MMBMGAP CH 11

Chapter 11: Hunting Is an Alpha’s Instinct

Lin You found Sade strange.

He suddenly said he wanted to pursue him. But from Lin You’s understanding, he was already Sade’s Omega. If Sade wanted to hug, kiss, or even sleep with him, Lin You wouldn’t refuse. Right now, he still had school and work, so he wasn’t planning on getting pregnant yet—but if Sade wanted children in the future, they could talk about it.

In Lin You’s eyes, the two of them were already tightly bound together. There was no need for pursuit—the ending was already set. But Sade’s behavior was like someone who had cleared a game using cheat codes, only to hit “restart” and insist on playing through it again—this time without any hacks.

Sade once again expressed his thoughts to Lin You.

“Yuyou, I’m doing this willingly. Don’t overthink it. Just relax and feel it. The one being pursued is allowed to act spoiled.”

After saying that, he didn’t linger long and returned to his own dorm.

Lin You didn’t quite understand why Sade was doing this, but Sade’s firm attitude made him think it must be something important.

That evening, Lin You was dragged out to eat by Feng Qing. For the past half-month, they’d been training at the academy—far from the Empire’s center. The academy’s serene environment allowed them to focus on training without distractions, but for someone like the ever-popular young master of the Feng family, it was a bit too quiet. He wasn’t used to it at all.

Although Feng Qing had plenty of friends, deep down, he still relied on Lin You. To be more accurate, it was a one-sided attachment—Feng Qing had always stuck close to him. Ever since elementary school, they’d trained together. Lin You had always been his most reliable partner.

Now that he finally had some free time, Feng Qing wanted to spend it with Lin You. In truth, he just wanted something to do together—anything. Otherwise, he was going to go crazy. Studying alone after class every day was just too boring.

Lin You thought they were headed to the student cafeteria. To his surprise, Feng Qing led him outside the campus, weaving through a few side streets until they entered a small alley with a bar. Feng Qing seemed completely at ease, greeting the dancing and rowdy guests like an old regular, then settling down in a sofa booth at the back.

“I thought we were here to eat,” Lin You frowned slightly, uncomfortable with the bar atmosphere.

“We are eating here. One of the Alphas we trained with introduced this place. Said a lot of academy students hang out here,” Feng Qing replied cheerfully. He kindly ordered a table full of proper food for Lin You, along with two cocktails.

“You’ve been chatting it up with them?” Lin You was a bit surprised by Feng Qing’s terrifying social skills.

“Of course! I run into them all the time at the dorms. We always end up talking a little. Next thing you know, we’re friends. You’ve no idea how lonely it is living alone. And to think we’ve known each other for over ten years and never had a drink together. Lin You, haven’t I been neglecting you as a friend?”

“No, don’t overthink it.” What was with today? First Sade, now Feng Qing—both of them feeling guilty like they’d wronged him.

“No, I have to make it up to you!” Feng Qing declared loudly.

Great. Now they’re fighting to make it up to me? Lin You couldn’t help but feel a little amused. He continued eating while watching people dance to the music. The thought struck him—his life was honestly pretty dull and flavorless.

He wondered what Sade usually liked. Did he also hang out in places like this?

Lin You admitted to himself that he didn’t understand Sade at all. No wonder he’d been told they “weren’t close.” Marrying someone you barely knew… yeah, that was kind of strange.

He quietly ate while casually sipping the drink Feng Qing had ordered. It had a refreshing lemon flavor—slightly tart with a cool hint of mint, and a fizzy aftertaste from the soda. The taste was better than he expected.

Lin You and Feng Qing’s appearance drew attention from all around. Whispered gossip buzzed through the bar. Omega priests from the Temple were already frequent subjects of rumor, and Lin You—who happened to be the dream Omega of many and the fiancé of Sade—carried two blazing spotlights wherever he went. Whether Alpha or Omega, everyone was curious about him, and some Omegas even shot openly jealous looks his way.

Feng Qing was no pushover either. He coolly returned those glares without blinking. A few people even came over to try and strike up conversation. He responded politely and with good manners, but as far as Feng family’s young master was concerned, very few were worth exchanging contact info with.

“Qing, why do you think people fall in love?” Lin You asked suddenly. He’d drunk about half his cocktail, was feeling more relaxed, and seemed in the mood for small talk.

“Why else? It’s instinct. Just like an Omega’s heat.” Feng Qing didn’t even have to think before answering.

“But Sade said that heat isn’t love,” Lin You said.

“That’s true—they’re not the same thing. But what I mean is that the desire to love is also instinctual. Just like the desire to be loved. Heat is just one expression of that,” Feng Qing explained.

“Then why don’t I have that instinct?” Lin You wondered to himself. Can someone who’s never been loved even know how to love?

“You do have it. You’re passionate about your training. You love spiritual power. You love your cat, and your cat loves you. I really like you, and you care about me too.” It was rare for Lin You to want to talk about feelings or romance—Feng Qing’s area of expertise—so he replied seriously, offering his analysis.

“…Okay, you’ve convinced me,” Lin You finally admitted. Thinking of it that way, maybe he did have the capacity to love.

“Exactly. So what else did your fiancé say?” Feng Qing leaned in, curiosity lighting up his eyes.

“Huh?”

“He told you heat wasn’t love, right? What else? I mean, for you—someone who was about to seal your heart away from love—to suddenly start talking about feelings… that’s gotta be because of him, right?” Feng Qing teased, grinning widely, clearly enjoying the gossip.

“…Mm. He said he wants to pursue me.” Lin You nodded honestly.

“Oho~ So that’s what he’s into. Then let him! Let him chase you—it’s just a bit of fun, isn’t it? Hunting is part of an Alpha’s instinct. Let him chase you—he’ll be happy.” Feng Qing chuckled. At first, Sade saying he wanted to court someone sounded a little ridiculous, but on second thought, this kind of “game” was just part of young lovers’ romance. Alphas loved the thrill of the chase, especially top-tier ones like Sade—of course he’d enjoy capturing his prey.

“Is that really it?” Lin You didn’t understand what was so enjoyable about chasing someone. Wasn’t it painful to desire something and not get it?

“Of course. Haven’t you noticed how many Alphas tried to chat us up just now? That’s a kind of hunt too. But Sade is already bonded to you—he can only chase you now. Otherwise, he’d just be a cheating scumbag,” Feng Qing said confidently.

“I see…”

“So make yourself harder to catch! Give him a challenge. Let him enjoy the experience.” Feng Qing, the self-proclaimed love expert, offered advice as someone raised in a sea of gossip. Lin You’s dilemma? Solved in seconds.

“Got it.” So that’s how it is, Lin You thought. The model student absorbed it all easily and understood completely.

“Good job! Come on, drink a little more. Loosening up is good for releasing spiritual energy.” Feng Qing called over two more drinks.

Lin You held the cocktail in his hands, sipping slowly, while observing all the different “hunts” taking place in the bar around them.

(To be continued…)