Chapter 487: Gathering Together

Xie Youchen paused and gently pinched Jiang Qingli’s cheek. "Ah Li, it might rain today. Besides, the temple is on high ground, so it’ll be tiring."

Most people in the Empire firmly believed that their ability to rebuild their homes after the apocalypse and awaken Beastification and Superpowers was due to the Beast God’s blessing.

Therefore, every city district had a Beast God temple.

The Ninth District was low-lying, full of swamps and jungles. To avoid being disturbed, the largest temple was built on the highest mountain, with thousands of steps leading up to it.

The trip would take less than a minute by aircraft.

But the temple grounds were kept in a pristine, natural state. Aircraft, vehicles, and Superpowers were strictly forbidden.

"It’s fine," Qin Muye suddenly spoke up. "I’ll carry her up!"

Xie Youchen’s brow twitched. Before he could speak, Yi Nuo cut in, "There’s no need for the Prince to trouble himself. I’m her butler. I’ll do it."

’This oblivious wolf! He just has to fight me for everything, doesn’t he?’

Qin Muye glared at Yi Nuo, who met his gaze calmly, not the least bit intimidated.

Invisible sparks CRACKLED in the air between them.

Just then, a gentle voice chimed in. "What’s all the commotion about?"

Baili Jing walked out from inside. The collar of his casual shirt was slightly open, revealing suggestive red marks peeking out from beneath a silver necklace.

Jiang Qingli gave him a look, silently telling him to fix his shirt. "We’re going to the temple."

"Qingli~" Seeing his chance, and afraid of being left behind, Gu Nian quickly clasped Jiang Qingli’s fingers. His rose-quartz eyes blinked pleadingly. "Qingli, I’ve never been to the temple before. C-can I go with you? I want to pray to the great Beast God that I can be with you forever..."

"Sweetheart, may I come along?" Baili Jing asked, slowly fastening his buttons. "It’s not often Youchen is recovered and so many of us are gathered in one place."

Jiang Qingli thought that made sense. "Okay, then let’s all go together! I’ll ask if Cat Teacher is coming, and Ye Linyuan too."

Gu Nian pressed his lips together in frustration. ’How did more and more people get roped into this...’

Qin Muye, on the other hand, was thrilled. ’The more the merrier! It means no one else gets a chance with her!’

Besides...

Qin Muye glanced at the Black Dragon standing beside Jiang Qingli and snickered.

’Serves you right, you old phony.’

...

After sending the messages, Jiang Qingli went to change into clothes suitable for hiking.

Ye Linyuan arrived soon after.

He frowned in disgust at the sight of the crowd but otherwise said nothing.

Qin Muye made a point of watching Xie Youchen. Seeing his expression darken even further at the sight of Ye Linyuan, Qin Muye felt a surge of satisfaction.

’Suddenly, this snake Ye Linyuan seems somewhat useful.’

But his smile didn’t even last a minute. The moment he saw the two late arrivals, his composure shattered—

"What is HE doing here?!"

Qin Muye glared furiously at Yuan Shiyao, who was following behind Yuan Shimo, his eyes burning with rage.

’How could this desperate hanger-on show up in their harmonious family!’

’What the hell is Yuan Shimo thinking, letting this kind of trash in!’

Qin Muye couldn’t contain his rage. He glared at Yuan Shimo. "What the hell is your problem? Don’t you know he’s the other man?!"

Yuan Shimo shot him an indifferent glance but said nothing.

It was Yuan Shiyao who spoke up politely. "Prince, please lower your voice. Our sister-in-law is still inside."

"So you do know she’s your sister-in-law? You bed-hopping piece of trash!" Qin Muye shouted, grabbing Yuan Shiyao by the collar.

Qin Muye could tolerate Jiang Qingli including Yuan Shiyao in the selection.

But for Yuan Shiyao to show up right in front of him was another matter entirely.

He couldn’t stand it!

Just as Qin Muye’s fist was about to fly, Yuan Shimo, who had been silent the whole time, finally spoke. "Prince, the female master is almost done changing."

Qin Muye’s chest heaved. He violently shoved Yuan Shiyao aside and snorted. "Well, would you look at that. You’re already defending him before he’s even officially joined the family. How generous of you!"

"I’m not going to join the family," Yuan Shiyao said calmly after steadying himself.

At these words, it was Qin Muye’s turn to fall silent.

"What do you mean?" Qin Muye didn’t understand.

"Exactly what it sounds like," Yuan Shiyao said, straightening his collar. "I love Qingli, but I will not enter the Jiang Family."

He was originally supposed to be Jiang Qingli’s Beast Husband, but by a twist of fate, Yuan Shimo took his place.

But Yuan Shiyao felt this was also for the best.

If he officially joined the family, Yuan Shimo would always be uncomfortable, and Jiang Qingli would likely face public criticism. It was better to remain her lover on the side.

In political matters, it would be easier for him to become Jiang Qingli’s right-hand man.

After all, he had plenty of experience as a secretary-general.

There was no falsehood in Yuan Shiyao’s words. The atmosphere became strangely quiet.

Xie Youchen looked down, replying to a message, acting as if it had nothing to do with him.

Yuan Shimo, who already knew about this, remained expressionless in tacit agreement.

Baili Jing wasn’t surprised either, his smile never wavering.

Gu Nian silently rolled his eyes and muttered a vulgar curse under his breath.

Ye Linyuan raised an eyebrow, a flash of mockery in his vertical pupils.

For some reason, Qin Muye felt like a main husband meeting his wife’s lover, who then says, ’Sir, I’m willing to stay on the side forever, I beg for your tolerance.’ The corner of his mouth twitched. "Fuck me, you really got addicted to this whole secret affair thing, huh."

He was about to say more, but just then, the door behind him opened.

Jiang Qingli pushed the door open to a bizarrely tense scene.

’They must have been arguing again.’

Jiang Qingli was curious, but with so many people around, she had to play the peacekeeper. She swallowed her questions.

Just then, she caught sight of the dark-haired young man and her eyes widened in surprise. "Shiyao? What are you doing here?"

"Qingli." Yuan Shiyao stepped forward and smiled at her, his eyes filled with longing. "I arrived yesterday. My brother just came to find me, and when we received your message, we came over together."

The other person in question, Yuan Shimo, simply nodded. "Mm."

After his one-word response, his lips twitched into something that wasn’t quite a smile.

What Yuan Shiyao said was true, but it was only the end result.

Yuan Shiyao had arrived in the Ninth District yesterday and sent a message to Yuan Shimo, saying they should talk.

Yuan Shimo had been running an experiment last night and had only gone to meet his younger brother this morning.

Since the wedding, Yuan Shimo had barely spoken a word to his twin brother.

Although he had accepted the fact that Jiang Qingli also had feelings for Yuan Shiyao, Yuan Shimo still found him incredibly annoying.

Not long after he arrived, he received Jiang Qingli’s message asking if he wanted to go to the temple.

Yuan Shiyao, who was standing nearby, saw the message and asked, his gaze intense, "Brother, can I come too?"