| The Paternity Guard (PATERNITY) |
.jpg)
Xing Beiming’s expression froze, and he jumped up to rush outside. “Ying Qi!”
Ying Qi had just finished dinner and was about to climb the stairs when he heard his Master calling him. He sensed a hint of panic in Xing Beiming’s voice and he was instantly alarmed.
Has something happened to Shi Qi?
Swiftly, he flew upstairs and was caught by Xing Beiming before he could enter the room. “Quick! Come and see because Shi Qi vomited.”
Ying Qi had already noticed the person who’s pale while leaning against the door and his heart relaxed slightly. He approached the table and inquired, “Master, may I ask what Shi Qi ate earlier?”
Xing Beiming frowned, “He just had some porridge with vegetables, corn and fish slices.”
Could there be a problem with the porridge?
Ying Qi poured some water and handed it to Shi Qi while explaining to Xing Beiming, “Master, as you inquired earlier about symptoms of pregnancy and vomiting is one of them. Pregnant individuals tend to feel nauseous when exposed to strong smells, especially pungent odors. It’s nothing serious but we should be cautious with his meals in the future. I initially thought…” Ying Qi didn’t finish his sentence but Xing Beiming understood his meaning.
Shi Qi confessed what he had eaten shortly after and felt a bit embarrassed now, so he excused himself to the restroom.
After rinsing his mouth, Ying Qi helped Shi Qi to sit on the bed and went out to ask the innkeeper to clean the room. Seeing Xing Beiming’s rare concern, he offered, “Master, Shi Qi probably won’t feel like eating now. When he feels hungry again, then we can discuss it. I’ll go for a walk outside to listen to some experienced advice.”
Xing Beiming nodded. Ying Qi had been engrossed in medical books lately and aiming to gain more knowledge for assurance. However, he understood that practical experience from seasoned doctors and midwives would be more valuable. “Go ahead and bring back some pickled plums or similar treats.”
Ying Qi’s eyes flashed with surprise for a moment but he quickly suppressed it and left.
Shi Qi sat anxiously on the bed while cautiously suggesting, “Master, perhaps it’s best if I stay alone. If something were to happen again… Master…”
Xing Beiming waved his hand to cut him off. “I am the Master and you are my subordinate!” He glared at Shi Qi, leaving him speechless and then averted his gaze.
He wasn’t sure why but the mention of wanting to live alone ignited a fire in his heart…
Initially intending to take a stroll outside, Xing Beiming found himself in the kitchen instead. It was dinner time and the kitchen staff were busy while sweating profusely. The narrow space and the strong smell of cooking oil made him want to leave quickly. Suddenly, his gaze fell on a few small plates on the stone table in the courtyard with some snacks placed on them, presumably for the staff to enjoy during breaks.
Approaching, Xing Beiming caught a strong, sour-sweet aroma and enticing his appetite. Without hesitation, he picked up one of the small plates and tasted a fruit.
It’s so sour!
Xing Beiming furrowed his brow, feeling like his teeth were about to fall out and quickly swallowed it down like medicine.
“Ah? xiānshēng, what brings you here? It’s quite dirty here; if you need anything, just let me know.” The innkeeper was about to approach to take some order but he saw the gentleman who had generously tipped him standing in the backyard and hurried over to greet him.
Xing Beiming pointed to the small plate he had just tasted. The innkeeper with keen eyes, remarked, “These are salted plums brought by one of our staff members’ relatives. If you like them, I can prepare some for you.”
Xing Beiming nodded in approval.
This innkeeper was quite observant.
With a small jar containing the salted plums in hand, Xing Beiming entered the room and was followed by the smiling innkeeper. The cheap plums and jar were nothing compared to the silver ingots in front of him. It was enough to buy dozens, no, nearly a hundred jars.
Shi Qi stared dumbfoundedly at the small jar that Xing Beiming handed him. He sniffes the rich sour-sweet aroma filling his nostrils that makes his mouth water.
Was this for him to eat?
Xing Beiming chuckled as he watched his Shadow Guard’s Adam’s apple bob up and down, accompanied by the sound of a gulp. But he still maintained his usual cold demeanor. “Take it or do you want me to feed you?”
Shi Qi hastily reached out to take the jar and almost missed it.
He inadvertently touched Xing Beiming’s hand, which caused him to retract his fingers instinctively. While clutching the jar, Shi Qi lowered his head shyly.
If Xing Beiming were to lower his head at that moment, he would have seen a face flushed with embarrassment. But at this moment, Xing Beiming couldn’t be bothered to bend down for a mere Shadow Guard…
Shi Qi solemnly picked up a plum while seemingly engaged in some life-or-death task. As he tasted it, the sourness immediately made his stomach relax and untangled the knots that had formed earlier.
Who knew a single sour plum could have such a profound effect.
Thus, when Ying Qi entered the room, he found the person who had been suffering just moments ago was now sitting blissfully with a jar of plums.
Oh… what’s this…
Ying Qi placed the items he had brought on the table and reported to Xing Beiming, “Master, these are some spicy noodles I bought outside. They have extra vinegar and less spice, which should suit Shi Qi’s taste.”
Xing Beiming nodded. “Ask him to come and eat.”
Approaching, Ying Qi snatched the jar from Shi Qi.
“Shi Qi, eating is important. These treats shouldn’t be consumed excessively and should be used just to stimulate the appetite.”
But these were purchased by his Master…
Shi Qi looked at the jar reluctantly. Nonetheless, he obediently sat at the table and began eating the spicy noodles.
Sour and spicy with a hint of sweetness, Shi Qi savored every bite.
Watching Shi Qi enjoy his meal, Xing Beiming couldn’t help but wonder why such plain-looking broth could be so delicious.
Did pregnant individuals have different tastes?
Unable to comprehend, he simply asked, “Is it that delicious? Let me try.”
Shi Qi froze as he realized it was his leftovers…
Ying Qi also seemed surprised. “Master, should I go and buy another serving?”
Xing Beiming waved his hand. “No need, I will just taste it now a little bit. Hurry up, what are you waiting for?”
Shi Qi hurriedly turned to find the chopsticks but Xing Beiming apparently felt that he was too slow. He reached over and covered Shi Qi’s hand to pick up a piece of noodle for himself.
With such an intimate gesture, Shi Qi’s body stiffened instantly. He looked at the handsome face in front of him. His gaze shifted from the long, thick lashes he had noticed before to the elegant nose and the moist lips that gracefully sucked in the noodle until Xing Beiming straightened up and let go of his hand.
Only then did Shi Qi realize he had been staring at his master.
Staring and daydreaming.
He felt so embarrassed that he just wanted to hit himself on the head.
Meanwhile, Ying Qi had already left the room but also sensed Xing Beiming’s unusual thoughts.
As an outstanding Shadow Guard with a slightly older age, having discernment was paramount. Otherwise, how could he silently watch his master engage in inappropriate activities?
What to look at, what to ask, he understood it all.
Xing Beiming chewed slowly but found it just average. It was sour enough to make his teeth ache but he couldn’t help but glance at Shi Qi’s abdomen.
So, pregnant people had such peculiar tastes.
Finishing the tasteless remnants of the spicy noodles, Shi Qi’s eyes couldn’t help but linger on the small jar of plums. However, Xing Beiming pretended not to notice. Even if Shi Qi liked them, Ying Qi had warned against overindulging and Xing Beiming wouldn’t indulge him.
With nothing else to do, they rested as they had a long journey ahead tomorrow.
Xing Beiming settled into bed and left a bit of space on the edge as usual. It wasn’t hard to imagine how pitiful Shi Qi was as a Shadow Guard as he curled himself while sleeping.
Soon, he felt Shi Qi extinguish the light and shuffle over. Although Xing Beiming didn’t understand why he seemed a bit awkward, because the way he walked seemed lighter than usual and intentionally hunched over as he flipped from the foot to the inside edge of the bed was quite obvious. Nevertheless, Xing Beiming didn’t feel inclined to ask his Shadow Guard on why he was acting strange.
As he drifted off to sleep, Xing Beiming suddenly sniffed the air. There was a strong sour-sweet smell wafting through the air and very close to him.
Thinking of Shi Qi’s longing gaze earlier, his eyebrows twitched and he abruptly sat up to flip over Shi Qi’s body just to find him holding a familiar jar…
Xing Beiming was furious. “Shi Qi! What are you doing with that useless jar!”