Chapter 65: Why Does Everyone Want to Poach?

His eyes flickered, but Chi Heng continued to eat impassively.

A moment later, under Wen Qian’s quizzical gaze, he set down his chopsticks and walked toward the balcony. Ling Xuan had left before dawn, replaced by another member of the Tiger Clan.

"By the way, A Mian, I think I’ve found him." Wen Qian looked up, as if she had just remembered something.

She thought of the billboard from last night, quickly pulling out her phone and handing it to him.

After she unlocked it, the screen showed a page she had searched for earlier.

[Qi Ke: Height 187cm. A-list male celebrity on Blue Star.]

[He debuted two years ago on a talent show and has since starred in numerous short-form dramas. He excels at acting, singing, and dancing. His striking looks have earned him a massive following, including many "girlfriend fans" and "mom fans."]

[He has a blue pendant that he wears at all times. Even when filming jewelry commercials, he puts it back on the moment the shoot is finished.]

Rumor has it that Qi Ke has an unforgettable love from his past—his "white moonlight"—who lives far away in Country Y, and the necklace is the only memento she left him.

But only Wen Qian knew that it represented a promise.

"Are you sure it’s him?" Gu Mian asked, his brow furrowed.

Wen Qian thought for a moment before shaking her head. "To be honest... I’m not entirely sure either."

Even though the pendant was identical to hers, she couldn’t bring herself to believe that Qi Ke and the Little Fox were the same person.

After all, she still vividly remembered how adorably clueless the Little Fox had been when they first met.

But Qi Ke...

On screen, he was confident and dazzling, like a star piercing through the darkness.

Wen Qian had watched his videos, and whether on stage or on a variety show, "clueless" was the last word anyone would use to describe him.

"I’ll find a way to confirm it." He reached out and ruffled Wen Qian’s hair.

’As long as he’s a Beastman, I have a hundred ways to find him.’

’But until I find him, I won’t tell Wen Qian anything.’

Wen Qian nodded. Then, as if remembering something else, she said, "Next week, I can apply to visit my adoptive mother. If all goes well, I can get the other fragment back, too."

’I don’t know how big the Critical Stone is, but the more fragments, the better.’

’Those two fragments were lost on my watch, so I have to get them back.’

"Alright, I’ll go with you." Gu Mian’s lips curved into a smile.

’It was still unclear if her adoptive mother knew Wen Qian had reported those two. And besides that, he was afraid something similar to last time would happen again...’

Listening to their conversation, a hint of irritation appeared on Chi Heng’s face.

’He wanted to be able to talk to Wen Qian calmly like that, too, but as things stood, that seemed impossible.’

’Her guard against him was slowly lowering, but a wall still stood between them.’

CLICK—

The door clicked open from the outside.

"Qianqian, I’m back!" Yin Zhi announced, looking up. But the sight of Gu Mian’s indifferent face made his smile freeze instantly. He raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing here?"

’First one, then another. Do they really think this is their house or something?’

Gu Mian raised an eyebrow but didn’t answer. He knew Wen Qian would be the one to speak up.

Sure enough, a moment later, Wen Qian stepped in to smooth things over. "A Mian is here to see me."

"Of course I know that..." Yin Zhi muttered, his lips pursed unhappily. ’It’s not like I’d be this annoyed if he were here to see me.’

"Come and eat. Try A Mian’s cooking." Wen Qian beckoned to him, doing her best to ignore his displeased expression. She put on an exaggerated face. "It’s super delicious!"

"Hah..." Yin Zhi sneered, his gaze landing on Gu Mian’s placid face. He then pulled out a chair and sat in the spot Chi Heng had just vacated.

’Let’s see just how delicious it can be.’

"Qianqian, can you feed me a bite?" There were no clean chopsticks on the table, and after being busy all night, Yin Zhi was too lazy to go get a pair. He tilted his head, leaning against the serene girl beside him. "I’m so tired," he whined, "I don’t wanna move..."

After saying this, he didn’t forget to shoot a provocative glance at Gu Mian.

Just as Wen Qian was about to raise her hand, she felt the air grow heavy.

Just then, Chi Heng strode into the kitchen, saying coolly as he opened the door, "I’ll get them."

The atmosphere instantly grew awkward.

Yin Zhi narrowed his eyes but said nothing. He was about to say something else to Wen Qian when Chi Heng’s voice sounded again. "Here."

He held out the chopsticks, his eyes as dark as ink.

Yin Zhi’s expression instantly soured. He shot Chi Heng a deep look, silently pressing his tongue against his back molars.

’I see now. Both of these guys are trying to steal my girl!’

’I was clearly the first Beastman to come to Wen Qian’s home, so how did I end up feeling like a guest...?’

With a dark expression, Yin Zhi took the chopsticks and impassively picked up a piece of meat, putting it in his mouth.

’It’s nothing special.’

’It’s leagues below what the Tiger Clan’s top private chef can make.’

’Still, I suppose he’s barely qualified to be a cook for me and Qianqian here on Blue Star.’

’And as for that Chi Heng, he can choose between being a servant or a bodyguard.’

Wen Qian had no idea what Yin Zhi was thinking. She just assumed all his expressions were because he was enjoying the food.

"Oh, right, why are you just getting back now?" Wen Qian asked, turning to Yin Zhi as the thought occurred to her.

The young man mumbled, "Things in South City were a little tricky. That brat from the Shen Family must have left his brain back in the Beast World."

Considering the kid’s special status, Yin Zhi had originally planned to reason with him, but the guy was incredibly stubborn. So, deciding to go all out, Yin Zhi just had him tied up.

He also had the Li Tiger Clan Beastman with him rounded up and taken away.

As for Uncle Feng, this time he was really thrown into the river to feed the fish. Yin Zhi only ordered his men to pull him out when he was on the verge of passing out.

’Uncle Feng’s desire to stop the Shen family’s young master was genuine, but so was his desire to harm Wen Qian. He used the turmoil in South City as an opportunity to lead people to City A, mobilizing many Tiger Clan members under my name...’

’Before, I was wondering how anyone knew my whereabouts, let alone Wen Qian’s, aside from the few I trust...’

’Such a loyal servant of the Shen Family.’

A mocking smile played on the young man’s lips.

"The Shen Family?" A smile touched Gu Mian’s lips as his gaze swept over Yin Zhi’s handsome face. His voice was tinged with amusement. "Your fiancée’s little brother?"

Yin Zhi’s expression stiffened instantly, and he nearly snapped the chopsticks in his hand.

"Your Gu Family must have been cooped up in the mountains for too long, not interacting with enough people... Is that why you feel the need to comment on everything?" Yin Zhi’s gaze turned cold.

’Don’t think I don’t know you’re saying that for Wen Qian to hear.’

Gu Mian wasn’t provoked. His voice remained light. "Since the Young Master has a fiancée, he shouldn’t be coveting another’s female."

"Another’s female?" Yin Zhi latched onto the key words.

Their eyes met. Gu Mian’s slender fingers brushed across his own lips. He said nothing, but the meaning was perfectly clear.

Shock flashed in Yin Zhi’s eyes. He whipped his head around to stare at Wen Qian in disbelief. "He kissed you?!"

Wen Qian flinched, startled by the volume of his voice.