Beauty and the Beasts

With a confused expression, Bai Qingqing paused for a moment, before anxiously saying, “Stop fighting! Little snake, stop right now!”

Despite Bai Qingqing’s urges, the little snake didn’t stop. Hence, she had no choice but to edge closer, carefully avoiding the venomous substance on the ground while doing so.

“Stop fighting! What’s the matter, little snake? Did Parker bully you?”

The little snake stopped attacking and swept his gaze ferociously over the leopard, before turning around and slithering towards her.

Ssss~ The little snake raised his head and leaped up, colliding against Bai Qingqing’s chest. The forceful impact of the knock nearly caused Bai Qingqing to fall backward.

Thankfully, the little snake was quick to react, speedily moving his tail behind Bai Qingqing and catching her.

With accelerated heart rate, Bai Qingqing stroked the head of the little snake at her chest. “You startled Mommy. There’s a female baby in Mommy’s tummy, so you’ve got to be gentler.”

The little snake lowered his head to look at Bai Qingqing’s round tummy, flicked out his tongue to touch it, then gazed at her face and nodded.

Seeing the human-like action coming from her little snake, Bai Qingqing felt touched for some reason. Her heart nearly melted.

Bai Qingqing’s lips involuntarily curled. She planted a kiss on the little snake’s forehead and said gently, “Have you been well all this time? Did you starve? Where are your brothers?”

Ssss~ The little snake, who had been very happy all along, suddenly felt a little unhappy when he heard the last question. He turned his head away from her.

Bai Qingqing sputtered with laughter. She cupped his head with both hands and turned his head to face her.

“You even get jealous,” Bai Qingqing said as she tapped the little snake’s lips.

Ssss~ The little snake flicked out his tongue and twirled it around Bai Qingqing’s finger. His slim and long tongue had a marvelous texture—icy and smooth.

She flicked him with that finger and said, “Mischievous.”

Panting heavily, Parker was so furious that he had to vent by grounding his claws on the rock, making sounds that grated on one’s ears.

Just like his old man, this little snake was a vengeful one. He must have borne a grudge because of what happened previously and deliberately took his revenge in front of Qingqing because he knew Parker wouldn’t dare to bully him in her presence! Abominable!

Goosebumps rose all over Bai Qingqing’s body at the sound. She shot daggers at Parker. “You must have bullied the little snake. Look how angry he is.”

“Ooh~” The leopard by the wall let out a whimper, his round leopard ears drooping.

Seeing that the little snake seemed to be fine, Bai Qingqing didn’t intend to pursue the matter. She said to Parker, “Go find some firewood, I’ll steam eggs for the little snake.”

The bamboo basket she brought with her was filled with bird’s eggs and some basic condiments, as well as three sets of cutlery.

As she spoke, Bai Qingqing looked towards the little snake and asked gently, “Isn’t steamed egg your favorite food?”

Ssss~ The little snake nodded as he flicked out his tongue.

Parker gazed outside, then transformed into a human and said, “Let’s go together. You could be in danger if I leave you alone here.”

Ssss~ The little snake’s hiss was swift and forceful as he coiled around Bai Qingqing protectively.

Bai Qingqing said, “The little snake can protect me. Just pick the firewood from nearby. I wish to spend some time alone with the little snake.”

Recalling the little snake’s biting earlier, Parker reluctantly agreed. “Very well, then. I’ll be outside. Just shout if you need me.”

“Mm.”

Now, the mother and son duo were left alone inside, putting the little snake in an even more splendid mood. This was a privilege that he didn’t get to enjoy even when he was a baby.

Beastmen would frequently stop by this crack, so there was a pile of dried grass in the corner. With a hand supporting her back, Bai Qingqing tottered towards that spot, then slowly sat down with one hand against the stone wall.

Seeing Bai Qingqing’s clumsy movements, the little snake propped his head against her body, wanting to help.