After Transmigrating as a Beta, I Got Messed Up with an Alpha (BL) - Chapter 28

Having finished his tasks for the sports meet in a single morning, Pei Yule found himself with nothing to do.

It was close to noon, so he and Huo Juan had lunch together. Because he had shaken off the Alpha’s hand in front of everyone earlier—which seemed like a major blow to the guy’s pride—and because he had already eaten many meals provided by Huo Juan, Pei Yule, who hated being in debt, waved a hand grandly and decided this meal was on him!

However, not wanting to be seen conspicuously with Huo Juan in the cafeteria, he went personally to order and pay with his own meal card. To show his sincerity, he chose a set menu so expensive it made him wince—one he usually couldn’t bear to buy for himself.

The Pei family was well-off; his mother was a section chief and his father was a head chef at a Michelin-starred restaurant. As an only son, while not filthy rich, he never lacked for clothes or food. Still, he felt like an intruder in someone else’s life, so he followed a strict rule of not wasting money, usually being very frugal. He had already decided that if he couldn’t return to reality by the time he started working, he would treat the original owner’s parents with the same respect as his own to repay them for raising him.

Since he was treating Huo Juan, he didn’t want the Alpha to overthink things by seeing two different sets, so he packed two identical meals and headed for the roof of the C-block school building.

Huo Juan had quite a few private territories; besides that empty classroom, this rooftop was also his exclusive spot, and usually no one came up here. Huo Juan had chosen the location, and though Pei Yule was a bit puzzled—Why come up to a rooftop to blow in the freezing wind?—Huo Juan had said something about it being “safer.” Pei Yule figured he had his reasons and didn’t argue.

Reaching the roof, Pei Yule held both packed sets in one hand and used his free hand to turn the doorknob.

He stepped out and didn’t see anyone at first. He walked around to the other side only to find Huo Juan in a spot sheltered from the wind. The tall Alpha was sitting cross-legged on the ground, his jacket cast carelessly to the side. He had been looking down, lost in thought, but he looked up as he heard footsteps.

Seeing his reflection in those deep, dark eyes, Pei Yule thought, This guy is pretty informal.

Actually sitting on the ground like that. He didn’t even use his jacket as a cushion. Well, he’s a guy, whatever. He can just stand up and dust himself off later. Pei Yule placed one of the meals in front of Huo Juan and said, “Here. I didn’t know what you liked, so I picked a set that looked pretty good.”

Pei Yule realized then that Huo Juan had picked a great spot; it was completely shielded from the wind. Nice, he knows how to pick a place. He sat down contentedly.

“Thank you,” Huo Juan said.

Seeing Pei Yule sit down cross-legged so naturally, Huo Juan lowered his head and began to unhurriedly open the bag and the meal covers. A rich aroma of meat wafted out. Huo Juan looked up to see Pei Yule already joyfully tearing open his chopsticks. When the lid came off, his eyes lit up at the sight of all the meat.

“I’m digging in!” Pei Yule said, happily stuffing a large mouthful into his mouth. His cheek puffed out as he chewed, looking like a hamster hoarding food.

Huo Juan’s gaze darkened slightly. Eating with Pei Yule always made the food seem more delicious. Like many boys, Pei Yule loved meat and wasn’t fond of greens. While not exactly a picky eater, a meal with lots of meat and few vegetables clearly made him happy. That day at the villa, he had chewed on spare ribs with the same gusto.

It wasn’t hard to cater to his tastes; the hard part was how to lead him home without him noticing.

Huo Juan lowered his brow and slowly picked up a piece of soft tofu.

Though Pei Yule was eating quickly, he was watching Huo Juan out of the corner of his eye. Seeing him chew every bite slowly, he thought to himself: As expected of a young master from a rich family. Though he had the reputation of being the “Tyrant of No. 1 High,” actually spending time with him revealed he was well-bred, elegant, and not at all crude.

While he had initially found him overbearing, that thought was gone now. Knowing the guy was only difficult because he was in physical pain made Pei Yule feel more sympathy than anger.

But… had he been too influenced by the novel? Huo Juan was a top-tier Alpha, but how did he look like a “tyrant”? That prankster Xu Yanxi was much more hateable. He seemed more like the tyrant…

Muttering to himself, Pei Yule finished the meal in a few bites. It really was the most popular and expensive set in the cafeteria; the meat was fragrant and juicy. Even after finishing, he wasn’t quite satisfied. This body was just eighteen, a growing age, and his appetite wasn’t small. Pei Yule licked his lips with a trace of regret.

I should have bought another set…

He glanced over and saw Huo Juan putting his chopsticks away. He was surprised. “You’re done?”

There was still so much left in the box! They were both seniors, around eighteen. For a guy this big, shouldn’t he be in a growing phase too? How could his appetite be so small? Come to think of it, Pei Yule remembered that during their lunch breaks, the guy didn’t seem to eat much then, either. But back then, he felt forced to be there and didn’t care enough to pay attention.

“…I’m eating,” Huo Juan said, seeing the shock in Pei Yule’s dark eyes. He gripped his chopsticks again and slowly put a piece of stewed meat into his mouth.

Why was he eating even more slowly than before? Pei Yule asked, “Is the pain starting again?”

Huo Juan had said the contact therapy only provided temporary relief. Nearly an hour had passed; the pain was likely resurfacing. Right, who would have an appetite when they’re in pain? No wonder he doesn’t eat much.

“It’s alright,” Huo Juan said, taking a mouthful of rice.

That “alright” didn’t sound convincing at all. He needed to be given a peaceful time to eat. Since Huo Juan was eating, it wasn’t a good time to grab his hand. Pei Yule thought about it, stood up, and moved behind Huo Juan. He sat down back-to-back, pressing his entire back against Huo Juan’s. He turned his head and asked, “Does this help a bit?”

“…”

Huo Juan paused. Pei Yule was wearing thick clothes and didn’t notice the Alpha’s spine stiffen for a moment. Pei Yule felt rather clever, saying, “Go ahead and eat. I’ll just lean here; it should make you feel a little better, right?”

“…Mm.” Huo Juan gripped his chopsticks. The food in his mouth now had no taste at all.

Pei Yule continued talking: “This pheromone disorder of yours is really a pain. We have to find a way to fix it…”

As he spoke, he let out a yawn. After a full meal and feeling the warmth of another person, it was very easy to feel sleepy. Plus, he had spent the whole morning doing archery; it wasn’t a sport that required zero stamina. Once he relaxed, his exhaustion caught up to him.

“It seems to have gotten much warmer now that it’s noon. This morning was freezing…”

Pei Yule hummed a bit. As time ticked by, Huo Juan’s chopsticks paused. He felt the back pressed against his—which had been straight—become more and more relaxed, eventually beginning to slide. He put down his chopsticks and turned halfway, catching Pei Yule’s slumped body.

Pei Yule leaned forward, his curly head landing on Huo Juan’s shoulder. His shallow breath fanned over the Alpha. In just a few minutes, he had fallen fast asleep.

Huo Juan lowered his eyelids, gazing at Pei Yule’s sleeping face.

Honestly… what a reckless guy.

Not long ago he was terrified, yet now he was relaxed enough to fall asleep in front of him. He didn’t know if the boy was just thick-headed or had no fear of death. Yet, Huo Juan couldn’t do anything reckless. If he scared him away now, all of today’s progress would be wasted.

Huo Juan stared at his face. His finger reached out uncontrollably, pausing just before touching him, then finally poking the boy’s cheek with a fingertip.

“Mmph?” Pei Yule frowned. His eyelids twitched, only to feel his eyes covered by a hand. A warm sensation came over him, a soothing feeling that encouraged him to sleep more comfortably. He was soothed and drifted back into a deep slumber.

Huo Juan covered Pei Yule’s eyes with one hand, leaving only the nose and mouth visible. Alphas and Omegas were born with superior looks; as a Beta, Pei Yule wasn’t “handsome” or “pretty,” but his features were very harmonious. It was a very comfortable face.

…I want to monopolize it.

The bright eyes were hidden by his palm, leaving only the straight nose and thin lips. Huo Juan didn’t move his hand. He stared at the naturally curved lips and slowly leaned down, inch by inch, closing the distance until he could feel the boy’s light breathing.

His dark eyes grew deep as he stared at those lips for a long time.

As time passed, Pei Yule felt his face being poked in his sleep. He didn’t feel it at first, but after a second poke, he started to wake up. Who’s being so annoying while I’m sleeping? He dizzily opened his eyes, only to find his vision was pitch black. Something was draped over his head. He reached up and felt the durable fabric; it was a jacket.

Now fully awake, he pulled the jacket down and sat up in confusion. “I fell asleep?”

“Mm,” the Alpha beside him replied. He had shifted a slight distance away. The jacket in his hand was clearly the one Huo Juan had been wearing earlier. Pei Yule checked the time and was shocked. “I slept for an hour?!”

The cheers from the playground, which had quieted for lunch, were roaring again. The sports meet had reached its peak.

“Mm.” Huo Juan stood up as he saw Pei Yule wake. “I have to go.”

Oh, right! This guy was in the 3,000 meters; it was time to assemble. He had stayed behind specifically for him to wake up… even though he could have left. Pei Yule felt a bit embarrassed. “It’s my fault for oversleeping. You won’t be late, will you?”

“No,” Huo Juan replied. Seeing Pei Yule still sitting there with his curls messy from sleep, his face flushed with a lingering drowsiness, he was silent for a second before asking, “…Are you coming to watch?”

The 3,000 meters—seven and a half laps. It didn’t sound like much until you had to run it. Most of the people on the track were Alphas, with a few Betas, but not a single Omega. Based on physical superiority, this was an Alpha’s domain.

Among the Alphas, Huo Juan and Xu Yanxi were the leaders. Since it was a mandatory event for Alphas, Shen Pin was also running, but given his personality, he would likely produce a mediocre result. If Pei Yule hadn’t read the book, he never would have guessed Shen Pin was also a top-tier Alpha. He was so low-profile that he wasn’t nearly as famous as the other two.

But Pei Yule understood why. Fei Yisa was an Omega; if he hung around a top Alpha every day, it wouldn’t affect Shen Pin, but it would definitely cause trouble for Fei Yisa. Just like himself—Huo Juan had caused him so much trouble that he had to set the “Three Rules” just to get his peace back.

Pei Yule was curious: if these three top Alphas actually competed seriously, who would win?

He soon had his answer. After two laps, three Betas were out. After three, six Betas and two Alphas left the track. After four, eight Alphas were gone. Now, at five laps, the leader was Huo Juan, whose breathing hadn’t changed at all. Xu Yanxi and Shen Pin were half a lap behind. Behind them were about twenty Alphas and three Betas.

At this moment, Pei Yule doubted if Huo Juan really had a pheromone disorder. He looked so stable; he didn’t look like he was in pain at all. His breathing was steady, and he controlled the entire race with his own rhythm.

The Alpha in the lead didn’t slow down. His white sportswear clung to his long frame. It was winter, but everyone was in shorts, revealing their calves. Huo Juan was tall and lean, not bulky, and his ankles were slender, but his calves were muscular and powerful. His shape was beautiful.

Every stride was deliberate. One of his steps was nearly two of anyone else’s. He finished the fifth lap and entered the sixth, followed by Xu Yanxi and Shen Pin, while others were still struggling on the fifth. Despite leading by a large margin, Huo Juan looked almost bored, as if he wasn’t trying at all.

Is that what a top Alpha is like? It really was enough to make anyone jealous. The other Alphas were clearly struggling, yet his breathing was unchanged!

Pei Yule stared at Huo Juan, then at Xu Yanxi and Shen Pin behind him, wondering if his information was wrong. He could understand Shen Pin hiding his talent to avoid the spotlight. But what about Xu Yanxi? Huo Juan was the one in pain; it didn’t seem right that Xu Yanxi couldn’t outrun him. The guy wasn’t panting or slowing down; could he be like Shen Pin, holding back for Huo Juan’s sake?

Just as he thought this, Huo Juan entered the seventh lap, followed by the other two. But Xu Yanxi slowed down after entering the seventh lap, eventually stopping the run entirely and just walking leisurely until an Alpha behind him overtook him.

Pei Yule realized the person who passed Xu Yanxi was Bian Chuan; he hadn’t recognized him in his shorts and shirt. Xu Yanxi, having dropped from second place, was overtaken by more Alphas and even the three Betas. Anyone could see he wasn’t being serious. What’s his deal? He ran seven laps only to stop with half a lap left.

Beep—!

The chime for the finish line rang out. Then, a wave of screams erupted across the field.

“Huo Juan is the best!!”

“Juan-ge, you’re so handsome!!”

“Juan-ge, take me!!”

“No, no, Lord Juan, I’m the one who’s ready, don’t be shy, take me!”

“Huo Juan, I’ll have your babies!!”

“Juan-juan, you’re so great! Mama loves you!”

The cheers were mixed with some rather… bold and rowdy phrases. Pei Yule glanced around and saw that it wasn’t just Omegas screaming—there were plenty of Betas and Alphas, too. If it weren’t for Huo Juan’s intimidating aura, Pei Yule suspected he’d have been swarmed and buried by the crowd the moment he crossed the line. This Alpha was popular across all genders.

He had clearly just heard an Alpha say he wanted to have Huo Juan’s children. Even though Alphas can’t get pregnant.

The results were in: Huo Juan was first. Second was Shen Pin, moving up from third since Xu Yanxi slowed down. Third was Bian Chuan.

The winner, having run seven and a half laps, was only slightly flushed due to his pale skin, but his breathing was calm. He didn’t stop immediately; instead, he slowed to a walk and headed straight toward Pei Yule.

No way! Pei Yule’s eyes widened. Huo Juan was walking closer and closer, until he could see the light sweat on his face. Hey, hey, hey! Everyone is watching! So many people are waiting for your attention, don’t come over here…

The Alpha couldn’t hear him. He kept walking until he was only a meter away. Perhaps because of the intense exercise, even the blocking agent couldn’t stop a trace of pheromones from leaking out. The cold cypress scent he hadn’t smelled for a while resurfaced, coiling around him silently.

The familiar scent made his limbs go soft. Pei Yule stood frozen, jaw dropping, thinking Huo Juan was actually going to do something to him—but the Alpha just walked past him toward the water station.

“…”

As the scent faded, his strength returned. Pei Yule rubbed his nose and turned around. He saw Huo Juan standing there, opening a bottle of mineral water and pouring it over his own head. Not satisfied with one, he opened another.

Splash! The water drenched his hair and his thin sportswear, dripping onto the ground. Huo Juan put the empty bottle down and raked his fingers through his wet hair, pushing his dripping bangs back.

Then, Pei Yule saw him turn his wet, handsome face and look straight at him.