CHAPTER 13

After eating, the sun was still out, making everything look yellow. The man used the light to hang up some dried plants outside and put them on a stone bed inside. He also put down some animal skins that Xiaoruo had brought, making sure they were nice and smooth.

Xiaoruo had already made the animal skins soft and ready to use. The man was happy with his work and told Wang Jin to lie down on the new bed. Wang Jin climbed up, using his hands and feet. He could tell right away that the bed was much softer and more comfortable now that it had the soft, strange fur on it.

Wang Jin felt relaxed and sleepy. He asked the man to heat up water for a bath. After a nice hot shower, he went to bed, ready to sleep. But the man woke him up to take his medicine.

Wang Jin was still sleepy and confused. He let the man help him take the medicine. Wang Jin was very small and weak, and he leaned against the man. The man felt a shiver go down his spine when Wang Jin's warm breath touched his chest.

Feeling numb, the man dipped his fingers into the medicinal paste, applying it gently to Wang Jin's scars. His bronze-skinned fingers moved over the tender skin, each touch sending a numbing sensation from his fingertips to his scalp. He couldn't think straight, and his fingers kept moving over the smooth skin, lost in the feeling.

The medicinal paste was applied layer by layer until the pot was empty. The man, suddenly aware of his actions, felt a rush of embarrassment, his ears turning red. He clenched his knuckles, hiding his stained fingertips in his palm, as if this could conceal his earlier behavior.

The man calmed down, realizing he was being silly. The person in his arms was his brother, and it was natural to care for him. He felt determined now, looking down at his sleeping brother. Wang Jin was completely unaware of what had happened, looking peaceful and relaxed.

The man grumbled. "You little rascal." A smile tugging at his lips.

He wanted to touch Wang Jin's face, like he was being silly. But as he got closer, he was gentle. He softly squeezed Wang Jin's cheek, but it was nicer than he meant to be.

Even with the light touch, Wang Jin moved, looking unhappy. He made a small sad face and mumbled in his sleep.

The man stopped, worried he had woken Wang Jin. But Wang Jin just moved closer, wanting the man's arms around him. He got comfy and went back to sleep.

The man felt hot all over. Wang Jin slept soundly, not knowing he caused trouble. The man sighed, giving up but feeling good. He moved a piece of hair off Wang Jin's face. He stayed close to Wang Jin, keeping him safe as it got dark.

The man sighed, his hand on Wang Jin's back. He said softly. "You're such a handful, you know that?"

Wang Jin didn't say anything, breathing calmly. The man smiled a little and shook his head. "Good night, little crazy one." He said, kissing Wang Jin's forehead before lying down next to him.

The man thought for a long time. Then he got up and went to the door. He looked back at the person sleeping on the bed and said. "Sleep well, Wang Jin. Tomorrow is a new start."

He felt sad and hopeless. He sighed and put Wang Jin back in bed. Then he went to the river by himself.

In the cold water, he thought about making the wedding happen sooner.

His brother knew how to marry an orc. But Wang Jin seemed confused lately. He didn't know he was already married.

The wedding needs to happen quickly, so Wang Jin knows he's now married to his brother.

The man promised himself something.

The next day, Wang Jin woke up on his own. He was surprised to see Brother Mu by his bed.

Wang Jin held his chest, trying to slow his fast heartbeat, and said. "Amu."

Brother Mu smiled kindly at him. "You're finally awake! It's already late."

Wang Jin sat up and looked around the room. Brother Mu noticed and said. "Looking for Brother Heng?" He sounded playful.

Wang Jin hesitated. He felt embarrassed under Brother Mu's playful look. He nodded.

Brother Mu smiled kindly. He looked like a proud parent. "Brother Heng went out to get herbs. Come on, get up. I'll get you food."

Brother Mu helped Wang Jin get up, fixed his clothes, and got him water to wash his face. It was like a normal thing to do.

Wang Jin almost thought Brother Mu was like his servant from his past life, but he wasn't. Wang Jin didn't have Brother Mu working for him or pay him. Brother Mu was just being nice. He was nice to the crazy person who lived there before too.

Wang Jin felt better, and he went with Brother Mu.

Two orcs were outside, watching over things. One was Laiyuan, he was honest and thin, and he worked for Brother Mu.

The other orc was Xiaoruo, he was happy and full of energy, always smiling.

When Wang Jin saw them, he asked Brother Mu why they were there.

Brother Mu took Wang Jin to a table and said. "Brother Heng was worried after what happened last time, so he asked Ayuan to help me keep an eye on you."

Wang Jin looked at Xiaoruo. Xiaoruo rubbed his nose and said. "I came here myself. I'm sorry about what happened before. Don't worry, I'll keep you safe."

Xiaoruo patted his chest, trying to look strong.

Wang Jin didn't say anything, but Brother Mu said. "Brother Heng isn't mad at you, Xiaoruo. You don't need to do this."

Xiaoruo said. "It's different. I didn't think the leader would be so unfair."

Brother Mu sighed and gave Xiaoruo a friendly pat. "Don't worry about it." He said. "Just try your best from now on."

Xiaoruo nodded seriously. "I will, Brother Mu. I promise."

Wang Jin watched them, feeling thankful but unsure. He took a deep breath and got ready for whatever was next.

After breakfast, Brother Mu took Wang Jin for a walk. He said fresh air would be good for him. Laiyuan and Xiaoruo followed behind, making sure Wang Jin felt safe.

The village was busy. Kids played games, and grown-ups worked. Wang Jin looked around, curious but a little unsure. This place was all new to him, and he didn't know the people yet.

As they walked, Brother Mu showed Wang Jin different places. He pointed to a group of stalls and said. "That's where we buy things." Then he pointed to a field and said. "That's where the orcs practice."

Wang Jin was listening carefully. Brother Mu was trying to make him feel comfortable.

Suddenly, there was a lot of noise near the training area. Some orcs were arguing loudly. Wang Jin felt nervous, but Brother Mu put his hand on Wang Jin's shoulder to calm him down. "It's okay." He said quietly. "Let's go see what's happening."

As they got closer, Wang Jin saw Brother Heng in the group. He was tall and everyone listened to him. When Brother Heng saw Wang Jin, he looked less angry.

"Wang Jin." Brother Heng said, going over to him. "How are you doing?"

Wang Jin smiled a little. "I'm okay, Brother Heng."

Brother Heng looked at him with worry and happiness. "That's good to hear." He looked back at the orcs who were listening. "Excuse me for a minute." He told them before turning back to Wang Jin. "Let's go for a walk."

Brother Heng took Wang Jin and Brother Mu away from the others, towards a quieter part of the village. Laiyuan and Xiaoruo followed closely, keeping a watchful eye.

"What's happening?" Wang Jin asked once they were out of earshot.

Brother Heng sighed, running a hand through his hair. "There's been some trouble between the orcs. It's nothing you need to worry about."

Wang Jin saw Brother Heng looked worried, so he asked if he could help.

Brother Heng tried to smile, but it didn't look real. He said. "Just get better, we'll take care of everything else."