Faced with Zhang Yi's clearly accusatory words, You Rong lowered his eyes, his expression placid, revealing no discernible thoughts.
"Steward Zhang, I know how good Qinghe has been to me, but... I must return to the werewolf tribe."
"Why?" Zhang Yi was utterly perplexed.
You Rong's gaze fell upon Lin Qinghe. He offered no further explanation, instead addressing Zhang Yi directly. "Steward Zhang, when I'm not here, the people guarding Qinghe must be trustworthy to you and Patriarch Chu. If possible, I hope you will be the one to stay by her side. You are the most trusted person, I believe in you... As for meals, I will return periodically. She dislikes the taste of blood plasma, so you don't need to feed her."
Seeing You Rong's resolve to return to the werewolf tribe, Zhang Yi's lips parted and closed several times. The words of admonishment that rose to his throat ultimately remained unspoken.
After a long pause, Zhang Yi said gravely, "Young master, have you thought this through? If you return to the werewolf tribe and become its leader, given that the werewolves and vampires have been enemies for tens of thousands of years, have you truly considered it?"
You Rong looked up, meeting Zhang Yi's gaze, and stated firmly, "I will never be an enemy to the vampires, no matter where I am!"
He intended to mend the tens of thousands of years of enmity between the werewolves and vampires! He would surely succeed!
Suddenly, Zhang Yi seemed to grasp You Rong's intentions. His accusatory emotions vanished without a trace, replaced by a furrowed brow and profound concern.
"Young master," Zhang Yi asked, "do you really have to return to the werewolf tribe? Not only will it be dangerous for you... but as long as the Patriarch and I are here, we will certainly not allow anyone to harm the Progenitor!"
You Rong remained unswayed, his resolve as firm as ever. "I must return to the werewolf tribe."
If for no other reason, he needed to deal with the ill-intentioned individuals within the beastmen tribes who were eyeing Lin Qinghe covetously. That way, even hundreds or thousands of years from now, when he was no longer around, she could live without any threat.
Knowing he couldn't dissuade You Rong, Zhang Yi sighed. "Then I will find some trustworthy vampires to accompany you back. They can at least offer some protection."
"No, it's not ideal to bring vampires back with me to the werewolf tribe."
"But... if something were to happen to you, how will I explain it to the Progenitor when she wakes up?"
"Nothing will happen to me," You Rong smiled. "Don't forget, I was raised and taught by Qinghe. I won't disgrace her."
Zhang Yi was at a loss. He stared at You Rong, his brow deeply furrowed, unsure how to proceed.
Sensing Zhang Yi's concession, You Rong said, "Steward Zhang, please leave for now. I wish to speak with Qinghe for a while. I will be returning to the werewolf tribe with Meng Xiaoyi tonight."
You Rong's mind was made up. When Lin Qinghe was awake, she could rarely sway him, let alone Zhang Yi. He could only nod. "Alright. I will be outside. Young master, call me if you need anything."
"Mm."
Zhang Yi left the bedroom, closing the door behind him. You Rong and the comatose Lin Qinghe were once again alone.
You Rong took Lin Qinghe's hand and pressed it to his own face. He gazed at her serene features, his eyes overflowing with a palpable depth of affection.
You Rong's voice was low as he said, "Qinghe, if you were awake, you'd surely be angry knowing I've decided to return to the werewolf tribe... But even knowing it would make you angry, I must go. I promise, this is the last time I'll do something that upsets you... For these past few years, you've carefully protected me. This time, it's my turn to protect you!"
As You Rong looked at Lin Qinghe, his eyes gradually welled up with tears.
"Qinghe, I want to tell you again, I like you. I like you... I truly like you!"
Even though he knew Lin Qinghe didn't like him and only saw him as family, and he knew he shouldn't harbor feelings of love for her, he could no longer control himself. The seeds of his affection had been sown at some unknown time, quietly taking root and blossoming, and by the time he realized it, it was already beyond his control.
After an indeterminate amount of time, You Rong cast one last, lingering, reluctant look at Lin Qinghe, forcing himself to stand and leave.
The moment he stepped outside, You Rong composed himself, revealing no trace of emotion. Under the wistful gazes of the many servants of the vampire castle, Zhang Yi personally escorted him outside.
Zhang Yi watched You Rong, torn between reprimand and understanding. Ultimately, he could only offer words of concern. "Young master, if anything happens, remember to contact us."
You Rong nodded. "Mm, I know. Qinghe... I'll trouble you and Patriarch Chu to take good care of her."
"Young master, don't worry. We will certainly take good care of the Progenitor!"
"Mm."
Meng Xiaoyi watched Zhang Yi and You Rong bid farewell, feeling an odd sensation. These vampires were different from the ones she had known since childhood.
Meng Xiaoyi shook her head, dismissing her scattered thoughts, and reminded him, "You Rong, we should go. Grandfather is already waiting for you at home."
You Rong responded with a "Mm," nodded at Zhang Yi, and cast one last glance at the familiar castle before turning to board a black minivan parked nearby.
Meng Xiaoyi also got into the car and instructed the werewolf driver in front to drive. The vehicle slowly pulled away. Zhang Yi and the castle grew smaller and smaller in the rearview mirror until they completely disappeared.
You Rong withdrew his gaze and closed his eyes to rest in the car.
Meng Xiaoyi watched his indifferent profile, chattering excitedly. You Rong paid her no mind, his thoughts turning inward as he strategized.
The car drove through district A and continued onward, entering a dense forest before stopping in front of a manor.
Meng Xiaoyi alighted first and turned to smile at You Rong in the car. "You Rong, we're here. This is where the werewolf tribe convenes and where the werewolf leader resides."
You Rong stepped out of the car and surveyed the surroundings. Compared to the luxurious and opulent castle where the vampires resided, this place could be considered simple.
He didn't care. His purpose for returning to the werewolf tribe wasn't related to this.
You Rong said calmly, "Let's go. Take me to see your grandfather."
"Okay! Follow me. I already informed Grandfather when I arrived, and he's waiting for you inside!"
You Rong followed Meng Xiaoyi inside. As they entered the house, many werewolves bowed and greeted Meng Xiaoyi, addressing her as "Miss."
Meng Xiaoyi nodded and led You Rong upstairs, stopping before a room. She knocked. "Grandfather, it's me. I've brought You Rong to see you."
A deep, aged voice emanated from within. "Come in."
"Yes, Grandfather."
Meng Xiaoyi pushed open the door and glanced back, gesturing for You Rong. He followed her inside. Upon entering the room, they saw the current leader of the werewolf tribe, Meng Jianghe, with snow-white hair, leaning on a cane, impeccably dressed, seated in a mahogany chair.