12: I feel a little sorry; I'm destined to let you down.

Li left.

Tu Nan sat quietly on the bed, motionless.

Was it always this quiet here?

The cave door wasn't very soundproof; the sounds of the busy crowd outside always managed to penetrate the door panels and reach the room, whether it was day or night.

But at this moment, those sounds receded from her ears like a tide.

The argument they just had echoed clearly in her mind.

Tu Nan once read a sentence in a book—the first sign of true love is timidity in a boy and boldness in a girl.

She had merely improvised a performance, yet Li had actually become timid.

True love... The corners of her mouth curled up.

It was obvious that Li, a rough man, was unfamiliar with such emotions; his helplessness was too apparent.

However, this small victory did not make Tu Nan happy.

Most of what she said just now was actually from the heart, including not caring about the Soft Armor and being unwilling to take risks.

She could feel that this operation was definitely not as simple as Gray described, and Li clearly knew it too.

She also... desperately wanted Li to 'use' her, though her purpose was worlds apart from what Li imagined.

Her time was limited. If something happened to Li during this operation, what would her next move be? Where would she find another qualified target to extend her life?

The 1% Gray?

In his dreams.

Li's heartbeat had become a double-edged sword.

If he didn't return, the effort Tu Nan put into him would be a total loss; but if he could return, Li's feelings for her would surely undergo a qualitative change.

Tu Nan felt a rare sense of bewilderment.

In this matter, there was actually nothing left for her to work on. Her fate would be completely handed over to another person, and all she could do was wait... She hated passive waiting.

She hated things spiraling out of control even more.

***

Tu Nan mechanically calculated the valuable items she could pack and the food and water she would need to prepare if she left this settlement.

The route back to Sand City was not a problem; she had memorized the entire way they came.

There were also fake ears in the wardrobe.

A few days ago, she had mentioned enviously that other Female Beasts had beautiful ears, while she had been discriminated against since childhood in the Nursery for not having any.

The next day, Li brought back that set of ear covers and tail-decorated clothes. Although Tu Nan estimated this was a set of clothes with a very suspicious purpose, she still pretended to be moved to tears when she accepted them.

As long as she could sneak into Sand City, she would definitely be able to survive.

Yes, she could always find another opportunity, another person. Tu Nan thought coldly, yet she still felt listless and couldn't muster the interest to pack her things.

"Squeak."

The door was pushed open, and Tu Nan looked up blankly.

It was actually Li?

He was back? Was he not going?

Li was originally flustered and didn't know what to say to Tu Nan. But as soon as he pushed open the door, he found Tu Nan exactly where he had left her on the bed. Half a day had passed, yet she hadn't moved a muscle, just sitting there in a daze.

He glanced at the stove; she hadn't eaten either?

Li irritably pinched her face and questioned, "Why haven't you eaten?"

Tu Nan pursed her lips, looking like she was about to cry.

Li realized his grip was too strong and let go; the Female Beast's cheek had indeed been pinched red.

He frowned in annoyance, pulled something out of the bag, grabbed Tu Nan's hand, and buckled it onto her wrist.

"A Terminal, for you." Li turned on the Terminal and gestured for her to look.

"I went to the black market to find one. Time was tight, but this one is okay. It's enough for use on a Border Star like Sand City."

"I had them compile a set of data. You're a Cat Beast. I set your appearance as black hair and green eyes; remember that. I've already transferred 20,000 Karu into it for you. If you're frugal, it can last three months."

"Lord Li..."

What do you mean? Is it what I think?

Tu Nan wanted to ask, but the words were stuck in her throat.

"What 'Lord'." Li glared at her, annoyed.

The two were silent for a long while before Li continued to instruct her.

"Wear long sleeves; don't let anyone see this here. Foster Mothers don't have independent identities." He rubbed Tu Nan's wrist, lowered her hand, and fished something else out of the bag.

"Apply this." He gestured for Tu Nan to brush her long hair to one side.

Something cool like water covered the back of her neck. She wanted to reach out and touch it, but Li slapped her hand away.

"Wait for it to dry. It's medical-grade Synthetic Skin; one piece lasts for a month. Here."

He stuffed the remaining two small packets into Tu Nan's hands. "Keep these safe yourself."

These small, light packets felt heavy as they landed in her palm.

For the first time, out of sincerity, she wanted to look into the depths of this beastman's eyes... Unfortunately, Li had already turned his gaze away.

"I'm leaving." Li simply patted the top of her head. This big man spoke to her in a tone of tenderness he had never used before: "If, I mean... in case I don't come back."

"Then don't stay here. Go to Sand City, find a slum, and live on your own."

"Surviving isn't actually that hard." He gave a short laugh.

"Don't let anyone know you're a Foster Mother... Those ears are cat ears; they suit you perfectly."

So it really was as she thought. Li was arranging her "escape route"—he never considered a way out for himself and never looked forward to tomorrow, but he had thought of it for her.

All of this was even better than what she had planned. Li had personally placed the power of choice into her hands, but instead, a ripple of emotion rose in her heart.

Li's "timidity" was in a form she had never imagined.

She would rather face a pure buyer than face a Li like this.

She was destined to let all of this down.

Tu Nan rubbed slightly against his palm. Li felt it and revealed a gentle smile. But it was almost seven o'clock; he had to leave now.

The sound of the door closing echoed in Tu Nan's heart.

She suddenly jumped off the bed, threw on her clothes, rushed out the door, and ran breathlessly to the bottom floor.

By the River Valley, Li's back was tall and conspicuous in the crowd.

She lunged forward like a gust of wind.

"Li!"

Tu Nan rushed forward with astonishing momentum. The crowd, not knowing what was happening, made way for her one after another.

She jumped up and threw her arms around Li, hanging from his neck like a delicate cat.

She whispered into Li's ear, her lips pressing against his skin.

"You must come back. I will wait for you." Her legs tightly entwined his waist as she threatened him fiercely.

Regardless of what the future held, at least for now, she hoped this beastman would return safely.

"If you're not here, who else will prepare meat porridge and pulu fruit for me?"

Tu Nan leaned her upper body back, caressing his face to entice him, seeking his promise. "I am your Foster Mother. I can't live without you."

"You know that, right?"

Li's Adam's apple bobbed up and down, and the hand protecting her lower back felt burning hot.

But before he could nod, a woman's voice sounded in surprise beside them.

"Oh, so you're a Foster Mother... That day, I only thought you were a Female Beast with a poor Physique."

Fiona looked at Tu Nan hanging on Li and gave an unceremonious command.

"Stop wasting time. Is my Soft Armor meant for you? What a waste."

She turned to ask Li, "How much for this Foster Mother? Why don't I pay to buy her and give her to my brother? That way you won't need the Soft Armor anymore and can just pick a handy weapon."

Tu Nan's eyes instantly turned cold.

What, so eager to pop up and look for trouble?