Xiao Huiying skipped back to her bedchamber with light, joyful steps. Zi Yan was already fast asleep on the bed.
Lying down, she recalled how she had assisted Xiao Jietian earlier that night. A sweet, contented smile curved her lips. She had never imagined that something she once saw as a mere hindrance could prove so remarkably useful.
And her master… seemed to have enjoyed it immensely.
"Huiying, what are you smiling so foolishly about?" Zi Yan mumbled drowsily, cracking her eyes open at the sound of soft laughter.
"N-nothing! I was just thinking about the fun we had today," Xiao Huiying startled, quickly composing herself.
"Really? What exactly were you up to tonight? Coming back only now?" Zi Yan propped herself up, leaning close with obvious suspicion.
"Uh… I was exchanging cultivation insights with Xian'er and the others," Xiao Huiying replied smoothly, the lie slipping out effortlessly.
"Is that so?" Zi Yan narrowed her eyes, then suddenly frowned and sniffed the air. "Did you sneak some snacks? Why is there such a strange scent on you? You didn't raid the kitchen again, did you?"
"Oh, you caught that?" Xiao Huiying's gaze darted around guiltily as she played along.
"Of course! My nose is extremely sensitive!" Zi Yan planted her hands on her hips. "But next time, you have to bring me along. Otherwise, I'll tell Master!"
"We'll see about next time." Xiao Huiying grinned at Zi Yan's proud little expression, then reached out to tickle her, deftly changing the subject.
"Hahaha~!"
Zi Yan burst into laughter and immediately retaliated, tickling back without mercy.
The two girls tumbled into a playful wrestle. For a brief moment, spring scenery flickered into view amid their tussle.
"Huh? Huiying, why is it so red here?" Zi Yan suddenly paused, staring at the prominent red mark right in the center of Xiao Huiying's ample chest.
"I… accidentally scrubbed too hard while bathing."
"Then let me take a look. I can massage it for you," Zi Yan said with a mischievous grin, already reaching out.
"No way, you wish!" Xiao Huiying dodged swiftly, then hopped off the bed to rinse her mouth once more.
…
"Xian'er, these two items are for you. Refine them—they should help boost your Dou Qi a little."
Xiao Jietian handed over the demonic core and the poison spot, briefly explaining their origins.
The Little Fairy Doctor accepted them without ceremony, then leaned in to plant a gentle kiss on his cheek.
At that moment, a slender, fair hand extended toward him.
Xiao Jietian caught it playfully and held on. "There's none left for you, so don't even think about it. But… I can give you something else instead."
Ya Fei swiftly withdrew her hand. Her enchanting peach-blossom eyes glared at him. "I don't want it. I refuse."
"Too late. I've already decided. You have no right to refuse."
With that, Xiao Jietian pulled her close and began bestowing her "reward."
"First, put these on."
Several pieces of tattered black fabric appeared in his hand, placed into Ya Fei's palm.
"I just love these strange little things of yours," she murmured, though her body moved obediently to don the outfit.
Once the moment was ripe, Xiao Jietian held nothing back and commenced the night's main performance.
Even the Little Fairy Doctor, busy refining the treasures, could not escape entirely.
For her, it was merely a gentle touch. Ya Fei, however, received the full focus.
…
"Xiao Jietian, how did your little backup performer do tonight?" the Little Fairy Doctor asked softly, nestling in his embrace. Ya Fei had already sunk into deep slumber beside them.
"Not bad at all. At least she can stand on her own feet now." Xiao Jietian thought back to Xiao Huiying's performance and mentally awarded her full marks.
Xiao Huiying was, after all, a little dragon lass—and a milky-white one at that.
The two continued their quiet conversation, wrapped in each other's arms, occasionally murmuring sweet endearments.
Finally, Xiao Jietian casually drew Ya Fei closer as well. The three of them embraced and drifted off to sleep.
…
Early the next morning, Xiao Jietian used his Dou Qi to sweep away the torn scraps of clothing littering the floor, then stepped out of the chamber.
"Daddy, hug!"
Little Xiao Ling, who had been playing nearby, spotted him and toddled over with her short legs going duang duang duang. She spread her arms wide as she ran.
Xiao Jietian's heart melted at the sight. He quickly crouched down.
Xiao Ling launched herself into his arms.
"Oh, my precious little darling."
He caught her securely, lifted her high, and peppered her chubby cheeks with kisses.
"Giggle giggle~" Xiao Ling squirmed as the kisses tickled her, laughing innocently.
"Daddy, did you bully Mother Ya Fei and Mother Little Fairy Doctor again last night?"
Xiao Ling reached up and pinched his cheek, staring at him with solemn eyes.
"No, who told you that?" Xiao Jietian was taken aback.
"Daddy's lying! Last night, when Meng Meng, Mother, and I passed by your palace, I heard Mother Ya Fei and the others crying. They sounded so pitiful—their voices were all hoarse."
"At the time, Mother quickly took us away."
"Daddy, please don't bully Mother Xian'er and the others anymore. They're so good to me."
Xiao Ling put on a very serious expression, but no matter how you looked at it, she was simply adorably cute.
"Okay, okay, okay. Daddy promises you."
Xiao Jietian outwardly agreed to everything, but inwardly he mused: It seems I'll need to use Dou Qi to soundproof the chamber from now on. What if my little cotton-padded jacket grows up to be as filial as Yamato from One Piece?
"Daddy, you're the best! Mwah!"
Xiao Ling missed the perfunctory tone entirely. All she knew was that her father had agreed. Happily, she planted a big kiss on his cheek.
"You big bad guy, help me refine these pills! I feel like I'll break through once they're done."
Zi Yan suddenly appeared beside him, stepping out of spatial ripples and thrusting a storage ring into his hand.
Her energy demands had surged lately—the pills that once lasted a month now vanished in just two days.
"Mother Zi Yan!" Xiao Ling leaped from Xiao Jietian's arms and ran to Zi Yan, calling out in her childish voice while subtly winking at her father.
Zi Yan froze for a second.
"I'm not your mother. You should call me Big Sister Zi Yan, understand?"
She corrected the little girl, then scooped her up affectionately and pinched her cheek. Yet the smile on her face left it unclear whether she was pleased by the affection or by being called "Mother."
"No way! You and Mother Huiying are both Daddy's future little wives, so I can't call you Big Sister."
Xiao Ling tried to swat away Zi Yan's hand, but failed.
Zi Yan shot Xiao Jietian a fierce glare. "Did you teach her to say that?"
Xiao Jietian spread his hands innocently—nope, not him.
"Mother Zi Yan, Mother and the others said you can't escape Daddy's clutches!"
"And Ling Ling wants you to be my mother too… because I don't want to be separated from you."
Hearing this, Zi Yan's mind flashed back to past events. His hand has already touched my most important places… and it seems I can only belong to him now. Being with him is actually quite nice. I feel very happy.
Ptooey, ptooey, ptooey! How could I fall so easily? No, no—he at least has to feed me lots of pills. It won't be that simple to win this young lady over!
"Mother Zi Yan, shall we go play?" Xiao Ling giggled, pressing her face against Zi Yan's flushed cheek.
"Alright, let's go! Mother—no, Big Sister will take you to play!" Zi Yan was instantly won over by the little girl's cuteness. Her tongue slipped as she hugged Xiao Ling and walked away.
On the way out, she didn't forget to kick Xiao Jietian once for good measure.
Xiao Ling's big, dark eyes blinked subtly at Xiao Jietian in silent triumph.
So this is what a truly thoughtful little cotton-padded jacket feels like? This warmth is simply too much!