Lin Xiao, what do you mean by this? Are you trying to tell me that the fruit on this tree is edible?

Lin Xiao nodded at her question. It seemed Ling Xi wasnt entirely foolish. Yes. The fruit on this tree is safe to eat. Go ahead and pick some.

Hearing his response, Ling Xi thought he was being incredibly cold. Im a girl, she thought. Shouldnt he be the one picking the fruit for me?

You want me to go pick it? she asked incredulously.

Lin Xiao nodded with perfect calm, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

If not you, then who? Me? he replied, completely unbothered and seemingly unaware of the implications behind his words.

His nonchalant attitude was enough to send Ling Xi fuming. She couldnt believe Lin Xiao was being so… unmanly.

Shouldnt this kind of thing be your job? Im a girl, for heavens sake! Shouldnt the guy do it?

Lin Xiao looked at her seriously. He was the one who had found the fruitnaturally, Ling Xi should do her part. Otherwise, why had she come with him in the first place?

You came out here with me to find food. I discovered this fruit tree. Its only fair if you contribute something. You should be the one climbing up to pick them.

Ling Xi stared at him in disbelief. She felt utterly defeated by his logic. Clearly, in Lin Xiaos eyes, there was no such thing as gender rolesonly equality.

Lin Xiao, Im honestly amazed by you. Youre something else.

Fine. This lady wont stoop to your level. Ill pick them myself.

Fortunately, Ling Xi was a big-hearted girl, and having grown up in the forest, she loved climbing trees.

Soon, she had picked a large number of fruits, tossing them down one by one to Lin Xiao. He struggled to keep up. When he couldnt hold any more, he frowned.

Thats enough. Dont pick any more.

Hearing his words, Ling Xi gave a soft pout but obediently climbed back down. Once she was on the ground, Lin Xiao handed her a portion of the fruits hed caught. Then, the two of them made their way back to camp.

When they returned, they found that Liu Hai hadnt just brought back waterhe had even caught a couple of fish.

Ling Xi immediately bounded over to his side, amazed.

Liu Hai, youre incredible! You went out just to find water and came back with two fish? Thats amazing!

You really are impressive. Unlike meLin Xiao and I only managed to get some fruit. And honestly, that was thanks to him.

Hearing Ling Xis words, Liu Hai could tell she was feeling a little down. There was no need for that. Liu Hai simply had more experience with water, while Ling Xi understood the forest better.

Its okay. We have food now, so no need to compare. You must be hungry, right? Come sit down and eat. This fish is fresh off the fire.

Ling Xi smiled warmly and nodded. Her worries were gone in a flash. That was just how she wasnever holding on to anything for long. Once something was said aloud, she let it go.

And so, in this way, the team spent their first night camping at the foot of the mountain. Zhang Nu and the others had no idea that this sort of lifestyle would soon become a common occurrence. Over time, they would gain more and more experience in how to deal with the unexpected dangers of life in the wilderness.

Later that night, deep in their sleep, a wolfs howl rang out suddenly, jolting Zhang Nu awake.

He opened his eyes to find the area around them surrounded by wolves. One by one, the others woke up, each growing alarmed at the sight.

Ling Xi, being a girland a foxhad no ability to defend herself against wolves. She had no choice but to huddle in the center while the four men stood protectively around her.

But strangely, the wolves didnt attack. Instead, they turned their attention toward Zhang Nu, howling in his direction.

Awoo Awoo

Zhang Nu had a strange feelingthey were trying to communicate with each other. But he had no idea what they meant.

Are you trying to tell me something? he asked aloud. I dont understand your language, though what are you trying to say?

Then, he glanced over at Ling Xi. Shes a beast too, a Fox Guai maybe, she can talk to them?

Noticing his gaze, Ling Xi quickly raised her hand in defense. Dont look at me. I have no idea what theyre saying! Just because Im a beast, it doesnt mean I can speak wolf!