Chapter 17 2/2

This student is unwilling to go on stage and would rather give up the scholarship. The backstage instructor anxiously asks, “As a needy student, why insist on this? Is this money more valuable than your life, or are you letting those below you benefit?”

Jiang Li apologises, “I’m sorry, but I have my reasons.”

Principal Zhang isn’t concerned with formalities; having experienced war, he values a simple life. Some comrades fell on the eve of order restoration, leaving only memories and heavy archives in the library.

“The scholarship will be deposited into his account on time. Does it matter if he goes on stage?” Principal Zhang concludes firmly.

Jiang Li salutes as soon as he sees the principal. Meanwhile, he senses a faint smell of gunpowder.

Forty years ago, Zhang, a top Alpha, dominated the interstellar scene. Jiang Li, with enhanced senses after differentiation, now detects the principal’s pheromones.

Is Cen Lang a more formidable Alpha than the principal? If so, how did he become a relatively unknown agent, important enough for the space force to issue an official notice?

Unable to discuss much in front of students, Principal Zhang shoots a stern look at Cen Lang and leaves.

Once impressed by young Cen Lang’s pheromones, Principal Zhang now considers it a waste of emotion.

As the principal walks away, Cen Lang openly states, “We just had a spar upstairs, and he lost.”

Jiang Li remarks, “But you’re injured.”

Cen Lang replies, “Superficial wounds. His are internal.”

Principal Zhang remains silent.

As noises from the administrative building’s second floor indicate the dispersal of the meeting, Jiang Li looks at Cen Lang and says, “Can you wait for me here? I’ll return your coat.”

Cen Lang agrees.

Jiang Li obtains keys and lab instructions from the vice dean and heads towards the dorms with Cen Lang.

“Wait for me downstairs,” Jiang Li instructs.

Cen Lang suggests, “I’ll go up and get it. There’s no need for you to make another trip.”

“Sure.” Jiang Li, adhering to his cleanliness habits, purchases cooking tools but refrains from buying a frying pan due to his aversion to cooking odours in the dorm. Cen Lang effortlessly lifts the rice and rice cooker, asking, “Planning to cook for yourself?”

Jiang Li: “Hmm, I like congee.”

Dorm 505 doesn’t mind roommates bringing Alphas or Betas, but generally, Omegas avoid dorms with Alphas. Jiang Li recalls inviting Cen Lang for a meal, but with these basic ingredients…

Cen Lang: “You mentioned treating me to a meal. Can I join you tonight?”

Jiang Li thinks for a moment and agrees, “Sure.”

He starts cooking rice, skips raw meat, and instead goes to the neighbouring dorm of food connoisseur Liu to buy a can of abalone.

Liu hands over the can and says, “It’s delicious. Please enjoy.”

Jiang Li declines, “No, it’s too expensive.”

Having seen Liu’s online review praising the freshness and safety of the three thousand-yuan abalone can, Jiang Li transfers the money. He calmly returns to the dorm with the can, prompting a look of “you must be rich” from Liu.

The congee for two, with minimal water and rice, boils in five minutes. Jiang Li adds frozen vegetable bits and abalone, letting it simmer.

He patiently waits for the meal, and Cen Lang, treated with care, feels right at home.

Cen Lang surveys the dorm, inferring the majors and personalities of some roommates. One bed is vacant but not entirely vacated, indicating a partial move-out.

The dorm is clean and odourless, sparking thoughts of “That empty bed on D bunk looks tempting.”

The rice cooker beeps, and Jiang Li opens it to the aroma of abalone and vegetable congee. He serves most of the abalone to Cen Lang without hesitation.

Cen Lang: “I don’t need so much.”

Jiang Li: “It’s fine. After a seafood feast, I need digestive pills.”

Cen Lang suggests, “Then save some for a midnight snack.”

Jiang Li frowns.

Cen Lang: “Okay, eat as much as you want. I’ll take care of the rest.”

Jiang Li sighs; he didn’t plan for such an expensive meal, but the circumstances have changed.

Cen Lang might be the other father of the child.

Cen Lang has treated him to two meals.

Though Jiang Li consumes the food, it indirectly benefits the child.

Cen Lang indirectly forms a nurturing relationship with the child.

The child is his alone, and he must prevent the formation of this risky relationship.

“Do not eat Cen Lang’s food anymore; settle the bill for two meals.

Jiang Li’s eyes lit up slightly. “Bring another bowl.”

Cen Lang contemplated the empty bowl, and Jiang Li found him surprisingly… kind?