Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Soon Xiaobai Nuo learned just how formidable Grandma really was—a grandmother who had raised five Alpha kids, currently kept the balance within the Bai Family in check, had Bai Qian completely under her thumb, and was a world-renowned designer as well as a major shareholder of the nation's largest platform.

Even the most rebellious members of the Bai family had to show their mother some respect, after all, whatever warmth this generation of the Bai family remembered probably came from Cen Zhi.

So the dazed little one, who hadn't even climbed to his feet yet, watched Grandma stride over in her high heels: "Bai Sheng! What are you doing to him?!"

"Mom, I'm teaching him how to trip someone." Besides, he had just gently placed the little guy on the mat.

With a helpless look and a soft click of his tongue, Bai Sheng started circling the soft mat with Cen Zhi.

Cen Zhi's eyes went wide. All composure and dignity vanished, replaced by the image of her little one being floored by his dad and looking up at Grandma pitifully.

Grandma's treasure was asking Grandma for help!!!

And besides, how old was the baby this year? Not even five, with a physical development level of a three-year-old—a three-year-old Omega kid—and you're teaching him how to trip someone?! Have you read the growth stages for little Omega kids?! Did you memorize every word?!

Is this how you be a dad?! Jerk! All these jerks in the Bai family!

Cursing everyone in her mind, Cen Zhi poked Bai Sheng's arm and shoulder, trying to stab him with her eyes—of course, she didn't share the Bai surname, she wasn't a Bai, and Nono was Grandma's treasure, definitely not lumped in with those jerks.

"And even if you're desperate to teach him something, can't you at least give a heads-up?! Look, you've stunned him! I think you want to be flopped down too!!"

Xiaobai Nuo snapped out of it and scrambled to his feet on the mat.

Though he was almost five, he looked more like a two- or three-year-old. The little guy stretched up on tiptoes, reaching out with his tiny arms and legs, trying to speak up for his dad.

But because the little cub was so polite and Grandma never left him any breathing room to get a word in, it just proved how impractical and counterproductive it was for Bai Sheng—that jerk—to want to teach Xiaobai Nuo this kind of technique now!

The little one's mouth opened and closed, opened and closed again. His little arms waved helplessly as he circled around with his dad and Grandma a few times—Nono got dizzy.

Realizing Grandma wasn't actually going to hurt Dad, the little cub, wanting to help but powerless, finally sat meekly on the soft mat, hugging his little legs.

Grandma, if you yell at Dad, you can't yell at Nono anymore.

Finally, Cen Zhi achieved a temporary victory. Bai Sheng helplessly admitted he had been too hasty and promised to first get the little one's body in good shape before gradually starting to train him. Only then was Cen Zhi satisfied. She looked at the little cub.

Xiaobai Nuo blinked nervously and spoke: "Gra—Grandma, it was Nono who wanted to learn from Dad..."

Cen Zhi crouched down: "Nono is still little now, your bones and everything are too soft. You need to grow a bit more, or else you'll get hurt easily. At this age, kids just need to know to run and find an adult when they're in danger. What does Dad know? Grandma knows much more."

She'd always said that single Alpha couldn't raise kids! Especially adorable little Omega ones like this.

The little cub wanted to say more, but looking at Grandma's firm gaze, the words defending Dad got swallowed back down by the cub, who had keenly sensed who stood at the top of the Bai family food chain.

The little one obediently nodded: "Got it."

Cen Zhi nodded with satisfaction. Not until after Bai Sheng had been poked into submission and she heard Xiaobai Nuo say that did she realize: Oh no, Grandma's image, Grandma's composure, Grandma's reliability!

Damn, she'd gotten used to scolding Alpha kids.

Bai Sheng, now "educated," simply sat down next to his kid. The big and little one sat side by side, looking at Cen Zhi.

The aura of a top-tier Alpha softened only slightly in the presence of his mother—just like when they were kids, Cen Zhi would furiously drag Alpha kids out of every corner you could imagine and make them sit quietly in a row, then yell their full names while scolding them.

But now, seeing Ms. Cen Zhi's expression, Bai Sheng felt a laugh coming on.

Cen Zhi adjusted her expression, put on a graceful and elegant smile, and reintroduced herself: "Baby, I'm Grandma."

Baby, you understand, don't you? Grandma is still an elegant, composed, and reliable grandma.

Then the little cub answered obediently: "Grandma."

Grandma was very pretty, but since Grandma beat up Dad, please don't beat up Nono.

The little guy also fished a piece of candy from his pocket and placed it in Grandma's hand, once again obedient and even a bit reverent: "Grandma, have some candy."

Cen Zhi paused briefly. Before she could say anything, she saw the little one lower his head, search all his pockets, and with devout concentration, put the two more pieces of candy he found into Cen Zhi's hand.

All for Grandma! Nono's entire supply is handed over!

The little cub's eyes were clear and determined, and he clapped his little hands together.

But why did it look so much like making an offering?

Bai Sheng couldn't hold it in anymore. He turned his head and started shaking with laughter.

Unstoppable. His cub had taken the hilarity of the previous scene to a whole new level.

Cen Zhi: ...He totally doesn't get it, does he?!

Right now, Cen Zhi wanted to throw Bai Sheng off the building.

Bai Sheng sensed the danger, quickly reined in his expression, and changed the subject.

"Mom, why are you back now? Didn't you say your plane wouldn't land for another two hours?"

"I originally booked today's flight, but I couldn't wait. I started traveling last night, made a few flight changes, and got here a few hours early."

Cen Zhi put the candies away. Her beautiful, dignified face now showed no trace of her earlier fluster. Though she had seen the little one in a video and had been longing for a cute little Omega, meeting in person still felt a bit unfamiliar.

Cen Zhi tentatively pinched the little cub's cheek. Seeing him blink and instinctively tilt his head to rub against her palm.

Cen Zhi:!

Adorable overload.

More adorable than all five of her Alphas put together!

Cen Zhi withdrew her hand and savored the feeling for a moment before smiling: "Grandma brought the baby a gift. They've already taken it upstairs. These three pieces of candy are Nono's gift back to Grandma, okay?"

Gift?

Xiaobai Nuo hesitated, then pointed at himself: "For Nono? Can Nono have a gift?"

"Of course."

Cen Zhi smiled.

"Thank you, Grandma!" The little cub's eyes lit up. Sensing perhaps that Cen Zhi was easy to talk to now, he finally spoke up again: "Grandma, it was Nono who wanted to become stronger. Please don't blame Dad, okay? Dad is—super good to Nono. Nono likes Dad so much!"

Bai Sheng turned to look.

Cen Zhi paused for a moment, almost sighing—even among Omega cubs, she had never seen one so good and cute.

"Okay, whatever the baby says. Let Grandma give you a hug?"

Lifting the soft little body into her arms, Cen Zhi felt as if all the exhaustion from traveling overnight had been swept away.

But now Cen Zhi found Bai Sheng even more irritating—this kid really lucked out.

Cen Zhi admitted that initially, she thought the little one was an Alpha pup, so she hadn’t planned to come back. It was only when she learned he was a little Omega pup that she rushed home. This involved some stereotyping and a long sigh of relief that her past aspirations had finally been realized. Did she like him? Of course she did. But to say she was completely smitten at first sight? Cen Zhi found that hard to admit.

However, at this moment, the once-empty image of a little Omega in her heart began to fill up bit by bit—not just any Omega pup, but Nono.

But there was still important business to discuss. Cen Zhi, holding the pup, doted on him for a while before turning her gaze to Bai Sheng.

“On the way here, your cousin texted me. You’re raising a pup and you let someone take pictures? And there are photos from the hospital. What if someone uses them to make trouble? They might claim you’re not taking good care of the kid and use it to boycott the Bai family?”

“Just a small issue.”

Bai Sheng said casually, his brows arched with arrogance and a hint of sharpness.

“There’s a big deal brewing overseas lately, and several companies are gunning for it. Those foreigners act like they have a guilty conscience, wanting to check if a business partner’s family is harmonious or not before negotiating. There are plenty of rumors floating around out there. If some people really want to compete for this deal, they need to see if they can even swallow it.”

Bai Sheng truly wasn’t worried about this at all.

“That’s fine for you, but what if it affects our baby?”

Never underestimate the malice of some people online. She didn’t want Xiaobai Nuo dragged into the public eye over such controversial topics.

Cen Zhi glared at Bai Sheng.

“There’s a charity gala tonight. Don’t tell me you didn’t get an invitation. I’ll notify your father in a bit. You bring Nono and officially debut him in social circles tonight. We can postpone the homecoming party and prepare it slowly, making it a grand occasion.”

She had already thought of a countermeasure on the way—people accusing him of treating the pup badly? Since news might leak from anywhere, act first. Let everyone see at a glance how father and son are doing. Her friends in various industries would also get the picture.

And most importantly—ha, was it finally my turn to show off my pup?!

At the mention of the gala, Bai Sheng couldn’t help but frown, but in the end, he agreed.

Then Xiaobai Nuo was passed back into Bai Sheng’s arms.

The little one naturally nestled into his father’s embrace, looking a bit dazed as he listened. He didn’t really understand the various activities and events of this world, but he obediently opened his watery eyes, making people’s hearts soften without them knowing why.

Actually, ever since he was picked up by his grandmother, Xiaobai Nuo had been thinking.

The little pup was wondering what his grandmother’s role was in the story.

In the story, the grandmother also died, seemingly because of her maternal relatives and also because, as a designer, she traveled far and wide for inspiration. She passed away in a natural disaster, which was like the prelude to the antagonist family’s descent into madness.

“Grandma, Grandma—”

Xiaobai Nuo looked at Cen Zhi.

The little pup opened his mouth, but the words stuck in his throat and wouldn’t come out.

“What’s wrong, baby?”

Cen Zhi was busy texting Bai Qian, but when she heard the little pup’s voice, she immediately set aside her conversation with Bai Qian. Her bright, beautiful face broke into a smile as she asked softly.

It wasn’t just Nono’s imagination. Last time he tried to tell his father, he couldn’t say it either. Back then, Xiaobai Nuo thought it was because he was too small and his language skills weren't developed yet.

Xiaobai Nuo pursed his lips. He couldn't say what he wanted here, but he didn’t want his grandmother to die. Not just because he liked his grandmother…

Xiaobai Nuo looked at his father holding him, and the little pup leaned closer into his father’s arms—his father also liked his grandmother, so in that book, his father must have been very sad.

Nono had to protect his grandmother too!

Xiaobai Nuo pressed his lips together and spoke softly.

“Grandma, did you not sleep well last night? You need to take good care of yourself.”

How could anyone resist the feeling of a tiny little thing speaking so earnestly in that soft, milky voice?

Cen Zhi immediately clutched her chest.

Grandma can't handle it—Nono is killing her with cuteness.

“Alright, alright. Grandma will rest a bit in a while. Tonight, your father will take our baby to eat something delicious, okay? And you’ll meet some other grandmas.”

Delicious food!

Xiaobai Nuo’s eyes lit up, and he looked at Bai Sheng.

Bai Sheng nodded, but then he remembered something and glanced at the time.

“There’s a lot going on tonight. I was originally planning to take Nono to check out some kindergartens after picking him up.”

“Kindergarten?”

Cen Zhi looked over in disbelief.

Had she even had a chance to take care of the pup yet, and he was already planning to send the little one to kindergarten?!

Cen Zhi was about to speak—he should at least adapt at home for half a year and recuperate first, right?

But before she could say anything, Bai Sheng gestured for her to wait. He set the little one down. “Nono, weren’t you going to make a flower crown for Grandma? Uncle Li said the flowers have arrived. Go with him to get them, okay?”

“Okay!”

Xiaobai Nuo nodded eagerly. He trotted over to his grandmother, looked up at her, and said, “Grandma, Grandma, Nono will give you a flower crown later.”

The little pup, followed by his little surveillance bot, hopped out of the room, not forgetting to ask the bot behind him.

“Hello, Dou Dou.”

“I’m here. What can I do for you?”

“What color scheme should I pick for Grandma’s flower crown today?”

“I recommend pink, yellow, and purple tones. Would you like me to suggest specific flowers? If so, please tell me.”

The door was pushed open, and Assistant Li was waiting outside. After the door closed, the little pup’s voice and Dou Dou's voice gradually faded.

Cen Zhi turned to look at Bai Sheng.

“That's the situation.”

Bai Sheng straightened his clothes.

“Right now, Nono’s only friend is that little surveillance bot. That won’t do. He never had contact with other kids in the lab, so it’s better to get him socialized early. I’ve already checked and settled on Canghua Kindergarten. It’s not far from the old house, and the schedule is flexible. If he doesn’t want to go to school, we can just pick him up. Making more friends will help him grow. One of my business partners also has a kid there—well, he’s also my college classmate. You know him, Mom, Xie Yu.”

Cen Zhi thought about that soft little guy, then looked at Bai Sheng. In the end, she compromised, though she had originally planned to take good care of the little one for at least half a year or a year.

"That kid Xie Yu is pretty steady."

"Then you take Nono to check it out. The little one's physical and mental health is the most important. There's a charity gala tonight, hosted by your Aunt Chu—just show up and drop some hints, doesn't need to be too formal."

Cen Zhi actually wanted to go along, but she was a bit tired, and there was still a lot to arrange.

However—

Cen Zhi glanced at Bai Sheng again.

She was indeed a bit surprised.

Her son, the most mischievous, rebellious, and hardest to manage Alpha kid—turns out to be a good father.

Cen Zhi's phone kept buzzing in her hand.

She frowned and looked down—What the heck is Bai Qian constantly sending messages about?! Doesn't he see she's worried about Nono's physical and mental health?!

About two hours later.

Bai Sheng still took Little Nono to check out the kindergarten early.

At this time of day, kindergartens like this were about to dismiss, and parents were already arriving to pick up their kids.

The principal led Bai Sheng, who was holding the little one, enthusiastically introducing each facility one by one, his face glowing with excitement.

Because omega children were very rare, Canghua Kindergarten didn't have many little omega kids.

Let alone a child from the Bai family.

"We have small class sizes—one teacher for every two kids, ensuring each child's safety. Over there is the activity area, with all possible safety measures in place. You can also take the little master on a tour. There are some children playing inside. That's the free activity area, including sandpits and other spaces where kids can let loose. And don't worry—we disinfect the sand and soil daily, replace them regularly, and run special activities every week to lay a foundation for the little master's future learning and guide his interests. Whatever the little master likes or wants, we'll incorporate it here."

The principal explained each thing one by one.

Then he looked at Little Nono and smiled even more warmly.

"Little master, how do you like it here?"

Little Nono had never been to a place like this. The tiny kid nestled in his father's arms, curiously looking around, his big eyes blinking. Hearing the principal grandpa's words, Little Nono gave a warm, sweet smile.

The little guy still didn't understand that going to kindergarten meant being separated from his dad.

Assistant Li, following behind Bai Sheng, had already evaluated the place once, but listening to the principal, he carefully reassessed it.

Bai Sheng looked around and nodded.

The environment here was indeed good, and it could meet all their requirements.

For now, of course, they wouldn't let the little one enroll. First, they'd let him meet other kids, including those two Xie family boys, to see if they could play together. Relying only on the little monitor for company wasn't a good long-term plan.

At the same time, Bai Sheng's phone vibrated. He glanced at it—a message from Xie Yu.

Xie Yu: Bai San, are you at the kindergarten?

Xie Yu: Perfect timing. I'm here with my wife to pick up our kids. Where are you in the kindergarten? We'll come say hi.

Bai Sheng set the little one down.

"Dad?"

The little one still clung to his father's neck. There was an instinctive wariness toward unfamiliar places—a vigilance honed in the apocalypse. But the noisy area with lots of children's voices piqued Little Nono's curiosity—you have to understand, in the apocalypse, not many kids survived.

Bai Sheng didn't know the little one's thoughts. He simply encouraged him, pointing at the activity area: "Curious? Go check it out. Dad will wait here."

Little Nono blinked, looked at his dad, at Assistant Li, then at the principal grandpa, and said softly, "Then Dad, wait here for Nono. Nono will just take a look and come back."

What was with that tone, as if afraid his dad might get lost?

Bai Sheng found it amusing. He nodded.

He watched as Little Nono, with his short little legs, toddled over.

The principal grandpa was already so overwhelmed by cuteness he felt like he needed oxygen—could he really get to see such an adorable kid?!

Meanwhile, in the activity area, the children were still playing.

The Xie Family twins, both Alpha kids, huddled together with Yu Chuyan, whispering about making new friends, and then about the smartest kid.

The other kids there had already heard about a new child visiting the kindergarten. They were chattering curiously in their baby voices.

"No matter who comes, my mom said I'm the smartest!"

"No way, the smartest should be Liu Du from the next class—he's really good at crafts!"

"No, it should be..."

Hearing these childish arguments, the Xie twins immediately chimed in.

"Obviously, the smartest kid should be Brother Yan."

"Exactly!"

Yu Chuyan didn't want to argue about that. He looked at his twin friends, who were practically rolling in the mud, somewhat disdainfully. Then he sighed, and in a soft but serious baby voice said, "The moment I looked away, you rolled in the mud? Be careful you don't get scolded by your uncle."

"Hehe, if Dad hits me, I'll tell Mom!"

Xie Yue declared proudly, standing up and shaking off the mud.

Yu Chuyan stood up, brushed the sand off his hands, and said, "Let me ask Teacher Xiaoxue to bring you some wet towels."

Yu Chuyan was also mischievous, but unlike the Xie twins' dirty mess, he at least kept himself relatively clean.

Yu Chuyan turned and took a few steps out of the activity area, then froze. He locked eyes with a little head carefully peeking in from outside.

Little Nono was watching the activity area when he suddenly met Yu Chuyan's gaze. His big eyes blinked in surprise, and he let out a soft gasp, and his little head quickly pulled back.

Yu Chuyan was stunned.

At that moment, Xie Qing and Xie Yue heard their mother's voice.

"Mom's here!"

"Mom!"

The twins jumped up and happily ran outside.

Only then did Yu Chuyan come back to his senses. He touched his ear—Was he seeing things? It looked like he had just seen a little angel.

Oh my gosh, so cute!

Meanwhile, outside the door.

Shi Lin, who caught a glimpse of Xiaobai Nuo, was also totally charmed by how cute he was. She greeted the little guy but didn't forget her own two kids. She called out twice, and her two grubby kids came racing out.

The two children, who had been rolling in the mud, threw their arms out and bounced around, totally carefree: "Mommy, Mommy!!"

They wanted hugs.

Shi Lin: ...

After a difficult struggle between satisfying her children and not getting herself dirty, Shi Lin finally hugged her own kids with a resigned sigh.

No way around it, they're hers. Can't be grossed out. Shi Lin, you've got this. Don't be grossed out!!

Over there, Xie Yu and Bai Sheng were chatting.

Xiaobai Nuo had already trotted back and reached his arms out for his dad to pick him up.

Shi Lin, holding a dirty kid in each hand, walked up to Bai Sheng and Xiaobai Nuo. To be honest, she was a bit embarrassed to introduce her two little dirty monkeys. She was about to say, 'Did you guys go rolling in the mud?!' when before she could even speak, she saw the little guy blink his eyes, dig around in his pocket, and pull out a white handkerchief. In a sweet, babyish voice, he said,

"Auntie, let me wipe your face."

Shi Lin: ...

Trembling, she took the handkerchief. Shi Lin looked at the obedient and beautiful little boy, then at her two curious little monkeys beside her. A flustered teacher whisked the two little monkeys away to wash their faces.

She couldn't handle it anymore.

Trembling, she said, "Give me your kid—mmf mmf—"

Horrified, Xie Yu clapped his hand over his wife's mouth.

"Don't blurt it out like I did!!!"

Author's note:

Xie Yu: Give me the kid.

Shi Lin: Give me the kid.

Now that's what you call couple's unspoken agreement.

Bai Sheng: [?][?][?]

Nono: Is Nono going to play here with Daddy from now on?

Later—

The kid who learned there was such a thing as school: *sky is falling* JPG [bawling]