The Protagonist is Always Intimidating Me - Chapter 20

Tuanzi was a silver fox hamster in this forest, known for his omnivorous nature. Compared to the other yaoguai with their enormous bodies, Tuanzi’s small stature was an anomaly in the forest, one could even call him a disruptive force.

“Are you coming or not?”

Tuanzi lazily tidied up his disheveled fur, his jet-black eyes gleaming like gemstones. Despite his fluffy and tiny appearance, he stood calmly in front of a large black dog, nonchalantly grooming himself.

“If you dare to steal from my nest again, I’ll beat you to death!”

“Come on! Who’s afraid of who? I’m going to steal your fruit and eat your pine nuts!”

The black dog, lying on the ground, scrambled to his feet and roughly brushed the dirt off his face. His shaggy fur hung down, revealing sharp ridges on his head.

Tuanzi bared his teeth ferociously at the black dog, warning him, “If you dare come again, I’ll move out!”

“Then I’ll follow you!”

“……” Tuanzi glanced speechlessly at the large dog. “Fine, I’m just unlucky! Let’s forget about today, but there won’t be a next time! Goodbye!”

Just as he was about to leave, his short tail was pressed down.

“Dammit, you bastard!”

Tuanzi’s fur stood on end. “You stupid dog, what the hell do you want?!”

“…I’m not a dog, I’m a Qilin,” the black dog released his paw, sounding a little aggrieved. “I’m hungry.”

“…What does that have to do with me?”

Irritated, Tuanzi rubbed his short tail and, using his small size to his advantage, quickly darted far away. When he estimated the black dog couldn’t catch up, he turned back to see the dog staring at him with a pitiful gaze, full of silent reproach.

“……”

Tuanzi walked a few steps, then turned to check again, only to find the other party was still staring at him.

“……”

Tuanzi fiercely bared his sharp teeth at the distant black dog, trying to appear menacing. However, with his small and fluffy appearance, he failed to look intimidating—if anything, he seemed a bit cute.

“There won’t be a next time!” Tuanzi grudgingly spat out.

“I knew Xiao Tuanzi wouldn’t ignore me! I like Xiao Tuanzi the most!”

With that, the black dog lunged toward Tuanzi and, sticking out his tongue, licked Tuanzi all over, soaking his white fur and causing it to lie flat in the direction of the licks.

Tuanzi: “……”

“Get off me!!!”

……………

In this forest, two notable oddballs stood out: a plump white hamster (Tuanzi: ……) named Tuanzi and a creature resembling a dog (cross that out), a black Qilin named Hei Quan.

These two were famous due to Tuanzi’s strength and cuteness, and Hei Quan’s mixed heritage and adaptability.

In this prehistoric land, yaoguai who couldn’t take on human forms usually relied on their sheer size to assert dominance, the bigger the better. But then came Tuanzi, an oddball who could crush others with speed and explosive power. As for the others’ reaction: …emmm.

Hei Quan, despite his unimpressive name, carried the bloodline of the black Qilin, albeit mixed. Yet in a place filled with random cats and dogs, Hei Quan’s lineage made him akin to a landlord among peasants.

As for why a black Qilin ended up being called Hei Quan, the credit goes to Tuanzi.

Tuanzi: A humble name makes for a long life!

So, in order to freeload indefinitely, Hei Quan begrudgingly accepted the name.

Under Hei Quan’s watchful gaze, Tuanzi rummaged through his bulging pouch and took out several fruits, keeping one for himself and pushing the rest toward Hei Quan. Hei Quan, without any pretensions, devoured them in a few bites and then mysteriously said, “Tomorrow, don’t wander off. Wait for me here.”

“Mm-hmm,” Tuanzi absentmindedly responded, and Hei Quan, hearing the reply, gleefully wagged his tail as he ran off. After a few steps, he suddenly realized he wasn’t a dog, so why was he wagging his tail?

Tuanzi then watched as the initially exuberant Hei Quan abruptly tucked his tail in, trying to walk away with an air of elegance.

Tuanzi: ……

Tuanzi stared at Hei Quan’s departing figure for a while, waiting until the last trace of black fur disappeared from sight before continuing his leisurely stroll.

The dappled sunlight broke into scattered, dazzling spots that gently fell on Tuanzi’s soft fur. With his short legs moving at an uncharacteristically slow pace for a hamster, he wandered through the forest.

Tuanzi loved this forest. The sunlight filtering through carried a warm, intoxicating charm. The leaves, adorned with golden light, gently held sparkling dewdrops. This was the true nature of the forest—sharp and dangerous at times, yet teeming with life and endless vitality.

Just then, a thick smell of blood shattered the serene beauty, revealing the cruel side of this world. Tuanzi cautiously parted the bushes and saw a gray-haired man sitting against a tree.

The man’s eyes were pure gold, glinting in the sunlight like they held untold treasures. He was handsome, with an air of grace in his every movement. Unfortunately, the bloodstains on his body and the corpses around him broke the atmosphere, casting an eerie silence of death.

The noise Tuanzi made caught the man’s attention, and his sharp senses immediately turned toward the sound. The tension in his muscles caused the blood at his chest and waist to flow even more profusely. He glanced at the plump white hamster not far away and spoke in a soft voice, “Are you a resident of this place?”

“Could you come over? Don’t be afraid, I just want to ask a few questions. It’s really simple…”

At that moment, Tuanzi didn’t know where the courage came from. Maybe it was the man’s gentle tone or perhaps his beautiful eyes, as radiant as the sun. So, timidly, he approached and took out a large, round fruit from his mouth. His black, shiny eyes looked at the man, and he asked,

“Um… Do you want to eat?”

Mini Theater –

Tuanzi: From now on, you’re my little underling. Hmm… Let’s call you “Hei Quan” (Black Dog)!

Black Qilin: …I don’t want that!

Tuanzi: Then how about “Er Gouzi” (Second Dog)?

Black Qilin: …Can’t it be something more dignified?

Tuanzi: Stop whining! A humble name brings long life! Or would you prefer “Goudan” (Dog Egg)?

Black Qilin: ……

Black Qilin: Never mind, I think Hei Quan sounds just fine.