Edited by: Decembery

After they were done settling the documents, Duan Jiayan followed Fu Yuan home. 

Fu Yuan could see the exhaustion evident in his brows and studied his injuries in slight distress. Only after she was assured that Duan Jiayan was not badly hurt did she tell him to go to bed early.

After Duan Jiayan went to his room, Fu Yuan called up someone she knew.

She wanted to ask, how would Qiao Nan be prosecuted. Thinking back to the things he did back in his freshman year, Fu Yuan’s grip tightened around the phone.

If he wouldn’t be able to be jailed for a few years and get released once again… 

She had to think of a solution to stop Qiao Nan from harassing Duan Jiayan.

After making a few calls, someone told her that the nature of Qiao Nan’s crimes were very severe and it was likely that he’ll be punished heavily for it.

Fu Yuan was relieved after hearing that Qiao Nan would be jailed for 10 years and be monitored for life, plus he would be isolated the moment he shows any inclination of wanting to show up in front of Duan Jiayan.

The person on the phone subtly told her that someone was already taking care of this matter and to not worry.

After hanging up the call, Fu Yuan suddenly recalled.

Today at the police station, the person who was having his statement taken down along with Duan Jiayan, seemed to have the surname Lu.

By the time Lu Xingci got home, it was already very late.

When he entered the living room, he saw Jiang Yao watching a drama. She was in her pyjamas and looked very laid back. 

Jiang Yao usually paid close attention to her health, and would typically go to sleep around 10.30pm. Lu Xingci was surprised to see her, “Still not going to sleep?”

Aunty Shu smiled, “Madam was waiting for you to get home.”

Jiang Yao saw him and motioned for him to come closer, “Let me see if you got hurt.”

Lu Xingci smiled and sat by Jiang Yao to let her take a closer look at him. After making certain that he was free of injuries, she said, “You have the scent of Omega pheromones on you.” 

He boldly agreed, “It is my classmate’s.”

Jiang Yao smiled too, “The same classmate that got drunk last time?”

“You can tell by the smell?”

Jiang Yao nodded. 

“I took a look at his details,” Her tone as she spoke was soft and gentle. “His pheromones have the scent of freesias? That’s a rather pretty flower, if it is planted in autumn, it should bloom by November or December. I want to grow a few stalks at home.”

“Mom,” Lu Xingci couldn’t help but ask. “Can you grow plants?

“There’s Aunty here to help me,” As she spoke, she suddenly thought of something. “When you go over to visit your grandmother tomorrow, apologise to her nicely. She already could not see you for half a month, and now she still couldn’t see you on her birthday.

Lu Xingci gave an ‘En’ in reply. 

“Your sister Yuan Yuan was also making a fuss this evening, saying how she wants to see her gege,” Jiang Yao gestured with a smile. “That child is also quite cute. I took care of her since she was a small child, now she’s a slender little lady.”

Lu Xingci met her teasing stares and asked hesitantly, “Isn’t she still a little brat?”

“A brat huh.” She said as she stood up. “You boys, it is still better to be around others your age I guess, there will be more common topics to talk about.”

After instructing him to go to bed earlier, Jiang Yao returned to her room. 

As he watched her leave, Lu Xingci thought back to her words and he narrowed his eyes, his gaze darkening.

Freesias?

Funnily enough, after all this time, he only knew that Duan Jiayan’s pheromones smelled like flowers, yet was not aware of what flowers it was.

Monday, in school. 

Over the weekend, Fu Yuan had informed Duan Jiayan that one of his classmates had most probably found someone that could help ensure Qiao Nan got punished heavily for what he did, and to be sure to thank them for their help.

As she spoke, she noticed Duan Jiayan absent-mindedly agreeing with what she was saying and said, “Why don’t I make a trip to your school and treat your classmate to a meal to thank him. We really troubled them over this matter.”

Vtf kjr j iba wbgf atbgbeut lc tfg atlcxlcu, rtf xcfk atja Gejc Aljsjc’r mijrrwjaf kjr jc Ciqtj, ktlif Gejc Aljsjc tlwrfio kjr jc Ywfuj. Snfc atbeut atf batfg qjgas wluta cba atlcx la lr cfmfrrjgs, la lr ralii cb ubbv ab bkf rbwfbcf j ojnbeg ilxf atlr.

Gejc Aljsjc lwwfvljafis rabqqfv tfg, “Ktfgf’r cb cffv wbw, la’ii ibbx abb rfglber lo sbe kfgf ab ub ab ws rmtbbi. Pa kbc’a yf abb jqqgbqgljaf P atlcx?” 

Fu Yuan looked at him suspiciously.

Duan Jiayan saw her hesitating and immediately started blabbering nonsense. In his heart, he thought it’d be best to stop Fu Yuan first before anything else, “Our class president, his personality is very nice. He’s pretty much the perfect student and never causes trouble. If you were to go to school and look for him,  what if he gets frightened off by you?”

He was worried he did not sound convincing enough and added, “Really, he loves helping others, we’re only missing the words “If you have trouble, look for class president” written on his forehead.”

After talking he belatedly realised that he might have gone a little overboard and coughed softly in his heart. 

Fu Yuan did not buy his nonsense but after thinking about it, also felt that her making a journey to school might only make things more awkward, “Fine, then you be sure to thank them nicely.”

Duan Jiayan released the breath he was holding in, “Relax, I’ll be sure to give him my thanks.”

Once he got to school, Duan Jiayan remembered Fu Yuan’s orders. So the first thing he did after entering the classroom was to see if Lu Xingci was around.

As he arrived at school a little later, Lu Xingci was already in his seat. After spotting him, Duan Jiayan pulled up a chair and sat down. 

”Lu Xingci.” He called to him. “Did you find someone to settle the matter regarding Qiao Nan?”

Duan Jiayan was used to acting like this. After all this time they have known each other, he now did not treat Lu Xingci as an outsider. As he turned around, he placed both his arms on Lu Xingci’s table and propped his face up with a hand before looking at him with open eyes.

Frankly, this was not appropriate behaviour as Alphas are notoriously territorial. If Duan Jiayan was a little more attentive, he’d have realised no one really did such a thing at Lu Xingci’s desk.

Lu Xingci’s gaze swept across Duan Jiayan’s pale wrists and nodded, “He’ll be monitored after leaving jail. He’ll be stopped by the police if he has any plans of getting close to you.” 

“Thanks by the way,” After hearing what Lu Xingci said, Duan Jiayan realised that the other person really did him a big favour. He rubbed his nose and met the other’s dark gaze, “Then erm, are you free in the afternoon? I want to treat you to a meal.”

He paused before adding on, “To express my gratitude.”

Lu Xingci looked at him in amusement. Duan Jiayan got the feeling that Lu Xingxi’s mood was rather good and, upon hearing the other’s agreement, added, “What do you feel like eating? Or is there anything you do not want to eat? Last week someone told me of this Jiachuan restaurant near the school that’s not bad, let me ask where it is……”

“I’m okay with anything, you go ahead and decide.” 

Duan Jiayan was pleased to see him so amenable. He made a sound in agreement and turned back around.

After asking about the address of the restaurant and getting a worry off his shoulder, Duan Jiayan felt a little tired.

He was still in his heat and so was rather fatigued these few days.

He slept through two classes only to be awakened by the loud dismissal bell. 

His whole being felt groggy.

“Son!!!” Shen Chilie shouted over from the door of Class Ten’s classroom. “Quickly come over!!! Let father see if you are safe and sound!!!!”

Not many were aware of what happened with Qiao Nan but they more or less have heard rumours of a Fu Zhong student coming around to cause trouble only to be caught and taken away by the police.

Shen Chilie was talking to Duan Jiayan over the weekends when the latter decided to tell him about everything that had happened before. When he found out that Song Yi knew about what Qiao Nan did in freshman year, he strongly admonished them for not keeping him in the know. 

“I’ll go find him for a fight? Am I that much of an idiot?” Shen Chilie was extremely displeased when he found out the reason for them not telling him. “Before beating him up, I won’t know to put a bag over his head?”

Duan Jiayan was spacing out and did not hear him shouting. He silently wondered what fool was screaming outside like a ghost when Song Yi nudged him, “Shen Chilie’s looking for you.”

Duan Jiayan did not even raise his head, “Tell him to get lost.”

By the time he finished talking, Shen Chilie was already by the back door. 

Duan Jiayan’s table was right by the back door. After hearing Duan Jiayan’s heartless words, Shen Chilie did not get angry, he even laughed, “Stop sleeping, are you a pig?”

Duan Jiayan raised his head to retort, “Why is there a pig in front of me speaking human words? How miraculous.”

Shen Chilie, “……”

Shen Chilie, “Duan Jiayan can you talk a little nicer?” 

He continued, “Come on, let’s go play some basketball. Our class is lacking a few players and I told them about how fierce you are, that you’re able to take on five players by yourself.”

Duan Jiayan was praised to the high heavens by himself. He might as well go okay since he had nothing to do in class anyway. He stood up and rolled his wrist around, “Let’s go. Today I’ll show you what it means to be called Master of Slam Dunks.”

Lu Xingci’s seat just so happened to be right by the back door. If Duan Jiayan wanted to leave, he’d have to pass by Lu Xingci.

The boy’s long legs were firmly planted to the ground. At the moment, Lu Xingci looked a little bored and was watching the conversation between Shen Chilie and himself with a casual expression. 

Duan Jiayan said, “Lu Xingci, let me pass.”

Lu Xingci glanced at him and just when Duan Jiayan thought the other would move their leg, the boy’s lips moved slowly instead, “No.”

“Don’t make a fuss,” Duan Jiayan thought Lu Xingci was just playing with him and patted him on the shoulder. “Hurry up, the bell is about to ring.”

Lu Xingci still refused to move. 

Shen Chilie watched all this happen from outside the classroom and turned to look at Duan Jiayan, with a gaze as if he was deep in thought.

Seeing as words weren’t of much use, Duan Jiayan decided to just brace himself on Lu Xingci’s shoulders to cross over his legs.

For a second, Shen Chilie could see Lu Xingci raising his eyebrows, indescribable emotions flashing past his eyes.

He had a weird feeling that the other wanted to just bring his knee up to force Duan Jiayan to sit on his lap. 

But Lu Xingci ultimately did no such thing. He kept his legs and asked in a casual tone, “Skipping class again?”

“Exactly,” Duan Jiayan laughed. “I’ll come find you for lunch.”

Lu Xingci smiled in response, “Sure.”

Seeing this, Shen Chilie could only feel that his hunch was entirely impossible and shook his head. 

After they left, the back door was shut once again.

It was now physics class, the teacher was going through difficult physics questions. Students that understood the problem were all being attentive while those that did not were day ing.

Chen Yue belonged to the group that was daydreaming, he daydreamed to the point where he started getting a little sleepy. His eyelids felt heavy and his head kept nodding, he was about to fall asleep—

“Chen Yue.” Lu Xingci called. “Are you tired?” 

Chen Yue gave a yawn, “A little. I can’t understand what’s going on, the teacher’s words are just too hypnotising.”

Lu Xingci made a sound in reply, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

After a while, he suddenly turned around, “Since you are so tired, want to go out to play?”

Chen Yue perked up after hearing this. He asked excitedly, “Internet cafe or basketball?” 

“Basketball,” Lu Xingci said. “It’s been a week since we last played, let’s move around a little.

Chen Yue was also more inclined to play basketball. He whipped out his phone and asked as he typed out a message, “Then let me call a few more people.”

After the lesson was over, they left through the classroom’s back door. Yi Zhong’s basketball court was empty. Just as a boy wanted to enter the court, Lu Xingci stopped him, “Wind’s too strong, let’s use the indoor one.”

Standing there, the boy could feel the chilling autumn breeze, he immediately agreed. 

In the indoor basketball court. Duan Jiayan was waiting for Shen Chilie to return.

After playing for a whole lesson, someone suggested for them to take a break. Shen Chilie had gone to the vending machine to buy Cola. When he got back, Shen Chilie smoothly brought a can of icy cold Cola to Duan Jiayan’s face.

He laughed as Duan Jiayan shrank back from the cold.

Duan Jiayan raised a brow, just as he was about to settle scores with this ignorant little thing, he suddenly felt like someone was watching him. 

He turned around and saw Lu Xingci, Chen Yue, Zhou Xingchen, as well as some other boys from class ten.

There were quite a lot of people. Those not in the know might even think they were here to smash the place up.

Zhou Xingchen saw him and happily shouted, “Duan Jiayan! You’re here too!”

Duan Jiayan opened a can of Cola and took two steps forward, “You guys are here to play basketball too?” 

Zhou Xingchen, “That’s right. Chen Yue was sleeping during class, then he felt that it was not right to just keep on sleeping and so pulled us all out.”

Chen Yue, “……”

Duan Jiayan turned to Lu Xingci, “Mister Class President, you’re skipping class too?”

Lu Xingci looked at him for a moment, not bothering with the taunts in his eyes, “Learned it from you.” 

Duan Jiayan smiled, his eyes curving up, “That can’t do, why can’t you learn the good stuff?”

As he finished speaking, he suddenly thought of something, “But this works too, I won’t need to head back to the classroom to look for you then. After we’re done playing basketball, we can head to eat straight away .”

Zhou Xingchen heard what he said and bounded over, “What what? What meal are you eating?”

Chen Yue also turned over to look at them curiously. 

Duan Jiayan said, “I’m treating him to lunch.”

Zhou Xingchen, “Why? Why aren’t you treating me too?”

Duan Jiayan looked at the confused Zhou Xingchen and recalled this fool also had busied himself the whole night looking for him, even accompanying the both of them to the police station to take down their statements. So he felt that it was only right to ask Zhou Xingchen along.

Thinking of this, his gaze fell on Chen Yue and Shen Chilie. He felt that the more people came, the merrier. If it were only Lu Xingci and him, things might start to get awkward while eating. 

With that thought in mind, Duan Jiayan turned to Lu Xingci and asked uncertainly, “Why not… let’s all eat a meal together?”

Lu Xingci lowered his eyes and looked at him.

Duan Jiayan was not very adept at understanding Lu Xingci’s emotions. More accurately, Lu Xingci was not one to wear his heart on his sleeves, one usually would not be able to completely tell what he was thinking.

He had single eyelids which made his gaze always look aloof and a little fierce. 

Lu Xingci studied him for a moment before turning away.

“I’m fine with anything.” He spoke lazily, as if his mind was elsewhere. “I’ll go with your wishes.”

The place to dine was the Jiachuan restaurant Duan Jiayan had chosen.

This Jiachuan restaurant was very popular. By the time they arrived, the first floor was completely full and so the staff brought them to a private room on the second floor. 

Duan Jiayan sat on Lu Xingci’s side. Aside from Duan Jiayan, Shen Chilie was not familiar with anyone else and so automatically sat by Duan Jiayan’s other side.

Duan Jiayan did not forget the reason for this meal. Menu in hand, he let Lu Xingci order his dishes first.

Lu Xingci looked at the menu and was about to ask Duan Jiayan if there was anything he did not like to eat when the latter’s arm accidentally knocked on his bowl.

Because of this, the chopsticks that were on Duan Jiayan’s bowl slipped down and fell to the floor with a clean ‘clang’. 

After playing basketball for most of the afternoon, Duan Jiayan was feeling rather lazy. And so, he very familiarly reached out to pull on Shen Chilie, “Quickly go get me a pair of chopsticks.”

Shen Chilie was also lazy to move, “You unfilial son, what are your long legs? Just to look good?

Duan Jiayan, “Are you going or not?”

Shen Chilie, “Call me daddy and I’ll consider.” 

They were caught in a deadlock.

A soft but crisp sound rang out. A pair of new chopsticks had been placed on Duan Jiayan’s bowl.

Lu Xingci had given him his pair of chopsticks.

Duan Jiayan froze, “You don’t need it?” 

“You use it.” The boy said expressionlessly before pulling out his chair to stand up. “I’m going to go smoke a cigarette and get another pair of chopsticks along the way.”

The author has something to say: Go smoke a cigarette to calm down first.

–

Tea: They’ve not even ordered their food but someone’s already eating vinegar ohoho