Clumsy Beast, Keep Your Paws Off novel Chapter 74

Chapter 74: Chapter 74: Into the Forest

All three of them turned around quickly.

It was Han Jue.

He stood a few steps behind them, his expression as cold as always. But this time, there was a faint warmth hidden in his eyes, something only those close to him could notice.

Hu Yan raised an eyebrow. "Where?"

Han Jue looked toward the north side of the forest. "It’s a bit dangerous," he said in his usual calm tone. "The area is deep inside the Shadow Valley. The beasts there are wild and strong, but the prey there are plenty. If we go there, we can gather enough prey not only to pay the Bird Tribe but also to store for ourselves."

The three of them exchanged glances.

Hu Yan’s eyes were serious, Rong Ye’s face was firm, and Su Qinglan could see the same determination reflected in both of them. They were ready to take risks if it meant protecting their future.

Her heart softened at the sight. Warmth spread through her chest as she looked at the three of them — each strong in their own way, yet all willing to fight for her and the tribe.

So this is how family protects each other; she had never experienced this in her last life.

But then, she took a deep breath and said softly,

"Let’s go back to the cave first."

All three of them looked at her in surprise.

Su Qinglan continued in a calm and firm tone because she knew she couldn’t just let them risk their lives for a few prey. "Before deciding anything, I want us to think carefully. I don’t want any of you to go into dangerous places just to hunt prey. It’s not worth it."

Hu Yan frowned slightly. "But without enough prey, we can’t..."

Su Qinglan shook her head. "No. We’ll find another way. Instead of depending on others or paying for shelter, why don’t we make our own place to live during the rainy season?"

Her words made all three of them pause.

Hu Yan blinked. Rong Ye looked at her as if he didn’t hear it right. Even Han Jue’s usual calm eyes showed a flicker of surprise.

Su Qinglan met their shocked gazes and nodded slowly. "Yes. Let’s build our own shelter somewhere high, safe, and dry. A place where no one can drive us away or demand prey for staying."

***

The next morning, after a light meal, Su Qinglan and the trio stood at the edge of the main forest.

She still hadn’t decided what kind of house or shelter to build. For that, she needed to see the mountain with her own eyes... check the land, the trees, the rocks, and everything. Only then could she plan something strong, safe, and lasting.

Even Stove was ready, following behind her loyally. Despite her trying to convince them a hundred times that she’d be fine, the three of them still worried too much. Apparently, Stove had now been given an "important mission" to stick close to her and protect her no matter what.

When they walked a little distance away from the tribe, the smooth path disappeared — the one that had been shaped by many beastmen’s steps. But once they moved farther into the forest, the ground became wild again.

Sharp rocks, roots, and hidden thorns covered the forest floor.

Su Qinglan didn’t mind walking barefoot, but this forest clearly had a grudge against her pampered body.

After just a short walk, she already had two shallow cuts on her feet.

"Ugh..." She looked down. This body is really too fragile.

"Let me carry you," Hu Yan said, frowning deeply as he looked at her injuries.

Su Qinglan glanced at his tall, muscular frame. The man was literally towering over her. His arms looked solid enough to carry three of her at once.

She blushed.

No way.

She couldn’t just let him carry her like some spoiled child. Her body was still fat, and with her short stature, she could only imagine how ridiculous she’d look in his arms.

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