Su Mingxuan looked at the bowing Lion King, his mind racing. He knew that having the Lions as permanent members would make the Fox Tribe the most powerful force in the forest. No one would ever dare to attack them again.
But he also knew exactly which "Fox female" the Lion King was likely looking at.
Su Mingxuan’s expression changed 360 degrees in an instant. The stern, guarded look vanished, replaced by a thoughtful and almost calculating gleam in his eyes.
He was a father and a leader, and he had quickly connected all the dots. He hadn’t missed that fleeting, intense gaze Shi Feng had directed at Su Qinglan.
As a father, Su Mingxuan’s heart actually felt a wave of relief.
In this dangerous beast world, a female was never truly safe unless she had overwhelming protection.
His daughter was exceptional...she was beautiful, smart, and had a mysterious power that brought prosperity to the tribe.
To Su Mingxuan, it only made sense that she should have the most powerful husbands possible. If the Lion King himself wanted to join their family, it wouldn’t just be a gain for Su Qinglan; it would be the ultimate shield for the entire Fox Tribe.
Suddenly, the atmosphere in the room shifted from a tense negotiation to a warm, harmonious chat.
Su Mingxuan and Shi Feng began to talk like old friends, exchanging hints and subtle nods that showed they both understood exactly what was being proposed.
"If a King is willing to show such sincerity," Su Mingxuan said with a knowing smile, "then I suppose a merger is not only possible but very welcome. We would need a strong connection to bind our people together forever."
Shi Feng nodded, his expression softening but his eyes remaining focused. "I agree, Tribe Leader. A strong bond is the only way to ensure we are one family."
The two men continued to converse in perfect harmony, their words full of hidden meanings about "loyalty," "protection," and "the best female."
The only one left completely in the dark was Su Qinglan. She stood between them, looking from her father to the Lion King with a confused expression.
She was totally oblivious to the fact that she was the main target of their hearty conversation.
What are they so happy about all of a sudden? she wondered. She thought they were just talking about land, hunting rights, and tribal laws. She had no idea that her father was practically preparing to hand her the "Lion King" as her next husband.
Inside her pocket, the tiny snake Xiao San flicked his tongue.
Unlike his mother, the hatchling could sense the competitive energy radiating from the Lion King.
He let out a tiny, sharp hiss from the depths of the fabric, sensing that the big family was about to get a very large addition of a golden lion.
Su Qinglan patted her pocket to quiet the cub. "Why is everyone smiling?" she asked, looking at Shi Feng. "Is the merger really going to be that easy?"
Shi Feng looked down at her, a rare, genuine spark of warmth in his golden eyes. "Yes, female Qinglan," he said softly. "I think it will be much easier than you think."
Su Mingxuan leaned back, the tension completely drained from his shoulders. He looked at Shi Feng with the eyes of a seasoned leader and a protective father.
"Merging two tribes is like joining two rivers," Su Mingxuan said, his voice now warm and inviting.
"The Lion Tribe brings the strength of the mountains, and the Fox Tribe brings the wisdom of the forest. Together, we won’t just survive the winter; we will thrive like never before. My people have the knowledge of herbs and storage, and your warriors are unmatched in a hunt. It is a perfect balance."
Shi Feng nodded, his gaze steady. "Exactly. My men are already learning from your builders. We have the raw power to bring in enough meat to feed everyone ten times over, but your tribe knows how to make that meat last. It is a benefit for every cub born under our combined banners."
Su Mingxuan smiled, a playful glint in his eyes as he looked toward Su Qinglan and then back to the King.
"And regarding your promise to mate with a Fox female... that is the most important part. A leader must have a home to protect."
"The female you choose will surely be blessed. She will be the bridge between our two worlds. Whoever she is, she will need to be someone exceptional to handle a King’s pride."
Shi Feng didn’t even hesitate. He took a half-step closer, his presence filling the room. "Of course," he replied, his voice deep and full of conviction.
"I do not take such things lightly. I will make my mate the happiest female in the world. She will never be wronged as long as I am alive. My strength will be her shield, and my kingdom will be her playground. I will give her everything she desires, even if I have to hunt it from the ends of the earth."
Su Mingxuan chuckled, looking very satisfied. "Those are strong words, King Shi Feng. It seems you already have a very high standard for this future mate."
"I only want the best," Shi Feng said, his golden eyes briefly locking onto Su Qinglan again before he looked away.
Su Qinglan stood there, blinking. She felt like they were talking about something much more important than hunting, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
"It’s great that you’re so committed, King Shi Feng," she said innocently, trying to join the conversation.
"I’m sure whatever female you choose will be very lucky to have such a dedicated protector. We have many beautiful and kind fox girls in the tribe."
Both men paused and looked at her. Su Mingxuan had to cough into his hand to keep from laughing out loud at his daughter’s denseness.
Shi Feng’s lips merely twitched into a small, mysterious smile.
"I am sure I will find exactly what I am looking for, Female Qinglan," Shi Feng said smoothly.
In her pocket, Xiao San hissed again, his tiny body vibrating. He felt something is very off here. But all Su Qinglan did was pat the pocket again, thinking the little snake was just hungry.
***
Mini Theatre:
In this world, proposing to the father-in-law is considered brave.
Proposing before telling the rival male?
That’s called asking to be beaten.
Good luck, Lion King.