Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Cen Zhi thought to herself, initially glancing at the call and intending to hang up the video call directly.

The person beside her spoke, with a bright smile: "Senior Cen, is there something urgent at home? It's still early, you can't be leaving so soon, can you? My little grandson always says he wants a chance to learn from you, to become a very capable omega too. He says such things in a serious little adult way—it's too adorable. I'm just wondering if you could fulfill a child's wish. We plan to return to China for development later, and he wants to study in Ang City."

The speaker was Ying Yishui, the one who had a precious, highly intelligent omega pup that was widely praised abroad. She had been a year below Cen Zhi in university. It was said that she had initially intended to form a marriage alliance with the Bai family, but in the end, the Bai and Cen families joined forces powerfully, leaving no room for the Ying family. The Ying family had to slink off abroad to develop, and by chance, they had done quite well.

At an occasion like this, given Cen Zhi's status, no one would say anything unpleasant. But seizing this rare opportunity, Ying Yishui couldn't help but approach with a champagne glass in hand.

Who didn't know that Cen Zhi had five alpha pups in a row and desperately wanted a clever, adorable little omega pup but had never been lucky enough to have one? Moreover, the Bai family was currently in internal turmoil, with top alphas engaged in tit-for-tat confrontations fiercely and dangerously. Most of the time, they focused their attention on each other, causing some businesses to go bankrupt and be crushed to dust in the internal strife. But quite a few noble families had seized the opportunity to grow and make a killing.

She couldn't help but flaunt, both openly and subtly.

You, Cen Zhi, have everything going your way and get whatever you want, don't you? You're the top omega, aren't you?

But even the top omega—so what? A clever, adorable omega pup, the welfare and support that comes with having an omega pup in the family—you, Cen Zhi, just can't have it.

You're even worse off than me, an omega with a low pheromone level.

Of course, even thinking this in her heart, she had to put on a dignified and respectful front on the surface.

"We're not that familiar, are we?"

Cen Zhi was slightly taller than the average omega and always projected an aloof and proud image in public.

With this nonchalant remark, Ying Yishui, who had just been surrounded by a crowd seeking her favor, stiffened slightly.

Because the number of omegas is small, and omega pups are even rarer, and research has shown that little omega pups can soothe the irritability and aggression of alphas, every country places great importance on omega pups. Among those gathered here, three-fifths were betas, naturally extremely curious about the adorable little omega. Most of the time, even if there was some subtle showing off, everyone thought it was harmless.

After all, she has a cute, underage little omega—if I had one at home, I'd shout it from the rooftops.

But Cen Zhi's reaction was indeed cold.

Cen Zhi certainly liked omega pups, but she herself was a top omega. Perhaps it was the influence of staying in the Bai family too long, where the Bai family's cold and indifferent streak had rubbed off on her.

To put it bluntly—although little omega pups were cute, they had nothing to do with her. She had no interest in fulfilling the wishes of someone else's omega pup.

Cen Zhi was too lazy to say more, but her hand, about to end the call, instead swiped to answer it, ready to let her family's constantly bickering top alphas experience the fury of a mother whose vacation had been interrupted.

"Excuse me."

She walked toward a quiet area of the venue, away from the crowd.

Glancing at the screen, she couldn't help but twitch the corner of her mouth.

On the screen, the person she had blocked had a grumpy face, and on his head—where white hair was barely visible—sat an ugly floral wreath.

What's he playing at? Had he finally realized the serious route wasn't working and decided to go for comedy?

And having just been openly flaunted with an omega pup, Cen Zhi got angry just looking at that face.

This good-for-nothing!

"Bai Qian, what are you doing? Using San'er's number to call me? You really have the nerve. You'd better have a good reason. And what's that weird thing on your head...?"

Although Cen Zhi still found his face pleasing to the eye, in truth, the two of them could hardly be said to have a falling-in-love-after-marriage relationship. In Cen Zhi's heart, their bond was more like a close partnership.

Before Cen Zhi could finish, she watched Bai Qian put the phone aside, make a motion as if scooping something up, and lift something from beside him. Then, Cen Zhi heard a soft little sound.

It sounded like a very young pup.

Two seconds later, a beautiful little face, almost like a doll's, replaced Bai Qian's grumpy look.

The little pup's eyes like black grapes blinked, looking a bit flustered as he turned back to see the grandfather who had picked him up, then turned back to the screen. He was shy and adorable, his little body swaying slightly in the screen as Bai Qian held him up by the armpits with both hands. He said in a babyish voice: "Gwanma, Grandma, I'm Nono."

Cen Zhi: ...

Cen Zhi: ...!

What was this adorable little thing?!

Cen Zhi's eyes widened slightly, and she leaned forward.

She heard Bai Qian's voice: "Bai Sheng's kid."

Of course, Cen Zhi knew about that kid.

But... so cute? Bai Sheng wasn't this cute when he was little!

"His pheromone test came back. He's an omega."

O, omega?

Cen Zhi's eyes widened in shock.

"Has the Bai family's ancestral grave finally sprouted smoke?"

Bai Qian: ... Can you not put it so harshly?

The little pup looked at his grandmother on the screen, then turned to look at his grandfather, who looked awkward. He turned back. Being held like this wasn't very comfortable—after all, Bai Qian didn't know how to hold a child. Ask why, with five alpha pups, he didn't know how? Back then, he'd just grab alpha pups by the scruff.

But even though it was uncomfortable, the little guy didn't fuss. He just said in a soft voice to his grandmother on the screen: "Grandma, Grandpa misses you. Don't stop talking to him, okay? Grandpa misses you so much he can't even eat."

Bai Qian: "Hey! Don't talk nonsense, little one!"

Cen Zhi didn't take it seriously either.

In that pause, Cen Zhi took a good look at the little pup—Nono looked a lot like Bai Sheng, but his temperament was completely different. He was clearly a cute, good little pup.

What sound does a heart bloom make? That was the sound in Cen Zhi's heart right now.

Her lips curled involuntarily, completely ignoring Bai Qian's protests. Her originally somewhat cold voice turned syrupy sweet as she said: "Oh, is that so? Nono, right? Grandma will talk to Grandpa from now on, okay?"

The little pup gave a little nod, smiling with pursed lips.

He rarely received such direct softness and kindness from elders. It was still unfamiliar, but very warm.

So the little guy looked for a while and then said in a babyish voice: "Grandma, you're so beautiful. Have a great time outside."

Grandma's heart had already taken off.

Cen Zhi almost instinctively clutched her chest, feeling like she'd been hit—wasn't this the adorable little omega she had always wanted?

Why?!

Why didn't anyone tell me?!

What? I blocked all my notifications? Oh, never mind then.

Ha, I knew it wasn't me—it's Bai Qian who can't handle it, hahaha!

"Nono, wait at home, Grandma will be back soon, okay?"

"Okay, then Nono will make a flower crown for Grandma too."

"Oh, that's the flower crown our Nono made, it's really beautiful."

Bai Qian (wearing the flower crown): ...

The little one finished in a soft, babyish voice, then swayed his small body, signaling for Grandpa to put him down, and finally waved goodbye to Grandma.

"Grandma, you can chat with Grandpa now, Nono is going to find Daddy."

Nono is a clever baby, Nono figured it out—Grandpa actually really wants to talk to Grandma.

Bai Qian set the little one down on the floor and watched as the kid picked some more flowers from those trimmed by the servants, holding them in his arms, and then patted over to Bai Sheng's side, fiddling with the crooked little flower crown again.

Bai Qian: ...

"A minute ago you said it was a weird thing, now it's really beautiful." You really know how to play the double standard game, don't you?

"Can't be bothered to argue with you."

Cen Zhi snorted.

How could a flower crown be the same no matter who makes it? She started messaging her assistant, then said,

"Alright, I'm going to book a flight back, that's it."

Grandma's little omega, Grandma's coming right home!

Without the little one, Cen Zhi ended the conversation crisply. Bai Qian's expression screwed up for a moment—he hadn't finished speaking, and Cen Zhi still hadn't removed him from the blacklist...

The next second, his phone notification sounded.

Bai Qian looked down.

The once bright red exclamation mark was gone; she had accepted the file he'd sent earlier about Nono's check-up report.

Only then did Bai Qian quirk his lips almost imperceptibly.

Cen Zhi neatly turned around, gathered her things, and wore a smile on her face, looking in a great mood.

"I have something to take care of, I'll be off. Next time you're in the States, we can chat if there's a chance."

"Boss Cen, are you heading back to the country so soon?"

"Weren't you planning to vacation here for half a month?"

Cen Zhi casually raised her hand to flick her curly black hair, her elegant skirt swishing gracefully, explaining in a good mood, "There's a cute little omega at home waiting to see Grandma... Huh? When did my family get a little omega? No, of course I didn't have another baby—it's my little grandson, my San'er's. Alright, I won't keep you all anymore. I've asked my secretary to book the earliest flight."

Cen Zhi left briskly, cutting off the chatter behind her.

"The Bai family actually has an omega cub?"

"Isn't their infighting still fierce? Won't the little omega get hurt? I feel like the Bai family isn't good at raising kids."

"That's true, but judging by Sister Cen's attitude, if anyone hurts her little grandson, she'll probably rip their head off."

"Haha, seems about right. The Bai family's omega cub... is destined to be a top omega, right?"

"More than likely, yeah. But I really want to see him—their Third Master is very good-looking, so his cub must be adorable too."

...

The topic gradually shifted. Ying Yishui, who had been surrounded and treated like the center of attention, was now excluded from the conversation, her expression stiff.

The Bai family has an omega cub?

How is that possible?

She almost lost her composure—but it's fine.

She finally suppressed the intense irritation and displeasure.

Her little omega, Jiang Liang, had been recognized as a prodigy in the U.S. since he was three or four. No unknown little omega could hold a candle to him.

Not to mention that the Bai family's infighting was constantly draining their strength. So many top alphas fighting for power, ruthless and merciless—the signs were already visible in Bai Qian's generation. The Bai family would end up tearing each other apart, and maybe their luck was about to run out. Even her little grandson could see that coming.

Ying Yishui thought this, her irritation slightly subsided, and she smiled again.

"What do you mean 'I miss her so much I can't eat'? Don't you go feeding that little thing a bunch of nonsense."

Bai Qian tossed his phone to Bai Sheng, glaring with a hint of irritation. This tone was rare—not the usual cold exchange.

About half an hour later, the little one was taken by Aunt Feng for his nap. Bai Sheng and Bai Jingyun's puzzle showdown came to an end. Bai Jingyun left sulking, but before leaving, the little one had tucked a flower into his suit pocket.

However, Bai Jingyun still felt the difference in treatment—because the little one had carefully woven a new flower crown and placed it on his father's head.

Both Bai Sheng and Bai Qian got flower crowns. When it came to Bai Jingyun, he only got a single flower, clearly still bearing a grudge.

When Bai Jingyun left, there was none of the usual resentment or irritation from being treated differently—only the lingering regret about his past self: Why did I have to let the little guy taste that lemon?

Now, whenever the little one mentions Uncle, he remembers how Uncle's lemon 'got' him.

How is he supposed to win over a kid like this? Is he now the little one's least favorite?

He didn't really care, but it was still kind of annoying.

Bai Sheng was the last to leave. Hearing his father's words, he glanced at Bai Qian and put his phone away.

"Dad, the way you just held Nono—he was uncomfortable."

What?

Bai Qian was taken aback, not following Bai Sheng's thought process.

Bai Sheng didn't intend to explain. He just waved his hand and headed back to his place. "Next time, learn how to hold a child properly, or don't hold him at all. I need to go work on Nono's new training schedule. I'll be off."

Bai Qian shook himself out of it, watching Bai Sheng's retreating figure. Rivalry among top alphas wasn't just between siblings—it also crossed generations. He muttered under his breath, "Little punk."

At that moment, Bai Qian realized.

The little guy was uncomfortable being held but didn't say anything because he saw Bai Qian was unhappy—including the way he used the phone to offer the flower crown... because that little one is soft-hearted.

That's what Bai Sheng was driving at.

Bai Nuo is the kind of cub who would put himself out for others.

The little one might be used to it and wouldn't see it as a problem, but as Xiaobai Nuo's father, Bai Sheng wasn't happy about it. He didn't say anything this time, but Bai Qian caught Bai Sheng's unspoken meaning: if he did it again next time, Bai Sheng wouldn't let him hold Xiaobai Nuo again.

It was unexpectedly... protective of his cub.

Bai Qian's expression turned odd for a moment.

"Like anyone wants to hold your kid."

"Boss?"

The assistant stepped forward and asked in a low voice.

"Let's head to the office."

Bai Qian came back to his senses, coughed lightly, and said.

"And tell the old master not to stir up trouble."

"Okay."

The assistant hesitated for a moment before responding. As they returned to the main building, just before getting into the car, Bai Qian spoke again.

"By the way, find two people with childcare experience to come over."

Isn't it just learning how to hold a cub? What's so difficult about that! Couldn't he learn that?!

Assistant: ...Didn't you just say you didn't want to hold the young master?

But the assistant didn't say that out loud.

"Okay."

Until the afternoon, several cars slowly drove into the Bai family's old residence and stopped in front of the main building.

"Did he really say that?"

A slow, elderly voice with a hint of authority sounded slowly.

Inside the car, Old Master Bai Yan, his hair gray, asked casually, but his relaxed demeanor couldn't hide the shrewdness and indifference in his eyes. At this age, Old Master Bai was still relatively robust, but with the conservatism and stubbornness of the older generation, he sometimes appeared particularly eccentric.

Bai Qian was the second son. He had broken through the previous Bai family power struggle and taken actual control, while Bai Yan had long since retired to the background.

Bai Yan thought he understood his sons and grandsons very clearly, but upon hearing such words, he was still somewhat surprised.

He of course already knew that the cub Bai Sheng had unexpectedly obtained was an omega.

But since he had lived to this age, he had seen everything there was to see. Even though it was the first omega cub in so many generations of the Bai family, he was only stunned for a moment at first, and then he was curious about the impact that little cub had had on Bai San in just a few short days.

"Yes, old master. The Second Master said so. It seems Third Master really cares about that little young master who appeared unexpectedly."

The old master's personal assistant said softly, silently worrying about Bai Sheng in his heart.

After all, this old master's upbringing was much harsher than Bai Qian's. In fact, those who could win the final victory in the brutal sibling rivalries were not the soft-hearted kind, and it was hard for warmth to exist.

More than their own affection for a younger generation, they valued interests and abilities. They were even cold to the point of being extreme — if someone lacked the ability to take over the Bai family, they would rather see the Bai family destroyed at its peak than let it slowly crumble in the hands of an incompetent person.

The car door was pulled open.

A man dressed elegantly bowed slightly, with his usual gentle, fox-like smile on his lips: "Grandfather."

It was the second young master of the Bai family, Bai Liang.

Tonight, Bai Qi and Bai Jin were also not returning, so it was Bai Liang who went to welcome the old master.

"Hmm."

Old Master Bai nodded. He got out of the car and walked in front of Bai Liang. He entered the courtyard and, through the glass, spotted a little cub running back and forth inside, tap-tap-tap. He stopped briefly, frowned slightly, and observed.

Bai Liang, who was also seeing Xiaobai Nuo for the first time, stopped as well and looked over curiously.

He was a bit surprised, because in his field of vision, the one closest to that little one was not Bai Sheng, but Bai Jingyun.

Bai Liang almost doubted his own eyes.

The eldest brother and the third brother's cub are close? Ha, how could I ever dream of that?

Is this world crazy?

Not crazy.

Inside, because the great-grandfather was coming, the little baby monitor was left by Xiaobai Nuo in his room to charge. At this moment, he had a small water bottle filled with water hanging around his neck, exploring the main building. Just then, he was stopped by Bai Jingyun, who had just returned home.

Today, Bai Jingyun had been wearing that flower and asked several people, finally concluding that cubs wouldn't refuse candy.

Actually, he didn't really want to do anything, but being at the bottom of the little one's impression list bothered him, given the Bai family's strong competitive streak.

So, when the colorful packaging was taken out from that cold, stiff suit, the cub was still clutching his warm little water bottle, not quite catching on.

Until Bai Jingyun unwrapped the package: "They say these are the most popular candies among children these days."

Candy!

The cub's eyes lit up. He held his small water cup with both hands. Although he had recovered quickly from last night's sickness and now showed no signs of having been in the hospital yesterday, he was still bundled up tightly by his dad and told to drink more water.

Xiaobai Nuo said in a milky voice: "Is it for Nono?"

Bai Jingyun nodded.

Bai Sheng was sitting on the sofa not far away, occasionally glancing at his own cub. Opposite him sat Bai Qian, who also kept watching the little cub now and then.

The little one was once bitten, twice shy. He blinked, first looked back at his dad, and after Bai Sheng nodded slightly, he took several candies from Bai Jingyun's hand and said in a serious, milky voice: "Thank you, Uncle."

Then the cub happily ran tap-tap-tap to the sofa.

"Daddy, candy! Look! Nono has new candies again!"

Bai Sheng ruffled the little one's curls, hummed in response, and watched as the little one bowed his head and struggled to unwrap a candy. He looked around the room.

Bai Sheng thought to himself: Oh, is the first candy for Daddy?

Of course, Daddy doesn't really like sweets that much, but since...

Then the little one held out the candy to Bai Qian: "Grandpa, Grandpa, here's candy for you."

Bai Sheng: ...Not for Daddy but for Grandpa?!

Bai Qian was stunned for a couple of seconds. He wasn't into sweets, but it was rare to see Bai Sheng's slightly stunned expression as he half-stood up. He didn't say no, just lowered his head and took the candy with his mouth. His usually stern face had a little bulge from the candy, and his sharp eyes swept over Bai Sheng with a flicker of pride.

Then he heard the little one ask, "Grandpa, is it sweet?"

Why ask that?

Bai Qian was taken aback, then nodded. "Yes, it is."

Then he watched as the little one cheerfully asked his father to hold him, so he could peel a candy for his dad.

What a twist.

Bai Qian: ...

Hold up, you little brat—are you using Grandpa as a guinea pig?!

Bai Qian bit down on the candy in irritation.

Somewhere in the distance, the eldest uncle sighed internally: ...Someone get me out of here! What does this kid think I am? I'm not some villain!

Bai Sheng was relieved. His cheek also bulged a little as he watched the kid feed him a candy and then pop one into his own mouth. Then, cheerful, the kid climbed down and kept exploring, like a kitten marking its territory, still wobbly on his feet but already rubbing his scent everywhere.

Bai Sheng checked the time and mumbled, "Don't have too much candy."

"Okay, Daddy!"

The kid trotted off, unwrapping another piece of candy. When Bai Sheng said that, the kid trotted over to his deflated eldest uncle and shoved the candy into his mouth.

Bai Jingyun: ...

Bai Jingyun ate it.

He watched the generous little guy carry the bag around and hand out candy to everyone nearby—people he knew and didn't know alike. In the end, the little one held up an empty bag, just as happy.

Logically, faced with this distrust, he should scoff, stop caring, and let it go. But here, now—

"I must be losing my mind."

Bai Jingyun muttered under his breath, candy in his cheek, then suddenly turned his head.

Every alpha in the room turned to look at the door.

The door had been opened.

The old master entered first, his face odd as he looked around. Beside him, Bai Liang was rubbing his chin and clicking his tongue.

Bai Liang wanted to say the same: What the hell is going on here?

He'd only been gone a few days—how did the house turn into this warm, candy-sharing paradise?

Isn't it terrifying to see a bunch of top-tier alphas sitting around eating candy?

The little one, done handing out candy, clutched the pretty, colorful wrapper and blinked his big eyes as he looked over.

"Dad."

"Grandpa."

Everyone—those on the sofa and those crouching nearby, all alphas—stood up.

Bai Sheng noticed Bai Yan studying the kid. He naturally took the kid's hand and tucked him behind himself.

Bai Yan stooped. He had a jewel-encrusted cane that thudded on the floor, making the little one wary. The kid peeked out cautiously.

He was really cute—the kind that makes people go soft.

His tone gave nothing away: "This the new family member? A little omega?"

He could have said it harsher.

But Bai Yan was also surprised to see that not just Bai Sheng, but even Bai Qian, who'd just won his battles, and Bai Jingyun, usually at odds with Bai Sheng, all had subtle reactions to the kid. He adjusted his tone a bit, deciding not to press on where the kid came from.

But deep down, he couldn't shake a sense of unease.

Having gotten this far, he knew the rule: Be suspicious of anything that feels good—it might be a trap meant just for you.

He'd need to make a final call later.

When Bai Yan offered his hand, the kid looked up at his dad, then let go. He stepped forward, looked up at his great-grandfather, and said, "Great-grandfather, I'm Nono."

The kid reached out and touched Bai Yan's hand.

He flinched at the icy cold.

Bai Yan pulled his hand back, face unreadable. He was a little surprised and even more convinced this kid wasn't ordinary—he seemed like he'd seen big things before. No kid his age would be so chill and quick to adapt otherwise.

Then he heard the crinkle of the candy wrapper. The kid clutched the wrapper, fumbled to take off the tiny water bottle around his neck—barely bigger than an adult palm—and shoved it into his great-grandfather's hand before he could pull away. In Bai Yan's momentary confusion, the kid looked up and said sweetly, "Great-grandfather, your hand is so cold. Warm it up with Nono's water bottle."

Summer hadn't come yet; the night was still cool.

The kid had actually forgotten everything about his great-grandfather after that. He just remembered that when his own hands got cold, he'd hold up his little bottle and ask Granny Feng to put slightly warm water in it. Holding it for a bit would warm him up.

Bai Liang, standing next to Bai Yan, gave the kid a weird look too. After a second, he smiled. "I'm your second uncle."

Too many people. Xiao Bai Nuo was a bit overwhelmed.

He nodded, meekly called him Second Uncle, and instinctively sidled toward familiar faces. He backed up to his dad, grabbed his pants, and looked up with big, gleaming eyes at Bai Sheng—waiting for approval.

Bai Sheng lazily put his hand on the kid's head. His posture was indeed casual, but everyone there understood—Bai Sheng had fully claimed this kid as his.

Bai Qian glanced at the kid before speaking. "Let's eat first. We'll talk about everything after."

Bai Yan nodded.

The meal was a little tense. Xiao Bai Nuo naturally picked up on the tension.

But to the kid, wasting food was the most shameful thing ever!

He gripped his little spoon and worked hard to clean his plate. When everyone cleared out and his dad put him on the open balcony to play, the kid didn't fully listen this time.

He reached up and wrapped his little arms around his dad's neck, keeping him from leaving. In a soft, nervous voice, he asked, "Daddy, does Great-grandfather... not like Nono?"

Bai Sheng froze, gazing into Xiao Bai Nuo's big beautiful eyes. "Of course not. Great-grandfather's just here for a few days. Don't overthink it. Go play. Your toys are over there. Can't read the books? Just check out the pictures. Dad'll come down soon and take you home."

"Okay."

The kid let go and nodded, all obedient.

But he didn't feel like playing with toys. Watching grandpa, dad, and uncle go upstairs, and the new great-grandfather and second uncle go up too, the kid paced the balcony twice, then headed for the stairs and quietly crept up.

The old butler, who had been watching the child from behind, wiped his sweat. Even Bai Qian had said to let the little one play on his own, so he hesitated, unsure whether to restrict the young cub's movements: "Young master."

But as soon as he spoke, the little one was very agile, and with a few quick steps, he went pattering upstairs. The butler quickly followed.

At that moment, on the second floor in the study.

A round of pointless arguments about how to raise the cub had already taken place.

Bai Yan's idea was the same as Bai Sheng's original thought: provide all possible material conditions but not to get too attached to him.

This stubborn little old man, even after seeing the cub and feeling a slight waver in his heart, still insisted on the Bai family's traditional ways.

And obviously, Bai Sheng was no longer someone he could control. It was hard for anyone to truly know how much the young cub's status had changed in Bai Sheng's heart in just these few days.

"If you protect him like this, what will you do when you have other children later? Can you protect him for life? How will he compete with his younger siblings? How will he get through the conflicts with them?"

"Why can't I protect him for life?"

Bai Sheng hated the old man's string of arguments. After patiently refuting Bai Yan's suggestions one by one at the start, he finally couldn't help but raise his eyebrows and retort.

Bai Jingyun, who had been standing nearby the whole time, shot Bai Sheng a pointed look. In fact, the old man had already tacitly acknowledged that Bai Sheng would prevail in this generation, naturally treating Bai Sheng's offspring as the next battlefield for the Bai family's power struggles. In the past, resentment, anger, jealousy, and the faint inferiority he would admit to would have come sweeping in like a wildfire. But at this moment, Bai Jingyun's expression was subtly different. Not only were those emotions absent, there was no schadenfreude either. Instead, there was even a hint of... approval?

Well, protecting him for life isn't out of the question, is it?

If Bai San took on the responsibility as the Bai family's leader and couldn't manage... let me take care of this little one?

Bai Qian's expression was unreadable, but he sat to the side without speaking. However, if you looked closely, he was tense all over, ready to act at any moment—even against his father, who could not challenge the true power holder of the Bai family at this moment.

Bai Liang couldn't get a word in. He was still quite surprised by Bai Sheng's defiance—because of that little cub, Bai Sheng wasn't even willing to pretend to be distant in front of their grandfather.

"You... I think you've really lost your head! Grandfather had such high hopes for you! Do you want to see the Bai family slowly fall apart? I think that child will bring you down sooner or later!"

Bai Sheng, the most carefree and also the strongest among the top Alphas of this generation in the Bai family, said, "Grandfather, I never cared about what you said."

For Bai Sheng, living in the Bai family was one way of life, and leaving the Bai family was another. In the past, if the Bai family offered challenges, he stayed. But if the Bai family no longer suited him, he wasn't dependent on them.

"Grandfather, that little one is actually quite well-behaved..."

Bai Jingyun couldn't help but interject.

Bai Liang's eyes widened in disbelief: The eldest brother is butting in? And isn't this adding fuel to the fire?

Sure enough, Bai Yan glanced at Bai Jingyun, never expecting him to speak up for Bai Sheng. He was incensed: "Worthless."

"Is there anything else? If not, Grandfather, you should rest early. As for the cub, I only need Nono."

Would the little one get hurt in struggles with younger siblings? Would he not be able to treat them equally? Possibilities existed, so why not just not have biological younger siblings? Bai Sheng thought casually.

But the old man was so angry he laughed. He threw his walking cane at Bai Sheng: "What nonsense are you talking about!"

"Smack!"

The cane landed on Bai Sheng's shoulder. Bai Sheng didn't dodge, and the door behind him was suddenly pushed open. Bai Sheng turned around in surprise. None of the top Alphas had noticed the little cub hiding by the door. Now the little one had already pattered in and rushed in front of his father, shielding him.

The little one looked at the cane, then at his stunned great-grandfather. His big, dark eyes filled with a mist of tears: "Don't bully my dad!"

The moment the cub ran over, Bai Sheng grabbed him and lifted him up. Bai Sheng's face darkened.

How did this little thing get up here?

The little one hugged his father's neck, looking at his great-grandfather: "Don't bully my dad and my uncle."

Even though Bai Sheng and Bai Jingyun were the ones scolded, it was the little cub who felt wronged.

"Dad is not a bastard! Uncle is not worthless!"

The little one saw the faint red mark on Bai Sheng's shoulder, visible above his collar, and tears fell pattering down—it's all Nono's fault.

Is it because Nono was too greedy and did a bad job... But Nono really likes Dad, and Nono really wants... a family.

Actually, Nono should have been obedient and not come out, but no one is allowed to hit Dad. No one.

Bai Sheng's expression changed instantly. He didn't look at the old man, whose face was blank because he hadn't expected the little one to catch them. He simply turned and left decisively.

Bai Jingyun paused for a few seconds, as if just snapping out of the words "Uncle is not worthless."

"Alright, alright, Grandfather, take a breather. It's still early days, and suddenly talking about things far in the future—it's all uncertain, isn't it?"

Bai Liang smoothly stepped in to mediate. He exchanged a glance with Bai Jingyun.

"I'll go try to talk sense into your third grandson."

He smiled with narrowed eyes, adjusted his glasses, and gestured to Bai Jingyun. The two of them also exited the study.

The study quieted down again. Bai Qian, who had also stood up earlier, sat back down on the sofa, calmly picked up his tea, and took a sip. He looked at the old man and gave a silent smile. Although he didn't entirely agree with Bai Sheng's words at this point, he was also quite exasperated with this stubborn, traditional old man: "Dad, sometimes you have to accept that you're no longer at your peak as a top Alpha. Can you still control that kid?"

And at this moment in the study, they could faintly hear the little cub's sobbing voice from downstairs: "Great-grandfather doesn't like Nono... Nono doesn't like great-grandfather either."

The old man's face flickered with various expressions, finally settling into a gloomy, dark look: "Outrageous!"

Bai Qian stood up: "Just let it be, Dad. Rest early."

On the other side, Bai Sheng carried the cub, his face dark, walking in front. Bai Jingyun and Bai Liang were five or six steps behind him.

Bai Liang was truly shocked. He looked at Bai Sheng, then at Bai Jingyun. Of course, it wasn't because he had a good relationship with these two—he simply wanted to see the show. He gave a mocking laugh: "Unprecedented today."

When have you two ever been on the same side?

Then he saw Bai Jingyun's ice-cube face take on a subtle expression. After brief thought, Bai Jingyun softly said: "Thank you, Grandfather."

Bai Liang: ...What?

No comparison, no harm.

Bai Jingyun thought.

I'm no longer the Bai family member this little thing hates the most. Grandfather, thank you for drawing all the fire away.

Bai Liang: "You've all gone mad."

Bai Sheng walked ahead. His phone rang several times. He looked down—the results from the Federal Public Hospital about the omega had come in, flooding in with countless messages. One message caught Bai Sheng's attention, and he took a moment to read it.

—'Mr. Bai, if you have time, would you please take a look at this video? It's a short clip of this precious little omega cub at the research institute. He's really looking forward to having a home. This is also our personal wish—we hope the Bai family will treat him well.'

Apart from various documents, they had also sent a video. Bai Sheng didn't have time to watch it yet, because he found he couldn't soothe the cub in his arms.

In the past, the little one was easy to comfort, but now the cub carefully avoided the fading red mark on Bai Sheng's shoulder, hugged his neck, and lay sadly on his shoulder, not crying, just silent and heartbreakingly sorrowful.

Bai Sheng had no idea what to do. He poked the little one's cheek, just like before. The old father raised his eyebrows and suddenly lifted the cub high. As the cub's eyes widened and met his, Bai Sheng spoke: "What's with that expression? Dad was just letting your great-grandfather win a bit. He's old, and I didn't want to make him sick. See? It's nothing at all."

The little one stared for a long moment, then suddenly seemed to make up his mind. As his father pulled him back into his arms, Bai Jingyun and Bai Liang caught up just in time to hear the little guy speak in a soft, choked voice, still sniffly.

"Dad, if Great-Grandpa kicks you out because of Nono... just abandon Nono." Nono could survive anywhere.

Bai Sheng stopped in his tracks. He looked even more annoyed.

"Abandon you? Where? As if your dad couldn't manage if he took you with him."

His own cub had no idea how capable his old man really was, how many businesses he owned. Bai Sheng thought this, his face blank.

And indeed, the cub didn’t know much—just that the whole Bai family were villains. He blinked, pressed against his father's chest, thought hard for a while, then finally clenched his little fists and mumbled, "Dad, if Great-Grandpa kicks you out because of Nono, then Nono will pick up trash to support you."

Bai Sheng’s face went completely blank: ...

What?

Nono nodded firmly, in a baby voice: "Nono is really good at picking up trash."

That was how he had taken care of himself before. This time, Nono would work even harder, because Nono wasn’t alone anymore... Nono had a dad.

Author's note:

The scruffy little trash-picking cub: Nono will support Dad. *clenches fist*

Dad: !!! Cub, don't pick up trash!!! [cracking][cracking][cracking]

The stubborn old Great-Grandpa still needs a lesson from the cub.

Bai Jingyun: Thank you, Grandpa. "hands clasped together"

Bai Yan: ...