Chapter 8 : Great Person

Ren Xiao emerged from the university building, the evening sun casting elongated shadows across the courtyard. His thoughts were still consumed by the discussion with Professor Shen, the peculiar tension surrounding him, and the questions that had started to bother him. He required some space to organize his thoughts, so he began walking along the familiar route that led to the street.

As he neared the gates, a figure ahead caught his attention. It was Jian Wei. Ren Xiao halted in his tracks, his heart skipping a beat. The last time he had seen Jian Wei, the guy hadn't exactly given the impression of being eager to talk—much less someone ready to approach him. He couldn't quite grasp why, but there he was, standing with his hands in his pockets, appearing somewhat uneasy.

Ren Xiao frowned. "What are you doing here? " he couldn't help but exclaim, his astonishment clear in his voice. The last time anyone had taken the initiative to speak with him was Ling Xia, and he was uncertain if Jian Wei was the sort to seek him out.

Jian Wei's eyes darted to Ren Xiao, and for a brief moment, it appeared that he didn't actually want to be there. His expression was detached, his stance rigid, as though he were being compelled into the conversation instead of opting for it. Nevertheless, when he finally spoke, his voice held a slight trace of amusement. "I suppose I just wanted to chat. "

Ren Xiao raised an eyebrow, doubtful. Chat? With him? The notion was nearly laughable. Jian Wei didn't strike him as the person who would spend his time on someone like Ren Xiao. He crossed his arms, bracing himself for something that was likely to be utterly nonsensical.

Jian Wei's lips turned up in a small smile, an uncommon sight that caught Ren Xiao by surprise. He reached into his bag and pulled out an iced coffee, extending it toward Ren Xiao with a nearly effortless demeanor. "Here," Jian Wei remarked, the act almost too typical to correspond with the tension in the atmosphere. "I thought you might appreciate something to drink. It's a hot day, after all. "

Ren Xiao blinked, taken aback. He gazed at the iced coffee momentarily, then back at Jian Wei. The smile didn't seem insincere, yet Ren Xiao still couldn't shake the impression that something was unsettling about the entire scenario. He accepted the beverage, though reluctantly, and took a brief sip. The coolness of the coffee cascaded down his throat, but his thoughts were still racing. "What do you want? " he inquired, the words escaping before he could hold them back.

Jian Wei's gaze shifted toward the sky overhead, a subtle glimmer of something inscrutable in his eyes. "I simply wanted to talk to someone," he replied, his voice soft yet intentional. "Someone. . . almost like me. "

Ren Xiao furrowed his brow, his hold on the cup tightening. "People similar to you? " he echoed, his thoughts processing the implications. "What does that mean? "

Jian Wei leisurely took a sip of his coffee before looking at Ren Xiao, his expression nearly contemplative. "Like our secondary gender," he said, his voice lowering slightly. His cheeks flushed slightly, and Ren Xiao picked up on the subtle change in his demeanor—almost as if he felt shy about the revelation.

Ren Xiao halted mid-sip, narrowing his eyes as he observed Jian Wei. His thoughts raced, digesting the words. "I am not a Beta," he stated plainly, giving Jian Wei an intentional look. He had a myriad of thoughts racing through his mind, but one thing was clear—he wasn't going to be easily categorized.

Jian Wei laughed softly, his red eyes shimmering in a way that caused Ren Xiao's heart to race for an inexplicable reason. "I understand," he responded with a small, knowing smile. "But you're not an Alpha either. I can sense that. "

Ren Xiao felt a sharp jolt in his chest. "You're an Omega? " he inquired, his voice low yet astonished. He was uncertain why he even asked—he had never been particularly interested in pheromones before, but something about Jian Wei felt distinct. More restrained. Yet still. . . different.

Jian Wei's smile remained steadfast, though now it bore a certain sharpness. "I'm a resilient Omega," he stated, his tone somewhat sarcastic. "I suppose you could say I don't exactly conform to expectations. "

Ren Xiao blinked, his curiosity aroused despite himself. He hadn't paid much attention to the pheromones of those around him. But now, observing Jian Wei closely, he realized he couldn't detect anything. No faint hint of sweetness, no subtle fragrance of an Omega's essence. Nothing.

"Why can't I detect your pheromones? " Ren Xiao inquired directly, unable to restrain himself. It wasn't that he had an interest in sniffing people, but it felt crucial now, especially since Jian Wei had mentioned it.

Jian Wei erupted in laughter at the inquiry, his shoulders shaking with the sound. "Oh, you're perceptive," he teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're quite observant. But honestly, it's not so straightforward. I've. . . learned to conceal it, in a manner. " His expression softened as he regarded Ren Xiao once more. "Perhaps I'm just different. "

Ren Xiao frowned, absorbing the information. "So why choose me then? " he posed. "There aren't many Omegas here.but still. You could have approached anyone. "

Jian Wei's gaze became contemplative as he looked up at the sky again, his fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of his coffee cup. "I'm not sure," he replied quietly. "Maybe it's because you seem like you'd comprehend. Or perhaps. . . you're the type of person who needs to discover certain things independently. "

Ren Xiao looked at him, his thoughts a whirlwind of questions he could hardly express. The notion that someone recognized something in him—a part of himself he didn't entirely comprehend—felt odd. Nonetheless, it fascinated him more than he was willing to acknowledge.

"You may not realize it now," Jian Wei proceeded, his tone unwavering, "but you're an great person. "

Ren Xiao nearly chuckled at that. Him? An amazing person? The idea was preposterous. He wasn't particularly remarkable—just another individual, attempting to navigate life without drawing too much attention. "Amazing person, huh? " he murmured, more to himself than to Jian Wei. It seemed like the greatest joke.

Jian Wei laughed softly, as though he perceived something Ren Xiao was unaware of. His red eyes appeared to shimmer subtly as he looked at him one final time, his mouth forming a knowing grin. "You'll figure it out," he said, his voice drifting like a whisper in the wind. "Take care, Ren Xiao. "

With that, Jian Wei turned and strolled away, his silhouette merging into the throng. Ren Xiao remained there, clutching the iced coffee in his hand, sensing an unusual weight settle in his chest.

Why did it seem like his life was beginning to grow more complex? More. . . chaotic?

He gazed after Jian Wei, the enigmatic words hanging in the atmosphere. You'll figure it out.

Ren Xiao was uncertain of what that implied, but one thing was clear—changes were beginning to unfold.