| The Paternity Guard (PATERNITY) |
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“Physician—” The corner of Ying Qi’s mouth twitched.
Because he didn’t want to hear that nickname for the third time, he swiftly grabbed a chopstick to shoot it out and with a cry of surprise, another person leaped down while pulling the chopstick out of their hair bun. He complained, “Physician Qi, we’re all brothers, why so ruthless?”
“You call me that one more time and see what happens. Haven’t scratched your itch in a while, Shi Er?”
“Pffft, that’s the title our master bestowed upon you. But I can’t even use it….huh, you’re also here Xiao Qi?”
Shi Er was unfazed by the threat.
Only that Shi Yi was scared!
He stared jealousy at the delicious food on the table, “Hey hey hey, Shi Yi and I eat plain buns every day but you guys are feasting here. It’s not fair!”
“Perfect timing then, let’s eat together!” Shi Qi, convinced by Shi Er’s words, disregarded the commotion outside and invited, “Shi Er, when the Master is away in the future, you can come out and eat with us!”
“Don’t belittle me. Call me Gege!”
Despite saying this, Shi Er sat down without hesitation.
While most of the Shadow Guards were disciplined and followed rules like Ying San [1] or Ying Shi [2], there were unconventional ones like Shi Er in the ranks. “Hmm, delicious. Sweet and sour, especially this goose meat. You both are so lucky!”
[1] Shadow Guard Three
Ying Qi sighed in resignation. “Aren’t you here to help? Why are you eating?”
Chomping on ribs and goose meat, Shi Er said, “Relax, it’s nothing. It’s just a few insignificant people outside.”
Ying Qi felt even more powerless. “These people have unknown origins. Even though they killed someone, they’re still so audacious. They may have other motives. We shouldn’t stir up trouble because finding the Divine Physician early is crucial.”
Shi Er glanced at Shi Qi, who looked uneasy, and understood. “Got it, leave it to me…”
Bam!
The door was forcefully pushed open.
After banging and cursing for a while with no response, the people outside got furious.
They had just seen the server deliver food here, so why pretend to be unaware!
Spotting people inside that were eating leisurely, their anger surged. “Damn, didn’t you hear me knocking? Are you deaf? Want me to pay for a Physician to check your ears?”
“No need. My brother here is a Physician. Keep your money for your own coffin,” Shi Er cursed as he chewed his food and prepared for a fight.
“Damn brat, what did you say? Getting impatient with life!” The burly man grabbed his machete while glaring at them.
A physician, a guy who only knows eating and a skinny guy who probably can’t handle a group alone. Who do they think they are!
Shi Er’s handsome face could easily mislead some people into underestimating his danger. If he knew someone called him effeminate behind his back, that person’s mouth wouldn’t be safe even if their life was spared.
Pressing down the inexplicably impatient Shi Qi today, Shi Er strolled up to those men while pulling something out from his pocket. “Gentlemen, regardless of your reasons for barging in, please give face to this emblem,” he said, “The government has relaxed its regulations on the Martial Arts World in recent years. Unless you’ve crossed a serious line, they won’t interfere. You wouldn’t want to be the target of public criticism, would you?”
Throughout history, the Martial Arts World has had an intricate relationship with the Government.
These tough guys gritted their teeth and pondered this significant connection. Unwillingly, they departed but left behind a parting remark, “Since we’re friends on the official road, we’ll give you some face.”
Returning to his seat, Shi Er resumed his hearty meal. Each Shadow Guard had their own set of skills in the Martial Arts World.
Ying Qi had never seen Shi Er adopt this official demeanor, sparking a hint of curiosity. “Shi Er, what was that you had?” Ying Qi inquired.
Shi Er tossed the emblem he had been holding onto the table. “It’s the waist badge of the magistrate of Jiangzhou, albeit forged. I have plenty more if you’d like to see.”
“No need. That’s your dinner companion.”
Ying Qi tossed it back then turned to Shi Qi, who had been silent and uneasy since earlier and worriedly asked, “Xiao Qi, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? You’re distracted.”
Shi Qi raised his head, confusion evident on his usually expressionless face. “I don’t know. Since earlier, I’ve felt a fire wanting to burst from my stomach. When I hear those people arguing, I want… to knock all their teeth out, so they can’t speak… but I’ve never been like this before…”
Ying Qi and Shi Er exchanged glances then burst into laughter…
Shi Qi found their laughter inexplicably annoying but felt a bit embarrassed. Shi Er wiped away his tears while pounding the table, “Xiao Qi, you’re too cute! How did I not notice before?”
Shi Qi looked helplessly at Ying Qi. “Brother Qi?”
Ying Qi couldn’t hold back his laughter either but then hesitated before speaking, “It’s okay. It’s normal. Just adjust yourself and try to think of happier things.” He didn’t want Shi Qi to feel uncomfortable.
They had never discussed pregnancy symptoms in detail in front of Shi Qi because they fear that he might not take it well.
It wasn’t Shi Qi’s fault for not knowing.
Shi Er, containing his laughter, shook his head. “Physician Qi, this won’t do. Xiao Qi isn’t alone now. You must tell him what to expect. In case you’re not around, he should know how to handle things and not get anxious. Xiao Qi isn’t someone who can’t accept reality, right?”
After a moment of silence, Ying Qi realized that Shi Er was right. Shi Qi was much stronger than he thought.
Shi Qi had noted down everything that he and that Master told him. Even when he lost his temper earlier, he still restrained himself from exploding.
So, Ying Qi briefed Shi Qi on the typical reactions of pregnant individuals, such as nausea, irritability, cravings, etc. but they reassured him and helped him cope until things returned to normal after childbirth.
But they all underestimated Shi Qi’s resilience. Though he appeared calm, he was thinking so much.
Like becoming like that Aunt Fang, who’s cursing and scolding everyone over the slightest inconvenience.
So, when night came and Xing Beiming ordered Shi Qi to go to bed, he discovered a dispirited Shadow Guard.
This is unusual.
They wash, make the bed and then change the clothes.
When everything was done and they were already lying on the bed, Xing Beiming finally couldn’t help but ask, “What happened that you became so listless? The Shadow Guards of this fortress should not behave like this, hanging your head down like this, what happened to your dignity?”
Just ask if you want to know, why do you have to beat around the bush like this, Xing Beiming. Can’t you be more honest?
Shi Qi wanted to kneel up but was swiftly stopped by Xing Beiming’s hand and quite coincidentally, pressed down on his flexible waist. Xing Beiming’s thoughts went astray for a moment.
This waist really feels quite resilient!
“Stay down,” Xing Beiming said.
“Apologies, Master. I-I just…today…” Shi Qi stammered, unsure of what to say.
But Xing Beiming had already heard the report from Ying Qi about what happened today.
Ying Qi even told him some interesting things, which were probably related to that.
Since he hadn’t consoled anyone before, Xing Beiming just followed his own instincts, “I’ve told you before that your situation is special right now. Even if you’ve made some slight missteps, I won’t hold it against you. If you keep wearing this worried look every day, won’t you end up with a bitter face in the future?”
This was the first time Xing Beiming had discussed the matter of the child with Shi Qi in such a calm manner. For a moment, Shi Qi’s mind went blank, leaving only these words: “Bitter face… bitter face… bitter face…”
Xing Beiming also felt somewhat uneasy, “Go to sleep.”
His hand subconsciously patted Shi Qi ‘s flexible waist but then he suddenly froze.
What had his hand touched just now? It was soft and bulging.
Just as Shi Qi was about to get up, Xing Beiming grabbed his arms.
“Don’t move and let me take a look,” Xing Beiming said while inexplicably urgent.
He then proceeded to undo Shi Qi’s undergarment and pull down his underpants while fixing his gaze on the slightly trembling belly under his intense scrutiny.
The last time he saw it, it was still flat. But right now, when did it slowly bulge like this?