Qin Jun sensed something was off. These villagers shouldn’t be this friendly. After all, their first meeting had been a tense standoff. Poaching right under his nose was unacceptable.

But he was pretending to be a bear now. He couldn’t just transform instantly and snatch the girl from the kitchen. Doing that would ruin all his efforts. He had to endure—as long as they didn’t cross the line. But if anyone laid a hand on Nora, he’d strike without mercy from the shadows.

Thanks to A-lang’s help, the kitchen chores finished quickly. A-lang was honest; he didn’t try anything with the girl. Qin Jun thought: *Smart move.*

At mealtime, Nora had prepared a plate for Qin Jun. She whispered, "Silly bear, I see what that aunt wants. She’s aiming for me as her daughter-in-law. Let’s leave right after eating."

Qin Jun nudged her cheek gently. *Worth spoiling you.* Nora giggled, stopping him. "Silly bear, quit it! I’m going inside to eat."

A-lang had come to call her but saw their closeness. "Miss, it’s just a bear. No need to treat it so well." He recalled his old dog—he’d loved it but never fussed over small details.

Nora shook her head. "This silly bear is special to me. If I don’t care for him, he’ll throw a tantrum." A-lang laughed. "Just give it a beating. No pet should bite its master." Nora smiled but didn’t answer. He’d missed her meaning—her words dripped with affection. She’d never hurt the bear. Her taps on his head were playful, not harsh.

Nora said, "Brother, let’s go in. Don’t keep the aunt waiting." A-lang blinked. "Okay." He couldn’t figure out what he’d said wrong.

During the meal, Nora sat alone. A-lang, his mother, and little Fei sat together. The aunt kept serving Nora food, but she politely refused. Fei watched wide-eyed, confused. Why wasn’t Grandma spoiling him anymore? He didn’t understand a mother’s worry. Fei’s mother had died in childbirth seven years ago. Her son hadn’t remarried, and she scorned village girls. This outsider was beautiful—she seized the chance. Seeing her son interested, she beamed.

"Eat more. Don’t say we’re poor hosts," the aunt smiled. Nora declined. "Aunt, I’m full. I eat very little." Actually, she had a huge appetite—she’d devoured most of the buns she bought. But she had to handle this awkward situation. It was terrifying.

Outside, Qin Jun ate but wasn’t focused. He sensed everything inside: the aunt fussing over Nora, A-lang eating silently, Fei watching curiously. From afar, it looked like a happy family of four.

In his past life, Qin Jun never knew a mother’s care. He felt a flicker of envy but buried it deep instantly. After that, he planned to drag Nora away immediately. He hated feeling like his lamb was under a wolf’s gaze.

After eating, the aunt tried to keep them, but Nora left. Qin Jun bit her clothes and dragged her away. The aunt persisted. "Let my son escort you. Stay longer; I’ll pack extra provisions." "Hmm..." Nora was tempted by the food. Qin Jun thought: *So easily swayed by snacks?* A-lang, now less awkward, offered, "Miss, let me show you our village." Qin Jun saw the aunt’s expression—he knew she’d coached him. For the provisions, Nora agreed and followed A-lang. She ordered Qin Jun to wait.

Qin Jun couldn’t force her. He knew Nora wasn’t interested in A-lang. Their values clashed. A-lang was just a village boy, barely level twenty, no help to her. She needed money and strength. But watching his lamb near a wolf’s mouth was unbearable.

After they left, the aunt changed. She looked sad, watching Fei play. "Your foolish father never tries. Even small hopes are worth it." She glanced at Qin Jun. "You’re a smart beast. Good for guarding a home." She called him inside, but Qin Jun hid, transformed to human, and stretched. "Time to be the villain again. Scare that aunt."

Suddenly, he sensed trouble outside. Countless low-level goblins surrounded the village, led by a level thirty-nine elite wielding a massive axe. They encircled the entire village.

Nora hadn’t noticed, but she could escape. The villagers were unaware; many would die. It was pitiful.

When fighting started, he’d just grab Nora and leave. He didn’t care about strangers. It was a habit from his past life: mind your own business.

He remembered Ferrero—the one he’d saved. He sighed. "Getting stronger changes you. When weak, I never meddled."

He roared at the sky, shaking the village. Guards noticed the goblins. Nora heard and ran back, dropping A-lang. Qin Jun bit her clothes, tossed her onto his back, and charged toward the elite goblin. Take out the leader first.

A-lang, seeing Nora on the bear’s back like a Valkyrie with her Colossal Sword ready, froze. Others shouted about goblins, urging defense. But he was lost. He knew he’d never catch her. Then he snapped: "Guards, with me! Women and children to the cellar!" He was a pillar of the village, confident.

Goblins attacked. Villagers fought back with unnatural strength and speed. Wounds healed fast. The village elder shouted, "A miracle! The gods save us!" Morale soared; goblins fled. The elite tried to escape but was sliced in half by a flash of light.

Man and bear stood over the corpse, like war gods.