NOVPUBChapter 491: Chapter 489: Xiaoqi’s Choice
Chapter 491: Chapter 489: Xiaoqi’s Choice
Yu Yan had arrived in the hall.
Upon seeing him, Zi Qi felt a slight sinking in her heart and said to Sally, “Rong Ruo has come.”
“Who did you say?” Sally was taken aback.
“I wanted to tell you last night…” Zi Qi stopped short.
Sally understood; she and Qing Linghuan had left last night.
Glancing over at Qing Linghuan, who was currently clinking cups with Yin Zang and Pei Xuan, Sally said to Zi Qi, “Since the guest has arrived, let’s invite him in.”
“Mhm,” Zi Qi nodded to Yu Yan.
You Hao asked, “Who is Rong Ruo?”
“Xiaoqi’s father beast,” Sally replied, “the Beast Emperor of the Southern District.”
“Oh,” You Hao looked at Zi Qi, realizing why his mood had been a bit unstable today; he must be afraid of his daughter being taken away.
Xiaoqi took a piece of dried meat and said to Xiaoba, “I’ll hold you later when we say the auspicious words. If you get a treasure as a result, could you share one with me? If you agree, eat this piece of meat. If not, don’t eat it.”
Xiaoba ate the dried meat.
Pleased, Xiaoqi fed him another piece of honey sweet potato cake made by Uncle Xiang, “Is it tasty?”
Suddenly, Xiaoqi sensed something and looked towards the entrance of the hall.
A towering figure, dressed in a splendid ice-blue fish-patterned light gold regalia, with bright pearls and feathered crown, and generous ear pendants, was led into the hall by Yu Yan.
Zi Qi stepped forward with a smile, “The Southern Emperor graces us with his presence; we apologize for not meeting you further away.”
“It was a sudden whim on my part to come uninvited; I hope for the Purple Emperor’s understanding,” Rong Ruo bowed slightly as a half-gesture of respect.
“We’re just pleased to welcome you, right this way,” invited Zi Qi, leading Rong Ruo to where Yin Zang was seated.
Yin Zang had also attended Rong Ruo’s enthronement ceremony in the Southern District, and the two were acquainted. Being both Beast Emperors, they were of equal status.
“The Southern Emperor is late and must drink a penalty of three cups,” Yin Zang said with a laugh.
Rong Ruo picked up a cup, “To toast and be merry is indeed proper; allow me to drink first.” He held the cup boldly, his action in drinking both free and unrestrained.
Zong Silu, watching Rong Ruo who seemed like a completely different person from the one he remembered, said to Ming Linyuan, “Yesterday, I met Rong Wu at the academy; he’s returning to finish his unfinished studies.”
“I’ve also met that person in the Dark Continent, completely different from this one,” Ming Linyuan replied.
“Which one does Yanyan fancy?” Zong Silu asked.
Welly, upon hearing this, glanced sidelong at Zong Silu, then looked at Rong Ruo… remaining silent.
“It’s very simple,” Ming Linyuan said, “Yanyan likes handsome men, so definitely this one from the sea.”
“What about Xiaoqi…” Zong Silu realized a very serious issue.
“…” Ming Linyuan turned to look at Sally.
But Sally seemed very calm, as if unaware that Rong Ruo had arrived, enthusiastically greeting the guests who had come to the banquet.
When they reached the children’s table, Sally clapped her hands, “Do you remember what mother taught you a few days ago?”
“Remember—”
“Remember—”
“Remember—”
“Mom, I forgot—”
“I also forgot—”
“I also forgot—”
“Mom, I still remember a tiny bit—”
All the children shouted excitedly, one after another, causing everyone to burst into laughter…
Sally had a headache; organizing these little ones for any activity was becoming more difficult.
The first to step forward naturally was Xiaohao. He walked up to You Hao with his head held high and chest puffed out, and then he circled around Yangyang, Xiaoxiao, and Little Beibei.
He cleared his throat and declared, “Today is the little full-month celebration of Yangyang, Xiaoxiao, and Little Beibei, my little brothers and sisters. As the eldest brother, I will definitely protect you all and keep you under my wing. Whoever dares to bully you, big brother will return the favor tenfold, a hundredfold. You can happily grow up behind big brother’s back.”
Listening to these impromptu remarks… Sally figured he was improvising on the spot. But he spoke well, very much like an elder brother.
You Hao was deeply moved and gave Xiaohao a Little Storage Bag, “Our roots intertwine as one, though we grow as separate branches. They will always be your little brothers and sisters. Thank you, Xiaohao.”
“May fair winds accompany good health, may life be extraordinary and prosperous, may all things go well and hearts be light, and as the years and storms pass, may you grow strong. Wishing the little brothers and sisters a happy little full-month celebration,” Yona recited confidently, without missing a single word.
Sally nodded in approval.
You Hao also rewarded him with a Little Storage Bag, “Thank you, Yona, you spoke wonderfully. Here, this is for you.”
“May this sincere wish follow you daily, blessings trumpet to the clouds soaring high. May you grow up healthy and handsome with fairy’s aid, robust and wise as mountains and seas. Big sister wishes little brothers and sisters a safe and healthy little full-month,” Yohanes repeated everything Sally had instructed.
Sally then went to her maternal family’s table and said to Zulu, “Who gave birth to such bright and clever children?”
Zulu handed her a sweet fruit, laughing, “It was you, feeling proud, aren’t you?”
Receiving it, Sally took a big bite, “Yeah, I am.”
“May the family tree flourish for ten thousand years with auspicious branches, seeds connected for ten thousand generations of fortunate unity. Happy little full-month to the little brothers and sisters,” Frost said as Sally had instructed and received a Little Storage Bag for it.
Sally’s gaze shifted to the excited looking Manman, and her heart skipped a beat.
Ming Linyuan also held his breath, whispering, “Daughter, make us proud.”
Manman flew over to You Hao and said, “Gather kindness year by year, every year. Wishing the little brothers and sisters a happy little full-month.”
Ming Linyuan downed a large glass…
Sally held her forehead, but it was fine, the latter half of the statement was enough.
You Hao gave the prepared Little Storage Bag to Manman, smiling joyfully, “Thank you, Manman. Here, this is for you.”
Next was Putao, taking elegant steps towards You Hao. He first kneeled on one knee to pay respects to You Hao, then circled around Yangyang, Xiaoxiao, and Little Beibei.
Little Beibei looked up at Putao, “Squeak~”
You Hao was surprised that Little Beibei had actually made a sound, it seemed she liked Putao.
Putao licked her back fur, “I sincerely wish the little brothers and sisters a smooth life, safe and joyous.”
You Hao patted his head, then adorned him with a Little Storage Bag, “Thank you, Putao. Uncle also wishes you a carefree life.”
Sally said with a smile, “Putao is the most well-behaved.”
When it was time for the next one, the smile on Sally’s face faded slightly as her gaze turned towards Rong Ruo.
Ever since he arrived, he had been focusing his attention on Xiaoqi, and at this moment, his gaze was on Xiaoqi as well.
Xiaoqi’s plump figure was holding the round Xiaoba.
Because Xiaoqi was so small, all that could be seen was a golden egg with a little white tail that instantly moved in front of You Hao.
“Congratulations to Uncle Yu for the joy of adding to the family. May the little brothers and sisters join us soon for the monthly exam, and score a hundred percent every time!” Xiaoqi finished speaking and placed Xiaoba in between Yangyang and Xiaoxiao, then took a moment to pet Little Beibei, who was now a bit smaller than herself.
You Hao’s smile grew deeper, and he pulled out two Little Storage Bags, one for Xiaoba and one for Xiaoqi, “Xiaoqi’s blessing is exactly what uncle wanted to hear.”
Zi Qi also couldn’t help but chuckle at this, but as he laughed, a trace of shadow surfaced in his eyes.
Having received the Little Storage Bag, Xiaoqi didn’t go back to her seat. Instead, holding Xiaoba, she ran over to Zi Qi.
And she handed the Little Storage Bag she had just received to Zi Qi, “Father Beast, this is for you.”
Zi Qi was surprised as he picked up her and Xiaoba, “Why?”
“Because I love Father Beast the most.” Xiaoqi climbed onto Zi Qi’s head and stayed still.
The shadow in Zi Qi’s eyes vanished in an instant.
