Chapter 232: Chapter 232: He Couldn’t Wait a Moment Longer

Huang Ying’s arrogant attitude enraged Jin Che. "Do you have any idea how much effort we put into catching those merfolk?"

Huang Ying let out a disdainful scoff. "That just means you aren’t clever enough, which is why you wasted so much time. I let them go to use them as bait for a bigger catch, waiting for the right moment to capture them all!"

Jin Che understood that last part.

"Then I’d like to hear about this plan of yours."

"I know you suffered a major defeat at the hands of the Divine Leopard Tribe. You’ve been looking for a chance to get revenge ever since, but you’ve never managed to catch any of them."

Jin Che’s gaze turned colder. The news of their great battle with the Divine Leopard Tribe had long since spread among the major Beast Cities. If they didn’t even the score, Tiger Beast City’s prestige would be severely damaged.

"What are you trying to say?"

"What I’m trying to tell you is that I know where they are."

Jin Che shot up from his stool. "You’re saying you know where they are?"

"That’s right. They’re on an island not far from here."

"How do you know?"

Huang Ying lifted her chin proudly. "Don’t forget, we of the Wing Clan fly in the sky. Is there anything we can’t see?"

That reason was enough to convince Jin Che. "Which island?"

"Hold on. We haven’t discussed the terms yet. Once they’re captured, all of their cubs belong to me. You can dispose of the others as you see fit. However, you must spare the female named Qiao Xixi. As for her use... I’ll tell you after the fact."

The only ones Jin Che wanted to tear to shreds were Feiyan and his group. He didn’t particularly care about the rest. "Fine. I agree to your terms. Now, tell me everything you know."

"No problem."

...

Back on the island, Jin Ling and the others were still in discussion.

Meanwhile, Qiao Xixi had already woken from a nap, the tiger cub cradled in her arms.

"Mother, Mother."

Qiao Xixi sat up as several of the cubs, who had been playing wildly, ran back to her, their heads beaded with sweat.

"Done playing?"

"Mhm, we’re all tired out."

Qiao Xixi took out a beast-hide cloth to wipe their sweat and had them change into fresh clothes.

"Mother, have you named our little sister yet?"

Qiao Xixi shook her head. "Not yet. Do you have any good suggestions?"

Xiya tilted her little head and thought for a moment. "How about Qiao An’an?"

"What about Qiao Ning? Doesn’t Qiao Ning sound nice?"

"Little sister is really strong. How about we call her Qiao Zhuangzhuang?" Qiao Ang chimed in eagerly.

Qiao Xixi had thought about names for the cub before, but none of them seemed quite right. She’d been thinking of leaving the difficult task to Jin Ling.

Jin Ling, who had walked up behind them at some point, spoke up. "Qiao An’an is a very good name."

The tiger cub happened to wake up just then. She stood up groggily, her little body swaying as she wasn’t fully awake yet. She nearly tumbled over.

Jin Ling’s large hand gently steadied her, allowing her to slowly make her own way to Qiao Xixi’s side.

Meeting Qiao Xixi’s gaze, Jin Ling explained, "An’an. For a life of peace and safety. Okay?"

Of course, Qiao Xixi had no objections. "Okay."

She picked up the cub and gave her a kiss. "Our An’an will certainly grow up safe and sound."

Before nightfall, Qiao Xixi planned to give all the cubs a bath. She wanted to have a good wash herself, too.

She couldn’t even remember the last time she’d had a proper wash.

"There’s a small stream in the middle of the island. I’ll take Qiao Qiao and the girls over there."

Jin Ling, not feeling at ease, insisted on going with them. Seeing this, Feiyan quickly followed suit.

"I’ll go too. I could use a good wash myself," he declared.

Qiao Xixi knew what he was up to but didn’t refuse, lest he start making a fuss.

The male cubs went with Sangze to wash by the sea.

"I’ll go with you to the sea. I’m a good swimmer, so I can help if anything unexpected happens."

Sangze nodded. "You may be an old merman, but you’re a decent sort."

Xijing: ...

Sunxiao, meanwhile, stayed behind to guard the camp.

"Xiya, is it okay for you to wash in fresh water?"

Xiya nodded. "It’s fine, Mother. I just can’t soak in it for too long."

"Okay, then I’ll wash you quickly."

"Mhm."

The island wasn’t very large, so the stream was small—only about a person’s width. Someone with long legs could probably step right over it.

After Qiao Xixi and the girls reached the stream, Feiyan and Jin Ling stood guard, one in front and one behind, constantly observing the surroundings.

Qiao Xixi had the cubs take off their clothes and led them into the water.

Despite the daytime sun, the stream water was still quite chilly.

Qiao Xixi held the tiger cub, scrubbing her soft fur. The little one hadn’t had a proper bath since she was born, yet her fur was surprisingly lustrous and didn’t look dirty at all.

Qiao Qiao and Xiya were already happily splashing in the water.

"Wow, Sister Xiya, you have a fishtail! It’s so beautiful!"

Qiao Qiao watched as Xiya revealed her fishtail, circling her like a curious kitten.

After washing the tiger cub, Qiao Xixi passed her to Jin Ling so the little one wouldn’t run off.

She called Xiya and Qiao Qiao over and used the natural shampoo they had made back at the tribe to wash their soft, long hair.

Once they were all clean, Qiao Xixi had them get out of the water, get dressed, and wait for her.

"Mother, we’ll wait for you over there."

"Okay."

Qiao Xixi scrubbed her long hair. When she was nearly done, she submerged herself in the water, intending to rinse out all the shampoo.

But just as she went under, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her forcefully. She opened her eyes to see Feiyan’s lips pressing toward hers.

Qiao Xixi sighed inwardly. ’Does it really have to be in the water?’

Qiao Xixi reached out, covered his face with her hand, and pulled him to the surface.

"We’re out in the open!"

His light-brown, fox-like eyes looked as if they wanted to devour her. Especially a moment ago, underwater, when her entire body had been exposed to him—Feiyan had nearly lost his mind.

The fox-like man hugged her, a wronged look on his face. "Xixi, when you came back, you were covered in their scents, but not mine at all. You can’t play favorites!"

"I’m not playing favorites!"

"Hmph! You even smell like that stinky fish!" The fox-man grew even more indignant. He had already tried very hard to hold himself back until now.

’If I don’t appease him now,’ Qiao Xixi thought, ’he might actually break.’

She reached out her arms to embrace him, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist.

"Didn’t I tell you to wait until tonight?"

Feeling her soft body against his, Feiyan knew he couldn’t wait until tonight. He couldn’t wait another second!

He pulled her tighter, urgently kissing the lips he had dreamed of day and night.

He just wanted to be with her—to breathe in her scent, to feel her warmth, to touch her soft, delicate skin.

He carried her behind a large boulder, hiding them from view.

A flurry of kisses fell upon her. Hearing the change in her breathing and seeing her eyes grow hazy with passion, he could no longer control himself, feeling her scorching heat as she wrapped tightly around him...

Listening to the commotion in the water not far away, Jin Ling’s gilded-gold eyes grew darker.