12: Chapter 12 The Traveling Merchant Arrives

"Thank you so much for saving Xin Feng and bringing him safely back to me. But I can't agree, because I don't want another Beast Husband for now. However, if there's anything you need help with, I will do my utmost to assist you."

Xin Feng's hardened heart seemed to have a tiny crack pried open, her sweet and soft voice pouring into it like a gentle, warm stream.

Qiu Rong stood to the side. The Little Female before him gave him an utterly unfamiliar feeling.

Whether it was her anxious concern for Xin Feng or the words she spoke, she was completely different from the Bai Wanwan who used to cling to him.

Except for him, a wave of disappointment welled up in the hearts of the other Males present.

Such a good Female, yet she couldn't become their mate. Her gentleness and consideration belonged to another Male.

Even the way she rejected them was so gentle and adorable.

Perhaps... if they tried a little harder, they might be as lucky as Xin Feng and become her Beast Husband.

This thought arose in all the Males' hearts, but they hid it deeply, afraid other Males would compete with them.

They scrambled to carry Xin Feng, wishing he had an extra pair of feet or hands.

Xin Feng frowned, but these Males competing with him had just saved his life.

Besides, if Wan Wan needed a Beast Husband, that would be her own choice. He couldn't make any decisions for her.

The Males surrounded Xin Feng, ensuring he didn't suffer the slightest jostle.

"Xin Feng, we grew up together. If I also became Wan Wan's Beast Husband, we could take care of her together in the future. How wonderful!"

"Xin Feng, you're injured and can't hunt. My Talent is high. I can go hunting then, so you and Wan Wan won't go hungry."

"Only you can hunt? I can too! Xin Feng, talk to Wan Wan for me, let me be her Beast Husband too..."

Xin Feng knew he should be grateful to them. They had saved him.

But right now, he didn't want to hear a word they said; he just wanted to shut their mouths.

The Males chattered noisily, carrying Xin Feng and walking ahead.

Only Bai Wanwan and Qiu Rong were left behind.

She couldn't help but glance back. Although he disliked the original owner, he hadn't refused to help just now.

This beastman isn't bad.

But she didn't dare have the audacity to reveal the truth and ask him to be her Beast Husband.

Her life was more important.

Noticing the furtive gaze beside him, Qiu Rong turned his head directly, meeting her eyes.

Bai Wanwan immediately flashed a bright smile. "Thank you for your hard work. I walk slowly; you don't need to accommodate me. You go ahead."

The path was narrow to begin with, and Bai Wanwan felt psychological pressure walking alongside him.

Qiu Rong didn't say another word, but on the way down the mountain, he walked beside her, neither too far nor too close.

Soon, the group of beastmen descended the mountain.

They helped carry Xin Feng back to her cave.

"Thank you, everyone."

After Bai Wanwan thanked all the Males, Qiu Rong stepped past her and walked over to Xin Feng.

"Recover well from your injuries. In the future, if there's a chance, you could go to the Super Tribe. Their Shaman might be able to restore your Talent."

Bai Wanwan was blocked by several Males, but her gaze involuntarily drifted towards Qiu Rong and Xin Feng.

What were those two talking about?

Sensing Bai Wanwan's look, Xin Feng gave her a gentle smile, then said to Qiu Rong, "Thank you. I will strive to recover. The Little Female still needs my care."

Hearing this, Qiu Rong's brow furrowed slightly.

"Mm. Then rest well. I'll take my leave."

When Qiu Rong left, he didn't look at Bai Wanwan again, departing directly.

The other Males were still trying to impress her, some fetching water, several even taking the prey from their waists.

"Wan Wan, Xin Feng is injured and can't hunt. Take these."

Bai Wanwan hurriedly refused. She didn't plan to have these Males as her Beast Husbands, so she couldn't accept their goodwill.

Besides, the food sent by the clan leader and what Xin Feng had saved up were enough to last them one or two months.

One or two months later, if food ran short, the Cubs in her belly should have arrived.

Once she gave birth, the system would give rewards.

Life wouldn't be so difficult then.

"Wan Wan, we can catch these things easily. Please take them!"

Bai Wanwan still shook her head firmly. "Thank you for your kindness, but we still have plenty of meat at home. We really don't need it."

The Males were utterly dejected. She was so gentle with Xin Feng, yet so heartless in rejecting them.

Because they had saved Xin Feng, Bai Wanwan couldn't be too harsh. She just saw them off with a smile, firmly refusing to accept anything.

Under her resolute refusal, the Males left deeply disappointed, looking back every few steps.

Finally, when everyone had left, Bai Wanwan turned and entered the cave.

She felt a headache coming on. This Sacred Female status had brought her some benefits—she could live in the largest, most comfortable stone cave and had the Tribe's support.

But the downside was attracting too many Males. A crowd fawning over her wasn't a happy thing; it just gave her a headache.

She walked over and sat down beside Xin Feng, asking with concern, "Does it hurt where you were bumped? Should I help you to the Shaman's cave and let the Clan Witch examine you?"

"No need. This minor injury is fine."

He answered with a smile, not wanting her to worry.

Bai Wanwan didn't believe him, staring at his pale face. "You're not lying to me, are you? If you're unwell, you should see the Shaman early."

Xin Feng smiled and shook his head. "Such a small injury isn't worth it. Don't worry."

Hearing him say so, Bai Wanwan didn't press further, reaching out to help him lie down.

"Then you rest for a while. I'll go prepare some food for you."

Being cared for so attentively like this was something Xin Feng, who had always lived alone, had never experienced before.

He suddenly felt immensely grateful he had agreed to her proposal back then.

His gaze was extremely gentle. "I've troubled you."

"Then I'll count on you to take care of me when I'm not feeling well too!" Bai Wanwan replied with a laugh, then turned to fetch the meat.

Just as she brought the meat out, she heard a noisy commotion outside.

Changing direction, she walked to the cave entrance to look out.

Her dwelling wasn't in the very center, but the terrain was relatively high, allowing her to see beastmen from other areas all running outward.

What were they running for?

Bai Wanwan muttered to herself, planning to take the food to Xin Feng first and then go ask what was happening.

Then she heard the beastmen cheering.

"The Traveling Merchants have come to our Tribe! Quick, go trade for things!"

"Hurry, hurry!"

"We must go quickly. Maybe we can trade for a pretty coarse linen skirt."

Several Females, arm in arm, walked briskly past a spot about ten meters away from her.

Traveling Merchants?

Bai Wanwan's eyes lit up, overjoyed.

She quickly turned back and called to Xin Feng, "Xin Feng, did you hear that? They said the Traveling Merchants have come."

She hurried over, put the meat down, and looked at him with her round, bright eyes. "You eat first. I'm going to see if they have any flint."

"Wait," Xin Feng reached out and grabbed her. "I'll go with you."

Bai Wanwan shook her head. "You're injured. Don't go join the crowd. I'll be back soon. Be good now!"

With that, she gave him a quick peck on the cheek, turned swiftly, and ran out.