Xue and Tangtang were walking in awkward silence. One was still thinking about the kiss, while the other was already planning the next step to be more intimate.
Last night, while they were eating together, they already talked about today's itinerary.
Tangtang described to Xue some simple tools used in cooking, such as a casserole, pan, ladle, and spatula. He drew it in the dirt and explained to the man exactly how he recalled it being used.
Xue immediately understood and listed some raw materials that could be an alternative.
For the spatula and ladle, Tangtang decided to use the branches of the tree called Cinna. It is a mushroom-shaped tree, and because of the special characteristic of its blood-red sap, the branches are ideal to use as a spatula or ladle because they will not mold even when soaked in water.
For the pan and casserole, Xue suggested using the rock found under the waterfalls in the southern part of the tribe. It has a variety of shapes, a smooth surface, and can be easily curved; it is commonly used to make toys for the cubs.
Tangtang readily agreed. Compared to him, Xue knows more about these kinds of things. It was a good thing that the Cinna trees were also commonly found in the south. If they were lucky, they could have all the tools today and cook a proper meal tonight.
Since they had already talked about all the things that needed to be talked about, Tangtang couldn't think of any topic. Xue is taciturn, and he could sit the whole day without speaking. Now that he was stimulated by the sub-beast, Xue's mind was wandering to who knows where.
"Why don't you ask him about the health of the elders? Recently, many old and young people in the tribe are getting sick," Phi said.
Tangtang believed that this disease was similar to the common cold on Earth, except that it spreads, becomes incurable, and may even be fatal due to the lack of an adequate healthcare system.
He heard Ero's frantic voice just as he was going to ask Xue about it.
Ero was tasked with keeping an eye on the radar and alerting Tangtang to any monsters in the area. "Tangtang! Two two-horned monsters were running at fast speed in this way!" he nervously said.
Before Tangtang could even respond, Xue already spotted the two oncoming monsters. He immediately carried the sub-beast, sprang into a nearby tree, and placed Tangtang on a sturdy branch. After ensuring the safety of the sub-beast, he leaped three trees away in anticipation of the monsters' approach.
Using their large snouts to sniff about, two two-horned boars stop beneath the tree where Xue was hiding. With great force, Xue jumped and landed precisely behind one of the boars, making a loud cracking sound as the bone broke. Xue immediately followed up with a powerful blow to the head, killing the monster.
After killing one, Xue easily dealt with the other.
All of this happened in less than a minute, leaving Tangtang, who had witnessed it several times, in awe again. Xue didn't even transform; the man truly deserves the title of the strongest beastman.
After settling the two monsters, Xue carried down Tangtang from the tree. "Are you okay?" he asked.
"How can I not be okay with you here?" Tangtang smiled, tiptoed, and stole another kiss from the man.
The sub-beast action left Xue dazed once again, and it wasn't until they heard a roar coming from the direction the two creatures had come from that he recovered.
Xue ran quickly in the direction of the waterfalls, carrying Tangtang in one hand while he picked up the larger of the two monsters with the other. Although weak, the two-horned boars were violent and liked to use their two large horns to tackle anyone. They also roam with a horde, which made them difficult to hunt.
Tangtang was scared witless and almost cried the first time he saw a two-horned monster. Even with the radar, they still encountered monsters more often as they went deeper into the forest. Xue, on the other hand, can easily deal with them, making Tangtang at ease and thrilled.
"Xue, you smell so good," Tangtang said, nuzzling the man's neck while inhaling his refreshing scent.
"It is his pheromones, Tangtang. Beasts use their pheromones to attract or intimidate others," Ero explained. "Xue is now using his pheromones to intimidate the horde."
Tangtang chuckled. 'What should I do? I am not intimidated at all but attracted instead.'
Ero rolled his non-existent eye and continued monitoring the radar. Phi just giggles as he nestles in Tangtang's head.
Xue's pheromones smell like mint with a touch of lavender. Its scent is soothing and slightly sweet, with a refreshing effect. Tangtang is starting to get intoxicated from it as he senses that Xue's pheromones are getting stronger.
Xue's breathing becomes ragged as he was immensely aroused by Tangtang's little antics; the gentle kisses on his neck and the hot breath that teased his glands caused him to become restless. His body begins to heat up, and a certain area begins to stand up.
"Tangtang..." Xue wanted to ask the sub-beast to stop, but he didn't know how. Not only did his body become restless, but also his heart.
Xue's steps started to falter from the stimulation when he saw the crest of the waterfalls. As if seeing a lifeline, he accelerated his speed. Xue looked back to check if they had already lost the monster horde before continuing to run towards the falls.
After arriving at the waterfalls, Xue gently placed Tangtang on a rock and said, "Stay. I will clean the carcass so they won't follow the scent of blood." Xue's words were direct and did not leave any room for argument as he hurriedly left with the monster's corpse.
Tangtang stifled a laugh seeing the fleeing beast as if he was being chased by a ghost.
Tangtang wanted to follow and tease the man more when he saw his surroundings. He gasped in astonishment at the breathtaking view in front of him.
In a steep, gorge-like valley, cascades of water fall into a plunge pool, like a blue satin threaded with silver. The loud pounding of water on the rocks is like a monster's roar, making a majestic sound. The lush green plants and vibrant flowers around it added to its tranquility and beauty.
"It's so beautiful." It is the first time Tangtang has seen such scenery. On Earth, work and schooling already take much of his time. That's why traveling and enjoying a vacation was a luxury for him.
"You will see much more beautiful scenery in the future, Tangtang," Phi said with his sweet and soft voice but full of determination.
Because of that despicable 'thing,' their ward was deprived of these simple things. Tangtang deserved everything good the world could offer.
"Yes. Unlike Earth, this world is still full of wonders that are waiting to be discovered," Ero agreed. With them here, nothing was impossible.
"Let's travel the world in the future," his voice was full of hope.
A genuine smile spread across Tangtang's lovely face, making his peach-blossom eyes curve. The smile brightens the whole person as if he, Tangtang, were bathed in golden light. The two guardians were delighted when they saw that the dark clouds surrounding Tangtang dissipated a lot.
Ero and Phi thought that Tangtang's smile is much more beautiful than any wonders of the world.
Not only the two fluff balls thought about this but also Xue, who came back from soaking in the chilly pool just to be welcomed by this beautiful scene. The flame that he tried hard to suppress reemerged.
When Tangtang recovered from amazement, he saw Xue in a daze carrying two big, semi-round rocks, and he could see crystal-clear droplets dripping into his body.
"Are these the rocks you told me about?" Tangtang inquired, but he was distracted by the man's perfect mermaid line, pectoral muscles, and well-defined eight-pack abs that were dripping wet at the moment.
"I will not be surprised if Xue melts with your scorching hot gaze," Ero commented.
'I really want to take a bite.'
"…Yes," Xue answered unconsciously. He didn't notice the way Tangtang looked at him.
While Xue will be carving these rocks, Tangtang doesn't want to be idle and plans to look around the waterfalls. At first, Xue doesn't want the sub-beast to wander alone, afraid that he might run into some wild monster, but Tangtang insists and promises that he will not go too far.
After two hours, Tangtang returned with a basket full of potatoes. He luckily found them near the pool, like stacked stone piles. This plant is well hidden because it looks like a normal stone with grasses growing around it.
Xue was also done making two casseroles and two frying pans in varying sizes. He was now washing them under the waterfall while smoothing the inner parts.
It is already past noon.
They decided to eat first before going to the grove of Cinna trees. Tangtang was excited to use the beautifully crafted pans, but he was afraid that the scent of the food might attract monsters. That's why they put up with the dried meat and boiled red root Xue brought.
After eating, Tangtang asked Xue if they could stay a little longer and rest under the shade of a tree.
"Can the vacant lot at the edge of the valley be used?" Tangtang suddenly asked.
Xue thought about the large space that was full of fruitless trees and weeds. "Yes," he answered. "What do you want to do?"
"I want to make it a farm."
"Farm?" It is another word that Xue heard for the first time.
"It would be better if the females and sub-beasts didn't need to go out to gather red roots anymore?" Instead of answering Xue, Tangtang asked instead.
Xue didn't know the connection between the farm and females gathering red roots. That's why he was confused as to why the sub-beast suddenly asked about this, but he still answered, "It would be favorable if there were other options for them to obtain food without frequently visiting the forest."
Aside from the monsters, the jungle is full of unknown dangers. It is dangerous for females, despite their ability to half-transform, not to mention the sub-beasts who lack the power to protect themselves.
Tangtang nodded. "That's the reason why I want to make that piece of land into a farm."
Tangtang then explains to Xue what a farm is, its uses, and its benefits. Tangtang patiently tells everything he remembers from the books to Xue.
Xue is smart and capable; with just a few words, he already came up with plans and started exchanging opinions and ideas with Tangtang.
'Wow, he's so smart!' Tangtang was surprised at how fast the man could absorb new knowledge.
If Xue were on Earth, he would be hailed as a genius. It is not an exaggeration to define him as perfect. He is handsome, strong, and intelligent; no wonder many sub-beasts and females fight to marry him, and beasts respect and look up to him.
"It is a wide area, and we will need help from the others. Do you think it is feasible?" Tangtang asked while busying himself on weaving a basket.
Yesterday, when Qiu and Yan saw the basket they were using, they asked him to teach them how to create one, but he was focused on completing his quest and didn't have time. He decided to weave a small one for them first; it was also to distract himself from looking too much at Xue.
The man is really irresistible. Tangtang was afraid that if this continued, he would take a bite before it ripened.
But after a few minutes without hearing any movement beside him, he looked up. He was then met by two beautiful blue eyes, staring at him intently.
Those eyes, as if they are reflecting the ocean, are deep and calm. Under the sun, it shines like the most refined sapphire.
"So gorgeous," Tangtang murmurs as he sets aside what he was doing.
He leaned towards the man and gently kissed him on the lips. When he didn't hear any rejection, Tangtang continued to give light kisses to his cheeks, nose, and eyes.
"If you didn't stop me now, you would not have a chance later," he seductively whispered while straddling Xue's lap.
The man's breathing became heavy, but he didn't show any refusal, as if letting Tangtang do anything he wanted to do.