Mu Bai stood rooted to the spot, unable to believe what he saw. He did not know whether all of this was an illusion.
"I wasn't a good elder brother."
"I don't blame you, Brother. The tribe is right here. I remembered the way home."
"Didn't expect this, did you? I was the one who found Ling'er and brought her back. As for you abandoning her, I'll settle that score with you later!"
As he spoke, Hai Chen punched Mu Bai in the chest. The look in his eyes did not seem like a joke.
"I'll accept my punishment. I was wrong."
Still feeling as though he were dreaming, Mu Bai remained lost in a daze, as if unwilling to wake.
"All right, let's eat. If you accept your punishment, start by toasting each of us with three bowls of wine."
Everyone took their seats. Hai Chen set a jar of wine before Mu Bai and winked, signaling for him to pour the wine and offer the toasts.
"You little brat! With me here, it's not your turn to speak!" Hai Zhan snatched up the wine jar and handed it to Hai Chen. "Fill everyone's bowls. Except Fu'er's and Xing'er's."
"Hahaha..."
Seeing Hai Chen's aggrieved face after his father's scolding, everyone could not help bursting into laughter. Mu Bai returned his meaningful look with a smug smile, signaling for him to hurry up and pour.
"Here, let me fill Father's bowl first." Hai Chen had no choice but to obey, pouring generously for everyone in turn. "Then, as the eldest brother, I'll pour for my younger brothers and sister. Fu'er, Xing'er, since Grandfather won't let you drink, have a chicken leg each to satisfy your cravings..."
Having earned himself the position of the tribe's eldest brother by pouring a round