ASFTB 56: A Kiss is the Only Way to Heal When You’re Hurt 1

Inside the mall, it was bustling with activity, while the parents outside on the other hand were much more relaxed.

Jian Chengxi sat in the pavilion outside to rest.

Feiyun saw him continuously looking at the bill. She smiled, and said, “What’s wrong?”

Jian Chengxi looked at the numbers on the bill with a pained expression. Back when he was in the Underground City, he could buy a nice piece of clothing for just over a hundred, but in Sky City, everything starts from over a thousand.

Buying clothes for the child wasn’t really the problem.

It was just the feeling of wasting money.

Feiyun softly said, “Are you feeling sorry for the money?”

Jian Chengxi nodded.

“I had just married and moved from the Underground City back then. It was the same when I took the child to buy clothes.” Feiyun smiled lightly. “After all these years, I still can’t get used to this place. Sometimes, I think maybe I should just go back to living in the Underground City. In the past, I could always make a living with my skills—now I’m in Sky City, and I’ve become a housewife instead.”

Jian Chengxi said to her, “Aren’t you happy living in Sky City?”

The two of them were talking.

The waiter happened to bring the tea and pastries.

The pastries were exquisitely presented and looked incredibly beautiful. The entire pastry had a somewhat transparent jelly-like texture, and the accompanying spoon was also made of crystal, sparkling under the light.

Feiyun said softly, “This is the most famous frozen fruit, very precious. I guess they brought it because of your face.”

Jian Chengxi smiled lightly and said, “It’s not because of my face, it’s because of my family’s general.”

The waiter brought more tea.

Jian Chengxi politely spoke, “Thank you.”

The waiter nodded and left.

Feiyun was a bit surprised by his politeness. After all, in Sky City, a world dominated by social class, the richer people are, the more arrogant they become, treating others like tools. Jian Chengxi was like a breath of fresh air.

“Why are you so polite to them?” Feiyun said with a light smile. “Actually, if you weren’t like this, they also wouldn’t dare to make things difficult for you.”

Jian Chengxi said while holding his tea cup, “It’s not really that. They show me some respect because of my general. So when I’m outside, no matter what I do, I have to be more careful. After all, the general’s situation isn’t good and I need to consider him.”

Feiyun looked at his sincere face and, for some reason, felt a bit dazed.

Once upon a time, she also gave her heart to Byrne like this, always considering him in everything.

At that time, she truly loved Byrne. When Byrne went out, he would always be afraid that she would face discrimination. The card he gave her always had the highest limit. They also loved each other once.

Jian Chengxi took a bite of the jelly and frowned. “It’s too sweet.”

Feiyun took a bite, nodded gently, and said, “Many imported fruits have this taste. To be honest, I’ve gotten a bit tired of eating them.”

Jian Chengxi felt a loss of appetite.

Feiyun said with a touch of nostalgia, “Suddenly, I kind of miss the sour fruits from the Underground City. I wonder if the fruit trees have ripened yet.”

As the two of them were talking, a person walked past the dining table.

Jian Chengxi looked up and was surprised when he saw her. “Mrs. Rabbit?”

Isn’t this the wife of the current Financial Director, Fuchs?

Back when they attended the palace banquet, his general brought him along, and Fuchs also brought Mrs. Rabbit. There was some small but noticeable friction.

Mrs. Rabbit was a bit surprised when she saw Jian Chengxi. “Mr. Jian.”

Jian Chengxi smiled and said, “Long time no see.”

Mrs. Rabbit looked much thinner. She shyly smiled and said, “Long time no see, Mr. Jian.”

Jian Chengxi noticed her gaze fall on the children’s playground, so he casually asked, “Did you bring your child to play as well?”

Mrs. Rabbit quickly said, “No, no.”

Jian Chengxi furrowed his brows in confusion, not understanding what she was doing here.

Mrs. Rabbit saw Feiyun. She looked a bit flustered, and softly called out, “Jiejie.”

Feiyun said to her, “It’s been a while since I last saw you. You’ve lost a lot of weight.”

“Jiejie, I heard you’ve been sick,” Mrs. Rabbit walked over with concern. “I’ve actually been wanting to visit you, but as you know, the young lady’s temperament. She’s been causing a scene recently…”

Jian Chengxi suddenly remembered that the one set to marry Byrne is Fuchs’ eldest daughter.

Feiyun saw the look of distress on Mrs. Rabbit’s face and smiled lightly. “It’s fine. Byrne and I are already about to get a divorce.”

Mrs. Rabbit was stunned.

She seemed to have not expected that things would come to this point.

Feiyun took a sip of tea and said softly, “Actually, I should thank your family. If it weren’t for this, I wouldn’t have been able to truly understand Byrne.”

Mrs. Rabbit said softly, “Jiejie, if you divorce him, you’ll lose your right to reside in Sky City.”

For people like them, who came from the Underground City, where would they go after a divorce?

Feiyun shook her head. “I haven’t figured it out yet, but I absolutely cannot continue with him against my will. Even if I return to the Underground City to farm, I will never trust him again.”

Mrs. Rabbit seemed a bit surprised.

Beastmen races are somewhat influenced by their bloodline.

For example, Mrs. Rabbit’s natural personality is timid and weak, which is why Fuchs can easily manipulate her.

Feiyun was calm. She said to Mrs. Rabbit, “Let’s sit together and have something to eat.”

Mrs. Rabbit hesitated for a moment, then she sat down.

The waiter came over with another dish. She took a few bites but showed no interest and sighed, just like Feiyun. “It’s always the same food, it’s so tiring.”

Jian Chengxi noticed they didn’t like it much, so he casually said, “I’ve made some canned fruit from the Underground City at home. If you want to try them, come to my house in a few days, and I’ll give you some.”

The two women’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

Jian Chengxi smiled and said, “Of course!”

He actually didn’t have many friends. He wasn’t anything valuable and it was good if he could help others.

Just thinking—

A child’s voice came from not far away. “Daddy!”

Jian Chengxi turned around and saw his daughter coming out. A smile appeared on his face as he waved his hand. “Come here.”

The child didn’t run over yet instead walked slowly with her brother.

Li Chen’s legs were inconvenient, and he always walked slowly.

Li Suisui had a quick temper, but when she was with her brother, she always waited for him to walk together.

Jian Chengxi stood up directly from his chair, walked over, and picked up the child. He said warmly, “Did you have fun?”

Li Suisui nodded and said, “I had fun. Gege even got first place and won a prize!”

Jian Chengxi was stunned. “What prize?”

His daughter wasn’t holding anything!

He looked at his son. Li Chen’s expression was calm. He said, “It’s in Raymond’s hands.”

Only then did Jian Chengxi notice the children behind. Alice was walking behind Li Suisui, and Raymond was standing not far from Li Chen. The male lead was indeed the male lead; no matter where he stood, he was the center of attention with his dazzling golden hair and striking features. No matter how you looked at him, he looked heroic and elegant.

However—

He was holding a snow leopard plush doll, which was seriously mismatched with his domineering appearance.

Jian Chengxi was stunned in an instant. He stammered, “Why is it in his hands?”

Alice explained softly, “Because Raymond gege saved us.”

Jian Chengxi sighed in relief. It seemed like there was no major change in the plot. The system really didn’t lie to him; the protagonist’s fate wouldn’t change easily.

However—

Before he could fully relax.

On Alice’s fair and cute little face, there was an innocent cuteness. “If it weren’t for him, Li Chen might have been injured. So, the prize went to Raymond gege.”

Jian Chengxi: “…”

The plot is unfolding.

It’s not fully following the plot.

He was completely confused. What exactly is going on with this plot? Why does he feel like he doesn’t understand it? What is going on here!

Isn’t the male lead supposed to be in direct conflict with the antagonist?!!

If anyone should be saved, it should be Alice!!

Jian Chengxi forced himself to snap out of it. He smiled at his son and said, “Since he helped, we should thank him properly.”

Li Chen’s small face was tense. The usually silent boy didn’t seem very willing.

However, he still listens to his daddy very well.

He paused.

Li Chen turned his face and looked at Raymond. His fair and cold little face nodded. “Thank you.”

Raymond’s face showed a brilliant and sunny smile. The righteous protagonist was extremely healthy and full of energy, almost like a lively and sunny golden retriever. “You’re welcome, this is what I should do. If you ever need anything in the future…”

Li Chen’s face was expressionless. “No.”

“…Oh.”

If he had animal ears, they would definitely droop.

Jian Chengxi looked at the interaction between the two children and couldn’t help but feel like laughing.

Suddenly—

There was some commotion not far away, drawing everyone’s attention.

Yueyue’s voice was a bit sharp. “You’re not my mother!”

Everyone looked in that direction.

Mrs. Rabbit’s eyes turned red as she stood awkwardly in place, still wanting to hold the child. “Yueyue…”

The little girl took a few steps back, as if she were avoiding some kind of plague.

Mrs. Rabbit took two steps forward, bent down, and even spoke in a somewhat humble tone. “Yueyue, I’m your mother. Don’t you recognize me anymore?”

Yueyue was wearing a pretty little dress. She lifted her little face and said, “My mother is Madam Lehua, not you!”

Mrs. Rabbit’s tears were about to fall. “Yueyue.”

A child’s words are always the simplest, the purest, and also the most heart-piercing.

The butler of the Fuchs family walked over from the side.

Yueyue immediately ran toward the butler.

The butler said respectfully, “Miss.”

Yueyue leaned against the butler and said, “Uncle Wang, when will mother come to pick me up?”

The butler answered, “Madam said she will come to pick up the young lady shortly.”

A smile finally appeared on Yueyue’s little face.

The butler looked at Mrs. Rabbit, not far away.

There was a clear trace of panic on Mrs. Rabbit’s face. She quickly wiped the tears from her face.

The butler had the child stand aside and walked over. When facing Mrs. Rabbit, he spoke, “Second Madam, the master has instructed that you cannot privately interact with the young lady.”

Mrs. Rabbit’s face showed a pitiful expression. “I just, I just miss the child.”

The butler said expressionlessly, “The master said that the young lady is to be raised according to Sky City’s noble standards. If she interacts with you, it will have a negative impact on the child. If you truly want what’s best for the young lady…”

Mrs. Rabbit’s eyes were red-rimmed as she said softly, “I understand, I’m sorry.”

The butler finally turned to leave.

Mrs. Rabbit hurriedly said again, “I–I just saw that Yueyue’s throat was a bit sore. She might have caught a cold. You guys…”

The butler’s face was filled with authority. “Madam will take good care of the young lady. You don’t need to worry.”

“…”

Mrs. Rabbit watched as the people walked away, looking as if she might collapse at any moment.

Luckily, a servant from the Fuchs family soon came running and helped Mrs. Rabbit away.

Jian Chengxi watched from not far away, feeling a bit dazed.

Feiyun walked over from behind and said, “What are you looking at?”

Jian Chengxi said softly, “She…”

Feiyun tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. After sending the children to have their afternoon tea, she turned to Jian Chengxi and said, “In Sky City, only the legitimate wife is allowed to raise the children.”

Jian Chengxi only then realized there was such a rule. “Why?”

Feiyun spoke, “Because Sky City places great importance on bloodline. The legitimate wife is usually of noble birth, and only children raised by nobles will have status and prospects.”

Jian Chengxi looked at Feiyun.

Feiyun smiled lightly and said, “Byrne has only had me as his wife. Although I am from the Underground City, I have always been the one to raise Alice.”

“I see.”

So, according to the original plot, if Byrne marries another woman, then Alice’s life would be difficult.

Jian Chengxi said with some concern, “What will happen to Alice after the divorce?”

Feiyun answered, “Don’t worry. After the divorce, I won’t let him raise Alice. I’m not completely unprepared for this divorce. With just the stones I have, he’ll give me a fair amount of his wealth. Food and shelter won’t be a problem.”

Jian Chengxi remembered Mrs. Rabbit’s words. “Then what about you guys…”

Feiyun seemed to know what he was worried about. “Although I am not from Sky City and have no residency rights, Alice is registered in Sky City. After the divorce, the two of us will still have a place to stay in Sky City.”

Jian Chengxi sighed in relief. “That’s good.”

Actually, he still had quite a good impression of Alice and Feiyun.

If these two are doing well, he would be at ease.

Feiyun looked at Jian Chengxi and said, “Actually, the person I should thank the most is you.”

Jian Chengxi said in surprise, “Me?”

“Hmm, if it weren’t for you, I might already be dead.” Feiyun looked at Jian Chengxi with a grateful expression and said, “How could I possibly still be standing here raising Alice?”

Jian Chengxi said, “You don’t need to thank me. I actually didn’t do anything.”

Feiyun shook her head and said seriously, “If you need any help in the future, I will do everything I can to help you!”

This was the first time Jian Chengxi had been looked at like this, and this person was also the protagonist’s mother.

No matter what the future plot is, as long as the protagonist’s mother is here, and even if things really reach an irreversible point in the future…

He wouldn’t be doing it for himself.

He only hopes that everyone will, for the sake of past feelings, spare his child.

Afternoon.

Jian Chengxi took the two children back home.

He still felt that the new clothes he bought should be washed before wearing.

The washing machine is a washer-dryer combo. It was quickly washed and was ready to be taken out. He took out the clothes and, out of some obsession, still decided to dry them in the afternoon sunlight.

It was all filled with the scent of the sun before being brought inside.

Jian Chengxi called the two children over and said, “Try it on.”

The little girl went into the room, changed, and came out. She looked at him and said, “Daddy, do I look good?”

Jian Chengxi originally thought that these bright, colorful clothes wouldn’t look good on a person, but when Li Suisui wore this little padded jacket, she was surprisingly adorable.

The fluffy little padded jacket, the green skirt hem, and the red flowers at the waist.

A variety of disastrous color combinations, but on her, it looked like a little flower fairy—so beautiful. Her fair soft skin and small endearing frame.

Jian Chengxi smiled and sincerely complimented, “It looks good.”

Li Suisui twirled in front of the mirror, her voice soft and gentle. “Suisui likes it too.”

Jian Chengxi was a little puzzled. “Why?”

He still had some difficulty accepting that his daughter liked these kinds of clothes.

Could it be because she likes nature?

Or is it because of a girlish heart?

Who would have known—

Li Suisui bounced up and down, her voice soft and gentle as she spoke, “Because Suisui wants to be a powerful woman like a queen. Snow White always wears a white dress, so Suisui doesn’t want to wear it!”

“…”

You sure have some persistence in you.

Jian Chengxi was at a loss whether to laugh or cry.

Yet at the same time, he was charmed by the child’s innocence and cuteness.

He came over and said, “The waist seems a bit wide. Dad will tighten it a little with a needle and thread.”

Li Suisui nodded and said, “Okay!”

Jian Chengxi had Li Chen try on the clothes.

This was a black knight-style outfit. After Li Chen put it on, the boy’s tall and slender figure made him look even more cool and quiet. From a parent’s perspective, they would definitely prefer the child to wear something more age-appropriate and lively.

Jian Chengxi thought about it for a moment and then decided it was fine.

The clothes are worn by the child, and as long as the child likes it, that’s fine.

Maybe black is like his protective color, making him feel more comfortable.

He shouldn’t impose his own preferences on the child.

So—

Jian Chengxi looked at the child standing in front of him, a gentle smile appearing on his face. “It looks good.”

Li Chen looked at his daddy, somewhat surprised.

He originally thought that with himself looking like this and wearing these colors, his daddy wouldn’t like it.

“So handsome,” Jian Chengxi’s eyes were filled with laughter. “Our Xiao Chen will definitely grow up to be a handsome and impressive young man.”

Li Chen whispered, “As impressive as Father?”

Jian Chengxi paused. “You don’t have to be exactly like your father. Although your father’s work seems impressive, controlling those mechas and weapons every day is actually very dangerous…”

Li Chen looked as if there was such a good thing. “Everyday?”

Jian Chengxi: “…”

I’m trying to discourage you, not recruit you!

After sending the two children back to their room to rest, Jian Chengxi took out the long-unused needle and thread from the box from the last move.

He had become increasingly skilled at sewing when he was in the Underground City. Back then, his family was poor and they couldn’t afford new clothes, so they could only rely on him to patch and sew the clothes stitch by stitch.

Now it was just taking in the waist and cutting it a bit—very simple.

Jian Chengxi moved a chair to sit on the lawn outside and Wang Cai watched him from afar.

The first thing Jian Chengxi altered was Li Suisui’s skirt.

The waist area was a bit empty, and he suddenly became interested. So he decided to work on the empty spot on the skirt. There happened to be a flower there at the waist, and above it, he embroidered a beautiful butterfly in red thread.

Like the finishing touch, it made the entire skirt come alive.

Jian Chengxi called inside, “Suisui.”

Li Suisui ran out of the room. “Daddy?”

Jian Chengxi let her see the skirt, pointed to the waist area, and gently asked, “Do you like it?”

When Li Suisui saw the little butterfly, a smile appeared on her face. “I like it!”

Jian Chengxi looked at the child so happy and he felt happy too.

Li Suisui held the skirt, overjoyed. She tilted her head and said, “Daddy, why did you sew the butterfly for me?”

Jian Chengxi’s face wore a gentle smile. “Because Daddy loves Suisui.”

He would express his love openly.

He would give the child a lot of security and comfort.

Li Suisui indeed stood there stunned. The little girl was stunned for a while, then surprisingly, she became a bit shy, ran over, and hugged him. “Suisui loves Daddy too.”

Jian Chengxi patted the little girl’s head.

What a scene of fatherly love and filial piety. They always say a daughter is like a warm comforting cotton-padded jacket. He considered himself content.

Who would have known, the emotion hadn’t even passed a second—

Li Suisui stood up and clenched her fist. “In the future, Suisui will definitely become a powerful woman like a queen and be filial to Daddy!”

Jian Chengxi: “…”

Ah.

That’s not the case.

Seeing the child go play with Wang Cai, Jian Chengxi also refocused his attention.

Jian Chengxi picked up Li Lingfeng’s coat from the side. The corner of the coat was perhaps torn during a mission with a small amount of loose threading.

The general has a frugal nature and is unwilling to throw things away.

Jian Chengxi simply took the opportunity that he had some free time and sewed up the loose threading.

Li Suisui came over, patted Wang Cai’s head, and said, “Daddy, aren’t you going to sew a butterfly for Father too?”

Jian Chengxi: “Hmm?”

Why does he need to sew a butterfly for Li Lingfeng?”

Li Suisui’s face was filled with a smile. The little girl was quite clever, and her voice was crisp and soft. “Because Daddy loves Father too!”

Jian Chengxi, realizing it a bit late, felt his ears turn slightly red.

Holding Li Lingfeng’s coat in his arms, he gave Li Suisui an annoyed look, but his voice lacked strength. “Stop talking nonsense.”

Li Suisui made a funny face and ran back to the study to play.

Jian Chengxi sewed up Li Lingfeng’s coat. Originally, he thought it was nothing, but now, he was a little dazed.

There was also loose threading on the inside of the coat.

He carefully fixed it with thread, not knowing what kind of mindset it was from. Inside the black coat, the place that was fixed had formed a complete heart shape, outlined in black thread.

That heart was hidden inside the black coat, and in fact, it couldn’t be seen at all.

However, Jian Chengxi was inexplicably dazed as he looked at it.

His hand gently stroked it, feeling the thread lightly brushing against the tips of his fingers. This heart that couldn’t be exposed to the light, just like himself, was hidden in a corner where no one could find it—subtle strands of affection.

Suddenly—

A deep and powerful voice came from beside his ear. “What are you doing?”

Jian Chengxi was momentarily stunned.

“Hiss…”

His hand trembled, and the needle beside the clothes, which hadn’t been fully fixed yet, pricked the tips of his finger.

The deep red bead of blood slid down the white tips of his finger. One drop of blood fell onto the coat, and the black heart seemed to be stained red, becoming more vivid.

Li Lingfeng furrowed his brows. “What’s wrong?”

Jian Chengxi felt pain all over his body and couldn’t say anything.

The pain in this body was very clear, even at a level several times more painful than ordinary people. The pain, which could have been tolerated, was magnified several times.

He looked up and tears rolled down from his eyes.

Li Lingfeng walked over and grasped his hand. The hand was still oozing beads of blood.

Jian Chengxi’s lips were trembling. “It hurts…”

Li Lingfeng’s tall figure bent down halfway. Jian Chengxi only felt a damp sensation on his finger. With tears clouding his eyes, he could only see Li Lingfeng’s stern face.

The wound had stopped bleeding.

Jian Chengxi whispered, “General?”

Li Lingfeng whispered, “Injuries of the elf race are hard to heal. The saliva of beastmen is effective in healing wounds.”

Jian Chengxi, in pain, wiped his tears and said, “Does it have this effect too? What if I get internal injuries and you can’t reach it to lick? Does that mean I have to kiss you?”

“…”

The air became eerily silent for a few moments.