Chapter 1: Give Some to the Stammering One

"Who am I...?"
"Where am I?"
What is this place? It's pitch black, but warm.
It feels like there's someone next to me. I'm so hungry... I wish I had something to eat.
Thinking back to my previous memories, it seems I broke up with my girlfriend, then crossed the street, and then lost consciousness.
Could it be...
But where was the part with the Forgetfulness Soup?
Damn! So I’ve been reborn. Judging by the situation, I must have returned to life in someone else’s womb.
It seems that a little twist of fate makes life more interesting.
So hungry.
Better absorb some nutrients first.
Ah!
The little brat next to me actually kicked me! I’ve lived twenty years longer than him, and yet I can’t even outkick a baby!
Damn! My legs are weak—this guy is hogging all the nutrients and has more strength!
Bastard, we’re blood brothers, are you trying to murder me in the womb?
I’d only heard stories of twins fighting for nutrients, but never thought it would happen to me!
Am I really going to die here?
Only when the other one fell asleep could I absorb a bit of nourishment, but it was never enough.
This went on for months.
One day, I finally felt I could go out—if I stayed any longer, I'd starve to death.
Looking over at the little fatty next to me, he must be at least ten pounds!
As for myself... maybe just over two pounds. Who knows if I’ll even survive? What a wretched fate.
Even so, I had to muster all my strength to get out first—murderous brother or not.
Luckily, the little murderer had eaten too much and was sleeping.
So I seized the chance to get out!

It was a vast and sprawling estate—clearly not a place for ordinary folk. Every thirty-odd feet there were guards stationed.
In the dead of night, the cold wind howled. The maids, rubbing their hands and breathing into them for warmth, trembled but dared not move.

Tonight, the lady of the house was going into labor!
Inside, ritual instruments cast a bright light, making the extravagant chairs gleam, gilded and dazzling—almost enough to blind.
"Madam! A little more strength, the baby is almost here!" urged the midwife.
The woman on the bed tensed, her face pale, sweat beading on her brow, dark hair plastered to her forehead.
With a soft pop, the protagonist slipped out.
The birth was so sudden the newborn slid right off the bed, the viscous fluid acting as a lubricant, sending him several yards across the floor.
The midwife, though seasoned, had never seen anything like this.
Lying on the ground, the child did not cry, but opened his eyes to take in his surroundings.
My goodness! This was definitely the home of a wealthy family—so dazzling it nearly blinded me.
No wonder people say being born is a skill; this time, I’d landed right at the finish line.
"Why are you standing there? Wrap him up!" the midwife barked, her face grave, not a hint of joy.
The woman on the bed, smiling softly but weakly, said, "Nanny Zhang, let me see the child."
Nanny Zhang hesitated, then said in a low voice, "Madam, prepare yourself." She stepped back.
A maid brought the child over.
The woman’s joy froze upon seeing her baby.
Is this my mother?
How beautiful she is, even though pale—her extraordinary grace undiminished.
But why did her smile freeze? I’m so hungry... If I don’t eat soon, I’ll die.
I need milk.
"Madam, I fear this child may not survive the night," whispered Nanny Zhang.
The woman was silent. Though it was her first child, she’d seen others; this baby was so small.
Probably just over two pounds.
She was about to speak when a fresh pang shot through her belly.
Nanny Zhang’s eyes lit up. "Heavens! There’s another!"
As I was taken away from my mother, my heart ached. If I weren’t so weak and couldn’t compete with that brat, would I be like this? I’m so hungry... too weak to cry.

A loud wail suddenly rang out, as if a god of war had descended.
"Congratulations, madam, it’s a big, healthy boy," Nanny Zhang declared, cradling the hefty newborn—almost ten pounds, destined to be someone of worth.
The woman on the bed let out a long breath, as if this big, healthy boy gave her new hope.
He, too, opened his eyes, curiously observing the world.
Placed side by side, the two children formed a stark contrast—one as thin as a stick, the other fair and plump.
Please, give me something to eat... I’m dying here.
My eyelids could barely stay open, and that kid actually gave me a sly smile—he must be doing it on purpose.
"Nanny Zhang! Call a physician!" the woman cried, unable to bear it—both were her flesh and blood.
Nanny Zhang glanced over, then whispered in the woman’s ear, "Madam, I fear this one will not survive. If the master finds out, he may blame you—it’s an ill omen."
At those words, the woman wavered. Her husband was busy with his promotion; if he succeeded, the family would be honored—if not, he could lose his head.
If her husband learned the child died at birth... No, this must not happen!
But this was her own son...
"Isn’t there any—"
Before she could finish, Nanny Zhang quietly said, "Madam, don’t worry. Leave it to me. Only the younger child cried; the elder made no sound. The servants outside think you bore just one. As for the maids inside, I will handle them."
Hearing this, a complex struggle clouded the woman’s face.
On one hand, she couldn’t bear to lose her child; on the other, she couldn’t let her husband’s future be jeopardized—not at such a critical moment. The death of a child at birth was an ominous sign!
Seeing her acquiescence, Nanny Zhang scooped up the emaciated child.
What was this fierce-looking old woman up to? She clearly meant no good!
Don’t trust her—I’m just hungry! A little milk would fix everything.
With a last glance at my younger brother, who watched me leave with a smile—damn him.
I’d thought I was born at the finish line, but now it seems I’d reached the end without any journey at all.
As the wicked woman set me down by the roadside, I wished nothing more than to bite her to death.
"Boy, don’t blame me if you die. Blame your fate. I’m just following orders."
As the wicked woman left, I felt life slipping away. So cold, so hungry... Just a bite to eat, please.