After a short while, Xiao Xi and Ninger had already changed into their gear and appeared before everyone. Xiao Xi was visibly thrilled—this was his first time experiencing flight, and the armor-like protective gear made it feel like a video game, which had him completely in the mood. Though the tight fit was a bit of a challenge due to his build, the sight of Xiao Xi at that moment was genuinely hilarious!
Ninger, however, moved more slowly. She came gracefully behind Xiao Xi... The ordinary blue protective gear she wore looked particularly elegant.
This armor-like outfit, both secure and reliable, made Ning er stand out remarkably—blending the skys azure with the clouds pristine clarity. When Xiao Xi turned around, the goddess-like aura had already left him spellbound.
However, at this moment, in Ah Juns eyes, Ning er has changed from a slender and virtuous lady to a cold and handsome female general--the invincible aura, and the surrounding frost flower dance, is indeed admirable...
Even the little princess was amazed by the holy maiden from the south, and she could not help feeling awe in her heart. After all, she had experienced the power of the boundary knot yesterday!
Come on, children, try it!
Then, two staff members arrived, each holding a unicorn, and the Emperor began to invite Xiao Xi and Ninger to try driving...
—Hmm? No, wait. So what should I do? Oh... Should I ask Xiao Xi to join me? But I dont have any protective gear yet... Do I really need it?
Hey, Ajun, look at my horse... stylish, right?
"Um..."
As for the current situation, Ah Jun was already beginning to doubt—after all, his companions had all packed up and were ready to go, so why couldnt he even see a glimmer of hope? Could it really be that hed be left behind for the New Years Eve dinner... Just as he was feeling bewildered by the unfair treatment, Xiao Xis call once again interrupted his daydream.
Then Ah Jun snapped back to reality and took a closer look—yes, that was it. Xiao Xi was now riding the horse, greeting him... This time, the chubby little fellows mount was no longer the plump, green bean-like figure it once was.
It was a milky white hippopotamus, tall and mighty, large in size but very strong—those chunks of tendon flesh were perfectly outlined by the tight vest, just like someone who had worked out in the gym, as if it were for show!
" cruel !"
Seeing his younger brother enjoying himself, Ah Jun couldnt help but exclaim in admiration, then gave Xiao Xi a thumbs-up—though he still hadnt figured out how to get home yet... After all, a reunion dinner should be with family, or what would it even be called?
However, Ah Jun felt a warm feeling in his heart and a little excited about the invitation from the Empress Dowager. He did not know whether it was because of the kindness of the old woman or some mysterious feeling. After all, this was not his home, and no matter how luxurious the conditions were, it was not the place where he should stay.
Then, following Xiao Xis gaze, Ah Jun turned his eyes to Ning er—her celestial being, graceful and dignified with an extraordinary aura. As a pair of purple wings unfurled, a streak of golden sunlight shimmered in the distance. When the eyes awoke, the girl appeared to be circling low over the horizon, landing with such precision that it felt like the Nine Heavens Mystic Lady had descended from the heavens.
—— cruel !
Later, Ajun also gave the same encouragement and praise to another companion. Of course, Xiao Xi joined this time, but as the saying goes, The flowers are meant to fall, but the water is indifferent.
"Like, okay, watch me!"
Seeing such a handsome scene, Xiao Xi could not bear it any longer. He immediately pulled the reins, clamped his legs, and shouted, urging the horse to take off. Then, the muscular and seemingly reliable celestial beast began to run, shaking its wings rapidly...
"Wow~"
At this moment, the chubby boy, who is about to make his first flight, is running with the horse and shouting with joy, throwing all the previous frustration behind him. This feeling is really comfortable!
"Xiao Xi, you... how did you sneak back?"
Just as everyone was expecting, Ah Jun was surprised to see Xiao Xi running back again, a little sad, brought back by a panting horse, but with no flight records...
After all, the nickname Happy Fruit was no joke... Ah Jun, like everyone else, felt his heart race again. He had to cover his mouth and pretend to watch calmly... But the little princess who had just returned? Not so much. The girl burst into laughter again, her belly bulging with laughter!
Haha... Duanmu Xi, youre still the same as before!
At this moment, Ah Jun felt the same way as the young princess—after all, they had known each other for quite some time. The growth of this kid, Xiao Xi, could only be described as "a journey of twists and turns" (a Chinese idiom for a bumpy road). If he hadnt been born with a silver spoon, come from a privileged family, and had a strong mindset and good health, his string of misfortunes would have shattered his spirit long ago!
But this child, however, directly transformed these tragedies, turned his own pain into the amusement of others, and thus won the beautiful name of "Happy Fruit", which makes people sad, but also feel gratified!
To understand why this happened, we need to look at things through Ah Juns eyes. As we got closer, Xiao Xis Sky Beast revealed its true form. Sure, it had trained before, but that only built muscle – which made it quite heavy... The wings for flying were too small, creating a dilemma. Being so small, it couldnt even fly easily on its own, let alone under this massive weight load.
"How am I supposed to get home?"
Now, what makes Xiao Xi sad most is the confusion of how to go home to eat delicious food. He blinked his eyes hard, looking pitiful, but those two lines are still as confusing as if he were asleep...
" why !"
At that moment, the pilot in charge of the childrens flight—a beautiful woman—suddenly approached Xiao Xi. She sighed and exchanged a glance with another muscular man. They then worked together to attach prosthetic wings to the muscular child, instantly transforming his horse-like figure into a pair of massive wings...
" ha-ha !"
Xiao Xi was so happy that she was in the mood again, but fortunately, under the watchful eyes of two professional staff, the child had to give up and wait on the side for the take-off.
"Ah Jun, goodbye, happy New Year!"
"Ah Jun..."
"Um, be careful on the way, happy New Year--by the way, Xiao Xi, you escort Ninger home--remember to visit me on the sixth day of the New Year!"
After a long day of hustle from 9 a.m., the kids can finally head home. Chinese New Year traditions like family reunions are deeply ingrained in our culture—Xiao Xi naturally looks forward to the holiday every day, since Mom was too busy to care for him during this period. Hes been free to eat, drink, and play games... As for Ning er, though shes used to living alone, she still attends the New Years Eve dinner every year!
Of course, Ah Jun was equally eager to return home immediately, to push his limits and embark on a journey with Xiao Xi and the others. Yet the fear of heights remained a lingering burden in his heart. While the long-altitude experience might not trigger severe reactions now, the shadow cast by that moment in his soul could never be easily erased.
The childhood traumas—those persistent suppression, shocks, and torments—have become an unconscious habit, even the mere thought of them feels like a burden. After all, a childs heart is fragile. No matter how resilient one might be, enduring storms alone is impossible. Yet the seeds of cause and effect within remain ever-growing, sprouting, flourishing, blossoming, bearing fruit, and multiplying endlessly.
It was only when he had enough courage and strength that he could face it correctly. By then, it might have been deeply rooted— and the wound must heal, just like a wound, after cleaning, apply the right medicine, and temporarily protect it with a bandage, which will take some time.
It takes so much to heal a trauma, let alone a young heart. So its only natural for Ah Jun to hesitate. As for how the outside world... what does it have to do with him?
Fortunately, this child was born with the innate healing conditions—being an orphan might be a cleansing process, and his family could very well serve as the best bandage. As for the medicine, it likely refers to the experiences of growing up... When the healing will come is left to time, and ultimately, it all depends on Ah Juns own will.
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I..."
At this moment, looking at Xiao Xi and Ning Er, the receding back, Ah Jun was really pleased, but as his attention gradually returned, he began to realize his own problem.
So the child, who was in a state of inner confusion, suddenly asked about his plan for the Spring Festival travel rush--but was interrupted by the emperors words, and the long-pondered words in his heart had to stop immediately...
Oh, right, wait a minute—hey, sir, are you ready? Why are you dragging your feet? Hurry up! The kids waiting in a rage, not even checking the time! Quick, hurry up!
Then, a phone call from the Emperor made the child fall into another dilemma--should he continue to ask? Are they preparing? What... it seems to have something to do with me?
"Come on, come on, come on... all you know is to talk, do you think its so obedient!"
"What youre saying... well, isnt that going well? Youve never been so capable before, have you?"
—Whats going on? Uncle Yue, whats he up to...? Theres something following him. Ah, I see it—its a horse, mine? But it doesnt have wings. Could that be a celestial beast?
I said, "You try it... it really is! But today its going really well, it seems to be really happy!"
"Well... oh, Xiao Jun, come!"
"Hmm? Why hasnt this kid come home yet? Does he really want to stay here for the New Year? What nerve! Wait, thats... How did the Father Emperor bring it along too? Is this for him to ride? Hmph, indeed! Hmm, sigh. Ha, but Ill see what he does next!"
As Commander Boyue led the horse closer, Ah Jun gradually noticed that the horse looked a little familiar. Then he suddenly turned his head to look at the red rabbit beside him, and then turned back to compare it.
—Well? There are more than just two... They look almost identical. Could it be that its not the only one?
"We know you are afraid of heights, so I specifically told Boyue to bring it!"
"Well... but it depends on fate!"
—Us... who else? The princess and Yuwen Lu... Wait, that cant be the Empress Dowager... Oh, thats terrifying! Ah, I get it—maybe its the Retired Empress Dowager... Hmm, shes such a kind old lady, but I probably cant keep my promise...
" lot or luck by which people are brought together ?"
After a moments deliberation, the bewildered child voiced his second inner dilemma. Naturally, there was also the concern about timing—after all, land and air transport differ significantly in speed. While Xiao Xi and Ning er should arrive in time, as for him, given the current situation, it seemed somewhat uncertain...
"Hi, dont make a big deal out of it--no problem... try?"
—Hmph! Even a princess cant tame this horse, and you, a total rookie, think you can ride the Red Hare? Dont cry Mom when youre done!
However, the little princess knew something about the new horse in front of her, but now she saw her right hand on her left elbow, her face a little unwell, and she said to herself.
As for Ah Jun, his mind was full of doubts at this moment--question one, what is it? And, can I ride well... So, will it be in time?
The childs innate sensitivity and naivety had already planted many little fantasies in his mind. Then Ah Jun, still in a daze, turned his head hesitantly and looked again at the horse, suddenly revealing an ignorant foolishness...
"How about them two..."