Chapter 81

Chapter 81

When Kaisisen finally returned to the originally agreed meeting spot with Little Meimei in his arms, Dimuk and Demien—who had been waiting for a long time without seeing Kaisisen's figure or receiving any messages—were already chattering away and planning to go look for him downstairs where they had caught a glimpse earlier.

The moment they spotted Kaisisen, the black-haired male insect, dripping in jewelry and looking every bit the wealthy aristocrat, brightened instantly. His eyes gleamed as he stared at the chubby bundle in Kaisisen's arms, its back turned toward him. He rushed forward impatiently, completely disregarding personal boundaries as he pinched the plump little one's soft arms, then squeezed the round, plump bottom. The impossibly soft texture had him pinching again, until Kaisisen, having reached his limit, ruthlessly slapped his hand away. Only then did Demien sheepishly pull his hand back.

Chubby Meimei, who had been secretly pinched several times, was well aware of it. He scratched his bottom and twisted around in Kaisisen's arms, revealing his adorable, doll-like face. Little Meimei tilted his head, looking at the uncle before him who was adorned with numerous jewelry pieces and seemed to sparkle all over. He blinked his eyes and said in a childish voice, "Uncle, you're so amazing. You're glowing!"

The little one's clear, beautiful eyes were filled with innocence and sincerity—he genuinely thought Demien, who was glowing, was incredible.

The top-tier noble male insects of the capital star had always valued restraint and elegance, which was why Demien's ostentatious nouveau-riche style had earned him plenty of ridicule and contempt from the male insect circle.

Though Demien always fired back directly, never backing down in the moment, it still stung. It was just that he truly loved jewelry—when he was young and staying at Kaisisen's home, his favorite thing had been learning about jewelry and accessories with O'Casey.

Now, completely captivated by Meimei's adorable appearance, hearing the sweet little one's praise hit him right in the heart. His affection for Meimei went through the roof in that moment. Demien's eyes reddened as he sniffled, "Wuwuwu, Meimei, how are you this cute? Uncle really, really likes you!"

With that, Demien leaned in and gave Meimei's milky-scented cheeks two big smooches, earning a bright, tinkling giggle from the little one.

Meimei wasn't shy at all—having grown up surrounded by adults' praise, he was brimming with confidence. He puffed out his little chest and declared proudly, "Meimei and Bai Bai are the cutest kids!"

Meimei praised himself but made sure to include his big brother.

By now, Luo Aide had also come over, circling Meimei with curious amazement, like he was studying some weird new creature. Finally, he carefully touched Meimei's soft hair and marveled, "Oh my, oh my, I really can't believe it—boss, how did a tough, hard-as-nails female insect like you manage to have such an adorable, soft little one..."

Seeing Kaisisen's expression starting to turn sour, Luo Aide quickly changed his tune, flattering, "Such a cute and beautiful little one was destined to be born to a brave and strong boss. Boss, you're truly amazing—you had little ones without anyone knowing, and twins, no less! Boss, you're incredible! You're so good at having kids... mmph!"

Before Kaisisen's face could turn completely black, Demien—whose eyelid was twitching wildly—clamped his hand over his mate's big mouth, manually silencing him.

Meanwhile, the sharp-eyed Dimuk quietly approached. As a doctor bug, he immediately noticed the bruise at the corner of Meimei's eye—faded quite a bit from the medicine, but still clearly visible. He frowned. "How did the little one get hurt?"

His excellent memory reminded him that in the nine-panel photo of Meimei that Kaisisen had posted in the group chat, there had been no such bruise.

At Dimuk's words, Demien and his mate hurried over, their faces filled with heartache when it finally hit them.

"Oh my, I thought that was just dirt from scraping against something..."

"My poor little darling, how did this happen? Does it hurt, sweetie?"

Kaisisen's eyes darkened. Before he could speak, Meimei excitedly announced loudly, "Meimei doesn't hurt! Meimei is a little hero! Beat up the bad kids! Daddy is strong, chased away the bad guys!"

The others present had never been around kids before, so they didn't quite understand Meimei's garbled speech. They all looked at each other, totally confused.

Kaisisen briefly explained, and the others' expressions immediately shifted.

"Those rotten bastards, they're nothing but pests! They actually dared to lay a hand on a little one—out of their minds!" Luo Aide said indignantly.

Just hearing Kaisisen's description made his stomach drop. He couldn't imagine how scared Meimei must have been.

Kaisisen's expression remained unchanged as he said lightly, "The surveillance footage has already been retrieved. We're letting the law handle it."

The capital star's juvenile protection laws were no joke—Oren's behavior alone was enough to land him in serious trouble.

Luo Aide patted his own thick skull and broke into a grin.

The boss was fiercely protective and held a grudge—anyone who dared to touch his little one wouldn't get off easy.

Demien's face was full of anger, and he looked at the little one with even more heartache. He squeezed Meimei's tiny hand and praised, "Meimei is so brave! You beat the bad kids! How is Meimei the little hero so amazing!"

Luo Aide and Dimuk joined in, showering Meimei with praise until the little guy was glowing with happiness, his cheeks flushed with excitement, looking like a pink, rosy little apple—absolutely adorable.

Meimei squirmed to get down from Kaisisen's arms, and Demien swiftly scooped the soft, sweet-smelling little bundle up, nuzzling and squeezing him happily.

Meimei cozily nestled in the sweet-smelling, glittering uncle's arms, curiously touching the shiny jewelry he was wearing. Demien looked on with affectionate indulgence—seeing Meimei's delight, he generously took the most beautiful necklace from around his own neck and hung it around Meimei's. The little one's polite, childish thank-you in his milky voice made Demien's heart melt.

Demien patiently entertained Meimei in conversation, watching the little one's adorable expressions, utterly unwilling to let go of the soft bundle in his arms.

A dark, tempting thought started creeping into his mind.

Wuwuwu, I want to steal Meimei and take him home.

But the moment Demien caught sight of his cousin Kaisisen's gaze—which never strayed from Meimei, warm and tender—he instantly deflated, the thought vanishing without a trace.

Trying to fight his brother over a little one? That would definitely not end well for him.

Meanwhile, Little Chubby, nestled in Demien's arms and playing with the pretty necklace, suddenly sniffed the air. He looked up to see Uncle Dede holding up a fragrant little dried meat strip, waving it temptingly as he said in a coaxing tone, "Meimei, uncle here has some delicious dried meat! Uncle can't finish it all—would Meimei come over and help uncle eat some?"

If Nevi were here, the timid little one might have shown some restraint, but right now, the only one present was his doting, indulgent new daddy Kaisisen. Meimei's eyes sparkled, his mouth slightly open with craving as he agreed without hesitation, "Uncle Dede, Meimei, Meimei will help you!"

With that, Meimei abandoned the soft and fragrant Uncle En'en and dove straight for the more enticing Uncle Dede.

The embrace was a bit firmer, but Meimei didn't mind at all. He clutched the dried meat, munching away with his cheeks puffed out, while Luo Aide thoughtfully fed him sips of sweet milk.

Meimei squinted his eyes in bliss, while Demien glared at his mate through gritted teeth. He strode over and gave Luo Aide a hard pinch—as Luo Aide yelped in pain, Demien successfully scooped half the little one into his own arms.

While the young couple squabbled over the chubby little one, Dimuk slowly remarked, "Xiao Sen, your little one is truly adorable. You have a little male at home too, right? I really can't believe how fast you've moved—you only found out yesterday, and today you've already located them..."

Kaisisen fell silent for a moment, his gaze dimming. "No, I should have found them long ago..."

Sensing the heaviness and suppressed emotion in Kaisisen's voice, Dimuk—who had a rough idea of what Kaisisen had been through—opened his mouth but didn't know how to comfort him.

He patted Kaisisen's shoulder and sighed. "No matter what, you're reunited now. That's what matters most. Don't dwell on the past anymore. Treat your mate and the little ones well from now on. You still have a long future ahead—plenty of time to make up for it."

Kaisisen froze.

That's right—the future. He and his mate and the little ones still had a long, long future ahead.

From now on, he would always be by his mate's side, watching the little ones grow up together.

"Mm."

Kaisisen looked at the chubby little one happily munching in the distance, his gaze softening, the gloom around him dissipating completely.

He had been overthinking it.

"Thank you, Ake." Kaisisen said seriously.

But his solemn demeanor caught Dimuk off guard. The old Kaisisen had been cold and awkward, burying all his true feelings deep inside. Even among these friends who had grown up together, he had never expressed himself so openly as he did now.

Xiao Sen really had changed.

Dimuk looked at Kaisisen at a loss, then finally smiled softly. "Xiao Sen, there's no need for that between us. I'm just glad you've pulled yourself together."

It was no exaggeration to say that the Kaisisen from yesterday—lifeless, radiating despair—and the Kaisisen now—warm and composed—were like two completely different insects.

In just one night, he was curious what exactly had happened to him.

Dimuk glanced over Kaisisen, inadvertently noticing the collar of his shirt turned down, revealing faint red marks on Kaisisen's collarbone.

The long-single, mate-less female insect froze. Just as he opened his mouth to ask what that was, his remaining rationality stopped him. Realizing what it must be, Dimuk's face flushed red, his eyes darting away as he awkwardly averted his gaze.

Dimuk looked toward Little Meimei, who had started eating cake again in the distance, and said, as if to cover up his discomfort, "Xiao Sen, Meimei's belly is already bulging. He can't eat anymore. You should go tell him."

Kaisisen, who hadn't noticed Dimuk's odd behavior, was taken aback. He looked up and studied Little Meimei carefully, only then sluggishly realizing that the little one's belly had visibly rounded into a curve, with a bit of his fair belly peeking out from under his shirt.

But the chubby little one himself didn't notice, still nibbling away like a little hamster, and the two adult bugs beside him, happily feeding him, were equally oblivious—they already had new pastries ready to hand him the moment he finished what he had.

Kaisisen's face immediately darkened. He strode over and called out sharply, "Meimei!"

The sudden shout made Little Meimei jump. He swallowed the food in his mouth, still holding half a cake in his hand, and as he watched his female parent stride over, the chubby little one felt a twinge of guilt.

He hastily placed the remaining half cake into Uncle De's hand and stuttered, "Fe—female parent, Uncle can't finish it, so Meimei is helping Uncle eat a couple of bites."

Watching this little chubby one try to get his excuse in first, Kaisisen couldn't help but find it funny.

The couple beside him, feeling they'd done something wrong, sheepishly covered for him, saying, "Yes, he hasn't eaten much."

Kaisisen gave Demien and his mate a cool glance, and the couple immediately fell silent, as quiet as mice.

Kaisisen reached out and rubbed the little chubby one's round, full belly, saying softly, "Then tell me, how did your belly get so round?"

Little Meimei looked down, sucked in his belly hard, but after a moment he let it out, and it puffed back out to its round, full shape. He lowered his head, looking even more guilty, and whispered, "Meimei doesn't know. My belly, it's bad, it puffed up on its own."

At that, before Kaisisen could respond, the couple behind him were covering their mouths, their shoulders shaking with laughter.

Oh my god, how can a cub be this adorable?

A smile flickered in Kaisisen's eyes too. He rubbed Meimei's belly for him and said softly, "Alright then, Meimei shouldn't eat anymore, okay? You've already had a lot today. I bought lots of cakes and lollipops, and you can have them with big brother tomorrow, okay?"

Little Meimei nodded obediently. Actually, his belly did feel a bit full, but his female parent's rubbing felt so good that he went all soft, like a little chubby orange tabby, resting his head and limbs against his female parent's arm, whining and cooing.

Feeling the little one's affection, Kaisisen rubbed his belly even more gently and carefully, until the little one started to get drowsy. He then scooped the cub into his arms. Little Meimei, full and satisfied, rested his head on his female parent's broad chest and soon fell fast asleep.

The sleeping Little Meimei looked especially sweet and adorable, completely unlike the loud, rambunctious cub he was when awake.

Of course, in Kaisisen's eyes, Little Meimei was adorable no matter what he looked like.

At that moment, Kaisisen gazed tenderly at the chubby little ball in his arms, his eyes full of tenderness, unwilling to look away.

The couple nearby also secretly watched Chubby Meimei, their expressions full of affection and envy.

Demien said in a low voice, "Such a beautiful, adorable cub... I wish I had one too..."

The disappointment in his voice was impossible to hide.

Hearing Demien say something like this again, and looking at the fair, lovely cub before him, he surprisingly didn't bristle. Instead, he responded with a soft hum, his tone indescribably gentle.

"Male Master, we will. We'll have such a beautiful cub too someday, and then he'll be Baibai and Meimei's little brother, and they can play together."

The black-haired male bug looked up at his mate, his eyes full of dependence and tenderness.

"Mm!"

*

With Meimei asleep and it getting late, as Kaisisen picked up the gifts he'd prepared for his male master and the cubs, Dimuk and Demien's couple also offered their own welcome gifts for Nevi and the little ones.

Aside from the toys and snacks for the cubs bought on the spur of the moment, the gifts from the three bugs were largely the same.

A thin stack of documents, stamped with official seals, with all procedures complete.

Those were property deeds for high-quality resource stars near the capital star and pristine, undeveloped original stars with excellent environments.

Their value couldn't be measured in star coins at all. Even among the top noble families, such top-tier resource star deeds carried considerable weight.

Clearly, for Nevi and the cubs, these friends genuinely held them in high regard.

Kaisisen was briefly stunned, then his gaze softened a few degrees, and he said simply, "Thanks, I appreciate it."

He wouldn't just accept these resources as a matter of course. In the days ahead, he'd find the right opportunity to repay his friends through other means.

Demien said lightly, "As long as Nevi and the cubs like them." Then his tone turned cheerful and eager. "Oh, by the way, big brother, I'm planning to build a large cub amusement park on star A-4375. I'll start construction soon, and it should be done in two months. That star isn't far from here, so I can come with you all to take the cubs to play!"

Demien's eyes sparkled, his excitement barely concealed.

Luo Aide's eyes widened, and he quickly said, "I'm going, I want to go too!"

The steady Dimuk also gave a disguised cough. "I don't have any out-of-system business trips planned for the next six months, so I should be able to make it."

Kaisisen smiled faintly and agreed to it all.

In that moment, the atmosphere among the bugs was relaxed and lighthearted.

Nine top-tier resource stars that ordinary bugs could never hope to attain in a lifetime were casually transferred in ownership through their conversation.

They chatted a bit more, and finally, the military female Huo Lili, who had been neglected for so long, was remembered.

Luo Aide remarked, "I wonder how Huo Lili's been lately. It's been so long. With the boss now having a male master and cubs, that guy's going to be scared out of his wits."

Back then, Huo Lili had been the most loyal to Kaisisen among them. That was why, despite Kaisisen and their other friends' objections, he'd gone behind everyone's backs and stubbornly enlisted in the military.

When Kaisisen had seen the beaming Huo Lili in the army back then, he'd flown into a rage and given that guy a thorough beating.

Because his rank and temperament made him utterly unsuited for the dangers of the military.

But over time, the two of them had supported and relied on each other. In a later war, Kaisisen was severely wounded and took the opportunity to retire, while the once-joking Huo Lili found his own ideals and convictions. Over the years, he'd transformed into a steadfast and reliable military female lieutenant colonel, becoming a source of pride for his family and friends.

Mentioning Huo Lili, Kaisisen's expression grew somewhat distant. Back then, when he'd been drowning in pain and despair, it was Huo Lili who'd noticed first and kept encouraging and supporting him.

"That guy Huo Lili—last time we talked, he said the situation was fairly stable. By my count, he should be back soon." Kaisisen's tone was calm, but his expression betrayed anticipation and warmth.

But Dimuk furrowed his brow slightly, a hint of worry creeping in. "Even if communications are unstable, Huo Lili sends a message at least every two to three weeks. But this time, it's been over a month with nothing."

At that, the expressions of all the bugs tightened.

But quickly, Luo Aide waved it off dismissively. "Dimuk, stop overthinking. Remember two years ago when they ran into that storm surge? Huo Lili was out of contact for a full four months. We were frantic, almost thought he was... and it turned out to be nothing but a false alarm. Relax. He's with the Second Prince and the Grand Commander now—how could anything happen to him!"

The Second Prince had served in the military for years and was increasingly showing the bearing of the Grand Commander. He'd been training at the Grand Commander's side, and though it wasn't publicly announced, outsiders widely believed this was the Grand Commander's final test for the Second Prince, meaning he would soon take over the Grand Commander's legion and duties.

"Yeah, Dimuk, don't dwell on it. The Grand Commander is the empire's anchor—with him around, nothing major will go wrong. Besides, Huo Lili's a lieutenant colonel now. Trust his abilities a little more." Demien teased.

The two mates' interjection quickly dispelled the tension that had been building.

Dimuk nodded, though the worry in his brow didn't fully fade.

Kaisisen pondered for a moment, then said slowly, "Don't worry. I'll find a way to ask my big brother about it later."

Kaisisen's female parent was the head of the royalist faction, and his big brother was naturally part of that faction as well, so he'd have some knowledge of the Grand Commander's and the Second Prince's current situation.

"Good!" Dimuk's expression visibly relaxed considerably.

*

By the time Kaisisen arrived home carrying the little piglet who was drooling all over himself in his sleep, it was already afternoon.

The house was peacefully quiet; Bai Bai was taking a nap, while Nevi was carefully tending to the White Roses in the courtyard.

Hearing the doorbell ring, Nevi hastily set down his gloves and made his way to the front door.

The moment he opened it, a whole bouquet of lush, dewy White Roses appeared before his eyes.

Behind the bouquet, the tall female stood with a nervous expression, holding the cub in one arm, and said a bit flustered, "Nai Nai, this is for you."

Nevi stood frozen.

For a moment, the handsome female before him seamlessly blended with the slightly shy and clumsy female from years past.

Nevi gave a gentle smile, his eyes crinkling into crescents, beaming brightly.

He took the large bouquet of White Roses, gently inhaled their faint, refreshing fragrance, and naturally leaned in and kissed the female's lips. Hugging the female around the chubby cub, he whispered softly by his ear, "Thank you for the sentiment, my dear. I love it."

In an instant, a faint blush crept across the female's ears.

"My Male Master, if you like it, I'll bring you some every day from now on!" The affirmed female, like a shy, lovestruck young one, made a promise before the one in his heart.

Nevi smiled softly and agreed.

As their eyes met, a deep, tender affection intertwined between them, and a romantic, charged atmosphere began to grow.

Just as they were about to kiss again, the oversized third wheel in Kaisisen's arms muttered in his sleep.

"Dad, Mom."

Startled, the two quickly pulled apart, and the lingering, intimate aura instantly dissipated.

They both looked down at the cub, but the chubby one didn't wake—he just wriggled a bit and buried his head back into sleep.

After the scare, seeing Kaisisen's crestfallen look, Nevi chuckled softly.

Once they returned to the room with the chubby cub, Kaisisen hung his head and recounted everything from that morning in detail, including Little Meimei's injury and the matter of eating too many snacks—he concealed nothing.

Watching the tall female slump his head, full of self-reproach, Nevi took his female's hand and soothed him gently, "Aesop, you've done very well. Mei Mei is a little female, naturally lively and active. Though I didn't expect her to dare pick a fight with those bad cubs."

Nevi's tone carried some surprise, but with a smile, and he didn't dwell on the cub's injury.

Ever since Mei Mei had learned to walk, despite Nevi and the smart housekeeper watching her carefully, it was inevitable that she would get bumps and bruises.

Nevi felt for her, but he understood that little females and little males were different. This was the time for a little female to bravely explore her environment and grow through learning—he couldn't suppress or restrict the cub's nature under the guise of doing what was best for her.

That wouldn't truly be good for the cub.

"Mei Mei said she wants to be a Little Hero, just like Maka. She even called me a big hero today." Not having been scolded, Kaisisen's eyes lit up again, and he spoke with a hint of excitement.

Clearly, the cub's praise meant a great deal to this clumsy, new female parent.

Nevi leaned gently into Kaisisen's embrace and praised him, "Aesop, you are a hero. You are the undisputed hero in the hearts of me and the cubs."

Kaisisen's throat moved slightly, and in that moment, his heartstrings were deeply struck. It was as if the whole world had gone silent, with only Nevi's voice and the overwhelming feeling echoing endlessly in his heart, hard to calm for a long time.

*

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Author's note: Next chapter, the secret's out~

Thank you all so much for your support! I'll keep working hard!