CH 116.2

Chu Rong, blocked for a moment, regained some of his composure. He glanced at Mi Lai but quickly returned his focus to the now more visible Qiao Zhiya in Qiao Yi’s arms. Without advancing further, he knelt on one knee, placing himself in a non-threatening, supplicatory position, and tentatively reached out, his voice soft as he called, “Qiao.”

Qiao Zhiya peeked out, seeing every emotion in Chu Rong’s eyes except disgust or rejection. His anxious heart slowly settled, and he responded softly, his wings fluttering slightly.

Qiao Yi frowned, observing Chu Rong’s entirely non-aggressive posture. After a moment’s hesitation, he slowly released his hold.

The small, light golden dragon fully revealed himself, his wings flapping gently, his tail curling uncertainly. He inched towards Chu Rong but suddenly stopped, turning to look at his wide-eyed mother with a hint of tears. Changing direction, he flew over to her, nuzzling her neck and softly saying, “Mom, I will always love you.”

Mi Lai hugged him tightly, glaring fiercely at Chu Rong, who seemed ready to rush forward, and then she kissed his forehead, murmuring, “Mommy will always love you too.”

After exchanging a look with her husband, she reluctantly released her hold and withdrew her protective energy from Chu Rong.

Qiao Zhiya then flew to his father’s side, touching foreheads and receiving a gentle magic response before turning back to face Chu Rong, who was staring at him intently. Infusing his voice with magic, he cautiously asked in the common language, “Chu Rong, now that I’ve become like this, do you still want to be with me?”

After two years together, Chu Rong had become quite adept at sensing Qiao Zhiya’s magic and quickly understood his peculiar way of speaking.

Almost immediately, Chu Rong extended his hand again. Despite his cold and stern expression, his tone was firm and gentle, as if suppressing some intense emotion. He hoarsely replied, “Of course… I love you.”

It was the first time Chu Rong had so clearly and directly expressed his feelings. Qiao Zhiya was stunned, his eyes wide, and he forgot to flap his wings, causing him to fall.

Mi Lai, not understanding the lingua franca, saw her son falling and thought Chu Rong had scared him. She screamed and started to rush forward to catch him, her power and killing intent flaring up again.

Qiao Yi, understanding Chu Rong’s words, swiftly moved to embrace his wife, preventing her from attacking.

Chu Rong quickly caught the falling little dragon, holding him tightly. His suppressed mental energy enveloped Qiao Zhiya, and his long-tense nerves finally relaxed. He stroked the small body, almost sighing, “Qiao.”

Feeling the familiar embrace and energy, Qiao Zhiya looked up at Chu Rong’s slightly haggard face. Overwhelmed by a mix of emotions — touched, worried, shy — he instinctively responded with a low cry, his magic power brushing against Chu Rong’s spiritual power. 

The room filled with the low, excited chirps of the little dragon. Mi Lai, held by her husband, heard her son’s sounds, and her charging emotions paused. She tugged on Qiao Yi’s clothes, bumping her head against his chest.

Qiao Yi comfortingly patted her shoulder and back. He glanced at his overjoyed son, wings flapping wildly, then lowered his gaze, suppressing his reluctance and concern. He forced himself to look away.

Their son has grown up now. This was his life, and they shouldn’t interfere too much. Compared to their worries, their son’s happiness was more important. As long as he was happy, it was enough.

But this touching, harmonious atmosphere lasted only a short while. As Chu Rong stood up, holding the now calmer Qiao Zhiya, a gust of wind rushed towards his face.

Having just reunited with his lover, Chu Rong’s nerves were on high alert. Detecting the wind, his body tensed, ready to counterattack, his expression turning cold and slightly murderous.

Qiao Zhiya, held securely in his arms, widened his eyes and urgently flapped his wings, pulling at Chu Rong’s chest, signaling him to stop.

At the crucial moment, a burst of wood magic intervened, and Chu Rong, realizing that the only ones who could attack him in this room were Qiao Zhiya’s parents, quickly dropped his guard.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Mi Lai attacked Chu Rong’s arm. Qiao Yi, secretly holding back, allowed the strike to connect. Chu Rong’s arm went numb, and with a swirl of earth magic, Qiao Zhiya was snatched back into his mother’s arms.

Chu Rong instinctively stepped forward when his arms were suddenly empty, but Qiao Zhiya quickly chirped a reminder. Chu Rong stopped, looking at the little dragon nestled in the brown-haired woman’s arms. He suppressed the urge to snatch him back, softening his expression as much as possible and calling out, “Mom…”

“Do you even know how to hold him? You’re squeezing his wings too tight, it must be uncomfortable! You white-haired ugly thing, kidnapper, so fierce…” Mi Lai glared at him, gently stroking Qiao Zhiya’s small wings, full of heartache.

Chu Rong’s grip had indeed been too tight. Qiao Zhiya wriggled a bit, glanced at Chu Rong, then at his mother, his claws awkwardly clutching together. He nuzzled his mother’s hand in reassurance before releasing his magic towards Chu Rong.

Sensing the calming power, Chu Rong’s nerves eased slightly. Not understanding Mi Lai’s words, he was unaware that his earlier actions had inadvertently further tarnished his image.

Qiao Yi felt he had shown enough leniency, stepping forward to partially shield his wife and child. Looking at Chu Rong, he said, “Regarding Qiao’s safety in this world and his life here these past two years, there are some things we need to discuss.”

Though not fluent in the lingua franca, Qiao Yi’s message was clear. With his beloved so close, Chu Rong managed to regain his nearly lost composure. He nodded, replying, “I will give you an explanation.”

Observing Chu Rong’s expression, Qiao Yi’s initially negative impression of him improved slightly.

The mini spaceship began to approach the flagship. Chu Rong sent a message: “Open the hatch, unrelated personnel retreat.”

Everyone in the command room promptly opened the flagship’s largest and most formal A-hatch, clearing unnecessary personnel. Chu Huai and Chu Yan, having quickly prepared themselves, awaited at the hatch, ready to greet Qiao Zhiya’s relatives.

The mini spaceship entered the flagship and landed. As the navigation lights dimmed and the hatch opened, Chu Rong emerged first, followed by Qiao Yi and Mi Lai, who clung tightly to Qiao Zhiya.

Chu Huai and Chu Yan froze upon seeing Qiao Yi and Mi Lai’s appearances.

These two were Qiao Zhiya’s relatives? His older brother and sister? But Qiao Zhiya had mentioned being an only child. Perhaps they were cousins? But the male voice had clearly said he was Qiao’s father.

Wait… 

“Dage, Xiao Yan, these are Qiao’s parents, Mr. Qiao Yi and Mrs. Mi Lai,” Chu Rong explained, noticing his brothers’ shock and confusion.

‘What? Qiao’s parents?’

Chu Yan’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. He quickly looked into the still-open mini spaceship, searching for Qiao Zhiya. With his parents here, where was he?

Chu Huai quickly composed himself, suppressing his shock. He stepped forward, extending a hand towards Qiao Yi, introducing himself, “Hello, Mr. Qiao Yi. I’m Chu Rong’s elder brother, Chu Huai. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Unlike Chu Rong’s sharp and stern demeanor, Chu Huai, having spent years in politics and being older, exuded a gentle and accommodating aura, appearing very friendly and stable.

His formal and respectful attitude allowed Qiao Yi to sense the Chu family’s regard for his son. His expression softened as he shook Chu Huai’s hand, responding according to human etiquette he had learned from Qiao Zhiya. After shaking hands, he added an elven gesture, thoroughly covering all bases.

‘Seems like not a difficult person…’ Chu Huai thought, relieved, and returned the greeting with another gesture. He then turned to face Mi Lai, bowing slightly and performing a high-standard greeting for a lady, introducing himself once more.

Though Mi Lai was angry with Chu Rong for taking her son, she didn’t hold it against others. Chu Huai’s impression was positive, so she returned a dwarven greeting, her expression slightly improved.

With her movements, Qiao Zhiya, hidden snugly, finally had a chance to peek out. Seeing Chu Huai, he wagged his tail happily and chirped softly. After receiving reassurance and affirmation from his lover, he no longer felt anxious about his appearance.

Chu Huai’s attention was drawn, his gaze shifting. At first, he wondered why Mrs. Mi Lai was holding such a strange pet, but upon meeting Qiao Zhiya’s eyes, he realized the situation and stared in shock.

“This… Qiao?”

“What? Where’s Qiao? I can’t see him!”

Chu Yan, increasingly puzzled by what he heard, reluctantly looked inside the mini spaceship again but still saw nothing. He turned and followed Chu Huai’s gaze towards Mi Lai, and when he saw the little golden dragon poking its head out, his eyes widened. As the dragon’s emerald-green eyes met his, he gasped and stammered, “Oh my god, what is this? Is this… Qiao? Am I still dreaming?”

Qiao Zhiya was amused by his reaction. He flapped his wings and deliberately opened his mouth to let out a threatening growl. However, his small form and baby voice made the growl entirely non-threatening, instead giving off an adorable impression of a child pretending to be fierce.

Mi Lai, trying to maintain a serious face, couldn’t resist her son’s cuteness. She lowered her head to kiss him forcefully and snuggled his little head, a smile reappearing on her face.

Seeing this, Chu Rong’s gaze deepened. He suppressed his jealousy and averted his eyes, nodding to confirm Chu Huai’s guess and then placing a hand on the overly excited Chu Yan, signaling him to calm down.

Chu Huai finally understood why Chu Rong insisted on clearing out unrelated personnel. Qiao Zhiya’s current form was indeed not suitable for many people to see. He stepped aside and invited Qiao Yi and Mi Lai to the flagship’s central area.