Life in junior year became increasingly hectic. Not only did Jiang Heng have to keep up with classes, but he was also busy with various extracurricular activities.
Within just two weeks of the new semester, Jiang Heng barely had time to catch his breath.
Back in his freshman year, he had joined the basketball club. Last year, the club president graduated, and the position was passed on to Jiang Heng.
Jiang Heng, who had always been laid-back, had little interest in the role. However, the lure of course credits swayed him.
Over two semesters, he had missed the credits for two elective courses. These electives were held on weekends, taking up precious free time, so he skipped them entirely. But in order to graduate smoothly, Jiang Heng became very proactive in attending various lectures at the start of junior year.
Each lecture could earn up to one credit, though most offered only 0.5. Still, it was better than nothing, especially since he could just sleep through them.
As for the title of club president, it came with one credit per semester. The basketball club rarely organized activities, giving him plenty of freedom. The only significant duty was recruiting new members at the start of the semester, which was definitely worth it.
While the freshman military training was in full swing, clubs were also busy setting up booths in designated areas on campus to recruit members.
Jiang Heng stood lazily holding the basketball club’s signboard, half-awake.
Behind him, a few club members kept sneaking glances toward the training field. “I heard there’s a really pretty freshman girl this year.”
“No matter how pretty, she won’t be yours.”
“Damn, I’m already in my third year and haven’t even dated once.” The guy sighed, casting an envious look at Jiang Heng. “Still, I admire the president. Married so young.”
At the mention of himself, Jiang Heng paused slightly.
During summer break, just a couple of days after his birthday, he went with Shen Huaizhi to get their marriage certificate. The reason was pragmatic—getting married added credits.
But deep down, Jiang Heng knew the real reason: he wanted to tie himself to this person for life. Even though they had already fully marked each other, marriage was still something he found incredibly meaningful.
At the start of the semester, Jiang Heng handed out wedding candies to his classmates and teachers, practically announcing his marriage to the entire campus. This led to many posts on the school forum lamenting, Why do good-looking guys always marry young?
Jiang Heng merely chuckled softly and said nothing. Two years had passed, and he looked even more handsome than before. His hair now reached his ears, and his features had softened a bit, making him appear ageless. If he wore a high school uniform, people might mistake him for a seventeen or eighteen-year-old student rather than a married man.
That smile drew the attention of a few freshmen on the training field, who kept glancing his way.
Jiang Heng, seemingly oblivious to their gazes, remained calm. However, the club members helping with recruitment couldn’t help but cheer excitedly.
After a while, someone suddenly came up with a bad idea. “Our club has always only recruited Alphas and Betas. If we want to attract some Omegas this year…” They glanced at Jiang Heng and suggested, “President, how about you sacrifice your looks for the club?”
Jiang Heng raised his eyelids slightly, his faint smile giving off an air of unapproachability. He turned his gaze to the speaker and slowly replied with three words: “Not interested.”
The recruitment area was set up along the main road near the sports field. Both sides of the road were lined with makeshift booths, each with a club signboard in front. Some clubs displayed photos of past activities, while others went as far as dressing up flamboyantly to attract recruits. Clubs with Omega members typically had an easier time recruiting, as Omegas were quite rare.
Walking through the area, Jiang Heng couldn’t help but think back to when he had just started university. In the blink of an eye, two years had already passed.
As he was lost in thought, his phone suddenly rang in his pocket.
“Good thing our spot wasn’t taken!”
“Who the hell dumped trash on our table?”
“President! Where’s the signboard?”
They had reached their designated spot, and the club members began noisily setting up.
Jiang Heng glanced at them briefly, handed over the signboard he was holding, and answered the call.
Shen Huaizhi’s voice came through the phone. “What do you want to eat tonight?”
Jiang Heng paused, his expression turning a bit peculiar. He wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination, but ever since he mentioned he’d be busy with recruitment, Shen Huaizhi had been calling him every day for seemingly trivial reasons—asking about lunch, dinner, or whether he’d eaten. Sometimes, there were two or three calls a day.
He couldn’t figure out how someone as busy as Shen Huaizhi managed to find so much time for this.
“It’s just past ten in the morning.” Jiang Heng glanced at the booth, directing the members to move items while responding, “Class rep, don’t you think it’s a bit too early to ask this?”
The person on the other end didn’t seem embarrassed at all and naturally changed the subject. “What’s for lunch?”
Jiang Heng chuckled. “Not sure yet, depends on when we’re done here.”
Just then, several freshman classes wrapped up their military training and started walking over in small groups. In an instant, the relatively quiet area turned lively.
Jiang Heng didn’t catch what Shen Huaizhi said next. As he moved to cover his ear and step aside, a few girls in military training uniforms walked straight up to him with bright, eager eyes.
“Senior, which club are you from?”
Jiang Heng paused, considering their recruitment goals. If they didn’t meet the quota, that precious 1 credit would be out of reach. With that in mind, he decided to bear with it.
“Basketball club.”
As soon as he spoke, a few basketball club members eagerly stepped forward with flyers and began enthusiastically introducing the club to the girls.
Seeing Jiang Heng was on the phone, the girls didn’t want to bother him too much. But while listening to the introductions, their gazes kept wandering back to him, and they couldn’t help asking indirectly, “Is he your club president?”
“Yep, that’s our president. Handsome, right?”
“Very handsome! Is he single?”
The club member paused, meeting the girls’ sparkling eyes, then sighed. “He’s already married.”
The girls: “……”
Still, since the conversation had started, the club member wasn’t about to lose potential recruits. They began to hype Jiang Heng up further, “Have you seen the school forum?”
The girls, still a little disappointed, nodded.
“That guy everyone’s complaining about on the homepage for getting married young? That’s our president.”
The girls looked thoughtful but didn’t have a chance to respond before the club member went on, “And our president’s husband is super handsome too.”
“You join our club, and you’ll not only get to see our president, but you’ll also see his super handsome husband—Z University’s top scholar.”
The girls were clearly tempted.
After all, what could be more appealing than handsome guys? Especially two of them.
Though much later, the girls would learn the hard way that you can’t believe a single word seniors say!
Meanwhile, Jiang Heng was still on the phone. “How about joining me for lunch in the cafeteria?”
“I have two classes this afternoon.”
“Alright, I’ve got everything wrapped up here. I won’t be coming back to campus in the afternoon,” Shen Huaizhi replied casually, seemingly talking to someone else in the background. “Help me sign in for the afternoon classes.”
Jiang Heng chuckled. “Class rep, even you skip class now?”
Shen Huaizhi didn’t respond directly. After a moment of silence, he said, “Let’s head home together tonight.”
“Why the rush?” Jiang Heng asked, puzzled.
“I need to head back early to confirm some details for the event,” Shen Huaizhi replied, sounding like he was closing a door.
Jiang Heng instantly felt like someone had pressed a mute button on him. “Oh… got it. Then I’ll wait for you at lunch.”
This time, it was Shen Huaizhi who chuckled.
Jiang Heng hung up, holding the phone with a blank expression.
Noticing him approach, the girls filling out the application forms gave him shy smiles. Even though he was married, it didn’t stop them from admiring his looks.
After standing under the sun for a while, even with the shade of the tent, the heat was unbearable.
Jiang Heng huddled under the tent with two small fans blowing behind him, while his club members were also clearly feeling the heat.
Before long, Lin Bai and Mi Yangyang arrived, carrying iced drinks and popsicles to bring some relief.
“Jiang Heng, wanna grab lunch with us later?” Lin Bai asked while handing out popsicles to the club members.
Jiang Heng opened a cold bottle of cola, raised an eyebrow, and replied, “Sure.” After a pause, he added, “My husband’s coming too.”
Saying “husband” felt a little awkward but also inexplicably intimate. Somehow, Jiang Heng found himself missing him, even though they’d just spent last night together.
Lin Bai immediately protested, “Ahhh! Why?! As if it’s not bad enough that you’re married, now you’re rubbing it in our faces! So unfair!”
Jiang Heng tilted his head back to drink his cola, not bothering to reply.
Used to Jiang Heng’s indifferent attitude, Lin Bai grabbed Mi Yangyang’s sleeve and declared, “We’re having a feast for lunch!”
Without waiting for Jiang Heng’s response, Lin Bai dragged Mi Yangyang to sit down nearby. The seats had been vacated for them—omegas got priority, especially attractive ones like Lin Bai and Mi Yangyang, who were quite popular.
With omegas around, recruiting new members became much easier.
Still, after spending the whole morning there, everyone was drenched in sweat by noon.
Seeing that most of the freshmen had dispersed, a few club members were getting restless. “President, we’re heading off for lunch now.”
Jiang Heng nodded while dialing Shen Huaizhi’s number to ask where he was.
The moment the call connected, Jiang Heng realized that the club members who were about to leave had stopped in their tracks. The voice that should’ve been coming through the phone was now right next to him.
Shen Huaizhi leaned slightly over, picking up one of the club’s brochures from the table. With a slight smile, he said, “I’m here.”
The club members finally snapped out of their daze and quickly left.
As they walked away, Jiang Heng could still hear them chatting.
“If I were an omega, I’d totally marry such a handsome alpha young too.”
“If I had an omega as good-looking as the president, I’d do the same.”
Shen Huaizhi was wearing a black shirt. Compared to Jiang Heng, he looked more mature. Even though he was only in his junior year, he already exuded the aura of a successful professional. His gaze had become sharper than before, but whenever it landed on Jiang Heng, it always softened unconsciously.
The four of them walked toward the campus gate together.
Lin Bai and Mi Yangyang walked ahead, chatting non-stop. Shen Huaizhi often treated them to meals, as they had become Jiang Heng’s only two close friends in university. Their personalities were decent too. Despite his Alpha possessiveness, wanting to keep his Omega all to himself, Shen Huaizhi was glad Jiang Heng had made new friends.
Jiang Heng and Shen Huaizhi followed behind, holding hands.
Thankfully, Shen Huaizhi’s palm was cool to the touch. Even in the hot weather, holding hands with him felt comfortable. Along the way, they inevitably attracted plenty of attention.
For the older students, seeing the two of them together was no longer unusual. Their looks were too stunning, and now that they were “married young,” their presence was even more attention-grabbing.
Jiang Heng gently squeezed Shen Huaizhi’s palm and said, “He Ci and Chen Xingchi said they’d be back tomorrow.”
Not expecting him to mention this, Shen Huaizhi paused. “Got it,” he replied.
Jiang Heng chuckled. “Shen Huaizhi, do you have pre-wedding jitters?”
It had only just occurred to him, but thinking back, it seemed Shen Huaizhi’s behavior hadn’t changed because of the club recruitment. Ever since they set their wedding date, Shen Huaizhi had been a bit off, clinging to him more than usual.
While they had always been close, it still felt a little different now.
The two had registered their marriage over the summer break, but the wedding was scheduled for October 3rd.
According to Ruan Shu, October 3rd was an auspicious day. Plus, it coincided with National Day Golden Week, so relatives would be available to attend. She even planned to invite all the Shen family connections and Jiang Heng and Shen Huaizhi’s classmates, making it a full-blown event.
After Jiang Heng said that, he noticed Shen Huaizhi’s hand stiffen slightly.
Raising an eyebrow, Jiang Heng teased with a laugh, “Don’t be nervous. I’m not nervous at all.”
“We already have the certificate, so what’s there to be scared of about the wedding, huh, Brother Huaizhi?”
Jiang Heng had this way of taking advantage of any situation. Usually, Shen Huaizhi teased him more, but now that Jiang Heng had found a chance, he wasn’t letting it go.
After a moment of silence, Shen Huaizhi tightened his grip on Jiang Heng’s hand. After a while, he murmured an “Mm.” He glanced at the two Omegas excitedly rushing toward the car in front of them, then leaned into Jiang Heng’s ear and whispered, “I actually like that title.”
“…?” Jiang Heng froze, his expression blank. What kind of nonsense is this man thinking?
After lunch, Jiang Heng returned to handle the club recruitment.
With Shen Huaizhi accompanying him, the basketball club suddenly became the most popular one. Even people from other clubs couldn’t resist coming over to talk and check out the handsome guys.
And, of course, marvel at how great it must be to “marry young.”
In the afternoon, Jiang Heng had two big classes with students from three different departments.
As soon as they entered the classroom, they were greeted with the stares of the entire class.
Jiang Heng paused mid-step, trying to let go of Shen Huaizhi’s hand, but the latter refused. After two failed attempts to shake free and realizing Shen Huaizhi wasn’t budging, Jiang Heng gave up and let it be.
“Jiang Heng! Over here!” Lin Bai waved enthusiastically from the corner of the classroom.
Since they had arrived late, Lin Bai and Mi Yangyang had already saved them seats.
Jiang Heng was about to pull Shen Huaizhi over when he overheard hushed voices. It wasn’t clear if they were speaking intentionally loud, but it sounded like they wanted him to hear.
“I don’t see what’s so great about it. Getting married so young—isn’t that just being ruined early?”
“Keep your voice down. That Alpha is so exceptional. How could it be like you’re saying?”
“Ha, just barely an adult and already fully marked. Isn’t it just because he’s clinging on and won’t let go?”
Jiang Heng froze mid-step.
Shen Huaizhi heard it too.
The one speaking was Qi Luo.
Over the past two years, Jiang Heng had noticed that Qi Luo harbored some inexplicable hostility toward him. However, since Jiang Heng didn’t live on campus and rarely interacted with Qi Luo in class, he never bothered with it.
Lin Bai had once mentioned that Qi Luo had briefly dated a military instructor but found out the guy was cheating on him, leading to a big fuss before the instructor retired.
At the time, Jiang Heng had merely laughed it off as gossip.
But now, hearing Qi Luo’s comments, Jiang Heng raised an eyebrow.
He wasn’t the type to back down, especially when someone insulted his Alpha.
Ignoring the nonsense about him clinging to Shen Huaizhi, Jiang Heng squeezed Shen Huaizhi’s fingers, led him to the seat beside Qi Luo, and sat down.
Qi Luo’s expression instantly changed, clearly not expecting Jiang Heng to be so thick-skinned.
“Honey, take notes for me,” Jiang Heng said as soon as he sat down, shoving his books and notebook toward Shen Huaizhi. His voice was neither loud nor soft—just enough for Qi Luo to hear.
Shen Huaizhi raised an eyebrow. Whatever annoyance Qi Luo’s earlier words had stirred in him dissipated completely.
“You’re shameless,” Qi Luo muttered under his breath.
Jiang Heng smirked. “Honey, I’m hot.”
Stifling a laugh, Shen Huaizhi picked up a notebook and started fanning Jiang Heng.
Jiang Heng leaned back with a soft hum. “No, honey, you can’t let the love-filled breeze you’re giving me reach any annoying flies nearby.”
Shen Huaizhi took the hint and adjusted the angle of the notebook, shielding Jiang Heng from Qi Luo’s glare.
Qi Luo snapped, “Are you insane?”
Jiang Heng lifted his eyelids slightly, glanced around, and then casually asked, “Who’s talking?” He turned his head for a while before fixing his gaze on Qi Luo with a look of sudden realization. “Oh, it’s you, Qi Luo. I thought there was some fly buzzing around.”
Qi Luo was fuming and about to retort when Jiang Heng’s previously amused expression suddenly shifted. The smile faded from his lips, and his eyes carried a warning as he lazily tapped his fingers on the desk. “Speak properly, classmate.”
“Whether I get married or not, what business is it of yours?” Jiang Heng’s stern demeanor was genuinely intimidating. Over the past two days of university, he’d been living peacefully, so not many people knew that back in high school, he could easily pin an alpha to the ground and pummel them.
Over the years, he hadn’t slacked on his training and still maintained a well-toned physique. Seeing his serious expression, Qi Luo’s own face betrayed some fear.
Qi Luo nervously glanced around, but the friend who had been speaking with him earlier now acted like a wallflower, shrinking into the corner, clearly unwilling to get involved. Meanwhile, Shen Huaizhi cast a calm yet pointed glance at Qi Luo, making him panic even more.
After delivering his words, Jiang Heng resumed his smile. “Don’t be so obsessed with meddling in other people’s business, alright? You know that words, once spoken, come with consequences?”
“I’m just an omega, and let me tell you, I don’t feel much pressure hitting another omega.” Of course, Jiang Heng had no intention of actually striking someone like Qi Luo, who was all bark and no bite but clearly enjoyed stirring up drama. All he wanted was some peace and quiet. Seeing Qi Luo’s face turn pale and his voice completely silenced, Jiang Heng nudged Shen Huaizhi’s leg, signaling for them to move to where Lin Bai and Mi Yangyang were sitting.
Jiang Heng had never been one to sit in the front row for such large classes. After all, front-row seats made it hard to slack off, zone out, or avoid being called on. He much preferred the back.
Unfortunately, before they could escape, the elderly professor walked into the lecture hall. His gaze lingered on Jiang Heng and Shen Huaizhi for a moment before he teased, “Oh, what’s this? The newlyweds attending class hand-in-hand?”
“…”
Jiang Heng mentally added this to the growing list of grievances he held against Qi Luo.
Meanwhile, Shen Huaizhi seemed quite pleased. Once they sat down again, Shen Huaizhi spent a moment playing with Jiang Heng’s hand before straightening up. He then picked up a pen and looked at the blackboard with an earnestness reminiscent of their high school days, as if he truly intended to take notes for Jiang Heng.
Seeing him like this, Jiang Heng felt at ease and was just about to lay his head down for a nap. He’d woken up early this morning and hadn’t gotten much rest the previous night thanks to Shen Huaizhi’s antics.
“Jiang Heng,” Shen Huaizhi called softly before Jiang Heng could lean down.
Jiang Heng paused. “What is it?”
Shen Huaizhi lightly tapped the desk with his pen and asked in a low voice, “If I take notes for you this time, how many times will you call me ‘husband’?”
[mfn]If you enjoy my translations, you can show your support by leaving a comment or donating to my Ko-fi. It will be much appreciated. Thank you! -TL: YSIAD[/mfn]
