The heart began to lean toward Cang Qian.

After leaving the Che family’s residence, the three walked along the village’s stone path. Cang Qian turned to Cang Lian and asked, “Grandfather, may I live at Banai’s place?”

Cang Lian glanced at Banai. “Are you willing?”

Banai said nothing but simply nodded.

Seeing Banai actually agree, Cang Lian was somewhat incredulous. He hadn’t expected that after what had happened, Banai would consent to let little Qian live at his home.

Cang Lian thought, since Banai agreed, it would be a good opportunity for the two of them to build their relationship.

He looked at his granddaughter and said, “Since Banai has no objection, then you shall stay there. Tomorrow, I’ll have the household servants move your things over and also get some new furniture and supplies for you both.”

Banai respectfully cupped his hands and said, “Thank you, Clan Leader!”

Cang Lian shot him a sideways glance and said disapprovingly, “Still calling me ‘Clan Leader’? Since you’re my granddaughter’s mate now, you should call me ‘Grandfather’!”

Banai scratched his head awkwardly and said in a somewhat stiff tone, “Th-thank you… Grandfather!”

Cang Qian, watching Banai’s expression, covered her mouth to stifle a giggle.

Cang Lian laughed and patted Banai’s shoulder. “Banai, you’re one of the brightest among our younger generation. I have high hopes for you, and I’m very pleased you’re my little Qian’s mate!”

“No matter what reasons made you willing to be her mate at the time, I hope you two can get along well!”

Banai nodded lightly.

Cang Lian reached out to stroke his granddaughter’s head and advised, “Little Qian, once the mature beast ceremony is over, you’ll be an adult female beast. You mustn’t be so willful and stubborn anymore. You have to live harmoniously with Banai.”

“As for if you don’t conceive within a month, the worst that happens is you lose your inheritance rights. But rest assured, I would never let you be cast out of the clan!”

Suddenly, a wave of emotion surged within Cang Qian. Looking at Cang Lian and hearing his words reminded her of her grandfather who had already passed away in her previous life.

Her eyes moistened as she approached and hugged him. “Grandfather, I will obey from now on.”

Cang Lian embraced her with one arm, gently patting her back to soothe her.

“All right, I’m heading back now. Remember to help out at the Che family tomorrow. You promised, so don’t go back on your word or be late. If you promise, you must follow through!”

Cang Qian nodded, then watched Cang Lian leave with a hint of reluctance.

Seeing the faint sadness in her, Banai felt a sudden ripple in his heart and wanted to comfort her.

He stepped behind her, wrapped his arms around her soft waist, and gently said, “Don’t cry. We’re all in the same clan; it’s not like we won’t see each other. If you really don’t want to part, I can stay with you at Grandfather’s place.”

Still caught in her melancholy, Cang Qian did not realize Banai’s embrace.

Sniffling, her voice slightly choked, she said, “No need for you to stay at Grandfather’s with me. It would be inconvenient for me to treat your leg!”

“Why inconvenient?” Banai frowned.

Instinctively, Cang Qian said, “Because Sang Yingying is there, and I’m afraid…”

She stopped mid-sentence, realizing she had spoken her worries aloud. She bit her tongue, unsure how to continue.

“Afraid of what?”

Banai turned his head to her, his arms tightening slightly around her slender waist.

The sudden slight pain from his grip made Cang Qian realize he was holding her from behind.

That strange, unfamiliar sensation suddenly washed over her.

Moreover, Banai’s proximity, his breath softly brushing her ear like a gentle breeze as he spoke, left her momentarily flustered.

Earlier that afternoon at Banai’s home, their closeness hadn’t sparked any feelings.

The first time they were close, he had grabbed her by the neck, which was only distressing and frightening.

The second time, she accidentally bumped into his strong chest, and Banai had scolded her, accusing her of seducing him. She had only felt a headache and heartache then.

Now, the third time they were close, though Banai’s arms held her waist a bit firmly, it felt more like playful teasing.

At this moment, Cang Qian felt her heart beating a little faster.

Seeing that she did not answer but her cheeks flushed and she seemed nervous, Banai found her utterly adorable. Tentatively, he slid his hand inside her blouse and asked again, “Are you afraid that Sang Yingying will find out about your healing ability?”

Earlier, outside the Che family’s home, he had seen another side of Sang Yingying. Inside, he had witnessed Cang Qian healing Che Baiyuan.

Gradually, Banai’s feelings started leaning toward Cang Qian. He wondered if there was more to his leg’s injury than he knew.

Could it be that Cang Qian was innocent and someone else was behind it, framing her?

At that moment, startled by his hand slipping inside, Cang Qian suddenly shivered and firmly pressed his hand down, saying, “Yes, I’m afraid Sang Yingying will find out.”

“I told you before that I used to have healing powers, but then, for some reason, they disappeared. I suspect someone tampered with me back then. I suspect Sang Yingying!”

“But I have no proof. Now that my healing ability has returned, I’m afraid she’ll scheme behind my back again if she finds out. So for now, I don’t want her to know. Only you know about this. Can you keep it a secret?”

Hearing her candid confession, Banai felt a surge of happiness and teased her, “Want me to keep your secret?”

His breath brushed against her ear, creating a teasing and intimate atmosphere between them.

Cang Qian shyly flinched and then nodded softly.

Seeing her reaction, Banai curled his lips and said, “If you want me to keep your secret, then first let go of my hand.”

Cang Qian suddenly panicked, stammering, “I… didn’t you say not to seduce you? You said if I want… want to bear beast cubs to prove it, it’s impossible!”

Banai chuckled lightly.I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.