Chapter 196: Extra — Meeting the In-Laws

Originally, Song Jin had only intended to humor Li Xiao and put on a brief show to fool him, but he hadn’t expected the whole family to be thick-skinned enough to show up and spectate.

“I’m only dancing for my wife,” Song Jin warned the group of uninvited old and young visitors. “Clear out on your own initiative—don’t force my hand.”

Song Yang pulled Rong Mian down to sit on the ground, firmly determined to watch to the very end. “Everyone here gets a share; we’re all family, so don’t be so distant.”

Song Jin: “Want to watch me dance? Exchange one of your sons for it.”

Song Yang: “…”

Isn’t this admission ticket a bit too steep?

Rong Mian chuckled. “It’s been a long time since I last saw Ah Jin dance. I really miss it.”

Song Jin choked on his words. Knowing he was soft-hearted against gentleness but impervious to force, he couldn’t push back at all.

Hearing the implication in those words, Li Xiao asked curiously, “Xiao Jin used to dance often?”

Rong Mian nodded. “Ever since he was little, he’s been very talented at singing and dancing. He could learn standard dance moves after seeing them just once.”

Song Yang picked up the conversation: “What a pity that such great talent was entirely squandered on pulling pranks.”

Recalling something, Rong Mian let out a soft laugh.

Li Xiao waited eagerly, his eyes wide, for Rong Mian to spill the kitten’s “glorious achievements.”

Noticing his intent gaze, Rong Mian spoke up, “If you want to know, let Ah Jin tell you himself.”

Li Xiao turned his head to look at Song Jin.

Over on the side, Shen Sinian and Song Zheng also sat cross-legged on the ground.

“The youngest only dances to provoke us after causing trouble. Not only does he refuse to admit his wrongdoings, but he’s also arrogantly defiant—acting as if you can’t do anything to him. Just thinking about it now still makes my teeth itch with frustration.”

Song Yu leaned against the edge of the arena with his arms crossed, chiming in, “He knows best how to make people angry; he’s completely self-taught in that regard.”

Rong Shi: “Aren’t you a ready-made teacher right here?”

Song Yu: “…”

Whose side are you on?

Song Jin: “What do you mean ‘provoke’? Me dancing is admitting my mistakes!”

“Dancing to admit mistakes?” Li Xiao was baffled.

Song Jin: “As long as I act cute, they’ll hit a bit lighter when punishing me.”

Li Xiao: “…”

An absolute seasoned veteran.

Li Xiao automatically pictured a toddler-sized kitten pulling a prank, then dancing passionately in front of a group of furious yet bewildered parents to win sympathy. He was so overwhelmed by the mental image of cuteness that his gaze floated.

Back when 09 transformed into a mouse to do a girl group dance in the classroom just to hunt down modified humans in the Military Academy, it turned out to be an authentic, true-to-life performance.

Shen Sinian and his partner: “…”

Song Yu and his partner: “…”

This scheming cub.

Even though they had misguessed his intention back then, from a results standpoint, he had succeeded.

Song Jin: “However, after turning eight, I was too lazy to dance anymore. I was confident I could beat them up.”

Li Xiao: “…”

Li Xiao glanced over at the serious-looking rabbit, asking out of curiosity, “Could you beat Rong Shi?”

Song Jin replied with utmost seriousness, “I generally obey Brother Shi’s every word.”

Li Xiao: “…”

You really understand the way of survival.

“Li Xiao, it was agreed to be a family gathering. You arrived so late—it’d be unreasonable if you didn’t express some sincerity,” Song Yu smiled lightly. “It’s rare for both Dad and Father to be here. How about you and the youngest perform a dance together, and we’ll consider the matter settled?”

Li Xiao: “I don’t know how to dance.”

Song Yang chimed in, “Just follow the youngest; he’s very skilled.”

Song Yu: “Just do a striptease then.”

Li Xiao: “…”

Li Xiao: “You should have Rong Shi perform it for you. It’s not appropriate for me to dance.”

Song Yu: “If you don’t dance, how can he learn?”

“Whether he knows how or not isn’t important; what matters is whether he’s willing to dance for you.” Li Xiao looked at Rong Shi with a smile. “Right, Prince Regent Rong?”

Rong Shi: “Since the opportunity is rare, I indeed wish to observe a little.”

Li Xiao: “…”

This couple really breathes through the same nostril.

Song Jin draped an arm over Li Xiao’s shoulder, hooking his finger toward Rong Shi with a brilliant smile: “Dancing a striptease in public compromises public decency. However, if Brother Shi is also willing to learn, I’d be very happy to be the instructor.”

Li Xiao raised his chin toward Song Yang: “The dog over there wants to learn, too.”

“I told you I’m a wolf.” Song Yang put on a smug face. “Besides, I’m already a father of three cubs. How could I be like you youngsters, learning something like a striptease? How childish.”

Song Yu and Rong Shi, who felt subtly called out: “…”

Song Jin: “You’re already a dad; why are you watching a striptease then?”

Song Yang: “Mianmian let me watch.”

Song Jin looked at Rong Mian: “Brother Mian, this is where you’re in the wrong.”

Rong Mian spoke with a smile: “We just dropped by for a visit. Watching the dance is merely on the side. Having two extra audience members shouldn’t affect you two much, right?”

Seeing that the dance was about to fall through at this rate, Song Yu turned to Shen Sinian: “Dad, what do you say?”

Among the eight people present, Shen Sinian and Song Zheng held the highest seniority, and Song Zheng was an ancestrally henpecked husband who deferred to Shen Sinian on all minor matters. In today’s setting, Shen Sinian held the ultimate authority.

Seeing Song Yu pull out his ultimate move, Li Xiao walked over toward Shen Sinian.

Shen Sinian, never one to shy away from watching a spectacle unfold, closed his eyes and began, “Having just one person dance is indeed a bit lacking in flavor—”

“Dad.” Before he could finish, Li Xiao waved his hand, opening a document and presenting it before Shen Sinian. “This is a meeting gift for you. I hope you like it.”

Shen Sinian raised his eyes to glance at it casually, his pupils undergoing a seismic shock.

A donation agreement for a thousand top-spec laboratories?!

Seeing the shift in Shen Sinian’s expression, Song Yu, Song Yang, and the others knew things had taken a turn for the worse—that guy Li Xiao had come fully prepared.

Shen Sinian saved the document as if nothing had happened, then smoothly continued, “Xiao Li is from Danse and isn’t familiar with Shengya’s forms of entertainment. Xiao Yu, go set an example for him first.”

Song Yu: “…”

Old man.

So easily bought off and switching sides.

Song Yu glanced at Rong Shi, seeking support.

Receiving the signal, Rong Shi spoke indifferently, “When it comes to dancing, Xiao Jin is still the expert.”

Song Yang picked up the thread: “Exactly, Brother Yu has uncoordinated limbs, stiff as a mummy—what kind of dance could he possibly do?”

Song Yu was practically laughed out of patience: “Stiff as a mummy? Song Kele, watch your tongue.”

Facing Song Yu’s threatening gaze, Song Yang bit the bullet and said, “I don’t want to watch Brother Yu dance—it hurts my eyes.”

Song Yu: “…”

Song Jin spoke up sinisterly: “Today is a family gathering, not some dance king competition. It’s all about participation and sincerity. I think having my older brother open the show is beyond appropriate.”

Song Zheng stoked the flames: “It’s even more worth watching if the young couple dances together.”

Song Jin: “Then why don’t you and Dad go first?”

Song Zheng: “If your dad is willing, I have no objections.”

Song Jin looked at Shen Sinian: “Dad, since words have come to this point, aren’t you going to participate?”

Having obtained the document, Shen Sinian was already completely satisfied. Hearing this, he pulled a cold face and snorted, “A bunch of juniors crowding around to watch their elders do a striptease—what kind of conduct is that?”

Song Jin: “And elders crowding around to watch juniors do a striptease is appropriate?”

Shen Sinian nodded with complete composure: “Of course.”

Song Jin: “…”

Li Xiao spoke with a smile: “On this trip over, Xiao Jin also had me bring some local Danse specialty snacks—”

The moment Song Zheng heard this, his tone instantly flipped: “What striptease? Isn’t there any other healthier entertainment project?”

Song Yang chimed in: “Exactly! Switching to Ludo—everyone can participate.”

In their words, they completely forgot that they had originally come specifically to watch the striptease.

Seeing his piggy teammates defecting one after another, Song Yu couldn’t bear to miss out on the snacks Li Xiao brought, yet still wanted to watch the two cubs dance. He looked toward Rong Shi once more, pleading for support.

Yet Rong Shi sat like a monk in deep meditation, his entire posture radiating four words: Beyond all hope.

The lethal trump card of desserts alone could wipe out all the cats in the Song family—how was this battle supposed to be fought?

Song Jin hugged Li Xiao and gave him a thorough petting, shooting Song Yu a smug look.

Song Yu: “…”

That kid Li Xiao really is cunning.

He actually managed to break through unscathed.

Since the dance wasn’t happening, Song Yang opened the mini-game selection interface and clicked random. The dice hovering in mid-air began to spin rapidly.

Song Jin: “Playing purely for fun is boring; let me place a bet.”

Song Yu: “Bet on what?”

Song Jin: “Whoever loses makes tomorrow’s breakfast.”

The group of “gongs” had zero objections.

Song Jin looked at Song Yang, adding a rule: “If Brother Yang loses, bring the three children over and let me pick one.”

Song Yang: “Then that depends on whether you have the ability.”

The random selection landed on a shooting game. Within a few light and shadow transitions, the room transformed into a shooting range.

Song Zheng was the first to take the field.

Placing a paw on the floating activation screen, the firearm he selected automatically materialized above.

【Player in this round can only score by hitting the calico cat plushies. Countdown ten seconds: ten… nine… eight…】

The countdown in mid-air hit zero. Across the vast lawn, countless plushies of all sizes floated down from various directions along chaotic, messy trajectories and in a myriad of styles.

One minute later, the gun in Song Zheng’s hand vanished, and the floating display screen showed his score.

【Player in this round hit fifty-four targets.】

The group of juniors applauded and showered him with flattery.

Song Jin: “Father’s prestige hasn’t faded one bit from the old days.”

Song Yu: “Hale and hearty in old age.”

Rong Mian: “So amazing.”

Rong Shi: “Your performance is still as stable as ever.”

Li Xiao: “The difficulty has ramped up; the pressure on those going later is huge.”

Song Yang: “Had I known, we should have played something else.”

Song Zheng drifted high on the compliments. Walking out of the match area with his hands behind his back, he deliberately pulled a serious face: “All of you, focus.”

The second to take the field was Song Yang, casually scoring fifty-five targets.

Stepping down, Song Yang shook his hand: “Isn’t it a bit too try-hard for a game? My hand feels so sore—Mianmian, quickly massage it for me.”

Song Zheng: “…”

Exactly one more than him.

This brat definitely did it on purpose.

The third to go up was Song Yu, scoring fifty-six targets. Stepping down, he sighed with emotion: “Thank goodness, a narrow victory.”

Song Zheng’s brow twitched: “…”

Song Jin went fourth, scoring fifty-seven targets. Setting down the gun, he clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction: “At least it’s one more than my brother—whatever, forget it.”

Song Zheng’s expression grew subtle: “…”

Following him up was Rong Mian, scoring fifty-eight targets. With a serious face, he said, “This mode really is difficult; there are so many obstacles.”

Song Zheng’s face turned sour: “…”

You’re all acting here, aren’t you?

Every single person scores exactly one more than the person before them. If this trend continues, he’s guaranteed to lose.

This group of little brats must have plotted this together to make him cook breakfast.

“Looks pretty fun,” Shen Sinian stood up from the ground. “I’ll join in, too.”

The originally harmonious atmosphere abruptly shifted.

Song Jin and the group secretly exchanged glances, sensing trouble.

Shen Sinian had never liked combat-type games, preferring mental challenges over physical action. Song Jin and the others had naturally excluded Shen Sinian from the game. More importantly—Shen Sinian couldn’t cook at all.

If he joined in, even if he lost, they shouldn’t expect to get an edible breakfast tomorrow.

A scene automatically flashed in Song Jin’s mind:

Dad cooks a pile of chaotic dark cuisine early in the morning, smiling as he serves it before them: “I cooked all morning, and you’re saying you won’t eat it, hm?”

Song Jin shuddered.

Dad must absolutely not lose.

Otherwise, the ones punished in the end would be them.

Shen Sinian pretended not to notice the busy eye contact among the cubs. After stepping up, he pressed the activation button and unleashed a fierce volley of fire with both guns.

【Player in this round hit eighteen targets.】

Shen Sinian let out a soft sigh: “The launch speed was so fast—my eyes and hands simply couldn’t keep up. I really am getting old.”

Li Xiao: “You’re not a professional; achieving this score is already quite impressive.”

Shen Sinian looked at him with a smile: “I’ll wait to see your performance.”

Li Xiao: “…”

Only Rong Shi and Li Xiao were left.

The two silently exchanged a look, both finding the situation somewhat tricky.

Shen Sinian’s score was honestly too far behind. How were they supposed to lose without making it obvious? This was a question worthy of deep thought.

Rong Shi went up first. His set of movements flowed like water, packed with visual appeal. Yet when the score came out, it was only seventeen.

Rong Shi looked at the display screen with a hint of surprise, as if suddenly coming to a realization: “I remembered the wrong target.”

Li Xiao: “…”

That works too?!

Shen Sinian teased, “It’s rare to see you make a mistake.”

Rong Shi stepped down calmly: “I’m human, too. Everyone makes mistakes.”

Li Xiao was the last to go up.

With Rong Shi setting the bottom line, he could have played freely, but as a new son-in-law visiting for the first time, he ought to show a bit of modesty.

When the final score came out: sixteen targets.

Shen Sinian teased, “Your dynamic vision and reaction speed are the best among everyone—did you remember the target wrong, too?”

Li Xiao: “…Perhaps the itinerary has been too tight recently, causing eye fatigue.”

Shen Sinian: “Come to the research institute with me tomorrow; I’ll help check it out for you.”

Li Xiao obediently agreed: “Alright.”

Song Jin’s voice sounded chillingly cool: “Dad, wipe away your drool.”

Shen Sinian: “…”

This brat.

Early the next morning, on the large bed in the fourth-floor master bedroom, Li Xiao regained consciousness. The little lion in his arms was sleeping soundly.

Checking the time, he gently pulled away from Song Jin, preparing to get up, only to be held tightly again.

Song Jin, half-asleep, rubbed against his chest, his voice raspy and lazy, heavy with sleepiness. “It’s still early.”

Li Xiao: “I need to go prepare breakfast.”

Song Jin: “…”

Song Jin struggled to open his eyes, looking up at him. Seeing that Li Xiao was serious, he felt somewhat helpless: “Missing one meal won’t kill anyone.”

“It’s that I want to make it for you.” Li Xiao rubbed his hair. “Go back to sleep; I’ll come call you.”

Song Jin tugged at him, refusing to let him go: “Kiss me.”

Li Xiao turned back and planted a kiss on his slightly parted lips before finally being permitted to get out of bed.

“So needy.”

When Song Jin leaned in to chase another kiss, Li Xiao had already straightened up. Song Jin let out a dissatisfied soft hmph, flipped over, and continued sleeping.

Li Xiao chuckled softly. After washing up, he headed down to the first-floor kitchen, not expecting someone to be even earlier than him, already busy inside.

“Prince Regent Rong?” Li Xiao was somewhat surprised.

“Just call me by my name.” Rong Shi was wearing an apron, standing before the stove, flipping pancakes. “What do you usually eat for breakfast?”

“Anything is fine, I’m not picky.” Li Xiao looked at the fluffy, sweet-smelling pancakes in the pan, then looked over at the island counter on the other side, where quite a few semi-finished dough pieces sat. “You’re making cookies?”

Rong Shi: “Mm, what flavor do you like?”

“Leaning toward spicy, but I can eat anything.”

Li Xiao opened the fresh-keeping cabinet. Ingredients were unexpectedly abundant; he casually retrieved a few items, preparing to simmer a sweet soup.

Hearing this, Rong Shi searched through a pile of seasonings to find chili powder and some imported Danse spices, mixing them before adding them into the pancake batter.

Li Xiao wanted to say there was no need to tailor it specifically for his taste, but Rong Shi had already poured it in. The words swallowed back down his throat, he stood before the sink washing ingredients, asking casually, “I heard that if members of the Song family don’t eat sweet food, they get very irritable?”

Rong Shi: “Xiao Jin told you that? He lied to you.”

Li Xiao: “…”

Rong Shi: “Even when they eat enough sweets, they’re still very irritable. It’s purely that they just have bad tempers.”

Li Xiao was amused by this remark. “It seems you speak from deep experience.”

Rong Shi: “They will resort to any means for things they like, including food. But that aspect is also quite cute.”

Li Xiao nodded: “Indeed.”

The chili aroma in the pot was a bit pungent. Rong Shi looked over at Li Xiao with curiosity: “I heard your five senses are extraordinary compared to normal people—don’t you feel a sharp pain when smelling chili?”

“Of course I do.” Li Xiao placed the washed purple sweet potatoes and taro onto a clean plate. “However, I love eating spicy food, so I’ve grown accustomed to that stinging sensation.”

Rong Shi asked probingly, “And toward Xiao Jin’s irritable side as well?”

Li Xiao chuckled softly: “He’s very interesting when he throws a temper.”

Rong Shi nodded in agreement: “I think so, too.”

Li Xiao: “Are you talking about Song Yu?”

Rong Shi: “Both of them.”

Li Xiao recalled the warehouse full of toys he saw last night, suddenly understanding why the little lion grew up to be the way he was. Setting aside the Song family genes, Song Yu’s bad temper was notoriously famous. With his personal example and teaching, plus a Rong Shi who seemed strict on the surface but was actually exceedingly doting—thinking a cub’s bad temper was cute—the little lion naturally grew more and more lawless.

During the time Li Xiao was absent, Rong Shi had witnessed Song Jin’s growth.

Just this point alone made him jealous enough to go crazy.

“Last time we met, I wanted to say thank you to you, but unfortunately, I didn’t find a suitable opportunity,” Rong Shi spoke up.

Li Xiao snapped back to reality, puzzled: “Thank me for what?”

Rong Shi plated the fried pancakes and continued pouring batter into the pan: “Thank you for giving Xiao Yu a hand during his most difficult time.”

Li Xiao understood, knowing he was referring to matters of the past life.

Since Song Yu and Song Yang had created the time machine capable of sending them back, they could naturally send Rong Shi back as well.

Li Xiao picked up the cutting board to chop ingredients: “There’s no need to thank me. I did it for myself. In exchange, Song Yu also dispatched troops to help me.”

“Regardless of your motives, from the results, you genuinely helped Xiao Yu.”

At this point, Rong Shi looked at the pancakes in the pan, his expression darkening, “Unfortunately, I was in a long-term coma and powerless against the predicament he faced, unable to help with anything.”

Li Xiao glanced at him, catching the nuance.

Could Rong Shi be jealous of him as well?

Once this thought crossed his mind, Li Xiao couldn’t help but find it amusing: “Let’s find time to sit down and chat—we might have a lot of topics in common.”

Rong Shi nodded: “I think so, too.”

After the ingredients for the sweet soup were placed into the stew pot, a few types of fruit and spices were added inside. Li Xiao set the smart program.

Curious, Rong Shi walked over to take a look, his brow twitching.

The combination of these ingredients was something he wouldn’t dare imagine—hovering on the edge of dark cuisine, yet inexplicably giving him the impression that it might actually taste pretty good.

Xiao Jin said Li Xiao wasn’t great at cooking, but the things he made were delicious—did he mean this?

Having only pancakes as the staple food wasn’t enough; Li Xiao thought about making some sandwiches or something. His terminal suddenly vibrated. Checking it, he saw that the shipment of snacks had arrived.

Li Xiao asked Rong Shi, “Is there a larger warehouse in the house?”

Rong Shi: “There are two empty underground warehouses; the entrance is at the North Gate. Should I accompany you over?”

“No need, I should be able to find it.” Li Xiao washed his hands and walked outside. “I’ll go arrange the unloading first.”

Seeing this, Rong Shi instructed Battlesuit 01 to follow along.

Just as Li Xiao walked into the courtyard, a familiar small metal sphere trailed behind him, a cheerful boy’s voice ringing in his ear.

“I am 01! Master sent me to guide your way!”

Li Xiao: “Thank you.”

01: “Leave it to me with peace of mind! I’m super familiar with this place! Want me to take you on a tour while we’re at it? The small warehouse on the west side holds a lot of fine wine, and the backyard storeroom has many toys the young master played with back in the day…”

Li Xiao listened to it chatter all the way, deeply realizing that even among AIs, personalities could be worlds apart.

Rong Shi was cold and reticent—how could he have such a chatterbox battlesuit?

09: “Master says you’re very noisy.”

01 paused, its voice carrying a crying tone: “Really? Then I won’t talk anymore, wahhh…”

Li Xiao: “…”

This little traitor, undercutting him every single time.

Li Xiao: “He’s talking nonsense. You’re the most warm and hospitable battlesuit I’ve ever seen.”

01 cheered up again: “I’m the big boss after all, hehehe!”

09: “That sentence was a lie to fool you.”

01: “WAAAHHH—”

Li Xiao: “…”

You’ve really outdone yourself, making Rong Shi’s battlesuit cry.

09 crossed its two matchstick arms, proudly declaring: “I’m the real boss.”

Li Xiao: “…”

Inside the kitchen, Rong Shi placed the baked cookies into a small bamboo basket. He had also made a portion of spicy ones. Fearing the cats might accidentally eat them, he specifically marked those cookies and set them apart.

Carrying the pancakes and cookies to the dining table, Rong Shi was just about to return to the kitchen when he received a communication request from a subordinate. Thinking it was still early, he went to handle work first.

Not long after he left, the main door opened from the outside, and a golden-haired Alpha around thirty years old rushed inside at a brisk pace.

“Old Li, where are Danse’s snacks hidden? Give me some.”

Song Yang followed his nose straight toward the kitchen. Passing by the dining area, he saw the exquisite cookies on the table and casually picked one up, tossing it into his mouth to chew.

With one bite down, Song Yang was so spiced that he grimaced, looking at the half-cookie in his hand in disbelief: “What is this?! A biochemical weapon?!”

On the fourth floor, Song Jin woke up and walked downstairs, running into Song Yu at the third-floor stairwell, who was also out foraging for food.

The brothers greeted each other and walked downstairs together.

Song Yu: “The soundproofing between the upper and lower bathrooms isn’t great—don’t be so wild.”

Song Jin thought nothing of it: “You have the nerve to talk about me? The bedroom soundproofing isn’t great either.”

Song Yu: “Indulging in youth leads to baldness in old age.”

Song Jin: “Haven’t you not gone bald either?”

On the second floor, Shen Sinian and Song Zheng heard the topic the brothers were discussing early in the morning and were rendered speechless.

“Guests are coming over this afternoon. All of you restrain yourselves—don’t look listless and embarrass us,” Shen Sinian said with a stern face.

Song Yu: “Who’s coming?”

Shen Sinian: “You’ll know when they arrive.”

The family of four arrived at the first floor, immediately spotting Song Yang swearing and cursing in the dining room.

“Why are you here?” Song Yu sharply spotted the cookies on the table, walking over to pick one up. “The guest is you?”

Song Yang paid no mind to what he said. Seeing them all arrive, he waved to signal them over: “Who made these cookies? It’s so delicious!”

How could the father and sons of the Song family, who loved sweets, hold back?

Song Jin saw two types in the bamboo basket. Remembering the losses he suffered at Li Xiao’s hands before, he wasn’t in a hurry to dig in. Before he could ask, Song Yu and Song Zheng had already stuffed the cookies into their mouths.

The next moment, the entire dining room was filled with the coughing and gasping sounds of Song Yu and Song Zheng, while Song Yang laughed heartlessly beside them.

“Dead brat, trying to harm me?” Song Yu chugged a glass of ice water, yet his mouth remained burning hot.

Song Yang threw up his hands: “I’m a victim, too. I don’t know who’s so perverted to put chili in cookies.”

“This is sweet and spicy—really no taste.” Song Jin said this verbally, but took an unmarked cookie, happily heading to the kitchen to find Li Xiao.

He didn’t find the person, but instead saw a plate of prepared pancakes sitting on the stove.

Thinking Li Xiao might have had urgent business and hadn’t had time to carry this portion out, Song Jin casually picked it up, grabbing some offcuts from another plate to stuff into his mouth, his footsteps abruptly freezing.

By the time Li Xiao finished supervising the robots unloading the cargo and returned, he witnessed this tragic scene.

A group of victims held their heads and cried bitterly. Only after stepping closer did he realize they had accidentally eaten the spicy cookies, brought to tears by the spice.

The little lion was even sneezing non-stop from the heat.

Li Xiao didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He brewed a pot of fruit tea to relieve the spice, pouring a glass for each of them.

Shen Sinian sat by the dining table reading the newspaper. Seeing this entire family, old and young, looking in such a wretched state, he simply couldn’t bear to look directly: “Serves you right for being gluttonous.”

Song Zheng: “…”

Song Yu: “…”

Song Jin: “…”

Song Yang: “…”

Unable to refute.

Li Xiao looked at Song Yang: “You came alone? Where’s Rong Mian?”

Song Yang: “Went to find my master.”

Speaking of Rong Mian, Rong Mian walked over from the direction of the small living room together with Rong Shi.

Li Xiao’s vision landed on the three egg-shaped robots following behind Rong Mian.

The floating robots resembled cradles, topped with transparent protective shields through which sleeping infants could be seen lying inside.

Around ten metal spheres orbited the three robots, like loyal bodyguards protecting the babies in the cradles.

This setup of a top-tier defensive system was something even Song Yu, as the King of Shengya, probably hadn’t enjoyed.

Li Xiao walked over to greet them: “Your children? Very cute, how old are they?”

Rong Mian smiled softly: “Fifty-two days.”

The robots were in stealth mode, visible only to Rong Mian and Li Xiao.

Song Jin couldn’t see anyone left or right, so he simply had 07 activate the auxiliary mode.

Stealth for the cradles was for safety on the road; Rong Mian simply revoked the stealth, letting them look at his children.

“The Song family’s genes are still as dominant as ever.” Shen Sinian opened one cradle, touching the infant’s golden hair.

As if feeling something, the infant rubbed against Shen Sinian’s palm.

The soft, squishy appearance completely melted the hearts of the spectating group.

The hair color of the three children differed slightly. Song Jin examined them excitedly, feeling somewhat surprised when looking at the third one: “How come there’s a white-furred one?”

Just as he spoke, the child in the cradle trembled, blearily opening its eyes to reveal a pair of extremely light-colored eyes.

Rong Mian simply opened the protective cover, lightly patting the infant, attempting to soothe him back to sleep.

“Grandpa checked and said all indicators are normal. When he grows a bit older, his hair color might darken. I thought Snow Planet has more precise testing equipment, and since it happens to be time for my annual checkup, I brought them along for a physical exam.”

Li Xiao: “This pair of eyes is very beautiful.”

Song Yang said smugly: “Right? If you’re smitten, give birth to a few yourselves—don’t make designs on my family.”

Li Xiao: “…”

Is there a need to be so on guard?

Song Zheng: “It should be normal. My great-grandfather’s hair color was extremely light.”

Song Yu chuckled: “Atavism?”

Song Jin stood close. Seeing the white-furred cub staring at him, he reached out a hand to tease it.

“Did you hear that? They say you’re an atavism, destined to inherit the throne.”

The cub stretched, its raised hand just happening to cover its eyes, blearily falling back to sleep.

“Hey?” Song Jin touched its face. “So cold and aloof, ignoring me, huh? Then you it is—in the future, come be my successor. Your nickname will be Song Buli.”

Li Xiao and the others: “…”

Naming on the spot—as expected of you.

Rong Mian: “…”

Song Yang: “…”

Does he, the father, count as dead to him?