Imara Diversifies The Beastmen World

Chapter Sixty One: Stand Up Baby Girl!

The next morning, Bai Qingqing and I spent time reviewing the various projects and items I had made, preparing for the market. As we worked, we caught up on everything that had happened since we last saw each other.

"Wow, Imara," Bai Qingqing said, eyes wide with amazement. "You've created so much! And those hygiene products—absolute heaven."

I smiled, appreciating her praise. "Thank you. It's been a lot of work."

But soon, I could see Bai Qingqing's mind working—her "plot armor" in full effect. She lit up as ideas began to spill out. "I can make starch noodles from the stone fruit—potatoes—and baskets for rice and fish using bamboo. Oh! And there's a better way to extract oil instead of squeezing it by hand. We could showcase all of these at the market. It'll help me contribute to staying here."

My smile grew as I nodded. "Clever, clever girl. Which one do you want to tackle first?" Internally, I thought, Yes, use that brilliant brain of yours. You'll be one of my secret weapons.

She thought for a moment. "The noodles and the oil extractor. I can start on those today. The other projects can wait a few days—they'll give me something to do."

Before we could continue, Parker appeared, an animal draped over his shoulder. "Bai Qingqing!" he called, out of breath but proud. "I brought food. I can cook it for you. Oh, and do you want to see the house I picked?"

Having already eaten, Bai Qingqing shook her head. "We can save that for dinner later. I want to work on the starch noodles and the oil first. After that, we can go see your house."

Parker nodded eagerly but then hesitated, looking at Harvey for permission to enter. Harvey's sharp gaze was enough to make him pause. Without missing a beat, Harvey handed him soap and a fur cloth. "Clean yourself up first, then come in."

Parker winced but didn't argue. "I'll be back," he promised Bai Qingqing before running off to clean up.

I turned to Harvey with a soft smile, my admiration for him clear. So prompt, I thought. Then I looked back to Bai Qingqing. "I'll have Parker learn from Harvey how to sew you some better clothes," I said. "For now, though, do you need me to come with you while you run errands?"

Bai Qingqing shook her head firmly. "No, I don't want to interrupt your market prep. Parker and I will be back later."

I nodded but didn't let the conversation drop. "What are you going to do about Curtis?"

She froze mid-movement, her shoulders tensing. Looking down at the table, she admitted softly, "I don't know. He's my mate, and I can't avoid him forever."

We sat down at the table, and I pressed gently, "Do you want him as a mate? Do you even like him?"

Bai Qingqing fidgeted with her fingers, clearly wrestling with her thoughts. Finally, she whispered, "I don't think so. I appreciate that he tried to learn how to take care of me and adapt to new things... but I don't like how forceful or frightening he can be. Sometimes, he terrifies me." Her voice cracked a little, and I could see the weight of it all pressing down on her. "But I'm married to him now, Imara. What can I even do about it?"

Her defeated tone made my heart ache. She looked so small, so beaten down by everything she had been through.

I leaned forward, my voice calm but firm. "Yes, there is something you can do. You make him earn you."

She looked up at me, surprise flickering in her eyes.

"You're not some prize he can just claim because he wants to. You're the head, not the tail. Stop letting him have control over your life. If he wants you, he can prove he's worthy of you. Don't just give him permission to do as he pleases."

Bai Qingqing stared at me for a moment, her expression a mix of disbelief and hope. I could tell no one had ever told her that before. No one had ever reminded her of her worth.

I reached out, placing a hand over hers. "Stand up, baby girl. You're stronger than you think."

"It's a privilege for a male to even have a female," I began. "Right now, there are 483 females here—485 if you count us—and over 10,000 males in this city."

Bai Qingqing's eyes widened in shock. "Wow... How many males are forced to be bachelors? Even if a female took ten males, there'd still be thousands left over. No wonder males cherish females so much."

I nodded. "Exactly. So who is Curtis to think he can reign over you? Even back home, who are these men that try to put you in a box—to sit, be pretty, and feel like you owe them your choice? Remember this: when it comes to males, the female decides. Yes means yes, and no means no."

She hesitated before admitting softly, "But I don't want to cancel Curtis's mate mark. Memi told me it would cut off his lifeline. He'd be left wandering around aimlessly... lost."

I held her gaze firmly. "You're making this about him when it should be about you. Think about it, Qingqing. Did he take the proper steps to court you? Did he give you the choice to pick him? No. He kidnapped you for selfish reasons, forced a mark on you, and now wants your pity because he's providing for you. He's the one in the wrong here—"

"But Imara," she interrupted, frowning. "Can we be a little fair? Maybe he just doesn't know how to court properly. It seems like he's trying to learn."

I sighed deeply, steadying myself. "Fair doesn't mean excusing what he did. Listen to me carefully, Bai Qingqing. Whether it's Curtis, Parker, or any male, they need to step up and show genuine effort—not just 'if' but when.

"They must meet your expectations, or they're shown the door. You don't owe them anything. Nobody should make you feel indebted just because they provided something. That's not love; that's manipulation."

Her eyes wavered, uncertainty still clouding her face.

I cupped her face gently, holding her gaze. "Your body, your choice. You are the female. They must listen to you—not the other way around. There are countless males willing to step up if they don't. Do you understand me?"

Her lip trembled, and tears welled up, a mix of relief and dawning strength. "Yes, Imara," she whispered. "I understand."

I smiled, my voice soft but firm. "Repeat after me."

Her eyes locked onto mine, and I began:

"I am the female, the giver of life—future lives, hopes, dreams, and sustainability."

Bai Qingqing's voice wavered but grew stronger as she echoed, "I am the female, the giver of life—future lives, hopes, dreams, and sustainability."

"Queens make kings. I am the head, not the tail. I will not settle for the short end of the stick."

Her voice shook but held conviction. "Queens make kings. I am the head, not the tail. I will not settle for the short end of the stick."

"I am earned, not bought, forced, or made complacent in sadness."

"I am earned, not bought, forced, or made complacent in sadness."

"I am worthy. I deserve happiness, true love, and kindness."

Tears spilled down her cheeks as she whispered, "I am worthy. I deserve happiness, true love, and kindness."

She fell into my arms, hugging me tightly, releasing all her pent-up emotions through quiet sobs. I held her, rocking her gently, letting her cry it all out.

This was the start—her first step toward taking back her power.