chapter 4

Jungkook grabbed the "weed" with one hand and swiftly resurfaced.

Water streamed down as he glanced at his soaked pant legs, frowning slightly. He loosened his grip, intending to set the person down.

But instead of slipping away, the person clutched his sleeve tighter.

After struggling in the water for so long, Taehyung had long exhausted his strength. Terrified and disoriented, he instinctively clung to his rescuer, still not fully recovered from the shock of nearly drowning.

Jungkook looked down at the person glued to him and realized—it was a ger.

The ger’s soaked sleeves clung to his wrists, revealing a section of skin so pale it resembled polished jade untouched by sunlight.

With his face buried against Jungkook’s chest, his hair dripping, and his body trembling uncontrollably, he looked like a frightened kitten huddling in a corner during the depths of winter.

Jungkook’s chest rose and fell slightly. In the end, he didn’t simply drop the ger on the ground. Instead, he hauled him up and carried him toward the steps.

As he walked, their limbs brushed against each other, and he noticed how light and soft the ger was—like an oversized lump of dough.

Jungkook’s eyes flickered. His comrades hadn’t lied—Tongzhou really had gers as delicate as boneless creatures.

But now that he was actually holding someone so soft, his back stiffened slightly. Accustomed to wielding weapons with an iron grip, he worried he might accidentally hurt him.

Focusing carefully, Jungkook brought the ger ashore. At the top of the steps, standing at the corner of the teahouse, he finally uttered two words:

"Get down."

The words were so curt they sounded almost harsh, devoid of any warmth. Taehyung, still recovering from the shock, finally regained some awareness.

His nose and throat still burned from the water. His senses were sharper than most, and the discomfort in his throat was nearly unbearable.

His chest heaved rapidly, his breathing ragged. Trembling, he lifted his head and met a pair of eyes—dark pupils smaller than most, set against whites that made them look fierce and intimidating.

The gaze alone was enough to make Taehyung’s vision darken. He nearly choked on his breath, instantly snapping back to full alertness.

Jungkook stared at the ger in his arms, his fair cheeks so delicate they looked like they’d bruise at the slightest touch. The corners of his eyes were red, his almond-shaped eyes brimming with tears.

Jungkook froze.

…Was he crying?

Over the years, he’d encountered plenty of people begging for mercy, even those who wet themselves in fear—but only when a blade was at their throats.

This was the first time someone had burst into tears from just a few words. His arms stiffened, unsure how to react.

Jungkook simply stared expressionlessly at the ger in his arms, who seemed to grow even more flustered. Quickly, Taehyung pushed against his arm, putting distance between them.

But when his feet touched the ground, his legs gave way, and he collapsed with a soft thud.

He fell flat on his backside.

"……"

Jungkook pressed his lips together.

How could someone be this weak?

Was he trying to scam him?

But Jungkook quickly dismissed the thought. This ger looked as pristine as white jade, his skin so delicate it seemed untouched by even the slightest chill.

An ordinary family, no matter how doting, wouldn’t have the means to raise someone so exquisitely. There was no reason for him to swindle a weathered, battle-worn man like Jungkook, who looked far older than his years from time spent in the northwestern frontier.

The bustling streets were packed with people. Those who had already checked the exam results list were spreading the news of successful candidates.

Spotting two soaked figures by the river, onlookers began casting curious glances their way.

Out of the corner of his eye, Jungkook saw another ger rushing toward them in a panic.

"Your companion’s here," he said.

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