Chapter 57

Chapter 57

Bai Jingyun's expression froze under Bai Sheng's mocking gaze...

If I said this was all a subtle coincidence, could you believe me?

That's why he absolutely did not want to say what his pheromones smelled like!!!

And why do you think he hates Bai Sheng so much?

Bai Jingyun tried to speak under the little one's knowing expression, but found that no matter what he said, it was pointless in the face of his own pheromone scent.

Damn it!

In the end, did he create a whole set of stereotypes for himself in Xiaobai Nuo's mind?

Even Xiaobai Nuo discovered that his pheromones were lemon-scented.

Heh.

Bai Jingyun laughed dryly in his heart: Heaven's jest.

"They're just pheromones; they don't mean anything."

Bai Jingyun said dryly.

Then he watched as the little one found lemon-flavored snacks and candies from the snack bag... the little one picked out anything with a lemon on the packaging.

With a look that said "Now I get it," he stuffed all these things into his uncle's arms.

Bai Jingyun, holding a pile of snacks with a cold face: ...

No, I can still be saved!

Bai Jingyun looked at Bai Sheng over there shoulders shaking with laughter, and tried to say something else.

Just at that moment, Bai Jin strolled over nearby, and leaned out from beside Bai Jingyun as if by chance.

The little cub, who was rummaging through the snack bag, heard the sound, looked up instinctively, and was startled by the sudden appearance of his uncle, Bai Jin.

The little one had just picked up a pack of snacks, jumped up, and instantly blocked the big snack bag, raising his little hands high — like a little panda trying to scare off an enemy, waving his arms and shouting: "Uncle! This is yours."

As if begging his uncle not to covet Nono's snack bag!

Bai Jin took the pack of snacks: ...

He had just come to see what the cub was doing, but he looked down at the snacks, then at the cub trying so hard to block the big bag of snacks, and he was both amused and exasperated.

So if he so much as looks at them, they'll get eaten, huh?

Bai Jin did have a bit of a desire to change his standing in the little cub's heart, but every time the cub drove him crazy.

"Do I even eat the packaging?! Bai Xiaonuo! Explain yourself!"

"Waaah! Dad!"

With a squeal, the little one hugged the snack bag and pattered over to Bai Sheng behind him, ducking behind him in a flash.

The little one ran too fast; Dou Dou couldn't keep up. The little monitor spun around twice in confusion: "Target lost. About to report to the owner—"

Bai Sheng bent down, picked up Dou Dou, and placed him beside Xiaobai Nuo, who was hiding behind him. He watched as the little one, like a little dragon hoarding its treasure, scooped Dou Dou into his arms and held him close.

Adorable.

The newbie dad, who could now freely admit in his heart that his cub was cute, looked up, glanced at Bai Jin who had followed, and subtly blocked him, one silent raised eyebrow.

—Don't try to challenge the 'monster' standing behind the cub.

Especially when you're sure you can't beat him.

Bai Jin: ...

Meanwhile, Bai Jingyun, holding an armful of lemon-flavored snacks, looked at his younger brother and recalled the little one's actions.

He suddenly felt better.

He felt okay again, and couldn't help but sigh softly, "Bai Jin."

When Bai Jin turned to look at Bai Jingyun, he heard Bai Jingyun say quietly, "So reliable."

Even more reliable than great-grandfather was in his day; you've truly surpassed the master.

Bai Jin: ????

Over there, Bai Liang and Bai Qi came downstairs separately, distracting the little cub.

They walked one behind the other, seemingly ignoring each other, the atmosphere strange and subtle. When they saw Xiaobai Nuo and Cen Zhi sitting not far away, they both breathed a sigh of relief.

"Second Uncle, Aunt."

The little one, still clutching the snack bag and Dou Dou, watched the two top Alphas of the Bai family approach with hostile vibes.

"Glad nothing's wrong," Bai Qi said, her black hair loosely draped over her shoulders. She quickly walked over, looked the little cub up and down, then averted her gaze and stood up, still maintaining her stiff and straightforward demeanor. "Otherwise, Aunt wouldn't know who to give the gift to."

Bai Liang, who had been overtaken by Bai Qi and was a few steps behind, still wore that smiling expression. He pushed up his glasses, just hummed in response, and didn't speak further to the little cub. Instead, he looked at Cen Liu, as if assessing Cen Liu's injuries.

After a moment, he thoughtfully said, "I suggest you, cousin, stay in the hospital for a couple of days. It'll be a good chance for you to rest."

Although the wounds were just superficial, Cen Liu was still pretty beat up. But since he had fully taken over the Cen family from his aunt, Cen Liu had become better at hiding his wounds.

When Cen Liu saw Bai Liang, his expression cooled slightly, but he still smiled. Finally, he raised his hand and tapped Bai Liang on the shoulder. "Nothing serious, no need to worry."

But this time was indeed a close call; Cen Liu was still rattled.

Xiaobai Nuo, always perceptive, picked up on something off between Second Uncle and Cousin. The tiny cub hadn't yet had time to find snacks from the bag to share with Second Uncle and Aunt.

Bai Qi, standing beside Xiaobai Nuo, said directly what she thought without holding back. "Just for show."

"Bai Si."

Bai Liang's expression dimmed a bit. He raised his hand to adjust his watch and spoke.

"I don't want to argue with you right now."

He liked to watch the show; he didn't want to become the show himself.

Bai Qi let out a slow laugh. The usually unsmiling female top Alpha suddenly laughed with a kind of lush, aggressive charm, exuding an extremely powerful aura.

"Like I'm eager to argue with you. Brother and I both turned back halfway yesterday, only you stayed cozily in the lab and just returned to the mansion this morning. Now you're so concerned—what? Can't I even say one thing?"

Bai Qi added slowly, "You're just saying a couple things to ease your own conscience."

"Still better than an alpha who used to throw tantrums about not wanting to study."

"When was that? You're still bringing it up, Bai Liang—isn't it ridiculous?"

The little cub, hugging the snack bag and Dou Dou, looked left and right, trying several times to chime in but failing.

Seeing the situation escalate, Cen Zhi, who was nearby picking out picture books for Xiaobai Nuo, intervened.

"What's all this fuss about? Nothing even happened. Both of you settle down. Can't I turn my back for a second without you two causing a ruckus?"

The two exchanged a glance but, under Cen Zhi's warning, finally fell silent and went their separate ways to cool down.

Xiaobai Nuo looked confused, clutching what he held.

The little cub didn't know the full story—only that the Bai family as a whole were antagonists opposing the main characters, that Second Uncle would ultimately die from a deliberate lab sabotage, and that Aunt would die by her own hand.

As for the grudges between Second Uncle and Aunt, the little one didn't understand. Why was Second Uncle so concerned about his older cousin (Cen Liu)? The cub was puzzled.

He looked at his dad, then timidly up at his cousin, with a questioning expression.

Cen Liu glanced at Bai Sheng, then crouched down and patted the little one's head. "We'll eat soon. Kids shouldn't think too much."

As for why Bai Liang paid him extra attention?

Cen Liu let out a very soft breath.

His father—the maternal uncle of the five top Bai alphas—had a rare genetic disease. Initially, it was under control, and he could have lived for decades more; perhaps future technology could even cure it. But because he had promised to pick up Bai Liang, he was seriously injured in the kidnapping attempt that nearly succeeded against Bai Liang and Bai Qi. The injuries, combined with the genetic disease, left him comatose in the hospital for half a year before he passed.

At that time, Cen Liu was still young and of course felt resentment toward the Bai family—only to be beaten up by Bai Sheng when he took it out on him.

After that incident, Bai Qi's condition deteriorated severely. The lively, mischievous young alpha turned gloomy and indifferent. As for Bai Liang, he seemed the same on the surface, but later Cen Liu realized he rarely truly smiled anymore. It was as if he blamed himself for everything, almost welcomed the blame, which paradoxically made him feel better.

Cen Liu wondered if Bai Qi had noticed this. Even if something unforgivable had happened back then, they were all just children. With Bai Liang's intelligence, there might have been another explanation entirely. But one didn't explain, the other refused to listen, and now they were still locked in a standoff, neither willing to yield.

Sigh—if anything, when Bai Liang argued with Bai Qi, he seemed more alive, more human. In the end, their aunt (Cen Zhi) could always step in.

As for the "someone in the Bai family" Cen Liu had mentioned earlier who often looked out for him—it was, of course, Bai Liang.

Though Bai Liang held a high position at Sheng'ang University and was deeply immersed in academia, spending all his time in the lab, he had essentially stepped away from the Bai family's core industries. Naturally, he couldn't compete with Bai Jingyun, Bai Sheng, or Bai Qi in terms of influence.

His main research focused on biomedical experiments related to his uncle's genetic disease (Cen Liu's father). And as a figurehead of Sheng'ang University, he enjoyed considerable fame, often attending major events, and thus had his own network of resources.

Oddly enough, this overlapped with parts of the Cen family's business, which controlled the Federation's largest entertainment platform, and he consistently conceded to the Cen family.

Now that he was grown, and having just cheated death, Cen Liu found his feelings toward Bai Liang complicated. He wanted to say something, but didn't know what.

Mainly because Bai Liang's attitude didn't seem like someone who would listen.

"If the person's fine, I still have things to do at the lab. I'll head out first." Bai Liang came out from the inner room, holding his coat.

"Not staying for lunch?" Cen Zhi looked up at him.

These two kids—she didn't know how to reconcile them; the best she could do was keep them apart before they locked horns.

"Mm, I'm busy over there." Bai Liang had regained his composure and gave a polite smile, rolling up his sleeves. He glanced at his watch. "Mom, you should rest too. You look kind of pale."

Cen Zhi didn't insist and waved him away.

Meanwhile, Xiaobai Nuo had dragged the snack bag around and handed out treats to everyone he could see, leaving only Second Uncle and Aunt Bai Qi.

Hearing this, the little cub dug through the bag, then trotted after Bai Liang.

The little surveillance drone rolled along behind him, clattering.

Bai Sheng, who had been three steps behind the cub the whole time, stood up unhurriedly and strolled after them.

Bai Liang had already walked through the main building's hallway and reached the entrance. He had called his assistant to pick him up. As the door opened, his assistant looked puzzled. "Boss, want to grab some food first?"

"No, go straight back to the lab." Bai Liang didn't even flinch.

"You didn't eat breakfast."

Of course, unless it was someone like Bai Qian who had undergone surgery, top alphas could go days without sleep or food and be fine.

Bai Liang stared ahead, mentally running through his experiment schedule.

That protein won't work—so we'll have to swap it for...

Everything in front of him seemed like meaningless background noise. He naturally felt disconnected from the world. All he could perceive were rows of data and pending experiments in his mind.

Until—

"Second Uncle!"

A tiny, babyish voice cut through.

What?

Bai Liang reacted slowly, looking down. He instinctively bent down.

He saw that the little cub had somehow arrived at his side, holding up a box of fruit-and-cream cake.

The tiny tot didn't get what adults were worried about, but he knew one thing. He held the cake up high, eyes shining. "Second Uncle, this is for you. If you can eat, you can live!"

In the apocalypse, there were no fancy twists—it was still just that saying: if you can eat, you'll live!

Bai Liang: ...

A flicker of surprise crossed his face.

"'If you can eat, you can live'—isn't that a bit much? Your Second Uncle is nowhere near dying."

But—

In the distance, the scenery stood silent like a stage backdrop. This little one's voice instantly pulled him back down to earth.

Bai Liang smiled gently, crouched down, and poked the cub's cheek. "Who taught you that? Way too blunt. Only someone like Bai Sheng, with zero artistic sense..."

As Bai Liang poked the child and looked up, he saw Bai Sheng standing exactly three feet away, watching him in silence.

Bai Liang: ...

Bai Liang smiled: "Are you enjoying my misery?"

Bai Sheng: "Obviously, yes."

Ha, you ungrateful brat, and you have the nerve to watch someone else's misery? Back then, you were all about teaching your kid to be independent, and now you're like you're still traumatized, tagging along after your kid.

Bai Liang said sarcastically: "So you've made peace with the eldest and are now thick as thieves?"

Bai Sheng flinched, clearly showing a disgusted expression.

Bai Liang was satisfied. He took the cake box from the little one, who was looking back at his dad.

"Second Uncle gets it. I'll eat it later."

The little guy came back to his senses, nodded: "Mmhm, Nono and Second Uncle have a deal."

Bai Liang stood up, adjusted his shirt, and said with a smile, "Yes, a deal."

Bai Liang left quickly.

So, only the aunt was left.

The little one, followed by Dou Dou and his father, pattered back to the living room.

He rummaged through the snack bag again, picked out a pack of candy, and headed off to find his aunt.

Bai Sheng was about to follow when Cen Zhi, who had already selected a stack of picture books, spoke up: "Alright, why are you sticking so close? There are plenty of people watching. Let the baby run around a bit by himself. It'll be time to eat soon. Come over and see if these picture books are suitable."

Bai Sheng finally reluctantly turned back to look at the picture books Cen Zhi had chosen.

The little one glanced at his father, then at his grandmother, then at the eldest uncle and the eager youngest uncle over there. Catching the youngest uncle's gaze, he darted off to the room where his aunt was.

Bai Qi was working on her computer, looking unwell. Hearing the sound, she turned to see it was Nono, and her expression softened a little: "What's wrong?"

"Snacks, for Aunt."

The little one handed Bai Qi the bag of candy. Standing by the desk, he blinked alertly and tilted his head slightly. Because there was an argument with Second Uncle, so—

"Is Aunt unhappy?"

"Huh? No, Aunt's always like this, isn't she?"

Bai Qi looked at the tiny figure in front of her, reached out and gently stroked his hair.

The soft little curls made the little guy especially adorable.

He thought for a moment, then something clicked, and his eyes lit up.

"Aunt, Aunt, come closer. Nono can't reach you from here."

Bai Qi, puzzled, lowered herself. The next second, a warm, soft little body pressed against her.

Her eyes widened slightly. The tiny little one stood on his tiptoes, wrapping his arms around her neck and said in a milky voice.

"Grandma says when you're unhappy, a hug from Nono will make you happy. Are you a little happier now, Aunt?"

Nono didn't understand, but when his father or grandmother hugged him, he felt happy. So it should make Aunt a little happier, right? Like the 'pain pain, fly away' spell.

Bai Qi's hand, frozen in midair, finally moved. She hugged the tiny little one back, feeling the warm, soft bundle, and said with rare difficulty: "I always thought…adults' bad moods shouldn't affect children."

"Aunt heard it all. You were amazing. You protected Grandma and your maternal cousin, and..."

Bai Qi let go, hearing the call for lunch from outside. She didn't know how to comfort the little one, but instinctively showed a kind, reassuring smile. "I'm really glad you're okay."

Bai Qi stood up, ready to take the little one out to eat. At the door, she finally said a bit stiffly, "I... am a bit happier."

That soft hug.

And after lunch, Ye Jiu, who had been urgently summoned by his grandfather to deliver fish, had just arrived.

He let out a questioning "Huh?" as he looked at the full oxygenation setup and the palm-sized fish his grandfather was holding.

Ye Jiu was full of question marks.

"Couldn't we just buy a nicer one? Or even ten? Swap them out every few days. That's way better than this dull-looking fish."

"Stupid kid, what do you know? The little omega wanted the fish that his great-grandfather caught himself. That's great-grandfather's love!"

Old Master Ye looked at his grandson with disdain—why can't this kid be an omega?

He didn't ask for much. Just an adorable omega like the one in Bai Yan's family.

Look at theirs, then look at his own. Sigh!

Ye Jiu: ...

Whose love?

The love of that stern, old-fashioned, and strict-with-family-discipline Old Master Bai?

Ye Jiu flinched, quickly put the fish into the oxygenated water tank, and shut the car door.

"Alright, Grandpa. You keep feeding fish with the other old men here. I'll head to the Bai residence."

Ye Jiu got in the car and sped off, leaving Old Master Ye cursing under his breath as the car kicked up dust: "Stupid kid!"

Although Ye Jiu still had the task of contacting the kids from the competition he had participated in, he felt a bit nervous now.

He knew that the little one at the Bai residence was five years old.

Even if he was an omega cub, he was at the age where he loved to cause chaos.

That's basically how kids were: black-and-white beagle-mode alpha cubs, beagle-mode beta cubs, and cuddly beagle-mode omega cubs.

He had to mentally prepare himself for the pranks of a five-year-old cub.

Back at the Bai residence.

After lunch, the family rested a bit. Bai Jingyun and Bai Qi returned to the company. Bai Sheng simply skipped work and lay down on the sofa for a nap. The old patriarch, ambitious again, went off to study his fishing videos.

As for Bai Qian, even with the little one watching, he hadn't eaten much at lunch. His complexion was as bad as before. He went upstairs to handle work. Cen Zhi said a few words and went up to check on him twice, but couldn't get Bai Qian to admit whether he was feeling unwell again.

The little one, whose appetite had mostly recovered by noon, felt his strength gradually returning as he ate. He had even finished the portion his father had allocated him, but still felt he hadn't eaten enough.

The usually obedient little one quietly snacked on two bags of snacks when the adults weren't paying attention, and finally placed a small watermelon-shaped bowl on the floor, sitting on the carpet himself. Little Bai Nuo turned around and took out some origami paper, preparing to fold paper flowers for Grandpa.

Little Bai Nuo thought: Grandpa didn't eat much just now; if he sees the flowers and feels happy, maybe he'll eat a couple more bites.

Not far from the little one, Cen Zhi, after resting, was streaming a yoga class on TV.

Bai Jin, who had nothing else to do in the house, sauntered over lazily. He poked his head around the little one, walking back and forth, trying to get a clear view of the little one's movements from every angle.

Since there was no other food around, the little one wasn't so wary of his uncle.

"Bai Jin..."

Bai Jin was thinking, "Oh, so this is the little paper flower the little one was talking about," and he successfully ignored the background noise calling his name.

"Bai Jin!"

What?

Mom calling him?

Bai Jin reacted for a moment, confused.

The busy little one also heard Grandma's voice and looked over.

Bai Jin turned his head and saw Cen Zhi's displeased expression. Cen Zhi was already seething with anger because of Bai Qian's troublesome nature. She had picked up a rolled-up towel nearby and threw it—biu!—right into Bai Jin's face.

A perfect hit.

A muffled 'thwack' sounded.

"Ugh—" Bai Jin instinctively covered his face.

The little one was startled.

Bai Sheng, who was napping on the sofa over there, lifted the picture book covering his face, squinted and glanced this way, muttered 'serves you right' under his breath, then covered himself with the book again, adjusted his position, and continued his nap. He refused to sleep on the bed, insisting on staying where he could see the little one.

After a brief silence, Bai Jin's shocked voice was heard.

"Mom! Why?!"

"I told you several times not to block the TV! Didn't you hear a word I said?! What were you spacing out about?"

Cen Zhi picked up the towel and looked at him.

Bai Jin: ...Can't mess with her.

Muttering, Bai Jin obediently backed away.

Leaving the little one sitting on the carpet next to Grandma, looking up and meeting her eyes.

Little Bai Nuo, who was busy folding paper, also froze and let out a very soft, babyish gasp.

The little one looked at his uncle, then at the towel, then back at Grandma.

Cen Zhi hadn't reacted yet.

The little one silently began to move.

—Hit little uncle's face, scared the little baby's heart.

Cen Zhi: ...?

Cen Zhi just snapped back to reality and saw the little one shuffle, shuffle over to a position completely away from the TV. Before Little Bai Nuo even sat down properly, he raised his hand and started clapping for his grandma.

He didn't find any offering to present, but the little one gave his own applause.

"Grandma, so accurate!"

Cen Zhi: ...

Cen Zhi: ... ...

I didn't mean to intimidate you, baby!!

Author's note:

Little uncle: I keep saying I'm a teaching prop. (covers his face, annoyed)

Nono's impression: Big uncle: likes to eat things with weird flavors. Little uncle: if he looks at it, he eats it all. Grandma: top of the food chain, 'devout.'

Actually, in the original story, second uncle's world crumbled twice.