Beta on the Run: Mr. CEO, Take it Easy! - Chapter 13

The ride back was quiet. Chi Xinglan leaned against the car window, lost in thought as he stared at the deep, heavy night outside.

Xiao Lin drove in silence, stealing occasional glances at the rearview mirror. He wanted to say something, turning over several comforting phrases in his mind, but ultimately chose to stay quiet. Given his position, it wasn’t his place to speak.

“What’s the date today?” Chi Xinglan asked.

“December 25th,” Xiao Lin replied. “It’s Christmas.”

So, it was already the 25th. There were only five days left until the contract ended. For the first time, Chi Xinglan felt that time was moving incredibly slowly. Just that morning, he had felt it was moving too fast, even feeling a touch of reluctance to see it end.

Snowflakes drifted through the window, landing on his face with a cold touch. Chi Xinglan gently wiped them away, watching the bustling crowds and the kaleidoscope of Christmas decorations lining the streets. Santas were handing out candy, and Christmas trees shimmered with brilliant lights. A thick festive atmosphere filled every alleyway.

He suddenly remembered last Christmas. He had been decorating the tree in the yard when Liang Xiao brought over a pile of gift boxes to surround it. He had initially thought they were just props, but they were actually filled with presents. It had been snowing lightly that night, just like tonight. They had kissed in the snow.

Ding-dong.

A message arrived from Liang Xiao.

Liang Xiao: Have you made it home safely? Liang Xiao: I have some matters to handle tonight. Go to sleep first; don’t wait up for me.

What matters did he have to handle? Where was he right now? At the hotel or at home? Was he comforting an Omega in heat?

Chi Xinglan knew Liang Xiao wouldn’t be coming home tonight. Logically, he should have felt angry or betrayed, but he didn’t. His heart was as still as a pool of stagnant water, without a single ripple. Yet, looking at the couples outside, he couldn’t help but remember every little detail of his time with Liang Xiao.

Xiao Lin checked the mirror again. He was constantly monitoring Chi Xinglan’s condition. Seeing his pale face, he couldn’t help but ask, “Brother Chi, are you alright? Do you feel unwell?”

Chi Xinglan just felt cold. Even though the window was closed and the heater was running, a bone-chilling frost seemed to seep through the cracks and penetrate his skin, making him shiver uncontrollably. It was so cold. This winter felt colder than any other in his life.

Beyond the cold, a dull, twisting pain began to throb in his abdomen. The combined sensation of pain and cold instantly overwhelmed him. Chi Xinglan curled into a ball in the backseat, hugging his arms.

Seeing this, Xiao Lin immediately swerved the car toward the hospital. “Brother Chi, I’m taking you to the hospital right now! Hang on!”

As Chi Xinglan broke into a cold sweat and neared unconsciousness, Xiao Lin carried him into the emergency room. Then, everything went black.

While the doctor examined Chi Xinglan, Xiao Lin paced the hallway anxiously. He finally stopped a passing physician. “Doctor, how is he?”

The doctor looked at him coldly. “Are you his husband?”

Xiao Lin shook his head vigorously. “He’s my boss.”

The doctor’s expression softened slightly. “He’s pregnant. It’s naturally harder for a Beta to conceive, and even when they do, the body becomes much more fragile. The patient is under extreme emotional stress; he fainted from sheer mental exhaustion.”

Xiao Lin froze, feeling a wave of lingering fear. So, Brother Chi really was pregnant.

As the doctor explained, Beta pregnancies were precarious. The environment, physical condition, and especially the mood of the expectant father were vital. Regarding the “mental exhaustion,” Xiao Lin couldn’t help but think of the scene at the wrap party. He let out a silent sigh.

“Tell the patient not to overthink things,” the doctor continued. “He needs to relax and keep his spirits up. Watch his diet and make sure he gets plenty of rest. Ideally, he should be on bed rest.”

Xiao Lin nodded. But today was his last day on this assignment since the production had wrapped. Starting tomorrow, he would be moved to a different project.

Xiao Lin stayed by the bedside until Chi Xinglan woke up. When he opened his eyes, he was met with a sea of white and the sharp, familiar sting of disinfectant.

“Is this the hospital?”

Xiao Lin poured him a glass of warm water, looking relieved. “Brother Chi, you’re finally awake. I was worried sick.”

Chi Xinglan drank some water to soothe his throat. He only remembered fainting. “What happened to me?”

Xiao Lin hesitantly handed him the lab report. “The doctor says you’re pregnant. Nearly three months.”

Chi Xinglan’s hand trembled as he took the paper. The diagnostic result read: Gestation.

He was pregnant. Three months. Calculating the dates, it must have been the night before Liang Xiao’s last business trip.

He had fantasized about being pregnant countless times, facing hope and disappointment over and over again. Now that his wish had come true, it didn’t feel real. He didn’t know how to feel, especially now that he had resolved to leave Liang Xiao.

Before leaving the hospital, Chi Xinglan spoke with the doctor.

“Congratulations on your pregnancy,” the doctor said.

Chi Xinglan’s smile was strained. “Thank you.”

“The father is an Alpha, correct?”

“Yes.”

“The baby is fine for now,” the doctor warned, “but your emotional state is too volatile. If this continues, it won’t be good for the baby’s development. It could even lead to a miscarriage.”

Chi Xinglan took a deep breath. His voice was raspy and low as he struggled to speak. “If I don’t want this child…”

He couldn’t finish the sentence.

The doctor frowned and advised, “You should know that this child is a rare gift for someone in your position. If you give up this baby, there’s no guarantee you will ever conceive again.”

Chi Xinglan knew. Of course he knew.

“If it’s a matter of financial difficulty,” the doctor added, “the state provides excellent benefits and policies for Beta pregnancies. You don’t need to worry.”

“No, that’s not the reason,” Chi Xinglan replied.

The doctor thought back to the cause of the fainting spell and sighed. “Think it over. If you truly decide against it, come back for the procedure as soon as possible.”

Chi Xinglan walked out of the hospital, feeling like a ghost. He had very little time to decide. But in truth, he had no choice. Whether he kept the baby or not, he could no longer stay with Liang Xiao.

Xiao Lin dropped him off at his door. As they parted, Chi Xinglan made a request. “Please don’t tell anyone about the pregnancy.”

He didn’t want Liang Xiao to know. He was determined to leave, and this child was an accident. He didn’t want Liang Xiao to keep him just because of a baby. If it were possible, he would have loved a happy family.

Before leaving, Xiao Lin hesitated for a long time. Finally, he said, “Brother Chi, if you ever need help, you can contact me anytime.”

Chi Xinglan didn’t refuse. Perhaps, in the near future, Xiao Lin really would be able to help him.

The house was dark and empty. A hollow sense of loss filled his heart. He knew Liang Xiao wouldn’t be home, yet the disappointment was still sharp. He tucked the lab report away and gently stroked his abdomen.

“Little one, you didn’t pick the best time. But, welcome.”

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