Chen Ci adjusted his mask and hat one last time before stepping into the elevator heading to the top floor.

It wasn’t a particularly special day, and there weren’t many travelers in the early morning. People came and went as the elevator moved, but eventually, by the time it reached the water supply station, Chen Ci was the only one left.

With 400 meters to go before the top floor, the elevator halted at the height of the farm level. Chen Ci raised his hand and swiped his pass on the scanner. The elevator’s green light flickered back on, granting access, and it continued to ascend.

Chen Ci quietly stared at the reflection on the elevator wall. A youth in a plain athletic tracksuit, the collar pulled up to cover his neck, his hands stuffed into his pockets, and his gray outfit unremarkable.

Finally, the elevator stopped at the top floor station.

Chen Ci swiped his pass again, and the doors opened silently in front of him. He stepped out, leaving the underground city without a sound or attracting the slightest attention.

Chen Ci hadn’t said goodbye to anyone, not even Fu Tianhe. Perhaps that Alpha was still looking forward to meeting him again someday to teach him more about CNC machining.

The pass, which cost 10,500 Augies, became invalid the moment Chen Ci stepped out of the station and swiped it for the last time.

Chen Ci gazed at the clock tower, taking in his final look at the open surroundings, and then walked towards it alone.

Just as he had done many times before, Chen Ci climbed the stairs to the top of the clock tower and entered the restroom where he and Chen Nian had first met.

He waited quietly, his mental power spreading like a web, enveloping the entire clock tower. No movement escaped his detection.

After more than half an hour, he sensed the elevator rising and stopping on this floor.

Soon, the sound of light footsteps came closer. A few seconds later, the restroom door creaked open, and Chen Nian appeared.

Chen Nian had changed into an outfit easier to wear and remove, tailored to highlight his youthful figure. The light colors accentuated his vibrant energy.

Before Chen Ci could say a word, Chen Nian stepped forward and hugged him tightly.

Chen Nian embraced him so hard that Chen Ci nearly lifted off the ground.

The sudden, full-body contact stiffened Chen Ci, but because the other person was his brother, the strong sense of discomfort and nausea he usually felt didn’t arise.

After hesitating for a moment, Chen Ci raised his hand and gently patted Chen Nian’s back twice.

Chen Nian’s joy seemed contagious, lightening Chen Ci’s mood as well.

When Chen Nian let go, he took a good look at his brother, whom he hadn’t seen for five days. “How have you been? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Chen Ci replied, shaking his head. “And you? How’s it going for you?”

“Oh, it’s been amazing! You wouldn’t believe it; these past few days have been absolutely thrilling.” Chen Nian pulled Chen Ci to sit on the steps, eager to recount his recent “glorious adventures.”

Hearing that Chen Nian had been pestering Shavri to take him out nearly every day, Chen Ci was momentarily stunned.

“I even went to a royal banquet! You wouldn’t believe how many Omegas were trying to get close to Shavri. It was outrageous.”

Chen Ci had heard rumors about his estranged relationship with Shavri and his absence from public events. This had given many noble Omegas the ambition to replace him as the Princess Consort.

He didn’t care about such matters, but knowing that Chen Nian had put these schemers in their place was unexpectedly satisfying.

Even though Chen Ci didn’t concern himself with these things, seeing how Chen Nian stood up for him warmed his heart with a strange and unfamiliar feeling.

Was this what family felt like?

Chen Nian chatted away enthusiastically, and when he noticed that Chen Ci was just listening quietly, he nudged him with his elbow and asked, “Don’t just listen, bro. How was it for you in the underground city?”

“It was pretty good,” Chen Ci replied. “I got to see a lot of places.”

“Can’t compare to the top floor, though, right?”

“No, actually, I quite liked it down there.”

Chen Nian was surprised. “Really?”

“Yeah, I even met… No, it’s nothing.”

“That’s great! I was worried you’d have a hard time adjusting,” Chen Nian said, relieved, not noticing Chen Ci’s slight hesitation at the end.

The two brothers sat on the steps, sharing their experiences from the past five days.

It was strange. Although this was only their second meeting, their conversation felt as natural as if they had known each other for a long time.

Perhaps living in each other’s spaces had allowed them to observe details that helped them understand each other better.

Their chat continued until Chen Nian’s wrist terminal buzzed.

“Shavri’s rushing me,” Chen Nian said after checking it. He quickly replied with a “Coming,” then turned to Chen Ci. “He’s waiting for me on the first floor of the clock tower. Let’s swap back.”

Chen Ci nodded, and the two quickly changed clothes.

Chen Nian donned the gray tracksuit, while Chen Ci fastened the buttons on the royal attire. After five days of living each other’s lives, they returned to their own paths.

But clearly, many things had already changed.

Chen Ci could tell that Chen Nian enjoyed life on the top floor and fit in well there.

After experiencing the luxurious lifestyle that was meant to be his, would it be cruel to send Chen Nian back to the underground city?

“Chen Nian,” Chen Ci called softly.

“Yeah?”

“Do you want to continue?”

“Continue what?” Chen Nian blinked. “Switching places?”

“Yeah.”

Chen Nian grinned. “Of course I’d like to! But honestly, I’m fine either way.”

Chen Ci said, “Next Monday at this time, if you still want to swap, wait for me here. If everything goes well, you could stay on the top floor for three weeks straight.”

“Really?” Chen Nian’s face lit up with excitement. “But won’t that mean you’ll have to stay underground for three weeks? Are you sure you’ll be okay?”

“It’s fine.” After a brief pause, Chen Ci added, “I still owe someone a favor.”

“A favor?” Chen Nian’s curiosity was piqued. “Oh, is it about the pass?”

Chen Ci didn’t answer, but his expression said enough.

“Alright, it’s settled then.” Chen Nian clenched his fist in determination. “This is going to be so exciting!”

“By the way, there might have been things I didn’t get to tell you in time, but I wrote everything down in a journal, so don’t forget to read it!”

“I will,” Chen Ci promised, seeing the excitement on Chen Nian’s face. Even his typically cold eyes softened a little. “I wrote down everything too.”

“Oh, and I got this from Shavri.” Chen Nian pulled the long-term pass chip out of Chen Ci’s terminal and inserted it into his own. “With this, I’ll be able to come up without a hitch next time.”

The brothers quickly planned their next steps.

With Shavri still waiting, Chen Ci didn’t linger. After bidding farewell to Chen Nian, he descended to the clock tower’s first floor.

There, Shavri sat on a chair, waiting. Hearing Chen Ci’s footsteps, he immediately closed the game forum he was browsing, put away his terminal, and stood up to greet him. “What took you so long?”

“I was looking at the view,” Chen Ci replied coolly. “Let’s go.”

Shavri and Chen Ci left the clock tower and took a car back to the White Tower.

Shavri had cleared his morning schedule at Chen Nian’s request to accompany him, but now he had to rush off to attend to his postponed responsibilities.

Chen Ci sat by the window, gazing quietly outside. Returning to the top floor after just five days felt like a lifetime.

Shavri, accustomed to Chen Ci’s silence, glanced at him several times. Something felt… off.

He couldn’t quite pinpoint it—people’s subtle changes in demeanor were hard to describe, but they became unmistakable in close proximity.

When the car stopped in front of the White Tower, Shavri asked, “Do you need me to accompany you to the base tomorrow?”

Chen Ci looked at him, his voice distant yet polite. “No, thank you.”

This was his usual attitude towards Shavri—or rather, towards everyone.

“Oh.” Shavri pursed his lips, feeling a little hurt by the rejection.

For the past few days, he hadn’t turned down any of Chen Ci’s requests. No matter what he was doing, he’d always make time for him.

But now, when he offered his help unprompted, he was refused.

Shavri didn’t insist. He watched as Chen Ci walked into the White Tower, then silently returned to his car.

Chen Ci had no idea that under Chen Nian’s subtle influence, the once indifferent crown prince had become much more sensitive.

Returning to his room, Chen Ci was greeted by a massive ecological tank occupying an entire wall.

He paused, reaching out to touch the cool glass. The miniature landscape of vegetation, water, translucent fish, and feeding frogs presented a vivid slice of nature.

Was this Chen Nian’s doing?

Chen Ci stood there for a long time, his gaze fixed on the tank. As Chen Nian had anticipated, he loved it.

For the rest of the day, he decided to read the journal and learn more about what had happened to Chen Nian.

Meanwhile, Chen Nian had arrived at Chensha’s 13th Information Processing Zone.

The moment he stepped out of the elevator, he headed straight for the station, checking his terminal balance along the way. To his surprise, Chen Ci hadn’t spent much money.

So, his extravagantly living brother turned out to be quite frugal.

It was just the right time to buy medicine. Relieved, Chen Nian’s already good opinion of Chen Ci grew even higher.

—Was Shavri blind? How could he ignore such a good, perfect brother?

At the pharmacy, Chen Nian bought all the medicine Jiang Dai needed, reducing his account balance to just 2,000 units.

When he returned home, it was already 2 p.m.

The lights on the second floor were out again. After a quick inspection, Chen Nian saw the electric box’s wires had been gnawed clean by rats.

Great. Those damn pests again.

No one upstairs would fix it, so it seemed the job would fall to him.

After passing through three identity locks, Chen Nian finally stepped inside.

“I’m back,” he called habitually.

From the study came the sound of a chair being pushed back. Moments later, Jiang Dai emerged, his gait slow. When he saw Chen Nian, he subtly exhaled in relief.

“Where were you?” Jiang Dai asked.

Chen Nian didn’t notice the faint relaxation in Jiang Dai’s tone. “Visiting a friend.”

He placed the medicine in the nearly empty cabinet, organizing it carefully. Without turning around, he said, “Uncle Jiang, I might be back late tonight. Don’t wait up for me.”

“I can’t help but worry.”

“What’s there to worry about?” Chen Nian laughed. “I’m eighteen, not eight. You should rest on time; staying up late is bad for your health.”

After a bit more back-and-forth, Jiang Dai finally agreed not to wait for him.

Since Chen Nian had taken five days off without permission, he needed to head to his workplace right away to make up for lost time.

Tonight, he planned to pick up as much work as possible. Having experienced the Princess Consort lifestyle, Chen Nian now truly understood how great it was to have money.

He left the week’s worth of medicine in the most visible spot on Jiang Dai’s desk, ensuring he wouldn’t forget to take it daily. Then, he grabbed a flashlight to check Jiang Dai’s injured eye.

“Is your vision still shrinking?”

“It’s fine.”

“No, we still need to get it checked.” Chen Nian frowned.

Over the years, Jiang Dai’s eyesight had deteriorated, his field of vision shrinking to a small circular area that continued to shrink further—a precursor to blindness.

Chen Nian had long wanted to take him to a hospital, but Jiang Dai always refused. Maybe he feared being identified, and Chen Nian didn’t have enough money, so they had been delaying treatment.

“Let’s see how it is next month. If it gets worse, we have to go to the hospital.”

Seeing Jiang Dai about to argue, Chen Nian cut him off, “This is non-negotiable. Besides, we’ve been living here for years; it should be fine by now.”

For some reason, Jiang Dai didn’t protest this time and agreed.

After ensuring Jiang Dai rested, Chen Nian quickly tidied up the house.

He didn’t expect Chen Ci to have done any chores during his stay; the fact that he didn’t complain about the conditions was already a relief.

Wiping his hands dry, Chen Nian noticed the thin calluses peeling on his palms—normal for someone who frequently did housework.

The house cleaned and in order, Chen Nian straightened his back and sighed. Having showered at the White Tower that morning, he still felt fresh and clean.

When he closed the door to his room, he saw the neatly organized desk and folded quilt, letting out an involuntary “Wow.”

—His brother was like a fairy godmother.

Chen Nian plopped onto the bed, running his hand over the smooth sheets. The lingering scent of tuberose filled the air—it was Chen Ci’s scent.

Despite their identical appearances and pheromones, their personalities and habits couldn’t have been more different.

Chen Nian didn’t linger. Pulling out a can of hair dye spray, he sat at his desk and shook it. Facing the mirror, he pressed down on the nozzle.

Red powder sprayed out, settling finely on his soft black hair. Chen Nian ran his pale fingers through it, ensuring every strand was coated with fiery red.

Satisfied that no black remained, Chen Nian styled his hair casually and turned to his wardrobe.

He stripped off the striped shirt Chen Ci had chosen and stood naked before the open closet, pondering for a moment before pulling out a sheer fitted top and denim shorts.

The top tied at the back, leaving his shoulders and upper back bare, showing off his sculpted shoulders and butterfly bones. The fabric clung to his waist and abdomen, accentuating their shape and the faint curve of his navel.

Chen Nian adjusted the waistband of his shorts, added a thigh strap, and opened his accessory box. His fingers brushed over a variety of anti-bite collars before choosing one with a lock.

The collar and pendant complemented the Omega boy’s neck and collarbones, the cold metal gradually warming against his skin.

Finally, Chen Nian took out contact lenses. Closing his eyes briefly, he reopened them to reveal a new look—his right eye a clear green and his left a devilish red.

In just twenty minutes, Chen Nian had shed his “Princess Consort” image entirely.

He was once again the Chen Nian known to the Alphas of the underground city.

With Jiang Dai still resting, Chen Nian slipped out quietly, heading straight to the “Black Box” nightclub in the Western District where he worked.

Having messaged the floor manager in advance, Chen Nian entered through the back door of the most famous nightclub in the 13th Information Processing Zone, where the owner was already waiting in the lounge.

The Alpha woman had a polished appearance, wearing a camisole and tight skirt that highlighted her excellent figure. Only the fine lines at her eyes and mouth betrayed her age.

When she saw Chen Nian, the corners of her lips lifted as she got up to inspect the boy who had been missing for several days.

“Where have you been?” Li Shu asked.

“Had something urgent to deal with,” Chen Nian replied with a grin, slipping an arm around her. “Come on, Sister Li, cut me some slack. This is the first time I’ve ever taken a long leave since I started here.”

No one could stay angry at the boy’s cheerful, charming demeanor, not even the sharp and pragmatic Li Shu.

She sighed. “Alright, it’s fine as long as you’re back. You’ve had people asking for you while you were gone—”

“I’ll head over now,” Chen Nian cut in immediately.

His understanding attitude improved Li Shu’s mood even more.

Since Chen Nian started at the Black Box eight months ago, he had outshone Omegas who had worked there for years, quickly becoming the most popular host.

Every night, countless Alphas requested his company, but only the highest bidder got the privilege of seeing him.

Of course, the underground city’s gambling pools for Chen Nian weren’t a secret.

With his top-tier pheromones and willingness to let loose, he kept Alphas eager and competitive, all vying to be the first to claim him.

Only the unattainable remained the most desirable.

Li Shu knew exactly how valuable a virgin Chen Nian was to the Black Box’s profits. She had strict rules in place, ensuring he was never left alone with a customer.

For now, the timing wasn’t right.

Chen Nian followed her instructions dutifully. He drank with guests, laughed freely, flaunted his youthful body and alluring pheromones, but held firm to his boundaries.

Who wouldn’t love an obedient and talented employee?

Even though Chen Nian had disappeared for five days without notice, Li Shu hadn’t docked his pay. She understood his financial situation and knew how to keep him under her thumb.

“Who’s here for him today?” Li Shu asked the manager.

“Nick Foley, division manager for United Foods.”

Li Shu nodded. “Have Charlie join Chen Nian.”

When Chen Nian opened the private room door, five or six Alphas sprawled across leather sofas, drinking. They lazily glanced up at the newcomer.

The moment they realized it was Chen Nian, their sluggishness vanished.

“Well, well, look who’s here!” Excitement lit up their faces as the other boys and girls entertaining them were instantly forgotten.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Chen Nian said, casually sitting next to the leading Alpha.

“We came by a couple of days ago, but the boss said you weren’t here.”

Nick Foley draped an arm over Chen Nian’s shoulders, his hand sliding down to pull aside the open jacket, revealing the boy’s bare shoulder.

“I had some personal matters to attend to. Just got back today.” Chen Nian leaned naturally into the Alpha’s embrace, accepting a glass of wine and taking a sip.

Dim light fell on him, his thick lashes casting shadows on his cheeks. The wine dampened his pale lips, giving them a tempting sheen.

Nick’s hand lingered on Chen Nian’s skin as he immediately ordered an expensive bottle of wine. Listening to the Alpha’s extravagant order, Chen Nian could almost hear the sweet cha-ching of his bonus.

Chen Nian wasn’t averse to such touches. Normally, he would’ve laughed and looped his arms around the Alpha’s neck, engaging even more intimately.

But tonight, everything felt dull.

There was no spark.

After mingling with the refined Alphas at the royal banquet, the underground city’s Alphas seemed crude and uninspiring.

The once-thrilling role of being an unattainable prize now felt… lackluster.

No matter how sought-after he was here, it didn’t compare to the exhilaration of navigating among the elite, playing the hunted while hunting his own prey.

For the first time, Chen Nian felt like he was just going through the motions.

He accompanied the division manager of United Foods, drinking and laughing. But he couldn’t help feeling time dragged on.

When Nick deliberately spilled wine on his collarbone, the cold liquid soaking his shirt, Chen Nian gently pushed the Alpha’s shoulder and stood up with a smile.

“I’ll be right back; just need to clean up,” he said, excusing himself to the restroom.

Chen Nian quickly entered the restroom, turning on the faucet and splashing water on his collarbone.

This was a routine part of the job. A quick rinse and maybe a change of clothes in the back would fix everything.

He stared at his reflection in the mirror, his fingers running under the running water.

Suddenly, someone bumped into him from behind.

The forceful shove sent him stumbling forward, his hip colliding with the hard sink. “Ow!” He hissed.

Frowning, Chen Nian turned to see a drunken Alpha, face flushed, staggering out of a stall.

Perhaps emboldened by alcohol, the Alpha stared at Chen Nian with a lewd gaze, muttering vulgarities and stumbling closer.

Chen Nian deftly sidestepped, turning the faucet to full blast and angling the spout—

A stream of cold water shot directly into the Alpha’s face.

The man yelped, stumbling back as he tried to dodge. But drunk as he was, there was no escaping Chen Nian’s precise aim.

It wasn’t until a staff member arrived at the commotion that Chen Nian finally stopped.

Shutting off the faucet, he shook the water off his hands and leisurely walked over to the Alpha, who had collapsed on the ground. Chen Nian leaned down slightly.

“Feeling sober now?”

His voice was gentle, his brows slightly furrowed, his heterochromatic eyes filled with a seemingly genuine concern.

The Alpha stared at him dumbfoundedly for a moment before nodding wildly.

The cold water seemed to have jolted him back to his senses, and he naturally interpreted the scene as an accident—a result of his drunkenness and Chen Nian’s kindness.

Chen Nian smiled faintly, straightened up, and prepared to leave.

Behind him, the Alpha called out desperately, “Chen… Chen Nian…”

Chen Nian grabbed a towel from the staff, drying his hands and neck without looking back. He walked away, his expression impassive.