Chapter 83 Suggestion

Chapter 83 Suggestion

As soon as Qi Yanshen returned, he saw Chi Yan and Ji Anzhi together, with Chi Yan practically stuck to Ji Anzhi. Didn't he know betas and omegas should keep their distance?

He handed the prize he had just received directly to Ye Qiming, instructing him to distribute it according to their previous discussion.

Then, with a clear target, he headed straight for Ji Anzhi and Chi Yan. Seeing the two still chatting animatedly, a wave of jealousy from someone seemed to fill the air.

"Student Chi Yan, there should be distance between betas and omegas."

Hearing the voice, Chi Yan knew it must be that deadpan face who coveted Chief Ji!

Turning around, it was indeed Qi Yanshen, that deadpan face. Chi Yan slipped smoothly behind Ji Anzhi, his tone weak and manipulative: "Chief Ji and I are just friends. Is Chief Qi misunderstanding something?"

The act was so strong that even Ji Anjue, who had been brought out to watch the drama, could sense it. He teased Ji Anzhi in his mind, calling him a total heartthrob.

He even cheekily reminded Ji Anzhi to be careful of getting into a messy poly situation. Ji Anzhi silently threatened him, asking if Ji Anjue wanted to play with the Zerg.

After putting Ji Anjue in his place, Ji Anzhi looked at Chi Yan hiding behind him and sighed helplessly. Then he turned to Qi Yanshen and said, "Chi Yan was worried I was injured and came specifically to check on me."

Not everyone thinks like you do.

This time, Qi Yanshen clearly countered: "So what if I'm misunderstanding? I *am* pursuing Ji Anzhi."

This time, Ji Anzhi was impressed. Had Qi Yanshen finally caught on? He was actually articulate today.

Come to think of it, this was the first time he had felt so clearly that the person in front of him was indeed pursuing him.

Chi Yan also didn't expect the deadpan face to be so blunt. Were his previous inarticulateness and cluelessness all an act? He really was a scheming alpha up to no good!

Chi Yan pretended to be confused and puzzled, tilting his head slightly. Even Xiao Bai, hidden around his neck, stuck out its head and tilted its snake head like Chi Yan.

"But Chief Ji hasn't agreed, right? And even if Chief Ji agreed, Chief Ji and I are still friends. What's the big deal? Is Chief Qi that narrow-minded?"

The department chiefs from various grades watching nearby barely kept a straight face, especially the first-year freshman chiefs. They hadn't joined the internal network yet and didn't know about last semester's events. They were shocked, and they pricked up their ears to listen to the gossip.

An alpha pursuing a beta but not succeeding, with an omega in the middle? Talk about spicy gossip!

Qi Yanshen's expression remained unchanged as he calmly admitted: "Yes, I am very narrow-minded. So, Chief Chi, could you please let go?"

His words made Lu Yan, who had just arrived, look at him with newfound respect. When did his childhood friend learn to speak like a human? How rare.

Chi Yan, however, latched onto the first part of Qi Yanshen's statement and sneered sarcastically: "So Chief Qi has such a clear understanding of his own position? How insightful of him!"

Turning to Ji Anzhi, he softened his tone again, leaning close to Ji Anzhi's ear and saying: "Chief Ji, look how narrow-minded he is. You must never agree to be with him. Who knows what he'd do if you ever want to break up with him later!"

Chi Yan spoke just loud enough for Qi Yanshen, Lu Yan, and a few other alphas nearby to hear clearly.

Qi Yanshen's face turned cold. He really disliked Chi Yan, this omega. He had never seen such a manipulative omega before.

Ji Anzhi didn't know what to say. Chi Yan's words weren't wrong; he had considered this issue himself. But saying it so blatantly, Chi Yan was probably asking for trouble.

Worried that the two would become bitter enemies, Ji Anzhi quickly tried to mediate: "No, no, Qi Yanshen isn't that narrow-minded. He's usually very polite and kind to others." He then turned to Qi Yanshen and said, "Chi Yan has a bit of an aversion to alphas. Don't take it to heart."

In front of Ji Anzhi, the two locked eyes for a second and then tacitly 'reconciled'.

As for in private? 'Turbulent' was an understatement.

"Is that so? I misunderstood Chief Qi then."

"Mhm."

They both answered Ji Anzhi simultaneously. Ji Anzhi could also sense their surface-level reconciliation, but there was nothing he could do. It seemed he needed to find a time to accept Qi Yanshen's pursuit; stringing him along too long wasn't good for him.

And as for Chi Yan, his excessive hatred towards alphas was an attitude that, in the end, would only hurt him.

Just as the atmosphere among the three eased slightly, Chi Yan wanted to take Chief Ji away, absolutely not giving Qi Yanshen a chance to whisk him off.

"Chief Ji, shall we go eat together?"

Ji Anzhi agreed. Qi Yanshen's reaction today was very abnormal. Logically, he would probably try to persuade Ji Anzhi not to eat with Chi Yan, or silently walk away. Today, however, he had the nerve to ask directly: "Can I join?"

Chi Yan almost blurted out, 'Do you have any shame?'

Ji Anzhi gave Chi Yan a questioning look. Chi Yan immediately pretended to be scared, shaking his head cautiously.

The movement was slight, but not only alphas, even omegas would think he looked pitiful.

This made Shi Lan and Navis, who were watching the drama from a distance with binoculars, click their tongues. What kind of manipulative omega was this? The act was so over-the-top it was overwhelming even from a distance.

While watching the gossip-filled drama, Shi Lan also felt a bit guilty. Chi Yan's manipulative tactics seemed to have been learned from her... She had to make sure that secret never got out!

Just as Ji Anzhi was about to refuse Qi Yanshen, Qi Yanshen spoke first: "I won't disturb you. Give me a chance, okay?"

Qi Yanshen was, after all, the Commander's descendant. It was the first time he had been so deferential in public. Ji Anzhi didn't want to make him lose face, so he agreed: "Alright then. But control your pheromones; there's an omega present."

Qi Yanshen indicated that was no problem. When Ji Anzhi wasn't looking, Chi Yan shot a glare at the deadpan face. Qi Yanshen ignored it calmly.

Arriving at the third floor of the cafeteria, Lu Yan and Jian Fuxu also came along to order food. However, this time they didn't sit with Qi Yanshen. After ordering, they found another table.

Ji Anzhi, Chi Yan, and Qi Yanshen took their meals and sat in a corner. The atmosphere was visibly tense; calling it a battlefield wouldn't be an exaggeration.

As soon as they sat down, Chi Yan revved up his engine, ready to annoy the deadpan face. He took a piece of crispy, fragrant roasted meat and asked Ji Anzhi in a soft, sweet voice: "Chief Ji, this is especially delicious. Would you like to try some?"

Ji Anzhi couldn't possibly be unaware of Chi Yan's little scheme. He politely declined: "No need. I don't eat much anyway. You eat it."

Being refused didn't upset Chi Yan. He just nodded and ate it. Anyway, his little performance was over. The deadpan face wouldn't get his turn to show off now.

Qi Yanshen also realized this. Remembering the potion his father had sent him yesterday, he immediately took out the medical box containing the potion and handed it to Ji Anzhi.

"This is the new generation potion my father developed. It's even better for your health."

Ji Anzhi knew Qi Yanshen's father was impressive, but was he this impressive? Developing another new generation potion?

Ji Anzhi wasn't going to turn down help for his health. He took the potion and thanked him.

Looking at that medical box, Chi Yan immediately thought of the potion Chief Ji had given him last semester and lowered his gaze.

It seemed Qi Yanshen wasn't completely useless... How annoying! Was he just relying on having a good father?

Chi Yan sulked alone. Ji Anzhi, learning through Ji Anjue that Chi Yan was sulking, couldn't help but find it amusing. How contradictory.

After the meal, Ji Anzhi excused himself, saying he had other matters to attend to, and left first, leaving Chi Yan and Qi Yanshen in a staring contest, neither backing down.

"Don't you think your actions are causing trouble for Chief Ji?"

Chi Yan broke the silent atmosphere first, questioning the alpha before him.

Qi Yanshen looked directly at Chi Yan and said: "Ji Anzhi agreed to let me pursue him."

"Then are you sure it's not because Chief Ji is worried about upsetting you?"

"Yes, but I also have the right to pursue him, right? Besides, if he really has no feelings for me, I'll take the initiative to give up."

Seeing that Qi Yanshen wasn't budging, Chi Yan was furious. All he could do was leave with one last remark: "Then I hope Chief Qi can keep his word and not end up with egg on his face."

He immediately got up and left afterward. He didn't want to stay with that stone-faced alpha any longer. Alphas are nothing but trouble!

After Chi Yan left, Qi Yanshen quickly finished his meal and found Lu Yan and Jian Fuxu to ask where they were going in the afternoon.

The final decision was to return to the dorm. In the hovercar, Lu Yan couldn't hold back his curiosity and asked Qi Yanshen how he suddenly became so smooth. Had he finally wised up?

Qi Yanshen gave an unexpected yet reasonable reply: "I followed some advice from my little brother and my dad."

Lu Yan understood. Given his buddy's natural lack of emotional intelligence, it was impossible for him to have figured it out on his own. Someone must have helped.

Lu Yan patted Qi Yanshen's shoulder in encouragement. "Go for it. You're the first one of us to actually have a crush! Don't slam the door shut before it's even opened."

Qi Yanshen didn't feel like responding.

Just as Qi Yanshen and the other two returned to the dorm, Ji Anzhi was still inside the Star Eagle, continuing the modifications. Ji Anjue was chattering incessantly in his mind, which was unbearably annoying.

Because of the Star War incident, Ji Anjue now dared not log back in. Recently, he had been indulging in various foods, novels, and TV dramas, which opened up a whole new world for him, making him act like a hormonal teenager.

'Tsk tsk tsk, an A and an O fighting over a B, plus those omegas from the medical department who keep trying to kiss you... I really think you need to protect yourself. They talk about NP online; don't end up like that.'

Ji Anzhi gave a strained smile. "Ji Anjue, how about we drop out tomorrow and hit the road, huh?"

'Did I say something just now? You must have misheard.'

Coward.

Ji Anzhi silently thought to himself, continuing to modify the blueprint with his hands while planning the metals he needed and the associated costs.

But it was still far from enough. He needed at least 200,000 credits to modify the Star Eagle according to his sketches.

Ji Anzhi gently rubbed his temples. This problem would have been easier to solve before, but yesterday, when selling the Energy Tanks, someone who wasn't referred by anyone else snapped up his Energy Tank.

Ji Anzhi immediately sensed something was off. He now knew the initial trail of his goods, so he couldn't help but worry whether the military academy suspected him. That buyer yesterday, who came without a referral, was a wild card.

He was confident that his third-generation self-destruct program wouldn't reveal any clues, but there's always a possibility. One shouldn't rely on luck; it's better to assume the worst.

Thinking of this, Ji Anzhi remembered something. Couldn't Ji Anjue read minds? He was so close to the stage today during the opening ceremony; maybe Ji Anjue gleaned some useful information?

"An Jue, during this morning's opening ceremony, did you read the memories of the people on the stage?"

Ji Anjue, who had been secretly reading a novel, was called out and thought he had been caught, flustered. 'Huh? What did you say?'

Ji Anzhi patiently repeated himself. Learning that he wasn't being scolded for reading novels, Ji Anjue relaxed. 'I did. Why?'

Pulling up pictures of the principal and vice-principal, Ji Anzhi asked, "Did you read the memories of these two?"

Ji Anjue glanced and said, "I only read the male alpha's. There was a strand of powerful mental energy around that omega; I was worried about being discovered, so I didn't try."

Ji Anzhi raised an eyebrow, zoomed in on the principal's photo, and asked again to confirm it was him.

After getting confirmation, Ji Anzhi asked how powerful that strand of mental energy was.

Ji Anjue seemed somewhat chagrined. After a while, he said it was only slightly weaker than his own. He could block the other party, but it wasn't a 100% success rate.

Having a rough estimate in mind, Ji Anzhi warned Ji Anjue, "Be more careful in the future. Keep your mental energy strands well hidden. The military academy is full of hidden talents. If you're discovered, be careful about being dragged off for dissection."

'Got it.'

Ji Anzhi continued to ask if the vice-principal's memories contained any suspicion about his little shop. Ji Anjue searched through his memory bank and replied a few minutes later.

"Seems like it. At first, they thought it was Jian Fuxu. They asked him and got a denial. Now they're looking for you, but his inquiry is more out of curiosity. It's a 'find if you can, forget it if you can't' kind of thing."

The last two sentences made Ji Anzhi's hanging heart settle. As long as it wasn't like before—relentlessly pursuing and investigating to the end—he really couldn't handle that.

Then the problem shouldn't be too big. He could continue selling Energy Tanks next month, but he needed to reduce the energy storage a bit more. He could list ten at once then, so the total revenue would still be substantial.

He worked until 9 p.m. before leaving the Star Eagle and returning to the dorm.

Going up to the second floor, he found Qi Yanshen still in the living room. According to Ji Anjue's explanation, Ji Anzhi learned he was waiting for him.

Before Ji Anzhi could say anything, Qi Yanshen walked toward him and handed him a small box he was holding.

Ji Anzhi looked at it—a white and pink box with a creamy fragrance. It was probably food, likely a gift from his pursuer.

Ji Anzhi accepted it with thanks. For a straight alpha to know to give food as a gift was pretty good.

Unlike that "Interrogation Psychology" book last time; he really couldn't understand the thinking of a straight alpha.

"The cookies inside are made by me. I've tried them; they're not bad."

Ji Anzhi looked up in surprise, repeating, "You made them yourself?"

Qi Yanshen nodded.

Ji Anzhi suddenly felt the cookies in his hand were somewhat heavy, and not just a little.

Cookies personally made by an alpha? How did he deserve this?

Ji Anzhi thanked him again, but this time he also asked if Qi Yanshen had gotten any burns or injuries. Learning he wasn't hurt, Ji Anzhi repeatedly advised that there was no need to do such things personally; it was easy to get hurt. The thought alone was enough.

Qi Yanshen replied without hesitation, "Those omegas make cookies and cakes themselves. Last year, more than half the fridge was full of them."

Ji Anzhi: "........"

So it's because of that?

How childish.