Gathered Together

At Xiao Ling's call, Xi'er, whose eyes had been tightly shut, fluttered her lashes and slowly opened them.

A trace of bewilderment over the strange changes within her still lingered in her eyes. She gently shook her little head, as if she had not yet fully recovered from that warm, soothing sensation.

Only when her gaze met Xiao Ling's smiling eyes did she seem to suddenly come to her senses. Her eyes lit up, and she toddled toward him on her short little legs.

Without the turbulence of powerful Dou Qi raging within her body, her steps were steady. Her tiny arms and legs swayed as she moved, making her look every bit the adorably innocent little child she was. There was no longer any sign of that domineering cleverness from before.

When she reached Xiao Ling, she tipped up her round little face and stretched both arms up with all her might. Her clear childish voice burst forth sweetly. "Daddy! Hug!"

Xiao Ling hurried forward, bent down into a crouch, and opened his arms to scoop his daughter's soft little body into his embrace.

He rubbed Xi'er's delicate cheek, then kissed her smooth forehead. His voice was full of laughter and praise. "Xi'er is so good. No crying, no fussing. You really are Daddy's precious little treasure."

Xi'er giggled at the kiss, wrapping her little arms tightly around Xiao Ling's neck and rubbing her head against the hollow of his neck. "Xi'er listens to Daddy the best!"

Medusa took in the entire scene from the side. Her red lips curled slightly, and a faint trace of jealousy rippled through her eyes. In a mildly aggrieved, sour tone, she said, "Hmph, now that you have Daddy, you've tossed your mother right out of your mind?"

Upon hearing her mother, Xiao