Chapter 34
Chapter 34
【Aww, such well-behaved babies.】
Upon hearing this, the tiger didn’t deny it but somewhat awkwardly moved its paws, squatting in front of Lin Qianyu, constantly shifting backward. Its tail wrapped around from behind, resting on its own paws.
For some reason, seeing this scene, Lin Qianyu’s mind inappropriately recalled a phrase: “Trying hard to shrink the chubby self.”
“I just ate some berries, not hungry yet. You eat the water buffalo yourself,” Lin Qianyu stretched out her arm. “It’s just combing your fur, no need to pay me.”
【?!!】
【For a moment, no one knew whether Lin Qianyu was more ridiculous or the sight of this scene was more ridiculous.】
【Wait... who knows where the tiger got the comb from?】
Once this question came up, everyone’s attention immediately shifted and they all tagged the director.
Su Yuxing touched his receding hairline, thinking he might go bald but had no idea how that comb ended up with the tiger. God knows—he hadn’t even seen a single tiger hair.
Moreover, the key point was that judging from the size of the comb, it wasn’t a regular merch item you could just buy on the market.
It was a batch specially custom-made at the factory for big cats, after Lin Qianyu recently got familiar with the leopard.
There hadn’t been such a thing before.
So—when exactly did that comb get to the tiger?!
After a pause, the director, expressionless and flustered, thought—someone stole from the house!!!
And he didn’t even know when!
Lin Qianyu held the comb, wondering where to start, noticing the chat was full of people asking this, so she casually asked, “Brother Tiger, where did you get this comb?”
“Roar!”
House.
“House? The villa side?” Lin Qianyu stood in front of the tiger, raising the comb to brush the fur on its chest. Because the fur was thick, it looked like a fur scarf. As she brushed, she pondered, “It should be taken from the director. As for when it was taken, I have no idea.”
The tiger probably didn’t have a concept of days anyway.
But… if the tiger appeared on camera, Su Yuxing definitely wouldn’t hide it at all. Given how much Su Yuxing liked the tiger, even if he dared not take photos, he’d still clip videos to show off.
Su Yuxing: “...”
Alright, I’m used to it.
As the director, he could command storms and winds in his own variety show, but since this live broadcast started, Su Yuxing hadn’t really taken advantage of anything. Instead, he was chased around by those little animals.
“Come on, big tiger, lie down first.” Lin Qianyu brushed the fur a couple of times. Big cats were very clean; their fur was shiny and smooth, and it felt amazing to touch. Grabbing a handful of fur, she curved her eyes and said, “Sitting like this, you’re too tall. I can’t reach your head.”
The tiger licked its lips and lay down in the direction Lin Qianyu pointed.
Without hesitation, Lin Qianyu reached out to the big tiger’s furry ears on its head.
Super soft!
So pettable!
The thick, soft texture made Lin Qianyu squeeze them two more times without restraint.The tips of the ears in the palm trembled but didn’t break free from her curled fingers.
【Damn! Lin Qianyu, why are you laughing like that!?】
【I was about to sneer, but then I turned and saw myself laughing so ridiculously in the mirror—damn! Pretending I touched it too.】
【Wuwuwu, technology is advancing. When will holographic tactile live streaming come out? Don’t force me to beg, I want to pet it too, aaah!】
...
Feeling good is one thing, but the fierce-looking big tiger obediently letting you knead and pet it so well—this kind of contrast is really lovable.
“Yes, just like this.” Lin Qianyu rubbed its ear, stroked the fur twice, and officially started working.
Combing the fur of a big cat several times her size was no easy task.
Moreover, Lin Qianyu’s ankle was injured, making movement difficult, so her speed naturally slowed.
The large comb left marks on the thick fur; fingertips smoothed it down repeatedly, and the comb collected quite a bit of loose fur.
At home, she would collect these with leaves, but in the tiger’s cave, there was nothing but dry grass, so Lin Qianyu simply rolled the loose fur into a ball and set it aside.
When she reached the back, she switched hands; her arms ached so much she could barely lift them.
The tiger closed its eyes at some point, resting its front paws under its chin, breathing steadily as if asleep.
Lin Qianyu only noticed when she combed to its head. She squatted in front of the tiger, pressed the comb’s teeth on its forehead, and combed upwards stroke by stroke, saying, “I’m still waiting for you to comment on my grooming technique.”
The tiger didn’t respond. Lin Qianyu continued, “Look, this is the symbol of the tiger’s kingship.”
She meant the “王” character shape on the tiger’s forehead.
Even with eyes closed, the tiger’s aura was intimidating, making people especially cautious not to make a sound for fear of waking the sleeping beast.
Lin Qianyu softened her combing motions, gently brushing the thin layer of soft fur on the ear.
She poked the small tuft of fur standing up on the ear tip with her fingertips, “This part is really cute, right?”
The fur on the tiger’s ear tips wasn’t as obvious as a lynx’s. From a distance, it just looked like the ear’s outline; only up close could one notice it was fur standing upright.
“Look, the tiger’s paw pads are black too.” Lin Qianyu gathered the loose fur, absentmindedly combing the tiger’s paw.
She held out her finger like a ruler, measuring sideways, “Its whiskers are so long... how big are the paws? It’s a pity I didn’t bring a tape measure.”
Lin Qianyu was curious about the tiger’s size. Seeing a tiger almost as tall as a person made her eager to know its exact dimensions.
Measuring by eye and by touch, Lin Qianyu could only give an approximate size.
Then she quietly poked at the tiger’s whiskers, lifting them slightly upward, immediately revealing the upper canine teeth inside. She sighed, “Now these are real tiger teeth. What do you think?”
Chat comments: 【...】
On the live stream, Lin Qianyu was almost lying half prone, her attention fully on the tiger’s canines, completely unaware that the tiger had already opened its eyes above her.
It was unclear whether it had been disturbed in its sleep or hadn’t really been sleeping.
Anyway, just as Lin Qianyu voiced her question, the tiger was looking down at her.
【No, what do you mean, I advise you to let go quickly!】【That’s a tiger, ahhh! Lin Jie, calm down. We know you like it, but you should get familiar first before touching it—first lure it back… no, first bring it back to your cave.】
【LOL, I raised cats since I was little and wouldn’t dare pry open their mouths like that; those claws really scratch me.】
However, to the surprise of fans and viewers, the tiger just watched and didn’t resist at all. Not only did it not harm Lin Qianyu or swipe her away with a paw, it didn’t even try to close its mouth on its own.
It let the curious and bold human touch it freely.
The seemingly ferocious big cat had unbelievably good temper.
When Lin Qianyu had played enough and was about to get up, the tiger closed its eyes again.
The loose fur balls on the ground were casually gathered by Lin Qianyu and stuffed into her pocket.
So much loose fur was enough for her to make three or four felted wool pieces.
The tiger’s belly and inner arms were white, snow-white would not be an exaggeration, giving a clean, young tiger cub vibe.
After all that work, Lin Qianyu was a bit tired, so she lay back on the tiger’s belly, saying, “Don’t you think this is a huge… fur blanket?”
It felt like it could cover the entire floor of the cave if brought back.
Resting her head on the tiger was a different feeling than resting on the black bear or the leopard, because it was really big.
Lin Qianyu stretched out both arms and smiled, “I feel like I could lie on it completely without any problem.”
But she only thought about it, without taking actual action.
While resting, Lin Qianyu pinched her aching arm and reminded, “Director Su, remember to post videos of my little animals, don’t forget.”
Her head felt heavy. Lin Qianyu sniffled and sneezed twice, irritated by the floating fur.
She frowned, “Why do I feel a bit cold?”
Not sure if cold air was coming through the skylight of the cave, Lin Qianyu turned over, facing away from the skylight.
As the sky darkened and the light faded, the temperature seemed to drop as well.
Lin Qianyu gazed absentmindedly at the tangled vines at the cave entrance.
Su Yuxing received Lin Qianyu’s request and drove back alone with the driver.
Other staff knew these were wild beasts in the rainforest. Although interested, they didn’t foolishly approach. Without Lin Qianyu around, who knew if the usually cute animals might mess with them badly.
So the director called around, but no one followed; maybe he didn’t know how to drive the rainforest vehicle, or the driver didn’t want to go.
Su Yuxing was nervous too but had no choice but to go.
After all, he didn’t want to see the beasts fighting, as they might get hurt and inevitably damage the surrounding plants and animals.
There were rare plants everywhere, so Su Yuxing walked carefully, heart aching at the thought that fighting animals might fall on and crush them.
On the way back, Su Yuxing clipped segments from Lin Qianyu’s livestream.
When he got there, he might not wait for the leopard and the red-tailed hawk; the black bear was not impatient, but since both came, the black bear wouldn’t spoil him.
Su Yuxing thought it through well. When he stopped on the slope and got out, he saw the leopard poking its head from the platform and the red-tailed hawk circling above.
Even the black bear happily ran down.But when the black bear saw who got out of the car, it stopped in its tracks, and the red-tailed hawk changed its angle, landing on a nearby tree.
Lin Qianyu had ridden in this car before; the little animals with good memories all waited eagerly for her to get out.
But after a long while, only Su Yuxing came out.
Su Yuxing held onto the door frame and shrank his neck, trying to find some company for himself. “Won’t you come down to take a look?”
The driver shook his head anxiously, the head shake looking as if he feared that if he was even a second slower, the director would drag him out.
Su Yuxing: “...”
What’s the big deal? It’s just showing the little animals a video; why are they so scared?
“Ha—!”
Up close, the snarling sound of the leopard sent chills down the director’s spine instantly.
With a ‘bang,’ before the director could react, he was already back inside the car, closing the door and still holding the half-pulled safety belt.
Driver: “...Are you still going down?”
The official livestream was faithfully broadcasting everything happening now.
The chat was flooded with ‘hahaha.’
Many fans who followed the little leopard, little bear, and little hawk rushed into the livestream, doubling the official livestream’s online viewers.
But fear or not, one still had to get out.
Su Yuxing reluctantly let go of the seatbelt, clicked the door open, and said, “Wait for me to come back before you drive. No leaving early.”
The driver reluctantly let go of the key, “Of course.”
Stepping out a leg, Su Yuxing didn’t recklessly get out but first poked his head out and called out friendly, “Lin Qianyu sent me to find you.”
His voice echoed, but the animals didn’t respond for a long time.
This time, there wasn’t even an unfriendly growl.
Su Yuxing took a deep breath. Just as he was about to repeat himself, an unknown black shadow flashed before his eyes, and the next moment, he felt immense pressure on his shoulder, forcibly pressing him down.
The scene shifted; Su Yuxing felt like a drowning man struggling to surface, opening his mouth for a big breath, but only futilely moving his lips. His vision stayed unfocused for a long time.
“Roar—!” The leopard leaned down; the deafening sound mixed with the smell of blood instantly drained the color from Su Yuxing’s face.
His trembling fingers lost grip on the phone, which fell to the ground and seemed to hit a rock.
Su Yuxing closed his eyes. On the way here, he had rehearsed what to say to them, but now it felt like invisible hands were choking him, not even able to make a sound.
He really thought he was going to die.
【What the hell?!】
【What’s going on! The leopard is clearly on the attack! Su Yuxing, if you don’t run, you’re waiting to die!】
【I believe this isn’t scripted anymore, just run, okay? Stop scaring us!】
Su Yuxing wanted to run too but couldn’t move. Even if he could, would the leopard allow this intruder in its territory to leave safely?Just as Su Yuxing’s mind went blank and he struggled to find a solution, Lin Qianyu’s voice came from the phone beside him.
It was a clip from the livestream replay that had just been edited.
Even though the livestream voice sounded slightly different from Lin Qianyu’s real voice, the leopard immediately recognized who the voice belonged to.
Hearing the familiar voice, the leopard twitched its ears.
It withdrew the paw pressed on Su Yuxing’s shoulder, then leaned down to look at the phone making the sound.
“Woo…” It nudged the phone with its nose, as if speaking to the person inside, clawing gently at the image of Lin Qianyu on the screen.
The black bear sat down beside them with a soft thud, tilting its head in confusion.
“Chiu!”
The red-tailed hawk called out once, landed on the black bear, and tilted its head as if discussing something with the leopard.
“Aw!”
The leopard responded, the red-tailed hawk grabbed the phone and flew back to the platform.
The black bear and leopard then turned and walked away.
Only Su Yuxing lay on the ground, frozen, staring blankly at the sky.
The driver hurried out of the car, circled around, and helped him up. Su Yuxing, with tears in his eyes, said, “Lin Qianyu’s livestream is too fake.”
Getting close to these animals personally, he knew wild beasts would never just lie on their backs and let you touch them.
The driver nodded in deep agreement.
【Although it’s tragic… why do I want to laugh so much, hahaha.】
【Director: Next time anyone says I’m faking, I’ll catch them and shove them into Lin Qianyu’s cave.】
【Even I holding my phone far away watching the livestream got scared, not to mention the director who was pinned down.】
【I can only say—Lin Jie is awesome!】
...
The phone was handed over, and it was playing the words Lin Qianyu had said to the animals before.
Watching it twice over, the animals should be able to understand.
It just meant the phone probably wouldn’t be taken back anytime soon.
Su Yuxing sighed, “Alright then, as long as they don’t go looking for Lin Qianyu, she’ll be back soon.”
After getting back in the car, the director looked like he had run for thousands of meters and sat down utterly exhausted.
The driver helped buckle the safety belt.
The last time these animals were seen, Lin Qianyu was there. Although they weren’t very friendly, they didn’t show such strong aggression. Just now, he truly felt like the leopard would bite through his throat.
After settling everything, Su Yuxing took a moment before remembering to message Lin Qianyu.
He was so scared his reactions were sluggish.After sending the message, Su Yuxing received no reply for a long time. Suspicious, he went to get the phone specifically for watching the livestream. Feeling his pockets empty, he remembered his phone had been confiscated. He turned and said, “Let me use your phone for a moment.”
Taking the driver’s phone, he entered the livestream room.
On the screen, Lin Qianyu was half-leaning against the tiger, hugging its front paw and sleeping.
Su Yuxing was somewhat puzzled but upon closer look noticed:
Lin Qianyu seemed very cold, curling herself up instinctively to get close to the nearby heat source.
—Inside the tiger’s cave.
Lin Qianyu was trembling from the cold.
Her headache was severe, different from an external impact; it was like someone was poking and stirring sensitive nerves inside, the pain spreading from the inside out.
It felt like a cold…
Not just a cold, was she running a fever?
Lin Qianyu was breathing heavily with warm breath.
The tiger seemed to notice something too, covering her with its body.
Like a blanket.
“Cough cough…” Lin Qianyu’s eyelids twitched but she didn’t open her eyes, falling asleep resting on the tiger’s paw.
【Something’s wrong, Lin Qianyu’s complexion looks much rosier.】
【Just now Lin Jie said cooling down, is she having a fever?】
A rosy complexion is normal for others, but for Lin Qianyu, who usually looks pale, it was especially abnormal.
Feeling cold and sneezing sounded like symptoms of a cold with a fever.
【@Director, I told you leaving her there won’t do, she’s hurt and has a fever, why aren’t you rushing to rescue her?】
【Has the rescue team not arrived yet? There’s no waiting when saving lives, can you hurry up? If anything happens to Lin Jie, it’s your program’s loss.】
The comments began summoning the director again.
Seeing the situation worsen, Su Yuxing could only contact Feng Jingye again.
Su Yuxing: 【Lin Qianyu has a fever, can’t delay anymore. I’m taking the rescue team in now. The tiger probably won’t harm her.】
Feng Jingye: 【I’ve landed on the island, will be there in ten minutes at the fastest.】
Looking up at the darkening sky, Su Yuxing finally realized how late it was. He quickly replied “Okay,” then told them to get ready.
...
Almost simultaneously, Feng Jingye’s car and Su Yuxing arrived at the temporary resting place of the rescue team.
Su Yuxing: “Mr. Feng.”
“Mm.” Feng Jingye was dressed sharply in a suit, seemingly just coming from a major conference, rushing over without changing.
Feng Jingye said, “Let’s go in first. We’ll talk about the situation as we go.”“Alright.” Su Yuxing followed closely, recounting the whole situation with Lin Qianyu and the tiger, especially emphasizing that Lin Qianyu was now ill.
While speaking, Su Yuxing suddenly paused and said, “Did the tiger realize we came in?”
Feng Jingye was momentarily surprised. “Yes, it knew as soon as you stepped into its territory. More precisely, it can sense intruders even at the edges or farther away, but if they don’t enter its territory, it just ignores them out of laziness.”
Feng Jingye asked, “How do you know?”
“Look, the tiger just stood up, looking towards the cave entrance.” Su Yuxing handed over the phone.
The tiger only stood briefly; when the heat source disappeared behind, Lin Qianyu coughed twice uncomfortably, so the tiger lay down again.
Feng Jingye furrowed his brow. Based on their estimate of the tiger’s weight, it could easily pin someone down without needing to use a vehicle to crush them, but the person on the screen was sleeping very peacefully. Even when the tiger sensed an intruder and wanted to go out to block it, Lin Qianyu pulled the tiger back.
It was like… pulling a blanket back over someone who was falling asleep.
“Does she know this tiger?” Feng Jingye was puzzled. Lin Qianyu’s name had never appeared on their company’s list of animal rescue personnel, meaning it was impossible that she was one of those who had contact with this tiger when it was young.
It was even less likely at other times.
Since the tracking had failed, their rescue team hadn’t been able to find this tiger.
But Lin Qianyu seemed very familiar with the tiger, like having raised it since it was young.
Su Yuxing explained, “She probably didn’t know it before.”
But… it’s possible the tiger secretly observed Lin Qianyu from the shadows.
Its range is very wide, as can be seen from leftover prey and footprints, and it’s skilled at hiding. In the lush rainforest, it rarely appears voluntarily, making it very hard for people to find it.
From the comb the tiger had, it was clear it had appeared at their base before.
Feng Jingye nodded, “I understand.”
As they talked, they got closer and closer to the tiger’s cave, and the tiger on the livestream obviously became more alert.
“I’ll go lure the tiger away, you guys take the chance to get the person out,” Feng Jingye said, unbuttoning his cuffs calmly, “Remember to prepare the tranquilizers; those are for your own protection. When I’m fighting the tiger, even if I’m losing, don’t ever use the tranquilizer on me.”
Su Yuxing felt it was a bit dangerous. Knowing Feng Jingye’s status and background, he hesitated to let him do that alone. “Mr. Feng, are you sure you want to be the bait personally? Isn’t that too risky? Maybe someone else, or we could go together to confuse the tiger’s attention. Maybe it would chase different people.”
If he had known from the start that Feng Jingye wanted to risk himself to attract the tiger’s attention, he might not have contacted Feng Jingye and tried to find a way to lure the tiger away himself.
He really didn’t feel at ease… If anything happened to Feng Jingye here, that would be a serious problem.
“No need, I alone am enough,” Feng Jingye said calmly, “That tiger and I…”
Unable to find a better way to say it, he simply said, “Anyway, if two people appear simultaneously in its territory, the first one it pounces on will definitely be me. Even if I’m standing in front of its preferred prey, it won’t hesitate to abandon the prey and come for me.”
“…”
Sounds like a mortal enemy situation.
Su Yuxing scratched his head, understanding. “So that means… it’s even more dangerous?”
Feng Jingye replied calmly, “Don’t worry, it won’t kill me.”
If it were someone else as bait, that wouldn’t be guaranteed.
Feng Jingye rolled up his sleeves and quietly observed the surrounding environment, looking for something he could use.
Chapter 34: [Wuwuwu, such obedient babies.]
Upon hearing this, the tiger didn’t deny it. Instead, it shifted its paws somewhat awkwardly, squatting in front of Lin Qianyu. It kept inching backward, its tail curling around from behind to rest on its paws.
For some reason, seeing this scene, Lin Qianyu’s mind conjured an out-of-place thought: Trying hard to shrink its chubby self.
“I just ate some berries, so I’m not hungry. You eat the buffalo yourself,” Lin Qianyu said, stretching out her arm. “It’s just grooming, no need for payment.”
[?!]
[For a moment, I didn’t know whether to call Lin Qianyu absurd or this scene absurd.]
[Wait… who knows where the tiger got that comb from?]
As soon as this question popped up, everyone’s attention shifted, and they started @-ing the director.
Su Yuxing, rubbing his increasingly receding hairline, was at a loss. He had no idea how the comb ended up with the tiger. Heaven knows, he hadn’t even seen a single tiger hair!
More importantly, judging by the comb’s size, it wasn’t some generic item you could just buy at the market.
It was a custom batch Lin Qianyu had specially ordered from a factory for grooming large beasts, made after she got friendly with the leopard. Such combs didn’t exist before.
So—when did that comb end up with the tiger?!
After a pause, the director stood expressionless, internally disheveled—his house had been robbed!!!
And he didn’t even know when it happened!
Lin Qianyu, holding the comb, was pondering where to start. Seeing the barrage of questions on the screen, she casually asked, “Tiger bro, where’d you get this comb?”
“Roar!”
The house.
“The house? The villa?” Lin Qianyu stood in front of the tiger, raising her hand to place the comb on the fur at its chest. The fur was so thick it almost felt like a fluffy scarf. As she groomed, she mused, “Probably took it from the director. As for when, no idea.”
The tiger likely didn’t have a concept of days.
But… if the tiger had shown up on camera, Su Yuxing, with his love for tigers, would’ve never kept quiet about it. Even if he didn’t dare take a photo, he’d have at least saved a video clip to show off.
Su Yuxing: “…”
Fine, he was used to it.
As the director, he could call the shots on his show, but ever since this live broadcast started, Su Yuxing hadn’t gotten the upper hand. He was always being chased around by those little animals.
“Come on, big tiger, lie down first,” Lin Qianyu said, smoothing its fur a couple of times. Big cats are very clean, their fur sleek and shiny, feeling amazing to touch. Holding a handful of fur, she smiled, eyes crinkling. “You’re sitting too tall; I can’t reach your head.”
The tiger licked its lips and obediently lay down, following her gesture.
Without hesitation, Lin Qianyu reached for the fluffy ears on the tiger’s head.
So soft!
So good to pet!
The thick, soft texture made her pinch them a couple more times.
The ear tips twitched in her palm but didn’t pull away from her curled fingers.
[Damn! Lin Qianyu, why are you grinning like that!]
[I was about to scoff, but then I caught my own reflection in the mirror, grinning like an idiot. Ugh, pretending I got to pet it too.]
[Wuwuwu, technology’s advancing—when will we get holographic touch livestreams? Don’t make me beg, I want to pet it too!]
The feel was one thing, but seeing a fierce-looking tiger obediently letting you pet it, so well-behaved, was a contrast that was just too lovable.
“Right, like this.” Lin Qianyu rubbed its ears, petted its fur a couple of times, and officially got to work.
Grooming a big cat several times her size wasn’t a simple task.
Plus, with her injured ankle limiting her movement, her grooming speed naturally slowed.
The oversized comb left marks in the thick fur. Her fingertips smoothed it out, and after a few passes, the comb collected a good amount of loose fur.
At home, she’d gather it with leaves, but in the tiger’s cave, there was nothing but dry grass. Lin Qianyu balled up the fur and set it aside.
As she kept grooming, her arms grew sore, barely able to lift.
At some point, the tiger closed its eyes, front paws tucked under its chin, breathing steadily as if asleep.
Lin Qianyu only noticed when she reached its head. She squatted in front of the tiger, the comb’s teeth resting on its forehead, brushing upward gently. “I was waiting for you to rate my grooming skills.”
The tiger didn’t react. Lin Qianyu continued talking to herself, “Look, this is the symbol of the tiger’s kingship.”
She was referring to the ‘king’ pattern on its forehead.
Even with its eyes closed, the tiger’s presence was no less intimidating, making people cautious not to make a sound, lest they wake the sleeping beast.
Lin Qianyu lightened her grooming, brushing the thin layer of soft fur on its ears.
Her fingertip poked the tuft of fur standing up on its ear tips. “This is pretty cute, right?”
Unlike a lynx’s obvious ear tufts, the tiger’s weren’t as prominent. From a distance, they just looked like part of the ear’s outline. Only up close could you tell it was upright fur.
“Look, the tiger’s paw pads are black too,” Lin Qianyu said, gathering the loose fur into a ball, the comb brushing lightly over the tiger’s paws.
Using her finger as a ruler, she measured and said, “Its whiskers are so long… How big are its paws? Too bad I didn’t bring a tape measure.”
Lin Qianyu was curious about the tiger’s size. Seeing a tiger nearly as tall as a person, she naturally wanted to know its exact measurements.
Estimating by eye and measuring by hand, she could only give a rough guess.
Moving downward, she gently poked near its whiskers, lifting slightly to reveal the upper fangs. She couldn’t help but exclaim, “These are real tiger teeth. What do you think?”
Barrage: […]
In the live feed, Lin Qianyu was almost half-leaning, her focus entirely on the tiger’s fangs, oblivious to the tiger above her, which had opened its eyes.
Whether it was disturbed in its sleep or hadn’t been asleep at all, the tiger was now looking down at her as she asked her question.
[Forget what I think, put your hand down!]
[That’s a tiger, Lin-jie! Calm down! I know you love it, but maybe get to know it better before you start poking around. Trick it… I mean, bring it back to your cave first.]
[Laughed so hard. I don’t even dare pull my cat’s mouth like that, and I raised it from a kitten. Its claws would shred me.]
But, to the surprise of the fans and viewers, the tiger just watched without resisting. Not only did it not harm Lin Qianyu or swat her away, it didn’t even try to close its mouth.
It let this curious, bold human touch it all over.
The seemingly ferocious big cat had an unbelievably good temper.
When Lin Qianyu was done playing and moved to stand, the tiger closed its eyes again.
She pocketed the few balls of loose fur she’d gathered.
The tiger’s belly and inner arms were white—snow-white, almost like a cub just entering the scene, clean and pristine.
After working for half a day, Lin Qianyu was tired. She leaned back, lying on the tiger’s belly. “Don’t you think this is like a giant… furry blanket?”
One that could cover the entire cave floor if brought back.
Resting on the tiger felt different from resting on the black bear or leopard—it was just so big.
Lin Qianyu stretched out her arms, laughing. “I feel like I could lie fully on it, no problem.”
But it was just a thought; she didn’t act on it.
While resting, she pinched her sore arms and didn’t forget to remind, “Director Su, don’t forget to play the video for my little animals.”
Her head felt heavy. Lin Qianyu sniffled, sneezing twice from the floating fur.
She frowned slightly. “Why does it feel a bit cold?”
Maybe cold air was coming through the cave’s skylight. She turned over, facing away from it.
As the sky darkened and the light faded, the temperature seemed to drop too.
Lin Qianyu stared at the tangled vines at the cave entrance, lost in thought.
Su Yuxing, tasked by Lin Qianyu, drove back alone with the driver.
The other staff knew these were wild rainforest beasts. Though curious, they weren’t foolish enough to get close. Without Lin Qianyu, who knew if those cute animals would gobble them up in three bites?
So, when the director called for volunteers, no one stepped up. If he could drive the rainforest vehicle himself, even the driver wouldn’t have gone.
Su Yuxing was nervous himself but had no choice.
He didn’t want to see the beasts fight—first, they’d get hurt; second, it’d inevitably damage the surrounding plants and animals.
The area was full of rare plants. Su Yuxing walked carefully, wincing at the thought of animals crashing into them during a fight.
On the way back, he clipped segments from Lin Qianyu’s livestream.
If he waited to find the video later, the leopard and red-tailed eagle might not wait, and while the black bear wasn’t impatient, if the other two acted up, it wouldn’t just sit there.
Su Yuxing had it all planned. Stopping the car on the slope, he got out and saw the leopard peeking from the platform, the red-tailed eagle circling above, and the black bear happily bounding down.
But when they saw who got out, the black bear froze, and the eagle veered, landing on a nearby tree.
Lin Qianyu had ridden in that car, and the animals, with their sharp memories, expected her to step out.
After a long wait, only Su Yuxing appeared.
Holding the doorframe, he shrank back, trying to find company. “Not coming down to check it out?”
The driver frantically shook his head, as if afraid a second’s delay would get him dragged down.
Su Yuxing: “…”
Was that necessary? It was just showing the animals a video. How scary could it be?
“Ha—!”
The leopard’s snarl, so close, gave Su Yuxing goosebumps.
Bang! By the time he reacted, he was back in the car, door closed, half-pulled seatbelt in hand.
Driver: “…Still, still going down?”
The official livestream diligently broadcast everything happening.
The screen was flooded with “hahaha” comments.
Fans of the leopard, bear, and eagle poured into the livestream, doubling the viewer count.
Scared as he was, Su Yuxing had to go down.
Regretfully releasing the seatbelt, he opened the door with a click. “Wait for me to come back before driving off. No leaving early.”
The driver, hand on the key, reluctantly let go. “As if I would.”
Stepping out one leg, Su Yuxing didn’t rashly exit. He leaned out, calling amicably, “Lin Qianyu sent me to find you guys.”
His echoed words got no response from the animals.
Not even an unfriendly growl.
Taking a deep breath, Su Yuxing was about to repeat himself when a dark shadow flashed. The next moment, immense pressure on his shoulder forced him down.
The scene shifted. Like a drowning man struggling to surface, Su Yuxing opened his mouth to breathe, but only his lips moved uselessly, his vision unfocused.
“Roar—!” The leopard crouched, its deafening roar laced with a bloody scent, instantly draining the color from Su Yuxing’s face.
Clack. His trembling fingers couldn’t hold the phone, which hit a rock on the ground.
Su Yuxing closed his eyes. He’d rehearsed what to say on the way, but now, it was like an invisible hand choked him, silencing even a whisper.
He was done for.
[Holy crap?!]
[What’s going on?! The leopard’s clearly in attack mode. Su Yuxing, run or you’re dead!]
[I believe this isn’t scripted. Run, please, don’t scare us!]
Su Yuxing wanted to run but couldn’t move. Even if he could, would the leopard let an intruder leave its territory unharmed?
As his mind went blank, scrambling for a solution, Lin Qianyu’s voice came from the phone on the ground.
It was a replay of the livestream clip he’d edited.
Though the livestream audio differed slightly from her real voice, the leopard instantly recognized it.
Hearing the familiar voice, it twitched its ears.
Retracting its paw from Su Yuxing’s shoulder, the leopard leaned down to the phone.
“Woo…” It nuzzled the phone, as if talking to the person inside, pawing at the on-screen Lin Qianyu.
The black bear plopped down nearby, tilting its head in confusion.
“Chirp!”
The red-tailed eagle called out, landing on the bear, tilting its head as if discussing something with the leopard.
“Roar!”
The leopard responded. The eagle grabbed the phone and flew back to the platform.
The bear and leopard turned and left.
Su Yuxing, lying motionless on the ground, stared blankly at the sky.
The driver hurried over to help him up. Su Yuxing, teary-eyed, said, “Lin Qianyu’s livestream is so fake.”
Getting close to these animals showed they’d never just roll over and let you pet them.
The driver nodded in agreement.
[It’s rough, but… why do I want to laugh so hard, hahaha.]
[Director: Next time someone says I’m faking it, I’ll drag them to Lin Qianyu’s cave.]
[Even I, watching the livestream, got scared and held my phone farther away. Imagine the director getting pinned like that.]
[All I can say is—Lin-jie is badass!]
The phone was delivered, playing what Lin Qianyu had said to the animals.
Watching it a couple of times, they’d probably understand.
But that phone wasn’t coming back anytime soon.
Su Yuxing sighed. “Fine, as long as they don’t go looking for Lin Qianyu. She’ll be back soon.”
Back in the car, he felt like he’d run miles, drained.
The driver had to buckle his seatbelt for him.
The last time he saw these animals, Lin Qianyu was there. They weren’t exactly friendly, but they didn’t have that intense aggression. Just now, he genuinely thought the leopard would rip his throat out.
Task done, Su Yuxing took a moment to recover before remembering to message Lin Qianyu.
The scare had slowed his reactions.
No reply after a while. He reached for the livestream phone, only to find his pocket empty—his phone was taken. He turned, “Let me use your phone.”
Using the driver’s phone, he entered the livestream.
In the feed, Lin Qianyu was leaning against the tiger, hugging its front paw, asleep.
Su Yuxing frowned, noticing something.
Lin Qianyu looked cold, curling up instinctively toward the heat source.
Inside the tiger’s cave, Lin Qianyu was shivering.
Her head throbbed—not from an external hit, but like someone was prodding her nerves, stirring pain that spread outward.
A cold, maybe?
Not just a cold—fever?
Her breathing was heavy, warm with heat.
The tiger seemed to sense something, covering her with its body.
Like a blanket.
“Cough, cough…” Lin Qianyu’s eyelids fluttered but didn’t open. She fell asleep against the tiger’s paw.
[Something’s off. Lin Qianyu’s face looks too flushed.]
[She mentioned it getting cold earlier. Is she running a fever?]
A flushed face might be normal for others, but for Lin Qianyu’s usually pale complexion, it stood out.
Feeling cold and sneezing—classic cold and fever symptoms.
[@Director, I told you leaving her there was bad. She’s injured and now feverish. Hurry up and save her!]
[Where’s the rescue team? There’s no “wait” in saving someone. Can you hurry? If anything happens to Lin-jie, it’s on your show!]
The barrage started summoning the director again.
As things worsened, Su Yuxing contacted Feng Jingye again.
Su Yuxing: [Lin Qianyu’s fever can’t wait. I’m bringing the rescue team in. The tiger shouldn’t hurt her.]
Feng Jingye: [I’m on the island. Ten minutes, tops.]
Noticing the dimming sky, Su Yuxing realized how late it was. He replied, “Good,” and rallied the team to prepare.
Almost simultaneously, Feng Jingye’s car and Su Yuxing reached the rescue team’s rest point.
Su Yuxing: “Mr. Feng.”
“嗯,” Feng Jingye, in a sharp suit, looked like he’d just come from a major meeting, rushing here without changing.
Feng Jingye said, “Let’s go in. Talk while we move.”
“Okay.” Su Yuxing followed, recounting everything about Lin Qianyu and the tiger, emphasizing her illness.
Mid-sentence, he paused. “Did the tiger notice us coming?”
Feng Jingye blinked. “Yes, it knew the moment you entered its territory. More precisely, it can sense you from the edge or even farther. It just doesn’t bother unless you’re in its domain.”
“How’d you know?” Feng Jingye asked.
“Look, the tiger just stood up, looking at the cave entrance,” Su Yuxing said, showing his phone.
It stood for a moment, but when Lin Qianyu, missing the warmth, coughed uncomfortably, the tiger lay back down.
Feng Jingye frowned. Given the tiger’s estimated weight, it could crush her like a car, yet she slept soundly. Even when the tiger sensed intruders and moved to intercept, she pulled it back.
Like tugging a slipping blanket back up.
“Does she know this tiger?” Feng Jingye couldn’t figure it out. Lin Qianyu’s name wasn’t on their company’s animal rescue list, meaning she couldn’t have met this tiger as a cub.
Other times were even less likely.
Since its tracker failed, even their rescue team couldn’t find this tiger.
Yet Lin Qianyu seemed so familiar with it, like she’d raised it from a cub.
Su Yuxing explained, “They probably didn’t know each other before.”
But… it’s possible the tiger had secretly observed her from hiding.
Its range was wide, evident from leftover prey and tracks. Skilled at stealth in the dense rainforest, it wouldn’t be spotted unless it chose to be.
The comb it had suggested it had been to their base.
Feng Jingye nodded. “Got it.”
As they neared the tiger’s cave, the tiger in the livestream grew visibly alert.
“I’ll distract the tiger. You get in and get her out,” Feng Jingye said, unbuttoning his cuffs. “Have tranquilizers ready for self-defense. If I’m losing, don’t use them to help me.”
Su Yuxing sensed danger. Knowing Feng Jingye’s background, he hesitated. “Mr. Feng, you’re bait? Isn’t that too risky? Maybe someone else, or we all go to confuse it, make it chase different people.”
If he’d known Feng Jingye planned to risk himself, he might not have contacted him, trying to lure the tiger himself.
Too risky… If something happened to Feng Jingye, it’d be a huge problem.
“No need. I’m enough,” Feng Jingye said calmly. “That tiger and I…”
Lacking the right words, he continued, “If two people enter its territory, it’ll definitely go for me first. Even with its favorite prey, it’d ditch it to come for me.”
“…”
Sounds like a blood feud.
Su Yuxing scratched his head. “Isn’t that… more dangerous?”
Feng Jingye said lightly, “Don’t worry, it won’t kill me.”
Anyone else as bait might not be so lucky.
Feng Jingye rolled up his sleeves, subtly scanning the surroundings for anything useful.
The original plan was for the tiger to come for them once they entered its territory.
He’d hold it off, letting the rescue team save her, drawing the tiger far from the cave. Even if it turned back, they’d have time to react.
He’d keep it occupied, ensuring a smooth rescue.
But, unexpectedly, despite their proximity—less than ten meters from the cave—the territorial tiger held back.
Feng Jingye: “Ready?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll count to three.” He stepped closer to the cave. “Three, two…”
“One!”
The tiger leaped from the cave.
“Roar!”
Feng Jingye rolled aside, dodging the pounce, retreating diagonally, waiting for the tiger to chase.
[??? What’s happening? Why isn’t he running?]
[Is he seriously going to fight the tiger hand-to-hand?]
Seizing the chance, the rescue team rushed into the cave, not even grabbing the stretcher, just aiming to get her out.
But the tiger, abandoning Feng Jingye, roared at the team: “Roar—!”
The team froze in fear. Feng Jingye tackled the tiger, locking its neck. The tiger, eager to reach Lin Qianyu, shook him off and lunged toward the cave.
While Feng Jingye grappled with it, the team hadn’t even entered yet.
He frowned slightly, flipping onto the tiger’s back, landing to block it.
Realizing he was an obstacle, the tiger pounced. “Roar!”
Feng Jingye dodged its swipes, leaped onto a tree trunk, and ran backward, trying to draw it away.
The barrage went wild when Feng Jingye wasn’t torn apart, holding his own against the tiger.
The dizzying fight was too fast for the livestream gear to keep up.
After a while, a single comment appeared: [6]
The tiger refused to leave the cave. When Feng Jingye retreated, it stopped chasing.
Guarding the entrance, it blocked the rescue team.
Feng Jingye was about to speak when a hoarse, weak female voice cut through.
“Why’s it so noisy?”
The tiger, jaws open to bite Feng Jingye’s arm, froze.
Lin Qianyu woke, sweaty, no longer feeling cold—her fever seemed to have broken. Leaning on the wall, she limped out, calling, “Tiger bro? Where’d you go?”
Lifting the cave’s vines, she paused at the chaotic scene outside.
Her wary gaze landed on the unfamiliar man closest to the tiger.
“Tiger bro, come here.”
“Roar…”
Lin Qianyu patted its paw, checking for blood.
Glancing at the man, she saw Feng Jingye standing, his black suit impeccable, no weapons, just bare hands.
Not a poacher.
Likely from the show or the rangers, she didn’t let go of the tiger.
Lest it charge out and scare someone.
Su Yuxing crept closer, relieved to see her emerge. Wiping sweat, he introduced, “This is our eighth guest, Feng Jingye, also the owner of this private island.”
Lin Qianyu caught the key word: owner.
Thinking of the island’s rangers and rescue company, her eyes lit up. “Hi, I’m Lin Qianyu.”
“Feng Jingye.” He stepped closer, but the tiger lunged, baring its teeth.
Stepping back, the tiger still glared.
Lin Qianyu covered its mouth, whispering, “Don’t be fierce; they’re here for me.”
“Woo…” The tiger’s tail flicked irritably.
“I have to go back.” Lin Qianyu had no choice; her medical kit was at home. She smoothed its neck fur. “I’ll come play with you next time.”
“My ankle’s injured, so it’s inconvenient. Why don’t you come find me when you’re free?” Smiling, she hugged its head, turning it. “You know where my place is, right?”
Even without the exact location, it could track her scent.
Pausing, she considered her furry friends at home, pondering if they could coexist peacefully.
Hmm… tricky.
But the leopard and bear got along well now. A few visits, and the tiger would fit in.
With the director and Feng Jingye waiting, Lin Qianyu hugged the tiger, coaxing it, then planted a big kiss on its head. “I really gotta go. See you next time.”
“Woo!”
It agreed.
Lin Qianyu slowly walked toward the director. Feng Jingye moved closer, but the tiger stepped forward, walking beside her, blocking him.
With the steady tiger’s support, Lin Qianyu gladly leaned on it.
“Watch your head,” Su Yuxing said, opening the car door and stepping back. He’d learned the tiger wouldn’t let others near her.
“Mm.” Lin Qianyu got in. The tiger poked its head in, nearly blocking the door. She hugged it. “Eat that buffalo; don’t waste it.”
The tiger shook its fur, didn’t respond, and turned back, glancing at Feng Jingye with disdain before looking away.
Its tail swept the grass, ripping up a patch with roots and all.
Feng Jingye waved off the dirt, watching the tiger leave without looking back.
Feng Jingye, who’d held it as a cub: “…?”
Su Yuxing got in after Lin Qianyu, still feeling surreal. “That… that easy?”
Just a few words, and the tiger let her go.
He’d overcomplicated it. “Should’ve come earlier.”
“If you came earlier, it might not have listened.” When she first contacted the director, Lin Qianyu didn’t know what the tiger wanted.
Only after bonding could she talk to it.
So… coming early, she might’ve had to protect the rescue team instead.
“Head to the villa. Your ankle needs an X-ray. Fever gone? Your face isn’t as red. Still, get an anti-inflammatory shot, and…”
“Director, don’t stress.” Lin Qianyu heard his urgency. “I checked; no fracture. I’ll take meds at home and sleep. No need for the villa.”
Too much hassle, with her furry friends waiting.
“Drop me at my cave.”
Su Yuxing hesitated, unconvinced, wanting to persuade her.
Lin Qianyu added, “If I feel bad, I’ll contact you. There’s time.”
Just a sprain. The tiger’s herbs had reduced the swelling.
Seeing her insistence, Su Yuxing said, “I’m watching your livestream. If you look off, I’m picking you up, and you’re coming with me.”
“Deal,” Lin Qianyu agreed.
Su Yuxing leaned out the window. “Mr. Feng? Time to go.”
“Mm.”
Lin Qianyu was dropped off at her cave.
Not at the entrance—the car couldn’t turn easily, and the furry friends would swarm it.
Feng Jingye got out with her.
Due to work, he hadn’t joined the show’s first episode.
Since he was here early, he’d join the ongoing filming.
With no fixed guest areas, they just placed guests in the rainforest. Feng Jingye hopped off.
“I’ll help you up,” he offered.
“No trouble.” Unfamiliar, she didn’t want to bother him, inching forward. “It’s just a few steps; I’m fine.”
Feng Jingye raised his arm. “You can hold onto me.”
Same difference, yet not.
“I’m heading up to find a spot for tonight. We’re going the same way,” he said.
Glancing at his lean wrist peeking from his sleeve, Lin Qianyu lightly rested her hand on his forearm. “Thanks.”
Feng Jingye smiled, not acknowledging the thanks. “No need to be so formal.”
With support, the slope was much easier.
Silence settled, no one speaking.
After a moment, Lin Qianyu ventured, “Do you come to the island often, Mr. Feng?”
“When work’s light, I drop by,” Feng Jingye said vaguely, yet truthfully. “I heard you get along well with the island’s animals.”
Lin Qianyu chuckled. “They’re pretty friendly.”
Feng Jingye: “Humble.”
Some island animals, orphaned young, were raised at the rescue station briefly before being released. Their wildness wasn’t nurtured there; they earned it outside.
If anyone else called these animals friendly, Feng Jingye would think they were joking.
But with Lin Qianyu… she might genuinely believe it.
After learning about her, Feng Jingye had watched snippets of her livestream when he had time.
From just a few clips, he could see the animals’ affection for her.
Chatting, they reached the platform. The red-tailed eagle flew out first, chirping, “Chirp—!”
The black bear and leopard followed, rushing over.
They froze upon seeing Feng Jingye beside her.
Their expressions were clear, even on animal faces.
Feng Jingye paused, puzzled by why these fierce beasts were together.
The eagle landed on Lin Qianyu’s shoulder, nuzzling her while glaring at Feng Jingye, its fierce eyes scanning him.
After a brief confusion, the bear grew wary. The leopard crouched, ready to strike.
To prevent conflict, Lin Qianyu stroked the eagle’s chest feathers. “Thanks, Mr. Feng, for bringing me back.”
Feng Jingye shouldered his backpack. “Call me Feng Jingye. I’m off; you take care.”
“Mm. If you need help, come find me,” she said, pausing. “Message me first.”
Lest he show up when her animals were home alone.
Feng Jingye nodded. “Got it.”
The platform’s furry crew watched him leave, even the little black snake on the tree staring until he was gone, then slithering back to sleep.
“Woo…” The leopard moved to nuzzle her but hesitated at her herb-coated ankle, circling to her other side. Sniffing other animals’ scents, it squinted, licking her wrist.
Lin Qianyu patted its head. “It’s fine, just a sprain.”
“Roar!” The bear sniffed her, familiar yet strange scents mixing. It nudged her palm, rubbing hard to cover them with its own.
Patting here, smoothing there, Lin Qianyu coaxed as she shuffled into the cave. “Alright, let’s go in. Don’t stand outside feeding mosquitoes.”
She’d been gone all day; her animals must’ve been worried.
The prey on the platform lay untouched.
Realizing they hadn’t eaten, Lin Qianyu set the eagle down. “Wait here; I’ll grab a knife to cut the meat.”
[Wow… Lin Qianyu’s gone, and they didn’t even eat.]
[They must be worried. She’s always there when they return, but not this time. No wonder they couldn’t eat.]
[Wuwuwu, such obedient babies.]
[This… who wouldn’t love them?! I’m dying here!]
Ignoring her injury, Lin Qianyu grabbed a machete. In the dim night, the animals tore at the prey’s meat.
Seeing her, the closest leopard, Flower, licked the blood from its lips, nudged her waist, and pushed her toward the cave.
“Hm? What’s up, Flower?” Lin Qianyu took a few steps. “I’m cutting meat. Want me back inside?”
“Roar—” “Okay, okay, I get it. Go eat.”
Coaxing, she stepped into the cave. Before turning, the leopard stood, unrolling the waterproof tarp like a door, keeping her in.
Its claws made a rustling sound, pushing even the corners.
Very thorough.
“Flower won’t let me out,” Lin Qianyu shrugged, helpless. “Guess I’ll treat my injury first.”
Water was low at home.
She’d planned to fetch water after eating with her furry friends.
Now, unable to move much, she made do.
Sitting in the outer room, she rinsed the dried herbs off her leg. Without the herb juice, her ankle was visibly less swollen.
Pressing it, she said, “See, this herb works.”
A firsthand test of its efficacy.
Wiping off the water, she rummaged through the medical kit, finding anti-inflammatory pills and a bruise cream.
There was a spray, but its smell was too strong, lingering long. Even Lin Qianyu found it harsh; for her scent-sensitive animals, it’d be worse.
The cream’s smell was milder.
After applying it, she poured the remaining water into a pot to heat for drinking.
When Flower came in, she’d just popped open the foil, taking two pills. “Flower’s here?”
“Woo…” The leopard sniffed the pills, unfamiliar, ears pinning back.
Lin Qianyu petted it, laughing. “It’s medicine.”
Mixing hot water with leftover cool water, she swallowed the pills.
Flower’s mouth parted, stunned as she ate them, shrinking back, clearly disliking them.
Blinking, it noticed something, grabbing the empty bucket’s handle by the stove.
“Thirsty? It’s empty.” Lin Qianyu poured a bowl of cool water. “Here, drink this.”
Flower didn’t drink. Instead, it nuzzled her wrist, grabbed the bucket, and left.
Author’s note: Good night, sleep early, love to all.