Chapter 7

Chapter 7

The dock was already crowded with people by the time Bai Qi and Qi Heyan arrived—they were among the last to arrive.

In the slums, many had families or children, leaving them no choice but to work constantly just to survive.

The dock was their most popular option. Given the conditions of the slums, there was even a small designated spot to leave their children—they didn't make a sound, just sat quietly on the ground, waiting for their parents to return.

After Bai Qi chided Qi Heyan a couple of times, the alpha didn’t argue back. Qi Heyan took it as the omega being willing, which put him in a better mood.

"What are these kids doing here?" Qi Heyan noticed a small roped-off area where many children sat silently, their empty stares fixed on the dock.

His first thought was child trafficking, but upon closer consideration, that didn’t seem right.

Bai Qi gave it a quick look before looking away, raising an arm to shield himself from the wind. His voice, scattered by the wind, sounded fragmented, almost weightless.

"These are their children. They don't attend school, and they can’t stay home alone, so they’re brought here. At least the dock keeps them safe—no one will take them."

Qi Heyan gave a quiet "Mm" and didn’t look further, trailing closely behind Bai Qi like a devoted partner. Despite his large build, his expression was perfectly submissive.

The dock wasn’t for passengers—strictly for cargo transport. Goods like rice, mined ore, and natural herbs were loaded and unloaded here.

Though the place was poor, it still had its share of valuable resources.

There were also sacks that needed moving. Today, they had to haul two hundred bags. Each worker was given a wristband upon entry to track their progress—no way to cheat.

"Yours. Don’t lose it."

The dock supervisor didn’t even look up. Dressed in thick wool and a padded coat, his gaze was downright disdainful.

Bai Qi quickly responded with an "Ah," fastening the wristband before eyeing the towering sacks with immediate reluctance. Who actually enjoyed this kind of work?

He hated it the most.

"We board the ship first, carry the sacks down, and stack them on that cart over there. Make sure they’re neat, or we’ll get yelled at." The omega lifted a hand to shield his lips, whispering quietly to Qi Heyan. "Got it?"

The alpha nodded, flashing him a smile before exhaling. "Let’s go."

"Okay."

Bai Qi’s thoughts were unpredictable—one moment he was sluggish, the next bursting with energy. Once aboard, he hauled sack after sack with impressive speed. In contrast, Qi Heyan was unsteady his first time on the ship.

The moment he stepped on, the ship swayed. After adjusting, he grabbed a sack, expecting it to be light—only to stagger under the weight.

It was a weight he'd never carried before. His movements stiffened, gaze flickering to Bai Qi beside him. The omega carried his load effortlessly, clothes billowing in the sea breeze as he darted back and forth.

Qi Heyan’s swallowed hard. He inhaled sharply, braced himself, and hoisted the sack higher before hurrying after him.

The dock was mostly quiet save for the supervisor’s occasional orders. Everyone worked in silence, sweat dripping from their brows. Bai Qi’s hair was soaked, his vision occasionally blurred by stinging sweat. His clothes were filthy, his back drenched.

"You okay?"

Bai Qi set down a sack carefully before glancing at Qi Heyan. His lips moved without sound.

"I’m fine. You?"

Qi Heyan smiled, edging closer as if afraid of being noticed. "Tired?"

"Nah. Ten more to go. Let’s move."

Bai Qi shifted his shoulders, leaning slightly to nudge the alpha playfully, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Their silent exchange ended as quickly as it began. With his task nearly complete, Bai Qi felt a renewed surge of energy, humming an off-key tune as he strode forward—

THUD.

The sack hit the ground with a loud thud, dust billowing up. Bai Qi instinctively turned away, stepping behind Qi Heyan.

The alpha moved to protect him, waving a hand to clear the air. "...Bai Qi, it fell."

The omega looked back. The stacked sacks had toppled, one bursting open, rough rice spilling everywhere. Now they’d either have to pay or get beaten.

"You!" A man stood at the center of the chaos, face white with fear. His trembling finger pointed at Bai Qi. "You knocked it over!"

His voice became more insistent as he straightened. "I hadn’t even set it down yet! You were right in front of me!"

All expression vanished from Bai Qi’s face. He gritted his teeth before letting out a cold laugh. "Me?"

"You sure about that?" The omega took two steps forward, composed. "Got any proof? You didn’t set it down, so it’s my fault?"

Bai Qi turned to the Supervisor, tone curt but polite. "Supervisor, sort this out, will you? I’ve got work to do."

The Supervisor, used to such incidents, swept a cold glance over them before snapping at the others, "Get back to work! You two—come with me."

Bai Qi moved to follow but felt a light tug from Qi Heyan. He glanced back, flashing a reassuring look before striding off like the head of a household.

It struck Qi Heyan then—this omega didn’t need protection. He’d lived here long enough to handle anything.

Relieved, the alpha returned to work.

"Hand over your wristbands." The Supervisor took them, checking timestamps and system-captured images. The evidence was clear—the man had placed his sack improperly.

He returned Bai Qi’s wristband with a dismissive wave, then ordered the man dragged away. The man’s legs gave out, tears streaming. "No, please! My family—someone’s sick! I lied, I’m sorry, give me another chance—"

The Supervisor remained unmoved. "Pay up or take the beating. Choose."

"No—"

The man’s pleas faded into the distance. Bai Qi glanced back once but didn’t linger.

"Everything okay?"

By the time Bai Qi reboarded, Qi Heyan was hauling his last sack. The omega blinked at him—everything was settled.

He was Bai Qi, after all. He could handle anything.

Bai Qi worked swiftly, joining Qi Heyan shortly after the alpha collected their pay. "Tired?" he asked offhandedly, counting the starcoins before approaching.

His eyes were bright, his gaze pure. Stretching, he groaned, "I’m exhausted."

"I’ll give you a massage later."

Qi Heyan didn’t hand over the money, instead mentally mapping the streets—what color shoes should he buy? Black or gray?

Bai Qi had already forgotten. He snorted. "You know how?"

The alpha grinned. "Of course not. But I can learn, right?"

"Fine." Bai Qi was thinking about what to eat when they got back. He remembered having a small jar of pickles, which'd probably go good with steamed buns.

"Wait."

The alpha suddenly grabbed Bai Qi's arm. Qi Heyan frowned slightly, "Weren't we supposed to buy shoes? This is the way home."

"Buy... huh?" Bai Qi looked shocked. "I thought you were kidding."

"Why the hell would I joke about this?!"

Qi Heyan sighed and softened his tone. "Come on."

"Nope."

"Yep."

Qi Heyan felt like a child, insisting on getting what he wanted. He took a deep breath. "I know the way. I'll give you a piggyback."

Bai Qi immediately stepped back, crossing his arms defensively. "Have you lost your mind?"

"I am crazy," Qi Heyan spread his hands. He wasn’t wrong—his head wasn't right, his body was a wreck, he was a patient!

The omega put on a scowl. "Alphas and omegas shouldn’t be all handsy."

Qi Heyan fell silent, standing there like some creepy statue.

The mood turned gloomy—

"Fine." Bai Qi sucked at comforting people. He slowly walked over and gave the alpha a poke with a finger. "Let’s go!"

Qi Heyan perked up instantly, clearing his throat. "So... we’re going?"

Bai Qi ignored him, marching off, clearly pissed.

Stupid alpha, throwing money around!

But despite his thoughts, he stayed silent when they actually reached the stall. To Bai Qi’s surprise, the vendor didn’t overcharge them—ten star coins for a pair of cloth shoes.

A pair of gray cloth shoes, all his own.

"Let me help you with those."

"Huh?"

Bai Qi didn’t catch it at first. He blinked. "What?"

"I said—"

Qi Heyan’s voice was earnest, his eyes soft:

"Let me help you put them on."