TCPUAAV Chapter 50

 

By the time the new house was completed and ready to move into, two months had passed.

 

With more and more little ones joining the family, and with the repair shop’s growing reputation bringing in an increasing number of customers, Ruan Shiqing had taken the opportunity to triple the house’s size during reconstruction.

 

The front section was designated for the repair shop and Ruan Shiqing’s workspace, while the back was transformed into a living area and a dedicated play zone for the cubs.

 

The cubs’ bedrooms were concentrated on the second floor, with the main play area situated in the backyard. Since the small pond in the front yard had broken down, Ruan Shiqing had a much larger one built in the backyard. Around it, he placed wide wooden lounge chairs beneath lushly transplanted falling star vines, so the little ones could lounge in the sun after tiring themselves out in the water—just like before.

 

He and 09 even made a trip to the underground market and bought brand-new rubber duckies and other toys.

 

The mushroom-shaped shelving in the cubs’ playroom was now packed to the brim with fresh toys.

 

And the cubs?

 

They had no idea about any of this yet.

 

Since regaining his small form, the little dragon cub had resumed attending school with the other cubs.

 

While they were on break, the remaining students had been left leaderless, so they had temporarily reappointed the little lion cub, Mila, as their boss.

 

But his reign barely lasted a few days before the true leader returned, marching back onto the school grounds with his little squad.

 

This time, the little dragon cub was even stronger than before—and he had learned how to fly.

 

Puffing out his chest, he proudly flapped his little wings and soared through the air, basking in the awed and envious gazes of the other cubs.

 

None of the other young ones in their grade could fly yet!

 

Though he still struggled with flight in his full-size form, flying while in his cub form had become easy. He could even carry the other cubs for short, low-altitude flights.

 

With his unique ability to fly, the little dragon cub quickly reclaimed his position as the undisputed leader.

 

The cubs lined up eagerly, waiting for their turn to be carried into the air.

 

Meanwhile, completely ignored, the little lion cub fluffed up in frustration.

 

But after watching the other cubs soaring through the air, he hesitated—he kind of… wanted to try it too.

 

After a long inner struggle, he finally clenched his paws and quietly joined the back of the line.

 

The school was as lively as ever.

 

Cubs could always find endless joy in the smallest of things.

 

The only one who found it boring was His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince.

 

Lying idly on a swing, Rong Heng watched the little dragon cub showing off, his eye twitching before he rolled his eyes hard.

 

Only a dragon cub would do something this childish.

 

Just as he was about to leave in search of a sunny spot for a nap, he turned his head—

 

—only to see Hector striding toward the school.

 

?????

 

What the hell is this stupid dragon doing here?

 

Hector had swapped his usual look for a sleek black tactical jacket, his hair neatly styled.

 

At first glance, he actually looked somewhat respectable.

 

From a distance, he spotted the little dragon cub at the center of attention and stopped to watch for a while. Then, unable to resist, he pulled out his smart brain and started recording.

 

He took video after video, snapping pictures from different angles, then clicked his tongue in satisfaction.

 

“Not bad—not bad at all. Look at that popularity. No doubt about it, that’s my kid.”

 

A parent’s bias was undeniable—the more Hector looked, the more adorable he found the little dragon cub.

 

After taking plenty of pictures, he finally put his smart brain away and walked over to Rong Heng, unable to suppress the laughter in his voice.

 

“Your Highness, why aren’t you joining in on the fun?”

 

He casually plopped down next to Rong Heng on the swing, draping an arm over the backrest and lazily pushing against the ground with his long legs, making the swing sway slightly.

 

Initially, he had no idea that Snowball was the crown prince.

 

But after learning from Ruan Shiqing that Snowball was “Mr. Rong’s younger brother,” Hector had immediately put two and two together.

 

As far as he knew, the crown prince had no siblings.

 

The Ymir royal line had dwindled over generations, leaving only one direct heir. And when he recalled that during their last call, Rong Heng’s background looked exactly like Fragrance Tower Manor—

 

The truth became obvious.

 

His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, had been disguising himself as a cub to eat and sleep for free.

 

Not only that, but he had even enrolled in a cub school and spent his days playing with actual younglings.

 

If this information got out, it would definitely make front-page headlines in every gossip paper across the Empire.

 

Hector had seized the opportunity to mock him mercilessly that day, finally getting back at him for his earlier pranks.

 

Now, he leaned in teasingly, thoroughly enjoying his newfound leverage.

 

Rong Heng, exasperated, scowled and ignored him.

 

[What are you doing here?] he typed impatiently.

 

Hector grinned even wider and smugly waved a new identification badge in his face.

 

“I’m your new teacher. Surprised?”

 

Since he had nothing better to do, and since he wanted to grow closer to the little dragon cub, he had deliberately applied for a position at the cub school.

 

Coincidentally, the school had just completed its expansion and was hiring new teachers.

 

So—Hector joined.

 

?????

 

Rong Heng’s expression instantly darkened.

 

He had no interest in acknowledging this idiot.

 

But the more he ignored Hector, the more obnoxious the dragon became. He swung his work badge back and forth, taunting, “What, are you planning to stay a cub forever? Just gonna live here and play all day? No interest in taking back the throne? No plans to reclaim the Empire?”

 

Truth be told, if he had to pick between the regent and Rong Heng, he much preferred the crown prince sitting on the throne.

 

[Enjoy your peace while it lasts.]

 

Rong Heng shot him a sideways glance before hopping off the swing.

 

Hector clicked his tongue as he watched him go.

 

Hmph. Moody as always.

 

*

 

That afternoon, when school let out, Ruan Shiqing and 09 arrived in the land cruiser to pick up the cubs.

 

As always, the little dragon cub was the first to charge forward, launching himself like a small cannonball straight into Ruan Shiqing’s arms.

 

Trailing behind, Hector watched enviously, muttering under his breath, “Why is he so different with me…”

 

Ruan Shiqing caught the little one with ease and then looked at the three cubs following behind.

 

The little mermaid was hugging a few books, sitting obediently in his small pushcart; 09 had already scooped up Snowball; only the little fox seemed a bit downcast, her usual lively energy nowhere to be seen.

 

Ruan Shiqing reached out to rub her head. “What’s wrong? Why so glum today?”

 

Usually, she was right behind the little dragon cub, racing to be the first out the door. But today, she looked like a little rose drooping under the rain—head bowed, ears drooping.

 

“I know!” The little dragon cub shot up a paw, eager to answer. “It’s because of the exam!”

 

That’s right—cub school had exams too.

 

This was their first real test since enrolling, and as soon as the little fox heard about it, she had been mopey all day.

 

She hadn’t even memorized all the phonetic symbols yet, and now she had to take a test?!

 

The little fox was deeply worried.

 

“It’s just a test,” Ruan Shiqing reassured her, ruffling her fur. “Just do your best.”

 

The little fox looked up at him, twisting her paws together anxiously. “Even if I get… last place, it’s okay?”

 

…Huh?

 

Would it really be that bad?

 

Ruan Shiqing, who had always been a top student, struggled to comprehend this particular concern.

 

“Nota is so smart—there’s no way you’d come in last,” he said with a chuckle. He had always thought the little fox was very clever.

 

But at his words, the little fox’s ears drooped even further.

 

She clenched her paws in secret determination.

 

Fine! She’d just have to ask Ruan Yuebai to tutor her before the exam.

 

At the very least…

 

At the very least, she couldn’t come in last place!

 

That would be way too embarrassing for a fox.

 

With mixed emotions, the little fox climbed into the land cruiser.

 

Halfway through the drive, the little mermaid was the first to notice something was off.

 

He tugged at Ruan Shiqing’s sleeve, pointing outside.

 

Then, he let out a soft “Ah?” and blinked in confusion.

 

This… wasn’t the road back to Fragrance Tower Manor.

 

A sudden thought crossed his mind, and his blue eyes lit up, filled with anticipation.

 

Were they going home?

 

“As expected of Yuebai—so observant,” Ruan Shiqing praised, glancing at the backseat where the little dragon cub and the little fox were wrestling over something.

 

Those two…

 

If they got kidnapped, they probably wouldn’t even notice until they were already sold.

 

“We’re going home today.”

 

“Home?!”

 

The little dragon cub finally caught onto the key word. He poked his head forward excitedly. “We can go home now?!”

 

They had been staying at Fragrance Tower Manor all this time, but deep down, the cubs all felt that their house was the best.

 

They had really started missing the lush falling star vines and the big, comfy lounge chairs.

 

As they spoke, the land cruiser neared their new home.

 

The cubs pressed their faces against the windows, peering outside—

 

And in the distance, they saw it.

 

A newly built duplex, standing tall.

 

Two rows of houses, two stories high, with red-tiled roofs and white walls. Wrought iron fences lined the perimeter, covered in climbing falling star vines.

 

It looked different from before—

 

But it was still home.

 

The land cruiser pulled into the front yard, and the moment it stopped, the cubs exploded out of the vehicle.

 

They barely had time to greet the Xiong brothers, who were working in the yard, before they bolted toward the backyard.

 

Ruan Shiqing carried Snowball down, playfully tweaking his ear tip before setting him on the ground. “Aren’t you going to check out the new house?”

 

Snowball met his gaze for a moment before slowly following after the others.

 

Though the crown prince wasn’t particularly interested, he supposed he could pretend to be, just this once.

 

“Snowball and Mr. Rong really are alike,” Ruan Shiqing mused with a smile, watching him saunter off.

 

“Indeed,” 09 chimed in.

 

Among the cubs, Snowball was by far the most composed.

 

Even the little mermaid had his playful moments, but Snowball?

 

Snowball always carried himself with an air of dignity.

 

“As expected of the eldest,” the little robot concluded solemnly.

 

The cubs burst into the backyard—

 

And the moment they saw it, a chorus of gasps filled the air.

 

A massive new pool, taking up a quarter of the backyard, shimmered under the sunlight.

 

Floating on the water were several rubber duckies—two slightly worn ones from before, and several newer additions.

 

And by the poolside, two large, blue inflatable lounge chairs bobbed gently, tethered to the edge.

 

Overhead, the falling star vines cascaded down, their golden fruits peeking through the leaves, casting a warm, dappled glow over the water.

 

For the first time, the little mermaid’s expression shifted into pure excitement.

 

Without a second thought, he steered his pushcart to the pool’s edge—

 

And with a graceful leap, he dived straight into the water.

 

The blue fish tail glided through the water, catching the sunlight and shimmering with a breathtaking glow.

 

The little mermaid dove deep into the pool before flicking his tail and shooting back to the surface. Tilting his head up, his pale blue ear fins stretched open, and his sapphire eyes sparkled with delight.

 

Wiping the water from his face, he waved eagerly, mentioning the other cubs to join him.

 

The little dragon cub was the first to respond.

 

With an excited flap, he launched himself forward and crashed into the water.

 

Ripples spread out, sending droplets flying in all directions.

 

The little dragon cub immediately started rolling around in the water, splashing wildly.

 

The little fox, who had just been worrying about asking Ruan Yuebai for tutoring, instantly forgot all about the exam.

 

She shifted back into her beast form, kicked off with her hind legs, and sprinted forward—

 

With a powerful leap, she pounced straight onto the little dragon cub.

 

The two cubs instantly tumbled into a tangled mess, wrestling and kicking up waves.

 

Meanwhile, the little mermaid flicked his tail and happily circled them, swimming with effortless ease.

 

Watching all this from a distance, Rong Heng slowly approached.

 

He eyed the chaotic water battle with disdain, then lazily flopped onto one of the lounge chairs.

 

What a childish game. The crown prince had no interest in such nonsense.

 

At that moment, the little mermaid gently pushed a floating lounge chair toward him.

 

His gemstone-blue eyes were filled with warmth as he reached out, poked Rong Heng’s arm, and patted the inflatable seat.

 

Then, he let out a soft “Ah!”—an invitation.

 

Rong Heng’s face darkened as he locked eyes with the artificial mermaid.

 

I am NOT playing this childish game with you.

 

“Ah!” The little mermaid called again, eyes shining with anticipation.

 

Rong Heng: …

 

Sulk all you want.

 

The crown prince wasn’t falling for it.

 

But when he didn’t move, the little mermaid’s enthusiasm faded. His lips pressed together, his long eyelashes drooped, and even his bright ear fins folded down in disappointment.

 

He turned away, pushing the inflatable chair back, his movements subdued.

 

Then, suddenly—

 

Someone tugged on his long hair.

 

The little mermaid turned around in confusion, only to see Snowball standing at the pool’s edge, nodding toward him.

 

!!!

 

Realizing the meaning immediately, the little mermaid’s disappointment vanished, replaced by a bright smile.

 

His tail flicked excitedly beneath the water as he eagerly pushed the floating chair toward Snowball.

 

Rong Heng scowled, but under the silent expectation in both of their eyes, he reluctantly jumped onto the inflatable seat.

 

Then, throwing an unimpressed look at the mermaid, he muttered inwardly, Happy now?

 

But the little mermaid didn’t seem to get the message.

 

As soon as Rong Heng sat down—

 

He pushed off and sent the lounge chair racing across the water.

 

Water splashed as they skimmed across the pool’s surface.

 

The two cubs wrestling nearby immediately noticed.

 

They exchanged a glance—

 

And in the next second, they charged toward the other floating lounge chair.

 

The little fox jumped on, the little dragon cub shoved from behind—

 

Together, they aimed straight for the little mermaid’s raft.

 

The little mermaid barely had time to react before—

 

BAM!

 

The two floating chairs collided, sending a huge wave splashing into the air.

 

Rong Heng, who had been completely dry up until this moment, was instantly soaked.

 

Water dripped from his fur.

 

His already damp mood sank further.

 

Narrowing his eyes, the crown prince coldly turned to the two guilty culprits.

 

But they were too busy playing to notice.

 

The little fox, now entirely drenched, let out a delighted squeal and immediately pounced on him, rubbing against him to dry herself off.

 

…

 

Rong Heng gritted his teeth.

 

Alright.

 

These two brats needed to be taught a lesson.

 

By the time Ruan Shiqing arrived in the backyard, he was greeted by the sight of four cubs locked in an all-out water battle.

 

The falling star vines swayed gently in the breeze. The water rippled with waves of laughter. Sunlight shimmered across the pool’s surface, and even the air itself seemed filled with joy.

 

Ruan Shiqing turned to 09 with a smile.

 

“No matter how composed he tries to be, he’s still just a cub,” he said, his gaze landing knowingly on Rong Heng.

 

As if sensing the attention, Rong Heng stiffened slightly—

 

And in that exact moment—

 

The little dragon cub pounced and shoved him straight into the water.

 

 

 

---

 

Poor Rong Rong, he got bullied from all sides in this chapter lmao

 

Thanks for reading!

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