Chapter 85: Dad

Chapter 85: The Old Fart

"I don't mind you being with them, but you can't have a child." Qi Zhengqing held Song Yuqing tightly, as if to meld him into his very bones.

"If you like, we can adopt a child."

In truth, Qi Zhengqing wasn't keen on the idea of adoption either.

Song Yuqing: "..."

The trauma response was kicking in again.

Song Yuqing could feel Qi Zhengqing’s body trembling uncontrollably, intensely, even to the point of being triggered.

"I won’t give birth. I’m a man—how could I give birth?"

Not only was Qi Zhengqing unable to accept it, but Song Yuqing himself couldn’t fathom the idea of bearing a child, let alone accepting that he might...

Qi Zhengqing’s large hand rested on Song Yuqing’s lower abdomen—flat, soft, never having nurtured any life, nor ever been touched by anyone.

Song Yuqing felt strange being touched like that; Qi Zhengqing’s hand was calloused, and even through a layer of clothing, he could feel the rough texture of his fingers grinding down firmly.

Song Yuqing glanced at Qi Zhengqing, almost gritting his teeth as he asked, "What are you doing?"

Qi Zhengqing: "Giving you a physiology lesson."

Song Yuqing: "..."

Alphas all love lecturing about physiology—every single one of them is a nutcase.

His large hand rested on Song Yuqing’s lower abdomen again, where inside lay the beta’s narrow, immature reproductive cavity.

The entrance to a beta’s reproductive cavity is tight and narrow, with a shallow internal passage and limited capacity, like an immature fruit.

The probability of conception is extremely low, and even if pregnancy occurs, it is prone to miscarriage or premature birth due to the unsuitable environment of the cavity.

Miscarriage, in turn, can further damage the beta’s already narrow reproductive cavity, potentially leading to pathological changes.

The body would suffer, and the mental pain wouldn’t be easy to resolve either.

At least...

That was the reality he had seen.

"Qingqing, reproduction is sacred, and the birth of life is a kind of hope."

"But childbearing itself carries dangers and pain. I want you to be selfish—don’t let impulse or fleeting desire put you in danger."

"No one is more important than yourself."

"And no one is worth taking such a risk for."

Struggling to suppress his own anxiety and unease, Qi Zhengqing spoke to Song Yuqing sentence by sentence.

Song Yuqing’s gaze fell on Qi Zhengqing’s hand. The alpha was running hot again, agitated and teetering on the edge of collapse, yet he was still coherently explaining the potential dangers Song Yuqing might face.

Song Yuqing placed his hand over Qi Zhengqing’s, lowering his eyes and whispering soothingly, "I won’t, don’t worry. Don’t be afraid—that nightmare won’t happen a second time."

Their fingers intertwined. Qi Zhengqing was worried about Song Yuqing, and Song Yuqing was soothing Qi Zhengqing's frayed nerves.

Xiao Lin repeatedly replayed the events of that day in his mind. After returning to the Xiao family, he spoke with his father.

Half an hour later, Xiao Lin’s forehead was gashed open by a decorative item on his father’s desk.

"Get out. Your temperament—"

His father’s cane struck the floor heavily, his sharp, hawk-like eyes fixed intently on Xiao Lin’s face, as if trying to see straight through him.

"—is too indecisive."

"Paranoid and overly cautious—what have you actually accomplished with all your carefulness?"

Overthinking and sensitive, Xiao Lin always weighed even simple matters repeatedly. If he succeeded, it might be excusable, but he had achieved nothing.

Xiao Lin fell silent and turned to leave. Seeing him like this only infuriated his father further.

Gripping his cane tightly, his father pinned Xiao Lin with a sharp glare again. "Have you ever considered killing your brother?"

A tidal wave of emotion surged within Xiao Lin. After a long silence, he finally spoke, "No. Xiao Jinshi is my brother. I will protect him and ensure he lives a life of wealth and leisure."

His father’s expression seemed to soften slightly. "You may go."

Since taking control of the Xiao family, his father had always employed ruthless tactics, never hesitating like Xiao Lin. He was merciless and decisive. He did not appreciate Xiao Lin’s thoroughness and caution.

Whether it was killing his ex-wife, remarrying Xiao Jinshi’s mother, or killing her once she lost her usefulness, his father had never hesitated or regretted his actions.

Xiao Lin was not like him.

If Xiao Lin had even hinted at killing Xiao Jinshi, his father might have thought he had some backbone and ruthlessness.

He had always tried to mold Xiao Lin in this direction and had been satisfied with him before. But recent events once again made him feel that Xiao Lin did not meet his standards as an heir.

Xiao Lin, however, had no way to voice his grievances. His intuition told him something was wrong that day, but when he tried to find evidence, he came up empty.

His father gazed out the window at the Xiao family’s grand courtyard, as if seeing Xiao Jinshi’s mother again. Since losing the use of his legs three years ago, he rarely went out. Many times, while looking at the courtyard from his room, he would think of Xiao Jinshi’s mother, just as he did now.

That young, vibrant Omega who had always loved him.

Xiao Jinshi, on the other hand, was very much to his liking—reckless, sweet-tongued, but ruthless at heart.

But he was a lovesick fool.

Just like his mother.

And one more thing...

His father still had someone summon Xiao Jinshi.

Xiao Jinshi entered with his usual cheeky grin and immediately took a seat. "What’s up? Why’d you call me, old fart?"

His father: "..."

His father: "Standing here, I was reminded of your mother. She used to swing right there."

Xiao Jinshi’s expression shifted slightly, quickly turning dismissive before he smiled again. "Well, you keep thinking then."

His father: "..."

After saying this, the corners of Xiao Jinshi’s lips curled into a slight smile. Imitating Song Yuqing's way of talking was truly satisfying—it really shuts this old bastard up.

Xiao Jinshi recalled what Song Yuqing had just told him.

Xiao's father then asked, "Will you treat your brother properly?"

Xiao Jinshi smiled, "By 'treat him properly,' do you mean off him? Father, you should know I’ve never liked that dog Xiao Lin. What does he do besides fawning over people like a lapdog?"

Xiao's father looked at him disapprovingly, "Jinshi, he is your brother."

Xiao Jinshi looked at his father, his lips curved in a smile, his tone innocent, "I know." That’s exactly why I want to kill him.

Xiao's father’s gaze turned sharp, his tone pressing with clear intent, scrutinizing every expression on Xiao Jinshi’s face, "You hate Xiao Lin so much. Do you still resent me for not being able to save your mother?"

Xiao Jinshi’s fingers dug into his palm, "Shouldn’t I?"

"You had the chance, but you didn’t show up," Xiao Jinshi confronted his father.

Xiao's father said: "Whether you believe it or not, I loved your mother. I did everything I could to save her, but I was just too late…"

"Your mother’s death breaks my heart deeply. All these years, I’ve been tormented by it every single day."

"Now that you have someone you love, imagine how painful it would be if Song Yuqing died in front of you."

Xiao Jinshi snapped, "Shut up. I won’t let him die. I’m not you."

He never found his father so disgusting before, but now, after meeting Song Yuqing, he saw his father’s despicable nature even more clearly.

His mother died, and he took it as his due to annex the other factions responsible for her death to expand his empire, enjoying all the power, only to shed a few tears and talk about how lonely he'd been over the years as proof of his love?

If he truly loved her, he should have died after avenging her.

"Save your crocodile tears. Don’t make me think you deserve to die too," Xiao Jinshi said coldly.

Xiao's father stared at his son, his expression complex, and finally spoke, "Xiao Jinshi, my time is running out. I can’t help you secure Song Yuqing. Only by becoming strong enough can you make him respect you."

"And don’t go soft on the Qi family either. Don't extend affection to the Qi family just because of Song Yuqing."

Xiao Jinshi looked at his old man as if he were an idiot, "Extend affection? What’s wrong with you? Are you out of your mind?"

Xiao's father: "..."

Who shows love to their rival? What a lunatic. He should just get in his coffin already.

Xiao Jinshi slammed the door and left his father’s study.

He walked a long distance without much expression.

Only after entering his room did a faint, mocking smile finally touch his lips.

Just as Song Yuqing had said, his father’s nature was to want his descendants to be ruthless and decisive, yet he also feared they might be too ruthless and kill their father. The old man still wanted a peaceful end for himself. So, he had to show just the right amount of ruthlessness in front of the old fool.

In just a few days, the dynamics within the Xiao family shifted again and again.

Xiao's father transferred Xiao Lin’s deputy to Xiao Jinshi’s side—both to assist and to monitor, and also to feed Xiao Lin’s movements to Xiao Jinshi through the deputy.

After all, the deputy was the one most familiar with Xiao Lin.

Xiao Jinshi didn’t particularly dislike handling so many tasks daily.

All of this was part of the plan Song Yuqing had laid out for him personally. He should treasure it.

Xiao Jinshi looked out the window. New buds sprouted on the branches—spring had quietly arrived in Xīnzhōu, while Sri-Lan Continent remained frozen and snowy.

He wondered if Song Yuqing missed him.

Xiao Lin’s status continued to decline, and Xiao's father even sent him to a small town in Sri-Lan Continent to supervise iron ore mining.

Xiao Lin gradually realized that his answer that day hadn’t satisfied his father.

He had been too clever by half, thinking Xiao's father genuinely cared for Xiao Jinshi.

If he had answered that he would kill Xiao Jinshi, perhaps things would be different now.

Qi Zhengqing’s rut had completely passed.

Aside from Xiao Jinshi, who had already returned to Xīnzhōu, everyone else was preparing to go back.

Song Yuqing: "I’m going out."

Qi Zhengqing: "Mm."

Song Yuqing went out wearing a mask and hat today. Just by looking at him, Qi Zhengqing knew someone was about to have a bad time.

The teams from various countries should have returned to their respective continents after the competition ended, but they had all stayed behind for the same reason.

They remained in the hotel, not checking out.

Ai Deng took the elevator to the underground parking lot, but today, he felt something was off. He rubbed his temples.

Must be because last night’s dreams were too chaotic—he hadn’t slept well.

As soon as Ai Deng stepped out of the elevator, his green eyes narrowed slightly.

A familiar figure, slender and frail, with cold, pale skin that seemed almost translucent, like the finest porcelain.

Dream and reality overlapped. The person before him exuded a fragile, almost broken vulnerability that made the alpha’s heart itch.

Ai Deng smiled. Song Yuqing.

He walked over, "What brings you here? Just finished accompanying your husband through his rut, and now you can’t wait to find another alpha?"

It never crossed Ai Deng’s mind that Song Yuqing would seek him out, but it wasn’t entirely unexpected either. Song Yuqing had specifically said he remembered him that day.

From that moment on, he’d been hinting that he would come, right?

On the surface, he acted aloof, but deep down… he must be quite satisfied with him too.

No matter how cold a beta might seem, they all just wanted pleasure under an alpha. Especially someone like Song Yuqing—the colder they appeared, the more debauched they were. Wasn’t this proof? Coming to find an alpha on his own.

He would definitely record all of Song Yuqing’s debauchery.

After all, sleeping with such a top-tier specimen deserved to be savored thoroughly. He wouldn’t just enjoy it himself—he’d boast about it everywhere. So what if Song Yuqing defeated them? In the end, he was just a beta who’d be dirtied by an alpha.

Thinking this, Ai Deng adjusted his clothes, but his words remained crude, "Coming to find an alpha here? You want it in the underground parking lot? You’re really asking for—"

Before he could finish, Song Yuqing grabbed his hand and delivered a precise, ruthless kick to his ribs.

The force and speed were a stark contrast to Song Yuqing’s frail appearance.

Ai Deng had no time to react before he heard the distinct sound of bones cracking.

Furious, Ai Deng snapped, "Are you insane? Why are you hitting me? What did I do to you?"

Song Yuqing didn’t respond and instead slammed a fierce kick into the back of Ai Deng’s knee.

All Ai Deng could hear was the dull thud of fists striking flesh and bone, along with his own stifled gasps, thick with the taste of blood, trapped in his throat.

He wanted to run, but his entire body was in agony.

"Don’t go too far... cough..." The alpha struggled to crawl backward.

"Have you lost your mind?"

"What did I ever do to you?"

Ai Deng had never imagined that Song Yuqing, who seemed so fragile, could hit so brutally and remain unaffected by an alpha’s mental influence.

Song Yuqing’s thin eyelids lifted slowly, and he deliberately raised a blood-stained hand. He gazed coldly at the sticky red coating his fingers, his expression icy. "I don’t like the way you look at me, and I don’t like you laying a hand on my people."

Crack!

Another sound echoed, and Ai Deng couldn’t even muster a scream.

It was only then that Ai Deng remembered—during the competition, he had tried to kill Qi Ran to get under Song Yuqing’s skin. When Song Yuqing said he’d remember him, this was what he meant: he was waiting to get back at him for Qi Ran. Even a dog was worth Song Yuqing’s protection.

Through a haze of blood, Ai Deng stared at Song Yuqing’s retreating figure—slender and delicate, yet exuding a chilling beauty.

Gritting his teeth against the pain, Ai Deng found himself weirdly jealous of Qi Ran, jealous that Qi Ran could make Song Yuqing stand up for him.

His mind helplessly replayed Song Yuqing’s disdainful look, as if he were nothing but a dead dog.

All matters in the Silian Continent were finally settled.

The group embarked on their return journey, traveling on a private plane with a route arranged by Qi Zhengqing.

As the plane ascended, Song Yuqing looked out the window, taking one last glance at the continent seemingly locked in the vast snowfields.

Qi Zhengqing handed Song Yuqing a blanket. "Get some sleep."

Song Yuqing shook his head. "I’ve slept enough."

The other alphas eyed them suspiciously, as if fearing that if they didn’t keep a close watch, Qi Zhengqing would plant a kiss on Song Yuqing right then and there.

Pei Huai leaned in. "He’s not in the mood for you. I’ll keep Qingqing company while he sleeps. You can go."

Song Yuqing: "..."

Song Yuqing pushed Pei Dog’s head down. "You’re so annoying! You’re everywhere."

Even with his head pushed down, Pei Huai kept his eyes fixed on Song Yuqing. "I don’t mind. Looking at you, I’m not annoyed at all. I may have no patience for anything else, but I have plenty when it comes to you."

Song Yuqing was left speechless.

Was his "aren’t you annoying" about whether Pei Huai found him annoying? He meant Pei Huai was the annoying one! Couldn’t Pei Huai understand context?

Song Yuqing said expressionlessly, "I don’t want to talk to an illiterate dog. Go away."

"Me, an illiterate dog? I can get a 59 now!" Pei Huai raised his voice.

Qi Zhengqing was taken aback. What did Song Yuqing see in Pei Huai? That he had no brains? Did Song Yuqing, who used his brain too much every day, need a dumb dog to help him unwind?

Song Yuqing went quiet. 59?

He had given his notes to Pei Huai but never bothered to ask about his grades.

Now, hearing Pei Huai’s score of 59, Song Yuqing felt utterly defeated. Was his track record tanked by this foolish dog?

Not wanting to crush Pei Huai’s academic confidence, Song Yuqing suppressed his confusion and asked, "Which subject did you get 59 in?"

Pei Huai: "A total of 59."

Song Yuqing: "..."

Author’s Note:

Song Qingqing: Take your 59 and get out.

Pei Dog: Cheerful and bright, but truly a dumb dog.

Da Qi’s view on childbirth: Childbirth is great, but my wife won’t be having any.