Chapter 70: Experiencing the Hardships of Childcare at a Tender Age
"What an adorable little one. Is this the little girl you almost abducted back then?"
"I didn't expect them to really send the child over. She seems quite shy, though."
After returning to Spirit City, news about Di Yue reached Qian Daoliu and the others immediately. They all put aside their current work and rushed over at once. After all, this was a major matter.
The overwhelming strength Di Tian had displayed last time was still vivid in their memories. Especially after Golden Crocodile Douluo told them that the other party's strength might very well surpass that of Spirit Hall itself—even Qian Daoliu couldn't remain calm.
The Douluo Continent was vast. Even though Spirit Hall spanned the two great empires and suppressed all currently known major factions, there were still many hidden forces unknown to them.
Tang Chen of the Clear Sky Sect was one, and Sea God Island far overseas was another—both were forces Qian Daoliu held in deep caution. Now, yet another power had suddenly emerged, one that even seemed capable of overpowering them. That alone made him treat this shy-looking little girl before him with extreme seriousness.
At this moment, Di Yue was hiding behind Fan Chen, her small hands tightly clutching the hem of his clothes. Her watery eyes were filled with panic, like a startled little rabbit.
"Enough already—rein it in. Don't scare the child." Golden Crocodile Douluo stepped forward and waved everyone back a little.
"You bunch of rough old men, can't you see how tightly she's surrounded? You'll make her cry at this rate—and none of you know how to comfort kids."
After all, not everyone was as tough as Fan Chen—someone who could be beaten without shedding a single tear.
"Don't be afraid. They're all good people. They won't hurt you." Fan Chen turned around and gently comforted Di Yue, then began introducing the people in front of her. He started with Qian Daoliu and went down one by one.
However, when he reached Qian Xunji, he paused. He then looked toward his master, Golden Crocodile Douluo. In his memory, Qian Xunji didn't seem to know about Di Tian's existence, did he?
Golden Crocodile Douluo was a little speechless. Qian Xunji was, after all, the current Pope. Putting aside his position, he was still Qian Daoliu's son and Xiao Xue's father. No matter which identity you looked at, there was nothing strange about him knowing this matter.
But why did Fan Chen seem to harbor some inexplicable aversion toward him? Could it be because he'd almost beaten him up during their first meeting? That couldn't be it, right? Was this kid really that petty?
What Golden Crocodile Douluo didn't know was that Fan Chen wasn't holding a grudge—he simply disliked the man. More accurately, the two of them mutually disliked each other. There was no deeper reason—just pure, instinctive dislike.
"This is Sister Xiao Xue's father. He looks a bit fierce, so just call him… uh…" Fan Chen almost blurted out "old bastard," but quickly changed course. "...Uncle."
"Old… uncle?" Di Yue was clearly confused by the title. Wasn't "uncle" just "uncle"? What was an "old uncle"?
"Just 'uncle.' You don't need the word in front." Fan Chen hurriedly explained, already sensing the killing intent radiating from Qian Xunji. Targeted—nakedly targeted. Sometimes, Qian Xunji really wanted to give Fan Chen a beating. Just looking at him was infuriating. In his eyes, Fan Chen was a rude, wild child with no manners whatsoever. No matter what, he was still an elder—how could a junior behave like this?
The others were also helpless regarding the way Fan Chen and Qian Xunji interacted. After the brief introductions, the discussion turned to Di Yue's arrangements. Because the little one was extremely shy, the original plan had been for Meng Xiaoyan or Qian Renxue to look after her. After all, they were girls—caring for each other would be more convenient.
But Di Yue only recognized Fan Chen. She wasn't repelled by Qian Renxue or Meng Xiaoyan, but following either of them away was out of the question. With no other option, they could only let Di Yue stay with Fan Chen for the time being. Meng Xiaoyan lived right next door, making it easy to help out if anything came up. Afterwards, Qian Daoliu also arranged for Qian Renxue to stay there as well. With four children living together, it would be easier for them to look after one another.
Xiao Bai, because of Jin Bao's presence, didn't want to stay there and instead ran off to Qian Renxue's side. Although due to Fan Chen, he no longer beat her up, the dissatisfaction in his heart remained. Even though Jin Bao had begun approaching him on her own initiative, Xiao Bai still remained aloof and indifferent. Fan Chen didn't want to force the issue. After all, he was already busy enough taking care of Di Yue.
Inside the room, Fan Chen bustled about, handling matters related to Di Yue. He hadn't expected that at such a young age, he'd already experienced the hardships of childcare. Even though this was only a temporary stay, what needed to be done still had to be done. After all, he'd accepted so many benefits from Di Tian and the others. Failing to take good care of their child would truly be unforgivable. If Di Tian found out he took the payment without doing the job, he'd probably come over and beat him senseless.
There were already plenty of people who wanted to beat him up—Fan Chen really didn't want to add another to the list.
"Finally done. I'm exhausted." Looking at the neatly arranged room, Fan Chen felt quite satisfied.
Because of Di Yue, he had specifically added another bed for himself. The original large bed was left for Di Yue. Although both of them were still children and sleeping together wouldn't really be an issue, Fan Chen still wanted to keep a bit of distance. After all, his body might be that of a child—but his soul wasn't. Some boundaries still had to be respected.
After finishing the work, Fan Chen went to take a shower. He then temporarily sent Di Yue next door to Meng Xiaoyan's place, asking her to help bathe Di Yue as well. Because Xiao Bai had been constantly rejecting her, Jin Bao was also staying with Meng Xiaoyan for now, curled up against Da Bai for comfort. Da Bai was kept in Meng Xiaoyan's room.
Back at the orphanage, she often slept on Da Bai during afternoon naps, and that habit had continued to this day. Da Bai was more than happy to act as her pillow. Now, however, that pillow had been occupied by Jin Bao. Meng Xiaoyan didn't mind at all—she quite liked Jin Bao.
Compared to Xiao Bai's lively and mischievous nature, Jin Bao's personality was quiet and elegant. Very similar to Di Yue's—both a little shy, though Jin Bao was somewhat better. She truly took after her master. As expected, creatures really did inherit the temperament of the one who raised them.
After helping Di Yue bathe, Meng Xiaoyan prepared to send her back to Fan Chen's place. Just then, Di Yue tugged on Meng Xiaoyan's sleeve and handed her an exquisitely crafted little bottle.
"Sister, this is for you. Mom said that when you go out, you should build good relationships with others." Before Di Yue left, Biji had instructed her on many things. One of them was to befriend the humans close to Fan Chen—this would help ensure her safety. When necessary, giving small gifts could quickly close the distance.
After observing for a few days, Di Yue felt that Meng Xiaoyan and Qian Renxue both had very good relationships with Fan Chen. Especially Meng Xiaoyan—her relationship with Fan Chen was the closest, though the way they interacted was somewhat… unique.
Di Yue often saw them bickering, but it never affected their relationship. It was like how Dad Di Tian and Uncle Bear Lord often fought—they fought, yes, but afterward everything went back to normal.
In her eyes, Fan Chen and Meng Xiaoyan had that same kind of bond. So they must be very close. She was only half right.
Fan Chen and Meng Xiaoyan were indeed close—but when it came to teasing each other, neither ever held back. If Fan Chen knew Di Yue had given Meng Xiaoyan benefits, he'd probably spit blood on the spot. That was no different from aiding the enemy.
Meng Xiaoyan was also taken aback. She'd only helped with a bath—why was she being given a gift? If this were anyone else, she might've accepted it. She had no moral bottom line when messing with Fan Chen—any dirty trick was fair game. But with Di Yue? She truly couldn't do it. The girl was too pure, like a blank sheet of paper.
Taking advantage of her would make Meng Xiaoyan feel guilty. Moreover, she could sense that the item Di Yue was holding was definitely not something cheap. This wasn't something she could casually accept—she didn't have anything of equal value to give in return.
"No, no, that's too much. You're being far too polite." "Keep it for yourself. We're friends—helping each other is only natural. Giving gifts like this makes things feel distant."
Seeing Meng Xiaoyan refuse, Di Yue felt a little dejected. In her understanding, rejection meant that their relationship wasn't close enough. But she could clearly feel that the other party liked her. So why wouldn't she accept it?
Di Yue obviously didn't understand the nuances of human social interaction. Meng Xiaoyan's explanation also wasn't something she could fully comprehend. In the end, Meng Xiaoyan simply pushed the matter onto Fan Chen, telling Di Yue to ask him why instead.
That guy might always try to mess with her, but in this kind of situation, letting him explain things to Di Yue wouldn't be a problem. At the very least, he wouldn't lead the child astray. And Di Yue obediently nodded at Meng Xiaoyan's words.
—
End of Chapter