Marked the Protagonist A (Translated)

Chapter 38: Is It Exciting?

Chapter 38: Is It Exciting?

It wasn't surprising that Chi Zhuo reacted so strongly. Ji Chenxi's question was hard not to overthink.

Who should I trust?

When someone you're interested in asks this question, there's usually only one right answer, which is "me."

But Chi Zhuo found it difficult to say that to Ji Chenxi. It wasn't hard to see that Ji Chenxi might also have some thoughts along those lines. Otherwise, why would His Highness the Third Prince be entangled with an alpha? However, their first two encounters were too coincidental, and even Chi Zhuo himself didn't fully trust Ji Chenxi, so how could he expect Ji Chenxi to trust him?

In just a few seconds, Chi Zhuo had already adjusted himself and said to Ji Chenxi, "Your Highness, in your position, there are very few people you can trust. If possible, it's best if you only trust yourself. Everyone else should be approached with self-interest in mind. With self-interest involved, there are no absolute friends, and naturally, no real trust."

After hearing this, Ji Chenxi was silent for a long moment before he finally smiled.

"That answer... I'm not sure what to say. It's not what I wanted to hear, but it's probably the most fitting for me."

Chi Zhuo, of course, knew that his answer was far from romantic. So after Ji Chenxi expressed his dissatisfaction with the answer, he added another line.

"Your Highness can also try trusting me. As long as there's no major conflict of interest, I won't be your enemy. I'd even be willing to help if you asked for it."

"And what if there's an unavoidable clash of interest between us?" Ji Chenxi asked pointedly.

Chi Zhuo furrowed his brows slightly. Given their current positions, there shouldn't be any major conflicts of interest between them. But since the question was posed, he gave an honest reply. "I'd be willing to give up some of my interests for you, but only to a certain extent."

Ji Chenxi locked eyes with him, and there wasn't a hint of deceit in Chi Zhuo's gaze. Of course, lying wouldn't involve stressing that he was only willing to compromise partially. Yet the mere thought that Chi Zhuo was willing to make sacrifices for him rekindled the interest that had recently cooled.

Chi Zhuo's behavior wasn't quite what Ji Chenxi had expected. It seemed that Chi Zhuo might actually be taking things seriously.

Ji Chenxi was a top-tier alpha, with a face as beautiful as a woman's and the status of an Imperial Prince. The number of omegas and betas who liked him was staggering. He wasn't new to alpha attention either; he had refused many advances and had his ways of dealing with all kinds of people, even those who were difficult to shake off.

Having had so many admirers, Ji Chenxi had developed the ability to discern their true motives. Most people were attracted to his looks, and even Chi Zhuo was no different at first. But now, was Chi Zhuo's affection still that simple?

Ji Chenxi thought Chi Zhuo's current strategy wasn't the best. Showing interest so openly would only allow him to be manipulated.

"Brother Chi Zhuo, aren't you afraid that if I keep taking little bits of your interests, you'll eventually be left with nothing?"

Chi Zhuo's lips curved slightly, his expression relaxed, as if he hadn't been threatened at all. "Your Highness is welcome to try."

The arrogant confidence typical of an alpha was fully displayed in Chi Zhuo at this moment.

Some people might be drawn to this kind of aura, while others would want to break it.

Leaning his head on one hand, Ji Chenxi remarked disapprovingly, "Brother Chi Zhuo, if you keep acting like this, I might think you have feelings for me."