Brother, You Smell So Good

Just then, two little girls came walking toward them.

The girl on the left had black hair tied in a high ponytail. Her big, bright eyes brimmed with energy, and she looked adorable. She was Tang Wuling.

The girl on the right made Cheng Duoyi's eyes light up at once.

She had a rare head of short silver hair that glimmered softly in the sunlight.

Her eyes were large, and her irises were like two clear purple crystals. Her long lashes curled naturally upward, and her skin was soft and fair, like a delicate porcelain doll's.

This was Na'er.

When Na'er saw Cheng Duoyi, she stopped in her tracks.

She let go of Tang Wuling's hand and walked toward Cheng Duoyi without even realizing it.

Her gaze was full of curiosity and an inexplicable sense of closeness, as if the pale, frail little boy before her were a long-lost relative.

Brother... you smell so good! Na'er thought, almost blurting it out.

Tang Wuling looked at Na'er in puzzlement, then followed her gaze and spotted Cheng Duoyi too.

For some reason, when she saw his bright, limpid eyes, her heart skipped a beat. A faint blush spread across her face, and a strange warmth stirred in her body, leaving her flustered.

This brother smells so good. I want to hug him forever! Tang Wuling thought. But... why is his hair white? It's like Na'er's.

Cheng Duoyi smiled at Na'er as she walked toward him.

He had just opened his mouth to speak when he couldn't help coughing twice.

"Yi'er!" Leng Xue'er turned pale and hurried to support him. "Why are you coughing again? Are you tired? Let's find somewhere to rest."

"It's all right, Sister Xue'er. I'm fine." Cheng Duoyi shook his head, his voice faint.

By then, Na'er had reached Cheng Duoyi.

She tilted up her little face and looked at his pale cheeks and white hair. Her eyes held not only longing but also concern.

She reached out a small hand, wanting to take Cheng Duoyi's hand.

Leng Xue'er frowned, instinctively wanting to stop her.

She didn't know who this little girl was. What if she hurt Cheng Duoyi?

But Cheng Duoyi gently shook his head and smiled at her, signaling that it was all right.

Cheng Duoyi held out his cold little hand and gently took Na'er's.

The instant their skin touched, Cheng Duoyi suddenly felt the Dragon God Heart give a fierce beat. It was stronger and more vigorous than ever before, and the life force that had been slowly draining away came to a miraculous halt!

Not only that, the Dragon God Heart began to circulate much faster.

A gentle, pure energy flowed from the Dragon God Heart, slowly nourishing his withered meridians and body. His body was no longer cold; a hint of warmth spread through him.

At the same time, Na'er felt an incredibly comforting sensation flowing from Cheng Duoyi's hand.

It was warm and sacred, making her feel utterly safe, as if she were back in a loved one's embrace.

She couldn't help tightening her grip on Cheng Duoyi's hand, wanting to feel more of that warmth. And... he smelled even better! She wanted to... eat him even more?

She squeezed too hard. Cheng Duoyi's brow furrowed slightly, and his face grew even paler.

"Ah! I'm sorry!" Na'er quickly let go and looked at him in a panic, her big eyes full of remorse. "Brother, did I hurt you?"

Cheng Duoyi shook his head and said softly, "It's all right. I'm just too frail. It's not your fault."

His voice was a little hoarse, tugging at the heartstrings.

Tang Wuling walked over too. Looking at Cheng Duoyi's pale little face, she felt an inexplicable ache in her heart.

She was just about to say something when her foot caught on something. She lost her balance and pitched forward.

"Look out!"

Cheng Duoyi reacted quickly and reached out to catch her.

But Tang Wuling still hit the ground hard, landing on her bottom. The pain nearly brought tears to her eyes.

"Ow!"

Tang Wuling cried out, then rubbed her bottom and got back up.

"Are you okay?" Cheng Duoyi asked, trying to comfort her.

Na'er came over too and looked at Tang Wuling. "Sister Wuling, are you okay?"

Tang Wuling looked at Cheng Duoyi and Na'er, then smiled. "I'm fine."

Cheng Duoyi smiled. "Good. My name is Cheng Duoyi. You can call me Yi'er. This is Sister Leng Xue'er."

"I'm Tang Wuling, and she's Na'er," Tang Wuling said softly, looking up.

Na'er took Cheng Duoyi's hand again. This time, she was careful not to squeeze.

Tang Wuling looked at Cheng Duoyi, her eyes full of anticipation. "Brother Yi'er, would you like to come play at my house? My mom makes really delicious food."

Cheng Duoyi looked at Leng Xue'er, who nodded.

"Sure," Cheng Duoyi said with a smile.

So the three children walked hand in hand in the direction of Tang Wuling's home.

Leng Xue'er followed a short distance behind, keeping a wary eye on their surroundings.

Just then, Leng Xue'er keenly noticed several shifty-looking ruffians lurking in a nearby alley, watching Tang Wuling and Na'er. Her gaze turned icy in an instant. She took out her soul communicator and contacted her subordinates.

"East District of Aolai City, near Red Mountain Academy. There are five thugs. Take care of them, and leave no trace." Leng Xue'er's voice was cold as ice. She hung up as soon as she finished speaking.

She would never allow anyone to hurt Cheng Duoyi, and she would never allow anyone to hurt those he cared about.

Before long, the three of them arrived at Tang Wuling's home.

Her family lived in a plain apartment building in Aolai City's residential district.

The home wasn't large, barely a few dozen square meters.

There was a living room of just over ten square meters, a small kitchen and bathroom, and two rooms, each less than ten square meters.

But the place was spotless and filled with a cozy warmth.

Tang Ziran and Lang Yue welcomed Cheng Duoyi warmly.

Cheng Duoyi greeted them politely. His graceful manners made it clear at a glance that he had received a good education.

Lang Yue felt a pang of sympathy when she saw his pale little face, and brought him lots of tasty food.

Dinner was simple: a plate of stir-fried greens, braised ribs, a cold dish, and a bowl of vegetable soup. But there was plenty of it.

Cheng Duoyi enjoyed the meal, and his small appetite put Tang Ziran and Lang Yue at ease.

By the time dinner was over, it was already dark.

Leng Xue'er went over to Cheng Duoyi and said softly, "Yi'er, we should head back. Otherwise, the Vice Pagoda Master will worry."

Cheng Duoyi nodded and stood up.

When Na'er saw Cheng Duoyi was leaving, she immediately grabbed his hand. Her eyes reddened as she said, "Brother Yi'er, please don't go. I want to stay with you."

Cheng Duoyi patted her head and said gently, "Be good, Na'er. How about I come see you again tomorrow?"

"No!" Na'er shook her head, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I want to go with Brother Yi'er! I want to be with you forever!"

Tang Ziran and Lang Yue were in a bit of a bind.

They liked Na'er too, but she wasn't their biological daughter. Tang Wuling had found her.

Besides, Cheng Duoyi's family was clearly much better off than theirs. Na'er would probably have a better life with him. After all, with their current means, feeding two children was already a struggle...

Cheng Duoyi thought for a moment, then said to Leng Xue'er, "Sister Xue'er, let's take Na'er home with us. I'll talk to my godmother. I'm sure she'll agree."

Leng Xue'er nodded. "All right. As long as Yi'er is happy."

Tang Ziran and Lang Yue discussed it, then agreed as well.

They told Na'er to be good, take care of herself, come visit often, and treat this place as her home...

Only then did they say goodbye to her, reluctant to part.

When Na'er heard she could go with Cheng Duoyi, she burst into a smile through her tears and clung tightly to his arm. She nodded repeatedly at everything Tang Ziran and Lang Yue said.

Tang Wuling looked at the two of them. "Brother Yi'er, come visit me often! Na'er, we're good friends, so you have to come see me often too. I'll miss you both."

Cheng Duoyi nodded. "I'll bring Na'er to see you every day. Don't worry."

Na'er nodded too. "Sister Wuling, I'll miss you too. I'll come see you with Brother Yi'er."

The group chatted for a while. Then Cheng Duoyi took Na'er's hand, and he and Leng Xue'er left Tang Wuling's home.

Tang Wuling stood at the door and watched them walk away, feeling a little hollow inside.