ASFTB 30: Move To Sky City

Jian Chengxi finally freed himself from the nightmare after discussing life goals with the children early in the morning.

Even though that dream might truly be the future, as long as he is here, he will not let such a future happen. He doesn’t have the ambition to save the future, but he wants to save his two children.

Coughing sounds came from the bed not far away.

Jian Chengxi snapped back to his senses and quickly walked to the bedside, looking at Grandma Li with concern. “You’re awake?”

Grandma Li slowly opened her eyes and softly asked, “Where am I?”

Jian Chengxi replied, “Just rest well. Something happened last night in the underground main city, but it’s already being resolved. There’s no major issue.”

Grandma Li let out a sigh of relief, nodding as she said, “That’s good, that’s good. You really scared me. I thought the Zerg army had broken in…”

Jian Chengxi felt a pang of sadness in his heart.

Not for any particular reason, but because so much time had passed, and the war seemed to have left an indelible shadow on everyone.

The common people lived in dire straits, rarely finding peace.

“Grandma, there’s nothing to be afraid of,” Li Suisui said as she quickly ran over from the side. She leaned against the bed and added, “Father has already driven the Zergs away!”

Grandma Li smiled and said, “Yes, yes, you’re right. Our Suisui is smart, but I’m just getting old.”

Jian Chengxi had been feeling pleased that his daughter was being well-educated and had comforted the elderly lady, but then—

Li Suisui raised her small chin and crisply said, “It has nothing to do with age. It’s just that you’re too timid, Grandma. But don’t worry, because Daddy said that everyone’s personality is different, so I won’t laugh at you.”

Grandma Li: “…”

Thank you, I feel really taken care of.

Jian Chengxi hadn’t expected this little troublemaker to say such a thing. He quickly pulled his daughter over and smiled, saying, “She’s just joking, don’t take it to heart. Since you’re not feeling well, please rest here for now. I’ll take the kids to wash up.”

Grandma Li did feel a bit tired, so she nodded in agreement.

Jian Chengxi took the two children and led them out.

Li Chen’s beast form hadn’t fully ended yet, and after a while, he transformed back into his beast shape. Jian Chengxi grabbed one of his own garments and covered the child to help him sleep.

Once everything was settled, he quietly said to Li Suisui, “Daddy’s going downstairs to make breakfast. Can you help take care of your gege for a bit?”

Li Suisui nodded and said, “Okay!”

Jian Chengxi felt a bit relieved. However, as soon as he reached the bottom of the stairs, he unexpectedly ran into Li Lingfeng, who was walking in from outside.

In the time they had been apart overnight, the man had already changed into a new outfit—a deep blue military uniform. After removing the heavy, cold armor, the shirt and uniform made him appear less cold and more commanding, reflecting the authority that came with his long-standing position of power. The military insignia on his shoulder gleamed with stars representing honor. His long legs were encased in black military boots, and the buttons of his tailored shirt were neatly fastened, except for one at the collar, which had been slightly undone.

Just like this person, rigid in his principles, yet carrying a rebellious and wild streak.

The morning sunlight poured in.

Jian Chengxi found himself momentarily distracted. Honestly speaking, it was the kind of appearance he liked but this was a dangerous person he would never have dared to get close to, even in his dreams.

Li Lingfeng spoke softly, “What are you staring at me for?”

Jian Chengxi, holding clothes and an apron, snapped back to reality, brushing away any inappropriate thoughts, and replied, “Have you finished with your business?”

Li Lingfeng nodded, “The displaced people have already been evacuated. The military officers from the underground city who were responsible for the defense have been captured and are facing trial. There should be a verdict today.”

Jian Chengxi roughly understood, “That’s good. Those people, who have been tyrannizing the villages, holding imperial authority yet not doing their duty, definitely should have been punished a long time ago.”

A shadow seemed to flicker in Li Lingfeng’s eyes. “Did they bully you?”

Jian Chengxi recalled how Wang Zhe had threatened him, but not wanting to talk about that person, he shook his head. “No, I just saw a lot of it.”

Li Lingfeng gave a faint nod and didn’t press further.

There was movement upstairs.

It was the sound of Li Suisui. The little girl ran to the top of the stairs and called out, “Daddy, Suisui is hungry.”

When Jian Chengxi saw the little figure, he quickly said, “There are two bottles of nutrient liquid in the cupboard. I’ll get them for you.”

Li Suisui shook her head, her big, watery eyes looking at her Daddy. With a hint of hesitation, she said, “Suisui wants to eat pancakes.”

Those were cheap and not expensive.

When money was tight at home, Jian Chengxi would eat pancakes himself and save the nutrient liquid for the two children. Later, he didn’t even know who had noticed, but both kids started wanting pancakes every day.

Jian Chengxi smiled and said, “Today, not only will we have pancakes, but we can also drink the nutrient liquid.”

A smile blossomed on Li Suisui’s face. “Really? Why is that?”

Of course, it’s because now your Father is here and we don’t have to be so stingy with money anymore.

But he couldn’t say it so bluntly.

Jian Chengxi paused for a moment, cleared his throat, and said, “It’s to celebrate. Celebrate your Father’s triumphant return. It’s a good day.”

Li Suisui’s gaze fell on Li Lingfeng. There was still a trace of unfamiliarity and distance in her eyes. She ran down the stairs but didn’t approach Li Lingfeng. Instead, she went over to Jian Chengxi.

Jian Chengxi gently patted his daughter’s head and said, “Daddy will go hang up the clothes. You stay here and wait.”

Li Suisui nodded and said, “Okay.”

Jian Chengxi stepped out of the courtyard and hung yesterday’s clothes on the drying rack, letting them soak in the sunlight.

Inside the house, Li Suisui’s eyes were fixed on Li Lingfeng. There was no fear, only curiosity toward the stranger. Her Father seemed so stern and fierce, and she was a little afraid of him.

However—

Li Suisui ran to the cupboard, standing on tiptoe, trying to reach the nutrient liquid on the shelf.

At three years old, her age and height were still a bit small. Her little hand reached out into the air, just a little short of being able to grab it…

At that moment, footsteps sounded behind her. Before she could react, Li Suisui was suddenly lifted off the ground. The tall, broad-shouldered general effortlessly picked her up, and the little girl sat on his strong, muscular arm. She leaned against Li Lingfeng, her round, wide eyes meeting her Father’s gaze in surprise.

Li Lingfeng glanced at the cupboard. “What do you want to get?”

Li Suisui snapped out of her daze and pointed to the nutrient liquid inside. “This.”

Li Lingfeng opened the cupboard, stepping a little closer to the position where the child could just reach. Li Suisui stretched out her hand and grabbed the two bottles, a smile spreading across her face.

Creek.

The door to the house was pushed open.

When Jian Chengxi came in from outside, he unexpectedly saw this scene. “Suisui?”

Li Lingfeng turned around, holding the child in his arms.

Jian Chengxi quickly walked over and asked, “What’s going on?”

Li Suisui, holding the two bottles in her hands, replied, “Suisui is getting the nutrient liquid.”

Jian Chengxi glanced at Li Lingfeng, a sense of unease still lingering in his heart. With some concern, he looked at his daughter and asked, “Did you let General Li carry you to get it?”

Before Li Suisui could speak, Li Lingfeng quietly replied, “I picked her up first.”

Jian Chengxi let out a quiet sigh of relief in his heart.

As he turned his face, shaking off the tense emotions, he realized that the scene before him was surprisingly harmonious. The tall and handsome man, who appeared so imposing and dignified, was holding the young child securely in his arms. In the past, Suisui and Xiao Chen didn’t often let him hold them, as his weak body couldn’t manage it for long but now, the warm, golden sunlight fell on the two of them, creating such a tender, peaceful moment.

Perhaps…

Having a father was a good thing for the children.

Jian Chengxi walked over and gently patted his daughter’s head, smiling warmly as he asked, “Are you happy, Suisui?”

Li Suisui nodded and said, “I’m happy!”

Jian Chengxi also wanted to take this opportunity to help strengthen the bond between Li Lingfeng and the children. He quickly asked, “Why are you happy?”

He thought the child might say something touching about family.

But unexpectedly—

Li Suisui’s eyes sparkled as she held the nutrient liquid, seriously saying, “Because if Father is here, Suisui can have both the nutrient liquid and pancakes on the same day!”

“…”

There was indeed a bit of family affection, but not much.

Jian Chengxi glanced at Li Lingfeng with a forced smile, then picked up Suisui and said, “Suisui, why don’t you go upstairs and drink with your gege? Daddy will make pancakes for you.”

Li Suisui nodded eagerly. “Okay!”

The little girl skipped away, leaving the living room quiet again.

Jian Chengxi rolled up his sleeves and turned to Li Lingfeng, saying, “You’ve been busy all night and haven’t eaten, you’re probably hungry. I’m about to make breakfast. Let’s eat together.”

Li Lingfeng hadn’t expected him to show concern.

After a whole night of busyness, Li Lingfeng had been running around handling countless matters with many things waiting for him to address. Soldiers were also waiting for him to assign tasks. Everyone had their own concerns yet only Jian Chengxi seemed to care whether he had eaten.

He was naturally emotionally detached, even to the point of not caring for his own well-being.

Only his little wife seemed to care about his feelings more than he did.

As Jian Chengxi tied on his apron, he said, “Are you okay with eating wild herb pancakes? The fruit from our trees has already been sold out, otherwise you could have tried some of the ones I grew. How about I go check the garden later to see if there are any fresh ones, and pick some for you?”

Li Lingfeng’s gaze was deep as he said quietly, “No need, I’m fine with it.”

Jian Chengxi gave a little smile. “I haven’t even let you try it yet, how do you know you’re fine with it?”

Bathed in the morning light, Li Lingfeng stood with his back to the window. His sharp profile was veiled in shadow, making it impossible to read his expression.

Just as Jian Chengxi was about to turn and leave—

“I’m fine with it.”

Jian Chengxi’s steps froze. He glanced back in surprise, meeting a pair of dark, fathomless eyes. Then came the man’s low, steady voice in his ears, “I can eat anything you make.”

The room suddenly grew quiet.

Jian Chengxi hadn’t expected him to trust him so much. His long lashes fluttered slightly, and for some reason he felt a trace of anticipation. “Really?”

Li Lingfeng nodded, thinking it necessary to give Jian Chengxi a bit of confidence. “Back on the Zerg territory, the environment was harsh. Even rotting flesh on the ground or strange plants became our rations. So you don’t need to worry.”

Jian Chengxi: “…”

Thank you.

That was honestly a bit discouraging.

By the stove in the courtyard, Jian Chengxi lit the fire and skillfully began chopping the wild herbs. Recently, he had optimized the process for making the wild herb pancakes. First, chopping and mincing the herbs, then boiling them on both sides to remove the bitterness. Afterward, he added a bit of his special sesame oil and slowly stir-fried to bring out the flavor.

The heat caused some smoke to rise.

In the past, it had always been Grandma Li who tended the fire for him but now that Grandma Li was sick, Jian Chengxi had to manage both the fire and the cooking.

Just as he was getting a little flustered—

Li Lingfeng walked over from behind and took the firewood from him. “I’ll do it.”

Jian Chengxi didn’t expect him to come over and, puzzled, asked, “Do you know how to start a fire?”

Li Lingfeng answered indifferently, “I should know how.”

Jian Chengxi thought he must have cooked before. “You’ve learned?”

The merciless Li Lingfeng, expressionless, replied, “I’ve lit fires.”

“…”

As expected of him.

He had never imagined that one day, while he was cooking, the Empire’s Grand General would be the one tending the fire for him. Jian Chengxi found the feeling a little strange, but when he glanced sideways, he saw that Li Lingfeng was completely focused on the task. There was no trace of impatience or perfunctory attitude, as if working the fire for him was perfectly natural, unaffected by rank or status.

The fear Jian Chengxi had always carried toward this man unexpectedly eased quite a bit.

Li Lingfeng lifted his head to look at him, calling his name. “Jian Chengxi.”

Jian Chengxi became nervous. “What’s wrong?”

Li Lingfeng calmly said, “Isn’t it time to flip the pancakes?”

“…Oh.”

In a little while, the pancakes were done, and they came out of the pan still carrying a delicious aroma.

Since there were more people at home this time, Jian Chengxi made more than usual. He filled two large bowls, and his control over the frying was becoming increasingly better. The wild vegetable pancakes were a beautiful green, with a light yellow outer crust. When you bit into it, the inside was soft and sticky, with the fresh fragrance of wild vegetables.

It was just morning, and the temperature was perfect.

On the small table in the yard, the pancakes were placed. Li Suisui and the others came out of the house and were very happy to see the fried pancakes.

Jian Chengxi handed her a plate and said, “Grandma Li was frightened yesterday. Suisui, how about you bring this plate of pancakes to her?”

Li Suisui nodded, “Okay.”

The little girl was especially efficient. In no time, she came back down with the empty plate and said, “Suisui gave it to Grandma. She was very happy and even praised me.”

Jian Chengxi thought this was a perfect opportunity to teach the child about kindness and virtue, so he quickly smiled and said, “See? As long as we warmly share and help others, we’ll receive praise, right?”

Li Suisui lifted her little face and said, “So if I get praised, does that mean I lose a pancake?”

Jian Chengxi cleared his throat and quickly said, “Grandma Li is our friend and friends are supposed to share with each other. Sharing isn’t something we need to fuss over.”

He was trying to teach the child the meaning of friendship and sharing.

Who would’ve thought—

Li Suisui pondered for a moment, then looked up and said, “I understand now.”

Jian Chengxi broke into a smile, the hopeful father in him lighting up. “Suisui understands?”

Li Suisui nodded firmly. “Mm! Then Suisui won’t make friends anymore. Picking wild greens is hard work for Daddy, so Suisui shouldn’t share them with others. I’ll save them for Daddy and Gege!”

“……”

Some comprehension, but not much.

Jian Chengxi sighed silently in his heart, trying to comfort himself that the child was still young. It wasn’t time to rush things.

He sat back down at the table to eat, and saw that Li Lingfeng was already eating the pancakes. Though he had already been discouraged once, he still nervously asked, “How is it?”

Li Lingfeng took a bite of the pancake, having already finished one piece. The man nodded and said, “Not bad.”

Jian Chengxi beamed. “Right? I told you it was decent. Back when I made pancakes to sell, I would sell out in just one afternoon!”

But the praise he was expecting didn’t come.

Li Lingfeng frowned slightly and asked, “You go out to sell pancakes every day?”

Jian Chengxi didn’t expect him to be so serious, but still replied, “Not every day. Sometimes I go up the mountain to pick wild vegetables and fruits too. It’s not that bad, really.”

Li Lingfeng: “Why?”

Jian Chengxi blinked. “What do you mean, why?”

Li Lingfeng asked, “Was the money I left you not enough?”

Jian Chengxi sighed and said, “I used to spend recklessly and burned through everything. Later I realized life isn’t easy, there’s always something at home that needs money, and the kid has to go to school. Nutrient supplements are expensive too. I didn’t have much choice.”

In Li Lingfeng’s memory, Jian Chengxi was someone untouched by the hardships of everyday life.

Back when they had just gotten married, this person, delicate and from the elven race of Sky City, hadn’t even been able to get used to drinking nutrient supplements, let alone cook.

Yet now.

That person who once wouldn’t lift a finger, had done so much for the sake of their child.

Li Lingfeng looked down and saw that Jian Chengxi’s pale hands were now covered with scars. His gaze darkened. “I’m back now. You don’t have to do that anymore.”

Jian Chengxi inexplicably sensed his emotions and gave a soft smile. “It’s really not that tiring. No matter how hard things were before, isn’t life better now?”

Sweetness after hardship, it’s something everyone hopes for.

Coming from the original host, who had once been vain and materialistic, those words carried a few layers of extra meaning.

Li Lingfeng was silent for a moment before speaking. “The coronet of the new commander is in my hands. The new residence for the general has already been designated in Sky City. Pack up today—you can move in with the child.”

Jian Chengxi said in surprise, “That fast?”

He had thought about moving, but hadn’t expected it to happen so soon.

Li Lingfeng lifted his eyelids to look at him, his expression unreadable. “You’re not happy about moving to Sky City?”

Jian Chengxi thought for a moment. Once they were in Sky City, he could start figuring out how to treat Li Chen’s legs, so he said, “It’s not that. It’s just, I’ve lived here for a long time, and there’s the vegetable garden and all. It’s a bit hard to let go.”

Li Lingfeng said, “I’ll have people keep this treehouse preserved. If you ever want to, you can come back and visit anytime.”

Jian Chengxi let out a breath of relief, thinking that if their relationship ever fell apart someday and he really needed to run, at least he would still have the treehouse to come back to.

Since they were moving, it really was going to be a big task.

Jian Chengxi said, “Then give me two days to pack. There’s still quite a bit of stuff in the house.”

Li Lingfeng said, “Anything you’re missing, you can just buy it over there. I’ll give you a card and full access.”

Jian Chengxi was taken aback by his generosity, but still said, “It’s not really that. It’s mainly that I need to sort out Suisui and Xiao Chen’s school transfers, and then there are the fruits in the garden, and a bunch of stuff at home that needs organizing.”

This time, Li Lingfeng didn’t argue. He simply nodded. “Take care of it. If you need help, just let me know.”

Jian Chengxi nodded. “Alright.”

He said he would pack, and although the treehouse didn’t look that big, there were so many things he couldn’t bear to leave behind.

The little autumn clothes he had sewn for the kids, the basket for picking fruit, the small curtains he had made himself—odds and ends that, when gathered, filled an entire box. He thought there wouldn’t be much to do, but once he got started, it turned out to be quite a lot.

While packing, Grandma Li was moved to tears.

Jian Chengxi held her hand and said, “Grandma, I heard that with this return, your grandson’s come back too. I believe once the follow-up tasks in the Underground City are settled, he’ll come back and take good care of you.”

Grandma Li nodded and said, “Xiao Xi, now that you’re heading to Sky City, you must take good care of yourself.”

The emotions were already running high at this point.

Jian Chengxi’s eyes turned red, and his nose stung. “You too, Grandma.”

Grandma Li patted his back. “Once you’re in Sky City, you’ve got to be more steady. That man of yours isn’t an ordinary person, he’s capable and has a bright future. He’s already not like the other men from our Underground City. So don’t keep arguing with him or throwing tantrums. Live your life honestly, and don’t go thinking about finding some other lover again…”

Jian Chengxi nearly choked and, through teary eyes, glanced at Li Lingfeng not far away. He meekly said, “Alright, Grandma, please stop. If you keep talking like this, I really won’t be able to go on.”

Grandma Li hugged him again, tearing up.

That evening, to celebrate the return of their loved ones, the Underground City held another bonfire performance and feast in the city center.

It was lively and grand.

Originally, Jian Chengxi hadn’t planned to go, but the three-year-old loved these kinds of festive events. Suisui had been looking out the window all evening, her desire to go practically written all over her face.

Li Suisui whispered, “Daddy…”

Jian Chengxi was still busy with the moving preparations. He hesitated and said, “There’ll be too many people over there and we won’t be able to get in. You won’t even see the show from the edges. How about staying home instead? Daddy will tell you a fairy tale.”

Li Lingfeng said, “I’ll take her. If I hold her, she’ll be able to see.”

Li Suisui’s face lit up with a smile. “Father’s coming too!”

Both Li Lingfeng and the little girl looked at Jian Chengxi. Under the expectant gazes of one big and one small, Jian Chengxi finally nodded and said, “Alright then.”

Li Suisui let out a cheerful “Yay!”

This was the first time the whole family of four went out together. Li Chen had just recovered from his beast phase—still a bit sluggish, but hearing there was a festival seemed to lift his spirits.

As they stepped out, the bustle of the Underground City’s center was visible from afar.

When they arrived at the main venue, Jian Chengxi suddenly remembered he hadn’t paid for Li Chen’s last hospital visit and said, “You guys wait here. I’ll step away for a bit, I’ll be right back.”

Li Lingfeng glanced at him. “Don’t go too far.”

Jian Chengxi smiled. “Don’t worry.”

The large plaza was crowded with people.

While Li Lingfeng was with the two children, a sudden stir erupted in the crowd nearby. In the Underground City, it was rare for anyone to catch sight of an archangel, those holy beings had always looked down on this chaotic place and never bothered to come.

But tonight—

A radiant angel stepped onto the stone path. The princess looked around, and when her gaze landed on Li Lingfeng, her eyes lit up.

She walked over with quick, delicate steps, her golden hair shining beautifully under the night sky. “General Li!”

Li Lingfeng frowned slightly. “What brings the Princess here?”

The princess gave a shy smile upon seeing the handsome, steady man. “I heard from my royal brother that General Li wiped out another criminal group in the Underground City last night. It sounded dangerous, and I heard you were injured. I’ve always aspired to be someone who upholds justice and protects the people, so I sneaked out to see with my own eyes how brave your battles are. And also… to check on your injuries.”

A soft-spoken, gentle-hearted angel speaking with such tenderness, any normal person would’ve been touched.

Yet Li Lingfeng said expressionlessly, “With the Princess here, if a rebel were to appear, it would only make our operations more difficult. You should return early.”

Princess: “……”

You’re really impossible to move!

Her gaze quickly fell on the child in Li Lingfeng’s arms. Her eyes lit up, and she smiled. “What a beautiful child.”

Li Lingfeng looked at his child, and his expression softened a little.

The princess assumed he was showing concern for a poor civilian’s child, so she spoke even more gently. “I like children too.”

As she spoke—

The princess pulled out a crystal-clear fruit from her pouch and held it out to Li Suisui and Li Chen. “Here, this is a Ying Fruit. It’s very sweet.”

Neither Li Suisui nor Li Chen took it.

The princess felt a bit embarrassed. In her mind, weren’t children from the Underground City supposed to be inexperienced and full of gratitude toward her?

Li Lingfeng said to the children, “It’s not poisonous. Go ahead.”

Only then did the two children take the fruit.

The princess hadn’t expected the children to be this sharp and while other civilians couldn’t take their eyes off her, these two basically acted like she was invisible.

Forget it.

They’re just kids, what’s there to fuss about?

The princess took a deep breath, then smiled at Li Lingfeng and said, “General, are you returning to Sky City tonight? If that’s the case, then it just so happens I can go back with you. That way, you could escort me along the way. I’ve always admired your achievements, General, and this would be the perfect chance for us to—”

She was still speaking when Jian Chengxi walked over from not far away.

Still unaware of the situation, Jian Chengxi came holding two or three pancakes. “The evening celebration’s still got a while to go. If you’re hungry, eat something first to stuff you over and if you’re tired, I can hold her for a bit.”

Li Lingfeng’s demeanor softened noticeably when he saw him. “Not tired.”

Jian Chengxi smiled.

The princess’s expression, however, changed. Her gaze toward Jian Chengxi turned sharp and unfriendly. “Who is he?”

Because Li Lingfeng almost never showed warmth to anyone, yet treated Jian Chengxi with such kindness, the alarm bells in the princess’s mind went off instantly, and she grew guarded.

Jian Chengxi was momentarily stunned.

However—

Before he could even speak, Li Lingfeng had already turned to glance coldly at the princess, his voice indifferent yet firm, “He is my wife.”

The princess was completely stunned. She had never imagined that Li Lingfeng would actually have a wife. After all, her royal brother had told her that when Li Lingfeng returned, there were no family members there to greet him!

Jian Chengxi also looked at her in confusion and asked, “And you are?”

Snapping back to herself, the beautiful angel forced a smile and said, “Oh, hello. I’m the princess of this planet, and also a little fan of General Li. I came this time mainly to inspect the situation in the Underground City, and to check on General Li’s injuries. That’s all—nothing else. After all, General Li is the pillar of the nation. I’m sure you wouldn’t mind that, right?”

Jian Chengxi: “……”

Do you think I’m a fool?

Before he could say anything—

Li Suisui, who was in Li Lingfeng’s arms, held out the fruit to the princess and said, “Auntie, you can have this fruit back. I don’t want it anymore.”

The princess blinked, surprised as she looked at the child. She hadn’t expected this little country bumpkin to actually reject her, so she asked, “Why?”

“Because,” Li Suisui said seriously, her little face full of innocent sincerity, her childish voice crisp and clear, “Suisui feels like throwing up when she hears you talk.”