Chapter 6

Chapter 6

"What is 'cowhide candy', Dad?"

The beautiful little one in Bai Sheng's arms blinked, curiously asking Bai Sheng.

The beautiful little one still carried the morning chill on his clothes, his eyes full of longing.

He didn't know what it was, but as long as it could go into his mouth, Nono thought it must be good.

"Is it tasty?"

Bai Sheng was momentarily at a loss for words.

He reached out and touched the little one's tiny belly.

"Come eat if you're hungry."

Bai Sheng scooped up the little guy in one go.

Bai Sheng had just woken up. Seeing Bai Jingyun, he hurried downstairs. He was still in his pajamas, his black curls messy, looking a bit drowsy. He held the toddler easily with one hand, his forearm muscles slightly flexed—that was the strength and reliability of a top-tier Alpha.

"From now on, stay away from that person you just saw."

Although Bai Sheng didn't think his older brother would be insane enough to lay a hand on a four-year-old, nearly five-year-old child, no one could say for sure what the future held.

Little Bai Nuo blinked, obediently nodded, and said in a soft, tender voice while hugging his neck: "Nono only follows Dad."

Nono will protect Dad!

Don't worry, Nono has that phrase etched in his brain!

Bai Sheng, who was about to hand the little one to Aunt Feng, who had been waiting eagerly behind him, paused.

A subtle expression crossed Bai Sheng's face, but his body acted honestly, tightening his hold on the little one just slightly.

A soft, light little toddler clung to him—this little one had actually been a bit reserved at first. Although he called him 'Dad' from the very first time, there was a clear nervousness and unease in his voice. He was carefully testing, but because he had so little in the past and was so young, he was too easily satisfied. In just one day, that gap had vanished completely, as if they had been living together for a long time, not just two short days.

Most importantly, this little thing was way too good at being adorable. How could he be so good at being adorable?!

Which toddler grows up acting this cute? Even little beta kids would be more reserved, never this sweet.

Bai Sheng hadn't seen many toddlers, so though he vaguely sensed something off, he didn't think much of it.

At that moment, the new dad's mind was filled with not just how cuddly this little one was, but also—damn, if he already couldn't resist hugging him, what would he do when it came time to start his training plan for this little one? All sorts of training obviously needed to begin early.

He never realized that a toddler he'd been holding in his arms all day since their first meeting would never be allowed to go out and face the hardships of 'fighting and killing' training.

Bai Sheng felt his mind was a bit fuzzy.

Finally, he peeled off the little 'cowhide candy' stuck to him, handed him to Aunt Feng—who had been watching eagerly for a long time—and went upstairs to wash up and change.

Ten minutes later.

Feeling like he'd finally woken up, Bai Sheng sat at the dining table.

The little toddler had already been placed in his high chair, holding his little spoon, staring intently at the food on the table, having completely forgotten about protecting Dad just moments ago.

A soft, sticky rice porridge gave off a fragrant aroma, at just the right temperature—slightly hot but not uncomfortably so.

Fluffy, soft youtiao and steamed buns, along with eggs soaked in savory sauce.

These were foods Little Bai Nuo had never seen before, but they smelled wonderful and looked delicious!

Bai Sheng served the little one some porridge, peeled an egg and broke it up, and placed it in the bowl in front of him.

The steamed bun was still a bit hot, so Aunt Feng guided softly from behind, telling Bai Sheng to first break it open from the middle and let it cool a bit before giving it to the little one.

Bai Sheng's movements were a bit casual and unfamiliar—a top Alpha, who usually wasn't so meticulous with himself, really didn't know how to raise a child.

But it didn't matter; top Alphas had strong learning abilities, and he was very wealthy. He had always believed that success in anything depended only on whether you were truly serious about it.

For example,

Raising a child—if you say you have issues with education, that might be understandable, but if you say you simply can't raise him well, that would be laughable.

Putting money and effort into it, and for things you don't know how to do, you can hire someone who knows how to take care of children to supervise and guide you—there's nothing that can't be done well.

So even if Bai Sheng was inexperienced and looked casual, from the moment he took charge of this little one, he hadn't made any mistakes.

Bai Sheng woke up early today, so he seemed a bit sluggish. Due to his past habits, his peak energy and workout times weren't in the morning, and sometimes he skipped breakfast.

Only an Alpha's physique could handle such a lifestyle; anyone else with this kind of work intensity and schedule would have probably collapsed by now.

Bai Sheng casually took a bite of the steamed bun and turned his head to look at the little guy.

Because he hadn't been exposed to many other toddlers, and with today's big data algorithms, as long as you don't look, such content rarely appears in your feed.

Bai Sheng didn't really know if toddlers of this age were all like Little Bai Nuo.

No trouble at mealtimes; every bite was eaten joyfully, eyes sparkling. And although young, he ate neatly, not at all messy.

Really easy to take care of!

Bai Sheng sighed in admiration, wiped a bit of porridge from the little one's mouth, and handed him half a steamed bun that had cooled down.

The soft, fair little guy held the half bun, as soft and white as himself, took a big bite, and let out a delicious "wow," his little body swinging unconsciously with happiness, as if countless little flowers were about to bloom around him.

Watching the little toddler eat, Bai Sheng unconsciously ate quite a bit himself.

Until he was about to leave, Bai Sheng still thought this little one was very easy to take care of.

Yes, until he was about to leave.

Standing at the door, Bai Sheng looked down at the little one clinging to his leg and refusing to let go.

Well-fed and content, the thought of protecting Dad had returned to Little Bai Nuo's mind.

"Bai Nuo."

Bai Sheng reached out, trying to pick him up.

"Stay home and listen to Aunt Feng. Dad will be back at noon."

"No, Nono wants to go with Dad. Nono has to protect Dad."

The little one hugged Bai Sheng's leg tighter.

"And Daddy needs to find lots of people to protect himself."

Bai Sheng exerted a little force and finally lifted the little one up: "If Daddy is finding so many people to protect himself, then why do you need to go along?"

"Nono has to keep an eye on you."

Xiaobai Nuo said in a babyish, matter-of-fact tone.

Who knows if Daddy might slack off sometimes? After all, Daddy doesn't get up as early as Nono! He doesn't eat on time and is still sleeping when 'Bad Uncle' is working out.

It's really up to Nono to keep an eye on things!

The little cub, being held up by the scruff of his clothes, reached out his hand.

Bai Sheng instinctively scooped Bai Nuo into his arms, feeling the cub's small arms skillfully wrap around his neck.

And—

Xiaobai Nuo, holding onto Bai Sheng's neck, said softly.

"If Nono is always by Daddy's side, then when Daddy needs Nono, Nono can help Daddy."

If that dream situation happens again, this time Nono can reach out and hold Daddy's hand.

Bai Sheng clearly heard several muffled "awws" from the servants in the living room behind him—someone's heart just melted?

Bai Sheng had to admit he was a little melty.

Was it the strange magic of blood ties? No, it must be the strange magic of this little cub.

At least at this moment, Bai Sheng understood—why children can keep their parents anchored.

He had only been a father for two days!

Bai Sheng made one last attempt: "The workplace isn't fun. Daddy is going to work, earn money, and support you."

The cub blinked, holding Bai Sheng tightly. The little one didn't understand what 'working' meant, but cleverly mimicked him, though his baby voice couldn't sound serious: "Nono doesn't play. Work. Don't need money. Support Daddy!"

Bai Sheng: Capitalist glee...

Hold on, don't get excited yet. This is his own cub.

Bai Sheng compromised.

He made sure the car had a baby seat installed, and then, holding this clingy little thing, put on his shoes, then opened the door.

Before leaving, he couldn't help muttering: "Do you really think going to work is such a good thing?"

But kids are like that—they probably just need reassurance. It'll probably get better in a bit. Just let him tag along. But if this little guy is following, he definitely needs more security people around him. Adults are fine, but with a child, everything needs to be more thorough.

Assistant Li, waiting outside the door, eyed his boss's unusual 'look' today.

Assistant Li: ...Do you still remember the 'free-range plan' you talked about before? You were so adamant before bringing the young master back.

Assistant Li had a lot to complain about, but facing his immediate superior, he didn't dare.

"Tell Xu Chuan not to come to the old mansion. Go directly to the company."

Bai Sheng strapped the little one into the baby seat in the back and offhandedly said to Assistant Li.

Xu Chuan was the manager of a private hospital under Bai Sheng and also Bai Sheng's personal doctor.

The Bai family's businesses flourished everywhere, especially in the medical field. Even the second young master of the Bai family, Bai Liang, had a medical background. The five Bai family heirs all had considerable assets and connections in this area, which was also one of the fields where their points of conflict frequently arose.

Although a lot of information had been shared yesterday, for the detailed physical examination and special testing, it was of course better to see and judge in person.

Assistant Li nodded in agreement and was about to close the car door for Bai Sheng. But as he bent down slightly and met the little one's eyes, he saw a pair of bright big eyes. The small hand was grasping the edge of the seatbelt strap. Seeing him, the little one's eyes crinkled and spoke in a tender baby voice: "Uncle Li, good morning."

Assistant Li: ...

"Good, good morning, young master."

As Assistant Li turned around, he couldn't help clenching his fist and sighing—No matter how many times he saw it, could this really be his boss's kid?!

The morning grumpiness was almost blown away. This cuteness was just too much!

The Bai Group building, under Bai Sheng.

Assistant and secretary work group chat.

"Report—The big boss who was absent yesterday came to work today!!"

"The workaholic actually didn't come yesterday. Truly rare."

"Today we have a cooperation to discuss with the Xie family, the boss definitely has to come. By the way, how's that cooperation project with the Yu family going?"

"After changing the contact person, it's been fairly smooth. The Yu family's situation, ah, I really don't want to talk about it. I'm tired of all the gossip. Even now, Old Master Yu is still holding up the entire company."

"Of course. Did you think every family is like the Bai family?"

"I can't take it anymore. My current resentment could fuel an army of sword demons. I'm going downstairs to buy a coffee. Does anyone need one?"

"I need one!"

"Bring me a hot iced Americano. The extra is the delivery fee."

"Okay."

"???? No, girl, are you crazy? Hot, and iced Americano?! Is that human language? Gone crazy from overwork? You dare to say that, and they dare to go along with it?"

"! Sent wrong!!!"

"Hahaha, it's okay. The early bird clerk will be forgiving. He'll definitely respond. After all, last time he added ice cubes to hot tea, and no one batted an eye."

"This world really has gone crazy."

"I think I've gone crazy too."

"What's wrong? Brother Zhang, weren't you waiting for the boss?"

"The boss came to work holding a child who looks about two or three years old! Brother Li said it's the boss's own child."

"?"

"???"

"And Doctor Xu has also arrived. They'll be heading up soon. You'll be able to see in a moment... Wow, is the little boss this cute?"

Meanwhile, the group had already gotten into the elevator.

Little Bai Nuo was still held in Bai Sheng's arms. Dr. Xu Chuan, who had changed his route upon receiving the notice, looked no older than thirty or so, and was now curiously standing by, observing the little one.

Bai Nuo was now holding with one hand the small monitor his dad had given him.

Obviously, as a newbie dad, although Bai Sheng didn't know what might go wrong, he decided to keep a close eye on the little one's every move.

"You can play with this monitor later. The AI voice is activated, and it's called Dou Dou. When Dad goes to talk about work later, you can ask it anything you don't understand."

Bai Sheng, acting as if no one else was around, held the little child in his arms and spoke to him. He had already turned on the voice switch on the monitor and demonstrated how it worked.

"Hello, Dou Dou."

As the little one stared wide-eyed, the monitor in Little Bai Nuo's arms spoke in a mechanical female voice: "I'm here."

"Wow! Dad, you're so amazing! You can talk to a machine!"

The little one held the small monitor and spun it around to look at it.

"Where does the sound come from? How can it talk? Dad, why can it answer Nono's questions? Does it know as much as Dad does? Can Nono ask it anything?"

The little one was a little chatterbox in disguise and a hundred percent curious little kid.

That soft, clingy way he had with his dad made Dr. Xu Chuan, standing by, frown in slight confusion; he was still observing.

Bai Sheng only picked a few of those innocent questions to answer, letting the little one chatter away beside him.

Until a keyword seemed to trigger it.

Monitor: "Yes, I'm here. I'm sorry, what did you just say? I didn't quite catch that."

The little one blinked, looked down at the monitor, and said, "Are you talking to Nono?"

Monitor: "Yes, I'm talking to you."

Little Bai Nuo blinked a few times, suddenly at a loss for what to say.

After a few seconds of silence between the two, it spoke again: "I'm sorry, what did you just say? I didn't quite catch that."

Little Bai Nuo: "Nono was asking if you were talking to Nono."

Monitor: "Yes, I'm talking to you."

A few more seconds later—"I'm sorry, what did you just say? I didn't quite catch that."

Both were very polite, each waiting for the other to speak. Thus a child and an AI idiot fell into a subtle loop.

Bai Sheng: ...That wasn't necessary.

The little one was too good, too polite, and with his baby voice was determined to keep the loop going. Having lost count of how many times he had heard it, Bai Sheng reached out and, as the elevator arrived and the doors opened, pinched Bai Nuo's little mouth shut.

Physical mouth shut.jpg

Author's note:

Bai Sheng: Look at my well-behaved, authentic A-grade cub.

Xu Chuan: An A-grade cub...? Something feels a bit off…?