Chapter 62 - I Like You Anyway
A wolf with three legs can persevere, but with only two, survival becomes daunting.
Take this young wolf, for instance; even if it manages to survive by luck, lacking two legs means it will inevitably succumb due to the inability to hunt for sustenance.
Despite the Nine Deaths Soul Returning Grass being a potent remedy, it pales in comparison to Old Lord Taishang's Nine Revolutions Immortal Pill. Regardless of its efficacy, its capabilities are finite; true resurrection or restoration of flesh and bone is impossible.
Moreover, this young wolf is already weakened significantly. Even with the aid of the Nine Deaths Soul Returning Grass in staunching its bleeding and tending to its wounds, its chances of survival remain uncertain.
The White Wolf King appeared to anticipate this outcome long beforehand. Nevertheless, upon hearing this, he quietly approached Zhang Xiaoloong.
Though Yang Jingjing was unafraid, she instinctively sought refuge behind Zhang Xiaoloong upon witnessing the massive wolf drawing near.
The Wolf King made no aggressive moves; instead, he grasped the young wolf in his mouth and delicately placed it beside Zhang Xiaoloong's feet. Then, he knelt down and sniffed at the young wolf before nudging it toward Zhang Xiaoloong with his nose.
Yang Jingjing seemed to grasp the significance of this gesture and gently tugged at Zhang Xiaoloong's arm.
Understanding the White Wolf King's plea for assistance, Zhang Xiaoloong hesitated momentarily before squatting down.
Having witnessed numerous extraordinary occurrences, Yang Jingjing remained unperturbed by the unfolding events.
“Soul Returning Grass King, I'll borrow a few leaves from you. I'll compensate you upon our return,” Zhang Xiaoloong stated as he plucked several leaves from the Soul Returning Grass King, repeating his previous actions. After chewing them, he applied them to the injured hind legs of the young wolf.
Placing his hand on the young wolf's head, Zhang Xiaoloong quietly initiated the Herb Growing Art.
Initially with closed eyes and shallow breathing, the young wolf, weakened as it was, gradually regained consciousness and exhibited marked improvement after receiving the nourishment of the Herb Growing Art.
The White Wolf King tenderly licked the young wolf's fur, expressing gratitude toward Zhang Xiaoloong.
“Its injuries are severe; whether it's the broken leg or its weakened state, healing will require time. If you wish, I can take it home, and once it's fully recovered, I'll return it to you,” Zhang Xiaoloong offered.
Hearing this, the White Wolf King once more lowered himself to the ground, seemingly in accord with Zhang Xiaoloong's viewpoint. He tenderly licked the small wolf's head before vanishing into the foliage.
“Even a wolf displays kindness towards its offspring,” remarked Yang Jingjing as she gazed at the young wolf, unable to resist caressing its fur.
The young wolf shivered, its eyes flashing with instinctual fierceness, startling Yang Jingjing into hastily retracting her hand.
“That's your doing!” Zhang Xiaoloong scolded, flicking the young wolf's head upon witnessing its reaction.
Instantly, the young creature became compliant, recognizing whom it couldn't afford to provoke despite its diminutive size.
Despite Zhang Xiaoloong's recent care for it and its acknowledgment of his strength in defeating the Wolf King and his pack, the young wolf dared not retaliate.
“Xiaoloong, are we truly going to keep this wolf pup?” Initially enamored, Yang Jingjing's tone now hinted at regret.
Zhang Xiaoloong shrugged helplessly. “You were the one who wanted to help them, right? If I don't take it in and nurse it back to health for a while, even if its leg heals temporarily, its internal injuries will prove fatal.”
“I just worry… What if it becomes aggressive and bites someone?” Yang Jingjing's concern was valid.
Even with a domesticated dog, precautions against biting were necessary, let alone raising a wild and untamed wolf.
Though small in size, the wolf pup resembled a two to three-month-old puppy. Its pristine white fur was alluring, yet it exuded a distinct ferocity.
“If you dare bite me, I'll remove all your teeth!” Zhang Xiaoloong warned sternly, eyeing the young wolf.
Upon hearing this threat, the young wolf trembled, extending its tongue to lick Zhang Xiaoloong's trousers.
Finding Zhang Xiaoloong unmoved, the young wolf turned to Yang Jingjing, expressing its goodwill. Despite its injured hind legs rendering it immobile, it gazed at the graceful mistress with an apparent sincerity.
Yang Jingjing, captivated by the display of cuteness and pity, swiftly changed her stance. “Don't frighten it. Look how adorable it is!”
Zhang Xiaoloong was left speechless. Truly, women could be unpredictable!
However, he couldn't deny the cleverness of this little fellow. Furthermore, this talent for being adorable was not something learned from the wolf pack, which also didn't appreciate such tactics.
Impressive, indeed, to possess such self-taught skills!
“Alright, let's bring this little one along and head back quickly. It's getting dark, and our families might start worrying if we're late,” Zhang Xiaoloong interjected, interrupting their exchange.
Since Yang Jingjing had taken a liking to the little wolf, it no longer harbored any aggression towards her. It seemed fitting to let her carry it.
“Xiaoloong…” Yang Jingjing suddenly called out from behind.
“What's the matter?” Zhang Xiaoloong turned around and gave her another kiss.
Before she could respond, Yang Jingjing had already stepped back, her face flushing. “I want to go home for a while. When I return, I'll stick to you like glue,” she declared.
With that, she didn't wait for a reply and swiftly darted forward, cradling the little wolf in her arms.
Zhang Xiaoloong scratched his head, unsure how to interpret their relationship.
Since meeting Yang Jingjing, it had only been about ten days. During this time, she had made efforts to learn about him through various means, while Zhang Xiaoloong remained largely unfamiliar with her. Even her family knew nothing about him.
Apart from her name, Zhang Xiaoloong knew very little about her.
She claimed to be a reporter, yet she never discussed her work with anyone. Despite supposedly being here for two weeks for an interview, she seemed unperturbed about her job.
The closest moment they shared was when they defeated the wolf pack. In that moment, they were fully engrossed, and had it not been for the interruption, a more intimate connection might have formed.
Yet, aside from that, Zhang Xiaoloong couldn't be certain of anything else.
Zhang Xiaoloong held one certainty amidst uncertainty: the girl possessed genuine kindness. Despite the imminent threat of a wolf pack, she insisted he go first, fully aware of the peril she faced. Such selflessness couldn't be feigned.
“I understand your curiosity about me. Upon my return, I promise to divulge everything, alright?” Yang Jingjing observed Zhang Xiaoloong lingering and halted, turning back to him. “Whether you reciprocate my feelings or not doesn't matter. I like you regardless!”
Witnessing Yang Jingjing's flushed face, Zhang Xiaoloong found her endearing, stirring his emotions. He couldn't resist nodding in response.
“Hehe…” With a quick turn, Yang Jingjing darted away.
“Ah…”
Joy turned to sorrow swiftly. Before the laughter could subside, a scream pierced the air.
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