Hong Yi was overwhelmed by the confusion in his head. He just wanted some answers, some way to understand the life he'd seemingly stepped into. With a deep breath, he addressed the system, "System, can you transfer some of Hong Yi's memories to me? Maybe that will help clear things up."
The system's response was mechanical and emotionless. "While I can host the transfer, it might be too much for you to handle at once. It could cause a severe headache."
"Okay, then how about we do it in parts?" Hong Yi suggested. "Smaller chunks of memories might be less painful."
"That's a more manageable approach," the system agreed. "There should be some time gaps between each transfer to allow you to process the information."
"And how long would it take to transfer everything?"
"If we split the memories into ten parts, the entire process could take around five days." Hong Yi didn't hesitate. "Let's start now."
Just as he reached his room, surprisingly close to his mother's, he initiated the transfer. A wave of pain washed over him almost instantly, like a pressure building in his skull. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and he slumped against the wall, gasping for breath. His vision swam with fragmented images, a jumble of sights and sounds. A sudden metallic tang filled his mouth, and he fought back the urge to vomit.
"Transferring 10% of memory complete," the system announced.
The pain subsided slowly, leaving behind a dull ache and a profound sense of weakness. He sat there for a while, trying to catch his breath. He also tried to organize the jumble of thoughts and emotions flooding his mind.
Leaning his head back against the wall, he closed his eyes and sifted through the memories. The first one that solidified was a scene from a playground. Three children, presumably Hong Yi, his brother, and his sister, were running around, chasing each other with laughter. One of the boys, likely the younger brother, tripped and fell, bursting into tears. The girl rushed to his side to comfort him. The older boy, the former Hong Yi, doubled over in laughter. He teased his brother's red face and tear-streaked cheeks.
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out, and the three children raced towards a man standing nearby. It was Hong Shan, their father. The reunion was joyous, filled with hugs and excited chatter. Hong Shan scooped up the youngest and checked for injuries. The boy, meanwhile, dramatically displayed his scraped knee and tearful pout. Hong Yi, Hong Ling Wei, and their father all struggled to stifle their laughter at his theatrics."Dad, tell him to apologize for making me fall!" the little boy demanded.Hong Shan, trying to maintain a stern expression, turned to Hong Yi. "Alright, alright. Hong Yi, apologize to your brother for laughing."
"Sorry Pouty face" Hong Yi mumbled a half-hearted apology, but his smirk betrayed his amusement. His younger brother, Hao Yu, promptly launched into another round of dramatic sobs.
Exasperated but still slightly amused, Hong Shan scolded Hong Yi again. This time, Hong Yi offered a more sincere apology. "Ok, Sorry Hong Hao Yu for laughing at your face. It was filled with your fat tears, runny nose, and pouty mouth. Unable to hold back, he burst out laughing and dragged a giggling Ling Wei with him. This left a wailing Hao Yu in their father's arms.
Hong Yi opened his eyes, the memory a stark contrast to the somber reality that surrounded him. A new question gnawed at him.
"System, what happened to the original Hong Yi?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.
The system's response sent a shiver down his spine. "The previous Hong Yi, at the time of his death, made a contract with a desire-fulfillment organization. In exchange for fulfilling his final wish, he relinquished control of his body. The organization then transferred a suitable soul, you in this case, to complete his desires. As for the original Hong Yi, he became a system like myself, leaving behind his memories and worldly ties."
Curiosity gnawed at Hong Yi. "System," he began, his voice barely above a whisper, "what exactly happens when someone becomes a system like you?"
The system's response was devoid of emotion, a flat statement of facts. "A system must complete one hundred assigned missions. Upon successful completion, they are granted the chance to be reborn as a human."
Hong Yi contemplated this for a moment. A hundred missions. It seemed like a monumental task, a price to pay for another shot at life.
Suddenly, a strange scent filled the air, a musky aroma that made him wrinkle his nose. "What's that smell?" he questioned, the unsettling fragrance breaking his train of thought.
The system's response was clipped and to the point. "Most likely, host, those are your pheromones."
Hong Yi's brow furrowed. Pheromones? This was entirely new information. "Pheromones?" he repeated, his voice laced with confusion. "What do you mean by that?"
"Pheromones are chemical signals released by your body," the system explained in its usual monotone. "They can affect the behavior and emotions of others, particularly those of the same species who are also able to detect them."
Intrigued, Hong Yi leaned forward. "So, everyone has pheromones?"
"Not exactly, host," the system replied. "In this world, pheromones are primarily produced and detected by alphas and omegas. Betas, the third caste, lack the necessary receptors to pick them up and emit very faint pheromones themselves."
Hong Yi digested this new layer of complexity. "And what kind of effects do these pheromones have?"
"The effects can vary depending on the type of pheromone and the recipient's caste," the system continued. "Pheromones can influence emotions like attraction, fear, or submission. For example, an alpha in his rut might release pheromones. These make others feel submissive, especially omegas. The pheromones are for mating with the alpha. Meanwhile, an omega in heat might emit pheromones that attract alphas."
"So Alphas in rut and Omegas in heat are like dogs" Hong Yi whispered to himself.
Hong Yi's eyes widened. This explained a lot, or at least offered a whole new perspective on human interaction. He recalled the overwhelming emotions he'd felt earlier, the sudden urge to comfort his mother. Could those have been pheromones at play?
"So, this strange smell I'm detecting… that's me?" he asked, hesitantly sniffing the air again. The unfamiliar scent still lingered.
"Correct, host," the system confirmed. "It seems your body is still adjusting to its new environment and producing pheromones at a higher rate than usual. This can be overwhelming for both you and those around you."
"Is there anything I can do about it?" Hong Yi inquired, worried about the potential impact on others.
"There are scent patches available," the system offered. "They can help mask your pheromones and prevent them from affecting others as strongly."
Hong Yi felt a wave of relief. At least there was a way to manage this unexpected side effect. "How do I get these scent patches? And is there anything else I should know about pheromones?"
"I can provide you with more information and locate a nearby vendor for the scent patches," the system replied. "However, it's important to remember that pheromones are a complex system. They can be influenced by your emotions and physical state. As you learn more about yourself and your new reality, you'll gain a better understanding of your own pheromones and how they affect others."
Hong Yi nodded, his mind swirling with newfound knowledge. This world was far more intricate than he ever imagined, and he was just beginning to scratch the surface.
A knock startled Hong Yi from his thoughts. He rose slowly, his body still stiff from the memory transfer. "Master Hong Yi," a maid announced, bowing respectfully. "Dinner is ready. Everyone is waiting for you downstairs."
Hong Yi nodded and followed the maid down the grand staircase. The dining room was vast, filled with a large table set for six. Shu Ya and Ci En sat on opposite ends, while Ling Wei and Hao Yu were positioned beside their respective mothers. An empty chair stood at the head of the table, a silent reminder of Hong Shan's absence.
Hong Yi took a seat at the furthest end, feeling a little out of place. As the first course arrived, a pungent odor filled his nose. He wrinkled it, realizing it was emanating from himself.
"Ugh, you stink!" Hao Yu's voice cut through the tense silence.
Hong Yi ignored him, focusing on the food in front of him. Shu Ya, her eyes filled with concern, asked, "A-Yi, is everything alright?"
He managed a small smile and a nod, unable to explain the strange smell or the jumbled emotions swirling within him.
Just then, Ling Wei spoke up. "Lawyer Chen called. He wants all family members present tomorrow to discuss the inheritance. I hope everyone will be available." Her pointed glance landed on Hong Yi, a silent challenge.
He continued eating, purposefully ignoring her. Reaching for the last piece of fried chicken, he found another hand reaching for it at the same time. With a faster reflex, he snatched it first.
"Hey! That was mine!" Hao Yu shrieked, his face contorting in anger.
"Well, it's mine now," Hong Yi declared with a smirk, taking a bite and savoring the crispy goodness.
Hao Yu sputtered in outrage, pointing a trembling finger at him. "You… you..." Before he could finish his tirade, Hong Yi interrupted.
"Going to run to Dad and cry about me again?" he taunted, his words dripping with sarcasm.
The color drained from Hao Yu's face. A sudden pang of guilt shot through Hong Yi. "Sorry," he mumbled, his voice barely audible.
Without another word, Hao Yu stormed out of the room and disappeared upstairs. Ling Wei, clearly displeased, followed suit.
A heavy silence descended upon the table. Ci En, ever the peacemaker, offered Hong Yi a reassuring smile. "Don't mind them, A-Yi. They'll come around. Finish your dinner and get some rest." She then excused herself and followed her daughter.
Shu Ya, with a sad smile, walked over to Hong Yi. Gently running her fingers through his hair, she took his hand in hers and gave it a comforting squeeze. After a tender kiss on his forehead, she too left the room.
Alone at the table, Hong Yi stared at the half-eaten chicken, a sense of shame washing over him. Why had he acted so out of character? He stabbed the remaining meat with his fork, frustration welling up inside him.