Yue Yue didn't even notice the two men as she rushed to the stone table. She leaned over until her face was almost pressing against the glass of the incubator.
All her sleepiness had vanished, replaced by a surge of maternal instinct so strong it made her eyes sting.
"Baby... I'm here," she whispered, her voice trembling with sweetness. "Mama is right here. Don't be afraid."
The effect was instantaneous.
The egg, which had been jerking violently a moment ago, suddenly stopped its frantic movements. It settled into a soft, rhythmic vibration, basking in the sound of her voice.
But after a few seconds of peace, a series of loud knocks echoed from inside the shell.
Crack!
Tak! Tak!
The cub was working harder than ever now. It wasn't just trying to hatch; it was trying to break down the walls to get to her.
Every strike against the shell was more determined than the last. The little creature inside seemed desperate to finally meet the woman who spoke so kindly to it.
