WKRA Chapter 2

Betas have underdeveloped reproductive systems, making pregnancy difficult. Ye Qiushi suffered greatly to bring his child into the world. Sometimes, he would wake in the middle of the night in pain, drenched in sweat, fumbling for painkillers and water. He couldn’t stand or sit for long periods, nor could he endure hunger or overwork. His body had grown inexplicably fragile.

The exhaustion from the early months of pregnancy had taken its toll. He had pushed through on sheer willpower, leaving his body permanently weakened.

There wasn’t much that could be done except to rest, avoid strain, and recover slowly.

Ye Qiushi left Li She in a hurry, afraid that lingering too long would lead to problems or losing control.

He had no family to turn to, only the wish for a companion. But his failed first love taught him that a beta without pheromonal appeal was destined to remain unfulfilled in matters of the heart. During an alpha’s susceptible period, a beta couldn’t offer the comfort they needed, and over time, the relationship would devolve into mutual torment.

Better to accept the reality of limited affection than to hope for true devotion. A child, at least, was tangible.

Ye Qiushi’s good looks and cool demeanor had once made him a sought-after figure. He exuded a calmness alphas lacked and a resilience rare in omegas, attracting plenty of admirers during his school days.

His first love was a tall, muscular alpha who wooed him with flowers, books, and milk tea—the typical tactics for courting an omega.

Back then, Ye Qiushi had been too young and naive, seeing those gestures as clumsy but sincere.

Polite rejections gave way to tacit acceptance, and eventually to reciprocation, with occasional signs of intimacy.

He was a lonely person, capable of enduring solitude but yearning for warmth and companionship.

Once someone made the effort to crack open his shell, they’d find soft flesh and a pearl—a heart filled with love and trust.

But that pearl had been shattered. In the shadows of the schoolyard, his alpha shielded an omega behind him, lashing out at Ye Qiushi first.

“You can’t even sense my pheromones. I was in a susceptible period, and you didn’t even notice.”

“What’s a beta like you expecting? You thought I was serious? It was just for fun.”

The same mouth that once whispered sweet nothings now spewed venomous words.

“You look all cold and aloof, but I bet you’re amazing in bed. What’s the difference from an omega anyway? Less foreplay?” A group of rowdy alphas in the adjacent private booth jeered, their laughter loud and vulgar.

Ye Qiushi, bending over to clear the table, heard every word.

“We dated for so long, and I didn’t even get to sleep with him. What’s he playing at, acting all high and mighty? I’m over it,” said a familiar voice.

“That’s a loss. Betas aren’t good for much, except they last longer than omegas.”

Alphas, with their genetic advantages, stood taller and stronger, with more opportunities and better access to resources. It seemed natural for them to fool around for a few years before settling down with a genetically compatible, obedient omega.

Ye Qiushi closed his shell.

Though his arrangement with Li She was supposed to be a transaction—a performance for the sake of a child—Ye Qiushi found his emotions wavering. He was no longer the naive fool who was easy to deceive, yet he couldn’t help but be affected by Li She’s growing affection.

Over time, Li She began to display unintentional acts of intimacy that left Ye Qiushi struggling to maintain his composure. Holding him close at night, sweat-soaked but unwilling to let go. Calling him “Qiubao.” Massaging his swollen feet. Pressing a hand to his forehead as soon as he got home.

His heart began to falter. He started caring too much about Li She’s actions, hoping the man’s gaze would linger on him just a little longer.

Until one night, he woke from a nightmare, calling out Li She’s name.

That’s when his mind finally cleared.

But his heart ached again.

Financially stable, Ye Qiushi bought a small house with a garden in the suburbs. He took on occasional investment consulting work, leading a quiet, slow-paced, and content life.

When things got too hectic, the neighbor’s son, Han Mei, would sometimes help look after the baby, earning some pocket money.

The little one would sleep belly-down on his stomach, blowing bubbles that caught the sunlight in rainbow hues. It was a pure, unshakable bond of reliance—his own flesh and blood.

How wonderful.

Ye Qiushi smiled contentedly, feeling true happiness.

“For a man, spending money is a crime, pitying them is a death sentence. It’s fine to admire their good looks, but don’t fall for their sweet words!” Han Mei declared dramatically while changing Jiujiu’s diaper, making Ye Qiushi laugh.

Han Mei was a sharp-tongued omega with a lively wit who often brightened Ye Qiushi’s day.

When Li She finally found Ye Qiushi, he was resting under a crabapple tree with a light blanket. He wasn’t thin, nor did he look sorrowful or regretful. When he opened his eyes and saw Li She, his pupils trembled briefly before he lowered his head, concealing his emotions. Softly, he greeted him, “Mr. Li.”

“Do you want to see Jiujiu? He’s just gone for a bath,” Ye Qiushi said, but before he could say more, he was swept into a tight embrace, unable to breathe.

“Come home with me,” Li She demanded, his eyes red from longing.

Ye Qiushi was flustered, stammering, “L-Li, Mr. Li, Jiujiu hasn’t—hasn’t differentiated yet.” After a moment, he steadied himself and looked into Li She’s eyes. “But he shows extremely low sensitivity to pheromones. He’s likely just an ordinary beta, like me.”

“You’ll have many outstanding children in the future. Can you leave him to me?”

“He’s my child, and he’s your child too,” Li She replied bluntly. “And you’re mine.”

Li She hated human infants. Just thinking about them annoyed him. But the little pink bundle Ye Qiushi had given him? Barely tolerable.

“I won’t have any other children,” Li She added irritably.

As always, his tone left no room for argument. He was used to issuing commands, and Ye Qiushi, as his former assistant, was used to obeying them.

The metal of Li She’s wristwatch pressed coldly against Ye Qiushi’s skin, making him squirm uncomfortably.

His loosely fastened shirt revealed faint glimpses of pale skin and two rosy marks like blooming red plum blossoms.

Li She’s face flushed deep red.

“Were you thinking about sleeping with me, Mr. Li?” Ye Qiushi adjusted his shirt, exhaled lightly, and quickly dispelled the discomfort in his heart.

Not so bad, actually. Li She was a high-quality alpha with a great physique, and it wasn’t like he minded.

Betas, after all, weren’t good for much—just a bit more durable in bed.

He had known that all along.

And that’s when Li She realized that the ever-compliant Ye Qiushi had never truly cared about him.

Angry, Li She habitually pressed his tongue against the inside of his cheek, a habit that didn’t escape Ye Qiushi’s notice.

“You’re really disobedient,” Li She muttered before lifting Ye Qiushi into his arms and heading straight for the exit without another word.

Han Mei entered the yard, pushing Jiujiu in a stroller, just as Li She stormed out. Li She didn’t spare him a glance, his jaw clenched tightly.

No wonder there was a cloying scent in the air—Ye Qiushi had been living with someone else.

The ever-polite bodyguard blocked Han Mei’s path as Li She loaded Ye Qiushi into his car. Only then did Ye Qiushi begin to panic.

“Wait, Jiujiu!” he cried out.

Li She had completely forgotten about his son.