Xiang Qilin’s expression was peculiar: “The little guide mentioned in the post… it couldn’t be Miaomiao, could it?”
For some reason, Xiang Qilin suddenly had the illusion that his own fresh, tender cabbage was about to be trampled by an outsider’s pig. Yes, an illusion—it must be an illusion! He desperately tried to convince himself.
Just as Xiang Qilin was deep in self-hypnosis, the door suddenly swung open. Rolling his eyes at the uninvited guest, Xiang Qilin sighed, already accustomed to certain people’s habits. “Wei Huanping, when will you learn to knock before entering?”
Wei Huanping, usually brash and unruly, surprisingly didn’t argue this time. He obediently withdrew his head and closed the door. “Alright, if you say so… I’ll knock first.” True to his word, he knocked before entering again.
Xiang Qilin: “…” What’s wrong with Wei Huanping? Did his brain malfunction again?
The Xiang and Wei families had always been close, largely due to the bond between Xiang Qilin’s mother and Wei Huanping’s father—former martial arts siblings. Wei Huanping’s father had been a prized disciple of Xiang Qilin’s maternal grandfather. Many had expected the pair to marry, but their relationship evolved into a sibling-like affection instead. Eventually, both found love elsewhere, but their families remained intertwined.
Growing up together, Xiang Qilin and Wei Huanping were inseparable as children, often teased as future “husband and wife.” Even after both awakened as Sentinels—a pairing now socially accepted—their dynamic remained ambiguous. Xiang Qilin, serious and occasionally violent, clashed with Wei Huanping’s flamboyant, teasing nature. Yet, their bond never wavered.
Everyone could see Wei Huanping’s feelings for Xiang Qilin—expressed through childish antics to get his attention. But Xiang Qilin, oblivious, assumed Wei Huanping’s constant presence was due to an interest in his younger brother, Xiang Qimiao. In fact, Xiang Qilin actively encouraged this imagined romance, fearing his brother’s unrequited love for the aloof genius Tan Hao would end in heartbreak.
Wei Huanping’s frustration was palpable—what could be worse than the person you love insisting you’re into their sibling? Meanwhile, Xiang Qimiao could only sigh at his brother’s denseness.
Back to the present: After a moment of bewildered silence, Xiang Qilin said, “Come in. What’s up, Huanping?” Wei Huanping peeked in cautiously, as if afraid to upset him. Xiang Qilin misinterpreted his concern, assuming it was for Qimiao’s safety after the recent incident.
Recalling the forum posts and his brother’s infatuation with Tan Hao, Xiang Qilin felt a pang of guilt toward Wei Huanping. Seeing Xiang Qilin’s troubled expression, Wei Huanping grew even more distressed. He’d been buried in work, unaware of Qimiao’s ordeal until now, and rushed over unkempt to check on his beloved.
But Xiang Qilin, mistaking his disheveled state for overwhelming worry about Qimiao, felt another inexplicable ache. When Wei Huanping tentatively asked, “A-Lin… are you okay?” Xiang Qilin’s heart fluttered—only to twist in anger. “My brother’s life is hanging by a thread, and you, his supposed suitor, dare to act so indifferent?!”
Had Wei Huanping known his thoughts, he might’ve staged a dramatic snowfall to express his frustration.
Xiang Qilin’s mood soured further. Cutting the conversation short, he relayed Qimiao’s status: “He’s safe, returning to Imperial Star. Go wait for him there.” Dismissing Wei Huanping’s attempts to explain, he added, “I’ve got work. Goodbye.”
Ejected and dejected, Wei Huanping could only lament, “Wait, let me explain—!” But their awkward standoff persisted until Qimiao’s return.
Meanwhile, Qimiao, blissfully unaware of the drama, was lost in a haze of “Idol! Idol! Idol!” under Tan Hao’s smoldering gaze. The usually icy Tan Hao, discovering Qimiao’s adoration, unleashed a devastatingly tender smile—reducing the younger man to a lovestruck puddle.
As they arrived at Imperial Star bathed in pink bubbles, the Xiang family’s shock was palpable: Their treasured jewel had been stolen by an outsider! Patriarch Xiang Chen’s gaze at Tan Hao was a masterpiece of mixed emotions—gratitude warring with paternal dismay as he watched his son gaze moonily at the “wild man” who’d captured his heart.
An autumn wind of melancholy seemed to sweep through Xiang Chen’s soul.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage