Werebeast Gongs CH 100 The Birth
Early the next morning, as soon as the sun rose and the air warmed slightly, Lei Jin and Mingya set off.
Since it wasn’t a big deal, and Xiya and Moya had other matters to attend to, Lei Jin didn’t ask them to see him off. Bundled up warmly, he was about to leave when Roger handed him a flat, round hot water flask—about the size of a biscuit tin—with a small wooden stopper. Surprisingly, it didn’t leak at all. Lei Jin thought to himself, I’m not that delicate, but not wanting to waste time arguing, he tucked it into his coat without protest.
The two left the house heading east. Fallen leaves covered the recently swept bluestone paths of the village, rustling underfoot. The streets were quiet, with only a few children running around. Mingya, clearly instructed beforehand, was on high alert, nervously guarding Lei Jin to prevent anyone from bumping into him.
Lei Jin found it amusing and wanted to ruffle his hair, but realized it wasn’t as easy as before—the little guy had grown taller.
Mingya shifted into his beast form, and Lei Jin’s heart instinctively tightened. His steps slowed slightly. But truthfully, Mingya’s beast form was beautiful—the first time Lei Jin had seen it clearly in broad daylight. His snow-white fur shimmered silver under the late autumn sun, his body sleek and powerful, with wings as broad and majestic as Xiya’s and Moya’s. To make it easier for Lei Jin to climb on, he obediently crouched low.
When Lei Jin hesitated, Mingya turned his head questioningly.
"Let’s go." Lei Jin quickly mounted and settled in.
Mingya carefully wrapped his tail around Lei Jin’s waist, then happily bounded forward a few steps before spreading his wings and taking off. "Lei Jin, Mingya’s taking you flying!"
Feeling Mingya’s excitement, Lei Jin spread his arms and took a deep breath of the crisp morning air, temporarily setting aside his reservations.
The Leopard Tribe lived far from the sea and relied on sea salt. Salt pans were dug along the coast for evaporation. Lei Jin had long wanted to collect brine to make tofu, but with the beans not yet ripe and his injuries keeping him busy, the idea had slipped his mind until he saw the beans the other day.
As for Lei Jin knowing how to make tofu—in the modern world, no one would believe it. Who’d associate the mob boss of the Qingyan Gang with tofu? But he hadn’t been born a mob boss. Before that, he’d had to make a living too.
When Lei Jin was seven or eight, an elderly couple in their sixties had taken him in. They ran a small, unremarkable bean shop by the roadside, making tofu, soybean oil, soy sauce, and vinegar. It wasn’t a lucrative business, but their traditional methods ensured loyal customers and a comfortable life. Their children, however, wanted nothing to do with it, pursuing their own careers elsewhere.
The couple had found Lei Jin on the streets and treated him like their own grandson, even sending him to school. For the first time, Lei Jin had stability. Though restless in class, he was bright enough to get by. After school, he helped at the bean shop, gradually picking up the trade. His grandfather had even promised to leave the shop to him. If not for later events, he might have become an ordinary tofu shop owner—maybe even with a family by now. But fate had other plans.
After a few peaceful years, his grandparents died in a car accident on their way to buy beans. After the funeral, their children sold the shop, giving Lei Jin a small share. He understood—they owed him nothing. That night, he packed his things and left.
He’d mentioned bits of this past to Liu Si once, who sighed and said, "That’s just fate."
But Lei Jin didn’t believe in fate. If he had, he’d have frozen or starved to death long ago—abandoned at five, kicked out at ten. Fate was just an excuse. The only thing worth believing in was himself, because no one stayed forever. He’d survived this long; he’d survive this too. Once he left, he’d forget everything here. He would.
A cold gust snapped him back to the present.
"Lei Jin, are you cold? If you are, lie down on Mingya." Mingya, noticing his silence, sounded worried.
"I’m fine. Keep flying." Lei Jin adjusted his hat and buried his hands in Mingya’s thick, warm neck fur.
The late autumn plains were a golden expanse, with only faint traces of green along the riverbanks. Most animals had migrated south, and smaller streams had dried up, leaving cracked beds. The blue coastline was now faintly visible. Checking the sun, Lei Jin estimated they’d been flying for over two hours. Thank goodness for werebeasts—on foot, the trip would’ve taken over a week.
At the Leopard Tribe’s salt flats, Mingya landed behind a wind-sheltering rock.
The flask in Lei Jin’s coat was still warm. He took a sip, then offered it to Mingya.
"The wind here is brutal." Lei Jin rubbed his hands and pulled out a prepared bag.
The salt flats stretched white under the sun. Since they were here, they might as well take some salt back. The crystallized salt was coarse and damp. Mingya helped scoop it into the bag while Lei Jin dug out a few chunks of brine from the bottom.
Thinking of the merfolk father and son at home, Lei Jin searched the nearby beach and found fresh shellfish.
"Mingya, which kind do you think Bubbles would like?" Bending was difficult now, so Lei Jin nudged shells out of the sand with his foot while Mingya collected them.
"Mingya?" When no answer came, Lei Jin turned to see Mingya tense, staring at a figure approaching in the distance.
At first, Lei Jin didn’t recognize him. But up close, those navy blue eyes—identical to Bubbles’—told him the inevitable had arrived.
"Long time no see. What a coincidence," the man—now known to Lei Jin as Lan Qi—said.
"Very coincidental," Lei Jin replied dryly. As if I’d believe that. Lan Qi had likely learned Berg was in the Leopard Tribe but didn’t know exactly where. Since merfolk weren’t suited to land travel, he’d probably staked out the salt flats to ambush them.
"You’re pregnant?" Lan Qi’s gaze swept over Lei Jin’s belly, then to Mingya. "Last time, it wasn’t this one, was it? Changed partners?"
Lei Jin pushed Mingya behind him, expression darkening. "What business is it of yours who I’m with? Mingya, let’s go."
Lan Qi, caught off guard, quickly blocked their path. He’d thought Lei Jin, unlike other females, wouldn’t mind such jokes. Why the sudden hostility?
"I was just joking." Lan Qi tried to explain.
"Lei Jin doesn’t like you. Move." Mingya bared his claws and lunged. Lan Qi stepped back—not out of fear, but because he needed their cooperation.
Seizing the moment, Lei Jin climbed onto Mingya’s back. "Let’s go." With the salt and shellfish already secured, they took off effortlessly.
"Hey, wait!" Lan Qi chased a few steps, but merfolk were no match for werebeasts on land.
"Lei Jin, who was that?" Mingya asked once airborne.
"Berg’s man." Lei Jin tugged Mingya’s ear.
"So… Bubbles’ father?" Mingya found Lei Jin’s sudden attitude shift puzzling. Why not take him to see Bubbles?
"Yeah." But so what? Lei Jin had acted offended deliberately to catch Lan Qi off guard. Both encounters had involved Berg—even if Lan Qi didn’t react immediately, he’d soon connect the dots. By then, it’d be too late.
"Hmph. Smart female." Lan Qi’s smile vanished as he watched them disappear. "Think hiding Berg will stop me?"
When Lei Jin and Mingya returned, Roger was grinding soybeans in the yard, a half-full bucket beside him. After a late breakfast, Mingya left for patrol training while Lei Jin and Roger continued their tofu-making in the kitchen.
Berg was napping with Bubbles. Assuming Lan Qi wouldn’t arrive soon, Lei Jin saw no urgency in warning them yet.
The ground soybeans were strained and boiled into pure, natural soy milk. Before removing it from the pot, Lei Jin and Roger each ladled a bowl to taste.
"Not bad." Lei Jin blew on his, shamelessly praising his own work. Whether it was the quality of the beans or his skills, this batch was better than any he’d had in the modern world—no beany aftertaste at all.
"What are you two steaming up the kitchen for? It’s not even mealtime." Su Rui, ignored after knocking, let himself in.
"Try this. Lei Jin’s latest creation." Roger handed him a bowl.
Su Rui sipped, unaccustomed at first but soon appreciating the rich flavor.
"It’s good. What’s it made from?"
"Just ordinary beans." Lei Jin pointed to the half-bag in the corner.
"The beans no one wants? Lei Jin, you’re quite the capable female." Su Rui smiled approvingly.
Lei Jin wiped cold sweat, awkwardly accepting the compliment.
Su Rui had come to deliver the remaining shoes, gloves, and hats, plus two pairs of thick knitted socks, all bundled in fur.
As the soy milk cooled, Lei Jin started curdling the tofu, inviting Su Rui to stay for bean curd. The key step was adding the brine—too much or too little would ruin it, and it had to be stirred evenly.
A small portion of the curds were set aside as soft tofu, while the rest was wrapped in gauze and pressed in a perforated wooden tub to firm up.
Speaking of which, the gauze was quite special—woven from golden silk spiderwebs, dense with holes slightly larger than needle eyes. Though small (none exceeded half a meter) and hard to join, it was perfect for filtering.
With few seasonings on hand, Lei Jin quickly made thin egg crepes, sliced them into shreds, and topped the silky bean curd with meat sauce and scallions.
Su Rui loved it, praising it repeatedly. Berg, waking up, joined them. The four crowded into the warm kitchen, chatting happily over food.
Life here is so leisurely, Lei Jin mused. Perhaps because departure neared, these moments felt more precious.
As Su Rui left, Lei Jin gave him a jar of bean curd and two blocks of tofu, explaining how to prepare them.
That night, while others were distracted, Lei Jin pulled Berg aside and told him about Lan Qi.
"Don’t panic. Is there anywhere you can hide?" Though Lei Jin knew evasion wasn’t a long-term solution, Berg’s terrified expression made persuasion futile.
"There’s nowhere left. He’ll catch me soon. Can I ever escape him?" Berg collapsed onto the bed, clutching his hair in despair. The thought of returning to that forced submission made death seem preferable.
"You have Bubbles. What are you thinking?" Lei Jin recognized that look—he’d seen it often in those pushed to the brink.
"Right… Bubbles. I can’t die." Berg jerked up, yanking the sleeping Bubbles from his tub and squeezing him tightly.
The child wailed in pain.
"Berg, calm down. Lan Qi isn’t here yet. Look at yourself—you’re hurting Bubbles!" Lei Jin took the sobbing child, gently patting his back.
"Lei Jin, what should I do? I can’t go back to him. What do I do?"
"I don’t have a perfect solution yet." The village was too small to hide someone easily. If Lan Qi didn’t know Berg was here, they might’ve managed. But with him actively hunting, it was tricky. Given Berg’s father was a tribal leader yet couldn’t protect him, Lan Qi’s background was clearly formidable. Killing him secretly would spark a tribal war—and he was Bubbles’ father.
Escaping wasn’t feasible either—the wilderness was harsh, especially with winter coming.
"At Lan Qi’s speed, without help, he’ll take days to reach us. We’ll think of something by then." Lei Jin sounded confident, but in truth he was out of ideas.
Reassured, Berg gradually calmed.
After more comforting, Lei Jin returned the sleeping Bubbles to his tub. As he closed the door, Berg sat slumped by the tub, lost in thought.
Back in his room, the bath was ready. Xiya undressed Lei Jin, helped him in, then joined him.
Thankfully, their tub was spacious. Lei Jin raised a brow but didn’t protest, leaning back with his arms resting on the rim as Xiya washed him.
"Tired from today?" Xiya’s hands wandered, kisses trailing lower until Lei Jin’s breathing roughened.
"Not bad." Lei Jin’s face flushed, but he kept his eyes stubbornly shut.
Xiya, undeterred, intensified his attentions, lifting Lei Jin to straddle his lap.
"You…" Lei Jin’s eyes flew open as something pressed inside.
"Can’t skip cleaning inside." Xiya grinned, fingers moving teasingly. "Don't look at me like that, or else I'll think you want something else instead of fingers, that you’d prefer me to—"
"Shut up." Lei Jin’s voice wavered, but his body arched into the touch.
"Fine, no talking. But no moving either." Xiya’s own restraint was fraying. He captured Lei Jin’s lips, tongue delving deep as his fingers thrust faster, nails scraping sensitive walls.
Lei Jin gripped Xiya’s shoulders, back bowing as he came with a sharp cry.
Moya, rubbing his temples, entered to find them entangled. "Done? Don’t catch a chill."
"Almost. Take Lei Jin out. I’ll finish up." Xiya sighed. They must’ve offended Healer Qing Qiao—preparing the birth canal without penetration was torture. At this rate, he’d go impotent.
Moya wrapped Lei Jin in a soft blanket, dried him, and tucked him into bed.
Lei Jin’s swollen limbs needed nightly massages to ease his sleep.
"You’re back late. Where were you?" Lei Jin asked, noting his exhaustion.
"Discussing your land proposal. Endless debates." The stubborn elders had nearly deafened him.
"Dinner?" Lei Jin fought drowsiness—warm baths, orgasms, and massages were irresistible.
"Had some. The tofu was good."
"Glad you liked it." Lei Jin’s eyelids drooped.
"Sleep." Moya turned him over, massaging his other leg.
"One more thing." Lei Jin forced himself awake, repeating the story of his encounter with Lan Qi.
"Don’t worry. We’ve got it handled. Details tomorrow." Xiya covered Lei Jin’s eyes. "Sleep."
Reassured, Lei Jin drifted off.
Lan Qi arrived faster than expected—in five days. Though the tribe had been warned to deny Berg’s presence, they knew it wouldn’t fool Lan Qi for long.
A month passed with Lan Qi settled in Chief An Bu’s home, mingling amiably while conspicuously not asking about Berg—which only heightened Lei Jin’s suspicion.
"Must you look so unwelcoming every time I visit?" Lan Qi lounged against the courtyard gate, watching Lei Jin work.
"You just noticed?" Lei Jin scoffed. Daily visits were excessive. Anyone would get tired of seeing the same ol’ face everyday, okay?
"Then tell me where Berg is." Lan Qi’s patience snapped, his natural arrogance unveiled. He knew there was no use asking others. Berg's whereabouts were definitely known to this family.
"How should I know where this Berg of yours is?" Lei Jin turned away disdainfully. As if this guy could scare him.
"Name your price. Just tell me where Berg is." It had been a whole month, why was this Lei Jin so difficult.
"I want you to leave me alone." Force didn't work so trying out bribery now? Too bad Lei Jin didn't buy either.
Lan Qi left, seething.
Lei Jin, now over seven months pregnant, waited until he was gone before rubbing his sore back and sitting down.
Berg was hiding in the old treehouse, refurbished for winter. But temperatures were dropping—fine for Berg, but risky for Bubbles. While Lei Jin distracted Lan Qi, Roger had gone to deliver supplies. With the tribe busy preparing the final winter hunt, prolonged vigilance was impossible. Evasion wasn’t ideal, but it was their only option.
Roger returned, shaking off snow. "Bubbles has a fever."
"Maybe we should bring him back." Lei Jin pondered. Lan Qi likely didn’t know about Bubbles—perhaps he could be hidden.
Roger drank a sip of hot water and agreed. "The weather’s turning. First snow’s coming. I’ll fetch Bubbles tomorrow. Today he's ill so Berg would want to stay by his side."
Lei Jin cracked the window open a bit. Leaden clouds loomed and it really did look like it would snow soon—the days were truly flying by, winter had arrived.
"Is Bubbles’ fever serious?"
"Currently, it seems to be mild. We prepared herbs—Berg gave him some so it should improve overnight."
"Good." Lei Jin rubbed his belly. The baby had been unusually active lately—could it be a werebeast baby, coming so early? The thought of a tiny leopard inside him still unsettled him. Towards this child, Lei Jin didn't want to form any bonds, after all this was an unplanned child.
Before dawn, Moya stirred at a faint noise. Lei Jin, dark circles under his eyes, lay curled against him. These days, he barely slept, waking frequently in discomfort. Each pained grimace tore at Moya’s heart. He could only use frequent massages to try and alleviate the pain and discomfort.
Xiya, also roused, dressed quickly.
Xiya gestured to the house, Moya nodded, and whispered, "He barely managed to fall asleep after tossing and turning all night. I think he can sleep for a while. Let's go out and take a look."
Just as the two stepped outside, they found Berg pinned to a tree by Lan Qi, choking as Bubbles wailed in his arms.
"Moya, help!" Berg gasped.
"Lan Qi, let go." Moya’s headache spiked. He immediately knew who the troublemaker was without even having to look.
"So it’s you." Lan Qi’s glare returned to Berg. "So this is the man you're obsessed with? That means this bastard’s his?"
"Don’t touch Bubbles!" Berg shielded the child.
"I say, can you at least check your surroundings," Xiya drawled.
"More than one? Berg, you're quite capable aren't you—did you not tell them how you begged for more under me?"
"Lan Qi, you asshole! Let me go!" Berg fought wildly, but he was holding and sick Bubbles and he was no match for Lan Qi.
"Are you so eager to throw yourself into their arms?" Lan Qi was already blinded by jealousy. For more than a month, he pretended to be unbothered and searched for Berg's traces in the tribe during the day. At night, he would stay on guard near Lei Jin's house, only to be faced with Berg's rejection and fierce avoidance.
Xiya and Moya realized that they couldn't reason with him now. In order to prevent Lan Qi from accidentally strangling Berg to death, they had no choice but to get him away first.
But at this moment, something unexpected happened. Bubbles, who had a severe fever, started crying and fussing loudly in Berg's arms. Seeing the undisguised heartache on Berg's face, Lan Qi became enraged and snatched Bubbles and hurled him. His original intention was to throw him to Xiya and Moya, but Xiya and Moya had just rushed over to take action, just missing Bubbles who fell towards the wall.
"BUBBLES!" Berg screamed and with a burst of strength, he pushed aside Lan Qi and threw himself at Bubbles. But it was already too late, Bubbles was already a breath away from colliding against the wall.
Lei Jin had actually been feigning sleep earlier, afraid Moya and the others would be worried. So the commotion outside did not escape his notice. But just when he stepped outside, he was faced with this scene, and without any time to think, he ran over just in time to catch the child—but the impact slammed him into the wall.
Agony exploded in his abdomen. Lei Jin reflexively clutched at his stomach with his free hand, “My baby!”
"Lei Jin!" Everything was too sudden, no one had time to prevent it.
"Xiya, the baby—" Lei Jin, trembling, clutched at Xiya who was the closest to him.
“Berg…” Lan Qi helped Berg up who had collapsed on the ground.
"Lan Qi, I will never forgive you in this life. You killed your own son. Bubbles is your child, and you killed him with your own hands." Berg knew that things were irreversible. How could he bear to watch his son being killed by the fall? Naturally, he didn't know that Bubbles had been rescued.
"He is your son, Lan Qi." A vicious smile appeared on Berg's lips in vengeance. Without Bubbles, he had nothing to care about, but he wanted this man to live in regret forever.
“What did you say?” Lan Qi's eyes were filled with shock and disbelief.
Moya thrust the unconscious child into Berg’s arms and punched Lan Qi violently, his dark eyes icy with murder. "If anything happens to Lei Jin, no matter the cost, I’ll take your life."
Healer Qing Qiao, summoned urgently, diagnosed premature labor. "Boil water. Lots of it." But Lei Jin, half-conscious and curled in pain, refused his touch. He really couldn't give a complete diagnosis.
Lei Jin felt as if the world had turned cold and dark, like the winter nights of his childhood when he wandered the streets. There was no one else but him and it was so cold.
No, this pain was different, it was his unborn child. His stomach hurt so much, something kept squeezing towards the exit at the back. But he knew the child was not full-term yet, and if they came out like this, he would not be able to keep them. Lei Jin instinctively held his stomach to keep the baby inside, because this was his child. However, the pain in his lower half that was getting stronger and stronger made him realize that he could not keep the child any longer.
"Lei Jin, Lei Jin, don't be scared, we’re here." Moya didn't know what to do now. He was sweating with nervousness. Seeing that Lei Jin seemed to be shivering from the cold, he hugged him tightly and kissed him on the lips over and over again to comfort him.
"Moya, the baby’s too early—" Lei Jin panted, the pain pulling him into consciousness.
"It's okay, it's okay. Healer Qing Qiao said that babies born six months premature can survive. Our baby is more than seven months old, almost eight months old, so it will be okay to come out." Xiya sat on the edge of the bed, holding Lei Jin's hand. Fortunately, Lei Jin did not reject their approach.
Lei Jin bit his lip and couldn't speak, he just stared at Xiya.
Xiya understood what he meant and asked Healer Qing Qiao to come and talk to him in person. After finally getting it confirmed, Lei Jin straightened his back and tried to relax his whole body.
Healer Qing Qiao, seeing that Lei Jin was awake, prepared to come over and take off his pants, but Lei Jin was still resisting strongly, so Xiya and Moya had to do it together. Moya held Lei Jin and put his head on his lap, while Xiya lifted his legs and took off his pants, threw them and his cotton coat aside, and found a dry cotton tunic for him to change into.
"Spread his legs a little more." Healer Qing Qiao still couldn't see clearly.
"No..." Lei Jin felt embarrassed with his legs spread wide open in front of so many outsiders.
"It's okay. Childbirth is like this. Healer Qing Qiao is helping the baby come out earlier." Moya used a towel to wipe the cold sweat off his face.
"Next time it'll be your turn to give birth." Speaking so nonchalantly, it's not you who is in pain now.
"Okay, okay..." Moya agreed hastily, not knowing what he had agreed to. He only knew that he had to agree to whatever Lei Jin said.
As his legs were spread, fluid gushed out.
"The water has broken, check how many fingers dilated he is." This time, Healer Qing Qiao wisely had Xiya perform the examination.
Xiya reported a number, but Healer Qing Qiao shook his head. "Not enough. We still have to wait."
"But Lei Jin is in so much pain..." Xiya was so frantic he didn’t know where to put his hands.
Time passed minute by minute, Lei Jin’s pain intensifying with each wave, yet Healer Qing Qiao still insisted it wasn’t time.
Dawn broke, and outside, the howling north wind battered against the window frames. Inside, the room was stifling hot, sweat pouring down everyone’s faces.
Healer Qing Qiao had been a doctor for over thirty years, usually calm and composed. But perhaps Xiya and Moya’s panic had infected him, making him restless too. Roger was the only one who remained somewhat level-headed. "First births are always difficult. It’ll take a while yet." He prepared hot porridge, urging everyone to eat a little.
Lei Jin’s stomach churned with agony—he had no appetite. But Xiya and Moya coaxed him into eating a few bites. The baby’s arrival was unpredictable; he needed to conserve his strength.
By noon, Lei Jin had passed out from the pain multiple times, yet the baby still hadn’t moved. But Healer Qing Qiao knew time was running out. The waters had broken, but the baby hadn’t descended into the birth canal. If this continued, both bearer and child would suffer.
"Xiya, Moya, hold Lei Jin’s arms and legs so he doesn’t thrash." Healer Qing Qiao rolled up his sleeves.
"Lei Jin just fell asleep. Can’t we wait until he wakes up?" Xiya couldn’t bear it. After watching Lei Jin endure hours of torment, he finally had a moment of respite. Whatever Healer Qing Qiao planned next would only bring more suffering.
Moya silently agreed.
"Don’t be ridiculous. Listen to Healer Qing Qiao—the longer this drags on, the worse it’ll be for Lei Jin." Roger chided them softly—typical first-time fathers.
Healer Qing Qiao took a deep breath and turned to Roger. "You help too."
Understanding, Roger nodded. Together, the two pressed down on Lei Jin’s abdomen with all four hands, forcing the baby downward.
"Stop... It hurts..." Lei Jin writhed violently. Afraid he’d hurt himself, Xiya and Moya pinned his limbs firmly.
"Don’t struggle. Save your strength..." Healer Qing Qiao paused to wipe his sweat.
"So tired... Let me sleep..." Lei Jin was nearly spent, his face deathly pale.
"Don’t let him sleep. Keep talking to him." Healer Qing Qiao resumed, pressing harder. The pain was unbearable—worse than any injury Lei Jin had suffered in his life.
"Lei Jin, push! I can see the baby’s head! It’s a little female! Just a bit more, and they’ll be out!" Under their relentless pressure, Roger finally caught a glimpse of the child.
"I... can’t..." Lei Jin was drenched, his only clothing soaked through despite the winter chill.
"Still not enough. The baby won’t come like this. We need to prepare labor-inducing herbs—if this continues, he’ll have to drink it." Healer Qing Qiao’s heart ached for Lei Jin, but this was the burden every papa had to endure.
"I’ll go. Elder Brother, take over here." Moya stroked Lei Jin’s sweat-damp hair, seeing the plea in his exhausted eyes. "I’ll be back soon. We’ll welcome our baby together."
Healer Qing Qiao retrieved the herbs from his kit and handed them to Moya.
"Hold on a little longer. The baby will be here soon, and then you can rest." Xiya cradled Lei Jin’s head on his lap, gripping his hand tightly. "Don’t be scared, don't be scared."
"Seems like you’re the scared one." Lei Jin’s voice was hoarse from straining. Xiya’s hands hadn’t stopped trembling.
Xiya smiled bitterly. He’d noticed—but he couldn’t help it.
The brief respite didn’t last. Healer Qing Qiao steeled himself and pressed down again.
The agony shattered Lei Jin’s coherence. He could only moan their names—"Xiya... Moya..."—in a daze.
Outside, snow was about to fall. Moya took several deep breaths to steady himself before lighting the small medicinal stove. He set the pot of water and herbs over the flame, fanning it with a piece of bark. The baby’s arrival should have been joyous, but an inexplicable dread gnawed at him. It’s just my imagination. Lei Jin and the baby will be fine. We’ll have many more years together.
Forcing himself to focus, Moya added another log to the fire. The cold was biting today—perfect for the mink fur they’d bought to keep the baby warm.
When Moya emerged with the finished decoction, the first snow of winter had begun to fall. He quickened his steps, eager to tell Lei Jin—just last night, he’d asked when the snow would come.
But as he reached the door, Xiya stepped out, eyes bloodshot, cradling a small bundle wrapped in black fur. He shook his head silently.
Moya’s hands went slack. The medicine bowl shattered on the ground, dark liquid spreading like spilled ink.
"A little black-haired female. Take a look—then I’ll carry them away."
According to tradition, a stillborn child could not be buried. They had to be sent off quickly, lest their spirit linger and shorten their papa’s lifespan. Whether true or not, they had no choice.
"Let me... send him off." Moya stretched out his arms. The baby’s face was still red and wrinkled, too underdeveloped to resemble anyone. So light—barely a weight in his arms.
"Come back soon. Lei Jin fainted—he’s not doing well." Xiya added, as he watched Moya’s retreating figure, but he was uncertain if he heard him or not.
"Little one... you never wanted to come, did you? We forced you. Your papa never even got to see you... and you never opened your eyes to this world." Moya tucked the fur snugly around the tiny form, brushing a final touch over his cheek before draping the excess hide over his head. "This is where I often brought your papa to watch the sunrise. The first light always touches here—it’s warm. Rest well, little one. Your dad must return to your papa now. He always said he didn’t want you... but he could never truly harden his heart. He must be grieving now."
The snow fell heavily, soon blanketing the black bundle. The moment Moya turned away, tears streamed down his face—but he didn’t look back.
Their first child had come with winter’s first snow... and departed just as swiftly.