Ch 11
Chapter 11: Journey
The soft and delicate taste of the creamy cake was still an undiscovered delicacy for the little snake sub-beast.
Sitting at the vine table, the little snake sub-beast’s gaze followed the red strawberry tips, passed the white and pink-cut surface, came to the white cream frosting, then to the fluffy cake base and pink strawberry pieces in the middle. Unable to resist, he sniffed the sweet and fragrant smell.
His whole mood brightened up!
The little snake sub-beast’s eyes curved, and the tip of his tail beat rhythmically on the ground.
Wearing multiple hats (enforcer, caretaker, garbage can), the vines closed the fire and served the fried meat. They once again drew the little snake sub-beast’s attention.
An Nuo keenly noticed that the last plate of food was reduced by half, giving a resentful look at the strangely obedient big dog Ye Zi, but he didn’t say anything.
If the little vine eats it, it won’t be considered a waste.
“Thank you.” The little snake sub-beast softly thanked the vine for its effort.
Although the vine was only acting under Ye Ze’s control and didn’t have self-awareness, the little snake sub-beast learned from Ye Ze’s encouraging actions and solemnly patted the leaf bud on top of the red thorn vine.
The peach-pink leaf bud stood still in the air for a moment, seemingly motionless. Then, under Ye Ze’s control, it affectionately rubbed against the little snake sub-beast’s fingertips. Following that, it quickly rolled down, disappearing shyly at the edge of the vine table.
—Ye Ze was always willing to cooperate with the little snake sub-beast’s actions.
However, whether it was his illusion or not, Ye Ze always felt that at the very beginning, the vine seemed to have broken free from his control.
Ye Ze calmly manipulated the vine in secret, confirmed that everything was normal, and looked at the obedient little snake sub-beast with some contemplation.
The only white snake in the Black Snake Tribe for many years.
Now thinking about it, it’s indeed a bit unusual.
Ye Ze silently noted this point. Looking up, he saw that there was still at least three-quarters of the cake in front of the little snake sub-beast, which surprised him. “Why aren’t you eating? Nuo Nuo, don’t you like it?”
Hearing Ye Ze’s concern, the little snake sub-beast, who was earnestly scooping rice with a snake-shaped spoon, lifted his head. With big eyes looking at him, he shook his small head and said, “Nope.” The little snake sub-beast smiled shyly, “This is for Ye Zi.”
“…” Ye Ze, who had a heart frozen in ice all year round, was stirred again. He reached out and rubbed the little snake sub-beast’s head, his smile helpless yet tender, “I appreciate Nuo Nuo’s kindness. I’m very happy. However, the next time there’s something Nuo Nuo likes, just eat it.”
Seeing the little snake sub-beast showing a disagreeable and pouting expression, Ye Ze chuckled and added, “In the future, we’ll have lots and lots of uneaten good things. Nuo Nuo doesn’t need to deliberately save them for me; I can enjoy them without that.”
Affluent and satiated living had always been distant for the little snake sub-beast. Even now, with Ye Ze’s help, they entered a stage of rapid improvement in living standards, but the habits developed from childhood still prompted the little snake sub-beast to be frugal.
He didn’t understand and couldn’t imagine what Ye Ze described—the life with an endless supply of delicious food, clothes that couldn’t be worn out, winter without feeling cold, and summer without feeling hot.
However, this didn’t affect the little snake sub-beast from obediently nodding upon seeing Ye Ze’s affirmative expression.
Ye Ze was the treasure bestowed upon him by the Beast God, a powerful and omnipotent beastman. Of course, he believed every word Ye Ze said.
Just… just, he still wanted to share every beautiful thing with Ye Zi!
Encouraged by Ye Ze, the little snake sub-beast picked up the small knife again. He cut a thin slice of cake and put it in his small bowl. Then, with a swoosh, he quickly pushed out the remaining “five eighths.”
Ye Ze looked at the large portion of cake in front of him and couldn’t help but chuckle.
Fine. Next time he buys snacks, he will definitely get double the amount.
A small cabinet was added to the stone wall of the little cave.
Specifically for storing snacks.
Bagged biscuits, dried fruits, gummies, chicken feet, duck wings, squid tentacles, snacks that could be stored for a long time…
Cakes, fruits, steamed cakes, pancakes that needed to be kept fresh…
A full cabinet.
Every time he opened the cabinet door, it gave the little snake sub-beast a deep sense of satisfaction.
It seemed like just seeing these exquisite snacks was enough to make him feel full.
So, Ye Ze’s worries increased by one more.
He bought snacks, but the little snake sub-beast never took the initiative to eat them.
And every time he hand-feeds, the little snake sub-beast still leaves more than half for him.
As if deeming it quite precious and shouldn’t be indulged in too much.
So much so that now, with his eyes closed, Ye Ze can pinch a packaging bag and know what the little snake sub-beast likes to eat—anyway, what’s left must have a good taste. Because if the little snake sub-beast finds the flavor slightly inferior (in the little snake sub-beast’s eyes, there are no snacks that are not delicious), he will eat a few more bites under Ye Ze’s coaxing.
God knows what he’s doing buying so many snacks.
The end of the world overlord looked at the obedient but stubborn little snake sub-beast, experiencing a momentary breakdown in his mindset.
[“Your pet doesn’t want to eat snacks?”] Asked by Jiang Yi Chen, the old rabbit keeper, who inexplicably said, [“The rabbits I raise always chase me for snacks.”] The gluttonous little rabbit doesn’t eat anything?
Thinking too much. It doesn’t exist at all!
[…] Ye Ze was shot in the chest with an arrow again. That kind that pierced through his heart.
However, talking about his own pets, Jiang Yi Chen, who rarely spoke enthusiastically, did not intend to let him go with this, [“If it’s anorexia, you can consider this shop [address]. Their service is good, and their business scope is very wide.”] Ye Ze: “…”
[No need. It’s not anorexia, thanks.]
Honestly, what kind of strange development was this “raising pets” communication between owners?
Ye Ze reflected on his recent life for a moment. However, his fingers naturally clicked on the link: Hmm… this shop could indeed be considered. Later, he would customize a tail protector that perfectly fit and didn’t cause any discomfort for the little snake sub-beast!
Following that, Ye Ze glanced at the prices of various services. Concealed.
—Sure enough, making money is still the priority recently.
Since discovering the existence of magical beasts, in just a few days, Ye Ze almost plucked all the magical beasts around the tribe. He earned quite a lot of points.
Looking at the greatly increased trading points and the continuously updated luxury snacks every day, it was evident. There was also a refrigerated cabinet, and its price was not low either.
Unfortunately, it still fell far short to get the high-end custom services.
Ye Ze exited the dimensional trader and returned to reality.
After familiarizing himself with the power levels of various low-level magical beasts, naturally, Ye Ze shifted his focus to mid-level magical beasts in the deeper part of the forest.
Today was the day to go to the target location.
A farther distance represented richer plant resources. The little snake sub-beast was delighted, carrying his new basket early, staying at the entrance of the cave, waiting for Ye Ze to Announce their departure.
Made from high-level dimensional materials produced by the dimensional trader the basket was as light as nothing and had the function of expanding space.
Even if Ye Ze couldn’t rush back in a short time, it wouldn’t tire the little snake sub-beast out due to excessive gathering.
Ye Ze was very satisfied with this. He felt that he spent the high points quite worthily—anyway, much more valuable than snacks.
Feeling the breath of Ye Ze’s resentment, the little snake sub-beast lowered his head in embarrassment. He touched the soft belly under the soft fabric and frowned in distress.
His belly had secretly gained some flesh recently. Even the scales at the junction had become chubby and round.
Can’t eat anymore. If he keeps eating, he’ll become a chubby snake sub-beast. QAQ
Thinking about getting fat before gaining weight. The goal is set really far.
Ye Ze was both amused and exasperated. He raised his hand to tousle the little snake sub-beast’s hair and bent down to scoop him up. He embraced the little snake sub-beast into his arms.
“Ah!” The little snake sub-beast exclaimed. Subconsciously, he reached out to encircle Ye Ze’s neck, closed his eyes, and the tip of his tail straightened. Being suddenly lifted off the ground startled him.
Ye Ze chuckled again. The vibrations in his chest, transmitted through the soft fabric, made the little snake sub-beast blush instantly. He puffed his little head with closed eyes, releasing steam.
However, Ye Ze, not feeling satisfied, continued to sway him, scaring the little snake sub-beast into clinging even tighter.
After teasing the little snake sub-beast, Ye Ze was content.
The only thing he wasn’t too happy about was that the snake-shaped steamed bun was too light. It was too skinny; he should eat more and gain some weight.
“The place we’re going today is a bit far; I’ll take you there directly.”
Ye Ze thought of those unclearly sharp dead branches in the forest and the stones hidden under the fallen leaves and decayed branches. It gave him lingering fears.
Moreover, the distance to the location of the magical beast activity was not very friendly for the physically weaker sub-beastmen.
Why not just carry him over? It’s quick and convenient.
When he has enough points, he will buy a multi-functional sightseeing car. It can save energy on the journey and transport goods. Looking at the quantity of physical items harvested every day, the little snake sub-beast will surely feel more reassured.
Furthermore, in the future, he can take the little snake sub-beast for a ride everywhere. No need to stay at home all day like a doll.
Ye Ze stepped forward. His speed did not diminish at all as he swiftly moved through the forest.
It was a transcendent speed that ordinary sub-beastmen could not achieve. A gust of wind was raised, causing the little snake sub-beast’s head hairs to be in disarray.
An Nuo circled Ye Ze’s neck and dared not let go. He tried to shrink himself into a small ball, burying himself in Ye Ze’s chest. Seeking a sense of security in the constantly rising and falling environment of being suspended, elevated, and at high speed.
The thin arm around the neck tightened.
Poor, pitiful, and completely trusting little snake sub-beast. The overlord of the apocalypse was completely satisfied in his hidden vanity.
The overlord of the apocalyptic world kept lifting the corners of his mouth, revealed an extremely pleasant arc. The arms that held the “leg socket” and the back of the little snake sub-beast increased their strength, giving a comforting response to the little snake sub-beast.
“Don’t be afraid. I won’t lose you.” Ye Ze smiled again. The deep and magnetic voice echoed in the little snake sub-beast’s ears, making the snake-shaped steamed bun both shy and relieved.
Ugh. The tail can’t help but coil up uncontrollably.
The little snake sub-beast pressed closer to the one with bad intentions, nestling tighter in the arms.
While the efficient duo was rushing to their destination, on the other side of the cave, the people of the Black Snake Tribe were busier than ever before.
For some reason, the high-quality resources around the tribe were unusually scarce this year.
In order to obtain more resources from the upcoming caravan, they would inevitably have to go to more distant places for collection and hunting.