Hu Jiao Jiao blinked in surprise, her confusion deepening.

“Fourth Brother, why did you make me a bone needle?”

And pulling an all-nighter, too—he looked as tired as a panda with those dark circles under his eyes!

Hu Jiao Jiao couldn’t help but reach out to poke his eye bags, her mouth twitching as she frowned in curiosity.

“Little Sister, didn’t you ask me yesterday to make one for you? Did you forget?” Hu Qingyuan paused, then, without a trace of annoyance, gave her a cheerful nudge to jog her memory.

He looked at her with wide, expectant eyes, making exaggerated faces as if he could hypnotize her with sheer force of will. It was hilarious to watch.

“Oh! Right, I did say that.” Hu Jiao Jiao clapped her forehead, suddenly recalling how she’d made up an excuse yesterday to prevent him from being left alone with Huang Yue. Who would’ve guessed that he took it to heart and spent the entire night making it for her?

A wave of warmth spread through her chest.

If it weren’t for her own survival, she thought, she’d just let go of trying to win over Long Mo. With a family who adored her and the little cubs by her side, wasn’t that enough for a happy life?

If Long Mo ended up fancying Huang Yue, she would let him have her! After all, who needed a man? She could raise the cubs herself and live just as freely!

…As long as he didn’t turn her into a prisoner, that is…

As she entertained these rebellious thoughts, her resolve started to fizzle out.

“Thank you, Fourth Brother, the needles are really well-made and just what I needed,” Hu Jiao Jiao said gratefully, taking the bone needle in her hand.

“Oh, it’s no big deal, just a few bone needles—easy-peasy,” he laughed, scratching his head and grinning.

It was actually the first time he’d ever heard his little sister thank him properly.

In the past, Hu Jiao Jiao had always expected them to fulfill her wishes without so much as a “thanks.” If she wanted something, she would demand it, and once she got it, it was as if it were her due.

It seemed Mother was right; his little sister really was growing up.

Hu Jiao Jiao looked down at the bundle of at least thirty needles, all polished smooth and precise, with well-made holes for the thread. So much for him saying they were “easy” to make.

“Fourth Brother, you’re amazing. Oh! Wait here for a second.”

Hu Jiao Jiao didn’t hold back her praise, knowing he’d appreciate it as the highest form of gratitude. She quickly went back into the house, returning with a soft brown cloth soaked in warm water.

“Here, put this on your eyes, Fourth Brother,” she said, handing it to him.

Those dark circles were proof he’d stayed up all night; he must have been exhausted and his eyes aching.

“Oh.” For his little sister, Hu Qingyuan would do anything, so he obediently held the cloth to his eyes. “Now what? What else do you need me for?”

He thought she must have some new trick up her sleeve to play on him.

Back in the day, she’d often drag her brothers into her pranks, finding joy in teasing them because they were always happy to indulge her. They saw her mischief as nothing more than endearing playfulness.

“Keep it there for a while; it’ll soothe your eyes. And don’t skip sleep again—you can’t hide eye bags that big!” Hu Jiao Jiao chuckled, shaking her head.

Hu Qingyuan blinked, then pouted as he tapped his cheek, grumbling, “I’m a male! We’re strong enough to go days without sleep!”

“Right, right! The great Fourth Brother is very tough,” she replied playfully.

Just then, Hu Qingyuan’s face was suddenly right in front of hers, making her jump back, her eyes wide. “Fourth Brother! What are you doing?”

Hu Qingyuan stroked his chin, scrutinizing her closely. “Something’s off with you today. Who upset you?”

He had sensed the moment he arrived that her mood was strange.

Hu Jiao Jiao was taken aback, surprised at how perceptive Hu Qingyuan was beneath his playful exterior. She quickly glared at him, muttering, “I’m not upset! Besides, with this gift of bone needles, how could I be anything but happy?”

“Are you sure? You’re not fooling me,” he said, squinting at her, clearly suspicious.

Hu Jiao Jiao had perfected the art of keeping a straight face. “Why would I lie?”

Before he could press her further, she asked slyly, “But Fourth Brother, what was up with you yesterday? You seemed awfully concerned about that new female, going out of your way to show her around…”

“Admit it, do you like her?”

Might as well find out now. If there was any hint of interest, she’d better cut it off while she could!

“Little Sister, I can’t believe you would think that! I was only doing it for you. I could tell you didn’t want her pestering Long Mo, so I sacrificed myself!” he replied with an exaggerated grimace of distaste.

Then, as if afraid she wouldn’t believe him, he held up three fingers in a solemn oath. “I swear to the Beast God, I’m not even remotely interested in that crybaby.”

As far as he was concerned, a girl like that would be a burden.

Seeing his earnest expression, Hu Jiao Jiao felt reassured, but still cautious. The future was unpredictable, and too many things seemed to be veering from what she knew of the book’s storyline.

“Fourth Brother, it’s not that I don’t like her,” she said softly. “I just hope that one day you find a mate who loves you with the same devotion that you give.”

She meant every word—she wanted the best for her family and couldn’t bear for any of them to come to harm.

“Got it. I’ll do as you say,” he replied without hesitation, giving her a gentle pat on the head.

As her hair got mussed up, Hu Jiao Jiao couldn’t help but cringe a bit, watching him leave the courtyard after delivering her gift.

With her new needles in hand, she headed for the river with a water bucket. The cubs, watching her leave, exchanged glances and tiptoed off in the opposite direction, silently following Hu Qingyuan’s path.

Because they had Long Xiu with them, they moved more slowly, but Long Yao had no such patience. Like a little missile, he zoomed ahead, disappearing from the others’ sight.

Hu Qingyuan, meanwhile, was leisurely making his way through the woods, still holding the brown cloth she’d given him and grinning to himself.

“Hehe, my little sister took care of my eyes! Wait till I show off to the guys later; they’ll be green with envy!”

Just as he was gloating to himself, a sudden, sharp pain shot up from his backside, and he yelped, his face flushing.

“Argh! Which little rascal bit my butt?!”