In an instant, countless gazes were cast upon them. Everyone started murmuring.

“Is there something wrong with Meng Yang? How could he say Jiang Ruotang is like an omega?”

“But… after he came back to school from being sick and hospitalized last time, there’s suddenly a fresh, particularly likable feeling about him?”

“That’s probably because he’s not clinging to Bai Yingchuan anymore, so he’s more pleasing to the eye!”

Jiang Ruotang knew in his heart that his differentiation into an omega would be discovered sooner or later. The first person was Lu Guifan, so it didn’t really matter to him who else found out after that.

His gaze was calm. Although he was a head shorter than Meng Yang, his aura made Meng Yang inexplicably feel guilty, as if to say: Is there something seriously wrong with your brain? Did you forget to take your medicine before leaving the house today?

But when Meng Yang thought about how, during the game, whenever his shot was blocked by Zhao Changfeng, this guy would whistle from the sidelines, looking so elated, it was damn blinding.

“Jiang Ruotang, you’re not revolving around Bai Yingchuan lately. Instead, you’re so enthusiastic about Zhao Changfeng. What… did you have a change of heart? Don’t like white birch fragrance anymore, fell in love with dark chocolate?”

“Huh?” Jiang Ruotang raised an eyebrow. His brain spun a few three-hundred-and-sixty-degree turns before he realized that “white birch fragrance” probably referred to Bai Yingchuan’s pheromone scent. He had thought it would be the standard cedarwood scent from ABO novels.

“Want to try my pheromones?” Meng Yang’s lips curled into a malicious smile, looking like a greasy villain from a cheesy drama.

“I’m not interested in the smell of a sewer.”

Just as Jiang Ruotang was about to slip out from under Meng Yang’s arm, he was blocked again. Damn it, is this guy ever going to stop?

Jian Sha, who was about to leave the storeroom, stopped in her tracks, turned around, and said coldly, “Meng Yang, don’t tell me you’re taking your anger out on our classmate just because you lost a game!”

Meng Yang turned and snorted, “You’re a beta, don’t meddle in things here!”

Hearing this, Jian Sha flared up. Not only did she not leave, but she strode up to Meng Yang. Even though she was like a skinny bean sprout in front of the tall and brawny Meng Yang, Jian Sha still lifted her head fearlessly.

“Just because you’re an alpha, you can bully the weak? What are you trying to do by cornering Jiang Ruotang here?”

Jiang Ruotang gave a thumbs-up to Sister Sha in his heart. No matter which world it was, Sister Sha was always so fierce.

Bai Yingchuan, who had come in to return a tennis racket, saw this scene, frowned, and was about to step forward to intervene when he was pulled back by Lin Lu.

“Yingchuan, don’t go. Meng Yang is reckless and has no bottom line. He’s a jock. What if he hurts you? Don’t you have an audition coming up?”

Bai Yingchuan glanced at Lin Lu. “After the game, you deliberately went near Meng Yang. Did you say something to him?”

Lin Lu’s heart skipped a beat. He never expected Bai Yingchuan to be so perceptive. He immediately put on a wronged expression and defended himself, “What could I have said to him… I just saw he was unhappy about losing the game and comforted him a little.”

“Is that so? I didn’t know you were so close to Meng Yang.”

After speaking, Bai Yingchuan quickly turned and left. Lin Lu thought Bai Yingchuan wouldn’t bother with this matter anymore, but who knew that Bai Yingchuan went straight to the grade-level office.

Cai Ji saw that the situation was not right. He immediately shielded Jian Sha behind him and said in a low voice, “Go get the class president, quickly.”

Upon hearing this, Jian Sha turned and left immediately.

Meng Yang unhappily poked Cai Ji hard on the shoulder. “What, haven’t been taught a lesson in a day, itching for a beating?”

Cai Ji’s throat moved. His gaze met Jiang Ruotang’s over Meng Yang’s shoulder, feeling his encouragement. If Jiang Ruotang wasn’t afraid of Meng Yang, why should he, an alpha, bow his head?

“Meng Yang, I think the innate advantages of an alpha should come with more responsibility, not bullying people. So many students are watching today, aren’t you ashamed at all? And you even offered to let Jiang Ruotang smell your pheromones. Are you trying to use pheromone threats?” Cai Ji asked coldly.

Jiang Ruotang applauded wildly for Cai Ji in his heart. The little lamb had finally stood up!

Meng Yang was losing face at this point. He grabbed Cai Ji’s collar and was about to throw a punch when Jiang Ruotang raised his voice, “Do you want to be banned from competing—”

That was truly the magic spell. No matter how impulsive Meng Yang was, hearing the words “banned from competing,” he froze.

But the idea that Jiang Ruotang might be an omega had taken root in Meng Yang’s mind. He was used to seeing Jiang Ruotang acting high and mighty, ordering people around like a young master. Even Zhao Changfeng had been belittled and mocked by Jiang Ruotang before. If such a person was an omega, he was destined to be conquered by an alpha. And how satisfying would it be if he was the one to conquer and control him?

As he thought this, his pheromones began to emanate uncontrollably.

The first to feel it was Cai Ji. Cai Ji looked at Meng Yang in disbelief. “You’re actually releasing pheromones in front of so many students?”

But Meng Yang curled his lips. “I’m in my susceptible period, I can’t control it. This is clearly an accident. The school can’t find a reason to punish me, right?”

The other students started murmuring.

“Damn, this is too shameless, isn’t it?”

“It’s so uncomfortable… I’m getting out of here…”

“I didn’t bring my inhibitor, I’m getting out of here too!”

Many students covered their noses and ran out.

Cai Ji frowned. He instinctively wanted to release his pheromones to suppress Meng Yang, but there were other omega students still present.

Meng Yang even shamelessly said to Cai Ji, “Cai Ji, don’t tell me you’re also in your susceptible period! Releasing pheromones randomly will get your parents called in!”

Cai Ji gritted his teeth. If he couldn’t afford to provoke him, couldn’t he at least hide? He walked over, lifted Meng Yang’s arm, and was about to pull Jiang Ruotang behind him.

Who knew that Meng Yang would stubbornly hold onto Jiang Ruotang’s shoulder and laugh, “Aren’t you a beta? You don’t react to alpha pheromones, so you can stay here and help me, your uncomfortable classmate?”

“I’m an omega, I can’t help you,” Jiang Ruotang shrugged and replied.

Now both Meng Yang and Cai Ji were stunned.

Cai Ji was surprised because hadn’t Jiang Ruotang been a beta from the first year to the second year of high school? Whenever a classmate had suddenly gone into their susceptible or heat period before, he would just watch from the side, never showing any avoidance.

Meng Yang was dumbfounded. He never thought Jiang Ruotang would just admit he was an omega like that. Was he serious, or was he just spouting nonsense to get away? There were still many beta students watching. For Jiang Ruotang to lie about being an omega just to escape, did he not care about his pride?

Jiang Ruotang couldn’t be bothered with all that. He forcefully tried to pry Meng Yang’s fingers off. He could already faintly smell Meng Yang’s pheromones. It was a somewhat pungent smell, like something burning, which caused a slight, dull pain in Jiang Ruotang’s nerves.

“You… are you really an omega?” Meng Yang still hadn’t let go of him.

“Yes, yes, yes, I am, I am! I can already smell your pheromones. It’s the smell of burning tobacco, right? Nicotine is toxic, can you let me go now?”

Meng Yang broke into a grin. “So it’s true? Your last hospitalization was because you differentiated?”

At that moment, he intensified the release of his pheromones. The smell of nicotine became even stronger.

Cai Ji’s face changed. “Meng Yang, don’t go too far!”

Just then, someone grabbed Meng Yang’s shoulder with immense force, pulling him away. Meng Yang stumbled and almost fell to the ground. With such strength, he thought it was Zhao Changfeng, but when he looked up, he met Lu Guifan’s extremely cold eyes behind his glasses.

“Are you okay?” Lu Guifan turned to look at Jiang Ruotang.

“I’m fine. It’s just that his pheromones make me nauseous…” Jiang Ruotang replied.

“Do you want to leave now, or do you want to learn pheromone defense?” Lu Guifan asked again.

Jiang Ruotang was startled and blurted out, “I want to learn pheromone defense!”

Lu Guifan came to stand behind Jiang Ruotang. Just like the first time he had taught him to control his pheromones, he covered his eyes with one hand and placed the other lightly on his shoulder. “Now, release your pheromones. As long as the concentration and range are sufficient, you can block the other party’s pheromones.”

Jiang Ruotang nodded. With Lu Guifan by his side, he released his pheromones without any hesitation. The scent of apple mint gradually enveloped the two of them, forming an invisible cocoon. No matter how spicy and irritating Meng Yang’s pheromones were, they seemed to be neutralized by this scent, unable to penetrate, and thus unable to affect Jiang Ruotang.

Lu Guifan said softly, “You’re doing very well. Omegas are not weak, nor do they necessarily need an alpha’s protection. You can protect yourself. The next time you encounter an alpha who randomly releases pheromones, just wrap yourself up like this.”

Meng Yang was initially feeling guilty, but when he found that his pheromones had no effect on Jiang Ruotang, the feeling of his pride being crushed made his anger skyrocket. His pheromones were blocked by a newly differentiated omega? Who did Jiang Ruotang think he was?

Driven by this mood, the concentration of Meng Yang’s pheromones suddenly increased, forming countless sharp daggers in the air, trying to pierce Jiang Ruotang’s barrier. This also made the nearby Cai Ji turn pale with fright. “Meng Yang, are you crazy?”

Jiang Ruotang remained motionless. Lu Guifan’s expression also didn’t waver. Instead, he leaned close to Jiang Ruotang’s ear and said, “Jiang Ruotang, can you feel where your hated pheromones are coming from?”

In the invisible world of pheromones, Jiang Ruotang could feel a place like a black hole, constantly releasing dagger-like black shadows that hammered at his brain, causing it to ache.

“I can.”

“However he hurts you, you return it in kind. Release your pheromones, condense them, and attack the core that is hurting you.”

Lu Guifan’s voice was calm, as if he were just explaining a key exam question to Jiang Ruotang.

The apple mint pheromones, which were originally non-aggressive, gradually condensed into an invisible form following Lu Guifan’s words. It was like a sharp spear, stabbing fiercely towards Meng Yang.

At that moment, Meng Yang’s heart felt as if it were being squeezed tight by a force, cutting off blood flow. A sharp, dull pain came from the gland on the back of his neck, shooting up his spine straight to his brain. The force of gravity seemed to increase tenfold at that moment. His body felt as if it were filled with lead, and with a crash, he knelt on the ground, stunning all the other students around him.

Lu Guifan moved his hand away from in front of Jiang Ruotang. The moment Jiang Ruotang opened his eyes, he saw Meng Yang kneeling on both knees, supporting his upper body with his hands. His back was heaving violently, and cold sweat, tears, and saliva flowed uncontrollably.

“He… what’s wrong with him…” Jiang Ruotang asked with concern.

“He’s suffering the consequences of his own actions,” Lu Guifan’s voice was devoid of any ripple. He felt no sympathy for Meng Yang.

Just then, Director Wang, Teacher Song, and the English teacher arrived. The thick, pungent smell of nicotine in the air made the English teacher, an omega, immediately cover her nose and take a big step back.

“What on earth is going on? Meng Yang, why are you releasing so many pheromones for no reason!” The English teacher immediately sensed something was wrong with Meng Yang and questioned him loudly.

Although Director Wang and Teacher Song were both betas, the pheromone detectors they carried were beeping loudly.

At this moment, Meng Yang wanted to defend himself, but his internal organs were still under intense pressure. He couldn’t even speak a complete sentence, only making dry-heaving sounds.

Zhao Changfeng also arrived then. As soon as he smelled the nicotine and heard that Jiang Ruotang had been cornered by the other party, he immediately felt an impulse to flip the roof off.

“Meng Yang, are you sick! If you’re not happy that I blocked your shot, you can challenge me to a pheromone duel! If I’m crushed by your pheromones and kneel on the ground, I won’t say a damn word! But you bullied Jiang…”

Zhao Changfeng pushed through the crowd of onlookers, but he didn’t expect the one kneeling on the ground to be Meng Yang. For a moment, he didn’t know what to say.

Just then, Jian Sha suddenly raised her hand. “I can testify that Meng Yang provoked first. He suspected that Jiang Ruotang’s hospitalization was because he differentiated into an omega, so he provocatively asked if he wanted to try his pheromones!”

Cai Ji also said to the teachers, “Jiang Ruotang admitted to him that he was an omega, but Meng Yang still refused to let him leave, saying he was just in his susceptible period so the school wouldn’t punish him!”

Meng Yang’s throat felt as if it were blocked, but he still said unwillingly, “You… you’re talking nonsense… lying… you’re with them… ugh ugh… you’re all in it together!”

But Cai Ji took out his phone. He had actually been recording the whole time. He played Meng Yang’s line, “I’m in my susceptible period, I can’t control it. This is clearly an accident, the school can’t find a reason to punish me, right?” The tone was malicious and laced with laughter, completely clear-headed, not at all like someone entering a susceptible period. Even after that, Jiang Ruotang had said he was an omega and asked Meng Yang to let him go, but Meng Yang’s relentless and malicious attitude was also recorded.

Jiang Ruotang clapped like a seal for Cai Ji in his heart. Cai Cai finally knew to save evidence when being bullied!

After listening, Director Wang was so angry his eyebrows were about to fly off. “Meng Yang, oh Meng Yang! You are the black sheep of the flock! The rat dropping in the pot of porridge! Where’s security? Security, get him to the hospital for me, and immediately test if he’s really in his susceptible period! If he’s not, the school will be waiting for his results to hold a meeting and discuss his punishment!”

Meng Yang’s legs were still weak. It took two security guards to painstakingly support him to even be able to walk.

To be on the safe side, Teacher Song still asked Lu Guifan, “What exactly happened with Meng Yang? Didn’t they say he was bullying Jiang Ruotang? How did he end up in that state himself?”

Lu Guifan explained unhurriedly, “At first, he wanted to use his pheromones to crush Jiang Ruotang and force him to submit. Coincidentally, Jiang Ruotang had just differentiated and hadn’t learned pheromone defense yet, so I took the opportunity to teach him. Jiang Ruotang learned very quickly and well. Meng Yang couldn’t take it and increased the intensity of his pheromone attack. Under such circumstances, defense is easily broken, so I could only teach him pheromone counterattack. Meng Yang reaped what he sowed, and that’s how he ended up in that state.”

Cai Ji immediately said, “I was here the whole time. I can testify that what the class president said is all true. Originally, I, as an alpha, wanted to use my own pheromones to confront Meng Yang, but doing so would violate the alpha code and constitute a public pheromone confrontation. But Jiang Ruotang, as the victim and the one being attacked, meets the criteria for pheromone self-defense.”

Teacher Song nodded. He trusted Lu Guifan. “Cai Ji, send your recording to the teachers later.”

“Okay,” Cai Ji nodded.

Zhao Changfeng raised his chin at Jiang Ruotang. “You’re pretty good! You actually made that guy Meng Yang kneel and beg for mercy?”

Jiang Ruotang scratched his ear and said softly, “That’s because the class president taught me well.”

Lu Guifan said calmly, “Having the ability to draw a sharp sword and whether to brandish it to hurt others are two different things. I believe you can balance and grasp the proper measure.”

Jiang Ruotang nodded. “Mm!”

This was Lu Guifan. He could have released his alpha pheromones to crush Meng Yang, but he chose to teach Jiang Ruotang self-protection. Giving a man a fish is not as good as teaching him how to fish; that was probably him.

When Jiang Ruotang walked out of the storeroom, many students crowded around him, many of them omegas.

“Jiang Ruotang, did you really differentiate into an omega?”

“Yes, I did,” Jiang Ruotang admitted frankly.

“Did you really take down Meng Yang with your pheromones?”

“I guess so. I didn’t expect to succeed either.”

“You’re so amazing, you’re practically a hero!”

Jiang Ruotang just smiled, then glanced at Lin Lu, who was watching from a distance. Lin Lu’s eyes were full of jealousy. He never thought that his original intention of instigating Meng Yang to test and deal with Jiang Ruotang would result in Meng Yang being so useless and instead letting Jiang Ruotang steal the show.

But when Jiang Ruotang’s gaze swept over, Lin Lu quickly composed himself and smiled at him, as if he greatly admired him.

But Jiang Ruotang walked straight up to him, his eyes having seen through all his despicable little schemes.

“If you’re not that happy for me, you don’t have to force a smile. After all, when you fake a smile, your apple muscles look particularly unnatural.”

Lin Lu’s eyes widened as he looked at Jiang Ruotang. “You… what are you saying…”

“Meng Yang told me it was you who hinted and incited him to mess with me. When I went to the microwave room to spray the inhibitor, the person outside the door was you, right? I smelled your pheromones.”

Hearing this, Lin Lu swayed.

“That’s not it, Ruotang, listen to my explanation… Meng Yang… after the game, I just told him that the friends around you seem to be high-level alphas… Heaven knows where his thoughts went…”

“Oh—” Jiang Ruotang tilted his head and looked at Lin Lu. “You’re not even close to Meng Yang, yet you crossed half the court to go to him and bring me up? You’ve really worked hard.”

Lin Lu’s mind raced, trying to think of how to explain his actions.

“Actually, Meng Yang didn’t say anything. With his brain, how could he realize you were using him? In the future, if you have any questions about me, please come and ask me directly. And also…” Jiang Ruotang glanced at Bai Yingchuan. “Whether you want to cling to Bai Yingchuan, like Bai Yingchuan, or possess Bai Yingchuan, that’s your own business. Don’t involve me. The one I like is, and only is, Lu Guifan.”

“Huh?” Lin Lu was completely stunned. What did Jiang Ruotang just say? Who did he like?

Lu Guifan, standing behind Jiang Ruotang, was also stunned. Who would have thought Jiang Ruotang could say it so frankly?

And Jiang Ruotang, as if nothing had happened, walked past Lin Lu.

After walking some distance, Lu Guifan finally spoke up, “You just said… who do you like?”

“I like you,” Jiang Ruotang turned back with a sly smile. “But, we can only start dating after the college entrance exams!”

Lu Guifan was completely frozen there. His hands, hanging by his sides, clenched and unclenched, then clenched again.

Afterward, Meng Yang was given a major demerit for pheromone bullying in the equipment room and was banned from competing for three games. They were just at the provincial finals stage, so being banned for three games was equivalent to losing his chance of being selected by provincial schools.

As for Jiang Ruotang, he was now experiencing the feeling of being admired by many students. Many omega students would specifically come to the window to see him, saying they greatly admired him.

Only, after Director Wang heard about Jiang Ruotang’s confession, he called him to the office, meaning that if he really had improper thoughts about Lu Guifan, he would have to separate them. Moreover, an alpha and an omega being deskmates would inevitably lead to mutual pheromone influence, which was certainly not good.

Faced with Director Wang’s questioning, Jiang Ruotang was now able to handle it rationally.

“Teacher Wang, Lu Guifan is excellent. He has good character, a sense of justice, and good academic performance. He’s also willing to help me improve. Isn’t it natural for me to admire him and have good feelings for him? Before, you were dissatisfied with me chasing celebrities, holding events, and getting other students addicted with me. Now I like Lu Guifan, so from now on, I will lead other students to learn from Lu Guifan. Isn’t this a positive and active influence? Liking an excellent person and becoming better because of him, what is there for you to worry about, Teacher Wang? Being liked by me won’t make Lu Guifan lose a piece of flesh, nor will he fall from being number one in the grade. You know that my professional courses are very good. If my cultural course scores go up a little, I can get into a second-tier university. If I work a little harder, a key art academy is not a problem. Are you really going to separate us and make me lose my motivation to be positive and upward? Me and Lu Guifan continuing to be deskmates is a win-win. Why must you separate us, making me restless in class and having to keep looking to see where he is? Isn’t that just affecting my studies?”

After being told this by Jiang Ruotang, Director Wang felt there seemed to be a tiny bit of truth to it.

The English teacher, after hearing Jiang Ruotang’s speech, also couldn’t help but laugh. “You have to prove to us that you have self-control. How about this, if you can improve by thirty places in the next monthly exam, and Lu Guifan is still number one in the grade, we will consider not separating you two. Director Wang, what do you think?”

Teacher Song also chimed in to help. “Seriously, Jiang Ruotang’s math has improved a lot since he became deskmates with Lu Guifan. Why don’t we look at the monthly exam results before deciding?”

Director Wang thought for a long time and said seriously, “Then we must have three rules—no fidgeting in class, no whispering in each other’s ears, no holding hands, making eyes, or kissing!”

“Yes, sir!”

Jiang Ruotang returned to his seat. This time, it was Lu Guifan who took the initiative to ask him, “Is Director Wang angry? If he insists on separating us, I can get a certificate from Dr. Yang stating that you need my pheromones for comfort.”

“It’s fine, I’ve already handled it. It’s just that from now on, I have to study hard. My goal is the Capital Academy of Fine Arts!” Jiang Ruotang showed a look of lofty ambition.

Lu Guifan looked at his profile, feeling relieved and at the same time thinking that this Jiang Ruotang was shining brightly.

“By the way, if I improve by thirty places in the monthly exam, can you give me a reward?”

“What reward do you want?”

Jiang Ruotang whispered, “Let me mark you on the back of your neck?”

Lu Guifan didn’t speak, but his whole face turned so red it looked like it was about to drip blood. Good thing Director Wang wasn’t on patrol, otherwise seeing Lu Guifan like this, he would definitely have separated them!

In order to realize his grand ambition of marking Lu Guifan, Jiang Ruotang spent his days and nights doing practice problems, memorizing texts, and learning vocabulary. Finally, he made a great leap forward in the monthly exam.

He pretended to go to Lu Guifan’s house for tutoring. He entered his bedroom, threw down his schoolbag, closed the door, and immediately pounced on his back, aiming for that slightly pulsating gland for a fierce bite.

Who knew that when he bit down, he bit his own tongue.

Damn, that hurts so much!

Jiang Ruotang opened his eyes and found himself lying in his bedroom in reality, with the familiar ceiling above him.

Aaaaaah! Why did I wake up at such a crucial moment! What kind of ABO is it without a mark!

Jiang Ruotang felt a sense of emptiness, like he had lost everything in an investment. He turned over and found that Lu Guifan, who usually got up every day to exercise, was still lying on his side, sleeping!

This was an opportunity not to be missed.

Like a hunter, Jiang Ruotang propped himself up behind Lu Guifan, lowered his head, leaned over, aimed for the back of Lu Guifan’s neck, and bit down swiftly.

“Hiss—” Lu Guifan’s shoulders and back immediately tensed. Realizing who was biting him, he quickly relaxed again, letting Jiang Ruotang’s teeth grind lightly and heavily. After a long while, Lu Guifan still hadn’t let go, so he raised his arm and ruffled his head from behind. “What are you doing?”

“Marking you!” Jiang Ruotang said unwillingly.

Lu Guifan chuckled lightly. “Is the marking done? Then shall I begin my marking?”

“Don’t bite me! It won’t result in anything!”

“Let’s proceed with the lifelong marking session.”

Looking at Lu Guifan’s all-knowing smile, Jiang Ruotang even suspected that it wasn’t his own dream, but actually Lu Guifan’s dream.

You dream of me, and I go into your dream to continue loving you.

We are dreaming the same dream.

May all lovers in the world have their beautiful dreams come true.