Hearing Long Mo speak about his past, Hu Jiao Jiao’s brow furrowed slightly.

She hadn’t expected him to open up about his past. While the book had left out much of the villain’s background, she knew the author well enough to guess it wasn’t anything good.

Hu Jiao Jiao could hardly imagine what he’d endured that had shaped him into the cold, ruthless antagonist he would later become. It wasn’t just betrayal that had shaped him—his fate had been set the moment he was born.

“I may not be very strong, but I swear to protect you and the cubs with my life,” Long Mo said, his voice steady and full of resolve.

It was only now, with this promise, that he felt like a real beastman—her mate. He wasn’t useless, wasn’t trash, and wasn’t a hollow shell.

Hearing his words, Hu Jiao Jiao blinked, feeling her nose tingle as her eyes softened. She had spent so long worrying about how to win over this supposed villain, and yet, a simple gift of clothing had achieved it.

So why didn’t she feel as happy as she’d expected?

Taking a steadying breath, she smiled gently at him, her tone encouraging. “You’re plenty strong, Long Mo. You just need time to grow, and one day, I know you’ll be stronger than Ying Yuan. I believe in you.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Long Mo’s face.

Stronger than Ying Yuan? he wondered. Did she really think so?

“Alright, it’s just a piece of clothing,” she said brightly, trying to steer the mood to a lighter place. “Every year, I’ll make you and the cubs new clothes.”

Seeing that he still stood motionless, lost in thought, she went back to her cooking, trying to keep him from lingering on dark memories.

Watching her, Long Mo’s eyes sharpened with determination. He made a silent vow to himself: one day, he would become stronger than Ying Yuan. He would not disappoint her.

---

It was nearly dark when the five cubs finally returned home. Hu Jiao Jiao had prepared the grilled fish and arranged it on the table. Thankfully, the table was large enough for the feast: seven fish, each weighing over ten pounds.

The hungry cubs, having waited all day, quickly washed their hands and sat around the table, each of them sitting up as straight as they could.

The aroma of grilled fish filled the air, with a layer of thick garlic and a sprinkle of spicy peppers adding just the right flavor. Wisps of steam wafted up, making their mouths water even more.

Seeing them practically drooling, Hu Jiao Jiao couldn’t help but smile. “Why did you all come back so late? It’s almost dark. Make sure to come back earlier next time, or you’ll miss dinner.” She handed out small chopsticks for them to use.

“It’s all Ling’er’s fault,” Long Zhong muttered under his breath.

“What was that?” she asked, looking at him with a puzzled frown.

“Nothing,” Long Ling’er quickly interrupted with a big grin. “Third brother was just saying how amazing you are, Mom! You caught these big fish all by yourself. We couldn’t even catch one all day.”

Hu Jiao Jiao smiled at the compliment but cast a suspicious glance at Long Zhong. She doubted he would praise her so easily.

“Of course, right, third brother?” Long Ling’er turned to Long Zhong with a sweet smile.

Just then, he felt a painful pinch on his leg, and he sucked in a sharp breath.

“Yes… that’s right,” he forced out, trying to keep his tone steady.

Hu Jiao Jiao raised an eyebrow, feeling like something wasn’t quite right, but before she could ask more, Long Ling’er tilted her head, looking at her with wide, innocent eyes. “Mom, Xiao Wu is so hungry he says his tummy is all empty! Can we eat now?”

Long Yao enthusiastically nodded beside her, practically vibrating with excitement.

“Howl! Meat! Meat! And sister promised to share hers with me!”

Long Mo, who had been helping Hu Jiao Jiao carry food to the table, saw the playful glint in Long Ling’er’s eyes. Noticing that Hu Jiao Jiao seemed to be in a good mood, he let it slide without comment.

Male cubs, he thought. They won’t learn to be tough if they never face a few difficulties.

Meanwhile, Long Zhong clenched his teeth, trying to bear the sting. He knew full well that if Long Ling’er got annoyed, it would only go worse for him later.

Despite his usual reserved manner, Long Xiu’s gloomy expression softened a bit in the lively atmosphere. At the same time, Long Yu, the oldest, dutifully helped his younger brother pick out the fish bones.

“Yu’er is very thoughtful, helping take care of his brothers,” Hu Jiao Jiao praised with a warm smile.

Long Xiu usually disliked being fussed over, as it only made him feel useless. But now, he accepted his older brother’s help without protest, which felt like a good sign.

Hearing her praise, Long Yu’s chopsticks slipped from his hand, his face turning serious as though he’d just received a weighty honor.

“Excuse me, I’ll go wash this,” he muttered, retrieving his fallen chopsticks and walking stiffly to the water basin.

Hu Jiao Jiao blinked in confusion, wondering why everyone was acting so strangely today. Were they just tired from a long day of play?

Sitting beside her, Long Mo noticed her untouched fish and watched as Long Yu carefully picked out the bones from his own. After a moment’s hesitation, he moved his chopsticks to her plate to help.

But before he could grab any, Hu Jiao Jiao playfully tapped his chopsticks away. “Is yours not enough? Why are you taking mine?”

Long Mo was left speechless.

---

After dinner, Hu Jiao Jiao and the five cubs finished cleaning up and got ready for bed. As for Long Mo, he returned to his usual sleeping spot in the large tree outside, lying on a thick branch under the moonlight.

---

The next morning, Hu Jiao Jiao woke up to the sound of hurried conversation outside. Rubbing her eyes, she walked outside, only to find Long Mo talking to a fellow beastman.

Recognizing him as one of the tribe member who often assisted the chief, Hu Jiao Jiao felt a pang of concern.

“Long Mo, is something wrong?” she asked.

Long Mo turned at her voice, his tense expression easing slightly when he saw her. His first instinct was to reassure her, but the other beastman, clearly trusting Hu Jiao Jiao, quickly explained the situation.

“The salt in the tribe’s storage cave has all disappeared. The chief is gathering everyone to find a solution.”

“All the salt is gone?!” Hu Jiao Jiao’s sleepiness vanished.

She remembered that the chief had mentioned the tribe’s salt was barely enough to last the winter for the females. How could it suddenly vanish?