Su Mingyue had long wanted to see Hu Lingye’s private quarters, but until now she had never had the chance.
And what she was most eager to see…
Of course, were Hu Lingye’s three partnersrenowned across the land for their peerless beauty.
“Lingye, I hear you’ve brought back the youngest sister Mother just welcomed into the family?”
Hu Lingye’s residence sat on the highest ground in the entire clan. She loved watching the sunrise and sunset, and preferred quiet, so the elevated location suited her perfectly.
The compound held four rooms, the largest being Hu Lingye’s own chamber.
Waiting there early that morning was Qian Weithe partner described in the novel as the one she favored above all others.
Among beastkind, clothing tended to be simple and revealing; they disliked wearing unnecessary layers. Even someone of Hu Lingye’s status usually wore nothing more than a loose robe. Common folk simply treated cured beast hides as their everyday attire.
Cloth garments were rare and expensive, since the materials were costly and difficult to make. Only those of high standing could afford them.
Yet Qian Wei had always preferred fine cloth, and especially favored the color purple. More than that, his purple robes were unlike any ordinary fabricthey shimmered faintly with threads of gold.
Before Su Mingyue even saw his face, the sight of that radiant, golden-tinged purple gown told her this man must possess a beauty beyond compare.
Indeed, black hair was rare among the Tiger Clan, but Qian Wei had exactly thatpaired with striking golden eyes. His skin was fair and smooth, even paler than Hu Lingye’s, and his posture was tall and graceful, like a noble tree.
Every gaze in the room turned toward him as he entered, yet he seemed not to notice; his golden eyes were fixed entirely on Hu Lingye.
No wonder he was the most beloved of her partners.
With such a bewitching face and bearing, even in her old world he would have been an A-list superstar.
Only…
“Is this the Fourth Young Lady?” Qian Wei asked, his long lashes lowering as he looked down at her.
For no clear reason, Su Mingyue suddenly felt a chill run through her. She tightened her grip on Hu Lingye’s sleeve.
Sensing her unease, Hu Lingye patted her gently on the back. “Don’t be afraid. This is Brother-in-law Qian Wei. He is very kind and gentle.”
But Su Mingyue knew better. Having read the novel, she was far more familiar with his true nature than anyone else in the room.
Elder Sister, he only acts gentle toward you… After your death, he turns into a ruthless, bloodthirsty monster… And his real identity is something else entirely…
“Yes indeed, Fourth Young Lady. You can’t expect Lingye to hold you all day longher arms will tire. Come now, let Brother-in-law take you for a while.”
His voice sounded warm and soothing, like a soft spring breezebut to Su Mingyue’s ears, there was an unmistakable undercurrent of threat.
She stole a quick glance up at his face, only to freeze under the cold, sharp glint in his eyes.
“Come here, let me hold you.”
Qian Wei smiled and reached out his hands.
Hu Lingye smiled back and passed Su Mingyue over…
And Su Mingyue could only go rigid, not daring to move an inch.
So cold.
That was her first thought the moment he touched her. His body was unnaturally, chillingly cold.
She could not help but shiver.
From above, a low, amused chuckle sounded. “Look how happy the Fourth Young Lady isshe’s already learned to shake her fur like one of us tigers…”
Su Mingyue: …
Shake my fur my foot! You’re the one who’s shaking!
Hu Lingye brushed a finger lightly over her cheek, smiling comfortingly. “Little Four, don’t be frightened. Qian Wei is not a bad person. His body runs cool because he was born weak and sickly as a child. And I’m right hereI won’t leave you.”
Truly, she was her goddess!
Standing beside Hu Lingye felt safer than anywhere else.
Su Mingyue felt she had chosen the right idol. She resolved right then: she would stay by Hu Lingye’s side for the rest of this life, protect her well, and never let her die fighting to defend the clan as she did in the story.
With that thought, Su Mingyue clenched her tiny fists, her expression full of determination.
Meanwhile, Qian Wei held the little girl in his armsand felt nothing but disgust.
This creature had appeared out of nowhere, stealing Lingye’s attention away from him and everyone else. And Lingye seemed to adore her already.
If this went on, would Lingye start giving her affection that should belong only to him?
He did not like it. Not one bit.
But he would never let Hu Lingye see his true feelings. After all, he had hidden so many secrets just to stay close to her. Keeping this one more from her was something he was fully confident he could do flawlessly.
“Of course. If Lingye holds you so dear, how could I ever treat you badly? Why, Brother-in-law has already grown quite fond of you, little one…”
The greatest advantage of such breathtaking beauty was that a single smile could capture anyone’s heart.
Su Mingyue had always been a sucker for good looks in her past life, and old habits died hard. She was briefly lost in the radiance of his face before snapping herself back to reality.
No! Do not be fooled by appearances!
After all, his true nature was far from what it seemed…
“Qian Wei,” Hu Lingye said, “I’ve spoken to Mother about it. Little Four will stay in my quarters tonight and sleep in my room.”
The moment the words left her mouth, Su Mingyue felt a sharp jab to her lower back. She almost cried out in painuntil a cold, piercing glare from above silenced her instantly.
Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to keep her face calm and composed.
“Is that so?”
Qian Wei was still smiling, but the pressure of his fingers did not ease in the slightest.
“Then… I shall join you and the Fourth Young Lady as well. You sleep so deeply at night; if you shift into your beast form in your sleep, you might accidentally roll over and crush her. She is so tiny, after allunlike me, she wouldn’t survive it.”
He spoke in a calm, reasonable tone. Hu Lingye’s cheeks flushed bright red, and she punched him lightly in the arm. “What nonsense! I don’t shift into my beast form every single night!”
Qian Wei caught her fist and pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles. “But you’ve been feeling more restless lately, haven’t you? You tend to shift when you get excited… and besides… isn’t your mating season just around these days?”
The mighty, imposing Hu Lingye, who commanded respect across the entire clan, now found herself too flustered to say another word.
Satisfied, Qian Wei’s lips curved into a smile, and his cold gaze fell back down to Su Mingyue.
“You see? Someone has to look after you both. Don’t worryI’ll make Little Four a nice, soft little nest so she can sleep soundly all night.”
Su Mingyue: …
Elder Sister, is it too late for me to say no now? I really don’t want to be the third wheel in your bed tonight!