Arc 1: A whole new world

Warning: mention of nudity, mild gore.

Following Ash's departure, a long red and black figure made its way out of the lake, revealing a spot behind the waterfall dyed with black feathers and blood. Facing the fabric, he transformed into a red haired man with waxen skin, a face that hinted him to be in his twenties. 

His blood red eyes lingered on the path Ash ran towards, him mumbling, “She... didn’t like my skin?” A slim Y shaped tongue darted out of his mouth for a second, “Ss~ shame. So cute... and smelled of honey.”

***

QingQing’s legs went limp as she held her canvas bag up like it was a weapon. 

She was just roaming with her friends at a mountain outing when she merely tripped. How in the world did wolves get inside temple territory?

Can someone tell me just what is happening! 

Suddenly the howls felt louder, more like whimpers, as if the pack after her was being attacked. Still, she didn’t stop running until she was cornered. When she turned around with her back on a thick tree trunk, only half of them stood in her front, the other half lay all over the path they came from, as still as dead. 

“…How?”

Meanwhile, a golden leopard was agilely hiding behind a tree shade, ready to sneak on the wild wolves. 

A female was being attacked. Saving her would not only earn him merits- his life could be set!

But the thought couldn't meet frutition. 

Rather, he stared scatter-brained as something small, wrapped in green and pink flashed by... hanging on …a vine? THe figure yelled, “Haha, weak fools! And here I thought facing you would be terrifying.” 

What’s that? An ape? 

To think a female this handy would be stolen by a shorty! 

Humph. He didn’t meet her yet. I’ll carry her away from danger and take the credit! 

So the leopard appeared behind QingQing, bit on her cloth and brought her up on a tree.

Meanwhile on the vine...

Ash felt her eyes burn as she landed on the alpha wolf’s back. 

Did I get dust in them while monkey-swinging? Damn it, my head’s still heavy! 

Anyways, the situation was a One shot, do or die. So stabbing the back of its neck and pushing her knife in an 180˚ with all her might was her only option.

It worked? Freaking m- 

The alpha’s head rolled, splashing blood all over her front. She laughed at the leaderless pack fleeing in fright, feeling a bit drowsy. 

Is the fatigue catching up already? I did lose sleep due to cold... 

Forcing herself to turn towards QingQing, she saw the muscular yellow beast looking down at her in utter shock. The sight automatically carved her lips into a smirk. 

“Well hello, Zayn.”

Below the branches, QingQing struggled to make head or tails of the situation. All happened in a blink of eye. She's heard of dolphins saving people, but a wild leopard... 

I thought it was going to eat me! 

Then SHE came in, like the Tarzan to my rescue, or should she be called Jane? 

A frame short and tight, a chiseled face, wrapped in colorful vines head to toe; she looked more like a forest goddess. There was even a floral half-crown on the back of her mis-angled lobs. 

She shot down more than 30 wolves, killed the alpha and chased the rest away in such strong-nimble manner, QingQing was hit har with a girl-crush. 

With her head turned, dripping blood, wearing that smirk with a kitchen knife (?) in her hand... she's a devil straight out of hell’s backdoor! 

Too stunned, QingQing failed to notice the leopard in front of her transforming into a handsome blonde youth. They spoke in unison, “Who're you?”

Ash pointed at herself and scoffed, “Curious little things, aren’t you? I believe... they call me... Ash...” 

And, like a robot out of battery, fell limp to the ground, soaking her dry half in the alpha’s blood.  Shocked, both glanced at each other, just to end up shouting in unison, each for different reasons.

Q: The leopard turned human! 

Z: Such beautiful female exists! 

“Im-Impossible!” 

Re-remembering why they initially glanced upon each other, both once again spoke at once.

Q: “Mister, we need to take her to a hospital!” 

Z: ”I saved you, female. You’re mine!” 

For the umpteenth time both yelled ‘What!’ in unison. 

After a brief silence Bai QingQing sighed, “What nonsense... bring her to a doctor. She is the one who fainted saving me!” 

His ears drooped. But realizing if he wanted to pursue her, he needed to satisfy her first, he calmed himself. 

Z: “Come here, I’ll carry you.” 

Q: “Carry HER, mister. I’m can walk.” 

Z: “Fine! I’ll carry both of you!”

***

Emerald green and leopard prints. 

After the fog of drowsiness cleared up a bit, with his babyish features and button nose, Ash felt the face before her was the kawaiiest in the world. Despite the soreness, her arm moved on instinct, fingers brushing the faint leopard print on his cheeks. She saw worry in his half-dilated feline eyes and dragged her fingers over one of them. The corners were black and upturned, as if he applied kohl and liner. Semi-blonde lashes and sandy blond hair added an angelic vibe to him. His hair and leopard ears felt cotton candy soft to the touch. Her throat croaked due to dryness when she asked, “Who?”

He held a bowl of water to her lips before saying, “I’m Luca, the village doctor. Female, welcome to Camel Hump Valley.” 

So ‘this’ is the strict and professional doctor that fell in love with QingQing while treating the ankle she twisted after being startled by Zayn’s transformation and was turned down on spot? Look at that face, Mon deiu! I didn’t let her get hurt but we’re still at the medical hut, did I miss the moment? 

A wet touch and sound of sniffling made Ash turn her head. 

“I was so~ scared. With such a bad fever, you...” It was QingQing, sitting on the mud-built floor, rubbing her face (and tears) on the back of Ash’s hand. 

A fever? Ah... must be the cold last night.

L: “Your name is Ash?” 

Ash nodded. 

L: “Will you be able to sit? This medicine...” He quickly provided support as Ash tried to sit. 

“That looks bitter, yuck!” complained QingQing at the same time Ash thought: O? This actually tastes better than Papa's 'herbal drinks'.

L: “What an obedient kid. Go along home and rest now.” Ash half heard, busy searching who QingQing was pleading to with her eyes. That’s when another blonde entered the hut. 

“I will not touch that dirty thing!" he immediately declared, "One meal as gratitude is enough.” 

Q: “Fine! I’ll help her myself! Jiejie, lean on me. Let’s clean you up.” 

The doctor was still supporting her as Ash stood up.

They didn’t need to fight. Ash believed she was perfectly capable of helping herself. 

It’s just a dizzy spell; I was on myself in way worse conditions. 

But the doctor spoke first. “Zayn! She’s starving! She hasn’t had a decent meal or bath in days! Don't be a brat and help someone when they need it.” 

Hearing it, Ash could only stare in utter surprise. How… Is he that skilled?

Z: “You. I’m only doing this for a day. You better find a mate and stop being a burden on other females.” 

Q: “OMG! She just got back from a coma! Why are you so rude?” 

Z: “Am not!” 

Q: “You are!” 

Ignoring their bantering, Ash thanked the doctor and stepped out. Compared to Luca’s innocent face and gentle voice, Zayn with his gangster aura and 2 glaring red marks on his chin, looked like a total troublemaker. 

Oh Xiao Bai, why did you choose that jerk as a ml? Just let my Kitten come, I’ll show you how a spouse is chosen.

As stated by the novel, QingQing was the typical pure, kindhearted, angelic type heroine. Her asian-style dark-droopy eyes, snow white skin, slim and unique figure always attracted tons-people. Even though she appeared feisty at times, she was actually a docile and dependent human who had also transmigrated to this world and tried her best to hold onto the monogamous and conservative nature from earth. She didn’t know and it frustrated Ash a lot, that this nature of hers constantly hurts the ml-s and make her do dumb things occasionally. 

Btw, why’s that girl following me? Sigh. Do I need to get rid of her now? I don't want her to meet my Kay...

A: “Is the meal offer still on? I’m really hungry.” 

Q: “But it’s almost dark outside, you’ll need help washing.” 

A: “I’ll manage, but cooking is a bit...” 

Q: “We’re both covered in blood. I need to wash up too. Just wait.”

She scurried off to bring a change of cloth, promting a sigh of relief from Ash. 

Finally some pe-

“What are you doing? Don’t you need to warm water in a basin?”

...or not. 

Squatted beside the lake, water scooped in her palm in order to rub on dry blood, Ash turned her head at the timidly approaching doctor.

A: “I don’t own one. Why’re you even here?” 

L: “I… got worried by Zayn’s mistreatment and merely came to check. I don’t own one either. Why don’t you return home and heat up some water?” 

A: “Don’t have one. Home that is. I ran away.”

Luca’s green eyes widened in surprise but he didn’t inquire further. Instead he asked, “You’re going to wash up like that?” 

A: “I can’t swim.” 

It shouldn't be a surprise as no female here can. 

L: “Will you... be ok riding my back? I can take you to the middle of the lake...”

These males and their view on females as flowers... cute. He likes QingQing but is still offering help to me. So kind. As expected of a second lead. 

Still, she didn’t ’t want to owe him. 

“It’s ok, the water’s not too deep. If you’re so worried, hold my hand. It’ll help.” 

Why’s that girl not back yet? Did she get stuck bathing home because of Zayn? If it’s like in the novel, she must be enjoying a nice warm bath while the pervert's lost imagining her body. 

Fools.

Luca was curious- How does a person bath holding hands? Years spent as a doctor, he had contact with many females for the sake of treatment, but never met someone as softskinned as her. Sure, under was some oddly developed muscles and a strong grip unlike all females, but her skin remained like... like... 

“tender pork belly. How very soft...”

Is he thinking out loud? With the dark and also her whole body lowered underwater, Ash couldn’t see his face. Females here should have skin as tough as rubber, so I guess I feel soft? Why pork tho...

Craftily keeping just her nostrils out, Ash started scrubbing her whole body with her free hand. But that way her face was on full display to Luca, the transparent layer of water only adding as an ethereal filter. 

“Oh...” 

This time, he managed to keep to himself.

He had found QingQing’s unique down turned eyes quite adorable. Even with the dirt and blood on her face, her pale skin and slender figure seemed dainty, asking him to take care of her. But Zayn’s relentless threats to not look at his female and her devastated insistence forced his attention on Ash. Her body a bloody mess, burning like hot coal, only relaxed after 2 bowls of medicine. It shocked him when she caressed his face first thing after opening her eyes, so gently- it made him feel precious. 

One glance, he fell prisoner to her eyes. Hers were sharper and darker than QingQing’s, but even in that hazy state and now, they shone like a dark crystal, firm yet oddly warm and inviting. Night had totally enveloped the village, but did it ever hinder a leopard’s nocturnal vision?

From somewhere behind, a female yelled, “Sorry jiejie, Zayn forced me to wash here and brought clothes only for me. Would you mind wearing something of mine? Also, food’s ready.” 

I knew it! Zayn’s too harsh on her. Is it because she doesn’t have a guardian? 

His heart pained for those big black eyes. the owner of those eyes raised her head to answer. Her nose, seemingly bigger and broader than the other, was still sharp compared to leopard females. 

And her lips? 

Ho~ what a dark pink color! She’s an alluring beauty. 

“I’m fine. Be there in a sec.” The lips moved.

By the time her whole body was up on the shore, Luca’s brain had abandoned him. Snow would be too pale to describe her. She had a healthier gold-tinted skin tone that matched the first ray of sun on a winter morning. The protective leaves had washed away but the floral vines hung loosely show casing each of her assets in an citing manner. His vertical pupils dilated allowing his eyes to absorb as much light as possible and take in the beautiful scenery. If QingQing was here, she’d name Ash a water goddess this time.

This... is a female’s body? Such graceful curves... 

They made his body tingle, heat up in a tricky way and throat go dry. Stares from all directions reminded him they were outside, so he undid the animal hide from around his waist and draped it on her. 

A: “Hey! I just bathed! Wha-” 

L: “They’re staring. It’s a nocturnal village, female. Worry not, it’s new.”

Crap, I forgot! ...Doesn’t that mean he saw me too? Aww, this pure little thing… so much better than that jerk of a ml. 

Reaching Zayn’s hut Ash faced Luca to return his hide. 

“I’ll drop by tomorrow to pay you-”

But Luca never waited to hear the end of it. “Keep it! We’ll talk later.” 

So careless! 

He could see her fair perks peeking from beneath, affecting him in the most inappropriate ways. 

I can’t let her catch me in such state! 

Turned on his heels, he leaped towards the lake. Cold, cold, I need to cool off. Ugh! She’s a sick child! How could I- from when did I develop such physical needs? ...but she… she has such a beautiful body... what’s my worth dreaming of touching... feeling… licking it u- Oh dieties.

If Luca had seen any actual body part of QingQing, like the novel, this could’ve been a different story. For now, Ash seemed to have broken some of his brain cells.

“Even his butt has leopard prints- so cute!” 

Meanwhile, Ash stood alone on the doorstep, giggling to herself, staring at the young doctor’s retreating form.