Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Two weeks had passed since their last meeting, and Wen Si appeared noticeably thinner, his gaze icy and his body bearing visible injuries.

Bai Qi cautiously observed him but ultimately said nothing, letting Qi Heyan handle the conversation.

"Boss Wen."

Qi Heyan managed a smile, throwing a glance back at Bai Qi to ensure he hadn’t wandered off before speaking. "Here to gamble today?"

"No."

Wen Si lit a cigarette and offered one to Qi Heyan. "Care for one?"

Qi Heyan shook his head. His omega companion disliked the smell, and he had no addiction to it anyway.

The beta gave a cold laugh. "I see... I’m not here to gamble. I came for you."

"For me?" Qi Heyan was inwardly surprised but kept his expression neutral. "What do you need from me?"

"How about taking a trip to the affluent district with me?" Wen Si exhaled slowly, his tone flippant. "Help me with something. If you succeed, you'll be well compensated."

Qi Heyan didn’t rush to agree. What sort of "favor" would Wen Si possibly have for him?

This was likely a setup.

The alpha inched backward subtly. "Care to tell me what it is first?"

"The situation's been unstable over there lately. The conflict between the Alliance and the royal family is escalating. I’m lacking reliable people at the moment, so I thought of you."

Wen Si spoke without missing a beat. "There’s a philanthropic event coming up, but with all the recent assassination attempts, I need your help providing security."

He wasn’t lying. The tension between the Alliance and the royals had spurred extremists to target officials. Wen Si, mid-level in rank, had been assigned to oversee one such event—which ended in failure.

After being punished, he was given another assignment. This time, failure meant death. His subordinates weren’t fools; they wouldn’t be sacrificial lambs for him.

But Qi Heyan was different. Even if he died, Wen Si could easily shift the blame.

An alpha with no connections like Qi Heyan could be written off as another extremist. No one would dig deeper—they only cared about results.

Self-preserving and calculating, Wen Si and his ilk always pushed responsibility downward. He had no intention of becoming a scapegoat.

His reasoning was sound, but Qi Heyan wasn’t stupid. He instantly grasped the beta’s intentions. Holding back a scoff, he asked, "When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow. You have a day to think it over. Succeed, and you’ll move up in society." Wen Si gave Qi Heyan’s shoulder a pat, careful not to say too much and arouse suspicion. Without further ado—or even a glance at the omega—he left.

Qi Heyan watched Wen Si’s departing figure, his expression darkening. He turned to Bai Qi. "Let’s go back."

The omega wanted to ask questions but, noticing Qi Heyan’s dark expression, compressed his lips and stayed silent.

"What happ—"

The moment Bai Qi pushed open the door of their small wooden house, Qi Heyan pulled him into an embrace from behind. The omega swayed slightly, amused. "What’s wrong?"

Qi Heyan’s voice was muffled as he summarized the situation—including Wen Si’s true motives.

Bai Qi’s eyes widened slightly, his brow furrowing. "What are you going to do?"

"I want to visit the casino first. I don’t know what grudge they hold against Wen Si, but they won’t pass up this opportunity."

Qi Heyan held Bai Qi’s hand, absently toying with his fingers. Over the past few days, he’d finally noticed the omega filling out slightly—a fact that swelled his chest with pride. Resting his head on Bai Qi’s shoulder, he chuckled. "I don’t know where this confidence is coming from, but I think I can handle this."

Bai Qi squirmed as Qi Heyan nuzzled against him, making him squirm. He twisted his neck away and pushed at the alpha’s head. "D-Don’t get hurt."

Refusal wasn’t an option. Qi Heyan could only strategize as best he could. Bai Qi, completely unfamiliar with such matters, was powerless to help.

A twinge of frustration struck the omega. Trailing his fingertips lightly against Qi Heyan’s cheek, he murmured, "Be careful."

"Mn." Qi Heyan leaned in to kiss Bai Qi’s lips. When the omega didn’t pull away, he playfully darted his tongue—prompting an instant scowl.

"You—"

"Want to come with me?" Qi Heyan abruptly cut him off. Bai Qi froze, confusion flooding his eyes. "Me?"

"Mn."

Qi Heyan squeezed his hand, lowering his voice. "Let’s go together. It’s a golden opportunity to explore. You’ve never left the slums, have you?"

Bai Qi wouldn’t be distracted. "What could I possibly do there? I can’t shoot or fight."

He paused, his gaze dropping as a thought struck him. Pulling his hand free, he stepped out of Qi Heyan’s embrace and fixed him with a sharp look. "What are you planning?"

"Qi Heyan, Wen Si is trying to trick you—so now you’re trying to trick me?"

It made sense for Qi Heyan to accept Wen Si’s offer, given the situation. But suddenly suggesting they go together...

Qi Heyan, what are you thinking?

Bai Qi jabbed a finger at the alpha’s chest. "Talk!"

Qi Heyan remained perfectly calm, even smiling as he took Bai Qi’s hand and gently pulled him closer. "I’ve wanted to take you there for a long time."

Leaning in, he murmured, "Lately, I’ve been remembering fragments—nothing coherent, but enough to confirm I once lived in the affluent district."

Leaning his forehead against Bai Qi’s, he added with deliberate emphasis, "Actually, I heard rumors at the casino days ago. I didn’t mention it because I wasn’t sure—didn’t want to worry you."

Bai Qi leaned back slightly, fingers twitching. "So you already had a plan?"

"No." Qi Heyan hugged him, sighing. "Don’t be angry."

"Why would I be?" Bai Qi relaxed into the embrace, grasping the underlying meaning. "Some things are beyond me. I just want us both safe."

"We will be." Qi Heyan’s voice was earnest. "Once I regain all my memories, I’ll take you away from here."

"What if I don’t want to leave?"

"Then we’ll stay here forever."

Qi Heyan burrowed into Bai Qi’s neck like a clingy pup, chuckling. "Leave everything to me. Nothing will go wrong."

"I love you."

Bai Qi closed his eyes. He didn’t respond immediately, only whispering much later:

"I know."

He knew it was an abyss—yet couldn’t bring himself to fully fall.

.

Bai Qi didn’t ask what Qi Heyan discussed with the casino. The alpha soon pulled him into bed, but the omega, weighed down by thoughts, remained awake for hours.

Finally, Bai Qi managed to wake Qi Heyan.

His voice rough with sleep, the alpha drowsily pulled the omega into his arms. "What's wrong?"

"Are we really going to show up like this tomorrow?" Bai Qi and Qi Heyan had still been disguising themselves during this time, but with the change to heavier clothing, they didn’t appear as grimy as before. But what about tomorrow?

"I’ve got masks. Just put one on." Qi Heyan casually pinched the omega’s face, turning it toward him to plant a kiss. The alpha squinted slightly. "No one’s gonna mess with you—not even Wen Si."

"Then kill him."

Bai Qi fell silent for a few seconds. When Qi Heyan didn’t respond, he added, "Are you going to kill someone?"

"Not me, but someone’s gunning for him." Qi Heyan held Bai Qi’s hand and took a deep breath before abruptly changing the subject. "Xiao Qi, you’re sharp."

Bai Qi didn’t reply, silently turning his back to Qi Heyan. The alpha let out a quiet laugh at the sight and was about to say something more when he realized the omega had already fallen asleep.

"Out that fast?"

Qi Heyan gently pinched Bai Qi’s nose and whispered, "Goodnight."

The next day, before dawn, Bai Qi was dragged out of bed by Qi Heyan. Winter dawn came late, and the omega was still groggy when his clothes were already on him. Bundled in a padded coat and fur-lined boots, his face was wiped clean by Qi Heyan, who then made sure he looked neat before putting a hat on him.

Bai Qi’s slim frame made him look delicate. After Qi Heyan finished dressing him up, he thought his Bai Qi looked utterly adorable.

"You..." Bai Qi tugged at his hat, but Qi Heyan quickly stopped him. The omega fidgeted, unused to the bulky clothes. "What’s all this for?"

"It’s cold outside. Bundle up." Qi Heyan handed Bai Qi a mask, not looking closely as he turned to wash up himself. Casually, he added, "Make sure it’s on right. That way, no one can see your face."

Bai Qi had never used one before. After examining it, he tentatively put it on and mumbled, "Like this?"

Qi Heyan splashed water on his face, grabbed a towel to dry off, and glanced over carelessly. He started to speak but went still when he saw Bai Qi.

Bai Qi sat obediently on the bed, the mask covering his mouth and nose, leaving only a pair of clear eyes exposed. Bundled in the padded coat, his hat pressed down on his stray hair as he stared at Qi Heyan, his eyes held no hint of desire.

Yet the alpha nearly lost control. Qi Heyan’s words caught in his throat, and after a pause, all he managed was, "Yeah. You look amazing."

Bai Qi found Qi Heyan’s response odd but didn’t dwell on it, tilting his head instead. "So, when are we heading out?"

"Now."

Qi Heyan composed himself, put on his own clothes and mask, and after double-checking everything, took Bai Qi’s hand and headed out.

Wen Si was already at the docks. The forest route was blocked, and they had to take a boat.

The beta had been in a sour mood, ready to snap at Qi Heyan, but the moment he saw Bai Qi, he forgot everything.

Wen Si’s expression shifted instantly, his gaze locking onto Bai Qi. The omega he remembered wasn’t this pale, nor had he seemed particularly striking.

"Bai Qi, you—"

"Boss Wen."

Qi Heyan had already informed Wen Si the day before that he’d be bringing the omega along. Now, he let out a light hum. "Something the matter?"

Wen Si bit back his annoyance, exhaling sharply. After all, once Qi Heyan was out of the picture, Bai Qi would have no one left to protect him. Then, he could do as he pleased.

The beta smirked, his demeanor shifting instantly. "Nothing. Let’s go."

They boarded the ship, Bai Qi stayed close behind Qi Heyan while discreetly observing the others. As expected, he spotted a vaguely familiar face—someone who had likely worked at the casino before, though Wen Si didn’t seem to recognize him.

Was this part of Qi Heyan’s plan?

Before Bai Qi could figure it out, Qi Heyan took his hand. The alpha had a watch on today, and no one noticed the faint, silent glint from the hidden dial beneath his sleeve as they drew closer—

A silent flash of light.