Mo Han’s expression was rigid, momentarily robbed of words.
Iman was equally stunned, his eyes wide as saucers. “Luo Fei, are you kidding? You’re Mr. F? That system-faced teammate?”
Luo Fei smiled, nodding. “That’s right. You’re ‘Genius,’ Mo Han is ‘MH,’ Frank is ‘Handsome Only Three Seconds.’ We also have ‘Hunter’ in our squad, the one with amazing aim. We just cleared the Cambra Desert Nightmare Mode instance last week. Encountered snake swarms, falcon attacks, the works.”
The group: “…”
Reciting every teammate’s ID, detailing specific events from the instance… Luo Fei wasn’t joking. He was the man behind the generic system face, Mr. F.
Iman’s eyes nearly popped out. “It’s really you?!”
No wonder Mr. F had specifically asked if he was okay after the snake attack. Luo Fei knew he was afraid of snakes.
Luo Fei smoothly settled into the seat beside Mo Han. His voice was low as he asked, “Mo Han, are you angry that I approached you this way?”
Mo Han finally rebooted, meeting those deep, earnest eyes. Strangely, he found he couldn’t summon the anger.
If he was angry at anyone, it was himself. Why, oh why had he given Luo Fei a Gaming Pod for his birthday?!
He’d practically handed the man a perfectly packaged new avenue to get close to him—a holographic game.
Barely ten minutes ago, Mo Han had felt a wave of relief, believing he’d finally shaken off that persistent sticky candy. And now, not only was the candy still attached, it was clinging tighter than ever.
—Luo Fei had been by his side this whole time.
A chaotic storm of emotions churned in Mo Han’s chest, his face cycling rapidly between pale and flushed.
In all the time Frank had known Mo Han, the man had always been the picture of composed control. Seeing Mo Han’s face display such a complex, unguarded expression was a complete first. Frank’s gaze flicked to Luo Fei, bewildered. This Luo Fei was infinitely more handsome in person than any system face. Clearly, he’d used the default avatar in-game specifically so Mo Han wouldn’t recognize him. But what was his real motive for getting close to Mo Han?
Luo Fei didn’t look like he came from a business family. In that uniform, he was the very image of a dashing Imperial Soldier—the kind whose photo could be used directly for Saint Romia’s recruitment posters. A handsome young Alpha in uniform? He’d likely captivate a legion of Omegas instantly.
His approach definitely had nothing to do with the Mo family’s corporate power. Someone with his bearing wouldn’t need to curry favor with a merchant house.
So if it wasn’t for ‘gain,’ was it for… ‘feelings’?
But everyone who pursued Mo Han wanting to be his wife were typically Omegas. This guy was clearly an Alpha. What was he after?!
Just pure friendship wouldn’t require this level of elaborate, convoluted deception.
Frank was utterly baffled. He scratched his head, observing Mo Han’s reaction with intense, bewildered curiosity.
Mo Han seemed to take a deep, steadying breath. He turned to Luo Fei, his tone polite but clipped. “Come with me. We need to talk. Alone.”
Luo Fei instantly agreed. “Of course.”
Mo Han led Luo Fei to an empty private room down the hall. He stepped inside, shut the door firmly, then turned, his brow arched sharply. “What is the meaning of this?”
Luo Fei’s smile was gentle, his explanation calm. “No hidden meaning. I just heard you were playing Law of the Jungle. So I created an account to find you in the game. If I’d appeared as my real self, you would never have agreed to team up with me. You want to avoid me as much as possible. That’s why I used the system default appearance.”
Mo Han’s brow furrowed deeply. “I thought I made myself perfectly clear last time. You still refuse to give up?”
Luo Fei’s gaze was earnest, steady. “Sincere devotion can wear away stone. If I gave up that easily, wouldn’t my feelings for you be incredibly cheap?”
A sharp spike of frustration lanced through Mo Han’s temples. He pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’ve told you already, I do not have those feelings for you!”
Luo Fei’s smile remained, his expression soft, his voice gentle. “I know. That’s precisely why I have to find ways to pursue you.”
Mo Han: “……”
He found himself, yet again, utterly silenced by Luo Fei’s unassailable logic.
After a three-second pause, Mo Han’s voice dropped, turning hard. “Luo Fei. I have been crystal clear. I cannot fall in love with you. We cannot be together. I want you to give up. We maintain a polite distance. If it weren’t for your status as the First Prince, I would have cut off all contact long ago. Your approaching me like this is causing me significant distress. Do you understand?”
Mo Han felt he’d made his point as forcefully and unambiguously as humanly possible. But the thickness of Luo Fei’s skin was truly beyond his imagination.
Even after that blunt dressing-down, Luo Fei showed not a flicker of dejection. Instead, he looked at Mo Han with unshakeable calm. “A person’s impression of another changes with understanding. Some people seem flawless at first glance, but upon closer acquaintance, you discover they’re riddled with flaws. Others might seem utterly unremarkable initially, someone you completely overlook. But once you truly know them, you may find they’re infinitely better than you imagined.”
He paused, the tenderness in his gaze deepening. “I believe I am the latter kind. Once you give me a chance, truly get to know me, you will see me differently. When I confessed to you, you rejected me instinctively. Because we’re both Alphas, you have to inherit the Mo family, I’m the First Prince… from every objective angle, we ‘shouldn’t’ be together. But those are all external factors. You made a blanket judgment without ever truly trying to understand who I am. So I decided to present myself with a clean slate, a new identity, to give you that chance to know me.”
Mo Han: “…………”
His explanation was clear, logical, and flawlessly structured, leaving Mo Han no leverage to find fault.
Because the person he liked refused to know him, he created a separate identity to stay by their side, allowing them to discover him naturally. It was an entirely understandable choice.
And Mo Han had, indeed, glimpsed a completely different side of Luo Fei through Mr. F.
The decisiveness and sharp clarity in crisis. The calm, unflinching composure in the face of danger. The agile prowess, the terrifyingly precise marksmanship, the deep, comprehensive mastery of weaponry…
This was Luo Fei. The First Prince forged and cultivated by His Majesty.
He was not the naive, foolish little puppy of Mo Han’s initial impression. When necessary, he could transform in an instant into a fierce, protective wolf, guarding everything he held dear.
He possessed so many undeniable strengths.
It was just… his initial, clumsy act had been so thoroughly exposed, Mo Han had forever categorized him as a cute, naive young boy, never noticing the capable, formidable man lurking beneath.
Facing Luo Fei’s gaze—gentle yet intensely earnest—Mo Han found himself utterly unable to formulate a rebuttal. He could only fall silent.
Seeing his silence, the curve of Luo Fei’s lips deepened slightly. His voice was low as he asked, “Can I ask your honest opinion of Mr. F? Did you find him… rather impressive? Different from the First Prince you thought you knew? Mo Han… that was the real me. Your previous understanding of me… truly was just the tip of the iceberg.”
Mo Han: “…………”
Mr. F was impressive. And Mo Han had indeed developed a genuine fondness for that persona. Enough to initiate this meeting.
He couldn’t bring himself to lie. His brow furrowed. “I admit you have many good qualities. But that doesn’t mean I will fall in love with you, Luo Fei. The reason I asked to meet your game persona was purely to thank you in person for teaching me to snipe.”
Luo Fei nodded. “I understand perfectly that you don’t love me yet. But at least you’re not as resistant to me as you were initially. You even feel some positive regard, thinking I’m not so bad. Am I wrong?”
Mo Han: “…………”
How was this man so terrifyingly adept at pinpointing the core issue?!
Mo Han was, for the umpteenth time, rendered completely speechless. Because Luo Fei’s words were, again, entirely accurate. He could only turn his head away coldly, refusing to argue further.
Arguing with Luo Fei was a losing battle. He was discovering that the man was not just thick-skinned, but possessed formidable, logic-trap eloquence.
Seeing Mo Han turn away like a sulking child, refusing to engage, Luo Fei had to fight the overwhelming urge to laugh out loud.
In truth, Mo Han wasn’t nearly as cold and unapproachable as the rumors painted him. And Mo Han hated dishonesty. That was why, every time Luo Fei successfully called him out, he defaulted to silence. Meaning, deep down, he truly did harbor some positive feelings for “Mr. F,” the First Prince’s alter ego. He was simply too proud to admit it.
From his Mecha Spatial Button, Luo Fei produced the prepared gift box and held it out. “This is for you. A small token of apology for hiding my identity when I approached you.”
Mo Han reflexively pushed the box back. “That’s not necessary.”
Luo Fei’s smile lingered. “Don’t refuse just yet. Open it.”
The box was exquisitely crafted, its surface stamped with the Law of the Jungle game logo—clearly official custom merchandise.
Frowning, Mo Han opened it. Inside lay a miniature figure, roughly ten centimeters tall. It wore cargo pants and a tank top, clutching a submachine gun.
Looking closely… this little figure was an exact replica of the in-game Mr. F.
The moment the box opened, the pre-programmed Intelligent Program within activated. The tiny figure turned toward Mo Han, offering a little wave and a smile, its voice using the default system tone: “Hello, Mo Han. I’m Mr. F. I’m also Luo Fei. I’m sorry for approaching you this way. I hope you’re not angry. During the Academy’s special training, students aren’t allowed off-base. I had no way to see you in person, so I wanted to at least be with you in the game, and let you get to know me a little better in the process. Truly, I am sorry. If you’re still upset, you can scold me, hit me. I promise I won’t fight back or talk back.”
Mo Han: “………………”
A miniature, palm-sized figure was earnestly apologizing to him, offering itself up for verbal and physical abuse.
The sheer absurdity was off the charts!
Yet, inexplicably… a tiny thread of warmth, unbidden, pierced through the shell around his heart. Like a thin stream of heat, it cracked open a fissure deep inside him and gently flowed in, gradually filling the entire space.
Looking at the little intelligent model, an exact copy of the in-game Mr. F cradled in his palm… Mo Han felt the whole knot of anger inside him dissolve instantaneously, like morning mist.
Luo Fei offered a small, almost self-deprecating smile. “This model is for you. Let him keep you company from now on. The intelligent figure can hold simple conversations. If you’re ever angry, you can scold him as much as you want.”
Scold a model? Mo Han thought. I’m not that childish.
Still, despite himself, he found his fingers closing around the gift. “…Thank you.”
The pocket-sized Mr. F, all ten centimeters of him, looked genuinely adorable. Mo Han couldn’t find it in himself to refuse.
Seeing him accept the gift, Luo Fei knew his proactive unmasking had been handled reasonably well. At least Mo Han wasn’t furious, didn’t seem disgusted. Just… troubled. His brow was faintly creased, probably mentally wrestling with the question: How do I get rid of this persistent First Prince once and for all?
Amusement flickered warmly in Luo Fei’s chest. Mo Han… you can’t get rid of me.
I, Luo Fei, have never failed at anything I’ve set my mind to since childhood. The person I’ve set my heart on—no matter the cost, no matter the effort—I will win his heart.
You don’t know this yet, but besides being thick-skinned, the First Prince is also exceptionally, relentlessly persistent.
The thought solidified his next move. He spoke, his tone open and earnest. “Mo Han, I won’t pressure you into being with me. But I am asking you to give me some time. At least, get to know me fully before you make your final decision. If, after that… you still feel absolutely nothing for me, I will let it go completely. I will never bother you again. Is that acceptable?”
Mo Han’s brow was deeply furrowed. He disliked the First Prince’s roundabout methods intensely. Yet, meeting Luo Fei’s sincere, steady gaze… he couldn’t formulate a legitimate reason to refuse. And the offered terms—let it go completely, never bother you again—that was precisely the outcome Mo Han wanted most.
After a long silence, Mo Han finally asked, “How much time are you asking for?”
Luo Fei replied, “One academic year. If, by the time I advance to my second year, you still feel nothing for me… I’ll let go.”
Mo Han nodded crisply. “Fine.”
Luo Fei quickly added, “But during this year, you have to allow me the chance to pursue you. You can’t deliberately avoid me.”
Mo Han: “…………”
He had a sinking feeling he’d just willingly stepped into another meticulously laid trap. Why had he agreed to a whole year?!
But words spoken were like water spilled. Impossible to take back.
Gritting his teeth internally, Mo Han conceded. “Fine. This year, you can parade your ‘good qualities’ in front of me all you want. But if, when the time comes, I still can’t develop feelings for you, you walk away. For good. No more bothering me. That was your word.”
Luo Fei nodded solemnly. “It’s a promise.”
Mo Han was supremely confident he wouldn’t fall for Luo Fei. No matter how many strengths the man possessed, Mo Han had encountered exceptional individuals his entire life. His heart had never been stirred by anyone.
Luo Fei, however, was supremely confident that given a full year—a year for Mo Han to truly know him, to feel the depth of his sincerity—it would be more than enough. Mo Han would fall in love with him.
Both harbored their own unshakable certainty. And thus, on this tense yet strangely harmonious note, their terms were set.
Back in the private room, Frank and Iman were exchanging bewildered glances.
Frank leaned in, curiosity burning. “So, this Luo Fei and Mo Han knew each other before, right? What exactly is their relationship?”
Iman scratched his head, looking equally lost. “I’m not completely sure. Friends, I guess?”
Frank was baffled. “If they’re just friends, why the elaborate charade? Why not just join the game normally? Why get a system face, find me first, pretend to be a random newbie joining our squad, and spend a whole month acting like he doesn’t know Mo Han?”
Iman pondered this, equally at sea. “Maybe he thought it was a fun prank? Give Mo Han a surprise?”
It was a weak explanation, but neither could think of a better one.
Their speculation was cut short as the door opened. Mo Han and Luo Fei entered, one after the other.
Mo Han’s face was a cool, unreadable mask, as if nothing had happened.
Luo Fei, however, was beaming brightly. “Sorry for the wait, you two. Mo Han and I had a little misunderstanding. It’s all cleared up now.”
Mo Han offered no elaboration. He simply picked up the electronic menu. “Let’s order.”
As the elegantly plated dishes arrived, Mo Han remained his usual composed self, focused on eating.
Luo Fei, in stark contrast, was exceptionally chatty. He effortlessly steered the conversation toward game topics, quickly building a rapport with Frank. Frank, easygoing by nature, failed to detect any undercurrents between Luo Fei and Mo Han. By the end of the meal, he was already treating Luo Fei like a solid friend.
Leaving the restaurant, Iman grabbed Luo Fei’s arm and leaned in conspiratorially. “I want to see the inside of your military academy. Can you get me in?”
Luo Fei asked, puzzled, “Why do you want to see the academy?”
Iman’s eyes sparkled. “My Dad graduated from here! He was roommates with your dad back in the day. I want to see his alma mater!”
It was true, Uncle Snow and his own father, Lin Yuan, had been roommates. It was a reasonable enough request.
Luo Fei smiled. “The academy went through renovations. The dorms are all doubles now, expanded capacity. The room Dad stayed in still exists—Building 1, Room 301. I checked it out when I enrolled out of curiosity. A couple of Mecha Department seniors live there now.”
Iman’s excitement visibly spiked. “Really?! Can you take me to see it?!”
Meeting those big, pleading eyes, Luo Fei ultimately couldn’t refuse. He nodded. “I’ll need to submit a visitor request. The school has to approve it, then I can escort you inside.” He paused, then turned to Mo Han. “Mo Han, would you like to come?”
Mo Han had never set foot inside the Military Academy. Now, standing right at its gates, gazing at the solemn, majestic eagle statue in the main square, observing the uniformed students moving with disciplined purpose… a flicker of genuine curiosity stirred within him. “How many guests can you bring in?”
Luo Fei explained, “Active students, with written approval, can escort up to three visitors at a time to certain authorized areas of the academy.”
Frank’s face lit up. “Three people? Can I come too?!”
Luo Fei nodded. “Certainly.”
Since all his companions were keen, Mo Han found himself going along with the flow. “Alright, let’s all go together.”
A subtle smile played on Luo Fei’s lips. He leaned in close to Mo Han, his voice a low murmur meant only for Mo Han’s ears. “Our academy has an incredibly professional Mecha Training Arena. It can simulate real battlefield conditions—far more thrilling and intense than Herman University’s facilities. If you’re interested, I can take you there and show you how to operate a military-grade combat Mecha.”
Mo Han: “…………”
Why, oh why, could he see the baited hook dangling right before his eyes with absolute clarity… yet feel an almost irresistible urge to bite down on it?
Military-grade combat mecha. The lure was too potent for him.
So Mo Han bit. “Fine. Let’s go take a look.”
