After a night of spring romance, it was time to turn back into a bear again.

Qin Jun lingered in the brothel until almost dawn before rushing back to transform. With nothing better to do, he waited patiently for the little girl to emerge from her room.

Hours after sunrise, Nora finally woke up. She hadn’t rested well in the past few days, and the accumulated exhaustion seemed determined to catch up now.

After washing up, Nora came downstairs and called for Qin Jun. She patted his forehead lightly. “You’ve been quite obedient.”

But suddenly, she froze as if sensing something. Sniffing his fur, she frowned slightly. “Silly bear, why do you reek of rouge? Did you sneak off to find other girls last night? You lecherous bear?”

She seemed genuinely annoyed. Were women’s noses always this sharp? He hadn’t touched anyone at the brothel—just lingered in the air—and she still caught the faint scent.

“I knew you were a perverted bear. Today, I’m buying baozi for breakfast, and you get none. Starve.”

She turned to leave, but the innkeeper called out. “Miss, no need to buy baozi. Your breakfast is ready.”

Nora spun around, pointing at herself. “My breakfast?”

The innkeeper smiled warmly. “Yes, yours.”

Nora’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Are you running a black-market inn? Forcing sales? I’m not easy prey.”

In one swift motion, she pulled the Colossal Sword from her storage space, aiming it at the innkeeper. Her stance screamed: *Try overcharging me, and I’ll fight to the death.*

The innkeeper blinked, awkward. *This girl jumps to violence before I finish speaking?* She flicked her hair dismissively. *That handsome man from yesterday actually likes her? No taste. I’m the true gem here.*

“Miss, you misunderstand. We’re no black-market inn. A young master gifted this meal—you can eat as much as you like, free of charge.”

Qin Jun had paid handsomely; this breakfast covered a whole week’s meals.

Nora’s eyes widened. “A young master gifted it?”

She recalled the man who’d sent dishes days ago. *Could it be him? How did he find me here? Was he tracking me?* She felt no trace of pursuit.

Unease prickled her skin—someone watched from shadows, motives unknown. She scanned the room but sensed no threat. *His level must be higher than mine. I’ll ask the silly bear later; he’s stronger than me.*

Still, she wouldn’t refuse free food. Her wariness vanished instantly. Dragging Qin Jun inside, she asked the innkeeper, “Pets can join meals, right?”

“Of course,” the innkeeper chuckled. “Even in your room. I don’t mind.”

*Money talks,* Qin Jun thought dryly.

Nora yanked his ear—a punishment for his “indiscretions”—and sat at the table. Qin Jun obediently stood beside her. Soon, dishes arrived. Nora dug in heartily, true to her word: not a scrap for him. (Though he wasn’t hungry anyway.)

After a while, she leaned close, waving a chicken leg teasingly. “Want this?”

Qin Jun shook his head.

She pointed at a steamed carp. “This fish? Delicious.”

Another shake.

She tried several dishes; he refused each. Nora’s patience snapped. Grabbing both ears, she scolded, “Are you sulking?”

*Am I a child?* Qin Jun thought. Yet sometimes he was—deprived of parental love as a kid, he’d unleash childish tantrums in private. Other times, he saw the world with chilling maturity.

*Men are just boys at heart,* he recalled reading once.

He was sulking because she’d accused him of chasing girls. He’d been pure lately—just listening to romantic tales for her sake.

Qin Jun wrenched free, turning his back.

“Oh? Real tantrum now?” Nora giggled, softening. “I’m sorry, okay? I shouldn’t have accused you. Listen—I need to ask something serious. It’s about my safety.”

*Safety? With me here?* He faced her reluctantly.

Her apology worked. Beaming, she stuffed a chicken leg into his mouth. As he chewed, she whispered near his ear, her warm breath tickling his fur.

“Did you see any strange men yesterday? The one who sent us dishes? I think he gifted this breakfast. We must be cautious.”

She paused, lowering her voice further. “Though he’s probably smitten. But I won’t reciprocate—not now.”

*What?! I paid for this, and you credit him?* Fury boiled in Qin Jun. Logically, he’d suspect the same man—but that didn’t help.

He bolted out the door, vanishing into the bustling streets. *Find that bastard. Teach him a lesson.* Pure childish rage.

Nora chased after him but lost sight instantly in the crowd.