Chapter 53

Chapter 53

Bai Qi’s belly was already showing. The omega would often lift his shirt to gaze at his stomach, sometimes even feeling the baby move.

“Can you feel it?”

Bai Qi asked again, his complexion rosy, his eyes filled with an indescribable tenderness. “It’s been four months. I checked online—they say you can feel the fetal movement by now.”

“You really love him,” Qi Heyan murmured, lowering his head to rest his forehead against Bai Qi’s. He exhaled softly. “I love him too.”

The alpha’s hand settled on Bai Qi’s abdomen, his expression gentle. “I will be a good father.”

“That would be for the best.”

Bai Qi lifted his eyes to meet Qi Heyan’s, as if to engrave his features deeply into memory.

“Then I can rest easy.”

.

That morning, Bai Qi had a check-up and hadn't eaten anything. Now, he was hungry. Qi Heyan went upstairs to take an inhibitor, then showered before coming back down. As the alpha approached the omega, Bai Qi could still feel the chill radiating from him.

“Wasn’t that too cold, showering with cold water?” Bai Qi asked, puzzled, shifting slightly to the side. “Does it even work?”

“No.” Qi Heyan wasn’t made of iron either. He shook his head. “Let’s eat first.”

The baby hadn’t given Bai Qi much trouble; at least, he hadn’t experienced morning sickness. Now, the omega’s appetite had improved significantly. “You said you could take me out somewhere,” Bai Qi said, poking at the shrimp in his bowl with his chopsticks. He lowered his gaze and added quietly, “I don’t want to stay here anymore.”

“Alright.”

Qi Heyan was inclined to humor Bai Qi. He asked where Bai Qi wanted to go. “Name it, and I’ll have someone arrange it.”

“Where to go…” Bai Qi sighed, then smiled faintly. “I don’t know. I’ve never been anywhere here.”

He knew nothing about this place.

“I saw a place online a couple of days ago that does handmade crafts. Can we go there?”

Bai Qi asked somewhat cautiously, “Could I go alone—?”

“Yes.”

Qi Heyan had him send the location over. The alpha opened his holoscreen and scanned it, then suddenly asked, “How did you learn to read these characters? Did Rong Si teach you?”

“No, there’s pinyin.” Bai Qi had set his holoscreen to display phonetic annotations. He looked a little smug. “Pretty smart, huh?”

Whenever the omega wore that expression, his eyes sparkled. And whenever anyone spoke to him, they could see their own reflection in Bai Qi’s gaze—he was an excellent listener.

“Very smart.”

Qi Heyan wiped his mouth. “I’ll book the whole place. It’s not ideal for us to go out in public.”

Bai Qi understood. He nodded vigorously, clearly excited about the outing.

The omega was inherently restless. After finishing his meal, he even went upstairs to change—a yellow hoodie paired with white pants, with a little duck embroidered on it. He looked much more relaxed. “Does this outfit look good?”

Rong Si had picked it for him—something casual and comfortable. Bai Qi had always liked it but never had the chance to wear it outside.

“The clothes you prepared for me are too exquisite. They make me feel burdened.” Bai Qi circled Qi Heyan. “When are we leaving?”

Qi Heyan was momentarily stunned by Bai Qi’s attire, but quickly snapped out of it. The alpha asked quietly, “Are you really that happy to go out?”

“Of course.”

Bai Qi took a step closer to Qi Heyan, smiling. “Let’s go.”

“Alright.”

Qi Heyan turned his head away, as if overwhelmed. The hovercar wasn't allowed inside, so they had to walk for a few minutes first. The omega also needed activity—sitting for too long wasn’t good for his health. Bai Qi walked ahead of Qi Heyan, chatting softly, “I heard they make all kinds of small crafts there. Can I put them in the bedroom?”

“Or the living room.” Bai Qi looked back at Qi Heyan. He wanted to make himself as comfortable as possible here. The omega tilted his head. “Is that okay?”

Qi Heyan nodded, watching him. “Do whatever you want with them.”

After all, this was just a temporary resting place; it wasn’t that important.

“Good.”

Bai Qi was already imagining what he could make for the bedroom. The moment he turned his head, he froze. The omega’s steps faltered, and he instinctively looked at Qi Heyan. “Your Highness…”

A woman stood directly in front of them, dressed in lavish attire, the jewels on her head dazzling enough to blind. Bai Qi immediately tensed—he sensed this person was not simple.

Qi Heyan’s face darkened. “Mother.”

Bai Qi’s pupils contracted. He quickly hid behind Qi Heyan, not wanting any conflict with her.

“You should keep him in line.” The woman looked down at Bai Qi, her eyes narrowed, disgust unconcealed. “Since when does a lowly breeding vessel have the right to stand before his master?”

The omega’s head snapped up, shock flashing in his eyes. Breeding vessel?

What did they take him for?

Qi Heyan shot Bai Qi a sidelong glance, shielding him. His voice was low and firm. “This doesn’t concern you. Qi Ying is in prison—I know you’re anxious, but wrongdoings must be punished, mustn’t they?”

The alpha sneered. “That’s what you taught me.”

“I am your mother!”

“And?” Qi Heyan raised his voice, gripping Bai Qi’s hand as he glared at her. “Leave here. I don’t want to have a conflict with you.”

The woman was taken aback by Qi Heyan’s bluntness. She gritted her teeth. “Child, I came to see you. Lately…”

“I’m tired. I know.” Qi Heyan cut her off. He clearly had no patience left. He had sent his own brother to prison, so it was understandable for the woman to be anxious.

“Are you really going to turn against me for that bastard?” The woman immediately shifted her target, her eyes venomously fixed on Bai Qi. “And that mongrel in his belly!”

She spat the words through clenched teeth, as if chewing them to pieces. Bai Qi was shocked that she could utter such cruelty.

Such hatred—for him, or perhaps for Qi Heyan.

Bastard… Her condescending attitude was truly sickening.

Who was the royal here? Her language was utterly vulgar.

Bai Qi was about to step forward and say something, but Qi Heyan held him back. The alpha gave Bai Qi a warning glance before turning back. “You don’t need to concern yourself. You should worry about yourself.”

“Qi Heyan!”

“Are you here to pick a fight with me?” The alpha looked at his guards, his voice sharp. “Escort the Empress Dowager out!”

“No need.”

The woman remained relatively calm. She let out a light laugh, her gaze coiling around Bai Qi like a venomous snake. Bai Qi sensed her malice and instinctively shielded his abdomen, averting his eyes.

“Don’t forget the banquet in a few days.”

The woman looked down at Bai Qi with disdain, her lips curling into a smirk as she said,

“Remember to bring that little thing behind you—”