dognovel Chapter 32 Taboo
Chapter 32 Taboo
"Rakuchi, are you ready...?"
"Coming, coming, almost done."
The morning sunlight swept across the dewdrops that had not yet evaporated on the leaves, reflecting a warm glow. Leyou let out a loud shout, starting the lively day.
Lezhi hurriedly slung the basket he had prepared yesterday over his shoulder and ran out the door, skipping and jumping. Maoqiu's round, blunt body flew out right behind him and landed on Lezhi's head, like a fluffy hat on his head.
"Good morning, Leyou. I'm all better now. Let's go."
"Okay, good morning, Maoqiu."
Glancing sideways at Leyou, who seemed to be talking to it, Maoqiu didn't say anything, but instead pulled Lezhi's head even tighter.
This is the seventh day since Lezhi came to the tribe. Maoqiu is still not communicating with any tribespeople. However, Lezhi can sense that Maoqiu's vigilance has eased a lot. Perhaps before long, Maoqiu will gradually let down its guard and live peacefully in the tribe.
Raising her hand to touch the fluff ball, Lezhi smiled at Leyou, her face upturned.
Leyou didn't care about Maoqiu's attitude. Most of the birds and beasts they had seen before were much worse than Maoqiu. This was the first bird or beast that could live peacefully with humans like Maoqiu, so everyone was very tolerant.
"I've inquired, and today's collection team is led by Le Jing. She's very capable. When we get there, remember to follow the captain's instructions exactly and don't act on your own."
Leyou patiently advised Lezhi on the precautions, a look of disapproval flashing across his face when he mentioned acting on his own initiative. Today was Lezhi's first time going out to gather with the tribe's gathering team, and Leyou had specifically chosen this day because Lejing was leading the team. Lejing himself was capable, very willing to help the tribespeople in their infancy and pre-adolescent stages learn various kinds of knowledge, and most importantly, he was a very tolerant person.
Every time the tribesmen go out, they face various risks. Other tribesmen might find it too much of a burden to bring along cubs, but Yue Jing doesn't. His abilities and strategic thinking not only ensure the safety of the team members every time, but he can also incorporate education into the fun and learning process based on the environment. Furthermore, he doesn't mind bringing cubs along, making him the most suitable candidate for team leader.
"Okay, I understand. Are we going to Yunmeng Forest this time?" Because of Leyou's instructions, Lezhi's heart tightened, and she asked anxiously.
"It should be, but we'll have to wait for the captain's instructions. They'll adjust the plan as needed. It's not something we need to worry about; we'll just follow the main group."
"Ok."
The two walked briskly along the paved road, bathed in the morning sunlight. Their destination was an exit from the tribe's territory, in the opposite direction from the main square. By this time, most of the tribespeople had already gotten up. Leyou was very popular, as evidenced by his ability to strike up a conversation with almost every tribesperson he encountered.
"Leyou, good morning! Are you going to gather resources?" "Leyou, where are you taking the baby so early?" "Good morning, Leyou! Oh, the baby's out too! Good morning..."
"Good morning, good morning. Yes, let's take Lezhi to the gathering team to experience it..."
Lezhi, on the other hand, was different. Although he wasn't averse to socializing, he was rather slow to warm up to people. Therefore, when Leyou introduced him to the clansmen, Lezhi only offered a slight smile as a greeting and wasn't very enthusiastic.
The clansmen didn't care. Each cub had its own personality. Some were playful and mischievous, while others were quiet and reserved like Lezhi. In addition, news spread throughout the clan later that the entire Lingyu clan had heard about Lezhi's disability, so they all felt great affection for him and were unwilling to make any demands on him.
"Little one, you're so amazing! You're already able to go out with the gathering team so quickly. Have fun! Remember to stick close to Leyou!"
"Leyou, you must keep a close eye on the cub, the little one..."
"Hey, don't worry." Interrupting one of the tribesmen, Leyou patted his chest and assured them, "You don't trust me? Besides, even if I really failed to keep an eye on one of them, there's still Lejing~"
The tribesman who had been interrupted saw Le You wink at him gently and realized he had almost said something wrong. He quickly nodded sheepishly, "Yes, yes, Le Jing is always very reliable. You should go quickly, don't be late."
"Okay, let's go then."
Waving goodbye, Leyou, urged on by his clansmen, also felt a bit anxious and pulled Lezhi along to hurry on their way. Normally, if he were in a hurry, he would have already spread his wings and flown there, but today, he had no such intention and instead obediently walked on his own two legs.
The reason for this was because of the words that Le Jing had specifically instructed him on the day the cub returned to the clan.
Watching the two walk away, the tribesman who had been watching from the sidelines slowly stepped forward and unleashed a barrage of words at the tribesman who had almost let slip the secret.
"How could you be so careless? If Leyou hadn't been quick-witted, he almost said something he shouldn't have. What if Zai Zai heard it and misunderstood that we looked down on him?"
He was so ashamed that he couldn't lift his head. Tears welled up in his eyes inside his mouth. "Hey, I know I was wrong. I wasn't paying attention for a moment. I'll be more careful in the future."
Seeing that Big Mouth was already very remorseful, the other tribesmen around him came forward in twos and threes to comfort him, "It's alright, it's alright, he didn't do it on purpose. We'll just be more careful in the future."
"That's right, that's right. Sigh, the clan leader said that Zai Zai himself knows about this. Zai Zai must be feeling very sad. He's been able to cheer up so quickly and is even so eager to join the gathering team with Le You. We must not discourage him."
"indeed……"
Lezhi had no idea what his clansmen were saying behind his back. However, having already experienced a previous life, Lezhi was quite adept at reading people, a skill essential for any working adult. From the last clansman's interruption before he could finish speaking, and from the expressions he had carefully observed, Lezhi could conclude that his clansmen seemed to be deliberately avoiding something in front of him.
As a young boy who had just returned to the tribe, it didn't surprise Lezhi that the tribespeople avoided him. In the many days since returning, Lezhi had stayed within the vicinity of his home, interacting mostly with Leyou, and only nodding acquaintances with the other tribespeople. However, he was very adept at discerning whether people harbored ill will towards him.
From the eyes of all the clansmen just now, Lezhi didn't detect any rejection. He sighed softly, already guessing what his clansmen were avoiding about him.
As someone who doesn't like to keep things to herself and insists on being honest with others, Lezhi decided to have an open and honest talk with Leyou.
Following Leyou's footsteps without slowing down, Lezhi looked up at Leyou, thought for a moment, and then spoke directly, "Leyou, I've been back for so long, has the clan leader told the clansmen about my situation?"
"Huh?" Leyou was still reeling from the shock of her clansmen almost letting something slip when Lezhi asked her this question, which only deepened her suspicion. "You...why...why would you ask that?"
Instead of directly answering Lezhi's question, Leyou's eyes darted around, and he asked Lezhi in return.