A few minutes later, the hide was removed.
Rong Ye stumbled back inside, his hair a mess and his eyes literally brimming with tears.
He looked like a kicked puppy. He didn’t even look at the other husbands; he headed straight for Su Qinglan, throwing himself at her feet and burying his face in her lap to complain.
"Lan Lan! Han Jue is a bully! He’s a monster!" he sobbed, his voice full of grievance. "He didn’t even listen to me! My poor ears... my poor tail!"
Han Jue walked in behind him, looking perfectly calm and refreshed, as if he had just taken a pleasant stroll.
He glanced at Su Qinglan, and for a split second, the two of them shared a knowing look. The fox might have been the "seductive force" last night, but today, the wolf was the king of the house.
Rong Ye was never one to suffer in silence. He didn’t just complain; he created a full theatrical production. He started wailing as if he were at death’s door, and before anyone could stop him, he hiked up his hide to show his backside.
"Look, Lan Lan! Look at what this brute did to your poor, innocent husband!" he cried out.
Su Qinglan gasped, her eyes widening in genuine shock. There, on Rong Ye’s usually pale skin, were two bright, angry red footprints that practically glowed.
It looked scorching even to the touch. She felt a wave of guilt wash over her; she had wanted him to learn a lesson, but she hadn’t expected Han Jue to actually turn his behind into a "monkey butt," as the fox was now calling it.
"Oh, Rong Ye... stay still," she whispered softly.
She leaned down and gently blew on the stinging skin, the cool air making the fox shiver with a mix of relief and dramatic "pain."
She placed her small, warm palms over the marks, and a soft, green healing glow began to emanate from her hands. As her spiritual energy flowed into him, the redness began to fade, and the heat vanished.
"Now, will you promise not to be so mischievous and rough next time?" she asked, her voice tender and maternal.
Rong Ye buried his face in the furs, but he wasn’t as miserable as he sounded. While Su Qinglan was focused on healing him, he tilted his head just enough to catch Han Jue’s eye.
He let out a smug, silent snicker and stuck his tongue out, making a mocking face at the wolf.
"Ah... Lan Lan, be gentle... it still hurts so much," he groaned coyly, wiggling his tail for extra sympathy. "My tender, bright skin has been ruined by this ruthless, jealous wolf! He’s just mad because I’m your favorite!"
Han Jue, standing by the pillar, felt his temple throb. His hands clenched into fists, and he gave Rong Ye a deathly glare that would have withered a weaker beastman.
If Su Qinglan weren’t right there, he would have dragged the fox out for "Round Two" in a heartbeat.
"You’re lucky she’s kind-hearted, you slippery-mouth fox," Han Jue gritted out, his voice low and dangerous.
Hu Yan, who had been watching the entire circus from the corner, finally couldn’t hold it in. He let out a loud snicker, shaking his head at the two of them.
"If you two are done with your play-acting, I have fish to stew," Hu Yan said, picking up the large fish he had brought.
"Rong Ye, if you can wiggle your tail that much, you can definitely help me chop the ginger once Lan Lan finishes ’saving’ you."
Rong Ye immediately stiffened, acting like he had lost all strength in his arms. "Ginger? I think I have a faintness in my head, Lan Lan... I need more healing..."
Su Qinglan laughed, finally seeing through his antics, and gave his now-healed backside a tiny, playful swat. "Enough! Go help Hu Yan. I want my fish stew!"

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Clumsy Beast, Keep Your Paws Off