Clumsy Beast, Keep Your Paws Off novel Chapter 139

Chapter 139: Chapter 139: Planning for the Rain

After Su Qinglan finished defending the Fat Bull Tribe, her father rubbed his chin and nodded slowly.

"If they only want the hides," Su Mingxuan said, "then it’s not a problem. Our tribe is strong. We can hunt plenty. Wild boars, deer... even bison if needed. We can easily trade them for this rice."

The two elders also agreed. One of them said, "Yes, our hunters are good. We have hides and meat. If what she said is true, then this trade can really help us."

The priest was quiet for a long time. He kept staring at Su Qinglan, his deep eyes unreadable. It felt like he could see through her, but he didn’t say anything.

After a moment, he nodded slightly.

"If what you said is true... and this rice can last long and fill the stomach," he said slowly, "then maybe this time our tribe will pass through the storm safely."

His calm voice echoed in the cave. Everyone felt a small spark of hope.

Su Qinglan smiled softly, a little relieved. "Yes. And Father," she added quickly, "I have also decided something. We can’t only depend on the rice. We should also prepare dried meat. We should send our hunters to hunt as many beasts as possible before the rain starts."

Her father blinked. "Dried meat?"

"Not dried," Su Qinglan said. "Smoked. We can hang the meat above fire and let the smoke dry it slowly. It will not rot easily, and it can be stored for many solar days. Even if it rains, we can still eat it later."

Everyone stared at her in surprise. The two elders looked at each other with wide eyes.

Su Mingxuan leaned forward. "Are you sure this works?"

Su Qinglan nodded. "Yes. It’s something I learned before. The smell may be strong, but it tastes good and lasts long."

For a while, no one said anything. Then Su Mingxuan suddenly laughed and patted her head gently.

"My daughter is truly blessed," he said proudly. "You always find new things that help the tribe. If this works, no one will starve this season."

The two elders were also excited now. "If we can keep meat that long... and also have this rice," one said, "then even if hunting stops, we will not go hungry."

Su Qinglan felt warm inside seeing their reactions.

Then she remembered something and quickly opened the small leaf bundle she had carried with her. "Oh, Father, I brought this," she said, showing a little cooked rice. "You can try it. It’s easy to make. Just boil it with water."

Her father looked curious. He took a small bite, and his eyes widened. "It’s soft," he said in surprise. "And... filling."

The two elders also tasted it. One smiled, the other nodded.

"It’s good. Very good. With meat or vegetables, it will be perfect," one said.

Even the priest reached out his hand slowly and took a few grains. He chewed quietly, his expression calm but his eyes thoughtful.

Her back hit the ground hard. Stones dug into her skin, scraping her arms and legs. The owl beastman above her had his hand around her neck, pressing her down.

His yellow eyes glowed in the dim light like burning coals. He looked wild, half-mad, his face pale and twisted with pain.

"Let me go!" She cried again, hitting his chest with her fists. But he didn’t move. His body was shaking.

His shoulder was bleeding badly with deep red blood running down his arm. He looked like he had fought many beasts before finding her.

Bai Lianhua’s heart pounded fast. She had been scared since the morning. That man hadn’t come back last night, and she thought maybe he was dead.

She had been glad for a moment, then scared again. If anyone in the tribe found out what she had done, she would be finished.

She just wanted to get away for a little while, to breathe, to relieve herself near the forest. But suddenly he had appeared behind her like a ferocious beast...bloody, limping, with those crazy eyes, and dragged her deeper into the forest.

"Why... why are you doing this?" she whispered, her voice breaking. Her throat burned from his grip. She could barely breathe.

The owl beastman didn’t answer. His breath was rough and uneven. His hand trembled on her neck, but he didn’t let go. He looked lost, angry, and hurt, all at once.

"Please... you’re hurting me..." she gasped, tears forming in her eyes.