| The Paternity Guard (PATERNITY) |
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Shi Qi felt annoyed but couldn’t harm this woman. Unfortunately, this woman rushed towards him as if she had gone mad, seeking help with her eyes directed to the rooftop. Shi Er scratched his head, “I don’t know how to deal with crazy women. Should I directly hit her acupoints or knock her out? What do you think?”
Shi Yi pointed to a distance, “No need because Master is here.”
From afar, Xing Beiming heard the sound of a woman yelling in his courtyard, causing his mind to jump slightly as he hastened his steps. There, he saw one of Shi Qi being entangled by a woman with his face full of annoyance and impatience. The woman waved her hands and seemingly tried to tear Shi Qi’s clothes, fueling Xing Beiming’s anger. “Pull her down! This is outrageous!”
Steward Cheng Bo nodded then called nearby guards to intervene and separate Shui Qian. “Shui Qian, Master has ordered you and your sisters to leave the fortress today. Why are you still here causing trouble?”
Shui Qian struggled, “Steward Cheng Bo, Steward Cheng Bo, I want to see Zhuren. I want to see that seductive fox, is it him?! Is it him?! Is he a woman?!”
“Zhuren is right here, so why not ask me directly?” a cold voice came from behind. Shui Qian stopped struggling and put on what she thought was her most beautiful smile, although her messy hair didn’t quite match. She tried to break free from the guard’s restraint but without Xing Beiming’s command, the guards only held her tighter.
“Zhuren, if Shui Qian has done something wrong, she will correct it. Please don’t drive her away, can you?”
“This Lord’s orders won’t be given a second time. Pack up and leave immediately.”
“Zhuren! Shui Qian doesn’t understand. She has followed you for so many years, so why suddenly drive me away? Is it because of her? What’s better about her than me? She’s not even as pretty as me, and her figure is not good! She looks like a man, why would Zhuren want her instead of me? What’s so good about her?” Tears streamed down Shui Qian’s face, feeling extremely wronged.
“Heh, looking like a man, he is actually a man!” Xing Beiming sneered.
“Zhuren?” Shui Qian was stunned, as were the guards present. “He is a man? How did you…”
“That’s right, this Lord is impotent. Are you satisfied now? Take her away.” Calmly stating words that shocked everyone, Xing Beiming waved his hand for the guards to drag Shui Qian away. Shui Qian, whose face had turned pale upon hearing that Xing Beiming was impotent, was numbly taken away by two guards while completely feeling hopeless.
Xing Beiming walked up to Shi Qi to straighten his slightly disheveled clothes and said discontentedly, “This place is too noisy, so let’s move somewhere else.”
This negotiation tone shocked everyone while Shi Qi dumbfoundedly asked, “Move to where?”
Xing Beiming turned to Cheng Bo, whose expression remained calm, “Cheng Bo, have someone tidy up the villa by East Lake. Tomorrow, we’ll move there.”
“Yes, Master.” Cheng Bo bowed. He needed to ensure that the expelled people left the fortress today to avoid their Master’s anger.
Thus, Xing Beiming, along with Shi Qi and a group of guards plus a Divine Physician, moved to the villa by East Lake. It was a property arranged by Ke Weiqing for Xing Beiming in his early years, specifically for its clear lake and lush greenery, contrasting the grandeur of the World’s Supreme Fortress with a fresh and graceful ambiance. It was a perfect place for love and relaxation, a retreat from the chaos.
Young Master Ke had a good eye for such things.
Because it had just snowed heavily, the villa and its surroundings were covered in a blanket of white, adding to its beauty. It could only be said that each season had its own unique charm.
Gu Weijing checked Shi Qi’s pulse while muttering something then went to start his routine work in the pharmacy specially designated by Xing Beiming for him. Shi Qi followed and because his belly was now a bit larger, he was cautioned not to move quickly. So he had to slowly stroll to the place. Before entering, he smelled a strong smell of blood, almost causing him to vomit again. He holds onto the door frame and dry heaves a few times.
Gu Weijing heard the sound and ran out to help him move away while scolding, “What are you doing here? The ground is frozen from the recent snow. If you slip and fall, I can’t give Xing Beiming another child.”
Shi Qi patted his chest, asking, “Master Gu, I’m very careful. But what are you doing inside? What’s with the strong smell of blood?”
Gu Weijing gave him a glance, “It’s something you don’t need to know. I’ll tell you later. So don’t come here unless necessary. Got it? What’s the matter that you’re looking for me?”
“Master Gu, it’s been a while and I still have a question. Is this child due to that medicine or because of my body’s condition?” Shi Qi had been thinking about this question for a while. Because Yin Ji seemed unusually concerned about this matter and he had a bad feeling about it.
Gu Weijing didn’t expect him to ask this question now, while laughingly said, “Xing Beiming asked me the same question long ago. Since I’ve been practicing medicine, I haven’t seen a man with the ability to bear children. As for those tribes mentioned in ancient books who could bear children, those are all legends. So, their authenticity cannot be confirmed and it’s uncertain if you are a descendant of such a tribe. Why? Are you afraid?”
Shi Qi shook his head, “It’s not that I’m afraid. I’m just worried that someone might misuse that medicine. If it’s consensual, it’s fine but if it’s forced…”
Gu Weijing nodded as this worry was reasonable, “As long as we don’t talk about it outside, no one in the Martial Arts World will know. Unless the Fu Feng Sect leaks the medicine, but fortunately, the trend of ‘cut sleeve [1] is not so prevalent. However, you were kidnapped last time and Yin Ji, that bastard learned about this… are you afraid because of him?”
[1] refers to a historical practice where a man would cut off the sleeve of his garment as a gesture of deep affection or loyalty to a lover, often used in the context of same-sex relationships in ancient China. In standard English, "断袖" can be translated as "cut sleeve" or "sleeve-cutting," referring to this symbolic act of devotion or love between men.
Shi Qi’s worry deepened. Gu Weijing patted his shoulder, “If you’re worried, just do your best to protect the child and don’t think too much about it. A bad mood can have a major impact on the child!”
Although he said that, but how could he completely let go of his worries? So, Shi Qi decided that when the weather improved a bit, he would go see Ying Qi.
Just as he walked back to his courtyard, Ke Weiqing flew over with his eyes flashing, “Shi Qi, I’ve been looking for you for so long! Ah, my godson is so big now!”
Shi Qi awkwardly said, “Young Master Ke!”
Ke Weiqing rubbed his hands together with a suspicious glint in his eyes, “Can this Young Master touch my godson?”
“Erm…”
Why does Young Master Ke speak for himself like this? He hasn’t even openly let others touch his belly because using the Master’s words, it’s improper!
“Young Master Ke, where is your godson? Why don’t you tell me about it?” A cold voice came from behind the two. Ke Weiqing quickly withdrew his nearly successful sinful hand and stood up straight whole looking disdainfully at Xing Beiming.
“I have planned to become the godfather of the baby for a long time! How could you forget, Xing Beiming? Let me say it again, I want to be the godfather of the baby!”
Xing Beiming snorted, “The child is still in Shi Qi’s belly. If you want to touch him then you’ll have to go through me.”
Ke Weiqing said, “You finally admit it! You cut-sleeve, ah! Your good brother has truly split the peach with someone else [2]!!” Ke Weiqing managed to squeeze out a tear while calling out Jiang Yao’s name before he ran away.
[2] a metaphorical expression that originates from a Chinese idiom. It refers to a romantic or intimate relationship, especially between two men. In this context, "splitting the peach" symbolizes sharing a deep emotional bond or closeness, often used to describe a close friendship or a romantic relationship.
Shi Qi: “…”
Xing Beiming: “That’s embarrassing.” He can’t believe he has such an eccentric friend.
Unsurprisingly, after Ke Weiqing’s act, Shi Qi’s previously anxious mood eased a bit. He unintentionally revealed a smile and was ready to enter the house with Xing Beiming. Unexpectedly, Xing Beiming grabbed his shoulder fiercely before menacingly say, “Look up.”
Shi Qi was surprised, “Master?”
What’s wrong?
Previously, Shi Qi’s face was said to show no emotions but since Shi Qi had been with him, it had become more expressive. There were signs of panic, confusion, worry and even the temptation of desire, but never a hint of a smile. However, just now, although it was fleeting, he still caught that very rare smile.
Xing Beiming accused, “You smiled just now.”
“Ah?”
What kind of accusation is this?
Although he doesn’t smile often, he hasn’t lost that ability, right?
“That’s right, smile again.” Xing Beiming demanded.
Shi Qi was speechless; “…”
What kind of request is this? How can he smile out of nowhere? Why does the Master want this?
Speaking of smiles, Shi Qi remembered that Xing Beiming had also asked Shui Xiu’er to smile a few times at the Martial Arts Congress.
Could it be that Master has some special quirks?
What expression is this? Shi Qi can’t force a smile, so how did he smile earlier? Could it be because of that fellow Ke?
Xing Beiming’s face turned sour as he dragged Shi Qi into the room and pressed him onto a chair. “I command you to smile immediately, otherwise…” After speaking, he sat back comfortably, crossed his legs and stared directly at Shi Qi.
Shi Qi felt like crying without tears.
This request, though simple, was truly strange. And being stared at like this by Master, he didn’t know what he should do.
So, how could he force a smile? After a long stalemate, Shi Qi adjusted his facial expression to reveal what he thought was a smile.
“Pfft~”
Never before had Shi Qi shown such a silly expression in front of him.
What was originally a slightly masculine and handsome face, now displayed a bizarre expression that was neither crying or smiling. Xing Beiming finally couldn’t help but laugh.
Just now, Shi Qi was hoping for something and it suddenly came true.
Shi Qi looked at the smile on Xing Beiming’s face, as if ice and snow were melting and he was stunned. His heart began to pound uncontrollably again and even his legs, which hadn’t caused him trouble for a long time, trembled involuntarily and he frowned while muttering a muffled sound.
“You’re having a cramp?” Xing Beiming noticed Shi Qi’s legs trembling unnaturally and quickly lifted him up and placed his cramping leg on his thigh to start to skillfully massage it. Shi Qi’s tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed while looking at Xing Beiming’s focused eyes and serious actions.
There was an inexplicable sense of joy that caused his lips to lift up, resulting in a contented and happy smile.
Xing Beiming watched the hard-earned smile as his movements gradually stopped and he suddenly leaned forward to pressed his lips against the still smiling ones.