Mia shook her head.
"No, I just… just wanted to see you."
Wu Liang's heart warmed.
He knew how Mia felt about him, and how she had always quietly given everything for him.
"Mia, I have something to tell you."
Wu Liang's tone was earnest.
Mia's cat-ears pricked up; she stared at him nervously, wondering what he would say.
Wu Liang led Mia to a quiet corner.
The rubber-plantation repairs were in full swing; warriors and Cat-eared People bustled everywhere.
Far away the huge, slumbering outline of the storm brought vibrant life to the area.
Mia stood nervously before Wu Liang, her cat-ears trembling slightly.
Her tail hung properly still; amber eyes brimmed with anticipation and a hint of unease.
"Mia."
Wu Liang's voice was gentle and low, carrying an irresistible charm.
"Do you remember what I told you? I will protect you and help the Cat-ear Tribe rebuild their home."
Mia nodded firmly.
"I remember, Lord Wu Liang."
"You are my benefactor, and the benefactor of the Cat-ear Tribe."
"Now the beast tide has subsided, and the Fox Clan and Dog Clan have agreed to join the Black Rock Tribe."
Wu Liang continued.
"Lord Wu Liang, our Cat-ear Tribe is willing to serve the Black Rock Tribe; we fear neither hardship nor fatigue."
Mia spoke hurriedly, eager to show her people's loyalty.
Wu Liang smiled and gently rubbed the top of her head; her cat-ears quivered beneath his palm.
The intimate gesture flushed Mia's cheeks scarlet.
"Of course I know the Cat-ear Tribe's loyalty and diligence."
Wu Liang said.
"But for the Cat-ear Tribe to truly integrate into the Black Rock Tribe and gain better development, we need a deeper connection."
Mia looked at him, puzzled.
Wu Liang's gaze was deep; he looked straight into her eyes.
"Mia, would you like to become my woman?"
"Just like Yaduo and Di Lulu."
Mia's body shuddered; her amber eyes widened, a crimson tide rushing to her ears.
She hadn't expected Wu Liang to say such a thing.
Become Wu Liang's woman?
The thought flashed like lightning, blanking her mind.
She liked Wu Liang, admired him, felt an indescribable attachment.
More than once she had dreamed of staying by his side forever, doing anything for him.
But she had never dared hope Wu Liang would make the first move.
She remembered what Ignis and Akomann had teased her with, how she'd fled in panic.
So… they had been right.
Lord Wu Liang… truly meant it.
Mia's tail began to swish uncontrollably, betraying her excitement and nerves.
"I… I…"
Mia stammered, unable to form a sentence.
Her heart pounded as though it might leap from her chest.
Seeing her shy fluster, Wu Liang felt a surge of tenderness.
He knew Mia's feelings were genuine, and her reaction was exactly what he'd expected.
"Mia, you don't have to answer right now."
Wu Liang said.
"Think it over; I'll wait for your answer."
Mia lifted her head abruptly, resolve flashing in her eyes.
She knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
Lord Wu Liang was so strong, so benevolent.
If she became his woman, the Cat-ear Tribe would gain the Black Rock Tribe's firmest protection and best prospects.
And she herself… "I'm willing!"
Though her voice trembled, it carried firm determination.
"Lord Wu Liang, I'm willing to become your woman!"
"I'm willing to do anything for you! I offer everything I have to you!"
A smile curved Wu Liang's lips.
He opened his arms and gently drew Mia into an embrace.
Mia's body stiffened for a moment, then softened as she nestled against him.
Her cat-ears pressed to his chest, her tail curling around his waist.
That night, Wu Liang and Mia spent together.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host, for completing Stage-One Quest: Thoroughly conquer Mia in one go!]
[Ding! First Bloodline Linkage with high-potential target "Mia" detected—triggering Conquest Rebate reward!]
[Quest rating: Perfect!]
[Distributing rewards…]
[Reward 1: Double return of stamina consumed!]
[Reward 2: Acquired Cat-ear racial gift: "Superb Acuity." Effect: Greatly increases sensory sharpness; Host can perceive minute changes in surroundings.]
[Reward 3: Acquired Cat-ear racial gift: "Jungle Sprint." Effect: In jungle terrain, greatly increases movement speed and stealth; form becomes ghost-like.]
[Reward 4: Acquired technology tree: "biomedical science and technology tree" Tier-Two module—Herbology & Toxicology, unlocking deeper rainforest herb knowledge and toxin research.]
Next morning, Mia stepped out of Wu Liang's tent.
A shy blush lingered on her face, but greater still was the contentment and happiness shining in her eyes.
Wu Liang emerged from the tent.
Yaduo and Di Lulu were already awake, instructing their respective clans.
When they saw Mia leave Wu Liang's tent, knowing smiles appeared on both their faces.
Yaduo walked up to Mia:
"Congratulations, Mia."
Mia's cheeks reddened again; she lowered her head, embarrassed.
Di Lulu came over, grinned good-naturedly and said:
"From now on we're sisters; if you need anything, just say the word."
Warmth filled Mia's heart—she knew she had truly become part of this big family.
Over the next few months, the rainforest south of the Wailing Swamp flourished.
With the combined efforts of the Cat-ear, Fox, and Dog Clans, rubber extraction proceeded smoothly.
Standardized rubber sheets were produced in a steady stream and transported to the Black Rock Tribe via newly opened roads.
Wu Liang stayed busy as well, enjoying the affection of the three Tribes' beauties while guiding their development.
He taught them to build sturdier houses, clear new farmland, and provided iron tools and weapons.
Good news kept arriving from the Black Rock Tribe.
In Suina's letters she wrote that, with ample rubber, the steam engine's sealing and electrical insulation problems had been perfectly solved.
The Tribe's industry was leaping forward at a visible pace.
She also told Wu Liang she had successfully built horse-drawn four-wheeled war chariots and was attempting to install small steam engines onto them.
Wu Liang replied with lavish praise, encouraging Suina to experiment boldly, fear no failure, and promising unlimited resources for her research.
With the rainforest work on track and rubber extraction nearly complete, Wu Liang decided to return to the Black Rock Tribe.
Before departure, the three beastfolk races held a grand farewell banquet for him.
Bonfires blazed; the beastfolk sang and danced, sending off their common king with the liveliest celebration.
At the feast Wu Liang drank plenty and spoke many words.
He promised all the beastfolk that they were now part of the Black Rock Tribe and would forever enjoy its protection.
That night, several restless, pretty fox-girls sneaked into Wu Liang's tent.
Ever since their chieftess Yaduo had become Wu Liang's woman, every vixen in the Fox Clan regarded him as the perfect mate and longed for his favor.
To this Wu Liang naturally responded: the more the merrier.
At dawn the next day,
the Black Rock Tribe's caravan set out from the rainforest in grand formation, beginning the journey back to the Black Rock Tribe.