Chapter 63: Chapter 63: Su Qinglan’s Most Awkward Encounter
Su Qinglan turned her head and looked at Han Jue. He was still standing there with his arms crossed, his sharp eyes glaring at everyone like he owned the world.
Her chest softened a little. He had boldly stood up for her in front of the entire tribe, even when everyone was pointing fingers. If not for him, things might have gone ugly.
So, she bent down, scooped some of the boiled potatoes into a small stone bowl, and walked over to him. She held it out with both hands.
"Here. For you. And... thank you for helping me."
Han Jue snorted loudly, looking away like she had just offended his great honor. "Who is helping you? Hmph. Don’t flatter yourself. I just don’t want the future of our tribe to be wasted because of your fake accusations. If they had won, then we would have lost such good food in vain."
He took the bowl, snorted again, and turned his head sharply as if to say he had done her no favor at all.
Su Qinglan’s mouth twitched. In her heart, she was screaming. You bastard! You dare act tough in front of me? Only I have the right to be arrogant here! Wait, if I don’t smack your face one day, my name isn’t Su Qinglan!
But since he had just defended her, she swallowed her fire. For now. She simply narrowed her eyes and gave him a sharp snort right back.
Han Jue’s face darkened instantly. He looked like he wanted to strangle her on the spot. But before he could open his mouth, she turned on her heel, completely ignoring him, and walked away to the river.
There she poured water over the burning wood, extinguishing the fire. Then she picked up the baskets and began distributing the boiled potatoes. All the females who had helped her collect them earlier each got a fair share. She even gave them some raw potatoes to take back.
But as for those who had been standing at the side, watching the drama, waiting for free food? She didn’t hand them a single one. Not even the smell. Her eyes passed over them like they were thin air.
Some females’ faces turned ugly, but Su Qinglan didn’t care. She whistled lightly, dusted her hands, and walked off toward her cave.
Because right now... her mind wasn’t on the tribe.
It was on her new rewards.
Especially the cotton underwear.
The thought of it made her walk faster. Beast-hide underwear had been the most uncomfortable thing she had ever worn in her life.
Hard, itchy, sticky, sweaty... it was torture. Many times, she had wanted to just throw it away and walk freely, but her morals stopped her. She was not about to run around bare-bottomed in front of these beastmen. No way.
So yes, cotton underwear was like a blessing from heaven.
Su Qinglan hurried to her cave, silently thanking the beast god that she didn’t meet anyone on the way. Her cave was quiet, empty. She let out a sigh of relief.
Hu Yan and Rong Ye were still missing. They hadn’t been around since morning. She guessed it must be their turn to go hunting today. That explained why they weren’t here guarding her like overprotective wolves.
On normal days, they never left her side, always camping around her cave like bodyguards who had nothing better to do. But today, they were gone.
Su Qinglan smirked. Good. Perfect timing.
Finally, she could check her rewards in peace without any interruptions.
Su Qinglan walked deeper into her cave and her eyes landed on the little plant sprawled on her bed. The thing was lying there like the laziest person in the whole world, leaves drooping like it was snoring in its sleep.
Her lips curved up in an evil smile.
Without a second thought, she yanked the plant up by its leaves and dragged it out of the cave.
"Guard the cave. Don’t let anyone enter. Or else I’ll tear off every leaf and make you bald," she threatened with a heavy voice.
The poor plant was suddenly thrown outside without even knowing what crime it had committed. It landed on the ground, trembling pitifully. Why can’t I live peacefully? My master is too ruthless...
But still, it shivered once, puffed up like a dog ready to protect its master, and nodded seriously.
Su Qinglan snorted in satisfaction and went back inside.
She sat cross-legged and finally opened her inventory.
First, she took out the chili seed packet. Her whole face lit up. The seeds were clean, fresh, and good quality. Just looking at them made her mouth water. Finally! Chilies! No more bland food! I can actually eat spicy again!
Next, her gaze landed on the cooking oil. Her happiness doubled. With this, she could fry, roast, and stir-fry. No more boring boiled meat.
But after one glance, she tossed both items back into the inventory. She had already locked her eyes on the true treasure.
The cotton underwear.
She pulled out a set, and her eyes almost sparkled. It was soft, clean, stretchy... even smelled faintly fresh. So good! So smooth! So heavenly! I want to rub myself on it!
But then she looked at her own sweaty body and wrinkled her nose. Ugh, no way am I putting this holy thing on a dirty body.
Taking a bath outside at the river was impossible now, since it was crowded with females and beastmen. And she absolutely did not want any men seeing her.
She tapped her chin. Fine. If I can’t bathe outside, I’ll bathe inside.
She turned to the huge stone water bowl in her cave, the one Hu Yan had dug out for her. She was stunned for a second. The thing held a ridiculous amount of water... so much she could practically swim in it. That guy really is crazy. But useful.
She scooped the water into the wooden pail Hu Yan had made for her and dragged it inside. Then she stripped off her smelly beast-hide clothes, tossed them to the side, and sank into the water with a long sigh.
"Ahhh... finally..."
She scrubbed herself clean, washing away all the sweat and dust. When she came out, she dried herself with her towel and felt like a brand-new person.
Her eyes shone as she reached for the cotton underwear. But the moment she unfolded it, her smile froze.
It was... small.
Like really small.
Her face darkened. She raised it in her hand and shouted, "Xuyu! What the hell?! Are you pranking me?! Why is this so tiny? Are you mocking me?!"
Somewhere in her mind, the system voice floated out, "Don’t worry host, these underwear are adjustable. It can fit even an elephant. Just wear it, it will fit. Don’t shout at it... or it will cry."
Su Qinglan: "..."
She looked down at the underwear in her hands. ...Did he just say my underwear will cry?
Her lips twitched. Still, she tried it on, and to her shock, the thing stretched and fit her perfectly, hugging her like it was made just for her. Her mood instantly improved. She touched her waist and grinned. Comfort! Real comfort! Goodbye, itchy beast hide!
Just as she was about to grab another piece to admire, a sudden commotion came from the entrance.
"Move aside! What the hell are you?! Why are you blocking me?! I want to go in! I haven’t eaten anything since morning!"
It was Rong Ye’s deep voice, angry and loud.
Right after, she heard a pitiful cry — her plant had been tossed far away again.
Su Qinglan’s eyes went wide. She looked at her half-clothed body and almost screamed.
"Shit!!"
She grabbed whatever cloth was nearby and wrapped it around herself, rushing to cover her chest.
But before she could even secure it properly, heavy footsteps marched inside.
Rong Ye stormed in with a dark face, clearly ready to confront her...
And then he froze.
She froze.
Their eyes met.
The cave suddenly went silent.
Su Qinglan wanted to cry. Why, of all times, did this man have to barge in now?!