Pregnant During An Apocalypse [BL]

Chapter 73: Chapter 73 - Scrutiny

Jai held his breath as he walked into the huge hall. The sounds of the TV news were loudly echoing in the large space. His father and grandfather were sitting with deep frowns. Jai paused. Why are they so serious?

The news was talking about a political clash between their country and Country D. It didn’t sound that bad—it was the usual political banter. But weirdly, his father’s reaction made it seem much worse than it was. Clearing his throat, he walked in. Both of their gazes fell on him heavily.

Jai froze, feeling the weight of his father and grandfather’s powerful gazes bearing down on him. Subtly, he stepped back, hiding behind Shao.

Suddenly, Shao, who had been invited as a guest, found himself upgraded to a shield against the intensity of their scrutiny.

Gritting his teeth, he forced a smile. ”Sir, I’m Shao, Jai’s friend,” he said, trying to maintain his composure despite the uncomfortable situation.

Jai’s father frowned deeply, his gaze appraising Shao. ”You look old.”

Inside, Shao cringed at the remark. Ahhh, I’m not old, he thought, but outwardly, he maintained his usual expression. ”Haha, it’s just that I look mature for my age. In fact, I’m just a few years older than Jai. I... I just came to drop him off. I’ll take my leave then.”

Shao couldn’t bear the weight of their powerful gazes any longer. He felt the urge to run, to escape from the uncomfortable atmosphere that hung in the air like a thick fog. With a quick nod, he turned on his heels and made a hasty exit, leaving behind the imposing presence of Jai’s father and grandfather.

Jai quickly grabbed hold of Shao’s arm and pulled him close. ”How can you send my friend off without giving him tea? Look how tired he is... Hahaha...” He awkwardly pulled Shao over to the sofa and forced him to sit down.

All the while, Shao was crying on the inside. This boy... he’s really so troublesome...

Despite his internal turmoil, Shao plastered a forced smile on his face, nodding along with Jai’s antics. ”Oh, it’s really not necessary, Jai. I don’t want to impose,” he said, glaring down at him subtly.

But Jai grinned playfully. ”Nonsense! You’re practically family. You have to stay for tea. Besides, my mom makes the best tea in town,” he insisted, flashing Shao a grin.

With a resigned sigh, Shao relented, knowing that arguing with Jai would be futile. ”Well, if you insist...”

As Jai disappeared into the kitchen to fetch the tea, Shao sank back into the sofa, feeling a mix of exhaustion.

As soon as Jai left the room, the two giants in front of him became much more apparent with their dislike towards him. ”I’ve seen this man running around my son recently. What do you think I should do, Father?” Jai’s father said to the older man.

The older man gazed at Shao, his expression stern. ”I would very much like to chase him out with a broom.”

Before they could finish, Shao interrupted, his voice slightly trembling. ”Sirs! I think you misunderstood something. Me and Jai, we are just mutual friends. We are not close one bit. In fact, we interacted only today. Jai was too kind to leave me without serving tea. Nothing else.”

The older grandpa scoffed. ”Young people lie a lot nowadays. He seems like a coward,” he said to Jai’s father.

Jai’s father nodded in agreement. ”I feel that vibe from him.”

Listening to all this, Shao was left feeling numb. What did I expect coming in here? These rich people are too weird...

Jai emerged from the kitchen with a tray of tea, serving it first to the elders before handing a cup to him. He subtly gripped his hand. ”I want to go,” he mouthed to Jai, his eyes pleading for understanding.

Jai winked and gestured for him to drink the tea. Reluctantly, Shao hurriedly gulped down the hot liquid. ”Ah, that was refreshing. It’s getting late, I have to get to work now. Thank you so much for your hospitality, sirs, and you too, Jai,” he said, forcing a fake smile.

Jai hid his mouth with his hand, chuckling softly. ”Yeah, yeah. Have a safe journey.”

Shao ran out of there like his ass was on fire.

”That one is not worth it. He can’t even handle us. How can he handle you?” Grandpa scoffed.

Jai shook his head with a smile. ”There is nothing between us.”

”If you expect us to believe that after you audaciously held hands and winked at each other.” The old man gazed at Jai’s father. ”See, even your son is lying to us. Tsk, am I too feudalistic that he has to hide it?”

Jai sighed. ”Why did you guys call me here? Just to make fun of me or what?”

The room suddenly fell silent and the elders became serious again. ”We need to see your friend Yunfeng.”

Jai paused. ”No. You’ll troll him. Poor kid, he is too timid to handle you two.”

”No, we need to see him, Jai. Something weird is going on and your friend seems to know it.”