The sunlight wobbled as it rose, and Wei’an, who had woken up early, lay obediently in his brother’s arms with wide-open eyes, waiting for him to wake up.
Quan Yan, who had rarely slept so deeply, woke up lazily. As soon as his eyes opened, he met Wei’an’s clear, big eyes. He reached out, poked Wei’an’s soft cheek, and smiled. “When did you wake up? Why didn’t you wake me?”
Seeing that his brother was awake, Wei’an sat up from his arms. Facing the question, he smiled sweetly and said, “Didn’t call brother so you could sleep more.”
He stared at Wei’an who looked at him with a soft smile on his face, and Quan Yan couldn’t help but pull him into his arms and rub him for a while.
How could his little brother be so cute?
Quan Yan, who was holding Wei’an in his arms, was already seriously considering what would happen if he took the opportunity to abduct Wei’an now?
After being ruffled by his brother for a while, Wei’an didn’t get upset. Instead, he obediently retrieved the clothes he planned to wear today from his space and handed them to his brother. “Brother, help Wei’an get dressed.”
Quan Yan picked up the piece of clothing that wasn’t even as long as his arm and turned it over several times. Usually, seeing Wei’an wearing it or helping him take it off didn’t feel special, but now, holding it in his hands, he realized how small it was.
“Which arm first? Left or right?” Having never dressed a cub before, Quan Yan sat up and asked seriously.
“Right hand,” Wei’an said, stretching out his chubby little hand.
Quan Yan held his hand and slipped the sleeve on, then moved to the left hand.
While letting Quan Yan maneuver him, Wei’an blinked and remarked, “Brother’s steps for getting dressed are different from the male father’s.”
Quan Yan, who was very careful not to dislocate his arm, heard him say that, and cautiously stopped and thought for a while. Then he said, “Wait a minute, I’ll check it on star network.”
Wei’an, who had never worn his clothes by himself since he wore them backwards when he was one year old, nodded and obediently waited for his brother to finish checking before continuing.
Not long after, he successfully put on his clothes and was carried to the living room by his brother.
Shang Ying, who was measuring Shang You and the others’ heights in the living room, noticed Wei’an and came over to scoop him up. “Let’s see how tall our Wei’an has grown.”
Hearing the mention of measuring his height, Wei’an straightened his back, doing his best to stretch upward and make himself seem taller.
“You’ve grown five centimeters since the last measurement,” Shang Ying patted Wei’an’s head and casually praised him. “Growing so fast.”
Wei’an’s eyes curved with joy when he heard that, and he ran to his brother’s arms and stretched out five fingers to proudly announce he had grown five centimeters.
When Papar Xing came down and saw them measuring heights, he turned around and was about to leave without hesitation. But before he could take more than two steps, Alhandra, who had come down behind him, clapped a hand on his shoulder, stopping him in his tracks.
Alhandra, who was full of satisfaction, held Papar Xing in place, studying him up and down with exaggerated concern. “It seems like your height hasn’t changed much these past two years. That’s not a good sign. Come on, let’s measure and see if Uncle was mistaken.”
In this moment, Papar Xing finally dropped his calm demeanor and showed a bit of youthful energy. He struggled in vain several times, trying to change the topic but ultimately got dragged by Alhandra to Shang Ying to measure his height.
When the actual measurement came out, Papar Xing had to face reality: 167.8 centimeters.
“Wasn’t mistaken at all. You really haven’t grown taller.” Alhandra, whose evil taste was satisfied, patted Papar Xing on the shoulder and left.
He was about to be twelve years old but was as tall as the eight-year-old Quan Fan. In fact, because Quan Fan had short hair, the curled ends of his hair made him look a little taller than him.
Thinking of this, Papar Xing, feeling his self-esteem was hurt, hid in a corner. While looking at the snowy scenery outside, he sighed that having a height that does not match his IQ and EQ is really a sad thing.
Meanwhile, in Male Father’s arms, Wei’an was asking why the Female Father hadn’t come down yet. Spotting Papar Xing looking downcast, he grabbed the snack the Male Father had given him and ran over. Standing on tiptoes, he held out the treat. “Xingxing eat it.”
Looking at the now shapeless snack in Wei’an’s hand, Papar Xing shook his head. “You eat it.”
Seeing him refuse, Wei’an retracted the snack and tilted his head curiously. “Xingxing, are you hiding here because you’re upset about being short?”
Papar Xing felt as if his heart had been stabbed. “I’m fine. At least I’m the same height as Quan Fan. Unlike you, even Quan Yu, who’s younger, is taller than you.”
“Hmph.” Wei’an huffed, took a bite of the cake in his hand and said fiercely. “Wei’an is working hard to grow! I’ve already grown five centimeters today!”
Looking at his puffed-up cheeks, Papar Xing felt a bit better and returned to his usual smiling face. He stretched out his hand to pinch Wei’an’s plump face and said, “You have grown five centimeters horizontally, right?”
Knowing that he was not saying nice things, Wei’an pushed his hand away and turned away angrily, “Xingxing is annoying.”
Just as Wei’an turned, he saw Quan Chu coming downstairs. He ran over with a patter, lifted his arms, and called out, “Female Father, hug!”
Quan Chu bent down to pick him up but winced slightly. It had been a while since he had done that kind of thing, and last night had been exhausting.
Once he recovered, he wiped the crumbs from Wei’an’s mouth and carried him over to Alhandra. “Male Lord.”
Before Alhandra could say anything, Wei’an suddenly seemed to remember something. Straightening up in Quan Chu’s arms, he scanned the room. Not seeing Quan Yi, he grew anxious. “Male Father, where’s my Fifth Brother?”
“Over there,” Alhandra pointed toward the door.
Just returning from his morning run, Quan Yi was greeted by a small figure rushing over to hug his leg. “Brother, Wei’an thought you snuck off without saying goodbye!”
Looking down into Wei’an’s bright blue eyes full of joy, Quan Yi pressed his hand to Wei’an’s forehead. “Stay back. It’s all sweaty.”
Wei’an touched his own face and tummy, confused. “No sweat.”
“I wasn’t talking about you,” Quan Yi replied, withdrawing his hand. He greeted his Male Father, Female Father, and the other elders before heading back to his room to freshen up.
Snow Star, named for its snowy season all year round, was known for its barren vegetation and flowers. Only on the highest peaks in the far west could one find clusters of fiery red blossoms.
The flowers were brilliantly vivid, with layered petals of intense red and icy blue veins, resembling glaciers melting into lava.
Few Zerg knew of this place, but Alhandra had learned about it from his own Male Father.
While gathering flowers here with Wei’an, Alhandra squatted on the ground, weaving a flower crown. Raising his voice, he asked, “Who told you birthdays must have flowers?”
“Wei’an thought of it himself.” Carefully picking flowers, Wei’an proudly pulled out a small notebook from his space and handed it to his Male Father.
Alhandra took his small notebook, flipped to the page he mentioned, and read aloud the crooked handwriting, “A birthday should have a beautiful environment, delicious food, gifts and hugs, and finally a blessing… ”
Alhandra laughed as he read it. No wonder he destroyed his living room beyond recognition last time and cooked a table of unforgettable dishes for him. It turns out there was a plan behind it.
Quan Yi didn’t care much about the fact that when he came out of the shower, the male father and Wei’an were gone. What he cared about was why, after eating breakfast, he was forced to stand in the backyard for two hours in the cold wind.
Facing his questioning gaze, Quan Yan, who was tasked with watching him, smiled helplessly. “Wei’an and the others are preparing for your birthday. Later, act surprised so the little one doesn’t feel let down and gets upset.”
After receiving the answer, Quan Yi nodded coldly, signaling he understood.
Once they received the message that they could return, they both casually walked back.
As soon as they stepped into the living room, a burst of red light almost blinded the two Zerg.
At first glance, the originally warm and elegant living room has completely changed its appearance. The carpet has been replaced with a bright red furry carpet, the sofa has been changed to red, and the tables, chairs, and everywhere are filled with bright red flowers.
Not only that, but Wei’an and the other cubs had dressed themselves in red clothes. Alhandra, Quan Chu, and Shang Ying couldn’t refuse Wei’an’s insistence and were forced to each hold a bouquet of fiery red flowers.
When Quan Yi entered, the awkward silence was broken as they rushed forward to stuff the bouquet into his arms.
With a bouquet in his arms and a flower crown Wei’an personally put on his head, walking in the middle, surrounded by applause, Quan Yi’s face, which already showed no expression, became even more numb.
He tried to feign surprise, but the overwhelming scene in front of him defeated that effort. Numbly, he allowed his body to sway along.
Quan Yan, standing by, stifled a laugh, gripping his fists and coughing twice. He couldn’t help but think that Wei’an’s aesthetic sense was becoming increasingly peculiar.
Having grown accustomed to the male zerg aesthetic, Chu Yi calmly clapped along.
“Brother.” Wei’an, holding something furry that looked like a little dog, walked over and carefully placed it on the ground.
This thing couldn’t exactly be called a dog. Its fur was silver, and there was a black pattern on its forehead. It had six wings growing on its back, strong limbs, and sharp teeth visible in its slightly open mouth, showing that it wasn’t something harmless.
To buy this strange beast cub, Wei’an had spent all his pocket money. Now, he looked up at Quan Yi and introduced it, “Xingxing says when it grows up, it will be very strong and can protect brother from getting hurt.”
This wasn’t the gift he originally planned. After hearing that his brother was injured yesterday, he specifically asked Xingxing what could protect him and bought this strange beast cub based on Xingxing’s suggestion.
Quan Yi silently looked at the furry thing at his feet, which was supposedly able to protect him.
This kind of exotic beast, when it grew up, would indeed be quite fierce, but its growth period was extremely long.
Looking at the two furry balls that were simultaneously gazing up at him, Quan Yi considered for a moment, then crouched down to accept the gift.
The moment he crouched down, Wei’an immediately hugged him. In order to reach, Wei’an stood on tiptoe and wrapped his small hands around Quan Yi’s neck, softly saying, “Brother, you have to grow up safely.”
He is seriously worried and hopes he will be safe!
Realizing this, Quan Yi’s previously restless heart suddenly calmed down. He had been hoping that this messy day would pass quickly, but suddenly he felt that today was not so bad after all.
He still had the crooked, funny flower crown on his head, and the bouquet, wet with snow, in his arms.
Looking down at the little cub, who clearly hadn’t seen him much but had his heart and mind filled with him, Quan Yi hesitated and gently patted Wei’an’s back.
When his hand touched his back, he realized it was so small, almost the size of his hand.
Feeling his brother patting his back, Wei’an blinked and suddenly fell backwards.
Quan Yi’s palm firmly supported his back, allowing him to playfully press his entire weight onto it.
He was so small, so soft, that just looking at him made his heart soften.
“Brother.”
“Hmm?”
“Wei’an will celebrate brother’s birthday every year.”
“I won’t necessarily be here every year.”
“Why?”
“I have missions.”
“Where will brother go for missions? Wei’an will come find you.”
The day passed so quickly, and before they knew it, it was late at night. Quan Yi’s gaze lingered on Wei’an’s face as he was carried upstairs by the female father, not moving for a long time.
Quan Chu carried Wei’an back to his room, and Alhandra, noticing this, was somewhat surprised. His courage had grown, daring to take Wei’an away without his permission.
Thinking of this, he picked up his pillow and went toward Quan Chu’s room, but stopped when he reached the door.
Knowing Quan Chu’s personality, he was sure to ask about those things.
Not wanting to face those questions, Alhandra hesitated for a while, then turned and left.
Well, let him have Wei’an all to himself for the night!
After all, they were going to Femir Star tomorrow, and after tonight, they wouldn’t see each other for a while.
Inside the room, just as Quan Chu laid Wei’an down on the bed, the latter, who had been sleeping soundly, opened his eyes groggily.
Sitting up on the bed, Wei’an looked at Quan Chu in a daze for a moment, then sluggishly realized that the person in front of him was the female father. He stickily moved forward and buried himself back into Quan Chu’s arms, softening his voice as he coquettishly said, “Female father, Wei’an is sleepy~”
Quan Chu gently stroked his flushed face. “Do you want to get up and wash up before sleeping?”
After thinking hard for a while, his love for cleanliness won over his drowsiness. Wei’an wriggled in his arms and said, “Then female father will carry Wei’an.”
In the bathroom, after a thorough wash, Wei’an, now wide awake, smiled at the mirror, looking at himself and his female father.
“I’ve never washed up with female father before.”
Hearing this, Quan Chu paused, a feeling of guilt rising in his heart. In the past, because of his bad impression of the male Zergs, he had intentionally kept his distance from Wei’an, reducing their interactions.
“Female father, why is this part red?” Wei’an curiously pointed at his collarbone.
Looking at the exposed teeth marks on his collarbone in the mirror, Quan Chu’s gaze faltered. Not knowing how to explain, he pretended not to hear Wei’an and changed the subject, “Hurry and sleep. We’re leaving for Femir Star tomorrow.”
As expected, Wei’an, whose attention was diverted, asked expectantly, “Will the female father go with us?”
He really liked being with the female father, but he was always so busy.
“Yes.”
“Wei’an will go to bed now.” Feeling happy, he jumped off the small stool which was used for him to wash up, and ran to the bed with his little feet and butt twisting.
