The Sickly Beauty Beta Got Pregnant After A Political Marriage - Chapter 11

It wasn’t until they got off the car to transfer to a helicopter that Shen Jiayu realized Wen Xiuheng was truly taking him to the Ash Sea.

The helicopter flight took less than two hours to reach the area, cutting the travel time by more than half compared to driving.

On the way, Wen Xiuheng told him that if he felt up to it, they would stay overnight at a nearby hotel to rest early. That way, they could head out first thing tomorrow morning to catch the “blue hour” before sunrise.

Auntie Cui had already prepared and packed all the clothes and daily necessities they needed. The hotel and other arrangements were already booked.

Shen Jiayu was both surprised and happy, but he didn’t forget to worry about whether he was delaying Mr. Wen’s work, as today was technically still a workday.

Wen Xiuheng had pre-arranged a stay at the most high-end hotel in the area. The Ash Sea was a famous scenic spot, and after dinner, it was still early. Shen Jiayu looked at the Alpha with expectant eyes and asked if they could take a stroll nearby before heading back. Wen Xiuheng looked down at him and softly agreed.

The early spring weather was still a bit chilly, and Wen Xiuheng had prepared a thick coat for Shen Jiayu in advance.

The two walked side by side along the road, with Wen Xiuheng instinctively walking on the outer side. As they moved forward, the path grew quieter, and the warm colored streetlights on both sides flickered on, stretching their shadows.

Wen Xiuheng was usually the one to initiate topics. The Alpha, ten years his senior, expertly managed the depth of the conversation, ensuring the young boy didn’t feel intruded upon while gradually guiding him toward a comfortable and pleasant dialogue.

When the topic turned to Shen Jiayu’s love for painting, the boy’s rose colored eyes sparkled. The warm lamplight fell softly upon him, tracing his exquisite and beautiful silhouette, while his long eyelashes cast small shadows under his eyes.

When answering the Alpha’s questions, Shen Jiayu habitually looked into his eyes, believing this was the best way to show politeness and respect.

The way the boy focused on him during their eye contact caught the Alpha off guard more than once.

They reached an anonymous park filled with cherry blossom trees that had bloomed early for the spring.

Countless pinkish-white blossoms flourished under the ink-blue night sky. As they walked beneath the trees, occasional petals drifted down onto them.

Shen Jiayu looked up at the blossoms with joy and excitement. Without him noticing, Wen Xiuheng silently brushed away a few stray petals that had landed on the boy’s shoulder.

In the center of the park stood a wishing well, featuring a white statue of a child making a wish. The statue’s head was slightly bowed, hands clasped to the chest, and eyes closed in prayer. The water surrounding the statue was crystal clear, with many coins of various denominations and countries scattered across the bottom.

Shen Jiayu couldn’t look away from the statue. When he saw the coins in the well, a look of surprise and anticipation gradually colored his face.

How could Wen Xiuheng not see what the boy was hoping for?

The Alpha scanned the surroundings. While Shen Jiayu was looking down at the coins in the pool, he walked toward a couple who looked like they had just finished making a wish and were about to leave.

After a brief exchange, the Alpha returned to Shen Jiayu’s side.

With eyes curved like crescents, the boy pointed at the coins at the bottom and said, “Mr. Wen, look.”

“Mm.” Wen Xiuheng looked at the smile on the boy’s lips, his voice carrying a hint of indulgence. “For you.”

He held out two coins to Shen Jiayu.

Shen Jiayu froze for a moment, he had assumed neither he nor Mr. Wen had any coins on them.

What he didn’t know was that Wen Xiuheng had just exchanged them with that departing couple. When the couple left, they were still bewildered as to why someone would trade a hundred yuan bill for the two remaining 10 yuan coins in their hands.

Looking at the two coins in the Alpha’s palm, Shen Jiayu gave a sweet smile and nodded: “Mhm! Thank you!”

He wanted to give one to Wen Xiuheng so they could each have one, but Wen Xiuheng insisted on giving both to him.

Following the statue’s pose, Shen Jiayu carefully cupped one coin in his palm and closed his eyes fervently. He prayed silently, hoping his father would wake up soon and that his mother would remain healthy and safe.

Then, he tossed the coin in.

As for the second coin, he also hoped…

Shen Jiayu stole a glance at Wen Xiuheng beside him.

The tall, handsome Alpha stood there, his silver-gray eyes quietly watching the coin he had just thrown. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

The coin eventually settled at the bottom, and the ripples from the toss slowly expanded in concentric circles.

Just like the Alpha’s heart, which was never quite still when he stood with the boy.

Shen Jiayu retracted his gaze and closed his eyes again.

With a gentle smile on his lips, he solemnly added a wish, he hoped Mr. Wen would always be safe and happy.

With that, the second coin was tossed into the water.

Along with the “plink” of the coin hitting the water, a sudden evening breeze rose.

The chilly wind blew through the cherry trees by the wishing well, instantly scattering countless blossoms.

“Oh…” The breeze mussed the boy’s light rose-colored hair, causing him to let out a small gasp.

Amidst the swirling pink and white petals, the Alpha stepped to the boy’s side, took off his black trench coat, and draped it over him.

The man’s coat was very large on the boy, reaching almost down to his ankles. Suddenly, Shen Jiayu felt himself surrounded by a crisp, clean scent.

Startled, Shen Jiayu looked up and said in a soft, panicked voice, “Mr. Wen, you should wear the coat, I…”

Before he could finish saying “I’m fine,” a large palm gently rested on the top of his head.

The Alpha’s deep, magnetic voice sounded in his ear, gentle yet carrying an undeniable refusal: “Don’t catch a cold.”

Staring into those silver-gray pupils, Shen Jiayu nodded blankly: “Okay…”

Shortly after, the two returned to the hotel to rest early.

Wen Xiuheng escorted Shen Jiayu to his room, his own room was right next door.

Standing at the doorway, Shen Jiayu said softly and obediently, “Goodnight, Mr. Wen.”

Just as he was about to turn into his room, he heard the man call his name: “Jiayu.”

Shen Jiayu stopped and looked back in confusion.

The Alpha sighed softly as if worried, raised an arm, and said warmly, “Come here.”

In that moment, Shen Jiayu seemed to understand the man’s intent and took a step toward him obediently.

A familiar palm pressed against his forehead, still carrying a slight chill.

A moment later, after confirming that Shen Jiayu was fine after their walk, the Alpha felt relieved and whispered, “Goodnight. I’ll come get you tomorrow morning.”

At the thought of seeing the blue hour he had been looking forward to as soon as he woke up, Shen Jiayu’s eyes curved: “Okay!”

Once back in his room, Shen Jiayu realized he was still wearing Mr. Wen’s coat.

He didn’t want to disturb him again, so he carefully hung the coat up, planning to return it first thing in the morning.

Looking at the garment, Shen Jiayu inexplicably thought about the last time he had wanted to tie a necktie for Mr. Wen. Today, Mr. Wen must have come straight from the office to pick him up, he was in a suit, wearing a coat over it, and a tie as well.

What about tomorrow? Tomorrow, would he have a chance to tie a necktie for Mr. Wen, fulfilling…

Shen Jiayu pursed his lips and thought, fulfilling his “obligations as a partner”…

The next day, the door was knocked on punctually.

Shen Jiayu, carrying his backpack and holding the coat, opened the door excitedly.

“Morning. Did you sleep well?” Perhaps because it was so early, the man’s voice was a few shades deeper than usual.

Today, Wen Xiuheng had changed into a more casual style, dark gray casual suit trousers paired with a black semi-high collared top, layered with a grayish-blue shirt, and a light gray trench coat on top. He looked elegant and abstinent, with a touch more languidness than his usual suit and tie look.

It was the first time Shen Jiayu had seen him in a casual outfit, but it was undeniably handsome. Shen Jiayu secretly thought to himself that Mr. Wen looked good in any style.

Only… Shen Jiayu glanced at his chest as if by accident. Today’s style didn’t require a necktie either.

Not dwelling on it further, Shen Jiayu softly wished Wen Xiuheng a good morning. He had slept early and well.

He handed over the coat: “Mr. Wen, I forgot to return your coat yesterday.”

“It’s fine.” Wen Xiuheng took the coat, draped it over his arm, and put it back in his room before they left. When he came back out, he had a beret in his hand.

Wen Xiuheng placed the hat on Shen Jiayu’s head and advised, “The wind at the seaside is strong.”

The beret matched Shen Jiayu’s outfit perfectly. Today, he wore a creamy-white knit sweater with a light blue shirt collar peeking out, and the light gray beret added a touch of youthful vitality.

Shen Jiayu loved the style and color scheme, his eyes curving as he said thank you.

Little did he know that in Wen Xiuheng’s room, there were several other styles of hats prepared in advance. He had simply chosen the one that best suited Shen Jiayu today.

Before leaving, Wen Xiuheng took the backpack from Shen Jiayu. It contained his drawing board and brushes; Shen Jiayu was thinking that it would be wonderful if he could paint the blue hour at the sea on the spot.

At 6:03 AM, the two arrived at the seaside.

The Ash Sea was, after all, a famous scenic spot. Even though they arrived early, there were already other tourists there.

Facing the vast, boundless ocean, a three story transparent glass building stood on the shore, a tourist structure built by an investor. Tourists could pay to enter for sightseeing and rest.

Wen Xiuheng led Shen Jiayu directly to the top floor. This floor was quiet and sparsely populated, it seemed there were only the two of them and some staff members, unlike the other two floors crowded with tourists.

By the time they sat down by the window, Shen Jiayu was even wondering if Mr. Wen had booked the entire floor.

Soon, the Ash Sea welcomed its “blue hour.”

The sky, the sea, the beach, the distant mountains… the entire world before them was dyed blue.

It wasn’t a depressing or sad blue, but a dreamy, pure blue, a quiet and profound blue.

It was a kind of shock that could only be experienced by seeing it in person.

Sadness, worry, and fear seemed to drift away with the sound of the morning waves, leaving only a heart that gradually calmed, immersed in that expanse of blue.

Shen Jiayu felt that in the moment it arrived, he almost forgot to breathe. He even felt a slight urge to cry.

This was the blue hour he had always wanted to see with his own eyes.

Emerging from his daze, Shen Jiayu quickly picked up his brush, stroke by stroke, painting the blue world before him.

Each time he looked up, he used his eyes and heart to record.

Each time he looked down, he used lines and pigments to depict.

The boy’s focused profile while painting was reflected in the man’s eyes. The curve of his beautiful lips, the long eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings, and the rose-colored eyes reflecting the faint light of the water, all blurred into the world’s blue, revealing the boy’s earnest focus and serene release.

Wen Xiuheng sat quietly by his side, accompanying him and watching him.

While Shen Jiayu focused on the scenery in his painting, Wen Xiuheng silently gazed at the scenery in his eyes.

A wordless atmosphere of mutual understanding flowed between the two.

By the time the blue world bid them farewell and morning officially arrived, Shen Jiayu finally finished his “Blue Hour” painting.

Looking at the completed work, the boy’s smile deepened, and he shared it with Wen Xiuheng with sparkling eyes.

It was a painting that looked almost identical to the blue world they had just witnessed.

Through the boy’s eyes, the painting had an added sense of healing and tranquility.

It was exactly how he felt during the time he just spent with the boy.

Even if different people see the same scenery and have different feelings, he thought that perhaps he was seeing the blue world through the boy’s eyes.

“It’s beautiful,” the man said, his lips curving in a sincere and calm compliment.

At those words, Shen Jiayu’s eyes crinkled with joy.

As morning fully broke, the shore became increasingly lively. Not only did the number of tourists grow, but countless seagulls took to the air.

Some tourists stood on the deck by the shore, arms raised with food in their palms, attracting seagulls to take the food from their hands.

Seeing this, Shen Jiayu’s face lit up with anticipation. With a lively expression, he asked in a soft voice, “Mr. Wen, can I go down and feed the seagulls too?”

From Wen Xiuheng’s perspective, the boy’s eyes were curved, his expression expectant, like a pure, spirited child softly and obediently seeking his permission.

No one could refuse Shen Jiayu like this, and Wen Xiuheng even less so.

In fact, faced with the boy’s liveliness and spirit, the man was momentarily dazed.

Mistakenly thinking Wen Xiuheng was worried about him catching a cold, Shen Jiayu said in a tiny voice, his cheeks flushing slightly, “Mr. Wen, I’ll only be out for a little bit…”

Shen Jiayu was acting spoiled with him.

Wen Xiuheng’s eyes darkened for a moment. After a pause, he walked to the boy, adjusted his hat and coat, and gently patted his head, saying in a low voice, “The wind is strong outside. Let’s go together.”

The boy immediately cheered: “Mhm, okay!”

They bought specialized seagull food on the first floor and headed to the deck.

Countless seagulls flew and circled above their heads, the clear sound of the wind echoing in their ears.

Shen Jiayu took some food in his palm and, like the other tourists, reached his hand out toward the sea and toward the sky.

A seagull soon landed near him.

It didn’t seem afraid of Shen Jiayu, instead of taking the food immediately, it landed on his arm, its bead-like black eyes meeting his.

Shen Jiayu let out a joyful laugh, instinctively looking at Wen Xiuheng beside him before turning back to the seagull with a smile: “Hello there, Mr. Seagull.”

The sea breeze hit them, ruffling Shen Jiayu’s hair and the hem of his clothes, his rose-colored hair dancing in the wind.

But Shen Jiayu was still beautiful.

Even the wind and the seagulls seemed to favor him.

The seagull snatched the food and gave a lighthearted cry before flying away.

Shen Jiayu turned back to Wen Xiuheng with those smiling eyes.

Actually, for the boy’s birthday, the man had prepared other things later, but at this moment, looking at the smile on the boy’s face, he couldn’t wait to say those words.

His silver-gray pupils met the rose-colored ones as Wen Xiuheng said, “Jiayu, happy birthday.”

Shen Jiayu laughed, looking incredibly happy and gentle.

He turned to face Wen Xiuheng, his tone full of sincerity: “Thank you, Mr. Wen. This is the most unforgettable birthday I’ve ever had.”

The sea wind roared in their ears.

He saw Shen Jiayu’s eyes curve expectantly again as he spoke softly through the sound of the wind: “Mr. Wen, can you tell me when your birthday is? I’d like to celebrate it with you when the time comes.”

Wen Xiuheng was silent for a moment.

In truth, he had never celebrated his birthday.

Because his birth was neither expected nor desired. He did not come into this world with love and blessings.

But looking at the boy’s smile, a thought called “anticipation” suddenly bloomed within him.

The sea breeze messed up the man’s hair and sent someone’s heartbeat into a frantic rhythm.

Inside his chest, the pounding of his heart grew stronger and stronger.

Amidst the drum like heartbeat, Wen Xiuheng finally spoke.

“Summer. August 9th.”

In this moment, someone fell completely. By the clamorous seaside, love was surging like the tide.