Chapter 88
When Bai Nuosi returned to his room, the snake cub, who had been peeking at the doorway, quickly darted back under the covers. The little lion was already asleep, holding onto the fluffy tail of the little white tiger and drooling all over it.
The little white tiger was used to sleeping alone. The sense of vigilance and distrust of others ingrained in Song Hengye’s mind made it difficult for him to sleep when someone else was nearby. Even now, with his spirit beast form, the little white tiger was still influenced by his feelings.
Curled up in the bed, the little white tiger had a light screen from his wrist device glowing under the covers. He was secretly watching training videos. However, soon, he turned to look at his tail, which was being hugged by the little lion, feeling quite uncomfortable. He really wanted to pull his tail back, but then he remembered the little lion’s words before bedtime: “Hanye is a big meanie.” He stopped himself.
He thought to himself that the young master was probably cursing him in his mind. What if he pulled his tail away and ended up waking the little lion? The little lion was too noisy, and he didn’t know how to comfort it.
However, when he saw the snake cub suddenly dart up onto the bed, the little white tiger sensibly turned off the screen and pretended to sleep under the covers. It was late; if he didn’t sleep, Teacher Bai would come looking for him!
Although the little white tiger had accepted Teacher Bai by now, he still wasn’t good at interacting with people, especially those who were kind to him. He was very uncomfortable and even a bit nervous.
Having never received care from others, Song Hengye didn’t know how to teach his spirit beast how to interact with Teacher Bai, who cared for him.
Tonight, Bai Nuosi was also feeling quite conflicted. After finishing the movie, he hadn’t even managed to have a proper conversation with Director Huo before hurrying back to his room.
His thoughts were all over the place, so he didn’t notice the little white tiger pretending to sleep. Absentmindedly, he walked to the side of the baby crib and saw the little white tiger and the little lion lying together, with the little lion hugging the white tiger’s tail and drooling in his sleep.
He adjusted the blankets for the two cubs, turning off the nightlight by the crib and leaving only a small nightlight on in the room. Then, he brought a tissue over, smiling as he wiped the drool off the little lion’s mouth.
Bai Nuosi stood by the baby crib for a long time, either lost in thought or simply gazing at the two fluffy cubs in a daze. It was nice—they were childhood friends who ate, slept, and played together. They would grow up to be the best of friends.
Bai Nuosi’s thoughts wandered aimlessly as he tried to keep his mind off tonight’s movie. Director Huo had mentioned before that the golden eagle was like family to him. Did that mean they grew up together?
He realized he hadn’t seen the human form of the golden eagle yet, nor had he seen Director Huo’s beast form. What kind of beast would Director Huo’s beast form be?
In the movie tonight, the male beastman who fell in love with the omega had a beast form of a giant grizzly bear, very fierce and powerful. Given Director Huo’s fierce appearance, his beast form was probably some kind of wild animal.
Bai Nuosi stood by the crib for quite some time. The snake cub lying on the bed occasionally lifted its head to watch him, sensing that Teacher Bai’s mood was off.
Sure enough, Teacher Bai was upset. He must have felt offended. But since he was only a caretaker, and Director Huo was the head of Rose Nursery, he couldn’t resist. He must have returned to his room feeling aggrieved and cried!
In his mental space, the snake spirit scolded Huo Ranchuan. Huo Ranchuan, who was already worried about Teacher Bai being angry, felt even worse when his spirit beast berated him. Teacher Bai’s mood didn’t seem right.
Pacing back and forth in his room, Huo Ranchuan decided he needed to use his connection with the snake spirit to check on Teacher Bai personally.
When Bai Nuosi left the crib and returned to his own bed, he saw the snake cub, previously curled up under its small blanket, lift its head. Its golden eyes gleamed under the dim yellow nightlight, staring at him.
Meeting those golden eyes, Bai Nuosi immediately thought of Huo Ranchuan. Remembering the movie and Director Huo, he felt a bit uneasy. He climbed into bed and gently petted the snake cub’s head, whispering, “Little snake, why aren’t you sleeping yet?”
Bai Nuosi whispered, “Did you eat too much tonight? Is your tummy upset?”
If it had been before, Bai Nuosi would have picked up the snake cub and cuddled it, but now, meeting the eyes that resembled Director Huo’s so closely, he hesitated and didn’t pick up the snake cub.
Feeling a bit guilty, Bai Nuosi worried that the snake cub might be sad because of this. However, the snake cub didn’t react negatively. It looked at Bai Nuosi intently, rubbing its head against his hand.
The snake cub’s eyes were filled with concern, as if it was worried about Bai Nuosi’s state.
Bai Nuosi paused and whispered, “I’m fine. I was just lost in thought for a moment. Alright, let’s go to sleep now.”
His voice was soft, careful not to wake up the little white tiger and the little lion. He stroked the snake cub’s back and lay down. The snake cub’s eyes remained filled with concern. When Bai Nuosi lay down, it snuggled up close to his arm, resting its head on his chest, still watching him with worry.
Bai Nuosi’s fingers gently stroked the snake cub’s head, and for a moment, he felt like the snake cub resembled Director Huo. The way Director Huo had asked him to watch the movie tonight, and how he offered to assist him these past few days, Bai Nuosi had already noticed something.
Since starting his job, Bai Nuosi had seen how busy Director Huo was. Despite having a severe back injury, he still wore his military uniform and left early every day, only returning late at night.
Director Huo not only managed Rose Nursery but also oversaw the defense force, and possibly other duties. He was so busy, yet he was willing to assist him as his aide.
Before, Bai Nuosi had some suspicions but hadn’t thought much of it. However, during the movie, Director Huo’s frequent glances, his subtle movements to get closer, and the mention of marking…
Bai Nuosi blushed again, recalling everything. Looking at the snake cub, he tentatively asked, “Baby, do you think the Director…”
The snake cub lifted its head slightly, its expression serious as if waiting to hear what Teacher Bai would say.
However, Bai Nuosi hesitated and stopped himself. Maybe he was overthinking it.
Director Huo was just being considerate. After all, he had recently been through a kidnapping, and he still had injuries. Perhaps Director Huo was merely helping because he was on leave and had the time.
The movie might have been a coincidence. Director Huo did ask what he wanted to watch, and he had said something popular. Maybe it was just the latest release.
It was all a coincidence; he was overthinking things.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Bai Nuosi convinced himself that he was overthinking. In his eyes, Director Huo was outstanding—young, accomplished, and highly regarded. Someone like him probably had plenty of admirers; he didn’t need to pursue someone from an alien star system.
Moreover, Bai Nuosi and Director Huo weren’t that close. He hadn’t even met Director Huo’s family. For all he knew, Director Huo might already be married.
Bai Nuosi muttered, “What am I even thinking? Why would Director Huo be interested in me… He might already have kids… Oh, baby, could you be…?”
Bai Nuosi stared at the snake cub in shock.
The snake cub: “…”
Director Huo had mentioned before that he raised the snake cub himself, meaning Director Huo was its family. Look at their identical eyes!
Bai Nuosi leaned in, carefully studying the snake cub’s eyes, realization dawning on his face. “They really do look alike. So that’s it…”
The snake cub: “…”
Connected with the snake cub, Huo Ranchuan grew anxious. What had Teacher Bai concluded? Why did he think the snake cub was his child?
He had been single all his life, never even dated, and now the person he liked thought he had a kid! How was he supposed to pursue him now?
However, inside the snake’s body, he couldn’t speak freely, and he was at a loss. Seeing Bai Nuosi finally relax and yawn, sounding sleepy, “It’s late. Baby, let’s go to sleep. Teacher is tired.”
The snake cub had no choice but to return to its small blanket and pretend to sleep.
Bai Nuosi rarely stayed up this late and was already sleepy. If he hadn’t misinterpreted Director Huo’s intentions earlier, he would have fallen asleep long ago.
Pulling up his blanket, Bai Nuosi quickly drifted off.
But Huo Ranchuan lay awake. How could anyone sleep after being misunderstood as having a child by the person they liked?
No, he needed to find a chance to properly explain things to Teacher Bai.
The next morning, the little white tiger was the first to wake up. As soon as it did, it quickly pulled its tail back, casting a disdainful glance at the little lion.
Seriously, who drools in their sleep for an entire night?
The little white tiger felt like he was going crazy. Swiftly, he jumped over the crib’s railing, glanced at the still-sleeping Teacher Bai, and sneaked out of the room to the bathroom. He climbed up to the sink and turned on the faucet to wash his tail.
He just couldn’t stand it. How could the young master drool like this in his sleep? Did the young master even know?
After washing his tail, the little white tiger shook off the excess water and stepped out of the bathroom. Though it was still early, he was ready to start his morning training. Song Hengye’s daily routine had been unbroken for nearly ten years, no matter the weather.
However, today he wasn’t alone. As soon as he arrived in the garden, he saw Huo Ranchuan, dressed in a tank top and workout pants, sweating profusely as he jogged over.
Huo Ranchuan, having not slept all night, had started training early. He glanced at the little white tiger and nodded. “Join me.”
The little white tiger didn’t hesitate, immediately falling in step with him.
Huo Ranchuan was the chief instructor at the Empire’s First Military Academy and a commander of the Central and Western defense forces. Many aspired to serve under him but didn’t have the qualifications.
Getting special training from him was a rare opportunity. Although the little white tiger was just a spirit beast, Song Hengye urged him to follow.
Two hours later, Bai Nuosi woke up at seven and heard noises coming from the garden. Curious, he walked to the window, opened it, and looked out. In the early morning light, as the mist still lingered, Huo Ranchuan was training with the little white tiger.
The little white tiger wore his lightweight mech suit, battling against the simulation screen displaying a training game. Huo Ranchuan played the role of the instructor, while the little white tiger acted as the challenger. The two engaged in an intense battle.
Bai Nuosi: “…”
The little white tiger was only two years old…
Forget it. Bai Nuosi shook his head, deciding to drop the matter. He stood by the window, watching intently for a while. His gaze kept drifting back to Huo Ranchuan, who was wearing a black tank top, showing off his muscular arms. Below, he wore gray workout pants. He was tall, with a strong build and tan skin—a very appealing look.
He had a black sweatband on his forehead and black wristbands on his arms. His training presence was powerful, making Bai Nuosi feel a bit nervous just watching.
But despite being only two years old, the little white tiger wasn’t afraid and kept challenging Huo Ranchuan head-on.
Bai Nuosi unknowingly watched for a long time. Huo Ranchuan had noticed him early on but pretended not to. He continued training for over half an hour, ensuring he displayed his physique to its fullest before finally turning to Teacher Bai with a look of surprise. “Teacher Bai? You’re up.”
He switched the training mode to an automated system, allowing the little white tiger to battle the AI.
The little white tiger obediently complied, giving Teacher Bai only a quick glance before focusing intently on the fight.
As Huo Ranchuan approached, Bai Nuosi quickly turned around and fetched a bottle of water. He was still in his soft, light blue pajamas, his hair a bit messy. He handed the water to Huo Ranchuan, his eyes on the little white tiger, and said in surprise, “Commander Huo, are you training the little white tiger to be your successor?”
The little white tiger was so young, yet he was being trained so rigorously. Bai Nuosi couldn’t quite understand it.
Huo Ranchuan paused mid-drink. Though he didn’t intend to keep the truth from Teacher Bai, he wasn’t sure how to respond to such a direct question.
After a moment’s hesitation, he glanced at the little white tiger and said, “Yes, that’s the idea.”
In fact, Song Hengye was indeed quite impressive. Coming from the Wasteland Starbelt, he had endured a lot. Moreover, without any family background, he managed to excel among many candidates, emerging as one of the four vice leaders in his class. His strength was not to be underestimated.
If he chose to pledge loyalty to Huo Ranchuan in the future, it wouldn’t be impossible to groom him as a successor.
Huo Ranchuan thought about it for a while, but Bai Nuosi looked puzzled and said, “Director, why don’t you train the snake cub?”
Huo Ranchuan: “…”
Bai Nuosi suspected that the snake cub might be Director Huo’s child, but it was still sleeping. In the months it had been in the nursery, he had never seen it train.
Director Huo was so strict with the little white tiger, yet he seemed very relaxed with the snake cub.
Huo Ranchuan paused for a few seconds, struggling to explain, “Well, it’s a matter of talent.”
Bai Nuosi didn’t press further. He nodded. “I see.”
Looking at Huo Ranchuan, Bai Nuosi’s expression was a bit strange. Even though he knew he had overthought things, remembering Director Huo’s comment about marking still made him feel awkward.
Huo Ranchuan wanted to talk to him more, but Bai Nuosi turned and left. “I’ll go make breakfast first. Director, you can continue training.”
Huo Ranchuan: “…”
As Bai Nuosi cooked breakfast, he pondered if the snake cub was Director Huo’s child. If so, then Director Huo’s beast form must also be a snake, right?
In that case, compared to the grizzly bear in the movie, which would be bigger, the snake or the bear?
Would Director Huo’s beast form be as thick as a barrel?
After finishing breakfast, Bai Nuosi prepared milk for the three cubs. The little lion woke up groggily, noticing the absence of the little white tiger. It rolled off the bed and, following the scent of food, sleepily stumbled into the kitchen, mumbling, “Teacher Bai, where’s Hanye?”
Bai Nuosi took a small loaf out of the oven and smiled, “Hanye is in the garden.”
So, the little lion trotted toward the garden outside the balcony. Passing the dining room, it snatched one of the three bottles of milk set on the table.
With the milk bottle clamped in its mouth, it arrived at the garden with its eyes half-closed.
The little white tiger, having finished training, was resting on a stone table. The little lion ran over, placed the milk bottle on the ground, and looked up at the little white tiger. “Hanye, wake up!”
The little white tiger: “…”
It ignored the little lion. The little lion took a few sips of milk and then began its chatter again, “Hanye, wake up.”
“Don’t sleep. Drink milk.”
“Hanye, you lazybones!”
“Hanye, shame on you!”
The little white tiger: “…”
Enough was enough!
The little white tiger jumped down from the stone table, snatched the little lion’s milk bottle, and took off.
The little lion: “…”
The little lion: “!!!”
It let out a howl and chased after the little white tiger, shouting as it ran, “Hanye, you meanie!”
“Hanye took my milk!”
The little white tiger: “…”
At first, he planned to return the milk bottle, just wanting to tease the little lion. But after hearing those words, he decided to run circles around the garden with it instead.
Out of shape, the little lion, determined to get back its milk, was forced to follow behind, running ten laps around the garden.
Exhausted, it finally collapsed on a stone, crying, “Hanye, you big meanie… Hanye took my milk…”
The little white tiger, not even out of breath, walked over, placed the milk bottle in front of the little lion, and walked away proudly.
The little lion: “…”
It grabbed the milk bottle, angrily gulped down several mouthfuls, and, once it caught its breath, shouted, “Hanye! I won’t play with you anymore!”
Back in the house, the little white tiger thought, Good, that’s exactly what I wanted.
The little lion was so annoying.
When it was time for breakfast, Huo Ranchuan initially planned to have the cafeteria deliver food, but when he saw Teacher Bai had already made his portion, he refrained and instead helped carry the food out of the kitchen.
Teacher Bai kept his head down or looked elsewhere, avoiding eye contact with Huo Ranchuan. He didn’t even speak to or look at Huo Ranchuan and didn’t initiate any conversation.
Huo Ranchuan felt troubled. At this rate, he might even lose his assistant position.
During breakfast, he repeatedly tried to find a chance to explain to Teacher Bai that he didn’t have a child, nor was he in a relationship. However, with the little white tiger and the little lion sitting beside them, there was no opportunity to discuss such matters.
The little lion, for some reason, kept competing with the little white tiger for food, and Teacher Bai was busy managing the two cubs, giving him no time to pay attention to Huo Ranchuan.
After breakfast, while the cubs went out to play, the committee in charge of the annual awards contacted Bai Nuosi directly, informing him that he had won the award.
Not only had he passed the Central District’s review, but he had also garnered the most online votes, leading by several billion votes.
It was clear that the public wanted him to stay in Rose Nursery. The spirit beast cubs needed him.
However, once he received his identity card, Bai Nuosi would learn the truth about the spirit beasts. The real question was whether he would continue to treat them as he did now.
Many people were watching closely, wondering whether Bai Nuosi would change once he knew the truth.
The winners of the award not only received millions in prize money but were also required to attend a ceremony. The locations varied based on their field of contribution.
To Bai Nuosi’s surprise, the venue for his award ceremony was set at the Empire’s First Military Academy.
Standing in Director Huo’s office, Bai Nuosi held a cub in each arm, with the little white tiger trailing behind, looking uninterested.
The little white tiger was tired from the morning training and was feeling sleepy.
The little lion, who had stayed up late and quarreled with the little white tiger, had fallen asleep in Teacher Bai’s arms.
Among the three cubs, only the snake cub remained alert.
Bai Nuosi looked at Director Huo and then at the committee staff, puzzled. “Why is the award ceremony not at Rose Nursery but at the Empire’s First Military Academy?”
As far as he knew, he had no connection to the academy.
The staff smiled warmly. “Ah, Teacher Bai, once you receive your identity card, you’ll understand.”
They dared not say more. With Huo Ranchuan present, they didn’t even dare to sit. The three of them stood there, looking very restrained.
Bai Nuosi hesitated and turned to Huo Ranchuan. Although he felt shy about being alone with him, in moments like these, he instinctively sought the Director’s help.
Receiving his gaze, Huo Ranchuan nodded. “That’s fine. If it’s at the academy, the security will be arranged by my team. The committee doesn’t need to interfere.”
The people responsible for Bai Nuosi’s kidnapping hadn’t been caught yet, and they might lower their guard.
The committee staff dared not argue and nodded obediently. “Understood. We’ll be waiting for Teacher Bai at the academy at 9 am tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, the news that Teacher Bai had won the annual award went viral online.
The committee announced the list of winners, with Teacher Bai right at the top.
[Everyone, this might be the only chance to see Teacher Bai in person! Get your tickets now!]
[The Empire’s First Military Academy tickets are only available to examinees. How can ordinary people get them?]
[Are there any students renting out their IDs? Name your price.]
