Married to the Grim Reaper Against My Will

Don't do dangerous things

Zhao Huan was hit, releasing Ji Mian. Without hesitation, Ji Mian, before the group of burly men could react, immediately ran behind Jiang Wang.

Jiang Wang glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and smiled, "Quite quick on the uptake, you knew to call me, huh?"

Just as he spoke, Zhao Huan and the other burly men reacted and rushed forward.

Ji Mian instinctively grabbed Jiang Wang's hand, trying to run away, but in that instant, Jiang Wang had already single-handedly knocked down the two leading men with a baseball bat.

Despite this impressive action, the hand Ji Mian was holding didn't even move. Ji Mian didn't even notice how it happened before she heard a scream.

She was momentarily incredulous. Jiang Wang yelled at Zhang Keke, who had broken free of his grip, "Why the hell aren't you taking Ji Mian and leaving? Are you waiting to watch the show?"

Zhang Keke reacted quickly, running over and grabbing Ji Mian's hand, dragging her out.

"Where's Jiang Wang?"

"Don't worry, he's fine. Let's go first."

Ji Mian didn't say much. She was clear-headed; she and Zhang Keke would probably only be a hindrance here.

But her worry persisted. Before running out with Zhang Keke, she called out to Jiang Wang's retreating figure—

"Be careful, I'll wait for you!"

Jiang Wang paused, his back to her, and with a slight smile, whispered in a voice only he could hear, "Okay, you wait for me."

Ji Mian was led out of the alley by Zhang Lele, leaving only Jiang Wang and several burly men facing off in the narrow, secluded alley. To him, these people were no different from ants; a single breath from him could send them to hell.

But no, he had to abide by the damned rules of the Three Realms; he couldn't bully the weak.

He sighed irritably, pointing his baseball bat at the group in front of him. "I'll give you a chance. Kneel down now, kowtow three times, and say 'Father, I was wrong' three times, and I'll let you go."

Although Jiang Wang's attacks had been swift and ruthless, to the group, he was just a student who knew how to fight, and a rather thin one at that. They figured he'd only gotten away with it because they weren't paying attention.

Being ridden on by such a brat enraged them, and they unleashed their fists and kicks at him.

Then, a chorus of wails echoed through the alley. Amidst the wailing and howling, a cocky, youthful voice could be heard—

“Call me daddy! Call me daddy! Are you deaf?” Jiang Wang twisted a burly man's ear. “If you don't call me daddy, I'll f*****g rip your ear off!”

As Jiang Wang spoke, he deliberately kicked the man's knee. The burly man reflexively tried to kneel, but with his ear in Jiang Wang's hand, every pull felt like a tearing pain in his earlobe.

This brat was not only ruthless in fights, but also a master at bullying.

“Will you call me daddy or not?” Jiang Wang kicked him again in the back of the knee.

The burly man's knee buckled, and he slumped down, his ear feeling as if it were about to snap off.

His face was bruised and swollen, tears welling in his eyes. "Call me! Call me! Dad! Stop kicking me!"

Jiang Wang released him with satisfaction, then looked at the others lying on the ground. "He called out, huh? Who's next?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the group of people on the ground began to groan—

"Dad!"

"Dad! Dad!"

...

Each one louder than the last.

Jiang Wang, holding a stick, strolled around. "How about this, I'll pick the loudest and the quietest one and give them two whacks."

The group of burly men: Go ahead and hit them if you want, stop with the tricks. This constant bickering keeps us on edge!

Now, this group just hopes the boy's friends will call the police! Their friend is being attacked by a bunch of people, won't those two girls call the police? Only when the police arrive will they suffer less. Who knows what kind of trouble this devilish teenager will come up with next?!

After Ji Mian and Zhang Keke ran out of the alley, she immediately called the police. While waiting, she paced anxiously. She knew she probably couldn't help Jiang Wang much, but she felt terrible about leaving him behind.

"Alright, Mian, stop pacing around. You're making me dizzy," Zhang Keke said, sitting calmly on the roadside railing. "Should we go help him? Don't rush in directly, we can ambush him from the side."

Zhang Keke raised an eyebrow in surprise, then laughed, "Oh, you've really made something of yourself, even knowing how to ambush. Don't worry, Jiang Wang's fighting prowess isn't just for show. He single-handedly took down seven people from the vocational high school, which is how he secured his position as the number one fighter."

"But these people look like professional thugs, different from the vocational high school students."

Ji Mian didn't know how Zhang Keke had gotten involved with these people, but now wasn't the time to dwell on who was right or wrong.

She had never been in a fight and didn't know what kind of fighting prowess Jiang Wang possessed, but honestly, leaving him behind made her very uneasy. However, rationally, she also knew that rushing over rashly might only cause trouble for Jiang Wang.

She didn't know what was happening in the alley, nor could she hear any movement. Ji Mian paced anxiously back and forth for a while, finally taking out her phone and dialing Xiang Shu's number. If anything happened, she could call him and he should be there in the blink of an eye.

She still had faith in the Heavenly Palace's strength.

Having done all this, Ji Mian picked up a stick and ran straight into the alley.

"Holy crap!" Zhang Keke, not expecting her to be so reckless, jumped down from the railing and chased after her.

Jiang Wang, having had his fill of playing, threw away the stick, dusted off his hands, and leisurely walked out.

A figure suddenly flashed past the alley entrance, startling him. He stopped in his tracks and stood there.

Ji Mian, dragging the stick, rushed to the alley entrance, panting as she looked at Jiang Wang, "I...I've come to help you."

Jiang Wang: ...

She suddenly appeared in the sunset glow, standing against the light at the alley entrance, her voice trembling as she told him, "I've come to help you." She herself was heartbreakingly thin, yet she showed no sign of backing down. At that moment, it was as if something had struck him squarely in the heart, piercing Jiang Wang's soul. His emotions surged uncontrollably, a strange tenderness rising within him.

The Death God lineage was never prosperous to begin with, and after the curse, its numbers dwindled even further. As the sole inheritor, he could not afford the slightest weakness, the most utter retreat. His weakness would mean the complete collapse of the Death God lineage.

He was so strong, seemingly heartless, yet now he discovered that he too longed to be cared for, to have someone say, "Don't be afraid, I'll be with you, I'll wait for you to return," as he risked his life to rid the world of demons and monsters.

How many people grit their teeth and persevere in the mortal world, all for this simple act of care?

Jiang Wang lowered his eyes, his thick eyelashes folding down, concealing the turbulent emotions within his dark eyes.

He slightly curved his lips into a smile, casually walking over and stopping before her. “Ji Mian.” He called her name so seriously for the first time.

Ji Mian was startled. “Huh?”

They were very close, bathed in the sunset at the alley entrance. He stared straight at her, a faint smile playing at the corners of his eyes. “What were you feeling when I appeared at the breakfast shop that day?”

Ji Mian looked into his dark eyes, as if bewitched by some strange force. Her heart pounded, and she obediently answered, “Very excited, indescribable.”

Jiang Wang’s eyes crinkled into a smile. He leaned down, close to her ear, and said, word by word, “My feelings right now are ten times more excited than yours were then.”

Ji Mian felt a chill run down her spine, her ears and scalp tingling. She didn’t know if it was because of his words or because he was so close.

“Wh-what?” Her mind went blank; she didn’t understand why he said that. Jiang Wang licked his lips and straightened up. "It's nothing, let's go."

As he spoke, he bent down and lifted the other end of the stick, leading her along with it.

Ji Mian was still a little dazed, looking at the tall, nonchalant figure before her, and asked softly, "Jiang Wang, are you alright?"

Jiang Wang didn't turn around, tightening the stick slightly and pulling her closer. "I'm in trouble, quite seriously."

"What happened?"

Jiang Wang paused for a moment, then his voice tinged with laughter, "I can't explain it now, you'll know later, it's very serious."

Ji Mian wanted to say something, but Zhang Keke had already run over.

"Holy crap, Ji Mian, you're really something, going to such lengths for a man?"

She shouted angrily, and Ji Mian's face immediately turned red. "Don't talk nonsense."

Jiang Wang turned around, looking at her meaningfully, a faint smile playing on his lips. "What are you laughing at?" Ji Mian glared at him.

Jiang Wang laughed even harder.

Zhang Keke put her arm around her shoulder, and Ji Mian released the stick. Jiang Wang glanced at her, but didn't say anything, giving the two girls space to talk, and lagged behind.

"You're really something, grabbing a weapon, huh? Who's going to blow someone's head off?" Zhang Keke continued muttering, "Jiang Wang, his reputation for taking on ten people at once is known throughout several schools around No. 2 Middle School, what are you worried about? It's you who's really worrying. I think you're blinded by this bastard."

Ji Mian quietly defended herself, "It's not as exaggerated as you say. If it were you, I would definitely go too. Aren't we friends? Besides, I have a way to ensure my safety."

Zhang Keke sighed softly, raising her hand to pat her head, "Silly girl."

Ji Mian didn't speak, but a very soft, sighing voice came from behind her, "I like silly girls."

Ji Mian froze. Zhang Keke turned around, raised her eyebrows provocatively at Jiang Wang, and smiled, "Coincidentally, I like it too."

Jiang Wang resisted the urge to hit Zhang Keke with his stick and focused his attention elsewhere.

"Short girl, why are you wearing clothes like that?"

The situation had been chaotic and urgent just now, and the three of them were all in a state of turmoil. Now that they had calmed down, they noticed that Ji Mian was actually wearing ancient costume?!

Ji Mian: !!!

"Oh right, why are you wearing such clothes?" Zhang Keke curiously pulled up her wide sleeves to look.

"I, I, I..."

Ji Mian panicked, stammering for a long time without being able to say anything coherent. Jiang Wang narrowed his eyes, looking at her inquisitively. "What's wrong?"

"I...I just participated in the Peach Blossom Hanfu Festival, at Liu'an Park next door!" Ji Mian suddenly remembered hearing her classmates mention the Hanfu festival a few days ago. "It's close by, so I was able to come."

Jiang Wang nodded thoughtfully. "Really? Take me with you next time?"

Ji Mian felt incredibly guilty and gave a casual reply, not daring to look at him.

Zhang Keke glanced at the two of them, wanting to say something, but ultimately remained silent.

The three of them arrived outside Tianhe Bar. Zhang Keke had to start work, and Ji Mian, not feeling comfortable in the bar atmosphere, prepared to go back. Zhang Keke leaned against the bar door, looking at Ji Mian with a heavy gaze and a somewhat gloomy expression. "What happened today is all my fault..."

She hesitated for a moment, unsure how to proceed, then straightened up and hugged Ji Mian. "I'm sorry for dragging you and Jiang Wang into this. I'll definitely explain everything to you later. I won't say anything mushy. Anyway, Ji Mian, Zhang Keke's life is yours for the rest of my days."

Ji Mian, like comforting a child, patted her back gently, softly reassuring her, "It's okay, it's okay if you don't want to tell me. You said we're friends, so I'll trust you."

Zhang Keke hugged her tightly, burying her head in her shoulder, shaking her head repeatedly, "I'll definitely tell you, just give me some time..."

"Okay, I'll wait for you." She went along with her, trying to calm her down. "We'll find a suitable time sometime, you can tell me slowly, I'll listen carefully."

Zhang Keke then hugged her tightly, nodding vigorously. Ji Mian said goodbye to Zhang Keke and walked towards Jiang Wang, who was leaning against the wall smoking.

Jiang Wang saw her approach, stood up, and stubbed out his cigarette. "What are you doing? Hugging and kissing in public."

Ji Mian: "...Keke thanked me."

"Really?" Jiang Wang walked beside her, suddenly smiling. "Do you always thank me like this?"

"What are you laughing at?" Ji Mian had a bad feeling and looked at him suspiciously.

Sure enough, Jiang Wang took a long step forward and stopped in front of her. Then, he placed his hands on his knees, bent down to match her height, and aligned their eyes so he could easily catch her gaze.

"What are you doing?" Ji Mian was startled by his sudden closeness and froze.

Jiang Wang smiled at her, his voice low, "Would you like to consider thanking me?"

"..."

Ji Mian instantly understood his meaning, her face flushing red. But she knew Jiang Wang was just being cheeky; he didn't actually have any ulterior motives. She was embarrassed by his teasing, but not truly angry.

She glared at him, hesitating for a long time, before finally saying, "Thank you."

Jiang Wang raised an eyebrow, clearly dissatisfied, his expression mischievous. "I want someone like Zhang Keke."

Ji Mian decided to ignore him and tried to walk around him, but he suddenly leaned to the side, blocking her way again.

"Hurry up, my legs are going to go numb," he commented earnestly. "Why are you so short?"

Ji Mian bit her lip and pushed him. "How can you be so shameless!"

Jiang Wang was half-squatting, his center of gravity unsteady, and caught off guard. She pushed him, causing him to stumble backward and step off the curb.

A small electric scooter sped by. Ji Mian's heart skipped a beat. Instinctively, she grabbed Jiang Wang's wrist and pulled him back, while simultaneously stepping in front of him to block him.

The electric scooter brushed past them, the young man cursing.

Ji Mian, still shaken, breathed heavily and turned to Jiang Wang with anxious eyes. "Are you alright?"

Jiang Wang's expression was strange. He unusually abandoned his usual carefree demeanor, lowered his head, and looked at her earnestly. "Don't block my way like that next time."

Ji Mian, still breathless from the fright, her chest heaving slightly, looked at him with a bewildered expression in her bright eyes. "Huh?"

"It was dangerous."

"No," Ji Mian smiled at him, her voice soft, comforting him like she would Zhang Keke. "I know what I'm doing. Don't be afraid."

Meeting her soft smile, Jiang Wang felt a surge of heat, his gaze darkening. He looked away, gritted his teeth, and muttered irritably, "The danger I'm talking about is being afraid of myself."

"I couldn't help it, I hugged you from behind."

Just then, a supercar roared past, its engine deafening, shattering Jiang Wang's low voice.

"What did you say?" Ji Mian asked, somewhat bewildered, as the engine noise subsided.

Jiang Wang stared at her for a few seconds, then let out a long sigh. "Nothing, let's go home."

He finished speaking and walked towards the bus stop.

Ji Mian stood there watching him for a while, feeling that he was being difficult.

Ji Mian's intuition was quite accurate; Jiang Wang hadn't said much the way, no longer his usual playful and witty self, seeming preoccupied.

When they reached the apartment building, Ji Mian finally couldn't hold back any longer. "Jiang Wang, are you unhappy?"

Jiang Wang looked at her with an expression that clearly said, "No." Ji Mian was a little confused by his ambiguous attitude. She wasn't good at handling these situations, and after stammering for a while, she finally managed to say, "Then give me a smile?"

Jiang Wang: ???

He stared at her for a few seconds, his shoulders starting to tremble uncontrollably, and he couldn't help but laugh. "What? Do I look like a giggler? Do you want me to give you a smile?"

Ji Mian lowered her eyes and whispered, "You already smiled."

Jiang Wang grabbed her collar, pulled her away slightly, and tilted his head to find her eyes. "Are you trying to annoy me?"

He glared at her with a fierce look, then laughed in exasperation.

Ji Mian didn't look at him, and retorted softly, "Annoyed you? You're still laughing?"

Jiang Wang's teeth itched a little, and he clicked his tongue. "I'm shameless, okay?" "

Ji Mian kept her eyes down, but a small smile played on her lips. 'You know it yourself, no need to tell me.'

'Shorty, are you taking advantage of my kindness to test the limits of what's good for you?'

Ji Mian laughed, finally looking up at him. 'Why do you always act so fierce?'

'I am fierce.' Jiang Wang deliberately glared at her again.

This time, Ji Mian wasn't afraid at all, her smile undiminished, her eyes almost curving into crescents. 'Actually, you're not fierce at all.'

Jiang Wang: '…'

She looked up at him, her fair face bathed in the cool light, so delicate it seemed like you could squeeze water from it.

Jiang Wang's index finger twitched at his side, wanting to reach out and touch it,

Suddenly, a somewhat unhealthy thought crossed his mind. He lowered his eyes uncomfortably, touched his nose, and whispered, 'When I'm fierce, you have to cry.'" "Why?"

Meeting Ji Mian's pure eyes, Jiang Wang felt incredibly shameless and disgusted with himself.

But he coughed lightly twice and continued shamelessly, "Anyway, I'm right, you have to cry."

While Ji Mian was still pondering why she had to cry, Jiang Wang couldn't hold back any longer and deliberately grinned mischievously, "Are you going up or not? Or are you coming back with me?"

"Boring!" Ji Mian cursed at him, then said goodbye, "I'm going up now, see you later." She waved to him, turned, and went into the building.

The night returned to silence. Jiang Wang stood by the roadside for a long time, not moving. He didn't know why, but he had a feeling of "not enough." He couldn't quite put his finger on what it was, just a restless unease, a reluctance to leave.

He lit a cigarette, leaned against the streetlamp, stared at the familiar window, and smoked while feeding the mosquitoes.

This night was unusually restless.

He chewed on his cigarette, scratching his hair in frustration, when his phone rang.

Ji Mian: [Jiang Wang, are you still downstairs? Wait a minute, your clothes are here, I'll bring them down for you.]

Jiang Wang looked at the message, his restlessness dissipating considerably. He couldn't help but smile, "Okay, I'll wait for you." Ji Mian returned to her apartment and was about to draw the curtains to change and take a shower when she noticed Jiang Wang still standing downstairs. Turning back, she saw the large coat hanging behind the door. It was the one she had worn when she met Shi Jiancheng last time; she had washed it, but had forgotten to return it to Jiang Wang.

Jiang Wang waited under the streetlight for a moment, then heard footsteps in the hallway. Soon, he saw Ji Mian come out carrying the coat.

Standing in the darkness, she looked around blankly. When her gaze fell on him, her expression relaxed, and she smiled genuinely. "Jiang Wang, your coat."

Jiang Wang's gaze fell on her fair face, and a strange, inexplicable change stirred within him. It was as if just looking at her could suppress some of his irritation.

His lips curled up slightly, and his voice trembled with laughter, "Then come and give it to me." Ji Mian obediently ran over and handed him the coat. Jiang Wang took it, smelling a faint jasmine scent. This time he hadn't been drinking, but his mind suddenly felt hot, and he wanted to do something that might get him slapped.

He wasn't afraid of being slapped, but he was quite afraid of making her angry.

Ji Mian had already gone home, but Jiang Wang was still standing downstairs. That feeling of "not enough" seemed to have intensified, making him even more irritable.

He paced back and forth a couple of times, stopping in front of a lamppost, and clicked his tongue impatiently, "Hey, Brother Zhu, why don't I want to go back yet? What's wrong with me?"

After saying that, he didn't need a reply, hugged the coat, smelled it, and laughed to himself, "Damn, Brother Zhu, my clothes smell so good."