Chapter Nineteen: Feng Xiu — I Think Baby Dragon Suits You Quite Well

After a day of playful mischief, Bai Nianxuan was carried back to the sleeping quarters by Bai Yue, having fallen asleep on the grass. Bai Yue looked at the little dumpling nestled softly in her arms, breathing quietly, and her heart melted. This was her younger sister. How she adored her.

Bai Yue’s brows relaxed, her mood soaring. She wished to someday have a daughter as clever and mischievous as Bai Nianxuan; life would be so much more delightful. As for her easily bullied little brother, Bai Yue paid him no mind. Let him sulk if he wished—it wasn’t as if he had much to be happy about anyway.

Abao watched their figures fade into the distance, a look of confusion flickering in his eyes. He felt a bit unhappy. That annoying Bai Nianxuan!

“Your Highness,” Mendie said with a gentle smile, his pale face calm, “Let’s go.”

“No, I’m going to the Demon Emperor’s Palace to ask Father for permission to visit the Moon Pool. I want that annoying girl to see the most beautiful garden in Heart City, so she won’t be able to argue with me!” Abao declared.

Mendie was momentarily stunned, staring blankly at Abao before nodding, “Very well, Your Highness.”

It was over—Abao had been thoroughly outmaneuvered by Bai Nianxuan. Bai Nianxuan hadn’t even asked to go, yet Abao insisted on taking her. Poor child, he’d been thoroughly swindled! Ah.

Mendie sighed.

“What’s that look for? I’m not bowing to her tyranny—I just want to shock her, so she’ll understand the might of the demon clan!” Abao huffed coldly, expressing his displeasure.

“Yes, Your Highness,” Mendie replied calmly. He was already used to Abao’s tantrums. Truth be told, Abao was still very much a child in temperament. He never expected Bai Nianxuan to have such a hold over him. Truly, every creature has its nemesis.

Mendie shook his head helplessly and followed with his short steps.

Soon, they arrived at the Demon Emperor’s Palace, in the grand hall of governance. The Demon God Emperor, Fengxiu, sat high upon his jet-black throne, gazing down at the two little figures. He said nothing, waiting for them to speak.

He knew full well why Abao had come. He hadn’t expected Bai Nianxuan to anger Abao so, nor that Abao would act so childish. As expected, at heart, Abao was still a child, unable to escape his nature.

“Father,” Abao bowed toward Fengxiu, “Your son has a request.”

His childish voice rang clear in Fengxiu’s ears.

“Speak,” Fengxiu replied coolly.

A glimmer of amusement flickered in his dark eyes. He found Abao rather amusing at the moment.

“I wish to visit Uncle Agarest’s Moon Pool, to broaden my horizons. I’ve heard Uncle Agarest’s Moon Pool is the most beautiful garden in Heart City, and I want to see it for myself.”

Hearing such a clumsy excuse, the smile in Fengxiu’s eyes grew deeper.

“Oh?” Fengxiu replied evenly, “Do you wish to go alone, or invite others? I hear you suffered a loss.”

Abao shivered, murmuring, “Father knows everything? I’ll do my best to teach Bai Nianxuan a lesson!”

Abao did not hesitate to reveal his vulnerable side.

Hearing this, Fengxiu sighed lightly, “No need.”

“She is Yue’er’s cousin, and your elder cousin as well. She’s over a month older than you—it’s fine to call her ‘boss’ or ‘sister.’”

Fengxiu spoke calmly. He’d deliberately investigated Bai Lingxuan’s family and found that Bai Lingxuan was over a month older than Abao. Excellent—Abao’s seniority was diminished yet again.

To Fengxiu, Bai Lingxuan was his only wife. Her family was naturally his relatives. By kinship, Bai Heng was his brother-in-law. Yet, fate had its own designs.

Abao’s mouth twitched. “Father, I…”

“It’s nothing—a boy should be able to take a beating.”

Seeing Abao on the verge of tears, Fengxiu chuckled, “Just let your cousin have her way.”

“She’s quite interesting.”

“She bullies me!” Abao protested angrily, “She’s just a troublemaker!”

“And yet you still want to take her to see the Moon Pool?” Fengxiu looked at him calmly, “Abao, everything comes down to your own heart.”

“If you disliked her, would you invite her to the Moon Pool? That garden is Agarest’s private domain—not open to outsiders. Yet you insist on bringing her along. Isn’t that because you care?”

“I don’t care about her,” Abao retorted, “I just think she’s inexperienced—she needs to see the world.”

Seeing Abao’s stubborn denial, Fengxiu smiled faintly. This child had many virtues, except he refused to acknowledge his feelings. Well, let him be. After all, he’s the one being bullied.

“I’ll allow it,” Fengxiu said, “Tomorrow, I’ll have Huang Shuo take the four of you.”

He meant Abao, Bai Yue, Bai Nianxuan, and Mendie.

“Yes!” Abao exclaimed, overjoyed, “Thank you, Father!”

His happiness was short-lived, for Fengxiu’s next words quickly followed.

“‘Baby Dragon’—those three words suit you perfectly.”

Abao began to doubt his very existence as a dragon. If time could be turned back, he would certainly teach Bai Nianxuan a harsh lesson. He sensed now that “Baby Dragon” might follow him for life. How infuriating—to bear such a childish nickname as the crown prince of the Demon Dragon Clan. This was truly too much.

…

Bai Nianxuan lay quietly on her bed, Bai Yue gazing at her with gentle affection. Seeing her small, pale hands, Bai Yue’s eyes softened with maternal warmth. The radiance of motherhood shone from her.

She reached out to gently stroke her belly. Perhaps moved by her thoughts, she felt a warm glow there, as if a life was gathering within her. This was her child—the crystallization of her love with Long Xingyu. No matter the cost, Bai Yue would protect her child.

Women are weak by nature, but become strong as mothers.

Bai Nianxuan had a wonderful dream. She dreamt of riding atop a black dragon, bossing it around, until the dragon transformed into human shape and scolded her angrily. Looking closely, she realized the unlucky black dragon was Abao.

She burst out laughing, and then the dream ended.

Bai Nianxuan was still savoring that sweet dream. Her own little brother—Abao. Haha, “Baby Dragon”—it was too delightful.

Bai Nianxuan smiled so broadly her teeth showed, her eyes almost squinting shut. Joy radiated across her face.

“What wonderful dream did you have?” Bai Yue asked softly.

Hearing Bai Nianxuan’s bell-like laughter, Bai Yue awoke from her slumber.

“I dreamt of Baby Dragon,” Bai Nianxuan giggled, “and how I bullied him.”

“Heh,” Bai Yue laughed gently, “I’m sure the Abao in your dream was thoroughly bullied by you.”

Truthfully, the real Abao fared little better.

“Exactly!” Bai Nianxuan nodded, her face brimming with happiness, “Sister, I’m so happy.”

“I’ve gained confidence.”

“The confidence of a boss.”