In the following few days, Shi Zhen stayed at home without going out. Wu Fangyu sent over more than ten scripts by email, asking him to take a look and see if there were any that interested him. While Shi Zhen was reading the scripts, he also found many books and videos that explained basic Omega physiology. Only then did he realize how troublesome being an Omega could be. Not only did they have a fixed estrus period every month, but they were also physically and mentally weaker compared to others. Although the gender differentiation was generally established around the age of sixteen, there were usually signs of different genders appearing around thirteen or fourteen, such as Alphas tending to be taller, having heightened senses, and a deeper voice. On the other hand, Omegas tended to have a smaller stature, be more delicate, experience greater emotional fluctuations, and some would even exhibit false estrus symptoms, which consisted of a persistent low-grade fever. However, this could generally be relieved by taking enough rest and did not require injections or medication.

Shizheng recalled their younger self, who had indeed fallen ill unusually. They initially thought it was just a regular flu, so their parents only instructed them to take cold medicine. However, after a week passed without any improvement, even during the job interview when they felt dizzy and weak while singing, the company personnel took Shizheng to get an injection. Strangely enough, despite their abnormal behavior, they still managed to pass the interview.

In the days that followed, I studied while being a trainee, singing, dancing, and acting. The daily schedule was so overwhelming for Shizheng that she could hardly catch her breath. But she had no right to complain of exhaustion. By the time she graduated from junior high school, Shizheng was practically living in the company dormitory. The opportunity to see her parents each year was only occasional. One year during the Spring Festival, Shizheng was allowed to go home for the holiday. Holding the address given by her manager sister, Shizheng finally found her new home. Compared to the old shabby house, her new home was much better. When Shizheng rang the doorbell while wearing a duck-billed cap and carrying a backpack, she even worried that she might have pressed the wrong buttons.

The one who came to open the door was the younger brother, and the first words that Shi Tong said upon seeing him were, "Brother, why are you back?"

It wasn't a pleasant surprise, more like being extremely surprised because the weather forecast clearly said it would be a sunny day, but suddenly it started raining.

Shi Zheng replied, "I have half a day of rest time."

Actually, it was only two days, but Shizheng didn't know why she had to say it was half a day. It was probably because Shitong's indifference made it impossible for him to act like nothing had happened.

It was clearly New Year's, but the house felt empty and deserted. On the table, there was a pack of instant noodles placed. Shi Tong calmly explained, "Mom and dad went out to play. Have you had your meal? There's no delivery for New Year's, so all we have is instant noodles at home."

Shizheng didn't know what to say in that instant. He stood there, feeling like an outsider who didn't belong.

He nodded and said, "You're still growing, so don't always eat instant noodles."

Shi Tong pulled out the plastic fork and chuckled nonchalantly. There was already a hint of youthful awkwardness and slowly developing facial features on his face. Shi Zhen was momentarily perplexed. How old was Shi Tong this year? Has he started senior high school?

"There's no need to be so particular, as long as you don't starve to death."

After finishing his instant noodles, Shitong went straight to playing games. Meanwhile, Shizheng watched him sitting in front of the computer with a hunched back. She placed the gifts from her backpack on the bed and left the desolate house without bidding farewell.

Shi Tong didn't need his sympathy because they were the ones who understood each other's surroundings the most. Same parents, same childhood. Shi Zhen couldn't take responsibility for his life because even Shi Zhen herself didn't know if her own life would lead to heaven or abyss.

Because of his young age, coupled with his uncomfortable physical condition at the time, Shi Zheng's memories of the zither were not very clear. He couldn't quite remember whether he had gone to the hospital or somewhere else. All he recalled was receiving injections for several days until his fever subsided. As for the man who had accompanied him to seek medical treatment, he was tall, dressed in a suit, exuding a subtle scent of spices. His facial features were prominent yet refined, suggesting that he must be a man of considerable power to be able to command doctors and nurses so arbitrarily.

However, afterwards, Shizheng never saw him again.

Therefore, how I became like this must be related to that man. Shizheng doesn't know if her parents understand the inside story or not. If they knew and tacitly agreed, though it sounds a little frightening, it wouldn't be something that Shizheng couldn't accept.

After all, someone who is willing to "sell" their child for money is capable of doing anything. Compared to being a burden, Shizheng at least gained value from the moment she was passed on to someone else.