Chapter 7: Top of the Freshman Class
On September 1st, 3427 of the Galactic Year, the First Military Academy officially began its semester.
Qin Lüzhi’s susceptibility period lasted for three days, but he finally forced it down.
The floor was littered with empty tubes of inhibitors and nutrient solutions. Although it was uncomfortable, he didn’t allow himself to waste too much time.
On the third day, he tidied up the room, restoring it to its original state before leaving.
By the time he came out of the isolation room, the freshmen entrance exams had already ended.
“Hey, did you hear? The top freshman this year is Shen Meiren!”
“What?! I don’t believe it! Even if Shen Meiren is a genius in other subjects, I heard he barely passed the physical exam. How could he be first? Are the Alpha freshmen just invisible?”
“Exactly! It’s not like they recruited weak Alphas this year, right?”
“Bro, watch your mouth! Don’t provoke the new students.”
Not far away, some people in casual uniforms were already glancing over, their expressions clearly unfriendly.
“Slip of the tongue, slip of the tongue, don’t mind me, haha.”
The upperclassman awkwardly laughed and skillfully apologized. No one wanted to start a conflict with the freshmen on the first day.
“Are you guys forgetting that Shen Meiren has one of the rarest pheromones in the universe? It’s practically a lethal weapon in human form—doesn’t that count for extra points?”
A group of people suddenly realized. In this era of secondary differentiation, pheromone levels were enough to prove everything. Pheromones at a crushing level could indeed lead to unexpected victories.
Even if Shen Buming didn’t have special abilities, he could suppress his enemies with pheromones alone.
As long as he seized the right moment, others wouldn’t have time to activate their abilities. Besides, abilities also had cooldown periods.
Everyone sighed. As expected, when one door closes, another opens.
Qin Lüzhi listened to their conversation. Indeed, the academy gave bonus points to those with extraordinarily powerful pheromones.
But this would also make everyone more curious about how strong the “Withered Rose” really was, and Shen Buming might become a target.
Thinking of Shen Buming’s doe-like eyes showing either loneliness or hurt, Qin Lüzhi subconsciously frowned, unsure where this emotion was coming from.
Last year, when he enrolled, he had also been provoked because of his pheromones. He didn’t take it to heart; when someone came to challenge him, he fought them head-on.
After a few fights, people began to respect his strength, and no one foolishly came forward to challenge him again. But Shen Buming?
The image of Shen Buming’s thin figure flashed through his mind. Oh well, if someone does cause trouble, he could help fend them off. After all, wasn’t Shen Buming technically his fiancé?
Moreover, he had been taught from a young age to protect Omegas, and protecting others was the academy’s creed, wasn’t it? Qin Lüzhi thought.
As he passed the announcement board for the freshmen rankings, he instinctively glanced over. Sure enough, the top name was Shen Buming. The top freshman this year was Shen Buming.
Qin Lüzhi didn’t know how to feel about this result. Was it a pleasant surprise? He wasn’t sure.
Whether it was Shen Buming’s theoretical exams or pheromone tests, he ranked first. But he barely passed the physical exam, hovering just above the passing line. Fortunately, his other scores pulled him up.
Qin Lüzhi suddenly recalled Shen Buming’s nickname as the “Sickly Beauty.” It seemed that Shen Buming’s health really wasn’t great.
The first time they met, the sun was scorching. Even after walking just a few hundred meters, Shen Buming appeared exhausted, a thin layer of sweat covering his finely chiseled face, which had turned slightly pink.
Out of sympathy, Qin Lüzhi had impulsively bought him an umbrella.
Those large, watery eyes of Shen Buming had looked up at him, cold and indifferent. At the time, Qin Lüzhi thought, how could there be such a delicate yet unreadable Omega?
Were all Omegas like this? He remembered He Jing once saying that all Omegas were fragile.
Qin Lüzhi walked away and headed toward the Alpha dormitory.
When he opened the door to Dorm A710, it was the same as always. He Jing was dragging Mu Yi into playing a virtual mecha combat game.
It was a popular Alpha game called *“Lightyear Distance.”*
The game allowed you to input your mecha data, which would be replicated with 100% accuracy, and then you could match up with others for battles. With the Photon Goggles on, it felt like you were in a real fight.
The game would analyze the battle data, allowing players to continuously improve their mecha. You could also team up to complete missions, and there were both casual and challenge zones.
Players could create virtual accounts and control model mechas.
The casual zone was popular among Omegas curious about mechas. Due to their physical limitations and mental strength, Omegas weren’t allowed to pilot mechas, so some curious or passionate ones used the game to experience it.
Of course, this also led to some Alphas or Betas making friends in the game.
The three of them each had their own accounts. Qin Lüzhi only participated in challenge matches, while He Jing occasionally dragged Mu Yi along to complete missions to earn materials for upgrading their mechas. Some missions even had hidden grand prizes.
Qin Lüzhi wasn’t interested in these prizes. His mecha was maintained by professionals, and he didn’t need to purchase materials. If he needed anything, he could simply ask his older brother.
He Jing, without pausing his game, heard the door open and guessed Qin Lüzhi had returned. “Boss, you’re back? Want to go out for dinner later?”
“Mm.”
Hearing the reply, He Jing continued his game. Qin Lüzhi went back to his room.
Their dorm was a four- to five-person suite, and each person had their own small room.
Though not large, the rooms had both a bedroom and a private bathroom.
Since Alphas had strong territorial instincts, they needed their own private space. The Qin family had contributed significantly to the construction of this dormitory.
Once Qin Lüzhi shut the door, he opened his wardrobe, grabbed some clothes, and went to the bathroom to freshen up.
Feeling refreshed after his shower, Qin Lüzhi threw his dirty clothes into the washing machine. “Let’s go, time to eat.”
In the cafeteria, they encountered someone unexpected: Shen Buming and Zhou Yizhou, sitting by the window.
Qin Lüzhi had thought Shen Buming would eat at home, given that this was only the first official day of school, which only involved registration and dorm move-ins.
As Qin Lüzhi walked away from the food counter, he realized that the topic on everyone’s lips was still Shen Buming, the top freshman.
“Look over there! Shen Buming is eating. How is it that even when he eats, he looks so beautiful?”
The voice belonged to a second-year Alpha. Qin Lüzhi had seen him in the mecha practice class.
“Indeed, he’s stunning and the top freshman this year. I dare say that Shen Meiren will be the most talked-about person this year.”
“Hmm, maybe Shen Meiren doesn’t even want all this attention. But with him standing there, who could possibly outshine him? When Shen Meiren shows up, does anyone even notice anyone else?”
The group of friends around the speaker seemed to all have a crush on Shen Buming, praising him non-stop.
But then a discordant voice interrupted, soft yet laced with venom.
“He’s just good-looking, that’s it. No special abilities, just a useless pretty boy. Sickly, too. Look at how you all keep hyping him up.”
The air fell silent for a moment. Several glances discreetly flicked toward the Omega by the window.
Shen Buming quietly continued eating, as if he hadn’t heard any of it.
Qin Lüzhi, following the crowd’s gaze, looked over. Shen Buming, as usual, showed no emotional response.
Qin Lüzhi subconsciously thought to himself that this distance was far enough; Shen Buming probably couldn’t hear them. For some reason, he felt relieved.
Qin Lüzhi frowned and looked at the Omega who had spoken. At their academy, students were expected to not only defend the Empire but also cultivate themselves.
Words like these shouldn’t be coming from the mouths of their fellow students.
Before Qin Lüzhi could speak, the Alpha from before retorted, “Oh? And what’s your ability? Do you even have a B-level?”
Mu Yi, standing beside him, whispered, “That’s Cui Hao from the Mecha Department. You could say he’s your ‘brother-in-law,’ one of Shen Buming’s biggest fans. He’s been saying for a long time that he’s going to pursue him.”
Qin Lüzhi’s eyes narrowed. “Oh?”
He became a bit curious. Was Cui Hao already pursuing Shen Buming? “Mu Yi, how do you know?”
At that moment, He Jing chimed in, “I know this one! Cui Hao has some ties with the Shen family. They’ve known each other since they were kids, but they rarely interacted. When Cui Hao differentiated into an Alpha, he posted on the school forum saying he was going to start chasing him. Boss, looks like you’ve got a serious rival. But I’m rooting for you.”
“Oh.”
Just then, Shen Buming happened to look up, and Qin Lüzhi caught a glimpse of a smile in his eyes. Maybe Zhou Yizhou had said something funny. The two even glanced over in their direction.
Were they looking at Cui Hao? He Jing had just mentioned that they had known each other for a long time. By the time Qin Lüzhi looked again, Shen Buming had already lowered his head and resumed eating.
The Omega who had insulted Shen Buming blushed when faced with Cui Hao’s questioning. He only had an E-level ability, which enhanced his vision.
He also had a mental healing ability, but it could only heal one person’s mental damage at a time, and after use, it required an 18-hour cooldown.
“I, I… who cares? At least I *have* an ability.”
His voice grew weaker, clearly lacking confidence. It almost looked like Cui Hao was bullying him.
“Our Mianmian’s pheromones alone could crush you. What good is your ability?”
Cui Hao was about to say more, but his companion tugged at his sleeve, signaling him to look behind.
Cui Hao turned to see Qin Lüzhi and his group. Although they weren’t particularly close, Cui Hao nodded slightly. He Jing returned the gesture with a smile.
The Omega had already scurried off, probably embarrassed after being put in his place.
Qin Lüzhi and his friends sat at an empty table next to Shen Buming. By then, Shen Buming had finished eating and was waiting for Zhou Yizhou.
He was still fiddling with his optical brain, not acknowledging the people nearby.
In truth, Shen Buming had heard every word clearly but chose to ignore it. He vaguely remembered that Alpha. They had met when they were kids. Just as he was thinking about it, an unopened bottle of grapefruit juice was placed in front of him.
It was his favorite flavor. He looked up and saw Cui Hao.
“Mianmian, I saw you finished eating, so I bought you a drink to cleanse your palate. Today’s lunch was a bit greasy.”
Before the Omega could refuse, Cui Hao continued, “Shen-ge did me a favor, so consider this a thank-you gift. Please accept it?”
Shen Buming sighed inwardly and nodded, indicating that he would. Just as he was about to take the bottle, Cui Hao picked it up again and thoughtfully inserted a straw.
Cui Hao scratched his head sheepishly. “You used to drink with a straw when you were little.”
Seeing this big, rough Alpha showing such a side, Shen Buming finally smiled.
The contrast was kind of cute. He took a sip of the juice—it was cool but not too cold. “Thanks.”
“No need to thank me, as long as you like it. I’ll go wash the dishes. Shall I take yours as well?”
Shen Buming thought Cui Hao was genuinely simple-hearted. He wasn’t so fragile that he couldn’t wash his own dishes.
Just as he was about to refuse, Zhou Yizhou, with a mouth full of food, intervened and handed both their plates to Cui Hao.
“Thanks, senior. Shen Buming and I have something to do, so we’ll head off. We’ll help you next time.”
Cui Hao smiled brightly. “No need. My parents asked me to look after Mianmian. You two go ahead.”
Watching this harmonious scene, He Jing shook his head in disbelief. “Not bad, not bad. Looks like we underestimated Cui Hao.”
Qin Lüzhi swallowed a mouthful of food without raising his head. “Eat your dinner.”
Qin Lüzhi’s thoughts wandered—according to his file, Shen Buming liked sweets, but grapefruit juice was sour.
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