After parting ways with them, Maoduoduo suddenly realized something.

During her break, she seized the opportunity to ask Gal, "You've been gone for so long, aren't you planning to go home?"

“Home?” Gal lowered his eyes, his voice tinged with disappointment. “I… have no home anymore.”

These words were simple, but they told CatDodo a part of the story. She suddenly remembered the differences that Gal had shown her since she first met him.

"Sorry, I misspoke," Maoduo apologized readily.

Gal looked at her, the words that were about to come out of his mouth, which he had just thought were a message from CatDodo to make him leave, suddenly stopped.

He just stared intently at Mao Duoduo and said with utmost seriousness, "Wherever you are, I will be there."

“…Gal.” CatDodo was a little dumbfounded. Just based on the other party’s performance, she felt like her head was about to explode.

She immediately tried to teach others: "Actually, you should look at the outside world more; there are many more outstanding people waiting for you."

He remained motionless, pursing his lips, and said nothing, yet he had already revealed his entire purpose.

“Gal—” CatDodo wanted to borrow a famous online quote, “I should repay you for whatever you like about me,” but suddenly realized something and turned her head away.

As luck would have it, she happened to see Serpent Rong and his three cubs standing to the side. Clearly, they had overheard her and Gal's conversation. Now, the three cubs were making no attempt to hide their hostility, flicking their tongues at Gal. It seemed that if they weren't trying to be patient, they would have no hesitation in chasing them away.

CatDodo coughed once, "...So you guys were here too."

"Hmm." Serpent Rong remained expressionless, saying nothing, and led the three cubs away with perfect ease.

Snake One and the others were still unwilling to accept it, but Snake Rong grabbed them and carried them on his shoulders. They still had time to make a fuss, shouting that they must make Snake Rong show off and snatch their mother back.

CatDodo: "..." Stop joining in the fun, okay?

She was both amused and exasperated, but seeing the Serpent's reaction, she breathed a sigh of relief.

This scene caught Gal's eye, and he suddenly spoke, saying to CatDodo, "Serpent Rong doesn't like you."

Mao Duoduo didn't say anything, but thought to herself, "Sorry, she knows too." As someone who had read the original work, she could tell that unless She Rong was a complete masochist, he wouldn't fall in love with her.

Judging from the other party's current behavior, the fact that they are not doing anything to me is already quite kind and gentle.

“You know that?” Gal realized this.

Oh well, better to avoid trouble. Cat Duoduo simply lowered her eyes, her hand unconsciously clutching a corner of the animal skin, and said softly, "I'm very happy with my life now."

Look, these words make it sound as if she speaks very softly to the Serpent Rong.

As for the specifics, Maoduoduo genuinely felt the urge to escape, leaving behind her words and making a hasty retreat. As long as she didn't have to face Gal, she could be brainwashed into believing that everything she did was right.

Ultimately, her decision to stay stemmed from the fact that this unfamiliar world held considerable dangers for her. Besides, she wanted to cling to a powerful figure to avoid the tragic fate of the original owner and to make her life more comfortable.

Considering the current situation, the fact that she and the Serpent Barbarians maintain this respectful but distant relationship is already quite good. She has an adorable and pettable cub, and powerful orcs to keep the local thugs in check, ensuring her safety.

CatDodo can also live a leisurely life of farming, which is a perfect match.

But if she chose Gal, her life was forced to change...

CatDodo was somewhat hesitant and uncertain about the future, but not wanting to hurt Gal's feelings directly, she subconsciously chose to run away.

Gal stared at her retreating figure without moving, murmuring, "You didn't reject me, so I still have a sliver of a chance, right..."

He knew a thing or two about Mao Duoduo's character and could roughly guess his temperament. That's why he subconsciously clenched his fist, his smile deepening.

Who will win and who will lose is anyone's guess!

"Hey, CatDodo, you and SnakeRong... you're both back!"

"Oh my god, I thought you guys were never going to be able to come back."

"Oh, you guys actually came back."

In the blink of an eye, the news of Cat Duoduo and Snake Rong's return spread throughout the entire village.

What bothered Mao Duoduo the most was that everyone's attitude towards her and She Rong's return was somewhat ambiguous. They seemed to be conflicted, but also eager to see what would happen.

Goodness, could there be some trouble waiting for me behind the scenes?

Mao Duoduo didn't say anything, but quickened her pace and followed the others towards home.

When they arrived at their doorstep, Maoduoduo finally realized what the problem was.

My home has been taken over by someone else. They're being very affectionate with me at my doorstep first thing this morning, without any hesitation.

"Leopard Fierce, when our child is born, he will definitely be as strong and brave as you."

"Ling'er~"

The couple made no attempt to hide their intimacy, exchanging smiles and tender affection that made even a cat like Mao Duoduo want to vomit.

She interrupted her bluntly, "Why are you in my house!"

"Your home?" Rabbit Ling'er, who was in Leopard Lie's arms at the moment, curled her lips and made no attempt to hide her smugness. She hugged Leopard Lie as if she were showing off in front of Cat Duoduo, and deliberately rubbed against Leopard Lie's chest.

CatDodo: "..." Ugly, too greasy, thank you.

At that very moment, the sound of panting came from not far away.

Hearing the sound, Maoduo looked over and saw it was Valina, who was clutching her stomach and looked very conflicted. As soon as she arrived, she quickly apologized to Maoduo.

"I'm sorry, Duoduo, I couldn't protect you."

Valina looked remorseful, her head bowed, her hands clenched tightly.

Upon closer inspection, Maoduo noticed that the other person's hands were now covered with numerous scars, indicating that the other person had not had a good time in the past few days.

Considering Valina's character and conduct, and the potential underhanded tactics of Leopard Fierce Rabbit and Ling'er, CatDodo felt a growing unease. This was entirely directed at Leopard Fierce Rabbit and Ling'er.

She patted the other person's shoulder without any hesitation, reassuringly saying, "It's okay. You can't avoid those clueless bugs coming over. They're just so persistent, they just have to come."

"Hey, who are you talking to?" Rabbit Spirit's face darkened, and she glared at her fiercely.

However, when Bao Lie looked over, she quickly changed her expression again, looking at him with deep affection, as if she were a harmless and pitiful little thing.

CatDodo: "..." The disgust is doubled.