Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Xiaobai Nuo touched his cheek, held the third flower he had, then cheerfully—placed it on Dou Dou’s head.

Placed it on Dou Dou’s head?!

The others were fine, but Bai Jingyun choked a little.

The eldest uncle hadn’t expected his status to be lower than that of a little idiot monitor.

Although, thinking about it, the little one really did like that little monitor.

But—

It was still a bit disheartening. He was about to say something.

Then he heard the little one sitting on the soft mat speak in a baby voice: “Hello, Dou Dou.”

“I’m listening. Please go ahead.”

“Nono gives you a flower. Dou Dou looks so pretty now.”

Xiaobai Nuo’s eyes crinkled into crescents.

In this little one’s world, Dou Dou was clearly not a cold machine but a family member he cared about.

Such an innocent and beautiful scene was mesmerizing.

Not only Cen Zhi, smiling at the little one, and Bai Jingyun, who hadn’t looked away, but even Bai Liang and the great-grandfather, sitting farther away and hiding behind a newspaper, couldn’t help but glance over, briefly dazed.

The little monitor spun around, and the flower on its head tumbled off. It captured the object, scanned it briefly, connected the context, and quickly replied.

“The flower is very beautiful. Thank you—I think you need me to explain how to give flowers and gifts?”

The Bai Family: ...You little idiot, don’t use those nonsensical theories to pollute this little thing!!

But before anyone could react, the little monitor continued.

“Interpersonal relationships are a crucial part of human society, composed of many types of relationships. They allow humans to form groups rather than isolated individuals, effectively eliminate loneliness, and maintain mental health. Proper interpersonal communication is very important. However, if you want to give a gift, you can choose someone who can oversee the overall situation and command the scene.”

Xiaobai Nuo seemed to half-understand. Grandma, unable to take it anymore, clicked the little monitor’s voice button to restart it. The sound abruptly stopped, and under Cen Zhi’s hand, it looked innocently obedient.

The little cub blinked. Then, just as Grandma was about to say something, he dug through all his pockets and respectfully placed his candy and small coins in front of Grandma, pushing them toward her.

All for Grandma!

He said in a baby voice, looking like he had learned his lesson: “Grandma, not just flowers, also these.”

Cen Zhi: ...

Well, you have to admit, he nailed it.

Bai Liang shook his shoulders and turned away, stifling a laugh.

Bai Jingyun also curled his lips slightly. He was only back temporarily and had things to do later, but he couldn’t help lingering here for ages. He asked seriously: “And what about your eldest uncle’s?”

Xiaobai Nuo blinked, looking at his uncle, then at the small stack of folded paper beside him.

The tiny cub generously said: “Nono will fold one for Uncle.”

Oh, so that works?

Bai Liang raised an eyebrow and mischievously asked: “Then what about Nono’s great-grandfather? Does he get one too?”

Great-Grandpa wants one too?

The little cub’s eyes clearly showed that confused look, making Bai Liang want to laugh.

Behind him, the great-grandfather’s glare swept over immediately.

But Xiaobai Nuo thought for a moment and nodded: “I’ll fold one for Great-Grandfather too.”

This is way too obedient, isn’t it?

Bai Liang had vaguely sensed it, but this was way too obedient. He touched his chin and then heard the little one ask: “Does Second Uncle need one too?”

Hmm?

The little one looked at the colored paper for folding and said softly: “There’s still plenty of paper.”

“……”

Bai Liang seemed to hesitate slightly.

He wasn’t used to asking for things like paper flowers from others.

In his world, data, experiments, and endless fatigue were the norm, with occasional distractions from Bai Qi’s targeting.

These were all useful, meaningful, and important things. Getting a paper flower from this little cub? That was completely meaningless... But then again, the little soft sculpture he got yesterday also had no meaning.

So, faced with such a simple question, Bai Liang thought for a few seconds before answering: “Then, can I have one?”

“Yeah, yeah!” It was no big deal!

The little one found something to do. Like a worker just starting a job, he was full of enthusiasm, pulling out the next sheet of folding paper.

Bai Liang watched, inwardly scolding himself for wasting time on trivial matters, but still smiled: “Then it’s settled. Second Uncle will wait for you too.”

Then the ‘on-duty’ little one started folding like crazy.

Folding one after another.

He wasn’t just making one type of flower; paper was quickly being used up. Midway through folding, he even thought: Folding paper is such hard work!

Cen Zhi watched the group naturally gathering around the little one folding paper. She didn’t want to crush the cub’s interest, but she felt like kicking them all.

You capitalists are way too comfortable, aren’t you? Don’t exploit the ‘working’ little cub!

Meanwhile, at a college competition venue in another province…

The competition schedule is more than half over, with the finals tomorrow afternoon. As today's results come out, everyone's gaze naturally falls on the alpha casually leaning against the wall, looking at his phone.

When you're so far ahead that no one can even see your dust, the jealous chatter and noise no longer reach his ears.

Not to mention that Bai Jin himself comes from a prestigious family. As a top-tier 3S-level alpha, his stellar college competition results completely overshadow even the geniuses in the junior and senior high school groups.

Even the exceptionally bright talent that appeared in the elementary and middle school divisions pales in comparison to Bai Jin.

And it's not just in this area—the various clubs he's founded, including but not limited to e-sports and racing, are also at the top national level.

Yet he handles everything with effortless ease.

Even if his personality is a bit arrogant and abrasive, it leaves others with no courage to chase after him.

You could say most Bai family alphas are like this, but compared to his older siblings who have already entered the family's power center, Bai Jin is the most approachable Bai family member for most people.

Bai Jin casually runs a hand through his short hair, leaning against the wall, too lazy to even pay attention to others' scores.

"The finals are tomorrow afternoon."

"So I should be able to get home the day after tomorrow."

An omega cub?

Bai Jin is indeed a bit curious.

Mainly, he simply can't imagine what the cub of someone like Bai Sheng would be like.

As Bai Jin thinks, he idly scrolls through his message feed.

Then he notices a red notification dot on his Moments. The number makes him raise an eyebrow in surprise.

This is his personal account, he hasn't added anyone from school or his clubs. Where are all these unread posts coming from?

Just as Bai Jin is about to tap on it,

his teammates, who had just crowded around the electronic scoreboard, swarm back over.

"Bai, you're killing it! Way ahead!"

"I say we don't even need to show up for the finals tomorrow. Man, let me calculate—if we bring back this trophy again, my scholarship will be maxed out this year!"

The people around are noisy, and Bai Jin looks up at their fuss.

He looks arrogant, but it's natural for him, like it's all just expected.

Then a small commotion breaks out from the other side.

Everyone looks over.

"What's going on?"

Bai Jin glances over casually.

And meets a pair of round, deer-like eyes that are a bit slow. The person stands in the crowd, appearing to be about eight or nine years old, seeming to be in charge, looking back in his direction with an unreadable expression.

"That's the little omega genius from the elementary/middle school group."

"There are so few omegas, and not many in this competition either, right? Especially not someone as impressive as him."

"I've seen him before—his name is Jiang Liang. For his age, he knows more than some junior and senior high school students. He's really impressive. He would have been more famous, but well, Bai, you're here."

With Bai Jin here, his genius suddenly seems insignificant. After all, anyone who checks Bai Jin's record will see that others' achievements just make him look better.

"That little omega is pretty cute. Bai, want to go say hi? Kids under ten really soften people's hearts. We'll probably see him around again."

Bai Jin straightens up, uninterested, and lowers his head to open his Moments and start scrolling.

"You guys go. I'm not interested in omegas."

"Whether they're alphas, betas, or omegas, in the end they all get beaten by me anyway?"

His heart doesn't soften. He'd rather savor that moment of fear and despair when others realize the gap, or when they break down.

Sometimes he deliberately acts meaner just to enjoy that.

As for soft creatures like omegas—ha, he doesn't even care about the one at home.

...But what the hell is going on in his Moments?

Bai Jin slows down, raising an eyebrow with a roguish look.

One after another, they're all posting pictures of that ugly little clay figure? And his mom posts at least eighty times a day showing off her little omega grandson—does that even make sense?

Sense?

As Bai Jin scrolls through Bai Sheng's posts, he looks even more confused.

This doesn't make sense.

Third brother is supposed to have the worst temper, right? He hates working with others.

But why does it feel like Third Brother is starting to act like Ms. Cen Zhi?

What exactly is he doing?

Big bro, what are you doing?!

And Dad—Dad, you have stomach problems now, but have you lost your mind too?

...What's up with Bai Qi and Grandpa? Are you guys too weird?

Did you all go crazy together?

What's happening? No more fighting? Why is the whole Bai family radiating this absurd sense of crazy indulgence?!

Bai Jin stops, his handsome but fierce face looking unusually lost.

Is there no normal person in this family?!

Oh, maybe Second Brother is still normal.

That should be fine... Fine my ass.

What the hell is everyone doing?!

Bai Jin, a master at all kinds of games, rubs his nose.

Back then, the Bai family's version upgrade left him out. He couldn't beat those older siblings with their million schemes, so he went his own way. Now, just a few days away from Ang City, the Bai family has updated its version again?

You didn't even post a server announcement!

Bai Jin walked away full of question marks, and the others from Sheng'ang University didn't come over to greet him either, trailing behind Bai Jin.

In the distance, Jiang Liang, who had finished talking to the people around him, looked over again.

In his ears were the voices of his still childish but energetic companions: "Jiang Jiang, look over there, that's the Sheng'ang University team. That's the top university in China. When we grow up, we'll definitely get into Sheng'ang University."

"Bai Jin, from the Bai Family in Ang City, that's so impressive. But he looks really fierce, I don't dare go say hi."

"Jiang Jiang, you'll be in Ang City later, so you might run into him. If you do, could you get me his autograph? Hope I can be selected for the Sheng'ang University youth class."

Everyone around was talking about Bai Jin.

...This isn't right.

Jiang Liang nodded in response while lowering his head, thinking.

He had been dreaming since he was very young—he would become the center of attention, have everything. Though it sounded absurd, nothing had ever gone beyond his expectations.

Genius, prodigy, the omega with the highest future pheromone level and the highest IQ, all these titles were placed on him. He had long been used to being the star.

Something must be wrong here.

The Bai Family in Ang City was supposed to be at odds, in internal conflict, constantly consuming their resources, status, and power. They would be shattered by their own arrogance. That was how it should be.

And the Bai Family should now be slowly declining. Though he didn't know the exact details, in his dream, the infighting would reach a fever pitch in half a month. Bai Jin shouldn't be here. He should have returned from the US to make a name for himself in one battle. The Bai Family shouldn't be showing up here to steal his thunder.

Something... wasn't quite right.

At the Bai Family's old mansion.

Bai Sheng finally finished his "masterpiece" under the chef's conflicted gaze in the main building's kitchen.

Tomato and shrimp mixed soup.

At least it looked decent.

Bai Sheng carried the food out, his shirt still adorned with the paper flower the little one had folded for him. He raised an eyebrow, looking at the room full of people.

His little cub was crawling on the floor, diligently folding flowers. The others stared unblinkingly, as if watching a TV series or novel they couldn't wait to catch up on, fixated on the little one. People like Cen Zhi, Bai Jingyun, and even Grandpa all had a folded paper flower in their hands.

What were they all doing?

Bai Sheng thought.

He was fine with Ms. Cen Zhi watching over Xiaobai Nuo, but that didn't mean he was comfortable with the rest of the Bai Family watching the little one.

Bai Liang had also been watching, and it was his turn to get a flower. He was a bit lazy, but soon his phone rang. Bai Liang glanced at the screen, his brow instantly furrowing. Without a word, he stood up, took his glasses from the nearby table, and stepped out of the room temporarily, taking the call in the small garden outside.

The little cub had just finished the last fold, not yet opening the flower, when he looked up and saw his dad.

Xiaobai Nuo scrambled to his feet: "Daddy!"

Bai Sheng responded, carrying the little bowl, and walked over to sit down beside the little one.

As he said, no matter the aspect, he had talent—including cooking.

Even if he left the Bai Family later and raised the cub alone, he wouldn't let this baby starve.

Bai Sheng was quite confident about that.

He scooped up the little one and placed him in his arms, letting Xiaobai Nuo see the soup he had made.

The little cub blinked and looked at it. On the other side, Cen Zhi clicked her tongue lightly and couldn't help but mutter to Bai Jingyun: "Seeing Bai San come out with a bowl gives me this creepy feeling."

Bai Jingyun nodded as well. The words 'Bai Sheng' and 'kitchen' just didn't go together. That feeling was too bizarre.

What? You ask why Bai Sheng was cooking in the main building instead of taking the little cub to his own home?

Aside from Ms. Cen Zhi having nothing to do this afternoon and wanting to babysit, it was also because Aunt Feng had bravely rebelled against the 'capitalist,' trying to get Bai Sheng to stop cooking for Xiaobai Nuo—what if he gave the little master food poisoning?!

But at least it seemed fine.

Cen Zhi looked carefully at what Bai Sheng had brought out, and her heart settled a bit. Could her third child actually have a talent for being a chef? It looked delicious and aromatic!

Xiaobai Nuo put the flower, which he had folded but not yet opened, into his pocket. His little milky voice went 'wow' after 'wow'. He was like a little rice cake dipped in honey—soft, sweet, and sticky.

He could already praise his dad with his eyes closed, let alone now.

The little one sat in his dad's arms, looking up to meet his eyes: "Daddy, you're so amazing!"

The little cub was indeed very sincere.

After seeing the crispy shredded potato pancake this morning, the present dish was a huge improvement.

And at this time of day, eating something sweet, sour, and slightly savory as an after-dinner soup was pleasant enough.

Bai Sheng raised an eyebrow lightly: "Try it."

Xiaobai Nuo grasped the spoon, ready to taste 'fatherly love.'

The little one scooped up a piece of bright red tomato and popped it into his mouth.

Xiaobai Nuo puffed up his little cheeks, chewing—

The little cub squinted his eyes and tilted his head slightly.

Huh? —Nono seemed to have been 'hit' by fatherly love.

Xiaobai Nuo blinked continuously, chewing a couple more times hesitantly and confusedly. Then he opened his mouth and let out a soft breath. He swallowed the bite, stuck out his tongue, and his little gaze was dazed.

Cub analyzing—

Cub analysis failed—system crash.

Cen Zhi: ???? Grandma's precious, don't crash!!

What happened?! Hmm?

Even Bai Sheng hadn’t expected this turn of events. Puzzled, he took the spoon from the little one and tried a bite—the taste was normal; he had been meticulous and hadn’t done anything on a whim, and he had tasted it after cooking.

Cen Zhi hesitated for a moment, then she too grabbed a spoon, aiming for the tomato the little one had taken a bite from. She scooped up a piece and tasted it. Two seconds later: “Bai San, why is your tomato spicy?!”

A feast for the eyes and taste buds?

No, the taste gave up.

Bai Sheng: …What?

The chef, waiting at the doorway, froze, then hurriedly dashed back to the kitchen. Moments later, a panicked voice came from inside.

“Third Master, when you first cut the tomatoes, you didn’t use the cutting board inside, did you? That board is specifically for cutting chili peppers!”

Bai Sheng: …

Case closed.

This little one can’t handle spicy food.

Bai Jingyun found this amusing too. This time Bai Sheng had “hit” little Nuo as well, and he was curious to see how Bai Sheng would handle it…?

Then Bai Jingyun watched as the little one blinked his big eyes at his father. The child, whose tongue had been “hit” by his father’s love, dazedly came back to his senses. Still clutching his small spoon, he stared at his father’s stiff expression, licked his lips, and raised the spoon: “Dad, it’s okay, Nuo Nuo can handle it!”

Nuo Nuo can eat it!

Bai Jingyun: ?

This isn’t right, is it?

The normal procedure would be for you to wail and throw yourself into Grandma’s arms, accusing your dad’s tomato of “hitting” you, just like you did with me back then.

You’re such an unfair little cub!

“Give it up. The kitchen isn’t for you.”

Cen Zhi laughed beside them.

Bai Sheng: …

Bai Sheng gently took the little one’s hand, wordlessly pressed his brow, and finally admitted that no matter how meticulous he was, the kitchen always had little problems pop up. The little one’s food safety could be left to the professionals.

“Forget it, it’s fine. You don’t have to eat it.”

Bai Sheng had to admit he wasn’t entirely all-powerful.

But before Bai Sheng could stop him, the little one had already scooped up a shrimp with his spoon and stuffed it into his mouth. Since the tomato soup base had been prepared earlier in the kitchen, the spicy tomatoes were added as just another vegetable and hadn’t been cooked long, so the spiciness barely seeped into the other ingredients.

The little one puffed out his cheeks, chewed the shrimp with effort, swallowed, and leaned his small body into his father’s arms. Looking up at his father’s slightly stunned expression, he said, “Dad, it’s delicious. Nuo Nuo can eat it.”

So, Dad, don’t be upset. In Nuo Nuo’s eyes, Dad is all-powerful.

You sure know how to cheer him up.

Cen Zhi hadn’t expected this either. Watching Bai Sheng’s expression, she realized that Bai Sheng was completely wrapped around that adorable little one’s finger. No alpha could resist such a cute cub—and even if they weren’t a stubborn alpha, they wouldn’t be able to resist either.

Just look at Bai Jingyun and the old man over there—their eyes went wide.

Cen Zhi smiled as she saw the father and son together: Bai Sheng ate the tomato, and the little one obediently finished the rest of the vegetables and shrimp.

Apart from not being able to handle spicy food, the little one was really not picky at all, Cen Zhi thought. Bai Sheng was so lucky to have such an adorable little one.

After all, who wouldn’t want their efforts to be appreciated by others?

Even Bai Sheng, who usually didn’t care about anyone’s opinion, felt the same way.

After finishing that small bowl, Bai Sheng popped a strawberry into Xiao Bai Nuo’s mouth. Watching the little one chew with puffed cheeks, the little one suddenly remembered something.

“Dad, Dad.”

He said, pulling out the folded flower he had just made from his pocket.

“I promised Second Uncle.”

Bai Sheng glanced outside the house.

Bai Liang was still on the phone, with his brows deeply furrowed, seeming to yell at someone.

Under these circumstances, Bai Sheng couldn’t let the little one hand the origami flower to Bai Liang alone.

Bai Sheng finally stood up. “Come on, I’ll come with you.”

Bai Liang was indeed in a terrible mood.

A student had messed up a key piece of data in the experimental verification they’d just completed, causing a series of subsequent verifications to go wrong. Bai Liang had rested and lost all his good mood for watching the fun.

The sky seemed to darken again.

Bai Liang didn’t mean to go inside. He glanced at his watch and was about to turn and say goodbye to leave.

That was when he saw Bai Sheng standing at the doorway, holding the little one.

Bai Sheng seemed impatient, but his movements were gentle. Seeing that Bai Liang had finished his call, he walked over.

“Second Uncle, here.”

The little one handed Bai Liang the folded flower.

“Finished?” Bai Liang took it. As the flower unfolded, he paused for a moment, then managed a forced smile—fine, these trivial matters weren’t worth his time.

“Then Second Uncle has to…” go.

“Yeah, because I promised Second Uncle earlier.”

The little one could sense that Second Uncle wasn’t in a good mood. He wrapped his arms around his father’s neck, thought for a moment, and then spoke seriously.

“Second Uncle, what you said last time—Nuo Nuo didn’t really understand that, but—”

The little one looked at Bai Liang as he spoke, for little ones always listen carefully to what everyone says: “Nuo Nuo has already carefully counted. There isn’t a single person around Nuo Nuo who doesn’t matter.”

So whatever Nono promises, Nono will do.

Author's note:

Dad: The kitchen and I don't get along.JPG Decided to blow up the kitchen.JPG

Kid: Nono's dad can do anything [confetti][confetti][confetti]

Dad: Ahem. We'll talk about blowing up the kitchen another day.

Younger uncle, noticing the shift: Version update? Now only second brother is the normal one?

Bai Liang: ...He's barely holding it together. Barely.