After becoming a widow, I became the apple of a rough man's eye.

The chopsticks in Jiang He's hand snapped with a crack.

Li Dongye raised an eyebrow, never one to miss a good spectacle. "Oh, Second Brother, you've changed your tune already? Did you offer tea? Did you kowtow? Did Eldest Brother agree?"

Xiao Yong stiffened his neck, the wild energy from last night's indulgence still lingering. "With my brother gone, I'm the boss here! Qingqing is my wife... well, she's my wife!"

He picked up another piece of greens with his chopsticks and piled it into Lin Qingqing's already overflowing bowl, staring at her with a kind yet domineering look. "Eat more, you were tired last night, you need to replenish yourself."

Lin Qingqing almost spat out the porridge in her mouth.

She kicked Xiao Yong hard under the table.

Xiao Yong remained unfazed, and instead took the opportunity to clamp Lin Qingqing's foot between his long legs, rubbing it against hers with a look of pure enjoyment.

"Second child." Gu Qiangying placed the peeled eggs on a plate and pushed it in front of Lin Qingqing, her tone so flat it betrayed no emotion. "Your leg is just healed, don't jump too high. You might break it."

"Exactly." Jiang He slammed the broken chopsticks on the table, her eyes a little red. "Sister, I want to eat meat too."

Lin Qingqing had a splitting headache.

Just then, a long leg strode in through the door. The boots made a dull thud on the still-damp mud.

Qin Lie was wearing a black raincoat, which he hadn't taken off yet, and he exuded a chilling aura that seemed to have been brought back from the mountains and forests. His eagle-like eyes swept across the courtyard, finally settling on the lively dining table in the main room.

Especially when she saw Xiao Yong's foot that was clamping Lin Qingqing's calf.

Qin Lie's gaze darkened.

"They're all here."

Xiao Yong subconsciously pulled his leg back, his previous arrogance immediately diminishing. "B-Big Brother."

Qin Lie strode into the main room and threw the two wild rabbits he was carrying on the ground. He didn't look at his brothers, but went straight to Lin Qingqing.

He raised his hand.

Lin Qingqing subconsciously closed her eyes.

The rough, large hand landed on her head and gently rubbed it.

"You've lost a bit of weight." Qin Lie's voice was deep and carried an undeniable air of authority. "Second brother, go skin the rabbit. It'll be an extra meal tonight."

Xiao Yong felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He grabbed the rabbit on the ground and ran outside, even forgetting to pretend to be lame with his crutch.

Li Dongye whistled, "Alright, I'll go help too."

Qin Lie ignored him, but his eyes darkened as he looked at Lin Qingqing's swollen lips.

"Come inside with me."

The door to the west room closed, and Qin Lie took off his raincoat and hung it on the wall, revealing a military green vest soaked with sweat underneath. He turned around, his deep eyes seeming to see right through Lin Qingqing.

"Big brother..." Lin Qingqing felt a little guilty and twisted her hands together.

Qin Lie didn't say anything. He walked to the bedside, sat down, and patted his thigh.

"come over."

Lin Qingqing hesitated for a moment, but still walked over.

Qin Lie grabbed her waist and, with a slight pull, lifted her onto his lap. The position was too intimate, and too dangerous. Lin Qingqing could feel the tension in his thigh muscles, and the intense, masculine pressure emanating from him.

"Was the second brother in your room last night?" Qin Lie asked directly, without beating around the bush.

Lin Qingqing's face flushed, and she nodded, "Mm."

"Did you do it?"

Lin Qingqing blushed even more, buried her head in his chest, and didn't say a word.

Qin Lie's large hand gently stroked her back, moving down her spine little by little, finally stopping at her lower back, where he pressed down slightly.

"Hiss—" Lin Qingqing winced in pain.

"Did you hurt him?" Qin Lie frowned, his tone tinged with reproach. "The second brother is a reckless fool; he doesn't know his own strength."

He took a small tin box out of his pocket, unscrewed it, and a cool minty scent wafted out.

"Lift up your clothes."

"Huh?" Lin Qingqing pressed her hand to the hem of her clothes. "No need, big brother, it's not serious..."

"Listen to me." Qin Lie's voice deepened. "Don't make me do it."

Lin Qingqing bit her lip and slowly rolled up her clothes, revealing a section of her fair waist.

Two purplish-blue finger marks were clearly imprinted on it, a shocking sight against the snow-white skin. Those were the marks left by that idiot Xiao Yong when he pinched her too roughly last night.

Qin Lie's eyes instantly turned cold.

He scooped out a piece of ointment, melted it in his palm, and then applied it to the bruise.

The rough palms, burning hot, mixed with the cool ointment, sent shivers down Lin Qingqing's spine.

"If he dares to do that again, call me," Qin Lie said in a low voice while rubbing his arm. "If I'm not home, call the fourth brother and tell him to go in and throw the second brother out."

Lin Qingqing couldn't help but laugh, "Then Second Brother will be furious."

"You're too rough." Qin Lie sneered.

He lowered his head, looking at the little woman in his arms. She seemed even more alluring than before. Her eyes were watery, carrying the lingering charm of their lovemaking from the previous night.

Qin Lie's throat felt a little dry.

"Qingqing".

"Um?"

"come over."

Before Lin Qingqing could react, Qin Lie had already lowered his head.

Qin Lie's kiss was ruthless, devoid of any skill, purely a plunder.

The manner of their actions didn't resemble intimacy; it was more like they were inspecting their territory, trying to completely cover up the lingering scent of Xiao Yong. The stubble prickled Lin Qingqing's delicate face, causing a slight stinging and itching sensation.

Lin Qingqing was choked and couldn't breathe. She pushed against his chest twice, but he didn't budge. This man's flesh was made of stone, so hard it hurt her to the touch.

Qin Lie only released her mouth when a soft sob escaped her throat. Their foreheads pressed together, their breathing completely disordered.

"Those two old fools." Qin Lie's thumb rubbed heavily against her wet, red lips, the rough pad of his finger scraping against her, making her flinch again. "I've made you like this."

Lin Qingqing did not respond.

Qin Lie's hand slid inside her clothes, stopping at the bruise on her lower back where medicine had just been applied. His palm was burning hot as it touched the bruise.

"Does it hurt?" he asked.

"Just a little bit..." Lin Qingqing's eyes reddened, and her voice was weak. "Second Brother is too strong."

"Don't spoil him." Qin Lie snorted coldly, his hand moving down, but stopping when it touched his waistband.

He stared at Lin Qingqing for two seconds, his Adam's apple bobbing wildly. A burning desire simmered within him, making his temples throb.

But the woman in his arms was like a porcelain doll; she would break if touched. She had been tormented by the second brother all night, and her legs were trembling.

If we force it, we'll only hurt her.

Qin Lie closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and pulled his hand out.

"Alright, let's go eat."