22 Wanting You

Today, Madea's Kindergarten is lively.

Sent off to school by his two fathers, Serin began his day in high spirits. The other children warmly greeted him, and their excited chatter became so raucous that it pained the teacher's ears. They were all abuzz with talk about Serin's castle and how Serin was akin to a prince.

Although a day had already passed since Serin's birthday party, the memories of the fun they had lingered vividly in their minds. Especially since their parents always remind them to get along with Serin and befriend the little prince, hoping to get a little benefit.

Children are innocent but some adults are calculative.

Soon, a rumor began circulating within the affluent social circles, suggesting that the prominent figure who held sway over the technology industry had fathered a child with the renowned national figure. This rumor set tongues wagging and led to a flurry of speculation and intrigue.

Qise was caught completely off guard by this unexpected rumor.

He had anticipated that people might talk about his host, but the rumor had taken an entirely different turn. Now, in the eyes of others, he was seen as an omega who had been concealing his true gender, marriage, and even the birth of his heir. This revelation stirred up a storm of dissatisfaction and unease among those who had long coveted the position of Mrs. Dhallian. They were left grappling with a dilemma – the beta they believed him to be was, in fact, an omega, and he had a son with a national figure they couldn't even afford to offend.

In a panic, Qise called Conrad and explained.

Qise wanted to clarify the public opinion but why would Conrad, who planned the whole thing let it happen? This has been his plan since Serin started to call him father. He's been craving that he couldn't help his desire to tie Qise within his presence, so he created this whole rumor to make Qise feel pressure and suggest marriage just like he and the little kid wanted.

He thought he could resist his dark thoughts but the more he spent time with Qise, the more he wanted Qise to himself, so selfishly.

"It doesn't matter to me, if you clear it up what about the child?"

Qise suddenly fell into a deep thought.

His host is hard to handle as a kid, he can only have his retirement once Serin grows up. When his host grows up and remembers everything then his complicated relationship with Conrad will end because his host knows that a system like his can't enter into any form of relationship.

"I...I don't know. I'll think about it."

Qise bid farewell and was about to hang up when Conrad suddenly asked him to have dinner with the kid as his acquaintance opened a restaurant and was invited to the opening.

It was an invitation, Conrad's voice was too soft for Qise to reject.

He called his secretary and asked about his schedule before agreeing with Conrad. 

At noon, Serin was both surprised and happy upon seeing his two fathers so he ran towards them and grabbed each of their thighs, standing in between and looking back at his friends, happily saying, "Goodbye, see you tomorrow!"

Xanric looked at Serin who had two fathers enviously.

"Bye, see you tomorrow~"

Conrad lifted the child and put him inside the car.

Qise was about to go sit in the back seat but Conrad closed the door and said, "Sit in the passenger, I'm not a driver right?"

Qise paused and slowly nodded.

Conrad courteously held the door open for Qise before circumnavigating the vehicle and slipping into the driver's seat. He ignited the engine and smoothly pulled away. 

In the rear seat, Serin began to hum as he removed his beret, unzipped his backpack, and retrieved his sketchbook. He was eager to resume the artwork he had started earlier. He had recently completed a drawing featuring Xanric, himself, and his friends. Now, he was determined to finish the one with his parents so he could present it to them.

"Right, I've asked my secretary to monitor public opinion," Conrad stated.

He concealed his smile and pressed his lips together, glancing at the rearview mirror to observe the child in the back seat.

"I've instructed them to quell any information regarding Serin, so you need not concern yourself," he continued.

Qise hesitated, at a loss for words. He had originally anticipated that his host's identity would be revealed to the public, but instead, speculation arose about his relationship with Conrad. While he is relieved that Serin's identity remains concealed following the extravagant party, his relationship with Conrad is now too complicated.

"I can handle this matter myself; there's no need for you to trouble yourself," Qise remarked with a sigh. "I'm simply embarrassed that you've become entangled in such a rumor with me."

Qise held significant status in the business industry, and every one of his actions was scrutinized by those who operated in the shadows. In a world dominated by technology and science, his invention was a coveted target for those with malicious intentions. Now, with a rumor linking him to Conrad, a renowned scientist, he was certain to attract even more attention.

Conrad hides his frown.

"I just want to help you since I know you're busy, besides the government is the one who's handling public opinion related to me."

Conrad tightened his grip on the steering wheel.

"Perhaps, you don't like me and feel uncomfortable being rumored with me?"

Qise senses a touch of sadness in Conrad's voice and without thinking he blurts out... "N-No!"

Qise's face turned red and said in a low voice, "I mean, I don't care about public opinion, I just thought you'd be uncomfortable with the rumor so I wanted to pay attention to it."

Conrad let out a low laugh.

"Don't worry aren't we considering marriage?"

Conrad's tone carried a touch of playfulness, and Qise's eyes widened as his face grew even redder. He shot a furtive glance at the host in the back seat, who was engrossed in drawing, completely oblivious to their exchange which made him breathe a sigh of relief.

"Don't tease me."

Conrad let out a chuckle and cast a brief, meaningful glance at Qise, saying, "I'm giving it some thought."

Throughout the journey, Qise's face is redder than a tomato.

Qise hadn't anticipated Conrad to possess such a penchant for teasing. It made him question the validity of the rumors he'd heard, as the man by his side was clearly quite distinct from his preconceived notions. What had initially been a professional connection to assist his host had unexpectedly evolved into a close and affectionate relationship. Now, he found it increasingly difficult to ignore the attraction he felt for Conrad, who seemed too compelling to resist.

Upon reaching the restaurant, Conrad was the first to exit the vehicle. 

He opened the door for Qise and then embraced the child in the back seat, who clung tightly to his drawing book, unwilling to let it go.

Qise tried to get the drawing book and said "We will eat inside, leave your drawing book in the car. You can continue drawing later."

Serin shook his head, "No. No."

Qise sighs, "Listen to me, you will have nowhere to put that later--"

"No!"

Serin slaps Qise's hand and hugs Conrad, hiding the drawing book in between them.

Conrad patted the child's back and said, "It doesn't matter I'll ask the waiter to put an extended table, it's better to take his things with us in case the child gets bored."

Qise feels helpless but still agrees with Conrad.

When they entered the restaurant they were greeted by Conrad's friend.

The restaurant featured a modern design, with half of its walls made of glass, offering a view of the outdoor scenery. It exuded an appealing ambiance, unlike some modern establishments that felt rather dull. Qise was captivated by this atmosphere and decided he would frequent this restaurant in the future.

"I honestly thought you wouldn't be able to make it, so I'm pleasantly surprised." 

Conrad arched an eyebrow. "I wouldn't have accepted your invitation if I couldn't come. Besides..." He glanced at Qise and reached for his hand, causing Qise's face to flush once more as he gazed at their intertwined fingers.

"I brought someone with me," Conrad stated.

Rhellio laughed and patted his friend's shoulder. "Ah, I see. You've brought your lover. That's quite unexpected."

Conrad didn't bother to correct his friend, and Qise, still absorbed in the sensation of their linked hands, missed the significance of some of their words.

Serin also laughed and greeted his father's friend.

"Your rumored son is good-looking."

Conrad hummed, "You've been listening to gossip, haven't you?"

Rhellio raised his hand in a playful gesture. "I can't help it. Your relationship with the CEO of Dhallian Company has become a widespread rumor, known to nearly everyone in different industries. It's quite astonishing that you managed to keep it hidden for so long. Look at this, the child has grown so much."

Conrad cast a glance at Qise, expecting a reaction. However, Qise remained in a dazed state, still fixated on their linked hands, which elicited a chuckle from Conrad.

"Well, we'll talk about this sometime."

"All right. Come, I'll give you a table, make sure to eat well, my chefs are talented."

"Add a table for my child's belongings; he refuses to let go."

Rhellio glanced at the drawing book the child clutched and nodded in understanding. "It's rather unexpected; you seem more like a father now."

Conrad didn't mind his friend's misunderstanding. Once they reached their table, he pulled a chair out for Qise and seated Serin beside him. Qise, still in a daze, wanted to have Serin sit next to him in case his host caused any disruption during the meal, but Conrad insisted that he would take care of it so that Qise could enjoy his food.

"What would you like to try? You can order anything you want."

Qise studied the menu and selected some dishes for the child before indicating his own choices.

"This restaurant is indeed impressive. I'm pleasantly surprised they offer meals that are good for children."

"Rhellio initially meant this as a family restaurant."

Qise appeared surprised, understanding why he hadn't seen many two-person tables. He guessed coming here alone with be awkward if the surroundings were full of family dinners.

"Dad! Daddy! Look!"

Serin who was busy earlier to finish his drawing finally had a chance to show it to his parents. He proudly held the drawing book high and said, "I draw our family!"

I draw our family.

The two adults couldn't help their hearts quickening as they gazed at the child's simple drawings. Something deep within Conrad's heart was touched, and Qise, too, felt a wave of complex emotions.

That's right. His host was just an ordinary child now.

He's really glad that they decided to retire rather than continue traveling.

Part of him wished his host could remain a child and not remember anything, yet his conscience urged him to hope for his host to grow up, remember his past, and choose to live as a regular human being in this world. In that way, his host could relieve the first life he failed to live.

"Baby is good."

Conrad couldn't resist the impulse, and he gently scooped the child into his arms, enfolding the little one in a warm embrace. A broad smile graced his face, and his heart swelled with a longing so strong that he yearned for Serin to truly be their child, shared by both him and Qise.

However, Qise is a beta, so having the urge to have a blood-related child is just like hoping Qise to be an omega. Such a betrayal thoughts made him feel guilty.

He knew he liked Qise the way he was, and having Serin as their child should be enough.

He shouldn't be greedy.

As long as he could make Qise fall in love with him and marry him, that's enough.

Qise stared at the two and smiled, unknowingly saying what was in his heart. 

"Yes, our baby is good."

Conrad froze and stared at Qise, his eyes burning. He already confirmed his desire and he's sure that he fell in love with Qise at first sight, if not then how can he explain what he is feeling right now? He wanted to possess Qise and build this family.

He believed that Qise was his mate.