Chapter 74

Chapter 74

Bai Qian actually had a moment of doubt about what the little cub thought of him.

Was he really the kind of person who would be so greedy for a bite of food that he'd disregard his health?

Surely not—

"Alright, Grandpa, you can't smell it anymore."

The little one took the pumpkin cake back, his voice childish and serious.

"When Grandpa wakes up from his sleep, he can eat his meal."

In the little cub's world, eating was the most important thing.

But his tone made it sound like if Grandpa Bai Qian kept smelling it, he might not be able to resist taking a bite of the little pumpkin cake.

Bai Qian: …

You're really sweet, kid, but Grandpa isn't that hungry.

For a moment, Bai Qian wondered why he had even come looking for this little cub in the first place.

After staring at the little one for a while, he could only sigh helplessly: "You eat yours, Grandpa won't take yours."

Just as he said that, a voice came from the corridor.

Bai Liang's voice was unusually cold.

He had always been warm on the outside but cold on the inside, and now he was consistent, exuding the oppressive aura of the top alpha of the Bai family.

"What the hell are they doing? How dare they operate for so long with such a huge loophole? If something big goes wrong, do they want to go to jail? They can't handle academics, they can't manage logistics, and they still have the nerve to compete for a national ranking with these few labs? As for the matters related to cooperation with them? Put everything on hold for now. We'll start after the review is complete; they might not even be able to reopen anytime soon."

Bai Liang ended the communication and happened to pass by the small kitchen entrance. He glanced inside and spoke: "I need to go back to the lab later. Dad, have you seen Bai Jin?"

"What's wrong?"

Bai Jin had just taken a couple of laps in the main building's small open garden. Hearing the voice, he pushed the door open and entered, then emerged from around the corner, raising an eyebrow.

"News from the Federal Police. The small shop that made the quasi-pheromone gas bombs last night has been caught. It's a prank shop near Sheng'ang University. A sample survey was done there, and several boxes were tampered with. But the shop has no surveillance cameras. Last night was a night market, and there were too many people on the roads to find other clues. However, the source of the drugs that affected pheromones has been found. As for whether there was other guidance, it's hard to say. At least it seems they were randomly selecting targets based on the demands of their live-stream audience."

Bai Liang spoke quickly.

Of course, there was also a problem: if someone deliberately directed these few thugs to target Bai Jin, it was theoretically possible. But that platform was a mixed bag, full of vulgar people egging things on. There had been incidents before of ruining someone's clothes in a live stream. It could be said that the instigators were far from good people, and no one knew if someone was taking advantage of the chaos among them.

But—

"The source?"

Bai Jin raised an eyebrow, looking at Bai Liang who was clearly in a hurry to leave.

"With so many gas bombs tampered with, was it indiscriminate?"

"I don't know. It sounds that way, but the relevant details are still under investigation and can't be released to the public. The police just said to handle it as it comes. When they get out, it probably won't take anyone else to teach them a lesson."

After all, it involved Xiaobai Nuo. The family elders behind the little one hadn't made a move yet.

Bai Liang exhaled and pressed the bridge of his nose with his hand.

"This is the explanation and excuse regarding the incident you almost got caught up in yesterday. Actually, I just received news that the raw materials missing from those universities match the results from the police station's tests. Those materials aren't something you can just buy."

"Sounds like some lab researchers are indiscriminately taking revenge on society."

Bai Jin stroked his chin.

"Those labs violated safety regulations, with foreseeable serious accident consequences, and haven't caught the suspect yet. They likely won't reopen research this year. The worst-case scenario is that the teams will be disbanded. Their punishment hasn't come down yet because it involves some cooperation, so I need to go back and handle it."

Saying that, Bai Liang pushed his glasses again.

Silently signaling Bai Jin, that troublemaking little rascal, to be careful lately.

Then, Bai Liang glanced at the cub still holding the small pumpkin cake, looking up blankly, clearly not understanding a word.

The annoyance in his heart faded a bit when he saw the child's clear, naive eyes.

He exhaled, crouched down, and finally smiled again, saying, "Nono, Second Uncle has to go. Goodbye."

The little one, still holding the pumpkin cake, felt it was impolite to talk to Second Uncle like that, so he quickly handed the pumpkin cake to the nearby Grandpa Butler, then seriously said goodbye to Second Uncle.

Bai Liang soon passed by Bai Jin and left.

Bai Jin rubbed his nose. He glanced at Xiaobai Nuo and muttered quietly, "How unlucky can you get?" Of all people, he was chosen as the target.

Muttering, he walked into the kitchen and casually glanced at the prepared late-night snacks.

The Bai family kitchen always had some easily digestible food ready in the evening, in case family members worked too late and missed dinner.

But there was another scenario.

Like Bai Jin, who was still growing, ate a lot and burned through it quickly, getting hungrier earlier than others.

Bai Jin casually picked up a pumpkin cake from the plate and shoved it into his mouth.

After chewing and swallowing a few times, he looked at Xiaobai Nuo: "This weekend is Sheng'ang University's anniversary. There are check-in points, dice games, and such. Want to come? Don't worry, it's during the day, not at night."

Bai Jin bent down to look at the little one.

Recently, there had been one event after another near Sheng'ang University, all very lively. He only remembered because he brought up the night market. Before, he rarely participated in these crazy activities and games.

But Bai Jin had a feeling that this tiny cub would like it.

Anniversary?

Xiaobai Nuo didn't understand what "anniversary" meant, but he vaguely understood it was similar to the night market last time, just during the day. The tiny cub tilted his little head, looked at his uncle, and said in a childish voice: "Nono has to ask Dad."

"I knew it, you little…" Daddy's boy.

Bai Jin straightened up, mumbling vaguely, while naturally stuffing pumpkin cakes into his mouth.

For Xiaobai Nuo, the pumpkin cake he had to hold with both hands was swallowed by Bai Jin in one bite, disappearing quickly.

Xiaobai Nuo's eyes went wide. He quickly turned back to ask Grandpa Butler for the pumpkin cake he had only taken a few bites from. Then, holding the cake tightly, he nervously stared at his uncle and ran out of the kitchen without looking back.

Bai Jin's hand froze as he reached for another pumpkin cake.

Bai Jin: …?

Nono can't stay here any longer, or else his pumpkin cakes will be eaten by his uncle too! Just like the rice cakes his uncle ate last time!

Bai Qian, watching silently from the side, looked at Bai Jin and suddenly felt a sense of balance, as if the little misunderstanding in that little one's heart toward him wasn't such a big deal.

Bai Qian, who had only come to check on the little cub after finishing work, left satisfied.

Meanwhile, the little one ran and shouted, "Daddy, Daddy!"

The tiny cub, like a fledgling instinctively seeking shelter under a big bird's wings, was picked up by Bai Sheng, who came at the sound.

Only then did the little one breathe a sigh of relief, clutching the pumpkin cake and continuing to nibble on it.

It was hard to know whether to laugh or cry.

Bai Sheng carried the little one back home to get cleaned up and ready for bed.

By this time, they were all supposed to head to their own rooms. Bai Jingyun had already walked out from the inner room and quietly surveyed the situation.

The eldest uncle glanced at the wary cub, then at the bewildered younger uncle, and after Bai Sheng left with Xiaobai Nuo, he passed by Bai Jin, sighed emotionally, and suddenly spoke. "Consistent performance."

Bai Jingyun had never felt so at ease with Bai Jin around. The last time he felt this reassured was with their grandfather, but grandpa couldn't keep it up as well as Bai Jin could.

Bai Jin had firmly secured the lowest position in Xiaobai Nuo's heart.

Bai Jin: ???

Bai Jin finally caught on—or rather, he had already figured it out, but he still liked teasing the cub and had never changed.

But who said anything about consistent performance! You weirdo!

In the following days, life for the Bai Family was quite peaceful.

Aside from the fact that there was a cub starting kindergarten, which made everyone a little worried about whether he would adapt, nothing unexpected happened.

Xiaobai Nuo gradually got used to the kindergarten routine, and his dad also gradually… well, his dad couldn't quite adjust to the idea of his precious cub going to kindergarten.

He would often take out his phone during work to check the nearby surveillance footage.

It was only when picking up the cub after school, when the tiny little one always stood at the front of the line, eagerly looking around, then ran over with a patter of little feet, chattering and asking for a hug from his dad, that Bai Sheng could regain some composure.

Bai Sheng himself found it unbelievable.

In such a short time, he had completely grown accustomed to having this little cub around, so much so that he felt uneasy when the cub was at kindergarten.

Soon, it was the last day of kindergarten that week.

Xiaobai Nuo woke up from another dream, opening his big eyes. As usual, he was up earlier than his dad, taking Dou Dou for a stroll in the small garden before being carried back by his dad to wash up, get dressed, and then eat breakfast.

Because of the parents and cubs that Canghua Kindergarten catered to, the school didn't open too early. Most kids didn't have breakfast or dinner at the kindergarten; the school mainly provided snacks like milk and fruit in the morning, lunch, and afternoon treats.

Xiaobai Nuo often went to his dad's company in the morning, greeting the uncles and aunties before obediently waiting for his dad to take him to kindergarten.

The little one's sweet talk seemed to be an innate talent—direct and heartfelt, always touching people's hearts, and this little cub was very clingy.

In the car, holding his little bee backpack, wearing a honey pot T-shirt, he would still nestle in his dad's arms, asking his dad to pick him up early in the afternoon.

When asked, he would say: "Nono will miss Daddy so, so much."

No one could resist this cute little one's earnest and adorable tone.

Even Assistant Li couldn't help but sigh—the young master really had the boss completely charmed.

The tiny cub had already gotten out of the car, holding hands with the teacher who came to pick him up, walking toward the kindergarten. He had indeed become quite accustomed to kindergarten—or just as he had told his dad, no matter where Nono was thrown, Nono would try his best to adapt and survive. But even so, he was still reluctant to leave when entering the kindergarten. He waved his little hands and even bounced up and down a couple of times.

"Goodbye, Daddy. Goodbye, Uncle Li. Drive safely on the way back."

"Okay, I understand, young master."

Assistant Li replied immediately, unable to stop the corners of his mouth from curving upward.

Clearly, the boss couldn't resist, and neither could he.

Only then did the tiny cub follow the teacher into the kindergarten.

At Canghua Kindergarten, Xiaobai Nuo had gained a bit of a reputation over these few days.

After all, for little cubs, if you say who your mommy or daddy is, they might not understand what that means. But if you say who is really good at crafts or who draws beautifully, it immediately draws rounds of "wows."

And Xiaobai Nuo, with his origami skills, not only impressed the cubs in his own class but also piqued the curiosity of cubs from other middle-class groups.

Of course, there were some reckless A-cubs, but they were always blocked by the Xie Family Twins and Yu Chuyan to prevent them from being too hasty and knocking over Xiaobai Nuo.

The little one had a very gentle temper, soft and cuddly, which made things so much easier for Teacher Xiaoxue. It seemed that even the few mischievous A-cubs in the class had become a little less rambunctious.

After lunch, the teachers led the little cubs to the free-play area. She smiled and clapped her hands, signaling the energetic cubs to look at her. They didn't dare let the little cubs wander around the play area to digest their food, as some cubs wouldn't settle down right after eating, which could lead to stomach issues.

"Little darlings, let's move around here a bit, play with puzzles and blocks, or draw, to help digest. Teacher will read you a picture book later. Then we'll take a nap. Let's see which little friend doesn't nap well. You need to sleep well, and when you wake up, you'll get the afternoon fish-shaped cookies."

The fish-shaped cookies were the snack after the first class in the afternoon.

Yu Chuyan and Xiaobai Nuo had the same teacher. The two little ones naturally held hands as they walked in a line. In front were Xie Qing and Xie Yue, the brothers, who were also holding hands but looked very reluctant. Judging by the force of their grip, they were both using all their might.

Two identical stubborn kids, even after entering the activity room, refused to back down.

Yu Chuyan, looking as if he had seen this many times before, let out a little adult-like sigh and held Nono's hand reliably: "They'll finish messing around soon. It's always like this when the fish-shaped cookies are out."

Xiaobai Nuo was led by Yu Chuyan to the small stack of picture books. He tilted his head to look at Brother Xiao Yan: "What are fish-shaped cookies, big brother?"

Xiaobai Nuo had only been at kindergarten for a few days, so he hadn't unlocked all the fixed snack menus of Canghua Kindergarten yet. He hadn't seen fish-shaped cookies before.

"Fish-shaped cookies are delicious. They have a chocolate cream flavor. The two of them really like the filling inside. Usually, whoever wins gets to eat the filling from the other's cookie," Yu Chuyan explained to Xiaobai Nuo.

The portions for the twins were always perfectly divided, as per the requirements set by Xie Yu and Shi Lin, but no one expected these two cubs to come up with such a scheme.

Most of the time, the more cunning one would win.

Xie Qing, who was a bit overpowered by his simple younger brother's strength, suddenly lifted his foot and stomped on Xie Yue's instep.

Xie Yue jumped three feet high, letting go of his brother's hand, just as Xie Qing smugly declared, "I win."

Xie Yue:!

You jerk of a brother!

Xie Yue let out a howl, lunged forward without warning, and tumbled into a wrestling match with Xie Qing.

Yu Chuyan consciously ignored the ruckus behind him and pointed to the picture book in front of him.

Yu Chuyan lifted his chin slightly and asked with some anticipation, "Nono, which one do you like?"

Little Cool Guy’s eyes held a hint of pride—he knew all these picture books by heart. Whichever one Little Brother Nuo Nuo wanted to hear, he could read it to him. If only his big brother could bring the little one home, he would take good care of him too!

These little ones hadn’t learned many words yet, so reading picture books was usually something the teachers did.

At that moment, the teachers were quickly preparing everything the little ones would need for their nap. Some needed their comfort objects, some needed thicker blankets, and soon, when the little cubs got sleepy, reading a few picture books would have them all asleep.

Xiaobai Nuo looked at the picture books, pointed to the one on top, and then gazed at Yu Chuyan with big, sparkling eyes. "Brother Xiao Yan, Nono has read this one. Nono can tell it to Brother Xiao Yan."

Yu Chuyan was stunned.

T-tell it to me?! The unexpected twist made Yu Chuyan, who had been confidently telling his brother at home that he could take care of his little brother, stammer a bit.

"R-really? Then, I guess I—"

"Reading a picture book? Is the little brother going to read? I want to listen too."

Xie Qing poked his head over from the side, cutting off Yu Chuyan’s words. He shook his hand, still sore from his silly brother’s grip, and decided not to bother arguing with him.

Xie Yue, on the other hand, leaned in curiously and asked, "Brother Yan, aren’t you going to read? Didn’t you say last time you’d already looked through them all?"

Yu Chuyan: …

Yu Chuyan pushed Xie Yue’s face away, a little annoyed, his cool little head annoyed.

"No, I’ve already forgotten."

Yu Chuyan naturally kept a straight face, sat down beside Xiaobai Nuo, and snuggled up to him. The two little ones looked at the book together at the picture book Xiaobai Nuo had chosen.

Xie Qing naturally sat down on Xiaobai Nuo's other side. Xie Yue, after being pushed away by Yu Chuyan, rubbed his face and came closer too.

The little cubs nearby looked over curiously, some holding building blocks or other toys, and couldn’t help but gather around.

Xia Huan, who had been charmed earlier by Xiaobai Nuo’s rose and had only just recovered, leaned in as well. He had boldly told his parents this morning before leaving that he would definitely beat Yu Chuyan and the Xie Family Twins.

The teacher hasn’t come to read yet, right?

Then Xia Huan saw Xiaobai Nuo, who was opening the book.

The little alpha’s eyes went wide in shock.

He can read picture books too?!

He's so amazing!

By the time the teachers finished arranging the little ones’ beds and came back, they saw the supervising teacher with a doting smile.

Not far away, twelve little cubs were sitting in a circle around Xiaobai Nuo.

A soft, clear little voice came from the middle, telling a story about small animals making friends.

No one knew how long Xiaobai Nuo had been reading, but around him, cubs were dozing off in all directions. Soon, Xiaobai Nuo’s voice grew softer and faded, and when the teachers went over to look, they smiled even more tenderly.

In the midst of the scattered sleeping cubs, Xie Qing had his head pressed against Xie Yue’s stomach, eyes closed. Xiaobai Nuo still had the picture book open in front of him, but he was leaning against Yu Chuyan, half-asleep, occasionally murmuring an animal's name.

Though they were usually mischievous, seeing this bunch of tiny little things, well-fed and sleepy, was unbearably cute.

"Isn’t Children’s Day coming up soon?"

"Yes, the Principal said this year it’s a parent-child sports day again."

"Haha, Papa Xie is going to be tired again."

The teachers carried the cubs one by one to their nap beds.

When Teacher Xiaoxue picked up Xiaobai Nuo, he instinctively opened his eyes.

"Did the teacher wake you up?"

Teacher Xiaoxue asked softly.

She saw the little one blink, then softly closed his eyes again, letting himself be carried obediently, mumbling sweetly, "Teacher."

"Hmm?"

Teacher Xiaoxue placed Xiaobai Nuo on the small bed, pulled up the thin blanket, and replied softly.

The tiny cub’s little curls spread out on the pillow. One small hand clutched the blanket, his little body instinctively curling up, then he showed only half his face from under the blanket. "Teacher Xiaoxue, can you tell Daddy that Nono's been thinking about him?"

"Sure, I'll send a message to your dad. Take a nap now, and Dad will come to pick up our precious Nono later."

Teacher Xiaoxue said, skillfully comforting the little one.

But inside, she was screaming—in all her years teaching, she had never seen such a genuinely sweet little angel.

How adorable is he? He even reads picture books to the other cubs!

…

The fish-shaped cookies in the afternoon were indeed very tasty.

Each child got two pieces—chocolate fish-shaped cookies with soft, sweet cream filling and a touch of tangy strawberry jam.

Xiaobai Nuo ate one, his eyes lighting up, then took the small handkerchief from his pocket to wrap up the other one and put it back in his pocket.

Nono wanted to have Daddy try it.

After nap time and the first drawing lesson, the little ones finished their snack and started free play in the activity area with the teachers, waiting for school to end.

The four little ones were still together, and other cubs couldn’t help but gather around.

Xie Yue: "Hey? So Nono only ate one piece?"

Xie Qing: "He wants to bring it to Uncle."

Yu Chuyan tilted his head. "Then should I bring something to my brother?"

"Can’t we just make some fish-shaped cookies ourselves?"

Xie Yue had a sudden idea, clapped his hands, and pointed at the black mud beneath the plants in the kindergarten’s activity area.

"You’re right."

"Sounds good."

"Fine by me."

"Hey? Are we playing a cooking game? Let me join in too!"

"I think the filling can be wrapped with leaves!"

A bright idea kid plus a group of toddlers who clicked right away, before the parents arrived, they pulled off a big project.

Xiaobai Nuo didn't make mud fish-shaped cookies for his dad, but he helped the other kids pick leaves.

The teachers sitting nearby helplessly covered their faces, watching the children, who before the teachers could stop them, had gotten themselves all dusty in just a moment—never mind, never mind, this is cute too.

Finally, it was time to pick up the kids.

Xie Yu and Bai Sheng were both waiting early at the kindergarten gate.

To be honest, this scene looked a bit strange to Xie Yu. In the past, he never would have dreamed of waiting with Bai Sheng at the kindergarten gate for the kids to finish school.

But today, Bai Sheng seemed to be in unusually high spirits.

Xie Yu still hadn't learned his lesson and couldn't help asking, "Did you sign a big deal today?"

You're in such a good mood.

Bai Sheng glanced at Xie Yu, having been waiting for him. He spun his phone in his hand and showed it to Xie Yu.

It was a message sent from the kindergarten to the parents—it said that Xiaobai Nuo wanted the teacher to tell his father that he's always thinking about his dad.

The little guy always has his daddy in his heart!

Xie Yu: ...

Xie Yu: .............

This mouth of mine—every time I ask the wrong thing!

And over there, the teachers were already coming out of the kindergarten, each leading a child by the hand, but the kids were all a bit dusty.

Xie Yu was stunned for a moment, then looked specifically for Xiaobai Nuo. Seeing that the little guy was also dusty, he felt better.

Bai Sheng took two steps forward, wondering if his kid had gone rolling around somewhere with his little friends.

His own child had already run over.

"Daddy, Daddy!"

Xiaobai Nuo stood on tiptoe, reaching out his little hand. The little boy's face was clean, and his big eyes were especially bright.

He wanted a hug.

The dusty little boy really wanted a hug.

Xie Yu looked over, grinning widely—Right, right, that's it!

Then he watched Bai Sheng pick up Xiaobai Nuo, getting dust all over his clothes.

But before Bai Sheng could speak, the little guy had already fished something out of his pocket. He held it out like a treasure, carefully opened the little handkerchief, and showed his father the neat little fish-shaped cookie he had saved for him. Xiaobai Nuo's eyes were sparkling.

"Daddy, the little fish cookie is yummy. Nono saved it especially for you, Daddy."

Author's note:

The dusty little boy "reaches out for a hug": Daddy, Nono has a big surprise for you!

Xie Yu: That's right, that's right... right? No, no, no!!

Never mind, Xie Yu also has a surprise—double the fun~