Chapter 495 - 492: The Damage Has Been Done

Chapter 495: Chapter 492: The Damage Has Been Done

A warmth spread through Bai Wanwan’s heart. She clearly remembered Zhu Xiu’s once near-paranoid possessiveness, but now, he had learned to be accepting—to tolerate the other outstanding males in her life.

It made her heart ache with a mix of guilt and sympathy.

Besides... she truly felt that with them, her heart was already full. ’There’s no need to add anyone else.’

A blurry figure flashed through her mind, but she quickly shook her head to banish the image.

’I can’t get any greedier.’

Feeling the determination and reliance of the woman in his arms, the turmoil in Zhu Xiu’s heart instantly vanished.

When he kissed her again, it was with the utmost gentleness, filled with adoration and a deep sense of cherishing her.

He too had learned restraint. He gently laid her down on the stone bed, which was covered in thick, soft beast hides. With careful affection, his slender fingers unfastened her light Jue Sha robe, revealing the delicate skin beneath.

Then, he lay down beside her and pulled her warm, soft body into a tight embrace. He let her head rest on his firm arm, his other hand gently patting her back. "Sleep now..." he murmured, his voice low and gentle.

Bai Wanwan was speechless.

The fire he had just ignited within her was still smoldering, and... ’That’s it?’

Unwilling to let it end there, she shifted, deliberately tracing circles on his firm abdomen with her fingertips. She tilted her head up to kiss his Adam’s apple, her voice a seductive rasp. "Zhu Xiu... are you sure... we’re just sleeping?"

Zhu Xiu grabbed her troublemaking hand, his voice strained. "I was going to spare you and let you get a good night’s sleep."

With that, he pulled the warm, fragrant woman in his arms closer.

Bai Wanwan chuckled, her fingers deliberately stoking the flames.

Males were almost powerless against her proactive teasing.

That night, Zhu Xiu showed a gentleness and patience unlike ever before.

He was no longer domineering and predatory. Instead, he explored her as if she were the most precious treasure; every kiss and every touch was filled with reverent love and the utmost care.

This feeling of being so utterly cherished gave Bai Wanwan a completely new kind of soul-deep intimacy and satisfaction.

As dawn’s light filtered through the cracks in the wooden hut, Bai Wanwan slowly stirred awake in Zhu Xiu’s strong arms.

A pleasant, languid soreness lingered in her body from the night’s passion. She clutched the soft beast-hide blanket, her luminous eyes still carrying a trace of allure.

Thinking of Zhu Xiu’s incredible gentleness the night before, a deeper flutter stirred in her heart.

She found herself liking this domineering male, who had now also learned to be gentle, even more than before.

Clutching the soft blanket, she scanned the room but didn’t see any sign of Zhu Xiu.

She threw back the blanket, picked up the dress that had been laid aside, and put it on.

Just as she stood up to walk, Xin Feng pushed the door open and came inside.

"You’re awake?"

He walked over, wrapped an arm around her, and kissed her cheek. "Jiao Yuan Clan Leader is here..."

Bai Wanwan sighed in resignation. "I suppose I have to see him."

’After all, I still need their help to deal with the Chameleon Clan.’

With Xin Feng’s thoughtful help, she quickly finished getting dressed.

’Come to think of it, we’ve been away from the other continent for a while now. Once things here are settled, it’ll be time to go back.’

She missed Chou Rong and her children, who were so far away on the other continent.

"Where’s Zhu Xiu?" she asked instinctively.

"Zhu Xiu is downstairs negotiating with Jiao Yuan Clan Leader," Xin Feng replied as he straightened her collar.

"Then let’s go down, too." Bai Wanwan didn’t want to disturb Shuang Hua, who was still looking after the cubs. She planned to leave Hua Han and Yan Lie here to ensure everyone’s safety.

However, just as she reached the top of the stairs, she heard a voice from below. It was Jiao Yuan, and though he was trying to keep it down, his agitation and worry were unmistakable.

"Nonsense! This is utter nonsense! Going deep into the Chameleon’s lair is incredibly dangerous. How could you let Wanwan go with you? She must stay here in the tribe! This is the safest place for her!"

Clearly, Zhu Xiu had already told him about Bai Wanwan’s decision to go along.

In truth, her Beast Husbands, Zhu Xiu included, had all been strongly against it at first, but they were no match for Bai Wanwan’s persistence.

She had three Red Rank Beastmen for personal protection, and her System Space was stockpiled with all sorts of items and weapons.

’My joining them will only increase the mission’s chance of success!’

"It was my idea." Bai Wanwan’s voice, crisp and firm, rang out as she descended the stairs and appeared before them.

Jiao Yuan, who had just been glaring angrily at Zhu Xiu, instantly softened the moment he saw his daughter. The stern look on his face melted away like ice in spring, replaced by a cautious, almost fawning smile. His voice, too, became several shades gentler.

"Wanwan, you’re awake? Father Beast didn’t mean it like that... Father Beast is just worried about you. This trip to the Chameleon Tribe is extremely dangerous. What if Father Beast and your mates fail to protect you? You... You should stay here in the tribe where you’ll be safe. Only then can Father Beast rest easy."

He pleaded earnestly, his eyes filled with a father’s worry.

Bai Wanwan looked at his concerned face, but she felt nothing. She simply stated a fact in a calm voice. "There’s no need. For all those years, without the Flood Dragon Tribe’s protection, without the shelter of a Father Beast or a Mother, I managed to survive just fine, didn’t I?"

Her tone was flat, but her words were like an invisible knife, stabbing precisely into the most painful part of Jiao Yuan’s heart.

She had to admit, she’d said it on purpose.

She had taken over the original owner’s body, and that girl was truly gone now.

It was all caused by the original owner’s Mother’s foolishness and her Father Beast’s love-addled brain.

Saying this, she turned away from Jiao Yuan’s instantly stiff and pained expression and walked toward her Beast Husbands, who were preparing to depart.

Jiao Yuan was left standing alone, watching his daughter’s determined back as she walked away. All he could do was let out a heavy, helpless sigh, filled with belated regret and powerlessness.

Jinying had come to stand beside him at some point. Looking at Jiao Yuan’s dejected figure, he said in a low voice, "Uncle Yuan, the damage is done. Whether you had your reasons, were unaware, or acted deliberately, the rift is there. If she can’t forgive you right now... then just do everything you can to make it up to her. Be good to her..."

As Jinying watched her retreating back, he realized that while his words were for Jiao Yuan, they were for himself as well.

Jiao Yuan closed his eyes wearily, then clapped a heavy hand on Jinying’s shoulder. "I understand. I’m incredibly grateful you offered to stay and help. I only have one last request..." He looked at Jinying, his gaze pleading. "No matter what, help me protect Wanwan. Nothing else can happen to her!"

Jinying’s gaze shifted to Bai Wanwan, who was speaking quietly with Zhu Xiu in the distance. A complex, unreadable emotion flickered in his deep eyes. Finally, he gave a slow nod, his voice low and resolute. "Alright."