“Transform?” Hu Jiao Jiao looked at Long Yao, who was slumped over and looking very uncomfortable, her voice full of doubt.

Was he really not sick?

Long Ling’er nodded seriously. “Yes! I remember that when my big brothers and I transformed, it was the same—we felt super hot and uncomfortable…”

Then, she turned to ask Long Yu, excitement and anticipation shining on her young face. “Right, Big Brother?”

Her little brother, Xiao Wu, was finally going to transform! The cubs in the tribe always called him a useless thing because he hadn’t transformed. But now he could finally prove them wrong!

Long Yu nodded. “Yes, that’s right.”

Long Zhong also took a closer look at Long Yao. Seeing that he just looked tired and uncomfortable, but without any signs of injury, he secretly sighed in relief. Looking at Hu Jiao Jiao’s worried face, he felt guilty, his ears turning red as he muttered a quiet apology. “I’m sorry, I misunderstood.”

He’d thought she was trying to harm Long Yao and reacted without thinking.

Hu Jiao Jiao’s gaze softened as she shook her head. “It’s okay, Zhong’er. You were only worried about Xiao Wu.”

She hadn’t expected him to apologize—it was a pleasant surprise.

Long Xiu reached out to feel Long Yao’s heated scales, then relaxed as he reassured, “Cubs always want to be with their mother when they transform for the first time. Xiao Wu must have snuck here to be with you.”

When cubs transformed, they naturally sought out their mother’s comfort.

“Awwo!” Enduring the pain of transformation, Long Yao raised his head and bared his tiny, sharp teeth with a defiant growl.

That’s not true! Xiao Wu hadn’t snuck over—he’d walked here confidently!

Hu Jiao Jiao’s heart ached for him as she gently stroked Long Yao’s head. “Yao’er, are you feeling bad? Hold on a little longer; once you’ve transformed, I’ll make you something delicious.”

Even though beastmen were strong and could take human form with higher intelligence than wild animals, they still had to endure the pain of transformation—it was part of their journey.

Hearing this, Long Yao’s eyes softened, and he leaned into her hand, nodding meekly.

“Awo~ Xiao Wu wants something tasty!”

He’d bear through it! Just wait! Food was worth the struggle!

Long Yao’s sweet expression was worlds apart from the fierce little face he’d shown just moments ago.

Long Ling’er sat beside them, resting her chin on her hands, her bright eyes full of envy.

“Xiao Wu’s so lucky…getting to transform with Mom here. When we transformed, we…” Her soft voice trailed off.

Long Zhong shot her a look, already knowing what she was about to say. When they’d wanted to be close to Hu Jiao Jiao during their first transformations, she’d only shown them disdain, calling them weak and throwing them out. Since then, they’d gotten used to sleeping outside.

In fact, cubs had faint memories of their pre-transformation days, but their most vivid memories starts on the day they transformed.

Noticing the gloom on her cubs’ faces, Hu Jiao Jiao reached out and gently pinched their soft cheeks, her voice gentle. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t there for you before. But I promise I’ll always be here as you grow.”

Long Zhong turned away, his face stiffening. “I don’t need you by my side now that I’m not a cub anymore,” he said, his voice gruff, though his heart warmed a little.

“I still want Mom with me!” Long Ling’er immediately hugged Jiao Jiao’s arm, abandoning Long Zhong without a second thought.

Long Zhong: “…”

Ungrateful little sister! This woman had only been good to her for a few days, and she was already on her side.

Long Yu and Long Xiu exchanged a smile, and Long Yao also wrapped himself around her other arm, not to be left out.

“Awwo~ Xiao Wu wants half of Mom too!”

But before he could enjoy this moment of victory, the searing pain of transformation surged through him. His little body twisted and curled up in pain as his scales began to glow with a faint red light.

“Xiao Wu!” Hu Jiao Jiao exclaimed, watching the transformation take place. The black scales shifted, morphing into soft, creamy white skin. His tiny claws turned into chubby little hands. In mere moments, a fair-skinned, adorably pudgy little boy stood before them.

The young boy had tousled black hair, a round, rosy-cheeked face like a ripe peach, and red, gem-like eyes that blinked curiously at his new form. He reached out with his small hands, getting used to his new body. Around his waist was a red cord, adorned with a single dragon scale that covered his modesty.

Barefoot, he took a few tentative steps, the moist red eyes shining with excitement as he wobbled over to Hu Jiao Jiao, arms wide open.

Hu Jiao Jiao was frozen in place, completely stunned.

This soft, adorable little boy was her Long Yao?

“Yao’er.” Her heart melted as she reached out to steady him, afraid he might trip.

Long Yao’s soft little feet made faint tapping sounds on the floor. Taking shaky steps, he looked up and called out in a baby voice, “Mowmmy~”

Hu Jiao Jiao almost fell over from the overwhelming cuteness.

Mommy? Since when had he learned to talk like this?

“Dummy! It’s Mom, not Mowmmy!” Long Zhong chided, giving Long Yao’s forehead a light poke to keep him from clinging to Hu Jiao Jiao.

Long Yao wobbled backward, arms flailing, managing to stay upright just in time. His cheeks flushed red in frustration.

“Stupid fox! Meanie!” he yelled, his speech suddenly clear—a sign that he’d probably rehearsed it many times before.

Long Yao stomped his little foot, though it looked more like a wobble since his legs were so short, making him look like a tiny, angry dumpling.

Hu Jiao Jiao couldn’t help but laugh. Her little dragon cub was too adorable, like a soft little treasure.

She’d been worried he might look underfed after transforming, but he had filled out perfectly thanks to their good meals lately.

However…

“Hahaha! Xiao Wu, look at your head…and your tail!” Long Ling’er laughed, clutching her stomach as she pointed at Long Yao.