Panda Cub – Chapter 67

Practice teaching

After Hu Tu left angrily, He Ying raised her hand and grabbed Jing Dan’s right hand to look at it. At this time, her right hand was wrapped in a thick layer of gauze, but the bloodstains could still be seen seeping through. Whenever she saw this hand, He Ying’s nose would feel unusually sour, and she could recall the unbearable sight of this hand at that time.

“He Ying,” Jing Dan whispered, wanting to take her hand back.

“Mm,” He Ying responded softly, lowering her head to place a kiss on the gauze on her hand, murmuring, “Don’t get hurt again in the future.”

Jing Dan, who had always been a carefully nurtured flower, now had her hand in He Ying’s care, naturally needing to be taken care of meticulously. She could not bear to see or allow anything bad to happen to her.

“Then, you protect me,” Jing Dan said, with a slight smile on her lips.

He Ying raised her eyes and said earnestly, “Okay.”

Her Jing Xiaodan, she would certainly do everything in her power to protect her.

Jing Dan lowered her head and pecked her lips, the curve at the corners of her mouth deepened.

The two decided to wait for He Ying’s body to recover before setting off to the Panda Clan. However, before she could leave, on the day before He Ying was discharged from the hospital, He Yuan arrived.

She glanced at Jing Dan, who had been by He Ying’s side all these days, before finally looking at He Ying.

He Ying received her gaze and fell silent for a moment before saying, “Jing Dan, it’s a bit boring staying here. Could you go home and bring me that tablet?”

Jing Dan’s gaze shifted between the mother and daughter, knowing that they might need to talk about something that she shouldn’t overhear. After a moment of silence, she muttered an acknowledgment and turned to open the door of the ward before leaving.

He Yuan glanced at Jing Dan’s retreating figure, her expression softening slightly. She usually appeared quite dull, but in fact, she was quite intelligent.

“Mom,” He Ying didn’t understand why Lady He came to see her this time.

Lady He sat down in the seat where Jing Dan had been sitting before, looking somewhat solemn. She gazed at He Ying’s features and softly said, “Did I ever tell you that you actually resemble your father?”

He Ying furrowed her brow, watching Lady He’s rare display of warmth, and fell silent.

She had never talked much about her biological father before, so naturally, she wouldn’t know.

Seeing her silent, Lady He chuckled self-deprecatingly, with a look as if reminiscing, “Back then, I was hailed as a rare genius in the clan, the hope that could lead the White Crane Clan to greater glory. Everyone’s eyes were focused on me, and my brilliance even overshadowed everyone else for a time.”

“I have known your father since we were young, we could even be called childhood sweethearts. Back then, the clan leader arranged for us to be a couple. Your father wasn’t particularly talented, and after we got married, his brilliance was completely overshadowed. Over time, he wanted to become stronger, to make others feel that he was worthy of me,” Lady He’s expression darkened. “But he should never have, under any circumstances, chosen such gruesome methods!”

To the point where, later on, he couldn’t control his own cruel nature.

Listening to Lady He’s words, He Ying was stunned. She never expected such a truth from the past.

He Yuan stared straight at her, her eyes swirling with suppressed emotions. “Back then, in our branch, there were a total of 1006 people. Except for me, who was out searching for medicinal herbs, all the others died at the hands of your father! This included my parents and my younger sister who was still a minor at the time!”

He Ying’s hand trembled, looking at He Yuan in shock. Even though she had known about the massacre by her father before, hearing it directly from her mouth now was still so incredibly shocking and horrifying.

He Yuan looked at He Ying with a complex expression and said, “When I was out searching for herbs back then, I discovered that I was pregnant with you. By the time I returned to the clan, it had turned into a living hell. I was too weak because of carrying you and was no match for him. After escaping the clan, I was severely injured, so I decided to induce labor with you.”

However, what He Yuan said next left He Ying utterly stunned, looking at her in disbelief.

“After giving birth to you back then, I was too weak and distraught to care for you. After a few years when my injuries had healed, I still chose to hatch you,” her voice lowered, continuing, “But after hatching you, every time I saw you, I would be reminded of your father. I only felt endless hatred towards you, even more so because his blood ran through your veins. I didn’t want you to live in this world!”

As she reached the last sentence, He Yuan’s emotions finally stirred. Her eyes turned slightly red as she looked at He Ying and said each word slowly, “But I couldn’t bring myself to personally end your life, so I chose to abandon you outside to fend for yourself!”

Tears suddenly fell from He Yuan’s eyes. She had kept this secret buried for so many years, but now she was telling He Ying, letting her know how she had abandoned her in the past.

He Ying stared blankly at He Yuan, watching as her previously weary eyes turned bloodshot with emotion, her body trembling slightly. She let out a low, bitter laugh.

No one would feel good hearing their mother admit to having abandoned them.

“Then why did you raise me after abandoning me?” He Ying asked softly. Since she had been cast aside, why was she then retrieved?

This time, He Yuan remained silent, deep in thought.

Seeing her like this, He Ying no longer expected an answer from her. She continued, “I once dreamt that when I was still a baby, I was abandoned in an icy wilderness, frozen stiff.”

He Yuan’s expression stiffened, avoiding He Ying’s gaze.

However, He Ying had no other thoughts about her reaction. She suddenly smiled lightly and continued, “Then, I felt myself being picked up by someone. I was gradually warmed in their hands, and they brought me back home, feeding me rice porridge and letting me sleep on their belly, feeling all warm and cozy.”

He Yuan looked somewhat stunned this time, not expecting this continuation.

He Ying suddenly lifted her gaze to look at He Yuan and asked, “Was the soul in me present from the moment I was born?”

He Yuan remained silent for a moment, then shook her head.

“Strength?”

Again, a shake of the head.

He Ying smiled, her eyes suddenly gleaming, “Doesn’t that prove that I was picked up by Jing Dan back then?”

It’s just not clear why Jing Dan placed a piece of soul in her and sealed so much power within her. It’s as if she was afraid she wouldn’t survive without her and wanted to give her enough power to protect herself and find her in the next life with this piece of soul.

So, their relationship in the previous life was actually that of adoption with Jing Dan?

He Yuan looked at her with a somewhat stunned expression and asked softly, “Aren’t you upset with me?”

He Ying’s smile deepened, “I wanted to blame you, but then I felt I shouldn’t. If it weren’t for this, I wouldn’t have met Jing Dan.”

If she hadn’t met Jing Dan, she wouldn’t have Jing Dan’s soul in her. So, the two of them might not have met in this lifetime, let alone fallen in love.

He Yuan fell into a moment of silence. The thorns of so many years, she thought when she revealed them, she would face He Ying’s wrath. Instead, she found herself being thanked for it.

“Mom, he’s already dead. It’s time for you to move on from the past,” He Ying said softly.

He Yuan did not answer her question. It’s easy to say, but when she witnessed the hell on earth, when she saw her sister’s remains being dismembered all over, she couldn’t move on. 

She even felt that if she had refused the clan leader’s request back then and didn’t marry him, would he have been less resentful? Perhaps then the inhuman atrocities wouldn’t have occurred.

Seeing that she didn’t answer, He Ying naturally understood that she wouldn’t easily let go. She had been trapped in the vortex of the past for so many years, how could she just move on because of her words. She then asked, “When the Black Snake said I was her, what did he mean by saying I am still alive?”

After a second of silence, He Yuan replied, “It might be because when you used the power sealed inside you, the aura attached to it made him mistakenly believe you were Jing Dan.”

Therefore, in the previous life, the Black Snake must have encountered Jing Dan. Combining the Black Snake’s words, Jing Dan at that time must have been in a severely injured state.

He Ying lowered her head in thought. If the Black Snake mistook her for Jing Dan, and the Black Snake had mentioned almost tasting the flavor of a panda back then, then Jing Dan was the panda the Black Snake was talking about…

She suddenly lifted her head, “Could Jing Dan be the ancestor the Panda Clan is looking for!”

According to what Jing Li and the others said, the ancestor disappeared after participating in the ambush that killed her father. He Ying didn’t believe that the ancestor had died in that battle. There were others present at the time, and if the ancestor of the Panda Clan had died in that battle, someone would have known. Therefore, it could only have happened after the end of the siege!

Putting together what she knew, He Ying speculated that Jing Dan had first participated in the ambush, suffered serious injuries during the operation, met the Black Snake on the way back, and engaged in a fierce fight with her. The Black Snake was no match for Jing Dan at the time and was injured in the process.

He Ying lowered her head and carefully pondered, realizing that it was possible that Jing Dan, already seriously injured, fought the Black Snake at a significant cost, perhaps even at the cost of her own life.

So, when was she picked up by Jing Dan?

He Ying released her fingertips, looked up at the bleak ceiling, her eyes somewhat distant. In her dreams, she vividly felt that Jing Dan was in good condition at the time, without any signs of injury. So, it was possible that Jing Dan found her before the ambush, and then went on to participate in the ambush. Jing Dan, feeling uneasy about her, left a part of her soul in her and returned her to He Yuan after sealing a large amount of power in her?

But there was another question here. She raised her head to look at He Yuan and asked, “Did you meet Jing Dan in her past life? Why would she know I am your child and return me to you?”

He Yuan was clearly speculating on various possibilities. Upon hearing her question, she spoke in a slightly subdued voice, “I never met her. She left you at the spot where she found you initially.”

He Ying was momentarily stunned. From He Yuan’s words, she gathered some information. In other words, after abandoning her, she would frequently come back to the spot where she left her? Otherwise, it would be impossible for Jing Dan to return her there and for He Yuan to bring her back home so promptly, ensuring her proper upbringing until now.

She smiled softly. So, her mother actually did care about her, right?

When Jing Dan entered again and looked over, she noticed a change in He Ying’s gaze.

Why did it seem a bit strange?

Jing Dan was momentarily puzzled, and when she looked at He Yuan, she too had a complicated look in her eyes, like tangled threads that couldn’t be unraveled.

He Ying smiled lightly, holding Jing Dan’s hand. Reflecting on her speculations, if that was indeed the case, she could somewhat understand why the remnant soul was so shocked and unable to accept it.

Who could easily accept that the cub they had picked up was now together with them?

She couldn’t help but laugh more and more as she thought about the person who slept while holding her in her dreams. No wonder Jing Dan always liked to climb onto her belly to sleep. It turned out that her past self had slept on Jing Dan’s belly back then.

Confused about why she was laughing, Jing Dan couldn’t help but smile along with her, seeing how happy she looked.

He Yuan looked at the two of them with a complex expression before saying, “There are two of our clan members in Huaqing City. If you ever meet each other, feel free to ask for help if needed.”

He Ying was slightly taken aback and turned to look at Lady He. So, during her time in Huaqing City, was she looking for members of the White Crane Clan?

“But I don’t know who they are?”

“You don’t need to know who they are. If one day they need your help, they will come to you.”

He Ying lowered her head slightly in acknowledgment.

However, from Lady He’s words, she couldn’t shake the feeling that they didn’t actually want to get too close to them.

After saying that, He Yuan’s tired expression became more pronounced. She stood up and said, “I won’t disturb you any longer. I’ll head back now. Jing Dan’s aunt and the others have already decided on how to divide the spirit core. I need to prepare for their affairs during this time.” She then looked at Jing Dan and said, “As for the merging of your soul, communicate more with the remnant soul.”

“Okay,” Jing Dan replied, but she felt a bit uneasy inside. She could sense how much the remnant soul despised her, as if she had caused her great trouble.

After He Yuan left, Jing Dan looked at He Ying and asked, “Why are you so happy, what are you smiling about?” As she spoke, she took out a tablet and handed it to He Ying.

Seeing the tablet, He Ying looked somewhat surprised. She hadn’t expected Jing Dan to actually go back and get the tablet. She took the tablet and held it in her arms, then looked at Jing Dan and couldn’t help but smile lightly, saying, “I think I have figured out our relationship from our past life, to be precise, your past life.”

From beginning to end, she had only lived one life.

“What?” Jing Dan was stunned, not understanding how she knew that, considering she hadn’t merged with the remnant soul yet.

“Did the remnant soul tell you this?”

He Ying shook her head with a smile, indicating that the soul was behaving well, showing no signs of disturbance. She said, “No, I deduced it based on some things.”

“So, what kind of relationship do we have?” Jing Dan asked curiously.

He Ying, holding back a laugh, said, “I am the cub you picked up and raised.”

Jing Dan was stunned, as if she didn’t understand what she meant, and repeated, “The cub I picked up?”

“Yep,” He Ying’s smile deepened, tilting her head as she said, “You could say that I was the one you picked up and took care of.”

Jing Dan: “…”

Suddenly, she remembered the month when He Ying had treated her as a cub after reverting back to her true form at the initiation banquet. If it really was as He Ying said, then maybe she didn’t need to feel ashamed about that month. After all, He Ying had also been raised by her when she was younger?!

With this thought, Jing Dan immediately burst into laughter, feeling completely relaxed. In this case, they were even, and neither of them could laugh at the other!

“Now that we both know, do I still need to merge with the remnant soul?” After hearing all of He Ying’s speculations, Jing Dan hesitantly asked. She really didn’t want to fight with that remnant soul again; it hurt so much every time!

After a moment of silence, He Ying said, “It’s still necessary. And my speculations are just guesses, not certain. Also, if you don’t merge with the remnant soul, not only will you lose your previous memories, but it will also be difficult for you to return to your past state.”

Thinking about the black snake, Jing Dan felt a bit down. If only she had been stronger back then, would He Ying have needed to overextend herself like this?

He Ying gently patted her head and softly comforted, “But this matter is not urgent, let’s take a break for now.”

After all, if the remnant soul didn’t willingly merge, they would definitely experience rejection reactions.

Jing Dan nodded, not in the highest spirits.

“Give me a kiss, okay?” He Ying smiled lightly as she spoke, imitating Jing Dan’s previous mannerisms while playfully tugging at her sleeve, displaying a somewhat coquettish demeanor.

Jing Dan looked at her, noticing that she was still looking at her. Finally, she leaned in and lightly planted a kiss on He Ying’s lips before pulling back after a brief touch, seemingly wanting to leave.

“Um—”

He Ying pulled Jing Dan closer by her neck, then gently licked Jing Dan’s lower lip, murmuring, “Don’t leave so quickly.”

Hearing this, Jing Dan took the initiative to embrace He Ying, bringing them even closer.

After the kiss ended, both of their lips were as red as cherries, their eyes shimmering and reflecting a soft glow.

He Ying smiled gently, hugging her even tighter.

When He Ying went to take a shower in the evening, Jing Dan suddenly received a message from Hu Tu.

【Fox】: How far have things progressed between you and He Ying?

Reading this message, Jing Dan felt somewhat puzzled. She and He Ying were already together, right? Didn’t Hu Tu already know about it?

【Bear Cub】: We are together.

On the other end, Hu Tu, upon seeing this message, felt at a loss for words. At the same time, she roughly guessed the extent to which Jing Dan and He Ying had developed, definitely not to the point of actually sleeping together.

Hu Tu thought for a moment. Knowing He Ying’s personality, she wasn’t sure if it was appropriate to bring up these things with Jing Dan. Maybe she could teach Jing Dan instead?

With a hint of contemplation in her eyes, she pondered how best to teach Jing Dan. Video calls were definitely out of the question. If she sent Jing Dan a video and He Ying found out, she would surely be in trouble!

After some thought, she sent a message: Do you want to become more intimate with He Ying, so she can’t bear to be apart from you?

Jing Dan’s eyes lit up at the idea of becoming closer and inseparable from He Ying. She quickly asked Hu Tu for advice on how to achieve that.

【Fox】: It’s simple. Every night when you go to sleep, you should kiss her. While kissing her, make sure to touch her all over. It’s even better if you can undress her. That way, you’ll be halfway to success!

Seeing this, Jing Dan felt puzzled. When she slept with He Ying at night, they did kiss, but they didn’t touch or undress each other.

【Bear Cub】: What about the other half?

【Fox】: The other half is the most crucial! Next, He Ying won’t be able to resist, and then you should learn. Whatever He Ying does to you, you learn to do the same to her when it’s your turn! Remember, you must learn well! That’s the key!

Jing Dan was even more confused. What could He Ying do to her? But Hu Tu shouldn’t lie to her, so is this method really effective?

With some doubts, Jing Dan decided to try it out when they went to sleep later, to see if she could become closer to He Ying.

Upon seeing Jing Dan’s “ok” response, Hu Tu smiled with hidden intentions. He Ying, you don’t need to thank me too much. Just consider this as an additional benefit for covering my shift!

After setting down her phone, Jing Dan’s heart was filled with anticipation as she eagerly awaited for He Ying to finish showering so she could put into practice what Hu Tu had suggested.

When He Ying emerged from the bathroom, she saw the sparkling eyes of Jing Dan and paused for a moment, sensing a hint of unease.

When there was no external danger, Jing Dan was the greatest danger. This was a lesson He Ying had learned from Jing Dan over time.

As soon as she saw He Ying come out, Jing Dan’s eyes lit up immediately. She raised her hand and patted the bed, showing signs of excitement.

He Ying’s sense of impending danger grew stronger, but upon seeing Jing Dan’s eyes, she still walked towards her.

Jing Dan knelt on the bed, reached out to help He Ying dry her hair, and then pulled her down with force, pressing her onto the bed.

He Ying: “???”

Her mind was filled with confusion, not understanding what Jing Dan wanted to do.

As He Ying lay on the bed, she watched as Jing Dan leaned over to kiss her lips. Feeling the wetness from her licking on her lips, He Ying let out a slight sigh of relief, realizing that Jing Dan simply wanted to kiss her.

“!!!”

However, He Ying relaxed too early, and then she felt Jing Dan’s hands landing on her body, touching her without any pattern. 

He Ying: “…”

She hurriedly tried to reach out to stop Jing Dan’s hands, but Jing Dan seemed to have anticipated it, skillfully avoiding He Ying’s touch. Even while avoiding, Jing Dan continued to touch her all over, eventually stopping at her chest, showing great interest in the area she used to call “flesh”.

He Ying wanted to grit her teeth, but Jing Dan’s tongue had already breached her defenses. If she gritted her teeth, she would surely hurt Jing Dan. With all these considerations, Jing Dan gained the upper hand, and He Ying found herself powerless to resist under her pressure.

He Ying: “…” Has Jing Dan taken the wrong medicine today?

However, Jing Dan’s hands had already reached her chest. There was no way she would spare He Ying’s sleepwear. Her uninjured right hand started skillfully unbuttoning He Ying’s pajamas.

A familiar yet unfamiliar feeling surged through her body, and He Ying began to feel somewhat embarrassed. She was surprised to find herself feeling a sensation from Jing Dan’s actions…

She had experienced this kind of feeling before when she and Jing Dan had kissed and slept together. However, she couldn’t tell if Jing Dan was particularly proactive tonight or not, but the sensation was even stronger.

Finally, she raised her hand and grabbed Jing Dan’s wrist, her face slightly red as she turned away without looking at her. Biting her lip, she spoke softly, “This is still a hospital.”

At the very least, they had to go home first.

The author has something to say:

Can you guess the reason why Zaizai put her soul in Hehe’s body? (￣▽￣)