Mutated Pheromones

When a fact proved to be true on an existing subject, it would not simply disappear by changing the hospital. The mutated pheromones stayed mutated. 

Yue Shizhong asked, “Is there any way to cure it?”

The doctor shook his head. “No, it is merely a mutation occurring in the body.”

Yue Shizhong inquired, “He really can’t find an alpha in the future?”

The doctor hesitated. “I can’t say for certain.” 

He closed the report and patiently explained, “Everyone has something similar to a processor in their bodies. An omega’s pheromone attracts an alpha because the processor converts the pheromone into the alpha’s most favorite scent. Therefore, when an alpha is asked to describe their partner’s pheromone, the answers will vary, and some can’t even give a specific adjective. It’s just pleasant to smell.”

Then he glanced at Yue Ran. “Your pheromone deviated due to mutation. After the processor converts it, it smells like something that alphas find repellent. But if there is an alpha whose processor is also malfunctioning, where it can’t convert pheromones, or if their processor is also mutated, and this subtle gap is enough to allow them to correctly receive and convert your pheromone, then they won’t be repealed by you. Both are possible.”

Yue Ran: “…”

Yue Shizhong: “…”

What’s the difference between this and looking for a needle in a haystack?

Why don’t you just come out and tell us to wait for a miracle! 

When neither of them replied, the doctor gave an awkward, dry cough and handed them the report, showing that they could go.

Yue Shizhong lamented, “Then, is my son’s processor good or bad?” 

The doctor sighed imperceptibly, “It’s good, only a slight mutation in his pheromone.”

That was why he sympathized with this omega.

Yue Ran can receive and convert an alpha’s pheromones like a normal omega, but the inherent attraction between an alpha and an omega would bring him pain rather than beauty. If he really becomes infatuated with an alpha in the future, only tragedy awaits. 

Yue Shizhong had the same concern about the question he asked. 

After listening to the doctor’s answer, his expression abruptly went south.

He didn’t think it was necessary for Ran Ran to find an alpha, but ‘don’t take the initiative’ and ‘now forced to’ were two different things.

What he hoped was that Ran Ran could find a person he really liked with no worries, and then proudly pull his future partner home to meet the family, which was a dream that was forcefully shattered before it could happen.

He sneaked a peek at his son, who didn’t appear surprised, nor show any emotion at all. 

Tef Ejc wfa tlr fsfr jcv qgbqbrfv, “Ofa’r ub tbwf?”

Tef Vtlhtbcu rjlv, “Yt…Tfr, ifa’r ub tbwf.”

Ktf akb rbbc jgglnfv ja atf qjgxlcu iba.

Tef Vtlhtbcu qgfrrfv atf luclalbc yeaabc jcv vlvc’a rklamt atf ufjg ab vglnf obg j wbwfca. Lf mbwobgafv tlr rbc, “Snfgsatlcu klii yf jigluta. P’ii jrx jgbecv ws oglfcvr. Ofa’r olcv atf wbra jeatbglajalnf fzqfga lc atf olfiv.” 

Yue Ran turned down, “Dad, there’s no need.”

Yue Shizhong said hopefully, “What if it can be cured?”

Yue Ran insisted, “Then wait until I find an alpha that I like. If I happen to fall in love with a beta, then there will be nothing we need to stress about.”

Yue Shizhong was still uneasy. “Then…the alphas in your class…” 

Yue Ran immediately understood his dad’s question. “I have met no one I like for the time being.”

Yue Shizhong made a sound in reply and drove out of the hospital slowly. As he drove, he glanced at his dearest son.

After a while, he tried to find a conversation. “What is your plan for your summer vacation? Why don’t we go on a trip?”

Yue Ran declined, “No, it’s too hot.” 

“You’re right, it’s better to stay home and play games,” Yue Shizhong agreed. “Oh, you can use the money to buy in-game items on that game you play, right? Why don’t you link my credit card to your account?”

Yue Ran rejected, “No need, there’s nothing I want to buy.”

Yue Shizhong scrambled for words, “Then…”

Yue Ran interrupted, “Dad, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.” 

Yue Shizhong kept his left hand on the steering wheel while reaching his right hand out to give his son a head pat. Then they drove the rest of the way home in silence. 

He shouldn’t be sad! Ran Ran was the one with the problem, yet he had to comfort this poor excuse of a father. His son is so obedient and sensible. Why did the universe have to give out this option? No, he had to consult with the experts, he couldn’t sit around and do nothing.

While Yue Ran watched the passing scenery with a wooden expression.

Although he didn’t have any hope for this trip, he still had some wishful thinking. But the result was reality pouring a bucket of cold water on him, and he still had no chance with an alpha. 

Whatever, guess he’d find himself a beta then.

He comforted himself silently like the last time and maintained a cold appearance. When they arrived home, he went back to the game to search for entertainment to ease his mood.

Without Qin Xiujie to occupy Jiang Xiao’s time, he was online during the day today. When he saw Yue Ran’s online notification, he greeted the little summoner. 

[(Guild) >Smashing Vault of Heaven: Coming?] 

Yue Ran saw the message and replied skillfully. 

[(Guild) Vault of Heavens Essence<: Yes Hubby~I’m on my way(happy)!]

[(Guild) >Smashing Vault of Heaven: Instance dungeon?]

[(Guild) Vault of Heavens Essence<: Sure, give me a minute~] 

[(Guild) >Smashing Vault of Heaven: Ok, no need to rush.]

Yue Ran clicked out of guild chat and controlled his character to the nearest warp gate.

Before he could move, he looked up to see that the random player who was pestering him was still there, as if he had been waiting the entire time for him. He found this strange, but before he could post a question, he heard knocking at his door and said, “Come in.”

Yue Shizhong saw his son was playing, so he placed a plate of washed and fresh-cut fruit on the desk. 

Just as he was about to turn and leave, he saw the chat history in the lower-left corner, and the word ‘hubby’ suddenly caught his attention.

Feeling startled, he wanted to ask if Ran Ran was dating in the game.

But as he was about to ask that, he swallowed the question back because he remembered telling Ran Ran not to start an online romance because of the large risk. But knowing his obedient son, if he brought this up, his son would surely remember his stand on online romance. It would lead to Yue Ran throwing another ‘delete account’ tantrum, shutting everything inside, and ending the relationship with the other.

With Ran Ran’s option to date an alpha removed, did he really want to cut off online romance as well? 

No, absolutely not!

So he pretended to see nothing, turned and went out of the room.

But ‘pretending not to see’ didn’t mean ‘didn’t see it’.

There are all kinds of people on the internet. No one could be sure whether it’s a man or a dog sitting on the other side of the screen. What if the person was a liar? What if the person was an alpha? What if he came to the wrong conclusion and Ran Ran was just using the word for fun? Did that mean that his son’s online image had always been this way? 

Yue Shizhong paced back and forth in the living room with his hands behind his back. Recalling Ran Ran’s calm appearance on their way home, he guessed his son must show his real emotions online. He couldn’t dispel this worry, so he came up with an unorthodox solution—he ran to his study, turned on his computer, and began the download to the game’s client.

The client’s size was quite large and it would take half a day to download and update.

During his time waiting, he searched academic journals containing studies of emotional attitudes similar to that of his son. He carefully read through the information on the search results and the game’s brief introduction to newcomers. Once he finished, he decided to play a swordsman. Because of the aggressive playstyle, he could be the shield for his son and take on thousands of forces. He must be the coolest father in the world!

The more he dreamed, the more perfect he felt his plan was. After further careful research, he followed a trail to a forum containing materials of gameplay videos. He found this very famous player named Tempest who also had a lover in-game. The two were equal in strength. On the arena ground, they fought to the death while being intimate privately. 

After watching three or four sugary sweet videos in a row, he felt that in order to change his traditional views, he must learn that there would be a blossom of love in online romance. Without paying close attention to the words at the top of the forum—Tempest Moon Zone.

On the other hand, Yue Ran was completely unaware that his father was about to set foot on a path of no return.

Because this inexplicable player stopped him, he watched as the other person sent a series of messages.

[(Local) Faithfully Devoted: You’re finally online. I don’t know the password because the leader left in a hurry and didn’t have the time to inform me. What I have is really important, why don’t I tell you first?] 

Yue Ran pondered on the matter before typing his reply.

[(Local) Vault of Heavens Essence<: I’m from the White Koi guild. Are you sure you got the right person?]

[(Local) Faithfully Devoted: I’m absolutely sure! Please stop testing me, I am in near tears (tear).]

Seeing the familiar friend request system message, Yue Ran clicked ‘accept’ and sent a private message to Jiang Xiao, explaining the whole thing, and concluded.  

[(Private) Vault of Heavens Essence<: Do you think there is a Black Lion guild spy in our guild?]

Pondering, Jiang Xiao narrowed his eyes and sent a reply.

[(Private) >Smashing Vault of Heaven: Do as he said. We will outsmart him.]

The author has something to say:  

Deranged little theatre—Damn it, why are you always with my Ran Ran.

Jiang Xiao killed a certain player with his sword.

Yue Ran: That’s my dad.

Jiang Xiao: … 

Father Yue who just revived: Wow, Tempest, I know you. I’ve seen your video before. I wish you and Sunken Moon a happy life together!

Jiang Xiao: … 

Sunken Moon: I need to know, why am I always the casualty?

The translator has something to add: 

Teo: It went from ‘姜蕭：………………’ to ‘姜蕭：…………………………’ fast.