It Felt So Surreal

Chapter 1 「Lanterns」

"Tonight is the Mid-Autumn Festival!" a child called out to their friends nearby. "There's going to be a big night market later!"

Excitement filled the streets of Yunqing (雲清) —a peaceful land tucked near the mountains where the skies stayed clear and the people enjoyed vibrant seasons. Under the bright evening sky, vendors were already setting up their stalls along the main road in preparation for the night's festivities. Jet noticed the bustling sounds outside just as an orange leaf drifted lazily into his study, landing on his calligraphy book and halting his brush.

"The Mid-Autumn Festival..." he murmured to himself, picking up the leaf with a small smile. Feeling inspired, he added a few more lines to the novel he'd been working on, then set his brush aside, content with his progress.

—

In this world, people were identified by both primary and secondary genders: Alpha, Beta, and Omega.

Betas make up about 60% of the population, leading lives without the heightened instincts or needs of Alphas and Omegas.
Alphas, forming 25% of the population, were seen as natural leaders with strong instincts to protect and dominate, especially toward Omegas.
Lastly, Omegas, just 15% of the population, held a unique place due to their ability to bear children. Their heat cycles drew Alphas to them and were a crucial part of how society's roles and relationships were shaped.

—

Feng Jet (冯杰), a nineteen-year-old male Omega from a noble family in Yunqing, stood taller than most expected of an Omega, reaching 177 centimetres. His long hair was swept into a half-bun, with the rest flowing down his back in smooth, dark waves. He wore a dark blue hanfu with intricate patterns that reflected his lively nature—subtle symbols of prosperity and vitality woven in gold thread along the hem and sleeves. The hair stick that held his bun was a finely crafted piece, a gift marking his family's wealth and status, yet his warm expression and easy smile softened any sense of formality.

Leaving his study, he heard a familiar voice calling out to him. "Uncle!" Turning, he saw his niece running toward him.

Jet's smile widened as he greeted her with a respectful nod, then knelt down to her level. "It's been a while, missy," he said warmly. "How have you been?"

Chen Meixuan (陈美宣) beamed and hugged her uncle tightly. A bright and lively girl of three, she had already captured the hearts of their family. Just then, her parents, Jet's older sister and brother-in-law, approached with welcoming smiles. Jet rose, offering them a polite bow.

—

Feng Li (冯丽), a 21-year-old Beta, is Jet's older sister. She had married into a respected family, her husband being Chen Zhiyuan (陈志远), a 24-year-old Alpha and son of the captain of the royal guards. Their marriage, though arranged, had become a surprisingly warm partnership. They now had Meixuan and another one on the way, and Zhiyuan, known to be strict with his men, had a gentle side that he reserved for his wife.

—

"On a day like this, I didn't expect you to visit," Jet remarked, looking at his sister with a touch of surprise. "Shouldn't you be with your in-laws for the family dinner tonight?"

Li chuckled softly. "Zhiyuan wanted to surprise our parents for the festival, and my in-laws didn't mind sharing us for a change."

"Ah, a surprise?" Jet asked, raising an eyebrow. He turned to Zhiyuan, who nodded with a smile.

"It's time, and it has been three months."

Jet's smile softened in understanding. He turned back to his niece and knelt again to meet her eager gaze. "The market is opening soon, little miss. Want to go see it with your uncle?"