Extra 2: College Life (1) - Pay Attention to Me

Translator's Note:

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High school teachers are all liars.

 

This was the conclusion that Yin Che came to after finishing three final papers within a week.

 

University is not easy at all.

 

In high school, knowledge was just a matter of mastering certain content, but in university, everything has to be figured out and learned through personal exploration and inquiry, and there is no end to the knowledge that needs to be acquired.

 

He has been sleeping for less than six hours a week.

 

Jiang Yao, on the other hand, had a slightly easier time. As a law major, his classes ended a few days earlier, and the final exam was in written form, which he passed with almost a full score. Recently, he had a lot of free time and took the initiative to handle all the household chores.

 

The two of them lived in a rented apartment near the university. The place was naturally smaller than their homes, but it was more private, and no one would disturb them.

 

After typing the last word, Yin Che checked the rough draft of his paper from beginning to end, clicked the save button, and closed his laptop. He stood up from his swivel chair, feeling drowsy, and turned to pounce on the bed.

 

Jiang Yao grunted, and his phone fell out of his hand. He grabbed Yin Che's neck and said, "You're using me as a cushion?"

 

Yin Che lay on top of him, rubbing his cheek against his pajamas and murmured, "I'm so tired..."

 

Jiang Yao dutifully fulfilled his duties as a cushion and lay still, lifting his arm to massage Yin Che's neck, shoulders, and back. "Are you feeling better?"

 

"Mm-hmm..." Yin Che closed his eyes and enjoyed it. When he was touched on the back, he couldn't help but tremble a little. "Don't touch me randomly."

 

"Don't worry, I'm not that much of a beast. Rest well."

 

The pressure he applied with his hand on his back was just right, and it felt very comfortable. Yin Che relaxed all over, and asked casually, "What are you looking at?"

 

"Researching recipes, I'm going to make a healthy soup that helps with sleep and relaxation for you."

 

"Did you forget that you blew up the kitchen last week when you tried to boil some soup?"

 

"That was an accident. This time, I consulted an Omega classmate for advice, and he told me a lot of useful tips. I will definitely succeed this time."

 

Yin Che opened his eyes and said, "Oh, so you were chatting with another Omega."

 

"..." Jiang Yao quickly unlocked his phone and handed it over to Yin Che. "Here, take a look. Feel free to check it out and clear my name when you're done."

 

"Why are you so nervous? I was just kidding."

 

Jiang Yao breathed a sigh of relief. "I've noticed that ever since you started studying psychology, you've become more and more adept at playing with people's hearts."

 

"That's nothing compared to you, Mr. Perfect."

 

Two months ago, the Law Department held its annual debate competition, and Jiang Yao, a freshman, engaged in a fierce debate with a sophomore. His logical reasoning was impeccable and flawless, leaving no room for his opponent to counter, earning him high praises not only from the department's professors but also from the entire elite campus community. Now, he is known wherever he goes, and has been honored with the title of the university's new Male God.

 

Outstanding people shine wherever they are.

 

"You don't have to do anything for me. This is the last one. I'll go to the library tomorrow to find some references, make some edits, and it'll be ready to submit," Yin Che said as he leaned his ear against Jiang Yao's chest, listening to his heartbeat. "By the way, how do you want to celebrate your birthday this year?"

 

Jiang Yao's chest shook as he laughed, "Why do I have to come up with something myself? Shouldn't you prepare a surprise for me?"

 

Yin Che honestly replied, "I can't think of anything."

 

He had tried hard to come up with ideas, but he seemed to lack the innate sense of romance. He didn't have many good ideas, and he was afraid that Jiang Yao wouldn't like the ones he had come up with, so he decided to ask him directly.

 

"Let me think about it, but the question is, will you agree?" Jiang Yao asked.

 

Yin Che nodded, "I'll do anything."

 

"What if I ask you to shout 'Jiang Yao! I love you!' twice in front of the whole university through the school's broadcasting station?" Jiang Yao asked with a smile.

 

Yin Che fell silent.

 

A chuckle escaped from Jiang Yao's lips as his body shook with amusement. "Are you willing, Che Ge?" he teased, recalling the time when the latter had boldly confessed his feelings in front of the entire school. "You've already done it once, so it should be a piece of cake now, right?"

 

He always brings up that incident to tease me. He needs to learn some manners...

 

"Jiang Yao," Yin Che's lips parted slightly. "I love you."

 

"..."

 

Jiang Yao instantly froze, with half a laugh stuck in his throat.

 

"Like this?" Yin Che asked, looking up at him.

 

The rise and fall of the chest below seemed to intensify, and Jiang Yao's hands, which were massaging his back, stopped and circled around his waist. "I'm sorry, don't tease me, Che Ge."

 

His voice was low and revealed a hint of shyness.

 

Yin Che's cheeks flushed slightly, "Oh, forget it then."

 

"Never mind, say it again." Jiang Yao changed his mind. "One more time, look at me and say it properly. This is what I want for my birthday present, and I don't want anything else."

 

"We'll talk about it on your birthday. Think of something else first," Yin Che flipped over and got off him, pulling the blanket over himself, and turning his back to Jiang Yao. His body was abnormally hot, "I'm going to sleep. Good night."

 

Jiang Yao grasped his shoulder and pressed him down. He lowered his head and said, "My pheromones are already out of control, so I'll take the hit and suffer the consequences."

 

Yin Che wanted to argue, but he couldn't match wits with Jiang Yao's quick tongue.

 

Whether it was in abstract or concrete terms.

 

The library was crowded at the end of the term, and many people were occupying seats with their books, but their owners were nowhere to be seen.

 

Yin Che carried his notebook computer and walked around in circles twice, unable to find a seat. He was thinking about going back to the dormitory when he saw a male classmate waving at him.

 

It was a classmate from the same department, called Xu Wei, who seemed to have been in the same dormitory as him, but he didn't stay in the dormitory and moved to an off-campus apartment when school started. They had only had a few exchanges during classes and were not very familiar with each other.

 

Xu Wei was an Alpha, looked sunny, and personable. He called out to Yin Che to come over and sit down: "The person next to me just left, and I happened to see you when I looked up."

 

With a grateful nod, Yin Che pulled out his chair and placed his notebook and newly borrowed book on the table. He then opened his notebook and began to revise his thesis. The spot he had chosen was perfect, located near the floor-to-ceiling windows with plenty of natural light that made it an ideal study space.

 

After a while, he suddenly noticed someone approaching from the right.

 

Xu Wei leaned over and asked naturally, "How's your thesis on social psychology coming along?"

 

Yin Che avoided him nonchalantly as he moved slightly to the left and replied, "It will be finished soon, I can hand it in this afternoon."

 

"So fast? Isn't the deadline the day after tomorrow?"

 

"I have something coming up in two days, so I need to prepare."

 

"What's the matter?"

 

Xu Wei seemed to have a penchant for probing deeper or perhaps a personality that lacked social awareness, as he would likely continue to question him if he did not receive a clear answer.

 

"My boyfriend's birthday," Yin Che told him.

 

Xu Wei was taken aback and leaned closer, asking in a hushed voice, "Your boyfriend... is Jiang Yao from the Law department?"

 

Their relationship wasn't a secret, but they also didn't go out of their way to tell their classmates. When some people noticed them frequently coming and going together on campus, the news spread and was eventually confirmed by Jiang Yao. However, as the message traveled from person to person, errors inevitably crept in, and many people ended up assuming that they were just high school classmates who rented an apartment together.

 

Perhaps the fundamental reason for this misconception was that they didn't seem like a couple to others.

 

History always repeats itself.

 

Xu Wei also belonged to the group of people who did not quite believe it. "Really? How did you two get together?"

 

Yin Che frowned. "We've been together since high school. Do you think I don't deserve him?"

 

"No, no, no, that's not what I meant." Xu Wei quickly denied it and retreated to his original position. "You are such a catch that anyone would be lucky to be with you. When school started, many people came to our department to inquire about you."

 

Yin Che sat up straight and continued typing on his keyboard. "Really? I didn't know."

 

"Of course, you didn't know. You always leave right after class and don't live in the dorm. so others can only come to us to ask about you... Oh, I've digressed. Let's get back to the topic. I was just surprised because it seems like you two... aren't always together? I rarely see you two eating together, and today you're also alone..."

 

If this is what qualifies as a couple, then these two must be the most emotionally distant couple in the entire school.

 

Yin Che replied, "The law school is near the East Cafeteria, and our department is close to the West Cafeteria. Plus, our class schedules don't align, so there's no need for him to purposely ride a bike for ten minutes just to eat with me."

 

Jiang Yao had more classes than him, and if he came over to eat and then went back, he would have little time left for his lunch break. Anyway, after returning home in the evening, they always stay together, so it's not a big deal to skip this one meal together during the day. Jiang Yao actually had a big opinion on this matter and often complained that when they were in high school, they were together all day, but now they only have the evenings, and their time together has been cut in half. He even wished to attend psychology classes together every day but he stopped him from doing so.

 

If this isn't considered clingy, then what is?

 

Xu Wei closed his book and turned to Yin Che, saying seriously, "What's wrong with that? If my omega looked as good as you, I would definitely keep an eye on him all the time. What if he's snatched away by another Alpha? Jiang Yao seems to be the kind of person who is particularly high and mighty, and you'd always have to indulge him. He won't ever come and indulge you..."

 

"..." Yin Che was embarrassed to say that when he got up this morning to brush his teeth, Jiang Yao stood behind him with messy hair, holding him and kissing his neck and ears like a cute dog, asking him, "Baby, would you like to have me when you come back tonight?"

 

High and mighty? Bullshit.

 

He just puts on that cool, studious facade when he's at school.

 

"He trusts me," replied Yin Che, feeling a bit annoyed and wanting to end the conversation quickly. But Xu Wei kept on talking, "Even if he trusts you, can you really trust him? He's so handsome, there must be a lot of people pursuing him."

 

Yin Che closed his notebook and turned his head to look at him, "What do you want to say?"

 

"I just feel that he's the type who's better suited for a romantic fling than a lifetime commitment... Oh, look there quickly! See, I was right." Xu Wei suddenly pointed outside the window.

 

Yin Che followed his finger and looked out through the floor-to-ceiling window. Between the library and the teaching building downstairs, he saw Jiang Yao and another guy standing in the corridor.

 

The guy was much shorter than Jiang Yao, with fair skin, big eyes, and a cute look. At the moment, he was looking at Jiang Yao blushing, holding a handbag with no logo that looked like a gift bag. It was not clear what was inside.

 

"I know that guy. He's also in the law department and his name is Zhou Jin," Xu Wei said, "Look at Jiang Yao, he already has you, but he still accepts gifts from other Omegas."

 

"He wouldn't accept it," Yin Che retorted.

 

However, the next second, he was slapped in the face.

 

He saw Zhou Jin standing on tiptoe and beckoning Jiang Yao. Jiang Yao bent down and bowed his head. Zhou Jin said something into his ear., and Jiang Yao's face instantly turned red. He looked happy, hesitated a bit, but finally reached out to take the handbag, and it seemed as though he mouthed the words, "Thank you, I really like it."

 

As they walked away, side by side, Xu Wei clicked her tongue and said, "That Male God of yours is truly popular. And yet you still trust him?"

 

"I trust him." Yin Che withdrew his gaze and said lightly, "Our private affairs are none of your concern."

 

Xu Wei laughed sarcastically, "Okay... then I wish you both happiness."

 

"Thank you."

 

Yin Che guessed what Xu Wei was up to, but such tricks did not work for his relationship with Jiang Yao. They had been through so much, how could they fight over such a small matter?

 

What a joke.

 

"What did he give you?"

 

With a loud thud, Jiang Yao tumbled and managed to steady himself, rubbing his shoulder and grimacing as he got up, "Ouch... it seems to be dislocated."

 

"I didn't even touch you. Stop pretending, and just come clean."

 

Jiang Yao was acting strange today. When he was cooking dinner, he was giggling to himself in the kitchen, and the chicken soup he was simmering almost overflowed.

 

Upon returning to his apartment, Yin Che roughly scanned the area but couldn't find the gift bag, as if it had been hidden away. He straightforwardly asked Jiang Yao what Zhou Jin had given him, but Jiang Yao's face changed suddenly and he didn't immediately confess. He hesitated and said, "It's nothing, just some small things..."

 

There must be something fishy.

 

"It's really nothing." Jiang Yao still tried to defend himself, "It's because my birthday is coming up, and he gave me a gift. Since I didn't find it practical, I put it away."

 

"Even if it's not practical, because it's a gift from someone who cares, you should still use it," Yin Che retorted.

 

Jiang Yao hesitated, "Are you sure? Should I really use it? It doesn't feel right..."

 

Yin Che confronted him, "I'm sure. Bring it out."

 

Jiang Yao suddenly relented, "Okay, it's in the wardrobe. You can go get it."

 

Something's not right...

 

Perplexed by the sudden change in his attitude, Yin Che headed to the bedroom and searched through the closet. As he pulled aside the clothes, he spotted the gift bag right away, placed in a conspicuous spot on the middle shelf.

 

Despite his doubts, Yin Che knew he had to figure out what was going on. He took out the gift bag and opened it, lowering his head to peer inside.

 

The next second, he quickly closed the bag, put it back in its original place, and closed the wardrobe.

 

He'd pay a fortune to replace his now sullied pair of eyes.

 

"Why did he give you this? Did you ask him to buy it for you?" No wonder this guy was so happy when he received the gift during the day.

 

Jiang Yao raised his hand, "It's a misunderstanding. How could I dare to ask him? Maybe it's because I often say that you're as cute as a little rabbit, so he gave me these things. I didn't expect it either. He seems pretty innocent, but his thoughts are so..."

 

"So, does it suit your taste?" Yin Che pushed him away, "I don't need it. Put it wherever you want."

 

Jiang Yao grabbed his hand and said, "Che Ge, you're not keeping your word. You just said we had to use it."

 

"You deliberately tried to trick me, so it doesn't count."

 

"Why are you like this... It's my birthday. Can't you agree to such a small request?"

 

Any unreasonable or whimsical request, when coupled with "It's my birthday," seemed difficult for him to refuse.

 

Yin Che stopped in his tracks and, under his compelling gaze, finally gave in, "Not for your birthday... but maybe during my rut."

 

During his mating season, he wouldn't be in his right mind, and his sense of shame would be reduced. Any action he took would seem reasonable, so he might as well just go wild.

 

Jiang Yao calculated that it was only a little over ten days away and agreed readily, "Okay, I'll wait."

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