Chapter 541 - 538: So Many Cubs

Chapter 541: Chapter 538: So Many Cubs

"Of course. Mama never lies to you," Bai Wanwan affirmed with a nod, her smile gentle.

Just then, Yin Ze came upstairs. A gentle smile filled his eyes when he saw her completely surrounded by the cubs.

He walked over and naturally wrapped an arm around her shoulders. His gaze fell to the high, rounded curve of her belly as he asked with concern, "Are you tired?"

Though he hadn’t witnessed her long-awaited reunion with Chou Rong, he didn’t need to. He knew that intensely possessive male wouldn’t have let her off easy.

Seeing as she had slept late into the morning and now had a rosy complexion and a lustful glimmer in her eyes, it was easy to imagine how intense the "battle" had been last night.

"I’m not tired anymore." Bai Wanwan shook her head and leaned into his embrace. "By the way, where’s Aunt Shuang? Is she all settled in?"

Yin Ze nodded. "Chou Rong had someone arrange for her to stay in a vacant house in the tribe for now. He knew you’d want to be close to Aunt Shuang, so he gave orders first thing this morning. He sent the Beastmen to gather stone to build her a new stone house on that empty plot just east of our home. That way, it’ll be easier for you to visit each other."

At his words, a radiant smile bloomed on Bai Wanwan’s face. "He’s so thoughtful. Come on, let’s go see Aunt Shuang."

Yin Ze accompanied her downstairs. The cubs, who had been sternly warned by their Father Beasts yesterday not to disturb their Mother’s rest, were now all gathered. When they saw she was going out, they swarmed her again, clamoring to go along.

And so, Bai Wanwan led her vast procession of cubs toward the stone house where Shuang Hua was temporarily staying.

Shuang Hua had just finished tidying up the house and was about to step outside when she saw Bai Wanwan approaching, flocked by a crowd of little beast cubs of all sizes and colors.

The sight left her stunned for a long moment.

"Wanwan... are these... are all of these your cubs?"

She knew Wanwan was a Holy Female with powerful fertility. On the journey here, Xin Feng had mentioned she’d had two litters, but Shuang Hua had never imagined such a... spectacular sight!

There had to be dozens of them!

And they all looked so well cared for. Every single one had a glossy coat, lively eyes, and a sturdy build.

After the initial shock came an inexpressible sense of joy and relief.

’With so many strong, healthy cubs, Wanwan’s position in the tribe must be secure. In the future, these cubs will surely become the cornerstone of the tribe’s strength.’

An incredibly loving smile instantly filled her face as she hurriedly beckoned them over. "Quick, quick, come inside! Let Granny have a look at you all."

Most of the cubs were lively and unafraid of strangers. After getting a nod from their Mother, they chirped "Granny Shuang" in their high-pitched, jumbled voices and hopped and skipped into the house.

But a few of the little cubs lagging behind seemed hesitant.

It was a pair of Little Phoenixes with brilliant feathers but delicate frames, and a silver-gray wolf cub that looked a little frail.

They seemed a little timid, standing at the door. They wanted to go in but didn’t dare, their big, watery eyes looking to Bai Wanwan for help.

Bai Wanwan’s heart instantly melted.

She walked over and gathered the three shyest little ones into her arms one by one.

The Little Phoenixes’ feathers were incredibly soft, and the little wolf cub’s body was trembling slightly.

She carried them over to the animal-hide mat beside Shuang Hua and sat down, then bent her head to kiss each of their foreheads.

"My little ones, are you hungry? Want a little something to eat?" Her voice was dripping with tenderness.

The sudden intimacy made the three little ones’ cheeks burn, though thankfully, their fur and feathers hid their blushes.

Overwhelmed by the attention, they answered in small voices, "Mother, we’re... we’re not hungry."

"Mama’s good babies." Bai Wanwan lovingly kissed the fluffy little head of one of the Little Phoenixes.

The Little Phoenix who had been kissed by its Mother suddenly lifted its head. Its beautiful phoenix eyes lit up in an instant, as if they had captured the stars.

When the other cubs saw this, they all pushed forward, scrambling for their Mother’s hugs and kisses.

"Mama, I want a kiss, too!"

"Mother, me too! Hugs!"

Since some of the cubs hadn’t always been with her, and because she had been away for quite some time, their terms of address were a little muddled. Some called her "Mama," while others were still accustomed to calling her "Mother."

Bai Wanwan didn’t find it bothersome in the slightest, giving an enthusiastic response to every little head that reached for her.

As for those who didn’t dare to ask and could only watch with longing, she proactively pulled them in for extra pets and kisses.

Shuang Hua’s eyes grew warm as she watched from the side, her heart melting. She couldn’t help but sigh, "Wanwan, you have so many wonderful cubs. Aunt Shuang is truly envious."

Bai Wanwan looked up, her smile both mischievous and sincere. "Aunt Shuang, you’re still young. If you want to, you’ll be able to find a suitable partner and have healthy cubs of your own in no time."

Shuang Hua’s face flushed bright red at her words. "What nonsense," she chided. "I... I haven’t thought about that."

’Even though I’ve decided to let go of my obsession with Jiao Yuan, the thought of immediately accepting another male and starting a new life is still a little scary and overwhelming.’

The stone house filled with the cubs’ cheerful laughter and playful wheedling. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating fine motes of dust in the warm, peaceful air.

Bai Wanwan and Shuang Hua talked about her journey from the Cat Clan Tribe, then moved on to amusing stories about the tribe, all while the cubs played and frolicked nearby.

Yin Ze sat quietly to one side, a faint smile on his lips as he watched the heartwarming scene.

Time flowed by quietly in the warm, relaxed atmosphere.

「Before they knew it, the sun was setting, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange and red.」

The sound of steady footsteps came from outside the stone house.

It was Zhu Xiu and Chou Rong, coming to take her and the cubs home.

Zhu Xiu entered first. His reddish eyes swept across the room, and his gaze softened when he saw Bai Wanwan, her smile warm as she was surrounded by the cubs and the other female.

He spoke in a low voice, "It’s time to go back."

Chou Rong followed behind him, his towering frame nearly blocking the entire doorway.

His gaze immediately found Bai Wanwan. Seeing her rosy complexion and bright eyes, it was clear she had rested well. Only then did he nod slightly in satisfaction.

His gaze then fell on the little cubs clinging to his female. His brow twitched almost imperceptibly. ’Such bothersome little things.’

"Father Beast!" the cubs cried out when they saw them. Some rushed over to them, while others instinctively shrank behind Bai Wanwan.

Bai Wanwan stood with a smile and said to Shuang Hua, "Aunt Shuang, we’ll be heading back now. The stone house will be finished soon, and then you can settle in properly. If you need anything at all, just send someone to find me."

Shuang Hua nodded again and again, walking them to the door. As she watched the large, boisterous family depart, her eyes filled with warmth and hope for the future.

Because of that warmth, this unfamiliar land no longer seemed so daunting.