Mo Han and Frank returned to school, but Iman stayed in a hotel near Saint Romia Military Academy.
Herman University’s rules weren’t as strict as the military academy’s; instead, they were relaxed and free. Especially in the Mecha Department, Iman was already a third-year student in the Mecha Manufacturing major. Most of the courses arranged this semester were mecha manufacturing practice classes. He had long since finished his assignments, so even if he didn’t return to school for a whole week, no one would mind.
Early the next morning, Iman sent Luo Fei a message: “Give me Ludwig’s contact info! I’m treating him to a meal.”
Luo Fei naturally cooperated fully and immediately gave him his roommate’s contact information.
Iman requested a communication. The communicator was quickly connected, and Ludwig’s indifferent face appeared in the holographic image before him.
Today happened to be Sunday. He wasn’t wearing his military uniform in the dormitory but was dressed in black trousers and a shirt. The shirt was short-sleeved, revealing strong arms with smooth, attractive muscle lines. One button at his chest was undone, hinting at the honey-colored skin beneath. The shirt’s hem was tucked into his trousers, tightly cinched by a belt with a silver logo. This accentuated his broad shoulders, narrow waist, long legs—a simply perfect physique.
Iman couldn’t help but swallow. This guy is just too handsome, he thought.
In casual attire, Ludwig looked somewhat different from his stern military-uniformed self. He wasn’t as sharp, but still icy cold, his gaze devoid of any emotion.
Finding it was Iman, he didn’t seem surprised and said flatly: “You needed something?”
Iman said with a grin: “Didn’t we agree yesterday that I’d treat you to a meal? I wanted to set a time with you. When works best?”
Ludwig thought for a moment and said: “Noon, twelve o’clock. Just a simple bite at the school cafeteria will do.”
Iman immediately shook his head: “No way. I’m treating you to a meal, so it has to be a feast. What’s the fun in eating at the school cafeteria? Don’t tell me you’ve eaten every single meal at the cafeteria since the semester started?”
Ludwig: “Mm.”
Iman’s smile grew brighter: “So let’s switch it up! I’ll drive over to pick you up. We can go to that famous restaurant nearby and treat you to a seafood feast. How about it?”
Meeting his expectant big eyes, Ludwig could only nod: “Fine. Should we invite Luo Fei?”
Luo Fei and Iman clearly knew each other, which was why Ludwig asked casually. But Iman immediately waved his hand: “Don’t invite him. Why invite a third wheel?”
Ludwig: “Hm?”
Catching his slip, Iman quickly added an explanation: “Luo Fei is allergic to seafood. We won’t invite him today. Just the two of us, alone.”
Luo Fei, who happened to pass the bedroom door and heard this sentence: “………………”
Iman was really going all out to chase someone, even making up a seafood allergy?
Ludwig turned off the communicator and turned back, just meeting Luo Fei’s gaze.
Luo Fei greeted with a smile: “Morning. Iman asked you out for a meal?”
Ludwig said: “Mm. Seafood. He said you’re allergic to seafood, so we won’t invite you along.”
“That’s right. I’ve never eaten seafood since I was little.” Luo Fei earnestly helped Iman cover up, then quickly added: “Iman and I grew up together. He’s got a lively, straightforward personality and speaks without much of a filter. He often says things that shock people, but actually, he’s very kind-hearted with no bad intentions. And he’s especially smart. You could try getting to know him as a friend, see how you get along.” Since he was acting as the wingman, Luo Fei was quite responsible, first trying to boost his roommate’s favorable impression of Iman.
“Mm.” Ludwig’s expression remained unchanged. He turned and walked out of the dorm, saying, “I’m going to the library first.”
He really liked looking up materials in the library, though Luo Fei didn’t know what he was researching. Naturally, Luo Fei didn’t ask further, changed into casual clothes, and headed to the school’s sports center to look around.
The hell-mode special training assessment a few days ago had just ended, so the school had graciously granted the new students this weekend off. Some students were collapsed in their dorms catching up on sleep, while others brimming with energy were starting to revel like prisoners finally freed from jail.
The sports center was packed. Most students wore sportswear. Some played tennis, some bowling, some basketball…
Various sports loved by humans since the Earth era had continued to this day.
Luo Fei arrived at the basketball court. About seven or eight people were gathered there, preparing to start a game. Luo Fei proactively walked up to a tall guy and said: “Senior, can I join?”
He hadn’t seen this person at the freshman boot camp, so he shouldn’t be a first-year. Thus, Luo Fei consciously addressed him as ‘Senior’.
The other party grinned broadly: “Of course, we’re just short one person! Come on, ten people now. Everyone draw lots and split into two teams.”
He seemed to have considerable authority here. Everyone followed his directions and quickly split into two teams. Luo Fei was on the red team, the senior on the blue team.
Once they started playing, Luo Fei noticed this senior was physically agile and highly skilled. He could easily dribble past three consecutive defenders, execute a stylish dunk into the basket, and his three-step layup form was especially textbook and cool.
The blue team’s score stayed ahead, forcing Luo Fei to push hard to catch up.
The two engaged in fierce competition on the court, while other teammates assisted and coordinated around them.
Recognizing their superior skill, teammates would consciously pass the ball to them whenever they grabbed it.
With thirty seconds left in the first quarter, the ball was in Luo Fei’s hands. The opposing player stepped forward to block him.
He was about the same height as Luo Fei. Luo Fei felt unprecedented resistance when blocked.
Their gazes met, the atmosphere tense.
Just then, Luo Fei’s body suddenly shifted left. The opponent immediately followed. But the next instant, Luo Fei abruptly spun back, dribbled around his right side, this beautiful feint successfully breaking through his defense. Then Luo Fei stood on the three-point line, jumped, and launched the basketball from distance.
The basketball traced a perfect parabolic arc through the air before swishing cleanly into the basket with a thud.
The system automatically tallied the score. Luo Fei’s team gained three points. 25:25, tied with the opponent.
The break for the first quarter arrived. Applause echoed around them. That senior also smiled and said: “Nice skills, junior!”
Luo Fei said modestly: “I was interested in basketball as a kid and learned some techniques in a training class. Still far behind you, Senior.”
The other man proactively extended a hand: “Let’s get acquainted. I’m Xiao Weiming, the president of the school’s basketball club.”
Luo Fei shook his hand: “I’m Luo Fei.”
Xiao Weiming looked at him in surprise: “So you’re the Luo Fei who got perfect scores in all subjects of this year’s freshman special training? No wonder you’re so good.”
Luo Fei hadn’t expected to be so famous at school, but he maintained his composure and smiled: “You flatter me, Senior.”
Xiao Weiming patted his shoulder: “If you’re interested, you can join our basketball club. We organize some games every time school’s on break. Just fill an application form on the school’s internal network. It’s very convenient.”
Luo Fei nodded: “Sounds good.”
He had loved all kinds of sports since he was a child, especially ball games. But back when he was in the Royal Palace, he didn’t have many playmates. He could only play ball against programmed robots, which was incredibly dull. During secondary school, the school had organized a few ball games, and Luo Fei participated in all of them.
He hadn’t expected the military academy to have a professional basketball club, nor to meet such a skilled player as Senior Xiao. Luo Fei naturally applied to join without hesitation. As the newest member, he was also very generous, treating all the seniors who played ball today to a meal. Everyone had an exceptionally good impression of this skilled, sensible, and humble first-year newcomer.
At the same time, outside the military academy gates.
Iman was parked at the curb in a luxury hovercar his father had modified. Its fiery red color blazed like a flame.
Many passing military academy students couldn’t help sneaking glances at him. This flashy, bright red sports car’s style starkly clashed with the “rigorous” atmosphere of the military academy. Moreover, the person sitting inside wore cool sunglasses, revealing a softly contoured jaw and light pink lips, the corners of his mouth lifted in a clear smile, seeming especially happy.
Was he here to pick someone up? A relative of some student?
The passing students speculated curiously.
The next moment, they saw a male student emerge from the academy. Although not in uniform, the upright posture of his walk clearly showed he was a student who had undergone military training.
As soon as Ludwig stepped out the gate, he spotted that eye-catching red sports car. Then, the person inside immediately waved at him: “Over here, over here!”
Students around were watching them. Expressionless, Ludwig walked over to the sports car. Looking closely, he recognized the other as Iman.
Today, he was dressed as fashionably as a young pop star, with ripped jeans and a shirt unbuttoned two buttons down, revealing a patch of snow-white skin, and a pretty red gemstone pendant hanging around his neck. Big sunglasses obscured his eyes; only his upturned lips, curved in a radiant smile, were visible.
Ludwig asked tentatively: “Iman?”
The smile at Iman’s lips deepened. He nodded vigorously: “That’s right! Who else would it be? Hurry, get in!”
Ludwig sat in the passenger seat. Iman immediately started the car, soaring directly onto the aerial hover-highway, speeding towards the reserved seafood restaurant.
Seeing the clam beside him remain silent, Iman proactively broke the silence with a smile: “How’s my look today? Pretty cool, huh?”
Ludwig glanced at him and said flatly: “Mm.”
Iman wanted to tear his hair out: “Could you say a few more words?”
Ludwig said: “This car was modified from an intelligent mecha, right?”
Finding he had zero interest in his appearance or style, Iman had to sullenly answer: “Yeah, a birthday gift from my father.”
Ludwig said: “Bought it?”
Iman said: “Of course he made it himself! My father is the most famous mecha manufacturing master in the whole Empire, the handsome Mr. Brian.”
Ludwig: “…”
First time hearing someone introduce their father like that. Quite thick-skinned.
Iman quickly continued: “My dad is a doctor at the Imperial Central Hospital. My family lives at 117 Bonn Street, Capital Star.”
Ludwig: “??”
How long had they even known each other, and he was already spilling his home address and house number?
His train of thought seemed somewhat unhinged, his conversation topics baffling.
Ludwig assessed Iman: This person is strange.
Iman was still working hard to boost his favorability: “I’m also in the Mecha Manufacturing Department myself, third year at Herman University. Oh right, I told you last time about giving you a mecha as tuition payment. What type of mecha do you like? Or should I just give you a mecha-modified car?”
A rich kid making such a grand gesture as tuition. Ludwig said flatly: “No need. I didn’t teach you for that long. Just treat this meal as tuition.”
Iman waved his hand dismissively: “No way. I kept you up late into the night, utterly exhausted, for several days recently. Gotta show some appreciation.”
Ludwig: “…”
‘Kept you up late into the night, utterly exhausted’—why did that phrasing sound so weird?
Ludwig’s mouth twitched slightly: “Really, it’s not necessary.”
Iman said enthusiastically: “How about this: teach me for another half-month, teach me how to use a sniper rifle properly. When the time comes, I’ll give you a mecha I made myself. The mecha I make won’t be that good, the cost won’t be too high, but it can express my feelings for you. Does that work?”
Ludwig was utterly exasperated by his stubbornness and could only nod: “Fine.”
Only then did Iman laugh again.
Ludwig discovered he really did laugh easily, often grinning foolishly, God knows what he was thinking.
Truly a strange fellow.
After the two arrived at the seafood restaurant, Iman finally took off his sunglasses and led Ludwig to a private booth on the third floor.
Due to drastic environmental changes after humanity entered the interstellar era, many wild animals were inedible. Most edible seafood now was specially cultivated in farms. The advantage was cleanliness, no pollution. Especially the farmed white shrimp, crystal clear, each as long as an adult man’s forearm, with plump flesh.
Iman brought Ludwig to the fresh seafood area to pick food, ordering a huge pile of stuff. Ludwig followed behind him the whole time, expressionless. Actually, he wasn’t interested in these claw-waving sea creatures, but Iman was in high spirits, personally scooping up several large lobsters.
Once the seafood was served, Iman warmly urged: “Eat, eat a bit more! These are rich in nutrition and taste especially delicious.”
Ludwig was pondering how to tackle the forearm-sized shrimp before him when Iman picked it up. His slender fingers nimbly and quickly peeled the shell, then smilingly placed the shrimp meat onto Ludwig’s plate, saying: “I’ll peel it for you. Then you can just eat directly.”
Ludwig stiffened: “Th… Thank you.”
It was the first time someone had peeled shrimp for him, letting him eat ready-to-eat morsels.
This feeling of “being taken care of” gave Ludwig a strange sensation in his heart.
Iman was extremely attentive, helping him not only peel the shrimp but also extracting all the crab meat with tools and placing it into Ludwig’s small bowl.
Ludwig looked at the mountain of shrimp and crab meat piled before him, his expression growing even stiffer: “That’s enough.”
Iman said: “Eat more! A big guy like you, eating this little won’t fill you up. Besides, seafood looks big on the outside, but there’s really not much edible meat.”
He kept talking while his fingers skillfully peeled shrimp, his beaming smile like the warm midday sun of a summer’s day.
Watching his brilliant smile, Ludwig was silent for a moment before asking in a low voice: “You’re an Omega, aren’t you?”
Nowadays, Omega suppressants were permitted for reasonable use. Most Omegas, when going out to avoid unnecessary trouble, would use suppressants to mask their pheromones. So, judging solely by appearance and pheromones, it was hard to distinguish Omegas.
The reason Ludwig knew Iman was an Omega was that Iman had just introduced his family, saying his father was Mr. Brian. Ludwig’s father, General Michael, had some acquaintanceship with Mr. Brian and had also mentioned that Mr. Brian had an Omega son whose personality took after Mr. Brian’s, different from other Omegas.
It seemed his father’s expression had been quite euphemistic. This Iman wasn’t just “different from other Omegas”—he was practically a miracle among Omegas.
Most of the time at the dinner table, it was Alphas who attentively and gently looked after Omegas. But this guy? He generously shelled an entire table’s worth of shrimp and crab and piled it into Ludwig’s bowl.
Ludwig, this 1.87-meter-tall Alpha, was actually being cared for by an Omega barely 1.7 meters tall…
No matter how he thought about it, it felt strange.
Hearing his question, Iman smiled candidly and said: “Yep, I’m an Omega. What about it?”
Ludwig said seriously: “You don’t need to take care of me like this.”
Iman said: “But I want to take care of you!”
Ludwig raised an eyebrow slightly: “Why?”
Iman chuckled, scratching his head: “I’ve met many Alphas in my life, but you hold a special appeal for me. Especially in your military uniform, so handsome it makes me want to pounce on you.”
Ludwig: “?????”
He’s an Omega, yet he wants to pounce on me??
Iman continued: “I have quite a favorable impression of you, so I want to try pursuing you. Anyway, we’re both young. Let’s try getting to know each other first. If it works out, we date; if not, we’ll just be friends. Of course, I won’t force you, and I certainly won’t get rough with you.”
He says he wants to chase me? And also says, won’t get rough with me??
Ludwig’s expression grew more and more awkward. Never had he imagined that one day an Omega would stand before him, smiling, confessing, saying things like I want to pounce on you, I want to pursue you, I won’t get rough with you…
He, a tall, burly Alpha, and this short Omega was telling him I won’t use force on you???
Ludwig’s mouth twitched violently. Looking at the beaming guy before him, he said coldly: “Do you think you could even get rough with me?”
Iman leaned in mysteriously, his lips brushing against Ludwig’s ear, whispering: “An Omega’s way of using force isn’t through physical strength.”
Ludwig frowned in displeasure: “Then what is it?”
Iman grinned: “How can you be so innocent? If I wanted to use force on you, I’d just stop using suppressants and enter my heat. I’d only need to crook my finger, and you’d go crazy, throwing yourself onto me, embracing me, marking me, possessing me. Understand? That’s my method of using force on you.”
Ludwig: “……………………”
His worldview was thoroughly overturned.
An Omega actually saying something like this proactively, simply shameless!
But the moment Iman whispered those words in his ear, Ludwig’s ears instantly reddened.
An image actually appeared in his mind—the scene Iman had described, where he would press this shameless Omega onto the bed and do this and that…
Realizing what he was thinking, a chill ran down Ludwig’s spine. He immediately halted the impure thoughts Iman had led him into, saying with a cold face: “Even if you did that, I wouldn’t want to mark you. I have full confidence in my self-control. Besides, I have no interest in you in that regard.”
Iman laughed: “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t actually do that. Just joking.” He paused, then gently breathed a puff of air onto Ludwig’s ear, saying seriously, “I’d much rather you genuinely fall for me, and then take the initiative to mark me, holding me so tight you won’t let go.”
Ludwig: “……………………”
Did this Omega even know the meaning of the word “shame”?!
Watching the usually cold man’s face turn alternately red and pale, Iman felt his mood greatly improved.
Teasing this serious, cold guy, watching interesting expressions appear on his face, was truly so satisfying!
