Transmigrated to Raise Panther Cubs novel Chapter 288

oralen të Raine Punther Cubs

Chapter 288 A Gift for Matthew

Matthew clenched his jaw in frustration. “Go clean your face and brush your teeth.”

“Alright.”

S

Inside the cavern, Jaden excitedly snatched his small pillow and climbed onto the bed without wasting any time.

Zachary was once again stuck in the middle, cuddling Jaden in his arms while Matthew wrapped his owry around Zachary from behind. Warmth surrounded them from both sides.

The following day, Jaden had a hands–on class at a distant location, so he probably wouldn’t return until the next evening.

Rising early, Zachary prepared salted egg yolk rice balls and sandwiches–the latter made with toasted bread layered with chicken cutlets, fried eggs, and vegetables, Worried that the boy might get hungry, Zachary also fried extra portions of jerky and drumsticks, doubling everything.

When Quincy packed Taylor’s meal, he also made twice the usual amount. The two kids headed off with backpacks overflowing with food, looking less like students going to class and more like adventurers setting out on a camping trip.

That morning, the tribe’s livestock pens were butchering a batch of quacking beasts. Zachary asked Matthew to collect some duck innards and then traded for duck necks, wings, and collarbones.

By the time Matthew returned from washing everything by the river, Zachary had already mixed the braising spices. In the past, they had few seasonings, but as more people came to barter with the Black Panther Tribe, their variety kept increasing.

He soaked the duck innards and wings in cold water, then boiled them with scallions, ginger, and fermented fruit juice to remove the unpleasant odor. After rinsing them several times in cold water, he threw everything into the pot with the spices to simmer.

Zachary also added kelp knots, an assortment of eggs in various sizes, and fried bean curb pieces that tasted just like bean puffs.

Matthew stayed busy as well. Following Zachary’s instructions, he worked on building a small cart for Jaden. After the previous night’s events, he had half–seriously considered giving Jaden square wheels–or maybe just a single wheel.

Since the wood burned slowly and needed only occasional checking, Zachary found extra bamboo and used ja bone knife to slice it into thin strips, planning to craft a kite for Jaden.

After a long day of grinding, Matthew sat on a rock beneath a tree, his expression impossible to read.

Zachary walked over and embraced him. “Are you feeling worn out?”

Matthew held up his hands, revealing faint reddish calluses on his palms. They weren’t prominent, but they were definitely there.

Zachary immediately began massaging them. “Well, Jaden has an incredible Alpha.

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Chapter 288 A Gift for Matthew

“I bet he will definitely be so moved when he returns.

“His Alpha is the best in the entire world.”

Matthew pressed his face against Zachary’s waist. “You’re always making things for Jaden.

“So many things.”

Zachary chuckled softly. “I made something for you too. Go check it out inside the cave.”

It turned out to be a new set of summer clothes and a pair of shoes, stitched together from hide, fabric, and sinew thread–light and breathable.

“This is my first time making shoes,” Zachary admitted.

Matthew’s usually downturned lips slowly curved upward. Though the change was subtle, for his usually stoic face, it was a remarkably clear display of emotion.

“Put them on. Let’s see how they fit.”

“Alright.”

Matthew walked around in circles. “They’re comfortable.

His mood gradually lifted from its earlier gloom, lightening into quiet contentment.

The spices had fully infused the duck meat. Firm and savory, mildly spicy with a deep, rich sauce, each bite left a faint salty–sweet aftertaste that was dangerously addictive.

Zachary was still holding the plate when Matthew pulled him onto his lap. Matthew nuzzled his cheek, his warm breath grazing Zachary’s neck.

“That smells good,” Matthew murmured, though he didn’t move. He only tightened his grip around Zachary’s waist.

Zachary knew exactly what he wanted. Smiling, he brought a piece of meat to Matthew’s lips, coaxing him like a child. “Come on, open your mouth.”

When Matthew took the meat, he also licked Zachary’s finger.

Zachary gazed at him as if he were the most adorable creature alive. “Is it good?”

Matthew nodded. “I want more.”

An entire plate of braised duck disappeared, fed to Matthew piece by piece.

Zachary held up his greasy fingers. “Can I get down now?”

In a far better mood, Matthew finally loosened his embrace and eagerly helped pack up the leftover braised duck and salted eggs.

They headed to Quincy’s place first. Yael looked like he had just returned from a bath, with a piece of hide

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Chapter 288 A Gift for Matthew

loosely wrapped around his waist and water still dripping from his hair.

Quincy gently dried Yael’s hair with a hide towel while Yael sat cross–legged on a grass mat.

Yael looked up and said something, and Quincy gazed down with a tender smile. The evening sunlight bit them perfectly, freezing the moment like a scene from a movie.

The aroma of braised duck wafted over. Yael sniffed the air, and when he spotted Zachary and Matthew carrying the basket, his face lit up with excitement.

Zachary smiled. “I made some braised dishes and brought you a bit to taste.”

“Whoa!” Yael couldn’t wait any longer. He sat up straight and immediately fed a piece to Quincy,

Yael looked utterly delighted. “Oh man, this is absolutely amazing.”

Matthew averted his gaze with a dismissive air, unwilling to share any sort of heartfelt look with Yael. After all, Yael never cared about maintaining a tough image whenever food was involveď.

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