Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Their time together had been brief, yet many times Qi Heyan felt Bai Qi was like a cat. Perhaps the analogy wasn't entirely precise, but at the moment, the alpha couldn't conjure a more fitting description.

The ashen omega crouched on the ground, his hands resting on the alpha’s legs. He leaned forward slightly, his nose just a breath away from Qi Heyan’s abdomen. Bai Qi sniffed carefully, detecting no scent of blood.

“What… are you doing?”

Qi Heyan reached out to lift Bai Qi’s head but paused mid-air just before touching the omega’s hair. His fingers clenched, then slowly lowered after a few seconds.

Bai Qi looked up, utterly oblivious to the implications of his actions. His emotional inexperience left him ignorant in such matters—the only displays of affection he’d witnessed were the embraces and kisses of couples on the streets.

But Bai Qi hadn’t actually touched Qi Heyan. He knew his boundaries.

So he said cheerfully, seemingly satisfied with how Qi Heyan’s wound was healing, “I’m checking on you.”

Qi Heyan licked his lips, lowering his head to meet Bai Qi’s gaze. The omega’s stare was earnest. The alpha pressed his lips together, resisting for a moment before finally reaching out to pinch Bai Qi’s cheek. “And the results?”

Bai Qi’s face had little flesh, making the gesture not particularly pleasant. His lips were squished slightly, and he narrowed his eyes, clearly displeased.

“You’re too thin.” Qi Heyan didn’t use much force, his thumb lightly brushing Bai Qi’s face. He sighed. “You need to eat more.”

“But I’m strong.”

Bai Qi grabbed Qi Heyan’s wrist and pulled his hand away. He stood up and stomped his feet. “Being skinny doesn’t matter.”

Truthfully, it was just that he hadn’t had enough to eat. Otherwise, he’d have loved to put on some healthy weight.

Qi Heyan didn’t argue. The alpha stood as well, running a hand through his hair before murmuring, “I’ll get water. Tell me where to go.”

“Fine.” Bai Qi coughed twice, pointing in a direction. “Since you’re so eager, go ahead.”

The alpha nodded, flexing his muscles on the way out. Bai Qi froze for a second before he couldn't help laughing at the childish display.

Qi Heyan carried two buckets. His sense of direction was sharp, and his vision was clear. Moonlight frosted the ground as he walked forward, soon spotting a thick pipe with a thin hose attached to its valve. He turned the faucet, and water quickly filled the buckets.

The shore wasn’t far, but the howling sea winds at night had an eerie, chilling sound. Qi Heyan squinted into the distance, making out a few ships before they disappeared into the dark.

It was too far to make out details.

Qi Heyan noted it silently before shutting off the water. The two buckets were full, and though lifting them was effortless, he still wanted the omega to carry less and rest more.

“You’re back?”

Bai Qi peeked out from the doorframe, lips curling. “How was it?”

“Ugh.” Qi Heyan feigned exhaustion, setting the buckets down with an exaggerated sigh. “So scared of getting caught.”

“Tch.”

Bai Qi scrunched his nose in fake disgust, turning away. “Let’s just take our baths.”

“Alright.”

Qi Heyan stepped outside, waiting for the omega to finish.

They hadn’t returned too late today. Bai Qi tossed their dirty clothes into a bucket, planning to wash them that night. The alpha was getting into bed when he paused, confused.

“You… what are you doing?”

Qi Heyan slipped his shoes back on and hurried over. “Laundry?”

“Yeah?”

Bai Qi blinked, baffled. “Do you have anything to wash?”

The omega realized mid-sentence. “Oh.” He pulled out his underwear from the bucket. “If you’re embarrassed, wash it yourself.”

Qi Heyan took the underwear, momentarily stunned. “I meant I’ll do the washing.”

He hadn’t even considered laundry until now, seeing Bai Qi handle it. The alpha didn’t give the omega a chance to refuse, grabbing the bucket. “Where do I go?”

“Ah…” Bai Qi was still processing. He obediently dropped a bar of soap into the bucket and pointed. “Over there. You… really know how?”

He was skeptical. Qi Heyan seemed like the type who’d never lifted a finger for chores. Would he even get the clothes clean? Bai Qi refused to walk around in dirty laundry!

“I do. And if I don’t, I’ll learn. Don’t worry—I’ll bring them back clean.”

With that, Qi Heyan strode off. Bai Qi stood in the doorway, watching his retreating figure before calling out, “Be careful! Don’t fall in!”

The alpha glanced back but said nothing. To Bai Qi, Qi Heyan’s back looked determined and confident.

“Not bad.”

Bai Qi rubbed his hands together and turned back inside. He usually waited until he had two sets of clothes before washing—the water was freezing, leaving his hands red and stiff each time. Having someone share the chore would save him the trouble. Maybe his hands would even heal properly.

The omega climbed into bed. He, too, longed for beauty—nice clothes, good shoes, a grand mansion, a flashy car. Bai Qi hugged the blanket between his legs, giving a little kick before exhaling. “Sleep!”

Exhausted from the day’s labor, Bai Qi fell asleep fast. By the time Qi Heyan returned, the omega was already fast asleep, curled up in the center of the bed, taking up most of the space. His breathing was heavy. The alpha leaned closer, listening—he might be coming down with something.

“Bai Qi?” Qi Heyan called softly. Getting no response, he gently wrapped an arm around the omega’s waist and moved him over.

He turned off the light, whispering, “Good night.”

“See you tomorrow—”

.

Bai Qi slept poorly. When Qi Heyan woke him, his head still felt fuzzy. He sniffled, clearly unwell.

Qi Heyan sat on the bedside, feeling the omega’s forehead. “You’ve got a fever. We need to go to the hospital.”

“No.” Bai Qi clutched Qi Heyan’s hand, rubbing against it with his eyes closed, as if to reassure him. “I’m fine. Just a little cold. I’ll be okay after resting.”

Qi Heyan disagreed. His large hand nearly covered Bai Qi’s face as he said firmly, “I’ll go to work. You stay home and rest.”

“No…”

“Listen to me!” It was the first time Qi Heyan had spoken so sternly. His deep voice had an edge, nearly shouting.

Bai Qi froze, eyes widening. Qi Heyan… had just yelled at him!

“You yelled at me!”

Bai Qi looked completely shocked. Suddenly, his face no longer felt hot, nor his head heavy. He pursed his lips and shoved at Qi Heyan. “I hate you!”

Qi Heyan was stunned. He grabbed Bai Qi’s hands, quickly explaining, “I didn’t mean to scold you. I’m sorry.”

The alpha released him, cupping Bai Qi’s face as he leaned down. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. But you really need rest. A small illness can turn serious if ignored.”

“No money.” Bai Qi was quiet for a moment before looking up with pleading eyes. “Treatment costs too much.”

"I can go to work." Qi Heyan looked at Bai Qi's pleading eyes, his brows slightly furrowed as he softened his tone. "Let's go see a doctor, okay? You're burning up, sweetheart."

"Prolonged fever isn't good for you." With that, the alpha simply picked Bai Qi up, sighing. "I'll take you."

Bai Qi was feverish and delirious. He curled up in Qi Heyan's arms, his hands resting naturally on the alpha's shoulders. On their way out, he still managed to ask, "Did you bring money?"

"I did."

"How did you know where I hid my money?" Bai Qi suddenly perked up, lifting his head. "Tell me."

"You hide it in front of me every day." Qi Heyan patted his head, coaxing him. "Happy now?"

"No, no." Bai Qi's face was flushed red, his eyes watery. "Gotta rub some dirt on my face. If I don’t, people will recognize me, and I’ll get kidnapped."

His tone was urgent as he panted, "You wouldn't want me getting snatched, would ya?"

He tilted his head slightly. "I saved you, remember? You said you’d protect me."

"I’ll protect you." Qi Heyan took a deep breath, his heart melting at Bai Qi's words. Holding him with one arm, he grabbed some dirt and smeared it on Bai Qi’s face and body to avoid drawing attention.

"Do you know where the hospital is?" Qi Heyan locked the door, his steps hurried, afraid Bai Qi might faint from the fever. "Bai Qi? Don’t fall asleep."

Bai Qi let out a weak whimper, then a small "Ah." "There’s no hospital, just a clinic. The doc's a scammer. You have to argue with him—don’t get cheated."

"I won’t."

Qi Heyan held Bai Qi close like a precious bundle, gently patting the omega’s shoulder. "Tell me where it is, and I’ll take you."

"It’s..."

Bai Qi buried his face in Qi Heyan’s neck, he paused for a long beat before finally giving a direction. Qi Heyan immediately headed there without wasting another second.

"Qi Heyan."

"I’m here. What’s wrong?"

Bai Qi stayed silent for a couple of seconds, then rubbed his face affectionately against Qi Heyan’s before murmuring, "I feel so safe when you hold me like this."

"Can you hold me like this again next time?"