Huai City, late February.

The early spring weather was gentle and mild, a thin layer of moisture hung in the air, clinging damply to the skin.

In the pheromone clinic’s lobby, a few parents sat scattered around with their children, waiting to confirm their genders. The clock on the wall pointed to 11 p.m., and the whole lobby was quiet, with only a few lights left on in the corridor.

Chu Tao sat quietly on a bench, gaze lowered, his hands resting tensely on his knees, clenched into fists. Each tick of the clock made him flinch a little. Beside him, his brother Chu Xingning sat relaxed, legs crossed, head tilted back, eyes closed.

Several high school boys waiting for their results stole glances at Chu Xingning, looking somewhat captivated.

Chu Xingning was exceptionally handsome, his skin so fair it seemed to shine. Even with his eyes closed, the faint blush around his eyes hinted at how captivating they must be.

He leaned back lazily, indifferent to the attention around him. By contrast, Chu Tao appeared less delicate. Though they were twins, Chu Xingning had always been the one everyone gravitated toward, while Chu Tao was often overlooked.

People often said that Chu Tao was beautiful too, just not as enchanting as Chu Xingning, lacking that certain liveliness that made one want to protect him.

Most people underwent gender differentiation around sixteen or seventeen. The Chu brothers, having started school early, had only begun showing signs of differentiation over the winter break in their sophomore year.

At least two-thirds of the school’s Alphas were waiting for Chu Xingning to differentiate as an Omega. His looks made him seem perfect for the role of a cherished Omega.

As for Chu Tao, no one paid much attention to what he might differentiate into.

Chu Jiangmin broke the silence first, turning to his wife. “Once the kids’ differentiation results are confirmed, they’ll be placed in different classes, right?”

Song Mian nodded, replying, “I’ve mentioned before, Omegas and Alphas will be separated for classes to prevent their pheromones from affecting each other and disrupting their studies.”

Chu Jiangmin sighed with the typical worries of a parent at this stage. “Hopefully, they end up in the same category, so they can look after each other at school.”

Song Mian smiled lightly. “They’re twins; it’s unlikely they’ll turn out differently.”

Chu Jiangmin affectionately patted Chu Xingning’s head. “It’d be best if Xingning is an Alpha; that way, he won’t have boys bothering him all the time.”

Chu Xingning had always been popular, receiving countless confessions over the years.

Chu Tao chimed in earnestly, “I hope my brother is an Alpha too.” After all, Chu Xingning had often told him he wanted to be an Alpha, that he felt like one at heart.

Chu Xingning opened his eyes and smiled confidently. “Of course, I’ll be an Alpha.”

Song Mian beamed. “Then Xiao Tao will also be an Alpha.”

Chu Tao heard this and looked away, gazing out the quiet window. The deep night outside was dimly lit by the soft orange glow of streetlights, casting faint reflections on the glass.

He didn’t want to be an Alpha. Not even a little.

Long before physical differentiation began, during puberty, a person’s mind would already start to develop a sense of their expected gender. For most, their psychological and physiological genders align, and while this feeling is hard to explain, it’s something they know within themselves.

Going to the clinic was just for final confirmation; in truth, he already had a sense of what he would become.

In his mind, he was an Omega.

The sound of heels echoed from the clinic window as a doctor leaned out, calling, “Results are ready. Come up to collect them.”

Each student’s differentiation result was sealed in a small yellow envelope, which the doctor handed personally to each student. They all lined up, giving their names to collect their envelopes.

Chu Tao and Chu Xingning were at the end of the line. Some of the others had already opened their envelopes, nodding knowingly.

“Ah, I knew I was an Alpha.”

“See, I said I’d be an Omega. I could feel my gland softening.”

“Alpha, just as I expected.”

“Alright, let’s go, I’m exhausted.”

Chu Tao stepped up to the window, leaning forward slightly, and said politely, “Chu Tao.”

The doctor gave him a quick glance. “What a good-looking kid. Here you go.”

Chu Tao took the envelope and moved aside.

Chu Xingning approached next, and the doctor marveled again, “Wow, one’s better looking than the next!”

Chu Xingning lowered his gaze and took the last envelope.

Chu Jiangmin urged, “Quick, open it.”

Chu Xingning gave a slight snort. “What’s there to see? I already have a feeling.”

He was sure he’d differentiate as an Alpha.

The two opened their envelopes at the same time, pulling out the thin report sheet.

A list of various indicators was followed by comparative data ranges, and at the bottom, in bold, was their determined gender.

Chu Xingning: Omega.

Chu Tao: Alpha.

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Lhaozi’s Note: Hello! Hope this novel finds you well! Join me as we read another danmei novel translated by yours truly! Hope you are reading this in Shanghai Fantasy Website! I love reading comments too, any comments is allowed for me to be motivated, criticism in my translations are allowed as long as its constructive criticism for me to improved my translations. Anyway, hoping you are in good health always! Let’s Go!