After Pretending to Be a Beta, I Was Discovered by the Campus Heartthrob

Zhou Le is an Omega without pheromones, so he pretends to be a Beta every day. He flits around the school unnoticed, taking odd jobs whenever he can to earn tips. On Valentine’s Day, he gets a big assignment at school. The school flower: Take this milk tea to your class rep, Lu Jingran, and make sure he accepts it.” — Lu Jingran! The legendary “child of the heavens,” an Alpha study god—handsome, charming, with impeccable family background. Only downside? He’s distant and hard to approach. Mustering up his courage, Zhou Le sneaks over to deliver the drink but is promptly sent back to his own desk by the person himself, who gives him a cold, dark-eyed look before walking away. Zhou Le: legs turn to jelly. — One day, Zhou Le suddenly discovers he has developed pheromones, and panic sets in; he keeps his distance from Alphas as much as possible. But lately, he’s noticed their class rep is looking at him a bit… differently. Gradually, Zhou Le starts to feel something strange himself. Why… why does he keep wanting to be near him? During the midday run, as the principal speaks at the front, Zhou Le’s eyes land on Lu Jingran’s hand hanging beside him. He’s itching to reach out… Finally, he nervously, sneakily stretches out his hand…

Original Publisher

jjwxc

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on *After Pretending to Be a Beta, I Was Discovered by the Campus Heartthrob* This omegaverse tale of a poor, hardworking "beta" and a rich, aloof "alpha" had me intrigued from the start. Set in a high school academy, the premise is certainly appealing, and while it hits some familiar tropes, it also offers moments of genuine charm. However, the execution felt a little uneven, leaving me with mixed feelings. ### First Impressions The initial chapters are undeniably fluffy and cute. The dynamic between Zhou Le, the protagonist pretending to be a beta to avoid omega-related issues, and the campus heartthrob, was engaging. I appreciated the "F4" vibe of the male lead and his friend group, adding a touch of classic idol drama flair. The story dives into themes of class difference and societal pressures within the omegaverse framework. ### What Works Well The romance, when it finally blossoms, is sweet and supportive. I enjoyed how the male lead consistently helps the protagonist, not just with money, but by easing his burdens in subtle, meaningful ways. This quiet support resonated more than grand gestures might have. The author's ability to convey emotions, especially intimacy and insecurity, shines through at times, particularly in later chapters as the characters mature. The side couple, though not heavily featured, offered a fun contrast with an intellectual alpha and a hotheaded alpha, and I found myself wanting more of their story. ### Areas of Concern Unfortunately, the narrative stumbles in the latter half. I felt a shift around chapter 32, and the pacing became sluggish. The plot felt like it was dragging its feet. Several plot points and instances of foreshadowing seemed to fizzle out, leaving plot holes and unanswered questions. The side couple's ending felt rushed and unsatisfying. I also struggled to connect with some of the side characters, finding them somewhat one-dimensional and unlikeable. The reliance of the MC on the ML, while sweet, sometimes felt a little *too* convenient, making it difficult to fully empathize with his struggles. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Several reviewers pointed out plot inconsistencies. For instance, the antagonist, Gao, seemed poised to cause significant trouble, but then vanished without any real impact. The abrupt decision for the male lead to study abroad felt jarring and out of nowhere. The mother's fate is left ambiguous. There's also the issue of underage drinking and smoking, which, while common in fiction, might bother some readers. ### Final Verdict *After Pretending to Be a Beta, I Was Discovered by the Campus Heartthrob* is a decent read with a sweet romance at its core. However, the uneven pacing, plot holes, and somewhat underdeveloped characters hold it back from reaching its full potential. If you're a fan of omegaverse stories and enjoy a fluffy, if somewhat predictable, romance, you might find it enjoyable. Just be prepared for a few bumps along the way.