Chapter 70

Chapter 70

After all, looks can't kill... or at least, they can't kill fish.

That little red goldfish was finally allowed to stay by Xiaobai Nuo, and it even got a name, just like Great-grandpa's gray fish.

Hmph.

Holding the gift Nuo gave him, Bai Yan expressionlessly stepped on Bai Jin's foot, who was sitting on the sofa.

So what?

He didn't care at all. Once he studied it a bit more, forget this little fish tank—he'd get the kid a small aquarium later. Whether for looking at or eating, Great-grandpa would cover it all.

He just casually thought this kid was okay; he didn't care at all.

Bai Jin: "...Ow! Grandpa, you stepped on my foot!"

Great-grandpa didn't look back and kept walking inside.

What? Someone talking?

Who cares about background noise.

The rest of the Bai family totally agreed.

Since there was an afternoon kindergarten trial, even if only for a few hours, Bai Sheng was clearly anxious—though he wouldn't admit it.

The Newbie Dad just felt it was only natural.

This wasn't like before, when the kid went somewhere to play with others. Kindergarten had many kids the same age, and plenty of particularly mischievous A-pups.

Even though Canghua Kindergarten had all the proper qualifications and excellent teaching staff, with so many pups, there would inevitably be arguments and conflicts. And this kid of his was so well-behaved, seeming like he'd easily get picked on.

His health had improved a bit, but who knew what might happen later.

It was after lunch in Bai Sheng's courtyard, and the background noise was unusually chaotic.

"Come on, Nuo, let Grandma double-check one more time—spare clothes."

The little guy pointed at the clothes he might need to change after activities and replied softly, "Spare clothes... here! Grandma."

Cen Zhi continued, "Towel, water bottle."

The little guy patted his small backpack beside him: "Towel, water bottle, all packed in my little bag, Grandma."

Then Cen Liu came up and raised his hand: "Cousin, who can be a pendant!"

Xiaobai Nuo subconsciously repeated, "Cousin who can be a pendant... Ah?"

With two *slaps*—Cen Zhi and Bai Sheng each smacked Cen Liu on the head, one after the other, yelping and jumping away.

So.

Bai Sheng looked at this group gathered in his place, his eyelid twitching.

"What are you all doing here?"

The Bai family were sitting in a row on the sofa, while Cen Liu had bounced far away, rubbing his forehead and the back of his head.

A bit too chaotic.

"Just going to check out his kindergarten," Bai Jin said matter-of-factly. "Seems like it's not far from Shengan Mansion."

Bai Liang smiled and said, "A nice chance to go out for a walk."

Bai Qi sat farthest from Bai Liang and looked at Bai Sheng with a straightforward expression. She had heard Nuo was starting kindergarten and hurriedly finished work abroad to rush back.

Bai Jingyun didn't say a word but clearly intended to come along.

Great-grandpa took a sip of water, looking calm.

Bai Qian glanced at Cen Zhi: "After dropping off Nuo, I'll take your mom to the company."

Cen Zhi turned back to look at him: "I can go myself."

Bai Qian: "I want to take you."

Cen Zhi raised an eyebrow: "...I'm skipping work today."

Bai Qian: "Then I'll go too."

Cen Zhi scoffed: "Be honest!"

Bai Qian: "...I also want to go drop off Nuo."

Cen Zhi heard him, snorted, hugged the little one, and muttered to him.

"Nuo, what do you think? Should we donate Grandpa's mouth later?"

The little pup tilted his head and asked Grandma curiously, "Donate it? Would anyone want it?"

An innocent voice with no ill intent.

Cen Zhi burst out laughing.

Bai Sheng ignored the others. He crouched down and reminded him again.

"When you're at kindergarten, just play normally with the other kids, like when you hung out with those little cousins. If anything comes up, tell the teacher, and the teacher will tell Dad."

The little guy had already learned from Dad yesterday that kindergarten wasn't a place for him to play with us.

Xiaobai Nuo was a bit nervous too now.

"Dad, can't I bring Doudou?"

"No, play with Doudou when you get home."

Bai Sheng said this, but he was clearly more anxious, just trying to control his anxiety.

Normally, for a kid starting kindergarten, to make him feel secure, not so many people should see him off. But this little pup was different from other kids, and Bai Sheng also wanted him to feel how important he was to the Bai family.

Before last night, Bai Sheng had been relatively calm. But last night, he realized the kid had misunderstood. When the little pup leaned against him, holding a picture book, and asked innocently if he couldn't always be with Dad, Bai Sheng's head spun for a moment. He almost told the teacher directly that our Nuo wouldn't be coming tomorrow.

It was the little guy who tilted his head and thought for a while.

This was truly a very good kid. After thinking, he asked again if all kids had to go to kindergarten. After getting an answer, he earnestly told Dad, "Nuo will go too."

His cute little baby voice still seemed to echo in Bai Sheng's ears.

Nono knows Daddy won't throw him away, and because Daddy is the strongest dad, Nono wants to be as strong as Dad!

Even now, Bai Sheng thought he'd at least managed to give the little guy some sense of security.

As for throwing him away?

Bai Sheng turned around and glanced at the group sitting in a row behind him.

He turned back again.

Even if he wanted to throw him away, he couldn't—the people behind him had already prepared bags to catch him (if he tried).

And how could he ever throw him away? No way, not in a million years.

"Mm, Nono understands."

The little one nodded seriously, then his father picked him up from his grandmother's arms.

Bai Sheng checked the time: "Rest a bit, then we'll head out."

Canghua Kindergarten.

The children had already woken up from their nap, washed up with their teachers, and were now doing free play, waiting for the afternoon activity class.

"Teacher Xiaoxue, is the new little brother coming?"

"We're going to pick him up together."

"I caught a grasshopper for him... uh."

Xie Yue didn't even finish his sentence before Yu Chuyan covered his mouth. Little Cool Guy, who had just been wiping his face with a towel, seemed horrified by Xie Yue's logic: "Throw the bug away."

Xie Qing raised his hand helplessly. Though he was a mischievous kid himself, he acted all grown-up, covering his forehead like a little adult, said in his childish voice: "Did you forget the little brother is afraid of bugs?"

Xie Yue: "Hey?! Right, grasshoppers are bugs! Then the little brother can't have a grasshopper race with us."

Standing in front of the Three Little Ones were two teachers. Teacher Xingxing was in charge of the Xie brothers, who were both Alphas, and Teacher Xiaoxue was in charge of Yu Chuyan. And as expected, the other little cub assigned to her today was the little Omega cub coming to the kindergarten.

Teacher Xingxing and Teacher Xiaoxue were silent for two seconds.

Let's not even get started on what the little Omega is scared of.

"But where did you guys find grasshoppers this time, kids?"

We don't have grasshopper races at this kindergarten, do we? And where did you hide them?

"Huh? Hehe."

Xie Yue blinked, smiling cutely at the teacher.

"Where did you put them? Tell the teacher, okay? Don't worry about picking up the little brother—Teacher Xiaoxue will go get the new friend soon."

Teacher Xingxing crouched down and said gently, while signaling to Teacher Xiaoxue to head to the principal's office, saying she'd watch the kids for now.

Teacher Xiaoxue gave a thumbs-up, said a quick goodbye to the kids, and hurried off to the principal's office.

Not far away, some children from the same class looked over.

Leading them was another little Alpha cub named Xia Huan, who considered himself the archrival of the Xie brothers and Yu Chuyan.

The Xia family was also a major wealthy family in Ang City, so Xia Huan naturally set himself up as their rival. But no matter what he competed in—even pure luck games like drawing lots—he always lost to these Three Little Ones.

The little Alpha was furious every day, and while his parents watched, helpless but amused, he kept challenging the Three Little Ones every day, losing every time but never giving up.

Xia Huan had also heard about the new little kid. Clutching his small towel, he said to his friend nearby, "If I can't beat them, can I at least win against the new kid? Let me see what he's got!"

Meanwhile, Teacher Xiaoxue had reached the principal's office door.

She took a nervous deep breath.

Assistant Li had already sent her all the instructions, with detailed and thorough wording. On top of the Bai family's fame and the fact that this was a little Omega, she couldn't help feeling stressed.

Although it was said that little Omegas were easier to handle than those energetic little Alphas, they were all just kids, curious and playful at heart—so she absolutely couldn't let her guard down!

Then she knocked twice, pushed open the door, and was momentarily stunned.

Why were so many people there?

The tiny cub, surrounded by everyone, looked over and blinked sweetly.

Nono glanced at his father, then at the teacher who had just entered, and said softly, a little nervously, "Hello, teacher."

Teacher Xiaoxue smiled instinctively and started screaming inside—Oh my gosh, what kind of adorable baby is this?

"Hello, sweetie. I'm Teacher Xiaoxue."

Bai Sheng looked over, crouched down, and gently patted his cub's head: "Dad will pick you up before work ends this afternoon. If you have any problems, tell the teacher."

"Mm, then Dad, come pick Nono up early, okay?"

Nono nodded.

The Bai family watched as the teacher led the cub, who kept looking back, out the door. The whole family was about to leave, but they all seemed a bit wistful.

At least the cub didn't cry—that was a good sign, right?

Bai Sheng turned to the group and started reciting like a robot: "Parents are not allowed to turn back or peek through windows to avoid making kids anxious."

Cen Zhi looked over instinctively, seeming caught off guard: "What's that?"

Bai Sheng smiled: "From the parenting guide's kindergarten section."

Nono was led by the teacher to the classroom.

The children were all inside playing. The little one kept looking back toward his father's direction.

It wasn't that Nono had never been away from Bai Sheng on his own before, but past situations were different from kindergarten. The little one was clearly a bit nervous and uneasy.

The teacher holding his hand was someone he had only just met.

In the past, Nono would never have followed an adult he had only seen once or twice.

"Baby, you're so good and brave. I heard you're really good at origami, right?"

Teacher Xiaoxue keenly sensed the little one's unease. Before entering the door, she crouched down and said with a smile, "Our afternoon activity class today is origami. How about we go in, say hi, meet the other kids, and fold some paper together?"

"Okay."

The little one obediently nodded.

Oh my god, what an angel baby.

Teacher Xiaoxue gasped in amazement.

Today's class was indeed specially tailored to focus on the little one's situation, without any knowledge-based learning, just to help him relax, feel at ease, and ease his anxiety.

But this little one was still unexpectedly well-behaved; however, it was just a trial day, and since it was his first day at kindergarten, it was only natural to give him extra attention in that area.

"The teacher will be right here. Let's take it step by step. If you feel uncomfortable, just tell the teacher, okay?"

Only then did the little one reluctantly turn back.

Xiaobai Nuo rarely interacted with strangers when his parents were not around.

Being separated from his parents, he was clearly anxious too, but he remained good and didn't cry, not wanting to worry them. Now, slightly relieved by the teacher, his eyes curved into a smile and he gave Teacher Xiaoxue a smile.

"Thank you, Teacher Xiaoxue."

"Nono!"

"It's the little brother!"

Inside the room, the three little ones who had been watching the door had already spotted Xiaobai Nuo and ran over.

Yu Chuyan, who ran the fastest, and Xie Yue, who ran the second fastest, took the little one's hands, leaving Xie Qing, who was a step slower.

Teacher Xiaoxue and Teacher Xingxing exchanged a glance.

Teacher Xingxing spoke and pointed in a direction.

"I just let them all go."

The little one's first activity class was origami.

As a new member of the class, after introducing himself to the other children, the little one was still a bit anxious and couldn't help looking towards the door, trying to find his father's figure, to check if he was saying it right.

Instead, the teachers started applauding first and helped the children get to know each other.

Xiaobai Nuo was a head shorter than kids his age; even beta kids, who grow slower than alphas, were taller than him. But he was exceptionally cute and well-behaved, inherently endearing, like a delicate doll displayed on the top shelf of a shop window.

Especially with Yu Chuyan and the Xie Family Twins by his side as before, having familiar little friends accompanying him, the little one's tense emotions gradually relaxed.

Daddy, Nono worked really hard. Nono is still amazing, able to get to know so many people at once.

The little one thought.

Soon he sat in front of the little table, playing origami with the big brothers.

"What can Nono fold?"

Teacher Xiaoxue smiled and looked at the little one.

Then she was astonished to hear the little one rattle off like a menu: "Can fold stars, many kinds of flowers, little rabbits, little frogs…"

He can fold that many?!

"Oh, oh... So what are you folding now?"

Teacher Xiaoxue asked.

Watching the little one fold and flip.

After a moment, she knew.

The little one folded a small snowflake, reached out and handed it to Teacher Xiaoxue, saying in a baby voice: "It's a snowflake."

"For the teacher?"

"Mm-hmm, because I felt... Teacher Xiaoxue would like little snowflakes."

The little one nodded.

Bullseye!

"Thank you, Little Nuo Nuo."

Teacher Xiaoxue: ...I can't take this. Where did this little honey come out of?! How can a little honey like this even exist?!

The little one was quick and nimble, and soon caught the attention of the other kids who were already curious about him.

"Wow, that's so cool!"

"Can you fold a little horse?"

"What about a little cat?"

"What kind of flowers can you fold?"

"The origami book is so hard, I can't understand it."

Xiaobai Nuo got nervous for a second and instinctively looked at his friends beside him.

Yu Chuyan and the Xie Family double alphas stood guard, keeping the curious kids from crowding him, looking proud, sharing in his glory.

Yu Chuyan exchanged a glance with Xiaobai Nuo, then nonchalantly looked away, but said: "I told you, Little Brother Nuo Nuo is really amazing."

"Exactly," Xie Yue replied.

Xie Qing was preparing origami paper. He glanced for two seconds, then handed a piece of paper to Xie Yue: "This paper is for you."

Xie Yue: "...This one has a missing corner! I want the one you have!"

Teacher Xingxing skillfully intervened: "How about I cut two new pieces for you?"

A few kids, led by Xia Huan, were watching from a distance.

Xia Huan was already holding several folded flowers in his hands. Actually, he studies the next day's activities every night. He lifted his little chin, stood up, and also came over.

He stood on tiptoe and peeked into the crowd.

He wanted to see what this new kid was so good at...

Wow! He actually knows how to fold a rose!!

He's so amazing!

Bai Corporation, the company where Bai Sheng works.

Bai Sheng has already come to work, but during break time, the whole top floor is filled with muted groans.

—The little master is at kindergarten, so the boss can't bring him to work all the time anymore.

The workhorses are furious, weeping and raging in vain.

But it's okay. During breaks, the little master can still come. There's still something to look forward to!

However—

"Li, has my report been submitted successfully? The boss hasn't approved it yet."

Assistant Li grabbed the documents and walked out, glancing over at them as he did.

"It's been submitted successfully. It should be approved soon."

Even without Assistant Li saying it, everyone here could feel the boss's subtle distraction. Bai Sheng rarely had low efficiency; he fidgeted with his stylus in the office.

The new dad kept opening his phone and then catching himself to close it every few minutes.

Because the small monitor couldn't be brought to school, Bai Sheng's muscle memory of checking on his little guy every now and then still lingered.

He could check the public surveillance cameras at the kindergarten, but the distance was too far. The new dad, used to watching his little guy up close, really missed being so close to him.

But anxiety?

Bai Sheng thought that word didn't apply to him.

C'mon, how could he possibly be anxious.

"Boss? Boss?"

Assistant Li called him several times from the side.

Bai Sheng snapped out of it, grunted a reply, and took the documents.

After reading the documents, Bai Sheng's mind wandered again.

He thought about his overly soft little guy and couldn't help but imagine—would that little guy go looking for his dad and cry in secret? Or would he not get along with kids his age?

Thinking like this, Bai Sheng couldn't help but stand up, pacing back and forth in his office, occasionally glancing at his watch.

He could even picture his pitiful little guy, voice all choked, asking for his dad to hold him, missing him so much.

No, he couldn't take it.

There was still over an hour until kindergarten ended. Bai Sheng finally couldn't take it anymore. He told Assistant Li, who had just stepped in, "Send the work to my email. Summarize important matters for me. And for everything else, follow the previous arrangements."

"Okay, boss."

Assistant Li quickly nodded, then looked at Bai Sheng with barely concealed anticipation.

"Are you going to pick up the little master? Isn't it a bit early?"

"I'm just going to go check it out early—"

Bai Sheng said stone-faced.

Although he had imagined a lot, he didn't show anything unusual on the surface.

Assistant Li, ever the professional, didn't pry. He simply nodded and replied, "Alright."

About ten minutes later, Assistant Li followed behind Bai Sheng and sneaked to a hidden corner of Canghua Kindergarten, peering inside.

He temporarily pushed aside all thoughts about not returning mid-day to avoid upsetting the little guy.

The kids were playing outside, but the cameras weren't clear enough. He wanted to see for himself. It had been a long time since he'd last seen his little guy!

Assistant Li watched wordlessly as his boss spoke with the staff, then climbed to a high spot even more nimbly than Bai Jin, ducking into a corner to get a good view. He couldn't help but think—what was this called?

Separation anxiety?

Bai Sheng surveyed the area for a bit, then suddenly caught some noise. Turning his head, he spotted two people near the kindergarten entrance, acting all sneaky, wearing long sleeves and hats even in the heat, peering in eagerly.

Their figures looked a bit familiar.

Bai Sheng: ...

The person struggling to cling to the gate and peek inside seemed to sense something. One of them looked over first, saw Bai Sheng, and poked the other person who was staring longingly inside, gesturing toward Bai Sheng.

The person muttered in annoyance, then looked up and locked eyes with Bai Sheng.

For a second, both parties felt awkward.

"Ha, San'er, what are you doing here?"

"Mom, why are you wearing that?"

Behind Ms. Cen Zhi, Bai Qian stood silent.

A moment later.

The three of them, plus Assistant Li, stood at the kindergarten gate, all staring at each other.

They also snagged Cen Liu, who was hanging around nearby.

Only then did Bai Sheng realize how ridiculous his actions were.

The first-time dad, now slightly more clear-headed after his separation anxiety spell, raised a hand and rubbed his forehead.

Ridiculous, just ridiculous.

Ms. Cen Zhi shot back defensively, "Didn't you say we shouldn't come back or let Nono see us? I even changed clothes! Nono won't recognize me even if he sees me."

"Yeah!"

Cen Liu nodded gravely.

You all look like human traffickers!

He was about to say that when his phone rang.

There was still half an hour before kindergarten let out. They had originally planned to wait at the gate.

But the call was from the kindergarten teacher.

The teacher explained that Xiaobai Nuo was doing a trial day, and since it was his first day, he was a bit anxious and physically weaker than the other kids. After playing ball games for a while, he seemed to get tired more easily than the other kids. The parents could pick him up early to let him rest and comfort him at home. Also, the little one behaved very well, so the trial went fine, and he can start coming to kindergarten regularly. She asked where they were and if they wanted to come pick up the little one now.

What a coincidence!

The group standing at the kindergarten gate looked at each other.

A moment later, Teacher Xiaoxue came out of the kindergarten entrance with Xiaobai Nuo.

The little one obediently held the teacher's hand. The moment he saw his dad, his eyes lit up, and he ran straight over.

"Daddy, Daddy!"

Bai Sheng crouched down, and the little one wrapped his arms around his neck, snuggling his small body into his dad's arms. He spoke softly, clearly no longer nervous, but after being away from his dad for so long, suddenly seeing him again made his voice a little choked up. He nuzzled gently against his dad, then looked up at Bai Sheng with a slight pout, gesturing.

"Nono missed Daddy so much. Nono hasn't seen Daddy for this looong time."

He had never gone this long without talking to or seeing his dad before.

Nono was very good, but with Daddy not around, there were still many things Nono couldn't handle well.

But—

"The moment Nono thought of Daddy, Daddy appeared! Is Daddy a magician? Daddy is so amazing."

Bai Sheng, who had just been thinking his own behavior was absurd: ...

Bai Sheng contentedly held his little one, blocking the stares of the 'kidnappers' behind him.

Yes, that's right—so amazing, so in sync.

Author's note:

Kid: Charming everyone just like that.JPG

Dad: I'm not anxious, I'm not anxious, I'm not anxious at all—madly imagining my kid being bullied, and can't help but sneak a peek over the kindergarten wall ahead of time.

Grandparents: Same here.

Cen Liu: Me too.