Chapter 23 “How to Be ‘Friends’ with Him”

Chapter 23: “How to Become ‘Friends’ with Him”

Andrew returned to the man’s side, his spirits utterly crushed.

Seeing Andrew radiating gloom, the man asked with amusement, “What’s wrong? Did the Little Madman from the Jian family pick on you?”

Andrew shook his head. “No.”

The man pulled him down to sit, comforting him. “Tell your big brother what’s going on. Don’t be scared.”

Andrew remained anxiously silent—but the man didn’t press him, waiting quietly instead.

After a while, Andrew lowered his head dejectedly and whispered, “I wanted to ask Chief Ji to be my private tutor, but he refused.”

The man arched an eyebrow. Was that all?

He patted Andrew’s shoulder, offering guidance. “Put yourself in his shoes. Your chief is a beta. You may look bookish and frail, but you’re still an S-class alpha—physically mismatched from the start. Besides, I heard he comes from a small country. If anything happened during tutoring, he wouldn’t be able to defend himself. Isn’t it perfectly reasonable for him to refuse?”

“Don’t take it too hard. If you really need to ask questions, I’ll give you some credits—consider it paid consultation.”

Andrew found this logic sound and silently agreed.

The man glanced at his younger brother and sighed with a wry smile, knowing exactly what he was thinking.

His brother’s entire world revolved around star charts—fascinated since childhood. Clearly, he lacked natural talent in this field, yet he persisted relentlessly.

So relentlessly that he studied nothing but star charts, caring about nothing else—not even knowing how to conceal his feelings. What if he were deceived or bullied in the future?

But with the Glenoth family’s influence, he believed Andrew would never be bullied. Should anyone dare, he’d immediately issue them a one-month treatment pod experience voucher. So, he might as well boldly pursue what he loved.

After lunch, only Jian Fuxu had no afternoon classes, so he took an automatic hovercar back to the dorm.

Ji Anzhi headed to the classroom early to review that morning’s material. Qi Yanshen and Lu Yan also arrived early at their respective classrooms.

Both Qi Yanshen and Lu Yan were assigned to Class One—and since they’d chosen identical courses, they shared the same classroom.

The moment Lu Yan sat down, he squeezed in beside Qi Yanshen and grinned, “Are you *that* afraid the Glenoth family will poach him away?”

Qi Yanshen shoved the crowding Lu Yan aside and replied in his usual tone, “The Second Legion isn’t short on Star Chart Department personnel. The Third Legion is different—I’m simply being cautious.”

Lu Yan let out a few surprised sounds, then sighed thoughtfully.

“Then why don’t you get closer to Ji Anzhi? You’ve had less contact with him than either I or Jian Fuxu have.”

Qi Yanshen: “…”

He coldly retorted, “I just haven’t figured out how to initiate contact.”

Seeing Qi Yanshen like this, Lu Yan felt that if Qi Yanshen relied solely on himself to win Ji Anzhi over to the Third Legion, it was more likely Jian Fuxu would someday accept an alpha’s pheromones.

Sighing, Lu Yan resignedly rummaged through his space bracelet and pulled out a book titled *How to Become ‘Friends’ with Him*.

Reasoning that, since the book was stored in his space bracelet, it must be useful, he handed it to Qi Yanshen. “Read this. Take the initiative to befriend him—don’t wait until you finally act, only to find he’s already chosen a side.”

Qi Yanshen remained silent, accepted the book, stored it in his own space bracelet, and resumed reviewing that morning’s material.

Lu Yan found his prickly attitude highly amusing—muttered a few quiet complaints before beginning his own review.

The afternoon passed swiftly. After class, Qi Yanshen even dragged Lu Yan to the mecha training room for sparring.

He defeated Lu Yan so thoroughly that Lu Yan loudly regretted ever giving Qi Yanshen that book!

On the way back, Qi Yanshen subtly applied pressure—making Lu Yan yelp in pain and insist on walking home alone.

Once inside the dorm, Lu Yan shot Qi Yanshen several dirty looks and eagerly dashed upstairs.

On the second floor, both Jian Fuxu and Ji Anzhi were busy—so there was no housekeeping robot cooking. Exhausted from the day, they headed straight to the third floor to shower and rest.

After showering, Qi Yanshen opened the book Lu Yan had given him.

He flipped through a few pages.

[How to Approach for the First Time]

[First, understand the other person’s hobbies—for example, places they frequent. Once you know, you can “coincidentally” run into them, pretending it’s accidental to lower their guard and increase favorability…]

Coincidental meetings in the dorm?

[Also, their dietary preferences. Seize opportunities to observe their food choices—or ask people around them.]

Ji Anzhi probably liked fruit—he bought it often.

[Understand their general family background. No need for depth—just a broad overview. Talking about family helps build rapport.]

That could work—as long as parental positions weren’t mentioned.

Qi Yanshen closed the book. He’d read the rest later. First, he needed to figure out how to engineer a “coincidental” meeting.

He felt such meetings weren’t realistic. Today he’d learned Ji Anzhi had audited numerous department courses. Aside from inevitable daily encounters in the dorm, he truly had no idea where else Ji Anzhi might go.

And even if he did, he might not have time to “coincidentally” show up…

Then he should start by learning the other’s dietary preferences.

…

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The next morning

Ji Anzhi came downstairs at 6:40.

Glancing into the kitchen, he saw Qi Yanshen was already there—standing before the refrigerator, seemingly pondering its contents.

Noticing Ji Anzhi enter, Qi Yanshen asked naturally, “What would you like to eat?”

Since the housekeeping robot would cook anyway, Ji Anzhi replied casually, “Sandwiches, I think. I remember there are probably still ingredients.”

Qi Yanshen instructed the housekeeping robot to prepare four servings of sandwiches—and retrieved the Snow Honey Peaches Ji Anzhi often bought.

“Want some?”

Ji Anzhi sensed something slightly off about Qi Yanshen today—but couldn’t quite place it. He nodded. “Sure, thank you.”

Qi Yanshen peeled and sliced the Snow Honey Peach, placing it before Ji Anzhi with unusual gentleness. “No need to thank me. We’re roommates.”

Ji Anzhi smiled and nodded. He didn’t eat the peach immediately—waiting until after finishing his sandwich before taking a few pieces.

Naturally, Qi Yanshen picked up and ate the remaining slices Ji Anzhi couldn’t finish. Ji Anzhi apologized, “Sorry—I couldn’t finish them. Next time, just put them in the fridge; I’ll eat them when I come back this evening.”

Qi Yanshen frowned, lecturing him. “Fruit is best eaten fresh. Leaving it in the fridge too long encourages bacterial growth—eating it isn’t good for your health.”

Ji Anzhi was intimidated by Qi Yanshen's stern attitude and nodded obediently to show he understood.

This was the scene that greeted Jian Fuxu and Lu Yan when they came downstairs.

Jian Fuxu didn't say anything about it; what Qi Yanshen said was indeed correct—fruit left in the refrigerator for too long isn't good for health.

Lu Yan, however, caught on that Qi Yanshen was actively trying to approach Ji Anzhi and shot him a look of exasperation.

Who tries to befriend someone by lecturing them?!

If Qi Yanshen wanted to recruit Ji Anzhi to the Third Legion, they had their work cut out for them...

The three of them headed to class in a strained atmosphere. Along the way, Ji Anzhi kept feeling furtive glances drifting toward him from Qi Yanshen and Lu Yan.

This put Ji Anzhi on edge. Could they have picked up on something? That shouldn't be the case...

He made his way to the classroom anxiously, only for Andrew to spot him upon entering. Andrew's eyes lit up, his gaze intense and burning.

Ji Anzhi—

Is it too late to drop out now?

...

Finally, the bell rang. Ji Anzhi mustered his beta-level speed to sprint away, leaving Andrew and the others behind.

Are there no normal alphas in the Star Chart Department? Can't they just ignore me?

Ji Anzhi dashed to his next class, hoping not to encounter such overzealous alphas again.

The next class was a first-year Starship Design Department course.

After entering the classroom, no one bothered him. Ji Anzhi peacefully settled in to study and review materials.

Next door to this classroom was a Starship Combat Department course, which Qi Yanshen, Lu Yan, and Jian Fuxu had chosen to audit.

Lu Yan hadn't gotten a chance to question Qi Yanshen during class, so he seized the opportunity after class.

Lu Yan: "So your way of approaching someone is to lecture them?"

Qi Yanshen shot him a glance. "Fruit left in the refrigerator for a long time really isn't good for health. I wasn't wrong."

Lu Yan was left speechless.

He sighed, his voice low. "Qi Yanshen, you're supposed to recruit Ji Anzhi to the Third Legion, not lecture him like your kid brother..."

Jian Fuxu, listening in, realized that Qi Yanshen had been trying to show goodwill to Ji Anzhi that morning. He looked at Qi Yanshen with a puzzled look.

You show goodwill by lecturing someone?

Both of them had long noticed Qi Yanshen's intention to recruit Ji Anzhi to the Third Legion. Rushing things yesterday was bad enough, but today he was still acting like this?

Caught in the middle, Qi Yanshen remained silent.

It really wasn't his fault. He had never been around this type of beta before, and Ji Anzhi's personality reminded him of many omegas in his social circle. Plus, Ji Anzhi bore a resemblance to those omegas, so he had unconsciously treated him like his own omega younger brother...

After a moment of silence, Qi Yanshen spoke up.

"So what should I do?"

This gave Lu Yan a headache. Trying to help his friend out, he suggested, "How about we all go shopping in Commerce City this weekend? You can buy him something and treat him to a meal?"

Jian Fuxu looked at Lu Yan as if he were an idiot. "Ji Anzhi is the top-ranked student. He eats for free at the cafeteria, and he gets a monthly subsidy of 500 points. He has no use for that. Besides, that's how you woo someone."

Lu Yan sighed, looking skyward. "Then what should we do?"

Jian Fuxu: "I don't know."

Qi Yanshen: "..."

Silence fell.

Three alphas discussing how to befriend a beta—if anyone overheard, they'd be stunned.

When class started again, the three still hadn't come up with a good idea. They could only let Qi Yanshen wing it for now.

During the break, Lu Yan suggested asking a beta for advice.

Qi Yanshen and Jian Fuxu both shot him identical looks of concern.

The whole school probably knows our identities by now. If we go ask a beta, it'll be all over the main feed by tomorrow. Do you think Ji Anzhi would see it?

Lu Yan met their gazes, thought for a moment, and realized the issue. He scratched his head and chuckled awkwardly.

If this doesn't work and that doesn't work, his buddy was on his own.

After class, Qi Yanshen texted Ji Anzhi to ask where he was having lunch.

"Ji Anzhi: The cafeteria. I have another class this afternoon."

Qi Yanshen frowned. Had Ji Anzhi chosen that many electives?

His schedule seemed packed.

Qi Yanshen ventured, "I remember the Star Chart Department only has one required course, right?"

Lu Yan answered, "They only have three to five department classes per week."

A schedule enviably light.

Qi Yanshen didn't say anything more. He left the classroom, planning to text Ji Anzhi to ask where he was.

Before he could send the message, he bumped into Ji Anzhi coming out of the neighboring classroom, holding a notebook.

Lu Yan spotted Ji Anzhi and hurried over to greet him. "Ji Anzhi! You're taking Starship Design courses too?"

Ji Anzhi turned to see Lu Yan approaching. He replied with a smile, "Yeah, I'm interested."

Lu Yan marveled. "You Star Chart students have so much free time! I've only taken a few electives."

Ji Anzhi reassured him, "It's not about the quantity; mastery is what matters."

Qi Yanshen and Jian Fuxu walked over.

Qi Yanshen inquired, "Do you really like starships?"

Ji Anzhi wasn't sure why he was asking but gave an ambiguous reply. "I'm interested, but I wouldn't say I'm extremely fond of them."

Qi Yanshen nodded. Interested. He had mentioned wanting to join an exploration team before, and his actions in Mech City showed he liked starships. This was a good angle to approach him on.

The group made their way to the cafeteria. With Jian Fuxu present, no one dared to get too close to them, so the way was clear.

They once again ordered and dined on the third floor. Halfway through his meal, Ji Anzhi spotted Andrew approaching again. He was at a loss for words.

*Dude, you're an S-rank alpha. Can't you stop asking me for tutoring and problem-solving help?*

Andrew stopped in front of their table once more, but this time he was accompanied by a man—the same one he had eaten with yesterday, likely a high-ranking upperclassman.

Andrew put on a pitiful look, his usually cool, handsome face now pleading. "Chief Ji, how about I give you two thousand points every month? Could you find time to help me solve problems?"

Ji Anzhi's first instinct was to refuse, but seeing Andrew's pitiful look—as if he had been bullied—he hesitated.

Seeing that Ji Anzhi didn't outright reject him, Andrew's invisible tail started wagging behind him. He pressed on, "Don't worry, I won't bother you too often later. You pick the times."

Seeing how persistent Andrew was, Ji Anzhi figured if he didn't agree, Andrew would probably keep pestering him. So, he decided to accept.

"I can explain problems to you, but there's no need for two thousand points a month. One thousand is enough. However, you can only ask me three questions per week. After all, I have my own things to attend to. Can you accept that?"

Upon hearing this, Andrew nodded frantically, his eyes sparkling. *Finally, he'd locked it down!*

Andrew glanced at his brother, who chuckled and introduced himself to Ji Anzhi.

"Hello, I'm Andrew's brother, Eveka Genos, a third-year chief in the Starship Combat Department. I'm sorry my brother has been bothering you. His persistence in this area has been a headache for our whole family."

Ji Anzhi had certainly felt his persistence. He'd turned him down at least three times already in just two days, yet Andrew kept inviting him.

Ji Anzhi shook his head and acknowledged, "He's very determined. I wouldn't call it a bother."

Hearing this, Eveka's opinion of Ji Anzhi shot up. Who doesn't like it when others praise their younger brother?

Eveka transferred one thousand points for the month, throwing in an extra two hundred for the trouble. He then politely bid farewell to the group and dragged his brother away to eat.