Chapter 58

Chapter 58

Although it wasn't Cen Zhi's intention, it did achieve the effect of using the little uncle to "discipline" Nono (indirectly).

Cen Zhi, not sure whether to laugh or cry, reached out and ruffled the little cub's head, messing up his curly hair. Sticking to the family rule of praising the baby for everything he does, she still said, "Little Nuo Nuo is so amazing and great, you already know to make room for Grandma. Whose clever baby is this?"

Xiaobai Nuo's voice was babyish and soft: "Daddy's."

Bai Sheng, who seemed to be asleep, stirred over there.

Cen Zhi curled her lips and glanced at Bai Sheng without making a sound. She thought to herself that this kid must be feeling smug again, but he was pretending to be all serious. Cen Zhi hummed and feigned sadness, saying, "Huh? Isn't it Grandma's baby?"

The little one was holding his half-folded origami and quickly added without missing a beat, "It's Grandma's too."

Cen Zhi was satisfied and went back to her yoga class.

This was truly a master of keeping everyone happy, giving equal attention to all.

The little uncle, who had suddenly been hit by a sudden wave of maternal affection, was originally feeling a bit down.

But now, watching the little one move, Bai Jin burst out laughing.

The main thing was that Xiaobai Nuo had looked like a little scaredy-cat sucker-up just now, and his little expression and demeanor were way too amusing.

Especially that glance the little guy exchanged with his mom.

If only he could have recorded it, he would watch it over and over.

Bai Jin didn't say what was on his mind, but he naturally let out a laugh.

After his head was rubbed by Grandma and he adjusted his position, the little one looked up at his little uncle, his round big eyes staring.

Xiaobai Nuo didn't know what his little uncle was thinking, but the little cub could tell that his little uncle was laughing at him, and that his little uncle was a bad guy! Whatever his little uncle was thinking, it definitely wasn't anything good!

So the little cub wrinkled his nose, hummed, turned around, and faced away from his little uncle. Even that small back, with its slightly messy little curls, somehow showed Bai Jin a hint of stubbornness.

"Hey, hey, hey—"

Bai Jin stroked his chin (to himself).

Was this little move and expression teasing him? Or was it just too funny?

Bai Jin also realized that compared to venting his own frustrations by picking on his older brother and sister, teasing the kid seemed way more fun!

But he hadn't said anything just now, had he? How did this little guy hold a grudge? Again?

Because the little one had moved out of Cen Zhi's activity zone, Bai Jin, who had just reluctantly retreated, came back over. He didn't get too close; instead he stood a moderate distance behind the little one, with his back to the kid, facing the light of the day. So the little cub, who was earnestly doing origami, didn't pay attention to the movements of his little uncle behind him.

Xiaobai Nuo's little hands were really nimble. Without even opening the origami book, he smoothly folded, turned, pressed, carefully flattening with his little fingers. After folding for a bit, he'd pick it up and look it over as a whole to see if it looked balanced.

That was quite meticulous.

Bai Jin thought to himself. He had been standing for a while and naturally sat down beside him, stretching his legs, vaguely encircling the little one.

This angle was good; he could reach out and rub the little cub's curly hair.

Just then, a message arrived from the main gate of the old mansion.

The old butler answered the door and came in: "Madam, Masters Bai Sheng and Bai Jin, and the little master. The young master from the Ye family has brought the little fish the little master wanted."

Little fish!

After already folding a few little paper flowers and holding them in his hand, Xiaobai Nuo happily got up upon hearing this and turned to run toward the door to see the little fish.

The little one noticed his little uncle was behind him, but didn't notice his little uncle's legs were stretched out. This distance indeed allowed Bai Jin to touch the little one's head, but it also meant that when the little one ran, he would trip over Bai Jin's legs.

Bai Jin was caught off guard. The little cub tripped over his legs—"smack"—face-first into the blanket with a thud.

The tiny cub was stunned for a moment, but using his well-honed instinct, he adjusted his posture and fell into the soft blanket.

Xiaobai Nuo knew how to fall without hurting too much and could stand up and keep running.

So falling into the blanket, the little cub wasn't hurt at all. He immediately got up, looking a bit dazed at his little uncle, and rubbed his little face—this wasn't from pain, just the tickle of the fur against it.

But Bai Jin, who had been distracted and hadn't had time to pull his legs back or say anything: ...

The sounds of someone rushing over and a book hitting the floor mixed chaotically for a moment, then subsided into silence, leaving only the vibrant, cheerful voice of the yoga instructor from the TV.

Bai Jin's mood, however, was far from cheerful.

Bai Sheng, who had been lounging on the sofa, had already sat up.

Cen Zhi, who was in front of the TV, had already stopped right behind the little cub.

She shot a glare: "Bai, Jin!"

Uh-oh!

Without a word, acting purely on the instinct of someone who just caused trouble, Bai Jin pushed himself up, took two steps at a time, and jumped out the first-floor window.

"This rascal, he runs so fast every time he causes trouble! That boy!"

Cen Zhi, annoyed, watched Bai Jin flee, then looked at Bai Sheng and couldn't help muttering under her breath.

—"You don't have to look like you're going to kill your brother, do you?"

Cen Zhi strongly suspected that Bai Jin was mainly scared off by Bai Sheng.

But for now, never mind that.

Cen Zhi first crouched down and checked the little one over.

Although he had tripped and wasn't hurt, the little cub, still not fully understanding what had happened, snapped out of it: "Grandma, Nuo is fine."

The little one stood up, holding the still-folded little paper flowers, and raised them high, turning in a circle in front of his grandma.

Then he looked at the open window and asked, puzzled, "Did little uncle... just fly away?"

"Never mind your little uncle."

Cen Zhi twitched her lips.

That rascal Bai Jin's eyes were practically glued to the little one, but he was still careless, especially fond of teasing this little guy, as if he couldn't control himself.

Cen Zhi quietly stroked the little cub's head.

"Alright, let's go see the little fish. Your Grandma Feng will find your fish tank for you."

"Mm-hmm."

Little Bai Nuo nodded, then showed Grandma the little paper flower in his hand. He had fallen, but aside from holding a little grudge against his uncle, he wasn't upset at all. He nuzzled Grandma's hand reassuringly and glanced at his father.

"Nono folded it, and I'll give it to the grandpas later. Nono already promised them! Daddy, Nono is fine."

"Mm, go ahead."

Bai Sheng glanced at the window through which Bai Jin had jumped, then turned back and nodded.

He watched the little one toddle away.

Before he could collapse back onto the sofa, Bai Sheng saw Ms. Cen Zhi looking at him in dissatisfaction.

Bai Sheng heard Cen Zhi muttering under her breath, "He was still a bit stunned from the fall, right? Just doesn't want me to worry. Ahhh, how does that rascal Bai Sheng get to have Nono? How can someone have such an adorable kid and not suffer the hardships of raising one?"

Grandma finally broke.

Then what about those five A's I raised before?

Was I just out of luck?!

At least this bratty A turned out to be a hidden gem.

Watching Cen Zhi's resentment grow with each word.

To dodge her wrath, Bai Sheng silently got up and moved to another couch to lie down.

What he can't see doesn't exist.

Cen Zhi: ...Hey, you little punk!!

Meanwhile, the car pulled up to the main building's entrance. Ye Jiu, who had just gotten out and opened the trunk, saw a figure leap out of that window over there, land neatly, and dart away in a flash.

Ye Jiu stood there unfazed.

Oh, of course. As the Deputy Minister of the Federal Talent Department, he encountered this kind of situation often.

Especially those energetic black-and-white beagles... oh, wait, I mean those hyperactive little A cubs.

Mud and tree climbing were standard procedure. If there was a window, they'd never use the door. If you ever caught these little rascals up to mischief, never let your guard down—especially when several A cubs gathered. If one of them was the ringleader, you were doomed.

The worst was when one said "I've got an idea, are you in?" and the rest chimed in with "I'm in," "Sounds fun," "I'm good with that," and they'd turn the parents' world completely upside down.

Ye Jiu still remembered the biggest ruckus—a group of clever little alphas, along with a few seven- or eight-year-old beta cubs, researched Bluetooth speakers and such, managed to cobble one together themselves, and placed it behind a statue of the God of Wealth.

That day, the God of Wealth's manifestation shocked the entire city of Ang.

That night, the wailing of the cubs in the compound equally shocked the neighbors.

In short, there was nothing these little brats couldn't think of or pull off.

Of course, Ye Jiu didn't let himself off the hook either.

Haha, he was an alpha too—didn't he know exactly what went on in his own head as a kid?

But after being tormented by cubs for so long, he couldn't even empathize with his younger self.

As for Bai Jin?

This just-turned-eighteen alpha was also familiar to him.

The kid's competition materials were still sitting on his desk.

A newly adult alpha's behavior was far from mature, and Bai Jin in particular loved thrill-seeking activities.

The tired federal bureaucrat looked like a worn-out pack horse. He let out a deep breath, packed the fish away, and followed the butler inside.

He thought to himself: what should he prepare for?

Better put the fish away first when meeting the little one, so it doesn't spill when the little one headbutts people's stomachs as a greeting. Keep an eye on what the little guy is holding, and be careful not to step into any traps he's set.

Ye Jiu, used to outsmarting clever and rambunctious cubs, was quite familiar with the routine.

He didn't want to assume the worst about this little one—but this was a cub of the Bai family.

At the top of Ang City's elite families, the pranks the Bai children pulled when they were young were also one scarier than the last.

So no amount of caution was too much.

Then the door over there opened, and a small figure stood at the entrance.

Oh... Is he a bit underdeveloped?

Ye Jiu thought subconsciously.

For his age, this little one's build was a bit small, but considering what he'd been through, Ye Jiu soon rationalized it.

Though small in stature, he looked quite spirited.

And because he was young, many little ones didn't know their own strength.

Maybe Bai Jin was just scared off by him.

Ye Jiu's expression grew even more serious.

Still holding origami?

Is it some kind of folded gadget—something that pops open over his head when he gets close? Or a little gun loaded with toothpicks as bullets, ready to be fired?

Ye Jiu's professional instincts kicked in, as if he were sweeping for mines, mentally checking off every "surprise" the cubs had given him in the past.

Then a small, milky voice came through.

"Hello, uncle!"

Listen to that call...

Huh? "Hello, uncle"?

Ye Jiu finally got a clear look at the little one's face. His originally serious expression, deliberately stern to intimidate the cub, went slightly blank.

He had never seen Little Bai Nuo before.

In front of him was a soft-cheeked little one in a cream-colored short-sleeved shirt and light blue denim shorts, arms and legs pale and clean, without any tan lines from wild play. He was an adorable little snowball.

Ye Jiu's face went blank for a moment.

This is... kinda cute, isn't it?

Wait, he raised his hand—what's that in his hand—

It's a small paper flower.

Is it really a small paper flower?!

"This is the little flower Nono promised to fold for Grandpa. Nono folded roses and wind chimes. Uncle, here, can you help Nono give it to Grandpa?"

"Oh... of course."

Despite mentally preparing himself over and over, at this moment, Ye Jiu was momentarily at a loss.

He crouched down, handed the fish to the little boy, and took the paper flower.

Xiaobai Nuo also kept one for Bai Qian, tucking it into his own little pocket. Now, holding that plain gray fish—more than ten centimeters long, quite big for a little cub—he happily turned to look at Grandma Feng, who had followed him.

"Grandma Feng."

"Young master, the fish tank is over here."

Grandma Feng said with a smile.

Eager to settle the fish in, the little one hurried after Aunt Feng and quickly ran off.

Leaving Ye Jiu standing, clutching two beautifully folded paper flowers, utterly bewildered.

He couldn't help but fiddle with the paper flowers in his hand, trying to confirm they weren't some new type of prank he hadn't even detected.

...Not a prank at all. These paper flowers were actually folded quite well—intricate and lovely.

Ye Jiu, who was used to being tormented by cubs, wore a strange expression—what was up with this cub?

"Master Ye, why not come inside and sit? The madam and Third Master are in the parlor, and the master and the old master are upstairs."

Hearing the old butler say this, Ye Jiu snapped back to reality, exchanged a few pleasantries, and followed him in.

Of course, he had come mainly because the members of the Bai Family were all frighteningly intelligent. Even though the little one was only five, Ye Jiu wanted to see this new cub of the Bai family.

Not to mention that he might be the first omega cub in the Bai family?

"Is your little master usually this well-behaved?"

Ye Jiu hesitated slightly, clutching the paper flowers.

He still found it hard to believe.

"Ah, the little master? Yes, I've never seen a child as well-behaved as the little master."

The old butler said with a smile.

"The little master loves puzzles and reading picture books. He's usually very quiet. If he hadn't been so excited about the fish today, he probably would have personally escorted you to the living room."

Ye Jiu's mind was a bit chaotic.

This didn't fit his usual understanding.

Even after reaching the living room, greeting Cen Zhi and Bai Sheng, and sitting down on the sofa, he was still pondering.

The little one soon returned.

He was small and weak; though he had prepared a square fish tank, a tank full of water was still too heavy for such a tiny cub.

So Grandma Feng carried it. The little one's eyes sparkled as he walked beside Aunt Feng, tilting his little head up to watch.

"The picture book says fish need to eat three meals a day. How many times a day should Nono feed it? Grandma Feng, will it get lonely all alone in the fish tank? And why doesn't the fish drown?"

If Nono were a fish, he wouldn't be afraid of water.

The little one was a curious baby, asking one question after another.

But he never put adults in a difficult spot—after thinking for a moment, he turned to ask Dou Dou instead.

After coming in, he even took two quick steps forward and turned back to urge Grandma Feng to keep up.

"Daddy, Grandma—it's a fish! Look at the fish! Nono's going to call Grandpa and Great-Grandpa."

"Your great-grandpa might be napping at this hour."

Cen Zhi glanced at the time.

"You can go call your grandpa first."

"Okay."

The little one nodded adorably, and after Grandma Feng placed the fish tank on the table, he circled it twice, eyes fixed on the fish with curiosity.

To Xiaobai Nuo, everything in the world was fascinating. What was normal to others seemed like an 'unusual' novelty to him—like the fish.

To the little cub, this grayish fish was beautiful too: its dark gray upper body transitioned to silvery-white scales that shimmered slightly in the sunlight.

The little one straightened up, naturally circled around his father who had come closer, and then said, "Then Nono will go call Grandpa down to see!"

"Go ahead."

Cen Zhi smiled and nodded.

By now, Ye Jiu was completely dumbfounded.

Everywhere in the room showed traces of a cub's life, but indeed—the walls were clean, items were neatly arranged. Only an origami book and some leftover scraps of paper lay on the carpet over there.

No mess, no wild graffiti, no bouncing little monkey cub—

Ye Jiu couldn't help but look at Bai Sheng. Bai Sheng chatted casually with him for a bit, then glanced upstairs, looking relaxed and in good spirits.

Even the father seemed perfectly normal!

Ye Jiu could barely contain himself.

Logically, they should have been exchanging stories of the struggle and chaos that came with raising cubs, reaching a mutual understanding.

Not him sitting here, looking like a country bumpkin, watching that cub nuzzle one after another, thanking him softly.

Of course, Ye Jiu had no problem with mischievous cubs. He'd stayed in this department all this time because he genuinely liked little ones and felt it was part of their nature.

He was just busy, had no partner, and no cub—but that didn't mean that after being tormented by so many cubs, he didn't want a cute little one of his own.

But at that moment, his mindset subtly shifted. He could now empathize with the grandfather who had only video-called this little one—though lively cubs were adorable, too, if possible, could he have one like this?

And what about the parents?

Ye Jiu thought for a moment, his professional habits kicking in as he asked, "Haven't you thought about sending him to kindergarten yet?"

Then he clearly saw Bai Sheng and Cen Zhi both wearing looks of reluctance and anxiety.

Ye Jiu: ...You haven't even sent him yet, and just thinking about it makes you anxious?!

What's the deal with this kid?!

Meanwhile, Xiaobai Nuo had made it to the second floor, with Dou Dou quietly following behind him. The little one arrived at his grandfather's study.

The door wasn't closed, just ajar.

It was just as well, since the small child couldn't reach the doorknob anyway. He tapped the door twice with his little hand: "Grandpa? Nuo Nuo's little fish is here. Grandpa, do you wanna see it?"

A faint, muffled noise came from inside the room.

It sounded like something had fallen and rolled away.

"Grandpa?"

Xiaobai Nuo pushed the door open.

"Nuo Nuo's coming in now."

Once he saw what was inside the study, the little one quickly ran to the desk.

"Grandpa?! What's wrong? You feeling okay?"

Inside the room, Bai Qian had a tight frown, his face pale, sweat dripping from his forehead. He was leaning on the desk, one hand pressed against his stomach, as if he was still recovering from the pain. He heard Xiaobai Nuo's voice and looked over without thinking.

"Nuo Nuo?"

"Nuo Nuo's gonna get the doctor for Grandpa!"

The little one looked a bit panicked and was about to run out, but Bai Qian grabbed him. The small child's legs kicked as he looked back helplessly in confusion.

"Grandpa?"

Bai Qian was still frowning: "It's nothing, an old issue."

His voice was hoarse and slightly weak. His gaze followed the small medicine bottle he had knocked to the floor earlier.

"Don't call the doctor, okay? Grandma will worry. Can Nuo Nuo get that medicine bottle for Grandpa?"

Sometimes, when the pain was severe, Bai Qian didn't want Cen Zhi to see him in such a mess.

Besides, it's an old issue. There's not much else to do about it now.

Xiaobai Nuo quickly turned back, picked up the small medicine bottle, and handed it to his grandfather. He couldn't reach the desk, so he placed both little hands on the armrest of the chair, trying his best to look up at his grandfather's face. His little kid voice was filled with obvious concern, straightforward as always: "Grandpa, please don't die. Grandma would be really sad. Grandma is already worried about you right now."

Bai Qian: ...

Hadn't he heard those words somewhere before?

Wasn't it this little one who had asked him not to die last time?

It's just a stomach thing, not gonna kill me, alright?

"Don't worry. Grandpa will feel better after taking the medicine."

It was mainly from poor rest, plus a sudden scare and catching a chill. Bai Qian had thought he could just endure it, but the pain after eating grew more intense until he went to find the medicine, and then Xiaobai Nuo came in.

Bai Qian took the medicine with water like he'd done a hundred times. His face was still pale, but he forced himself to perk up and lean down, not wanting to scare the little guy. His graying hair slipped from behind his ears. The man, usually so neat, looked a bit messy, but his eyes were full of love.

"Hey, don't tell Grandma, okay? Tell her Grandpa is a little busy and will be fine in a while. You go ahead and play, and Grandpa will come down in a bit to see your little fish."

"Are you really okay?"

Xiaobai Nuo looked up and met his grandfather's eyes. His little lips were pressed tight, and his eyes were a little red.

"Grandpa must be very uncomfortable, right?"

Being sick really sucks. Nuo Nuo knows.

So why won't Grandpa go to the hospital and let Uncle Doctor take a look? And why won't he let Nuo Nuo tell Grandma?

After Grandpa repeated that he'd feel better after resting a bit,

the little one quickly ran out of the room.

Bai Qian slumped down slightly, letting out a heavy sigh. He thought to himself,

Is he gone? He really did need to rest. He hoped his appearance hadn't scared the little one.

But just two or three minutes later, the sound of hurried, pattering footsteps came back into the room.

Bai Qian instinctively looked down, wondering what was wrong now.

Or had he already told Cen Zhi...?

But what Bai Qian saw was a cute strawberry piggy bank.

The various metal coins the little one had collected were all stuffed inside. He hadn't been collecting for long, so there weren't many yet. As he ran, the bank shook and made a hollow, clattering sound.

"Grandpa, this is what Nuo Nuo has saved."

The little one held the piggy bank up high, staring at his grandpa.

"Grandpa needs to see a doctor and get treated. Grandma is really worried about you. Nuo Nuo hasn't saved much yet, but I'll give you everything I've got."

Author's Note:

Kid: I don't really get it, but Nuo Nuo has to have your back.

Ye Jiu: Kindergarten...

Grandma: My baby is going to kindergarten. My baby is going to kindergarten. Grandma won't be able to see the baby during the day... [crying]

Bai Sheng: "frowning" Trying to convince himself that even if the kid learns nothing, he can still raise him just fine.

Ye Jiu: ??? Are you two going a little overboard or what?!