Chapter 112

Chapter 112

Today, Xiaobai Nuo ate quite a lot, especially desserts and snacks, and lost track of how many.

So by now, the main building of the Bai family had only made a small strawberry cake. When sliced, each person would probably get a small piece, so it wouldn't be too heavy on the little cub's stomach.

As Bai Liang finished speaking, it was as if a dam had broken, and the Bai family, which had been quiet just moments before, became much livelier.

Bai Jin touched his nose and said, "Isn't this your favorite kind of strawberry cake?"

Bai Jingyun, who had never really blown out candles before, looked at the lamp overhead. "To make it feel ceremonial enough, we should turn off the lights, right?"

Bai Qian took out an exquisite little crown from a box beside him, ready to put it on Xiaobai Nuo.

Beside him, Cen Zhi looked confused. "I thought you were supposed to get a birthday crown?"

Bai Qian acted like it was totally natural. He walked up to Bai Sheng, set the sparkly little crown firmly on Xiaobai Nuo's soft curls, and showed it off. "A crown."

See, no problem.

He had seen those birthday crowns before; they were all made of paper, too cheap-looking. Bai Qian didn't understand romance, but he believed pricier and shinier was better—why wear anything less than a nice, expensive one?

Cen Zhi: "..." "Where on earth did you get this custom-made so fast?"

She had originally wanted to give the little one a more ordinary celebration and let him wear a little paper crown for fun. She hadn't expected Bai Qian to ditch the paper crown that came with the cake and swap it for this one.

But it had to be said, when the little guy, held in his dad's arms, reached up to steady his sparkly crown and looked at you with those big eyes...

Cen Zhi: "...Cute, gorgeous. He actually has taste."

But who was supposed to light the candles? Where'd they go?

Cen Zhi turned around with a suspicious look and saw Cen Liu pacing around the room.

"Lighter, lighter—hey, I remember I just put it right here."

Cen Liu was searching for a lighter since dangerous items like lighters weren't allowed where the little cub played. Today he'd grabbed one from a cleaned-out drawer, but then he forgot where he put it.

Bai Qi, annoyed by Cen Liu's 'senior moment,' stepped past his rummaging and went to get a fresh lighter.

At that moment, his father set Xiaobai Nuo down.

Xiaobai Nuo wasn't wearing the comfy birthday cake T-shirt he'd had on at playtime this afternoon. He still had on the proper little shirt from the banquet, his soft curls slightly mussed by the little crown. Now he pattered to the table, one hand on the edge, the other steadying his crown, craning to look at the strawberry cake and the little candles.

Oh, right.

The little one turned to look at his father. In the little crowned cub's eyes, there seemed to be a glisten of tears. He could usually hold back tears when he was really upset, but this time his sobs were hard to hide.

"I actually get to blow out candles on my birthday, Daddy."

Little Nono was blowing out candles for the first time.

Bai Sheng followed close behind and nodded. "And you make a wish too."

Although Bai Sheng himself didn't need this kind of ceremony, he didn't mind using it to please his own little cub.

"What's going on in that head of yours?"

Cen Zhi glanced at Cen Liu still searching for the lighter, while Bai Qi had already returned with a new one and was about to light the candles.

Great-grandfather hadn't said much. He sat on the sofa; having reached a certain age, even if he was usually full of energy, he was starting to feel his age.

When the little one looked at him worriedly, the old man kept his usual face but softened it ever so slightly, almost unnoticeably. "The gifts have been sent to your home. Go back and open them slowly. Great-grandpa is old, just a little tired, not sick."

The old master also remembered the last time the little one was worried about the family's health and had dragged the whole family in for a checkup.

He blinked. Old age?

The candles were already lit.

"Lights off!"

Bai Jingyun, holding the light remote he'd just found, switched off the lights.

The room went dark, and the warm candlelight flickered, lighting up the little cub's face.

Since leaving the apocalypse, fire was seen as too dangerous, so Xiaobai Nuo rarely saw it.

The candles burned quietly.

The Bai family weren't great singers, and they were all too reserved to sing aloud.

Dou Dou finally proved useful and played the Happy Birthday song.

Cen Liu and Cen Zhi, however, weren't shy at all—they sang without holding back. But most of the other Bai family members just mouthed the words silently.

But that didn't matter.

After the birthday song ended, it was time to make a wish and blow out the candles.

The little one thought for a moment, put his hands together, and said in a very soft voice: "Then Nono wishes—for Great-grandpa to grow old even slower."

Although it was very soft, none of the top Alphas in the room missed it.

Bai Yan froze for a moment and looked at Xiaobai Nuo.

The little one had already taken a deep breath and blown out the candles.

The lights were turned on again by Bai Jingyun, and Bai Qi took a knife to cut the cake.

The old man was still trying to process and asked quietly, "This wish...?"

Why did this little one make such a wish?

Xiaobai Nuo was already waiting for his aunt to cut the cake. Hearing Great-grandfather's words, he looked up.

Although the adults gathered here each seemed to have their own things to be busy with, one by one they pricked up their ears to listen.

Of course they wouldn't tell the little one that if you say a wish out loud it won't come true.

In the Bai family, some wishes might even come true more if spoken aloud. They were just a bit curious. They had originally thought that even if the little one made a wish, the first person he would think of would definitely be Bai Sheng, right?

But Bai Sheng's expression was as usual.

The little one looked up at Great-grandfather, then suddenly began to count on his little fingers.

Then he gave a firm nod.

“If I added everyone, it would seem too greedy, so this year it's for Great-Grandpa, next year for Grandpa...”

The little one said this in a very orderly way.

“Dad is the strongest, Nono watches Dad, so I make a wish for Great-Grandpa first.”

Then Grandpa, who is physically very weak.

The little cub is really worried about his family's health.

Bai Yan: ...

That's not really the issue.

And after Xiaobai Nuo finished speaking, he looked at Dad.

Bai Sheng had no objection to this; if possible, he would rather grant this little cub's wish.

So.

“What about your own wish?”

Nothing to do with others, just your own wish?

Bai Sheng and Xiaobai Nuo looked at each other.

Own wish?

Xiaobai Nuo took the small plate handed to him by Aunt, and the beautifully sliced strawberry cake came into view. The five small candles had been pulled out and placed aside, and the warm candle flames had been blown out.

But it also made Xiaobai Nuo involuntarily think of the cold corner of the apocalypse, some food warmed by the fire, the flickering flames in front of him, the little cub cautiously approaching the fire, reaching out his hands to warm them, and wishing for a home.

Xiaobai Nuo, holding the cake, looked up at Dad: “Nono's wish has already come true.”

As his words faded, everyone in the Bai family quietly turned to look at him.

...

The day wound down. The cousin held the little one's hand, and with reluctance, was seen to the car by his aunt.

After eating the cake and going home, Xiaobai Nuo was taken by Bai Sheng to wash up, then he hugged Dou Dou to 'eat', and obediently waited for Dad to come back to sleep.

The little one was indeed very tired from playing today.

After showering and changing into loose, comfortable pajamas, the tiny little cub let out a soft, adorable yawn.

When he was drowsy, Bai Sheng came back after washing up and lifted Xiaobai Nuo onto the bed to sleep.

The little one naturally cuddled into Bai Sheng's arms, instinctively clinging to Dad even in the hot summer.

Over the past six months, Bai Sheng had almost gotten used to this little one; sleeping had gone from being anxious at first to being completely at ease.

Now, watching Xiaobai Nuo lean into his arms, doze off for a moment, then close his eyes and fall asleep, Bai Sheng couldn't help recalling how the little one had softly said that his wish had already come true.

But the world is so big, and there is still so much for this cub to explore, but it's okay, take it slow.

And today, the birthday cub doesn't need to think about too much.

Bai Sheng lowered his head and kissed the little one on the forehead.

Xiaobai Nuo slept especially soundly.

As if he had received the world's blessings, he had no dreams all night.

Waking up the next day, the little one, as usual, got up earlier than Dad, full of energy, he took Dou Dou out to play for a while, then came back to wait for Dad to get up so they could have breakfast.

After they had eaten their fill, Xu Chuan visited to do a full check-up on the little one's physical condition. They could start slowly putting together an exercise plan, learn some self-defense techniques, and then gradually increase the training volume and difficulty.

After saying goodbye to Doctor Xu, Xiaobai Nuo was still sitting on the sofa hugging Dou Dou, looking up at Dad curiously, thinking about what Doctor Xu Chuan had said.

“Will Nono be really strong when he grows up?”

As strong as Dad.

Bai Sheng was holding a stylus and writing and drawing on a tablet, occasionally frowning and making a few strokes.

How to train, what to train, and for how long all need careful attention.

Hearing this, Bai Sheng looked up at his cub.

“Of course.”

Xiaobai Nuo brightened up right away, and then the cub thought of something.

“Dad, can Nono go play with Anu today? Great-Grandpa said Nono can feed Anu.”

“Then Dad will take you there in a while.”

Bai Sheng nodded in agreement.

“And also, Dad, yesterday Nono mentioned Anu to Brother Xiao Yan and the others. Once Nono gets familiar with Anu, can my brothers come see Anu next time? Nono wants to ask Great-Grandpa about it today.”

The little one was still sitting on the sofa hugging Dou Dou. His face was exquisitely delicate, porcelain-white with a rosy hue, and his slightly curly hair added softness. His two short legs swung back and forth, completely captivated by the cat.

Was this even necessary to ask? Yesterday, the old man, who had been tired, left full of energy. If this cub wanted the stars in the sky now, his great-grandfather would probably sponsor an aerospace team to get one.

“Yes.”

Bai Sheng continued nodding, then looked up and met his cub's eyes.

“Later, if Dad doesn't have time, you can also call Great-Grandpa and have him send someone to pick you up to see Anu.”

After saying this, Bai Sheng set aside the nearly completed training plan for now and first carried his cub to see the cat.

In his heart, he knew everything had to be done step by step.

Not only the little one's training progress, but also, since bringing this cub back from the lab, his protective instincts had become a bit overbearing.

He also needed some time to adapt to this.

Bai Sheng thought as he carried the cub outside; the little cub still had many gifts to open, but he planned to do that after seeing the cat.

On the way, they happened to run into Bai Jingyun and Bai Liang walking together, talking about something.

Seeing Bai Sheng carrying the cub out, Bai Jingyun instinctively glanced at Xiaobai Nuo, then heard his soft voice: “Big Uncle, Second Uncle.”

Bai Jingyun couldn't help but curl the corner of his mouth in response.

"What are you going to do so early in the morning?"

Bai Jingyun asked softly.

"I'm going to Great-grandpa's place to feed the cat. It's this long (gesturing), even tougher than a rooster. First Uncle, Second Uncle, Nono is heading off now, otherwise we won't make it in time for Anu's meal."

The little one was a bit anxious. After gesturing, he hugged his father's neck, with stars in his eyes.

Bai Sheng indulged him, carried the little one, and got into the car that had pulled up.

After they left, Bai Jingyun and Bai Liang still looked in that direction.

Bai Liang hesitated and looked away first, originally a bit annoyed at himself for staring so long again, until he glanced at Bai Jingyun. Bai Liang suddenly calmed down, raised an eyebrow, and seemed thoughtful.

"When you were talking to Nono just now, were you using a baby voice?"

Bai Jingyun came to his senses: '?'

When facing his irritating younger brother, Bai Jingyun—the eldest of the Bai family, who had seemed quite amiable—returned to a blank expression.

"No, your ears are playing tricks on you."

Bai Liang didn't reply. He smiled, actually amazed at Bai Jingyun, and successfully suppressed that bit of annoyance.

After all, just now when they met, Bai Jingyun had mentioned Bai Sheng's words from yesterday about the various training for the little one growing up. He clearly agreed with it, but because he wasn't the one executing it, he naturally doted on the cub completely—wasn't he totally wrapped around its finger?

Bai Liang withdrew his gaze, still thinking to himself.

Fortunately, he wasn't as ridiculous as Bai Jingyun.

Although as an adult he had some responsibility and duty to care for the cub, he was undoubtedly still a normal person.

Then Bai Liang's phone lit up.

Bai Liang looked down at it, made a gesture to Bai Jingyun, and left first, answering the phone at the same time.

"Hello?"

Bai Liang walked toward his residence while speaking.

As he heard something, his voice gradually lowered, and his expression turned cold.

"Still causing trouble? If they can't be reasoned with, have the guards drive them further away. Make it clear that although it's a rare disease, it's not the same type; they don't meet the requirements."

It was still about the volunteer selection from earlier; there had been some slip-ups in certain steps, causing many patients with rare diseases who didn't qualify to seek help desperately.

Some could be reasoned with, but some unreasonable ones were completely pestering, even with a deliberate intention to cause trouble.

Although there were guards at the school to keep them out, being blocked all day made Bai Liang very irritated.

After ending the call, Bai Liang went home to pack his things and prepare to return to the research lab to handle it.

He took his things and left the house. At the door, he saw the four-leaf clover bookmark placed there, which Xiaobai Nuo had given him. The completely dried four-leaf clover seemed to still maintain its original shape, sealed in a plastic bag.

Bai Liang stared at it for a long time, then reached out and put the four-leaf clover bookmark back into his pocket—after all, a few days ago Bai Jin had gone crazy calling Xiaobai Nuo "Little European," chasing the little one to rub him, and ended up being hit by Bai San. At least it seemed there was some luck with this clover, and Bai Wu was still at the bottom of the little cub's heart rankings by his own merit. That was fine.

He put the four-leaf clover bookmark away, but happened to touch the Dou Dou polymer clay hanging from the keys in his pocket.

Bai Liang paused, withdrew his hand, walked out, then suddenly stopped again.

Although he thought he was fine, when he actually looked...

Wasn't there trace of that little one everywhere?

Really eerie.

He had originally thought to minimize contact.

But in the end, he hadn't been able to minimize contact at all.

But he must still be the most normal one in the Bai family.

Better to go do experiments.

Bai Sheng brought Xiaobai Nuo early.

After letting the little one greet Great-grandpa, he took Xiaobai Nuo to Anu's cat room.

Anu, the agile and reserved leopard cat, was still not fully awake. He stretched and crawled out of his nest, first letting out an "ow," then when he spotted Xiaobai Nuo carefully scooping canned food into his bowl with a small spoon, the "ow" changed into a "meow."

Then Anu nimbly jumped down from his high nest, tail held high, and walked over slowly.

When he got close, Anu glanced at Bai Sheng's position, then tentatively stretched his head out, sniffed at the little one, then slowly pressed closer, lightly brushing against the little one's leg, and went to eat the canned food from the bowl.

Xiaobai Nuo's eyes widened with excitement. He didn't dare move, still holding the spoon in one hand, turned to look at his father, then slowly extended his free hand, gently placed it on Anu and stroked twice.

He touched it, so soft!

The cub seemed startled, immediately withdrew his hand, and looked at his parents even more excitedly.

Then Xiaobai Nuo lowered his head and said softly, "Anu, Anu, you're so cute. Thank you for protecting Nono before."

The little cub had never seen such a cute cat of this size in the apocalypse; those mutant creatures were terrifying. How could he have dared to touch like this?

"Meow~"

Anu was still busy eating the canned food. Whether he understood or not, amid the occasional "mew mew" of eating, he let out a "meow" to the little cub.

As if to say, "Little one, you're also cute."

If it weren't for the big one behind you, you'd be even cuter.

But Anu was eating after all, and he was used to roaming freely in a large space, without the habit of spending long time with people.

To be safe, it was best for Xiaobai Nuo to gradually get familiar and adapt to Anu, to prevent Anu from being startled by unfamiliar scent and accidentally hurting Xiaobai Nuo.

The little one withdrew his hand, watched Anu wolf down more than half the can, licked his paws and continued eating, then he stood up, reluctantly went to find his father, and also went to see the small animals he cared about.

After Xiaobai Nuo's birthday, his holiday life was still very busy.

Besides the idioms he had to study every day, he also had time for his own hobbies. Now there was an additional exercise. After staying with Anu for not long, his father took him to the company to look at picture books.

Just as Xiaobai Nuo left the cat room, Anu hadn't finished eating; there were only two bites left. He stood up, stretched, and was about to crouch down to continue eating when light footsteps came from outside the door.

"Young Master Wan, what are you...?"

The caretaker in charge of Anu looked a bit nervously at Bai Wan, who walked in with a blank expression.

Bai Wan's blue eyes were fixed on Anu. His imposing manner made people uneasy. None of the people there knew what this Bai family member, who had spoken very little since arriving, was thinking.

And Bai Wan stared at Anu. He wasn't actually thinking about anything complicated.

He had seen this cat before, but it hadn't even glanced at him.

But just now, Bai Wan, who happened to be passing by, saw the little one petting the cat.

According to his analysis—it's touchable?

Bai Wan slowly approached, and with his back to the group behind him, his eyes looked unusually clear.

Anu, who was trying to cram the last bite into its mouth, looked up.

The beautiful leopard cat flattened its ears, bared its teeth, hissed, and slapped both paws on the ground with a thump.

As if saying: Get lost!

Bai Wan's eyes widened for a moment, and he scrambled backward, backing away rapidly until he reached the doorway. He tilted his head slightly but kept staring intently at Anu.

Bai Wan: Okay.

Incorrect analysis. Condition wrong.

Cannot touch.

Thinking this, the usually silent Bai Wan looked puzzled in the direction where Xiaobai Nuo had left.

How did that little guy manage to pet it?

At night, it was time for Xiaobai Nuo to go to bed.

The little one had a fulfilling day—listening to compliments from the uncles and aunties at the company, handing out candies and snacks to them, looking at picture books, video-calling with his brothers, asking about Brother Xiao Yan and Brother Yuchen if they were taking care of themselves, taking a nap. Then in the afternoon, he did basic physical exercises with Dad in the activity room before going home.

Actually, Bai Sheng had already found appropriate teachers for Xiaobai Nuo.

But it still came down to the same reason—the little one had just turned five, still too young, and limited by the physiological constraints of ABO. Omega pups have softer bones during childhood, just like Cen Zhi had scolded Bai Sheng before: if not handled carefully, it's easy for him to get hurt.

That's why they had to start slow.

Xiaobai Nuo adapted well to this. On the way back from dinner in the main building, he was still hugging Dou Dou and humming his out-of-tune little song, then said to Dad, "Dad, Nuo Nuo is a big kid now. I'm five."

Nuo Nuo is stronger than before, better able to protect his family and friends.

His eyes sparkled as he looked up at his dad.

Bai Sheng, as usual, lazily pinched his cheek. Watching him squint and nuzzle, Bai Sheng couldn't help but chuckle. Then he glanced at Aunt Feng, who nodded over there, indicating everything was packed. Bai Sheng then carried the little cub upstairs.

They went to the room Xiaobai Nuo stayed in when he first arrived here.

Compared to before, it had completely transformed.

Unopened gifts were placed on the gift shelf in the corner, the little crown Grandpa had given him was placed high on the cabinet, Dou Dou's charging station, his little fish, his little strawberry piggy bank, his bear—all neatly arranged.

The little one was initially curious, touching this and that, even opening two gifts and having Dad help him put them away, until he felt something was off. Confused, he looked at Dad.

"Dad, aren't we going to bed?"

Why come here to play?

Bai Sheng crouched down and said to Xiaobai Nuo, "Nuo Nuo is a big kid now. From now on, you'll slowly learn to sleep on your own."

Bai Sheng was still trying to help this cub, who wasn't sensitive to ABO, understand.

But Xiaobai Nuo, still hugging his little pillow, stared blankly at Dad. The cub, who had just been happy about growing up a little—his world collapsed!

"Now?"

Xiaobai Nuo pressed closer uncertainly to Dad, looking up at Bai Sheng.

But Nuo Nuo wants to sleep in Dad's arms.

"Of course not. But before elementary school, by this time next year, Nuo Nuo should be able to sleep by himself."

If he grew any bigger, sleeping with Dad wouldn't be right anymore.

Even though Bai Sheng himself had gotten used to holding such a small cub while sleeping.

"Today, I'm just telling Nuo Nuo that big kids need to gradually sleep on their own. But if you're scared or have nightmares, you can still come to Dad."

"Then today..."

Xiaobai Nuo blinked, looking into Dad's eyes, then nodded firmly, emphasizing.

"Nuo Nuo wants to sleep in Dad's arms today. Still does."

"Of course."

Bai Sheng nodded, and even smiled.

If this cub had immediately said he could sleep alone here today, Bai Sheng would have worried that he was pushing himself again.

Bai Sheng opened his arms, feeling the little one, still hugging his pillow, crash into his embrace.

"Nuo Nuo has plenty of time to slowly make this place into what you like. This is your room."

He could put off sleeping here for now, but he had to have the room.

Hearing the little one's muffled acknowledgment, Bai Sheng carried Xiaobai Nuo to wash up.

After washing up, the little one lay down and snuggled into Dad's arms.

"What, earlier you said you were a big kid, and now you don't want to grow up?"

Bai Sheng looked at the small cub in his arms, clearly dependent on Dad and a bit unhappy.

Xiaobai Nuo glanced up at Dad and said softly, "Actually, Nuo Nuo wants to be Daddy's little kid forever."

Bai Sheng paused.

"But I still have to grow up."

The little one said, nodding emphatically.

"After growing up, Nuo Nuo will be stronger. Dad, Grandma, Grandpa... everyone will be just fine."

He was clearly sleepy in his father's arms. Bai Sheng gently stroked his curly hair, listening to him mumble as he identified the 'culprit' that made him sleep alone.

It was all because of ABO. Nuo Nuo didn't really get it.

So—

He burrowed deeper into Daddy's arms and mumbled, "ABO is bad."

Bai Sheng: ...What?

Bai Sheng couldn't help laughing.