“All of us call him Lion Head. As for his name, probably even he has forgotten what it is. Lion Head was the only four-striped beastman here in the beginning, and he was considered the absolute boss here. However, one month or so ago, another four-striped white tiger came, and many beastmen went over to his side. The two of them are at bitter odds with each other, and the competition for ores is very intense.”
Parker and Curtis exchanged a glance, and Bai Qingqing, hidden in the animal skin, had her heart palpitating intensely. It must be Winston!
“I’ve told you everything I know. The ores…” The tiger beastman rubbed his big and rough hands together, his expression intense.
Parker tossed the rock over. “Scram.”
The tiger beastman carried the rock and ran off, fearing that someone would chase after him.
Curtis carried Bai Qingqing and entered the cave. Bai Qingqing poked Curtis’s body through the layer of animal skin, only speaking in a soft voice since she wasn’t stopped. “Can I come out now?”
“Yes.”
Curtis removed the rope tying the animal skin, bringing Bai Qingqing out.
There was a corner in this cave. As long as she stayed here, the beastmen passing by outside wouldn’t be able to see her.
Bai Qingqing came out of the animal skin. She opened her eyes wide but still wasn’t able to see anything. It was as if she was blind.
She carried An’an with one hand, and touched Curtis’s body with her other, feeling a little more at ease.
“Thank goodness An’an didn’t make a sound, either. I was so nervous just now.”
Parker tapped An’an’s cheeks that had become slimmer and said, “An’an is so well-behaved.”
“That white tiger must be Winston. So, he’s here. He’s still safe and sound. That’s great.” Bai Qingqing stroke An’an’s warm face and smiled.
“An’an, you’ll be able to see Daddy very soon. Are you happy?”
Parker also said, “Since Winston is so famous, it won’t be hard to find him.”
Bai Qingqing’s smile deepened. She touched the walls and said in surprise, “It’s all rocks underneath? That makes sense. Otherwise, it’d be impossible to support this place. Ssss~ It’s so cold.”
Parker immediately draped an animal skin coat over her. “It’s better to be cold than hot. Put on more clothes.”
“Mm.”
Bai Qingqing nodded in agreement. After having been roasted in the desert for a few days, her skin was aching faintly after arriving in a cold environment.
“Have some food.” Parker took out a piece of jerky and handed it to her.
Bai Qingqing panted as she leaned against the wall and ate the jerky. Curtis carried An’an while Parker rubbed around in the cave, wiping off the scent of the previous owner.
Curtis rubbed Bai Qingqing’s head and said, “You stay here. I’ll go look for Curtis. Parker will stay to protect you.”
“Why am I the one to stay at home?” asked Parker, instantly feeling dissatisfied and turning into his human form.
Curtis looked at him with eyes filled with contempt. Parker instantly felt so angry that his chest undulated intensely.
“The average strength of the beastmen here are higher than those in the outside world. You’ll die easily. and Snow will be hurt.”
Parker was stumped.
Bai Qingqing smiled and took Parker’s hand, saying, “Alright, let’s listen to Curtis. His speed is faster, and after finding Winston and the antidote, we can head back to the village earlier.”
Parker let out a “tsk” sound, then turned into his leopard form and continued rubbing around in the cave.
When Bai Qingqing was eating, Curtis stroked and tidied her hair dried from the intense sun. He used a piece of animal skin strip to tie it into a ponytail.
“I feel assured with you staying here. After you’ve eaten, get some sleep. I’ll be going out,” Curtis gently said.
Bai Qingqing looked at him, circling her arms around his neck, putting her face against his, and rubbing intimately. She said softly, “This place is eerie. You’ll have to be careful too.”
