Upon hearing this, Moya had no choice but to get up from Lei Jin and straighten his clothes. His face had returned to his usual calm and indifferent expression, but the fire still burning in his eyes indicated that this matter would not end so easily.

Lei Jin sat up from the bed. Moya had just pressed him down and caressed him all over. His limbs were still a little weak for a moment, so he didn’t have the mind to take care of the tunic that was gaping wide open. Mingya rushed over crying, and his hot tears slid down Lei Jin’s increasingly round belly to his belt.

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“What’s wrong? What did you shout just now?” Lei Jin pinched Mingya’s ear as the other laid in his arms. It was really difficult to hear Mingya’s words in that situation just now.

“Mingya didn’t do it on purpose. Mingya just wanted to take a look at the baby, and poked it gently, just once.” But who would have thought it to break just like that.

Although he didn’t know the specific situation, he estimated that it was not very serious, because Roger would not let Mingya go in to see the merbaby by himself. Lei Jin patted Mingya’s head and said, “Get up first, we’ll go over and take a look.”

Mingya wiped his tears and was about to get up when he felt Lei Jin’s stomach move slightly under his head. He looked at him in confusion and said, “Lei Jin, your stomach kicked Mingya just now.”

Lei Jin didn’t take it seriously, just thinking it was a child’s talk. He tied his tunic closed and teased him, “Did my stomach grow legs that it can actually kick you?”

Mingya was not sure now. Just when he was about to press close again to see, Lei Jin grabbed the scruff of his neck and moved him away.

“Second Brother, Mingya is telling the truth.” Mingya began to look for supporters.

Moya just smiled, but he was really annoyed at himself in his heart. It was likely that he had wasted time on the road and missed a lot of things. He made up his mind that he must go out early and come back early next time.

Before Lei Jin went out, he put on Xiya’s fur coat and smiled at Moya, “Let’s go and see my son.”

Moya pursed his lips and asked, “Where did your son come from?”

“Can’t he have been born just recently?”

Moya glanced at Lei Jin’s belly calmly and thought, isn’t our son still well in your belly? So where did this son come from?

“It’s Berg’s son, Second Brother.” Mingya reminded.

Moya almost forgot that there was another pregnant man at home. He just didn’t know how Berg’s baby suddenly became Lei Jin’s son.

It had indeed just rained outside, but it shouldn’t be heavy. There was only a thin layer of wetness on the ground, but the moisture in the air was still quite cool. When the three of them entered the room, Roger was already waiting by the bathtub.

“Is everything okay? Roger?” Lei Jin asked.

Roger turned around and waved, signaling them to come over quickly.

They took a few quick steps and saw that the egg in the bathtub had indeed opened a small hole. The translucent shell was turned outward and a sticky liquid was slowly flowing out. The little golden merbaby with his eyes closed was struggling hard while thrashing his tail, as if eager to break free from the eggshell.

Lei Jin saw that he was struggling and couldn’t get out, so he wanted to reach out to help him. But just as his fingers touched the shell, he was stopped by Roger, who said, “No, let him get out by himself. Helping him would only hurt him.”

“What a troublesome little thing.” Lei Jin muttered. Although he didn’t know the reasoning behind this, he couldn’t hurt the baby, so he withdrew his hand immediately. At this moment, the little merbaby struggled one last time and finally broke free from the eggshell. His closed eyes twitched twice and opened a little bit. The dark blue eyes were still misty, but this did not prevent him from taking Lei Jin’s finger into his mouth with unerring accuracy.

“Hey, hey…” Lei Jin was a little at a loss. The little merbaby had no teeth in his mouth, and his tooth sockets were soft. He could only suck with all his might. Lei Jin didn’t dare to move and looked at Roger for help. The merbaby was so small that it felt like he would shatter with just a touch.

Seeing Lei Jin being spectacularly trapped by a newborn merbaby, Roger thought the sight was pretty funny. He sat there leisurely with his legs crossed, not planning on helping immediately.

Moya smiled and reached out to touch the baby’s belly. The little merbaby turned over comfortably. Lei Jin took the opportunity to gently pull out his fingers, but as soon as his fingers left, the little merbaby cried out and the sound was so loud that even the neighbors could hear it.

Lei Jin took a step back in fright, finding it incredible that such a small body could make such a loud sound, but this also proved that the baby was healthy enough.

“Hey, stop crying.”

How could the little baby understand what Lei Jin said? His small mouth just kept opening and closing and crying even harder.

“Why is it so noisy? Can’t I even sleep?” Berg on the bed pulled the blanket over his head and shouted in dissatisfaction. He was so sleepy.

“Berg, get up quickly and check on your son.” Lei Jin finally found the person responsible. He did not let him escape and pulled the blanket off his head.

“What son?” Berg asked irritably, his mind still not clear.

“The son you gave birth to.” He couldn’t believe this guy forgot just after a day.

As soon as Berg moved, he felt a tearing pain, which woke him up immediately. He sat up with some difficulty and asked anxiously, “Yes, my child, where is he?” He could only hear crying but couldn’t see the baby.

“Don’t come down since you just gave birth. I’ll carry the baby to you.” Seeing Berg eagerly trying to get out of bed, Roger quickly spoke out to stop him.

The little merbaby struggled in Berg’s arms, and cried at the top of his lungs at Lei Jin.

Berg didn’t know the whole story, and he was full of questions when he saw the baby’s reaction.

“He must be hungry. What do merbabies eat?” Roger spoke up at the right time.

Berg looked up, bewildered. In fact, he didn’t know. All the babies in the tribe were fed by female merfolk.

Roger instantly understood as soon as he saw his expression. Well, this was another father who knew nothing.

Lei Jin crossed his arms in front of his chest, leaned against the wall, and swept his gaze up and down over Berg’s chest. It was still flat, and it didn’t look like it could secrete milk. He really couldn’t guess what the child would eat. Others didn’t know what Lei Jin was thinking, because there was no such thing as breastfeeding in werebeast tribes, but it was difficult for Roger to pretend not to know.

“There are some milkfruits here. Feed some to the baby and see if he eats them.” Roger’s face darkened slightly. He was secretly glad that Lei Jin had never looked at him like that. Otherwise, it would be really difficult to remain calm in front of Lei Jin.

He reached out towards the windowsill and took a bowl with two fist-sized milky white fruits in it. They looked ripe and exuded an enticing flavor. He continued, “This is the milkfruit used in all werebeast tribes. It shouldn’t be bad. I just don’t know if merbabies will eat it.”

“It’s worth a try.” Berg looked at the crying babe in his arms worriedly, but there was no better solution.

Roger squeezed out half a bowl of thick white juice from the two milkfruits. Fortunately, the little merbaby was not very picky about food and ate it happily, one spoonful at a time. After eating, he blew bubbles from his little mouth, found a comfortable position in Berg’s arms, tilted his head and soon fell asleep.

“Why did it take so long this time?” After being tormented by Berg’s son, it was time for dinner. It was not until they went to bed that the two had a chance to have a good talk. Lei Jin remembered that the last time Xiya went away it took about half a month, but this time Moya took twice as long.

“I went to the Avian Tribe, and when I came back I happened to encounter the annual fair held in the Tiger Tribe, so I went to buy some things.” As Moya spoke, he gently rubbed Lei Jin’s waist and abdomen with his right hand.

“Oh, the Tiger Tribe,” Lei Jin stretched out his belly comfortably and moved closer to Moya.

“By the way, do you know someone named Jing Ping?”

“Jing Ping? How do you know him?” Moya shouldn’t have met Jing Ping before.

“I don’t know him. He was just selling rice at the market. I thought you might like this, so I went over to ask about the price. When he saw that I was from the Leopard Tribe, he asked if I knew you.”

“Oh, are they doing okay?” Once he left, he would probably never see that family again in this lifetime.

“They look to be doing well. His papa kept asking if your arms are healed.”

“The whole family was very kind to me.”

Moya noticed that his tone was a little melancholy, so he said, “When the snow on the grasslands melts next spring, our Leopard Tribe will also have a big fair. Jing Ping and his family said they would come to see you then.”

But this did not ease Lei Jin’s mood. After all, he should have left by then, but he didn’t want to tell Moya now. It was unknown when the rain outside started falling again, but now it was hitting the window with loud pitter-patter sounds.

While Lei Jin was lost in thought, Moya’s hand had already moved along his lower back and into his pants. A finger gently began to circle his entrance. Hot breaths sprayed on the base of Lei Jin’s neck, and he whispered, “It’s been more than a month. Can you let me do it once?” He had asked Elder Brother and knew that doing it was allowed now.

“Just once.” Lei Jin couldn’t refuse. The two of them hadn’t been intimate for a long time. He also wanted it a little, but the weather was too cold and he really didn’t want to move.

“En.” Moya’s eyes were filled with happiness. He quickly took off their clothes under the blanket. Their hot skin stuck together without any hindrance. Lei Jin felt so good that his toes curled up.

“Open a little more.” Lei Jin lay on the bed with his legs spread. Moya knelt between his legs, twitching two fingers into that secret area.

Lei Jin wanted to curse, annoyed at all the demands. Do you want me to open the door myself and invite you in? Of course, he couldn’t say this, so he could only glare at Moya fiercely, indicating that if he wanted to do it, he should do it, and if not, he should go to sleep.

In the darkness, he heard Moya’s chuckle, and warm lips covered his own. Lei Jin felt one of his legs being lifted up, and his entrance was being completely filled up inch by inch. Before the sore feeling even passed, Moya’s fierce thrusting had already begun. The pleasure that rapidly surged from the place where the two were connected made Lei Jin only able to let out broken gasps.

“My stomach hurts…” In between Moya’s thrusting, Lei Jin took a breath. His stomach felt a little painful from being squeezed in between the two of them.

“Where does it hurt?” Moya gritted his teeth and had to stop when he heard this.

“Change position.” Lei Jin moved.

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Moya sucked in a breath. He was still in that warm and tight place. Lei Jin’s movement almost made him lose control immediately, but he didn’t hold it for long. Once he was sure that everything was fine, Moya lifted Lei Jin up by his hips while he was still inside him and entered again between his open legs.

Lei Jin hugged Moya’s neck and moved his body up and down in coordination.

Suddenly, a pair of hands caressed his chest, causing Lei Jin to gasp in surprise. Then he heard Xiya’s low and husky voice behind his ear.

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“Berg…” Having witnessed life and death countless times over the years, Lei Jin had thought he was numb to it all. He didn’t even care much about his own life, let alone others’. As a mobster, others might see him surrounded by subordinates, living a glamorous life, but who knew when a bullet might come his way? It was nothing unusual—his godfather had died just like that. So from the moment he took over, he had envisioned the end of his own life. It wasn’t that he had seen through life and death—he wasn’t that enlightened—but compared to others, he was more accepting.  

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Yet now, watching Berg stop breathing right before his eyes, he found himself at a loss for how to react.  

“Berg…” He nudged Berg’s head again.  

Berg’s head lolled to the side, his eyes still closed.  

Lei Jin’s hands trembled slightly, unsure whether he should check Berg’s breath for final confirmation.  

“Lei Jin!” Roger called out sharply, snapping him out of his daze.  

“Huh?” Lei Jin finally heard him and reflexively looked up.  

Roger was holding the egg in his arms and sighed helplessly. “Cover him with the blanket beside you. He just gave birth—he can’t catch a cold. I’ve called you several times, and you didn’t hear.”  

Lei Jin looked down and carefully observed Berg. Though his breathing was weak, it had steadied. Only the cold sweat under Lei Jin’s palm remained as evidence of his earlier panic. Lei Jin wanted to bang his head against the wall. What kind of misunderstanding was this? He roughly pulled the blanket over and tucked Berg in, resisting the urge to slap him. Giving birth was one thing, but why stage this deathbed scene? And worst of all, he had played along like an idiot, nearly turning it into some melodramatic farewell.  

Damn it. My twenty-eight years of suave, composed image—completely shattered tonight!

“Since you just gave birth, I’ll let you off this time,” Lei Jin muttered as he adjusted the blanket, consoling himself that at least only Roger and Healer Qing Qiao had witnessed his moment of weakness. Hopefully, they’d been too busy with the delivery to notice.  

But when he looked up, he met Roger’s teasing gaze.  

Lei Jin’s scalp prickled, but he forced a nonchalant smile. “Let me see the egg Berg laid.”  

Roger handed it over gently, chuckling. “Hold your newly adopted son carefully.”  

Lei Jin nearly retorted, who the hell wants to be a dad to an egg? But then he remembered he had promised Berg. So… did that mean he really had an egg for a son now?  

“Where do we put this?” The egg felt too soft, and Lei Jin didn’t dare grip it tightly. The semi-transparent shell was thin, with liquid sloshing inside. The tiny golden merbaby, pink where there were no scales, slept soundly, blowing little bubbles from their mouth.  

“If we put it under Berg, will it get crushed?” Lei Jin pondered seriously. If this was an egg, didn’t it need to be incubated? Since the father wasn’t here, that duty fell to Berg.  

The vein on Roger’s temple twitched. “I don’t think Berg needs to incubate it. The baby’s already fully formed—it just needs to break out of the shell on its own.”  

Healer Qing Qiao, who had just finished washing his hands in the prepared basin, chimed in, “I agree with Roger. But I’m not sure how to raise it. Berg’s asleep, so we can’t ask.”  

Outside, Xiya knocked on the door. “Father, Lei Jin, how’s it going in there?”  

“Come in. Berg’s already given birth,” Roger replied.  

Xiya and the others entered, immediately crowding around the egg in Lei Jin’s arms, fascinated. But none of them knew how to care for it.  

Finally, Roger suggested that since merfolk lived in water, they should keep it in water for now and wait for Berg to wake up.  

They brought over the bathtub, filled it with warm water, and added a handful of salt. Lei Jin carefully placed the egg inside, watching as it bobbed up and down contentedly. Only then did everyone relax.  

Dawn had broken. After the long night, Roger asked An Sen to escort Healer Qing Qiao home, along with a freshly butchered sheep as thanks. Though tribal healers didn’t charge, it was only right to show gratitude for being roused in the middle of the night. Qing Qiao, familiar with the family, didn’t refuse. After giving a few more postpartum care instructions, he left with An Sen.  

Xiya went to cook breakfast before Mingya woke up. An Luo tidied the courtyard, which had been left in disarray during the chaos.  

Only Roger and Lei Jin remained in the room—Berg didn’t count, as he was still dead asleep.  

Roger noticed Lei Jin staring intently at the egg. “The baby’s cute, isn’t it?”  

Lei Jin swirled the egg gently in the water and nodded. “Yeah. Berg’s belly was so huge—how is the baby this small?” He held up his hand for comparison. “My palm’s bigger than its head.”  

Roger walked over. “It’s actually not that small. Any bigger, and Berg would’ve suffered even more.”  

“True,” Lei Jin agreed, recalling Berg’s agonized state last night.  

After a pause, Lei Jin added, “But it seems Berg has no intention of telling the father.” Even at death’s door, Berg hadn’t mentioned him. If not for his pain-induced cursing, they wouldn’t even know the man’s name.  

“The child you birth is yours alone. Only you can protect them, and they can only rely on you,” Roger said meaningfully.  

“That’s a thing?” Lei Jin missed the deeper implication, only thinking of Moya. Roger clearly adored Moya—did that mean no matter who the father was, the child was still Roger’s?  

“Of course it is,” Roger countered, raising an eyebrow.  

Lei Jin nodded, deciding not to press further. Poking at Roger’s sore spots never ended well.  

(Little did Roger know he’d one day regret drilling this mindset into Lei Jin.)  

“By the way, why did you tell me to agree to Berg’s request earlier?” Lei Jin had genuinely thought Berg was dying.  

“Just to ease his mind. The more anxious he was, the harder the birth would be,” Roger explained, sitting by the tub.  

“How’s your hand?” Lei Jin had initially mistaken the blood for Berg’s, but now he saw the scratches on Roger’s hands—likely from Berg’s claws.  

“It’s fine. I’ll apply some medicine later.” After weathering so many storms, these minor injuries meant nothing.  

“Good.” Lei Jin’s gaze drifted to the old, neatly healed scars on Roger’s left wrist—clearly from a blade, and deep enough to have been fatal.  

Roger noticed his stare and subtly adjusted his sleeve. “You’ve been up all night. Eat breakfast and then get some more sleep.”  

Not wanting to pry, Lei Jin changed the subject. “When do you think this little one will open its eyes?”  

“Hard to say. Xiya and the others took two or three days. I’ve no idea about merbabies.” Roger no longer avoided mentioning that he’d birthed Xiya and the others.  

“Roger… was it that painful for you too?” Last night had shaken Lei Jin. Though he’d heard childbirth was grueling, seeing Berg’s torment firsthand made him grateful he’d never have to endure it.  

“By Mingya’s time, it was much easier.” Xiya, as the firstborn, had been difficult. But Moya’s birth had been the hardest. Mingya had been the most obedient, arriving without trouble.  

Roger spoke casually, but Lei Jin squirmed uncomfortably. With Berg and other local females, he could rationalize that they were meant to bear children. But Roger was from his world—how could he have given birth?  

Roger understood Lei Jin’s struggle. His own acceptance hadn’t come overnight—how could he expect Lei Jin to adjust immediately? He just hoped Lei Jin wouldn’t harm the child growing inside him out of denial. Otherwise, one day, he might regret it too late.  

After breakfast, Lei Jin and Roger checked on the egg again. The golden merbaby still slept, and Berg showed no signs of waking, so they each returned to their rooms to rest.  

The tribe’s crops were nearly ready for harvest, so the werebeasts had gone to help. Xiya had wanted to stay with Lei Jin, but Lei Jin insisted he was fine—his fever had subsided—so Xiya left somewhat reassured.  

Exhausted, Lei Jin slept deeply. When he woke, it seemed to have rained—the air carried the scent of plants and damp earth. Though awake, he kept his eyes closed, cozy under the warm blanket.  

“Awake?” A moist kiss brushed his eyelids, accompanied by a soft chuckle.  

Lei Jin opened his eyes to find Moya sitting by the bed, tired but smiling gently.  

“Did you miss me?” Moya bent down, seeking a kiss.  

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His slightly long hair tickled Lei Jin’s face. Lei Jin reached up to touch his head, his heart melting despite himself. After a brief internal struggle, he gave a tiny nod.  

The kiss that followed was far more intense, sending shivers down Lei Jin’s spine.  

“Lei Jin! Mingya did something bad! I poked a hole in the egg—” Mingya burst in crying, interrupting the intimate moment.

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Lei Jin’s head still felt a little heavy, but it didn’t stop him from springing upright from the bed like a startled fish. Xiya broke out in cold sweat watching him and quickly followed him off the bed, grabbing his arm. “The tribe is very safe—nothing bad will happen. It’s probably just that the baby’s coming. Dad and the others must already be there. Get dressed first, and we’ll go together.”

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“The baby’s coming?” Lei Jin had thought from Berg’s scream that the man from the sea had come after him.

“Probably. It’s about time.” Xiya brought over their clothes from the bedside table.

Mingya was awake too. The three of them headed out quickly. It was just past midnight. The night outside was thick and silent, making Berg’s increasingly louder moans all the more distinct.

After spending time together, Lei Jin had learned a bit about Berg. He didn’t have many strengths and had plenty of flaws, but no one could deny his resilience. Alone in a strange place and carrying a child, he complained sometimes, but never to an unbearable extent. The fact that he was crying out like this now meant the pain had reached an extreme.

Before they could even enter the room, Roger’s voice came from inside. “Xiya, don’t come in. Go to the kitchen and help your dad boil water.”

Xiya patted Lei Jin’s shoulder, nodded, and strode away.

Since he wasn’t stopped, Lei Jin assumed it was fine and entered with Mingya. The room was dim, lit only by a weak pine-resin lamp on the table.

Roger was pressing down hard on Berg’s arms, but since Berg was a male merfolk, he was immensely strong. Roger couldn’t hold him down. Lei Jin quickly grabbed a long cloth from the side and helped Roger tie Berg’s arms.

Only then did Roger sigh with relief and slump onto the edge of the bed, wiping sweat from his brow. “Berg, hang in there. An Sen’s gone to get Healer Qing Qiao.”

Berg wanted to nod, but the overwhelming pain in his belly had him writhing, moaning nonstop. “It hurts, it hurts so bad… ahhh it hurts!” His long fish tail had trashed everything within reach. He was only grateful he hadn’t lost full control or attacked someone—otherwise, not even Lei Jin and Roger together could have restrained him.

Lei Jin now noticed that Berg’s clothes were completely undone, and several bloody scratches from his own nails marked his swollen belly. The bulges beneath the skin suggested the baby was desperate to come out. Lei Jin had never been so aware that this really was a man giving birth.

“Lan Qi, you bastard… ugh… it hurts…”

“Berg… don’t panic…” Lei Jin stammered, suddenly nervous himself seeing Berg like this.

“Lei Jin, go get some hot water,” Roger instructed, massaging Berg’s belly while giving directions.

“Oh.” Lei Jin found a water jug on the table, tested the temperature—it was still warm—then poured a cup and helped Berg drink most of it.

Berg finally calmed down a little. Lei Jin took off his sweat-soaked clothes and covered him with a blanket.

But soon after, the pain returned, making Berg thrash again.

“Ugh… I’m going to kill you, Lan Qi…!”

Lei Jin wiped his sweat, realizing that Lan Qi must be the name of that man.

Roger reached under the blanket to check Berg’s condition. What he felt was slick. He turned to Mingya. “Go meet your dad and Healer Qing Qiao. Tell them Berg is about to give birth—hurry.”

Mingya dashed out without hesitation.

Though Berg was male, he was about the same age as Xiya and the others, so Roger had no qualms. He inserted his fingers to check—Berg’s water had broken, but he was only dilated about four or five fingers wide. Nowhere near enough. Roger wasn’t sure what exactly Berg would be delivering, but judging by the size of that belly, the baby wouldn’t be small.

The invasive sensation made Berg stiffen, but the relentless waves of pain left him no time to care.

“Push, Berg, the baby’s almost out.”

“It hurts… I can’t do this… it hurts so bad…” Berg screamed hoarsely, his voice fading.

“Berg, don’t sleep—wake up!” Roger slapped his face. If he passed out now, things would be bad.

“Dad… it hurts…”

“Moya… help me…”

“Lan Qi, I’m sorry… please…”

Berg started rambling deliriously.

Roger and Lei Jin exchanged glances, both pained, but this was not the time for mercy.

Lei Jin pinched his philtrum while Roger increased pressure on his belly. Berg woke up again from the pain.

“Why aren’t they here yet? If this keeps up, Berg won’t have the strength to deliver,” Roger muttered. Though it hadn’t been long, it felt like ages.

Lei Jin wiped his sweat. “If I’d known, I would’ve let him eat two more meatballs tonight—for strength.”

“You can make them again next time.” Berg seemed to regain some clarity.

“You’re finally awake. You scared me half to death.” Lei Jin let out a long breath of relief.

“Lei Jin.” Berg’s gaze was sharp and lucid.

“What is it? Tell me after you give birth. Save your strength.” Lei Jin whispered, sensing something was wrong.

“If something happens to me, promise me you’ll take care of the child.” Berg’s bound hands gripped Lei Jin’s wrists tightly.

Lei Jin froze, then shook his head firmly. “Berg, you know I’m leaving eventually. I won’t raise your child. You gave birth—so you raise it.”

Berg wanted to say more, but at that moment, Mingya returned with Healer Qing Qiao.

From there, Lei Jin couldn’t help much.

“Why are you standing outside? It’s so cold.” Xiya came out after bringing in water and found Lei Jin silently waiting by the door.

“I just realized… maybe I’m actually lucky.” Lei Jin had thought this more than once. Even in a strange world, he wasn’t alone.

“Of course you are. You even met me. You have no idea how popular I am.” Xiya pouted and wrapped an arm around Lei Jin’s shoulder, pulling him close.

Lei Jin chuckled and punched his chest. “I used to think I was thick-skinned. Then I met you.”

“Wanna go back and sleep? I heard Healer Qing Qiao say first births take a long time.” Hopefully Lei Jin wouldn’t have to suffer like this one day.

Lei Jin sniffled—it was chilly—but said, “Forget it. I wouldn’t be able to sleep. I’ll wait here.” Then he remembered something. “Let Mingya go back to sleep. He has to be at the temple early tomorrow.” He didn’t know exactly what the boy studied there, but if it was for the coming-of-age ceremony, it must be important.

Mingya was sent back to bed by Xiya. Lei Jin and the others waited in the outer room. Only Roger and Healer Qing Qiao remained inside. Berg’s moans ebbed and surged. Lei Jin managed to hold out for a while, but eventually fell asleep in Xiya’s arms. He seemed to dream of a nightmare and woke up with a start.

“What did you dream? You’re sweating.” Xiya wiped his forehead.

“Can’t remember. How long was I asleep?” Lei Jin glanced at the window—dawn was breaking.

“Not long.” Xiya moved his numb arm.

“Did Berg give birth?” It was too quiet.

“Not yet. He’s probably exhausted.” Xiya had listened most of the night and guessed the pattern.

“I’ll check on him.” Lei Jin was uneasy.

An Luo happened to come back with hot water at this time, so Lei Jin took it.

Just as he reached the door, Roger rushed out and collided with him, spilling the basin. Lei Jin instinctively looked down—Roger’s clothes and hands were stained with blood.

“Berg wants to see you.”

Lei Jin took a step back, then forced himself forward and followed Roger in.

“Berg?” Lei Jin sat at the bedside and called.

Berg opened his bloodshot eyes and managed a tired smile. “This time, even if you refuse, you have to agree. I will leave the child with you guys. After I’m gone, cremate me and scatter my ashes at sea. I want to go home. My dad must be worried.”

Lei Jin was about to refuse again, but Berg shook his head faintly. “I can’t hold on anymore, Lei Jin. I tried. I haven’t even seen my child… it hurts…”

“Push, Berg, it’s almost out!” Healer Qing Qiao was sweating too. He’d never delivered a merfolk baby before, and he still couldn’t see the head.

“Lei Jin, Lei Jin, please… promise me…” Berg murmured.

Roger gestured silently. Lei Jin turned away and nodded faintly.

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“That’s good…” But the searing pain cut off Berg’s smile before it formed. Not long after, that heavy burden finally slipped from his body.

“It’s out!” Healer Qing Qiao caught it—an egg? A soft, translucent shell faintly showed a curled-up merbaby inside, with golden hair and a fishtail.

“Berg, look! Your child!” Lei Jin nudged him.

But Berg was already cold.

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Seeing this, Lei Jin couldn’t help but want to smile. But when he thought about how this soft little creature would one day silently vanish into a place unknown to him, his heart grew heavy. Even though once he left, he wouldn’t see him again either, at least he’d know that the boy would live healthily under the love and care of his parents and siblings. That was enough. Maybe it was a little sentimental, but it was truly how Lei Jin felt at that moment.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

After seeing Mingya, Lei Jin wasn’t in the mood to go straight home, so he took a walk near the temple with Xiya. It had already been more than half a year since he arrived in this world, and yet, he’d never really taken a good look at the most prominent building in the tribe. The entire temple was built from massive strips of bluish stone, somewhat resembling a pyramid. Its base was wide and narrowed as it ascended, but instead of ending in a point, it had a flat square platform at the top. The structure had four sides, each with flights of stairs reaching upward.

“Can we go up there and take a look?” Lei Jin asked. Religious buildings like temples usually had all sorts of taboos. Though he didn’t believe in such things, he didn’t want to risk offending anyone either.

“Of course. Apart from the inner sanctum, which isn’t easily accessible, there aren’t many restrictions elsewhere,” Xiya replied. But with so many steps—around a hundred—could Lei Jin’s current body handle the climb?

“Let’s go up and see.” He remembered that before they went to the jungle, Roger had vaguely mentioned that he should check out the temple. Lei Jin still didn’t quite understand what Roger had meant, but he trusted Roger had his reasons. Taking the opportunity today, he might as well go up and see for himself.

The two chose the southern stairs and began to climb. The slope was steep, and the steps were narrow—when Lei Jin stepped on one, a third of his foot was left hanging. Going up wasn’t too bad; people tend to lean forward instinctively, but coming down would be trickier. The climb was a bit difficult for Lei Jin, but manageable. Xiya didn’t dare speak, fearing it would distract him. Lei Jin, a bit bored, counted the steps as he climbed. When they reached the top platform, they’d gone up exactly 91 steps. On that platform, there was one more step leading up to a circular object resembling a millstone, with a slender needle running vertically through the center. Lei Jin had seen something like it before at a science institute building, but had no idea what it was or what it was used for.

“What’s this?” he asked. He hadn’t gone to school much and didn’t see the point in hiding it. Luckily, in his line of work, education wasn’t a requirement.

Xiya glanced at him and said, “It’s a sundial. It’s used to tell time. Before we had sundials and hourglasses, people in the tribe told time by watching the sun and stars.” Seeing Lei Jin circling the sundial with interest, he added, “This was made by papa. He said people from your world would all know what it is.”

“Well, I don’t. How do you read it?” Lei Jin said nonchalantly. The face of the sundial had many markings—twelve large segments and many small ones he couldn’t be bothered to count.

“Look at the shadow of the pointer.” Xiya pointed and carefully explained.

“It’s almost two o’clock?” Lei Jin guessed, seeing the shadow close to the seventh mark. Honestly, once it was explained, it wasn’t hard to understand—it was kind of like a clock, except instead of a hand, it used the shadow of the needle.

On a small platform below the sundial, there were some rough carvings, similar to the ones on the stone pillars behind the temple. A ring of light was surrounded by nine embedded stones—or rather, eight, since one of them, the third, had been dug out, leaving only a small hollow. Between the third and fourth stones, there was a strange symbol Lei Jin couldn’t read and didn’t feel like puzzling over.

“When we were in the Tiger Tribe, where’s that black stone I gave you?” Lei Jin stared at the hollow with a thoughtful expression and looked up to ask Xiya.

“Here,” Xiya replied, taking it off his neck. It was the only thing Lei Jin had ever given him, so he’d always kept it close.

Lei Jin took the stone and tried pressing it into the hollow. It was about the right size, but wouldn’t go in. Maybe he was mistaken? He fell into a moment of silent thought.

Xiya, seeing Lei Jin’s actions, grew inexplicably uneasy and broke the silence. “There’s nothing much to see up here. The wind’s strong—let’s go back down.”

“Alright.” Lei Jin stood up.

The temple was high and offered a wide view. The orderly houses and broad streets were spread out below. The tribe was nestled in dense forests, with the Leopard Tribe’s settlement cloaked in the golden hues of early autumn.

They went up the south side and came down the east. Lei Jin noted that it was still 91 steps. Counting all four sides plus the top platform, it made 365 in total—the number of days in a year. Was that just a coincidence?

After descending the temple, Lei Jin sneezed several times. Xiya figured he’d caught a chill from the wind and urged him to go lie down.

But Lei Jin didn’t think much of it. At most, it was a little cold—nothing worth fussing over.

When they got home, Roger and the others had returned. An Luo was doing laundry, and the clotheslines in the yard were already full. An Sen was in the kitchen chopping something.

“Where have you been?” Roger asked, holding a stick he’d just been using to beat the blankets hanging over the courtyard wall. Seeing them come in, he paused.

When Xiya said they’d gone to the top of the temple, Roger glanced at Lei Jin, his eyes flickering subtly, but he didn’t pursue the topic further.

“A few days ago, you said you wanted meatballs, didn’t you? An Sen is grinding the meat right now. You’ll have them tonight. Is there anything else you want to eat?”

Lei Jin had been craving all sorts of things lately—wanting this and that, like he hadn’t eaten in eight lifetimes. He was always hungry, too. He felt a bit embarrassed. The other day, he’d craved stewed meatballs so badly he’d mentioned it offhand, and Roger had actually remembered.

“That’s good enough. I’ll make them myself.” The others definitely wouldn’t know how to cook them, but at least he wouldn’t starve with his own skills.

“You should lie down and rest. Just tell me how to make it, and I’ll do it,” Xiya said, still concerned about the chill he’d caught.

“You’ll ruin it since it’s your first time. I’ll do it.” Lei Jin rolled up his sleeves.

Just then, An Sen said the meat was ready.

Before heading into the kitchen, Lei Jin pulled a few scallions from the garden. Roger followed to help.

“It’s already September. The weather’s cooling. Dress warmer when you go out. When Moya comes back, he’ll bring some good fabric. You can make a couple of thicker outfits,” Roger said, scooping a large spoonful of flour from the jar as Lei Jin instructed.

“You’re sounding more and more like a mother hen,” Lei Jin said. Ever since learning Roger was the “mother” of Xiya and the others—and given his own ambiguous relationship with them—he couldn’t get used to it. If Roger kept this “caring mom” act up, Lei Jin was sure he’d be the first to break.

“I don’t mind if you call me father like they do,” Roger said with a straight face.

“Don’t scare me, Roger. My heart’s not that strong,” Lei Jin replied, wide-eyed. He never knew who his real dad was, but it couldn’t be someone who looked about the same age as him, right?

Roger chuckled and stared at him, asking, “You’re really set on leaving?”

“Of course.” Lei Jin peeled scallions as he tried to ignore the slight reluctance in his heart. “By the way, that map you gave me before—I lost it when I fell into the water. Could you draw another?”

Roger paused a long time before answering, “As soon as you decide you’re going to use it, I’ll give it to you.”

“Thanks.” Lei Jin waved the scallions in acknowledgment.

He removed the tops, kept the white stalks, finely chopped them, and mixed them with salt, egg, and flour into the meat. Then he placed it into a clean clay jar.

“Let it marinate. I’ll cook it tonight.”

“By the way, where’s the rice, peanuts, and corn I brought back last time?” Lei Jin looked around the kitchen but didn’t see them.

“They’re stored in the cellar. Want me to bring some up?”

“No, I was just asking. There’s not much left anyway—we need to save some as seeds for next year. Better to be frugal.” As much as he wanted to eat it all, he had to think ahead. A higher level of thought, indeed.

“I thought you were leaving.” In other words, why do you still care?

“I am. But every day, I still want to live well.” It was by insisting on that that he got through the hard days.

Roger looked thoughtful. “As long as you don’t regret it.”

“Roger, I don’t know anything here.” Lei Jin rarely spoke so seriously. It was one reason he had to leave—he was practically useless in this world. “Sometimes, I think the heavens picked the wrong guy. Maybe they should’ve dropped someone capable of everything, someone who could make a real impact, change this world. As for me? Forget it.” His first 28 years hadn’t been anything to write home about—no sudden genius turnarounds were likely now.

Roger scoffed lightly. “I never believed one person could change the course of history. You think the people here are fools, incapable of thinking for themselves?”

Lei Jin was about to respond when a sudden, sharp pain in his stomach made him grunt.

Roger quickly helped him sit. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“Probably just ate something bad. My stomach suddenly hurt—like someone kicked me.” But he hadn’t eaten anything strange today…

Roger’s face subtly changed. There was always hot water on the small stove in the kitchen lately, since two people in the household were pregnant. He poured a cup and handed it to Lei Jin. “Drink some hot water.”

Lei Jin drank and then went to sit in the courtyard. He felt better after a while.

Roger massaged his lower back. “Have you felt pain like this before?”

“Nope.” Lei Jin held the bamboo cup, the water fragrant with the scent of bamboo.

Roger hesitated. Nearly four months—this might be the baby’s first movement, a greeting to its father. But Lei Jin didn’t know. Should he tell him? After all, it was Lei Jin’s child. He had the right to choose whether to keep it or not.

As night fell early in this season, it was just after five, and already darkening. Mingya returned from the temple and clung to Lei Jin, only letting go when he promised to make meatballs.

Lei Jin took out the marinated meat and shaped it into balls the size of fists—twenty or so in total, since there were many mouths to feed. He first boiled them in a pot, then transferred them to a clay pot, adding scallions, salt, and a bit of honey before covering and simmering. A bit of soy sauce would’ve made it perfect.

Meanwhile, he added some lard to the big pot, fried some chopped scallions until fragrant, then tossed in wild greens and stir-fried them until slightly translucent. Not many seasonings—just a bit of salt before serving.

With the fire still hot, Lei Jin made flour dumpling soup with some chopped scallions and salt.

It still wasn’t quite enough, so Xiya helped cook another pot of meat.

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Now that it was cooler, everyone ate indoors. The stewed meatballs were brought out in the clay pot, and as soon as the lid was lifted, the rich aroma wafted out with the steam. Xiya quickly served everyone one. The meat was tender and juicy, leaving a lingering flavor. Even Berg, who wasn’t fond of meat, praised it. Mingya slurped up the remaining broth.

That night, Lei Jin showed signs of a fever. Xiya didn’t dare give him medicine and hoped it would pass on its own. Neither of them slept well—Lei Jin due to discomfort, and Xiya out of worry. Halfway through the night, still groggy, they suddenly heard a scream from Berg’s room…

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The three of them were too engrossed in their conversation to notice how Jia Nuo had entered. Lei Jin was still reeling from the shocking information he’d just heard. No matter how you looked at it, just imagining that kind of scenario made his whole body feel cold—copulating for an entire month? He was genuinely curious how any female could come out of that alive, especially those with multiple werebeast partners.

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Hmm? Lei Jin stroked his chin thoughtfully. Maybe he could ask Roger about it—assuming Roger wouldn’t blow his head off for even bringing it up.

While Lei Jin was still pondering life’s deeper questions, it was Berg who first noticed someone had entered, as he was facing the door. Catching the unfriendly look in Jia Nuo’s eyes, Berg frowned subtly and turned to Lei Jin. “You have a visitor.” Though with that kind of attitude, “visitor” might not be the right word.

Lei Jin was sitting right beside Berg. At a glance, he saw Jia Nuo. Now, Lei Jin wasn’t the type to repay kindness with resentment—but having someone come kicking down his door? That was a different story. Though normally easygoing, generous, and handsome as hell, he wasn’t about to pretend pleasantries for someone like this. His gaze clearly signaled: If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, get lost. Not a hint of welcome in sight.

Jia Nuo hadn’t expected Lei Jin to be so blunt. He was the son of a tribal elder, after all, and good-looking to boot. When had he ever been treated like this?

His face darkened, but thinking of the reason he came, a smug smile tugged at his lips. Without hiding his disdain, he said, “I heard you can’t have children?”

“You’re such a pain! You even chased him all the way home?” Mura, who had been sitting with his back to the door, immediately jumped up when he heard Jia Nuo’s voice and scolded him sharply. He wasn’t the least bit afraid of Jia Nuo.

“What’s it to you?” Jia Nuo shot back without hesitation.

“Even if you can give birth to ten or eight babies, Brother Xiya still wouldn’t like you. Give up already!” Worried that Lei Jin might feel embarrassed, Mura shoved Jia Nuo since he had no intention of leaving.

Jia Nuo clearly hadn’t expected Mura to get physical. Caught off guard, he stumbled to the ground. Climbing up with a clenched jaw, he growled, “Don’t think I won’t hit you just because you’re the chief’s son.”

Lei Jin cut in before the argument could escalate. “Jia Nuo, did you come here just to discuss my fertility issues?”

Jia Nuo swept a sarcastic glance over Lei Jin’s nonchalant expression. “Hiding out here all relaxed… Do you even know what’s happening with Xiya and the others—”

“That’s none of your business. Get out,” Mura interrupted, clearly anxious.

“Let him finish, Mura.” Lei Jin frowned and said calmly. There was obviously something he didn’t know.

Berg already had a good idea of what Jia Nuo was going to say. After all, the merfolk tribe had similar customs. He had wanted to stop it, but facing Lei Jin’s sharp, unyielding gaze—a side of him that was almost unfamiliar—he swallowed the words.

“You probably know that females in the tribe are precious,” Jia Nuo said, his tone matter-of-fact. “If a werebeast’s female mate can’t get pregnant within two years, he has to give him up. If he refuses, then when he grows old, he’ll be exiled from the tribe. And you should know what that means.”

Lei Jin’s breath caught. He looked at Mura. “Is that true?”

Mura nodded, albeit with difficulty.

From Berg’s position, he could clearly see Lei Jin’s fist clench on his knee, knuckles turning white. His own heart ached. Every tribe prioritized the survival of their offspring. It was cruel, yes, but with so few females, such rules were hard to change. Even when it was actually the female who was infertile, blame always fell on the werebeast. And exiled, aging werebeasts almost always ended up as a wild beast’s meal.

“So?” Lei Jin asked lazily, facing Jia Nuo’s determined gaze.

Jia Nuo was thrown off. Wasn’t the situation obvious? “You should leave Xiya before you hold the ceremony. Otherwise, you’ll ruin him.”

“And then what?” Lei Jin shifted positions casually, propping his chin up with a hand.

Jia Nuo was baffled by his attitude.

Lei Jin raised an eyebrow and offered, “Then Xiya falls for you? Holds the ceremony with you? You’ll have his children?”

“Better than someone who can’t give birth,” Jia Nuo muttered under his breath—but everyone heard.

“My advice? Come back when you’re carrying Xiya’s child. You’ll have more weight to your words then.” Lei Jin said this with complete seriousness.

“You—!”

“You agree, don’t you… Xiya?” Lei Jin’s gaze shifted to a spot behind Jia Nuo.

Jia Nuo instinctively turned around—only to see Xiya standing at the doorway, his expression unreadable. Who knew how much he had overheard, but Jia Nuo could tell he didn’t approve of him confronting Lei Jin like this.

But Xiya didn’t even spare Jia Nuo a glance. He strode over to Lei Jin and smiled gently. “Don’t listen to nonsense. No one but you will ever carry my child. How was lunch?”

Jia Nuo’s face flushed red with rage when Xiya dismissed him as if he wasn’t  even there. It was Lei Jin’s fault! Before Lei Jin showed up, Xiya had always treated him kindly. If not for Lei Jin, Xiya would have been his mate!

Lei Jin ignored Jia Nuo’s hateful glare and looked Xiya up and down with a half-smile. “En, the roast was good. There’s still plenty left. Want some?”

Xiya glanced at the cold leftovers on the table and suddenly felt a bloating in his stomach. “I already had lunch at Qi Luo’s place.”

“So you’re not eating?” Lei Jin slammed the bowl of meat onto the table.

“Uh… I guess I’m still a little hungry. I’ll have some more.” Xiya sat down beside him.

Only then did Lei Jin’s expression soften. He personally picked the biggest piece of meat and fed it to Xiya. You dare bring a third party to irritate me when I haven’t even left yet?

Xiya groaned inwardly—he was stuffed—but had no choice but to eat the meat Lei Jin offered.

Berg, watching the two, smiled slightly and gave Mura a meaningful glance.

Mura understood. Ignoring Jia Nuo’s protests, he shoved him out the door and slammed the bolt shut behind him. He and Berg disappeared into the inner room.

Xiya rubbed his stomach secretly. So full…

Lei Jin pretended not to notice, picking up another piece of meat. “No rush. Drink some water first, then eat. There’s plenty more.”

“I’m… not in a rush.” Xiya gave up resisting and closed his eyes to bite the meat.

“Forget it, you don’t have to.” Lei Jin dropped his chopsticks and suddenly stood up.

Xiya seized the moment and got up too, slinging an arm around Lei Jin’s shoulders. “What’s wrong? Are you really mad?”

Lei Jin touched the other’s face. “Why would I be? I’ve heard it’s hard to win over females, and yet you’ve got one chasing you home. I’m proud of you. Just… pick better next time.” He wasn’t angry, he definitely wasn’t angry. He was just annoyed at Jia Nuo’s pathetic manner.

“I’ve always had great taste in partners,” Xiya said confidently, locking eyes with Lei Jin.

But Lei Jin thought back to Jia Nuo’s words. He wasn’t unaffected—just unsure how to face such weighty emotions. At least once he left, Xiya and Moya could be free. Exile and death shouldn’t fall on them.

“By the way, what’s that little guy been up to lately? He used to stick to me like glue. Now he’s gone all the time.”

“Mingya’s coming of age in two months. He’s training with the tribe’s priests and healers every day now.” Xiya also clearly didn’t want to keep discussing the matter either. Think what you want—I’m not letting go.

“He’s really growing up.” Lei Jin murmured. Would he still be around to see it? Two months… that should be enough time for him to prepare. Still, it felt like a shame not to witness it.

“What’s the coming-of-age ceremony like?” Lei Jin asked as he walked to the door, expecting it to be a simple symbolic thing, just like their so-called wedding rituals.

To his surprise, Xiya looked pained. “It’s agonizing.” The body grows rapidly, wings tearing through skin as they spread. Even after almost four years, the memory still made his joints ache.

“Some werebeasts don’t survive it.” This wasn’t an exaggeration. Every year, some young ones never come out of the ceremony. Their lives end before even starting adulthood.

“What?” Lei Jin turned back, stunned. He’d only seen Mingya display his power once. Who knew if that was a fluke? The thought of the usually cuddly little thing in danger made his chest tighten.

“He’s probably still in the temple’s side hall. Let’s go check on him.” Xiya was just as worried. What he hadn’t told Lei Jin was that deaths during a cycle year were even more common. The tribe had begun preparations two months early, and every family with a young werebeast was on edge.

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The temple side hall was tucked into the tribe’s southeast corner—just two small buildings in a north-south row, almost insignificant compared to the grand temple. It was just past noon, and sunlight poured through the large windows on both east and west sides. Lei Jin looked through a window and clearly saw ten or so fluffy little leopard cubs seated inside, backs to him. Mingya’s silvery coat stood out sharply. As if sensing his presence, Mingya’s tail twitched, and one soft paw reached sneakily behind him, waving ever so slightly.

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After discussing a bit more, Xiya noticed Lei Jin shivering slightly from the cold. “Looks like we’ll have to make another trip to the Avian Tribe before the cold wave hits,” he said. “We need a thicker blanket. Now that the weather’s cooling, his body can’t handle the chill. Hold him tighter at night, but be careful not to press on his stomach.”  

Moya nodded, carefully lifting Lei Jin and placing him on the inner side of the bed before climbing in himself.  

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Xiya smiled as he watched Lei Jin instinctively curl into Moya’s embrace the moment he got into bed. Leaning down, he stole a quick kiss from Lei Jin’s lips and said, “Dad made the bed too small back then. If it were bigger, we could all sleep together.”  

There was no helping it—Lei Jin always chose Moya’s bed when he slept. But Xiya wasn’t jealous. Just having Lei Jin accept him now was enough.  

“Mingya’s back,” Xiya added. Earlier, while they were outside talking, Mingya had obediently stayed with Lei Jin until they returned, then bolted for the outhouse.  

“Mingya, you’re sleeping with me tonight,” Xiya declared, intercepting the little leopard just as he was about to jump onto the bed.  

“Mingya wants to sleep with Lei Jin!” Mingya squirmed in Xiya’s arms, trying to break free.  

“Be good. Lei Jin hasn’t been feeling well lately. If you sleep next to him, he won’t rest properly,” Xiya coaxed, worried Mingya might accidentally kick Lei Jin’s stomach in his sleep. The first three months were still a risky period.  

“Oh.” Ears drooping, Mingya reluctantly agreed.  

Xiya left, extinguishing the pine-resin lamp in the room. Since Lei Jin arrived, they’d grown accustomed to keeping a light on at night.  

“Lei Jin, you’ll like our baby too, right? I wonder who they’ll take after. Well, it doesn’t matter—I’ll love them no matter what,” Moya murmured under the blanket, gently stroking Lei Jin’s belly with a tenderness that softened his features.  

Days passed like this. Lei Jin continued helping Roger at Qi Luo’s place, while Moya traveled to the Avian Tribe. Before the cold set in, the tribe needed to stock up on supplies.  

The grasslands gradually lost their lush green hue, and the treetops began turning gold. Fallen leaves carpeted the yard every morning. Moya had been gone for nearly a month.  

Lei Jin’s arms had improved significantly—they no longer hurt unless he made sudden movements. With continued treatment, they would soon fully heal.  

“Don’t worry. Many from the tribe went this time. They’re exchanging a lot of goods, so it’s taking longer. Moya will be fine,” Xiya reassured him over breakfast, serving a bowl of finely sliced milkfruit.  

Lei Jin was no stranger to this fruit now—he’d been eating it for a while. To counter its tartness, Xiya had melted honey into a thin golden glaze, coating the slices. The result was a sweet-and-sour treat with a rich milky flavor. Lei Jin had never been fond of such snacks before, but lately, he’d grown addicted. Skipping a day left him feeling oddly unsettled.  

Another thing that bothered him was his slightly rounder belly. Thankfully, the cooler weather and layered clothing masked it. His tall frame helped too, so outsiders wouldn’t notice. But Lei Jin knew it was gradually growing. Xiya, sharing his bed, often absentmindedly touched his stomach, making Lei Jin wonder if he really was pregnant.  

He didn’t want to dwell on it, but he couldn’t ignore the possibility. The sooner he faced it, the better. He planned to ask Chunji first—someone familiar and easier to talk to—but Chunji had left word that he was heading deep into the grasslands to collect herbs and wouldn’t return until snowfall. The matter was postponed.  

Apart from the slight bulge, Lei Jin had no other symptoms. Maybe he was overthinking it.  

“How’s Berg doing?” Lei Jin asked. The merfolk was the real expectant parent, with less than a month until delivery. The family was taking extra care of him.  

“He’s fine. Qing Qiao checked on him yesterday and said it’ll happen this month,” Xiya replied, omitting the part where Qing Qiao had also detected faint fetal pulses in Lei Jin. For some reason, they were still very weak.  

“Good.” After all, Lei Jin didn’t want anything to happen to Berg. Changing the subject, he asked, “Why have you been so well-behaved lately?”  

Take last night, for instance. Lei Jin had taken the initiative, only for Xiya to leap out of bed in panic. Sure, he’d gained a little weight, but he wasn’t that hideous, was he? Xiya’s reaction was downright insulting.  

Xiya choked on air. The injustice! He wanted nothing more than to pin Lei Jin down daily, but Qing Qiao’s warning echoed in his mind: Pregnant individuals often have increased desires. After three months, gentle preparation could actually aid delivery. But given Lei Jin’s unusual condition, extreme caution was needed now.

So even if it killed him, Xiya wouldn’t lay a finger on Lei Jin.  

“It’s getting cold. I didn’t want you sweating and catching a chill,” Xiya blurted, offering a flimsy excuse.  

Yeah, right. But Lei Jin let it slide. He had to help at Qi Luo’s place anyway—the ceremony was tomorrow, and the household was in chaos.  

Qi Luo’s new home was finished, though the yard remained unpaved, scattered with loose yellow earth. Two saplings had been transplanted, and a pebble path led from the gate to the door—stones Lei Jin had hauled from the creek. The four spacious stone rooms of the house were bright and airy.  

With the colder weather, animal hides now covered the windows as windbreaks, currently rolled up.  

By the time they arrived, Qi Luo’s place was bustling with helpers—mostly females handling the finer tasks, since heavy labor wasn’t needed anymore.  

Xiya dropped Lei Jin at the door and left. With Roger around, there was nothing to worry about.  

The rooms still carried a faint smokiness from drying out the damp. Females bustled about arranging new furniture—nothing extravagant, just beds, tables, stools, and two wardrobes crafted from mountain timber, joined with wooden pegs and polished smooth.  

“Uncle Roger! Lei Jin!” Mura, standing on a bed to spread out a vibrant red blanket, greeted them cheerfully.  

“This blanket is stunning,” Lei Jin remarked sincerely. The crimson base featured an intricate black, yellow, blue, and white pattern, bordered by blue-and-white flowers and edged with black-and-yellow threads—bold and elegant.  

“When you guys hold your ceremony, we’ll weave an even prettier one!” Su Rui chimed in, carrying a gray blanket.  

Lei Jin smiled noncommittally. Their ceremony would likely never happen.  

Someone snorted loudly—undoubtedly Jia He’s younger sister Jia Nuo, who had a crush on Xiya and saw Lei Jin as a rival.  

Lei Jin ignored such childish antics. He wasn’t about to star in some melodrama. Though, considering Xiya and the others’ ages, he did feel a bit like an old bull grazing among tender shoots. At twenty-eight, he’d never expected to get tangled up with teenagers.  

“Snort all you want. Brother Xiya only likes Lei Jin,” Mura shot back, always at odds with Jia Nuo. Both were among the tribe’s most attractive females, surrounded by suitors, and their personalities clashed. Mura especially despised Jia Nuo’s affected delicacy.  

“You’re no prize either.” The two were on the verge of another spat until Su Rui, as host, stepped in to mediate.  

Lei Jin and Roger helped with final tidying—airing out the rooms. Aside from the eye-catching red blanket and two pots of red flowers on the table, this “newlywed chamber” looked no different from any other.  

Tribal ceremonies began at dawn. Lei Jin had intended to attend but slept right through. By the time he woke, Xiya had already returned.  

“Why didn’t you wake me?” Lei Jin grumbled, rubbing his sore lower back as he got out of bed. His stomach felt uncomfortably bloated.  

“Nothing much to see—just simple rituals. They’ve entered the temple now and will come out by noon for a feast at Qi Luo’s. Want to go?” Xiya knelt to help him into his shoes.  

“That’s it? Nothing special?” Seemed awfully plain.  

“What were you expecting?” Xiya smirked, adding teasingly, “Why not experience it yourself someday?”  

“Not interested,” Lei Jin flatly refused.  

Xiya’s eyes dimmed imperceptibly.  

The midday feast was mandatory for Xiya and the others, who brought dried meat and premium pelts as gifts. Lei Jin, feeling sluggish, opted to stay home with Berg.  

Mid-meal, Mura stormed in and plopped down at the table. “I’m so mad! If it weren’t his brother’s ceremony today, I’d challenge him to a duel! Who does he think he is? Just because he’s pretty—besides he’s not even as pretty as Lei Jin!”  

Clearly, another clash with Jia Nuo.  

“Wow, females duel here too?” Berg tore off a chunk of meat, chewing lazily.  

Mura glanced at Lei Jin.  

“Because of me?” Lei Jin raised a brow. He hadn’t even gone—how had he sparked conflict?  

“Lei Jin, can I ask you something?” Mura hesitated before speaking.  

“Go ahead.” The greasy meat had killed Lei Jin’s appetite anyway.  

“Is it true you can’t have babies? Even after taking the jade mugwort?” Earlier, he’d overheard Jia Nuo gossiping with others, mocking Lei Jin for being attractive but barren, saying even a werebeast mate would be better—at least they could support each other. He’d laughed at Xiya and his brothers for their poor taste.  

“Who told you that?” Berg cut in. Though not a secret, Mura made it sound like common knowledge.  

“Yeah, it’s true.” Lei Jin sipped hot water to wash away the grease. No point hiding facts.  

“So… Xiya and the others will never have children?” Mura murmured, crestfallen. Jia Nuo had been right.  

“They will. Don’t worry about it.” Once Lei Jin left, surely they wouldn’t stay single forever.  

“What do you mean?” Mura was baffled.  

“You’ll understand someday. So, was Qi Luo’s place lively?” Lei Jin changed the subject.  

“Same as usual. The important part’s the Sacred Lake afterward, but since Qi Luo and Jia He aren’t having kids, it doesn’t matter.” Mura, still downcast, replied absentmindedly.  

“Sacred Lake? What’s that got to do with having babies?” Lei Jin asked, confused.

Only then did Mura realize what he had just said. His face flushed slightly with embarrassment. After all, he was an unmated female, and talking about such things wasn’t exactly appropriate. But looking at the two people beside him—one was pregnant, the other also a female—there shouldn’t be any issue, so he spoke openly about what he knew.

“On the mountain behind our tribe, there’s a Sacred Lake. Normally, no one is allowed to go there, but mated pairs who’ve completed the ritual must go there the next day and stay for a month…” Mura’s face turned redder and redder, and he trailed off, hesitant to continue.

“Why?” Lei Jin was curious. Could this be their version of a honeymoon?

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

“Because there, it’s very difficult for werebeasts to maintain their human forms. In their beast form, they… mate with their partner for a whole month. It increases the chances of getting pregnant.”

Lei Jin’s hand suddenly twitched for some reason, and the water bowl rolled out of his grasp, spinning until it stopped right at the foot of someone who had just entered the room.

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