txolops Chapter 33 Spirit Pets, I don't have any.
Chapter 33 Spirit Pets, I don't have any.
Two girls of similar age, like two seedlings just breaking through the soil, tentatively approached each other in unfamiliar soil, and soon became acquainted.
They huddled together, chattering and gesturing their names, discovering that it was the first time for each of them to step into this bizarre and wonderful "strange world," filled with a bewildered desire to explore everything before them.
Although Han Baibai was young, she acted like a little master, walking ahead with her chest puffed out. She would turn around from time to time and greet the big girl behind her, who was as obedient as a little rabbit, with her eyes that were still a little wary but full of curiosity.
Daya followed closely, taking quick, small steps, afraid of losing her.
She watched as Han Baibai pushed open each door in a very professional manner and peered out from the windows. She then imitated her, cautiously observing the residence of this "young master".
Every table, chair, flower, and tree here is like a novel toy to them, full of unknown allure.
As usual, Lady Yu followed far behind them.
She watched the two small figures darting around the yard, one boldly exploring, the other quietly keeping her company, and a gentle smile unconsciously crept onto her lips.
She didn't go up to disturb them, but quietly watched over them, letting them get to know each other little by little in this unfamiliar environment, and gradually cultivate the purest feelings that belong to children.
He felt a pang of regret. His foundation was damaged, and he didn't have many years left to live. It was a pity to lose such a powerful figure. He could only let Daya seize the opportunity.
This can be seen as finding a way out for the family's future.
On the stone bridge, a gentle breeze rippled across the water.
Han Baibai leaned on the railing, her short legs dangling in mid-air, her big eyes fixed on the fish swimming happily in the water. Suddenly, an untimely "glug" sound broke the silence.
She clutched her stomach, sighed like a little adult, and said in a childish voice, "Oh, I'm hungry. I wish I could eat fish."
Upon hearing this, Daya immediately stepped forward, blinked her big eyes at the water, and obediently replied, "Miss, would you like to eat fish? Daya will catch some for you."
Upon hearing this, Han Baibai quickly waved her little hand and solemnly instructed, "No, Mother said that children cannot go into the water by themselves, or water ghosts will grab their toes."
Daya smiled mysteriously, puffed out her little chest, and said, "No need to go into the water, I have mantis shrimp, they're really good at catching fish!"
As soon as she finished speaking, a flash of light appeared, and a crystal-clear young demon beast flew out from Da Ya's waist. It did not go directly into the water, but stood obediently beside Da Ya, its two large pincers clasped together in front of its chest, its head held high, looking just like an elite soldier waiting for its general's orders.
"Go, catch some fish!"
With a crisp command from Daya, the "mantis shrimp" instantly transformed into a streak of light and plunged into the water, creating a small splash. Then, it charged towards the school of fish with lightning speed.
"Wow! Oh! Catch that one, that one's big! That's the big fish that's leading it!" Han Baibai clapped her hands excitedly, pointing at the water and shouting encouragement.
The once quiet courtyard was suddenly filled with the cheerful laughter of two little girls.
Looking at the majestic spirit pet in the water, Han Baibai's eyes were overflowing with envy.
She looked down at her empty waist and felt a pang of jealousy: she never expected that this little maid, who was about the same age as her, would have such a powerful spirit pet. She was the eldest daughter of the Han family, and she didn't even have one.
"Da Ya, is your spirit pet called Pipi Shrimp? Did your mother give it to you?" she couldn't help but ask curiously, her tone tinged with a hint of probing.
The simple-minded Daya didn't understand the convoluted explanation and immediately replied in a clear voice, "No, it was bought by the young master! He also named it because it's a shrimp and has a hard shell, so it's called mantis shrimp."
Upon hearing this, Han Baibai's lips immediately pouted so much they could hang an oil bottle on them.
Hmph! His father bought spirit pets for his maids, but not for himself!
I'm unhappy, very unhappy.
Just then, Yu Niangzi's gentle voice came from afar: "Miss, Daya, come back for dinner!"
The two little ones exchanged a glance, putting the unpleasantness of the previous moment behind them, and happily ran back to the hall hand in hand.
As soon as you enter the hall, a rich aroma wafts over you.
Han Li and Han Xiaoliu were already sitting at the octagonal table, on which were two steaming bowls of soup, their reddish-brown color making them look incredibly appetizing.
Yu Niangzi led two maids to sit down at the table, carefully picked up one of the dishes and pushed it in front of Han Baibai, saying softly, "This was made by the young master himself. Miss, please try it and see if you like it."
Han Baibai held her spoon, not in a hurry to eat. She secretly glanced at Han Xiaoliu sitting opposite her.
The man was drinking tea with his head down, his profile was cold and aloof, but he was unusually careful in the way he served her soup.
She lowered her head, gently scooped up a spoonful, and put it in her mouth.
The sweet and sour taste melted on her tongue, and that familiar flavor brought tears to her eyes.
This is red radish soup.
My mother used to make this for me.
My mother said that this is a unique recipe of my father's family. No one outside can make it. Even the cooking time and the proportion of seasonings are secrets.
Han Baibai tightened her grip on the spoon, and the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up slightly, the gloom in her heart instantly vanishing.
He really is my father.
Han Xiaoliu keenly noticed the change in his daughter's eyes. The gaze that had originally been somewhat scrutinizing and distant had finally softened, like a pool of spring water, no longer guarded against him.
He knew that he had taken the first step.
After all, I missed six whole years of her growth. To truly understand this child, I will have to spend time with her every day.
He toned down his usual casualness, a gentle smile playing on his lips, and asked softly, "How is it? Is it delicious?"
Han Baibai, who was engrossed in her work, paused, raised her face, which was slightly smeared with soup, glanced quickly at her father, and then quickly lowered her head again, as if afraid that her thoughts would be seen through.
She hesitated for a moment, then gently stirred the red soup in her bowl with her spoon, responding in a whisper, "Delicious! Even better than... even better than Mother's."
Seeing this, Daya quickly swallowed the food in her mouth and chimed in her childish voice, "Young Master's cooking is the best! Daya loves it the most!"
These innocent compliments from a child instantly warmed the atmosphere at the table.
Yu Niangzi covered her mouth and chuckled softly, and Han Li's eyes were also full of relief, clearly both of them feeling that the girl's resistance to Han Xiaoliu was melting away.
Han Li stretched out his broad, kind hand and gently patted Han Baibai's little head, his gesture loving, but his tone held a hint of probing: "From now on, your uncle will call you Xiaobai, okay?"
Han Baibai nodded obediently, her cheeks slightly flushed from being rubbed: "Yes, Mother calls me that too."
"Can I call you Xiaobai too?" Han Xiaoliu leaned forward slightly, her eyes filled with a cautious anticipation.
Han Baibai didn't speak, but nodded silently. Then, as if to hide her shyness, she lowered her head even further and continued to "compete" with the soup in her bowl.
Seeing that the atmosphere was just right, Han Xiaoliu wanted to find a topic to bridge the gap between father and daughter, so he casually asked, "Xiaobai, your uncle just checked you, why isn't there any spiritual energy fluctuation on you? Haven't you started cultivating yet?"
Upon hearing this, Han Baibai, who had been diligently eating, froze.
This was a precise strike, hitting Han Baibai's deepest wound.
The little girl tightened her grip on the spoon, her shoulders trembled slightly, and large tears silently rolled down her cheeks, splashing into the bowl and creating tiny ripples.
This terrified the two rough-looking men.
Han Li was at a loss, and Han Xiaoliu wished he could slap himself.
Yu Niangzi reacted the fastest, immediately stepping forward to hug Han Baibai and gently comforting her, "Miss, don't cry. Is something bothering you? Tell the young master, and he'll surely have a solution."
The little girl looked up at Han Xiaoliu with teary eyes, her voice trembling with tears, "Really?"
Seeing this, Han Xiaoliu's heart broke. He immediately patted his chest and assured her firmly, "My dear daughter, don't cry. Even if the sky falls, Daddy will hold it up! Tell your father what's bothering you, and I'll definitely solve it for you!"
Han Baibai sniffed, hesitated, and nervously twisted the hem of her clothes with both hands. In the end, she lowered her head in embarrassment, her voice so soft it was like a mosquito's hum: "I... my spiritual root... no... it's a mixed spiritual root..."
Han Xiaoliu was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.
What was that all about? Turns out it was him complaining about his own lack of talent.
"Snapped!"
With a sharp crack, Han Xiaoliu slammed his hand on the table, making the bowls and chopsticks clatter.
He widened his eyes, his face full of exasperation as he retorted, "Don't listen to their nonsense! Who told you that the more spiritual roots you have, the worse it is? They just don't understand! Having few spiritual roots means no future. Our Xiaobai's mixed spiritual roots are the best! Don't believe me? Ask your uncle!"