Chapter 9

　　"It's my fault. I didn't pay enough attention to the rumors in the village. Xiaobai, don't worry, I will never have any contact with Zhang Youyu in the future, and I have never had any close relationship with her. I swear." As he said this, Meng Xiangbei raised his hand as if he was about to swear.

　　Lin Zhibai held the book tightly in his hands, staring at Meng Xiangbei through the mist.

　　Meng Xiangbei has sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, especially his eyes, which are deep and charming. When he looks at people intently, people will have the illusion that they are his whole world.

　　At this moment, Lin Zhibai's pretty little face was reflected in his dark eyes.

　　After a while, Lin Zhibai nodded, "I believe you."

　　Meng Xiangbei breathed a sigh of relief and wiped the tears from Lin Zhibai's face with his fingertips. "Okay, go wash your face and then have a good meal."

　　"Um."

　　Looking at Lin Zhibai's slender back as he turned around, Meng Xiangbei pondered, Zhang Youyu's issue had to be resolved as soon as possible, as well as the issue of the teacher quota. This matter was not entirely made up by him.

　　The original owner stopped Lin Zhibai from taking the college entrance examination, but would not stop him from becoming a teacher. The salary of a teacher is much higher than doing heavy work. Only when Lin Zhibai gets a high salary can he live a better life.

　　-

　　Meng Xiangbei went to the village chief's house.

　　The village chief's surname is Zhang and his name is Aiguo. He has four sons and only has Zhang Youyu, the youngest daughter. Zhang Youyu has a sweet appearance and a lively personality. She is also the most loved by her parents and brothers.

　　When Meng Xiangbei arrived, he heard a noisy sound coming from inside. He knocked on the door, and after a while, a young man about 20 years old opened the door.

　　Meng Xiangbei remembered that this was Zhang Youyu's fourth brother, Zhang Ji'an. Zhang Aiguo's four sons were named Zhang Jiguo, Zhang Jitai, Zhang Jimin, and Zhang Ji'an.

　　The first three sons have already married and had children , but Zhang Ji'an is the only one who still unmarried.

　　Zhang Ji'an dotes on his younger sister Zhang Youyu the most, but recently his younger sister has fallen for Meng Xiangbei, a lazy, second-rate guy who is much older than her and has been clamoring to marry him. How could the Zhang family agree? Seeing that the atmosphere at home is becoming more and more tense, the Zhang family hated Meng Xiangbei because it must have been Meng Xiangbei who seduced the innocent Zhang Youyu.

　　"Meng Xiangbei, you actually dare to come to my house? I'm going to beat you to death." Zhang Ji'an impulsively raised his fist to swing towards Meng Xiangbei.

　　The next second, a cry of pain was heard.

　　When the Zhang family members who were arguing came out, they saw Zhang Ji'an's hand being grabbed by Meng Xiangbei, and he looked in pain.

　　"I don't like to fight, and I hope you won't force me to do it." Meng Xiangbei glanced at Zhang Ji'an's three brothers who rushed over, and let go of his hand.

　　Zhang Ji'an gritted his teeth and clasped his hands, wanting to rush forward, but was stopped by Zhang Aiguo.

　　"Brother Xiangbei, you're here." Zhang Youyu saw Meng Xiangbei and immediately smiled and ran towards him. As soon as she approached, Meng Xiangbei took a few steps back and kept his distance from her.

　　Zhang Youyu stood there in a daze, unable to believe Meng Xiangbei's distant attitude.

　　Meng Xiangbei glanced at her, but his eyes did not linger on her for too long. Instead, he looked at Zhang Aiguo.

　　"Village Chief, I'm Meng Xiangbei, and I want to talk to you about recent events."

　　Zhang Aiguo had a cold face at first, and wanted to curse loudly because of his daughter's matter. But when he saw Meng Xiangbei's appearance, he felt that it seemed different from what he had imagined.

　　He calmed down and said, "Okay, come in, I'll listen to you." Zhang's family was in the center of Daohua Village, surrounded by people's houses. When they heard the noise, many people would have come out. Zhang Aiguo didn't want to be laughed at by others.

　　"Dad, why talk to him? People like him deserve a beating." Zhang Jiguo was tall and strong, with a stern face that looked fierce. If they hadn't been restrained by their father, the brothers would have gone to Meng Xiangbei's house with their fists raised.

　　"Jiguo!" Zhang Aiguo glared at his eldest son, and Zhang Jiguo retracted his fist in indignation.

　　Meng Xiangbei entered the Zhang family under the watchful eyes of the four sons of the Zhang family.

　　"Tell me, I want to see what you have to say. I tell you, I will never marry my little sister to you." Zhang Jiguo snorted coldly and pulled Zhang Youyu behind him. His tall and strong body directly blocked the petite Zhang Youyu.

　　Meng Xiangbei looked calm and carefully selected his words before saying, "Recently, the village has been talking about the story between me and Zhang Youyu. Everyone, including you, may have misunderstood."

　　He looked at Zhang Youyu, "I have indeed been close to you during this period, but I don't have any romantic feelings for you."

　　Zhang Youyu's body swayed, and she pursed her lips as she stared at him.

　　"You should remember that you told me before that the village chief had two recommended positions for primary school teachers in the town. I am close to you, and I actually wanted to take advantage of the life-saving grace to ask you for help. Can you recommend Lin Zhiqing to be a teacher?

　　Lin Zhiqing and I have lived together for several years and we have a good relationship. He is weak and not suitable for heavy work. But I didn't expect you to misunderstand me and spread bad rumors in the village. I was inconsiderate and ruined your reputation. I solemnly apologize to you, and I am not suitable for you. "

　　Zhang Youyu is actually a good girl, and he can't just put all the blame on her.

　　Zhang Youyu's tears were already falling. She shook her head desperately and choked up, "I don't believe it. I can feel that you like me. You would only say this if you like another girl."

　　"No, I don't like other girls." Meng Xiangbei denied without hesitation. There was no girl. The one he liked was the young man Lin Zhibai!

　　Zhang Jiguo and others were relieved when they heard that Meng Xiangbei did not like their younger sister, but when they saw the younger sister crying, they were angry that Meng Xiangbei was blind and actually looked down on their precious sister.

　　"Little sister, it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter if he doesn't like you. There are many people in this village who like you. There's no need to stick to him."

　　"Our little sister is so pretty, she should marry a city guy. Meng Xiangbei is not worthy of you."

　　“…”

　　Several brothers began to coax and persuade Zhang Youyu.

　　Zhang Youyu shed tears as she looked at Meng Xiangbei's reaction.

　　He showed no pity, said no sweet words, and looked calm, as if she was just a stranger.

　　Zhang Youyu really fell in love at first sight with the handsome and gentle Meng Xiangbei who saved her life, but now, he told her that everything was just her imagination.

　　Indeed, they just pulled each other's hands once, and it was unexpected, and they quickly let go.

　　And perhaps, as he said, those words of praise for her were just for Lin Zhiqing's recommendation.

　　Zhang Youyu was sixteen years old and just beginning to fall in love. Meng Xiangbei was the first person she liked. Now, her heart was almost broken, but as she had been brought up in pampering, she also had her own pride.

　　"Brother, you are right, Meng Xiangbei, I will definitely meet someone better than you in the future." The girl spoke with a tearful tone, but raised her chin stubbornly. Zhang Youyu also disdained people who didn't like her.

　　Zhang Youyu's decisiveness and relief surprised Meng Xiangbei. He was surprised and relieved at the same time. He smiled sincerely and said, "Yes, you will."

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Chapter 8

 　　Meng Xiangbei quickened his pace and returned home, where he saw Lin Zhibai coming out of the kitchen.

　　When Lin Zhibai saw him coming back, he shook his head slightly, blinked his eyelashes, suppressed the emotions in his eyes, and walked towards Meng Xiangbei, "Brother Meng, you're back. Just in time, I've prepared the meal."

　　Lin Zhibai had a smile on his lips, just like usual, even brighter and with a hint of flattery, but Meng Xiangbei could clearly see his swollen eyes.

　　Meng Xiangbei put down the bamboo basket behind him and said, "Okay."

　　The kitchen is not big. After building a clay stove and making some space for firewood, food and other things, it can barely fit a small wooden table as a dining table.

　　Rice with fish soup, this is what Meng Xiangbei asked him to cook before going to the town. Otherwise, with the current food situation at home and Lin Zhibai's constant frugality, the dish would definitely not be as full of rice as it is now.

　　However, it was only for Meng Xiangbei. Lin Zhibai only filled one-third of the bowl himself, saying that he had no appetite and there was also fish soup to drink.

　　"Really? But I've already eaten something when I came back from the town, so I can't eat much now. Xiaobai, I'll ask you to eat more and don't waste food." As he spoke, Meng Xiangbei held the bowl and gave a small half bowl to Lin Zhibai.

　　How could he not know why Lin Zhibai said that? The fact that he had no appetite was clearly a lie, and he just wanted to leave more rice for him.

　　Meng Xiangbei's heart ached slightly. This idiot, why doesn't he know how to feel sorry for himself?

　　Lin Zhibai was afraid that Meng Xiangbei would be angry, so he refused several times and then said nothing. He lowered his head and ate quietly. Somehow, his eyes gradually became hot. He even found an excuse to go to the room. When he came back, Meng Xiangbei clearly saw that his eyes were slightly red.

　　Meng Xiangbei finished his meal and poured himself some fish soup. After thinking for a moment, he said, "I heard that the village chief's daughter Zhang Youyu came over today."

　　As soon as he finished speaking, the young man opposite him paused in his eating, and the fingertips holding the bowl tightened and turned slightly pale.

　　He didn't look up and just said "hmm" softly.

　　"Did she come to see me? What did she say?" Meng Xiangbei drank the fish soup in one gulp, put down the bowl and asked.

　　"No, nothing." Lin Zhibai didn't eat either. He put the bowl on the wooden table, but his hands were still tightly clenched, as if only in this way could he barely have the courage to hold on.

　　"But I heard some things when I came back."

　　Lin Zhibai hid the mist in his eyes and looked up, "Brother Meng, she really didn't say anything. Let's eat quickly. I'm so hungry."

　　As he spoke, he picked up the bowl and ate bite after bite without stopping, as if that would end the topic.

　　Meng Xiangbei felt helpless and distressed when he saw him escaping like this.

　　Lin Zhibai is a clean and well-educated young man. Although his every move cannot be said to be elegant, he is gentle and polite.

　　It was obvious that he couldn't bear to eat so fast. After just a few bites, he choked and started coughing.

　　Meng Xiangbei immediately snatched his bowl away, went to his side and stroked his back. It took a long while for Lin Zhibai to recover.

　　Whether it was because of the cough or some other reason, but his eyes were red and filled with tears, and he looked so pitiful.

　　Meng Xiangbei looked down at him with a cold face, "Why are you eating so fast? You were the one who said you had no appetite just now, and you are the one who is wolfing down your food now. Now that you are choking, you are happy, right?"

　　Meng Xiangbei actually doesn't have a bad temper and has a gentle personality, but when he gets angry, his face looks bad and his tone becomes heavier.

　　Lin Zhibai panicked. What he feared most was that Meng Xiangbei would be angry.

　　Once Meng Xiangbei got angry, he always felt like he was being abandoned.

　　Lin Zhibai didn't dare to get up. He sat on the small stool and raised his head. His face was pretty but pale, and his eyes were red. He stretched out his hand and grabbed the corner of Meng Xiangbei's clothes. "Brother Meng, I know I was wrong. Don't be angry."

　　He suppressed his sobs, but his tone still had a hint of tears.

　　Seeing Meng Xiangbei silent, he immediately said, "Brother Meng, don't be angry with me. It doesn't matter if you scold me or starve me, as long as, as long as..." as long as you don't abandon me.

　　He bit his lips with his pearly teeth, unable to continue speaking. He lowered his head slightly, but tightened his grip on the corner of Meng Xiangbei's clothes. He was unwilling to let go of Meng Xiangbei.

　　He was thin and sitting, a small person, his shoulders were still trembling slightly, and he looked very pitiful, like a bullied cub who was holding on to the last glimmer of hope and was afraid of being abandoned.

　　Seeing him like this, Meng Xiangbei's temper was softened at once, and he could no longer be angry.

　　He squatted down, held Lin Zhibai's face with both hands, and forced him to look at him.

　　"Xiaobai, I will only say what I am going to say once, so you have to listen carefully."

　　"I know that there have been a lot of rumors about Zhang Youyu and I in the village recently. I also know that Zhang Youyu came to see you today. But I don't like Zhang Youyu. From the beginning to the end, the only person I like is you, Lin Zhibai."

　　After a pause, Meng Xiangbei continued, "During this period, I have indeed been close to Zhang Youyu, but there is a reason. The primary school in the town is recruiting teachers recently, and each village has two vacancies, and the vacancies are with the village chief.

　　You know, I saved Zhang Youyu a while ago. She is the daughter of the village chief. I was thinking if I could get a place for you from the village chief through her."

　　Lin Zhibai was stunned. Meng Xiangbei's words were obviously beyond his expectations.

　　Meng Xiangbei continued, "I learned from your friends that your dream has always been to become a teacher. Two years ago, you must have wanted to take the college entrance examination. I'm sorry that I burned your books and prevented you from realizing your dream. Instead, I kept you by my side. I was too selfish."

　　Lin Zhibai burst into tears and shook his head desperately. He hugged Meng Xiangbei and said, "No, you just like me. You are not selfish."

　　Meng Xiangbei suddenly smiled, touched his hair, and chuckled, "You still know that I like you."

　　"You stayed with me, but I know that you still have a dream of becoming a teacher, Xiaobai. I've figured it out. I love you, so I should support you in realizing your dream. So I support you in taking the college entrance examination. Before the college entrance examination, I don't want you to do heavy work anymore, so it's good for you to be a primary school teacher in town. I'm serious. I even bought you a book today."

　　As he spoke, Meng Xiangbei loosened his arms, took the book out of the bamboo basket, and handed it to Lin Zhibai as if he were presenting a treasure.

　　"Look, this is the book I bought for you. However, the books in the bookstore are too expensive, and I don't have enough money to buy them. I can only buy them from the recycling station, and I can't buy all of them. You can just use them as they are. I will definitely make more money and buy you all the books and exercise books you need."

　　The book in his hand was old and creased because it had been used, and there were even traces of writing on it, but Lin Zhibai didn't care.

　　He just felt like he was dreaming. He once thought that he might never come across these books again in his life.

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Chapter 7

 　　"Comrade Lin, is Brother Xiangbei at home?"

　　Lin Zhibai's hand lightly supported the wooden door and shook his head, "He's not here."

　　"Really?" Zhang Youyu seemed a little unconvinced and poked her head inside. "Can I come in and sit down?"

　　Lin Zhibai couldn't refuse, so he turned sideways.

　　After entering the room, Zhang Youyu quickly walked around the entire room. Only after making sure that Meng Xiangbei was really not there and not avoiding him did she sit down.

　　"Have a glass of water." Lin Zhibai filled an enamel cup with water.

　　Zhang Youyu thanked him, but did not move after seeing the enamel cup with paint peeling off. The village chief's family was a wealthy family in Daohua Village, and Zhang Youyu was the spoiled youngest daughter. From childhood to adulthood, she had used the newest and best things.

　　Zhang Youyu asked about Meng Xiangbei's whereabouts.

　　Lin Zhibai did not hide anything and told her that Meng Xiangbei went to the town, but he did not say what he was doing in the town.

　　Zhang Youyu hesitated for a while and said, "Comrade Lin, I have something to ask you. Can you tell me the truth?"

　　As she spoke, a hint of shyness appeared on Zhang Youyu's sweet face. "You, you should have heard that Brother Xiangbei and I are in love with each other and will be getting married soon."

　　Lin Zhibai looked at the shy girl. Under the table, her hands were tangled together on her knees, and his face, which was already pale, turned even paler.

　　"But, I don't know why Brother Xiangbei quarreled with me yesterday." At this point, Zhang Youyu's emotions fluctuated, and she became a little angry. "Do you know which woman Brother Xiangbei has been close to recently? Someone must have seduced Brother Xiangbei."

　　Zhang Youyu stared at Lin Zhibai, hoping to get an answer, as if she was going to tear that person apart once she found out who that person was.

　　Lin Zhibai pursed his lips into a stiff line and shook his head, "I don't know."

　　"Really?" Zhang Youyu didn't quite believe it, but Lin Zhibai was the one who lived with Meng Xiangbei, and she didn't know who else to ask except Lin Zhibai.

　　Zhang Youyu fell in love with Meng Xiangbei at first sight after being rescued by him. Meng Xiangbei's various intimacy also showed that he liked her, but he actually said such words yesterday.

　　If other little goblins hadn't urged her, she would never have believed it.

　　Zhang Youyu asked the question several times, but the answer she got from Lin Zhibai was always the same.

　　It seems that the little goblin is hiding very deeply!

　　Zhang Youyu's face darkened slightly and she gritted her teeth.

　　Lin Zhibai curled his fingers and hesitated for a moment before speaking, "You just said that you and Brother Meng are in love with each other?"

　　"Yes." Zhang Youyu nodded, with a smile on her lips, "Brother Xiangbei held my hand and said a lot of sweet things. Oh, and he also said he liked me..."

　　Lin Zhibai looked at Zhang Youyu.

　　She's like a girl in love, sharing her sweet love and her happiness, which cannot be faked.

　　Lin Zhibai's heart felt like it was immersed in an ice cave. It's clearly not raining and the sun was high in the sky. It was clearly not a winter night, but his heart was extremely cold.

　　Lin Zhibai listened numbly to Zhang Youyu telling about the sweetness between her and Meng Xiangbei. His heart felt like it was being cut by a blunt knife, hurting inch by inch.

　　"...Comrade Lin, I have to go. If you know which woman seduced Brother Xiangbei, please tell me." Zhang Youyu planned to leave without waiting for Meng Xiangbei to come back, and did not forget to give instructions before leaving.

　　When Zhang Youyu was leaving, an old lady from the village happened to pass by.

　　"Comrade Lin, the girl from the village head's family is here to look for Meng Xiangbei, right? Tell me, where did Meng Xiangbei get the good fortune to make the girl from the Zhang family fall in love with him.

　　But if Meng Xiangbei marries the girl from the Zhang family, then you, Comrade Lin, will have to move out. After all, you are staying at his house temporarily, and it is not appropriate to live with them after they get married . Hey, comrade Lin, why are you leaving?"

　　The door was closed, and Lin Zhibai returned to his room like a puppet on a string.

　　The words of Zhang Youyu and the old lady just now lingered in his ears.

　　Yes, how could he forget that he was an educated youth who had gone to the countryside and was only temporarily staying in his house. He was just an outsider.

　　Lin Zhibai slowly leaned half of his body on the quilt, tears falling silently.

　　Brother Meng, will you really marry Zhang Youyu? Will you drive me away?

　　Then what about your previous words about liking me? What about our day and night intimacy over the past few years?

　　-

　　Meng Xiangbei in the town didn't know about Lin Zhibai and Zhang Youyu's meeting.

　　Daohua Village is quite far from the town, so he left home early and walked for two hours to reach the town.

　　Meng Xiangbei was spoiled by Lin Zhibai and became lazy and gluttonous. The two-hour journey really made his legs sore.

　　It is estimated that Meng Xiangbei used up all his energy in tormenting Lin Zhibai at night.

　　Carrying fish, rabbits, eggs, etc. in a bamboo basket, Meng Xiangbei arrived at the black market.

　　Few people who come to the black market carry bamboo baskets, as they are too obvious targets. Most of them carry small baskets, or just come empty-handed. They just lean over and ask in a low voice when they see a seller, and then go to other places to deliver the goods after confirming the goods.

　　It was Meng Xiangbei's first time in the black market and he had no experience at all. After entering the black market, the nightmare beast carrying a bamboo basket received several waves of attention. Some of the looks clearly showed the word "stupid".

　　However, some people still came over to ask about the items and prices.

　　Meat, whether pork, chicken, fish, etc., were all rare. Meng Xiangbei's price was not very high and they were all sold out in more than an hour. He earned 6.5 yuan and some tickets.

　　Meng Xiangbei bought fine grains, flour, vegetables, a small can of malted milk, a set of clothes and other daily necessities.

　　Then he went to the bookstore.

　　There weren't many people in the bookstore, but those who went in were all young and well-dressed, probably preparing to take the college entrance examination.

　　The books in the bookstore are brand new but very expensive.

　　Meng Xiangbei didn't have much money left in his pocket, so he couldn't buy a complete set of books.

　　He went to the recycling station again.

　　The scrap recycling station also recycles books. After some highly educated families were raided, their books were sent to the scrap recycling station. Two books cost ten cents, which is not expensive.

　　Meng Xiangbei took out Chinese and chemistry, as well as a physics workbook, but he couldn't find the others yet.

　　Meng Xiangbei slipped a few cents to the owner of the scrap recycling station and asked him to keep an eye out for the books he wanted and keep them for him.

　　Putting all the things in the bamboo basket, Meng went back to the village and met the villagers along the way.

　　"Hey, Meng Xiangbei, where have you been? The little girl from the Zhang family just came to your house, and I thought you were home too."

　　Meng Xiangbei suddenly stopped and looked at the middle-aged woman, "You said Zhang Youyu went to my house just now?"

　　The old lady was always talkative, and when she saw Meng Xiangbei paying attention to her, she became even more excited, "Yes, when I passed by, I happened to see comrade Lin talking to her. I also asked comrade Lin that since you are marrying the girl from the Zhang family, does he have to move out? After all, comrade Lin only staying at your house temporarily..."

　　The old lady was still chattering, but Meng Xiangbei's face quickly turned cold. After a few seconds, Meng Xiangbei growled, "Shut up."

　　Meng Xiangbei narrowed his eyes, and his fierce eyes scared the aunt.

　　"It's not your turn to say whether Lin Zhibai lives in my house or not. Also, Zhang Youyu and I have nothing to do with each other. Don't let me hear you talking nonsense again, otherwise..." Meng Xiangbei lazily raised his eyes, expressionless, "You should also know that I am a second-rate person. I don't have the habit of not beating women and the elderly."

　　After saying these harsh words, Meng Xiangbei left in a hurry.

　　The old lady looked at his back for a long time before she recovered from her shock. She patted her chest and cursed, "You bastard, you are crazy!"

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Chapter 6

　　After getting dressed and blowing out the candle, they lay down again.

　　In the darkness, Lin Zhibai lay straight, a little stiff, his hands clutching the corners of his clothes, his eyes lowered, and no one knew what he was thinking.

　　Suddenly, the man next to him reached out with his long arms and effortlessly pulled him over. The next second, he bumped into a hot chest. The man's warmth and familiar breath, lingered all over him.

　　"My body is hotter, so you won't feel cold if you lean on me." A man's low yet gentle voice came from above his head.

　　Yes, what Lin Zhibai longed for the most was the warmth in Meng Xiangbei's arms during the winter.

　　Lin Zhibai was in poor health and was afraid of cold, especially in winter when his whole body was cold. Many times he couldn't sleep well all night because of cold hands and feet.

　　But Meng Xiangbei is different. In winter, he is like a warm stove. As long as Lin Zhibai sleeps next to him, he can always sleep well.

　　However, I haven't felt it for a long time. At night, he always came to the small room in a hurry, and then hurried back to his room after finishing.

　　The sound of the man's steady and powerful heartbeat beside his ear brought Lin Zhibai back to his senses, and he felt a movement in his calf.

　　The man next to him had his hand on his calf, pressing it occasionally.

　　"Is this much strength okay?" Meng Xiangbei asked.

　　"Hmm?" Lin Zhibai blinked in the darkness, somewhat confused.

　　"Won't your legs be sore on rainy days? Let me massage them for you." Meng Xiangbei sighed slightly. What a sin this was. A healthy young man of twenty years old had developed cold legs at such a young age.

　　"No, thanks. I'm not sore." Lin Zhibai was startled by Meng Xiangbei's sudden concern. He quickly reached out to push Meng Xiangbei's hand away, but was held down tightly by the latter.

　　Lin Zhibai couldn't pull his hand away and could only whisper: "I'm really fine, let's go to bed quickly!" How could he, how could he let Brother Meng give him a massage?

　　"Xiao Bai." Meng Xiangbei's voice was still gentle, but his tone was a little heavier. "I don't like people lying to me. Answer me, are you sour or not?"

　　Lin Zhibai bit his lip and buried his head in Meng Xiangbei's chest. After a struggle, he squeezed out two words, "Sour."

　　It’s sour, how can it not be sour.

　　Lin Zhibai couldn't remember when his leg started to get worse. Was it that winter when Brother Meng wanted to eat meat so he went to the river to fish? Or was it that time when it rained and he was about to give Brother Meng an umbrella and fell down? Or was it an old problem?

　　Lin Zhibai didn’t remember anything, he only knew that afterwards, whenever it rained, he would start to feel pain, so he hated rainy days the most.

　　"Will it feel better if I massage it for you?" Meng Xiangbei asked.

　　"Yes." Lin Zhibai pulled himself back to his senses and answered in a low voice.

　　"Then I'll help you massage it for a while, you go to sleep first."

　　Lin Zhibai's lips moved, wanting to refuse, but knowing Meng Xiangbei's character, he changed the words to "It will be fine in a while, you will have to sleep soon too."

　　"Okay."

　　Meng Xiangbei held the young man with one hand and pressed his feet with the other.

　　Maybe it was because the strength was just right, or maybe it was because the embrace was too warm, after a while, the boy's breathing became even.

　　Meng Xiangbei massaged him for a long time before stopping. Before going to sleep, he was thinking vaguely that Lin Zhibai's body was full of holes* and needed to be treated as soon as possible. (illness)

　　However, Meng Xiangbei woke up in the middle of the night and felt like he was holding a stove in his arms. Meng Xiangbei's heart skipped a beat and he lit a candle to take a look.

　　Lin Zhibai's whole body was burning hot, and his fair face was abnormally flushed. He couldn't be woken up, as if he was trapped in a nightmare. His pale lips kept murmuring the three words "Brother Meng".

　　Lin Zhibai has a fever again.

　　Meng Xiangbei was anxious, luckily there were still some antipyretic pills left, so Meng Xiangbei fed him the pills mouth to mouth with difficulty, then he got some water, boiled it until it was warm, and wiped Lin Zhibai's body over and over again.

　　By the time Lin Zhibai's fever finally subsided, most of the night had passed. Meng Xiangbei poured some water, with a look of exhaustion on his face.

　　There were still a few hours before dawn, so Meng Xiangbei went to bed and hurried to catch up on his sleep. But before closing his eyes, he pressed a kiss on Lin Zhibai's forehead with his thin lips and whispered, "You're torturing me to death."

　　-

　　The next day, Lin Zhibai woke up in a daze about his second fever last night. He wanted to ask Meng Xiangbei, but he didn't dare to ask.

　　He didn't ask, and Meng Xiangbei didn't say.

　　These days, Meng Xiangbei forced him to rest at home and did not allow him to go to work.

　　Meng Xiangbei himself didn't go either. He went to the mountain in the morning, came back to eat at noon, and went to the mountain again. However, he gained something every time he came back.

　　Pheasants, rabbits, eggs, fish, etc. are all available.

　　Lin Zhibai has always known that Meng Xiangbei did not go to work, but occasionally went to the mountains to hunt, but he had never seen him bring anything back.

　　Lin Zhibai just thought that Meng Xiangbei's hunting skills were not good, and he didn't ask much, for fear that Meng Xiangbei would be sad. He could only work harder and earn more work points to get more food.

　　In fact, Meng Xiangbei did have some skills, but whatever he caught occasionally went into his stomach. Otherwise, how could he have kept himself so tall and handsome, with such fair skin, like a city guy.

　　Meng Xiangbei killed the pheasant and asked Lin Zhibai to make chicken soup.

　　Lin Zhibai was holding the chicken, frowning his pretty face and hesitating, "Will you get caught if you do this?" He spoke timidly, his clear eyes full of worry.

　　But before Meng Xiangbei could reply, Lin Zhibai muttered again, "If anyone knows, just say I caught it."

　　Meng Xiangbei chuckled, reached out, and patted his head gently, "Xiaobai, why are you so stupid?"

　　Lin Zhibai blinked, still holding the washed and cleaned chicken in his hand, looking a little confused.

　　"Don't worry, I was very careful every time I came back, and no one saw me. Besides, even if someone did see me and came to arrest me, would I let you take the blame? I'm your man, and I'm here to protect you."

　　Lin Zhibai was stunned, like a crashed robot, and was stuck in place.

　　I'm your man!

　　These words lingered in Lin Zhibai's ears over and over again.

　　My heart felt as if it were filled with honey, so sweet that it blended away some of the bitterness that had always been there, making it less bitter.

　　"Go quickly. Why are you standing there like an idiot?" Meng Xiangbei tapped the boy's forehead with his finger.

　　"Oh, okay." Lin Zhibai quickly entered the kitchen carrying the chicken.

　　In the kitchen, he put the chicken down and rubbed his ears. They felt a little hot. His eyes were still a little dull, but a smile appeared at the corner of his lips.

　　Meng Xiangbei caught a pheasant and left it for Lin Zhibai to nourish his body.

　　The rest of the prey, after leaving some behind, was placed in a bamboo basket. After saying hello to Lin Zhibai, Meng Xiangbei carried the bamboo basket and went to the town.

　　The food at home is running out, Xiaobai needs to be taken care of, and his clothes are too thin. This time, I will go to the town to sell the prey and buy some necessities. Oh, and Xiaobai's book.

　　When Meng Xiangbei went to town, Lin Zhibai was cleaning the house, but Meng Xiangbei still didn't let him go to work.

　　As he was cleaning, there was a knock on the door.

　　Lin Zhibai put down the broom, opened the door, and when he saw the girl outside, his face turned pale.

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