Chapter 6

“What is sticky candy, Dad?”
The cub sprawled in Bai Sheng’s arms blinked and asked curiously.
The beautiful child’s clothes still carried the chill of the early morning, and his eyes were filled with longing.
He did not know what it was, but as long as something could be placed in his mouth, NuoNuo considered it good.
“Is it tasty?”
For a moment, Bai Sheng was speechless.
He reached out and touched the cub’s little stomach.
“If you’re hungry, come inside and eat.”
Bai Sheng lifted the child into his arms.
He had only recently opened his eyes and had rushed downstairs after seeing Bai Jingyun. Bai Sheng was still wearing pyjamas. His black curls were dishevelled, and sleepiness lingered in his eyes. He held the cub easily with one arm, the muscles of his forearm faintly flexing with the strength and dependability of a top-tier alpha.
“If you meet the person you just saw again, stay away from him.”
Bai Sheng did not believe his eldest brother had become deranged enough to attack a child who was only a little over four and not yet five, but who could say what might happen in the future?
Little Bai Nuo blinked, nodded obediently, and hugged Bai Sheng’s neck.
“NuoNuo will follow only Dad.”
NuoNuo would protect Dad!
Do not worry. NuoNuo had stamped those words firmly into his mind!
Bai Sheng, who had been preparing to hand the little one to Aunt Feng behind him: …
The arm about to pass the cub away suddenly became reluctant to extend.
Bai Sheng’s expression grew subtle, but his body was honest. His hold tightened slightly.
The soft, nearly weightless cub pressed against him.
At first, the little one had maintained a slight distance. Although he had called Bai Sheng “Dad” from the beginning, his uneasiness and restraint had been obvious. He had been carefully testing the boundaries. Yet because he had possessed so little in the past and was still so young, he was also far too easily satisfied. In only one day, that small barrier had vanished completely, as though father and son had lived together for years rather than barely two days.
Most importantly, the little thing was extraordinarily skilled at acting spoiled.
How had he become so skilled at it?!
What child grew up seeking affection like this? Even a little beta cub would probably be more restrained. No child should be this sweet.
Bai Sheng had not encountered many children. Although he vaguely sensed something unusual, he did not dwell on it.
At that moment, the novice father had only two thoughts in his mind. First, the child was far too good at acting spoiled. Second—
This was fatal.
He already seemed unable to resist being cuddled and hugged. What would he do when the time came to implement the child-development programme he had planned? All forms of training naturally had to begin early.
He had entirely failed to realise that a cub he had held in his arms all day from the very moment they met could never later be sent out to endure hardship and “fight for his life.”
Bai Sheng suspected that his mind was not entirely clear.
In the end, he peeled the little piece of sticky candy off his body and handed him to Aunt Feng, who had been watching eagerly for a long time. Then he went upstairs to wash and get dressed.
Ten minutes later,
Bai Sheng, who believed he had finally cleared his mind, sat at the dining table.
The cub had been placed in a high chair and was holding up his small spoon, staring hungrily at the food on the table. He had completely forgotten his promise to protect Dad.
The soft, thick rice congee released a fragrant aroma. Its temperature was perfect—slightly hot, but not uncomfortably so.
There were fluffy, tender fried dough sticks and steamed buns, along with eggs steeped in seasoned braising liquid.
Little Bai Nuo had never seen any of them, but they smelled wonderful and seemed delicious!
Bai Sheng served congee for the child, peeled an egg, broke it into pieces, and placed it in the bowl before him.
The steamed bun was still rather hot. Aunt Feng quietly instructed Bai Sheng from behind to split it through the middle and allow it to cool before giving it to the child.
Bai Sheng’s actions were somewhat lazy and unfamiliar. The top alpha, who did not even treat himself with such meticulous care, truly did not know how to raise a child.
That did not matter. Top-tier alphas learned quickly, and he was wealthy. Bai Sheng had always believed that success or failure in any matter depended only on whether one genuinely intended to approach it seriously.
When a wealthy family raised a child, poor education might be somewhat understandable. Claiming that they could not even provide proper basic care, however, would make them a laughingstock.
Money and attention could be devoted to the task. For anything he could not do, he could hire experienced servants to watch and instruct him. How could the child possibly be raised badly?
Therefore, although Bai Sheng remained inexperienced and appeared careless, he had made no actual mistakes since taking responsibility for the cub.
Because he had awakened early that day, Bai Sheng seemed especially lazy. Owing to old habits, his periods of greatest energy and his normal exercise sessions did not occur in the morning. Sometimes, he did not like eating breakfast either.
Only a top alpha’s physique allowed him to abuse himself that way. Anyone else facing such an intense workload and schedule might already have collapsed.
Bai Sheng casually bit into a steamed bun and turned to look at the child.
He had not interacted with other cubs, and modern recommendation algorithms rarely displayed related content unless a person had already watched it.
As a result, Bai Sheng did not know whether every child of this age resembled little Bai Nuo.
There was no need to worry about feeding him. He ate every mouthful happily, his eyes shining. Despite his young age, he did not make a mess at all and remained perfectly clean.
How effortless!
After sighing in appreciation, Bai Sheng wiped a trace of congee from the corner of the child’s mouth and handed him half a steamed bun that had cooled slightly.
The pale, soft child held a half bun that was just as pale and soft as he was. He took a large bite with an “Awoo,” then made a delighted sound of praise. His small body began swaying unconsciously with happiness, as though countless tiny flowers were blooming around him.
Watching the cub eat caused Bai Sheng to consume quite a bit more than usual.
Until they were about to leave, Bai Sheng continued thinking that the child was exceptionally easy to manage.
Yes, until they were about to leave.
Standing at the entrance, Bai Sheng looked down at the little one clinging to his leg and refusing to release him.
Now that he was full and satisfied, little Bai Nuo remembered his mission to protect Dad.
“Bai Nuo.”
Bai Sheng reached down and attempted to lift the child away.
“Stay home and listen obediently to Aunt Feng. Dad will return at noon.”
“No. NuoNuo wants to go with Dad. NuoNuo has to protect Dad.”
The little one tightened his arms around Bai Sheng’s leg.
“And Dad has to find lots and lots of people to protect you.”
Using a little strength, Bai Sheng finally lifted the child.
“If Dad is going to find that many people to protect him, why do you still need to come?”
“NuoNuo has to watch.”
Little Bai Nuo’s milky voice was perfectly righteous.
Who knew whether Dad might become lazy at some point? After all, Dad had awakened later than NuoNuo that morning! He also failed to eat at regular times, and while “Bad Uncle” was exercising, Dad had still been asleep.
Clearly, NuoNuo would have to pay close attention!
The cub, dangling by the back of his clothes, reached out his hands.
Bai Sheng naturally gathered Bai Nuo into his arms and felt the child’s short arms wrap expertly around his neck.
Moreover—
Little Bai Nuo hugged Bai Sheng’s neck and said softly,
“If NuoNuo stays beside Dad all the time, then whenever Dad needs NuoNuo, NuoNuo can help.”
If the situation from the dream happened again, NuoNuo would be close enough to reach out and hold Dad’s hand.
Bai Sheng clearly heard several restrained cries of “Oh my!” from the servants in the living room behind him.
Whose heart had melted?
Bai Sheng admitted that his own had melted slightly.
Was it the strange magic of blood ties?
No. It was probably the strange magic of this little cub.
At least at that moment, Bai Sheng understood why a child could bind parents so completely.
He had been a father for only two days!
Bai Sheng made one final attempt to resist.
“Work isn’t fun. Dad goes to work to earn money and support you.”
The cub blinked and continued holding Bai Sheng without letting go. The tiny child did not understand what working meant, but he intelligently copied the phrasing. His milky voice, however, could not sound truly serious.
“NuoNuo won’t play. NuoNuo will work. Don’t need money. NuoNuo will support Dad!”
Bai Sheng: A capitalist’s greatest joy…
Wait, wait, wait. Do not celebrate. This was his own child.
Bai Sheng compromised.
After confirming that the car had a properly installed child seat, he carried the little piece of sticky candy to the door, put on his shoes, and opened it.
Before leaving, he did not forget to mutter,
“Do you truly think going to work is something pleasant?”
Still, children were children. The little one probably lacked a sense of security and would improve after some time. He could follow for now. If the child accompanied him, however, Bai Sheng would need to increase the security personnel around them. Adults could generally manage, but every aspect of a child’s safety required more comprehensive protection.
Assistant Li, waiting outside, stared at his boss’s highly unusual “accessory” that day.
Assistant Li: …Do you still remember the “hands-off child-rearing plan” you described? Before bringing the young master home, you sounded exceptionally resolute.
Assistant Li had many sarcastic remarks to make, but facing his immediate superior, he ultimately did not dare.
“Tell Xu Chuan not to come to the ancestral estate. Have him go directly to the company.”
Bai Sheng secured the child in the safety seat in the rear of the car and spoke casually to Assistant Li.
Xu Chuan managed one of Bai Sheng’s private hospitals and was also Bai Sheng’s personal physician.
The Bai family’s businesses extended into countless sectors, but they were especially prominent in medicine and pharmaceuticals. The Bai family’s second young master, Bai Liang, had even trained in medicine. All five heirs possessed considerable assets and connections in that field, which was also one of the areas where their interests frequently collided.
Although a substantial amount of information had been shared the previous day, it was naturally better for Xu Chuan to examine the child in person before making a judgement, conducting a detailed physical examination, and collecting samples for specialised tests.
Assistant Li had only just nodded with his usual professionalism and was preparing to close the car door for Bai Sheng. When he bent slightly, however, his gaze met a pair of bright eyes.
The child held the edge of his safety harness in his small hand. Upon seeing Assistant Li, he curved his brows and greeted him in a young, milky voice.
“Good morning, Uncle Li.”
Assistant Li: …
“G-good morning, Young Master.”
After turning away, Assistant Li could not resist clenching his fist in wonder.
No matter how many times he looked, was this truly his boss’s child?!
Even the resentment of a working man forced out of bed in the morning had been swept away. This level of adorableness was excessive!
The Bai Group building under Bai Sheng’s control.
Assistant and Secretarial Staff Group Chat.
“Report—The big boss who skipped work yesterday has come in today!!”
“That workaholic actually stayed away yesterday. How rare.”
“We have a partnership negotiation with the Xie family today, so the boss was bound to come. By the way, how is the joint project with the Yu family going?”
“It’s fairly smooth since they changed the liaison. As for the Yu family’s situation… sigh. I’m too tired even to gossip about it anymore. Old Master Yu is still holding the entire company together by himself.”
“Of course. Did you imagine every clan was the Bai family?”
“I can’t take it. My morning resentment could sustain ten Evil Sword Immortals. I’m going downstairs for coffee. Does anyone want something?”
“I do!”
“Bring me a hot iced Americano. The extra money is your delivery fee.”
“All right.”
“???? Wait, girl, have you lost your mind? Hot, but also an iced Americano?! Are those even human words? Has work driven you insane? And one of you dared order it while the other dared accept!”
“! Wrong message!!!”
“Hahaha, it’s fine. The shop assistant who also had to wake early for work will indulge you. He’ll definitely agree. Last time, he added ice cubes to hot tea and no one thought anything was wrong.”
“This world has gone mad after all.”
“I think I may have gone mad too.”
“What happened? Brother Zhang, aren’t you waiting for the boss?”
“The boss brought a child who looks about two or three years old to work! Brother Li says he’s the boss’s biological son.”
“?”
“???”
“Dr Xu has arrived too. They’ll all be coming upstairs shortly, so you’ll see them soon… Good heavens, is the little boss truly this adorable?”
At the same time, the group had already entered the lift.
Little Bai Nuo remained in Bai Sheng’s arms. Dr Xu Chuan, who had changed routes at short notice after receiving the message, looked only about thirty. He stood nearby and observed the child curiously.
Bai Nuo was holding the small monitor his father had given him in one hand.
Clearly, although the novice father did not know exactly what might go wrong, Bai Sheng had decided to track the child’s movements at all times.
“You can play with this monitor later. Its AI voice function is active. Its name is DouDou. Dad has to discuss work for a while. You can ask it about anything you don’t understand.”
Ignoring everyone else, Bai Sheng spoke to the cub in his arms. He had already activated the monitor’s voice setting and gave a demonstration.
“Hello, DouDou.”
Before the cub’s widening eyes, the monitor in little Bai Nuo’s arms answered in a mechanical female voice,
“I’m here.”
“Wow! Dad, you’re amazing! You can talk to machines!”
The cub held the monitor and turned it around to examine every side.
“Where does the voice come from? Why can it talk? Dad, why can it answer NuoNuo’s questions? Does it know as much as Dad? Can NuoNuo ask it anything?”
The child was secretly very talkative and an entirely genuine bundle of curiosity.
The soft way he pressed close to his parent made Dr Xu Chuan, standing nearby, frown slightly in puzzlement. He continued observing.
Bai Sheng selected only a few of the childish questions to answer and allowed the little one to chatter beside him.
Until a key phrase seemed to be triggered.
The small monitor: “Yes, I’m here. What did you just say? I don’t think I heard you clearly.”
The cub blinked and looked down at it.
“Are you talking to NuoNuo?”
The small monitor: “Yes, I am talking to you.”
Little Bai Nuo blinked several times. The cub suddenly did not know what to say.
After the monitor and little Bai Nuo paused for several seconds, it spoke again.
“What did you just say? I don’t think I heard you clearly.”
Little Bai Nuo: “NuoNuo was asking whether you were talking to NuoNuo just now.”
The small monitor: “Yes, I am talking to you.”
Several seconds later—
“What did you just say? I don’t think I heard you clearly.”
Everyone was exceedingly polite, and each was waiting for the other to speak. Thus, one cub and one artificially unintelligent machine entered a subtle loop.
Bai Sheng: …This is unnecessary.
The cub was too obedient and too polite. In his milky voice, he seemed determined to continue the loop forever. After losing count of how many times he had heard it, Bai Sheng reached out as the lift arrived and the doors opened, and pinched Bai Nuo’s little mouth closed.
Physically muting the little mouth.jpg
Author’s Note:
Bai Sheng: Look at my family’s obedient, genuine alpha cub.
Xu Chuan: An alpha cub…? Something doesn’t seem quite right. [Question mark]