"Then what is it that you like about me?" Yue Ling asked, tilting her head slightly. "I'm supposed to be a dirty, smelly, crazy female, aren't I?"
She looked up at the tall figure of Bai Ying standing before her, mischief flickering in her eyes. A teasing smile curved her lips as she deliberately stepped closer, invading his space.
For a brief moment, confusion flashed through Bai Ying's beautiful wolf-like eyes. What did he like about her? He couldn't quite explain it himself. He only knew that, somehow, without realizing when it began, he had started wanting to become her mate, and his gaze was drawn to her again and again, as if by instinct.
"Hmph. Not even knowing counts as liking?" Yue Ling said softly, her voice sweet and deliberately dissatisfied as she pouted.
Seeing her suddenly turn her back on him, clearly upset and unwilling to pay him any attention, Bai Ying panicked. His heart tightened, afraid that she might truly ignore him.
"You're very beautiful," he blurted out hastily. "And… and very cute." His words came out rushed and clumsy, betraying his anxiety.
Behind her, Yue Ling's lips curved upward in quiet satisfaction. Still facing away from him, she said lightly, "Alright, I won't tease you anymore. I'm hungry. Didn't you say you made roasted meat for me?"
Bai Ying scratched his head in frustration. Every time he was with her, he became completely flustered. He had meant to bring her to eat in the first place, yet after exchanging only a few words, he had almost forgotten the reason entirely.
He hurried off to fetch the prepared roasted meat, while Yue Ling turned her attention inward and questioned the system.
[999, what's Bai Ying's favorability level now?]
[Host, Bai Ying's favorability is currently at ninety-three percent.]
[What? Still two percent short?]
There was only one day left. Those final two percent had to be gained quickly—otherwise, she would truly be done for.
Wrapped in leaves, the roasted meat released a rich, mouthwatering aroma the moment it was opened. A thin layer of honey coated the surface, glistening faintly.
Yue Ling's eyes lit up. She took a big bite of the honey-glazed meat, savoring the flavor.
"It's really delicious."
Watching her eat, Bai Ying could tell from the way her eyes curved happily that she genuinely liked it. This was a technique he had secretly learned from other males—ways to please their chosen females. Yue Ling was kind, adorable, and now possessed the power of a shaman. He knew all too well that she would soon attract the attention and desire of countless male beastmen.
He understood that he could never monopolize a female, nor could he stop her from choosing other males as beast husbands. What he could do was secure more of her affection and favor—enough to firmly establish his position as her first beast husband.
The portion was large. Before Yue Ling could finish it, she let out a loud, satisfied burp. She patted her stomach contentedly. "Bai Ying, I'm full. I really can't eat the rest."
She pushed the remaining meat toward him. Sitting beside her, Bai Ying frowned slightly as he looked at the barely eaten portion. She ate far too little—no wonder she was so thin and fragile.
"Eat a bit more," he said, disapproving.
"I really can't," Yue Ling said, shaking her head repeatedly. "If I eat any more, my stomach will burst."
She truly was stuffed—comfortably full, thanks to how good the food was.
Seeing the remaining meat cooling off, knowing it wouldn't taste as good later, Yue Ling suddenly looped her arm around Bai Ying's and said in a soft, coaxing tone, "Bai Ying, help me finish it, okay?"
The moment she acted coquettishly, Bai Ying's heart went completely out of control. Especially when he met her bright, shining almond-shaped eyes, he found himself utterly incapable of refusing her.
He picked up the roasted meat and took a bite right where she had bitten earlier. Along with the sweetness of honey, another scent lingered on his tongue—uniquely hers.
Watching him eat from the same spot, Yue Ling's ears flushed pink. When he finished, she leaned forward on impulse and pressed a light kiss to his cheek.
"Thank you, Bai Ying. You're really good to me."
At the same time, System 999's excited voice exploded in her mind.
[Congratulations, Host! Bai Ying's favorability has reached ninety-five percent. You have gained ten additional years of lifespan.]
[You no longer need to fear sudden death—and I won't be erased either!]
Bai Ying froze completely. His pupils dilated as the lingering warmth remained on his cheek. How could her lips be so soft?
Almost unconsciously, he reached up and cupped Yue Ling's face. His rough fingertips brushed against her lips—pink, soft, and warm.
Startled by his sudden movement, Yue Ling instinctively leaned back. When she saw the flicker of desire in his eyes, she retreated further, finally freeing her tingling lips from his touch.
"Don't… don't do that," she said softly, her voice shy and uncertain. Her head lowered slightly, cheeks flushed crimson, while a trace of wariness remained in her eyes.
The softness beneath his fingers vanished in an instant. Noticing her guarded expression, Bai Ying realized he had frightened her. He quickly withdrew his hand and explained in a rush, "Yue Ling, don't be afraid. I won't force you to become mates. At the very least, it would be next year… or even later."
Seeing his anxious attempt to reassure her, Yue Ling finally relaxed a little. What had startled her was the look in his eyes just now—too intense, as if he wanted to devour her whole.
"Mmm," she murmured, forcing herself to calm down.
System 999 had said that male beastmen were not allowed to force females into mating bonds—especially when her body was still weak.
"Yue Ling, Wolf You has woken up!" Xiong Da came running over in a hurry, completely oblivious to the atmosphere between them. His face was full of excitement. Wolf You waking up meant Yue Ling truly possessed the power of a shaman—and that meant anyone with similar injuries in the future might survive as well.
Yue Ling wasn't surprised. Beastmen had strong constitutions and low resistance to medicine. With fever-reducing herbs and wound-healing plants, Wolf You's recovery was only a matter of time.
"The chief says there will be a bonfire celebration tonight in your honor," Xiong Da continued, his tone turning reverent. "You will be recognized as the greatest shaman of our tribe."
As he spoke, he respectfully dropped to one knee before her.
Yue Ling was startled. "Why are you kneeling? Get up—quickly."