What to Do If Beta Cannot Be Marked? - Chapter 3

Chi Jinxian entered the venue, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Yuan Si Bai. A smile spread across his face as he lifted his foot to run over, but his legs suddenly froze as if they had grown brakes!

Diagonally ahead, a tall figure wearing the same First Interstellar Alliance High School uniform stood in a semi-secluded corner, somewhat out of place with the surroundings yet strikingly conspicuous.

However, he showed no signs of discomfort or any intention to socialize. Instead, he glanced down at the drinks on the table, seemingly contemplating which one to try, appearing even more composed than the man beside him who was engaged in conversation.

Clearly, this wasn’t his first time attending such an event.

Who else could this be but Lu Zhi, the very person Chi Jinxian had bid farewell to just half an hour ago with a “See you tomorrow”?!

But how could this be?!

Chi Jinxian’s eyes widened in shock, and he held his breath.

When it came to Lu Zhi’s background, there wasn’t a soul in the entire Alliance who didn’t know. He came from a military-political family, with his father serving as the current First General of the Alliance.

Although the Interstellar Alliance had long achieved advanced civilization and no longer frequently battled interstellar pirates as in the past, the status of Lu Zhi’s grandfather and father remained formidable.

As a result, while many admired Lu Zhi for his looks and eagerly sought his attention, no one dared to get too close.

Chi Jinxian’s family was also highly influential. His great-grandfather and ancestors had contributed immensely to the Alliance, earning supreme honors.

In fact, if one were to trace it back, the Chi and Lu families shared some historical ties.

However, unlike the widespread knowledge of Lu Zhi being the son of General Lu, almost no one nowadays knew that Chi Jinxian was the son of Chi Sui, aside from a few uncles and aunts,

“An An.” Just as he was lost in thought, a voice from across the room abruptly snapped Chi Jinxian out of his reverie.

In an instant, Chi Jinxian covered half his face with his hand, hunched his back, and scurried over to Yuan Si Bai.

Don’t see me, don’t see me, or my two-year-long poor persona will be ruined, and I won’t be able to mooch congee anymore. Chi Jinxian thought frantically as he shuffled forward in small steps. Unable to bear the tension any longer, he began muttering under his breath, “Ah, Dad, Dad, Dad, Dad save me, Dad.”

Why was Lu Zhi here? Chi Jinxian was so nervous his heart felt like it was about to leap out of his chest. Yet, he couldn’t resist peeking through the gaps between his fingers to sneak another glance at Lu Zhi.

Oh, General Lu was here too.

According to his father, with peace and civilization steadily advancing, even interstellar pirates hardly dared to cause trouble anymore. Thus, the Lu family had recently ventured into business.

This was likely to lay a more solid foundation for Lu Zhi’s future, ensuring he would have a place in both the military and commercial sectors.

So, was that why Lu Zhi’s father had brought him along?

Lost in these thoughts, the hopeless Chi Jinxian couldn’t resist stealing another glance at Lu Zhi. But this time, something alarming happened, Lu Zhi looked back!

As if sensing something, Lu Zhi suddenly paused his hand, which had been reaching for a drink, and casually lifted his gaze. His eyes, partially veiled by his lashes, instantly locked onto Chi Jinxian, who was hunched over in an awkward posture. His stare was as sharp as an eagle’s.

Chi Jinxian snapped his eyes shut, twisted his head away, and covered his face with both hands, his scalp tingling with dread.

“An An, what are you doing? Why are you standing like that?” Yuan Si Bai asked, leaning down to look at him as soon as he approached, thinking something was wrong.

In the next moment, Chi Jinxian buried his face in Yuan Si Bai’s chest and let out a despairing whimper, “Dad, save me.”

Yuan Si Bai was caught off guard by the hug, swaying slightly as the champagne in his hand spilled a little. Fortunately, he reacted quickly and tilted the glass aside in time.

“What’s wrong?”

“Tsk, how old are you? Don’t embarrass yourself.” Chi Jinxian’s collar was suddenly grabbed by a large hand, forcing him to withdraw from Yuan Si Bai’s embrace.

Chi Sui looked him up and down with clear disdain. “Showing up in your school uniform you really know how to draw attention.”

“You only informed me so late is that my fault?” Otherwise, he wouldn’t have run into Lu Zhi. Chi Jinxian stood stiffly, his back to that persistent gaze, and retorted to his father, “I’m the birthday boy.”

Chi Sui was momentarily speechless. “Fine. Alright then, birthday boy.”

Yuan Si Bai chuckled and reached out to ruffle Chi Jinxian’s hair. “Your dad said since you’ll have to get used to these events eventually, we’re trying it out this year inviting some uncles and aunts, and their children, who are all around your age.”

Chi Jinxian’s expression seemed to darken further. Yuan Si Bai assumed it was his first time at such an event, and the crowd was making him nervous.

He softened his voice. “It’s your birthday today. Happy birthday, Xiao An.”

“Thanks, Dad. Thanks, Papa.” Chi Jinxian mumbled.

“President Chi.” Just then, a greeting came from behind, accompanied by two approaching footsteps.

Chi Sui immediately tilted his glass courteously in that direction. “General Lu.”

Chi Jinxian froze completely, stiff as an ice pop, unable to move.

Yuan Si Bai said, “Xiao An, this is your Uncle Lu.”

Xiao An? Papa, don’t call me by my childhood name in front of Lu Zhi it’s so embarrassing!

But strangely, the awkwardness of encountering Lu Zhi at his own birthday party was largely overshadowed by this sudden shame. Chi Jinxian scratched his head and slowly turned around.

He kept his head slightly bowed and eyes downcast, not daring to look up.

He looked utterly dejected.

“Hello, Uncle Lu,” he said politely. Then, after a long internal struggle, he barely managed to add, “H-hello, Class President.”

Lu Zhi remained silent for a while, simply staring at him, making Chi Jinxian feel as if needles were pricking his skin.

Lu Zisheng gestured beside him, prompting Lu Zhi to greet the others. Lu Zhi withdrew his gaze, politely addressed Yuan Si Bai and Chi Sui, and then looked away, ignoring Chi Jinxian entirely.

It’s over, it’s over, it’s over. He’s definitely angry. I’ll never get to share his congee again. Chi Jinxian had no idea how he managed to stand at the center of the party as the birthday boy, cutting the cake and enduring everyone’s stares, his mind was consumed by that single thought.

By the time the party ended, it was barely 10 p.m. While the adults were still exchanging pleasantries and farewells, Chi Jinxian chased after Lu Zhi’s retreating figure and left the hotel.

Lu Zhi seemed headed to the parking garage, likely waiting there for Lu Zisheng.

“Lu-ge!”

The streetlights outside were all lit, their beams forming lines that adorned at least half the city’s scenery.

At the nearby intersection, the traffic light turned red, and cars came to a halt one after another, forming long, straight rows.

The previously smooth road instantly became congested. Though orderly, it felt as if an invisible barrier had risen.

Pedestrians walked along the sidewalk, some alone, some in pairs, paying no attention to one another.

Lu Zhi’s shadow stretched long under a streetlamp. He stood still, so the shadow remained motionless, only his eyes fixed intently on the approaching figure.

Chi Jinxian’s shadow transformed gradually from a small dot into a round shape, then flattened, and finally elongated.

When he reached Lu Zhi, their shadows nearly overlapped.

“Brother Lu, I, I’m sorry.”

“Why apologize?” Lu Zhi interrupted, sounding both puzzled and indifferent.

“Oh, okay. Then I won’t apologize.” Chi Jinxian, half a head shorter, looked up directly into Lu Zhi’s eyes. His eyebrows drooped slightly as he adopted a pitiful expression, whispering, “Can I still mooch meals from you later?”

Lu Zhi seemed either disgusted or accustomed to such antics. He remained silent for a long moment before finally uttering through clenched teeth, “No.”

“Come on, don’t be like that,” Chi Jinxian negotiated in an even softer voice. “Although my family isn’t poor, that has nothing to do with me. My dad never lets me eat.”

“President Chi, no need to see us further. This is far enough.” Lu Zisheng’s crisp, measured footsteps cut through as his straight figure blocked Chi Sui’s path, his tone laced with amusement.

He sounded as pleased as if he’d just closed a major business deal.

Chi Sui smiled back, continuing forward with the demeanor of a host seeing off guests. He gestured toward Chi Jinxian nearby. “I need to take our little birthday boy home.”

Chi Jinxian had to cease fabricating stories about his own father. He sighed, wearing an expression of deep concern over a problem he didn’t know how to solve.

Lu Zisheng led Lu Zhi away, while Chi Jinxian followed his parents home.

“Huh? It’s over already?” The moment they entered the house, Qi Suiyi, playing games on the sofa, turned and saw the three of them, looking genuinely confused.

It was only 9:50 PM. He had expected the celebrations to last until midnight.

“Don’t want to attend classes tomorrow?” Chi Sui glanced at him.

Yuan Si Bai chuckled beside them.

“Of course I do,” Qi Suiyi asserted, mashing his phone buttons vigorously. “I knew you’d be back around this time, so I waited specifically to wish Xiao An a happy birthday, Ha! Trying to stop me? You’re still too green!”

The Chi family tradition kept most outsiders unaware of Chi Jinxian’s identity as the young master, and even fewer knew Qi Suiyi’s background.

Avoiding public attention saved considerable trouble.

Hence, no banquets before adulthood, and even if there were, they wouldn’t attend each other’s.

According to Chi family custom, the head of the household, Chi Jinxian’s grandfather had four sons. The eldest and third sons took their father’s surname, while the second and fourth took their mother’s.

“Did Dad let you stay here today?” Chi Sui removed his coat and took Yuan Si Bai’s jacket to hang up.

“Yep,” Qi Suiyi grunted, his voice straining with the force of his button-mashing. “It’s my little nephew’s birthday today! He must be happy, so I want to be happy too! I’m staying the night with him!”

Hearing this, Yuan Si Bai smiled lightly. “Then you should go check on your little nephew. He doesn’t seem very happy.”

“Ah?” Qi Suiyi looked up from his phone, distracted just long enough for his game character to die. Seizing the opportunity, he put away his phone and gripped the back of the sofa. “Why?”

His eyes scanned the living room but found no one.

Chi Sui replied, “He went back to his room.”

The utter silence and lack of response clearly indicated genuine displeasure. Qi Suiyi couldn’t figure out why. After bidding goodnight to his two older brothers, he went upstairs.

Chi Jinxian had just finished writing tomorrow’s love letter and was now lying on his bed, tapping away at his phone screen to send messages.

Cash Pool: [Brother, will I ever have a chance to date you? [Well-behaved]]

As expected, there was no response from the other side pretending not to see it.

Since rejection had no effect on Chi Jinxian, ignoring him was the only option.

After some thought, Chi Jinxian lowered his head and typed rapidly: [Brother, can I keep mopping meals off you tomorrow?]

Two minutes later, Lu Zhi replied.

Lu Zhi: [No.]

Chi Jinxian let out a heart-wrenching, earth-shattering “Ugh!” and began pounding his bed in frustration.

After replying, Lu Zhi set his phone aside.

His expression blank, he stared at the side pocket of his backpack before pulling out the rose and the love letter.

Under the lamplight, the rose seemed to glow with an even deeper crimson. The fiery red petal pasted on the envelope of the love letter whether it came from this rose or not was equally vivid.

Perhaps driven by curiosity about what kind of persistent little monster Chi Jinxian was, Lu Zhi woodenly reached for a bottled milk nearby. With one hand, he unscrewed the cap; with the other, he opened the love letter.

His eyes casually scanned the paper. Just as he raised the bottle toward his mouth before it could touch his lips, a loud “Thud!” echoed the bottle instantly fell onto the table, splattering milk stains onto the nearby rose.

It was soiled.

Lu Zhi hurriedly righted the bottle and frantically searched for tissues to wipe it clean, his pupils faintly trembling,

“Lu ge after high school graduation, I want.” The slow, hesitant, yet earnest voice reading aloud in the room made Chi Jinxian, who was still lying on his bed racking his brains about how to mooch a meal tomorrow, pause his bed-pounding.

“To make love with you.?”

As these words echoed in his ears, Chi Jinxian froze mid-action, blinked once, then twice, before abruptly sitting up and whipping his head around.

There stood Qi Suiyi, holding the love letter Chi Jinxian had intended to give Lu Zhi tomorrow, staring at the paper with a twisted expression, utterly bewildered.