Chapter 23

                                    

                                          
The memories of their encounters replayed in my mind like a vivid reel, sending shivers down my spine at the mere thought of crossing paths with Curtis.

The consequences of such an encounter were too dire to dismiss lightly. I could still recall, with unsettling clarity, the initial meeting between Curtis and Qin. It was a moment fraught with tension and uncertainty, a precursor to the tragedies that would follow.

From what I could recollect, Curtis had intervened to rescue Qin from the clutches of either the merfolk or the ape king, bringing her to safety. It was a gesture that initially seemed benevolent, a glimmer of hope in their tumultuous world.

However, as time passed, a dark undercurrent of jealousy began to poison Qin's heart. Bai Qingqing's undeniable beauty became a thorn in her side, a constant reminder of what she yearned for – Curtis' unwavering attention.

But Curtis was no fool. His keen insight allowed him to see through the veil of Qin's jealousy, and he issued her a stern warning to stay away from Bai Qingqing.

Qin was consumed by fear and unease as she came to realize the dangers of defying Curtis. Despite his initial interest in her, his fascination had gradually faded, leading her down a path that eventually resulted in her downfall.

Amidst all the uncertainties, Curtis remained a strong candidate to be my mate. This was primarily due to his remarkable qualities—his strength, his self-reliance, and his skill as a cloth maker.

As I let my thoughts linger on him, a playful smile curved my lips, accompanied by a soft chuckle, "Heh heh~". The idea of having him by my side was undeniably alluring. His qualities had a certain magnetic appeal that seemed hard to resist, especially in a world dominated by beastmen.

I find myself at the lake's edge, knowing there's no turning back now. It's time to face Curtis and find out if he'll accept me as his mate or not.

"Better to meet him earlier before Qingqing does," I mutter nervously, aware that competing for his attention could stir trouble with Bai Qingqing, given the intense rivalry among beastmen.

The idea of having a mate as strong as Curtis is appealing, knowing he could become a formidable protector. However, it also comes with the unsettling thought that his strength might pose a threat to potential mates I could encounter in the future. Finding someone even stronger would be challenging, and I feel the weight of my decisions weighing heavily on my shoulders.

As I ponder the complexities of the situation, a nagging feeling tugs at the back of my mind. I remember the enigmatic black panther I encountered when I first arrived in this world, a rarity in the story's narrative.

"I wonder where he is now," I think aloud.

While stirring my disposable fork in my noodle cup, I suddenly have a eureka moment. I remember that my laptop is in my bag, and with a sense of urgency, I retrieve it.

Turning on the laptop, I'm relieved to see the battery level at a promising 83%. It's more than enough to satisfy my curiosity.

Among the contents, I distinctly recall downloading files with a staggering 1661 chapters from the main novel. The prospect of offline reading thrills me, knowing the advantage I hold.

"HAHAHAHA, YES! The future is mine!" I exclaim with a mischievous grin, feeling triumphant about the items I brought with me.

My smile widens, and my laughter echoes through the tranquil lake.

Knowing the story's future grants me a unique advantage. Unlike the characters, I don't have to grapple with uncertainty. It's as if I can control fate by watching the story unfold.

As I embark on my journey following Curtis, I'm aware that my actions will influence the plot. I sigh deeply, apprehensive about the consequences. Pursuing Curtis might disrupt the story, and I'm not sure if I'm fully prepared for the potential ramifications.

I bite my lip nervously, revealing my inner unease. While Curtis's charm has drawn me in, this choice could alter the entire course of the novel.

"I'm doing this to survive," I remind myself resolutely. The original story matters less now; my priority is survival.

I contemplate how relationships might change. While some interactions may differ, major events will likely remain the same. However, I fear that Curtis's strength could attract powerful figures.

As I plan my path, caution becomes paramount. I'll stay concealed and avoid forming alliances. It's a risky strategy, though. Staying away from the city might leave me vulnerable to attacks. I sigh again, burdened by the weight of my choices.