Arc 3(4)

As the person emerged from behind the bushes, both Zhang Yue and Yu Min turned ashen-faced, their hearts pounding with anxiety. To their dismay, it was none other than Zhang Xi, the very person they had desperately tried to shield from a painful truth. They had concealed this secret, knowing that Zhang Xi harbored a deep resentment towards Yu Xin, and they dreaded the repercussions if he were to discover the reality.

Zhang Xi had been eavesdropping on their conversation for more than ten minutes, and the revelation that Yu Xin was not his true brother had ignited a wicked grin on his face. He couldn't fully comprehend the source of his intense animosity towards Yu Xin, but he despised the fact that his parents had always favored Yu Xin over him.

Although Zhang Xi initially contemplated fleeing after learning the truth, his movements gave him away, and Zhang Yue couldn't help but question him, "Zhang Xi, how much did you overhear?"

With a façade of innocence, Zhang Xi responded, "I just arrived, Father. I wanted to ask for permission to go to the grassland with my friends tomorrow."

While both Zhang Yue and Yu Min remained somewhat suspicious, Yu Min spoke softly, "You may go tomorrow. But for now, it's late. You should go to sleep."

Zhang Xi nodded and departed, leaving Zhang Yue and Yu Min in a state of uncertainty. They exchanged glances, wondering if he truly hadn't heard the damning secret they had been guarding so carefully.

However, Zhang Xi, who had been lurking in the shadows, couldn't contain his malevolent satisfaction. He thought to himself, 'It's none of your business whether I overheard it or not. He's not your real son,' relishing the knowledge that he now possessed.

The following morning, Yu Xin rose early, intent on gathering berries and fruits from the forest for his father. He had noticed his dad's increasing fatigue, and he wanted to do his part to ease his burden. As he plucked berries from the bushes, a voice abruptly rang out from behind him, causing him to startle.

"I never knew you were such a goody two-shoes, Yu Xin," the voice sneered.

Yu Xin turned to find Zhang Xi standing there, wearing a sly grin that sent shivers down his spine. Feeling somewhat uneasy, Yu Xin inquired, "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be getting ready to head to the grassland with your friends?"

Zhang Xi responded with an icy tone, "I've already prepared for the trip, but I'm here because I want to share something intriguing with you."

He continued, his smirk widening, "Yesterday, I overheard a fascinating conversation. Would you like to know what it was?"

Yu Xin's brow furrowed deeply, his instincts telling him that Zhang Xi was undoubtedly up to mischief.

Zhang Xi pressed on, his tone dripping with malice, "You're not our parents' real child, Yu Xin. You're a bastard, an outsider they took in when you were just a kid."

Yu Xin's world seemed to freeze in that moment, his hand suspended in mid-air, no longer plucking berries.

With a cruel sneer, Zhang Xi taunted, "Well, it seems you're already aware. Aware that you don't really belong here, that you're not their true son."

Before Zhang Xi could unleash more venomous words, Yu Xin abruptly turned and bolted away, leaving behind the forest, the berries, and the bitter truth that had shattered his world.

------

Feng Li and his companions were preparing to depart from the rabbit clan the following day when Zhang Yue rushed over, his expression earnest and anxious.

"Your Majesty, please wait," Zhang Yue implored.

Feng Li paused and turned, his curiosity piqued. Zhang Yue approached him quickly, speaking in hushed tones. "Your Majesty, I wish to introduce my son to you. He's a sub-beast."

Feng Li's brow furrowed slightly at the mention of marriage.

Zhang Yue continued, a note of desperation in his voice, "I understand your reservations about marriage, but please, hear me out. My son is exceptionally talented, and I have no doubt he can be a valuable asset by your side. Please, grant him this opportunity."

Before Feng Li could respond, a soft, yet determined voice broke in, "Your Majesty, please, give me a chance."

Feng Li turned his gaze to the source of the voice.

Standing before Feng Li was a striking sub-beast, his long hair neatly braided, and his timid eyes fixated on the ground, almost as if he feared rejection. His lips were pressed together in a display of nervousness. Feng Li was momentarily stupefied, wondering how he hadn't recognized him earlier. It was Yu Xin, his beloved.

Every fiber of Feng Li's being yearned to embrace Yu Xin, to hold him close and never let go. But he had to exercise restraint. There were questions he longed to ask – about how Yu Xin had been, about how much he had missed him. However, he couldn't. He couldn't reveal his past life as a transmigrator. He couldn't let Yu Xin know about their shared history, their partnership in a previous existence. He couldn't divulge anything, uncertain if Yu Xin would even believe him.

The sub-beast continued, his voice trembling, "I understand I may not be enough, but please, grant me a chance. I promise to dedicate myself to your service, to do everything in my power. Please."

Feng Li's heart ached with the desire to hold Yu Xin close, but the presence of an audience prevented him from doing so. Instead, he asked softly, "What is your name?"

Yu Xin replied with equal softness, "Yu Xin."

Feng Li's heart throbbed with a profound sadness. Yu Xin was a stranger to him in this life, unaware of their shared history as partners. The pain of that knowledge gnawed at him, but he concealed it beneath a stoic exterior. While he had no recollection of Yu Xin from their previous existence, in this world, he knew Yu Xin intimately. He understood his quirks, his character, his very essence.

"I don't care if you treat me coldly," Yu Xin continued, "I just want to stay by your side and serve you."

Feng Li couldn't help but think, 'How could I ever treat you coldly when you are here?'

Without hesitation, Feng Li responded, "Very well. I will grant you that chance. But you must work diligently."

A radiant smile blossomed across Yu Xin's face as he bowed deeply, expressing his gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

As Yu Xin contemplated his situation, he was acutely aware of the truth he had long suspected - that he was not the biological child of Zhang Yue and Yu Min. This revelation had always lingered in the back of his mind, an unspoken truth he had accepted. However, his decision to marry Feng Li was motivated by two compelling factors.

First, he desired to leave the rabbit clan. The sense of not truly belonging had always weighed on him, and he saw this opportunity as a way to break free from the life he had known. But there was a deeper, subconscious reason driving him as well. Yu Xin felt an inexplicable connection to Feng Li, a sensation that they had met before, even though he couldn't recall where or when. It was as though they had known each other for an eternity.

Yet, the prospect of leaving his parents left him conflicted. Despite their love for him, Yu Xin couldn't deny that his true identity posed a risk, especially with Zhang Xi's antagonism. The fear of enduring Zhang Xi's bullying was too much to bear, compelling him to consider leaving. The path ahead was uncertain, but Yu Xin felt that he had to take this chance, no matter the challenges it presented.

------

Zhang Yue's heart swelled with both pride and relief as he witnessed his son, Yu Xin, approach Feng Li with a request for a chance. He had always known Yu Xin to be a kind and selfless child, someone who cared deeply for others and readily extended a helping hand without expecting anything in return. Yu Xin's compassionate nature had warmed his heart countless times.

However, beneath the joy and pride, there was a more profound reason for Zhang Yue's happiness. He understood that Yu Xin's plea for a chance with Feng Li was primarily motivated by the need for safety and security. In their world, where misunderstandings and prejudices ran deep, Yu Xin faced a constant threat from Zhang Xi, whose hostility remained a looming concern. Although Zhang Xi claimed not to have heard their conversation, suspicion still lingered, casting a shadow over Yu Xin's well-being.

Zhang Yue smiled softly, unaware of the deeper layers of his son's fears and anxieties. He hoped that by sending Yu Xin with Feng Li, he could ensure his safety and protect him from any potential harm, even as his heart ached at the thought of parting ways with his beloved child.