Soon, the sky began to turn dark, and they walked through the river to get to the other side before ascending up the mountain. Jing Chu initially thought that they would be heading to a cave. To her surprise, they stopped in front of a pile of stakes on which there was a male marsupial lion. It was much more massive than the other members of the herd.

Jing Chu would have burst into laughter if not for the austerity of the atmosphere.

She said politely, Hello.

The leader stood out amongst the other marsupial lions of the herd. Thrilled to hear Jing Chus response, he said, Im sorry to have scared you guys. I really cant believe that there are humans who can communicate with us. My dearest friends, how did you guys enter this place? There havent been any humans here in years.

Jing Chu answered, We had no choice but to enter. We wanted to see if this place is suitable for habitation.

Does that mean youre planning to stay?

We do intend to do so.

Thats wonderful, youre very welcome to stay, the leader said before letting out a roar of excitement. Jing Chu froze in shock, unable to figure out why it was so worked up.

Are we really allowed to stay here?

Of course you are, but youll have to live with us. Otherwise, youll risk being attacked by other animals that might devour you. As you can see, we dont have a proper home at all. All the caves have been occupied by the other animals. If you can help us build a home, well take care of your food.

Will you guys eat us up, then?

The leader said in displeasure, Cant humans start trusting animals more? We wont devour you. How about I let you become the leader and you shall take charge of expanding our pack? Ive long wanted to retire. I still have to look after these starving cubs who dont even have a roof over their heads. Its a great responsibility.

Cubs?

Yeah, theyre all underage cubs.

Jing Chu was speechless. She could not put her feelings into words.They are already so huge as cubs. God knows how large they will become by the time they reach maturity.

Pardon me, but what about the adult lions? I mean, their parents. Where have those lions gone to?

Theyve all been preyed on by other animals. Being devoured by other animals is very commonplace when youre older, especially since we dont even have a roof over our heads. Some of the older lions have also been starved to death because food is scarce on this mountain and they could not bear to let their cubs go hungry. Hence, they decide to feed the cubs instead of themselves.

Finding Jing Chu to be rather reliable and trustworthy after having a chat with her for a long while, the leader said, Im getting on in my years and I cant take care of them any longer. You shall replace me as the leader. Well listen to you.

Jing Chu agreed for the sake of her future peace.

Meanwhile, Fat Lass was completely clueless, and she could not make out what Jing Chu was saying at all. The sounds that Jing Chu were making simply came off as gibberish to her.

However, she felt much less afraid and anxious after seeing the calm expression on Jing Chus face.

Her eyes widened in shock the moment she saw the beasts kneeling down in front of Jing Chu.

Sis Jing Chu, whats going on?

Jing Chu explained softly, Ill be their leader from now on so you dont have to be afraid anymore. They wont eat us.

It was Fat Lass first time witnessing something so absurd.

When nighttime arrived, Jing Chu and Fat Lass took a rest.

She asked the retired leader, The water in the lake is potable, right?

Of course. We grew up drinking that water.

What do you guys eat?

We hunt for other animals. Were carnivorous.

Well start building you a home tomorrow. The weather is still warm now, but wouldnt it be freezing for you in the winter?

The leader sighed and said, Yeah, there are lots of us who freeze to death. Were almost becoming extinct.

Well start tomorrow, then. Where would you guys like to live?

Anywhere. This entire area belongs to us.

Jing Chu nodded and said, Alright, I know what to do.

During nighttime, Jing Chu and Fat Lass could not fall asleep because they were being surrounded by the beasts.

However, the only mature lion told her that they were just protecting them from the other beasts.

She spent the rest of the night half-awake.

Jing Chu felt a huge sense of relief when daybreak arrived. She began to find that those menacing creatures were rather loyal to their leader.

She scanned her surroundings, after which she decided to build their den opposite the river.

That was because the trees there were tall, huge, and much sturdier compared to the other trees in the forest.

Hence, Jing Chu and Fat Lass began working together to build a small two-storey house. The lions would live on one floor while the two of them would take the other. They would enjoy the best of both worlds.

However, it was easier said than done. How were they supposed to build a house without any tools?

At last, Jing Chu decided to leave the forest and return with some tools before beginning construction.

She gained the approval of the retired leader.

They then escorted the two of them away. The lions trust in them made Jing Chu feel much more relieved. She believed that trust could be established between humans and animals.

Hence, they did not take their luggage with them.

Instead of taking a different route, they took an express route and exited the forest.

They returned to Mount Qingping to discover that Pei Yi was not home yet. He rushed home as quickly as he could after hearing that she had returned.

He initially thought that they had had a close shave with death. However, he was extremely appalled and bewildered after hearing her account.

Really?

Why would I lie to you? Thats why I have to go back there. Im home to collect some tools. Hubby, well be staying there in the future. Although there are lots of animals there, Im not afraid at all. I really am not. I think its much safer there than here.

Pei Yi agreed to help her prepare some tools. Do you need me to send some bodyguards to your aid?

No, Fat Lass and I can manage on our own. I dont want anyone to know about our secret haven.

He nodded and pinched her cheek. Wow, my wife is really capable.

Hubby, what are marsupial lions?

I havent heard of them either. Ill go online to do a search. He opened his computer and began searching up on them while Jing Chu stood beside him.

Theyre extinct.

Extinct?

Yeah, it says here that theyve gone into extinction.

That means no one else has discovered about whats inside the forest yet.

However, the internet says that theyre closely similar to marsupial bears and grizzly bears.