Different Pheromones

Wu Xuan is an utterly unremarkable Beta, the least favored youngest son in his family. He has no particular abilities, and raising him is just a matter of putting another bowl of food on the table. He studies and works as expected, hoping only to live out an uneventful life.

His Alpha older brother, once the pride of the family, is now consumed with worry as his company teeters on the brink of bankruptcy due to poor management. Their parents learn that the new head of state dislikes gentle Omegas and favors Betas instead.

Didn't they have a Beta in the family? Wu Xuan was pushed forward, with the reminder: "We've raised you all these years. It's time for you to do something for this family. Mom and Dad know you're obedient and sensible."

Right. His only redeeming quality was being obedient and easy to manage.

To everyone's surprise, Wu Xuan was sent back without even meeting the head of state. Wu Xuan breathed a sigh of relief. That was a good thing, as far as he was concerned!

The next day, Wu Xuan was sent to a branch office as a company representative to handle some business. On the way, the city was hit by riots, and the unlucky man ended up among the many captives.

Just as he thought he'd become cannon fodder and his ordinary life would come to an early end, someone blew the gates of the prisoner camp to pieces.

A black aircraft landed, and a tall, handsome Alpha stepped out. His pheromones were powerful and intensely aggressive, making Wu Xuan's legs tremble and leaving him gasping for breath.

Wu Xuan looked up. His vision was growing hazy with red, but he could still make out the man's military boots and bulletproof vest, then the sharp, eagle-like eyes above them.

The man tapped Wu Xuan with the muzzle of his gun, then flicked a hand. An attendant led Wu Xuan away.

He thought he'd fallen from one pit into another, with little time left to live.

But when he woke the next morning, he was still alive. His legs were just even weaker.

--

Later, the public began to say that the Alpha head of state always had a Beta with him and doted on him. The governors no longer dared to offer up beauties.

Later still, one day, the Alpha asked him on a whim, "What skills did you learn before?"

"In-person game testing."

"Really? Come here, then. Let's try a new game."

"?"

--

At last, their one-year contract was about to end. Wu Xuan left without taking any of his belongings, just as empty-handed as when he'd arrived.

Feng Lang returned from quelling the rebellion to find the place deserted. He chased Wu Xuan to the door of his new home, abandoning his usual arrogance to humbly ask why he had left and what he wanted.

Wu Xuan: "But I like gentle Omegas!"

Feng Lang: "?"

(A contract turns into true love, followed by a groveling, angsty pursuit.)

Theme: Never give up on life.