Back home, Yan Chi hurriedly placed the carnations and roses he was carrying on the table and said to Xi Chang and the others, "Wait a moment, I'll go put away the gifts and get a few vases."
Yan Chi ran to his room with the gift box containing the gold medal, placing this exceptionally precious gift in a drawer, and then went to the storage room to get vases.
Fortunately, Yan Chi had a habit of collecting beautiful vases and flowerpots, so he was able to bring over a dozen at once. He carefully distributed the flowers the students had given him into the vases one by one, then arranged them throughout the house.
Looking at these vibrant and colorful flowers, Yan Chi's mood unconsciously improved.
Yan Chi smiled at Xi Chang and the others, handing out chocolates to them one by one. "Thank you for your help."
Xi Chang unwrapped the chocolate, sniffed it, and took a small bite. The rich, slightly bitter taste instantly captivated him. He said to Lin Heng, "This is delicious."
Lin Heng kept his share. "You can have this one tomorrow morning."
If he gave it to Xi Chang now, the chocolate wouldn't last past tonight.
Xi Chang obediently nodded; he was already looking forward to tomorrow.
After seeing Lin Heng and Xi Chang off, Yan Chi turned and saw Shen Mingsu holding two bouquets of roses. He had placed the roses he had given Yan Chi alongside the roses he had received before.
He had done something; the roses he had bought earlier were still blooming vibrantly, their large, dazzling red petals creating a festive atmosphere.
Xing Zhinan teased, "Is Principal Shen decorating his bridal chamber?"
Shen Mingsu glanced at him and readily admitted, "Yes, so you've prepared your wedding gift money?"
"I reckon your wedding won't be happening anytime soon, Principal Shen." Xing Zhinan calmly sipped his tea, a smug smile playing on his lips, and turned to look at Yan Chi.
Shen Mingsu frowned, following Xing Zhinan's gaze.
Shen Chang Le and Xingluo each held a potted plant. Xingluo handed one to Yan Chi, saying, "Ahui asked us to bring this to you; it seems to be a new variety she's cultivated."
Yan Chi looked at the two potted plants. One resembled a white rabbit-shaped algae, but much larger, with delicate white flowers that looked just like rabbits, and two round little eyes below the rabbit's ears.
In another pot were tiny, translucent pink mushrooms, their caps and stems adorned with red, crystal-like scales. Each mushroom was only about the size of a baby's fist, exquisitely cute.
Yan Chi instantly took a liking to the two little creatures. He reached out and touched the caps of the pink mushrooms, then touched the little white rabbits, and looked up at Xingluo, asking, "Tell Ahui thank you so much! But I've never raised these before. Did Ahui tell me about their habits?"
Xingluo looked at the two plants wriggling under Yan Chi's fingers. "Uh… or should I just ask them?"
Yan Chi: "…?"
Ask them?
A tiny, soft voice rang out, sounding like a child's babbling, "I...we know, the teacher can ask us."
"Yes, yes, ask us, and we'll answer obediently."
"Sister Hui taught us to listen to the teacher, we're good children."
"I'm the best-behaved bunny in the world!"
"I am!"
"..."
Every little bunny on the bunny plant was arguing about who was the best-behaved bunny. They even jumped down from the stem and bumped heads with each other—clearly their way of fighting.
Yan Chi stared in shock at the scene, gaining a new appreciation for the surreal nature of this world. He paused, then reached out to separate the fighting rabbits, speaking softly, "Alright, alright, you're all good bunnies. Good bunnies don't fight."
The little white rabbits were very obedient. There were eight of them, standing in a row, looking up at Yan Chi with their little faces tilted, their rabbit ears swaying, and saying in unison, "We won't fight anymore, we're good bunnies."
Those soft, sweet voices were enough to melt anyone's heart. Yan Chi's heart pounded, and he resisted the urge to pick them up and kiss them all. He restrained himself and said, "So good."
"Then, my good little ones, can you tell me how I should take care of you?"
The little rabbits started chattering away.
"We're easy to care for, just a little water, it doesn't cost a penny."
"We don't like sunlight, it's uncomfortable when it's too hot."
"We hate fish, they bite us, they're naughty."
"..."
Yan Chi listened attentively as the little rabbits told him how to care for them, and even went to get a small notebook to write down all the important points.
Then his gaze fell on the pink mushroom. Since these rabbits could talk, could this little pink mushroom communicate too?
Yan Chi politely asked the little mushroom, "Hello?"
The pink mushroom lifted its cap slightly, its reserved nature allowing it to greet him with, "Hello, teacher."
Yan Chi, holding a small notebook, asked, "Can you tell me your living habits?"
The pink mushroom stammered shyly, "I...I don't like light either. Could you give me a shadier spot?"
"Of course." Yan Chi picked up the two pots and placed them in a corner where they never saw sunlight. "Is this okay?"
The little rabbits perched back on the stems and leaves, "I love it, I love it!"
The pink mushroom also nodded slightly.
After settling the two little creatures, Yan Chi smiled. Just as he turned his head, he saw Xing Zhinan and Shen Mingsu staring intently at him. Yan Chi subconsciously glanced at his clothes; they were clean and free of dirt.
Yan Chi asked confusedly, "What's wrong?"
Shen Mingsu also looked at Xing Zhinan. "You suddenly came to school tonight. What's the matter?"
Shen Chang Le and Xingluo also looked at Xing Zhinan.
Xing Zhinan said to the two children, "You two go back to sleep. This is for adults."
Helpless, Shen Chang Le went back to his room, and Xingluo went to the apartment next door. Only Yan Chi and the other two remained in the living room. Xing Zhinan leaned back on the sofa. "[I] opened."
Yan Chi and Shen Mingsu were both shocked by this news. Yan Chi had long heard that the world his father was born into was called "[I]," but now his father's whereabouts were unknown, even his life or death was uncertain, and "[I]" was closed to the outside world.
Yan Chi's heart raced. He gripped Shen Mingsu's arm tightly, his mind blank. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
He had always thought that through daily mental preparation, he could treat his father as a stranger, but when truly facing this, Yan Chi was still bewildered. He still couldn't help but care about him.
Shen Mingsu noticed Yan Chi's tense body, patted his shoulder reassuringly, and pulled him into a tight embrace. "It's alright, I'm here."
Yan Chi nodded haphazardly. "So... my dad's back?"
"No, actually, I don't know either." Xing Zhinan showed a troubled expression for the first time. "[I] is still in a closed state, but it's moving, still devouring other small worlds."
Yan Chi and Shen Mingsu exchanged a glance, both seeing the gravity in each other's eyes.
Xing Zhinan was troubled by the current situation and voiced his guess. "[I] seems to be absorbing energy from other worlds for some purpose... I suspect Yan Qingyuan may already be dead, and [I] is trying to revive him."
Yan Chi gripped Shen Mingsu's hand tightly, gritting his teeth. "Then... what will happen to the worlds that [I] devoured?"
Xing Zhinan: "The people around you know that better."
Yan Chi immediately turned to look at Shen Mingsu.
Shen Mingsu hesitated for a moment. "Two possibilities: either it becomes part of [I] or it collapses and shatters."
"That's why I came to you, Teacher Xiaochi." Xing Zhinan looked at Yan Chi. "Now only you can control [I], change its direction of consumption, and make it devour those already desolate worlds."
Yan Chi was lost in thought. He shook his head. "But...but I don't know what to do, I don't know how..."
"You don't need to know how." Xing Zhinan comforted him. "As long as you stand there, whatever you want, [I] will satisfy you. This is your father's world, and it's your world too."
Yan Chi: "..."
Shen Mingsu pulled Yan Chi into his arms and kissed his forehead. "If you don't want to go, then don't go. I'm here; you don't need to force yourself."
Yan Chi lowered his eyes and didn't speak. Shen Mingsu and Xing Zhinan sat quietly, not wanting to disturb him.
"What if..." Yan Chi looked up at them, appearing very uneasy, "What if my dad doesn't like me?"
Even though they were his own father, Yan Chi felt like he was facing adoptive parents. He was afraid his tattered clothes would make them dislike him, and he was afraid his words and actions would make them think he was an ill-mannered child.
His palms were sweating profusely with nervousness. He even wanted to run away, hide himself under the covers, and not let anyone see him.
Shen Mingsu gently brushed the stray hairs from Yan Chi's forehead behind his ear, revealing his smooth, full forehead. He solemnly told him, "No, your father loves you very much, very much."
Yan Chi was skeptical. "But he doesn't want me..."
Xing Zhinan, a longtime friend of Yan Qingyuan, knew him best and comforted Yan Chi, "Because he's gone mad, and he knows it clearly. A madman can't take care of his own child, so he sent you away. He visited several orphanages and finally chose the one he thought was best."
Yan Chi: "..."
"Actually, your father is really awful. You're lucky you didn't grow up with him." Xing Zhinan deliberately spoke lightly about Yan Qingyuan. "He's stubborn and spoiled. If you go along with his wishes, he feels you're being forced. If you don't do what he wants, he sulks. He's incredibly difficult to please, like a princess and a pea."
Yan Chi couldn't help but laugh at his description.
Under Shen Mingsu's deathly gaze, Xing Zhinan patted Yan Chi's head. At that moment, he actually seemed like a reliable elder. "Your father isn't some monster, so don't be afraid of him."
Yan Chi gave a barely audible "Mmm." "Then when are we going to find [I]?"
"Tomorrow. You two should pack your things too. Consider it your honeymoon. The world being devoured by [I] has beautiful scenery. Also, take those two plants Ahui gave you; they might come in handy."
The little rabbits and the pink mushroom? Yan Chi turned to look at them. They were both obediently staying in their flowerpots.
Seeing Yan Chi looking over, the little rabbits chirped and started calling him "Teacher," while the pink mushroom shyly shook its stem, greeting him.
The little guys' lively and adorable appearance swept away the anxiety in Yan Chi's heart. A smile unconsciously appeared in his eyes as he waved to them.
After Xing Zhinan finished giving instructions, he went to find Xing Luo. Yan Chi glanced at the silver moon hanging high in the night sky outside the window. Since he needed to temporarily leave school tomorrow, he needed to make arrangements for things at school.
After washing up that evening, Yan Chi, wearing loose pajamas, sat on his bed thinking about the course schedule. Unconsciously, he raised his wrist, fiddling with the dark green gemstone on his bracelet.
He looked at Shen Mingsu lying beside him. "Could we ask another teacher to cover for a few days? We also need a homeroom teacher. Xi Chang could… but I'm worried he won't be able to manage the students."
"Then let's go to Lin Heng. He's free these days anyway." Shen Mingsu reached out and hugged Yan Chi's waist. "Lie down and go to sleep, it's late."
As soon as Yan Chi lay down, Shen Mingsu squeezed next to him, letting him rest his head on his arm, holding him tightly in his arms, pressed close together.
Yan Chi wanted to say something more, but Shen Mingsu kissed his lips directly, his tongue prying open his teeth and exploring his mouth, leaving no spot untouched.
The tingling sensation made Yan Chi's whole body go weak. He weakly pushed against Shen Mingsu's chest, finally wrapping his arms around his neck. The kiss ended, and the two did nothing more, falling asleep in each other's arms.
The next morning at eight o'clock, the students of Class 1 were already sitting in the classroom waiting for class. Yan Chi led Lin Heng into the classroom. As soon as he entered, the students all looked up at them.
Yan Chi said apologetically to them, "I have to leave school for the next few days. Teacher Lin will be taking over as the homeroom teacher and looking after everyone."
Upon hearing this, the students' expressions changed.
Mingcai eagerly raised her hand and asked, "Then when will you be back, Teacher?"
"If all goes well, I might be back this afternoon." Yan Chi had only gone out to call [I] to change its feeding direction; if it obeyed, it wouldn't be a problem.
Sethia glanced fearfully at Lin Heng's expressionless, cold face. "Then, Teacher, you absolutely must come back safely, preferably this afternoon."
He didn't want Lin Heng to be his homeroom teacher!
Xingluo suddenly asked Yan Chi, "Teacher, are you going to the [No Man's Land]?"
Sethia's eyes lit up, waiting expectantly for Yan Chi's answer. Seeing Yan Chi nod, he immediately said, "Teacher Xiao Chi, can you take me with you?"
Yan Chi was surprised. "What are you going there for?"
"The [No Man's Land] is like my backyard. I want to go back and eat something, and also see my dad." Sethia pleaded with Yan Chi, "Please, Teacher, take me with you."
Yan Chi couldn't resist his pleading and agreed.
...
The mountain range stretched endlessly, ancient trees towering everywhere. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, illuminating the fallen leaves on the ground. A hunting eagle, having spotted its prey, was about to swoop down when, as if sensing danger, it tilted its head and hurriedly flew away from the area.
"Is this the [No Man's Land]?" Yan Chi stood on the soft fallen leaves, surveying the beautiful jungle scenery.
A delicate, adorable pink mushroom perched on his shoulder. The little mushroom seemed to like it, snuggling close to Yan Chi's ear and whispering, "Yes, there's lots of food here."
Yan Chi looked around, casually plucking a berry from a tree. "Is this it?"
But this little mushroom didn't look like it had a mouth. Could it really be eaten?
The little mushroom said thank you, and white mycelium spread from its body, wrapping around the berry as it slowly ate it.
Yan Chi was having a great time playing with the little mushroom, but Shen Mingsu was driven crazy by the little white rabbits. The rabbits wouldn't let the little mushroom leave the soil; they needed the mushroom's main stem for support.
Shen Mingsu had no choice but to drill two holes in the rim of their little flowerpots, tie a rope to them, and carry them like flower baskets.
But as soon as they arrived, the rabbits would start clamoring to hunt. They weren't afraid of Shen Mingsu at all. If Shen Mingsu gave them a hard time or raised his voice, the eight rabbits would shout for Yan Chi, each telling a different story.
"Teacher, teacher, waaaah! This guy is mean to us!"
"We want a hug from the teacher, not him!"
"He hates bunnies, and bunnies hate him too. Bunnies love the teacher!"
"The teacher is good, he's bad! The teacher is a swan, he's a... jerk! Get rid of him!"
"..."
Yan Chi listened to the bunnies' complaints about Shen Mingsu, looking at him with confusion. How did he get into a fight with the bunnies in such a short time?
Shen Mingsu took a few deep breaths, trying to intimidate the unruly bunnies, gritting his teeth, "Don't make false accusations! Believe me or not..."
But then the bunnies all burst into tears. One bunny crying is pitiful, but these eight crying together almost made Shen Mingsu faint on the spot.
Helpless, Yan Chi placed the little mushroom on Shen Mingsu's shoulder and picked up a small flowerpot to soothe the rabbits, "It's okay, it's okay, he was just joking with you, he won't do anything to you."
As he spoke, he glared at the culprit who had made the rabbits cry.
Shen Mingsu experienced for the first time what it meant to be speechless. He opened his mouth, but Yan Chi had already turned his head away and ignored him.
"Sigh..." Xing Zhinan patted Shen Mingsu's shoulder, "Do you still plan to have children in the future?"
Shen Mingsu silently glanced at him, "I'm not crazy."
Xing Zhinan burst into laughter, "Old dog Shen, you've finally met your match! But don't worry, your real retribution hasn't come yet. Wait until Yan Qingyuan wakes up and see what you do then."
Shen Mingsu: "..."
What kind of trashy friends are these? He can't expect their help, and he even has to be wary of them adding fuel to the fire.
Sethia, oblivious to the adults' squabble, took a deep breath, his eyes crinkling with ecstasy, "It tastes like home~"
Meanwhile, Yan Chi, who had just managed to calm the rabbits down, heard a slight movement. He looked towards the source of the sound, and from the bushes, an enormous leopard stealthily emerged.
It looked like it had just finished hunting; its claws and mouth were covered in blood. This creature, previously only seen in wildlife parks, suddenly appeared before Yan Chi, who was instantly startled and retreated hastily while clutching the small flowerpot.
Yan Chi's voice trembled, "Shen Mingsu, there's a...a leopard!"
Shen Mingsu swiftly reached out and pulled Yan Chi away. At the same time, the leopard was thrown back by an invisible force, flying in an arc.
Yan Chi still remembered that leopards were nationally protected animals. He pressed down on Shen Mingsu's arm, "Don't kill it."
The leopard crashed heavily to the ground. It quickly rolled over, bared its teeth at the group, then, as if sensing something, turned its head. When it saw Sethia, a clear look of surprise appeared on the leopard's face, and it tucked its tail between its legs and ran away.
Yan Chi clearly saw the leopard's series of reactions and looked at Sethia. "Is this leopard your pet?"
He remembered Sethia saying this was his backyard, but if it were a pet leopard, shouldn't it be happy to see its owner? Why is this one running for its life?
Sethia recalled, "I don't remember this one, but I might have eaten its grandparents or some other relative."
Yan Chi: "...?"
"Hahahaha...Teacher Chi, you're so cute." Xing Zhinan put his hand on Yan Chi's shoulder. He really liked the surprised expression on Yan Chi's face, which resembled Yan Qingyuan's by about 70-80%.
"This isn't Sethia's backyard," Xing Zhinan surveyed the primeval forest. "This is his and his father's hunting ground."
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