"Eee eee eee, I want that one..."

"Don't suddenly act cute. Speak properly."

As if not understanding my words, the little loli bit her finger, thought for a moment, then grinned and playfully punched my head.

Seriously, my head isn't a toy. Taking care of kids really isn't my thing.

"Daddy, that one, that one~"

As we passed a figurine store, she grabbed my head, insisting on buying a shiny golden figure.

Sigh, if this would keep her quiet, it was fine.

But right after buying it, before she even played with it long, she actually popped it into her mouth and ate it under my eyes.

Hey hey hey, don't scare me!

I lifted the little loli up and examined her thoroughly—yet she was perfectly fine. This...

Maybe I'm just dreaming. Yeah, it must be a dream.

On the way home, I felt like escaping reality. That scene was unbelievable. If she hadn't been fine, I'd have rushed her to the hospital.

"Daddy, Daddy..."

"Call me brother."

Unconsciously, we passed Biyang High School. I checked the time—Qing Xue would be out soon. Might as well wait.

Anyway, I had nothing better to do. Plus, recalling Yaoji's words, I was a bit curious to see Qing Xue in black stockings.

Sitting by the wall, I propped my cheek on my left fist, texted Ouyang Qingsnow, and waited.

The little loli hopped around me. If she wasn't causing trouble, she was actually kinda cute.

"Ge ge."

"Call me bro... what's wrong?"

"Tummy's hungry."

She looked at me, eyes teary.

"And then?"

Crawl—she yanked up my shirt and burrowed inside. Her tiny horns tore two holes in the fabric, and her tail slapped the ground with a thump-thump.

Seriously, what was she even doing?

Whatever. Let her be. Bored, I closed my eyes to rest.

Unconsciously, more parents gathered at the school gate, luxury cars lining the roadside.

They stared at me, whispering. I ignored them completely.

"Young people these days—having kids so young. They don't know the cost of daily life."

What does having a kid have to do with daily expenses?

"When I was his age, I'd blush just holding a girl's hand. Tsk tsk, young people today."

What does your shyness have to do with me? How have young people offended you?

"Not studying, only chasing love. This kid's hopeless. At his age, he'll get into trouble soon."

Nonsense about not studying—I'm skipping class! And what does "hopeless" have to do with "trouble"?

While mentally mocking the parents' chatter, the school bell rang for dismissal.

High school life is the toughest in twelve years of compulsory education—and the most stressful.

Most students trudged out, looking utterly drained.

Silently checking my phone, I waited.

But the little loli wriggling inside my clothes suddenly bit my chest.

Sss—

I sucked in a sharp breath.

"Hey, you little brat!"

I yanked her out and lifted her high, my jaw twitching. I was about to scold her, but...

"Wah, wah wah wah—"

I hadn't even spoken, and this brat burst into tears. Missy, I'm the wronged one here.

Hands trembling, I swallowed my anger and cooed to comfort her.

"Good girl, no cry, no cry."

"Mm, mm, no cry. Lilim won't cry..."

"What are you doing?"

Ouyang Qingsnow stepped out of the gate, eyeing me like an idiot. Her voice was icy.

"Taking care of a kid."

"No—I mean, how did you bring Lilim out?"

"Someone claiming to be your sister forced her on me. Said she's traveling and needs us to babysit."

If possible, I'd rather Qing Xue handle kid duty.

"Is that so."

"Mm."

And that was it. No follow-up.

Just then, Oriental September emerged from campus, waving goodbye to girls as she approached.

"Hi! Picking up your wife? First time seeing you here."

She wore casual clothes, sporty short hair giving her a handsome vibe.

"Mm, I drop by sometimes. She's my fiancée—I should do this much."

This should boost her favor. If I were serious, winning a girl over would be easy.

"Whoa! What's this super cute creature? Yours and Xue Xue's kid? Whoa, whoa—as your bestie, you didn't tell me!"

Her voice drew stares. Girls whispered; boys glared with murderous intent.