After placating Wabei, Gu Mengmeng entered the cave. Her four children were already happily playing with each other. Although Chixuan was somewhat more distant from his three brothers, Gu Mengmeng could clearly discern the joy in his eyes.
Kanwu was the most guileless. He felt no shame from the fact that they were from the same litter—but Chixuan had already advanced to become a second-level beast, whereas he was still at the first-level. On the contrary, he was full of pride.
Following Chixuan closely with his eyes, he looked as if he wanted the entire world to know just how strong and mighty his brother was. But his adulation made Chixuan feel somewhat embarrassed.
It felt good to be idolized.
Hede was the eldest of the brothers. Although he was still a first-level beast, he still acted very much like the big brother. Looking at his younger brothers fooling around, he only joined in now and then. Most of the time, he just stood at the side with some fruit. Any time one of them came near him, he would stuff some fruit in their mouths.
Jialue was the smartest. He was not as powerful as Chixuan or as strong as Kanwu, so he would generally tumble about with the rest for awhile before sidling up to Hede for something to eat.
When Kanwu saw Jialue getting something to eat, he would also hustle over. But instead of eating it himself, he would stuff the food into Chixuan’s mouth.
Chixuan was momentarily taken aback, but still swallowed the food with a smile thereafter.
Looking at how well her children were getting along, Gu Mengmeng couldn’t bear to step in and spoil this harmonious scene.
Elvis and Lea were at their wits end with the noisy children. They noticed Gu Mengmeng smiling foolishly as she stood at the entrance, with no intention of entering. Hence they each picked up two boys by the crook of their necks and flung them out.
“There are many caves here. The four of you go get one to stay in for the moment.” Elvis commanded from the door.
Kanwu harrumphed and hung one arm around Chixuan’s neck. “Second brother, where we are going to spend the night—it all depends on you now.”
Chixuan was rather hesitant. Actually, he wished to go and find Cole.
But his brothers were just first-level beasts. If he let them try and take over someone else’s cave, they might get injured.
Actually, a second-level beast in a stray beast territory was not considered much at all, but Kanwu’s frank adulation made him feel like he couldn’t just leave the three of them behind.
Hence he nodded and let Kanwu hang onto his neck in an intimate manner, as they sauntered off.
The four brothers discussed their battle strategy as they walked into the night.
Their laughter resonated in the night air—rather obnoxiously, but it fit their youthful age.
Feeling a warmth approach from behind, Gu Mengmeng was engulfed in Elvis’ embrace.
“Let’s go in. The night air is chilly.”
Gu Mengmeng didn’t turn around. She just leaned backwards and rested completely on Elvis’ chest. Her gaze still lingered in the direction of her sons, as the corners of her lips subconsciously curled up. Even her voice sounded sweet. “I never imagined that I would be married by 18 and have four grown-up sons by 19…”
Elvis tightened his embrace. “I am sorry. I shouldn’t have let you bear children so soon.”
“Silly boy. Why are you saying sorry. I never felt this was not a good thing. I just wished… we could remain like this forever.”
Elvis knew Chixuan was Gu Mengmeng’s bane. That was why he said he shouldn’t have let Gu Mengmeng bear children so soon.
Kissing the top of Gu Mengmeng’s head, Elvis said, “I have never loved anyone before. You are my first. I am afraid I am not doing enough and made you feel that love is just like that.”