Chapter 450 - 447: How Happy That Would Be

Chapter 450: Chapter 447: How Happy That Would Be

Outside, fine snowflakes fell like silent whispers, quietly blanketing the hushed mountain forest.

The first snowfall officially heralded the prelude to the long snow season.

Inside the cave, the warmth of the fire pit dispelled the chill, but Bai Wanwan’s heart was heavy.

Her cubs snuggled together in a nest lined with thick, dry grass. Their fur was much thicker than when they were newborns, and their little bellies grew rounder by the day, which meant their appetites were increasing at an astonishing rate.

Jiao Yin’s figure appeared for a moment at the mouth of the cave. By the time Bai Wanwan hurried outside, she only saw his back as he turned to leave.

"Jiao Yin, you’re back. Rest for a little while."

Bai Wanwan walked over and pulled him down to sit. "Have some hot water."

She held the stone cup out to him, her eyes urging him to drink.

Looking at her beautiful eyes, Jiao Yin couldn’t bring himself to refuse. He took the cup and drank it all in one go.

On the ground lay a few snow rabbits he had just hunted, their bodies still frigid from the cold air.

"Wanwan, it’s still early. I need to go out again."

They were new here and had no food stores at all.

Beastmen had to tighten their belts for the entire snow season. The Clan Leader of the lynx clan had sent over some game as thanks for their help, but for males with huge appetites, it was just a drop in the bucket.

Bai Wanwan knew he was hunting almost ceaselessly, trying to stockpile as much food as possible for their small family before the harsh winter set in.

"You..." Guilt filled her eyes, but the cubs truly needed a lot of food.

In the end, all that came out was a helpless, "Thank you, Jiao Yin."

But Jiao Yin shook his head firmly. "Wanwan, you’ve helped me so much. You don’t need to thank me. Now hurry back inside, it’s cold out here. I’ll be back soon."

With that, he started to walk away, but after a short distance, he glanced back, still worried.

"Get inside. It’s cold."

Only after she had followed his instruction and closed the door did he finally leave, relieved.

Inside, Hua Han was also diligently watching over the young cubs.

’Hua Han and Jiao Yin... They aren’t my Beast Husbands.’

’She couldn’t accept their meticulous care with a clear conscience.’

So, every day when the first rays of light struggled through the curtain of snow and into the cave, she forced herself to get up.

Gone were the days of sleeping in and lazing about. She would efficiently tidy the fur bedding, wake the cubs one by one, and feed their chattering little mouths with warm, minced meat.

Seeing the game Jiao Yin had brought back in the corner, Ice Crystals still clinging to its fur, she picked up a Stone Knife and tried to skin it.

"Wanwan!"

Hua Han’s clear voice always pulsed with energy. He had just returned from fetching water, and droplets still clung to the rim of the cold stone jar.

The moment he saw what Bai Wanwan was doing, he immediately set down the stone jar, crossed the space in a few great strides, and snatched the Stone Knife from her hand without a word, moving as fast as the wind.

"Just leave this rough work to me." His captivating peach blossom eyes shimmered.

"I’m just doing what I can. I can’t let you two do everything."

"And why not?" Hua Han said, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "We’re males. It’s our duty to take care of females. Now, get inside and rest so you don’t catch a chill."

As he spoke, he wrapped a fur around her and gently pushed her toward the warmer part of the cave.

But once they were inside, he found himself reluctant to pull his arm away from her.

’He couldn’t help but long for the day he could embrace her openly, as his own.’

Smelling their Mother’s scent, the cubs immediately gathered around her, whimpering softly.

Bai Wanwan had no choice but to sit down, cradling the cubs and telling them stories to lull them to sleep.

Hua Han stood at the entrance, unwilling to leave. ’If only the cubs in Wanwan’s arms weren’t tiger cubs, but fox cubs... his and Wanwan’s.’

’How happy would he be then?’

Fueled by this fantasy, he worked with even more vigor.

He remained in high spirits for the entire afternoon.

However, when he returned after processing the game and gathering firewood, his good mood was instantly shattered.

Not far away, a tall male was standing at the entrance to their cave, showing off some kind of shimmering mineral to Bai Wanwan.

"Beautiful female, Bai Wanwan," he said, his voice deliberately low and magnetic. "You have only two Beast Husbands. In this harsh snow season, I fear their strength will not be enough to care for you and so many lovely cubs. Please allow me to join your family. With my strength and loyalty, I can ease your burdens and ensure you are even more thoroughly cared for."

His gaze was feverish, filled with unconcealed admiration and ambition.

Hua Han felt a nameless rage flare up inside him. WHOOSH!

’He’d tried so hard and still hadn’t managed to truly win Wanwan’s heart, yet this nobody who’d popped out of nowhere dared to covet her so blatantly?’

A nearly inaudible growl rumbled in his chest, like a Fierce Beast whose territory had been violated. His eyes filled with killing intent.

But he quickly took a deep breath of the icy air, suppressing his churning emotions. An overly brilliant smile instantly appeared on his face as he strode over.

"The roads are slippery on a snowy day like this! What brings a fellow like you to our home?" Hua Han said enthusiastically, "coincidentally" inserting himself between the two of them. His tall frame formed a solid barrier.

He feigned familiarity, brushing snowflakes from the other male’s shoulders as he launched into a relentless barrage of questions about his situation, his winter stores, and even some legend about a distant mountain range. He spoke so quickly the other male couldn’t get a word in edgewise.

A faint smile touched Bai Wanwan’s eyes as she watched Hua Han’s over-the-top performance.

While the male was left flustered and disoriented by Hua Han’s pestering, she gave a slight nod. Her voice was clear and distant. "Thank you for your kind offer, but my family does not need any new members at this time. The roads are difficult in this snow. Please return."

Her tone was gentle, yet carried a finality that brooked no argument.

The male’s face fell with disappointment. "Female, please reconsider. I truly have feelings for you."

"Thank you, but I’m not interested."

The male had no choice but to leave dejectedly, glancing over his shoulder every few steps, trying to catch another glimpse of the female.

But Hua Han’s tall frame completely blocked his view of Bai Wanwan, so he saw nothing.

Once the annoying male had finally disappeared, Hua Han immediately sidled up to Bai Wanwan. His amber eyes sparkled, fishing for praise as he tested the waters. "Wanwan, these guys are so annoying. Next time some other tactless fool shows up, I’ll just run them off for you. That’ll save you the trouble, how about it?"

Bai Wanwan looked at his darting, fox-like eyes and chuckled, but she played along and nodded. "Alright. I’ll have to trouble you, then."

Having received her approval, Hua Han grinned from ear to ear.

From then on, chasing away Bai Wanwan’s suitors became Hua Han’s favorite, tireless task.

Whenever a male approached, he would act as her most loyal guardian, driving away anyone with ulterior motives before they could even get close to Bai Wanwan, not giving them the slightest opportunity.

’He had to guard his territory. He hadn’t even gotten a taste yet; there was no way he was letting anyone else have so much as a bite.’