Chapter 5

C5 – Wen Huaimu’s Transformation

After stepping out of the molding space, Wen Huaimu was greeted by the rapid knocking on his door.

“Son, please talk to me. What’s wrong?” His mother, Ai Shayu’s voice, carried a note of urgency.

“Just stop yelling. He’s probably been picked on again. He may be tall, but he lacks any real grit,” came his father, Wen Heyu’s booming, emphatic voice.

Wen Huaimu inhaled deeply, feeling the ache in his eyes and the unnatural twitch at the corner of his mouth. He scrambled mentally for an excuse to get by.

But the evidence of an attack was unmistakable on his face; his parents would surely realize he’d been hit.

He internally berated his own helplessness, then moved to open the door.

As the door swung open, Ai Shayu and Wen Heyu were confronted with the sight of Wen Huaimu’s bruised face.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Wen Heyu’s eyes initially glinted with anger, which quickly morphed into a look of frustrated disappointment.

In contrast, Ai Shayu clutched at Wen Huaimu with a look of deep concern, barely holding back tears.

“I’m okay, Mom,” Wen Huaimu managed to say feebly.

“Look at your eye. I’m going to the school tomorrow to talk to the administration. Your school seems like it’s run by the mob,” Ai Shayu declared indignantly.

“Enough already. It’s just kids’ stuff. Let it be,” Wen Heyu barked at Ai Shayu, then turned to Wen Huaimu, “Does it still hurt? If it does, have your mom make you a couple of eggs to put on the bruise.”

Wen Huaimu felt a surge of warmth. His parents showed their care in different ways, but their intentions were the same.

“Dad, I’m really okay. This little injury will fade by morning. You’ve both had a long day; better to get some rest. You have an early start tomorrow,” Wen Huaimu said with a light chuckle, showing no signs of being downtrodden by the assault.

His unusual resilience took Wen Heyu aback, prompting a closer, almost incredulous look at his son. This was not the Wen Huaimu he knew!

Feeling slightly unnerved under his father’s gaze, Wen Huaimu gathered his courage, met Wen Heyu’s eyes with a determined stare, and promised earnestly, “Dad, I won’t let you down again.”

Upon hearing this, Wen Heyu’s surprise deepened! Could this resolute young man truly be his timid son?

After scrutinizing him for a moment, Wen Heyu’s smile returned. He gave Wen Huaimu a hearty pat on the shoulder, nodded without a word, and turned to Ai Shayu, “Alright, our son’s alright. Let’s head back and get some rest.”

“I’m only versed in the basics. I’ve been told that to master more advanced spells, I need the assistance of my master. Will you help me?” Diaochan pleaded with a look that would melt any man’s heart.

She groaned softly, as if dispatching a man was an innate skill of hers.

Wen Huaimu found himself unable to resist her charm. He nodded emphatically, promising, “Rest assured, I will teach you more magic and help you grow stronger.”

“Master, you’re so kind.” Diaochan’s smile returned, sweet and tempting as Sijia.

“Could you show me a spell now? I’ve never actually witnessed real magic,” Wen Huaimu said, his eyes alight with anticipation, his heart racing with excitement.

“Of course.” Diaochan thought for a moment, then noticing the dark circles under Wen Huaimu’s eyes, she chuckled, “I can help you remove those unsightly dark circles.”

“Unsightly dark circles?” Wen Huaimu was taken aback, then he remembered his panda-eyed appearance in front of Diaochan and felt a wave of embarrassment. His resentment towards whoever caused his condition deepened.

“How will you remove my dark circles?” Wen Huaimu asked, his face flushed with awkwardness.

“It’s quite simple. Watch closely, Master.” Diaochan said with a grin, extending her hand and chanting, “Spirit of the water element, heed my call, Water Lubricant Skill.”

With her incantation, a stream of water, bubbly in appearance, materialized in her palm and gracefully flowed over Wen Huaimu’s face.

He felt a refreshing tingle, and the puffiness around his eyes vanished.

He couldn’t resist touching his face—it was pain-free. He eagerly grabbed the mirror from the table and gazed at his reflection in astonishment.

Indeed, the purple and green shadows of his panda eyes were gone, and his complexion looked even more smooth and pale!

This was magic—a truly rejuvenating experience. It could heal wounds and even had a skin-whitening effect!

“Master, you’re looking so much better now,” Diaochan observed with joy, fluttering her wings as she circled Wen Huaimu incessantly.

“Diaochan, I adore you!” Wen Huaimu exclaimed, his heart swelling with joy. He longed to envelop Diaochan in a warm embrace, but alas, she had become too tiny for him to hold.

“Actually, Diaochan, let’s not use ‘Master’ anymore. Call me ‘big brother’ instead.”

Wen Huaimu gazed at Diaochan’s blissful expression and realized that having such a lovely sprite address him as ‘Master’ felt overly self-centered. While it brought him joy, the term created a sense of distance between them. ‘Big brother’ would signify a much warmer bond.

“Big brother, I have a big brother now!” Diaochan clearly preferred the new moniker, her flight around Wen Huaimu growing more spirited. Eventually, she drew near and planted a kiss on his cheek, giggling as she darted away.

A jolt shot through Wen Huaimu—it was the first time a girl other than his mother had kissed him. He caressed his kissed cheek, his happiness undeniable. His resolve to have Diaochan call him ‘brother’ was now firmer than ever.