ASFTB 31: I Didn’t Expect You to be Such a General!

The princess’s smile completely froze. “You…”

As the noble archangel of the entire planet, a rare existence second only to the elven race, the little girl in front of her was nothing more than a lowly being who didn’t even have elven wings!

If it weren’t for her being in Li Lingfeng’s arms, the princess would have slapped her across the face in anger.

However, she didn’t want to lose her composure and graceful appearance in front of Li Lingfeng, after all, this wasn’t quite in line with the persona she usually portrayed.

The princess’s gaze softened, looking at Li Lingfeng with a pitiful expression, as if she had been bullied. “General Li…”

Li Lingfeng gave her a cold glance, then lowered his head to look at his daughter and said, “Suisui, don’t do this again next time.”

The princess’s eyes brightened, and her gloomy mood lightened a bit. So, Li Lingfeng was still on her side after all?!

But then—

The next second, Li Lingfeng’s voice was calm as he lectured, “Wasting food is a bad habit.”

The little girl’s delicate face blinked, her long lashes fluttering. In the end, she obediently nodded and, in a childish voice, said, “I understand. Next time, even if I want to vomit, I’ll eat it all, Father.”

The princess: “…”

I really have to thank you!

Jian Chengxi, who had been watching from behind, finally understood. This princess didn’t seem like a good person. What if she takes revenge on his child in the future?

It’s better to keep a distance.

Jian Chengxi walked over, picked up his daughter, and glanced at the princess as he said, “Since the princess and my general have important matters to discuss, I’ll take my child and leave, so as not to disturb you.”

Li Lingfeng showed no respect for the princess. “No need to leave. I have nothing to say to her.”

The princess’s smile froze.

At her age, no one had ever made her feel this humiliated!

She had heard from her older brother, the king, that Li Lingfeng had an eccentric and solitary personality. However, he held great power, especially after killing the military prime minister. With the loyalty of 200,000 soldiers, he practically controlled two-thirds of the planet’s military forces. A person like him was not only powerful and dangerous, but also came from the underground city—he was someone the royal family could not control!

No…

She absolutely couldn’t give up.

With that thought in mind—

The princess’s pure face once again wore a gentle, benevolent smile. She looked at Jian Chengxi and said, “It’s fine, you don’t have to leave. I was just concerned about General Li’s injuries, so I came to chat a little longer. There’s nothing to hide.”

Jian Chengxi nodded.

However, the princess gave him another glance and said, “I’ve heard of General Li’s heroic achievements, but I didn’t expect his wife to be this beautiful. Ah, may I ask, if it’s not too forward, which noble family do you come from?”

Jian Chengxi wasn’t at all intimidated by her provocation and answered calmly, “I’ve always lived in the underground city.”

The princess’s lips curled into a smile as she looked down on Jian Chengxi, her tone laced with an unmistakable air of superiority. “I see. Well, now that you and General Li are staying in Sky City, you’ll need to learn the proper manners. After all, General Li’s status is different now. You’ll have to work hard and make sure not to embarrass him.”

Li Lingfeng frowned and was about to speak, but to his surprise, his seemingly fragile little wife not only wasn’t provoked by the hidden sarcasm and contempt in the princess’s words, but actually smiled.

Jian Chengxi said, “Well, I must thank you for the reminder, Princess. Though I’ve lived in the underground city, I do understand some manners. At the very least, I wouldn’t casually meddle in someone else’s family matters, nor would I casually concern myself with another person’s husband.”

The princess’s smile froze. “What do you mean by that? I was only trying to offer you some friendly advice.”

Jian Chengxi picked up the fruit in Li Lingfeng’s hand and returned it to the princess. “No particular meaning, thank you for your kind reminder. Please take the fruit back.”

The princess looked at the fruit returned to her hand, her anger making her hands tremble. She had originally only wanted to mock Jian Chengxi, this lowborn from the underground city.

Forget it, she was still a princess.

How could she get angry with someone like him, a poor, uncultured commoner?

The princess sighed and said, “This is a rare delicacy, you’ve probably never had it, right? Why don’t you give it a try?”

Jian Chengxi, however, still wore a smile on his face, his voice slow and calm. “Exactly because I’ve never had it, that’s why I wouldn’t casually eat it. I’m afraid that if my child eats it, she might actually end up vomiting.”

The princess: “…”

She was ready to go all out with him!

Although the princess wanted to continue, there were people constantly coming and going from the underground city, and many had already started eyeing them with curiosity. She couldn’t afford to lose face, so in the end, she left.

Jian Chengxi rolled his eyes at her retreating figure.

When he came back to himself, he realized that Li Lingfeng was watching him. He wasn’t sure if the man had seen his grimace.

Jian Chengxi quickly composed himself, feeling a bit guilty as he lowered his gaze, looking around nervously. Finally, he couldn’t hold it in and muttered, “What are you looking at me for?”

Li Lingfeng spoke, “I’m not familiar with her.”

Jian Chengxi was stunned for a moment. “Huh?”

He didn’t quite understand why Li Lingfeng suddenly said that random and out-of-context statement.

Li Lingfeng, however, averted his gaze and didn’t say anything further.

Jian Chengxi looked at his retreating figure, slowly realizing what had just happened. He took a few small steps forward and quietly asked, “Are you explaining yourself to me?”

Li Lingfeng lowered his head to look at him. The man’s tall frame, his sharp features, and the coldness in his eyes became even more imposing under the dim lights of the plaza. His gaze was dark and deep, devoid of any emotional fluctuation. It was as though a person like him was born incapable of caring, like an unfeeling entity, entirely disconnected from anything related to affection or love.

He was precisely that kind of man.

Li Lingfeng nodded, his voice low: “Mm.”

Jian Chengxi stared at him, blinking in a daze. For some reason, a smile unconsciously crept into his eyes. It was strange but he just felt so happy.

…

As they reached the bustling heart of the main city, the number of stalls on both sides increased.

Li Suisui loved the liveliness. She pointed to a stall not far away and said, “Daddy, a comb!”

Jian Chengxi took a look and, sure enough, there was someone selling combs. His family used to have an old, worn-out comb, but it had been used for a long time. The combs at this stall were well-made and they even had a promotion—buy a comb and get a headband for free.

Li Sui Sui’s eyes sparkled. She rarely asked for anything.

Which girl doesn’t have dreams of being beautiful from a young age?

His little girl, at last, was like other girls, beginning to care about beauty and dressing up.

Wuwuwu…

Daddy’s heart was full of joy!

Jian Chengxi couldn’t hide his excitement and asked, “Suisui wants to buy a comb?”

Li Sui Sui nodded, her soft and childish voice sounding sweet as she said, “Suisui wants the queen’s comb, the one that beats the princess’s!!”

“…”

So you’re here to collect all the merchandise, huh?

Jian Chengxi was both amused and helpless, but he couldn’t bring himself to refuse his daughter.

Li Lingfeng directly handed the money pouch to Jian Chengxi, saying, “Take her to buy it.”

Jian Chengxi was caught off guard as he received the heavy money pouch. He was a little surprised but quickly said, “Is this really necessary, it’s just a comb…”

Li Lingfeng, however, spoke calmly, “Buy something for yourself too.”

Jian Chengxi hadn’t expected him to think of him as well, not just focusing on the child. He gave him money, not only to buy things for the child but also to buy something for himself.

He had to admit—

Maybe Li Lingfeng was a terrifying and intimidating general but he was a competent father and husband.

Jian Chengxi half-jokingly said, “I don’t need a comb to defeat the princess.”

“Mm.” Li Lingfeng nodded, his tone almost meaningful. “You’ve already defeated her.”

Jian Chengxi: “…”

Well, thank you very much.

The banquet was lively, and Li Lingfeng, with his daughter, went to buy a comb. He was holding his son, who was still in his beast phase and rather sleepy, standing at the far edge of the square in a safe spot, watching the bonfire feast at the center of the city.

Suddenly—

A familiar voice came from beside him, “General?”

Li Lingfeng glanced sideways, and it was his deputy.

The deputy general wasn’t wearing armor but had changed into casual attire. His buzz cut looked especially neat, and he smiled as he said, “General, are you out here playing with your son?”

Li Lingfeng nodded.

The deputy general continued, “I’m out here with my wife, just enjoying ourselves too!”

Li Lingfeng glanced over and found the woman in a long dress beside the deputy general somewhat familiar. His memory was usually sharp, so he quickly recalled that she should be a doctor from the underground city’s medical clinic.

The deputy general was holding a little girl by the hand. He then lifted his daughter and said, “This is my daughter, she’s five years old.”

Usually, when they were in the army, these rough men had loud voices, but now, holding their own children, their voices softened. Although they weren’t particularly skilled at holding babies, their movements were undeniably gentle.

Li Lingfeng held his own child in one arm and briefly introduced, “This is my son, Li Chen.”

The little girl in the deputy general’s arms was an orc, with slightly waxy yellow curls and a pair of cat ears in her hair. She was five years old but still appeared a bit fragile and weak.

At this moment, the deputy general encouraged his child, saying, “It’s because of this powerful uncle that your father was able to return safely.”

The little orc girl, timid by nature, spoke in a soft and hesitant voice, “Hello, Uncle.”

Li Lingfeng gave a faint nod.

The man’s aura was so strong that it was enough to intimidate the young child. The little girl then shifted her gaze to the boy in the man’s arms but she didn’t expect that the boy’s expression was equally calm and composed.

The deputy general turned to his daughter and said, “Miao Miao, you can’t always be by yourself at home. You should play with other children more. Actually, other kids are very friendly, so you should try to play with them more.”

Miao Miao, hearing this, was a little moved. She looked at the overly handsome little boy in Li Lingfeng’s arms and tentatively spoke, “Hello, would you like to play shuttlecock together next time?”

The friendly Li Chen turned his face slightly, his black short hair sticking to his face. His dark eyes, however, were chilling, and his voice was icy cold, almost frightening. “I’m not free.”

The little girl: “…”

Wuwuwu, he’s so scary!!!

Seeing his daughter frightened and hiding in his arms, the deputy general awkwardly laughed and said, “General, your son really does resemble you even at such a young age. But actually, while sons are great, daughters are adorable too.”

The daughter-obsessed father couldn’t resist showing off his daughter everywhere.

The deputy general, holding his adorable daughter, smiled and said, “Our Miao Miao is both well-behaved and sensible. Maybe this kind of happiness is something only parents with daughters can truly understand…”

Li Lingfeng raised an eyebrow, quietly observing his deputy showing off. “Is that so? Well, that’s just perfect.”

The deputy general hesitated. “Perfect for what?”

Before anyone could respond—

A crisp voice rang out from nearby. “Father~”

Everyone turned around to see a little girl with braided hair and a butterfly headband, wearing clean clothes, running toward them. The white headband on her small head fluttered in the wind, making her look like a cute little fairy, descended to the mortal world.

Li Suisui ran over to Li Lingfeng’s side, her small face full of expectation. Her voice was sweet and crisp as she said, “Daddy bought me a headband.”

Li Lingfeng nodded. “It looks very nice.”

Li Suisui’s face instantly lit up with a bright smile.

The deputy general hesitated before speaking, “General, this is…”

“Li Suisui.” Li Lingfeng, who was always composed and unassuming, picked up his child as if it was the most ordinary thing in the world. Looking at his deputy, his brow slightly raised, he said, “My daughter.”

It seemed like he hadn’t been showing off at all.

Yet, it felt like he had shown off everything.

Deputy General: “…”

Damn!!

So, this is the kind of general you are?!

They were in the middle of their conversation when suddenly, Li Lingfeng noticed that several of the generals from the underground city were missing from the square. He looked toward the deputy general and asked, “Where are Qian Yang and the others?”

The deputy general hesitated for a moment before pausing.

Li Lingfeng furrowed his brow and spoke firmly, “Tell me.”

Seeing that the general had spoken, the deputy general finally spoke up. “Actually, most of the supplies we retrieved were damaged in the fire and can no longer be used. Many of our officers have given up their share to help out their subordinates. Qian Yang’s family isn’t in a good condition either. I’ve heard that his mother’s health is poor, and over the past three years, she’s developed several ailments. Her condition seems to have worsened recently…”

He didn’t continue.

But those who understood knew what he meant.

The others, upon hearing this, were somewhat moved.

Jian Chengxi, who had just walked over from behind, heard the conversation and stood next to Li Lingfeng.

Li Lingfeng glanced at him sideways. Around them, the crowd surged, and the sounds of lively chatter filled the air. The man’s indifferent gaze was deep and dark, but he didn’t speak.

Jian Chengxi paused for a moment, then walked in front of the deputy general and handed him the money pouch. “Since his mother is seriously ill, you should hurry and get her treated.”

The deputy general was stunned. “You…?”

Jian Chengxi smiled and said, “This is my general’s money.”

The deputy general looked back at Li Lingfeng.

Li Lingfeng’s cold and emotionless gaze showed no reaction. After a moment of silence, the man finally spoke, “Tomorrow, transfer the funds from my account and send supplies to the soldiers who haven’t received theirs.”

The deputy general was taken aback, surprised. “Sir, are you covering this yourself? This isn’t a small sum. It’s from your own achievements and rewards!”

No general had ever done something like this.

And yet, he casually agreed to such a large expense.

Li Lingfeng’s expression remained cold, his voice steady and strong. “Without all of you, I wouldn’t be able to defeat the Zerg on my own. This matter will be handled by you.”

The deputy general’s eyes reddened, his lips pressed tightly together. Even his large and rough nose seemed to tremble.

The doctor, noticing, pinched his waist and said, “Why are you crying? You should be thanking the general.”

The deputy general quickly nodded, saying, “Thank you, General!”

The doctor smiled and added, “General, thank you! I was just at home scolding him, always giving away the supplies, never bringing anything back for himself. Yet looking at it now, you really have a big heart. With my man following you, I feel at ease!”

Jian Chengxi had never seen this woman, who was so bold and unrestrained, show such respect for anyone before.

The doctor, with her hands on her hips, spoke in a bold and carefree manner, “Since General, you’re being so generous, then my man is also a deputy general. We can’t be left behind, right? So, from today onward, all soldiers and their families who come to my clinic for treatment will get a 10% discount!”

The deputy general muttered softly, “Wife, isn’t the discount a bit small?”

The doctor glared at him. “What did you say?!”

The deputy general quickly waved his hands, “No, no, you’re absolutely right, dear.”

Everyone watching the scene couldn’t help but laugh out loud at the playful exchange.

The bonfire party was incredibly lively. In Jian Chengxi’s memory, the underground city had never been this bustling. In the past, he thought the buildings here were massive and while there were people on the streets, most of them were elderly or children. There were fewer young and strong individuals but now, almost everywhere he looked, there were young people, and the air was filled with the sound of laughter and joy.

Not far away, a stall owner was shouting, “Photographs! 5 coins each!”

Jian Chengxi was drawn to the sound.

When the stall owner saw him turn around, he became even more enthusiastic, saying, “Sir, why not take a family photo? You all look so beautiful, such a good time deserves to be commemorated!”

Jian Chengxi hesitated for a moment.

Li Suisui spoke first, “Daddy, my headband looks nice today.”

Jian Chengxi smiled and glanced at Li Lingfeng.

Li Lingfeng nodded and said, “Let’s take one.”

Jian Chengxi remembered that, although their family had been reunited not long ago, they didn’t have a family photo together so he nodded in agreement, “Alright, let’s do it.”

The stall owner eagerly grabbed the camera and asked the family to stand together.

Jian Chengxi held Li Suisui, and Li Lingfeng held Li Chen. When they stood together, the graceful beauty of the elven race and the tall, imposing presence of the orc made them look especially well-matched.

The stall owner smiled and said, “Come a little closer, daddy and father.”

Jian Chengxi hesitated for a moment, then took a small step closer.

After adjusting a few more poses, the stall owner sighed and said, “Come on, a little closer, the family photo will look better if you’re all together.”

How much closer…?

Jian Chengxi felt a little uneasy. He still feared Li Lingfeng and didn’t dare to cross any boundaries.

The stall owner continued to urge, “Come on, just a little closer, yes, move a bit!”

Just as Jian Chengxi was hesitating about whether to move any closer, before he could think, a pair of strong hands reached out and wrapped around his waist, pulling him into the embrace.

“Ah…”

Jian Chengxi instinctively gasped, caught off guard, and ended up pressed very close, the distance between them intimate and undeniable.

The stall owner smiled and pressed the shutter, capturing the moment of closeness. “Cheese!!”

Jian Chengxi looked at him in surprise.

The stall owner quickly developed the photo and walked over, handing the finished picture to them. “Would you like to take a look and see if you’re satisfied?”

Jian Chengxi looked down and found that the photo turned out surprisingly well. Under the bright lighting, the tall and handsome man in black military attire had a child sitting on one arm, while his other arm was wrapped around a slender, well-proportioned elf with a beautiful face. The little girl in his arms was smiling sweetly at the camera.

Jian Chengxi softly murmured, “It turned out pretty good.”

The stall owner beamed with pride, “Of course, it’s mainly because your family is all so good-looking—it’s perfect for the camera!”

Jian Chengxi smiled. He glanced at Li Lingfeng and said, “Suisui and Xiao Chen really look a lot like me. They’re both so good-looking.”

Li Lingfeng nodded. “Mm, they look like you.”

Jian Chengxi hadn’t expected Li Lingfeng to just admit it, so he asked quietly, “You’re not angry?”

“Having looks like yours is fine.” Li Lingfeng, holding the child, glanced at him and added, “As for other traits and intelligence, they can take after me.”

Jian Chengxi was stunned, holding the photo in his hand, fuming. “What does that mean?”

Li Lingfeng didn’t respond.

Li Suisui, in a small voice, said, “Daddy, Father means that it’s better if me and Xiao Chen inherit his intelligence.”

Jian Chengxi, not having it, placed his hands on his hips and said, “What does that mean? Is my intelligence not high? Suisui, Xiao Chen, tell me, would you rather inherit your Daddy’s traits or your Father’s?”

“……”

The air fell into a deathly silence.

Li Chen quietly turned his face away.

Li SuiSui let out a little yawn, burrowed into Jian Chengxi’s arms, and murmured softly, “Daddy, I’m a little sleepy.”

“……”

Damn it!!

Don’t you think you’re going too far!!

The lively gathering had come and gone in a flash. By nightfall, the two children had played themselves out. On the way back, they were already fast asleep in his arms, even letting out tiny snores.

Jian Chengxi walked down the path, his thoughts drifting back to the events of the evening, how Li Lingfeng had helped the soldiers. He couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. In such a short period of time, he had witnessed many sides of this man.

He found himself unable to stop glancing at him.

Finally—

The usually silent Li Lingfeng lifted his eyelids and glanced at him. “Do you have something to say?”

Caught in the act, Jian Chengxi felt a bit awkward. He cleared his throat and finally spoke, “You… You’re quite good to your subordinates. When you know they’re in trouble, you help them out. Is it because you sympathize with their situation?”

Previously, he had always thought this man was too cold and heartless, which made him a little afraid.

Yet after seeing him today, it seemed like that wasn’t the case.

Maybe…

He had misunderstood before.

Li Lingfeng was also human, and like any normal person, he could have brotherly bonds and camaraderie. He had just been too biased before.

However—

Li Lingfeng turned his gaze toward him, his voice low and calm. “No.”

Jian Chengxi froze, confused. “Huh?”

Li Lingfeng’s gaze showed no emotion, his voice cold and detached as he spoke, “The soldiers should receive what they are entitled to. They call me ‘general,’ and I should be responsible for them. If I can’t ensure they get what they deserve, how can I command them? What authority would I have to lead the army?”

“…”

There is brotherhood, but not much of it.

Jian Chengxi stood there, a little dazed, slowly processing his words.

Li Lingfeng thought he was still caught up on the issue of money and spoke up, “Even though the funds have been allocated, my remaining assets should be enough for you and the children to live on. You don’t need to worry.”

Jian Chengxi snapped out of his thoughts and quickly replied, “It’s fine, really.”

Li Lingfeng looked at him with some surprise. After all, the Jian Chengxi he remembered used to scream hoarsely, throwing things and cursing himself for being a penniless good-for-nothing.

Yet, that very same man was now saying it doesn’t matter.

Holding the child in his arms, Jian Chengxi’s face was calm as he spoke softly. “Money or no money, life still goes on. If it’s gone, I can just earn more. What matters most is that everyone’s safe.”

Li Lingfeng said, “Is that so?”

Jian Chengxi nodded, his expression gentle. “That’s right.”

Li Lingfeng turned his head to study him, his gaze deep. “Then why, during those three years in the wormhole, did you never send me a single message?”

“…”

Damn!!

The original owner’s mess was way more than he could handle!

Jian Chengxi felt so embarrassed that he almost wanted to crawl into a hole. He stammered, “Ah, well, this… actually… it’s not like I didn’t send any news at all.”

Li Lingfeng nodded. “Indeed, you didn’t.”

Jian Chengxi breathed a sigh of relief inside. “See, I told you!”

Li Lingfeng raised an eyebrow, speaking slowly, “In June of this year, I heard you went around telling people I was dead, and even had someone from the underground city send out a notification from my account.”

“…”

The air instantly froze.

Under Li Lingfeng’s gaze, Jian Chengxi’s face first showed shock, then slowly transformed into a sad expression.

Li Lingfeng narrowed his eyes, watching his little wife walking beside him. The sadness on his face seemed completely genuine, not fake at all. As he observed him, he even found himself unconsciously covering his face.

Could it be…

Could it really be as Jian Chengxi said?

These past few years, he had truly cared about him. For him, money no longer mattered; what mattered was the person?

Perhaps over the years, Jian Chengxi had changed, no longer the same as before. Had he been too obsessed, misunderstanding him all this time?

Li Lingfeng furrowed his brow, then finally spoke, “Alright, I…”

Jian Chengxi’s eyes seemed to redden slightly. He thumped his leg, grieving, and said, “I was just wondering why this month’s social welfare check still hasn’t come through. I kept thinking it felt like I’d forgotten something. The payout day used to be today. What a coincidence—if you’d come back two days later, I could have collected this month’s too.”

Li Lingfeng narrowed his eyes, his voice carrying a subtle danger, even sneering coldly, “Social welfare?”

Jian Chengxi, still lost in his sadness, didn’t notice the change in tone. He sounded as though he had just lost a fortune, “It’s so frustrating, there’s a whole five hundred yuan every month!!”

Li Lingfeng: “…”

Heh.

What a change.