He hadn’t considered these things when he first learned about the pregnancy; his mind was full of joy. However, as his belly grew more noticeable, he became uneasy.
In the Beautiful Courtyard, Su Xi had seen pregnant courtesans before—some kept by wealthy young ladies, some accidentally pregnant and unwilling to abort, some abandoned and struggling to survive, and some who had special preferences for intimacy with pregnant men.
Su Xi contemplated his future, believing he wouldn’t be abandoned. Even if he were, he could raise the child together, having the baby for company.
Later, Xiao Lian entered from the courtyard gate. “Brother, it seems the neighbors have changed; there are unfamiliar faces.”
Su Xi casually responded with a “Hmm,” which displeased Xiao Lian. She took the vegetables from his hand. “Did you hear what I said?”
Coming to his senses, Su Xi helplessly asked, “What’s wrong?”
Xiao Lian bit her lip. “I said the neighbors seem to have all changed; they’re all strangers now.”
“Maybe the neighbors have moved.” Su Xi felt some reluctance thinking of those who had helped them but didn’t pay much attention.
“Really?” Xiao Lian pouted. “That woman seems to not have come for several days. Is she marrying someone else?”
Su Xi fell silent, recalling Jin Yu’s words from that night: “I might be quite busy these days.”
For the health of both her and the baby, she advised, “Just sleep and don’t wait for me…”
Despite her message, he was accustomed to waiting for her each night and could not sleep.
Xiao Lian, noticing Su Xi’s dejected look, felt indignant. “I knew she wasn’t a good person. You’re pregnant; how could she suddenly stop coming?”
Su Xi smiled, taking the vegetables from Xiao Lian’s hand. “No, she might be busy. Don’t say such things about her. She’s very good.”
“No, not good at all,” Xiao Lian insisted, growing angry. Since her arrival, he could no longer sleep beside his brother as before. He glanced at the vegetables in Su Xi’s hand, then at her face, looking disappointed. “Were you thinking about her again?”
Su Xi fell silent. Yes, she missed her deeply. He wished he could see her anytime, anywhere. His hand covered his belly, feeling its slight protrusion, and he found comfort in the baby.
