Jinbao Marries a Wife

The mountain path was difficult, and after not walking very far, the horse couldn’t go any further, so they had to continue on foot.KMMOzcvViFdnOUnBeZkrIOOpssFWkx

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It was the middle of the night. Jinbao had been busy all day, and now, this late without having eaten dinner or slept, his energy was fading, and he kept yawning.bhzveVngVsKGMRkVsIVnOFIPZSDaqd

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Que Siming couldn’t help but say, “If you’re really that tired, we can rest for a bit before going on.”GTnmpQibFwQYDFwlHmbzUXVESagCFB

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“No need. Aren’t you in a rush to save someone?”bwCDpcamjicvosJmLnoGbhYMkTpbUG

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“We’re too far away. Whoever sent the signal has either already been saved by others from Yaogu or has been killed by Wu’s people. Going there won’t make a difference now.”fJAIrZEPHcPXtJEijQaRQKDnoxJzOW

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Jinbao got irritated upon hearing this. “Are you messing with me again? You were all fired up earlier.”silxYBtagLzBKuXXSnkClgDlzMZpcL

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The doctor innocently raised his hands. “I only realized how tough this path was after we started. Even by tomorrow, we might not make it in time. I’m not messing with you.”DyPXtiThjOOHsyeneBAFSwnDvCHBHv

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Jinbao knew he’d been tricked. He turned to leave, snapping, “You bastard! I knew it! Just my luck. Go on your own, I’m done.”RQoxzznhfTUaedaETwVNoTzUTDPrwD

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After going through all this trouble to trick him into coming, there was no way Que Siming would let him leave like this. He grabbed him. “Don’t go. I’m not lying to you. I’ve never been in these mountains before, how was I supposed to know there was no path? What’s with your temper, always flaring up? Move again, I dare you!”YHqoiBuuhHkUrEldOtszLhqTGwkgrE

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Jinbao turned around, tussling with him, refusing to go any further. He really was too stubborn. He thought about how he couldn’t use his inner strength and wondered how he’d be of any help against Yu Mingjing. He realized he shouldn’t have bothered with this at all.HejYlopnzBVTKrjCunXmfpjoBNpXpp

mIMLWQdFkYgXufz

Que Siming held onto his wrist, lightly placing his fingers on Jinbao’s pulse. “Don’t move. Let me check. Your inner strength is sealed? Don’t worry, even without Lou Jingyu, I can help you recover.”APNDLvqFZPwJxGIJiiQzTndrqLLHjX

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For a martial artist, having their inner strength sealed was truly unbearable. Hearing this, Jinbao wavered a little. “Really?”pebypQjMhZjDDmaNYpTSenlPgKfFmH

MBBHrnPfXsLfAvP

Que Siming pressed down on his shoulder. “Come on, sit down first and let me take a proper look.”VGHgiijgiWOOufinPGwPCCLCiNbfTO

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Jinbao hesitated for a moment, then finally sat down on the ground.uqiCcpRNzfUjSHKhoKymSQNngFfXYU

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Que Siming checked his pulse while feeling several key points on Jinbao’s body. His technique, neither too light nor too heavy, made Jinbao feel that something was off, though he couldn’t quite place what it was.hdwcRvhwPxEgTWmgyFLzewldmUfqyf

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Just as Jinbao was about to lose patience, Que Siming withdrew his hand and said, “It’s nothing serious. The medicine from the Lou family was actually formulated by my master. Yaogu has the antidote. Come back to Dongting Lake with me.”eaOueyqpxKTOZtvFcYYxcvPIZjTkJC

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Jinbao, now more cautious, glared at him. “Are you tricking me again?”uSnoowsTodmuPFrDhALLzQiRoxCwpB

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“No, I’m telling the truth. I don’t have the antidote on me right now, so I can’t help you here. But if you come back with me to Dongting Lake, you’ll regain your inner strength right after taking it.”NIvGfTbBuQidzWkxMKKgLRDKWhokWU

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Jinbao snorted. “Dongting Lake is so far away, and Mount Qixia is much closer. I might as well go find Lou Jingyu instead of going out of my way.”AWJeYBXxUzGkpgJgOoYIKZYtENvTsB

mOpeCqFBbEqdxUi

Que Siming, now flustered, quickly changed his tune. “We don’t have to go to Dongting Lake. Once we’re down the mountain, I’ll get the ingredients from the city and make the antidote for you.”ZrVwvwgFCxCjNwvPOnjBGKivVpoHUB

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“Really?”euqYQinBqxSFPQJCubNjVDAZQXoddB

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“Really.”olXuBVAwPaxfkCDwotAqkKFWUaZPgX

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Jinbao nodded, “Then let’s go down the mountain.”dgAEmheSsOSgcfpRCZpkEztJJGURUT

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Que Siming held him back, not letting him stand up, his tone carrying a hint of bitterness. “Xiaohu, no matter what, you really won’t come back to Yaogu with me?”uBFrzqCmBlpJsAPlvxhTddfeGEXKQL

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Jinbao shook his head. “No, I won’t.”AaSpUIqZlkJStVRndaWbdaSGKsFvvu

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“I really didn’t expect you to be this heartless.”pfvQLLwLPgITERBuLbaqSsyEBYoLFZ

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“Que Siming, don’t make it sound like I’m the one who’s done you wrong. I’ve finally woken up. You can’t fool me anymore.”OvFNOYLTGNvFqFDTZSupXXPQzUEZgR

biYSFaqZbFSWFVC

“Fool you? Fool you about what?” Que Siming grabbed his chin, forcing him to turn his head and look into his eyes. “Xiaohu, look into my eyes. I’m serious about you. Those things I said, I said without thinking. How many times do I have to tell you? I didn’t mean it. Can you stop acting like a little girl, holding onto this forever?”CDDtELnDbSIKExyzaMCKRwOvdjAHvg

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“Then can you stop acting like a little girl too, clinging to me and refusing to let go?”UZtCOllqwheYDxIRekIxZbqOJvQZhB

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“Wang Erhu!” Que Siming was so angry his eyebrows nearly touched his hairline. He had always been arrogant and spoiled. Even when his family was ruined, people still treated him like a young master. If he didn’t feel guilty, if he wasn’t dealing with this fool, would he really need to lower himself like this? And yet, the fool still didn’t appreciate it, stabbing him in the heart with words that hurt worse than any blade, leaving him utterly helpless.pZrxesOiuLvoBzmSTQBnYjsEdDsWEZ

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He just wanted to hug him, say a few kind words, talk about what they’d both been through since they parted, and casually mention how much he missed him. Then they could share a moment of intimacy.tcfzKWHJtjbuVDEvdCZoeMrtsSAWxZ

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But Xiaohu was guarding against him like he was some kind of wild beast, not giving him a single kind word or glance, constantly pushing him away. Que Siming was filled with frustration. If it weren’t for that fight with Lou Jingyu to blow off some steam, he might have lost control and taken it out on Xiaohu, making things even worse. So now, he could only remind himself to stay in control. Dealing with this stubborn mule who only responds to gentleness, he had to tread carefully.HttQFTaUDpnGJOXchQextbZhMYwNAT

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Jinbao was used to Que Siming’s furious expressions, but when he saw him glaring, he still felt uneasy and stayed on guard. “What do you want?”QGIIDlrxlwXxOBeyZoMrJfUXsymAxp

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The doctor, defeated, slumped his shoulders, lowered his head, and stared blankly at the short grass on the ground without moving.irQFVMEbqbiYFJKjUcUIeqXGyIKETg

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Jinbao was confused by this strange behavior and gave him a push. To his surprise, when Que Siming lifted his head, his eyes—usually full of allure—were now tinged with obvious redness. His nose twitched slightly, and the look of grievance and sorrow on his face made it seem like he was on the verge of tears.ITuRwPRZfCtcMRkslJWAStbLhXUxBb

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Jinbao was startled. He cautiously withdrew his hand, suddenly feeling like he had pushed too hard earlier, and if he touched him again, Que Siming might just shatter into pieces.PDizFmHsPqasJBGmhvBgWlsBmjOIgg

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He had always thought Que Siming was incredibly good-looking, whether in his usual domineering demeanor or now, looking pitiful. He never imagined Que Siming could make such an expression, making him feel like he was the villain.MmzFNxYTpWCTYDcSqIJlgupjQvkQSE

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Jinbao felt uneasy, completely at a loss for what to do. He leaped up from the ground in a panic. “Let’s, uh, let’s go down the mountain.”MtXFRcANsPLVImfwWiBqMaUPDHseaJ

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Que Siming didn’t say much. He got up from the ground, turned his head away, and said in a muffled voice, “Let’s go. I’ll take you down the mountain and make the antidote.”yjRRTmKjaBXTOeSAFOSTrAVwsUcPgy

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Hearing this, Jinbao hurried to follow him down.tWbdpSClyPyUxoeAQJJazerJwrFkfa

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The two walked in silence along the way, and Que Siming didn’t even turn his head once, only his back showed a hint of loneliness.HiWTMkzrKUztodzDXYaKDwVbdVSwpK

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Jinbao wasn’t good with words. Since the other person didn’t speak, he had even less to say. Besides, he felt that there was nothing left worth saying between him and Que Siming. Once they got down the mountain, they’d go their separate ways.drisvPBsDAtlGmGovxZWWmUzIulJCq

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Unexpectedly, although it didn’t seem to take long to get up here, now they couldn’t seem to find their way down.GrQmljkyYdWuiGLBWvnONdelBHJrzw

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They had been walking for hours, but the more they walked, the more lost they became.mMcVxJhKTxUKcGxSIIsYfsRxtQYzpc

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Jinbao’s mind began to feel scattered. He instinctively followed Que Siming, not paying attention to the road around him. It wasn’t until he snapped back to reality that he realized something was wrong.AmvLKmcQLXHlGtFQjaDUQxJACRkEVb

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Before he could ask, Que Siming had already stopped, turned around, and calmly said to him, “We seem to be lost.”HVwaYyfIRsYHHrGMkVflbBOqdcnTPe

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Jinbao didn’t even have the energy to get angry. He just plopped heavily onto the ground.PSdJVYgniBvEaFTFIrmPqpnlyOjdZc

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He was tired, sleepy, hungry, and thirsty. He had been holding on to the hope of getting down the mountain quickly, but now, hearing they were lost, he felt completely drained.mOdGAUVqnxDMASeSlBFZiApyZtNhLz

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Que Siming crouched down and gently touched his forehead. As soon as Jinbao opened his eyes, Que Siming withdrew his hand. “You rest here, I’ll find something for you to eat and drink.”lRdlNMwhtxhMXwJsIilRbyIpRwtsOC

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Jinbao closed his eyes again and mumbled in agreement.TOrhZgTabbrnPpunQQDGenlwqGfdBC

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The forest was shaded, neither too hot nor too cold, and Jinbao dozed off in no time.jPgRDIzZEdbgsMupyRHWuziKgOixAh

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He didn’t know how long he had slept when he suddenly felt warmth on his body, an oddly comfortable feeling.PgvvLemRsyUblOOvapJJGFLTAqOIvg

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Jinbao opened his eyes and saw that his clothes were wide open. Que Siming was half-leaning on top of him, kissing his chest, with his hand gripping Jinbao’s private part.TqvaKaHNpnmhxSmIEoMmquKurxOdXZ

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Both of them were all too familiar with each other’s bodies. After being apart for so long without any contact, just a little teasing from Que Siming, and Jinbao found himself responding, embarrassingly quickly.jWjNcBryVGiOyOBOlYmYkfDhBxjeJK

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His face flushed red, and he flailed his arms and legs, trying to get up. His throat was dry, and he couldn’t speak, so he expressed his resistance through his actions.mkebpECkykztcbgUHqMwyjznrDrjSP

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It wasn’t that he didn’t want this. As a young man of eighteen or nineteen, his body was full of energy. Sometimes, in the dead of night, he would lie there, unable to sleep, overwhelmed by loneliness.kxtXYadPfGZyHUspwyhRXZuflaECmb

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But if a person acted purely based on the whims of their lower instincts, what would make them any different from an animal?hRgXeGGbQQPHvFzKzXRnbuUAyNXznc

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Que Siming had broken his heart, toyed with his feelings, and trampled on his dignity. None of these were things Jinbao could tolerate. He felt that if he were still a man with any self-respect, he couldn’t possibly get back together with Que Siming. He wasn’t a dog—Que Siming couldn’t just play with him when he felt like it, kick him away when he didn’t, and then throw him a bone when he remembered him, expecting him to come back and lick it up. Sure, he liked Que Siming, but that didn’t mean he had to lose his self-respect.TlJgjOyCfMmACEXCEVnBHcordSvlGl

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No matter how much Que Siming tried to make amends or lowered himself, Jinbao kept reminding himself: if a few sweet words could soften him, he’d be a fool to the core.EaTssmLjQPfCroeoLcFcFTTmppTYai

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Now, even though he had tried to stay firm, just a few touches from Que Siming and his body was reacting. Embarrassed and ashamed, he wanted to die on the spot. Seeing he couldn’t struggle free, his hand fumbled around, and without thinking, he grabbed something hard and smashed it down on Que Siming’s head.ORsOrKyAgoXIbSIeXAlpxqrUwoCPOi

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It connected solidly. Blood splattered instantly, staining Jinbao’s vision red.cXgPQfeboYNwpTQYuRptXVJIzpWMUB

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Que Siming let out a muffled grunt and fell, clutching his head, into Jinbao’s arms.FquLgqQKfxzehIsvsDpuzIEmvWlCOZ

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Jinbao was terrified. He hadn’t expected Que Siming not to dodge. Even with his internal strength lost, Que Siming should have been able to avoid such a blow, let alone if Jinbao had struck with full force.dDlKdhEOWxuwzjjwcQNHeXxODGOizu

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He watched as blood trickled from Que Siming’s temple, seeping through his fingers and flowing out uncontrollably. Jinbao knew he’d hit him too hard.MSArCqGahcOeIdNQzIvnOASqSDyWYm

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His heart clenched. He forgot his own disheveled state and hurriedly cradled him carefully. “Why didn’t you dodge? Let me see—why didn’t you dodge?”FMoNmAdmujleRxLlSeurXWGeDNAlhL

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Que Siming gave a helpless smile, his eyes dazed and weak as he looked at Jinbao. “Did that make you feel better?”pChiOaGSOnFFcJuMchIzjYxflPkZom

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Jinbao froze, remembering how Que Siming had told him to hit him the other day, as hard as he wanted. He realized Que Siming had done this on purpose. Furious, he scolded, “Are you crazy?” He fumbled through Que Siming’s clothes, searching. “Where’s your wound medicine? That really effective powder—did you bring it? Where is it?”EXrztItEcvAWytjkhzXuWmmthlLcdG

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“If I wasn’t crazy, would I even like you? So, are you satisfied now?” Que Siming stopped holding his hand over the wound, letting the blood flow freely as he pressed the question.DtWGLzkEqEFaJxfbWSGQjiHMHFtdgm

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The sight of that blood made Jinbao’s heart ache. Guilt welled up inside him, and he couldn’t bring himself to meet Que Siming’s eyes. In a panic, he tried to stop the bleeding. “Where’s the medicine? Give me the damn medicine!”DhzJbHMMpAuMmVCObRtMmBVYlpiNXG

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Seeing Jinbao’s worried and frantic expression finally brought Que Siming some relief. He stayed still and said, “Didn’t bring it.”grtJkrLfREamAOrfcBnoQKvkKimIfy

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Jinbao quickly tore his sleeve and wrapped it around Que Siming’s head, but before he could finish, Que Siming’s body swayed and collapsed into his arms.ITRXhFDOaUsYJdvySvZKshPOZOVQoP

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Jinbao froze, not daring to move. “What’s wrong?”zkIzNsybdWzqSprQhWShGgJamycjBD

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“I was just getting over an illness… and now I’ve lost blood, so I’m a bit weak. Let me rest for a while.”LWYCMwRURxgdLnExKjsbjPrSnKDIXF

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The blood loss was his fault, so Jinbao couldn’t find it in himself to refuse. He let Que Siming rest on his lap.WzCGoKrbXGMnKoGewQAZWkjaapcwOD

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Que Siming opened his eyes, gazing up at him from below.RhcPgVsrvjuLmGNiCllNMpXdMaqBdc

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Jinbao felt awkward under his gaze. After a moment of thought, he defended himself, “If you hadn’t messed with me earlier, I wouldn’t have hit you…”XNgjuCszXIvztHoFqaiUQoBwXYoBYT

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Que Siming smirked. “You always say I bully you, but now I let you bully me. Satisfied?”DsGbEtqgcGAGfPBBHXySDDsvzZblXg

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Jinbao muttered softly, “I’m not the kind of person who takes advantage of someone when they’re down.”HkADuRBXZxUmMhTCGvxblNiJevTHQZ

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Que Siming chuckled and slowly closed his eyes. “Do you know why I always pick fights with you?”fYyCTyEIsROhPjnEGEwwohbYeBinBr

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“…Why?”ZyltaZhujovbtRalombJgXwhyXtFqa

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“The way you look… every time I bully you and you get mad, you glare at me. You remind me of when we were kids… back then, I used to threaten you with not letting you eat, and you’d always look at me like that. Then, you’d listen to whatever I said. You were pretty easy to boss around when you were little, but now, you’ve gotten so stubborn.”duYfvvDqYBFqXKNvCKETtNjfaDzKhL

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Jinbao fell silent.WJiKXMrAHBEEJknKbkVRGsMXvmNllA

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“I remember everything from when we were kids. The thing that stuck with me the most was the first time we met. I was playing in the garden when I suddenly heard something from the corner of the wall. I was scared and grabbed a stick to defend myself. But then, a little head popped out from a hole in the wall, looking all silly. The moment I saw you, I wasn’t scared anymore. I was actually happy. You have no idea how happy I was. I’d never seen another child before—never, not a single one. And then you popped out from behind the wall, and I thought the heavens had sent you to be my playmate.”XGJAsNaBJGtAUmYVFoOncPgwWbFkWE

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“Back then, we were so close, eating and sleeping together. How could you forget me?”JaCHYYAlAgDAECfsHmhGIhpOMtgmKr

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Jinbao felt a wave of guilt. This was exactly what he feared most: Que Siming bringing up the past. Ever since they got together, Que Siming rarely mentioned it, but now it was back, hitting his weakest spot, never failing to work.XFWZyzXlBfxWdtGHAQWAnciYnWlAoS

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Jinbao spoke with difficulty, “Que Siming, are you still trying to guilt-trip me with this? You said it yourself, things from when we were kids—who takes that seriously? I was the only one who did. Back when we first got together, you must’ve been pretty smug about it, huh? It didn’t take you any effort, yet I was the one feeling guilty and owing you. I bet you laughed at how stupid I was behind my back. And now, your dad’s still alive, so don’t try scaring me with that anymore. Que Siming, I might be dumb, but I’m not going to let you fool me over and over again without learning my lesson.”pOIINSYuWsECAcoEIMMcAihAoEFWPo

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Que Siming opened his eyes and stared straight into his, “You really are the kind of person who’ll go down a road until it’s pitch black. I’ve said so much, why the hell won’t you believe me? Everything I said that day was bullshit. I was pissed and just wanted to get under your skin.”enrdkBhssvZtODqdUmEmdMccyxnBOl

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Jinbao forced a smile, but it looked worse than crying, “Let me tell you something. When I was a kid, there was a big drought in my hometown. We couldn’t make a living anymore, so my family decided to go to Suzhou to find some relatives. We couldn’t find them, though, and we almost starved on the streets. That’s when my dad sold me to the Jin family. Honestly, things were pretty good in the Jin family, but I couldn’t stop resenting why my dad sold me. The first time I went back home after that, my dad casually mentioned that my sister-in-law had two daughters and wasn’t sure when they’d finally have a boy. Without thinking, I blurted out, ‘If you hadn’t sold me, you’d probably already have one by now.’ As soon as I said it, I regretted it. My dad and mom didn’t say a word, and my brother and sister-in-law didn’t look happy either. The truth is, selling me to the Jin family was a last resort. Selling me saved the whole family, and I got to study and train at the Jin family—I’m way better off than my brother and sister. I understand all that, but in my heart… in my heart, there’s a part I just can’t let go of, so it came out of my mouth. So when you say you were just speaking out of anger, I believe you. But if that thought wasn’t in your heart, you wouldn’t have said it, just like I did back then. I always feel like, deep down, you look down on me.”rhSZUgNFkgQhAuPqyjuSTMIYaHjUxY

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At some point, Que Siming had already sat up, listening quietly. His face showed disbelief as he looked at Jinbao.wtlkEwrBrgWuDpXusEWLzSzIbQdztM

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Jinbao felt uncomfortable under his gaze and turned away. Seeing a few pieces of fruit on the ground, he remembered that Que Siming had gone to find food for him. Without hesitation, he picked one up, wiped it with his clothes, and started eating. He ate with his back turned, not wanting to face Que Siming.lTiAdLUPiGgYFUeYNlLWeeGWdQHTrm

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Que Siming snatched the wild fruit from his hand, his face filled with anger and frustration. “You’re just stirring up trouble for no reason! What kind of man is as melodramatic as you? I already told you I don’t look down on you. I’m planning to spend my whole life with you. If I looked down on you, I’d be looking down on myself. Why the hell won’t you believe me?”eyhMudSyBcwdGoRErRrAAVQDQcxSet

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Jinbao shot him a glare and bent down to pick up another wild fruit. But before he could, Que Siming grabbed him around the waist and slammed him to the ground, his entire presence radiating a terrifying intensity. His eyes flickered with both ferocity and hesitation. “Xiaohu, don’t push me. You can’t escape me. If you push me too far, I don’t know what I might do.”GswVDoEePYLYCmzhLWbKSqOegTSRGn

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Jinbao gritted his teeth. “What do you want to do?”knivSGflxfaHwrmiUOUwnlSdICywJR

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“I…” Que Siming looked a little disheveled under Jinbao’s defiant expression, a sense of helplessness welling up inside him. What could he do to the person in his arms? Who could show him the way back, the way to return to how things used to be between them? For a fleeting moment, he remembered Xiaohu’s smile, those two charming tiger teeth that used to be so endearing. How long had it been since Xiaohu smiled at him?deZrisTKahyCoUXodJaCXOcYBgdZdI

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All the fight drained out of Que Siming. He silently placed the wild fruit back into Jinbao’s hand. “Eat, don’t let yourself go hungry.”AUvqUytjPmJFtpVgamHAJuwOneiXel

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Jinbao clutched the small fruit, his body frozen.ofWWlHlyPxlmxOGqXEUlhXfTHSabjo

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He lay on his back, staring up at the brilliant blue sky peeking through the gaps in the trees, dotted with sunlight. It was beautiful.CtypccrlfgVIZqdcKyzGZLAaezRDJF

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There was a weight on him—Que Siming was still holding his waist, resting his head on his chest. It felt warm. This kind of closeness seemed like something from long ago, though they hadn’t been apart for that long.YuuhDHjqjePKvniwdvityZVARmSPlb

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Something twisted painfully in his heart. He suddenly thought that if all the chaos hadn’t happened, and if he and Que Siming were just lying here, like they were out enjoying a spring day, it would be wonderful.RkAxrGPAyOqVCwQZxYPMnDqGvaUdQG

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For a brief moment, he couldn’t understand how things had gotten this way between them.SyuePdkbtKzEAJIrhEUDlyBmHFesrt

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They were embracing each other tightly, yet the atmosphere between them was unbearably cold.uYkwyBSJbEYQFbJhRvThlreXjTNxwK

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He wasn’t sure how much time had passed when a loud explosion echoed through the air. The entire mountain trembled, and birds shot up from the forest in a massive flock, blocking out the sky and making it feel like the end of the world.HgVZcMIDqEXbswKWKTCpjZcuSiUyhT

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Fortunately, the tremor only lasted a moment, and the forest soon returned to its previous calm.kUeGlXUijkcfNdfdWcKwIfeJwQJLkq

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Jinbao, startled, sat up halfway, staring at Que Siming in shock once the rumbling stopped.LanvsDFwFQOHRyTwuchIJDNneHEzXF

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Que Siming frowned and gently touched Jinbao’s face to reassure him. “Don’t be scared. I’m here. That was dynamite… Our Medicine Valley doesn’t use that stuff, so it’s probably from Yu Mingjing. I need to go check it out.” He pulled Jinbao to his feet and started running toward the source of the explosion.xOuxksguMxPcKEPTZMQvgeYgdHuPHq

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Jinbao froze for a moment, realizing that in this desolate wilderness, there was no path left for him except to follow Que Siming. Without hesitation, he hurried after him.kRAXwvWuMxJxutKptvXsHIsKtEbfsJ

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