Seeing that Wu Yue was already prepared and so eager to go foraging, Qingcao's impression of her improved. She chuckled and nodded. "Let's go. We'll head over together."
In an age where people could barely fill their stomachs, anyone willing to work hard for food was always viewed more favorably.
Wu Yue chatted with Qingcao, asking about the tribe, as she wolfed down the wild vegetable ball in her hand.
Though it had a faint bitter taste, it was enough to fill her stomach.
Watching her devour the food, Qingcao let out a soft sigh. "Yue, you should find a partner soon."
Wu Yue was taken aback. She turned to look at her, confused. "Why?"
'I've only been in this world for a few days, and I don't understand the rules at all. And...'
Looking at the men and women walking around with their bare behinds, Wu Yue felt she ought to find a wad of dry grass and plug her nostrils.
A worried look crossed Qingcao's face. "You're a female from an outside tribe. Without a Father or Amu to take care of you, you won't survive if you don't find a partner."
Her Amu was a Half-beastman who managed one of the tribe's Collection Teams—one of the best in the entire tribe.
That was why, even without a partner, she was still taken care of by her Father and Amu. Although she couldn't get precious food like meat, she could at least have wild vegetable balls to eat.
"Qingcao, you two, hurry up!" A shout echoed from the clearing ahead. Wu Yue looked toward the sound and saw it was Qinghua, the more robust female from yesterday.
Three tall, well-built Pure Human males stood around her. They wore only simple, woven vines around their waists, exuding a raw, powerful aesthetic.
Qingcao said to Wu Yue, a hint of envy in her voice, "See those three males?"
Wu Yue nodded. They were much more muscular than the other Pure Human males, making them stand out.
"They're all my sister's partners. Amu picked them out for her. My sister is very robustly built; a lot of the Pure Human males in the tribe admire her."
Her voice was tinged with disappointment, and her eyes grew dim.
Wu Yue glanced at the tall, sturdy Qinghua up ahead, then back at Qingcao, who stood a full head taller than her...
'So, "robust" is what's considered beautiful here?'
"I think you look great." 'Someone like your sister is a bit too brawny. I can't quite get used to that.'
Qingcao glanced down at her. The disappointment in her eyes slowly faded as she sighed and patted Wu Yue's shoulder. "You don't understand."
Wu Yue's inner self instantly bristled. 'What the hell!'
'That girl was totally looking down on me! She was, right? Right?!'
'That's just plain, undisguised contempt!'
Wu Yue gave Qingcao a resentful look. 'So what if I'm short and skinny? Is that my fault?'
'It's my genetics! Could I have chosen them?'
'But...'
'What bad intentions could a Beastman possibly have? They're just a little blunt, that's all.'
"You two are so slow." Qinghua's expression was sour. "Amu just told us it's time to set out."
Just as Qingcao was about to speak, Wu Yue scratched her head sheepishly. "It's all my fault. I'm not in the best shape, so Qingcao was slowing down to look after me."
Qinghua grunted noncommittally. "Go on and assemble. You stick with Qingcao."
With that, she left, her three men in tow.