Chapter 90
Standing on stage, Bai Nuosi glanced down and spotted Han Baiyi and his companions seated below. Having met them before, he found their faces very familiar. Weren’t they the guards from Rose Nursery?
When Bai Nuosi’s gaze met theirs, Qin Yuxing whispered excitedly, “Ahhh, Bai Bai is looking at me! Bai Bai must think I’m the best looking!”
Song Hengye: “…”
On stage, the little lion was just as restless as its primary. It eagerly leaned against the edge of the cart, staring at Bai Bai with sparkling eyes. Clearly, it hadn’t given up on the idea of being held by Bai Bai to receive the award.
The host, who also admired Teacher Bai, asked, “Teacher Bai, if you were offered a better job, would you consider leaving Rose Nursery to work elsewhere?”
At this question, Mons, in the audience, frowned. Who sent this host to openly poach talent like this?!
Both the audience and the live stream viewers were equally keen to know. If Teacher Bai was open to the idea, there would likely be a line of offers stretching across the entire Beastman Galaxy.
Bai Nuosi was surprised by the host’s question. After a moment of silence, he shook his head and replied, “I really like Rose Nursery because it gives me a sense of belonging. If possible, I plan to work there for at least the next five years.”
The audience, however, remained optimistic. “Teacher Bai hesitated for two seconds. That means if the opportunity is right, he might leave Rose Nursery!”
“Our dear Teacher Bai is considering leaving!”
“Why only five years? Does that mean he plans to leave Rose Nursery after the sixth year?”
…
The host glanced at Teng She before asking another question that was crucial for the viewers: “What are your criteria for a partner, Teacher Bai? What’s your ideal type?”
Bai Nuosi: “…”
How did a simple award ceremony lead to such questions?
Thousands of audience members in the hall and billions more watching the live stream collectively held their breath. The host had definitely hit the mark, directly addressing the viewers’ curiosity!
Bai Nuosi stood on stage, facing thousands of eager eyes, his ears turning red. For a brief moment, an image of Director Huo flashed in his mind. However, the gap between him and Director Huo felt too wide. While Huo Ranchuan’s personality and appearance did match his aesthetic, if he were to choose a partner, he would want someone who didn’t make him feel distanced.
He responded vaguely, “Someone I can connect with.”
The audience: “…”
“Someone you can connect with? What does that even mean?”
[Teacher Bai, look at me! I’m a social butterfly, the kind my friends find too talkative. You’ll definitely have someone to chat with!]
[The person above, Teacher Bai said he wants someone he can connect with, not someone who talks too much, thanks.]
[It feels like Teacher Bai isn’t being truthful. Is he shy?]
[If he’s looking for someone he can connect with, then Commander Huo might be out of luck. He’s so fierce and always shouting. How could they possibly connect?]
…
High above the military academy, Huo Ranchuan, watching through Teng She’s shared vision, heard the response and smiled. With how shy Teacher Bai seemed, it wouldn’t be easy to connect with him. He wondered how he could open up Teacher Bai’s heart.
Resting his chin on his hand, Huo Ranchuan observed Bai Nuosi through Teng She’s eyes.
The host asked several more questions before ending with, “Once you receive your identity card, Teacher Bai, do you plan to settle here permanently?”
Bai Nuosi, who had only learned about the identity card during his journey, was pleasantly surprised. He had thought he’d need to work hard for a long time to obtain one, so it felt almost unbelievable to receive it so easily.
He nodded. “I plan to settle here for at least the next five years.”
However, beyond those five years, he wasn’t sure where life would take him. After all, the future is full of uncertainties.
The governor of the Empire’s central district, a tall woman with golden hair accompanied by a fierce-looking striped tiger, ascended the stage. As she approached, the thousands of students in the audience fell silent. This governor, with her A-level spiritual power and a predatory spirit beast, exuded a pressure that was immense for these still-maturing students.
Not only was Bai Nuosi startled by the nearly two-meter-tall striped tiger, but the host also seemed quite nervous. No one expected the governor to bring her spirit beast onto the stage during the ceremony.
This wasn’t a cub but a fully evolved and mature tiger spirit beast, exuding a powerful and intimidating aura.
The host was so nervous that his hands trembled, and he momentarily lost his voice.
While the little lion and little white tiger were still cubs, their S-rank nature meant they weren’t intimidated by the tiger. They watched it cautiously, waiting to see what it would do.
Teng She, on the other hand, climbed onto Bai Nuosi’s shoulder, its golden eyes fixated on the female governor.
With an apologetic smile, the governor said, “I apologize, Teacher Bai, and everyone. Loya here insisted on joining me. She wanted to meet Teacher Bai in person.”
Bai Nuosi looked at the towering striped tiger. Judging by its size, it was clearly fully grown. Insisting on joining her? Really?
The governor looked at Bai Nuosi. “Teacher Bai, would you mind petting her head?”
Bai Nuosi: “…”
Bai Nuosi nodded and cautiously approached. The imposing tiger suddenly lay down, lowering its head and letting out a soft whine as if seeking affection, its eyes filled with delight.
Bai Nuosi felt that it genuinely liked him. He reached out and gently petted the tiger’s furry head, smiling. “Loya is adorable.”
The tiger became even more excited at the praise, nuzzling Bai Nuosi’s hand with its head.
The governor, seeing Teng She perched on Bai Nuosi’s shoulder, gently held back the tiger. “Thank you, Teacher Bai. I will now proceed with the award presentation.”
The award consisted of five million star coins and a golden badge featuring the image of a Western dragon—a symbol of the Beastman Empire.
After receiving the award, the governor and her spirit beast left the stage. The striped tiger reluctantly glanced back at Teacher Bai multiple times, clearly unwilling to part. The governor patted its back and whispered, “Don’t be sad, Loya. You’ll have more chances to see him in the future.”
As Bai Nuosi prepared to leave the stage, the little lion sulked in the cart. It had been caught off guard when Teng She climbed onto Teacher Bai’s shoulder during the photo session with the governor. Now, it was certain that all the photos on tomorrow’s news headlines would feature Teacher Bai with Teng She!
It was infuriating! That snake was too scheming!
The little lion grumbled to the little white tiger in the cart, “That sneaky snake is too cunning!”
The little white tiger lazily lay down, remaining silent.
The little lion became frustrated. “Are you even listening?!”
The little white tiger sighed and said, “I’m listening.”
The little lion: “…”
“Are you listening or not?”
The little white tiger ignoring its words was just too much!
The little lion continued to complain incessantly, “Are you listening or not?!”
Song Hengye, sitting below, rubbed his forehead, sighing. “Young Master Qin, the little lion is so noisy. Don’t you plan to do anything about it?”
Qin Yuxing turned to him, annoyed. “So, are you listening or not?! Don’t you think the snake is too much?”
Song Hengye: “…”
He realized he shouldn’t have said anything.
When Bai Nuosi pushed the stroller off the stage, Mons and the guards immediately approached. The military academy students, although disciplined, wanted to approach for a photo with Teacher Bai. But under Mons’s imposing presence, no one dared step forward.
However, Chu Jiangting was the first to leave his seat, quickly releasing his spirit beast, Qiuqiu, the panda. He ran up to Bai Nuosi. “Teacher Bai, Teacher Bai!”
Bai Nuosi stopped and turned to see the familiar Chu Jiangting rushing over with a giant panda.
Bai Nuosi: “!!!”
Wait, if he remembered correctly, wasn’t this young man Qiuqiu’s family member?
He immediately halted, his eyes wide as he watched a panda taller than a human running toward him.
Was this a real panda and not just a costume?
When Chu Jiangting approached, Mons saw it was him and didn’t stop him.
Chu Jiangting, excited, said, “Teacher Bai, it’s so nice to meet you again. Do you remember me?”
Bai Nuosi’s gaze kept shifting to the panda beside him. “Of course, I remember. You’re Qiuqiu’s brother. How’s Qiuqiu doing?”
The panda, eyes teary, looked at Teacher Bai, clearly wanting to pounce into his arms and roll around playfully. Unfortunately, it had grown too big for that.
Chu Jiangting, slightly blushing, replied, “Qiuqiu is doing well, growing a lot. He’s started school and has been working hard.”
Thinking about the playful and food-loving panda cub, Bai Nuosi felt a pang of nostalgia. “That’s great. I hope I can see Qiuqiu again someday.”
Chu Jiangting eagerly pulled the panda closer. “Teacher Bai, could you pet him? He loves you and would like a photo with you.”
Bai Nuosi hesitated, looking at the panda. Seeing this, Chu Jiangting added, “He’s my little brother!”
The crowd: “…”
Unable to resist, Bai Nuosi reached out and petted the panda all over, feeling excited. A real, fully grown panda with such fluffy fur—wait a moment.
As he petted it, Bai Nuosi noticed the panda had curly fur. Was this another curly-furred panda?
Curly-haired pandas were rare, yet he had encountered two in such a short time. However, since they were related, it made sense.
It couldn’t possibly be the same panda, right?
At that moment, a mighty black panther pushed its way forward, even nudging the panda aside slightly. It approached Bai Nuosi and rubbed its head against his hand, seeking attention.
Bai Nuosi was overjoyed. “Mr. Panther! You’re here too!”
Mr. Panther had been his guardian during the attack at Rose Nursery. Bai Nuosi felt there must be a connection between this black panther and the little black cub, but he hadn’t asked.
Seeing the black panther pushing the panda aside and getting all close with Teacher Bai, Chu Jiangting was irritated. He glared at Han Baiyi. “Han Baiyi, why are you here slacking off instead of training?”
Han Baiyi, maintaining a poker face, responded, “It’s a holiday today.”
Qin Yuxing butted in, “Chu Jiangting, how dare you call out Han Baiyi? Aren’t you also skipping duties to slack off here?”
As Bai Nuosi was conversing with Mr. Panther, he suddenly paused. He glanced at the young men nearby and hesitated. “Are you Han Baiyi and Chu Jiangting?”
Han Baiyi: “…”
Chu Jiangting: “…”
The two suddenly realized something and clammed up.
When the black panther and panda cubs first entered the nursery, they wore name tags around their necks with the names Han Baiyi and Chu Jiangting. Even now, the little lion and the little white tiger had name tags with the names Qin Yuxing and Song Hengye.
Qin Yuxing, oblivious, turned to Song Hengye. “Why did they stop talking?”
Song Hengye: “…”
Bai Nuosi: “…”
Song Hengye glanced at Teacher Bai, covering Qin Yuxing’s mouth with his hand. “Stay out of it and be quiet.”
The panther and panda looked nervously at Teacher Bai, standing still like scolded children.
Bai Nuosi stared at them, a mix of shock and confusion. He shifted his gaze between Chu Jiangting, Han Baiyi, Song Hengye, and Qin Yuxing. The young men all felt the pressure, their faces stiff as they dared not even breathe.
Mons also felt awkward. He had planned to explain everything after Teacher Bai received his identity card. Once the card was issued, it would upgrade his access level, and there would be no restrictions on his account. Mons intended to explain how Rose Nursery was built and why certain things had to remain confidential.
But now, Teacher Bai had learned the truth early.
Mons cleared his throat, giving the four boys a warning look. He said to Bai Nuosi, “Teacher Bai, let’s return to Rose Nursery. I’ll explain everything once we get back.”
Bai Nuosi glanced at the boys, then at Mr. Panther and the panda. Finally, his eyes landed on the snake cub in his arms. Teng She: “…”
Feeling guilty, Teng She shrank down, slowly slithering back into the cart.
Bai Nuosi: “…”
The little lion and little white tiger also huddled down, acting like timid quails.
After a few seconds of silence, Bai Nuosi’s expression remained calm. After all, he had already suspected this for a long time.
Thanks to the hints from Hanye, he had mentally prepared himself. So, when faced with the truth now, it wasn’t too difficult to accept.
Just as he had thought before, whether it was a spirit beast or a beastman, as long as they were cubs, there was no difference in his eyes.
Looking at the panda and panther spirit beasts standing sheepishly beside him, Bai Nuosi smiled, reached out, and petted their fur, saying, “I’ll head back first. Goodbye, Mr. Panther and Mr. Panda.”
He gently stroked the two spirit beasts for a while before following Mons away.
The panther and panda watched him leave, their eyes red with reluctance.
Chu Jiangting whispered, “Teacher Bai is so kind.”
Han Baiyi remained silent, but it was clear he felt the same.
Teacher Bai never got angry with them or scolded them. Even now, after learning the truth, he didn’t confront them directly but instead comforted them with gentle pats.
As Bai Nuosi pushed the cart onto the vehicle, he couldn’t help but glance at Teng She. He had just seen the four boys earlier. If he was correct, Han Baiyi’s spirit beast was the panther, Chu Jiangting’s was the panda, Song Hengye’s was the little white tiger, and the smaller boy, the one Song Hengye covered, was probably Xingxing, the little lion.
Indeed, their personalities matched those of their spirit beasts.
He reached out to pet the timid little lion and little white tiger, his gaze then fixed on Teng She. The snake curled up in the cart’s corner, feeling guilty and trying to minimize its presence, hoping Teacher Bai would forget it existed.
Bai Nuosi hesitated. Whose spirit beast was Teng She, exactly?
Staring into its golden eyes, a certain name was on the tip of his tongue. But something felt off. Spirit beasts were cubs because they had just awakened, like those four boys, who looked like they were in their teens. But Director Huo… he was nearly thirty.
So, was the snake cub someone else’s spirit beast?
The entire ride back, Bai Nuosi remained quiet, deep in thought. Mons didn’t dare say a word, and he texted Huo Ranchuan, but there was no reply.
Halfway back to the nursery, those who had hidden earlier launched their attack.
Huo Ranchuan, who had been anticipating this for a while, led the guards in pursuit and engaged in a fierce battle with them.
Hearing the sounds of cannon fire outside, Bai Nuosi instinctively protected the cart and asked Mons, “Supervisor, what’s happening outside?”
Mons, eyes fixed on his terminal, replied seriously, “Just some desperadoes. It’s nothing major. Don’t worry, Teacher Bai. I’ll get you back to Rose Nursery right away.”
With Huo Ranchuan personally leading the defense, Mons wasn’t concerned about the mercenaries. However, he was puzzled as to why they targeted Teacher Bai again. While a popular omega care worker like Teacher Bai might gain attention, it was unusual for someone like him to appear on a bounty list. After all, the universe wasn’t short of omegas, and if someone wanted information about omega pheromones calming volatile spirit beasts, they could easily find another source.
With the proper procedures, purchasing pheromone samples from the Blackbird system was straightforward. Yet these people attempted not once but twice, suggesting they had a deeper motive. Huo Ranchuan speculated they aimed to use Teacher Bai as leverage to control the golden eagle or perhaps to negotiate terms with the newly awakened S-ranked cubs who had grown fond of him.
Mons quickly escorted Bai Nuosi back to Rose Nursery, activating the security grid for extra protection. However, Huo Ranchuan swiftly handled the attackers, capturing some alive this time. He immediately began their interrogation.
Bai Nuosi, now safely back in the nursery with the three cubs, didn’t dare step outside. The cubs, sensing the tension, behaved exceptionally well, especially Teng She, who seemed the most guilty. When Teacher Bai prepared milk, it hesitated even to drink.
But late that night, the snake cub suddenly became agitated. It had been quietly coiled on the bed beside Teacher Bai, who usually didn’t want to disturb it. Yet, tonight, it seemed to go mad, thrashing about, banging its head against the wall. Bai Nuosi realized the behavior was similar to what he had seen when the little black panther had “lost control.”
The little lion and little white tiger woke up, but compared to Teng She, they were far too small and powerless to intervene.
Bai Nuosi watched as the snake cub, now slamming into walls and windows, caused his hands to tremble. “Xingxing, Hanye, don’t be scared. Hide under the bed while I call the director.”
With trembling hands, he dialed Huo Ranchuan, but there was no answer. He then tried calling Mons. At that moment, there was a loud crash as Teng She shattered the glass.
With eyes glowing red and tiny horns sprouting from its head, its scales seemed to flare, each one turning into a sharp spike. Bai Nuosi noticed that the snake cub’s size had suddenly increased!
The crazed snake cub turned its blood-red eyes toward Bai Nuosi, its gaze chilling him to the bone. Its expression was terrifying, and Bai Nuosi felt as if he were staring into the eyes of a genuine beast. Paralyzed with fear, he took a few steps back, frozen in place.
Just then, a piercing cry came from the room next door. With a loud crash, the golden eagle broke free from its cage, shattered the window, and launched itself from the newly repaired balcony.
The eagle swooped in aggressively, diving straight at Teng She, who coiled itself and leaped out of the window, vanishing into the night.
The golden eagle screeched in fury, flapping its wings before leaping off and chasing after Teng She.
Bai Nuosi: “…”
At that moment, Chen Min kicked the door open and rushed in, looking worried. “Teacher Bai, are you alright?”
Pale and shaking, Bai Nuosi’s eyes were red with fear and anxiety. He glanced at Chen Min, shaking his head.
Chen Min looked around, noticing the two cubs sticking close to Bai Nuosi, and the shattered window with glass scattered everywhere. He quickly took off his jacket, draping it over Bai Nuosi, and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t be afraid. It’s going to be okay.”
Bai Nuosi shook his head, his voice trembling. “The snake… the snake cub…”
