Chapter 71

Chapter 71

After Song Yuqiao moved in, he used his restaurant membership card to cover all three meals for both of them. Song Jianan’s appetite improved, and his food intake gradually increased, but his face didn’t gain much weight—instead, his belly grew rounder and more prominent.

Song Yuqiao watched anxiously, becoming even more cautious than Song Jianan himself. He wouldn’t let him do any housework or even bathe alone. Song Jianan was happy to play the role of the hands-off manager—getting a free live-in caretaker for a few days was quite a deal!

At first, he firmly refused to let Song Yuqiao help him bathe, but he hadn’t expected the daily leg massages from Song Yuqiao to be so soothing. Drowsy, he was talked into it.

He reluctantly tried it once and, seeing that Song Yuqiao was fairly well-behaved, reluctantly went along with it.

The only weird moment was when Song Yuqiao stared intently at his belly and couldn’t help saying, "So cute."

Song Jianan was horrified. Song Yuqiao was creepy! How could he find a male Beta’s swollen belly cute?

But thankfully, the creepy Song Yuqiao only appeared for about ten seconds.

With Song Yuqiao around, Song Jianan’s days were really comfortable. The various discomforts of pregnancy were alleviated under Song Yuqiao’s care and companionship.

Song Jianan gradually developed a selfish wish—he didn’t want Song Yuqiao to leave.

Of course, it wasn’t that he was reluctant to part with Song Yuqiao himself, but if Song Yuqiao left, not only would his nutritious meals disappear, but there would also be no one to massage him, do the housework, or let him vent when he was frustrated.

Since Song Yuqiao didn’t bring up leaving, Song Jianan didn’t ask about his work, content to "boss around" his free private helper every day after work.

Occasionally, when he saw Song Yuqiao hand-washing his underwear, he felt guilty and awkward—he still hadn’t told Song Yuqiao the child was his.

But these feelings of guilt and shame were short-lived. Song Yuqiao was living there rent-free; doing a bit of housework to offset the cost was perfectly normal. He definitely wasn’t going to tell Song Yuqiao.

When the baby was seven months along, Song Jianan’s belly was like an inflated balloon, as if it might pop at the slightest touch. He could barely move around, and at Song Yuqiao’s urging, he quit his job at the flower shop.

The further along he was, the harder it got. No matter how strong and enduring Song Jianan was, and despite Song Yuqiao’s great care, his emotions often became unstable. Song Yuqiao’s patience only made his temper grow.

Sometimes, when Song Yuqiao was helping him with his thesis and arrived a few seconds late, Song Jianan’s leg cramps would bring tears to his eyes. He’d cry and say, "Are you doing this on purpose? You just don’t want to massage me. Now that you’ve found a job, you can’t wait to move out, can you? You’re ungrateful, heartless! After I kindly took you in, gave you free food and shelter, you’re nothing but an ungrateful jerk! Wahhh..."

Song Yuqiao listened silently to his tirade, massaging his calves with skilled hands. During a pause, he handed him a water glass and said, "Jia Jia, drink some water, don’t tire yourself out." Then he smoothly moved his hands upward to massage the sore areas on his thighs.

Sometimes, at night, when backaches and pain made it hard to sleep, Song Jianan would call out through the unlocked door, his tone resentful and demanding: "I can’t sleep."

Song Yuqiao would naturally take off his shoes and get on the bed. "Let me massage you." With that, his hands slipped under the hem of Song Jianan’s shirt, applying just the right pressure to massage his waist and back muscles before moving down to his legs.

Song Jianan’s nose stung, his voice muffled: "Song Yuqiao, my chest hurts too."

Song Yuqiao moved to face him, kneeling on the bed. "Let me see?"

Song Jianan loosened his grip on his clothes. Song Yuqiao unbuttoned his pajamas, hesitated, and asked softly, "Can I touch it?"

Song Jianan looked down, thinking it looked swollen.

Filled with unease, he nodded nervously.

Song Yuqiao’s palm covered the spot, feeling a softness like a feather brushing against his heart. He swallowed.

Seeing Song Yuqiao’s serious look, Song Jianan panicked. "Do I have a terminal illness? Will it affect the baby’s health..."

He suddenly let out a muffled groan.

Song Yuqiao gently squeezed both sides, his expression returning to normal. "It’s fine. During pregnancy, the chest can develop further and lactate. It’s a normal phenomenon."

Song Jianan first breathed a sigh of relief, then, realizing what it meant, said with a mournful face, "I don’t want to lactate. I’m a male Beta. Having bigger breasts is so weird. If people find out, I’d be mortified."

He grabbed Song Yuqiao’s hand, crying and whining, "Song Yuqiao, I don’t want to turn into a female Beta."

Song Yuqiao comforted him: "Omegas or female Betas usually start changing in the early stages of pregnancy. Since Jia Jia is only starting now, you definitely won’t end up like them."

Tears welled in Song Jianan’s eyes. "Really?"

Song Yuqiao nodded. "Really."

After that, Song Yuqiao would give him a full-body massage every night, waiting until he fell asleep before going out to sleep on the folding bed Song Jianan had newly bought.

In early February, Yuanchuan got even colder. Song Jianan was just over ten days away from being eight months pregnant.

On days with good weather, Song Yuqiao would accompany him for walks in the neighborhood, and this day was no exception.

Song Jianan, bundled up tightly, held onto Song Yuqiao’s hand as they walked slowly.

Aside from regular hospital check-ups, he hadn’t left the neighborhood in a long time, so he asked to explore the nearby area.

The wind blowing from the streets was freezing, but Song Jianan was in high spirits. Seeing the familiar shops and old street scenes filled him with excitement from seeing old sights.

Before they could finish walking down the street, the wind suddenly grew strong. Trees along the roadside rustled violently, and the sky turned dark and gloomy, as if a rainstorm could break out at any moment.

The two had no choice but to turn back. Song Jianan gripped Song Yuqiao’s hand tightly, watching his step, a sudden worry settling in his heart.

"Is it going to rain heavily? The weather forecast didn’t mention rain today."

Song Yuqiao reassured him: "It’s fine. We’re just a few steps away from the complex. I’ll borrow an umbrella from the security guard. We won’t get wet."

Song Jianan looked up and saw they were indeed near the complex entrance. Just as he was about to relax, his eyes widened suddenly, his heart leaping into his throat.

Song Yuqiao reacted quickly, immediately pulling him close and turning around.

A loud bang followed.

A dilapidated billboard slammed into Song Yuqiao’s head before crashing to the ground.

Song Yuqiao held him steadily. "Jia Jia, are you okay?"

Song Jianan stared at his face—blood was dripping from his forehead. His gaze shifted downward. He had just seen a thick, long, rusty iron nail that must have pierced Song Yuqiao’s back.

Tears rolled down his cheeks in large drops. He said, "It hurts..."

"Song Yuqiao, my stomach hurts so much..."

"Jia Jia, don’t be afraid. We’re going to the hospital, right away."

Song Yuqiao hurriedly grabbed for his phone and called the driver, demanding he come immediately.

The driver arrived in less than two minutes, driving nearly speeding, and they reached the hospital in over ten minutes.

The doctor treating them was a renowned obstetrician Song Yuqiao had arranged for. They quickly began measures to prevent miscarriage, warning of the risk of premature birth. Male Betas lack a complete reproductive system, so an emergency C-section needed to be prepared for at any time.

Song Jianan was terrified, clutching Song Yuqiao’s hand and refusing to let go. Only after he fell asleep did Song Yuqiao go to treat his wounds. Fortunately, the wounds weren’t too deep, and there was no infection, though he had a mild concussion.

Early the next morning, Song Jianan was wheeled into the delivery room. Though Song Yuqiao stayed by his side, he remained tense and anxious.

Song Yuqiao held his hand, comforting him again and again—and himself too. His eyes were calm, but a light sweat dotted his forehead.

The delivery room was equipped with the most advanced instruments donated by Song Yuqiao, and the surgical team was top-tier with extensive experience in C-sections. The procedure was completed quickly and smoothly, resulting in the birth of a boy.

They both breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Back in the hospital room, Song Jianan's eyes lit up as he asked eagerly, “Where’s the baby?”

Song Yuqiao hesitated for a moment before replying, “The baby needs to stay in the incubator a little longer. Once you’ve recovered a bit, we’ll go see him.”

The light in Song Jianan's eyes instantly went out, replaced by panic. “What’s wrong with the baby? Is something not right? Why is he in an incubator?”

Song Yuqiao gently held Song Jianan's trembling hand and calmly explained the situation.

Song Jianan reluctantly calmed down but sank into disappointment. “It’s all my fault. The baby wasn’t fully developed yet, and now he has to suffer because of me…”

Song Yuqiao responded, “Jia Jia, it’s not your fault. I’m the one who didn’t protect you and the baby well enough.”

Song Jianan was stunned. He turned his head away, tears welled up in his eyes.

Right before being discharged, after Song Jianan repeatedly begged, he finally got to see the baby.

Through the transparent glass, the incubator seemed so large, but the baby was so small—a tiny, pinkish bundle with eyes still closed.

Song Jianan almost started crying again.

Once home, the maternity nurse hired by Song Yuqiao had already moved into the upstairs room and hurried down to take care of them.

After the accident, Song Yuqiao no longer hid his wealth, and Song Jianan had long realized he'd been lied to. He wasn’t surprised, only felt that it made sense.

Looking back, Song Yuqiao’s initial excuse was that he needed a place to stay for a few days. Later, neither of them brought it up again, which made it hard for Song Jianan to feel anger over the deception.

Even now, knowing Song Yuqiao was still wealthy and had ulterior motives in getting close to him, Song Jianan couldn’t refuse his care. After all, his savings wouldn't cover the cost of the baby’s stay in the incubator.

Yuanchuan was exceptionally cold and windy. For a month after giving birth, Song Yuqiao and the caregiver forbade Song Jianan from going outside, let alone visiting the baby at the hospital. He'd practically worn out the photos and videos sent by the hospital from watching them so often, his eyes turning red each time.

Song Yuqiao had him choose a name and pick out toys for the baby. Gradually, his attention shifted, and he became full of anticipation for the baby’s homecoming.

He named the baby Song Youning, hoping he would grow up healthy and safe.

When Spring Festival arrived, Song Jianan got up to find the house decorated with festive couplets and paper-cuttings. He paused, feeling down.

It was the baby’s first Spring Festival, yet he had to spend it alone in the hospital.

Song Yuqiao wasn’t home. Eating breakfast distractedly, Song Jianan's tears dropped into his bowl.

He missed the baby so much.

He hadn’t even held him yet.

Song Jianan covered his face and wept quietly.

The caregiver coming from the kitchen exclaimed, “Oh, Young Master, don't cry. Look who’s here!”

Just as she was about to remind him not to cry, there was a knock at the door. She went to answer it.

“Young Master, stop crying. Quick, see who’s back.”

Song Jianan looked up abruptly, staring in amazement as Song Yuqiao approached carrying a swaddled bundle. Tears still hung on his eyelashes, and he looked utterly dazed.

The thin, tiny child was right before his eyes. Song Jianan stared without blinking at the baby, reaching out to gently hold a very small hand. “Baby, I’m your daddy.”

The baby’s eyes were dark and shiny, like plump black grapes. He blinked, staring at Song Jianan, then suddenly broke into a grin.

Song Jianan was so touched he started crying again. “Daddy wants to hold you now.”

Song Yuqiao said no, using one hand to wipe Song Jianan’s tears. “Jia Jia, finish your breakfast first. You can hold him after.”

Song Jianan wasn't pleased.

Song Yuqiao added, “The baby is home safe now. You can see and hold him anytime.”

Song Jianan glanced at the baby and reluctantly nodded, taking a few bites before looking at the baby again.

After breakfast, he eagerly reached for the baby but froze when he realized how small the baby was, not sure what to do.

Guided by Song Yuqiao, he carefully held the baby, almost afraid to move.

The New Year's Eve dinner was prepared. The caregiver went upstairs to reunite with her family, who had come to Yuanchuan.

The baby, just fed, sat in his stroller beside them, looking at Song Jianan, then at Song Yuqiao, his eyes moving busily between them.

On this day of family reunion, Song Yuqiao sat across from him.

Perhaps it was from often caring for the child, but the soft light cast a soft light on his face, and Song Jianan saw a paternal tenderness that softened his usual coldness. Or perhaps, in this home, he'd never seen Song Yuqiao as domineering and unpleasant as he used to be.

For a moment, he was stunned, then felt guilty.

He poked his chopsticks in his bowl, glancing at the person across from him.

Song Yuqiao raised his glass of orange juice, a hint of a smile in his eyes, as if warmth was spilling from them.

He said, “Jia Jia, Happy New Year!”

Song Jianan clinked his glass with Song Yuqiao's. “Song Yuqiao, Happy New Year!”

Song Yuqiao put a piece of braised pork—a recent favorite—and placed it in Song Jianan’s bowl. “Eat.”

Song Jianan looked down, then up, and called out awkwardly, “Song Yuqiao.”

Song Yuqiao: “Hmm?”

“There’s something I need to tell you.”

Song Yuqiao looked over. “What is it?”

Song Jianan avoided his eyes, poking at the braised pork. “I lied to you before. The baby is also your child.”

“Yeah, I know.”

Song Yuqiao teased the baby with a toy.

Song Jianan was puzzled. “Aren’t you surprised? Aren’t you angry?”

Then he realized—Song Yuqiao must have guessed he was lying from the start. Otherwise, why would he have taken such devoted care of him and the baby?

A weight settled in his chest, but it vanished when he saw Song Yuqiao interacting with the baby.

After the New Year’s Eve dinner, the Spring Festival Gala was on TV, and fireworks exploded outside.

Song Jianan instinctively covered the baby’s ears, but the baby slept soundly, completely unfazed.

Relieved, he slowly smiled. Looking up at Song Yuqiao, he said, “I’ve thought of a nickname for the baby—Tuantuan. What do you think?”

"Tuantuan Yuanyuan, Tuantuan, that's a nice name."

"I’ll bring him to his room." Song Yuqiao picked up Tuantuan and walked toward the bedroom.

Through the open door, he could see the baby's crib and also watch Song Yuqiao gently tucking him in, bending down for the first time in front of Song Jianan to give the baby a kiss.

Song Jianan watched silently.

Song Yuqiao stepped out of the room and walked toward him.

Song Jianan suddenly said, "You once asked me why I left."

Song Yuqiao looked directly at him, his throat tightened. "Why?"

He had someone investigate what happened around Jia Jia before he left but found no answers. The house staff also said everything was normal before his departure, with no warning signs.

Song Jianan's eyes calmly rested on the TV screen, his voice flat. "I saw your diary."

Song Yuqiao froze, his lips tightening and his body stiffening.

His hidden feelings had been seen by Jia Jia. Did Jia Jia think he was creepy and vile, and that's why...

"I didn’t know you had someone you liked before, but since I found out, I couldn’t continue being your lover guilt-free..."

Song Yuqiao interrupted him, "Jia Jia, it’s not what you think."

Song Jianan lowered his eyes. "Song Yuqiao, you don’t need to change your mind or give up on someone you love because of Tuantuan. Tuantuan is my child, and I will never let him affect your marriage."

"Jia Jia! It’s not what you think. I don’t like anyone else!"

Song Jianan was confused. "You don’t like anyone else?" Could the diary have been fake?

Song Yuqiao closed his eyes and spoke with difficulty. "Jia Jia, do you remember when you dragged me to give blood?"

Song Jianan hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "I remember."

He had seen a blood drive on the street and enthusiastically dragged Song Yuqiao along, insisting they go. However, blood donation required being at least 18 years old. Song Yuqiao was just the right age, while 11-year-old Song Jianan could only watch longingly as Song Yuqiao donated.

Out of helplessness, Song Yuqiao had him tested for his blood type. Song Jianan felt part of it and was finally happy.

But when Song Yuqiao got the blood type results, his face fell, and he specifically warned Song Jianan never to donate blood in the future. Because of this, Song Jianan remembered the incident to this day.

Song Yuqiao: "Jia Jia, from that moment on, I knew you weren’t my biological brother."

When Song Jianan was born, Xu Yu didn’t want to raise kids and ignored Song Jianan as much as she did Song Yuqiao. Song Jianan had rarely been sick growing up, so his blood type was never tested. No one knew that Song Jianan’s blood type didn’t match the Song family’s.

Song Yuqiao kept this secret, not telling anyone, including Jia Jia.

He still regarded Jia Jia as his younger brother and wanted to protect him for a lifetime.

But at some point, his feelings changed, and he developed feelings he shouldn’t have about Jia Jia.

On that snowy winter day, by the warm fireplace, he almost acted on impulse and wanted to hold Jia Jia tightly in his arms.

That year, for the first time, he didn’t return home for the Spring Festival. He didn’t dare to go back, didn’t dare to see Jia Jia.

Song Yuqiao didn’t have the habit of keeping a diary but felt compelled to use pen and paper to warn himself not to cross the line. Even so, he still didn’t dare to write Jia Jia’s name.

Later, he realized that just seeing Jia Jia, even through a video call, made it impossible to suppress his emotions. So he began to act coldly, rejecting anything related to Jia Jia.

So, Song Yuqiao truly didn’t like anyone else. He liked Song Jianan, and he had liked him for a very, very long time.

Song Jianan’s heart was struck by a flood of emotions, leaving him speechless. He stared blankly at Song Yuqiao, his thoughts were a mess, and he stood up to escape, running toward the bedroom.

"I... I’m tired. I’m going to bed. You should rest early too."

The next day, neither of them brought up the events of the previous night. Song Yuqiao’s confession felt like a fleeting dream.

Song Jianan still hadn’t agreed to return to Yunjing with Song Yuqiao, perhaps because Yunjing held too many unpleasant memories, or perhaps for other reasons he couldn’t quite articulate.

Song Yuqiao had to frequently travel back and forth between Yunjing and Yuanchuan.

Under Song Yuqiao’s management, control of the Song Group was back in his hands. The previous loss of power had been a deliberate setup. Now, those who had been eyeing his position, like Song Yuxuan and Song Boqian, had made grave mistakes and were all sent overseas. After careful consideration, Xu Yu also gritted her teeth and left with her husband.

The workload left behind after cleaning up the internal corruption in the group was not small. Every time Song Yuqiao returned to Yunjing, he was swamped with work, yet he still made time for at least three days a week to go to Yuanchuan. The exhaustion from his constant travel was impossible to hide.

Song Jianan advised him not to come back so often, suggesting that if he missed Tuantuan, he could video call to talk to him. But after several attempts proved futile, he gave up trying to persuade him.

After the maternity nurse’s job ended, Song Yuqiao hired an experienced nanny to take care of him and Tuantuan.

Song Jianan also freed up time to start taking on commissions from his senior, Wen Xue.

At the end of May, Song Jianan returned to Yunjing to participate in his graduation defense and the subsequent graduation ceremony. He had originally planned to defend online, but now, with no worries, he naturally preferred to be with his classmates.

Song Yuqiao took a private jet to pick up the father and son.

Song Jianan had initially planned to rent a short-term apartment or simply stay in a hotel, but it was inconvenient to bring Tuantuan to school. Considering that Tuantuan needed someone to care for him, he ultimately agreed to Song Yuqiao’s suggestion and stayed at his place.

At some point, Song Yuqiao’s home had been outfitted with a children’s room, and the living room had a dedicated play area for the baby. Tuantuan played happily on the floor, thoroughly enjoying himself, and even insisted on pulling Song Jianan to play with him.

No one is immune to being nervous about defending. Song Jianan’s thesis, having passed through Song Yuqiao’s hands, had been praised by his advisor several times, so there were naturally no issues. But on the day, he was as nervous as everyone else, his heart pounding.

Fortunately, he had a strong grasp of his thesis and the data involved, so his presentation and responses were very smooth, though his palms were still sweaty when he stepped down from the podium.

As he walked out of the academic building, a figure in the crowd stood out prominently.

Song Yuqiao, dressed in casual clothes, was holding Tuantuan. The two of them, one large and one small, bore a faint resemblance as they looked over.

Song Jianan’s heart was suddenly touched, and a part of him that was never very hard softened completely.

Song Yuqiao handed the baby to the accompanying driver, took a beautifully designed bouquet from the front passenger seat, and stepped forward to present it to Song Jianan. "Congratulations on your successful defense."

Song Jianan held the flowers, his smile bright. "Thank you, it went very smoothly."

It was said that Yunjing University had originally planned to invite Song Yuqiao to the graduation ceremony, but Song Yuqiao declined, citing childcare as the reason.

While Song Jianan was taking photos with friends and teachers after the graduation ceremony, he unexpectedly saw Song Yuqiao.

Song Yuqiao made his way through the crowd toward him.

Song Jianan, using his fingers to play with Tuantuan, asked in surprise, "Weren’t you not coming?"

Song Yuqiao raised an eyebrow. "I’m just not attending as a guest."

"Want to take a photo with Tuantuan?"

Song Jianan smiled, pressing his lips together, and nodded yes.

At this important moment in Song Jianan’s life, both Tuantuan and Song Yuqiao left a profound mark.

Before leaving the school, Song Jianan held the bouquet in his arms and glanced back at the imposing and dignified school gate, where many students and teachers were still taking photos, exchanging flowers and blessings.

Memories from his past life flashed through his mind like scenes from a movie. For him, this school held nightmares of entanglement and the frustration of giving up halfway.

The studies he hadn’t finished in his past life, he had now accomplished.

He had graduated successfully.

Song Jianan’s lips curved into a smile, and his steps became light.

After getting into the car, the two of them sat in the back seat with the child. Song Yuqiao deftly changed Tuan Tuan’s diaper.

Song Jianan looked at his profile and suddenly said, "Song Yuqiao, I agree."

Song Yuqiao paused for a moment. "Jia Jia, wait a moment, I’ll finish up quickly."

He sped up, getting Tuan Tuan cleaned up before he had a chance to speak. "Jia Jia, what did you mean just now?"

Song Jianan took Tuan Tuan into his arms and, without looking up, said, "I agree with your earlier suggestion—to return to Yun Jing."

Song Yuqiao froze for a moment, remaining still for over ten seconds before his hands trembled as he pulled both him and Tuan Tuan into an embrace, his voice carrying a hint of a sob. "Okay, okay."

Song Jianan pressed his face against Song Yuqiao’s chest, listening to the rhythm of his heartbeat, and gently closed his eyes.

Tuan Tuan loved the baby play area at Song Yuqiao’s house. If they returned to Yuan Chuan, it wouldn’t be there anymore—Tuan Tuan would be upset, right?

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