Beichuan did not miss the flash of disgust in Bai Ning’s eyes. He opened his mouth, but his throat felt as if it were stuffed with cotton. It took a long moment before he could squeeze out a few words: “I… I didn’t do it on purpose. I wasn’t paying attention… Bai Ning, I—I was just afraid you’d hate me. I wouldn’t intentionally hurt myself…”
Sunlight filtered down onto his trembling eyelashes, and the tip of his nose was red. The usually majestic warrior of the beast tribe now looked like a wounded cub.
He had messed up again… She was drifting even further away…
Looking at his reddened eyes, the inexplicable fire in Bai Ning’s heart suddenly dissipated by half, and her mind cleared.
What am I doing? This is the Beast World, not the Apocalypse! I’m living in this person’s cave, yet here I am losing my temper at him. Is there something wrong with my head?
Bai Ning felt like she was losing it. If this had been her past self, seeing a handsome guy injured and looking at her so pitifully would have made her heart ache with a desperate urge to comfort him. But the current her only wondered if he was playing some sort of game—if he was trying to scheme something out of her.
Then she realized: in everyone else’s eyes, she was just a “cripple.” She had nothing to offer. So why was he being so good to her?
Bai Ning looked at Beichuan, and Beichuan looked back. Seeing her own reflection in his eyes, a strange sensation flickered through her heart, but she brushed it aside immediately.
“I don’t hate you, and I’m not angry. I only snapped because I thought of some unpleasant things from my past. It’s not your fault; I should be the one apologizing to you. Beichuan, you don’t need to walk on eggshells around me.”
“Bai Ning, I…” Beichuan started, but she cut him off.
“Listen to me first.” Beichuan shut his mouth obediently, listening to her like a well-behaved student.
“You should know that I’ve been through some bad things. I don’t want to take a mate because I simply cannot fully trust another person. Perhaps if I agreed to be your mate, I could live a good life under your protection, but Beichuan, I don’t want to exploit your feelings. I have things I must do. Once my injuries are healed, I might leave the Wolf Tribe. So… don’t waste your heart on me. You are a great beastman; I hope you find a partner who truly loves you.”
Finished, Bai Ning turned her head away, refusing to look at Beichuan’s wounded expression. She had a mission; she couldn’t stay in one place forever. She carried secrets, and if they were discovered, she didn’t know what fate would await her. Being alone was the most suitable path.
As for danger… with the System Mall, as long as she had points, her safety shouldn’t be an issue. However, she did have a small plan of her own… but that would have to wait.
Beichuan was utterly devastated by her words. As a proud warrior of the Wolf Tribe—ranked at least top three in strength—there were plenty of females who dreamed of having him as a mate. Yet, this delicate little female rejected him again and again, and he was completely powerless against her. She even spoke of leaving the moment she was healed just to get away from him.
A frail, weak female… where could she possibly go alone? Forget about rogue beastmen; she couldn’t even survive the wild beasts! She was covered in injuries and yet already planning her departure. It… it made him furious!
This won’t do! I need to find my father again, Beichuan thought bitterly. It’s all Father’s fault, telling me that females love “spoiled” beastmen who are “tough on the outside but soft on the inside.” It’s useless! I’ve cried several times and she hasn’t softened at all. If I stay this weak, she really is going to run away!
Without a word, Beichuan stood up and gathered the fruits he had dropped. He went back into the small cave to get fresh ones, washed them in the river, and placed them beside Bai Ning.
“Eat some fruit first. I’m going to finish setting up the frame. Call me if you need anything; don’t move around on your own.” With that, he entered the cave.
Bai Ning blinked, watching his retreating back while whispering to herself: Did he actually listen to me? Why does it feel like he’s suddenly different?
If he really did listen, that was for the best. They could live in peace, and once she had enough points, she could buy something for him from the mall as a reward for saving her life.
As the sounds of hammering and clattering came from the cave, Bai Ning glanced at the entrance and then at the grass in front of her. While Beichuan was busy, it shouldn’t be a problem to collect some wild plants, right?
She looked around to ensure no other beastmen were nearby. Picking up her crutch, she stood and hobbled a few steps behind a large boulder where the weeds were lush. If she collected them quietly, she wouldn’t be caught. Placing her crutch aside, she extended her left leg and crouched down.
This splint is such a nuisance… she grumbled internally, reaching for the grass.
“Detected: One stalk of Light Grass. +1 Point.” “Detected: One stalk of Light Grass. +1 Point.” “Detected: One stalk of Plantain. First-time collection bonus: +100 Points.” “Detected: One stalk of Gnaphalium. First-time collection bonus: +60 Points.”
To Bai Ning, the sound of points increasing was like heavenly music. She didn’t find it noisy at all; even the single-point gains were satisfying. Eventually, she just sat on the ground and scooted forward bit by bit. She worked quickly, but to avoid suspicion, she “thinned out” the patches so it wouldn’t look like a bald spot in the greenery.
Immersed in the joy of farming points, she lost track of time until Tongtong called out in her mind.
“Sister… it’s almost noon.”
Bai Ning stopped and looked at the sun. Indeed, Beichuan would be coming out soon. She checked her panel: 1,261 Points. Not bad!
She patted the dirt off her hands, grabbed her crutch, and stood up to return to her rock. Just as she turned around, Beichuan lifted the cave curtain and stepped out.
Well… this is awkward.
“Why are you up?” Beichuan strode over to support her. His eyes swept over her, and his gaze froze when he saw the mud on her animal-skin clothing.
“Did you fall?”
Huh? Bai Ning looked up at him, then followed his gaze to her clothes. Her heart tightened. I was just sitting on the ground; I definitely picked up some mud. I was so careless!