Chapter 130
“Wow, who is that female? She’s so beautiful p>
“Seriously, she’s stunning. Is she from our tribe p>
“I don’t know—I’ve never seen her before p>
The beastfolk of Half-Mountain Tribe began murmuring excitedly as soon as they saw Nina.
Many of the unmarried males felt their hearts flutter at the sight of her.
Shui looked up as well. What she saw was a breathtakingly beautiful female in elegant attire, surrounded by a group of outstanding males as she approached.
When Nina spotted Aina and the others, she smiled brightly and waved.
“Aina, Jina—I’m here p>
“Y-you’re… Nina p>
Aina stared in disbelief. The features were unmistakably Nina’s, yet the change was so dramatic that she almost doubted her own eyes.
“Yes, it’s me,” Nina laughed. “Did you not recognize me p>
Aina’s face lit up with delight.
“Nina, you’re actually this beautiful? I almost didn’t recognize you p>
She guessed that Nina must have healed her own face. After all, she knew Nina possessed healing abilities.
“Wow, Nina, you’re gorgeous p>
Jina hurried forward and slipped an arm through Nina’s, beaming.
Then she turned toward Shui and the others with open mockery.
“Some nasty females were spreading rumors about you everywhere, saying you were ugly. Looks like they just slapped themselves in the face p>
Hmph. Nina is a hundred times prettier than you.
Shui bit down hard on her lower lip, her eyes flashing with intense jealousy.
How could this be?
How had Nina suddenly become so beautiful?
Her gaze shifted to the remarkable males gathered around Nina, and the jealousy in her heart burned even hotter.
Why?
Why does Nina have so many handsome and powerful males around her?
Why do those males circle around Nina all day but treat me with such indifference?
What exactly makes me inferior to her?
Jealousy gnawed at Shui’s heart like countless ants, filling her with unbearable resentment.
Beside her, Atai was staring as well, completely captivated.
So this was Nina.
Who on earth had spread those rumors saying she was ugly?
Clearly, hearsay couldn’t be trusted—seeing with one’s own eyes was what mattered.
His rugged face flushed faintly as he realized something.
The fine beast hide he had hunted two days ago—he suddenly knew exactly who he wanted to give it to.
He glanced sideways at Shui.
This female isn’t honest at all. I’d better stay away from her.
Without realizing it, he took a step away from her.
Shui noticed immediately and felt furious.
Would he still give her a gift tonight?
Probably not.
Just now, the way he had looked at Nina—it was like his soul had been stolen.
Damn that Nina.
Why did she always end up stealing the males Shui wanted?
It was infuriating.
Shui clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, her eyes burning with unwilling resentment.
The two females beside her looked embarrassed.
One tugged lightly at Shui’s sleeve.
“Didn’t you say Nina was ugly? Where exactly is she ugly p>
“I don’t know how she suddenly turned into this,” Shui said irritably. “Before, Nina’s face was covered with dark spots. She really was ugly. I didn’t lie to you p>
The female looked half convinced, half skeptical.
She couldn’t help wondering if Shui had simply been jealous and deliberately spread those rumors.
The other female hurriedly shook her head when she heard Jina’s accusation.
“I never said that! Shui was the one saying it p>
She looked at Nina again.
So beautiful—how could anyone call her ugly? Shui was clearly a liar.
The female shot Shui a glare before walking away to join another group.
It’s all Shui’s fault for embarrassing me. I’m never hanging out with her again.
“I didn’t—” Shui tried to explain anxiously, but Aina cut her off at once.
“You what? You’re just jealous of Nina, so you deliberately smeared her name p>
“I’m not!” Shui protested loudly, though a hint of guilt crept into her voice.
In truth, she had been jealous of Nina. Ever since joining the tribe, she had been spreading rumors that Nina was ugly.
But she still insisted she hadn’t lied.
Just as she was about to continue arguing, Chief Karo approached.
The chief had noticed Nina earlier and was already heading in her direction. As he arrived, he happened to hear the argument among the females and quickly stepped in.
“That’s enough. Stop arguing. You’re all females of the same tribe—you should get along p>
Since the chief had spoken, Aina held back and said nothing further.
Then Karo turned to Nina with a warm smile.
“Lady Nina, you’ve come too? There are good seats over by my side—come sit there p>
He had always liked and appreciated Nina. Seeing her attend the gathering, he naturally wanted to show her a little special consideration.
Nina glanced at Aina and the others. “Should we go over there p>
“Let’s go,” Jina said. “The chief must have picked a great spot p>
Aina nodded as well.
So the group followed Chief Karo to the seats he had arranged.
Watching Nina’s retreating figure, Atai turned and hurried away.
He needed to go back and fetch the fine beast hide he had prepared.
He hoped that tonight Nina would accept his gift.
His heart burned with anticipation, and his steps quickened.
Not far away, Shui dug her nails hard into her palm.
Nina… just you wait.
Seeing that Atai had left without even saying goodbye to her, she stomped her foot in frustration and sat down to sulk.
These males are so shallow.
The seat Chief Karo had arranged for Nina was indeed excellent—spacious and near the front.
Nina sat down with Aina and Jina beside her. The large table in front of them was piled with food, mostly roasted meat and fruits.
Near the bonfire, scattered groups of beastfolk were dancing and laughing.
At nearby tables, other females chatted animatedly among themselves.
Odian and the others stood behind Nina as she ate and chatted happily with Aina and Jina.
Many males kept sneaking glances toward Nina’s table.
They hesitated, clearly wanting to approach and strike up a conversation.
But the moment they gathered enough courage to step forward, Odian and the others turned their icy gazes toward them, their powerful auras pressing down like blades.
The message was unmistakable: Anyone who dares step closer will regret it.
Those males quickly retreated to the side, unwilling but too intimidated to try again.
They knew very well that the males guarding Nina were far stronger than they were.