"No need; we're almost done moving everything. Just enjoy your soup. These tasks are no big deal," Bai Di said gently.
They were just moving some things, after all.
Of course, they had gathered a lot of supplies last night and earlier this morning. For example, they had cut extra bamboo today.
All these items needed to be prepared in advance since no one could predict how long the rain might last.
Not only that, but there was also no guarantee they'd find more bamboo at their next stop, so it was always better to have a backup supply.
Additionally, the processed meat, animal skins, and other resources they had collected from previous hunts also needed to be moved in.
With so many people working, the task would be done in just a few trips.
"Yeah, don't worry about us. Just drink your soup, and we'll be finished soon," Nance added with a smile.
Hei Yao didn't say a word. He just looked at Si Lu and nodded.
The big tiger grinned as he dragged a large load behind him, including thick, sturdy bamboo.
He pulled the bamboo directly to the open space in front of the bamboo house.
These were spare bamboo poles, already preselected and cut, so they could be stored for later use.
Si Lu glanced at the bamboo and then at Cheng Mo. She knew Cheng Mo must have been the one to prepare these.
Well, she figured most of the group probably wouldn't have thought of it, except maybe Hei Yao.
Cheng Mo was always cautious, thorough, and liked to plan ahead.
"We have to prepare extra bamboo. If anything gets damaged, we'll need to replace it quickly. We can't guarantee there will be more at our next stop."
"If it weren't for Nance, we could have made things easier for ourselves," Cheng Mo said as he watched a few others leave the bamboo house.
If he hadn't been concerned about Nance, he would've used a single wind blade to cut everything in one go.
Then, Si Lu could have stored it all in her space easily. But now, they had to use the simplest, yet safest, method.
"Yeah," Si Lu agreed with a nod.
"Actually, Nance is pretty reliable and steady. When do you plan to take him in?" Cheng Mo asked, his tone casual.
It was clear to Cheng Mo that Si Lu had taken a liking to Nance.
After all, the other party's beast form was so cute, and Si Lu had wanted to raise one as a pet from the start. Once Nance transformed into his human form, he didn't disappoint Si Lu either.
Especially with that pink hair. Every time Si Lu saw it, she couldn't help but stare in amazement.
Cheng Mo knew Si Lu would accept Nance sooner or later. He was just curious when.
Hearing Cheng Mo's question, Si Lu's face immediately flushed red.
How could things turn out like this?
Even though she had a soft spot for Nance, how could her own beast husbands be so eager to add another one for her?
It was as if her legitimate husband was rushing to find her another suitor...
"I'm serious. Nance has a lot of good qualities. Most importantly, you like him," Cheng Mo said affectionately.
"As long as you like him, we'll accept him—flaws and all."
"Bai Di might have some resistance at first, but it's not a big deal."
"The choice is yours," Cheng Mo added.
"I don't know... but yes, I do have a good impression of Nance," Si Lu admitted quietly, her face still red.
How could she not? His cute beast form and that soft pink hair made him irresistible.
"I know. That's why I'm saying it's the same whether it happens sooner or later. Since you like him, why not make it official?" Cheng Mo said with a smile. If they became a couple sooner, they could start officially accepting him into their group, right?
Otherwise, like now, they'd have to keep their guard up, and there would be some secrets Nance couldn't know about.
Cheng Mo also knew that Nance wasn't stupid. He understood that certain things seemed to disappear or appear out of nowhere, but he never questioned it. He was respectful of their boundaries.
"You make a good point. Alright, we'll see what happens," Si Lu said.
This guy...
"Okay, drink up. Have more soup," Cheng Mo said with a grin.
He knew if they kept talking, Si Lu would only get more embarrassed. After just a few sentences, her face was already bright red.
By then, the others had finished moving everything and were walking back.
"Lulu, we've moved everything," Bai Di said happily, sitting next to Si Lu.
The big tiger sat beside Cheng Mo and looked at Si Lu tenderly.
Of course, Hei Yao sat next to Bai Di, his gaze affectionate as always. He didn't say a word but silently cut the roasted meat into small pieces, placing them in a bowl.
Then, he passed the bowl to Bai Di since he was closer. It was too far for Hei Yao to feed Si Lu, so he left it to Bai Di.
Bai Di accepted it naturally and began feeding Si Lu.
Bai Di and Hei Yao got along well, always helping each other.
The two never competed for favor or held grudges.
When Nance arrived, there were no seats left, so he had to sit across from Si Lu, the furthest spot from her.
Though not the farthest, since they were in a straight line, Nance could still see Si Lu easily, and she could see him just as quickly.
Those sitting next to her, however, had to turn their heads.
Nance looked at Si Lu lovingly, his long pink hair slightly damp from the drizzle, making him look both wild and beautiful.
Raindrops clung to his fair skin, making him appear even more pure, sexy, and striking.
Si Lu was momentarily dazed, unable to look away. When she finally did, she didn't dare look at him again.
Her mind was still replaying the conversation she had just had with Cheng Mo.
So embarrassing...
Her small reaction didn't go unnoticed by anyone.
No one reacted much—except Bai Di, who shot an annoyed glare at Nance.
Hei Yao remained silent, his thoughts unclear.
Si Lu ate her barbecue and sipped her broth in silence.
What embarrassed her the most was that they had all clearly noticed her little glance. How could she not feel self-conscious?
It was like being caught red-handed.
It's as if you're walking with your boyfriend, and suddenly a handsome guy walks by.
You can't help but sneak a look, only to be caught by your boyfriend—and the handsome guy notices too. The embarrassment and guilt are overwhelming.
It's so awkward that I'm ready to buy a three-bedroom apartment just to hide.