Bai Ning walked forward cautiously, terrified of stepping on something unspeakable.
Once she crouched down, she looked at the large leaves in her hand with an expression of pure awkwardness. She tossed them aside and used the System Mall to exchange for a roll of toilet paper, a trash can, and several rolls of garbage bags.
After taking care of her business, she stored the trash can back into her spatial storage. She planned to find a place to dispose of the evidence and “make it disappear” whenever she had the chance later.
Bai Ning stood up and quickly straightened her beast-skin skirt. Grabbing her crutch, she took a few quick steps toward the exit before slowing down to a “proper” hobble as she emerged. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to keep up the act of being injured—it was just that the smell inside was too unbearable to linger.
Beichuan had heard footsteps and assumed another female was inside. When he saw Bai Ning come out, he immediately hurried over to support her.
“How are you? Any discomfort?”
Bai Ning shook her head. “I’m fine. Let’s head back quickly!”
Rule number one: Never chat at the entrance of a toilet!
…
After being carried all the way back, Bai Ning asked Beichuan to set her down on the large rock she had occupied yesterday.
She couldn’t wait to ask Beichuan for water. She poured it over her feet and rubbed them vigorously against the wild grass until she finally felt clean enough to be comfortable. Then came washing her hands and face…
Just as she was about to ask Beichuan if there was anything to clean her teeth with, he reached out his hand.
“Bai Ning, this is a Clean-Fruit. Put it in your mouth and chew; it cleans your teeth. Just spit it out when you’re done.”
Beichuan had only remembered this because he saw her washing her face. Since the little female was so fastidious about cleanliness, he knew she would love the Clean-Fruit.
Sure enough, Bai Ning’s eyes lit up. She happily took the fruit, gave it a quick look, thanked him, and popped it into her mouth.
With a light bite, a cooling sensation instantly spread through her mouth—icy, refreshing, with a faint woody fragrance and a hint of sweetness upon closer tasting.
Bai Ning chewed for a long time before spitting out the remains. She took the water Beichuan offered to rinse her mouth, feeling much more refreshed.
Her mind began to whirl again. This Clean-Fruit was a must-have for traveling! If she ever left the tribe, she would definitely need to bring a stash of these.
“Beichuan, where do these Clean-Fruits grow? Is it far?”
“Not far, just by the river. There are plenty there,” Beichuan pointed toward a nearby stream and answered with a smile. “But you can only chew two a day at most. If you chew too many, your teeth won’t be able to handle it.”
Bai Ning looked in the direction he pointed, but all she could see was a sea of green.
It’s close, but I can’t see them clearly from here. I’ll have to find a chance to pick some and stock them in my space.
Beichuan went into the cave and brought out the roasted meat, placing it by Bai Ning’s hand.
“Eat the meat first! It won’t taste good once it’s cold.”
Bai Ning looked at the bowl and gave him a polite smile. “Okay, thank you. Have you eaten yet?”
“I’ve eaten. Go ahead and eat!” Beichuan felt a warm current flow through his heart. The little female is concerned about me!
While Bai Ning ate, Beichuan began moving things into the cave. Bai Ning watched him haul in wooden boards and poles, confused about what he was doing.
“Beichuan, what are those for?”
Beichuan stopped in his tracks, turned back, and grinned at her. “The cave is too empty. I’m building some shelves so it’s more convenient for you to put your things away.”
“Uh… you don’t have to go to all that trouble. I’m fine as long as I have a place to sleep.”
“That won’t do. This is simple work. I never thought a female would live in my cave, so I didn’t prepare anything. Now that you’re here, I have to make sure you’re comfortable. Otherwise, the Clan Leader and the others would never let me hear the end of it.”
With that, he hugged the boards and marched back into the cave.
Bai Ning shrugged helplessly. Fine, if he wanted to do it, let him. Since it looked like she’d be living here until her injuries healed, making the place more comfortable wasn’t a bad idea. She continued eating her meat while gazing at the scenery.
“Luoxia, hurry up!” “Coming, coming! Stop rushing me!”
Two unfamiliar, crisp voices drifted over. Curiously, Bai Ning turned her head. Two female beastmen wearing beast-skin skirts with hair reaching their waists were walking toward her.
The two females clearly didn’t expect to see Bai Ning there and paused. One of them, who looked quite sweet, offered a friendly smile.
“You must be the female Beichuan rescued! I’m Luoxia, and she is Muye.”
Muye tilted her chin up slightly and remained silent.
Bai Ning wasn’t surprised they knew who she was. She nodded to them. “Hello. I’m Bai Ning.”
“Eh? I thought you couldn’t speak?” Luoxia looked Bai Ning over curiously. Didn’t Hongye say yesterday that the little female was a mute?
“My throat was just uncomfortable yesterday. It’s better today,” Bai Ning offered a casual excuse.
“Oh, I see!”
Just as Luoxia was about to say more, Beichuan—hearing the commotion—emerged from the cave.
Bai Ning watched as Muye, who had been maintaining a cold and aloof expression, suddenly had her eyes light up. A smile instantly tugged at the corners of her mouth.
Tsk. Looks like Beichuan’s got a secret admirer, Bai Ning thought. She’s probably heard I’m living in his cave and gotten anxious!
“Beichuan…” Muye whispered, her eyes sparkling as she stepped forward.
Beichuan remained expressionless. He gave a curt “Mm” and walked straight past her to Bai Ning’s side. Seeing the leftover meat in her bowl, his brow furrowed slightly.
He crouched beside Bai Ning and asked softly, “Why aren’t you eating more?”
Seeing Beichuan treat her so coldly while being so tender toward the outsider female, Muye’s face fell instantly. Her eyes turned red with grievance.
Luoxia walked to Muye’s side and gently took her hand. She had told Muye not to come—Beichuan didn’t like her, so coming was pointless—but Muye hadn’t believed her and insisted on seeing what the “little female” looked like.
Luoxia hadn’t expected the newcomer to be so beautiful and delicate. She looked back at Muye and sighed inwardly. Better just take her back and try to comfort her later.
Bai Ning looked at Beichuan, then at Muye. She knew exactly what was happening: “unrequited love.” But it had nothing to do with her.
Bai Ning smiled. “It’s too much. I can’t finish it.”
“Then let me wash some fruit for you,” Beichuan said. “I just picked some this morning.”
“Okay.”
Beichuan picked up the stone bowl and walked quickly toward the side-cave. As he passed Muye, he didn’t give her so much as a single glance. His father had told him: Stay far away from females you don’t like. He figured his father was absolutely right.