Chapter 21: Her Lover, the Deceiver

If she, an Alpha, went to that so-called Imperial Capital Omega Academy, that would truly be turning the world upside down.

Zhen Yan had always longed for the Imperial Fourth Military Academy. Now, being personally invited by the academy’s principal, there was naturally no way she could refuse to let her go. But since the principal herself had come, it showed Zhen Yan’s importance.

Jia Hua had had enough of staying in small, little An City. Now was a perfect opportunity to go somewhere new for fun.

The Imperial Fourth Military Academy sounded pretty good.

It was just that she currently existed as a D-rank Omega, and the military academy only accepted Alphas. How was she supposed to get in as an Omega?

When Jia Hua turned her head and exchanged that glance with Zhen Yan, she read the word “adoration” in Zhen Yan’s eyes.

Mm, throwing a tantrum seemed quite effective.

It could also help gauge just how important Zhen Yan was to the Fourth Military Academy, and to what extent Principal Qin would compromise for Zhen Yan’s sake.

General Qin’s brows furrowed slightly. The two officers behind her looked at Jia Hua in disbelief, then shifted their gaze to Zhen Yan’s face, who had been staring at Jia Hua the whole time.

Why aren’t you breaking up with this woman who’s hindering your glorious future? Are you keeping her around for the New Year?

Zhen Yan, the wife-gazing stone, looked at Jia Hua with deep affection: Is Jia Hua expressing possessiveness towards me?

Heavens, she loves me so much!

General Qin also noticed Zhen Yan’s expression and mentally grumbled at her lack of ambition.

Not only poor taste, but also weak resolve! How could she be swayed by an Omega’s few words, throwing aside the pursuit of power and honor!

General Qin cleared her throat twice, striving to use her gentlest tone towards Jia Hua: “Student Zhen Yan is going to improve herself, to realize her life’s value, to earn her great future. It’s not for fun. I hope you can understand.”

She actually disliked dealing with Omegas, because some Omegas were simply too troublesome, and she couldn’t use mental or physical force against a fragile Omega.

“I don’t understand.” Jia Hua grabbed Zhen Yan’s hand, her sobs gentle and pitiful. “Do you really want a long-distance relationship with me? Do you not love me anymore, wanting to break up, and that’s why you want to go to the Fourth Academy so far away today?”

Underneath, Jia Hua’s other hand quickly wrote two characters on Zhen Yan’s palm: “together.” Zhen Yan, grasping the conveyed message, froze. Omega, military academy, together—these three terms flashed through her mind.

If even she, as an Omega, could go, why couldn’t Jia Hua? If they’re going, they go together. She would definitely protect her.

Watching Jia Hua’s glistening tears, even knowing she was fake-crying, it still made Zhen Yan’s heart palpitate. She pulled two tissues from the coffee table and carefully wiped Jia Hua’s tears, her heart aching: “How could I not love you? Don’t even think about breaking up.”

Zhen Yan gathered Jia Hua in her arms and said softly: “I won’t go. I’ll stay with you in An City. No long-distance relationship. Stop crying, okay?”

Burying her face in Zhen Yan’s embrace, Jia Hua’s crying paused for a moment. The corner of her mouth subtly curled, but she continued her choked sobs: “Anyway, you can’t be separated from me. You said we’d be together forever…”

Having a line forcibly put in her mouth, Zhen Yan went along with it, even adding deliberately: “Mm, wherever you are, I’ll be there.”

General Qin watched the young couple on the opposite sofa, pouring out their hearts and clinging to each other, her eyes gleaming darkly. Her fingers drummed on her knee intermittently.

No matter what, this Zhen Yan—she was definitely taking her away, she had to take her away.

After the couple finished their lovey-dovey talk, General Qin put on a warm, friendly smile: “Young couples these days have such strong feelings. Much more proactive than we were back then.”

She looked at Jia Hua and asked: “Then according to Student Jia Hua’s meaning, as long as you’re not separated, it’s fine, right?”

“In that case, Student Jia Hua, would you be willing to stay at the Fourth Military Academy for a while? We can arrange accommodations for you. You can move about within designated areas.” General Qin said slowly. “That wouldn’t be considered a long-distance relationship anymore, right?”

Jia Hua blinked. Just as everyone thought she was about to nod and agree, she shook her head: “Then that would basically be house arrest, restricting my personal freedom.”

General Qin’s eyes deepened. She smiled faintly: “Then what, do you think, would be suitable?”

This was exactly what Jia Hua wanted to hear. She sat up straight and smiled slightly: “First: I want to be in the same class and live in the same dorm as Zhen Yan. Second: Since I’m an Omega, I reserve the right to opt out of the class’s physical training. Third: The school will graciously sponsor Zhen Yan’s and my tuition and living expenses. Fourth: Outside of class and training hours, please do not disturb Zhen Yan and me.”

Jia Hua: “Those four points for now. I’ll add more later if I think of anything.”

While Jia Hua spoke unhurriedly, the two officers standing across from her had their eyes wide open.

My god! How can she have the nerve to make these demands?! Every single one is absolutely outrageous! This is a military academy! A place where discipline reigns supreme! Not a playground for you!

Jia Hua: Oh ho, but I AM here to play and date! Is there a problem?

General Qin looked deeply at Jia Hua, then suddenly burst into hearty laughter: “Hahaha, excellent! It’s been a long time since someone dared to make demands like this in front of me. Hearing you speak like this makes me feel young again.”

Since she wants to go, let her go. The training intensity and environment of Class A—it wasn’t something a delicate Omega like her could endure. She couldn’t possibly skip every single session; surely she had some sense of shame.

“Regarding the first point—same class, we can arrange that. But living together, I’m afraid we can’t agree to that. Because with Student Zhen Yan’s aptitude, she will be placed in the most outstanding Class A. Students in Class A each have their own single room—a special benefit our academy provides for Class A students.”

“The second and third points, we can agree to. But the fourth point…” General Qin smiled. “We generally don’t disturb students outside of class unless there’s an emergency. In those situations, we hope you’ll be understanding.”

Having said all this, General Qin lifted her teacup for a sip: “I believe our academy has shown the utmost sincerity in inviting Student Zhen Yan to study here. I hope Student Zhen Yan won’t disappoint our genuine intentions.”

With the conversation reaching this point, Jia Hua knew when to stop pushing her luck.

When Zhen Yan turned to look at her, Jia Hua nodded.

Zhen Yan stood up, facing General Qin. She placed her right fist over her left chest: “Being able to study at the Imperial Fourth Military Academy is my honor.”

Although General Qin’s goodwill towards her stemmed from her S-rank mental power, she was undeniably a General of the Empire. The contributions she had made to the Empire were undeniable. She deserved Zhen Yan’s respect.

Zhen Yan’s gesture made General Qin pause for a second. The authority that had been gradually dissipating was elevated again by this one action.

The corners of General Qin’s mouth lifted slightly. This was the most genuine smile she had worn all day.

She stood up, her eyes brimming with a smile as she looked at Zhen Yan: “The Imperial Fourth Military Academy will march towards glory because of your addition!”

With an S-rank mental power user studying at her academy, the Fourth Academy, and even the Fourth Legion, would surely rise!

Still sitting on the sofa, Jia Hua was being constantly signaled by the two officers behind General Qin with their eyes, yet she showed no intention of standing up.

The person they wanted was Zhen Yan. As for her—whatever she did was largely irrelevant. Since that was the case, why bother standing? Tiring.

With Zhen Yan having agreed to enroll, General Qin was in an excellent mood. Only now did she address Jia Hua’s situation.

General Qin: “I heard you came to the hospital today for a mental power level test. Have the results come out? Since you’re entering a military academy, we still hope your level can be as high as possible. The academy’s minimum requirement is B. We hope yours is at least a C.”

General Qin’s requirements kept being lowered.

Jia Hua blinked, said nothing. She unzipped her backpack and pulled out the test results, handing them to General Qin.

“What is it?” Zhen Yan whispered in Jia Hua’s ear.

Jia Hua turned to her, spread her hands and shrugged: “D.”

Although the team leader was useless and only gave her a D-rank Omega identity, it was better than nothing. She was content.

Besides, whether she had mental power or not didn’t really matter much.

If it was someone she wanted to hit, even a 3S-rank mental power user, she could beat them to a pulp.

After all, she wasn’t affected by this ABO world’s mental power. It was basically one punch per person.

“D-rank Omega?” General Qin placed the test results on the coffee table, her brows furrowed slightly.

This was too ordinary, too low-level. Normally, they wouldn’t even give it a second glance.

General Qin looked at Zhen Yan and Jia Hua sitting on the opposite sofa with a complex gaze, sighing inwardly.

Both were Omegas. One was the pinnacle S-rank, while the other was the most ordinary, common D-rank. Even if they were in love now—not to mention the issue of their shared gender—just the gap between them meant their futures would surely be worlds apart.

They fundamentally were not people of the same world.

General Qin spoke slowly: “Student Zhen Yan can openly be recruited by the Imperial Fourth Military Academy. But Student Jia Hua might not be able to. The military academy has never recruited Omegas over the years… We might need to change your mental power rank to C, then attach your student file to the Imperial Capital Omega Academy. During your time at the Fourth Military Academy, you can only use the false identity we arrange for you. Would that be acceptable?”

This way, regardless of any merits or demerits Jia Hua accrued at the Fourth Military Academy, her file would remain spotless.

Jia Hua raised an eyebrow. Such a good deal? They were even helping inflate her mental power rank?

Jia Hua chuckled lightly: “Fine.”

She never cared about these external things. If she did, from the moment she entered this retirement world until now, she probably would have already pulled down that so-called Emperor sitting on the throne and taken the seat for herself.

Just then, General Qin’s phone vibrated twice. She took it out and glanced, her expression flickering with surprise. She put the phone away, stood up, and said to Jia Hua and Zhen Yan: “I have other matters to attend to, so I won’t personally see you home. I’ll send someone to escort you home. After you’ve said your goodbyes, you’ll depart for the Fourth Military Academy today.”

“General Qin.” Zhen Yan stood and stopped her. “Could we stay at home for one night and leave for the academy tomorrow?”

General Qin met Zhen Yan’s sincere eyes, was silent for a beat, then nodded: “Fine. Do you need me to send people to covertly protect you?”

Zhen Yan shook her head: “We’re just two ordinary people.”

As long as you make sure those who know keep their mouths sealed.

General Qin smiled warmly: “Alright. Lieutenant Colonel Wu here will see you back later. You can contact him tomorrow.”

General Qin seemed to have urgent business and hurriedly left with the female officer. Very soon, only Jia Hua, Zhen Yan, and that Lieutenant Colonel Wu remained in Director Qi’s office.

Naturally, Lieutenant Colonel Wu held the highest military rank among them. Jia Hua and Zhen Yan were merely new students of the Fourth Military Academy, with no military rank yet. But Lieutenant Colonel Wu didn’t put on airs. After exchanging contact info, he told them to wait a moment. He quickly returned with two new ID cards, one for Zhen Yan and one for Jia Hua.

Compared to their old IDs, only the gender column had changed:

Zhen Yan: A-rank Alpha.

Jia Hua: C-rank Omega.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Wu, both of their student files had already been transferred out of An City No. 2 High School. Zhen Yan’s was transferred to the Fourth Military Academy, Jia Hua’s to the Imperial Capital Omega Academy. However, the admission letter for the Imperial Capital Omega Academy wouldn’t arrive at Jia Hua’s home until tonight.

Then, Lieutenant Colonel Wu led them into a seemingly ordinary but highly fortified car, heading toward Old Street. One vehicle escorted them in front and another behind.

Inside the car, Jia Hua snuggled in Zhen Yan’s arms, glancing at Lieutenant Colonel Wu in the passenger seat.

Why so tactless? All those cars available, and he insists on riding in the same car as us…

Acting as if he didn’t exist, Jia Hua whispered near Zhen Yan’s ear: “My mental power rank is D. How come you didn’t seem surprised at all?”

The spot by her ear, brushed by Jia Hua’s breath, tinged faintly red.

Zhen Yan pressed her lips together and stated quietly: “Both your mothers are D. Generally speaking, you’d be D too.”

Jia Hua chuckled softly: “Then wouldn’t you say I lucked out? Me, a D-rank, dating an A-rank girlfriend.”

Zhen Yan shook her head: “No, I’m the one who lucked out. How fortunate am I, to have such a beautiful girlfriend like you.”

Jia Hua’s eyes lit up at this. She sat up straight, cupping Zhen Yan’s fair face with both hands: “I like hearing that. If you know how, say more from now on!”

Zhen Yan’s brows and eyes curved like crescent moons, happily agreeing: “Alright!”

With that, from the corner of her eye, she noticed a ring she’d never seen before on the ring finger of Jia Hua’s right hand. Myriad speculations flashed through her mind. Finally, she smiled lightly and asked: “That ring on your hand, did you buy it yourself?”

Don’t say it was a gift from someone else. Otherwise, I might get jealous. Except for Auntie Jia and Auntie Song.

“Is it pretty?” Jia Hua pulled back her hands from Zhen Yan’s face and spread her right hand before Zhen Yan’s eyes.

Five fingers, long and fair, with distinct knuckles—truly beautiful.

Zhen Yan nodded: “Your hand is pretty.”

If you won’t say where the ring came from, don’t expect me to compliment it.

Jia Hua watched Zhen Yan’s slightly pursed lips and smiled, leaning in to plant a kiss on Zhen Yan’s fair cheek.

“Why the jealous pout? Bought it on the street ages ago. Two Yuan each. Bought one to wear for fun.” Jia Hua lied without blushing, very practiced.

She couldn’t just tell Zhen Yan: See this? It’s what lets me switch from Alpha to Omega in front of testing machines.

Hearing Jia Hua say this, Zhen Yan’s mood instantly improved. She held Jia Hua’s hand and said seriously: “In the future, I’ll buy you more, prettier, and more expensive rings to wear.”

Jia Hua was amused by Zhen Yan’s serious expression. She reached out and poked her elegant nose: “Alright, I’ll wait for you to personally put a prettier ring on my finger.”

Expensive wasn’t necessary, as long as it was pretty.

In the back seat, the young couple was all lovey-dovey. In the passenger seat, Lieutenant Colonel Wu’s eyes were glazed over.

Why did he come here to suffer, being force-fed dog food? Young couples these days, really too clingy…

“We’re here.” After a while, Lieutenant Colonel Wu spoke. As his words landed, the car stopped. The two in the back turned their heads to look outside— indeed, it was the street scenery of Old Street.

It was just past noon. Quite a few day students were rushing past with their backpacks, eager to get home for lunch.

“Lieutenant Colonel Wu, why don’t you come down and eat with us at home?” the two invited.

Lieutenant Colonel Wu was a little surprised but quickly shook his head in refusal: “No need. Tomorrow, once you’ve packed your things, contact me. I’ll come pick you up.”

With that, he instructed the driver to leave, quickly disappearing from the street entrance.

“Let’s go, let’s go home,” Jia Hua smiled.

“Okay,” Zhen Yan nodded.

The two, of similar height, walked shoulder to shoulder along the old street with its considerable history. Autumn wind swept by, lifting strands of their loose hair. They exchanged a smile.

Inside Zhen Yan’s apartment building stairwell, the dim yellow stairwell light shone on the two women pressed tightly together.

Lips and teeth met, rolling and grinding against each other. Jia Hua’s superb kissing skills, without needing any pheromones, had already made Zhen Yan weak in the knees, more potent than any aphrodisiac in the world.

Watching Zhen Yan’s dazed eyes and reddened eye corners, Jia Hua’s slender fingers tightened around Zhen Yan’s slender waist, preventing her from sliding down.

The smile at the corner of her mouth rippled open. Warm breath sprayed onto Zhen Yan’s face. Her voice carried a hint of temptation: “Hold onto me tightly…”

This effect was excellent. Back when she was punished to sweep the Main God Space Library, those forbidden books in the restricted section weren’t read for nothing!