88: Chapter 88 Lots of Shells, Fu Ning Gets Beaten Up

Aqi naturally agreed and nodded readily.

Xing Jiu, who was standing by, felt a bit ashamed; he was actually not as good as his younger brother at pleasing females. He was too clumsy.

But... was he really supposed to learn from a Little Cub like Xing Jiu?

He didn't think it was a good idea; Aqi would definitely mock him.

Sang Qing handed the emerald to Xuan Xiao and packed some pills for them, not forgetting to give them some instructions. "Xing Jiu, where did you find this stone? I like it very much. If you find more stones like this in the future, you can bring them to trade with me for items."

It would be even better if there were more emeralds like this.

Xing Jiu nodded and said with a smile, "Alright, if I find any, I'll definitely come to you first."

Does she like this kind of stone that much? Then he'll have to go back and search thoroughly.

After seeing Aqi and the others off, Sang Qing held the emerald and examined it carefully.

Such a heavy emerald—if she wore it around her neck, it would probably snap her neck.

Qing Qing likes green stones, Xuan Xiao secretly noted down another of her preferences.

Around the same time as yesterday, Sang Qing's pills were sold out. After tidying up the small table, she took Xuan Xiao to find Ers again.

She wondered if Zhou Wanwan had sent her a message; she had to go check.

Given Zhou Wanwan's personality, she would definitely be unable to resist trading things with her.

Sure enough, when Sang Qing asked, Ers took out a slip of paper covered in writing and handed it to her, along with a few shell crystals.

After thanking Ers, Sang Qing left with the slip of paper.

She read the words on the paper as she walked. Seeing this, Xuan Xiao wrapped his arm around her waist, afraid she might trip.

"Pots and pans, spoons, spatulas, kitchen knives, rice, dresses, diapers, underwear, panties... Instant noodles?? ...Ham sausages, toothpaste, toothbrushes, facial cleanser, skincare products..." Nearly a hundred large, crooked characters were written on the paper. As Sang Qing read through them, she realized the list of needed items was quite extensive.

However, daily necessities weren't expensive. Two or three shell crystals would cover everything. Since it was her first time buying items for her, she would just charge her at cost.

In that case, she would have to find time to deliver them soon.

Returning to the Tribe, Sang Qing began preparing the items Zhou Wanwan needed according to the list, while Xuan Xiao went out to hunt.

"Sister, Sister~"

Hearing the familiar voice, Sang Qing hurried out of the house and saw Fia standing at the door with a sweet smile.

"Oh! Come in quickly."

How did this girl find the time to come see her?

Fia bounced into the room, carrying an exquisite animal skin bag. Her complexion was incredibly rosy, and her clear, sparkling fox eyes held a hint of charm. Her entire being radiated happiness as she spoke cheerfully to Sang Qing, "Sister, are you busy?"

"I'm alright, not too busy." Sang Qing brought over some fresh fruit and handed it to her, then glanced at her with a subtle look. "Is something the matter?"

Tsk tsk tsk, this little girl has filled out a lot lately.

It's only been a few days—don't tell me they're going to feed her into a big fat fox.

Fia nodded and then shook her head, giggling as she handed over the animal skin bag. "Sister, this is for you!"

What?

It was quite heavy. Sang Qing took it and looked inside; it was filled to the brim with shimmering shell crystals, even more than what Xuan Xiao had given her initially.

There must be four or five hundred of them. It was too many.

"Where did these come from?" Sang Qing looked at Fia nervously, her expression turning slightly solemn.

Fia usually only had a few shell crystals at most; where did she get all these?

Fia didn't notice Sang Qing's change in expression and explained in a soft, sweet voice.

"They were all given to me by my mates. Sister, didn't you need shell crystals? I told them that if they wanted to undergo Pair Bonding with me, they had to contribute all their shell crystals to me, and then I could give you lots of shell crystals, Sister."

Hehe!

Fia looked at Sang Qing obediently, appearing like she was waiting to be praised.

Compared to her previously thin and weak appearance when she was starving and frightened in the forest, she had now grown to be exceptionally beautiful. Her palm-sized face was fair and pink, her features were delicate and lively, and especially those watery fox eyes—if she stared at someone earnestly, those clear, flawless eyes like glass could surely soften anyone's heart.

Sang Qing didn't know whether to laugh or cry and hurriedly tried to return the shell crystals. "Fia, you little dummy, who told you to do that? Take the shell crystals back quickly."

However, seeing that her mates were willing to accommodate her like this, Sang Qing felt much more relieved.

Fia tilted her head, pouting slightly, and scratched her chin in confusion. "Why? You don't like them, Sister? I said I could support you too, Sister."

Her mates would continue to earn shell crystals for her, and she would bring them all to her sister when the time came.

But why was her sister unhappy?

Sang Qing felt both amused and touched as she stroked Fia's smooth little face. "Your shell crystals are yours; how can you just give them to me?"

She had probably given away her entire fortune.

If her mates found out, there's no telling what misunderstandings might occur.

Besides, she wasn't that short on shell crystals anymore.

"Sister, my shell crystals are your shell crystals.

You saved me, brought me back to the Tribe, looked after me, taught me skills, and... I have nothing else to thank you with, so I can only use shell crystals to show my gratitude. Sister, please accept them." Fia held Sang Qing's hand, her lovely red lips pouting slightly as she stared at her pitifully.

She knew that she could live so well now all because of her sister's help; she had to thank her properly.

How could she be exactly like Aqi when it came to acting spoiled? Sang Qing's heart softened completely. She helplessly took Fia's hand and spoke earnestly.

"I saved you back then because you bravely stood before me to ask for help; I don't need your gratitude.

Besides, haven't you been helping me with work in the Wildcat Tribe all this time? That's enough.

These shell crystals are gifts from your mates. You'll have uses for them in the future; you can't just give them to me, do you understand?"

She was a good beast who knew how to repay kindness; Sang Qing was already very happy.

Fia shook her head and stubbornly handed the shell crystals to her, saying righteously, "No, Sister. My mates are all very strong; they can keep earning shell crystals for me."

Sang Qing was stunned; this beast... her logical thinking was quite something.

She turned to look at the shell crystals on the table and, as if thinking of something, took Fia's small hand. "How about this, Fia? Listen to me. Help me with something, and we'll earn even more shell crystals together, okay?"

...Fia left happily, holding the whitening pills, Fragrance Pills, Body Shaping Pills, and other medicines Sang Qing had given her, waiting for her to arrange the next steps.

Sang Qing quickly prepared everything Zhou Wanwan needed, then took out a pen and notebook to discuss things with the system.

[Host, you're planning to open a shop?]

Oho, the Host is being proactive again and again.

It liked that.

"That's right, is there a problem?" She would only sell items that beastmen needed and wouldn't sell thermal weapons or anything like that, so it should be fine, right?

[Of course there's no problem.]

It was very supportive.

"That's good. Come, let's discuss the details of the shop."

She planned to open a shop in the Jinshi Tribe and have Fia help her manage it. When Xuan Xiao returned, she would ask him. If it was possible, she would take action immediately.

The shop would need to be a bit large, with a warehouse and a cold storage. She might as well make it two stories, with the second floor for Fia and the others to live in; that would be more convenient.

Hiss, what if she set one up in the Wildcat Tribe too?

And the Black Tiger Tribe where Zhou Wanwan was. Yes, that's a good idea. When she goes to the Black Tiger Tribe, she can discuss it with Zhou Wanwan.

She probably wouldn't refuse.

Sang Qing lay on the bed writing and drawing, and before long, her eyelids began to feel heavy.

Outside, the sun was scorching. The grass on the ground could hardly bear it, squeezing out the moisture from their bodies until they were shriveled and their leaves turned yellow... Sang Qing was startled awake by the sound of an argument. Hearing several familiar voices outside, she frowned slightly and sat up, her body still feeling a bit weak.

"What right do you have to stop me from taking Qing Qing away? I am also Qing Qing's mate, and I must take her with me today." Unlike the low-key and reserved manner he showed in front of Sang Qing, Fu Ning was now fierce and aggressive. His eyebrows were raised, and his sharp gaze carried a heavy sense of pressure. Although his skin was fair, his solid muscles were very powerful, and the veins on the back of his hands stood out.

He stood opposite Xuan Xiao, his jaw clenched as he growled in anger.

"I said, when the next sun cycle begins, I will let Qing Qing go to find you." Xuan Xiao's thin lips were pressed tight as he looked at him with some irritation.

He had only been paired with Qing Qing for a few days; how could he possibly bear to let her leave?

But this beast was so stubborn and had no intention of negotiating.

"Also, keep your voice down. Qing Qing is still resting; don't disturb her. If you have something to say, let's go further away."

But this sun cycle had only just begun; how dared he monopolize Qing Qing for an entire cycle?

Provocation, blatant provocation.

Fu Ning's chest heaved with anger. He felt that Xuan Xiao was bullying them. He clenched his fists and stared at him fiercely; as long as they didn't use their Beast Forms, he could also go toe-to-toe with Xuan Xiao.

With that thought, he swung his fist and smashed it toward Xuan Xiao. "I don't agree with you at all, you disgusting Snake Beast!"

If he wanted to monopolize Qing Qing, he'd have to get through his fists first.

Chi Yu couldn't pull him back in time, but he also didn't seem to really want to stop Fu Ning's actions; after all, he also needed Qing Qing's company.

This Snake Beast was too much, actually wanting to monopolize Qing Qing for an entire sun cycle alone.

Chi Yu only gave a token pull and then watched as Fu Ning and Xuan Xiao became entangled.

Xuan Xiao also grew angry and had no intention of being polite to Fu Ning.

He respected Qing Qing's other mates, but that didn't mean he would back down.

In the back-and-forth, bits of grass flew around the two beasts. From time to time, they landed a blow on each other, and the aura of both sides became violent.

The two beasts were evenly matched in strength and refused to yield; the patch of grass in front of the door was instantly decimated.

Sang Qing walked out of the house and saw this scene. Her brow furrowed instantly, and her expression changed.

"Xuan Xiao, Fu Ning, what are you doing?"

When did they arrive?

She gave a low cry and strode forward, attempting to separate the two beasts in the midst of their brawl, her voice turning several degrees colder.

"Stop it!"

Fu Ning didn't heed the warning and continued his attack on Xuan Xiao. Xuan Xiao's eyes flickered, and he took the punch head-on, causing blood to instantly seep from the corner of his mouth.

"Hiss..." Xuan Xiao groaned and retreated two steps in pain.

Fu Ning smiled triumphantly, wanting to follow up and vent some more of his anger.

Sang Qing grabbed Fu Ning's arm, trying to stop him, but she was pushed away by him, stumbling and nearly falling to the ground.

Xuan Xiao and Chi Yu's pupils constricted at the same time, but Xuan Xiao was a step faster, rushing to her side to catch her in time, though he took another punch from Fu Ning to his back as a result.

"Ugh..."

Sang Qing was shielded in Xuan Xiao's arms. The muffled sound reached her ears, and her body trembled along with it. She looked up to see Xuan Xiao enduring the pain.

That punch was not light.

"Fu Ning!" Once Sang Qing stood firm, she looked at Fu Ning behind her and raised her hand to slap him across the face. "Are you deaf? I told you to stop!"

What was he doing? How had Xuan Xiao offended him?

After the crisp sound, the air instantly fell silent.

Fu Ning's face stung. Sang Qing's strength was not small, directly turning his face to the side.

Fu Ning was stunned, his triumphant smile freezing on his face.

He was startled, and out of the corner of his eye, he suddenly glimpsed Chi Yu standing by and watching. His heart skipped a beat.

Oh no, it was clearly Chi Yu who suggested they come to the Jinshi Tribe to find Qing Qing, and it was also him who egged him on to take Qing Qing away. Why didn't he join in when the fight started?

Fu Ning, whose head had been clouded by anger, felt his blood turn cold.

"Qing Qing, I..." What should he say?

Fu Ning felt his legs go weak, and his eyes instantly turned red.

He didn't mean it.

"It's Chi Yu, it's all Chi Yu who told me to..."

"Shut up!" Sang Qing was very angry, rebuking him coldly with a look of indifference.

Chi Yu stepped forward, supportively holding Sang Qing with concern. He looked at her feet and asked caringly, "Qing Qing, are you alright?"

Oh no, I've played with fire.

"I'm sorry, Qing Qing, I didn't mean to push you. I didn't notice it was you. I'm sorry." Fu Ning felt extremely bitter. He covered his face and looked at Sang Qing with sadness and self-reproach.

He was just too angry and thought the beast pulling him was Chi Yu, so he pushed.

He really didn't mean it.

He had almost caused Qing Qing to get hurt again; he felt so guilty.

"You should apologize to Xuan Xiao, not me." Sang Qing took a deep breath, clearly very angry, her gaze changing.

She had finally seen through Fu Ning's character.

Fu Ning pursed his lips, glanced at Xuan Xiao, and spoke awkwardly, "You can hit me, I'm thick-skinned, but there's no way I'm apologizing to him."

If he apologized to Xuan Xiao, he would be beneath him from now on.

No way.

"You..." Sang Qing stared at him in disbelief, raising her hand to slap him again, but for some reason, she felt dizzy.

She must have been too angry.

"Qing Qing!!!!" A second before she fainted, she heard three panicked screams.

A warm current flowed through her body. Lying on the bed, Sang Qing's fingers moved. Her groggy mind gradually cleared, and her eyelashes fluttered.

Xuan Xiao quickly sat down and grabbed her hand, his face full of tension and fear. "Qing Qing."

He was wrong; he would never argue with Qing Qing's mates again and make her sad.

Her fainting spell had almost scared him to death.

Chi Yu also withdrew his Witch Power, pursing his somewhat pale lips. A flash of unexpected surprise and excitement crossed his eyes.

As for Fu Ning, he was kneeling by the bed, head hanging low, waiting for a lecture.

Her chest still felt a bit tight. Sang Qing slowly opened her eyes and met two faces filled with concern and worry.

"Qing Qing!" She's awake, she's awake.

Chi Yu let out a huge sigh of relief.

Fu Ning scrambled up, but just as he was about to speak, Chi Yu kicked him back into a kneeling position.

If it weren't for him, how could Qing Qing have suddenly fainted?

Let Qing Qing deal with him.

"I..." Sang Qing's gaze was dazed. She held her forehead and frowned as Xuan Xiao helped her up. "What happened to me?"

Why was she in bed?

Xuan Xiao felt ashamed, his presence weakening. "Qing Qing, you fainted just now."

How could that be? Her health was so good.

It was fine not to mention it, but once mentioned, Sang Qing felt her head spinning.

Seeing this, Chi Yu instinctively grabbed her hand, incredibly nervous and a bit fearful. "What's wrong? Qing Qing, do you still feel unwell?"

If he had known Qing Qing was pregnant with a cub, he definitely wouldn't have let Fu Ning mess around.

He was also responsible; he shouldn't have let jealousy get the better of him.

He wondered if Qing Qing's anger had affected her body.

"I'm okay, it's nothing." Sang Qing shook her head and let out a breath, feeling her throat dry. "I want some water."

Xuan Xiao nodded, handed her over to Chi Yu, and hurried to the kitchen to pour her a cup of hot water.

After Sang Qing had a few sips and her complexion improved slightly, Xuan Xiao's heart remained tense.

He looked at Chi Yu with a worried expression. "What's wrong with Qing Qing? Why would she faint for no reason?"

She was fine before.

It couldn't be that she fainted just from seeing him and Fu Ning argue, right? Qing Qing wasn't that narrow-minded.

Chi Yu couldn't help but laugh happily, genuine joy spreading across his face as he announced loudly, "Qing Qing, you're pregnant with a cub!"

"Really?" Fu Ning, who was still blaming himself, suddenly looked up upon hearing Chi Yu's words, his face full of amazement and shock.

He didn't hear wrong, did he?

Sang Qing had a look of utter confusion. She looked at Chi Yu strangely and denied it, "You're the one pregnant with a cub. I haven't seen you for a few days, has something gone wrong with your Witchcraft?"

How could she be pregnant with a cub? No, no, no, absolutely impossible.

Xuan Xiao's hand tightened. For a moment, he didn't know whether to be happy or unhappy; it just felt a bit strange.

"It's true, Qing Qing. There's already a Little Cub in your belly, and it's already been over twenty suns."

His Witchcraft was quite powerful; he wouldn't misdiagnose it.

Calculating the time, it must be his cub.

Chi Yu nodded vigorously, his hands trembling, unable to hide the joy on his face.

Fu Ning was overjoyed. Ignoring his punishment of kneeling, he hurriedly leaned in front of Sang Qing and said excitedly, "It must be the cub of me and Qing Qing."

Ahhhh, beast god, this surprise is too big; he's about to cry.

Wait, he's already crying.

It was as if fireworks were exploding in Chi Yu's mind. He couldn't describe the feeling, but his whole body was trembling with unspeakable joy and shock.

He didn't expect Qing Qing to be pregnant, and for a moment, he couldn't be bothered to argue with Fu Ning.

Xuan Xiao's grip on Sang Qing tightened, his eyes showing a hint of confusion. Especially after hearing Chi Yu mention the duration of her pregnancy, his heart felt like a spice rack had been knocked over, with all sorts of emotions surging up.

Upon learning she really had a cub, Sang Qing's eyes rolled back, and she fainted again.

"Ah, Qing Qing?" With the joyful smile still on his face, Chi Yu was scared out of his wits by her fainting again... He couldn't accept it, couldn't accept it at all.

Sitting at the corner of the bed with hollow eyes, Sang Qing propped up her head, completely unable to hear what the beasts in front of her were saying.

Seeing this, Chi Yu was worried sick, pacing back and forth in the room.

Fu Ning, who was still kneeling, was crying and laughing at the same time, unsure if he wanted to cry or laugh. The animal skin in his hand was about to be shredded by his grip.

Xuan Xiao walked into the room carrying fragrant food. When he saw Sang Qing still spacing out, he felt terrible.

Chi Yu wanted to take the food from him, but Xuan Xiao dodged him and gave him a cold look. "Maybe you two should leave first. I don't think Qing Qing wants to see you right now."

"We're not leaving," Fu Ning and Chi Yu immediately retorted in unison.

There was no way they were leaving Qing Qing's side now.

This beast had bad intentions.

"All of you leave, get out. I don't want to see any of you." Sang Qing suddenly spoke, her small face cold and expressionless as she turned to look at them.

Ah!

The three beasts were all startled.

Even when Xuan Xiao tried to give her food, Sang Qing refused.

After driving them away, Sang Qing sighed and slumped onto the bed, losing all will to live.

Ahhhh!!

Clutching her head in frustration, Sang Qing really didn't know what to say. She wasn't exactly happy, but she wasn't exactly sad either.

She should have thought of it sooner. Her waist had thickened, her appetite had grown, and her tastes had changed—these were all signs of pregnancy. She had never been pregnant before, so she had completely ignored these hints.

But a Veterinarian is still a doctor; she shouldn't have ignored these reactions.

That wasn't the point. Sang Qing covered her face and wailed in her heart.

She didn't want to have children; she really never thought she would get pregnant.

If she had known, she would have taken precautions when mating with them.

But now that the child was in her belly, she couldn't just not want it.

Annoying, annoying, so annoying.

It was all her fault for being careless. After taking the marrow cleansing pill, she should have gone to find the Shaman to re-test her fertility value, but it was too late for regrets.

The cub was already in her belly.

Slapping the stone bed hard several times, Sang Qing felt extremely stifled.

In her previous life, because of her parents' miserable marriage and the various emotional disputes around her, she had never considered marriage, let alone having children.

But the situation was different now. Her mates couldn't possibly cheat or betray her. Having a cub would be nothing more than icing on the cake, nothing major.

But she was annoyed! She didn't want to be a Mother, didn't want to raise a child, and didn't want to hear a child wailing.

What a headache!

Especially since she had only just reached adulthood and hadn't enjoyed her carefree life for long before this cub arrived.

It was purely here to ruin her mood.

Hearing the noise, three heads quietly peeked into the room to observe, each feeling very worried.

Just as Fu Ning was about to speak, Chi Yu quickly covered his big mouth.

Don't make Qing Qing unhappy; let her vent, and she'll be fine.

Outside, Xuan Xiao glanced at the two beasts in front of him, glared at them with dissatisfaction, and went back to the kitchen to make food for Sang Qing again.

It was all their fault. Why did they have to come to the Tribe for no reason and make Qing Qing angry?

"Cry, cry, cry, you still have the face to cry. Quickly think of a way to make Qing Qing happy." Chi Yu lowered his voice, dragging Fu Ning aside. He looked back at the room, arms crossed and brows furrowed.

After Qing Qing found out she was pregnant, she wasn't happy at all. This meant she didn't like having cubs.

Whether this cub was his or Fu Ning's, not receiving their Mother's love would be a very tragic thing.