The little cub was utterly bewildered, tossed about by the wind!
What happened?
Weren't they a happy family of three, loving each other?
Had they turned against each other so quickly?
In a corner where Qiao Ci couldn't see, Ming Xi curled the corners of his lips, a triumphant smile on his face.
A'Ci cared about him the most, how could she bear to see him wronged?
A little tiger cub dared to boss him around, and what's more, A'Ci actually sided with it against him.
Heh, who was A'Ci's favorite after all?
Qiao Ci returned and sat down, eating as she said to Ming Xi, "Don't spoil it too much."
"Mm," Ming Xi replied happily, popping a grain of rice into his mouth.
Qiao Ci had been a little bored lately, often transforming into her tiger beast form and sunbathing on the soft couch specially made for her by Ming Xi. He had also prepared a smaller one for the little cub.
Whenever the little cub tried to climb onto Qiao Ci's couch, Ming Xi would gently pick it up and place it back on its own little bed, tucking it in with a small blanket and patting it to sleep.
Each time Qiao Ci witnessed this, her gaze would grow distant and lingering.
If they had children in the future, he would probably be a capable father.
One day, the 'family of three' was basking in the sun.
Ming Xi had prepared a new sweet soup for Qiao Ci and was bringing it over for her to taste.
Qiao Ci also transformed into human form and drank it with relish.
Then a male tiger walked over with a strange expression.
"What is it?" Qiao Ci asked, seeing his face as if he had eaten something unpleasant.
The male tiger handed Qiao Ci a beautifully crafted red invitation, stating with some difficulty, "The leader of the Snake Tribe, She Qian Shang, invites you to his mate ceremony."
Qiao Ci accepted the invitation. It was formally worded, stating that as they had been close neighbors for so long, their lack of interaction was rather cold. Therefore, he had decided to invite her to his celebration, and fearing she might not attend, he had specifically mentioned that leaders from several other nearby tribes had also been invited.
The invitation did not mention the name of the female.
However, it was obvious to anyone who thought about it that it was Lu Yan.
Truly a woman capable of sleeping with the leaders of most tribes, causing trouble even with such excruciating pain.
Qiao Ci immediately stated that she would go. The male tiger thought he had misheard, "Leader, we've never interacted with the Snake Tribe, are you sure we should go?"
"Of course, we should go. After all, we'll be family soon," Qiao Ci said with a meaningful smile. Another fish had taken the bait, hadn't it?
She had gained some weight from eating too much lately, so it was time to get some exercise.
Family?
The male tiger was confused but didn't ask further.
Whatever the leader said was correct. After all, she could lead the Tiger Tribe to prosperity. Listening to her was the right way to go. So, it naively asked, "Then what gifts should we prepare for the Snake Tribe?"
After all, the two tribes had never established relations, and bringing something would be more presentable, lest the beasts think the Tiger Tribe was stingy and petty.
"Just pack your weapons," Qiao Ci said matter-of-factly.
Pack weapons?
The male tiger looked at Qiao Ci in confusion, but upon seeing her confident expression, it immediately became excited.
If it understood correctly, the Tiger Tribe's status in the beast world would be absolutely sky-high from now on!
It let out a roar and shot out, ready to have its brothers prepare well and go expand their territory!
Ming Xi looked at the date on the invitation and meekly requested, "A'Ci, can I go with you?"
"Of course," Qiao Ci agreed readily, only instructing, "Just stand behind me and protect yourself."
"Mm-hmm, I will," Ming Xi replied obediently.
Ming Xi had subtly revealed his identity to her before, and she had thought he was her greatest reliance. Unexpectedly, she never needed him to charge into battle.
It was the same when the Lion Tribe provoked them, and it was the same for this malicious banquet hosted by the Snake Tribe.
As a deity, Ming Xi felt a sense of being cared for for the first time. It seemed that just by standing where her gaze fell, safety filled the entire air.
Ming Xi had never imagined their relationship would be like this.
Every second and every moment, he couldn't help but feel grateful. Grateful for destiny that brought them together, grateful for all her pampering and indulgence.
After dinner, Ming Xi cleaned up the house as usual. As he put the dishes in the kitchen, the female beasts in the kitchen discussed how to make delicious food.
Ming Xi didn't pay much attention to these ordinary beasts. Remembering that they were Qiao Ci's tribespeople and had honest natures, he patiently explained some of his newly acquired cooking insights to them.
"The leader is truly blessed to have found a considerate and thoughtful male beast like you as a companion," a usually amiable tigress teased Ming Xi, her tone filled with envy.
"Yes, he's handsome, can cook, and manages the leader's home impeccably. I wonder if you have any brothers like you? *cough* My best friend tiger also wants to meet him."
Who said a companion had to be a powerful male beast? If you were powerful yourself, finding a gentle and caring little leopard cub would be wonderful. Someone to serve you, and you wouldn't have to endure mistreatment.
"I'm sorry, I'm an only leopard, I don't have any brothers. Actually, it's I who am blessed to have met a good companion like A'Ci." Having said what needed to be said, Ming Xi didn't want to chat with them further and left after a brief conversation.
At night, the moon was bright and the stars were sparse.
After preparing Qiao Ci's bathwater, Ming Xi entered the room.
Qiao Ci was already lying in bed, covered by a thin blanket. Her eyes were lightly closed, giving the impression of sleep and not to be disturbed.
Ming Xi couldn't help but chuckle softly.
Then he walked over, took off his shoes and socks, and tiptoed past her to the inner side of the bed, lying down neatly and quietly.
After a while, a flexible and cute tail emerged, gently rubbing Qiao Ci's palm.
Qiao Ci's brows furrowed slightly, but she quickly returned to her composure.
Soon, shallow breaths brushed against her ear, and then fluffy ears seemed to accidentally brush against her cheek.
Qiao Ci suddenly opened her eyes and glared fiercely at the culprit, "That's enough~"
Ming Xi opened his eyes groggily, looking at Qiao Ci innocently, his voice hoarse and slightly childlike as he asked, "A'Ci, what's wrong?"
As he spoke, his drooping ears trembled slightly, as if startled, looking extremely pitiful.
Coupled with his holy face, innocent eyes, and that restless tail behind him.
It was simply too much to bear!
Qiao Ci ultimately couldn't resist and was immersed in a world of tenderness.
Ming Xi curved his lips slightly and responded.
Despite his serious expression and feigned displeasure, it was also her who couldn't help but pounce when she saw his beast form, so contradictory and adorable.
He also became accustomed to her pampering, deliberately transforming into his beast form unintentionally, just to keep her gaze firmly locked onto him...