Chapter 104
Huo Ranchuan didn’t immediately let Han Baiyi in. These kids must have heard about Bai Nuosi’s illness and had come specifically to visit. He wiped the sweat off Bai Nuosi’s forehead and checked his temperature. After giving Bai Nuosi the suppressant earlier, his temperature had finally gone down. He covered Bai Nuosi with a blanket and gently called his name, “Xiao Bai?”
When Bai Nuosi didn’t respond, Huo Ranchuan let him sleep until the afternoon.
*
When Bai Nuosi woke up, he was a bit dazed as he took in his surroundings. He blinked a few times to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. Surrounding his bed were a giant panda, a black panther, a white tiger, and a golden lion—his once-small cubs, all grown up, were staring at him with unblinking eyes.
Bai Nuosi: “…”
Surprised, Bai Nuosi sat up, and Qin Yuxing immediately squeezed in between the tiger and lion, saying excitedly, “Bai Bai, you’re finally awake!”
Bai Nuosi looked at Qin Yuxing and asked, “How did you all get here?”
As he spoke, he instinctively reached to touch his neck, but seeing the grown-up cubs, he instead touched his face. He propped his chin up with his hands, surprised at himself. What had happened to him? He remembered feeling discomfort in his gland and showing signs of going into heat, and then he felt dizzy. But why did he faint?
He’d always been in good health, and everything had been normal before. He’d never felt ill due to his heat cycles before. Bai Nuosi decided he needed to see a doctor for a checkup.
Qin Yuxing leaned on the side of the bed, his eyes bright as he looked at Bai Nuosi. “Bai Bai, I heard you were sick, so I came to visit! I’m so glad you’re okay. I was so worried.”
The black panther rubbed its head against Bai Nuosi’s chest. It hadn’t seen him for a long time and missed him dearly. The giant panda, Qiu Qiu, squeezed in as well, nudging the panther aside and wrapping its paws around Bai Nuosi.
Bai Nuosi: “!!!”
Held in the panda’s warm, fluffy embrace, Bai Nuosi hugged it back. “Qiu Qiu, you came to see me too.”
The giant panda lowered its head, snuggling against Bai Nuosi, almost as if it wanted to lift him up and spin him around in joy.
Han Baiyi shot Chu Jiangting a look and said, “Teacher Bai is still recovering. The panda is so big; be careful not to press down on him.”
Chu Jiangting quickly replied, “Qiu Qiu knows to be careful.”
The young men were too shy to get too close, except for the youngest, Qin Yuxing. The other three knew to keep an appropriate distance from Bai Nuosi. Although Bai Nuosi had once been the caretaker of their spiritual entities, to them, he was simply an omega their age.
Both Han Baiyi and Chu Jiangting had some complicated feelings for Bai Nuosi. However, they could sense the presence of Huo Ranchuan’s scent on Teacher Bai, and Teng Snake was coiled on the bedside table, its golden eyes fixed on Han Baiyi and Chu Jiangting.
As high-level male beastmen, they were very sensitive to threats, especially during mating periods. Teng Snake ignored Qin Yuxing and Song Hengye, focusing its gaze solely on Han Baiyi and Chu Jiangting.
Bai Nuosi took turns hugging each of the fluffy creatures. He hadn’t expected the little cubs he once cared for so attentively to grow up so big. It really was something only spiritual entities could do.
While Bai Nuosi was hugging the fluffy animals, Qin Yuxing also tried to sneak in for a hug, playfully saying, “Bai Bai, I want a hug too…”
Song Hengye sighed and quickly pulled Qin Yuxing out of the fluffy pile. Qin Yuxing protested, “Hey, why are you pulling me away?”
Song Hengye, at times, really didn’t want to deal with this young master. Genius? Was he serious?
After pulling Qin Yuxing aside, Song Hengye said, “Teacher Bai isn’t feeling well. Why are you causing trouble?”
Qin Yuxing pouted. “It’s just a hug. What’s the big deal?”
At that moment, Huo Ranchuan entered, holding a food box. Seeing the crowd gathered tightly around the bed, he ordered, “Xiao Bai needs to eat. It’s time for you all to leave.”
The fluffy creatures instantly looked at Bai Nuosi with reluctance, while Qiu Qiu continued hugging him affectionately. Huo Ranchuan was not pleased with these young men, especially Han Baiyi. He knew all too well what that look in Han Baiyi’s eyes meant when he looked at Bai Nuosi.
Huo Ranchuan placed the food he had prepared for Bai Nuosi on the table and then approached. Seeing Bai Nuosi being hugged by the giant panda made him appear especially small. Bai Nuosi, smiling, peeked out from the panda’s embrace, saying, “Oh dear, Qiu Qiu, I can barely see.”
The panda’s curly fur almost covered Bai Nuosi’s eyes.
Huo Ranchuan: “…”
Afraid of upsetting Bai Nuosi, Huo Ranchuan restrained himself. “Do none of you have classes?”
His voice was chilly as he glanced at the group. Those who had awakened and fully evolved in the military academy usually had intense training schedules, especially the S-class students, who had double the training load. Seeing them all gathered around Bai Nuosi’s bed, it was obvious they had skipped their classes. Confident in their talents, they probably weren’t afraid of punishment. However, as their chief instructor, Huo Ranchuan wouldn’t let them off easily.
Song Hengye got the hint. If they left now, Huo Ranchuan might let them off the hook. Being someone who knew not to incur immediate losses, he grabbed Qin Yuxing and walked out without a word.
Qin Yuxing: “???”
Qin Yuxing struggled. “Hey, I haven’t even—”
Song Hengye covered his mouth and dragged him out.
The giant panda had held onto Bai Nuosi for quite a while. Chu Jiangting was pleased. “Teacher Bai, I’ll take Qiu Qiu with me. You should eat, and I’ll bring Qiu Qiu to see you again when I can.”
With that, Chu Jiangting quickly led the reluctant Qiu Qiu out.
Han Baiyi, ever courteous, said, “Goodbye, Teacher Bai. I’ll visit you at the Rose Nursery whenever I can.”
Bai Nuosi patted the black panther’s head. “Alright.”
After Han Baiyi left, Huo Ranchuan set up the meal for Bai Nuosi. He had been a bit harsh when sending everyone away earlier, and he wasn’t sure if Bai Nuosi would be upset with him.
Bai Nuosi, preoccupied with cuddling the fluffy creatures, hadn’t paid much attention. But now, he was surprised—surprised that Huo Ranchuan had brought him food.
Bai Nuosi got off the bed and walked to the table. Huo Ranchuan turned to him, asking, “Are you feeling better?”
Bai Nuosi nodded. “Yes, I’m fine. By the way, where’s little Birdy?”
The first thing he did upon waking was to check on his little bird. Huo Ranchuan was helpless but also accustomed to it. He had even predicted this question. “It’s in the ward upstairs. It’s not feeling well, and the golden eagle is with it.”
Bai Nuosi was worried. “What happened to little Birdy?”
Wasn’t it fine before?
Huo Ranchuan gently pressed Bai Nuosi’s shoulder, urging him to sit down. “Eat first. After you’ve finished, I’ll take you to see it. Don’t worry, it’s nothing serious.”
The bird’s condition stemmed from its host, who was already injured, spent days in the water cell without food or water, and eventually collapsed. Huo Ranchuan had already decided: once the host recovered, he would deport both him and the bird.
When Adean woke up in the ward, Huo Ranchuan’s deputy was standing beside him, holding an IOU. Written notes were rare in this era, but the deputy placed it in front of Adean. “This is your hospital bill. Our Commander covered it for you. Look it over, and if everything’s fine, sign it. Remember to pay it back later.”
Adean, who had barely opened his eyes and was still groggy: “…”
He took the IOU and glanced at it. Although he could read it, wasn’t the medical bill way too high? His eyes widened in disbelief, but just as he was about to protest, Chen Min spoke up. “It’s not expensive; we gave you an internal discount. Just sign it.”
Adean: “…”
Feeling wronged, Adean reluctantly signed the note, feeling as if he had been scammed. Ten thousand star coins? He couldn’t gather that amount even if he sold himself!
Chen Min found Adean’s disgruntled expression amusing. He walked over and said, “If you’re willing to work under me, I could help you pay off your debt.”
The little chubby bird liked the golden eagle a lot, so Chen Min was confident.
However, Adean was steadfast. Liking something was one thing, but pledging allegiance was another. He shook his head. “No.”
The deputy shook his head. “Even stones aren’t as stubborn as you.”
Chen Min placed a military academy recruitment flyer in front of Adean. “Don’t be too quick to refuse. This is the best military academy in the Beastman Galaxy. For the past three years, they’ve been specially recruiting avian rookies. This is the last year. If you miss this chance, there won’t be another.”
The academy had been recruiting because of the golden eagle’s issues. Everyone had almost given up on Chen Min, but no one expected him to return with his eagle in peak condition. Since he was back, the recruitment would end. It really was the last chance. If Adean had any ambition, he shouldn’t let it slip by.
Hearing it was the Imperial Academy, Adean hesitated, picking up the flyer and reading it carefully.
Just then, Bai Nuosi, having finished his meal, entered with Huo Ranchuan.
Bai Nuosi had expected to see little Birdy nestled in the hospital bed but was surprised to see a tan-skinned boy with long hair instead.
The boy, hearing the sound, turned around. When he saw Bai Nuosi, his eyes lit up, and he exclaimed, “Teacher Bai!”
He tossed the flyer aside, standing up excitedly, unsure of what to do with his hands.
Chen Min quietly picked up the discarded flyer, looking a bit exasperated.
