The Coveted Gloomy Beta Roommate Chapter 62

Chapter 62: Resentful Husband: Hit Me, The More It Hurts, The Better.

The stinging pain of the cut was currently suppressed by emotion. Zhou Lin used a handkerchief to wipe the bead of blood from his cheek, laughing lightly. “That’s more like you. You don’t stop until blood is drawn.”

Zhou Lin had noticed Ji Chen’s abnormality very early on. Ji Chen harbored a tyrannical desire in his heart, a destructive urge toward everything around him. Compared to outside evaluations, Zhou Lin knew very clearly about the beast hibernating within Ji Chen.

Ji Chen crossed his arms, his expression unusually cold. “The way you look now is truly ugly.”

Now Ji Chen knew the reason Zhou Lin had targeted him: jealousy. What a novel reason.

Ji Chen had never liked Zhou Lin’s roundabout way of dealing with things. Zhou Lin was accustomed to treating human relationships as something to be calculated, manipulating emotions to find his own amusement. In most cases, their goals and interests didn’t conflict.

The two sat opposite each other. Ji Chen looked into Zhou Lin’s brown eyes; emotions churned inside them like thick, viscous coffee.

He unwrapped a candy and stuffed it into his mouth to mask the nausea. “You aren’t the least bit afraid of scaring him?”

Both knew exactly who “he” referred to.

Ji Chen fought in underground boxing matches. Sensing danger instinctively, his opponent had violated the rules by bringing a sharp weapon and cutting him. The blood flowing from the wound, contrary to normal, didn’t calm him but made him want to destroy even more. His Rut was coming early, so he had left early.

“He won’t be,” Zhou Lin stated as a fact.

“Do you always think your calculations are flawless and won’t go wrong?” Ji Chen smiled, eyes curving, then suddenly changed the subject, opening his eyes to reveal a terrifying chill. “You wanted him to see a bloody scene and have a stress reaction?”

The tricks Zhou Lin pulled were nothing more than trying to lead Tang Xingye to see his filthy side. Ji Chen had been injured, so he took an eye for an eye, returning the favor to Zhou Lin and making him bleed just as much.

Zhou Lin folded the blood-stained handkerchief and methodically placed it back in his pocket. He looked up at Ji Chen, a layer of thin ice floating in his smiling eyes. “I merely provided a choice. If one keeps company with beasts, one must understand the sharpness of their fangs.”

We are the same. Why pretend to be harmless?

Ji Chen scrutinized Zhou Lin, expressionless, his look exuding a terrifying indifference.

Zhou Lin continued smiling, anticipating Ji Chen’s next move, waiting for him to erupt and reveal his true colors.

Ji Chen stood up and passed him, dropping a sentence that was half-truth, half-lie. “I received his rose.”

This brief answer finally caused a crack in Zhou Lin’s smile.

Here it was again, that feeling of something being wrong, an all-over discomfort as if he were blocked up.

Even if Tang Xingye didn’t truly favor anyone, as long as a bit of his gaze fell on someone, Zhou Lin would feel jealous in his heart.

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Zhou Lin really wanted Tang Xingye to see what a terrifying sight Ji Chen was when he had an episode.

Having just secured sponsorship, Tang Xingye couldn’t slack off on the project. He planned to nap in the lounge for half an hour, get enough rest, and then crawl up to continue his experiments.

A voice called out to Tang Xingye from behind.

“Tang Xingye.”

He glimpsed the newcomer from the corner of his eye and lost interest, pretending not to hear as he lifted his foot to leave.

“Stand still! I’m not here to settle a score with you.”

The Alpha blocked his path. The shadow cast by his tall figure completely enveloped Tang Xingye, forcing him to stop.

Tang Xingye raised his eyes, which held a few more degrees of impatience. He looked as if he had encountered a stone blocking his foot that he couldn’t kick away.

The Alpha was stung by the cold attitude. He was full of interest in Tang Xingye, yet the other didn’t care at all, making him feel it was unfair.

The Alpha had been watching Tang Xingye’s every move, waiting for this Beta to expose his true colors. But watching him go from winning the competition to the sponsorship speech, this Beta always did better than all the Alphas, as if silently mocking them.

Tang Xingye didn’t need to rely on family background or social climbing; he could achieve these things regardless.

“You won against me, and you won beautifully.” Gu Lao gritted his teeth and admitted it. He didn’t mention any tricks. If it wasn’t detected by anyone at the gambling table, swapping cards right under everyone’s noses was simply skill.

Tang Xingye’s voice was extremely cold: “Thanks.”

He was truly tired of this drama where someone he looked down on pestered him seeking acknowledgment.

Gu Lao was unimportant to him; whether he liked or hated him was irrelevant. Tang Xingye couldn’t even be bothered to give him a glance. If he had to state a preference, he preferred seeing Gu Lao suffer actual material loss.

Gu Lao looked at the beautiful eyes beneath Tang Xingye’s long lashes and asked unwillfully, “Don’t you have anything you want to say to me?”

Tang Xingye stared at him for a moment, then said faintly:

“Your zipper is open.”

“Wha—”

Gu Lao looked down reflexively, immediately realizing he had been played. When he looked up again, he only saw the arc of Tang Xingye’s coat hem disappearing around the corner.

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News of Ji Chen fighting in underground black markets spread like wildfire. As soon as the post appeared on the forum, it was discussed endlessly. The administrators deleted the post and banned the account immediately, but they couldn’t stop the students’ gossip.

His reputation in school hadn’t been bad; quite a few people had been helped by him. But after this rumor, Ji Chen’s image became fiendish.

In the rumors, after the opponent was already beaten down, Ji Chen still mercilessly dislocated their arm. Ji Chen seemed to enjoy the miserable state of others begging for mercy. Although it was all hearsay with no photos or witnesses, and the school administration repeatedly suppressed the posts, the matter still became common knowledge.

A busybody, risking a beating, dared to verify the truth in front of Ji Chen.

“It’s true,” Ji Chen admitted very cheerfully, smiling as he issued an invitation. “Do you want to fight a round with me?”

This thoroughly confirmed it.

On the road, seeing Ji Chen, Tang Xingye subconsciously turned to walk away.

“You’re afraid of me?”

Tang Xingye had just entered the study room when Ji Chen followed him in.

Not afraid, he just felt it was trouble. For some reason, the cedar pheromones Tang Xingye smelled now were stronger than before.

Rationally, he knew Ji Chen wasn’t in Rut, but he instinctively sensed trouble.

Tang Xingye cut straight to the chase to block the other’s words: “I didn’t say it.”

Although he had seen the blood-stained protective gear hidden under the bed, Tang Xingye had a vague guess. Without solid evidence, he wouldn’t post random gossip like before.

Ji Chen couldn’t possibly think he leaked the secret, right?

“I know it wasn’t you,” Ji Chen was indifferent, smiling. “Rest assured, our lips are equally tight.”

He naturally knew whose handiwork this was.

Ji Chen looked at Tang Xingye’s glazed eyes, thought of the hundreds of photos of him on that account, and suddenly wanted to laugh.

Equally?

Speaking as if Ji Chen really knew something. Tang Xingye scoffed internally.

“Then you came to…”

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Tang Xingye didn’t finish the sentence. Since their relationship was a bit closer, saying it out loud would be like chasing a guest away.

“To be beaten,” Ji Chen said with a serious expression, adding, “I need you to hit me. The more it hurts, the better.”

Tang Xingye: “…?”

This was the first time he had heard such a strange request.

“Wait here a moment, I’ll go to the cafeteria to borrow a handful of sticky rice.” (Note: Sticky rice is traditionally used to drive away evil spirits/madness).

Ji Chen grabbed Tang Xingye, who was trying to use the opportunity to run away. “I’m serious.”

Tang Xingye was quite surprised and reached out to feel Ji Chen’s forehead. “Your brain hasn’t burned up, has it?”

The soft, delicate sensation made Ji Chen pause for a few seconds. “You know my pain perception isn’t distinct. Right now, I want to solve this trouble.”

“Why should I help you?” Tang Xingye kept a cold face, a trace of slyness flashing in his eyes. He extended his hand, asking for benefits.

Tang Xingye was thinking of bad ideas again.

Ji Chen wondered what kind of essay Tang Xingye would write this time.

He looked at the open palm, which still bore the indentation of a fountain pen and was flushed pink—so easily marked.

The red mole on the inside of the pale white knuckle was strikingly intense. He looked away. “I’ll teach you more fighting techniques. You help me overcome this weakness.”

Tang Xingye felt he could extract more benefits, so he kept his hand extended.

“Right now, only you in the school know my secret. If something happens to me one day,” Ji Chen paused significantly, “you should know who the first suspect will be.”

Tang Xingye cursed inwardly: Ji Chen, this dog.

“I hit you, and you won’t fight back?”

“Correct.”

There was unconcealed anticipation in Ji Chen’s voice. Facing the impending pain, not only did he have no fear, but he was also excited enough that his fingertips trembled slightly.

Before acting, Tang Xingye confirmed again, “I can hit you anywhere?”

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Ji Chen answered crisply: “Anywhere is fine.”

What a reassuring answer.

Tang Xingye’s gaze inevitably drifted downward, wondering if kicking there would restore Ji Chen’s sense of pain.

Ji Chen: “…”

When Tang Xingye fought, his mind was full of dirty tricks. If there was a chance to strike, he would take the opponent down in one move, never giving them a chance to yap.

Ji Chen threw over a bag. “I haven’t felt anything in all the times we’ve fought. Try the things in here.”

Tang Xingye looked at the prop bag. Inside were rulers, whips, candles… Ji Chen had really thought of everything.

Facing an opponent even stronger than Tang Xingye, Ji Chen didn’t feel the strange nervousness he felt now.

Tang Xingye stood nearby, a look of eager anticipation appearing in his eyes.

Meeting Tang Xingye’s gaze, Ji Chen felt the other’s intentions weren’t entirely kind.

Watching the strands of hair Tang Xingye plucked out, Ji Chen touched his remaining hair. “Are you using public office to avenge private wrongs?”

The corners of Tang Xingye’s lips tilted up slightly. “I don’t hold grudges.”

Ji Chen: “…”

Latest bad joke: Tang Xingye doesn’t hold grudges.

Tang Xingye: “Can’t do it? Then I’ll stop.”

Tang Xingye really knew how to handle Alphas. No Alpha would say “I can’t” in this situation.

Ji Chen licked his canine tooth. “Continue.”

Tang Xingye struck Ji Chen’s waist and abdomen with the ruler. He hit twice, but on the third strike, a momentary lapse in attention caused him to slap a very awkward location.

Tang Xingye apologized with zero sincerity, “Hand slipped, patted you there. Still want more?”

Ji Chen: “…”

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Ji Chen: “Continue.”

Tang Xingye took revenge on Ji Chen for a while. The guy really let him hit him. Losing interest, he then focused on treating the other with pain, seriously trying various ways to stimulate his pain nerves.

But Ji Chen’s expression remained indifferent, standing there properly as if the pain landing on his body was just a gentle caress.

Stopping to rest, Tang Xingye was even more disappointed than Ji Chen. This was a good subject. If Ji Chen could perceive pain and they found a breakthrough, maybe it could help others with similar differentiation problems.

“You still want to continue?” Tang Xingye looked at the red and swollen welts; after today, they would turn into terrible bruises.

Ji Chen tossed him a rose candy. “I’m willing to trade pain for an answer. You should be able to understand.”

Tang Xingye caught it, unwrapped it, and stuffed it into his mouth, making a vague “Mmph” sound.

He thought for a moment, looking at the seriousness in Ji Chen’s eyes. With the candy in his mouth, his cold voice took on an inexplicably soft sweetness. “Do you know where nerves are densely packed and pain sensitivity is highest?”

Ji Chen answered without hesitation: “The eyes.”

“It’s the fingers,” Tang Xingye corrected him. “The pain of ‘ten fingers connected to the heart’ is unbearable for ordinary people.”

“We are discussing a situation that doesn’t severely injure you personally.”

Ji Chen nodded thoughtfully, then suggested, “How about trying a knife?”

Tang Xingye: “…”

Sometimes he suspected Ji Chen was an outlaw. Even with the victim’s consent, attacking someone with a knife carried legal responsibility.

He held back the eager Ji Chen. “Wait a moment, I’ll get something.”

When Tang Xingye returned, he laid out a pile of syringes. Tang Xingye took the smallest needle. “I’ll prick your pinky finger first.”

Ji Chen’s eyes moved. He paused for a moment, then revealed a dangerous smile. “Alright.”

Tang Xingye used the precise technique of a lab experiment, sticking the needle into Ji Chen’s long fingers one after another. He went through a whole box of needles, yet Ji Chen remained like nothing was happening.

Suddenly, Ji Chen’s finger trembled uncontrollably.

Both froze, then looked at each other and smiled.

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“It hurts.”

Ji Chen showed no anger or sense of offense; his voice carried a strange delight.

“That’s right! I hurt you.”

“Do it again.” Tang Xingye wiped the fine sweat from his forehead. Although tired, he felt a sense of accomplishment, like he had solved a difficult problem.

This time, Ji Chen pulled his hand back.

Tang Xingye: “…”

Speechless, Tang Xingye slapped Ji Chen’s palm, making a crisp sound. “I didn’t use any force. What are you pretending for?”

Ah, busted. Ji Chen chuckled low, carrying a hint of pleasure at being seen through.

Just then, the low-temperature candle on the table suddenly tipped over. Tang Xingye instinctively reached out to catch it.

The slightly hot wax fell unexpectedly into Tang Xingye’s palm. The bright red wax flowed down his pale wrist, dragging out a romantic trail. Red and white intertwined, an extreme color contrast, looking as if he were bound by red silk.

“Are you okay?”

Ji Chen reacted quickly, snuffing out the flame with his bare hand, tossing the candle aside, and grabbing Tang Xingye’s wrist to brush away the slightly solidified wax.

Beneath it, the scalded crimson skin looked like red plums blooming in snow, dazzlingly bright.

Ji Chen’s finger pad unconsciously rubbed that reddened palm. Tang Xingye trembled instinctively, a tiny gasp spilling from his lips.

“Does it hurt a lot?”

“I’m not that fragile.” Tang Xingye shook his head gently, then found it a bit funny. Ji Chen seemed to treat him like a snowman that would melt if dripped on by wax, yet he never saw him go easy during a fight.

He pulled his hand back. “You clean up the rest. I’m not responsible.”

After Tang Xingye left, Ji Chen savored that very soft gasp.

“You stood me up again?” Ji Chen leaned one hand on the edge of the desk, his shadow looming over Tang Xingye, who was reviewing.

“I sent you a message.” Without lifting his head, Tang Xingye opened his notebook, his pen tip making decisive marks on the paper. “I don’t want to fight. Finals are coming.”

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Ji Chen: “…”

There were clearly still three months until the exams. He really didn’t know what was so enchanting about studying for Tang Xingye.

Sunlight filtered through the glass window, plating Tang Xingye’s hair with a soft, pale golden halo, diluting his usual cold temperament by a few degrees. Ji Chen gazed at his slightly trembling eyelashes and suddenly changed his mind.

“Studying is good,” Ji Chen pulled out the chair opposite and sat down, the wooden legs scraping slightly against the floor. “But you need work-life balance. Not fighting is fine. Let’s go—”

“I won’t miss rehabilitation training,” Tang Xingye interrupted him, his pen scratching ceaselessly.

Ji Chen frowned, his prepared topic stuck in his throat. His gaze fell on Tang Xingye’s test paper.

Tang Xingye had never lost to anyone in academics, and this time was no exception. He didn’t want his GPA to lose to them in the finals.

“You got this question wrong.” Ji Chen suddenly leaned forward, his long finger tapping a specific option on the test paper, then sliding to another spot. “And here.”

Tang Xingye’s pupils constricted as memories flooded back.

In that competition, Tang Xingye hadn’t been the true first place. When checking the scores, he was 0.5 points behind the first place. It was only because the system rounded up during grading that their scores were tied.

Ji Chen was the undisputed first place.

Tang Xingye’s voice was tight: “You just scanned the question and saw the answer?”

What was harder to accept was that Ji Chen was even reading the question upside down.

“Isn’t math very simple?” Ji Chen tilted his head slightly, his expression genuinely puzzled. “There are fixed answers.”

…

Tang Xingye walked alone to a deserted spot, stared at a rusty iron fence for a few seconds, then suddenly raised his leg and kicked it hard.

Clang—

Punching bag fence HP -1.

What is Ji Chen showing off for!