The New Year festival had passed, and life had returned to its normal rhythm. Other families occasionally welcomed surprises, such as a new addition to the population. The appearance of a newborn could further solidify a family's bonds.
One day, Xiong Qi was hunting as usual when he unintentionally overheard a sweet complaint from his teammates.
"Sigh, my son has finally stopped being a handful these past few days. I don't know why, but lately, whenever my mate and I try to be intimate, it's always uncomfortable."
An experienced male caught the key point. "Is it too dry?"
The beastman quickly nodded. "Yes, yes, that's the problem. Nothing seems to be wrong with me, I'm just afraid my mate will get hurt."
The experienced male smiled knowingly. "Isn't that simple? Go ask Shu Yue or Shu Xin. They can mix this kind of medicine, and I guarantee it'll be incredibly slippery~"
"Really? Then I'll go ask them after the hunt."
"Shush, they're coming, get ready!" The prey had arrived, and the two men talking immediately shut their mouths, preparing for battle.
However, Xiong Qi heard their conversation word for word. His face remained expressionless, but his heart was filled with surprise. Such a wonderful thing existed?
Perhaps he should go ask them too?
~~~
Xiong Qi paced back and forth at the doorstep, his expression conflicted, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Creak— the door opened.
Shu Yue walked out, hugging her arms. "You've been lingering at my doorstep for half an hour. Is there something you need?"
Ever since she heard Wen Te talk about him and Cang Lang a few years ago, and with no contact over the years, those past events had long faded. She guessed that Xiong Qi's sudden visit must be for a reason, so she came out to ask directly.
Xiong Qi was a little flustered. "Is Wen Te home? Is it convenient to talk inside?"
Shu Yue: "Let's talk in the yard."
"Okay." The yard was fine too.
Shu Yue wasn't alone at home; her children were there too. Two little females were swinging in the yard, and Xiong Qi subconsciously glanced at them a couple more times.
"What is it? Tell me."
Xiong Qi turned his head and cleared his throat awkwardly. "I heard that you have something here to help with lubrication for mates?"
After saying it, his face turned red uncontrollably. This matter was quite embarrassing!
Shu Yue revealed a look of understanding. "You want that, don't you? I can mix it for you, but you'll have to get the raw materials yourself."
Xiong Qi replied, "No problem. Just tell me what you need, and I'll go get it right away."
Shu Yue told him what was needed and asked, "Are you and Cang Lang together now?"
Upon hearing this, Xiong Qi's body instantly stiffened, his eyes unreadable. After a few seconds of internal struggle, he secretly clenched his fist and said, "Yes!"
He was prepared to be ridiculed.
To his surprise, Shu Yue didn't show any disgusted expression. Instead, she smiled and blessed him. "You two haven't been apart for so many years; your feelings must be very strong. I wish you happiness."
Xiong Qi was stunned. "You, how did you know?"
Shu Yue certainly couldn't betray Wen Te. Instead, she said sheepishly, "I ran into you two together a few years ago, but no one else knows."
Xiong Qi breathed a sigh of relief and then tentatively asked, "Don't you think this is wrong?"
Shu Yue chuckled lightly. "What's wrong with it? You're like any other beastman; you have people you like. It just so happens that the people you like are of the same sex. There's nothing strange about that."
"..."
Even after walking a long distance, Xiong Qi was still pondering her words. It was as if, in an instant, the shackles that had been binding him had vanished!
"Thinking so intently?" a sinister voice appeared in front of him.
Xiong Qi looked up and saw Cang Lang with a gloomy expression.
Cang Lang suppressed his anger. "Let's go home first!"
Xiong Qi followed him back, confused. "What's wrong?"
Cang Lang immediately exploded, grabbing him by the neck and pinning him to the ground. "You're still asking me what's wrong? Did you go to see Shu Yue? Are you still not over her?"
Only then did Xiong Qi understand what was happening. He said with a wry smile, "Cang Lang, you've misunderstood. I went to see her about something."
"Why didn't you tell me what it was, but you had to go tell her?" Cang Lang's eyes were icy. If he didn't get a reasonable explanation today, he would kill him!
Xiong Qi sighed and told him the purpose of his visit to Shu Yue's. "It was the first time I'd heard of such a good thing. I went to ask as soon as I returned from hunting, and I didn't expect it to be true. Once I find the materials, you won't have to suffer anymore."
Cang Lang was stunned after hearing the explanation and withdrew his hand. "You really went to talk about that?"
Xiong Qi got up from the ground and said with amusement, "If you're not afraid of embarrassment, go ask Shu Yue. You'll know as soon as you ask."
"I was distracted because Shu Yue said something to me."
Cang Lang's heart tensed again. "What did she say?"
He couldn't help but guess wildly. Could it be that Shu Yue, seeing how powerful Xiong Qi had become, wanted to take him in?
No, no, Shu Yue had taken an oath; she wouldn't say that. What exactly did she say!
Seeing Cang Lang's reaction, Xiong Qi knew he was overthinking. "You'd never guess it. Shu Yue already knew about us being together. She even blessed us in the end, and she also said..."
He repeated Shu Yue's last sentence to Cang Lang.
As expected, Cang Lang also fell silent after hearing it. He had always thought their relationship was something that couldn't see the light of day. No matter how passionately they loved each other, they dared not reveal it in front of others. He never expected someone to understand them, and that person was his former admirer...
Xiong Qi patted his shoulder. "Stop overthinking. Shu Yue is a good female, and I won't have anyone else in this life besides you. I hope you feel the same."
Cang Lang said excitedly, "I definitely do. As long as you are alive, I am alive. If you die, I will accompany you!"
He expected a touching response, but instead, he received a punch. He met Xiong Qi's displeased gaze. "What are you talking about, dying? The New Year festival just passed, and you're already saying such unlucky things!"
Cang Lang: "..."
Knowing he had said the wrong thing, he slapped himself twice. "Bah, bah, bah! What I just said doesn't count. Can I say it again?"
Xiong Qi rolled his eyes. "You'd better not say it; it doesn't sound good!"
Cang Lang: "..."
~~~
Two days later, Xiong Qi finally obtained the good stuff, and Cang Lang, to make up for his previous mistake, voluntarily offered himself.
It had to be said, after using the good stuff, the feeling was indeed like flying!
The two embraced, not minding the heat. Xiong Qi brought up something he had been considering for a long time. "Cang Lang, let's adopt a cub."
Cang Lang, who had been closing his eyes, opened them upon hearing this. "Whatever you say. There are many cubs in the city whose parents have died. We can adopt a few. However, once we adopt children, our relationship can no longer be hidden. How will we let the children address us then?"
Xiong Qi had already thought it through and smiled. "What's there to be afraid of? The child can call me Big Father, and you Little Father."
Cang Lang was displeased. "Why should I be called Little Father?"
Xiong Qi's smile deepened. "Because you can't beat me..."