Duan Xu

Biodata

Background / History

Duan Xu fainted from heatstroke during military training and experienced a vivid dream that appeared to reveal his future as a minor “cannon fodder” character in a novel. In that future, he developed feelings for Han Xi, mistakenly believed Shen Yanlang had betrayed him, repeatedly interfered with Shen and Han’s relationship, and ultimately caused Shen to use his family influence against the Duan family. Duan Xu and both of his parents then died in a car accident while leaving the country. 1

When Shen Yanlang unexpectedly became his roommate three days later, Duan Xu treated the dream as real and initially responded to Shen with terror and avoidance. He resolved to evade his supposed fate by changing jobs and avoiding Han Xi altogether. 1 2

Duan Xu then awakened the ability to hear Shen Yanlang’s unspoken thoughts. After realizing that Shen genuinely wanted to befriend him, Duan abandoned his avoidance strategy and began deliberately building a friendship with him through shared meals, classes, contact information, and the Cycling Club. 2 3 4

During a blackout after the National Day holiday, Duan Xu detected Shen’s faint pheromones—something an ordinary beta should not have been able to do. A hospital examination confirmed that he was undergoing unusually late secondary differentiation into an omega; doctors warned that the process would take months and that his first heat could be unusually severe. 10 11

Duan initially believed that Shen was destined to be with Han Xi and repeatedly interpreted Shen’s possessiveness as friendship or a dangerous deviation from the “original plot.” Shen’s affection became increasingly impossible to dismiss, however, particularly after he publicly pursued and defended Duan. Duan’s anxiety eased when he learned that Han Xi and Xue Jingshu were dating. 18 21 24 25 26

After fully differentiating into an adult omega, Duan admitted to his parents that Shen was effectively his boyfriend and planned to confess properly. He and Shen later formally became boyfriends during the New Year holiday. 44 48 49

By Chapter 50, Duan begins showing signs that his first heat is approaching. Shen immediately leaves to support him, while his mother reminds him that caring for Duan is a lifelong responsibility and that he must not complete a mating mark during Duan’s vulnerable first heat. 50

Duan’s first heat proves unusually severe and lasts seven days, leaving him reliant on Shen’s pheromones and care. Duan Hu and Qiu Shan unexpectedly return during the heat, initially believe Shen has mistreated their son, and temporarily leave to avoid intruding. Afterward, Shen meets them formally, apologizes for the circumstances, and vows to care for Duan for the rest of his life. 53 54

Following the heat, Duan’s parents increasingly accept Shen as part of the family. Their support becomes especially apparent when Qiu Shan buys the couple matching outfits and both sets of parents meet in City A. Duan and Shen subsequently exchange rings at their engagement banquet. 73 75

Duan later moves in with Shen near the university and begins gaining professional design experience through freelance work. He remains emotionally close to his former classmates and friends while adapting to a more openly domestic life with Shen. 78 82

When Wei Xiaoyang stalks Duan and breaks into his home in an attempt to forcibly mark him, Duan uses his wits to barricade himself in the study, call Zhou Zhou, and contact the police. Shen, Zhou Zhou, and Xiao Xu rescue him, and Wei is arrested. The incident leaves Duan frightened of being incompletely marked, but he and Shen agree to wait for a safe and mutually appropriate time rather than act impulsively. 91 92 93 94 95

Duan publicly defends Shen during an earlier forum scandal and eventually reveals that he can hear Shen’s thoughts. Although the ability initially embarrassed him and complicated their relationship, it becomes a source of mutual understanding between them, even if it makes Shen’s attempts at surprises difficult. 67 69 106

After Wei’s conviction and the collapse of the Wei Family, Duan becomes more secure in his relationship and turns his attention toward his own creative development. He designs Summit Technology’s logo and submits it to a visual-design competition; when Zhao Gan falsely accuses him of plagiarism, Duan calmly provides evidence through Xue Jingshu and refuses to let hostile online comments undermine him. 97 98 101

By the five-year epilogue, Duan and Shen are married, and Duan serves as a team lead in Summit Technology’s Publicity Department as the company grows into a leading game developer. 109

Appearance

Duan Xu is a delicate, fair-skinned young man with a soft, youthful appearance that Shen Yanlang initially compares to that of a high-school student. 1 3

• Light-brown, almond-shaped eyes often compared to a startled deer’s. 1 2
• Fair neck, smooth pale skin, and a slight build. 1 10
• Bright, expressive eyes that Shen privately praises as beautiful. 7
• His omega pheromones carry a jasmine scent. 10 29
• His skin is unusually resistant to tanning; after sun exposure, any redness fades and his complexion quickly returns to pale. 89
• He and Shen frequently wear matching outfits chosen by Qiu Shan, including matching white shirts for Duan’s class reunion. 73 82
• At his engagement banquet, he wears a formal suit and a small bear brooch, while Shen wears a diamond-studded jasmine brooch in reference to Duan’s pheromone scent. 74 77

Personality

Duan Xu is cautious, imaginative, and strongly motivated by self-preservation. The dream of his family’s death leaves him convinced that he must avoid predetermined tragedy, and he often interprets events through the lens of being “cannon fodder.” 1 2 21

Despite his anxious first impression, he is considerate and emotionally perceptive. He accepts Shen Yanlang’s friendship after hearing his sincere thoughts, appreciates the concern of his roommates, and works part-time despite having a financially comfortable family because he wants to be independent. 3 9 27

He is easily flustered by romance and particularly by Shen’s thoughts, which frequently reveal attraction that Shen does not say aloud. Duan tends to avoid direct confrontation when overwhelmed, but gradually becomes more honest with himself about his feelings and refuses to rush into a relationship before he feels emotionally and physically ready. 16 21 28 40

Duan is also more courageous than he considers himself. When confronted by a drunken alpha who harasses him and Zhou Zhou, he verbally stands up for both of them before Shen intervenes. 29

His courage becomes more explicit when Wei Xiaoyang targets him. Though terrified and physically disadvantaged, Duan stalls Wei, throws a shopping bag to create an opening, barricades himself in the study, calls for help, and contacts the police. 91 92

Duan has gradually become more confident in defending the people he loves. He publicly clears Shen’s name during the forum scandal, harshly rebukes Wei for insulting Shen, and remains composed when Zhao Gan’s plagiarism accusation attracts online hostility. 67 87 101

Though still shy about public affection and easily embarrassed by Shen’s thoughts, Duan becomes comfortable relying on Shen and increasingly secure in their bond. His calm response to Hu Yanxin’s challenge reflects his trust that Shen will not leave him. 73 77 78

Abilities & Characteristics

Hearing Shen Yanlang’s Thoughts

After his heatstroke dream, Duan develops the ability to hear Shen Yanlang’s inner voice despite Shen not speaking aloud. 2

• Only Shen Yanlang’s thoughts are audible to him; Duan tests the ability on Zhou Zhou and hears nothing beyond spoken words. 2
• Shen must initially be within approximately three meters and inside Duan’s line of sight. 3
• If Shen remains nearby but leaves Duan’s sight, the thoughts initially cease after roughly three minutes. 3
• The ability lets Duan recognize Shen’s concern, jealousy, attraction, and private plans, but it also causes frequent misunderstandings and embarrassment. 3 18 24
• By Chapter 69, Duan can hear Shen’s thoughts even while his eyes are closed, indicating that the original line-of-sight limitation no longer consistently applies. 69
• Shen learns of the ability in Chapter 69. Thereafter, both men openly account for it in private, though Shen finds it inconvenient when preparing surprises for Duan. 69 106

Late Omega Differentiation

Duan believed he was a beta without scent glands until he began an abnormal late differentiation into an omega. 8 10

• His pheromones smell like jasmine. 10
• Doctors warn that his differentiation will take two to three months and that his heats may be more intense than average. 11
• His completed differentiation is medically confirmed as normal by Chapter 44, though his first heat remains a serious concern. 44
• He can detect Shen Yanlang’s wood-and-sunlight pheromone scent, which initially exposes that he is not an ordinary beta. 10
• His first heat is unusually intense and lasts seven days, with frequent recurrences during its earliest stage. 53 54
• His jasmine scent can become strong enough for other alphas and omegas to detect, making suppressor patches and pheromone safety an important concern. 28 29

Visual Design

Duan is trained in visual communication and develops practical skill in design software, promotional materials, and branding. 1 24

• He independently studies Photoshop for coursework and takes freelance design work to gain professional experience. 24 78
• He designs Summit Technology’s logo, incorporating its Chinese name, pinyin, and a layered blue mountain motif. 98
• He later works as a publicity designer and becomes a team lead in Summit Technology’s Publicity Department. 108 109

Power Progression

Equipment / Items

• Inhibitors — Two bottles prescribed as a precaution during his late differentiation, though doctors advise against relying on them heavily. 11
• Suppressor patches — Used to mask his increasingly noticeable jasmine pheromones in public. 29
• Blocker patches — Used by Duan and Shen to conceal their pheromones around family and in public settings. 56 94
• Bear mascot costume — Worn during his five-day National Day job at Fantasy Amusement Park. 9
• Summit Technology logo design — Duan’s blue layered-mountain branding design for the company, later submitted to a visual-design competition. 98

Relationships

• Shen Yanlang — Former roommate, closest companion, boyfriend, fiancé, and eventual husband. Duan initially fears Shen because of his dream, then becomes his friend after hearing Shen’s desire for friendship. Their relationship develops through Shen’s open pursuit, Duan’s gradual acceptance, their official relationship, cohabitation, engagement, and eventual marriage. 1 3 24 40 48 49 75 109
• Zhou Zhou — Roommate and close friend. Zhou Zhou welcomes Shen into the dorm, teases Duan about his romance, defends him against hostile forum comments, and stands beside him during the service-area harassment incident. He and Xiao Xu later rush to Duan’s home to protect him from Wei Xiaoyang. 2 25 29 91 92
• Xiao Xu — Roommate and friend from the School of Physical Education. Though quieter than Zhou Zhou, Xiao Xu is part of Duan’s supportive dorm circle, helps restrain the alpha who harasses Duan, and assists Zhou Zhou during Wei Xiaoyang’s break-in. 2 29 92 93
• Tang Che — Duan’s class Youth League secretary. Tang Che is friendly toward Duan and becomes a point of jealousy for Shen; he later confronts Shen over Duan’s safety and closeness. 7 19 22
• Han Xi — The omega Duan initially assumes is Shen’s destined partner and the person his dream-self supposedly loved. Duan’s fear of Han Xi as a romantic obstacle fades after Han begins dating Xue Jingshu, and the two later become comfortable friends. 6 21 26 61
• Xue Jingshu — Shen’s longtime acquaintance and student council president. Xue frequently teases Duan and Shen, assists Shen in identifying users who insult Duan online, becomes Han Xi’s boyfriend, and later works with the group to establish Summit Technology. 12 25 26 61 98
• Duan Hu and Qiu Shan — Duan’s affectionate, protective parents. Their possible deaths in his dream drive much of Duan’s fear of fate; after his differentiation, they support his choices while carefully questioning Shen’s intentions. They grow to accept Shen as family and host the couple’s engagement. 1 44 45 73 75
• Ye Lan and Shen Guofeng — Shen Yanlang’s parents. Duan nervously meets them after his own parents’ acceptance of the relationship, but Ye Lan warmly welcomes him as part of the Shen family. 73 74
• Shen Yu — Shen Yanlang’s older brother. Though stern and reserved, Shen Yu uses his resources to investigate Wei Xiaoyang after learning that Wei has targeted Duan. 73 86
• Sun Yao — Duan’s former high-school desk mate and a supportive platonic friend. She warns Duan about Wei Xiaoyang’s violent history and openly supports his relationship with Shen. 78 83 86
• Hu Yanxin — Shen’s former high-school classmate and a one-sided romantic rival. She confronts Duan during the engagement banquet but ultimately recognizes the stability of his relationship with Shen; Shen later warns her to stop interfering and deletes her contact. 77 78
• Wei Xiaoyang — Former high-school classmate and hostile admirer. Wei’s possessive interest escalates into stalking, attempted forced marking, and a home invasion; he is arrested and later sentenced to life imprisonment. 83 91 92 97

Major Arcs

Escaping the “Cannon Fodder” Fate

Duan’s core conflict begins with his belief that he is destined to cause his own family’s ruin by interfering with Shen Yanlang and Han Xi. He initially tries to avoid both the plot and Han Xi, then realizes that altering his choices may have already changed the future. 1 2 10

His eventual relationship with Shen, Han Xi’s relationship with Xue Jingshu, and the survival of Duan’s family all demonstrate that the future from his dream is not fixed. 26 44 75

Becoming Shen Yanlang’s Friend

After discovering that Shen wants a peaceful relationship with his roommate, Duan changes from fearful avoidance to active friendship. He accepts shared meals, exchanges contact details, attends classes with Shen, and joins the Cycling Club partly to remain close to him. 3 4

Late Differentiation

Duan’s presumed beta identity is overturned when he begins differentiating into an omega. The process forces him to confront medical risks, pheromone sensitivity, public safety concerns, and the changing nature of his relationship with Shen, an alpha. 10 11 29 44

His completed differentiation and unusually severe first heat make his relationship with Shen, as well as the support of his parents, central to his physical and emotional security. 44 53 54

Shen Yanlang’s Pursuit

After Shen admits that he only likes Duan, he begins pursuing him through meals, walks, studying, part-time work, and public support. Duan resists verbally but becomes increasingly aware that his embarrassment and jealousy are signs of reciprocated feelings. 24 25 26

Official Relationship

During the mountain trip, Duan acknowledges that he wants Shen but asks him to wait until he is ready. After returning home for the New Year, Duan prepares to confess and the two officially become boyfriends. 28 40 45 48

Their relationship progresses through mutual support during Duan’s first heat, acceptance by both families, cohabitation, and a public engagement. 53 54 73 75 78

Defending Shen Yanlang

When another omega falsely accuses Shen of inappropriate conduct during his susceptible period, Duan trusts Shen’s character rather than the rumors. He publicly explains the timeline, reveals his own late differentiation to disprove claims of pheromone incompatibility, and demands apologies for Shen. 66 67

This arc culminates in Shen discovering Duan’s mind-reading ability, removing a major secret between them. 69

Wei Xiaoyang’s Attack

Wei Xiaoyang’s interest in Duan develops from jealousy at the class reunion into stalking and an attempted forced marking. Duan’s resistance, Zhou Zhou and Xiao Xu’s intervention, and Shen’s return prevent the assault from succeeding. 83 86 91 92

The aftermath tests Duan and Shen’s understanding of protection, possessiveness, trauma, and consent. Wei is arrested, the Wei Family is ruined by the retaliation of Shen and his allies, and Wei receives a life sentence. 93 94 95 97

Summit Technology and Design Career

Duan joins Shen, Xue Jingshu, and their friends in planning Summit Technology. As the group establishes the company, Duan takes responsibility for its visual identity and creates its layered mountain logo. 61 62 98

His design is later targeted by Zhao Gan’s false plagiarism accusation, but Duan’s evidence and the company’s support expose the claim as fraudulent. By the epilogue, Duan has become a team lead in the company’s Publicity Department. 101 109

Notable Quotes

“Rogue! You big rogue!” 20

“I don’t believe you.” 40

“I want that too.” 40

“I can endure it!” 91

“My boyfriend is tall with long legs, the most handsome man in the universe, the best alpha in the world.” 87

Trivia

• Duan’s first alcoholic experience leaves him heavily intoxicated after only three cans of beer. 8
• He is skilled enough with visual-design software to study Photoshop independently for his coursework. 24
• He worked as a bear mascot at Fantasy Amusement Park during the National Day holiday. 9
• He initially assumes Shen’s jealousy and possessiveness are simply signs of close friendship. 7 9
• His birthday is August 16. 78
• Qiu Shan purchases multiple matching outfits for Duan and Shen, which Duan initially finds embarrassing but Shen treats as proof of familial acceptance. 73
• He forgot to buy Shen a Qixi Valentine’s Day gift during their junior-year summer vacation, allowing Shen to bargain for an intimate “trade” involving their old military-training uniforms. 108