RITAAB 61.2

Qin Jiulin, “Since we can all cook, it’s not a problem.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan blinked, “We can go sneak into the canteen kitchen to learn from the chefs.”

 

Qin Jiulin, “That’s not necessary. I think as long as we bring back more prey, they’ll actively teach us. It’s not like it’s a secret skill or anything.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan, “That’s true. Well, we can wait for the right time then. We still have a few months until winter, we have plenty of time.”

 

Qin Jiulin, “Yeah, it’ll start getting hot again soon.”

 

Summer was approaching, and everyone knew furry animals hated the intense heat the most. Xia Liangsheng hoped his first summer back wouldn’t be as difficult as the past. In his previous life, whenever he shifted into beast form during the summer, the heat would be unbearable, and he’d constantly seek out water to cool down.

 

Fortunately, the physiology of the beastmen was quite robust. While the heat was unbearable, they didn’t suffer from heatstroke or any other physical problems.

 

However, that kind of heat was truly intolerable for him. Day or night, he just wanted to stay in an air-conditioned room.

 

Liu Zhongyuan, “Why are you spacing out?”

 

Qin Jiulin shook his head, “Nothing, just keep eating. I’m still not full.”

 

As the three of them walked out after finishing their meal, Xia Liangsheng immediately noticed them, but seeing they were still together, he decided not to approach them tonight.

 

He’d find another opportunity later. After all, he and Liu Zhongyuan lived in the same neighborhood, so he would have chances to spend time alone with Qin Jiulin.

 

The three leaving the canteen still didn’t notice Xia Liangsheng, and simply headed back to their residential area. After such a satisfying meal, they were a bit sleepy, so they went straight back to sleep.

 

They had enjoyed a delicious feast, but the residents of the other neighborhood suffered. After the canteen had cooked so much meat, the mouthwatering aroma had permeated the surrounding area, especially affecting the people in this neighborhood, who were eating the most ordinary of foods.

 

The scent that could practically steal one’s soul made it difficult for them to stomach their own humble meals, but they had no choice but to eat – these were the provisions they had earned through their labor today. If they didn’t eat, they’d go hungry.

 

Duan Qiufeng and Qie Jinglan huddled together. The food they received was not much – just five steamed buns, some pickled vegetables, and a bowl of vegetable and meat stew, with only a third of the bowl containing meat.

 

This was their combined portion, but at least it was enough to fill their stomachs, even if the buns were a bit cold.

 

Duan Qiufeng, “Looks like the military side had a great harvest today.”

 

Qie Jinglan, “Didn’t you hear them say when they were serving the food? Two beastman squads went out hunting and brought back a lot of meat. Otherwise, the meat in this vegetable and meat stew we got might not even be a third, but just one or two pieces.”

 

Duan Qiufeng, “That’s true.”

 

They both involuntarily thought of Qi Yu. If he was still Duan Qiufeng’s boyfriend or Qie Jinglan’s brother, they would definitely be enjoying better meals right now, and Qi Yu would definitely have provided them with extra servings.

 

Then they could just eat whatever they wanted. So why had they been in such a hurry back then? If they had just been a little more patient, they wouldn’t be in such a sorry state now.

 

Duan Qiufeng, “Eat up. Afterwards, we’ll have to think about how to get closer to him, so he can accept you again…”

 

Qie Jinglan, “Accept me? What about you?”

 

Duan Qiufeng, “I don’t mind. When the time comes, you can just push all the responsibility onto me, say that I threatened you into doing it. You’re just a woman, you wouldn’t have been able to resist me.”

 

Qie Jinglan was silent for a moment before saying, “…Will that even work?”

 

She didn’t reject the idea. In fact, she thought it was a good plan, without even considering the possibility that if Qi Yu actually accepted this explanation, Duan Qiufeng would be in grave danger, as Qi Yu would never forgive Duan Qiufeng!

 

Duan Qiufeng had apparently also thought of this point. He wasn’t brainless, “Whether it works or not, we have to try first to find out. After all, besides this plan, we don’t have any other options right now, do we?”

 

Qie Jinglan nodded, “Okay, I understand. When I next encounter Qi Yu, I’ll try it out and hope it works.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan sent Qi Yu away, “Qi Yu, you go back and rest first.”

 

Qi Yu blinked, “Aren’t you two tired?”

 

Liu Zhongyuan, “I’ll have a chat with him first to help digest the food. You go back first.”

 

Qin Jiulin was a bit puzzled. Weren’t they supposed to go back and rest early? Why did they need to “digest the food” right after reaching the building? Was there something he wanted to discuss with Qin Jiulin alone?

 

Qin Jiulin, “You go back first.”

 

Qi Yu, “Okay then, I’m leaving. You two get some rest as well.”

 

He didn’t want to stay and watch them act all lovey-dovey!

 

Qin Jiulin, “Let’s go, over there.”

 

That corner was dark, without any street lights or people around, very quiet and undisturbed.

 

Liu Zhongyuan said as they walked, “Jiulin?”

 

Qin Jiulin, “Hmm?”

 

Liu Zhongyuan, “I want to ask you a question.”

 

Qin Jiulin, “Go ahead.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan, “After Xia Liangsheng hurt your feelings, will you ever accept another relationship in the future?”

 

Qin Jiulin, “…”

 

He didn’t know how to answer. Maybe he would, after all, he had no immunity against Liu Zhongyuan’s shameless and direct approach.

 

Of course, the prerequisite would be that the person be good-looking, strong, and genuinely sincere.

 

In his previous life, he didn’t really understand Liu Zhongyuan, but she did have some grasp of the fact that she had confessed to him. And after living in Mo City together for so many years, even if he didn’t want to, he would’ve passively learned a lot about Liu Zhongyuan.

 

Who wouldn’t let him be the strongest beastman individual in Mo city!

 

Liu Zhongyuan didn’t wait for an answer, frowning as she said, “No way, no way, is this question that hard to answer?”

 

Qin Jiulin sighed, “It’s not hard to answer, but I can’t give you a definite answer.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan was taken aback for a moment, then smiled mischievously, “The way you say that means I still have a chance, right?”

 

Qin Jiulin, “Think whatever you want.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan, “Then I’ll pursue you from now on. Are you ready?”

 

Qin Jiulin had been ready long ago. And it wasn’t like it was starting from now, had it not been happening all along? Previously, he had used Xia Liangsheng’s presence as a cover to get away with shamelessly taking advantage of him, thinking Qin Jiulin hadn’t noticed.

 

He just hadn’t pointed it out. But seeing how thick-skinned Liu Zhongyuan was, if he did point it out, she’d only become more emboldened, rather than feeling embarrassed.

 

Qin Jiulin, “…Do as you please.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan was overjoyed. Qin Jiulin hadn’t agreed, but he also hadn’t rejected. Sometimes, this kind of ambiguous response was exactly what she liked the most.

 

“Hehe.”

 

Qin Jiulin, “Hmm?”

 

Liu Zhongyuan, “I understand now.”

 

Qin Jiulin, huh?

 

Liu Zhongyuan, “This is love!”

 

Qin Jiulin felt he didn’t quite understand. Was Liu Zhongyuan’s thought process really that bizarre?

 

Oh well, whatever. Liu Zhongyuan’s words… definitely wouldn’t harm him. After all, harming him wouldn’t benefit her at all, only Xia Liangsheng.

 

Whether in his previous life or this one, their purpose in approaching him was the same – hiding daggers behind smiles, poison hidden in sweetness. Once he accepted them, his tragic ending would be sealed.

 

Qin Jiulin, “Let’s go, back home.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan shamelessly held Qin Jiulin’s hand. Qin Jiulin tried to shake it off a couple of times but eventually stopped caring, and the triumphant Liu Zhongyuan smiled extravagantly.

 

They walked through the gate hand-in-hand, and this scene was just witnessed by the tardily arriving Xia Liangsheng, who was greatly shocked.

 

After all, in his view, Liu Zhongyuan and Qin Jiulin would never be together – the previous events were all fake, just for show.

 

But now, when he was not in front of them, they were still holding hands. Does that mean their relationship is real? Was everything he had thought before wrong?

 

Xia Liangsheng couldn’t hold back anymore and rushed over.

 

The Qin Jiulin and Liu Zhongyuan in front were surprised to hear the hurried footsteps behind them. They turned around and, sure enough, saw Xia Liangsheng rushing over, directly confronting them, “What are you two doing?!”

 

Qin Jiulin frowned, clearly displeased. Did they need to explain to others what they were doing?

 

Liu Zhongyuan stood in front of Qin Jiulin, “We’re on a date, holding hands on a date. Do you have a problem with that, Captain Xia?”

 

Xia Liangsheng, “I won’t allow it!”

 

Wow, shocking!

 

Liu Zhongyuan, “What? You won’t allow it? Who do you think you are to not allow it?”

 

Xia Liangsheng, “I’m his boyfriend!”

 

Liu Zhongyuan swung their joined hands in front of him, “You still have the nerve to say that? Then call out to him and see if he responds to you as his boyfriend!”

 

Xia Liangsheng did call out to Qin Jiulin, “Jiulin!”

 

Qin Jiulin immediately covered his face with his free hand, so embarrassed.

 

Liu Zhongyuan was a dog! Xia Liangsheng was a pig!

 

After calling out, Xia Liangsheng realized he had been played when he saw Qin Jiulin’s reaction.

 

“You!”

 

Liu Zhongyuan, “Ah! This has nothing to do with me. It’s your own lack of wit and slow reaction, not my fault.”

 

Xia Liangsheng snorted coldly, “I won’t argue with you.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan, “I won’t argue with you either. Come on, Jiulin, let’s go back and rest, maybe even sleep together. How about it, shall we sleep together?”

 

Xia Liangsheng followed them, “Wait!”

 

Sleep together? How could that be allowed? If they slept together, could he still win Qin Jiulin back?

 

Needless to say, of course not!

 

Liu Zhongyuan suddenly turned around and stared at Xia Liangsheng, “Do you have anything else?”

 

Xia Liangsheng, “You two can’t…”

 

Liu Zhongyuan, “What we do has nothing to do with you. What’s your relationship with Jiulin?”

 

Xia Liangsheng was about to say something, but perhaps realizing the earlier incident, he forcibly changed his response, “Of course I don’t need to tell you about our relationship. Jiulin… you… you really… moved on so quickly…”

 

Qin Jiulin, “If you have nothing else, we’ll go back and rest. You should go back early too, and don’t waste your time on me anymore. Let’s go, Zhongyuan.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan snuggled up to Qin Jiulin, then turned around and gave Xia Liangsheng a disdainful smile before they went upstairs together.

 

Xia Liangsheng could only stand outside and watch their retreating backs as they went upstairs.

 

He really couldn’t understand what was going on, but… he… didn’t know what method to use to deal with this now.

 

If it really doesn’t work out, he’ll just create an opportunity to ambush Qin Jiulin later. Although it would be extremely difficult, it’s not completely impossible.

 

He walked out a bit dazed. His house and Qin Jiulin’s were not in the same building. When he went outside, he unconsciously looked up.

*******

 

ADVANCE CHAPTERS ARE AVAILABLE IN PATREON!