Jin Wei's pursuit had become the bright light of his cold, dark world.

It was evident from the start that their story would not be simple. They interacted in a way that was tainted by misunderstandings and doubts, which made any possible relationship jittery. But isn't it true that the best friendships begin with conflict? Perhaps this was also true of their relationship.

Despite his reservations about Jin Wei's motives, he couldn't ignore the promise he saw in him. Something about him pulled him in, a spark of interest and excitement he couldn't shake. It was an enchanting vision, and he kept it near to his heart. Despite the difficulties they had encountered, he knew that their bond was worth fighting for, and he was prepared to go to any length to ensure that it lasted.

Isn't that the most wonderful thing?

Laurem resolved to take a different approach this time, instead of resorting to violence, he would take the initiative to introduce himself and extend a hand of friendship. He was determined to put an end to their "strange association" by asking about the other person's name and holding out hope to establish a new bond as friends.

Laurem had already uncovered Jin Wei's identity.

Over the course of those months, he kept a careful watch on Jin Wei as he shifted about the marketplace. Through his observations, Laurem found that Jin Wei wasn't as intimidating as he had initially appeared. Instead, he was a doting older sibling, frequently followed by his younger siblings like ducklings.

This newfound knowledge prompted Laurem to reconsider his previous perceptions of Jin Wei. He realized that appearances can be deceiving and that there was more to Jin Wei than just his tough exterior.

The cute interactions with his siblings had revealed a softer side of Jin Wei, one that Laurem had never seen before. Laurem was left feeling intrigued and eager to learn more about the complex individual that was Jin Wei.

Laurem soon discovered that Jin Wei had tragically lost both of his parents not long ago, leaving him as the sole provider for his younger siblings. Despite his youth, he had taken on the intimidating responsibility of caring for his family. It was a challenging task, but one that was all too common in a society where strength was the measure of one's value.

In this world, the weak were often preyed upon by the strong, and children like Jin Wei's siblings had little hope of survival. To keep them fed and sheltered was a remarkable feat, and one that could easily be seen as foolish. Others might have given up on their family members, selling them to the ruthless human traffickers or to the highest bidder in the noble houses, consigning them to a life of slavery.

But Laurem saw something special in Jin Wei, something that set him apart from the rest. He saw a fierce determination in the young man's eyes, a strength of character that was all too rare in this harsh world. And so, he thought of a brilliant plan.

He would use his own considerable resources to help the young man and his family, providing them with a steady source of income and a place to call home. In exchange, Jin Wei would work with him, helping him to achieve his own goals and dreams.

This will take some burden off from Jin Wei's shoulders plus they will become family.

It was a risky proposition, but Laurem was confident that Jin Wei was the right person for the job. Together, they could overcome any obstacle, no matter how daunting it would be. And as they set out on their journey, Laurem knew that he had found a true partner in the young man, someone who would stand by his side through thick and thin.

Family... that is his intention.

He wanted to become a family with Jin Wei.

The prospect of sharing a house with Jin Wei caused Laurem's cheeks to blush. He couldn't put his finger on it, but he was pulled to the other man in ways he'd never felt before. Perhaps it was his want for a family, or it might have been something else completely.

As he watched Jin Wei dote on his younger siblings, a twinge of jealousy stirred within him. He couldn't help but feel envious of the close-knit bond that the family shared, wishing that he could be a part of it as well.

Despite their numerous tussles, there was an unmistakable warmth between them, a soothing sense that seemed to pervade the air whenever they were together. It was a contradictory emotion, one that left his heart feeling both full and empty.

It makes his heart itchy.

Unbeknownst to either of them, the werebeast way of courtship involved fighting. Laurem had yet to discover that this instinctual behavior was a result of his awakened werebeast bloodline, while Jin Wei was too carefree to seek out any information.

As they stumbled blindly into this new position, they unwittingly dug themselves into deeper trouble with each passing day. Only System 777 knew the true extent of the peril they were courting.

Time ticked by, and six hours had passed, but still Jin Wei had not arrived. Laurem, consumed with thoughts of their cohabitation plan, failed to notice the danger lurking in the shadows. The relaxed atmosphere had lulled him into a false sense of security, blinding him to the imminent danger that was about to descend upon him, oblivious to the fact that a group of thugs were sneaking up behind him, ready to attack.

The same thugs who had previously targeted him for food and money were at it again. But Laurem was ready to fight back this time. He had already beaten them and was determined to do it once more.

In a dark, dingy alley, a fight broke out between a group of teenagers and an eight-year-old child. The leader of the gang ridiculed his underlings for not being strong enough to stand up to the child and called for reinforcements, determined to teach the little boy a lesson.

Although it may sound exaggerated, everyone understood that surviving in this world, regardless of age, was a difficult task. They had, however, misjudged Laurem's courage and tenacity. He'd been sparring with Jin Wei, polishing his abilities and becoming ready for instances like these.

These losers are not even on par with that special person.

Laurem refused to back down, despite the fact that the gang greatly outnumbered him. The fight was brutal, lasting a grueling two hours. Both he and the thugs were battered and covered in bruises and wounds by the end. Several of the weaker ones fled the scene, unable to stand up to Laurem's fury.

But even after the fight, Laurem refused to leave. He was still waiting for someone, and he wouldn't budge until that person arrived. With his muscles aching and his breath coming in ragged gasps, Laurem stood his ground, determined to see his purpose through to the end.

A lonely figure stood alone in the middle of the cold alleyway.

Hours passed, and still, there was no sign of Jin Wei. Laurem slumped against the wall, waiting for his friend's inevitable attack. His body was battered and bruised from the earlier fight, and blood seeped from a wound on his forehead. The frigid air only worsened his condition, sapping his strength and making his limbs feel heavy.

He is feeling too much numbness that he could no longer feel any pain.

Laurem's eyes drifted shut, and for a moment, he felt as though the Grim Reaper himself might appear before him. He had long wished for death, but in this moment, a wave of sadness and loneliness washed over him. All he wanted was to see Jin Wei, just one last time before the end.

Just a small glimpse is enough.

And at that time, Laurem will make sure that he won't be a coward to call him. He fights because Jin Wei fights him, but Jin Wei had never dealt any fatal blows that could have endangered Laurem's life. In fact, after each sparring session, Jin Wei would always give him medicine to ensure that he would recover quickly.

That person only comes to have a small fight.

That person wanted him to be alive.

A small, rare smile emerged on Laurem's face, one he had not dared to display since the death of his mother. In his heart, there was a fleeting sense of euphoria that only blossomed for one person. He yearned for another chance to cross paths with that person.

He will make sure that that person will not suffer any pain.

Jin Wei is good to him. He has to be good to him too.

Laurem began hallucinating due to the chill in the air, and his wounds kept him from moving, rendering him immobile. The temperature change was enough to induce a high fever. As he drifted off into sleep, he dreamt of his mother and a past that was now out of reach.

At the same time, someone appeared in front of him.