Could it be that I'm going to be like Tang Xiao, holding his hand with a sorrowful look and saying, "Xiao Ge, please love A Yin along with my own feelings"?
Could I also end up like him, begging Tang Xiao to be gentler when doing that certain thing, saying, "Don't be too rough, it hurts my heart"?
No, absolutely not.
Faced with his brother's question, Tang Hao could only grit his teeth and hoarsely say, "Xiao Ge, what a coincidence—I'm going to Coconut Forest City too. Since we're going the same way, let's go together."
Hearing this, Tang Xiao's face darkened with displeasure, and A Yin looked at Tang Hao with even more disdain.
But Tang Hao no longer cared. He knew that if he gave up now, it might preserve the fragile friendship between them, but it would also mean his defeat. He would never accept that ending. No matter what dirty tricks Tang Xiao used to steal A Yin's love, Tang Hao was determined to snatch her back.
Throughout the journey, Tang Hao became an annoying presence. Whenever Tang Xiao and A Yin showed even a little closeness, Tang Hao would appear like an awkward third wheel, spoiling the moment.
Though he knew this only made A Yin hate him more, he couldn't bear to see his woman cozying up with another man—even if that man was his brother.
The consequence was clear: A Yin grew increasingly hostile toward Tang Hao, even refusing to call him "Hao Di" (little brother), and her attitude became ever more cold and cutting.
At dinner, the considerate A Yin prepared a sumptuous meal for Tang Xiao.
Tang Hao stared hungrily at the steaming dishes before Tang Xiao. He swallowed hard—it was a luxury he alone had enjoyed in his past life.
Boldly, he asked, "A Yin, is there any for me?"
"You?" A Yin sneered. "I just happened to cook two extra portions."
She brought over a plate of fish and a serving of tofu. Tang Hao's face immediately fell when he saw the dishes.
The fish was called "Lots of Fish," and the tofu was named "Ai Si Tofu."
Picking up his chopsticks, Tang Hao took a bite of the fish—too salty, almost making him spit it out.
"Is it good?" A Yin smiled sweetly.
"Good," Tang Hao forced out a nod.
"If you think it's good, then finish it all," she said.
Tang Hao glanced at Tang Xiao enjoying the meal, recalling A Yin's cooking skills from his past life. He immediately realized this was intentional.
But to avoid worsening her impression of him, he pinched his nose and ate the "dark cuisine" she had made.
In Coconut Forest City, A Yin and Tang Xiao acted like a couple, writing their wishes on lanterns while Tang Hao stood in the shadows behind them, eyes glowing green with jealousy.
When they arrived at an inn, A Yin told the receptionist, "Two rooms—one single, one couple's room."
"No way, three single rooms," Tang Hao said angrily. "One man and one woman living together—what kind of propriety is that?"
"Tang Hao, Tang Xiao and I are officially together now. There's nothing wrong with us sharing a room," A Yin replied with disgust.
"But you're not married! You can't sleep together!" Tang Hao stammered, scrambling to find any excuse.
"Tang Hao, your constant pestering only makes me hate you more."
"Fine, fine," Tang Xiao intervened to ease the tension, "three single rooms it is." He had already sensed something was wrong with his brother and didn't want to provoke him further.
Tang Xiao's concession relieved Tang Hao somewhat. These days, watching Tang Xiao and A Yin grow closer was nearly breaking him. If they shared a bed, Tang Hao felt he might truly lose his mind.
That night, Tang Xiao came to comfort him. "Hao Di, love can't be forced. If A Yin doesn't love you, then she doesn't. Why suffer like this? There are plenty of beautiful women out there. With your talents, you can have any woman you want."
Tang Hao looked at Tang Xiao silently, then turned and retreated into his room.
If he hadn't been reborn, if A Yin had rejected him, then maybe Tang Hao would have been heartbroken—but he would have made the same choice as his brother and stepped back to let them be.
All of that depended on never having had her in the first place.
But he, Tang Hao, had possessed A Yin's love!
He also knew what that love meant: the chosen child's fate, the future dominion over Douluo Continent.
In his past life, he had won. He had a virtuous wife and a filial son who became a god. He himself became the master of Douluo Continent, ruler of all.
Love, power, and strength—he had it all.
And now they told him everything he once had belonged to Tang Xiao. Thinking of his virtuous wife nestled in his brother's arms, thinking of his future son calling his brother "Dad," thinking of Tang Xiao sitting where she once belonged, manipulating the fate of all beings—how could Tang Hao accept this?
Amid the chaos of his thoughts, voices came from the next room.
"A Yin, what are you doing?"
"Xiao Ge, of course I'm with you."
"Hao Di is in the next room."
"Why care about him? We're a couple. Being together is natural. What right does he have to interfere?"
"But… I feel Hao Di's mood is off."
"That's his problem. If he's unwilling to accept it, let him listen from next door. If he can't handle it, when you get tired, just call him over to give a little push. That way, he'll feel involved," A Yin said as if deliberately trying to anger Tang Hao.
"Aaaaaaahhhh!" Tang Hao roared like a mad baboon—completely unhinged—
Why was this happening?
Tang Hao's eyes turned red, breathing harsh. It had to be that Tang Xiao used some despicable trick to make A Yin love him—there was no other explanation.
Had Tang Xiao been reborn too? Was he here to steal everything that belonged to Tang Hao?
No. Absolutely not. What is mine is mine, and I will never allow it to be taken away.
A flash of hatred flickered in Tang Hao's eyes.
As if resolved to something, he whispered into the dark night: "A Yin, you belong to me, Tang Hao. You will always belong to me. Even if I have to use the vilest means, I will keep you by my side."
What A Yin and Tang Xiao said in the next room no longer mattered to him.
"A Yin, stop provoking Hao Di. He's not in a good state right now."o
"Hmph, I'm doing it on purpose. So what? He's like a fly buzzing around us."
(End of chapter)
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