Okay, so the day was finally done, and it was time for some shut-eye. Sure, there was a cave nearby, but it wasn't exactly a five-star resort. It was deep in the woods and wide open, like some kind of monster buffet. So, the guys had decided to do the whole sleep in shifts thing. Safety first, I guess. While two of them were catching z's, the other would keep watch.

Right now, Xishi, XueLing, and FengXiu were out cold, or at least, that's what the guys were doing. But not her. Sleep? Nah, not her cup of tea tonight. She got up and saw HaoYue planted on the ground, staring up at the sky like it held all the answers to life. The campfire was crackling away in front of him. You'd think a snow leopard would be scared of fire, but nope, he was just chilling. She still hadn't asked them about the whole auction thing. It just didn't feel like the right time, you know? There's always a time for trauma dumping.

She plopped down next to him. "Whatcha doing?" she asked. He smiled, like he knew she was coming all along. "Just sitting here, nothing much," he chuckled. Smooth.

"So, I've been wondering," she went on, "How did you end up at the auction? You're, like, super strong. Who could have possibly..." She trailed off, instantly regretting opening her mouth. Why had she brought it up? She should've said something cute or witty. Ugh. What was wrong with her?

"Well, yeah, I was wondering when you'd ask," he said. "I'm from the extreme north, where not many beastmen survive. A feud led to a massacre, I fainted, and the next thing I knew, boom, I was here. It was all pretty messy, and my memory is hazy. I only woke up today, and some healer treated me."

Oh. So, he didn't even know the full story. Poor, sweet, clueless baby. She pulled him into a big hug and patted his back. "There, there," she said, trying to sound comforting.

Just then, XueLing strolled over, yawning like it was his full-time job. "Okay, so, like, XiShi, my life, go get some sleep. You too, HaoYue."

"I don't wanna sleep," XiShi pouted, like a toddler.

XueLing gave her this stern, listen to your elders type of smile. "Sleep. Now. My love." He was giving major daddy energy right now. You just gotta obey when he gives you that look.