Chapter 89
It was no surprise that Teacher Bai won the Annual Award. After all, there hadn’t been any major events in the Empire this year except for the trial operation of Rose Nursery. Huo Ranchuan’s reputation was mixed, but the appearance of Teacher Bai was a saving grace for the nursery. If not for his patience and the trust he had earned from the cubs, no one knew what might have become of the cubs in Rose Nursery.
The viewers were convinced that even if another caretaker had taken Teacher Bai’s place in the livestream, it wouldn’t have had the same impact. This news trended quickly, reaching billions of discussions within half a day. Countless people wanted to visit the Empire’s Military Academy to see Teacher Bai, but the academy was very strict. Unless they were current candidates with tickets for the tour, regular people couldn’t get in at all.
Although Bai Nuosi won the award, he didn’t feel much involved. Other than the interview, everything from the online voting to the application was managed by Rose Nursery. He hadn’t done anything himself. Even now, regarding his award acceptance, it was Huo Ranchuan who negotiated directly. The evaluation committee members could only nod, not daring to speak in the presence of Commander Huo.
Bai Nuosi, after listening for a while, looked down at the sleeping little lion, who had only been asleep for half an hour. He carefully placed the little lion beside the sleepy little white tiger on the sofa and whispered, “Little ones, time to sleep.”
The little white tiger glanced at the little lion before settling down to sleep as well. Bai Nuosi covered the two cubs with a blanket, then sat on the sofa with the snake cub in his arms. The evaluation committee members were astounded. Although they had seen this on the livestream before, witnessing Teacher Bai taking care of the S-class cubs and holding Commander Huo’s spirit beast was still shocking. They couldn’t help but glance between Teacher Bai and Huo Ranchuan, wondering about the relationship between the two.
Once everything was settled, the committee members left. Huo Ranchuan came out of the office, looking at Teacher Bai sitting in the rest area with the two cubs sleeping on the sofa. He asked softly, “Ready to head back?”
Bai Nuosi checked the time; the cubs had only been asleep for half an hour. He avoided eye contact with Huo Ranchuan, instead looking at the cubs and replying softly, “Let’s let them sleep a bit more. We can go back in an hour.”
The cubs needed to secrete growth hormones during sleep; only with good sleep could they grow tall and strong. Normally, Bai Nuosi wouldn’t disturb the cubs when they were tired, especially since the little lion and the little white tiger were naturally sleepy cubs. The snake cub, on the other hand, barely slept during the day, except at night.
After Bai Nuosi spoke, he paused for a moment and asked, “Is that alright, Director? I hope it’s not bothering you.”
The rest area was in Huo Ranchuan’s office, and he wasn’t sure if the director would mind. Huo Ranchuan waved his hand, “It’s fine, let them sleep. I’m your assistant now.”
As he spoke, he started preparing water and bringing some snacks. Bai Nuosi still felt a bit embarrassed being alone with Huo Ranchuan. He glanced at Huo Ranchuan, then quietly hugged the snake cub closer. Huo Ranchuan hesitated for a few seconds before sitting on the sofa opposite Teacher Bai. He rubbed his nose, wanting to say something, but Bai Nuosi was even more nervous than him.
In truth, watching a movie together when alone with a man was a bad idea! Before, he felt comfortable being around Director Huo, but now, every time he saw him, all he could think of was that line, “Can an omega be marked by a beastman?” It was so awkward!
Honestly, Bai Nuosi didn’t know if beastmen could mark omega. He had never looked into it. Anyone who married an outsider would be disowned by their family and expelled from their planet. Bai Nuosi had always wanted to save money not only to buy a house and find a stable place but also as a backup plan. If he did find an outsider as a partner and got expelled from his home planet, he wanted to ensure his own security.
Huo Ranchuan suddenly spoke, “Teacher Bai, I apologize for last night. It was inappropriate of me.”
Bai Nuosi was startled by his sudden apology. Realizing what Huo Ranchuan was referring to, his face flushed, and he stammered, “It—it’s fine…”
Hearing this, Huo Ranchuan felt relieved. “Thank you, Teacher Bai. I was really worried you were upset.”
Bai Nuosi: “…”
He didn’t know how to respond to that.
Nervously, Bai Nuosi began tugging at the snake cub’s tail. Teng She glanced between Huo Ranchuan and Bai Nuosi, looking innocent. Seeing how uncomfortable Bai Nuosi was, Huo Ranchuan decided to leave the rest area after his apology.
As soon as he left, Bai Nuosi sighed in relief. Hugging Teng She, he whispered, “The director finally left. It was so awkward just now!”
Snake cub: “…”
The snake cub sighed. His main body was really useless; he couldn’t even pursue his partner properly. If Huo Ranchuan’s mate wasn’t Teacher Bai, he would certainly cause trouble!
*
The day Bai Nuosi was set to accept his award, he dressed neatly in his uniform and carried his work ID. Before leaving, he thoughtfully prepared nutritious meals for the three cubs. He packed milk, small blankets, cut fruit, freshly baked bread, water bottles, towels—everything the cubs might need.
Chen Min, standing outside, watched the scene unfold and asked Huo Ranchuan, “Isn’t your little cutie going to receive his award today? The ID card should be issued soon, right?”
Huo Ranchuan, dressed in his military uniform, stood by the door, looking somewhat frustrated. Chen Min smirked, “You don’t need to worry. I’ll explain it to him for you. He’ll understand.”
Chen Min continued, “Worst case, he stops talking to you and Teng She. It doesn’t matter; he still has the Golden Eagle. After all, Golden Eagle never deceived him. Isn’t that right?”
Huo Ranchuan: “…”
He was deeply troubled, but Chen Min was right. Golden Eagle never lied to Teacher Bai and even expressed its feelings. Chen Min was also quite good-looking…
Suddenly, Huo Ranchuan felt anxious.
Since Bai Nuosi couldn’t carry all three cubs, and the little white tiger refused to be held, while the round little lion was too energetic, he bought a rectangular pushcart online. It resembled a shopping cart, and he used it to transport the cubs. As he pushed them out, Chen Min remarked, “Wow, Teacher Bai is pushing a cart full of kids.”
Bai Nuosi, recognizing Chen Min, responded shyly, “We’re going out today, and I’m worried the cubs might get lost, so it’s better to keep them all in the cart.”
The little white tiger, sitting upright in the cart, looked somewhat shocked to find itself in such a situation.
Lately, Huo Ranchuan had become more distant and formal with Teacher Bai, as Teacher Bai was avoiding him and hardly spoke to him. Huo Ranchuan suspected that Teacher Bai didn’t like him, which made him sad. He didn’t dare get closer for fear of upsetting him. So, he only nodded at Bai Nuosi before telling Mons behind him, “Escort Teacher Bai and the cubs. I’m heading off.”
Chen Min watched as Huo Ranchuan walked away in a hurry, muttering, “He’s acting strange.”
Meanwhile, at the Empire’s Military Academy, the plaza was packed with people. Many held live streaming devices, and not only were the new students present, but also the non-freshmen. Those who had missed out on the Rose Nursery experience, after enduring grueling training, were eager to see Teacher Bai.
Qin Yuxing, who had just been released from the confinement room, rushed to buy front-row seats at a high price! He even bought one for Song Hengye! Before arriving, he frantically video-called Song Hengye, who had not yet been formally discharged from the hospital, urging him to return to the academy from the hospital.
As soon as he entered the academy gates, Qin Yuxing sprinted towards the plaza. “Song Hengye! Where are you? Hey, we agreed to meet at the entrance, and now…”
A figure appeared, grabbing the chattering young master Qin. Song Hengye, with a stern face, pointed. “The award ceremony is over there.”
Qin Yuxing had run in the wrong direction.
Feeling awkward for a moment, Qin Yuxing stubbornly refused to admit his mistake. He grumbled, “It’s all your fault. I told you to wait for me at the gate, and you ran off!”
Song Hengye remained expressionless, ignoring him.
But Qin Yuxing didn’t need his response and continued his chatter. “Quick, quick! Teacher Bai will be here in half an hour. We must hurry. The first row! We have to make sure Teacher Bai sees us first!”
After a while, Qin Yuxing added, “I wonder if the little lion will have the honor of being held by Teacher Bai during the award ceremony. Do you think Teacher Bai prefers the little white tiger or the little lion? It certainly can’t be Teng She, right? I swear, if Teacher Bai holds Teng She instead
of the little lion, I’ll make a fuss!”
Song Hengye: “…”
He sighed, casting a helpless glance at Qin Yuxing.
Qin Yuxing didn’t care. The crowd in the plaza was dense, so he grabbed Song Hengye’s arm and exclaimed, “Hey, don’t get lost!”
Song Hengye: “…”
They pushed through the crowd, with Qin Yuxing’s small frame getting tossed around. Song Hengye, unable to stand it anymore, yanked him forward and marched ahead, pulling him through the crowd until they reached the front row.
Qin Yuxing was satisfied. “Not bad, Song Hengye. Awakening as S-class really makes a difference. You’re much stronger now.”
Song Hengye ignored him.
Qin Yuxing quickly found their paid-for spots and pulled Song Hengye over to sit. Their original seats were in the back because of their student numbers, but Qin Yuxing paid to swap places, and since he had money, it didn’t bother him.
However, when they finally settled into the front row, Qin Yuxing realized that the person next to him was none other than another vice-captain, Han Baiyi! And next to him was Chu Jiangting!
Qin Yuxing frowned, “Wait, aren’t you two supposed to be sitting somewhere else?”
Han Baiyi turned to Qin Yuxing. Recognizing him as the little lion’s primary, he nodded politely. They had all met before, and Qin Yuxing and Chu Jiangting had even argued before; they were familiar with each other.
Compared to Chu Jiangting, Qin Yuxing preferred talking to Han Baiyi. Leaning closer, he whispered, “How much did you pay for these seats?”
Unlike Han Baiyi, Chu Jiangting didn’t come from a well-off family; he wouldn’t have had the money.
Han Baiyi looked surprised. “You paid for these seats?”
Qin Yuxing, shocked, replied, “Of course. I paid ten thousand star coins!”
Most of the new students at the Empire’s Military Academy weren’t short on money, but convincing the front-row students to switch spots still took some persuasion.
Han Baiyi’s neighbor, Chu Jiangting, smirked. “We didn’t pay a cent.”
Qin Yuxing: “…”
Han Baiyi nodded, “We simply asked them nicely, and they agreed.”
Qin Yuxing: “???”
“I don’t believe it. That’s impossible!”
Han Baiyi smiled, remaining silent. Chu Jiangting shrugged. Using their S-class status to negotiate made everything easier. Only four out of a thousand freshmen awakened as S-class. They were expected to lead their cohort in daily training and, eventually, in the military. Gaining favor now was an advantage for the future.
Qin Yuxing, accustomed to solving problems with money, didn’t think as broadly as Han Baiyi and Chu Jiangting.
“Unfair! I wasted ten thousand star coins for nothing!” Qin Yuxing fumed.
Song Hengye tapped him. “Keep it down. It’s about to start.”
Teacher Bai, pushing the cart filled with cubs, finally arrived at the Empire’s First Military Academy. Seeing the vast crowd in the plaza, he was stunned. “Why are there so many people here?”
Wasn’t it supposed to be just some of the students, and he only needed to say a few words? This setup didn’t seem like a casual event!
He suddenly felt nervous.
Huo Ranchuan didn’t enter the academy. Noticing something was off when they arrived, he and his security team began patrolling the area surrounding the academy.
The adjutant said seriously, “Commander, it seems those people from last time have returned. You were right.”
Last time, they had attempted to kidnap Teacher Bai but failed, losing several A-class operatives. Huo Ranchuan had anticipated they would strike again.
Some bounty hunters carried enormous bounties, and the lure of such rewards made them take risks. If Teacher Bai had been placed on such a list, these people would seize any opportunity when he left Rose Nursery.
Although nothing happened on the way due to Huo Ranchuan’s escort, there were still individuals scattered among the crowd. It was difficult for him to pinpoint them precisely.
Hovering above the academy in his aircraft, Huo Ranchuan commanded, “They won’t dare act here at the academy. But on the way back, we need to tighten security.”
The adjutant nodded, mobilizing the airborne security team to patrol the area around the academy.
On stage, the host introduced Teacher Bai to the audience. Although everyone knew who he was, they couldn’t help but take a closer look at each of his pictures with the cubs on the big screen.
Who wouldn’t want such a gentle, patient caretaker who was so adept at looking after cubs? Someone like this should be promoted across the entire Empire!
Seeing the screen filled with photos of Teacher Bai holding various cubs, Qin Yuxing proudly said, “Look, look! Out of all the cubs, isn’t the little lion the cutest?”
Han Baiyi: “…”
Chu Jiangting scoffed. He didn’t want to argue with Qin Yuxing on such an important occasion!
The little lion was playful and lazy. It wasn’t as cute as the panda cub. Teacher Bai even named it Qiuqiu—the only one he personally named among the four cubs. Clearly, the panda cub held a special place in Teacher Bai’s heart!
Meanwhile, in the official live stream by the evaluation group, the viewers were going wild:
[Ahhhh, we want to see our dear Teacher Bai! Hurry up and bring him on stage!]
[Everyone! I spotted him! He’s wearing a white uniform and standing to the side, taking care of the cubs!]
[Woohoo! Is it really just a thousand students present?]
[Haha, of course not! It’s not just this year’s freshmen; students from previous years are also here, and next year’s examinees have also come to see Teacher Bai. They’re excited because next year they’ll be eligible to apply for the academy. Who knows, they might be lucky enough to have Teacher Bai as their caretaker!]
[Sob, sob, sob, Teacher Bai is standing there alone with three cubs. He’s so sweet and adorable. I want to lift him up high!]
…
Mons stood beside Teacher Bai and whispered, “Teacher Bai, there are too many people here. Other than going on stage, make sure you don’t leave my side, okay?”
Not seeing Huo Ranchuan, Bai Nuosi felt a tiny bit disappointed. After all, Huo Ranchuan had promised to personally escort him to the ceremony. He had thought that the director would accompany him the entire time, just like during the interview.
Bai Nuosi nodded. “Understood, Supervisor Mons. I’ll leave the cubs with you during the ceremony.”
Mons was accompanied by a dozen guards, and the spirit beast cubs’ primary owners were all seated in the audience. He wasn’t worried about the cubs; his main concern was Teacher Bai.
Mons nodded, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of them.”
However, just as it was time for Teacher Bai to go on stage, the little lion suddenly stood on its hind legs, clinging to the edge of the cart, trying to climb into Teacher Bai’s arms. As it climbed, it whined, “Teacher Bai, hold me.”
Bai Nuosi whispered, “Xing Xing, Teacher has something important to do. Can I hold you after?”
Of course not. The little lion wanted to be held right now so that it could go on stage with Teacher Bai during the award ceremony. This was a very important moment for Teacher Bai, and it wanted to be part of it. That way, all the online reports would be filled with pictures of it with Teacher Bai—no black panther, no panda cub, and definitely no snake cub!
It wanted to be the cub that Teacher Bai liked the most!
Sensing the little lion’s intentions, the snake cub, who had been quietly lying in the cart, lifted its head. It glared at the little lion, who was rolling around, and began climbing up to Teacher Bai’s arms.
The little lion continued to roll around, kicking its hind legs against the innocent little white tiger. “Teacher Bai, hold me, hold me! Xing Xing wants to be held!”
The little lion rolled over again, throwing a mini tantrum. “I want to be held, hold me, hold me!”
Bai Nuosi: “…”
The little white tiger, expressionless, retreated a few steps, almost pressing itself against the side of the cart, completely exasperated by the little lion’s antics.
Meanwhile, the snake cub, without making a fuss, had already climbed into Teacher Bai’s arms.
Bai Nuosi hesitated, “Well… ah, Teacher has things to do.”
At that moment, the host on stage finished introducing Teacher Bai and, amid enthusiastic applause, invited him up.
Seeing Bai Nuosi’s hesitation, Mons quickly approached. “Teacher Bai, you go ahead. I’ll take care of the cubs.”
Hearing this, the little lion wailed and stopped rolling around. It lay against the cart’s edge, teary-eyed, looking pitifully at Teacher Bai. It was truly a heartbreaking sight.
Bai Nuosi sighed, “The little ones might have separation anxiety. Supervisor Mons, how about I bring them up with me? It’s my job as a caretaker, after all. Everyone will understand.”
Mons, seeing the little lion’s pitiful behavior and glancing at the snake cub nestled in Teacher Bai’s arms, scratched his head and relented, “Alright, Teacher Bai. Don’t worry, no one will say anything. If they do, let me know, and I’ll deal with them.”
Feeling grateful, Bai Nuosi decided to be fair. He placed all three cubs in the cart, ensuring none were left out. Under the repeated calls from the host, he, feeling both shy and nervous, pushed the cart onto the stage.
The audience erupted into cheers when they saw Teacher Bai. Many whispered among themselves:
“Whoa, so that’s Teacher Bai! He’s even cuter in person than in the livestream! His skin is practically glowing.”
“Yeah, he’s so small and looks so well-behaved. His hair and eyes are black, like a doll.”
“Oh my god, when I get into the academy next year, can I apply to be under Teacher Bai’s care?”
“Woohoo! The little white tiger in the cart must be Vice-Captain Song Hengye, right? And the little lion is Young Master Qin? Whoa, whoa, whoa? Even the snake cub is here!”
When the snake cub was mentioned, everyone’s voices lowered. “They say it’s Commander Huo’s spirit beast, Teng She!”
“Is there any solid evidence? Last time, it was just the livestream viewers guessing, right?”
“No evidence, but the discussions online made it to the trending topics. Neither Commander Huo nor Rose Nursery refuted it, so it’s probably true!”
…
The students below whispered excitedly, while on stage, Teacher Bai’s ears turned red from embarrassment. Being stared at by thousands of eyes, he felt nervous and uneasy. Everyone’s gaze was so intense, as if he was some kind of prized treasure.
The host, excited, approached. Seeing the three cubs in the cart, he exclaimed, “Teacher Bai, are you accepting the award with the cubs today?”
Bai Nuosi, embarrassed, replied, “Yes, the little lion and the snake cub have some separation anxiety… Sorry, is it inappropriate?”
The host quickly shook his head. “Not at all! No one minds!”
Really? The little lion having separation anxiety? Was that true?
Countless spectators subtly glanced at Qin Yuxing.
Qin Yuxing: “…”
His ears turned red as he whispered to Song Hengye, “What are they staring at? Damn, is it so wrong for me to want to stay close to Teacher Bai?”
At that moment, Teacher Bai on stage noticed the group of young men seated in the front row. Wait a minute…
Why did these boys look so familiar?
