"It was all just a misunderstanding, Yue ger. Why would Jin ger and Brother Heng be wary of you? You must’ve overthought it."
Yue ger snapped out of it and shot Mu ger a deep, lingering look - one that sent a chill down Mu ger’s spine, as if something lurking in the shadows had fixed its gaze on him.
His scalp prickled, but he stiffened his resolve and grabbed Wang Jin’s hand. "Yeah, just a misunderstanding! A-Jin, didn’t you always want to reconcile with Yue ger? Here’s your chance."
With that, he placed Wang Jin’s hand into Yue ger’s. Yue ger paused for only a split second before curling his fingers around Wang Jin’s in a seemingly friendly grip.
"I knew I was overreacting. A-Jin and Brother Heng are so kind, why would they distrust me?" Yue ger’s smile was sweet, but his next words dripped with venom. "Let’s reconcile today… and take things slowly from now on."
The way he said "take things slowly" made Wang Jin’s skin crawl.
"……" Wang Jin stayed silent. Yuan Heng swiftly pulled Wang Jin’s hand back, tucking it securely into his own palm as he stared coldly at Yue ger.
Thanks to Mu ger’s earlier spin, the crowd assumed Yuan Heng was just being his usual jealous self. A few beastmen even chuckled good-naturedly at his possessiveness. Yuan Heng ignored them, shielding Wang Jin like a fortress.
Yue ger’s gaze never left Yuan Heng, burning with an intensity that bordered on obsession.
The leader frowned and stepped forward, pulling Yue ger into his arms.
Snapping out of his trance, Yue ger turned and offered the leader a soothing smile.
To the lovestruck leader, his ger’s smile was the ultimate cure for suspicion. Overjoyed at finally winning the ger’s affection, he felt like he was floating on clouds - all doubts melting away.
He escorted Yue ger back to their seats, piling his plate high with delicacies as if trying to gift him the entire world.
Only after Yue ger left did Mu ger realize he was drenched in cold sweat, his clothes clinging uncomfortably to his skin. He leaned toward Wang Jin and whispered, "A-Jin… that guy’s not right. Be careful."
Wang Jin nodded. He’d noticed.
Yue ger had just declared war to his face.
Xi ger, watching from a distance, clenched his fists silently.
Suddenly, he understood why his friend had agreed to marry the leader, and why he’d chosen such an extreme path.
He wanted revenge… He’s definitely targeting Wang Jin and Yuan Heng.
What should I do?
____
After the banquet, Yuan Heng and Wang Jin walked home in stark contrast to their earlier cheer. Wang Jin, who’d skipped to the feast like an excited rabbit, now trudged like a disgruntled goose, swaying with every step.
Amused, Yuan Heng caught his hand. "Still upset about what happened earlier?"
Wang Jin glanced up. The man looked devastatingly handsome in the crimson robes he’d tailored - long, sleek, and tied with a red silk ribbon.
Privately, Wang Jin had designed it to resemble wedding attire, a subtle jab at Yue ger’s marriage. No one in the tribe would recognize the symbolism, but now he regretted it.
Why did I make him look this good? Now Yue ger’s even more obsessed!
Gritting his teeth, Wang Jin leaned in and bit Yuan Heng’s arm. "This is your fault for being so irresistible!"
His glare was lethally charming, enough to steal souls. Yuan Heng’s heartbeat thundered like rapid drumbeats.
Squeezing Wang Jin’s hand, he said quietly, "He’s married now. Nothing will happen."
Nothing?! He literally threatened me!
Wang Jin yanked his hand away.
Yuan Heng blinked, taken aback by the reaction. "Should I speak to the leader tomorrow?"
"……" Wang Jin froze.
Yuan Heng and the leader already had a strained relationship. If Yuan Heng accused Yue ger of still clinging to him, the leader who was head over heels for Yue ger would only blame Yuan Heng.
After finally settling into the tribe, Yuan Heng had already risked his standing by exiling Ju ger and others for Wang Jin’s sake. If this escalated…
Wang Jin deflated. "No. You’re right. He’s married, it’s fine."
He sounded like he was trying to convince himself.
Then, he grabbed Yuan Heng’s collar and hissed, "But you! Stay away from him! No contact whatsoever!"
Wang Jin was so close his lashes brushed Yuan Heng’s cheek. Puffed up like an angry hamster, his lips puckered unintentionally, as if begging for a kiss.
Yuan Heng’s throat went dry. He leaned down and pecked those lips. "Never. You’re the only one I want."
"……!" Wang Jin jumped back, hand flying to his mouth.
No matter how many times they kissed, it always felt like the first time.
And no matter how often Yuan Heng said it, his love words never failed to make Wang Jin’s heart race.
Clutching his chest, Wang Jin bolted home. Yuan Heng watched him go, eyes overflowing with tenderness.
Back home, Yuan Heng tried to cheer Wang Jin up, but his mood remained sour.
Finally, Yuan Heng cupped his face. "Tell me. What will make you happy again?"
Wang Jin almost said he was just tired. But a mischievous idea struck him.
Spotting the fruit wine nearby, he grinned. "I want to see drunk Brother Heng."
Yuan Heng followed his gaze to the wine.
He knew this wine well, it left most ger dizzy, needing their beastmen to carry them home.
But for a beastman to lose control , that would be dangerous. They had to stay alert to protect their ger.
Even within the tribe…
Yuan Heng hesitated. Seeing this, Wang Jin pouted in displeasure.
"Knew you wouldn’t do it."
Pressing his lips together, he stood up to head to bed.
With a heavy sigh, Yuan Heng walked over to the fruit wine, uncorked a bottle, and began drinking.
Wang Jin’s eyes lit up, gleaming with anticipation as he stared at Yuan Heng.
One bottle after another, Yuan Heng drank relentlessly. By the time the family's entire stock was nearly depleted, his expression remained unchanged.
Wang Jin’s initial excitement gradually faded into drowsiness.
As the last bottle was emptied, Wang Jin finally stood. "Forget it. Even after all this, you’re still sober. Guess you really are immune to alcohol. Let’s just sleep."
He tugged Yuan Heng up, and the man obeyed, though his movements seemed oddly sluggish.
Wang Jin took two steps forward, but Yuan Heng didn’t follow. Instead, he suddenly pulled Wang Jin back, resting his head heavily on his shoulder.
Wang Jin froze.
The moment Yuan Heng leaned in, the overwhelming scent of alcohol hit him, so potent it was almost intoxicating on its own.
He steadied the man, only for Yuan Heng to sway unsteadily, then collapse against him entirely.
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