Marked the Protagonist A (Translated)

Chapter 48: When Love Overcomes You

Chapter 48: When Love Overcomes You

[A relationship guide? That's a thing? Your Highness seems quite knowledgeable in this area.]

Ji Chenxi sensed the double meaning behind Chi Zhuo's words and hastily tried to defend his innocence.

[I wouldn't say I'm an expert, just know a little.]

[Then why not share a bit of what you know with me?]

Ji Chenxi blinked. He had never actually read any so-called relationship guides, and Chi Zhuo's sudden question left him briefly stumped. But within a second, he regained his composure. While typing "Of course," with one hand, he used the other to quickly browse through some romance guides.

Most of these guides were aimed at teaching alphas how to pursue omegas. Naturally, there were a few on how to woo high-ranking alphas as well, but those were all about making omegas play to their strengths—either by showing off their natural charm or pretending to be vulnerable, using their pheromones to create a "hard to get" effect and capture the strong alpha's heart...

After glancing at a few, Ji Chenxi couldn't help but be a bit disdainful and closed them. Wouldn't these types of guides just mislead young, love-struck omegas and alphas? Ji Chenxi had his doubts.

Meanwhile, the other screen still displayed the promise he had just made to Chi Zhuo. In a strange silence, Ji Chenxi decided to pretend as though he'd never agreed to it.

Perhaps seeing through Ji Chenxi's hesitation, Chi Zhuo, who had been patiently waiting for his reply, suddenly messaged:

[It seems Your Highness knows more than just a little, seeing as you haven't given me a proper response yet.]

Ji Chenxi couldn't help but smile, sending a playful voice message: "Yes, yes, I'm really at a loss for words. After all, I know far too much. If Chi Zhuo-ge even knew the basics, you'd realize this isn't the right way to escort someone home."

[Didn't Your Highness say you wanted to keep things low-key?]

By now, Ji Chenxi was starting to regret ever using the word "low-key." Was this what low-key meant?

Shaking his head with a smile, he realized his attempt to leave the floating car and wait for Chi Zhuo had been in vain.

Though he shook his head, he wasn't entirely disappointed. Having a lover following behind and quietly escorting him home was a kind of fun in its own way.

As Ji Chenxi maintained his usual leisurely pace toward the estate, this time he could clearly feel someone behind him. There was no longer just a faint pheromone trail.

Ji Chenxi's pace wasn't fast—more like a slow, casual stroll, as if waiting for someone or simply admiring the tranquil beauty of the night. Chi Zhuo followed at a distance that wasn't too close but not too far either, making small sounds as he stepped on fallen leaves and brushed past the grass, reminding Ji Chenxi of his presence.

Ji Chenxi, who had been waiting on purpose, was a bit annoyed by Chi Zhuo's lack of directness, but at the same time, he found it amusing that Chi Zhuo was now practically declaring, "I'm escorting you."

Alright, he took back what he said earlier—maybe Chi Zhuo wasn't entirely clueless.

This genuine behavior was far better than any relationship guide.

The cold night wind swirled, making Ji Chenxi's back shiver slightly. Dressed lightly, he subconsciously rubbed his hands together for warmth. Realizing his action, Ji Chenxi quickly reined in his body's automatic response.

It was a brief moment. As Ji Chenxi continued at the same pace, a distinct presence finally approached.

He was a bit surprised. He thought Chi Zhuo would hold out longer.

Chi Zhuo, who had finally closed the distance, brought a jacket with him and draped it over Ji Chenxi's shoulders. "It's pretty chilly tonight. You should've brought a jacket."

"It didn't feel cold when I left. By the way, what brings Chi Zhuo-ge here? Weren't you going to continue being the silent protector?" Ji Chenxi teased with a smile.

Chi Zhuo remained unfazed as he adjusted the jacket on Ji Chenxi. "A protector should step in when the flower in need faces trouble, not just follow silently behind."

Another gust of night wind swept by, stirring up some dust. Ji Chenxi blinked lightly, conveying some not-so-good news to Chi Zhuo.

"The sand got into my eyes."

As Ji Chenxi blinked more frequently due to discomfort, a thin layer of moisture quickly formed in his eyes. He instinctively rubbed them with his hand, causing a slight redness at the corners.

Before Ji Chenxi could continue, Chi Zhuo promptly grasped his hand, stopping him from doing so. "There are bacteria on your hands."

With one eye half-closed, Ji Chenxi didn't clearly pull away from Chi Zhuo's grip; he merely frowned and said, "My eyes hurt."

"Let me take a look."

Warm breath brushed against his cheek. Ji Chenxi was uncertain whether Chi Zhuo had seen the dust in his eyes. He focused instead on the gentle hand prying his eyes open and the cautious movements, as if afraid to hurt him.

Finally, a tear squeezed out of Ji Chenxi's eye due to the discomfort, and as he slightly closed his eyelids, the tear rolled down his cheek.

As the tear slid down, a kiss lightly landed on his face.

"Are you taking advantage of me?"

Chi Zhuo, wiping away the tear with his thumb, kissed Ji Chenxi on the lips, his voice muffled by the kiss. "Can't it just be that I can't help myself?"