Chapter 81
Bai Nuosi stood by the window, staring blankly at the little white tiger diligently training outside. He turned back to glance at the neatly folded blanket on the sofa, then shifted his gaze to the hardworking cub outside, his expression deep in thought.
Teng Snake looked equally exasperated.
He really couldn’t understand what Song Hengye was thinking. Even if he was competitive, why push himself so hard while he was still recovering? Furthermore, the purpose of the Rose Nursery was to provide a place where young spiritual beasts could escape rigorous training, allowing them to experience a safe and happy childhood like ordinary human children.
Of course, if Song Hengye wanted to train, that was his choice. The issue was that he shouldn’t be training as the little white tiger right in front of Teacher Bai! Bai Nuosi was still unaware of the truth about spiritual beasts!
Teng Snake, being a light sleeper, knew that the little white tiger had gone out for morning training before dawn. He had been utterly shocked. He had experienced grueling training during his own youth, but that was because he was forced and had no choice.
But Song Hengye? No one was forcing him; in fact, everyone was taking turns urging him to rest. Was he out of his mind?
The crucial point was that the little white tiger, as a spiritual beast, was acting exactly like Song Hengye. Usually, other spiritual beasts would behave differently from their main bodies; after all, people can mask their true selves, but spiritual beasts are their most authentic reflection, and they don’t hide anything.
This could only mean one thing: Song Hengye genuinely loved training from the bottom of his heart—a true workaholic.
Teng Snake watched as the little white tiger ran on its short legs, jumped, and trained mecha combat skills. Although it all looked like a circus performance, he still admired the little tiger. So young, yet so hardworking—its future was boundless.
Bai Nuosi stared at the little white tiger in confusion for a while, while Teng Snake, feeling nervous, anxiously observed Bai Nuosi’s expression. He was afraid Bai Nuosi would notice something amiss and become angry.
After several minutes of staring, Bai Nuosi simply yawned, then headed to the bathroom to wash up. His mood seemed stable, showing no signs of being different from usual.
Teng Snake: “…”
In the bathroom, Bai Nuosi picked up a comb before brushing his teeth, absentmindedly running it through his hair for several minutes, much longer than usual.
After a while, he set the comb down, picked up a hair clip, and pinned back his bangs, which usually hung over his brows. “It’s not a big deal,” he muttered softly to himself. “As long as they’re cubs, that’s all that matters.”
Whether they were spiritual beast cubs or beastman cubs, it didn’t matter to him—they were still cubs. And judging by Supervisor Mons and Director Huo’s feedback, his job performance so far seemed satisfactory.
Before officially starting his job, when they signed the contract, one of the clauses stated that as an employee from another star system, he must abide by the Empire’s laws. Since the laws stated that he couldn’t know certain things, even if he figured it out, he would have to pretend he didn’t know anything.
Although Bai Nuosi was currently only suspicious about the little white tiger being a spiritual beast, not certain, it hadn’t significantly affected his work or life.
Bai Nuosi remained optimistic. After finishing his morning routine, he went about his day as usual, preparing breakfast for the three cubs.
The little lion, being a sleepyhead, was still sprawled on the bed, mouth open, sleeping soundly.
Just as Bai Nuosi finished making breakfast, Huo Ranchuan arrived hurriedly.
When Bai Nuosi opened the door and saw him, he was slightly surprised. “Good morning, Director Huo.”
Huo Ranchuan glanced at Teng Snake, coiled lazily on the windowsill, and felt a pang of guilt. Even if Teacher Bai discovered the truth about the fluffy cubs being spiritual beasts, Huo Ranchuan wouldn’t feel particularly guilty; he didn’t see it as a big deal.
What made him feel uneasy was Teng Snake.
After all, the fluffy cubs were genuinely young cubs, but Teng Snake was not…
Teacher Bai might not be angry about the cubs being spiritual beasts, but he might—possibly, probably—be upset about an adult spiritual beast pretending to be a cub.
Huo Ranchuan nervously rubbed his nose, cautiously observing Bai Nuosi’s expression. “Good morning, Teacher Bai.”
Bai Nuosi stepped aside, allowing Huo Ranchuan to enter. With a smile, he asked, “Director Huo, have you had breakfast yet?”
Huo Ranchuan hadn’t, but he assumed that Teacher Bai had already prepared the cubs’ meals and that the portions were likely pre-measured. If he wanted to eat, Bai Nuosi would have to cook again. So, he nodded, “I’ve eaten.”
Bai Nuosi poured him a cup of hot tea before returning to prepare breakfast for the cubs.
The little white tiger had been training for four hours already, following Song Hengye’s regimen. The Empire’s military academy had a set schedule for morning training starting at seven, so Song Hengye always woke up at five to train alone for two hours, then drank a nutrient solution for energy before joining his classmates for two more hours of training with the instructor. After that, they had a simple breakfast around nine and attended theory and practical classes.
Today, Bai Nuosi had slept until nearly nine. When he got up, the little white tiger, under Song Hengye’s guidance, had already trained for four hours.
Unbelievable.
Bai Nuosi didn’t know all this; he only knew the little white tiger had been up for a while, so he prepared a hearty breakfast for him, adding some expensive meat that was quite popular on the beastman planet. He’d heard the beastmen loved it.
He used to prepare only small portions of meat for the cubs in the morning, but today, he made a lot. Meat was expensive, but now that Bai Nuosi had some money, he was willing to spend it on the cubs.
The little white tiger’s breakfast plate had eggs, vegetables, honey milk buns, a large piece of medium-rare steak, and a warm bottle of milk. It was more than double the usual portion.
Teng Snake immediately noticed the change in breakfast. It glanced at its plate, which now had both beef and bread, then looked at Teacher Bai.
In the past, Teacher Bai’s breakfasts always offered either bread and beef or fruit, bread, and ham—never all of them together. But today, everything was included!
Teacher Bai had prepared double the usual portions!
Teng Snake felt conflicted. Huo Ranchuan sat on the sofa, appearing calm, but inwardly, he was panicking.
The little white tiger had never eaten breakfast prepared by Teacher Bai before, so it had no idea what was typical. However, it couldn’t help but feel thrilled seeing such a delicious meal after training when it was starving.
It sat upright in the chair as Teacher Bai smiled, tied a little bib around its neck, patted its head, and said, “Eat up. There’s more if you’re still hungry.”
Teng Snake: “…”
More if needed?
Refills were available now?
Something felt off—this wasn’t normal!
The little white tiger, not caring about any of that, immediately buried its head and began eating.
Taking care of three cubs at once was indeed busy work. While the snake and the little white tiger were eating, Bai Nuosi went to wake the little lion.
It was already quite late, and the little lion was still sound asleep, its paws splayed out and its belly exposed. It hadn’t moved an inch.
How could it be so sleepy?
Huo Ranchuan, seeing how busy Bai Nuosi was, recalled Mons’s suggestion last night about arranging an assistant for Teacher Bai. He took the initiative and approached Bai Nuosi, saying, “Xiao Bai, Mons has been busy lately, so it looks like you’ll still need to take care of the little white tiger for now.”
It wasn’t that there were no other nursery teachers available, but if the little white tiger was assigned to someone else, Huo Ranchuan would lose his excuse to be close to Teacher Bai.
Despite feeling nervous, he maintained a calm demeanor as he spoke. “You’re still recovering from your injuries, and since I have some free time recently, I could be your assistant for a while. What do you think?”
Bai Nuosi’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Really? Does that mean I get to keep taking care of the little white tiger? That’s great! It’ll be perfect; he and Xingxing can play together, and the two fluffballs will have a companion.”
He added, “But it seems like the snake cub doesn’t play with them much. It’d be great if we had another snake cub.”
Huo Ranchuan: “…”
Feeling guilty, Huo Ranchuan coughed and glanced at Teng Snake. “He’s just a bit solitary.”
Teng Snake: “…”
It wasn’t that he was solitary; he just needed to stick close to Teacher Bai. Ever since Bai Nuosi had been approached by another nursery teacher, Huo Ranchuan had grown anxious. As a result, Teng Snake, influenced by his main body, felt the constant need to keep an eye on Teacher Bai. And besides, there was that golden eagle next door nursing a broken heart!
Teng Snake was constantly on guard, ensuring no one else tried to get close to Teacher Bai, and he was so anxious that he couldn’t even sleep.
If Teacher Bai became his main body’s partner, then, by extension, wouldn’t that make him Teng Snake’s partner too?
This was the best thing that could ever happen!
Teacher Bai could be his mate!
Just thinking about it, Teng Snake was so excited he almost couldn’t eat his breakfast.
This year’s mating season finally had hope.
Feeling Teng Snake’s emotions, Huo Ranchuan: “…”
Bai Nuosi, after his initial excitement, hesitated and said to Huo Ranchuan, “Director Huo, you’re very busy. I wouldn’t want to trouble you as my assistant. I can manage on my own.”
He had taken care of five cubs on his home planet before.
However, he suspected Huo Ranchuan was concerned about the cubs’ care, not his own well-being. So, Bai Nuosi quickly added, “But if I could have an assistant, that would be really helpful. By the way, there’s a nursery teacher in Area A named Yali. He’s from the same star system as me. Maybe he could be my assistant?”
Huo Ranchuan: “…”
He immediately responded, “No.”
His tone was firm and quick. Bai Nuosi blinked in surprise and then, embarrassed, said, “Sorry, I forgot that nursery teachers can’t be assistants…”
It was indeed overqualified to have a nursery teacher as an assistant. It was just that Yali had mentioned it before, so he thought of it. But, in truth, Bai Nuosi didn’t mind who his assistant was.
Realizing he had sounded harsh, Huo Ranchuan softened his tone to reassure Bai Nuosi. “It’s not about rank; it’s just that he’s currently taking care of another cub, and cross-area transfers are complicated.”
That was all an excuse. There was no way Huo Ranchuan would allow Yali to become Bai Nuosi’s assistant. No way he was letting someone who clearly had ulterior motives stay by Teacher Bai’s side day and night.
Upon hearing the explanation, Bai Nuosi nervously asked, “Then, Director Huo, could I not have an assistant?”
He was a bit socially anxious and wasn’t good at interacting or collaborating with others. He was used to taking care of cubs alone. If he had an assistant, he wouldn’t even know what to delegate.
After all, with the advanced AI butler here, there wasn’t much left for him to do.
Even cooking was optional; he just liked doing it himself.
Huo Ranchuan’s tone remained stern. “No.”
Bai Nuosi: “…”
Standing by the bed where the little lion still snored away, Bai Nuosi noticed that despite their long conversation, the lion hadn’t woken up. Its sleep quality was enviable.
Bai Nuosi glanced at Huo Ranchuan, noting he wasn’t wearing his usual military uniform but the black uniform designated for the Rose Nursery. The work uniforms here varied in color based on the area. Bai Nuosi’s was white, while Huo Ranchuan’s, as an internal administrator, was black—similar to the security team’s attire.
Huo Ranchuan rarely wore this uniform, so Bai Nuosi curiously observed him for a moment.
Seeing Huo Ranchuan’s serious expression as he insisted, Bai Nuosi, ever the diligent worker, could only nod and say, “I’ll follow your arrangement then, Director.”
Huo Ranchuan nodded, maintaining his composed expression. “So, for now, I’ll temporarily act as your assistant. Once your injury heals, we can consider if you need a different assistant.”
Before Bai Nuosi could respond, Huo Ranchuan added, “Besides, since we’re currently neighbors, it’s more convenient for me to help take care of the cubs.”
Bai Nuosi thought for a moment and agreed. “That makes sense. After all, I was taking care of the golden eagle before…”
Suddenly, he slapped his forehead and looked at Huo Ranchuan. “Oh, Director Huo! What happened to the golden eagle? Is it okay? How did it escape from its cage? And is everything at home alright?”
He totally forgot about the Golden eagle the moment he saw the little white tiger upon waking.
Remembering how the eagle seemed interested in him, Bai Nuosi felt a bit embarrassed.
Huo Ranchuan, recalling the golden eagle’s situation, felt a headache coming on. The eagle had nearly torn its quarters apart, and he had arranged for workers to repair it overnight, fearing that if Bai Nuosi saw the mess, he might decide to move back to his old dorm with the cubs, which would infuriate Huo Ranchuan.
“It sensed you were in danger and escaped on its own. It’s at the hospital now. Don’t worry; it’s fine.”
The golden eagle was, in fact, in the room next door, separated from Bai Nuosi by only one wall. It had stayed quiet but often huddled in the corner, silently shedding tears whenever Huo Ranchuan came to visit Bai Nuosi.
It looked like a heartbroken soul, hugging those five potted plants in its wings.
Chen Min had come, but the golden eagle refused to see him. Although Chen Min was worried about the eagle, he lacked the confidence to approach. The eagle had called out to Chen Min for help during its training as a cub, but back then, Chen Min had been constrained by his family and couldn’t do anything.
The golden eagle, with its deep-seated hatred for humans, had never reconciled with Chen Min. This was why it had gone to great lengths to escape and had no intention of returning.
In the golden eagle’s eyes, Chen Min was untrustworthy.
Huo Ranchuan was too preoccupied with getting closer to Teacher Bai and improving their relationship to bother comforting Chen Min.
He asked Bai Nuosi, “Let’s not talk about that for now. Is there anything I can help with, Teacher Bai?”
Huo Ranchuan’s voice was magnetic and deep. He deliberately lowered his tone, and when he addressed Bai Nuosi, it made his ears flush. Embarrassed, Bai Nuosi lowered his gaze, not daring to look at Huo Ranchuan directly.
At that moment, the little white tiger, who had been quietly devouring his meal, suddenly lifted his head, grabbed the milk bottle in his mouth, and guzzled it down.
As he drank, he tapped the table with his paw, turning to look at Teacher Bai with bright, expectant green eyes.
Bai Nuosi read the expression clearly: “More, please.”
Teng Snake: “…”
Teng Snake had been focused on its main body’s conversation with Teacher Bai and hadn’t noticed the little white tiger across the table.
Now, as he looked over, he was stunned. How could the little white tiger have finished its food so quickly?
He suspected the tiger didn’t even chew its food.
And its eating speed was outrageous. Had it never eaten meat before?
Bai Nuosi glanced at the dining table and smiled at Huo Ranchuan. “In that case, could you wake Xingxing for me, Director Huo? I’ll go get Hanye another serving.”
Huo Ranchuan raised an eyebrow. “Hanye?”
Bai Nuosi brushed the stray hair behind his ear, smiling. “Yes, that’s what Xingxing calls him—Hanye. Isn’t it adorable, just like him?”
Huo Ranchuan: “…”
Bai Nuosi went to get more food for the little white tiger.
When he returned to the table, he checked the tiger’s plate and found it completely clean. Not only had the little white tiger eaten everything, but he also hadn’t made a mess; even his bib was spotless, with not a single crumb on it.
Bai Nuosi was amazed. “Hanye, you’re amazing! You didn’t just finish everything; you ate so neatly! I’m so proud of you—two thumbs up!”
He held up two thumbs and gently pressed them against the little tiger’s cheeks, then, unable to resist, pinched the fluffy, soft fur. “You’re so~ amazing! Teacher Bai’s going to reward you with a fruit milk pudding!”
This fruit milk pudding was a special treat. While the snake cub had tried it before, it felt a pang of envy when it heard about the reward. It would also eat cleanly if it meant getting treats!
Teng Snake glared at the little white tiger, but the cub was too busy gulping down milk to notice.
Bai Nuosi returned to the kitchen, glad he had prepared extra food today. There was no more beef left; he had only cooked three pieces for the cubs, but there were still eggs, ham, fruit, vegetables, and plenty of milk buns.
He filled up another plate for the little white tiger and placed it before him. “Go ahead, eat up. There’s more if you need it.”
The little white tiger didn’t respond and just buried its head again, devouring the meal.
Teng Snake: “…”
Is this tiger a bottomless pit?
How could he eat so much?
Teng Snake was dumbfounded. While it was true that spiritual beasts had a large appetite related to their mental power consumption, the little white tiger had just awakened and was still in its juvenile phase.
If he ate this much as a cub, wouldn’t he eat ten cows a day when he matured?
Could Song Hengye even afford to feed him?
Bai Nuosi placed a bowl of strawberry milk pudding beside the little white tiger and smiled. “Hanye, take your time. Don’t rush, or you’ll choke.”
The little white tiger, holding a milk bun in his mouth, looked up at Bai Nuosi with bright eyes.
The beef had been delicious, the bread was wonderful, the milk refreshing, and the ham was delightful!
The little white tiger felt that everything was simply too delicious!
He couldn’t get enough.
Meanwhile, Song Hengye, resting in his hospital bed after a morning of training, was stuck eating the bland patient meals.
Previously, to save money, he had always consumed cheap nutritional liquids after training.
People often compared him to Chu Jiangting. They both trained day and night, survived mostly on nutritional liquids, and came from humble backgrounds, standing out among their peers.
However, Chu Jiangting’s taste buds had degraded, leading to his dislike for food, whereas Song Hengye was actually a food lover.
His greatest dream was to become a gourmet.
Now, lying in his hospital bed, Song Hengye, through his connection with his spiritual beast, felt the delicious food the little white tiger was eating. His consciousness quickly transferred to the cub’s body, and without hesitation, he began to feast.
Teacher Bai’s food was genuinely delicious.
The steak earlier had been perfectly cooked—tender and juicy, bursting with flavor at every bite.
The little white tiger finished plate after plate, even eating up all the milk buns Bai Nuosi had prepared for the next three days!
By the end, even Bai Nuosi started to worry. He looked at the little white tiger, still eating the strawberry milk pudding, and couldn’t help but reach out to feel the cub’s now-rounded belly. With a concerned tone, he said, “Hanye, you shouldn’t eat any more. Look at your tummy—it’s all round. If you eat more, you’ll get a tummy ache.”
Caught off guard by the touch, Song Hengye: “…”
The little white tiger froze, and Song Hengye’s consciousness retreated in embarrassment. Left alone, the cub, with its mouth smeared in milk pudding, stared at Bai Nuosi, looking puzzled.
Bai Nuosi: “…”
Laughing, Bai Nuosi picked up a tissue to wipe the cub’s mouth. “Oh dear, you can’t handle praise, huh? I just complimented you for eating neatly, and now look at you—messy mouth and a dirty bib.”
The little white tiger: “…”
Meanwhile, the little lion was still sleeping soundly, drooling with a paw stretched out. Huo Ranchuan looked down at it with disdain, shook its belly, and said, “Xingxing, time to wake up.”
The lion didn’t respond, even letting out a small snore.
Seeing that Bai Nuosi was still in the kitchen, Huo Ranchuan decided to take advantage of the moment. He reached out and pinched the little lion’s nose, blocking its airway.
Deprived of air, the little lion twitched and shook its head in its sleep, before suddenly jerking awake with a yelp.
Huo Ranchuan released its nose, smiled, and leaned in. “Xingxing, time to brush your teeth and get ready for breakfast.”
The little lion: “…”
Slowly opening its eyes, it stared at Huo Ranchuan in shock for a moment. Then, all of a sudden, it leapt up, its paws flailing as it tumbled off the bed in panic, shouting loudly, “Help! Help! A ghost!”
Huo Ranchuan: “…”
Everyone else: “…”
