Dawn broke with soft hues painting the horizon, and Yin Huli stirred groggily in her arms. His amber eyes blinked open, meeting the wide, bumbling face of Li Yang Mei. Startled, he hissed, his fur bristling with annoyance jumping off her arms.
"Yin Huli!" she exclaimed, her high-pitched voice cutting through the quiet morning. The little girl, no older than seven, puffed out her chest and placed her tiny hands on her hips, her lips pouting in exaggerated defiance. "Da Jie left me in charge of you!" Her small brows knitted together in a mock display of authority.
Yin Huli turned his face away with a sharp flick of his tails, his disdain evident as he ignored her words. Instead, his sharp gaze wandered to the window, ears twitching as he sought the faintest sign of Li Yunwu.
"Is Yin Huli sad because his master is gone?" Li Yang Mei teased, leaning closer to the little fox. Her curious face hovered near, oblivious to the irritation brewing within him. Yin Huli let out a series of sharp yips, the guttural chatter of a fox, though his mind was seething. Master? That human girl? Tch. Let's not take it that far!
The indignation made his fur puff out, and he swiped a paw at Li Yang Mei, claws glinting in the morning light. You're lucky I'm in this form, kid, or you'd be— Before his claws could make contact, she grabbed him firmly by the scruff of his neck and lifted him effortlessly, her strength surprising for such a small child.
"Ah! Put me down! Put me down!" Yin Huli protested, his cries emerging as frantic fox yelps.
Li Yang Mei tilted her head, amused. "Feisty little one, aren't you?" she mused, her dark eyes gleaming as she studied the squirming creature. With a mischievous smile, she gently placed him back on the makeshift bed. "Is Yin Huli hungry? I'll sneak in some snacks for you. Stay put, okay?"
Before he could react, the girl darted out of the room, her messy pigtails bouncing behind her. Yin Huli let out a long, frustrated grumble, smoothing down his fur with tiny, deliberate strokes. The lingering scent of the child clung to his coat, and he wrinkled his nose in disgust.
His attention shifted to the window, where the golden morning light spilled in. With a fluid motion, he leapt down, his agile frame slipping through the gap. Outside, the air was crisp and filled with the earthy aroma of dewy grass. Yin Huli's nose twitched as he sniffed the air, searching for a familiar scent—one that carried faint notes of wild herbs and damp soil.
He bolted through the meadow, his paws barely touching the ground as he raced toward her. His sharp eyes soon caught sight of Li Yunwu, her figure bathed in sunlight as she knelt amidst the tall grass. Her sandy-toned skin glistened with sweat, as she brought a hand to her forehead, brushing away loose strands of hair. Her muddy green eyes remained focused as she carefully picked herbs, placing them into a woven basket by her side.
The tranquility shattered when a group of young men approached. Their laughter echoed cruelly across the meadow, as one of them, a lanky figure with a sneer plastered across his face, kicked over her basket, spilling its contents.
"Oh, look! It's mud face!" one of them jeered, pointing at her.
Li Yunwu's brows furrowed, her lips curling into a snarl as she dropped to her knees, frantically gathering the herbs. "Fuck off!" she snapped, her voice trembling with anger as her fingers scrambled through the grass.
Her defiance only provoked the ringleader further. He stepped forward, his boot slamming down on her hand. She froze, hissing in pain as he twisted his heel, grinding her fingers into the dirt.
"You mud-faced, ugly bitch! Have the nerve to talk back to us?" he spat, his voice dripping with malice.
The other two young men laughed, each picking up rocks from the ground, tossing them playfully into the air as they prepared to hurl them at her.
Before they could act, a blur of snow white fur launched itself into the air. Yin Huli struck like lightning, his fangs sinking into one man's arm with a savage growl. The boy screamed, flailing wildly as Yin Huli flipped onto the next, claws tearing at his face with feral precision.
The leader barely had time to react before Li Yunwu surged to her feet, her body coiled with rage. With a cry, she drove her fist into his jaw, the blow landing with a satisfying crack. The man stumbled back, clutching his face, and all three of them quickly retreated, their bravado replaced by terror.
Panting, Li Yunwu straightened, brushing dirt from her scraped hands. Her eyes met Yin Huli's, who stood proudly amidst the trampled grass, his fur bristling with triumph.
"Yin Huli," Li Yunwu called out, her breath hitching as she finally reached the top of the steep hill. Her legs ached, and her fingers were scratched from hours of gathering herbs, but her focus remained on the small fox standing a few feet away. Yin Huli kicked dirt behind him with his hind legs, his tail swishing back and forth in agitation, each flick betraying his irritation.
"Why aren't you with Xiao Mei?" she asked, stepping closer to him. Her voice carried a mixture of exasperation and relief. Kneeling, she extended a hand, gently brushing it over his soft fur. Her fingers found the spot beneath his chin, where she scratched tenderly, her lips quirking into a small, tired smile. For a moment, Yin Huli's tail stilled, and his ears twitched in reluctant pleasure.
Li Yunwu's gaze drifted back to the scattered herbs lying in the grass, and her shoulders slumped. She let out a long sigh. "Yin Huli…" she said, her voice quieter this time, a touch of sadness lacing her tone. "Am I really that ugly?"
The question hung in the air, fragile and heavy. She didn't expect an answer, of course—he was only a fox, after all. Without waiting, she knelt further to pick up the herbs, carefully dusting each one off before placing it back into the basket.
Ugly? Are you kidding me? Yin Huli thought, his golden eyes narrowing as he watched her from the corner of his vision. You're beautiful. He murmured softly, and in an uncharacteristic gesture, padded over to her side. His thick, fluffy tail brushed against her cheek as he nestled close, his way of offering comfort.
Li Yunwu blinked in surprise before a soft laugh escaped her lips. "Aww, are you consoling me?" she asked, her voice tinged with warmth. She reached out and gently cupped his small frame, her fingers running through his fur. Her smile wavered as her vibrant jade-green eyes seemed to shift, dulling to a muted, muddy hue. "I'm so lucky to have such a loyal friend," she murmured, leaning down to press a kiss to the top of his head. Her voice trembled just slightly, as if she were holding back something heavier.
Once the scattered herbs were back in the basket, she set to work again, her movements brisk and determined. She worked tirelessly, her hands darting through the grass and foliage with practiced precision as she filled a second basket. Yin Huli stayed by her side, surprising her with his diligence. Despite his usual disdain for anything resembling effort, he darted back and forth, snagging herbs in his small jaws and dropping them into the basket with impressive speed. The two worked together until the sky began to darken, the orange glow of dusk stretching long shadows across the meadow.
As they finished, Li Yunwu struggled to lift the baskets, her arms trembling under the weight. She stumbled slightly, adjusting her grip, when a voice called out from behind her.
"Da Jie!" The cry was high-pitched and choked with tears. Turning, Li Yunwu saw her little sister, Li Yang Mei, barreling down the hill toward her. The girl's face was streaked with tears, her cheeks flushed, and her nose running in messy streaks. "Yin Huli—he's—he's—" she stammered, hiccupping as she struggled to catch her breath.
Li Yunwu straightened and pointed toward the fox, who was at that moment attempting to drag a basket of herbs with his snout. "He's right here," she said, a touch of amusement softening her expression.
"Yin Huli!" Li Yang Mei wailed, sprinting toward him. The little fox froze, his body tensing as she flung herself onto him, tears spilling onto his fur as she squeezed him tightly. Yin Huli let out a resigned huff, his ears flattening as he submitted to her tearful embrace.
"I thought—you—I thought you ran away!" Li Yang Mei sobbed, her small body shaking as she clung to him.
Li Yunwu let out a soft chuckle, stepping forward to wrap an arm around her sister's trembling shoulders. "Yin Huli, you startled Xiao Mei," she said, her eyes meeting the fox's. Yin Huli, as if to deny all culpability, turned his head away sharply, his tails flicking in feigned indifference.
Li Yunwu sighed, adjusting the baskets in her arms. "Come on. If we don't get home before sundown, Papa will be furious."
With that, the trio began their trek back down the hill. Li Yang Mei, her tears finally subsiding, took over carrying the basket Yin Huli had been struggling to drag, her small frame wobbling slightly under its weight. Li Yunwu carried the remaining two baskets, her tired muscles straining but determined. Behind them, Yin Huli padded along silently, his golden eyes gleaming as he kept a vigilant watch on the path ahead.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Li Yunwu hurried through the house, cradling Yin Huli in her arms. She carefully pushed open the door to their shared room, setting the little fox down onto the straw mat. "Stay here," she whispered firmly, brushing a hand over his head before turning to leave. Yin Huli watched her slip away into the dim corridor, his golden eyes narrowing in defiance.
Li Yunwu made her way to her father's quarters, her steps steady despite the weight of the three baskets she carried. Each step seemed to echo in the quiet of the house, the smell of incense faintly masking the acrid scent of herbal medicine lingering in the air. Reaching the room, she knelt just inside the doorway, placing the baskets before her father, who sat hunched by a small table.
"Father," she said softly, her voice measured yet strained with exhaustion. "As promised, I've gathered thrice the amount."
Her father glanced down at her with sunken eyes, his face pale and gaunt from his prolonged illness. A fit of coughing wracked his chest, the sound harsh and grating, as his trembling hand reached for a cup of tea. He grimaced as he sipped, the effort seeming to drain him further.
"Hmph," he muttered disdainfully, his gaze flicking over the baskets with little interest. "And it took you all day for three measly baskets? Pathetic. If I had a son—" his voice rose, sharp with bitterness—"if only I had a son, I wouldn't be dealing with such incompetence!"
The cup slammed down onto the table with a loud clack, and the room fell into tense silence.
Meanwhile, Yin Huli, who had stubbornly refused to stay put, crept along the hallway, his small frame cloaked in shadows. His sharp ears twitched at the sound of the old man's words, his fur bristling with fury. He peered into the room, golden eyes narrowing into slits as he bared his teeth. Ungrateful old fool, he seethed inwardly, his paws flexing as if testing the sharpness of his claws. If I could just. Just one swipe—
But before he could pounce, a small hand snatched him up by the scruff of his neck. Yin Huli flailed his tiny paws in protest, his growls coming out as muffled squeaks. Li Yang Mei held him close, her finger pressed to her lips as she whispered, "Shhh! You're going to get Da Jie in trouble."
Like I care! Yin Huli snarled silently, his teeth clattering in frustration. Li Yunwu spent all day under the blazing sun gathering those herbs, and that old man can't even say thank you! His little body quivered with indignation, but his protests came out as gibberish to Li Yang Mei's ears.
The girl sighed softly, her dark eyes filled with quiet sadness. "That's just the way Papa is," she said, stroking his head in an attempt to soothe him. Her voice dropped, heavy with a wisdom that seemed far too mature for her young age. "Ever since Papa got sick, he's been… moody. Da Jie decided not to marry so she could take on the duties of a son."
Yin Huli's growls faded into a low whine as Li Yang Mei's words sank in. She glanced toward the doorway, just in time to see her father hurl the tea cup across the room. It shattered against the wall, pieces scattering like broken stars at Li Yunwu's feet.
"And yet, she's never enough for Papa," Li Yang Mei continued, her voice breaking. "He takes all of his anger out on her." Her shoulders trembled as she knelt down, clutching Yin Huli tighter to her chest. A single tear slipped down her cheek, glistening in the faint light. Yin Huli, unable to stand the sight, flicked his fluffy tail across her face, brushing the tear away.
Moments later, Li Yunwu emerged from her father's room, her expression calm but her steps heavy. She paused when she saw her sister crouched outside the door, holding the little fox demon tightly. "Xiao Mei," she scolded gently, her tone both firm and kind, "how many times have I told you not to peek through the door?"
Li Yang Mei looked down but before she could respond, Li Yunwu's lips curved into a soft smile. It didn't quite reach her eyes, which trembled like shattered jade stones buried in the dirt.
Yin Huli, sensing her hidden pain, squirmed free of Li Yang Mei's hold and leapt onto Li Yunwu's shoulder. He nuzzled his face against her cheek, his thick fur brushing against her skin in an attempt to comfort her. Li Yunwu blinked, startled by the gesture, but her smile grew just a little warmer.
"Well, I think you and Yin Huli did a great job," Li Yang Mei said suddenly, her voice full of determination. She clenched her small hands into fists, her tear-streaked face set with newfound resolve.
Li Yunwu chuckled softly and reached out to pat her sister's head. The warmth of her touch seemed to melt away the tension in the air, even if only for a moment.
The room glowed faintly from the soft flicker of candlelight, their small flames dancing against the walls of the modest hut. Li Shizi had already lit a few candles, her delicate hands working with familiarity and care as she turned to greet her elder sister. "Da Jie, how did it go?" she asked, her voice light as she crouched by the hearth, stoking a small fire.
"It went great," Li Yunwu said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. She stretched her tired arms above her head before plopping down onto a worn mat. "We got attacked by Yu Choy and his little goons, but Yin Huli fought them off like—" She suddenly sprang to life, throwing her fists into the air as if she were sparring with invisible opponents. "Bing! Bop! Boom! Boom! Boom! Bap! Bam!" She mimicked each move with exaggerated flair, her fists flying wildly as she reenacted the fight scene between the little fox demon and the rowdy young men.
Li Shizi giggled softly, shaking her head as she turned back to the fire. "Da Jie, you're so dramatic," she said, her amusement warming the room as much as the crackling flames. She carefully placed a handful of sweet potatoes near the fire, arranging them with care so they would roast evenly.
"Sweet potatoes?" Li Yunwu exclaimed, her brow raising in surprise. She scooted closer to her sister, watching her nimble hands at work. "Where did you get those?"
"They tossed these out at the manor," Li Shizi replied, her voice lowering as she adjusted the position of one potato. "Da Jie, they throw away so much food." There was a quiet sadness in her tone, one that made her seem older than her years. She exhaled softly, her gaze fixed on the flames. "I snuck these when Mama wasn't watching."
Li Yunwu's expression softened as she watched her younger sister. She knew how much Li Shizi hated working as a maid at the wealthy estate, where leftovers and luxuries were treated as trash. Yet, despite it all, her little sister always managed to bring something back—sweets, scraps, and now sweet potatoes—for their family.
"Anyways," Li Shizi said, breaking the heavy silence, "you should bathe. You stink." She wrinkled her nose playfully, glancing at Li Yunwu from the corner of her eye.
"Fine," Li Yunwu replied with mock resignation, standing and stretching her tired body once more. "I'll take a bath. Don't eat all the sweet potatoes before I get back." She grinned, grabbing a small towel as she made her way toward the bathhouse. Yin Huli padded close behind her, his fluffy tails swishing lazily as he followed her steps.
"Where do you think you're going?" Li Shizi's sharp voice cut through the air as she turned to glare at the little fox. She reached down and plucked him up by the scruff of his neck before he could take another step. Yin Huli flailed his tiny paws, his ears flattening as he bared his teeth in protest.
"You're a boy fox," Li Shizi scolded, holding him up to eye level. "You have no business watching a young lady bathe." Her stern tone left no room for argument, but Yin Huli only let out a high-pitched growl, wiggling furiously as if to say, I do what I want, human!
Li Yunwu's laughter rang out, loud and unrestrained, as she doubled over, clutching her stomach. "Er Jie, it's fine," she said between chuckles. "It's only a little fox. What harm could he possibly do?" She added, "Besides, he could really use a medicinal bath."
Yin Huli let out a loud, hmph, turning his head sharply see I told you I'd have my way he thought to himself. His thick, fluffy tail flicked with irritation, Li Shizi sighed, lowering the fox back to the floor.
"Fine," Li Shizi muttered. "But don't blame me if he causes trouble." She shook her head as she returned to the fire, her focus back on the roasting sweet potatoes.
Yin Huli trotted after Li Yunwu with a dignified air, as if he hadn't just been scolded. His tails swayed behind him, their rhythm steady as he followed her out to the bathhouse. Li Yunwu glanced down at him, her lips quirking into a small smile.
In the dimly lit bathhouse, steam curled gently into the air, wrapping around the wooden beams like ghostly tendrils. Li Yunwu moved with practiced care as she filled a small woven basket with a mixture of fresh herbs—lavender, chamomile, and a touch of sage—her fingers working deftly as she arranged them. The faint, earthy aroma filled the space as she lowered the basket into the warm water of the large wooden barrel, letting the herbs steep and release their calming fragrance.
She turned to Yin Huli, who sat perched by the edge, his fur slightly damp from the humid air. "Alright, you're next," she murmured softly, scooping him up with both hands. His small, plush body was surprisingly warm as she lowered him into the water. Yin Huli squirmed briefly but soon settled, floating serenely atop the herb-infused bath in the basket she had prepared for him.
Li Yunwu then reached for the sash at her waist, untying it with slow, deliberate movements. Her robes slipped from her shoulders, cascading silently to the ground in a pool of deep fabric. The flickering candlelight caught the soft curves of her body—her large bust, slim waist, and toned, well-defined arms that hinted at her days of labor under the sun. Her rounded hips gave her silhouette a gentle strength, but Yin Huli's gaze was anything but gentle. The little fox's sharp eyes were locked on her, his ears twitching slightly as if committing every detail to memory.
She stepped into the barrel, the warm water lapping at her skin as she sank down, letting out a soft sigh. Her hands cupped the water, splashing it repeatedly over her face as if trying to scrub away an invisible stain. No matter how much she rubbed, though, the feeling lingered, clinging to her like an unwanted shadow. Her hands slowed as she caught Yin Huli staring at her, his fur now entirely soaked as he floated lazily on the basket. His expression seemed oddly curious, almost human in its concern, and she couldn't help but let out a nervous laugh.
"You probably think I'm stupid," she began, her voice soft and uneven. She leaned against the edge of the barrel, her damp hair clinging to her face as water spilled over the sides. "But… sometimes, I believe them." Her voice trembled, barely above a whisper. "Am I really that ugly?" Her words hung in the air like a fragile thread, threatening to break.
She turned her gaze to Yin Huli, as if expecting an answer. His wide, golden eyes blinked at her, his small mouth opening to let out a series of clattering sounds. To her, it was only the chatter of a fox, but in his mind, Yin Huli was fuming. Still thinking about those idiots? he thought indignantly. You've got a great body—If I wasn't stuck in this form, I'd—He quickly shook the thought from his head, paddling his way toward her. His snout bumped gently against her chest, and for a brief moment, he considered testing his limits, wondering if she'd get mad if he gave her a playful lick.
But before he could act on his mischievous desires, Li Yunwu placed a gentle hand on his head, her touch light and affectionate. "Yin Huli," she said softly, her lips curving into a small, bittersweet smile, "it's almost like you understand me, like you're trying to make me feel better."
She pulled him closer, cradling his small, drenched body to her chest. His face was buried between her breasts, and his wet tail flicked back and forth, betraying his conflicted feelings. Though his fox form couldn't express words, Yin Huli's thoughts were far from innocent, his heart thundering like a drum as her warmth enveloped him. For a fleeting moment, he let himself relax in her embrace, his usual sharpness replaced with a rare vulnerability.
Later that night, the candles in their small home were snuffed out, leaving the room bathed in the pale silver light of a crescent moon. Li Yunwu lay curled beneath a thin blanket, her breathing soft and even as she drifted into sleep. Yin Huli, in his small fox form, nestled tightly against her, his fur brushing against her skin. His golden eyes shimmered faintly in the moonlight as he tilted his head toward her, his gaze filled with a tenderness he would never admit aloud.
"Goodnight, beautiful wife," he whispered, his voice low and gentle. His words, inaudible to her human ears, were carried away by the cool night air, a secret he kept hidden in the depths of his little heart.