The burning firewood in the fireplace fills the air with the fragrance of pine. The carpet, of unknown texture, flickers under the firelight. Happiness's palms are sweaty, and she feels nervous.
In the extreme cold of February, Happiness feels sweaty all over for the first time. She looks up at Fran and sees him looking at her, waiting for her to continue. His originally dark eyes reflect a faint golden ring under the indoor light, giving off an incomparable sense of majesty. He is not a beast she can playfully act cute with. He is the leader of the entire beast tribe, and he hasn't shown any interest in her yet. So how should she approach him?
Happiness had a well-thought-out plan at home, but now, facing Fran, she can't say a word. Or rather, she doesn't have the position to inexplicably demand anything from Fran, which is simply ridiculous.
"You can just call me Fran, what do you want to ask me? Take your time, think it through before you speak." Fran pours a cup of hot water for Happiness.
In an instant, Happiness feels that Fran already knows what she wants to say. She couldn't possibly play tricks in front of him, and she has no need to. Originally, she just wanted to find a way to naturally bring up her future plans, without making Fran think that the beasts had given her any hints and blaming them. As she lifts the cup to drink the hot water, Happiness becomes calm. She suddenly realizes that she doesn't need to be so anxious and fearful. Eugene's words were just speculations, not facts. Besides, she has a good impression of Fran and thinks he is completely trustworthy. Why not trust him now? If Fran wanted to do something to her, he could have isolated her already. Instead of begging and putting on a show, it's better to honestly talk to him about her thoughts.
"Fran, Chief of the Beast Tribe, although we haven't had much contact, I think you are a good tiger." Happiness puts the cup back on the table and sits up straight, speaking sincerely to Fran, "Everyone in your tribe is very kind, at least that's what I have experienced. Actually, I was worried that you would confine me or imprison me." This is not an easy thing for her to say, and it seems a bit shameless, especially since she is facing a man in his thirties. Happiness's face turns red, but she speaks seriously, "I'm not afraid of being laughed at. When I heard that you wanted to see me on the isolated island, I even cried because I thought I would be separated from the beasts that have been with me all this time."
Fran is very tolerant of Happiness. He doesn't treat her like a little toy or pet sitting across from him. He crosses his fingers and places them on the table, listening attentively as Happiness stammers and speaks incoherently. It's as if Happiness is a secretary of state, reporting on national affairs.
"When I arrived in this world, I didn't even know how to read or speak. I had no survival skills at all. If it weren't for them, I don't know what my life would be like now. I still rely on them. In my heart, they are like my family." Happiness doesn't mention the name of any specific beast, only referring to them collectively as "them," hoping that Fran won't get angry.
"Hmm, Happiness, take your time, don't rush." Fran speaks up. Besides the terrifying scar on his face, this Siberian tiger is truly gentle and amiable. Happiness feels relieved and her lips curve into a polite smile towards Fran. She pinches her own hand back forcefully, telling herself that this isn't scarier than facing a homeroom teacher.
"I really don't know how to say it. When I first saw them transform into beast-like shapes, I was genuinely scared. But there was no way for me to escape, nowhere to run. In that situation, I had no choice but to rely on them to survive," Happiness slowly said. "Chief Fran, to be honest, I have also felt saddened by the extinction of humans. I am the only one left, and at times, I wondered if it would be better to die in the earthquake. But they have been so good to me. I don't know when it started, but I have come to see them all as family. I can't imagine losing them one day. Being with them, I feel that it's better to be alive."
Fran remained silent, but he clearly suppressed his smile as he saw tears glistening in Happiness's eyes.
"You should already know that those ancient beings are actually from the same period as me. They didn't escape the virus invasion and after death, they were turned into bio-robots. I know this is top-secret, don't worry, I haven't mentioned any of this online. They speak the language from a thousand years ago, but I have no sense of belonging to them. And some of them even wanted to harm me. Except for one kind-hearted uncle, the rest of them are a bunch of cold-blooded monsters. I want you to know that I genuinely like the beast clan and don't consider the ancient beings as my own kind. I saw it in the news before..."
"I understand," Fran nodded. "Happiness, don't let the radical anti-human factions get to you. They are not the mainstream of society. They are targeting you now, of course, they will try to frame you with baseless accusations. Don't worry about it. Tomorrow morning, there will be an online interview. Rest earlier today and prepare yourself. The media will give you a fair chance."
"Thank you for contacting them on my behalf. I thought I could only do the interview after February," Lin Xiaole's spirits lifted. "I have a lot to explain to the public."
"It's nothing, really," Fran smiled.
"I, I have something else I want to tell you, even if you might laugh at me. I've been thinking, if I were to ask you for the life I want and the safety of my family. Of course, I might be thinking too much... But if I were to request these rights and guarantees, what valuable contribution can I make to the beast clan?" Happiness wiped away the tears that were about to fall and said earnestly, "I've thought about it. Just recalling things from ancient times, as historical material, or writing, writing documents, working in the school of history, none of these are necessary for the beast clan's society."
"If I want to solve my current predicament, live a dignified life, and integrate into this world, the only way is..." Happiness took a deep breath, solemnly saying, "to voluntarily participate in scientific research. Of course, not the kind where I am dissected. I hope our beast clan scientists can find something special about me that can lead to the evolution of more female beasts! Only when I am no longer the only one in the world, can I truly be free! And be able to live happily with my family! Even if this research doesn't succeed right away, I will have contributed to this society in the process! I believe that even the most demanding male beasts will not ignore this!" She scratched her head and added, "Hehe, of course, the condition is not to actually dissect me."
Seeing Fran stand by the fireplace in silence for a while, Happiness couldn't help but ask, "Chief Fran, is this plan feasible? Am I being too far-fetched?"
Fran said, "In fact, I have already organized a group of scientists to study and analyze your blood. Since you are so willing, I will personally approve you as one of the researchers in this group. Honestly, we have high hopes for you. Of course, I can guarantee that this won't cause you any harm, and you will have absolute freedom. You can leave work on time every day, and you will receive a basic salary and allowances monthly. Are you willing?"
Happiness was surprised at first, but then smiled happily and exclaimed, "That's great, Chief! I'm eager to go, I can't wait any longer! Will it start after February? There couldn't be a better arrangement than this!"
This leaves the radicals with no argument. After all, they have the same desires for humanoid females. Ancient little girls are willing to contribute to the world, perhaps becoming pioneers of civilization. So, big guys, do you really have the audacity to continue talking about the history of ancient breeds and human cruelty to animals?
"I'm afraid we'll have to postpone it for a few days..." Fran noticed Happiness standing beside him, looking up at him with a cute smile on her face, and his heart suddenly warmed. He stopped mid-sentence.
Happiness asked in confusion, "Chief Fran, why do we have to postpone?"
Fran quickly snapped out of it and smiled, "Did you forget, Happiness? We have to deal with the ancient breeds first. The life you want to live should be based on peace. Happiness, just call me Fran directly, it sounds strange to keep calling me Chief."
Happiness decisively and promptly called out Fran's name. This whole day had been torturous for her, and although the clouds hadn't cleared to reveal the moon, she at least saw a glimmer of hope for her beautiful life. Researchers are much more reliable than online writers!
"Fran, you won't harm us, will you? And you won't harm any of them?" In the cheerful and beautiful atmosphere, Happiness finally asked the question she had been wanting to ask the most.
"No, I won't." Fran raised his hand and gently touched Happiness's hair, saying, "Eat without worries. Every problem has a solution. If you have any concerns in the future, just tell me without hesitation."
Happiness innocently smiled, "When the research is successful, Fran, you will definitely find a beautiful woman to be your wife. Only someone as impressive as you would be a perfect match."
Fran lightly smiled, "I hope so."