This little baby is truly a treasure.

“There’s so much going on; I’m afraid it might get too chaotic. Let the baby choose for himself,” Chi Yao said, giving the decision to the baby.

“That works. Whoever the baby likes the most can be the godparent,” suggested Qu Liang.

Xue Zhongming shot him a glare, annoyed that his position as godfather was now up for grabs.

Qu Liang just shrugged—it wasn’t his fault. Chi Yao’s baby would undoubtedly be adorable.

Chi Yao smiled softly.

On a slightly warmer day, Chi Yao went out to a massage parlor he had visited before. The masseur there had a good technique, and since his feet occasionally ached due to the pregnancy, Chi Yao decided to go for a foot massage.

He went alone this time, without telling anyone. After lying down for a short while, someone showed up. This person seemed to appear from the shadows, almost as if they were watching Chi Yao at all times.

However, the person didn’t seem to be overly intrusive. Respectful of Chi Yao’s wishes, they left after a while, knowing he didn’t particularly want to see them.

Fu Rong darkened his gaze as he watched Chi Yao getting a foot massage. He knew the reason behind this from the housekeeper. Fu Rong had never been close to a pregnant person, and it was only through Chi Yao that he learned what challenges a pregnancy brings.

Pregnancy isn’t just having something grow inside you for nine months.

Their baby, in some ways, was like a parasite, feeding off Chi Yao’s body, draining his nutrients to grow, almost competing with him for sustenance.

Fu Rong noticed that Chi Yao now walked more carefully, slowing down when taking stairs.

If he had to choose between the baby and Chi Yao, Fu Rong would choose Chi Yao without hesitation.

Of course, he was happy about the baby, but seeing Chi Yao move cautiously and no longer acting as carefree as before—all because of the baby, and ultimately, because of him.

If it weren’t for that night when Chi Yao and he had been together, none of this would be happening. Chi Yao would still be proud and free, with no nausea or swollen ankles.

This was all his doing, and now Chi Yao had to bear the consequences.

Fu Rong moved closer as the masseur continued, entirely focused on the task at hand.

“I’m sorry, Chi Yao,” Fu Rong suddenly said, his apology hanging in the air.

Chi Yao looked at him as if he were a stranger.

“I’m sorry,” Fu Rong repeated, his gaze full of guilt.

This scene overlapped with Chi Yao’s dream from the night before, where Fu Rong stood beside him with the same statement.

But in the dream, before anything could be said, Chi Yao had cut him off.

At that time, Fu Rong had worn the same expression—deeply gazing at him, apologizing for everything that had led to Chi Yao’s current situation, for making him carry a baby, for causing the child to become stillborn^[1]of an infant) born dead. in his previous life.

But Chi Yao no longer harbored resentment toward Fu Rong. In his past life, he had hated him, but in this life, the hate was gone.

Even at the very end of his previous life, when Fu Rong had come to the hospital to take care of his body, Chi Yao’s bitterness had faded.

After all, this was the person who had stayed with him in his final days, who had kept him company with their precious baby.

“You don’t need to apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong. And as for this situation…”

“It has nothing to do with you. You can go on living your life in ignorance, as you always have. You can have a better life; you don’t need to waste it on me.”

“There are countless people who would gladly give you everything you want.”

“But I won’t be one of them.”

Chi Yao clarified his stance once again, telling Fu Rong to leave him and not stay by his side.

It’s just a baby. With Fu Rong’s capabilities, if he wanted ten children—or even a hundred—there would be plenty of people eager to give him that.

What was the point of sticking with Chi Yao?

Fu Rong understood Chi Yao’s words, but he wanted Chi Yao to know his feelings too.

Fu Rong took Chi Yao’s hand and gently kissed the back of it.

“I can wait. I can wait my whole life. But you can’t stop me from pursuing you, Chi Yao. You and the baby are the most important people in my life, and I will protect you both for the rest of it.”

“I don’t need it. I can protect myself.” Chi Yao yanked his hand away, tempted to slap Fu Rong to wake him up.

Just month ago, he had been cold and detached, so why was he suddenly full of affection now? It was out of character.

Fu Rong chuckled softly. The fact that Chi Yao was even talking to him like this, rather than immediately being sarcastic, was a small step. Fu Rong believed that one day, Chi Yao would come around.

He could wait.

Fu Rong left the room, knowing it was still early. He postponed his other plans—nothing was more important than Chi Yao right now.

Fu Rong sat in a nearby room, instructing the staff to inform him when Chi Yao was leaving.

Lately, Fu Rong hadn’t been sleeping well. He had been staying up late to arrange things for the future, especially with the baby’s due date approaching. He intended to stay by Chi Yao’s side during labor and wouldn’t let him face the operating table alone.

Fu Rong soon fell asleep but was woken abruptly by someone shaking him. He jolted up, thinking something had happened to Chi Yao, only to be informed that Chi Yao was about to leave.

He hurried outside, catching up to Chi Yao, who was walking away.

Then, Fu Rong’s eyes narrowed as he noticed someone behind Chi Yao. The figure held something in his hand, and upon closer inspection, Fu Rong realized—it was a small knife.

Fu Rong didn’t have time to think, he rushed forward.

The man’s face was full of malice. It was here that he had been kicked by Chi Yao and even stepped on his stomach. He had never been so humiliated in his life. He blamed Chi Yao, thinking that someone with such a feminine face was deliberately seducing him, only to turn the tables and humiliate him. He wanted to ruin Chi Yao’s alluring face to make sure he wouldn’t seduce anyone again.

The man had drunk a lot of alcohol. After learning about Chi Yao’s background, he knew Chi Yao wasn’t someone he could easily mess with. But the rage that built up inside him grew deeper and deeper, until he couldn’t hold it in anymore. Fueled by liquid courage, the man gripped the small knife tightly and charged towards Chi Yao, aiming to stab him.

With the carpet softening his footsteps, Chi Yao didn’t hear him approach. However, his body instinctively sensed danger. After living a second life, Chi Yao had become much more aware of his surroundings. Glancing at the wall beside him, he saw a shadow reflected on it — someone was approaching with a vicious expression. Instantly, Chi Yao felt a sharp sense of danger. He swiftly moved to the side, barely avoiding the man’s attack. His clothes were slashed, and it nearly reached his abdomen.

Chi Yao’s eyes turned cold, even bloodthirsty. He was ready to grab the man by the hair and slam his head into the wall. The man, reeking of alcohol, swayed as he charged, moving at a pace that seemed slow to Chi Yao.

Before Chi Yao could act, someone else stepped in. A figure appeared out of nowhere and kicked the man to the ground.

Chi Yao recognized the person and knew there was no need for him to act anymore. He leaned back against the wall, placing a hand on his abdomen. Only now did he start to feel a bit of fear. If he had been even a second slower, his belly would have been injured.

This scumbag had the nerve to attack him.

Chi Yao watched as the man was brutally beaten by Fu Rong, coughing up blood after just a few hits.

Even though the man’s face was twisted in pain, Chi Yao immediately recognized him — it was the same guy who had make a scene here before and got beaten for it. This kind of trash, instead of reflecting on his mistakes, had come back for revenge.

Chi Yao thought he had been too lenient last time. He should have sent this man to jail. Judging by the way he acted, he probably had committed other crimes that would keep him locked up for a long time.

Chi Yao adjusted his clothes, glancing at the tear in them, and called out to Fu Rong.

Fu Rong showed no mercy, kicking the man so hard that a few of his teeth flew out.

The man, bleeding profusely, lay on the ground, moaning in pain, trying to get up only to be stomped back down by Fu Rong.

Suddenly, a scream came from one of the worker, who then rushed to call the manager.

---

Get Rid of the Baby – Chi Yao Wants to Punch Fu Rong

---

The manager came running. He didn’t really recognize Fu Rong but immediately knew Chi Yao’s identity. Seeing Chi Yao standing there with a dark expression and a tall, intimidating man beside him, the manager felt his knees go weak.

Almost staggering to keep himself upright, the manager hurried over and began apologizing to Chi Yao.

“I-I’m so sorry, Young Master Chi. I didn’t notice he was still here. He came in the morning, and I thought he’d left. If I’d known, I would’ve warned you right away. I’m terribly sorry, Young Master Chi.”

“You’re not hurt, are you? Did he hurt you anywhere?”

Chi Yao waved his hand dismissively. Of course, he wasn’t hurt. If he had been, the man on the ground wouldn’t be just coughing up blood.

“Call the police,” Chi Yao ordered the manager.

“W-Well…” The manager hesitated, thinking it would be better to resolve things privately.

“I said call the police. Or are you in cahoots with him?”

“No, no, of course not! I just thought that calling the police might complicate things for you, Young Master Chi.”

“It might be a bit troublesome, but it won’t affect me, right, President Fu?”

Chi Yao glanced at Fu Rong. Fu Rong’s face was cold and menacing. Even though the hallway was warm, the temperature seemed to drop. Chi Yao, without his coat, felt a chill.

“P-President Fu?” The manager didn’t really know President Fu, but the name sounded familiar. When he turned his head to look at Fu Rong, his knees nearly buckled again.

“I’ll handle this,” Fu Rong said, dragging the man outside, leaving a trail of blood behind.

Chi Yao walked slowly behind. Someone handed him his coat, which he put on. The police arrived soon after, recognizing Fu Rong immediately.

Fu Rong accompanied them to the police station. Before leaving, he asked Chi Yao to wait for a while.

Though Chi Yao didn’t know why, he waited a bit. Soon, someone arrived — just from his build, Chi Yao could tell that Fu Rong had sent a bodyguard to protect him.

Chi Yao, along with the new bodyguard, got into the car and went out shopping. The bodyguard followed discreetly, always within sight but never intruding too much on Chi Yao’s space.