ASFTB 44: The Protagonist’s Passionate Acting

This entire farce finally ended when Alice’s father arrived.

He was a refined and scholarly-looking gentleman, but he was incredibly strict when it came to Alice. Wearing gold-rimmed glasses, he stepped down from another airship.

“Alice.” The man with sky-blue curls in a tailcoat spoke sternly. “Where have all the rules you were taught at home gone? Did your mother teach you to be this disrespectful toward the butler who looks after you?”

When Alice saw her father, her tears slipped down again. She was already very upset, yet she still forced herself to speak through her sobs, “I’m sorry, Father.”

She was crying miserably yet her father didn’t care about his child at all.

The man glanced at the butler on the ground, whose face still had magical potion on it, and frowned. “You did this?”

Alice was stunned. She guiltily cast a glance at Li Suisui. The little girl really couldn’t hide anything in her heart.

Li Suisui, however, was openly holding the bottle in her hand and looked completely unbothered.

Jian Chengxi hurried forward. “I’m sorry, sir. My child’s hand slipped by accident and it wasn’t on purpose. From what I see, your family’s butler… seems to have passed out. He should probably receive medical treatment and we will cover the cost for this treatment.”

The man swept a glance over Jian Chengxi. “Elf race?”

Jian Chengxi was shocked by his sharpness.

The man of the Archangel race also looked at Jian Chengxi, condescendingly. “May I presumptuously ask, you are?”

Jian Chengxi introduced himself and said, “I am Jian Chengxi, and this is my daughter, Li Suisui.”

The man reacted very quickly. “Marshal Li’s wife and daughter?”

Jian Chengxi hadn’t expected him to know.

“Hello, I am Byrne. I’m currently serving as the Secretary-General of the Chief Council.” He extended his hand, very polite. “I am Alice’s father.”

The man who had clearly still been somewhat arrogant just moments ago now looked very humble. It was entirely a different attitude.

Jian Chengxi felt a bit sarcastic inside, but remained gentle on the surface. “Mr. Byrne, hello.”

Not far away, Alice was still wiping her tears.

Byrne glanced sideways at his daughter and spoke, “Alice, I have taught you that crying noisily outside is very impolite behavior, correct?”

Alice wiped her tears, her eyes swollen from crying. “Father, where is Mother? I want to see Mother.”

Byrne slightly frowned and said, “She’s not here because she has matters to attend to. In the future, I will have other people take care of you.”

Alice still wanted to speak, but Byrne gave her a glance. “Go back now and properly reflect on why you were disobedient and did such rude things. Once you have reflected well, I will let your mother call you.”

Alice immediately wiped her tears dry. The three-year-old little girl looked pitiful and did not dare to cry anymore. After bowing to Jian Chengxi and Li Suisui, she went back to the airship and sat obediently.

Jian Chengxi looked at her back silhouette, and inexplicably felt that she seemed somewhat pitiful. He spoke, “I think Alice seems upset……”

Byrne turned his face and said with a smile, “It’s just a child throwing a tantrum. It’s all because her mother didn’t teach her proper manners, which is why you had to witness this embarrassing scene. In the future, if there is a chance, you are welcome to visit our home.”

Jian Chengxi looked at how he didn’t care about his daughter’s feelings at all, and felt a bit emotional inside.

It was just that this was someone else’s family matter—he could not and was unable to interfere.

He originally thought that the main characters always had smooth lives, but he never expected there would also be such painful matters.

His mind suddenly recalled the fragment he had unlocked in the system during the daytime:【The young Alice Jian was forced to be separated from her biological mother, and lived an unhappy childhood.】

The airship in the distance left.

Jian Chengxi held the child’s hand and said: “Were you scared?”

Li Suisui shook her head.

The little girl’s courage was a bit greater than Jian Chengxi had imagined.

Jian Chengxi remembered that Suisui had even helped Alice just now. He had been originally thinking about finding a way to promote the relationship between his child and the protagonist. Yet at this moment, the child had actively helped the protagonist on her own.

This showed that her daughter was also a very kind child, she was simply not some kind of villain.

Jian Chengxi looked at the child with some expectation. “Suisui helped Alice just now, was it because you wanted to help a friend?”

Li Suisui shook her head. “No.”

Jian Chengxi was stunned. “Then you…?”

“Because the teacher didn’t allow Suisui to let that rabbit test the magical potion’s effects,” Li Suisui said. “So Suisui could only test it herself.”

Not far away, the butler had just been dragged away.

Jian Chengxi: “…”

You really had this all planned out, huh.

After they went back in the evening, the child was doing homework in the study room at the back and Jian Chengxi was reading on the sofa.

He also had the idea of wanting to go back to school again, but after coming to this world he originally didn’t have the conditions for it. And now, he actually can’t even answer kindergarten-level questions, so he planned to study properly.

Li Lingfeng came back from outside.

Jian Chengxi put the book away and said, “You came back a bit late today.”

Li Lingfeng nodded and replied, “I went to the Imperial Palace. The Emperor said that after the Princess returned from the Military Department, she fell seriously ill, and he hopes I can go visit her.”

Hugging the book, Jian Chengxi asked, “So did you go?”

Li Lingfeng looked at him.

Jian Chengxi grew even more nervous and even a little annoyed. “Did you go or not?”

Li Lingfeng said in a low voice, “I told them that my wife manages me very strictly, and that if the Princess is sick, she should call a doctor because I don’t know how to cure illnesses.”

Jian Chengxi’s face flushed red. What kind of image must he have in other people’s eyes now? “Y–You—how could you say that!”

Li Lingfeng’s figure was tall and imposing, his brows and eyes well-shaped and sharp. He glanced at Jian Chengxi and said, “Is that so? Then I’ll go report back to the Emperor again, and go pay a visit to the Princess…”

Jian Chengxi immediately said, “No!”

The room fell completely silent.

Li Lingfeng slightly raised his eyebrows. The man didn’t speak but his mouth seemed to curve slightly.

Jian Chengxi, realizing too late that he had been tricked: “…”

Ahhh, how can a person be so bad!

The warm yellow light inside the room was on, making the whole house look exceptionally warm. There were still warm dishes of food on the table. The chilly house was now filled with people and had a lively, homely warmth. It was no longer just a place to rest but a place to be called home.

Jian Chengxi put the book down and sat up. He said, “Suisui and Xiao Chen have already eaten. I’ve left you some food in the pot, but it might be a bit cold. Go wash up, and I’ll reheat it.”

Li Lingfeng took off his coat and hung it on the coat rack. “No need, I can eat anything.”

Jian Chengxi said, “How can that be? Cold food hurts the stomach.”

Li Lingfeng originally wanted to say that he had tough skin and thick flesh, that he used to eat anything during his marches and didn’t need to be so picky.

But Jian Chengxi still took great care of his diet every time.

Li Lingfeng had once thought of advising him against it. Yet every time he saw his little wife nagging and being so attentive to him, he inexplicably felt that this feeling was really nice, so he didn’t want to say anything.

He knew that Jian Chengxi was afraid of him.

He never expected his love. 

As long as he was kind to him, he was already content.

Jian Chengxi served the meatballs and said, “I went to the Underground City earlier today. The wild vegetables in this meatball soup are ones I grew in the yard. You should try it.”

Li Lingfeng took a sip of the soup.

It must have been simmered for a long time. The strong and bitter taste of the meat had been greatly dispersed. The vegetables also had a refreshing fragrance, and it was very good to drink.

He nodded. “Not bad.”

Jian Chengxi squinted and smiled, saying, “Do you think I’d make a lot of money if I opened a restaurant?”

Li Lingfeng spoke up and said, “It will be very tough.”

Jian Chengxi was a bit surprised.

After all, he thought Li Lingfeng would say he was a bit arrogant, or that he should just stay home and take care of the two kids. Yet what he didn’t expect was that Li Lingfeng was seriously considering his own plans, even worrying about him working too hard. He was thinking about his own well-being.

This made Jian Chengxi feel inexplicably happy.

Jian Chengxi remembered what happened earlier in the day and spoke again, saying, “When I went to pick up Suisui today, I ran into Mr. Byrne.”

Li Lingfeng’s cold and stern face turned slightly. “The chairman?”

Jian Chengxi nodded. He was worried it might cause some trouble for Li Lingfeng and said, “Suisui had some friction with their housekeeper, and he came to pick up his daughter…”

He briefly explained what happened earlier in the day.

After all, it was he and his daughter who had caused some trouble for Li Lingfeng.

“But at that time, it seems he wasn’t really angry,” Jian Chengxi said, “He just took the housekeeper away.”

Li Lingfeng calmly finished speaking then said, “This Byrne person is warm on the surface but is cold-hearted. In the future, stay away from him.”

Jian Chengxi asked, “General, do you know him?”

Li Lingfeng ate his meal slowly, then spoke, “These past few days, Byrne has been preparing to marry the eldest daughter of Fuchs as his legitimate wife. It has already become known throughout the court.”

Jian Chengxi was stunned for a moment.

What will happen to Alice’s mother?

Though it had nothing to do with him, Jian Chengxi couldn’t help but ask in the end, “So, Alice’s mother was originally a concubine?”

Li Lingfeng spoke, “He demoted his legitimate wife to a concubine and married another.”

???!!!

Jian Chengxi was completely stunned, not knowing such things were even possible. “Wha—what? Is that even possible?”

Li Lingfeng spoke in a low voice, “Byrne was once stranded in the Underground City and was taken in by his wife. After his injuries healed, he married that woman and had a daughter. Now, his power has grown even stronger and as he marries again, even if he doesn’t demote her, the legitimate wife’s future will not be easy.”

Jian Chengxi thought about how that woman had been forced to leave home and felt an inexplicable sympathy. “I heard from Byrne’s housekeeper that she went on a trip.”

Li Lingfeng’s voice was deep and powerful, “Byrne used her ill health as an excuse and sent her to be guarded at the Imperial Center’s hospital.”

Jian Chengxi was shocked by that man’s ruthlessness.

He seemed so gentle and refined, but he didn’t expect him to be such a person. Unlike their own general, who, though looked cold and intimidating, was actually very kind to him and the children.

Li Lingfeng lifted his eyelid and glanced at him. “You care about her?”

Jian Chengxi snapped out of his daze and quickly said, “Of course not, I was just thinking that you’re much better than that Byrne.”

Li Lingfeng’s expression remained calm. He revealed no emotion but his voice seemed a little softer, no longer as cold. The man’s gaze subtly shifted. “Is that so?”

Jian Chengxi immediately flattered him. “Yes, yes!”

Sometimes, giving a man appropriate praise is also very important.

Jian Chengxi continued with sweet words. “Look at you—you’re capable, your actions match your words, and most importantly, you’re good to your wife and children. You’re even unaffected by outside temptations, marrying you is truly my blessing! That Byrne can’t even compare to you!”

Having a man who doesn’t mess around is so important for the stability of the family.

Jian Chengxi came over and massaged Li Lingfeng’s shoulders. “General, you really work hard!”

The indoor lighting was warm and bright. Li Lingfeng sat on the sofa and looked at the person beside him as that delicate finger pressed on his shoulder.

Li Lingfeng’s voice was low, “Is your hand not hurting anymore?”

Jian Chengxi hadn’t reacted yet, and lifted his hand, saying, “It doesn’t hurt anymore. I think the medicine the doctor gave me really works. Actually, I can tolerate pain much better than before and I’m recovering faster now!”

Li Lingfeng’s eyes were dark and deep. “Is that so?”

Jian Chengxi hadn’t noticed the danger at all, and just said, “Yes, yes!”

Li Lingfeng’s voice was low and hoarse. The man, who had just eaten meat, glanced at him sideways. “Then should we practice some more?”

Jian Chengxi: “…?”

Can he not!!!

The next day—

The two children are resting.

Jian Chengxi took the two of them out for a trip to the Underground City.

Wangcai had already gotten used to wearing a leash. Ever since their last outing, it had completely fallen in love with going out for walks, and every time it saw Jian Chengxi pick up the leash, it would get especially excited.

Li Suisui was the one holding the leash.

Sometimes, Wangcai would complain about her walking too slowly and want to run on its own.

A person and a dog were running on the street.

Jian Chengxi was holding Li Chen in his arms and said with some helplessness, “You two, slow down.”

As they passed the corner, they almost bumped into a disheveled woman. She appeared a bit dazed and, due to the force, fell to the ground.

Jian Chengxi stopped and pulled her up. “Are you okay?”

The woman hurriedly shook her head, as if she had been startled.

Jian Chengxi noticed that she didn’t look too well and asked, “Do you want to go to the hospital?”

The woman’s voice was a bit hoarse as she said, “No need… no need…”

Jian Chengxi couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off about her, but he didn’t know what to say at the moment. So, he could only take some money from his pocket and hand it to her. “If you’re not feeling well, go to the hospital.”

The woman took the money, and her lifeless eyes seemed to finally gather some light. “Thank you.”

Jian Chengxi shook his head. “No need to thank me, just go home now.”

The woman nodded.

Li Suisui, who had been walking in front, returned holding the dog and asked, “What is Daddy saying to her?”

Jian Chengxi told his daughter what had just happened.

Li Suisui asked curiously, “She clearly bumped into Daddy, why is Daddy giving her money?”

Jian Chengxi thought for a moment and said, “Because she looked like she was in trouble, so Daddy helped her.”

Li Suisui lifted her small face to look at her Daddy with her delicate face flushed with a rosy glow under the sunlight. Her voice was soft and high-pitched, tinged with a bit of confusion, “But Daddy doesn’t know her, why help her?”

Jian Chengxi held his daughter’s hand and said, “This is like doing a good deed every day. It’s just like making friends and helping those in need. More friends mean more paths, and maybe long after, they’ll help us too.”

He understood that he couldn’t change anyone’s fate.

So, he led by example.

He didn’t believe that anyone was born to be a villain or a bad person. He wanted his children to grow up in love and warmth.

Li Suisui spoke up, “Is it like the Calabash Brothers fighting the snake demon together?”

“…”

What an impertinent comparison.

Jian Chengxi tried to explain. “It’s not necessarily about fighting the snake demon, it’s just about helping each other when there’s a difficulty.”

Li Suisui asked, “What if she refuses to help?”

The usually silent Li Chen spoke up and said, “Then have her pay back the money.”

“I see now.” Li Suisui had an expression of realization. “This way, she’ll help!”

Jian Chengxi: “…”

Well realized, don’t realize next time.

This time, he returned to the Underground City mainly to see how the fruit was selling at the doctor’s place.

As soon as he entered the clinic, the business seemed to be doing well.

The doctor came out from inside and said, “You finally came.”

Jian Chengxi asked, “What’s wrong?”

“The fruit sold really well,” the doctor said to him. “It’s all sold out. I sold each fruit for 5 coins and your basket made a total of 120. After subtracting my share, the remaining money has been transferred to you.”

Jian Chengxi was quite happy to hear the news. “Is it really sold?”

The doctor nodded, “I wouldn’t lie to you. Your fruit originally wouldn’t have sold, but that day, I made a fruit platter for myself. The patients who came by happened to try some and really liked it, so they bought a lot.”

Jian Chengxi said, “That fruit is sweet, so it sells well. I’ll find more shops to collaborate with, and maybe it’ll sell even better.”

It felt as if he could already see the future of making a lot of money.

The doctor also agreed with this. “Then your supply needs to keep up as well, get more.”

Jian Chengxi thought of his small garden and said, “The fruit from this batch is all here, the next batch might not grow until next month.”

The doctor said, “Your production is so low. Even if you make it, it won’t sell for much. You need to figure out a way.”

Jian Chengxi understood this logic as well and said, “But my garden is just this big. If I plant more, I’ll really be too busy to handle it on my own.”

The doctor gave him a suggestion, saying, “You should hire someone to help you.”

Jian Chengxi thought about how Grandma Li was older, and it would definitely be unrealistic to ask her.

As for other people, he couldn’t think of a better candidate at the moment.

The doctor didn’t rush him. “Just go back and discuss it with your husband. This kind of thing should be a simple matter for Li Lingfeng. Aren’t you worried about finding someone?”

Jian Chengxi said, “He’s so busy every day, I don’t want to add to his trouble. I’ll figure out a solution on my own.”

The doctor’s lips curled into a meaningful smile. “So, you really care about your man, huh?”

Jian Chengxi felt a bit embarrassed and annoyed at her gaze. “I don’t!”

“Yes, I misspoke.” The doctor said slowly, “Still, your marshal cares for you. Look at your little face, it’s much more rosy than before and you’ve really taken good care of yourself. How come I can’t do the same? What good food have you been eating?”

Jian Chengxi’s earlobes slowly turned red, “…”

Ask again, it would be impolite.

The next day.

Jian Chengxi sent the child to school.

Li Suisui walked into the classroom.

The classroom, originally lively and cheerful, fell silent as soon as she entered.

Li Suisui was used to it. Her gaze lightly skimmed over the faces of everyone, and she walked with small steps to her seat.

Alice arrived a bit earlier.

After Li Suisui sat down at her desk, she took out the potion class book and started reading.

A child in front of her looked at her and spoke, seemingly saying it intentionally or unintentionally, with her voice rising a bit, “I got full marks in potion class again this time.”

Li Suisui ignored it completely.

The child saw that she wasn’t paying attention, and spoke to another child, “The teacher praised me yesterday, saying I have magical talent, and I’ve never gotten a negative score. My dad says potion-making depends a lot on talent. If your grades are bad and you only get negative points, you’re a bad wizard and shouldn’t be learning potions!”

“Snap.”

Li Suisui closed her book, making quite a loud sound.

The two children not far away were startled.

Li Suisui looked up at her. Her youthful face remained calm, and she spoke, “Class monitor.”

Alice asked in confusion, “What’s wrong?”

Li Suisui looked at her. Her voice was youthful and clear, “Suisui wants to report Pingping for chatting during morning reading and disturbing others from reading.”

Pingping said anxiously, “I didn’t!”

Alice said, “But it’s not even morning reading time yet.”

Pingping said excitedly, “Exactly, exactly. Li Suisui, stop making things up. Are you jealous that Pingping got excellent in potion class and you didn’t?”

Li Suisui didn’t say anything. She lowered her head and continued reading.

Pingping thought she had guessed right. Usually, Li Suisui would make a small snort, so she continued, “Pingping must have guessed right!”

The bell for morning reading rang at this moment.

Li Suisui held the book. Her big and round eyes looked at Alice as she said, “Now she’s disturbing others.”

Alice, as the righteous class monitor, immediately said to Pingping in front, “Pingping, you shouldn’t disturb other kids while they’re reading. Minus 10 points.”

Pingping : “…”

She would really apologize.

During morning reading, the classroom was very relaxed.

As the class monitor, Alice would usually be very responsible about managing discipline, but these past two days, she seemed to have wilted.

Usually, when Li Suisui teased other children, Alice would always stand up to uphold justice. But today, when she saw Pingping fail, she didn’t continue to nag.

Li Suisui continued reading the book.

Alice kept looking at her several times, and finally couldn’t help but say, “Suisui…”

Li Suisui glanced at her.

The girl with blue hair seemed to gather some courage. “Thank you for helping me yesterday.”

The little angel’s beautiful face seemed to have turned slightly red. She pressed her lips together and her eyelashes trembled slightly. She looked at Li Suisui as she said, “I didn’t expect that, even though it seems like you don’t want to pay attention to me usually, you still help me.”

Li Suisui spoke, “No.”

Alice thought she was about to say that she had misunderstood before, and it wasn’t that she didn’t want to pay attention.

Yet to her surprise—

Li Suisui said sharply, “Suisui doesn’t want to pay attention to you right now either.”

“…”

Alice pressed her lips together, and her eyes started to redden again.

Li Suisui continued reading her book. The naturally carefree girl couldn’t understand the sentimental angel’s thoughts.

The classroom during morning reading was very relaxed.

Alice held it in for a long time because Li Suisui was the only one who had made the butler faint for two days. She had many friends, but no other children had this kind of ability.

The little angel finally came over on her own and whispered, “Suisui, I miss Mom so much…”

Li Suisui was interrupted from reading again and felt a bit annoyed.

However, Alice spoke to herself, “But Dad doesn’t take me to the hospital to see her. Everytime I leave the school gate, I’m picked up by the butler, and I can’t go to the hospital at all…”

Li Suisui spoke, “Then you can just sneak out and go.”

The good girl Alice said, “My family keeps a strict watch on me, I can’t sneak out.”

Li Suisui snorted lightly. “So dumb, just run away from school.”

Alice immediately shook her head and said, “Skipping school is wrong, and the school is very strict with many guards around. I could never sneak out, and neither can you.”

Li Suisui seemed to be looking at her like she was some kind of fool, and softly said, “Suisui can.”

Alice was somewhat shocked, and she was a bit disbelieving, “How can you?”

The teacher in charge of the kindergarten’s morning reading class is not Teacher Li, but the teacher of another subject.

Li Suisui put down her book and looked at her, saying, “Suisui doesn’t want to tell you.”

Alice became anxious. “Y–you tell me…”

Li Suisui’s hand was being pulled by her, and their little hands were resting together. This was the first time another child was willing to make contact with her.

Alice was truly a bit sad, and her eyes were red.

Li Suisui said, “Then you can’t always nag Suisui from now on.”

Alice was a bit embarrassed.

Li Suisui made a bold request. “And also help Suisui take away Pingping’s points.”

The righteous protagonist, Alice, immediately said, “That’s not allowed.”

Li Suisui continued reading. “Then forget it, Suisui will keep reading.”

Alice: “…”

The little girl bit her lip and leaned over, saying, “My family has potion books too. I’ll bring them to you to look at later.”

This was clearly a bribe.

Li Suisui became interested. She looked at her and said, “Really?”

Alice nodded. “Mm! They’re all my dad’s. He doesn’t usually let anyone else look at them, but Alice can.”

Li Suisui revealed a small smile. “Alright then, but you have to promise Sui Sui that you’ll follow Sui Sui’s instructions.”

Alice said worriedly, “You can’t skip class, okay…”

Li Suisui gave her a reassuring look.

Then—

During morning reading, the teacher in charge of supervising the kindergarten kids’ morning reading was not Teacher Li, but another subject teacher. He was still not very familiar with the students in this class.

He saw a particularly well-behaved and pretty little girl raise her hand. “Teacher!”

The teacher walked over and said, “What’s the matter?”

Li Suisui’s voice was soft, “Alice said her stomach hurts.”

The teacher’s expression changed. “What’s going on?”

“Alice has been having stomach pains for a while and she cried because of the pain.” Li Suisui’s face was full of innocence. Her childish voice said, “She kept shaking just now.”

The teacher was startled. He bent over. “Then we need to quickly contact a car to take her to the hospital!”

Saying this, the teacher looked at the blue-haired little angel next to her.

Alice stared at this scene, dumbfounded. She had been wanting to go to the hospital for so long but couldn’t, while Li Suisui could go with just a few words.

The teacher said with concern, “Alice, does your stomach hurt?”

Alice sat there stupidly.

Li Suisui kicked under the table, seemingly silently reminding her of something. If you want to go to the hospital, now’s the time, or don’t come looking for me later.

“…”

She had never lied in her life. The righteous protagonist, Alice, was panicking. “I… Alice… I…”

Because of Alice’s hesitation—

Pingping, who was in front, turned around and said to the teacher, “Teacher, Suisui is definitely lying.”

The teacher asked, puzzled, “Lying?”

He looked at the innocent and pretty little girl.

Ping Ping exaggerated and said, “Yes, Suisui usually likes to tease people!”

The teacher turned to look at Li Suisui and Alice. “Alice, are you really not feeling well?”

Pingping thought Alice was in danger and immediately said, “Alice, don’t be afraid of Suisui. Just tell the teacher and everything will be fine!”

Everyone’s gaze turned toward them.

Under everyone’s gaze, Alice looked at Li Suisui. She had been taught since childhood that lying was wrong and it was something bad kids did. If she lied, she would also be a bad kid. Yet when she looked at Li Suisui, Li Suisui’s gaze was so calm, as if she had no hope for her.

She had seen such a look in her mother’s eyes as well. Because her father treated her mother badly and she could never protect her mother.

That’s why her mother left her.

She might never see her mother again.

Alice’s eyes were red and in front of everyone, tears streamed down. She took a deep breath, bent down, and held her stomach. Through her tears, she said, “Alice’s stomach hurts so much.”

The teacher: “…”

It was quite sudden.