Chapter 2820

Deep in Zhu Lin.

The Mountain Lord, versed in human nature, like a cat toying with a mouse, again and again slapped Chu Yi and Chu Ming to the ground, leaving them wishing for death, vomiting blood incessantly, bones shattered, yet they clung to a breath, unable to die.

Chu Ming's vision blurred by blood and rain, he faintly saw a figure not far away under a green bamboo umbrella.

Jin Chen stood there silently, head slightly tilted, lips holding a smile, yet his eyes were indifferent.

Accustomed to high station, his indifference treated human life as weeds.

Terrifying.

Too terrifying.

Chu Ming's teeth chattered; such an gaze and aura were not something a frail noble raised in the inner chambers, powerless to truss a chicken, could possess.

And this fierce tiger—why does it not attack Jin Chen? Why is it so obedient to him, utterly bizarre!

Chu Ming and Chu Yi's consciousness was fading, they were almost passing out.

Jin Chen suddenly looked to the other side, hearing the mingling footsteps.

The tiger's eyes flashed with ferocity, it stepped back two steps, firmly standing before Jin Chen.

The footsteps stopped at the edge of Zhu Lin.

Everyone who rushed over afterward would, for a long time, find it hard to forget this scene they witnessed.

In the misty bamboo forest, the Mountain Lord tiger, one of the most fearsome beasts near Black Mountain Stronghold that made people tremble at its name, actually stood guard before Jin Chen like a deity.

Jin Chen stood behind the tiger's bulk, a few strands of his dark hair dampened by rain; lifting his gaze, he exuded an almost demonic, icy grandeur, as if he were the master of this mountain forest, an immortal stepping forth from the misty depths, or a bewitching mountain spirit.

The umbrella's edge shifted; Jin Chen furrowed his brows, looking toward Gu Fanghe.

"Why did you come only now?"

In an instant, all of Gu Fanghe's surprise, alarm, and doubt were shattered by that light reproach, then re-formed into heartache and flutter.

His little lover was unharmed, still fine.

As for that fierce tiger, the bloodstains, the extraordinary scene—none of it mattered to him now.

The tiger seemed to sense something, it glanced back at Jin Chen, then at Gu Fanghe, and slowly retreated half a step, making way.

Jin Chen gazed at Gu Fanghe with a faint smile, slowly loosening his grip on the umbrella handle; rain dampened his temples, his skin like jade, his lips like cherry.

The oil-paper umbrella tilted; just as it was about to fall, Gu Fanghe rushed forward, caught the handle, and propped the umbrella up again.

Jin Chen then hooked an arm around Gu Fanghe's waist, lightly patting his tense back.

He whispered, his breath brushing Gu Fanghe's lips: "I walk with the fierce tiger, Chief… aren't you afraid of me?"

"Not afraid."

"I only fear… coming too late, letting the villains harm you even a bit."

Gu Fanghe swept his gaze over the two villains on the ground, barely breathing, covered in blood, a horrid sight; his eyes were icy.

Lying on the ground, half-dead, almost unable to speak, Chu Ming and Chu Yi: "……"

Blind! Gu Fanghe is absolutely blind!

Who hurt whom, really?! Didn't you see which side the tiger listens to?! Didn't you see our two brothers about to be played to death?!

Yan Qi, excitable, after the shock, looked again at the tiger obediently beside him, his eyes full of excitement and admiration; he couldn't help stepping closer two paces, "Brother Jin, how did you do this? How will the Mountain Lord obey you?"

Everyone's gaze gathered on Jin Chen.

The Mountain Lord let out a low hum, as if in agreement.

Jin Chen shook his head, began to bluff, "I don't know either."

"I came to Zhu Lin originally to find the two little snakes I raise; I didn't expect to run into these two sneaking around, knives drawn, intending harm; I was afraid, so I hid in the forest, not wanting to disturb the Mountain Lord……"

No sooner had his words fallen than the tiger slowly stepped forward again.

Everyone held their breath, even the elite team's men gripping their sword hilts, ready to strike at any moment.

Yet the Mountain Lord did not attack anyone; he walked a few steps before Jin Chen, let out a low growl, then lay down, lowering his head to rub against Jin Chen's robe.

Jin Chen slightly released Gu Fanghe, taking his hand with one, the other hand slowly rising to gently stroke the tiger's lowered head; the tiger's throat emitted a contented purr, its tail swaying lightly.

Gu Fanghe only glanced at the tiger, then his gaze returned to Jin Chen's face; his heart fluttered ever more— the person he liked in paintings, his beloved, was the most special existence in this world, and yet… how fortunate he was to gain his favor.

【Villain Heartthrob Value +5, total 72!】

Yan Qi slapped his thigh, exclaiming: "Great! With Brother Jin around, our Black Mountain Stronghold will be even safer—see who dares to cause trouble!"

The crowd, as if waking from a dream, looked at Jin Chen with eyes turned to admiration.

Yes! To be friends with the Mountain Lord, to tame the fierce tiger, Young Master Jin must be blessed by the mountain deity; he is the lucky star of Black Mountain Stronghold!

With the Chief and Young Master Jin here, what do they have to fear from the imperial court, what do they have to fear from enemies?!

"Young Master Jin is truly a divine person!"

Then, looking again at the two villains on the ground who had tried to harm Jin Chen, he felt even more hatred. Shi Meng stepped forward and threw a few more punches, beating the two into utter unconsciousness.

"Take them away!" Shi Meng said coldly.

The men of the elite squad stepped forward, dragging Chu Ming and Chu Yi away like dead dogs.

The fierce tiger lifted its head, let out a low growl, and walked back into the depths of Zhu Lin.

The rain continued to fall.

Gu Fanghe's heart fluttered like a prairie fire, unable to restrain himself any longer, he pressed his lips to Jin Chen's.

Jin Chen indulged his demand, and the kiss grew more lingering.

——

In the West Side Courtyard, Ruan Sutong was taken into custody by Liu Mianfeng and his men, yet in his heart he already understood.

Chu Yi and Chu Ming made a move, but failed, possibly exposing themselves.

When he was in the front hall, seeing Chu Yi and Chu Ming dragged in by Yan Qi and Shi Meng like dead dogs, covered in blood, unconscious, barely human, even though he was deep-hearted, his pupils contracted a fraction.

Injured so severely…… yet they still clung to a breath; this is clearly deliberate, a warning.

Damn it.

Jin Chen changed his clothes into a thicker silver-gray overcoat trimmed with silver fox fur, which made his complexion look even more like jade; he held a hot water bottle in his arms and drank the hot tea A Yan handed him, his posture relaxed and leisurely, as if he had merely come to watch an insignificant play.

Gu Fanghe's regard for Jin Chen is evident.

Having just gone through danger, he immediately changed into warm clothes, held a heater, and asked after his cold and warmth with utmost care.

Ruan Sutong lowered his eyes, concealing the dark surging in their depths.

When he lifted his gaze again, his face showed shock, worry, and bewildered innocence; he looked at the two unconscious people on the ground, then at Gu Fanghe.

"Gu Dage, I don't know…… what does this mean?"

Shi Meng spoke bluntly, "Young Master Ruan, your two attendants tried to harm Young Master Jin in the bamboo grove, but were injured by the Mountain Lord; you weren't aware of this?"

Ruan Sutong's face changed slightly, and he hurriedly said, "Young Master Jin, are you alright? I truly didn't expect they would…… act against you; if I had known, I would never have let them leave my side even a step."

"Young Master Jin was frightened; I am truly sorry."

【Zero Egg, how do you think his acting is?】 Jin Chen asked Ling Gun Gun leisurely.

【So-so, but the Host's tea is more authentic.】 Ling Gun Gun mused.

Liu Mianfeng shook his fan, hearing this he let out a scoff, and slowly said, "Young Master Ruan, when I went to your residence to invite you, you were fully dressed and sitting by the window, as if you were waiting for something on purpose."

"Could it be…… that you were waiting for their return?"

Ruan Sutong's expression unchanged, he said candidly, "Liu San-ge is joking; I am indeed waiting for them to come back."

Chu Yi and Chu Ming have followed me since childhood, loyal and devoted; this time they accompanied me back to Nan Zhou to seek medicine, also not sparing effort; seeing the rain ease, I thought they might go into the mountains to try, feeling concerned, so I waited by the window, but I never expected……

He sighed, looking at the two people on the ground, his eyes filled with genuine regret: "They actually did such a foolish thing; I really don't understand!"

Gu Fanghe had been silently watching his performance, and only now spoke in a low voice.

"Ruan Sutong, why did your two attendants disguise themselves?"

Ruan Sutong's heart tightened, not yet having formulated an excuse, while Jin Chen, who had been quietly drinking tea, set down his cup.

"I have seen them."

Gu Fanghe immediately turned his head to look at him, "When?"

"The day we came to Black Mountain Stronghold." Jin Chen reached out and picked up Gu Fanghe's fingertip, playing with it absentmindedly, but his gaze lightly swept over Ruan Sutong.

Hiding a deep investigation known only to them.

"My coachman didn't know the way down the mountain path below Black Mountain Cliff; by chance, we met two woodcutters."

A Yan stood behind Jin Chen, hearing this he gave a start: "Exactly, I remember now! Those two woodcutters, honest fellows, said taking that little path would be much quicker, so we came to the most dangerous stretch of the mountain cliff road, and then…… we ran into One-Eyed Elder Brother and his gang!"

These words struck like thunder, exploding in the hall.

Gu Fanghe's eyes darkened.

Chen Xiaoshan and Liu Mianfeng exchanged a glance, their expressions turning solemn.

They had both been involved in court affairs, familiar with political intrigue and scheming.

This chain of events—guiding the way, banditry, doubles, attendants disguising themselves, the bamboo grove attack—could hardly be coincidental.

Gu Fanghe's body leaned forward slightly, his gaze like a blade pinning Ruan Sutong's face: "So you mean, from the start, intentionally directing your two loyal attendants to lead Jin Chen's carriage into danger, was this done on purpose?"