Chapter 51

Chapter 51

Bai Qi hadn’t expected Qi Heyan to show up; no one had mentioned it. Instinctively, he searched for Rong Si, his panic undisguised.

Qi Heyan’s mood instantly soured. He was right there, so who else was Bai Qi looking for?

"Who are you looking for?" He saw no surprise in Bai Qi’s eyes, nor did the omega offer a single word of concern—nothing about how he’d been doing or if his affairs were settled.

The alpha’s face darkened. "Rong Si?"

He’d known that guy was trouble.

Bai Qi didn’t overthink it. He mumbled, "Mhm," then asked, "Where did he go? And when did you get here?"

"He stepped out." Qi Heyan grew increasingly displeased, his voice turning sullen. "Do you not want me here?"

He’d rushed back for Bai Qi’s prenatal checkup, yet his omega seemed less than thrilled to see him.

"No." Bai Qi didn’t understand Qi Heyan’s assumption. He frowned slightly. "I was just asking, since someone was suddenly missing."

"You look tired. If your work is demanding, you really didn’t have to come." Bai Qi didn’t want a repeat of their last encounter. He’d rather go through this alone than have Qi Heyan reluctantly by his side.

The more he thought about it, the more worried he became. "You didn’t ditch another meeting for this, did you? I can just tell you about the baby’s condition."

Bai Qi’s words struck Qi Heyan hard. His heart felt as if it were being squeezed, making it difficult to breathe. A wave of bitterness washed over him, leaving him momentarily speechless. The alpha pressed his lips together before replying, "No, I’ve handled everything."

Had he truly hurt Bai Qi that deeply before?

"That’s good." Bai Qi exhaled in relief, a small smile gracing his lips. "Thank you for being willing to come."

Bai Qi’s smile was dazzling, his tone utterly sincere. Qi Heyan gave a soft "Mhm" before quickly adding, "This is our child. Of course I’d be here."

"Right—"

Before Bai Qi could finish, an electronic voice announced his number. The omega quickly took Qi Heyan’s hand. "Let’s go in."

Their intimate gesture made it seem as if their previous estrangement had vanished. The thought filled Qi Heyan with an indescribable sense of comfort as he followed Bai Qi into the examination room. He kept his mask on, wary of being recognized.

Initially, Bai Qi was scheduled for a special VIP channel, bypassing the queue. But after hearing this, the omega insisted on experiencing the normal procedure. Rong Si, of course, indulged him.

Rong Si had only learned of Qi Heyan’s arrival at the last minute. He provided the alpha with the hospital address and advised him to disguise himself. Once Qi Heyan arrived, Rong Si discreetly gave the two their space.

He could sense Bai Qi’s affection for Qi Heyan.

What a foolish omega.

And now this "fool" lay nervously on the examination bed. The cold gel applied to his lower abdomen made Bai Qi shiver slightly. He stared intently at the screen until the doctor pointed to a small, shadowy shape.

"See? This is your baby."

The doctor had been briefed beforehand and did his best to accommodate Bai Qi’s requests. Though puzzled by the Prince Consort’s unusual request, it was clear His Highness doted on him—the rumors were indeed true.

"The fetus is developing very well. In a little while, the baby’s heartbeat will become much more distinct."

The doctor handed Bai Qi a tissue. "Wipe it off so you don’t catch a chill."

"Okay." Bai Qi found the whole experience miraculous. He looked up at Qi Heyan, quickly wiping his stomach clean before sitting up. His eyes curved with joy. "Did you see the baby?"

"He’s healthy."

Qi Heyan nodded. Seeing that tiny form on the screen had sent a tremor through his heart, stirring an ineffable emotion within him. His expression softened considerably. "I saw him."

Bai Qi had accepted the child. Since he was going to bring it into the world, he would take good care of himself; he couldn’t let his baby be born weak. It had to be strong and healthy.

"However, the pregnant individual’s health still needs attention. Based on previous data, you haven’t recovered well this month. Various indicators remain low." The doctor’s tone grew serious. "And alpha pheromones—they must be replenished promptly."

Bai Qi listened attentively, like a diligent student in class, sitting obediently and absorbing every word. He nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Doctor."

"I’ll prescribe some nutritional supplements—one dose daily."

"Okay."

Bai Qi took his data card. A quick tap on his optical device would display the ultrasound report.

"Why did you choose to come for the checkup this way?" Qi Heyan followed Bai Qi as they queued for medication. Although the hospital had automated dispensaries, it was still busy, though the line wasn’t too long.

Standing behind Bai Qi, Qi Heyan found the experience quite novel. "There are so many people here."

"I’ve always been an ordinary person." Bai Qi was studying the ultrasound image. After a brief pause, he continued, "I don’t have the same privileges as you. I prefer living this way."

"You’re just not used to it."

"I could get used to it, but I don’t want to." Bai Qi certainly enjoyed this feeling. He wasn’t someone who believed he was destined for hardship; the question was what he could and couldn’t have. The omega needed to be clear about that.

Take power, for instance. If Bai Qi grew accustomed to it, what would happen when he returned to the slums?

Would he order his shadow around?

Qi Heyan gently placed a hand on Bai Qi’s shoulder, leaning down. "Let me queue. You go sit over there."

"No need. It’s almost our turn."

Bai Qi patted Qi Heyan’s hand. "I’m not that fragile. I’ve been eating well lately—the servants at home must have told you, right?"

"Mhm." Unable to resist, Qi Heyan gently pinched Bai Qi’s earlobe, making the omega instinctively pull his neck back. For some reason, whenever he was with the omega, he couldn’t keep his hands to himself.

"How did you know?"

"It’s obvious." Bai Qi glanced at Qi Heyan, a hint of pride in his voice. "I’m not that stupid."

"Mhm, you’re very smart."

From their time together, Qi Heyan had noticed—when happy, Bai Qi was much livelier; when unhappy, he became quiet. His emotions were quite transparent.

Today, he was clearly happy—overjoyed, even.

After collecting his medication, Bai Qi only needed to pay via his optical device. But the omega had no money. Once seated in the car, he hesitantly turned to Qi Heyan. "I don’t have any money."

"What?"

Qi Heyan didn’t understand. "Money?"

The omega nodded. "My checkup costs money, but my optical device has nothing."

"All my money is back in the slums, unless—"

"One hundred thousand has been transferred."

"Did it go through?" Qi Heyan spoke rapidly, cutting Bai Qi off, his face expressionless.

"Thanks."

Bai Qi accepted it without hesitation, quickly paying the hospital bill. The omega looked out the window before suddenly saying, "Can you send me money every month?"

"What for?"

"So I won’t be penniless when I leave." Bai Qi curved his lips slightly, lowering his gaze to avoid Qi Heyan’s eyes. "What do you think?"

Qi Heyan noticed Bai Qi kept circling back to this topic—why bring up leaving now? He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Is this you selling yourself?"

"That’s a terrible thing to say."

Bai Qi’s smile vanished as he met Qi Heyan’s gaze, clearly angered. "You think—"

"No."

Qi Heyan immediately interrupted, looking at the omega. "I misspoke. I will transfer money to you every month, but let’s not discuss this matter."

"You don’t like hearing it either?"

Qi Heyan’s apology did nothing to soothe Bai Qi. He scoffed. "I don’t like saying it either."

"Then why—"

"I’m afraid I’ll forget."

Bai Qi spoke sharply. "I’m afraid I’ll be deluded—is that the right word?"

"Every time we’re together, you say something hurtful. Out of nowhere, you accuse me of selling myself to you?" Bai Qi refused to let it go. Qi Heyan’s words had truly wounded him, like a sharp knife plunging directly into his heart. "I have hands and feet. I don’t steal or rob. What gives you the right?"

Yes, what gave him the right?

Qi Heyan asked himself the same question. He’d rushed back precisely to avoid disappointing Bai Qi, yet he’d immediately said something upsetting.

The alpha sighed. "My fault. I’m the one who’s bought, alright?"

"I… wasn’t thinking clearly."

Qi Heyan had no princely pride to uphold; he admitted his mistake outright. He’d been reflecting lately. If they were to get along, someone had to yield. He had always been the dominant one, so the alpha decided to make a change.

"No one would want you even if you were naked," Bai Qi retorted softly, deliberately needling Qi Heyan, unwilling to let him have his way.

How could anyone be so mean?

"You…"

Qi Heyan suddenly fell silent. He hadn’t expected Bai Qi to refuse the olive branch. The alpha didn’t argue further, and the car fell into silence.

They seemed to be in a silent standoff, neither speaking to the other.

The hovercar stopped at the palace gates. Qi Heyan quickly exited, his expression normal, and naturally extended a hand to help Bai Qi out.

The omega didn’t think much of it. The moment he placed his hand in Qi Heyan’s, he felt an irresistible force. His eyes widened, and before he could react, he was already in Qi Heyan’s arms. Bai Qi looked utterly incredulous. "Are you insane?"

"Didn’t you say no one would want me even if I were naked?"

Qi Heyan looked down at Bai Qi, enunciating each word:

"I want to fuck you."