031

031

"I'll never shout that loud again, everyone's looking this way." After the wishing ceremony ended, the drumming started again, noisy and chaotic. Jiang Yujin's voice was soft and drowned out by the noise.

"Ozu, your wish will come true."

After returning to the hotel and resting for a while, I went out again at night and found that all the lights in the town were on. When I first arrived, it was pitch black, but now every household had its lights on.

The residents of Fengtian Town have a habit of going to bed early. They turn off the lights after eating dinner at five or six o'clock. Everyone chooses to come out and have some fun at the annual Fengyang Festival party, bringing their children and wives.

"I didn't expect there to be so many people." Jiang Mo was afraid that he would be jostled by the crowd and make a mistake, so she kept supporting him.

The procession, which lasted all day, swept through several long streets. The once-dead town seemed to come alive with this lively activity. The residents, who had been busy and forgotten about their work, put down their tasks and participated in the Fongyang ritual, praying to the Fongyang god to grant their wishes.

We cannot disregard what our ancestors left us.

"Jiang Mo, look over there."

Jiang Yujin remembered that convenience store girl, in a sparsely populated area, she got into an argument with the man across the street.

"Stranger? By the grace of God she has been given to me. You cannot take her away!"

"Playing the charlatan! Modern society allows people to have their own beliefs, but you can't force others to do this! If you keep this up, I'll call the police. Now get out of here!" Using the local people's beliefs as an excuse to grope a defenseless young girl, is he out of his mind?

"You just wait!" the man said. He claimed they were from out of town and were tourists. He had heard that Fengtian Town worshipped the god Fengyang, so he came to scam people, but little did he know that few people in the town believed him.

He was an alpha, not as high-ranking as Jiang Mo on the other side. One glare from him was enough to make Jiang Mo tuck his tail between his legs and run away.

"I've seen plenty of these charlatans. Are you alright?" Jiang Yujin, with a strong sense of justice, stepped in to help, but was quickly pushed aside by Jiang Mo before he could exchange more than a few words.

Just as he was feeling down, he heard Ji Anqin thank him. Her gentle southern accent was like melting ice water, and her thanks were full of sincerity: "Thank you, little brother Jiang Yujin, but I came to see Momo."

"An Qin, is there anything else?" Jiang Mo was clueless and oblivious to romance, while Ji An Qin's eyes were practically begging for a few words from her.

Childhood friends, childhood sweethearts, reunited after a long separation, as if it were all preordained.

“Momo, you haven’t been back for a long time. Grandma asked me to take you around. The town looks the same from a distance, but some places have changed a lot. I was thinking of saying this after lunch today. You’ve been moving too fast.”

Omega offered to be their tour guide, and Jiang Yujin readily agreed, "Sure, sister, it's almost dinnertime. Why don't you take us to try some local specialties?"

And then there's the younger brother who provided the assist.

"As luck would have it, my friend runs a specialty restaurant on the next street, and he just bought some fresh vegetables a few days ago."

When the topic of food came up, Jiang Yujin glanced at Jiang Mo, whose face had turned cold, and said, "Don't look so gloomy, Jiang Mo. I have money. I'll treat you and Sister An Qin to dinner!"

Jiang Mo said, "Lead the way, An Qin. We haven't seen each other in a long time. Let's catch up before everyone else."

Jiang Yujin was displeased with her words. When they went out to eat, her old habits resurfaced, and she became sarcastic and unpleasant.

Who is the bystander? Me?

Jiang Yujin kindly invited Jiang Mo to dinner, serving the restaurant's specialty dishes. He was prepared to spend a lot of money, since it was rare for an omega to get close to Jiang Mo. He tried to play matchmaker, and Jiang Mo treated him like this.

That's so heartbreaking.

Jiang Yujin decided he couldn't let this meal go unpaid for; since he was paying for it himself, and considering his hunger, he was determined to eat his fill, otherwise he'd be hungry again later that night.

Therefore, Jiang Mo and Ji Anqin would eat as soon as they spoke, and eat as soon as they spoke, never shortchanging themselves.

Fearing that there wouldn't be enough food for the three of them, and since alphas have a larger appetite than omegas, Jiang Yujin ordered a table full of dishes.

Listen to their old stories like they're on a radio broadcast.

By doing this, I not only enjoyed my meal, but also satisfied my craving for gossip.

When Jiang Mo was a child, he didn't want to do his homework and secretly ran away from home. He was found and scolded, and it turned out that he had almost finished his homework, but actually he had done more than he was supposed to.

"Cough cough cough... Hahaha... Cough cough!"

After filling his stomach, Jiang Yujin picked up a glass of orange juice and drank half of it. He choked on it when he heard something and started coughing repeatedly.

"You've eaten so much, you won't be able to walk later, I won't be able to carry you." Jiang Mo patted his back very naturally.

"I don't need you to carry me, I have a stick, I can walk by myself." Jiang Yujin cherished the wooden stick that supported him, and only let go of it when he was eating.

"You two siblings are so harmonious, but my brother is a real troublemaker! He's always going against me!" Ji Anqin complained bitterly when she saw this scene.

Jiang Yujin chuckled, recalling the initial tension with Jiang Mo: "Sister An Qin, things will get better later, don't worry."

Speaking of which, his relationship with Jiang Mo is truly complicated. It's not like the ordinary sibling relationship between Ji An and Qin's family. He has two older brothers, and in a few months, his brothers' children, his future nephews and nieces, will be born. He doesn't know whose personality they will resemble more. If they resemble Jiang Xie Nan, then he's doomed.

The thought of having two Jiang Xienans waving around in front of him gave Jiang Yujin a huge headache.

At this moment, two men knocked on the door and came in. One of them was wearing an apron and seemed to be an acquaintance of Jiang Mo.

"I heard from Xiao Qin that an acquaintance was coming, I didn't expect it to be you, Jiang Mo!" The man wearing an apron was clearly the owner of the restaurant.

“Your family’s cooking skills haven’t changed; it’s still delicious. An Qin brought me here. Xu Yaozhi, I never expected that you would choose to stay in Fengtian and open a restaurant.”

Jiang Mo stood up and shook hands with him. It was like meeting an old friend from elementary school again. So many years had passed that he really wouldn't have recognized him if they hadn't spoken.

"Who is this person behind you?" Jiang Mo asked.

Ji Anqin stepped forward and said, "That's my brother Ji Jiao. He's helping Xu Yaozhi with chores like moving things."

Amidst the joyful scene, Jiang Yujin began to feel at a loss, until everyone's eyes fell on him.

Jiang Yujin awkwardly waved and greeted them, "Hehe, hello brothers and sisters, I'm Jiang Mo's younger brother, Jiang Yujin."

Ahhh, so many people! You guys keep talking, don't look at me, please, please don't!

Jiang Mo waved his hand: "It's my younger brother. Please sit down. I guessed it was you after just one bite of the food. No wonder An Qin was so mysterious about bringing me to this restaurant to eat their specialty dishes."

"Really? It seems I've been quite successful in inheriting my family's craft." Xu Yaozhi pulled out a chair and sat down.

"That's still far from what Uncle Xu did."

Aside from Jiang Mo, Jiang Yujin only knew Ji Anqin among the people at the table, so he sat there blankly while they were talking.

It wasn't until Xu Yaozhi, who was wearing an apron, started asking Jiang Mo if he had someone he liked that things came to a head. Xu Yaozhi seemed to be an alpha, and this question made her intentions clear.

Whom are you going to act as a matchmaker for?

Jiang Yujin secretly mocked Jiang Mo for having such moments. She usually seemed so abstinent, only knowing how to work overtime. Let's see how she answers this kind of question.

"I've got it! The omega I like grew up in the capital. I love him; it was love at first sight. He likes me a lot too. In a few years, we'll be getting married."

"Remember to come for a drink then."

When Jiang Mo frankly revealed this news, Jiang Yujin was stunned. When did he start liking her? There was no sign of it at all. Jiang Mo really knows how to keep things hidden.

Upon further reflection, it became clear that the news was not necessarily true or false. If Jiang Yujin hadn't seen Jiang Mo going to work every day, he might have almost believed it.

"That's wonderful, Momo! I'm so happy for you! I wish you happiness!"

Ji Anqin's expectant gaze turned into a blessing. After listening, she quickly composed herself and sincerely offered her blessings to her childhood friend, expressing her happiness for her.

"Where are you staying this time? Why don't you stay in my guest room tonight, and we old friends can have a good time drinking!"

"The hotels in town are quite nice, so Yaozhi, you don't need to bother us tonight. I can drink, I have a high alcohol tolerance. I'll probably stay here until the New Year, and then go back to the capital. My younger brother is still in school, but he likes to wander around here. I'm glad he's willing to come back with me to see our parents."

Jiang Yujin was almost embarrassed by Jiang Mo's sudden praise.

It was clearly him, yet he demanded that Jiang Mo accompany him back.

At worst, if Jiang Mo gets drunk later, he'll have to go through the trouble of taking her back to the hotel.

"Your younger brother is a student? How are his grades? They must be very good. Didn't you get directly admitted to high school? Your family genes are really amazing!" Xu Yaozhi's understanding of Jiang Mo stopped there. Jiang Mo was a very good student with excellent grades. Later, she heard that she got into high school through a special admission program and received scholarships every year. Her elementary school classmates were all envious of her. Her parents were both teachers, so they wouldn't beat or scold her at the drop of a hat. They had good personalities and were willing to give her a better education by taking her to study in the capital.

"Jiang Yujin is rather playful. He is indeed clever, but he often uses his intelligence for bad purposes; he's just a clever little guy."

Jiang Mo changed the subject, and Jiang Yujin's face darkened, offering a sweet treat after the initial blow.

...

After several rounds, two hours had passed. Apart from Jiang Yujin, who was a student and not allowed to drink alcohol but only orange juice, everyone else had been persuaded to drink a few glasses.

Fortunately, Jiang Mo had a high alcohol tolerance. She staggered to her feet and said that she could walk straight back to the hotel and told Jiang Yujin not to help her.

"Sister Anqin, let me take her back! No need to see her off, it's not far."

The young man struggled to support a woman who was about his height with one hand, and used a wooden stick to walk out of the private room with the other.

"An Qin, let's go back now. We can talk again another time. It won't make a difference if we leave now. Please take care of those two drunkards."

Jiang Mo remained mindful and didn't forget to exchange a few polite words.

"You call others drunkards? If you can't drink, then don't drink. Look at how drunk you are! You're just causing me trouble. Can't you have some consideration for the injured? Jiang Mo?"

Jiang Yujin was out of breath after walking only a few steps, lacking the stamina, and could only help the alpha slowly walk towards the hotel.

"Ozu, I'm sorry."

Jiang Mo uttered those words, but Jiang Yujin was unmoved: "Is a simple 'sorry' all you need? At least give me something more substantial, right?"

He assumed Jiang Mo was apologizing because he was drunk and had caused trouble.

Jiang Mo was annoyed by him, "I'll send you the money when I get back."

They said it as if it were the truth.

When Liang Dongmo made a mistake, he would cook for him, send him money, and buy him gifts. Jiang Mo did the exact opposite, trying to get rid of him with a simple "sorry" and a pancake? Jiang Yujin, after all, grew up in a wealthy family and wouldn't fall for her empty promises.

Young people should have the ability to distinguish right from wrong.

"Okay, okay, stop crying. I didn't do anything to you."

Jiang Yujin turned his head and saw her tears falling in a steady stream. His heart immediately panicked and became a mess. He couldn't stand seeing others cry in front of her.

What is Jiang Mo usually like? He is decisive and efficient, strict with others, and even more ruthless with himself. Occasionally, you can tolerate his little temper.

In short, Jiang Yujin had never seen her vulnerable side.

Why did you cry today after having a few drinks with someone?

Does the sight of this place remind you of your childhood?

Jiang Mo didn't speak, standing upright with his arms outstretched as if he wanted to hug her.

"Fine! I'll go all out and let you hug me. Remember to send me the money when you get back. Even if we're siblings, it's not okay. My hug isn't free, and the amount can't be less."

The young man threw aside the wooden stick and hugged Jiang Mo back. Jiang Mo's dizzy hugging posture was really comical.

Jiang Yujin thought with a pang of heartache, "I even paid for today's meal. It's a huge financial blow. Plus, Liang Dongmo has borrowed who knows how much money he has. I don't have much money left. I even bought the train ticket here. I'm such a fool."

The hug was warm and familiar. Jiang Yujin saw that she was reluctant to let go of the drunkard and couldn't help but say, "Don't throw up on me, Jiang Mo. One hug is enough. Don't push your luck."

"If I let go, it'll be gone, I won't!" Jiang Mo unconsciously mimicked his coquettish tone.

Piracy is still piracy, and it should be boycotted.

"Jiang Mo, are you trying to imitate me? Are you mimicking my tone?"

The tears that Alpha had finally managed to stop started flowing again, soaking Jiang Yujin's cotton-padded coat.

"Hey! Hey! Hey!" Jiang Yujin said "hey" three times in a row, the last one sounding quite like a sigh.

There were hardly any people left on the streets. Once the sacrificial ceremony ended, the town returned to its peaceful state.

Luckily, no one was around. It's not embarrassing.

Why are you avoiding me...?

Jiang Mo's lips moved slightly, his voice barely audible, so soft that Jiang Yujin had to lean closer to hear him clearly.

The fact that it overlapped with his dream inevitably startled Jiang Yujin.

"Jiang Mo, were you eavesdropping on me talking in my sleep? You're not drunk at all, you're just trying to scare me..."

Jiang Yujin considered this possibility: Jiang Mo had overheard him talking in his sleep while he was using the restroom.

What a coincidence, isn't it?

"Why don't you like me..."

That's right, you've been dumped.

Wait, weren't they supposed to be getting married? Could it be that he's in love but can't have her?!

Jiang Yujin, having plenty of gossip to listen to, carried Jiang Mo back to his room in one go.

"Who is the person you want to marry in the future, the one you love but can't have? Jiang Mo, tell me secretly, I won't tell anyone else."

Jiang Yujin, being so single-minded, never imagined that he would be the protagonist.

Jiang Mo shook his head. He was drunk and stubbornly kept the secret. It seemed he really liked that omega. "I can't tell you. I'm sorry."

"It's always 'I'm sorry'," Jiang Yujin said, fed up with the repetition. "What exactly are you sorry for? Jiang Mo, tell me who that omega is, and we can call it even!"

"Please ask another question, and I will answer it."

"Oh, then why did you come back to reunite with your family? Weren't you happy in your original family?"

"I must come back and know what kind of blood flows in my veins."

Suddenly feeling inspired, Jiang Yujin rolled his eyes as usual.

"Well, your answer is really boring. Jiang Mo, you drunkard, go to the bathroom and wash up and go to sleep. You smell like alcohol and it's suffocating. I'll take a shower by myself later, I don't need you to help me move a stool."

"Goodnight." Jiang Mo said, then walked towards the bathroom like a fool.

Jiang Yujin seemed deflated. She ran to the bathroom, squeezed toothpaste onto her toothpaste, and grabbed a towel. "Never mind, just brush your teeth, wash your face, and go to sleep. You can take a shower tomorrow morning when you're more awake."

"Otherwise, if you fall in the bathroom, it's not worth it, and I'll have to take care of you."

The woman grasped his hand as he handed her the toothbrush, without much force, and said earnestly, "I understand. I won't cause you any trouble, Xiaojin."

Fortunately, I recognized the people; if they didn't recognize even my closest relatives, then the sky would have fallen.

"You're not allowed to drink anymore, it's such a hassle. You've already caused me so much trouble, Jiang Mo."

Jiang Yujin was exhausted; he had never served anyone before.

"I'm sorry." The alpha said sorry, but his eyes looked like those of someone looking at prey.

"You're apologizing again, Jiang Mo. What exactly did you do to wrong me? Really, let's just forget about it after tonight. I'm not that petty."

Jiang Mo's face was still wet with tears: "You are special, so I want to apologize to you."

"My mother said that you have to apologize properly to the important people in order to get forgiveness."