Chapter 84
Bai Nuosi had always been popular, but now that he was participating in the Annual Figure selection, his fame had skyrocketed. Being part of this competition was a complete surprise to Bai Nuosi. He didn’t think he deserved it since he had only been working at the Rose Nursery for a short time.
In fact, the decision to include him in the list was also quite sudden for the committee responsible for the selection. Initially, Bai Nuosi wasn’t on the list at all. However, during public polling, many people asked, “Why isn’t Teacher Bai included?” If they were going to choose the Annual Figure, how could they leave out someone as popular as Teacher Bai, who had carefully taken care of so many S-rank spiritual cubs?
Moreover, winning the title of Annual Figure meant gaining official recognition from the empire, which came with a residency card. Once Bai Nuosi won, he would become an official imperial citizen! The empire didn’t want to lose such a talented individual—what if one of the outer planets poached him?
Aside from the main planet, the Beastman Star System had nine sub-planets, each with considerable strength. Three of these sub-planets were beast planets, inhabited by true beast people. Teacher Bai, who had always treated spiritual cubs as if they were real beast cubs, caring for them with such detail and kindness, had long attracted attention from those planets. If it weren’t for the strict management of the Rose Nursery and the restrictions on Bai Nuosi’s account, the people from the beast planets might have already contacted him and offered a high price to hire him away!
In Bai Nuosi’s live stream, his popularity surged further as many fans who were unaware of the selection learned about it and rushed to vote. In less than half an hour, his votes skyrocketed again.
The reporter interviewing Bai Nuosi smiled, noticing this. “It seems like Teacher Bai is very popular. The number of votes you’ve received is nearing half of the empire’s total population.”
Of course, while he mentioned the empire’s population, many votes also came from beast people on other planets. Many of them were keen to keep Teacher Bai in the Beastman Star System, as long as he didn’t return to his distant home planet.
The live stream’s audience didn’t take kindly to the reporter:
[Dammit! I haven’t even seen my wife in person yet, and this guy’s already shaking his hand!]
[This reporter looks a bit sleazy—can he stop smiling at my wife like that?]
[Haha, has this interview turned into a fan meeting? Look at how that reporter is sucking up to Teacher Bai. Let go of him already!]
The interview process was actually quite simple, just a formality. The outcome of the selection depended mainly on the votes, contribution evaluation, and the Rose Nursery’s endorsement. With so many votes from fans, Bai Nuosi’s influence was already clear. If he didn’t win, there could be public outrage.
Huo Ranchuan, standing nearby, watched the reporter talk to Bai Nuosi with a dark expression. Like the audience, he felt the reporter’s smile was too sleazy. The way the reporter kept staring at Teacher Bai and making little jokes, leaving Bai Nuosi flustered, irritated Huo Ranchuan.
At that moment, Teng Snake, who had been lounging in the lake, slithered out. Huo Ranchuan wiped it dry with a handkerchief and placed it directly into Bai Nuosi’s arms.
Bai Nuosi, in the middle of the interview: “…”
Huo Ranchuan said with a straight face, “It doesn’t want me to hold it.”
Bai Nuosi immediately responded, “Oh, then I’ll hold it. Snake baby, be good.” He gently patted Teng Snake’s cool body.
The reporter: “…”
Live stream audience: […]
[Today’s joke is brought to you by Commander Huo: ‘It doesn’t want me to hold it.’]
[Looks like we’re not the only ones who dislike this reporter. Even Commander Huo can’t stand him.]
[Though I can’t blame the reporter. If I were there, I’d also be smiling like an idiot and refusing to let go of Teacher Bai.]
[The real problem is that Teacher Bai is just too cute, especially with his hair tied up and glasses on today. Who wouldn’t be a little… tempted?]
The reporter then asked, “Teacher Bai, which cub is your favorite? Is it the little black panther, the little panda, or the three you’re taking care of now?”
The audacity! Asking such a question in front of the cubs!
The little lion immediately shuffled closer to Bai Nuosi, staring up at him expectantly. Of course, Teacher Bai’s favorite cub had to be it, the adorable and affectionate lion who always begged for hugs!
Teng Snake also looked serious. Though it wasn’t a real cub, it had been with Teacher Bai the longest. Since the first day Bai Nuosi started working, it had stayed by his side. Bai Nuosi even habitually checked for Teng Snake every morning when he woke up.
Meanwhile, in the training ground, Han Baiyi and Chu Jiangting, who were secretly watching the live stream, also had serious expressions. Both were convinced they were Teacher Bai’s favorite cub.
However, for Bai Nuosi, there was never a single favorite.
Bai Nuosi, holding Teng Snake, smiled and said, “All the cubs are so cute. I love them all equally.”
With the three cubs watching, how could he possibly say he liked one more than the others?
Unhappy with this answer, the reporter pressed further. “But some cubs can be quite naughty, right? They must cause you trouble. Weren’t you injured recently? Didn’t that upset you?”
Bai Nuosi smiled warmly at the reporter. “As a caretaker, it’s my responsibility to love all the cubs equally and to understand their nature. Whether they’re well-behaved or mischievous, it’s just part of their personalities. We can’t say that being well-behaved is always good or that being naughty is bad. We shouldn’t label them easily. At this age, their personalities are just starting to show. You can’t force them to change; it’s not appropriate.”
After a brief pause, he added, “There’s always a way to deal with things. The cubs are actually quite easy to please.”
Live stream comments:
[This reporter is awful at asking questions. Of course, Teacher Bai loves all the cubs equally. If he said he had a favorite, wouldn’t the others feel sad?]
[Lol, I thought Teacher Bai would say he liked Snake Baby the most. Look at Commander Huo’s disappointed face—hilarious.]
[Commander Huo trying to compete with the cubs for affection is wild. Is he really not worried about what will happen when Teacher Bai finds out the truth after getting his residency card?]
[When Teacher Bai finds out the snake is actually Teng Snake, I can’t wait to see how Commander Huo explains the whole ‘posing as a cub’ situation. snickering]
The reporter tried to ask another question, but Huo Ranchuan, with a stern look, interrupted, “Weren’t you supposed to tour the workplace? Are you done with the questions?”
The reporter fell silent under Huo Ranchuan’s intense gaze. He quickly turned back to Bai Nuosi, “Teacher Bai, if you win the Annual Figure title, you might be asked to give speeches at various military academies. Would you be open to that?”
It wouldn’t affect the selection if Bai Nuosi declined, but if he agreed, it would create a lot of buzz. After all, the Imperial First Military Academy students adored Teacher Bai. Several S-rank spiritual beasts were raised by him, so if word got out that he was giving a lecture there, the students would go wild.
“Give a speech?” Bai Nuosi hesitated. “I can do that, but I’m only familiar with cub-related topics. I don’t see how that connects to a military academy.”
The reporter’s eyes lit up. “How could it not? The military academy students love you!”
Bai Nuosi was puzzled. Why would military students like him? It couldn’t be because he was good at taking care of fluffy creatures, could it?
Before leaving, the reporter even added Bai Nuosi’s contact information, excitedly saying, “Goodbye, Teacher Bai. We’ll be in touch!”
Huo Ranchuan’s patience was wearing thin. “You can contact Mons. Don’t disturb Teacher Bai’s work unnecessarily.”
The reporter: “…”
After the mention of the lecture, the live stream exploded:
[What?! There’s a lecture segment in the Annual Figure competition?]
[Are you living under a rock? Every year, after the Annual Figure is selected, there’s a live-streamed award ceremony, followed by lectures at major universities. But only prestigious schools can invite the speaker.]
[First Military Academy will definitely invite Teacher Bai! I wonder if my kindergarten will be lucky enough to get him?]
[AHHHH Teacher Bai is coming to the military academy? When? I need to check the Annual Figure schedule and make sure I’m there!]
Chu Jiangting and Han Baiyi, who were watching the live stream from the training ground, immediately jumped off their mechs. The two exchanged a wary glance.
Chu Jiangting asked cautiously, “Where are you going?”
Han Baiyi replied coolly, “Back to the dorm to grab something. You?”
Chu Jiangting coughed, “Going to grab a bite to eat. I’m hungry.”
They exchanged a forced smile before rushing off in different directions—one to the academy instructor to request a schedule change and the other to the Rose Nursery to ask his superior for a shift change. One thing was clear: they both needed front-row seats for Teacher Bai’s lecture!
After the interview ended, and with Huo Ranchuan’s stern expression signaling the end, Mons escorted the reporters out. It was only after they were a distance away that the reporter dared to ask, “Is Commander Huo in a bad mood today? He seemed so tense.”
Mons: “…”
Mons looked at the reporter, feeling like he was watching a clueless version of his past self. He imagined Sajinna’s face whenever she looked at him. Yeah, this guy was clueless.
Mons sighed, “Commander Huo is always like that. You’d best be careful around him.”
“Commander Huo’s temper is famous,” the reporter admitted. “I’m just glad he didn’t blow up today. It was terrifying.”
The reporter added, “But come to think of it, we haven’t heard of any outbursts from Commander Huo lately. It seems he’s been in a good mood recently.”
People once feared that Teng Snake might end up like the golden eagle—a spiritual beast that had grown beyond its master’s control. With its S+ spiritual power, even stronger than the golden eagle’s, many were worried Huo Ranchuan might lose control over it. But with Teacher Bai’s guidance, it seemed that Teng Snake was moving in a positive direction.
Once the reporters left, Bai Nuosi prepared to take the cubs home. The day was coming to an end, and it was time for dinner and bedtime.
Holding Teng Snake, Bai Nuosi said to Huo Ranchuan, “Director, it’s getting late. Let’s head back.”
The little lion, now smarter, clung tightly to Bai Nuosi’s pant leg, looking up with tearful eyes. “Teacher, hug me~”
Just as Huo Ranchuan was about to pick it up, the little lion jumped and clung to Bai Nuosi’s leg. “Hug, hug!”
Huo Ranchuan: “…”
Feeling his heart soften, Bai Nuosi handed Teng Snake to Huo Ranchuan. “Could you please hold the snake baby? I’ll carry the lion.”
Huo Ranchuan: “…”
His gaze turned sharp as he looked at Teng Snake.
Teng Snake: “…”
It immediately turned around, snuggling up to Bai Nuosi’s neck and clinging tightly, even faking a cry and nuzzling him.
Watching all this, the little lion was speechless: “…”
Live stream audience: […]
[Ah, little lion, little lion. How can you compete with Commander Huo for affection?]
[Commander Huo really has an edge. Even though Teacher Bai says he loves all the cubs equally, snake baby’s been with him the longest. The moment the snake baby acts cute, Teacher Bai can’t resist.]
[Props to Xiao Han (Little White Tiger) for staying calm. If you don’t join the fight, you won’t get upset; laughing emoji.]
Bai Nuosi was genuinely torn. Out of all the cubs he had taken care of, Teng Snake was the most sensible and mature. Even though Teng Snake never spoke and didn’t interact much with the other fluffy cubs, it was the most reliable one. For example, when the little lion ran off, it was Teng Snake who knew to go after it. It seemed so mature.
With Teng Snake now clinging to him and acting cute, Bai Nuosi couldn’t resist. He patted it gently. “All right, all right, I’m holding you, okay?”
The little lion: “???”
It was about to protest again when Huo Ranchuan scooped it up, saying, “Teacher Bai, from now on, let me carry the little lion and the little white tiger.” He smiled at the little lion. “After all, this round little lion isn’t light, right? Carrying it must be tiring, don’t you think, Xingxing?”
The little lion: “…”
It’s all because of you.
It tried to wriggle free in Huo Ranchuan’s arms, but he held it firmly, then picked up the napping little white tiger with the other hand. “Let’s go home, Teacher Bai,” he said with a smile.
Bai Nuosi, holding Teng Snake, looked grateful. “Thank you, Director. It’s a big help having you around.”
Huo Ranchuan nodded. “It’s my job as your assistant. I’m here to help.”
Live stream audience:
[Honestly, I also want to help Teacher Bai out. Teacher Bai, please give me a ‘chance’; laughing emoji.]
[Everyone but Teacher Bai knows Commander Huo’s intentions. Not subtle at all.]
[Teacher Bai belongs to everyone! How can Commander Huo monopolize him? Ahhh, I’m furious!]
The little lion felt the same way! It pouted and whimpered in Huo Ranchuan’s arms. It used to be so afraid of Huo Ranchuan, but Teng Snake had gone too far this time! Taking all of Teacher Bai’s attention was unforgivable.
Huo Ranchuan managed to settle the white tiger and little lion, while Teng Snake continued to monopolize Bai Nuosi’s affection. He had a feeling that the longer Bai Nuosi remained attached to Teng Snake, the angrier he might be once he discovered the truth.
If Bai Nuosi won the Annual Figure title, he would qualify for the residency card, removing restrictions on his account. He wouldn’t need to search for information; he could just check the comments on his account or the live stream, and everything would become clear.
Huo Ranchuan sighed. He needed to explain things to Bai Nuosi soon. If Bai Nuosi got really mad, how would he make up for it?
Back at the dorm, Huo Ranchuan followed Bai Nuosi inside. Since Chen Min and the golden eagle were occupying his room next door, he didn’t need to return. Despite the golden eagle’s heartbreak, it hadn’t had any outbursts lately, probably because Bai Nuosi was still nearby, with its five potted plants keeping it company.
Bai Nuosi prepared nutritious food for the cubs, and Huo Ranchuan made sure not to burden him further by having his own meal delivered from the canteen.
Everything went smoothly until it was bath time.
When it was time for the cubs to bathe, the little white tiger suddenly refused to go in. It stood at the bathroom door, looking at the little lion and Teng Snake in the water, but stubbornly refused to join.
Bai Nuosi and Huo Ranchuan stood nearby, watching.
Bai Nuosi thought for a moment and asked, “Hanye, don’t you want to take a bath?”
The little white tiger didn’t respond.
Bai Nuosi tried again, “Do you not want to bathe with the little lion?”
The little lion: “???”
It splashed in the tub and yelled, “Hanye!”
Hanye was rejecting it? How dare it!
The little white tiger: “…”
It shook its head.
Bai Nuosi frowned, then walked over to pick it up. “Let the teacher help you wash, okay?”
The little white tiger’s expression grew serious. It had been sharing consciousness with Song Hengye, so it could speak. Anxiously, it said in a soft but stern baby voice, “Hanye wash!”
Bai Nuosi paused, then realized, “Oh, you want to wash yourself, not have me help you?”
Haiye nodded. “Yes!”
Huo Ranchuan: “…”
How did these spiritual beasts become dumber with shared consciousness? He thought Hanye would be an exception, but this language ability was really something.
Bai Nuosi tried to persuade it, “But you’ve played for a long time today. If you wash yourself, you’ll get tired.”
The little white tiger retreated, looking serious as if defending its dignity. “Hanye not tired.”
Huo Ranchuan: “…”
Looks like this little white tiger needs to enroll in a language class.
Hanye doesn’t want to be washed by teacher right now. Lol