When Chen Lan returned to the tribe, it was just in time for dusk. Aside from a hunting party that had been out for several days, everyone else was present. The first person to spot them was a sentinel, who shouted, and a large group of people and beasts rushed out.
Leading the charge was a giant white bear-dog. The moment it pounced on Chen Lan, it transformed into human form and embraced her tightly, expressing its longing and worry. Clearly, this was one of her husbands.
"Hey, I'm fine. I also brought back enough purple fruits." Chen Lan, long accustomed to her husband's way of expressing affection, patted his back reassuringly. She then introduced, "Come, meet our esteemed guest, the hermit Ji Mo Ling. She saved both me and Li, and even gave us two purple fruits." By this time, the others who had come to greet them were also approaching, so Chen Lan raised her voice to introduce everyone. "This is my other husband, He. These are all our tribe's companions."
Ji Mo Ling flashed a polite smile and greeted, "Hello, everyone." She kept her gaze respectfully on their upper bodies. They were all beastmen, and several had shifted from beast form to human form upon arrival—many without wearing clothes!
Faced with this beautiful new woman, the beastmen's eyes lit up. However, they remained respectful, warmly greeting and introducing themselves in hopes of leaving a strong impression.
Ji Mo Ling was relieved that they didn't collectively show off their private parts at their first meeting. She was perfectly fine greeting each of the 20 or so beastmen one by one. Some of the shy youths even blushed after saying, "Hello, my name is…" before hiding behind others.
This was definitely a female-dominated society. The way these beastmen treated her was enthusiastic yet polite, not offensive in the slightest. Rather, she felt like a princess surrounded by knights. She liked it.
After all the beastmen had greeted her, Chen Lan waved her hand. "Go, tell the chieftain we have an esteemed guest visiting. Tonight, we'll host a welcome feast."
"Yes~!" With that command, over twenty beasts took off at their fastest speed toward the tribe's entrance—some to report to the chieftain, others to prepare for the banquet.
Despite being mentally prepared, Ji Mo Ling still felt slightly dizzy after witnessing a group of people transform into beasts right before her eyes. Fortunately, the beastmen knew to first remove the animal skins they used as loincloths before transforming, avoiding littering the place with scraps.
While Ji Mo Ling was busy with the "meet and greet," Li and He had already left with the purple fruits. Now, only Chen Lan remained, walking with Ji Mo Ling and introducing the tribe's chieftain, whom they were about to meet.
The current chieftain was Chen Lan's mother, Chen Xiao, who was forty years old. She had only one husband and had given birth to her first daughter, Chen Lan, at the age of twenty. She later had seven sons. Chen Xiao was a strong yet just leader, beloved by the entire tribe.
"My mother is a powerful and strict leader, but in private, she is especially gentle with my father. She's strict with me and my brothers, but she cares about us a lot." Chen Lan admired her mother deeply. "She'll be very happy to meet you," and, just like her, will probably try to convince Ji Mo Ling to join their tribe.
Enjoying the treatment of a state guest being welcomed with open arms, Ji Mo Ling maintained a friendly smile all the way until they entered the chieftain's home.
Chen Xiao was a tall and athletic woman with long, slightly curly dark brown hair and striking facial features. It was clear that Chen Lan inherited her beauty from her mother. Upon seeing Ji Mo Ling, Chen Xiao extended her hand, "Welcome, young and generous hermit. I'm Chen Xiao, the chieftain of the Green Tribe."
Ji Mo Ling shook her hand politely, then released it and replied, "Chieftain, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Ji Mo Ling, but you can call me Ling."
"Hehe, alright, Ling. You can call me Auntie," Chen Xiao replied with a smile. Sometimes, people just get along right from the first meeting, what's commonly called "being kindred spirits."
"Alright, Auntie," Ji Mo Ling smiled, feeling that Chen Lan's mother, like Chen Lan, had an energy that resonated with her. They would likely get along well. "I'll be imposing on you for a while."
"Haha, no need to be so polite. Consider this your home. I have an empty house here. Stay with us for the next few days, and tomorrow, Lan will help you arrange to build a house. After we observe for a while, as long as you mean no harm to the tribe, I'll officially invite you to join."
"Then I'll trouble you," Ji Mo Ling understood what the chieftain meant. She had been considering it herself. After some time, if both sides were satisfied, she would stay.
"Xiao, Lan, the banquet is ready. We can invite our guest to join," a strong man with a buzz cut knocked on a nearby door and reminded them, nodding politely toward Ji Mo Ling as he spoke.
"Alright, Dad. We're coming," replied Chen Lan.
So this was the chieftain's only husband and Chen Lan's father.
Ji Mo Ling nodded in return, but she couldn't help but observe him. His appearance wasn't particularly striking, but his eyes were especially sharp and full of spirit. He wore a linen vest and shorts instead of just an animal skin loincloth like most of the beastmen, suggesting he didn't often transform into beast form. He had a refined demeanor.
After receiving a response, the man exchanged a loving look with his wife before calmly walking away. They indeed seemed like a sweet couple.
In the central plaza, a large bonfire blazed, surrounded by torches that seemed to turn the pitch-black night into a glowing orange-red. The chieftain introduced Ji Mo Ling to everyone present and then announced the start of the welcome banquet.
People cheered twice before dispersing. Some played skin drums, others sang, some danced around the bonfire in time to the rhythm, while others sat in groups, chatting and snacking on fruits.
Ji Mo Ling was pulled into dancing by Chen Lan and another girl named Wang Xin. The dance steps were simple: everyone held hands, stepping left and right, shaking their hands, and kicking their legs around the bonfire. Ji Mo Ling danced energetically for quite a while before feeling too hot. She finally excused herself and sat beside Chen Xiao.
Chen Xiao was playing with her grandson along with her husband. Seeing Ji Mo Ling approach, she smiled and waved her over, "Ling, come have some food. You should also meet the child who benefited from your help."
After greeting everyone seated, Ji Mo Ling looked toward the small bundle on He's lap. "Is this Lan's sick child?" It was a small white bear-dog cub. "So tiny." She sat cross-legged on the ground, facing He.
"He's already three years old. He's been weak from the illness, but after taking the medicine today, he stabilized in his smallest form," explained Kong, the tribe's healer and Chen Xiao's husband.
The little one seemed to realize they were talking about him. He looked around before locking eyes with Ji Mo Ling. Tilting his round little head, he let out a soft bark, then clumsily tried to get off his father's lap, only to miss a step and roll down, landing right in front of Ji Mo Ling in a comical pose that drew laughter from the adults.
"…Isn't it bad to fall like that?" Ji Mo Ling worried, thinking the little one might hurt himself, as he was still recovering. She reached out and helped him back onto his feet.
"He'll be fine. A few tumbles are good for kids." Since his father said so, Ji Mo Ling relaxed.
The little cub seemed to like Ji Mo Ling, his tiny tail wagging non-stop. He placed his white paws on her knees and tried to climb up, his hind legs kicking as he attempted to reach her lap.
But before he could succeed, a pair of adult hands gently grabbed his neck scruff and lifted him up. "Wasn't he supposed to be sleeping? How is he awake so soon?" Chen Lan held her son at eye level to check for any problems but was immediately greeted with affectionate licks. It seemed his condition had indeed stabilized.
After some bonding time with his mother, the little one tried to head back toward Ji Mo Ling. Seeing this, Chen Lan directly handed him over, placing him in Ji Mo Ling's lap. "Looks like Bai really likes you. Ling, why don't you hold him for a while?"
"Uh, okay?" Feeling slightly unsure, Ji Mo Ling wasn't sure how to hold him at first. But looking into his wet, shiny eyes and seeing how small he was, her heart softened. Following how He had held him earlier, she placed him on her lap and gently stroked his fur with her fingertips. Watching him relax and enjoy it, she couldn't help but smile too.
She loved animals but had never had much luck with them, so this attention felt like a surprising honor!