Chapter 11: Young Master, Happy Birthday

So, he thought she had forgotten his birthday and was now attending someone else’s birthday party, which made him angry?

In Yin Li’s eyes, there was suspicion, grievance, and the pain of feeling abandoned by the whole world.

Jiang Niannian crouched down to be at his eye level and said, “Young master, it’s not as you think.”

Yin Li had already prepared himself to drive her away and had thought of countless harsh words, but seeing the pained expression on her face, he suddenly found himself unable to say anything.

His chest was filled with only bitterness and warmth.

“Going to Erzhu Peak today was only because I thought Lord Sage would be there too. I wanted to persuade him to help you restore your spiritual roots…”

Yin Li abruptly interrupted her, “Do you despise me for being a waste? Looking down on me like everyone else? Yes, my spiritual roots are completely destroyed, and I’ve achieved nothing. I live like a joke… I don’t need you anymore, so just go! Go!”

He became more and more agitated, his red eyes misting up again, as if covered by a layer of dust.

What answered him was a warm embrace.

“Let go…”

“Young master, please let me finish.”

Jiang Niannian sighed.

She had tried so hard to make things better for him, yet he only thought of such negative things, constantly misjudging her intentions and trying to drive her away.

What a heartless guy.

She pulled back slightly, cupping his face, and continued, “Wanting to help you restore your spiritual roots is simply because I care about you. Despite your tragic fate, you never bow your head. If it were me, I might have already sought death. So, I will never, ever, ever belittle you.”

Yin Li seemed to be stunned, staring at her blankly.

His red eyes widened, reflecting her image, staring at her without blinking, as if unable to see anything else.

When was the last time he was held like this?

He couldn’t remember clearly.

His past memories were filled with contempt, indifference, and abuse…

In this world, perhaps the only person who truly cared about him and loved him was the one before him.

It turned out that, at that moment, some people became light.

Yin Li closed his eyes, his lashes trembling slightly.

His voice was muffled, “Don’t look for Shen Yu. He won’t help me.”

“Why?”

“Everyone in this sect can’t accept me, and he is no different.”

“But is there anyone else who can restore the spiritual roots?”

After a long pause, Yin Li slowly said, “… No.”

“So, we still have to go,” Jiang Niannian nodded.

“No matter what method is used, the young master can decide on other matters, but this one, you cannot.”

“You! You’re so stubborn!”

Despite being only eight years old, he always had a serious expression, like a little adult.

“Alright, don’t be angry. Come on, smile!”

Yin Li didn’t smile, looking at her with a fierce expression.

Jiang Niannian wasn’t annoyed, patting his nose with good humor, “Little stiff.”

“You’re the little stiff, and your whole family is little stiff!” Yin Li said, deflating as he buried himself in her embrace, wrapping his arms around her neck.

“Don’t leave me alone in the future.”

“Okay.”

Yin Li nuzzled against her neck, “You started it. If one day you go back on your word, I’ll kill you.”

Jiang Niannian tapped his head lightly and pretended to be fierce, “Little kid, why do you always talk about killing?”

A firework burst loudly, scattering into colorful lights across the sky.

Soon, fireworks exploded one after another in the sky, rising and falling.

It must be the celebration marking the end of the birthday banquet.

“Young master, happy birthday!”

“Mm.”

Jiang Niannian looked at her little cub.

His long, black lashes were very cute.

He was currently malnourished, his face too pale and thin.

Once she took good care of him and he gained some baby fat, he would be even cuter.

She rubbed his head, “I heard that making a wish on your birthday will make the gods grant it. Do you have a wish, young master?”

Yin Li was silent for a long time before finally saying, “To always be with me.”

“Okay.”

But he stared at her intently, his expression clearly showing disbelief.

Jiang Niannian smiled, “When you strongly desire something, the whole world will work together to help you achieve it, just like how I can be by your side.”

“Mm.”

He held her neck tightly, like a little beast protecting its food, still not yet the blood-stained, deeply scheming madman of the future, though his hatred for the world was hard to hide.

It was better to show his emotions than to see him lifeless at first.

The night was filled with vibrant fireworks, a long night of fallen blossoms.

【Affection +35, Points +3500, Current Affection: 55, Total Points: 3860.】

The atmosphere was just right, but from the nearby fence came an angry shout: “Although I am not a human, you guys are real dogs. You are always being so affectionate. Can you please consider my feelings?”

The remaining humming pig was cursing.

Yin Li’s expression darkened, and he glanced unhappily at the humming pig.

He felt disturbed again and was inexplicably annoyed.

He looked up and gave Jiang Niannian a faint smile, “Niannian, let’s have pork tomorrow.”

“Sure.”

Jiang Niannian saw her little cub’s smile for the first time, feeling incredibly happy.

Of course, she would fulfill this small request.

It was a pity to give up the pig she had planned to keep for a few more days.

The humming pig, hearing this, started wailing again: “As a pig, I know I will eventually die at your mouths. At that time, you’ll be loving each other at my grave, and I’ll be resting under your love. Boohoohoo, who’s more miserable than me! I’ll fight with you today! You don’t need to stop me. You definitely can’t stop the clever me. I will crash into you and die!”

Love?

What kind of feeling is that?

Little Yin Li’s ears twitched.

All he knew was that he didn’t want Jiang Niannian to leave him.

“Gugugugu——”

Yin Li’s face turned red, burying himself in Jiang Niannian’s arms, unwilling to come out.

He complained, “It’s all your fault for coming back so late. I didn’t even get to eat properly.”

He was upset and angry, and his frustrated look was so cute.

Jiang Niannian’s heart roared, but she spoke gently, “Yes, yes, it’s all my fault. There are still some noodles in the kitchen. I’ll make you some plain noodles, okay?”

“Hmph.” Yin Li turned his head away from her, his gaze falling on the small black ball nearby.

The fireworks had surprisingly not woken it up.

“Hey! Can you show some presence? hey pig!”

Jiang Niannian went to the kitchen.

Yin Li walked over, picking up the coal ball by the back of its neck.

It wobbled awake, opening its black, shiny eyes, looking at him sleepily.

Not quite understanding what was happening, Yin Li, in a fierce tone, said, “You can’t run into her arms again, or I’ll break your legs.”

Coal Ball: ???!!!