Chapter 48

Chapter 48

The little one nodded his little head with a serious expression, accompanied by sounds of wind, rain, and bells.

For a moment, he truly seemed like a little fairy who had appeared out of nowhere, smiling as he listened to your wishes.

All the adults who had followed turned and stared.

Children are naturally full of innocence and charm at this age, and sometimes the things they say make you chuckle.

But being able to touch the heart every time—that is the unique charm of this sincere little one in front of them.

Watching this scene, Cen Zhi couldn’t help her professional instincts kicking in. She instinctively took out her phone to snap a photo, and before she realized it, the father and son had both heard the sound and looked over.

Cen Zhi held her phone and smiled, “Oh, since Nono is fulfilling Daddy’s wishes, how about Grandma fulfills Nono’s wishes? Are you hungry? Shall we go eat?”

If Bai San let this little one fulfill his wishes, he might as well give up being a dad.

But Xiaobai Nuo immediately looked over.

Grandma will fulfill Nono’s wishes?

Standing at the doorway, clutching his father’s clothes, the little one held an umbrella and leaned closer to Bai Sheng, who was also holding one. Water dripped from Bai Sheng’s umbrella edge, landing with a crisp patter on the little one’s umbrella.

The little one raised his voice, higher pitched than an adult’s, cutting through the air.

“Then Nono wishes for Grandma to always be well.”

Cen Zhi paused, and Bai Jin, standing behind her, also saw the picture she had taken, along with the scene before them.

The time-lapse shot captured the rain as fine threads in the curtain of rain, among thousands of red ribbons swaying in the wind, the little child holding an umbrella with bright eyes—it felt like something that could win a photography competition.

Cen Zhi turned off her phone’s screen and glanced at Bai Jin, who was staring intently at the little one.

Cen Zhi noticed that this guy seemed to have finally caught on.

Haha, too late. Congratulations, you’re now the second member of the Bai family, aside from Dad, that Xiaobai Nuo will go out of his way to avoid.

Cen Zhi stepped lightly as she followed up, “Don’t worry, Grandma will definitely fulfill Nono’s wish.”

Bai Jin kept one hand in his pocket as he followed, watching the little one in rain boots about to step into a puddle. The puddle was a bit deep, and before the little one could step in, his father, without changing his expression, bent down slightly, grabbed the little one’s clothes, and effortlessly lifted him over the puddle to the other side.

“Ah!”

After being lifted a few times by his dad, Xiaobai Nuo got hooked.

Even though he had maxed out his agility, the feeling of being airborne without any effort on his part was a first.

Xiaobai Nuo ran straight to the next puddle with pitter-patter steps, turning back to wait for his dad.

He called “Daddy, Daddy,” and then was about to jump into that puddle.

But Bai Sheng lifted him up and flew him over.

Bai Sheng pulled back his hand, shook off the water droplets, and asked, “Want to play more?”

“Yeah! Daddy’s so cool!”

Bai Jin was unusually quiet the whole way, only clicking his tongue when they reached the restaurant area of this complex.

No wonder. This little one was full of sweet talk, coaxing his brother into such a state. Was the little one made of honey inside? And—he was truly a little one the Bai family had never encountered before. Bai Jin had never seen anyone like him.

Suddenly, Bai Jin remembered the discussion among his teammates on the plane earlier.

It was about this new little one in the Bai family.

Someone said he was a precious little omega, and with the Bai family already being strong, they would also get policy preference. The Bai family was lucky.

Others said it was actually this little omega who was lucky to be in the Bai family.

And now, as Bai Jin watched his brother handle the little one without a hint of impatience, and thought of his eldest brother’s earlier “sycophantic” expression, Bai Jin found himself subtly empathizing with Bai Jingyun.

Now it seemed it was his third brother who was the lucky one.

Ah... well, his third brother had always excelled in every way since childhood. It was only natural that his child would be extraordinary too...

Bai Jin convinced himself and followed them into the restaurant.

After the meal, the heavy rain still hadn’t stopped. They played some cards in the buildings here, drank tea, and rested a bit. Only then did the rain outside gradually lighten.

It was almost dark outside, and they still hadn’t visited the specialty street below the Lishan Nature Reserve. The next filming location was obviously out of the question.

Cen Liu looked over the plans, calculated the time in his mind, and with a grand wave of his hand, instructed the crew to scatter around the area to move about and film some background footage. The others were dismissed to rest and review tomorrow’s script.

Then Cen Liu stared eagerly at Xiaobai Nuo, who was nestled in Bai Sheng’s arms.

Bai Sheng was really infuriating. Not only did he refuse to let go of the little one, but his luck at cards today was ridiculously good. It made Cen Liu want to slam the table in anger. Did you buy some luck from a god or something?!

Then, when Cen Liu met Xiaobai Nuo’s eyes, he instantly broke into a smile. As Bai Jin shuddered in disgust, he turned into a big softie.

“Little Nuo Nuo, would Cousin take you to stroll down the street below?”

“The baby wants to go with Grandma. Don’t cut in line, big nephew.”

Cen Zhi tapped Cen Liu’s back with her playing cards in dissatisfaction.

Were all the Cen family like this? Especially his cousin, that big softie—that’s a creepy uncle voice.

Bai Jin rubbed the goosebumps on his arms, leaned back, and couldn’t help but interject.

“Aren’t we going together? What are you arguing about? And the rain has stopped. Shouldn’t we get going?”

“That’s true.”

Cen Liu had been itching to get rid of his terrible hand, so he slapped his cards on the table and stood up.

Cen Zhi flipped over his cards and saw a hodgepodge of mismatched cards—three, five, seven, eight, nine. She couldn’t help but laugh.

Xiaobai Nuo also curiously leaned in to look.

Cen Liu scratched his head awkwardly.

“Haha, haha, my luck wasn’t great today.”

He gave a dry laugh and changed the subject: “But speaking of which, the weather in Lishan this season has been a bit odd. It’s been raining on and off, no steady pattern, making everything around here damp and humid.”

He grabbed his coat as he spoke and looked at Bai Sheng.

Of course, he still felt a bit intimidated, but after a day of interaction, the tension had eased considerably. The young man with puppy-dog eyes smiled and teased, "Third Young Master Bai, get up. Hold your little one, and let's go explore the specialty street."

Bai Sheng responded casually, tossing his cards onto the table with no regret for not playing that hand. He stood up, placed the child on a chair, and carefully buttoned up Xiaobai Nuo's coat one by one.

While waiting, Cen Liu glanced over and clucked his tongue. "Damn, did all the big cards like the jokers have a team-building meeting in your hand today?"

"Maybe they just don't like your suit."

Bai Sheng lazily finished buttoning up the little one, set him on the ground, and couldn't resist a taunt.

Cen Liu: ...This is why I can't stand you! Do you ever fear poisoning yourself when you lick your own lips? And you hold grudges to the death.

Leaving the pavilions and buildings in the middle of Chestnut Mountain, they took the cable car and reached the Chestnut Mountain Specialty Street at the foot of the mountain without wasting much time.

Due to the weather, all the stalls were open but not very crowded.

It wasn't dark yet, just overcast, so there was no sun.

A breeze picked up, and Xiaobai Nuo raised a colorful wooden pinwheel high, watching it spin noisily, its colors blending together.

His little curly head swayed as he moved.

Bai Jin followed a few steps, then turned his head, drawn by the various games that were attracting tourists on the other side.

Bai Jin looked at the grand prize—a locally woven rattan bear from Chestnut Mountain, tied with a red braided cord as a charm and some dried fruit seeds, which clinked together in the wind like a melodious, crisp sound like rippling water.

Bai Jin then glanced at Xiaobai Nuo walking ahead; the little bear waist pouch on his hip swayed with his movements.

"You guys go ahead."

Bai Jin looked at the games that no one had successfully challenged.

"I won't join. I'll just head straight back to the hotel later."

Of course, he was always interested in taking on challenges others couldn't accomplish.

The two groups naturally parted ways.

The little one had been a bit wary of his uncle, but earlier, the rain had made him soften toward his uncle. Now that his uncle was going off on his own, the little one visibly relaxed.

Shiny commemorative coins, interesting little trinkets—Xiaobai Nuo didn't even have to ask, and Bai Sheng couldn't even get a word in before Cen Liu eagerly came back with a pile of stuff, handing it to Xiaobai Nuo. After receiving a "Thank you, Cousin Cen" from the little one, Cen Liu was so overjoyed he felt like rushing up Chestnut Mountain and howling like an ape.

Yes, that's how much he loved kids, and this little one was just too adorable. As the reliable older cousin, Xiaobai Nuo's trip to Chestnut Mountain was fully in his care!

And with such a cute little one walking along the street, the nearby shopkeepers couldn't help but look twice and call out more, giving out small gifts here and offering fruits there.

Though the little one wasn't a naturally outgoing social butterfly, with his dad around, he would hide behind his dad and poke his little head out to greet the friendly uncles and aunties, saying hello.

They kept going until they reached a building that looked quite old. By then, it was almost time to head back; the parents were already planning to return, as it would soon be dark, and dinner was provided by the hotel.

Just then.

A sweet, fragrant aroma wafted out from the building.

Xiaobai Nuo was drawn to it and looked over.

The shopkeeper had just steamed a large wooden basin of steaming hot rice cakes and was placing them into a woven rattan basket. Seeing the little one staring wide-eyed and eagerly, he broke into a smile.

The shopkeeper was a kindly old man. He picked a piece that wasn't too hot and handed it to Xiaobai Nuo. "Good child, want to give it a try? It's our specialty here."

"Go ahead, see if it's good."

Cen Zhi smiled and gently nudged the little one.

Xiaobai Nuo then trotted over, reached out, and took the rice cake while blowing on his hands to cool them.

Then he looked up sweetly and said, "Thank you, Grandpa. It smells so good."

His eyes seemed to hold countless stars, making the old man, already charmed by him, burst into laughter.

The little one held the sticky rice cake, which was about the size of two of his palms, broke it in half, then broke it again. Then he trotted back over, after already stuffing his own piece into his mouth, and looked at the adults expectantly.

Bai Sheng crouched down, already accustomed to the little one always wanting to share his treats with him, and ate the piece the little one offered.

Cen Zhi was also somewhat accustomed, but Cousin Cen Liu? When he took the quarter piece of rice cake, he nearly fainted from joy.

He needed an oxygen tank, seriously—how could such an adorable little one exist?!

In the end, since it was almost dinner time, the adults only bought one bag for the little one.

It had six pieces inside.

The little one clutched the brown paper bag eagerly and followed his dad back to the hotel.

Though called a hotel, in this kind of place it wasn't a typical high-rise but more like a special guesthouse. From the entrance, besides the main registration building, there were themed little villas lined up behind.

Their luggage had already been placed, and Dou Dou was placed on the charger to charge.

Pre-dinner appetizers and small dishes were arranged on the large central table in the living room.

The little one settled Dou Dou in place and then ran into the living room, carrying the bag of rice cakes to share with the adults.

Even though the adults thought the little one should just eat them himself, no one could refuse the little one as he hopped around offering them the rice cakes.

It was fine—this way, the little one wouldn't keep thinking about them and eat too much later. And for tomorrow? They could just buy fresh ones.

This little one was very methodical.

Six rice cakes: Xiaobai Nuo gave one each to Dad, Grandma, Cousin (Cen Liu), and himself. Then the little one thought of his little uncle (Bai Jin) and softly said, "This one is for Uncle."

That left one more.

Was the little one going to divide it evenly again? The adults found it amusing, especially Cen Liu. Cen Liu, whose professional obsession differed from Cen Zhi's, aimed his professional camera at the little one and snapped away—of course, under Bai Sheng's strict instruction that these photos were for private use only and had to be sent to Bai Sheng as well.

Then they watched the tiny child lean against his dad. The little one, who was sometimes so sensible he never acted spoiled, asked, "Dad, can the last one be Nuo Nuo's?"

"They were all yours to begin with."

Bai Sheng held the rice cake between his lips, looked over, casually pinched the still-warm pastry from the piece, and ruffled the little one's head.

"But Nuo Nuo said we should share."

Nuo Nuo was an honest baby.

"Of course the last one can be Nuo Nuo's."

Over there, Cen Zhi spoke as she looked at Xiaobai Nuo.

"Grandma agrees."

"Cousin agrees too!"

"Yay!"

The little one, whose request was satisfied, was clearly happy as he hugged the bag with three rice cakes left inside. He took one out and ate it.

Then he heard Bai Sheng say, "We'll have dinner soon, so you can only eat one for now."

Xiaobai Nuo, who was almost making kitten-like sounds as he ate, nodded vigorously and let his dad put the bag on the table over there.

"Come, Little Nuo Nuo, come to the courtyard. Elder cousin will show you a magic trick."

Over there, Cen Liu had taken a bunch of photos in one go. He glanced at the time and called out to the little guy inside.

Hmm?

Xiaobai Nuo quickly caught his attention. He turned to look at Grandma, feeling that her spot was safe. The little guy nodded and then curiously made his way to the door.

Inside, Bai Sheng and Cen Zhi exchanged a glance.

Cen Liu had only just met the little guy today. Just from his looks and how obedient he was, he was totally charmed. He had no clear knowledge of the little one's past or how he interacted with others, so he didn't have much insight.

Cen Zhi, on the other hand, lowered her eyes and let out a soft breath. She reached out and patted Bai Sheng on the back.

"Hard to believe, San'er, you're actually pretty good at raising kids."

Though this child was indeed very good, obedient, and sensible, he was also very perceptive and sensitive. Raising him well was no easy feat—because he was the kind of kid who might sacrifice himself for others.

He rarely asked for things. When he received something, he thought about sharing. No one knew where he learned that, almost as if taking a little more would invite criticism.

But that wasn't the case. The Bai family, though tight-lipped, doted on him endlessly.

Helping him gradually develop a sense of deservingness and express what he wanted wasn't something that could be done in a short time.

Cen Zhi clicked her tongue inwardly. She really had no idea how much effort Bai San had put into this.

"But deep down, it's because Nuo Nuo is a good kid."

Bai Sheng stood up and followed the little guy out, curious to see what Cen Liu was up to.

Look at you, you last-minute dad, all proud of yourself.

Cen Zhi smoothed her long hair and followed out.

At the door, Cen Liu had already brought a small stool for the little guy to sit on. He kept checking his watch and chatting with the little one, laughing.

Just then, the courtyard gate opened.

Bai Jin, carrying a bag, glanced at the scene in the yard and looked confused: What's this big goof doing?

Then he saw Xiaobai Nuo sitting on the small chair.

The little guy tensed up as soon as he saw him.

Bai Jin looked straight ahead, carrying the bag around the "big goof" and entered through another door.

Outside, with Cen Liu still making a racket, Bai Jin glanced at the corner of the bag where a little bear ear peeked out. He clicked his tongue lightly—the prize from completing the challenge would need some handling later.

He placed the bag on the table, and just then a phone call came in.

Bai Jin answered, leaning against the table, accidentally brushing against the rice cake bag. He glanced at it, noticed the various snacks and appetizers the hotel had prepared nearby, and didn't think much. He casually untied the bag and answered the call: "What's up? Spit it out... Who's not convinced? Ha, don't bother with them. I'll be back in a couple of days..."

The young man's brow carried an air of unruly arrogance, his wild temperament completely unguarded.

Then he shoved a rice cake into his mouth, mumbling as he chewed.

Unaware that his stash was being raided, Xiaobai Nuo obediently sat on the stool, waiting for the magic trick Elder cousin had promised.

"...Three, two, one—"

Cen Liu counted down, then spread his arms wide. From behind him, countless decorative lights lit up one by one, stretching out as if to reach the top of Chestnut Mountain.

"Look!"

The little guy was startled for a moment. He let out a "wow" and stood up, looking around.

Cen Liu, who had only meant to entertain the little one, was momentarily stunned.

Because countless lights reflected in the little one's clear eyes, so clean and full of surprise. In that instant, it gave the "performer" an incomparable sense of achievement.

Cen Liu felt his affection for the little guy going up and up in his mind.

He paused for a moment before snapping back to reality.

... Ah, he had never seen such lights, such an adorable expression of being awed and touched.

Cen Liu thought to himself.

Then he watched as the little guy ran over happily, also gesturing, eyes sparkling.

"Elder cousin knows magic! It lit up in a whoosh! How did you do it, Elder cousin? You're amazing! Nuo Nuo wants to learn too!"

So easy to please—no, too easy to please.

Cen Liu, who had just timed the lights to entertain the little guy, felt a bit guilty and rubbed his nose.

And the little guy seemed to fully believe it, even wanting to learn.

It wouldn't be right to trick the kid.

Cen Liu crouched down and explained with a smile, "I wish I could do magic, but really, it's just that the timing was right, so all the lights came on. Pretty, isn't it? I thought it was beautiful the first time I saw it too."

Too bad there's no magic in this world.

If there were, he'd make this little one cheer over and over.

"It's not magic?"

"No, it's not magic." He wouldn't be disappointed it wasn't magic, right? Cen Liu thought, a bit late.

But—"That's okay!"

The light in Xiaobai Nuo's eyes didn't change. He spread his two little hands as wide as he could.

"Even if it's not magic, it's still a very, very, very big surprise. If Elder cousin hadn't told me, Nuo Nuo wouldn't have seen it at this time."

It's fine if it's not magic.

The little one isn't disappointed, because there's a very, very big surprise right in front of him.

That's more than enough.

Cen Liu, staring at the reflection of countless lights in Little Bai Nuo's eyes: ...

It was as if the affection meter above his head had maxed out.

He had thought before that this little one was just too adorable, with a really well-behaved personality. He liked him, but didn't have any deeper thoughts—only felt amazed that Bai Sheng ended up with the first omega cub of the Bai family. Now, as if the cub was coaxing him back, Cen Liu suddenly seemed to understand why Bai Sheng was so protective.

This wasn't just being well-behaved. It was strange—how could he sense such world-embracing gentleness from such a little kid?

It was a feeling that could touch even the most jaded adult.

So—where did this cub come from in the first place?

Oh, from that institute.

...Why did the institute have to pick that annoying Bai Sheng?!

He came to watch the drama, not become the drama! How could it be an omega cub?!

How could it be such an adorable omega cub? And how could it be Bai Sheng's?!

Why?!

He refused to accept this!

He wanted a fair fight.

Who says a cousin can't get custody? Cousin is going to turn things around today!!!

Bai Sheng was watching his kid's back, worried he might trip, when suddenly—

Bai Sheng heard Cen Liu start muttering again, trying to brainwash Little Bai Nuo: "You know, baby, your dad's super busy. He's got the whole Bai family to handle. Your cousin feels bad seeing him so swamped. Why not come live with me? I'll raise you—"

Let cousin take the load off your dad! Cousin has time! Cousin is free!

—He was so excited he didn't even use punctuation.

Bai Sheng: ...

Bai Sheng: ...Hah.

What the hell are you babbling about? Who would give away their own kid just to handle the Bai family's mess?

Cen Zhi, who usually defended her eldest nephew, silently backed away two steps.

Bai Sheng stepped closer.

Meanwhile, Cen Liu, still muttering, stretched out his mischievous hand, staring at the little one who hadn't reacted yet.

Then came that same line:

"The flower language of a 'wild' little human is—"

Author's note:

Nono: Just breathing.

Cousin: Affection +1+1+1

Nono: A big surprise.

Cousin: "Affection meter maxed out," tries to make a move and pulls the 'wild' card

Dad: Come here, you punk.

Little uncle inside the house: 'What? A fight outside?'

Let's invite great-grandpa to award the 'Little Red Flag' to the little uncle [confetti]