregard everything and pull this deliberately provocative person into his embrace. However, before he could act on it, Chu Li said, "Let me go. I have something important to discuss with you."

Jing BaiyuanYuanting: "..."

Alright, if you say it's important, then it must be.

Jing BaiyuanYuanting suppressed his boiling emotions and released Chu Li. He asked, "What did you call me here for?"

He naturally realized that Chu Li had intentionally said those words not just to see him get jealous.

They sat down on the sofa, and Chu Li shared the news about his application for an internship on the front lines.

Jing BaiyuanYuanting frowned, not responding for a long time.

Chu Li knew that he had a lot to consider, so he sat quietly beside him, waiting patiently.

After five minutes, Jing BaiyuanYuanting said, "The front lines can be quite dangerous..."

Chu Li said, "Didn't they say that we're currently in a peaceful phase?"

Recently, no new planets seemed to have been discovered, leaving neither the Empire nor the Alliance with any grounds for dispute.

Chu Li was indeed right. The frontlines had been tranquil lately… but Jing Baiyuan couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Although Chu Li didn't explicitly advise him, Jing Baiyuan knew what he was implying. People had to keep moving forward, and even in the face of danger, one must carry out their duties.

Finally, Jing Baiyuan sighed. "When are you leaving?"

"In a month," Chu Li replied, his cheeks flushed as he whispered, "That way… you won't have to come back."

Only then did Jing Baiyuan understand why Chu Li wanted to rush to the frontline at this time. The fervent desire he had just shown transformed into a warm emotion that filled Jing Baiyuan's heart, leaving him momentarily speechless.

However, Chu Li didn't want to remain in such a heavy atmosphere for too long. He joked with Jing Baiyuan, "Am I touching your heart? If so, why not pledge yourself to me in gratitude?"

Helplessly, Jing Baiyuan caught hold of his hand and looked at him. "Don't play around."

It was clear that he felt Chu Li's actions had crossed a line.

Of course he had crossed the line; earlier today, he even sneaked a kiss on Jing Baiyuan without warning. Yet, the other party was so preoccupied with his Alpha status that he didn't even bother to address the stolen kiss.

It was clear that Jing Baiyuan was genuinely bothered by someone confessing their feelings for Chu Li.

However, the more Jing Baiyuan acted this way, the more restless Chu Li became. How could someone be so different online and in reality? When they were together, Jing Baiyuan was proactive and dominant.

But here, he turned into a prim and proper figure, not even retaliating when being teased.

Chu Li had to admit, he found it irresistible. When Jing Baiyuan took the initiative, he wanted to escape, but when Jing Baiyuan was passive, he couldn't resist the urge to tease him playfully.

He shares the same restless nature as the family's little key.

Seeing him try to stop him, Chu Li deliberately said, "You don't want to thank me? Fine then... I'll find someone else..."

Before he could finish his sentence, both his hands were held down.

Jing Baiyuan's tone intensified slightly, "Don't mess around!"

Chu Li broke into a smile.

After their playful banter, they delved into more serious matters. Jing Baiyuan said, "Recently, we've been assigned a new task. We're to oversee the colonization of Haiyun Star... Yes, that's the planet where a conflict erupted with the Alliance last time. It has since been officially reclaimed and named."

Chu Li asked, "Was that when you got injured?"

Jing Baiyuan nodded. "Yes. But with us stationed on the planet, your working environment will be much more comfortable."

After all, humans were accustomed to having their feet on solid ground. Jing Baiyuan himself felt uneasy after spending too much time floating in space.

Naively, Chu Li inquired, "If you're all stationed on the planet, won't there be no work left for you?"

"What are you thinking about?" Jing Baiyuan smiled, casting a glance at him. "Minor clashes with interstellar pirates occur daily. After you come over, it'll be quite busy."

Chu Li nodded, half-understanding, and held his hand tightly. "It's alright, I'm prepared."

Author's Note:

I forgot to wish everyone a happy National Day yesterday qwq;

I'm such an idiot with zero memory.

Let's make up for it today. Belated happy National Day to everyone, and happy birthday to our motherland.