SCOM - Chapter 6
Chapter 6
“So the customer wants a coming-of-age gift.” As soon as Zuo Luohuan ended the communication, the manager immediately became enthusiastic. “A coming-of-age ceremony is a major event, especially… it can’t be taken lightly. We have some high-quality materials here. Although they’re a bit expensive, they are perfect for making a coming-of-age Neck Lock.”
For an Alpha, an Omega’s coming-of-age ceremony was absolutely no less important than a wedding. In the old days, once a couple had established their relationship, the Omega’s coming of age meant the Alpha could completely possess them.
The manager thought to himself that this customer looked like a top-tier Alpha. There wasn't even a scent patch on the back of her neck, yet he couldn't smell any pheromones, which showed her control was extremely strong. Usually, such people didn't show it on the surface, but their possessiveness was much stronger than that of a normal person. The more this was the case, the easier it was to do business related to Omegas.
Sure enough, the customer agreed in the next second.
“Since it’s not a Neck Lock in the true sense, we still need to make it comfortable and beautiful for the Omega to wear, so it can’t be too restrictive.” The manager took out a pile of high-grade materials and a large design catalog. “These are design templates for the customer’s reference.”
Zuo Luohuan casually flipped through it and lost interest. “No need. I’ll do it myself.”
Since Ji Yuezhi had used a Face Lock to mock her, she naturally had to respond. What better corresponding gift than a Neck Lock? Especially giving an Omega’s Neck Lock to someone about to differentiate into an Alpha—that was far more devastating than a Face Lock.
Looking at the pile of various materials before her, Zuo Luohuan suddenly recalled the sight of Ji Yuezhi in his military uniform. Black seemed to suit him perfectly. Remembering the long, coolly pale nape she had seen from the back row, her throat inexplicably tightened.
Zuo Luohuan casually sifted through the pile of materials, pulling out a black ribbon of soft silk. It had a thin layer of black lace on the edge, as if concealing yet not concealing, and holding it in her hand, she could faintly see through to the other side.
“Customer, this is a top-grade material from Mo’er Star. It’s said that…”
Zuo Luohuan glanced at the manager, interrupting, “I will pay for all the materials I use. You can leave now.”
The manager was not surprised, and was even a little pleased. Alphas who wouldn't even let others look were always big clients!
On Monday, Zuo Luohuan arrived at the classroom on time for class, making even the teacher on the podium feel a bit uneasy. Even sitting in the last row, her presence was overwhelmingly strong. The Beta teacher discreetly wiped away a bead of sweat. Fortunately, they would be choosing their elective courses soon, and he could go back to teaching the new students.
“Although there are physical differences between Alphas and Omegas, with today’s advanced technology, everyone can choose the courses they like. Omegas can take classes like shooting and combat. The closest example to us is Major General He Yue of the 673rd Army under the Seventeenth Army. She is a typical Omega, but during her time at the academy, her shooting scores were always first, and her combat scores never dropped below the top three. There are many other Omega and Beta seniors, whom I believe you all saw in the school history exhibition when you enrolled, so I won’t list them one by one.” The Beta teacher said with a serious expression, “As for Alphas, you have a natural physical advantage. Especially as Alphas of the First Military Academy, you are likely to be the most outstanding group in the Federation’s future. I hope you can work hand in hand with your other classmates to become the glory of the Federation.”
After his speech, the teacher began to explain in detail the procedures and subjects for the elective courses at the beginning of next month. Everyone listened attentively.
“Now, I’ll hand out the preliminary selection forms. You can fill in your intended courses first to get used to the process. The official forms will be filled out after the beginning of the month.” The teacher had a thick stack of forms passed down.
Zuo Luohuan leaned back in her chair, took the form passed from the front, opened the cover, and began to write. She had decided which classes to take before she even enrolled; there was no second choice.
“Ji Yuezhi hasn’t differentiated yet. What do you think he’ll put on his preliminary form?” Jiang Hong looked at the person in the very front row, leaning his head towards Zuo Luohuan to gossip. “It would be interesting if he differentiated into an Omega.”
At these words, Zuo Luohuan’s pen paused, the last character trailing into a long stroke. Although she was going to give Ji Yuezhi a Neck Lock, the possibility of him differentiating into an Omega… she had never considered it.
“The head of the Ji family is an S-class Alpha, and his wife is only an A-class Omega. According to Federation genetics, their children have a ninety percent chance of differentiating into an Alpha. Besides…” Zuo Luohuan raised her eyes to Ji Yuezhi’s back in the front row, “he doesn’t seem like an Omega.”
“There are plenty of Omegas who don’t seem like Omegas,” Jiang Hong muttered.
“If he really differentiates into an Omega…” Zuo Luohuan suddenly had a playful thought, rubbing the body of her pen. “Then our two families could unite through marriage. Maybe then we wouldn’t have to fight over resources. We’d be one family, after all.”
“You can just keep dreaming.” Jiang Hong pursed his lips. “Ji Yuezhi has already had several genetic tests, and they all say he’s one hundred percent going to be an Alpha. The Zuo and Ji families are destined to fight to the death.”
For families like theirs, every move was watched. The fact that Ji Xixiu had taken Ji Yuezhi for multiple genetic tests was impossible to hide.
“You can hand them in when you’re done. The teacher will keep them for you for now. After graduation, both the preliminary and official forms will be made public,” the teacher on the podium said. This was a tradition at the First Military Academy. When the cadets graduated and were about to embark on a new path, these two forms would allow them to revisit and compare their thoughts from several years prior.
After Jiang Hong hastily filled out his form, he leaned over to look at Zuo Luohuan’s. Most of her choices were combat and physical fitness courses, with one command course as well.
It was normal. Zuo Luohuan was the next heir of the Zuo family. With her strength, she was bound to command an army in the future.
“I chose logistics courses. I plan to be stationed in the rear of the troops in the future.” Jiang Hong shoved his completed form in front of her. “All the powerful people are used to going to the front lines. I think someone needs to stay in the rear.”
Zuo Luohuan laughed. “Are you saying you’re powerful?”
“Not that powerful, but I’m decent enough.” Jiang Hong took his form back, closed the cover, and handed it in. “Of course, I can’t compare to you.”
After filling out the preliminary forms, the class was nearly over. As soon as the bell rang, Zuo Luohuan was the first to stand up and walk to the front, stopping in front of Ji Yuezhi.
There were faint gasps in the classroom. Students who were about to leave lingered, clearly wanting to stay and watch the show.
Were these two finally going to face off?!
“I hear many classmates have been wanting to see us fight. Why not grant their wish?” Zuo Luohuan leaned sideways against the desk, conveniently blocking Ji Yuezhi’s way out, and looked down at the seated person.
Her gaze traveled down his smooth, straight nose and landed on his coolly pale, slender neck, contemplating how she would measure its dimensions with her hand during the fight.
Ji Yuezhi looked up, his dark pupils carrying a cold, mocking tone. “I hear Classmate Zuo has taken a liking to a freshman. Why not satisfy everyone’s speculation now?”
A freshman she liked?
Zuo Luohuan was already a bit distracted and didn’t understand his words at first. Jiang Hong came over from behind, adding fuel to the fire, “He means Yan Yan. The forum says it’s the first time you’ve eaten with someone from school, so some rumors and gossip started.”
“He’s an Alpha.” Zuo Luohuan narrowed her eyes slightly, not understanding why people at school would make that connection.
Jiang Hong clicked his tongue. “You don’t know? Alpha-Alpha relationships are very popular right now.”
Zuo Luohuan recalled Yan Yan’s appearance and said decisively, “I like Omegas.”
“I didn’t realize you were so traditional,” Jiang Hong said casually.
“There’s nothing wrong with being traditional.” Zuo Luohuan was looking at Jiang Hong as she spoke, not noticing that the person in the seat had lowered his eyes, lost in thought.
By the time she turned her head back, Ji Yuezhi had already packed his things and stood up, clearly having no intention of dealing with Zuo Luohuan.
“Not going to fight?” Zuo Luohuan didn’t move, seeming as if she would only let him pass if he agreed.
The corners of Ji Yuezhi’s long, narrow eyes swept lightly over her face before he walked straight out. If Zuo Luohuan didn’t move, he would have slammed his shoulder straight into her.
Zuo Luohuan took a small step to the side, but just as Ji Yuezhi was about to walk out, she suddenly grabbed his wrist. He immediately struggled and countered, his other hand chopping towards Zuo Luohuan’s arm without any mercy.
Anyone else would have been injured, but the person he was facing was Zuo Luohuan. She easily caught Ji Yuezhi’s other hand as well.
It happened in an instant. The students still in the classroom only saw Ji Yuezhi stand up before he was pinned against the classroom wall by Zuo Luohuan, his hands restrained.
A sharp intake of breath filled the classroom. Even Jiang Hong couldn’t help but cough several times and step in to mediate. “Class is over. We should get going.”
With the first person speaking up, other students’ voices gradually joined in.
“Classmate Zuo, this is the First Military Academy, not the Zuo family. Does your Winter Army also bully people like this?”
“Exactly, if you want to challenge someone, go to the Challenge Hall. What’s the point of starting a fight in the classroom?”
“An Alpha who has already differentiated actually has the nerve to bully a classmate who hasn’t. The glory of the Federation the teacher just mentioned could never be someone like you.”
Listening to the voices around them, Zuo Luohuan leaned close to Ji Yuezhi’s ear and whispered, “Our Yuezhi is quite popular at school.”
Ji Yuezhi lowered his eyes and said coldly, “Let go.”
Zuo Luohuan raised an eyebrow slightly, released him, and then quickly ran a hand over his neck, saying ambiguously, “I’ll be waiting for your differentiation.”
Damn it!
Many people in the classroom were utterly furious. How long had Zuo Luohuan been back, and she was already being so provocative? Wasn’t she just relying on the fact that she had differentiated a few years earlier?!
“Um… Classmate Ji, Luohuan’s pheromones might be a bit unstable today, her mind isn’t very clear.” Jiang Hong pulled Zuo Luohuan away, apologizing to Ji Yuezhi. “Sorry, truly sorry.”
Damn it, if this blew up, the Ji and Zuo families would definitely be at each other’s throats again. When the city gates catch fire, the fish in the moat are sure to suffer. His family still wanted a few more days of peace.
Once he had dragged her out, Jiang Hong let go and lowered his voice. “What are you doing? It’s fine to just talk trash usually, but you actually got physical? This is the First Military Academy. If Ji Xixiu finds out, you’ll be in for it.”
Zuo Luohuan had gotten the measurements she wanted and was in a reasonably good mood, so she didn’t answer him. However…
She looked down at her hand, recalling the delicate texture her fingertips had just touched, and rubbed them together, feeling a bit strange.
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