Chapter 252: Hint

Chapter 252: The Insinuation

An intense feeling of living under someone else's roof and humiliation surged within him.

But he knew well that he had to bow to the circumstances—to survive and to seek revenge, he had no choice but to rely on Zhang Heita.

He swallowed his anger and bitterness, pasting a stiff, ugly smile on his face.

He also stood up, downed his wine in one gulp, and said in a low voice, "Thanks... Chief Zhang, for taking me in!"

The other chieftains of Blackcloud Stockade at the banquet, seeing this, also rose one after another to toast Zhang Heita.

Their mouths were full of flattery like "The chief is generous" and "The chief can hold his liquor."

Their attention was entirely focused on Zhang Heita, and their words toward Lei Biao had already lost respect, even carrying a hint of disdain, as if looking at a beaten dog.

Lei Biao drank his wine in silence, feeling this stark contrast and the faint, contemptuous gazes around him.

His chest felt tight, and the fine food and wine at the feast became tasteless, even almost impossible to swallow.

He had originally hoped that Zhang Heita would stand with him in hatred and help him rebuild.

But now it seemed the other man was more content with taking over what was left of his men.

Cheng Ge took it all in. He also stood up with the others and raised his cup.

The cup trembled, sloshing a bit of wine, and he took a shallow sip, then coughed lightly from the sting.

The feast ended late into the night. Cheng Ge, seemingly tipsy, supported the drunk and dejected Lei Biao.

The two staggered out of the main hall, heading back to their quarters.

Lei Biao leaned almost entirely on Cheng Ge, his steps unsteady, muttering incoherently about past glories and today's shame. His heavy weight made Cheng Ge stagger.

Just as Cheng Ge stumbled, almost dropping Lei Biao, a large hand suddenly reached out from the side, steadying him.

Cheng Ge turned his head. In the candlelight, his face was flushed from the wine, and his eyes were hazy with intoxication. He said softly, "Thanks, Chief Zhang."

Zhang Heita had somehow caught up to them. Instead of letting go of Cheng Ge's arm, he tightened his hold.

His fingers even traced a few suggestive, lingering strokes on Cheng Ge's slender forearm.

The touch made Cheng Ge's eyes darken instantly, but he maintained a drunken confusion on his face, only frowning slightly.

With a barely audible coldness in his voice, he asked, "Chief Zhang... what do you think you're doing?"

Embarrassment flickered across Zhang Heita's face, but it was quickly replaced by stronger interest.

Instead of backing off, he stepped even closer, almost pressing against Cheng Ge's ear. Lowering his voice, his words were blatantly explicit.

"Brother Cheng, the path back to that loft is long and cold at night, and you’re still injured... Why not stay in my room?

After all... my bed's big enough for two." His hot, boozy breath hit Cheng Ge's ear.

Upon hearing this, Cheng Ge, instead of panicking, let out a barely audible laugh. The laughter carried a hint of coolness in the night.

He tilted his head, turning away from Zhang Heita's breath. "I appreciate the offer, Chief Zhang, but I'll pass.

I’d like to take a walk and clear my head. The way back isn’t far, so I won’t trouble you."

Saying this, he deftly twisted his wrist and pulled free from Zhang Heita’s grip without any hesitation.

Zhang Heita hadn’t expected someone so seemingly weak and pliable to be so firm, even with a hint of sharpness.

He stood stunned for a moment, the smooth, warm sensation still lingering in his hand.

A flicker of surprise passed through his eyes, then turned into keener interest, as if he'd found a fascinating prey.

He gave a dry laugh to cover his momentary slip, and smoothly said, "Hehe... since Brother Cheng has such refined tastes, that’s fine, that’s fine."

But he quickly changed tack. His gaze fell on the drunken Lei Biao, and he put on a look of concern. "But Brother Lei is this drunk, and it'll be tough for you to get him back alone.

How about this: I'll see Brother Lei back. You can go ahead and sober up. What do you think?"

Cheng Ge promptly shoved the drunken Lei Biao toward Zhang Heita, his movements swift and without a trace of reluctance.

"Then I'll leave him to you, Chief Zhang."

Zhang Heita steadied Lei Biao. After nodding to him, Cheng Ge turned and disappeared into the night.

Cheng Ge’s slender figure seemed to scratch at Zhang Heita’s heart, making him burn with desire, and the look of determination in his eyes grew fiercer.

He supported the drunken Lei Biao and headed toward the guest courtyard.

The cold night wind helped clear Lei Biao’s muddled mind a bit, and the nausea in his stomach eased a bit.

Just as he was mulling over his troubles, Zhang Heita’s voice suddenly reached his ears, seemingly concerned but actually testing him:

"Brother Lei," Zhang Heita’s voice was unusually clear in the silent night. "Now that Axe Ridge is lost, what do you plan to do?"

Lei Biao’s heart was still heavy with resentment. He replied gloomily, "What plans can I have?

The blood feud must be avenged. I just hope you, Brother Zhang, can give me a hand. When the time comes, Lei Biao will surely repay you handsomely!"

Zhang Heita chuckled softly, his words seemingly drifting in a different direction: "Revenge, of course, is necessary, but it can’t be rushed. We need to take the long view.

Though I’m the leader of this stockade, there are some things I have to consider the opinions of the other brothers..."

He paused, tightened his arm slightly, and lowered his voice even more, in a suggestive tone.

"I think Brother Cheng Ge... has looks that are one in a million, and he’s loyal to you.

Such a treasure of a person, if he could... heh, be a bit more accommodating, he’d certainly have a much more... comfortable time here.

Then he could help you out, and wouldn’t things be easier?"

Lei Biao didn’t fully catch on at first, just felt something was off about Zhang Heita’s words.

But when he understood the naked implication behind "accommodating" and "comfortable," the alcohol instantly turned to a surge of rage that rushed to his head.

He shoved away Zhang Heita’s hand. Though still a bit unsteady on his feet, his eyes bulged like brass bells, staring at Zhang Heita in fury.

"Zhang Heita, what the hell are you talking about! Cheng Ge is a brother to me, through life and death, not some whore from a pleasure house!

Don’t you dare get any ideas about him. I may be down, but I’d never do such a filthy thing as trading a brother for glory!"

Zhang Heita was taken aback by Lei Biao’s sudden outburst and direct cursing. The phony smile on his face vanished in an instant.

But he didn’t flare up immediately. Instead, he narrowed his eyes, sizing up Lei Biao, who was panting with rage, and curled his lips in a contemptuous smirk.

"Oh?" Zhang Heita said slowly, his tone had lost its earlier warmth.

"Brother Lei sure is... a loyal and honorable man. Since that's how it is, then let's just say I spoke out of turn."

He spread his hands in a helpless gesture. "There's no use forcing things—I get it."

With that, he no longer supported Lei Biao, but instead stepped back and watched him coldly.

"Since Brother Lei has such a stiff backbone, I figure you can make it back on your own just fine. The roads are slick tonight—watch your step."