“New Females,” due to the lack of a suitable birth canal, require a cesarean section for childbirth. To prevent any accidents, hospital stays are arranged in advance. They can apply to stay in the special care wards of the hospital, where all medical expenses are fully covered.

Cheng Jin was now eight months pregnant. His physical changes during pregnancy were not very noticeable, except for his noticeably bulging belly. His limbs remained slim, and his face hadn’t gained much weight, although his appetite had increased somewhat recently. Lu Tao had already applied for a hospital room in advance, one that allowed couples to stay together, so they were just packing their luggage to move there.

While they packed together, Cheng Jin’s large belly made it difficult for him to assist. Lu Tao, a military man, was efficient and quick; it didn’t take long for him to pack two large suitcases. Cheng Jin glanced around to ensure nothing was forgotten. “Did you get the baby’s things? Those should be prepared in advance, right?”

Lu Tao replied, “The hospital will provide newborn essentials, so we don’t need to bring anything for now.”

Cheng Jin then asked, “What about my work tools? I still have an order to finish. Plus, if I don’t give birth soon, I’ll be really bored.” He hadn’t fallen behind on work during his pregnancy; his online store orders were increasing, and Si Kui was securing more contracts for him. In just a few months, Cheng Jin had gained some fame as a designer.

Lu Tao patted one of the suitcases. “It’s all in here.”

“You’re so amazing, hubby. You’ve thought of everything!” Cheng Jin couldn’t help but snuggle up to him, his eyes gleaming with happiness. Lu Tao leaned down to kiss him on the lips and said, “Let’s go.”

They said goodbye to Cheng Cheng and drove toward the maternity hospital affiliated with the Military Hospital. Cheng Jin had a special title that allowed him to apply for the best hospital on the Imperial Planet, which Lu Tao had taken him to visit before. The environment was pleasant and less crowded, creating a more serene atmosphere, which was a relief for Cheng Jin, who didn’t like overly serious environments.

“With the postpartum recovery, we’ll probably stay about a month and a half,” Cheng Jin calculated, becoming slightly anxious. “Hubby, do you have that much paternity leave?”

“I do,” Lu Tao confirmed.

“Right, after Indira’s matter was resolved, the higher-ups found a way to counter the Bug race’s toxin, so you guys are less worried about their incursions now. Work must be much easier, hasn’t it?” Cheng Jin continued.

Lu Tao nodded slightly, his gaze falling on Cheng Jin’s swollen belly. “Is there anywhere you feel uncomfortable?”

“Worried I might give birth soon?” Cheng Jin chuckled. “Not yet; there’s been no sign. Actually, I hope it happens soon; it’s tiring to be like this every day.” He grabbed Lu Tao’s hand and placed it on his belly. “Hubby, look, doesn’t it look like a big watermelon?”

Lu Tao rarely smiled, but now he curved his lips slightly and placed his other hand on Cheng Jin’s waist. “Is it tiring here? Let me rub it for you.”

Cheng Jin adjusted his posture to lean against his husband, allowing him to rub his waist. This was a gesture Lu Tao often made during the later stages of his pregnancy. Not only did he rub Cheng Jin’s waist, but he also massaged his legs and even helped him bathe. The considerateness Cheng Jin had never experienced before was now fully enjoyed as their relationship warmed. At first, Cheng Jin had felt a bit uncomfortable and scared, but now he had fully accepted it.

“It feels like we’re newlyweds,” Cheng Jin giggled, leaning in to kiss the corner of Lu Tao’s mouth. Lu Tao reciprocated with a kiss, continuing to rub his waist.

The car moved slowly, the windows closed, and the excellent soundproofing created a private space undisturbed by the outside. What should have been a tender kiss turned passionate as they pursued each other more intensely. Cheng Jin began to pant, the breathy sounds becoming seductively enticing, and his hands involuntarily moved toward Lu Tao’s groin. His desires had intensified during his pregnancy, a common change among “New Females” due to increased estrogen secretion. The couple had been nearly inseparable for months, only having to restrain themselves as Cheng Jin’s belly grew.

It had been four days since they had last been intimate. Cheng Jin found it hard to resist; he could feel himself hardening, moisture building at his back entrance. When he touched Lu Tao’s treasure through the fabric, he could no longer hold back, his wet eyelashes trembling as he whispered in a longing voice, “Hubby, I want…”

Lu Tao carefully lifted him onto his lap, slipping his hand into Cheng Jin’s pants. “Shall I help you get off?”

Cheng Jin shook his head, blushing shyly. “I want it inside…” He closed his eyes and whispered even softer, “It’s itchy back there…”

General Lu glanced ahead, whispering, “This is outside.”

“It doesn’t matter if it’s outside…” Cheng Jin playfully replied. “I’ve done it outside with ‘him’ before…”

Mentioning “him,” Lu Tao’s eyes darkened, and his expression stiffened, clearly jealous. Cheng Jin smirked at him. “Oh, you’re jealous again.”

Lu Tao gave a “I’m helpless with you” look, just about to remove Cheng Jin’s pants when his communicator rang.

The romantic atmosphere was disrupted by the cold ringtone, but Cheng Jin didn’t throw a fit, obediently shifting his gaze away from Lu Tao’s official business. Lu Tao, slightly annoyed by the interruption, nevertheless answered responsibly, restoring his usual tone. “General Yan Yi, what’s up?”

Hearing “Yan Yi’s” name, Cheng Jin involuntarily shifted his gaze back. Even if he wasn’t the brightest, he knew that Yan Yi contacting Lu Tao probably involved Yan Qi, who was connected to his own elder brother, so he was very curious about the matter. But the communicator’s soundproofing was excellent, and if the privacy function was on, no matter how close he was, he couldn’t hear the other party’s words.

Yet, he could see Lu Tao’s expression. Although Lu Tao always maintained a cool demeanor, after their relationship had warmed, Cheng Jin could discern different emotions on his face. Now, Lu Tao looked serious, even a bit somber, which made Cheng Jin immediately realize something was wrong.

Cheng Jin panicked, not waiting for Lu Tao to hang up before asking, “Is it my brother…?” He couldn’t imagine what could happen to his brother, but whatever it was, it made him anxious and nervous.

“Okay, got it.” Lu Tao ended the communication. Seeing Cheng Jin’s intensely focused look, he said, “It’s not your brother; it’s Yan Qi who’s in trouble.”

Cheng Jin breathed a huge sigh of relief, patting his chest as he gasped. “It’s Yan Qi? You scared me to death! I thought something happened to my brother.” After stabilizing his breathing, he asked with curiosity, “What happened to Yan Qi? Did he finally snap and get sent to Hell Planet?”

“It’s not that,” Lu Tao held his hand. “He’s critically ill and being rushed to the Military Hospital for emergency care.”

“Critically ill?” Hearing such serious words, Cheng Jin felt a wave of worry. “What happened? Was he attacked?”

Lu Tao replied, “The details are unclear, but Yan Yi said it happened while he was saving your brother.”

“Saving, saving my brother?” Cheng Jin became frantic again, urgency written all over his face. “Then what about my brother? Is he in danger?”

“No,” Lu Tao answered quickly. “But Yan Yi said his emotional state seems to have collapsed, so he hopes we can come right now.”

They were already headed toward the military area, and after accelerating, it took them less than ten minutes to reach the entrance of the Military Hospital. Lu Tao quickly pulled Cheng Jin out of the car, and with him leading the way, they didn’t have to go through many checkpoints to reach the emergency room. There, Cheng Jin saw his elder brother, whom he hadn’t seen in several months.

At the first sight of his brother, Cheng Jin’s heart ached terribly. Cheng Xu had always appeared elegant and noble in Cheng Jin’s eyes. Even after bankruptcy, his demeanor hadn’t changed much, and he always dressed neatly. But now, his face was haggard, his clothes stained with blood and dirt, his eyes bloodshot, and stubble covered his chin, making him look as if he had aged ten years.

Cheng Jin almost immediately walked over, calling out, “Brother…”

But his brother’s response was different from before; he no longer smiled upon hearing his name, nor did he rise to greet him. He didn’t even seem to recognize Cheng Jin at first. Slowly, he lifted his head to meet Cheng Jin’s gaze, but his eyes were unfocused, unable to see clearly. When Cheng Jin called him again, he barely managed a weak smile and, in a very frail voice, whispered, “Little Jin…”

“It’s me.” Cheng Jin’s heart broke. “Brother, how did you end up like this? Your clothes are bloody; where are you hurt?” He started frantically checking his elder brother’s arms. Cheng Xu didn’t struggle or move, just whispered softly, “I’m not hurt; it’s Yan Qi’s blood…”

As he mentioned “Yan Qi,” his eyelids fluttered, and large tears rolled down his cheeks.

Seeing his brother’s tears, Cheng Jin felt shocked and flustered, instinctively looking up for his husband’s support. Lu Tao had been standing by his side all along, and receiving Cheng Jin’s gaze, he spoke up. “Cheng Xu, you should rest now.”

Doctors and nurses were already waiting on one side, while on the other stood many people, mostly Yan Qi’s six brothers, along with some of Yan Qi’s important subordinates and friends.

Cheng Xu shook his head, his voice hoarse. “No, I’ll wait for him to come out.” His gaze was fixed on the flashing red light, and each word he spoke was strained. “Wait for him to come out, then tell him one thing.”