Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Since the little cub came here, he'd met so many people.

The little one, who was relatively serious by nature, had already counted every familiar face, everyone he could talk to, and confirmed each one—none could be considered an insignificant person.

After all, we are a villain family, right?

The little cub was held in his father's arms, looking at Bai Liang with warm and bright eyes.

That adorable little expression stood in stark contrast to Bai Sheng's face as he held him.

The cub was basically the kind and obedient version of Bai Sheng.

What was the original even like?

Bai Liang looked at Bai Sheng's grumpy face. Bai Sheng clearly found him distasteful and impatient, not wanting to get near him, but just because the little cub wanted to come over, he carried Xiaobai Nuo over.

It was obvious that Bai Sheng never interfered with whatever the little one wanted to do.

This parent, who initially planned to adopt a hands-off approach, had become, in another sense, "permissive"—as long as there was no danger, he gave in to almost everything.

That was Bai Sheng's arrogance.

He felt that nothing could stump him, that he could control any situation at any time, and the only difference was whether he wanted to.

Even regarding the little one interacting with Bai Jingyun, he had no objections other than insisting on watching every time. After all, the eldest and the third used to fight like cats and dogs every day, one day tripping each other up, the next scheming against each other, and each time they struck harder than the last. Bai Liang, who was usually just a spectator, now found himself truly in the middle of it.

He couldn't help but let out a light sigh.

With that kind of attitude, no wonder the eldest hated San'er the most.

This really...

Bai Liang couldn't come up with a good adjective.

No one was insignificant? Although he didn't think a little cub's words could affect him.

He couldn't deny the subtle stir in his heart.

It came with a feeling of "so this is what children are like," along with an inexplicable dissatisfaction at Bai Sheng's face—how could genes like Bai Sheng's produce this kind of cub?

"Done giving it? Done talking?"

Bai Sheng looked down, meeting Xiaobai Nuo's gaze.

Seeing Xiaobai Nuo nod, Bai Sheng didn't spare Bai Liang a single glance. Holding the cub, he turned and left.

Bai Liang: ...

Hey, at least let me say something!

Bai Liang curled his lips slightly as he watched Bai Sheng carry Xiaobai Nuo back home. Through the transparent glass door, he caught a glimpse of Grandpa sitting on the sofa reading the newspaper, but the newspaper hadn't turned a page the whole time.

Bai Liang lowered his head, stuffed the flower into his pocket, and didn't have time to think too much before rushing off to the university.

Although it was a troublesome problem, it wasn't too tricky for Bai Liang.

The student who had messed up the data was quietly crying nearby. He would likely be kicked out of the lab's core circle. The other students didn't dare comfort him; they all looked anxiously and nervously toward Bai Liang.

Bai Liang was not a teacher who tolerated mistakes. In the most cutting-edge biomedical lab in all of Country Z, Bai Liang was the one who made the final call.

Everyone knew that although he seemed refined and polite, always smiling at everyone, he was actually the most ruthless. He had a clear grasp of the progress and situations of several other universities' labs. As a member of the Bai family, he had a pharmaceutical company running smoothly on his own side, so he naturally controlled an absurd amount of resources. And if someone really angered him, he had ways to ensure they never made a name for themselves in this field.

He was a strict, formidable, and terrifying teacher.

And Bai Liang always valued efficiency and research progress above all. He didn't like trivial matters interfering with his actions. Anyone slightly familiar with him knew that he was usually in a bad mood, and it was best not to do anything unrelated to experiments.

But today, aside from the cold sarcasm on the phone, Bai Liang didn't curse anyone after returning to the lab.

Outside, it had already grown dark. Bai Liang leaned against the corridor wall, gazing into the distance as if to relieve his eye strain.

There was no smile on his face, but that didn't seem to indicate a bad mood. It was more like he simply couldn't be bothered to make an expression, revealing his truest inner state.

Was he in a good mood or a bad mood?

Bai Liang ignored the cautious gazes of the students behind him.

He really wasn't that angry today.

Maybe it was because the situation was better than expected, or perhaps?

Bai Liang fumbled in his pocket for his keys. As he pulled them out, his hand brushed against the little paper flower that had been crushed flat in his pocket.

Bai Liang looked at the light blue Dou Dou polymer clay doll hanging on his keychain, recalling how the Bai family had all posted in unison on their social media. He gave a light snort and poked the clay doll with his finger.

"Ugly little thing."

Just then, his phone rang.

Bai Liang answered the call, listening quietly as the person on the other end spoke.

After a moment, he finally spoke.

"Liu Dong won't let it go and is having the families of Bai San's company employees cause trouble? He's got some nerve—Don't interfere? No, step in a bit. Although Bai Sheng has probably already acted... Hmm, no need to wait for Bai Qi's move this time."

Bai Liang ended the call and absently glanced at his phone.

—That guy Bai Sheng carries Xiaobai Nuo to work every day. If someone is going to cause trouble at his company, I'd better step in.

That little cub had already suffered so much. Even a bad adult would occasionally think that letting a little one grow up healthy was a good thing.

At the Bai family's old mansion.

Night had fallen.

They had already eaten dinner.

Bai Qian had also come home and was sitting on the sofa watching financial news.

Bai Jingyun had left for the company not long after Bai Liang left and hadn't returned for the evening. The old master had gone upstairs, so there weren't many people in the living room. Cen Zhi played with the little one for a while, and then the little cub brought his puzzle over to find Dad.

And so, Bai Sheng still hadn't carried the little one back.

"What's that?"

Bai Qian looked at Cen Zhi, who was sitting next to him, on the phone with her best friend Chu Meng.

Cen Zhi had asked the household helper to string up the little one's paper flowers with thread, making a small decoration. She had just finished showing them off to Chu Meng and had made plans to go out the next day. She was about to end the call.

Hearing Bai Qian's voice, Cen Zhi said goodbye to Chu Meng and then looked at the small decoration she was holding.

Cen Zhi lifted her chin slightly. Time had left few marks on her face. This internationally sought-after designer, who had created countless popular designs, smiled with confidence and brilliance. She pinched the small decoration and held it up to Bai Qian, shaking it lightly twice, and gave a proud little hum.

"Look, my precious grandson folded this for me. You don't have one, do you?"

Bai Qian stared at the little paper flower for a long time, then snorted and looked away.

Who cares...

"Father has one."

Bai Qian's head whipped around at these words.

Cen Zhi was amused.

"Calm down. You might as well have 'How is that possible?' written all over your face."

"I didn't think that."

Bai Qian said coldly again, turning his head back to continue watching the financial news.

"Fine, fine, you didn't."

Cen Zhi poked his chest, muttering that he was being disingenuous, then spoke casually.

"How come you're the busiest in the Bai family now? Not that I'm saying anything, but if you keep staying away from home like this, soon Father's place in Nono's heart will surpass yours."

This was a precious, adorable little Omega! Something other families could only dream of having!

The eldest would even come back during work breaks to bring the little one chocolate.

But you, as a grandfather, barely ever says a word, and you spend less time at home than the eldest.

Bai Qian looked down at the hand poking his chest. Still expressionless, he reached out, grabbed Cen Zhi's hand, and moved it away.

"I'm just working normally."

"Yes, yes, just working normally~"

"...Don't talk like that."

"Then don't hold my hand when you move it away."

Cen Zhi laughed, watching him jerk his hand away as if stung.

Sure enough, that feeling when little Xiaobai Nuo hid behind him and said that she (Cen Zhi) was pretty wasn't just her imagination.

Cen Zhi studied Bai Qian closely.

He seemed to have the same expression as before, but his brow was slightly furrowed.

Not completely indifferent after all.

Cen Zhi wanted to laugh.

She had said it before—this family’s mouths were even harder than their inherited top Alpha genes.

Then she grabbed the remote control.

Under Bai Qian's puzzled gaze, she started changing channels to stream something.

She could watch dramas on her phone, of course, but it wasn't as satisfying as the huge living room screen.

Cen Zhi rested her chin on her hand, lounging casually on the sofa. Her black hair fell to her side. Though she was an Omega, there was something in her demeanor that seemed to subtly intimidate Bai Qian. She said matter-of-factly, "Father's not watching anyway. You can watch on your phone. I want to watch a drama."

Bai Qian: ...

Bai Qian got up without a word and quickly left.

Over by the puzzle, Xiaobai Nuo had finished his small puzzle and was watching his father work on the big one. Then the little one noticed his grandparents.

Xiaobai Nuo blinked and asked softly, "Daddy, what are Grandpa and Grandma doing?"

Bai Sheng didn't look up. "Flirting."

Cen Zhi: ...

Bai Sheng suddenly raised his hand and caught a remote control thrown from the sofa.

Bai Sheng frowned with displeasure. "Mom, Nono is right here..."

"If you couldn't catch that remote, you'd hand Nono over to me to raise."

Cen Zhi didn't even glance his way.

Bai Sheng fell silent. He looked down at Xiaobai Nuo.

The little one was staring at the remote control in his father's hand with sparkling eyes.

"Daddy, so cool! It flew over with a 'biu' and you caught it!"

There was no trace of panic in his eyes, only trust and admiration.

Bai Sheng cleared his throat, reached out, and pinched the little one's cheek.

"Want some cake?"

The little one's eyes grew even brighter.

The newbie dad, in a great mood, waved his hand generously.

"Go get it. There's a small piece left for you on the table in the hall. No more eating anything else after this tonight."

"Yay!"

Xiaobai Nuo scrambled up and ran pattering toward the hall.

Cen Zhi caught every word Bai Sheng said.

At this, she finally turned to look.

This scene was really strange—Bai Sheng sat quietly on the cushion, cheek resting on one hand, his usually sarcastic face devoid of any sharp expression, making him look softer, just like his child. In his other hand, he held a puzzle piece, twirling it slightly between his fingers as he found its place.

Cen Zhi was a bit confused.

Could her child be this calm?

Then she saw Bai Sheng glance at the puzzle Xiaobai Nuo had completed. With a mischievous intent to tease the little one, he removed two pieces from the finished puzzle and tucked them under himself.

Cen Zhi: ...

Let’s not even mention whether Bai Sheng is spoiling Xiaobai Nuo too much—

“You’re just using the fact that Nono likes you most to mess with him, aren’t you?”

“Can’t help it.”

Bai Sheng said casually, looking up, lazily, like an adult beast showing off his cub to an elder.

“After all, it’s the truth. Can’t argue with that.”

Likes me the most? Love to hear it. Say more.

Cen Zhi: ...

“I take back what I just said. He clearly likes Grandma the most.”

Cen Zhi added expressionlessly.

Then she remembered something.

“That chair in the hall is a bit high. He won’t fall, will he? I’ll go check.”

Not to mention that he could ask someone to get it for him—just based on the little one’s recent behavior, Bai Sheng really didn’t think he’d fall. But upon hearing Cen Zhi’s concern, he still put down the puzzle piece and got up to go check.

In the hall.

Xiaobai Nuo didn’t bother anyone else. His little hands gripped the chair, stepped on the support beneath it, climbed up, and picked up the small cake.

But when he was about to climb down, the little guy blinked and noticed a problem.

He had climbed up just fine, but now with the cake in hand, it was hard to get down. Xiaobai Nuo wasn’t afraid of this height—he had jumped from places many times higher—but his father had said not to jump from here.

The cub hesitated for a few seconds, holding the cake.

The small monitor had been alert ever since the little one started climbing the chair alone, and a few seconds later it tried to contact the parents.

Xiaobai Nuo finally blinked and spoke to the monitor, holding the cake: “Hello Dou Dou, can you call Daddy for Nono?”

Then the little guy heard a sound at the door. His eyes lit up, and he instinctively called out: “Help Nono... Huh? Grandpa?”

Bai Qian, who happened to be passing the hall entrance, made eye contact with the little one. He raised an eyebrow slightly.

Can’t get down? At this height...

Then Bai Qian took a closer look at Xiaobai Nuo’s short little legs.

He thought about what Cen Zhi had just said.

Bai Qian: ...

Bai Qian walked in expressionlessly.

He cupped the cub’s sides with both hands, exerted a little force, and “lifted” the cub up.

Of course, Bai Qian had five A-ranked cubs, and even with servants, he wasn’t the kind of father who completely ignored his children after they were born. But A-ranked cubs—if you know, you know. Bai Qian didn’t dare hold them as tiny infants; once the A-cubs could run around, Bai Qian already had to pick them up one by one.

So as for experience holding cubs, he had very little, and he was clumsy, even slightly stiff. This little one’s bones were so soft! How much force should he use?

Cen Zhi and Bai Sheng arrived a step too late and witnessed this bizarre scene.

The cub held the cake, Bai Qian held the cub, and both grandfather and grandson were nervous. Xiaobai Nuo, being lifted like this, even obediently tried to lift his little feet to lighten the burden for his grandpa, but this posture was definitely too insecure.

“Daddy, Daddy...”

Xiaobai Nuo saw Bai Sheng at the door and called out in a soft, pleading voice.

Bai Sheng: ...

Bai Sheng walked over quickly and took the cub from Bai Qian’s hands.

Both grandfather and grandson sighed in relief at the same time.

Bai Sheng looked down: “Why didn’t you ask Grandpa Butler to get it for you?”

The little one was still holding the cake, speaking softly: “Because Grandpa Butler was busy. Nono thought he could do it himself. Sorry, Daddy. Nono won’t do it again.”

“I’m not asking you to apologize...”

Bai Sheng let out a light sigh, pinched the little one’s cheek, and set him on the ground.

“Alright, go eat.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Xiaobai Nuo’s face broke into a big smile. He turned to look at the silent grandfather.

“Thank you, Grandpa. Daddy, Nono will wait for you over there.”

The little one went with Dou Dou to eat the cake.

Bai Qian’s gaze followed the little one as he ran off. He cleared his throat, then spoke: “You should take him back to rest early. Don’t spoil him so much. His great-grandfather is stubborn and doesn’t speak kindly, but he’s not wrong about one thing: you spoil him way too much. Isn’t it about time for kindergarten?”

Bai Sheng looked up at that and only said, “I know what I’m doing.”

As for kindergarten?

At the mention of those three words, Bai Sheng’s face showed clear reluctance.

But thinking about how the little one hadn’t been clinging to him as tightly as before recently, he still said, “I’ll take him for a trial in a few days.”

With that, Bai Sheng went back to the living room. Probably after the little one finished that cake, Bai Sheng would take the cub home.

Bai Qian stood there for a few moments and then headed upstairs to handle some business.

Cen Zhi stood beside him, slightly surprised: “You actually feel a sense of crisis?”

Given Bai Qian’s usual personality, he would have just called a servant.

Without thinking, Bai Qian replied: “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Say that again, and I’ll bite.”

Bai Qian looked over.

Cen Zhi instinctively touched the gland at the back of her neck, raised an eyebrow, and kicked Bai Qian—she would block him again when they got back.

"By the way, Xiao Wu messaged me—he'll be home the day after tomorrow in the afternoon and will come by to check on Grandpa first," Cen Zhi said, turning to head back to the living room to watch her TV series. But just before she left, she glanced upward. "What's Grandpa been researching upstairs these past two nights? He hasn't come down to watch those shows with you."

Just then, Grandpa's assistant came downstairs and couldn't help but give a wry smile at her words.

What else could it be?

Studying fishing.

He'd been at it for days now without a single catch.

To be honest, the assistant thought, why not just buy one from the market? The little master surely wouldn't notice.

But Grandpa was stubborn as a rock. Even the family doctor had warned everyone to be extra careful not to upset him.

Still, the assistant didn't dare say more and simply switched shifts with another assistant.

Cen Zhi returned to the living room, and once it fell quiet again, Bai Qian finally headed upstairs.

Paper flowers or whatever—those were nothing. He was just thinking: how could that little guy be so soft? He hadn't even dared to set him on the ground earlier, afraid he might use too much force and drop him.

The next day, the little guy went to work with his father as usual, greeted all the uncles and aunties he knew, was taken to play with some new big brothers, then went home to eat and sleep.

Occasionally, he collected small coins, played with toys, and read picture books.

The little guy lived a full and happy life.

By the third day, Bai Sheng took Xiao Bai Nuo to the hospital for a follow-up.

The illness from last time was essentially fine now, and the little one had even gained a bit of weight over these days, showing that the research institute hadn't left much of an impact on him.

Doctor Xu Chuan was relieved, though a bit troubled. It seemed the little one still remembered who had given him the shot last time. This usually sweet kid kept hiding behind his dad whenever he saw Uncle Xu.

Uncle Xu wanted to hear a sweet "Hello, Uncle!" too!

After the checkup, Bai Sheng took the little one straight home instead of back to the office.

It was getting warmer, and more flowers were blooming in the garden.

The little one grabbed Dou Dou and held up his dad's phone to show the Xie Family Twins and Yu Chuyan the little garden.

Bai Sheng didn't follow this time. He was in the second-floor study reviewing relevant files—not work stuff, but files from the federal government about the little one's past.

Cen Zhi was also there, intending to look through them too.

But after just two lines, she couldn't handle it anymore.

What was listed were just experiments they were allowed to see, and many times, that soft little guy running around had barely avoided being disposed of.

He could easily have died silently in that institute.

In the past, Cen Zhi thought she could have faced it calmly. But after spending so much time with this little guy, thinking about what he'd been through made her heart ache.

Cen Zhi was on the balcony of Bai Sheng's third-floor place, sipping tea with a heavy heart. She couldn't compose her face, so she chose not to interact with the little one for now, but watched him.

Suddenly, Cen Zhi's eyebrow lifted. She saw a figure on the path, jacket slung over one hand, strolling casually with no car, no driver—only one person in the Bai estate never liked driving inside.

Back so soon?

Cen Zhi glanced at the time.

Walking along the road, Bai Jin had already seen his third brother's place from a distance. A smile curled his lips, and he arched one eyebrow. Compared to the rest of the Bai family, he looked more like a student—cocky and roguish.

He stopped and looked into Bai Sheng's yard, only to see a little kid who'd been video-calling with some brothers, now running around yelping as a butterfly chased him.

Whoa—that tiny?

Bai Jin thought, and took the unconventional route.

With a nimble move, he grabbed the railing, swung over, and landed in Bai Sheng's yard.

"Fifth Master?" A servant in the yard turned, startled by the sound.

Before anyone could react, Bai Jin was already behind the little guy, who was about to turn.

Bai Jin reached out and scooped up the kid who'd been fleeing the butterfly, plopped him onto his shoulder and quickly stepped back from the butterfly.

Xiao Bai Nuo was suddenly in the air, his little legs kicking. After a dazed second, he turned and met the eyes of a stranger with a raised eyebrow.

Bai Jin thought: Oh, that little face is pretty cute.

Then Bai Jin saw the little guy's eyes go wide. Suddenly, the kid turned and called out in a soft, milky voice, "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" So high! A stranger! Daddy, save Nono!

Who are you calling daddy?

Third brother's not here.

Bai Jin raised an eyebrow, about to say something.

Then he heard Bai Sheng's voice, crackling with static, warning: "Bai Jin."

Bai Jin:?!

Bai Jin finally turned and saw the tiny camera that had been following the kid.

On the third floor, Cen Zhi slowly sat back down, hearing rapid footsteps—clearly annoyed.

Ha, didn't expect that.

This kid's a summoner.

Cen Zhi watched the downstairs door open and Bai Sheng appear.

See—the 'summon' had arrived.

Author's note:

Little uncle: Ha, just a kid, fun to tease.

"Ding—you've alerted the kid's dad."

Little uncle: ...

Great-grandpa to the rescue! [Scattering flowers] "Everyone's thrilled!"