Chi Yao removed his other earphone and looked up and down at Fu Rong, “Who are you to me?”

“I think I don’t need you to be concerned about my health.”

“Do you really care so little about your own body? If something serious happens, it might be too late for you to regret it later.”

Even if this person didn’t like him, Chi Yao shouldn’t be fighting against his own health.

Fu Rong wanted to grab Chi Yao’s hand and drag him to the hospital. “If it’s an incurable disease, going to the hospital won’t help.”

Fu Rong’s gaze darkened. “Chi Yao, don’t be like this.”

Chi Yao smiled. “Whether I live or die has nothing to do with you. This is the last time I’ll say it—don’t show up in front of me again. I don’t want to see you. I don’t like you.”

Chi Yao’s tone turned cold, making his point clear.

Fu Rong clenched his fists, feeling his bones stiffen. “Fine, as you wish.”

His good intentions were met with this coldness, leaving Fu Rong hurt. He quickly turned and left.

Chi Yao put his earphones back in and continued listening to music, unconcerned about whether Fu Rong was hurt by his words. With Fu Rong’s power and influence, plenty of people would try to get close to him—why did he need to cling to Chi Yao?

Chi Yao had sensed a change in Fu Rong’s feelings, which were different from his previous life’s experience of death, but Chi Yao didn’t want to engage in any romance again. As long as he had his baby, that was enough. He didn’t need anyone else.

During the first few months of pregnancy, everything was fine, but when winter came, and as the weather grew colder, Chi Yao began to vomit more frequently. His appetite strangely decreased, and the weight he had gained quickly dropped off in about half a month.

With the house heated, Chi Yao didn’t wear much indoors, but he appeared extremely thin, as if a gust of wind could blow him away.

Xue Zhongming and the others occasionally visited and were worried when they saw how skinny he had become. Chi Yao said there was something growing in his stomach that couldn’t be removed yet and would be dealt with next year. He didn’t go into further detail, and those around him, knowing his personality, didn’t press him.

Word soon reached Shen Ling, who hadn’t been in touch with Chi Yao for some time. Hearing that Chi Yao’s condition had worsened, Shen Ling drove to his house. Upon entering, he noticed Chi Yao’s rounded belly, like a small ball.

If Shen Ling didn’t know better, he might have thought Chi Yao was pregnant.

Chi Yao hadn’t expected Shen Ling to visit. He glanced at Xue Zhongming behind him, about to misunderstand, but Xue Zhongming quickly explained that they had bumped into each other by chance.

Chi Yao smiled and didn’t dig further. Even if Xue Zhongming had panicked and called Shen Ling because he believed Chi Yao was seriously ill, Chi Yao wouldn’t get angry.

After all, getting angry wasn’t good for someone who was pregnant.

“…I’m fine, but seeing all of you act like this makes me feel like I’m about to die,” Chi Yao said casually, without hesitation.

Shen Ling frowned. Despite his past behavior of playing with Chi Yao, that didn’t mean he’d be indifferent if something serious happened to him.

Especially now that Chi Yao had left him, Shen Ling couldn’t shake the feeling that his illness had worsened because of emotional pain, possibly due to their past relationship. Otherwise, how could Chi Yao’s condition have gotten so bad after a previous surgery?

Shen Ling sat beside Chi Yao and reached for his hand, but Chi Yao pulled away.

“Stop. Shen Ling, you don’t need to be too kind to me,” Chi Yao said, feeling like he might vomit again.

He didn’t say the rest, not wanting to make the atmosphere even more uncomfortable.

“Are you really fine?” Shen Ling asked, noticing Chi Yao’s calm expression. Despite his thin appearance, Chi Yao’s energy and spirit were still intact—it didn’t seem like he was terminally ill.

“I’m fine. Really. Do I look like someone who would let themselves suffer without reason?”

Chi Yao laughed, his smile full of confidence. But then, suddenly, he began to retch. He didn’t throw up anything, just dry heaving.

Shen Ling exchanged glances with Xue Zhongming, who shook his head. Shen Ling handed Chi Yao a cup of hot water. Chi Yao took a couple of sips and then leaned back on the sofa, looking lazy, like an animal ready to hibernate.

“Stay for lunch?” Chi Yao didn’t rush Shen Ling to leave. Since he was here, whether his intentions were sincere or not, it showed that Shen Ling still cared a bit. Deep down, Chi Yao knew he still had some feelings for Shen Ling, but it wasn’t love anymore.

“I’ll pass. I’ve got things to do. Really, Chi Yao, if anything happens, let me know. I’ll do whatever I can to help,” Shen Ling said before leaving.

Chi Yao chuckled softly. “Sure.”

“We’re still friends, right?” Shen Ling asked before walking out.

“Of course,” Chi Yao nodded slightly.

Shen Ling left, while Xue Zhongming stayed behind. Chi Yao glanced at him, noticing his avoidance of eye contact.

“Don’t worry, I’m not upset. It’s good that he came. It shows things are different now.” Chi Yao said, reflecting on how in his previous life, when he lay dying in the hospital, Shen Ling had come to visit, but without the same concern he showed now. Everyone had changed a little.

“I’m going upstairs to rest. Call me when lunch is ready,” Chi Yao said before taking the elevator to his bedroom to sleep.

Xue Zhongming stayed downstairs and made a phone call to someone, who said they’d return tomorrow and come by.

The next day, Chi Yao was just about to go out. Even though it was cold, he needed some fresh air. Staying inside for too long made his body feel stiff. A little walk would be good for him and the baby.

Chi Yao wrapped a warm scarf around his neck. The driver opened the car door for him, but just as he was about to get in, a black sedan approached and stopped next to him.

A man stepped out of the car, looking tired, as if he had just rushed back from out of town.