Chapter 16

Chapter 16

The newcomer was Huang Kun, another friend from the bar.

Unlike Qiao Yunping, who had practically grown up with Sheng Lian and knew his temper inside out, Huang Kun was their high school roommate. With a more easygoing personality, his shock was utterly unconcealed, his eyes practically popping out.

He had only come to the hospital to visit his grandmother and was pushing her downstairs for some sun when he spotted Sheng Lian not far away.

Just as he was about to greet him, Sheng Lian, completely oblivious to his presence, underwent a rapid succession of expressions, shifting unpredictably between stormy and bright, before settling on an unsettling smile and swiftly moving in a certain direction.

Huang Kun, who followed, witnessed the entire scene unfold.

—Just a few days ago! Lian-ge had been singing a completely different tune!

What had he said? That Lin Qingshi had a spoiled young master’s temper, that he was as quiet as a clam all day, that the two of them were like oil and water, that no one would enjoy serving such a young master… Not a single kind word.

And now?

He seemed to be serving him with the greatest joy! Even more attentive than the household staff back home.

So, it was Lian-ge who was bending over backward!

Huang Kun might be slow, but he wasn’t blind. Even if he hadn’t noticed Sheng Lian’s duplicity before, he could see it clearly now.

And the hostility Lian-ge was radiating toward that blond guy next to him was practically overflowing!

Huang Kun’s gaze darted between the three of them, his face a mix of emotions. Then, with a decisive glint in his eyes, he resolved to have his bro’s back and waved exaggeratedly. “Sheng Lian!”

He had to help Lian-ge out!

Pushing his grandmother’s wheelchair over, Huang Kun put on his most earnest grin.

“Wow, what a coincidence running into you at the hospital!” He feigned concern. “Lian-ge, what’s, uh, going on here?”

His eyes lingered on Lin Qingshi for only a polite second before flicking away.

“Nothing, just here to recover.”

This was Lin Qingshi’s second time meeting Sheng Lian’s friend—the first being at their wedding—so he nodded politely.

Huang Kun blanked for a solid few seconds—no matter what, Sheng Lian’s spouse was just too good-looking! His paleness and frailty only enhanced his beauty, adding a unique charm. Anyone who saw him would be stunned for a moment. More importantly, his aura was so strong that even sitting down, he was impossible to ignore.

Marrying someone like this would make anyone count their blessings. What was a little serving? He’d love to serve him too, but he didn’t even have the chance! And here Lian-ge was, complaining day in and day out—truly blind to his own good fortune.

—Oh wait, no. Sheng Lian acted outside like he was about to file for divorce any second, but in reality, he was happily jumping through hoops for him.

What a sneaky play! Making everyone think President Lin had a terrible temper so no one would dare compete for him, huh?

Huang Kun’s family was decently well-off, though not on par with the Lins. He’d never interacted with Lin Qingshi before, but he’d heard plenty about the Lin family’s eldest son—always the “other people’s child” in his parents’ lectures. He’d known all along that Sheng Lian’s descriptions couldn’t be accurate.

Internal monologue aside, when faced with the blond guy gazing like a lovesick puppy at President Lin, Huang Kun firmly stood by his bro.

He butted in cheerfully. “This—Dr. Jin, could you tell me where the pharmacy is in this hospital? I need to pick up some medicine for my grandma!”

“It’s just…”

“Ah! I’ve got no sense of direction—I get lost in a paper bag—could you take me there, Dr. Jin?”

“You can ask at the front…”

“I’ve got social anxiety—please help me out, Dr. Jin.”

Trapped by his white coat, Jin Ze had no choice. Before he could even finish a sentence, the “socially anxious” Huang Kun was already manhandling him away.

Grandma Huang chuckled as she watched her grandson make a scene, content to bask in the sun and pretend she hadn’t heard anything.

Sheng Lian threw Huang Kun a grateful look.

Even if this guy was small potatoes, and even if I was annoyed when you came barging in earlier—thanks, bro.

Lin Qingshi only felt a sudden burst of inexplicable noise before Sheng Lian was the only one left in front of him.

Holding his water cup, quietly crouching beside him—Lin Qingshi found he grated on his nerves. He didn’t know why he was annoyed and didn’t want to think too deeply about it, so he simply pointedly looked away.

Even when he wasn’t pregnant, Lin Qingshi tired easily. Now, it was even worse.

As he basked in the sun, his vision grew increasingly blurry, and before he knew it, he had dozed off.

A faint flush colored his usually pale cheeks. Sheng Lian carefully tucked a blanket around him, afraid of waking him. He leaned in close, even holding his breath to avoid disturbing Lin Qingshi’s hard-won moment of peace.

…Up close, his face was even more beautiful.

His lips, slightly glossy from the water he’d just drunk, looked downright kissable.

Once Sheng Lian crouched down, he was rooted to the spot. He busied himself with fussing with the blanket and warming Lin Qingshi’s hands, his gaze unwavering—until the intensity of his stare made Lin Qingshi’s brow twitch uneasily, making him dial it back.

Noticing Lin Qingshi’s face was turning worryingly red from prolonged sun exposure, Sheng Lian worked feeling back into his legs and stood up to shield him from the sun.

As the sunlight shifted, he moved with it, like some lovesick sunflower—except his face was always turned toward Lin Qingshi. Staring for too long, Sheng Lian—never one to resist temptation—leaned down decisively…

“Lian-ge, in public? Have some restraint.”

Huang Kun’s teasing voice came from behind, but Sheng Lian paid no mind. He still brushed his lips against Lin Qingshi’s cheek—soft, but too thin. He needed to put some meat on his bones.

Then, as if nothing had happened, he straightened up and raised an eyebrow, lowering his voice. “Got the medicine?”

His shamelessness put Huang Kun to shame.

Huang Kun shook the bag in his hand. “Alright, bro, I won’t bother you anymore. I did some digging on that doctor for you—Ph.D., studied abroad, the real deal. His qualifications run circles around yours. Isn’t this exactly the type your President Lin likes?”

Sheng Lian was never book-smart. Even in elementary school, he’d been secretly running side hustles with toys and snacks—whatever was trendy. His mind was never on academics, though he was sharp enough to skate by with a degree from a no-name college. In college, he’d been too busy with his startup to focus on graduating properly.

Lin Qingshi, on the other hand, had balanced academia and CEO duties, grinding his way to get into a top-tier university despite the pressure. Later, once the dust settled, he’d even gone back for a master’s in a completely different field—Chinese literature—because he could study whatever he liked without a care for resumes.

In one interview, he’d openly expressed his admiration for highly educated talent.

At Huang Kun’s words, Sheng Lian snorted.

What use were degrees? No matter how gilded that diploma was, his marriage certificate with Lin Qingshi was the real deal. No third wheels allowed.

Still, he’d keep an eye on that doctor in the hospital…

“Mr. Lin, Mr. Sheng, hello! This is Dr. Jin Ze. Don’t let his youth fool you—he’s quite knowledgeable about male pregnancy!”

Watching the blond man extend his hand toward Lin Qingshi with a bright smile, Sheng Lian cut in to shake his hand first, his own smile not reaching his eyes. “Of course, I trust Dr. Jin.”

—This guy was actually an obstetrician!

The medical team specially assembled for Lin Qingshi, backed by deep pockets, hadn’t just gathered his original doctors but also recruited overseas specialists—where research in this field was more advanced—to ensure the most reliable care for his safety.

Money was part of it, but cases of male pregnancy were rare, so specialists in this field came running as soon as one appeared.

It was the second day in the hospital, and the doctors, enjoying high salaries and a relaxed work environment, naturally came to get acquainted with their patient for the foreseeable future.

Lin Qingshi was already accustomed to such scenes. Even surrounded by a circle of doctors, he showed no discomfort, merely giving a slight nod in acknowledgment. The doctors soon dispersed, the new meds ready, leaving only Jin Ze behind to explain the dosage.

"...Take these before meals."

Before Lin Qingshi could respond, Sheng Lian frowned. "This many pills again? Is this really okay?"

He could barely eat as it was. With so much medication washed down with water, how could his already small stomach still fit any food? And if he couldn’t eat, how would his body hold up?

Jin Ze explained, "A Tang has too many underlying health issues. Normally, they’re well-managed and unnoticeable, but now with the baby, without medication to stabilize him, his system could easily crash. The benefits of these medications far outweigh the risks, and we’ll adjust the treatment plan based on A Tang’s condition... Rest assured, Mr. Sheng, these won’t harm the baby."

Clearly, he had misunderstood Sheng Lian’s concern, assuming he was worried about the medication affecting the child.

Unable to hold back, Jin Ze added reproachfully, "A Tang’s body isn’t suited for pregnancy. Wasn’t anyone using protection? Even between men, you should—"

"Sheng Lian, water."

Lin Qingshi cut him off. He resented Sheng Lian too, but he had no desire to air such private matters openly. Taking the warm water Sheng Lian eagerly handed over, he swallowed a handful of pills in one go, suppressing the bitterness in his mouth. In a hoarse but gentle voice, he said to Jin Ze, "I’m fine. These things... no one could’ve predicted. Alright, I need to rest now."

He cast a fleeting glance at Sheng Lian beside him, who immediately understood, putting on a fake-polite smile. "Then, Dr. Jin, we won’t keep you. I heard you have a meeting soon, right? Don’t let us delay you. Please finalize Qing Shi’s treatment plan as soon as possible."

Jin Ze, realizing he had overstepped, nodded awkwardly. "A Tang, I’ll check on you later. Remember to take your meds, rest in bed, but also move around a little..."

A Tang, A Tang, A Tang—like he was broadcasting to the world how long he’d known Lin Qingshi! Did he really think no one saw through his transparent act?

Unaware of the fiery glare Sheng Lian was directing at Jin Ze behind him, Lin Qingshi wasn’t sending the doctor away out of annoyance but because he truly felt exhausted.

He had just gotten out of bed, yet unlike usual, when he could at least hold out until noon before resting again, he now couldn’t wait a moment longer, his thoughts muddled with exhaustion.

A solid, warm chest braced against his back, supporting his already weakening body. Once the door closed, leaving only the two of them in the room, Lin Qingshi stopped forcing himself to stand and allowed Sheng Lian to carefully lift him—ever since Elder Ding had scolded him, Sheng Lian had learned to handle Lin Qingshi with extreme care, moving at half-speed to avoid jostling the fragile young master in his arms.

By the time Sheng Lian, tensing his muscles to move carefully, laid him on the bed, Lin Qingshi was already out cold.

Perhaps it was because he had been wrapped in Sheng Lian’s warmth before drifting off.

Lin Qingshi dreamed of their first meeting—not the one Sheng Lian thought was their first.

Long before their "so-called blind date," he’d already laid eyes on Sheng Lian.