Through the crowd of beastmen, four young males squeezed their way in, followed by two middle-aged partners. The six of them rushed forward, standing protectively in front of Hu Jiao Jiao, blocking anyone from taking her away.

Hu Qiang, with a stern expression, bellowed angrily, “Anyone who dares to touch my daughter, you’ll have to go through me first!”

The four young males shared the same furious expression, glaring at the surrounding beastmen as they encircled Hu Jiao Jiao, shielding her completely.

Hu Min, with tears streaming down her face, embraced Hu Jiao Jiao tightly, using her body as a shield. “Don’t be afraid, Jiao Jiao. Your mother will never let them harm you. If they want to take you, they’ll have to step over my dead body!”

“Father, Mother… Brothers…”

Hu Jiao Jiao stared at them, stunned. A surge of emotion welled up in her chest, her voice thick with tears. She hadn’t expected that, in her moment of need, it would be her family who came to her rescue.

“Little sister, don’t be afraid. We’re here, and we won’t let anyone harm you. Whatever comes your way, your big brother will carry it for you!”

Her eldest brother, Hu Qingshan, spoke with conviction, his muscular frame towering protectively over her. His words carried weight, and his resolve was unwavering.

Right after, the other three brothers nodded firmly, each wearing a determined expression. “Big brother’s right. We’ll all protect you. No one can bully our little sister!”

The entire family of six showered Hu Jiao Jiao with unconditional love and trust, standing with her without question.

Hu Jiao Jiao was deeply moved, but before she could say anything, one of the males they had pushed aside angrily shouted, “Hu Qiang, she’s going to get us all killed! If you keep protecting her, we’ll throw your whole family out of the tribe!”

That brought Hu Jiao Jiao back to her senses.

Of course, in the book, it was because of the original Hu Jiao Jiao that her family eventually met with disaster. She couldn’t let them suffer because of her. The story had already deviated from the original plot, and who knew what new twists the butterfly effect might bring?

This time, it would be her turn to protect them.

“Mother, I’ll be fine. I’m only being sent away for a few days. Don’t you believe I’m innocent? Once Ying Yuan and the others deal with the wandering beastmen, I’ll be back,” Hu Jiao Jiao said, gently taking Hu Min’s hand off her arm. Her gaze was serious and determined.

“Of course we believe you, but…” Hu Min hesitated.

“Then that’s enough. Please take Father and my brothers back home. I’ll be alright. The Chief is counting on me to cultivate the potato plants. Don’t worry,” Hu Jiao Jiao whispered into her mother’s ear, her voice soft yet firm. “If anything happens to you because of me, I’ll live with guilt for the rest of my life.”

At those words, Hu Min finally calmed down. Reluctantly, she released Hu Jiao Jiao’s hand, but not before giving it one last, tight squeeze. She motioned for Hu Qiang and the brothers to retreat with her.

The two female guards glared at them before hastily taking Hu Jiao Jiao away.

As the trio’s figures disappeared from sight, Hu Min’s tears, held back until now, began to fall uncontrollably. She wiped them away repeatedly, but they kept coming.

Beside her, Hu Qiang panicked, unsure how to console her. He clumsily tried to help wipe her tears, his voice full of frustration and worry. “Don’t cry! Just a moment ago, you wouldn’t let me stop them, and now you’re crying because Jiao Jiao’s gone. Should I go get her back? I don’t care what happens!”

Hu Min quickly grabbed his arm and slapped him lightly on the back. “Don’t you dare! Stay put! I’m just sad for Jiao Jiao. She’s finally grown up, and none of you are allowed to make trouble for her!”

“Alright, alright, whatever you say,” Hu Qiang nodded quickly, clearly henpecked and doing as she instructed.

Long Wu strolled over to Long Mo, his expression mocking. “Long Mo, you’re just as spineless as ever. You can’t even protect your own mate. Let them lock her up without lifting a finger. A waste then, and still a waste now.”

Long Mo’s gaze darkened as he looked at him, his golden eyes filled with chilling darkness, like a bottomless abyss.

“What’s that look for? Did I say something wrong?” Long Wu sneered, poking Long Mo hard in the shoulder. He used all his strength, but Long Mo didn’t even flinch. That surprised him—had the weakling gotten stronger?

But then he noticed Long Mo’s tense expression and smirked coldly. Of course. He was probably just pretending to hold it together, too proud to lose face in front of his children. With a mocking grin, Long Wu patted Long Mo’s cheek condescendingly.

“Don’t worry about it. That soft little mate of yours will soon be mine. I’ll make sure she’s well taken care of in ways you never could,” he laughed smugly.

Long Mo’s eyes narrowed, the fury building in his tightening fist. In one swift motion, he grabbed Long Wu’s wrist.

“Leave,” he said, his voice low and filled with menace.

Long Wu froze. He tried to pull his hand back but couldn’t. Panic flickered in his eyes as he stared at Long Mo, the vicious look in the other’s eyes making his heart skip a beat.

The next moment, Long Mo released him with a sharp jerk, turning to take Long Ling’er’s hand.

“Let’s go. We’re heading home.”

Only then did Long Wu feel his heart start beating normally again. He wiped the cold sweat from his face, his mind racing. What just happened? Why did that weakling seem so terrifying for a moment?

He must’ve imagined it. There was no way someone like Long Mo could surpass him. No, it was all just an act.

Long Ling’er, however, quickly pulled her hand from Long Mo’s grasp, running over to join her brothers. “Hmph! Dad doesn’t care about Mom at all. I don’t want to hold your hand.”

Long Mo’s face darkened. He looked at the other children, but they avoided his gaze, refusing to even acknowledge him. They huddled together, helping Long Xiu walk ahead, showing no intention of walking with him.

His brow furrowed, and after a long moment, he finally began following them, keeping a distant pace behind.

In the past, he had been shunned by Hu Jiao Jiao and the tribe. He never imagined his own children would start to reject him too…

Watching them walk ahead, Long Mo’s gaze grew heavy. It felt like his children had changed, like they were no longer the same as before.

…

Hu Jiao Jiao was taken to the same cave where Long Ling’er had once been hidden. Perhaps on orders from the chief, the two female guards had cleared out the snakes and insects before she was led inside.

Two male guards stood watch at the entrance.

Inside the cave, Hu Jiao Jiao built a fire, the warm glow illuminating the space. She cleaned a small area and pulled a mat from her space, spreading it on the ground before sitting down.

“Ahhh… finally some peace and quiet,” she sighed contentedly.

She didn’t have to play both mother and father, didn’t have to do chores or take care of anyone. And, best of all, she didn’t have to wake up every day and put on a smile for the villains.

As a seasoned shut-in, Hu Jiao Jiao didn’t find being locked up a punishment at all. In fact, it felt like a blessing—a much-needed vacation.

Hu Jiao Jiao couldn’t be happier.

The two male guards outside clearly despised her and had no intention of coming in. So, with a flick of her wrist, Hu Jiao Jiao pulled a bottle of red wine from her space, lit a candle on a rock, and set out a glass. She grilled a slice of foie gras and garnished it with cherries.

In no time, she had created a gourmet meal worthy of a Michelin-starred restaurant.

As she enjoyed her little feast, the sounds of footsteps and a faint voice drifted from outside the cave.

“Jiao Jiao…”