Noble Academy's Mob Character: Reborn as the Campus Heartthrob - Chapter 65

Chapter 65: Beast World 10

“Qi Yuan, this is my heartfelt proposal. Will you accept it?” You Qinghe asked, his face alight with anticipation.

Without hesitation, Qi Yuan shook his head. “I will not.”

His rejection was swift and decisive, resolved to play the part of a cold-blooded, heartless man.

Beside them, Xu Fu silently gave him a thumbs-up. Zuo Yu followed suit.

Males in this world typically pursued females they desired relentlessly, showering them with attention and engaging in fierce competition with other males.

It wasn’t uncommon for males like You Qinghe to immediately propose courtship after the sole male associated with their chosen female had disappeared or died—a rather unremarkable occurrence.

You Qinghe felt a pang of disappointment. Even though he had anticipated rejection, the blow still stung. Qi Yuan’s instantaneous refusal, without the slightest hesitation, crushed any lingering hope he might have harbored.

Unwilling to stoop to desperate pleas that would tarnish Qi Yuan’s impression of him, yet unwilling to give up completely, he tried one last time. “Won’t you reconsider?”

Qi Yuan began dispensing the “good guy” card: “I’m sorry, You Qinghe. You’re a good male, but I don’t feel that way about you. Matters of the heart can’t be forced. A relationship built on coercion would be unfair to both of us. Therefore, I can’t accept your courtship.”

“You’ll definitely find a female you like someday—one who likes you back.”

These were genuine words from the heart. Though You Qinghe might be a bit… unconventional in some ways, he was undeniably a good person, always kind and thoughtful towards them.

You Qinghe’s gaze grew complicated. “But I’ll only ever love you. A wolf never changes his chosen mate once he’s made up his mind.”

Realizing his words might sound coercive, he quickly added, “I don’t mean to pressure you, Qi Yuan. I just want you to know you can always come to me, no matter what happens. I’ll be waiting for you to turn around and see me.”

Renewed determination surged through You Qinghe. Even if Qi Yuan rejected him now, he wouldn’t give up.

Afraid Qi Yuan might say something further to reject him, he hastily declared, “Consider this prey a housewarming gift!” and hurried away, leaving Qi Yuan, who was about to refuse it, and the two bystanders watching the drama unfold.

The three exchanged awkward glances, staring at the massive bear carcass. They were at a loss for how to handle it.

Zuo Yu, being female, and the two utterly useless human males couldn’t possibly skin, butcher, and debone the animal by hand. It was far beyond their capabilities.

Qi Yuan crouched down and poked the bear with his finger.

“What should we do?” Xu Fu squatted down and poked the bear.

“I don’t know.”

“Maybe we should ask for help?”

Since it’s practically being given to us, why not take it? We already refused once, but they insist on shoving it on us. Let’s just treat it like something we found.

Xu Fu remembered the Shaman saying winter was coming soon, and without stockpiling food, it would be a harsh season.

This bear, once dried, would last the two of them quite a while. Their species differed from the surrounding Beastmen, and they didn’t eat as much. One Beastman meal could sustain them for a full day’s three meals, so they didn’t need to stockpile as much food as the Beastmen did.

Zuo Yu looked at Qi Yuan, as if struck by a sudden thought.

“Oh, right, Qi Yuan,” he said. “Why don’t you go to the Shaman and register a Mate Bond certificate with He Zhou? That way, you can inherit his merits. I remember my big brother saying He Zhou had accumulated quite a bit of merit. With his merits, you guys could have a comfortable winter.”

Qi Yuan paused, surprised. “Is that even possible?”

Zuo Yu shrugged. “Normally, no. But since He Zhou found you and you’ve been living together for so long, getting the Shaman to register a Mate Bond certificate shouldn’t be a problem at all.”

Qi Yuan had no idea how long he would have to stay here. Food was scarce in this world, and he’d heard that Beastmen froze to death every winter. He had to prepare for the coming cold.

Otherwise, given his and Xu Fu’s frail constitutions, they’d likely perish even faster than the Beastmen in a winter that could freeze even them to death.

“Thank you, Zuo Yu,” Qi Yuan said.

Zuo Yu’s suggestion was immensely helpful. He decided to visit the Shaman later to register their Mate Bond. When the Hunting Team returned that evening, he could trade for some non-perishable food to stockpile.

Just as Qi Yuan made up his mind, Xu Fu interjected, “I deserve some credit too.”

“I helped a lot during the Tribe War. The Chieftain and Shaman awarded me plenty of credits, enough to last through the winter.”

Zuo Yu retorted disapprovingly, “Your credits are decent, but in my opinion, they won’t be enough for both of you to survive the winter. That’s why I advised Qi Yuan to inherit He Zhou’s credits.”

“My Mate Father says this winter will be even longer and harsher than usual. You need to prepare more thoroughly—stock up on food and furs, as much as possible.”

Xu Fu was persuaded. “Alright.”

Qi Yuan had already been convinced.

The sun hung high in the sky, its scorching rays beating down on the earth.

Qi Yuan approached the Shaman’s residence—You Yuanxiu’s dwelling—a meticulously crafted stone-and-wood structure that stood out against its surroundings with its refined elegance.

A small vegetable patch flourished nearby, its lush green plants promising a bountiful harvest.

As he drew closer, he saw You Yuanxiu watering the garden.

His silver-white hair was tied in a low ponytail, his pale eyes focused intently on the plants.

Sensing someone’s gaze, You Yuanxiu looked up, his gaze locking precisely on Qi Yuan.

“Qi Yuan?”

You Yuanxiu set down his watering can and approached Qi Yuan, a hint of puzzlement crossing his features. “Is there something you need?”

Qi Yuan nodded. “I need to trouble you with something, Shaman.”

Despite his initial confusion, You Yuanxiu’s expression remained calm, a gentle smile playing on his lips. “Of course, go ahead.”

Qi Yuan hesitated before saying, “I need you to record a Mate Bond certificate between me and He Zhou.”

“What?” You Yuanxiu frowned, his smile vanishing instantly. His hand clenched involuntarily.

“I want to inherit He Zhou’s merits,” Qi Yuan explained. “He’s missing, and I need his merits to survive the winter.”

He sensed that if he didn’t tell the truth, You Yuanxiu would refuse to record the Mate Bond certificate.

You Yuanxiu’s furrowed brow relaxed slightly after hearing the explanation. “Does it have to be him?”

Qi Yuan didn’t understand why You Yuanxiu was asking this question. As far as he knew, apart from bonding with He Zhou, he had no other choice.

“Yes, Shaman,” Qi Yuan replied.

“Even if He Zhou never returns, you’d still choose to bond with him?” You Yuanxiu pressed.

“That’s right,” Qi Yuan affirmed.

Having received Qi Yuan’s unwavering answer, You Yuanxiu could only record it, his mind drifting.

Has Qi Yuan’s affection for He Zhou truly grown this deep? he wondered, even willing to waste a male’s Mate Bond slot on someone whose fate remained unknown.

He refused to believe Qi Yuan’s claim that it was merely to secure winter provisions through He Zhou’s merits. Choosing a living male would clearly be more advantageous.

To his knowledge, countless powerful males vied for Qi Yuan’s attention—more than he could count on one hand—including his foolish younger brother You Qinghe and Cyril, the captain of the Hunting Team. Even Chieftain Jiang Wang seemed to harbor such inclinations.

How could he possibly believe Qi Yuan’s motive was solely about winter provisions?

You Yuanxiu couldn’t decipher his own emotions. The Shaman’s position bound him in countless ways, even stifling the expression of his true feelings.

As he watched Qi Yuan’s departing figure, having obtained what he desired, blood slowly seeped from his palm, dripping silently onto the ground.

He remained motionless for an eternity, until the wound scabbed over and the blood congealed.

Only then did You Yuanxiu recognize the bitter emotion spreading through his chest: jealousy.

A few days later, Qi Yuan and Xu Fu were like hoarding squirrels, having stockpiled plenty of food and soft animal hides in their cave.

Of course, firewood was indispensable.

First, they hired a Beastman specializing in digging caves to excavate a deeper chamber specifically for storing firewood and food. Then, they slowly began filling it.

Their contributions to the tribe were proving quite sufficient.

Every evening, they exchanged food supplies. During the day, they dried meat strips in the sun and smoked meat to preserve it. The Tribe’s salt reserves were dwindling, so they planned to ask the Shaman about the location of salt fields or mines, hoping to refine their own salt for curing meat—a method that would significantly extend its shelf life and durability.

The days passed in comfortable abundance.

One afternoon, as Qi Yuan carried a basket to the Tribe’s outskirts to gather Sweet Fruit alone, he unexpectedly encountered a rogue Beastman.

It was a Gray Wolf covered in scars, staring at him greedily.