Together 2

12. Hunt

Zhu Zanjin grit his teeth angrily as he galloped through the forest. 'If I win... maybe I could offer roses to your fiancé?' 'Are you talking about Zhan?' 'Is there anyone else besides him?' 'It doesn't matter who you give roses to. That's up to you. Unless... you have a hidden intention on why you would ask for my permission.' 'That's up to Your Majesty to figure out.'

'Bloody bastard!' Zhu Zanjin cursed Duke Wang as he grinded his teeth. 'Sooner or later, I will throw you in jail for not following the orders of the royal family!' After galloping through the forest for a while, Zhu Zanjin eventually stopped by the lake and got off his horse. He had just bent down to wash his face, when he suddenly heard a sound, making him look forward. Zhu Zanjin was shocked to see Duke Wang on the opposite side of the river with his bow drawn, staring straight at... Zhu Zanjin turned to a side and gasped. It was the white deer!

Zhu Zanjin quickly pulled out his bow and arrow, ready to shoot the deer. 'I can't let you get it! I'll show everyone that I'm best at archery!' However, he suddenly paused. 'Wait.' He whistled, catching the attention of Duke Wang's horse. Accidents were prone to happen in hunts... like harming the opponent's horse by accident.

Suddenly, Duke Wang turned to Zhu Zanjin's side, making him smirk. 'He noticed? There's no need to be so sensitive.' He thought. However, Zhu Zanjin was shocked to see Duke Wang draw his bow straight at him before releasing an arrow in his direction. Zhu Zanjin was so shocked and eventually ducked in the last second, making the arrow graze his cheek.

***

Back at the base, Xiao Zhan was sitting with Wang Zhucheng and a few other noble omegas. Wang Zhucheng happily flaunted his accessories. "All these accessories and jewelry are presents that Zhu gege gave me." "Everything is so beautiful Mister Wang!" One of the omegas said. "I really envy you!" Xiao Zhan, however, simply sat down calmly, sipping his tea.

"Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed because I feel more loved than his own fiancé Zhan." Wang Zhucheng said, although he quickly covered his mouth, as if realizing his mistake. "Oh! Zhan, my words didn't make you feel bad, right?" "Yes." Xiao Zhan said faking sadness, making Wang Zhucheng blink. "Zhan?!" "How am I not going to feel bad about it? It's true that brother Zanjin cares a lot about you. You're so pretty and attractive, I can't even compare to you. Sometimes I really envy you..." "You!"

"With all due respect Lord Wang, that was a bit harsh." Hu Yun Hao, one of the omegas sitting with Xiao Zhan said angrily. "No matter how close you both were since childhood, His Majesty's fiancé is Zhan." "That's right. Lord Wang didn't have any consideration with Zhan." Yan Xu Jia, another noble omega sitting with Xiao Zhan said. "Since when did you start calling him 'Zhan' so casually?" Wang Zhucheng asked. "Since the beginning of today's hunting competition."

"Oh, don't blame A-Cheng. No matter what he says, he's still my most precious friend. And the most beautiful person to me." Xiao Zhan said. "It was to be expected. Zhan has such a big heart." Yan Xu Jia said with a warm smile. "I really envy Lord Wang for having a friend like you." Hu Yun Hao said happily. "You're so kind." Xiao Zhan said with a bright smile.

It's pretty common for aristocrats to be involved in scandals, even in the royal family. And the current Xiao Zhan (i.e Wei Wuxian) was not generous enough to tolerate them having a love affair. However, Wang Zhucheng and Zhu Zanjin didn't care at all and even went to public cases hand in hand. And the only reason why they went around so carelessly was because... the original Xiao Zhan didn't say anything.

'Wang Zhucheng. It must've been convenient for you to be with the original Xiao Zhan, right? Like a bridesmaid who makes the bride stand out in banquets and use them as a shield to cover up your scandalous relationship. Now, how does it feel to give you what you've given me the past few years?' Xiao Zhan thought, feeling satisfied with the angry look on Wang Zhucheng's face, making him chuckle as he covered his mouth.

"There has been a problem!" A guard came rushing towards Xiao Zhan's table, making everyone look at him. "His Highness Zanjin has been injured!" He said, stunning everyone at the table.