Chapter 30

Chapter 30

Bai Qi had never been on a boat, so he naturally didn't know he suffered from seasickness. He hadn't been aboard long before his face paled, his stomach churning violently. He hadn't eaten anything that morning—no appetite—and hadn't touched the breakfast Wen Si had prepared. The omega rushed to the restroom, only to dry heave.

“Feeling awful?”

Qi Heyan patted Bai Qi’s back and handed him the prepared water. The alpha was filled with regret—why had he brought Bai Qi along? Now he had to endure such suffering.

“You look terrible,” Bai Qi rinsed his mouth, tossed the used mask, and replaced it with a new one. He closed his eyes and slumped against Qi Heyan. “I’ll be okay.”

The alpha couldn’t even manage a smile. He ruffled Bai Qi’s hair, his expression grim. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t want to hear apologies.” Bai Qi was silent for a few seconds before shifting slightly in Qi Heyan’s embrace and asking in a muffled voice, “How much longer until we arrive?”

Qi Heyan thought for a moment before giving an estimate. “About half an hour.”

“I’m sleepy. I want to sleep.” The boat rocked incessantly, and Bai Qi truly couldn’t take it anymore. He felt like even the slightest movement would make him throw up everything. The omega simply gave up, letting the alpha carry him to a room.

The ship was large enough. Qi Heyan carried Bai Qi to a guest cabin, took off his shoes, and tucked him into bed. “If it’s too unbearable, take some medicine.”

“No…” Bai Qi refused weakly, his face utterly devoid of color, completely drained of energy. “I don’t take medicine. I’ll be fine after a nap.”

Afraid that Qi Heyan might actually go fetch the medicine, Bai Qi clutched his hand and mumbled, “I’ll sleep until we get there.”

Qi Heyan chuckled, though worry still lingered in his eyes. “Sleep. I’ll stay with you. I’ll wake you when we arrive.”

“Mm.”

Bai Qi closed his eyes, reassured. His fingers lightly hooked around Qi Heyan’s, the touch so faint that the alpha could easily pull away if he wanted. But he didn’t. He remained in that position until the ship finally docked.

“Xiao Qi, we’re here.”

Qi Heyan gently nudged Bai Qi, bending down to coax him. “Time to disembark.”

The omega hadn’t slept deeply and woke quickly. His mind was still foggy from sleep as he watched Qi Heyan put his shoes back on and lead him out by the hand. He didn’t say a word the entire time, only speaking when they reached the gangway. “Where are we going now?”

“We’re getting off to enter the upper district.”

“We’re in the city now?” Bai Qi’s eyes widened instantly, as if he’d only just properly woken up. He blinked a few times and patted his cheeks. “Let’s go!”

It was impossible to say he wasn’t excited. Bai Qi had long wanted to visit this place. According to those who had been there before, the upper district was glittering, filled with towering skyscrapers, service robots everywhere, and buildings five times taller than those in the slums.

Every time Bai Qi heard these stories, he’d listen wide-eyed. Now, he finally had the chance to see for himself whether they were true.

“Pass.” Wen Si led the way, presenting his credentials. After a quick scan, they were allowed through. Once they crossed that boundary, they stepped into another world.

Bai Qi tensed, unconsciously clutching Qi Heyan’s sleeve as they walked through the gates together. The next second, a mechanical female voice sounded above them: “Scan complete.”

Bai Qi flinched at the sudden noise, looking up but seeing nothing. Confused, he met Qi Heyan’s gaze—what was that?

Qi Heyan didn’t remember either. “Probably a scanner checking if we’re carrying anything dangerous. Let’s keep up.”

“Okay.” Bai Qi didn’t dwell on it, sticking close to Qi Heyan, unwilling to separate even a little.

Beyond the gates stretched a wide, long road, filled with hovering vehicles that looked incredibly sleek.

The path they walked was smooth, without a single crack or speck of dust, surrounded only by beautiful scenery.

Bai Qi’s gaze turned cautious as he glanced around. The area was lined with towering buildings that looked luxurious even from the outside. The sky was overcast, so many places were lit up, and even the pedestrians looked different from them.

So this was the upper district—the place so many in the slums dreamed of.

Bai Qi felt like even the air here was cleaner. His curiosity was burning, wanting to explore every corner, but he knew better than to wander off recklessly. Suppressing his restlessness, he stayed close behind Qi Heyan.

“Don’t stray. I’ll take you to where you’ll be staying.”

Wen Si led them into a small alley, but unlike the slums, the path here was carefully designed, well-lit, and far from gloomy.

Bai Qi, hand in hand with Qi Heyan, looked around eagerly, wishing he could explore the entire place in a day—though that was clearly impossible.

Because they were being watched.

The omega sat on a bed in a room equipped with a projector, a private bathroom, and everything they might need. The environment was comfortable, but Bai Qi wasn’t.

“Don’t wander off,” Wen Si warned, his tone flat as he looked at Qi Heyan. “Someone will be watching you. I’ll brief you tonight. Once tomorrow’s business is done, you can leave.”

Qi Heyan gave a quiet “Mm,” but when he caught Bai Qi’s expression, he changed tack. “Can’t we go out for a look around?”

Wen Si scoffed. “No. If you get lost, I’ll have to waste time searching. If we finish early tomorrow, I can take you around.”

The beta checked his comm device—he was running late. He had matters to attend to. Still wary of leaving them alone, he added, “There’s stuff here to keep you occupied. Food will be brought to you. Do whatever you want—just don’t leave. Understood?”

“Understood.”

Qi Heyan took a step back, glancing regretfully at Bai Qi. He’d tried his best.

Bai Qi didn’t speak, only squeezing Qi Heyan’s wrist and leaning lightly against the alpha. He narrowed his eyes as Wen Si left but remained silent, lifting his gaze to meet his companion’s.

They both knew—this room was definitely being monitored.

Meanwhile, in a distant monitoring center, someone suddenly exclaimed, “I’ve detected the Crown Prince’s comm signal—but it disappeared almost immediately.”

A man with refined features walked over at the sound. “Can you locate it?”

“Not yet. Might need a few more attempts.”

The man fell silent for a moment before brushing a lock of hair behind his ear and raising his gaze. Then, he said quietly:

“Keep monitoring. Find the Crown Prince—at all costs.”