After Raising Monsters, I Was Loved by Everyone in the Wasteland – CH60

Chapter 60

The lights in the church were on, filling the entire hall with a bright, clear glow.

“Does this hurt? Try moving like this… Do you feel any sharp pain?”

“No? Good, that means the nerves and muscles are probably fine.”

The doctor continued fussing over Wen Xin’s ankle, mumbling to himself.

“It’s not like it used to be. Many hospital machines are broken, so we can’t do scans or immediate surgical procedures. Young man, you’ll have to be extra careful when walking from now on.”

“And how did you manage to twist yourself up like this? I can see injuries on your arm and thigh too. Here, look. Why do you have signs of a high fall?”

Wen Xin: “…”

He looked down, feeling sheepish as he met the doctor’s incredulous gaze. How could he admit that he’d miscalculated his fall and slammed into the window of an armored vehicle while bungee jumping from a fifty-meter height?

Thankfully, the doctor didn’t pry too much.

“Your bandaging isn’t bad; it can stay as is,” the doctor remarked, packing up his supplies. “A sprain like this will need about three to five days of rest. If it heals well, you can remove the bandage by the third day. Just be careful not to bump it during that time.”

Wen Xin nodded. “Thank you, doctor. Sorry for the trouble.”

While they spoke, discussions at the long table continued without a pause.

Wen Jinfeng sat with his hands clasped in front of him, his posture firm and commanding, clearly in no mood to accept refusal.

“Wen Xin must come with us.”

Xiao Qi, the fox, was unwilling to budge. “And why should Wen Xin leave just because you say so?”

“Don’t pull the ‘I’m his brother’ card. Since Wen Xin turned eighteen, you’ve had no legal claim as his guardian. Besides, this world no longer follows human laws.”

Wen Jinfeng raised an eyebrow, surprised. “You’re familiar with human laws?”

Xiao Qi lifted his chin proudly. “Article 1260 of Civil Law, Book 7. It’s not that hard.”

In the adjacent room, several followers of the Idealism Sect linked mentally with the young man, each holding thick copies of the Civil Code with eager, ready expressions.

Wen Jinfeng narrowed his eyes at Xiao Qi’s boldness, about to speak up.

Suddenly, Wen Xin hobbled over with his crutch, making his way slowly towards the long table.

—Little brother is quite happy.

Wen Jinfeng’s cutting retort died in his throat, halted by his younger brother’s calm voice echoing through his mind like a shockwave.

“What are you doing here?” Wen Jinfeng asked.

Wen Xin glanced at him coolly. “Since my future is being discussed, as an involved adult, shouldn’t I have a right to voice my opinion?”

Wen Jinfeng nodded, smiling slightly as he gestured. “Please, by all means.”

Seeing Wen Xin’s slight limp, Xiao Qi eagerly pulled out a chair for him. “Wen Xin! Wen Xin, sit here!”

Wen Xin took a seat, smiling as he patted Xiao Qi on the head. “Thank you, Your Highness.”

If it weren’t for his current human form, Xiao Qi might have happily nuzzled into Wen Xin’s arms, twitching his ears with joy.

Unintentionally, Xiao Qi leaned toward Wen Xin, looking up at him with clear, sparkling eyes.

Wen Xin lowered his gaze, looking at him with gentle warmth.

The light reflected in Wen Xin’s eyes, like starlight shimmering on a lake.

The splendid church, adorned with rich red silk and golden tapestries, illuminated a beautiful scene. The polished mahogany table reflected their overlapping figures.

The two—one taller and one smaller—faced each other, their gazes capturing each other’s reflections. Just a slight curve of their eyes seemed to release a warmth that spread like a spring breeze.

Any art enthusiast would likely be enchanted by the scene before them.

Except for Wen Jinfeng.

Watching the two lost in their own world, Wen Jinfeng tapped his fingers on the table and coldly interrupted.

“I knew you and His Excellency had a good relationship, Wen Xin, but I didn’t expect it to be this close. I’m genuinely surprised.”

Wen Xin met Wen Jinfeng’s ambiguous gaze.

Jokingly, Wen Jinfeng continued, “Though I know it’s highly unlikely, don’t tell me you brought back a half-brother from somewhere?”

Wen Xin: “…”

The comment stung with a chilling undertone.

By now, the doctor had left, with Li Yongming and Cardinal Shi stationed outside. Inside, only Wen Xin, Wen Jinfeng, and Xiao Qi remained.

From the east gate to the conference room, Wen Xin had kept a low profile, sitting quietly by himself.

Now that they were alone, he no longer worried that his playful banter with Xiao Qi might undermine the young fox’s dignity and openly showed his affection.

In fact, he seemed to be doing it on purpose.

Wen Jinfeng noticed.

This realization sharpened Wen Jinfeng’s probing remark with a hint of bitterness.

Xiao Qi, sensing the emotional tension, couldn’t help but jump in.

“A brother?”

Given the context, he considered himself Wen Xin’s friend, so why was Wen Jinfeng suddenly talking about a “brother”?

Just as the thought flashed through his mind, Xiao Qi heard Wen Xin’s voice, smooth and calm.

Wen Xin, looking genuinely delighted, said, “Brother, how did you know I wanted to take His Highness home with me?”

With a candid and cheerful expression, he explained, “His Highness treats me so well, and I’ve always thought of him as my younger brother. I’d love to bring him home with me.”

“I was afraid you’d disagree, but seeing how understanding you are, I’m so grateful.”

Wen Jinfeng’s playful gaze suddenly darkened as he studied Wen Xin.

The look in his eyes changed, from reserved compliance to something far more complex.

Was Wen Xin playing dumb?

Seeing that Wen Jinfeng didn’t immediately refute him, Wen Xin breathed a quiet sigh of relief and planned to press his advantage.

But then, Wen Jinfeng’s lips quirked up in an unexpectedly indulgent smile, an expression a tolerant adult might wear when humoring a mischievous child.

“Oh, dear brother, I don’t know what to say. But if we’re being honest, I can see this is my fault for overlooking you before.”

With a mournful look, he continued, “I should have realized how much you longed for love. Remember when you were little and gave each family plant a name—Wen Yi, Wen Er, Wen San, and so on?”

(T/N: These are the actual names Wen 1, Wen 2, Wen 3…)

With one hand on Wen Jinfeng’s shoulder, Wen Xin propped himself up slightly, his bright eyes holding a profound look.

It seemed to convey—If you want to play political games with me, then I’ll just upend the board.

Wen Jinfeng continued recounting stories of the past, much to Wen Xin’s dismay.

“I still remember your beloved succulent sister, covered in bite marks after you chewed on her leaves. And the beautiful orchid sister whose leaves you nearly rubbed bald. Your obedient aloe brother was almost drowned in chocolate milk because you wanted to share your favorite treat with him.”

“Oh, and do you recall your beloved cactus brother?” Wen Jinfeng’s grin turned teasing, his eyes gleaming mischievously.

Wen Xin’s instincts kicked in, and he quickly interrupted, “Wait—”

“Because I refused to sleep with you, you were heartbroken and declared me a heartless villain. Then, you embraced that cactus as your new big brother, insisting on taking it to bed despite the butler’s protests.”

“That night, you rolled over in your sleep and screamed bloody murder when you were pricked. I heard your cries loud and clear from the second floor.”

Wen Jinfeng sighed dramatically, “Poor cactus brother—vowed to be loved forever but ended up abandoned, exiled to the downstairs garden, left dry and uncared for.”

“When I took you back to see him, you wouldn’t even call him ‘brother’ again. How tragic.”

Wen Xin’s ears burned red with embarrassment, and he muttered through clenched teeth, “Enough, Wen Jinfeng.”

Wen Jinfeng ignored him, tilting his chin up arrogantly. “So, am I about to meet your ‘Wen Ershi now?” (T/N: Wen Twenty ???)

At first, Wen Xin couldn’t understand why Wen Jinfeng was suddenly bringing up embarrassing childhood stories.

But now, observing his brother’s mocking gaze, Wen Xin finally realized the hidden message.

Wen Jinfeng was using those stories to convey a point to Xiao Qi: Wen Xin wasn’t truly treating him like family. This so-called bond was just a childish whim, much like his affection for those potted plants years ago.

A child’s love is as fragile as glass. It comes and goes, easily shattered.

As soon as you bring him joy, he likes you. But the moment you make him unhappy, he discards you.

Without blood ties to hold it together, the bond is easily severed.

—Understand this, Your Holiness of the Idealism Sect.

—To Wen Xin, you’re no different than those plants he abandoned.

Upon grasping the deeper meaning, a chill crept up Wen Xin’s spine, sending shivers through him.

He pressed his lips into a thin line, his gaze locked onto Wen Jinfeng.

Unconsciously, Wen Jinfeng’s left hand rested on his chest while his right hand hovered just above his pocket where the box was hidden, an almost predatory look in his eyes.

Wen Jinfeng was keenly aware that his harsh words might provoke the proud and volatile Xiao Qi, possibly inciting an attack.

And perhaps, that was precisely his goal.

Wen Xin’s fingers tightened around his crutch, knuckles turning white.

He thought he’d made it clear that Xiao Qi was special to him, a bond that transcended blood and status. He cherished Xiao Qi as his younger brother.

Yet, Wen Jinfeng didn’t consider Wen Xin’s feelings, nor did he care whether his words would hurt Xiao Qi.

It was like bringing your best friend home to meet your family, only for them to turn around and tell your friend, “He doesn’t really care about you, so don’t get too attached.”

It was humiliating. It was insulting.

Why would he say that?

Why would he do this?

Waves of confusion and pain surged in Wen Xin’s heart, leaving him feeling cold inside.

Yet, amidst this storm of emotions, a thin wall of reason stood firm, reminding him not to act impulsively.

In less than a fraction of a second, Wen Xin clenched his jaw, forcing himself to relax the fist he had been ready to swing at Wen Jinfeng.

He didn’t need to understand every nuance. He only needed to grasp one crucial point:

A smart man doesn’t do things that harm others without benefiting himself.

And without a doubt, Wen Jinfeng was a smart man.

Understanding this, Wen Xin knew exactly what to do.

Wen Jinfeng was not only wary of Xiao Qi’s potential outburst but also worried that Wen Xin, his soft-hearted younger brother, might cut ties with him if Xiao Qi got hurt.

But Wen Jinfeng seemed to have forgotten—Wen Xin was no longer the naive boy who used to name his potted plants.

Just as Wen Xin had been taking actions beyond his brother’s expectations, catching him off guard more than once, this time too, Wen Xin chose an unconventional approach.

Tears welled up in Wen Xin’s eyes as he suddenly let out an anguished cry, his voice quivering with apparent heartbreak.

“Brother! How could you say that?”

Xiao Qi didn’t fully understand Wen Jinfeng’s insinuations, but he maintained his mental connection with the Idealism Sect followers. They were his support from the sidelines.

Before Xiao Qi could repeat Wen Jinfeng’s words to his followers, Wen Xin suddenly pulled him into a tight embrace.

Wen Xin rubbed his eyes hard, tears flowing freely, staining his face with glistening streaks.

Seeing Wen Xin’s tears, Wen Jinfeng’s pupils constricted.

“Wen Xin?” Xiao Qi was stunned, staring blankly at him.

Wen Xin patted Xiao Qi’s back gently, his voice soft and filled with sorrow, echoing like a lament.

“I was just a child back then, only a few years old. Tell me, what was so wrong about wanting my brother to stay with me? What was wrong with not wanting to be alone and yearning for family?”

“But even such a small request was too much for you. You rejected me with coldness and disdain. I can still remember your heartless, indifferent expression. You turned me away! You rejected your own brother! Do you have any idea how much that hurt a child’s fragile heart?”

Wen Jinfeng’s face was as if someone had put a knife to his throat, his expression pained. “I—”

“You don’t understand!” Wen Xin’s voice suddenly rose, filled with fervor. “You never did!”

Wen Jinfeng flinched at the outburst.

“You never cared about me. You only knew how to laugh at me and despise me. You didn’t care whether I lived or died, letting me wither like an abandoned flower in the wind, leaving my lonely heart to sink deeper into despair!”

Wen Jinfeng’s eyes widened, watching his brother break down into tears, sobbing hysterically. The confident man who had been so composed was now completely at a loss.

Seeing that Wen Xin was about to escalate the drama further, even to the point of seeking sympathy from others, Wen Jinfeng’s nerves were on the verge of snapping.

Desperate, he grabbed Wen Xin’s arm. “Stop it! Stop it! Your foot is injured; don’t push yourself. Please, Wen Xin, stop!”

Wen Xin let himself fall into Wen Jinfeng’s arms, catching him off guard.

Before Wen Jinfeng could think of what to say, Wen Xin’s calm voice whispered into his ear.

“Can we talk like civilized people now, my dear Wen Fu yi brother?” (T/N: Wen Negative One brother)

The tone was calm and composed, with a hint of a smile—nothing like the tearful tone from moments before.

Wen Jinfeng, now almost mentally numb, was briefly thrown off by the odd term “Wen Fu Yi?” But he quickly realized what was happening.

Wen Xin wasn’t upset. He just wasn’t going to play along with Wen Jinfeng’s game of political maneuvering. Instead, he was flipping the board entirely.

The atmosphere between the two brothers was tense, their breaths heavy as they stared each other down. Wen Xin’s arm draped loosely around Wen Jinfeng’s shoulder, his gaze deep and unwavering.

Wen Jinfeng realized that Wen Xin had completely changed his approach. Rather than letting himself be manipulated, Wen Xin was taking control of the situation.

At that moment, Xiao Qi, the little fox, watched in bewilderment. He had no idea how to react to the rapid emotional swings between the brothers. He could sense both their emotions—Wen Xin’s simmering frustration and Wen Jinfeng’s guarded suspicion—but it was as if they were performing in a drama far beyond his understanding.

Unsure of what to do, Xiao Qi turned his chair around and perched himself on the backrest, observing the brothers with wide eyes, trying to make sense of the scene before him. To him, it felt like watching a play unfold.

Wen Xin had given Xiao Qi a reassuring pat earlier, indicating he should relax and leave everything to him. Xiao Qi trusted Wen Xin implicitly. If Wen Xin said not to worry, then he would just sit back and watch.

Meanwhile, Wen Xin wasn’t one to prolong a standoff. As he continued to hold Wen Jinfeng’s gaze, he refused to back down even for a second.

Wen Jinfeng, in turn, met his brother’s eyes with an intensity that could pierce through darkness, as if daring Wen Xin to reveal his true intentions. His gaze was like a deep, shadowy well, hiding countless secrets and hidden beasts that lurked beneath the surface.

But Wen Xin remembered a time when his brother’s eyes were not like this. In his memories, Wen Jinfeng had been just an ordinary teenager—slim, a little cold, but with a clear gaze that softened whenever he looked at his younger brother.

Just a few months ago, Wen Xin had thought that Wen Jinfeng’s complex emotions towards him were all negative—disgust and resentment. But when he had fallen from a great height, Wen Jinfeng had grabbed him with a grip so tight that it felt like he was trying to anchor him to the earth. The man had screamed at him, his emotions spilling over like a dam that had burst.

That moment had shattered Wen Xin’s previous assumptions.

If Wen Jinfeng didn’t truly hate him, and still had a sliver of softness in his heart for him…

Wen Xin took a deep breath, then leaned in close and wrapped his arms around Wen Jinfeng’s neck, his voice dropping to a soft, almost pleading whisper, “Brother.”

“Can’t you just let me have my way this one time?”

Wen Jinfeng was momentarily stunned.

Wen Xin’s quiet plea seemed to strike a nerve, causing the tension in Wen Jinfeng’s muscles to snap. For a long moment, the room felt as if time itself had slowed to a crawl. The brothers’ breaths were the only sound, a steady rhythm that filled the otherwise silent hall.

For Wen Jinfeng, it had been years since anyone had dared to get this close to him.

And the warmth of Wen Xin’s touch, so soft and gentle, reminded him of a kitten nuzzling into his arms. The sensation was so real, so vivid, that he felt himself wavering.

His hand hovered uncertainly in the air as if he wanted to return the embrace, but he clenched his fingers tightly instead, forcing himself to remain distant.

After a few long seconds, he exhaled slowly, letting the stiffness leave his shoulders.

Fine.

The moment Wen Jinfeng realized he had thought this word—“fine”—he knew he had lost. He couldn’t say no to Wen Xin.

He gently pushed Wen Xin away, taking a moment to straighten his rumpled clothing. Glancing at Wen Xin, he muttered, “How did I end up with such a troublesome brother?”

Wen Xin’s mouth twitched. “You’re the one who’s being unreasonable.”

Wen Jinfeng sighed theatrically, “Fine, fine. I apologize. I’ll buy you some candy later. There, happy now?”

Wen Xin wisely chose not to argue further and returned to the topic at hand. “Now can you tell me the real reason why you’re so desperate to take me away?”

Wen Jinfeng paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as if contemplating whether to share the truth. Finally, he gave in.

“You’re right,” he said with a sigh. “It’s not like me to suddenly want to keep you by my side like some conjoined twin. But you’ve been attracting far too much attention lately, and it’s becoming dangerous.”

The little fox, Xiao Qi, pricked up his ears from behind them, staring at Wen Jinfeng curiously. “Dangerous? What are you afraid of?”

Wen Jinfeng shot him a strange look, as if surprised by Xiao Qi’s innocence. The young fox’s face was free of shadows, almost childlike in its purity.

This was an unusual trait, not just among mutants but in anyone who had survived this harsh world. It was almost as if Xiao Qi was an endangered species in his own right.

Having resolved to tell the truth, Wen Jinfeng began to speak.

“There are too many people interested in Wen Xin,” he said. “Being desirable is fine, but attracting the wrong kind of attention is a disaster.”

“Especially when that attention is coming from those with malicious intent.”

Wen Jinfeng explained how several factions were actively searching for Wen Xin. The Western Dark Market had recently introduced a new incentive to attract more participants. Originally, a bounty could only be claimed from a single source, but now, if the bounty’s objectives were identical, participants could claim rewards from all the sources, receiving up to 80% of each bounty.

“Because of this change, Wen Xin’s bounty skyrocketed. The number of groups trying to find him has increased dramatically.”

Wen Jinfeng continued, “The First Base has shown a particularly strong interest in you, Wen Xin. A few days ago, I learned that they’ve raised your bounty to two thousand…”

“Two thousand?” Xiao Qi interrupted with a sneer. “What’s that? Two thousand dollars?”

Wen Jinfeng’s smile was cold and mirthless. “No. Two thousand kilos of gold.”

Xiao Qi’s eyes went wide. For a moment, he couldn’t comprehend the value.

He quickly reached out through his mental link to the Idealism Sect followers in the other room: Do the math for me, quick! How much is two thousand kilos of gold worth?

The followers scrambled to calculate, their shocked whispers echoing in Xiao Qi’s mind.

“Considering the current market value of gold, even with fluctuations, that would be roughly… four hundred and fifty million.”

Wen Xin’s eyes widened, his mind momentarily blank.

The first thought that crossed his mind was disbelief—how could anyone be worth that much?

In the next moment, his voice wavered as he spoke, almost trembling. “Couldn’t that buy a lot of food?”

Wen Jinfeng had been expecting Wen Xin to realize the gravity of the situation and beg for his protection. Instead, he was met with Wen Xin’s earnest expression, as if he were seriously considering trading himself for resources.

“Stop thinking about it!” Wen Jinfeng snapped, his expression darkening.

Wen Xin blinked, confused. “But—”

“Don’t even think about it!” Wen Jinfeng cut him off, his voice firm.

Wen Xin let out a quiet sigh of relief. Despite everything, he could still count on his brother’s stubborn protectiveness.

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