Chapter 348: Episode 32.9 Yanyan’s Uniform
After Bai Tingfeng’s auction, planning for the pseudo-commercial ad began under Chairman Mao’s lead. Shen Yuan, however, kept his distance, claiming he was too busy preparing Yanyan for school.
The excuse worked perfectly. Everyone had seen how hands-on he was with his son. What they didn’t know was that this was really Chairman Mao and Bai Tingfeng’s way of shielding the pregnant celestial fox spirit from stress.
Was Shen Yuan happy with this setup? Honestly, he didn’t care. The first weeks of his pregnancy felt like someone had slammed on the accelerator. He slept half the day away, ate like a starved beast when awake, and his moods swung around like a carousel gone rogue.
One moment, he was cheerful and lively. Next, he was sulking or snapping.
For heaven’s sake. He had never minded that Yangyang the panda ate like a slob, but now the sound of bamboo crunching made him want to flee the house.
And it didn’t end there! He even found himself irrationally annoyed at Gu Jinpeng’s face. Just seeing his assassin-turned-assistant was enough to make him grind his teeth. The poor man was promptly reassigned to headquarters while Qin Mian was promoted to fill in as his at-home aide.
Shen Yuan knew he was being unreasonable, and he hated how fussy he’d become.
Thankfully, Yanyan was always there to steady his moods. His little boy had become his best remedy whenever the hormones drove him up the wall.
Cuddling and carrying Yanyan quickly became his favorite pastime.
Like now—midday, taking a break from work, father and son were seated together at the outdoor coffee table, gazing out over the garden and artificial lake.
It was a beautiful day. The clouds drifted in soft, cottony formations, making the expanse of blue sky look all the more serene.
Shen Yuan felt a sense of peace settle over him just by looking at the view. With his cute, cuddly son nestled in his lap, all the irritation from a few minutes ago had completely melted away.
"Leader Shen," Qin Mian’s voice broke the quiet.
Shen Yuan wasn’t angry, but apparently Qin Mian hadn’t gotten the memo. The big alpha stood there looking constipated as soon as Shen Yuan turned his head toward him.
"What is it?" Shen Yuan asked, his tone calm and light as a feather.
Qin Mian let out a visible sigh of relief, reassured that his pregnant boss was in good spirits. Flashing a goofy grin, he held out a paper bag.
"A package from Qilin Academy just arrived. I believe it’s the young master’s uniform."
Shen Yuan and Yanyan immediately exchanged glances, their eyes lighting up with shared curiosity and excitement. After all, what parent or child wouldn’t feel a spark of joy at unboxing a brand-new school uniform?
Plus, while they are at it, why don’t they try it on?!
"Yay!" Yanyan jumped down from his Dad, and he quickly took the paper bag.
It is quite big for him as it literally reaches his waist, but Yanyan didn’t mind it. The little boy dragged it to the table and gave it to his dad.
Excited, Shen Yuan received it and quickly picked up his son.
The speed at which he was going to their room on the second floor was simply awe-inspiring. Qin Mian was left where he was with his mouth gaping.
"Wow, I guess Leader Shen must love dressing up. It checks out, though. Considering that he is an international model." Qin Mian uttered to himself.
Back in Shen Yuan’s room, the father and son combo are already trying on the uniform.
"Daddy! Do you think this looks good on me?" Yanyan twirled in front of his father, his little voice full of excitement.
The Qilin Academy uniform was far simpler than Shen Yuan had expected from such an elite school. Yanyan’s summer set consisted of a crisp white button-down shirt embroidered with the academy’s insignia and Yanyan’s full name on the chest, a neat navy-blue tie, and blue-black checkered shorts.
According to the handbook that came with it, autumn and winter required a bright red coat layered over the shirt—its vivid shade reminiscent of the ruby glow in Yuqi’s cheeks. Shen Yuan loved this touch as he felt happy that a fellow great spirit was celebrated.
Besides, as a celestial fox spirit with more than a trace of vanity in his blood, Shen Yuan found himself thoroughly approving of the design.
He beamed proudly, like he had won a prize.
"Of course! With your cool skin tone, the blue and white really make your handsomeness shine even more!"
Yanyan beamed, confidence shining in his eyes. "Oh, Daddy, I can’t wait to go to school now!"
"Don’t worry. You only have a week left before classes start. By then, Yanyan, I’ll haul your little butt to school whether you like it or not." Shen Yuan teased, ruffling his son’s hair.
He reached for his phone. "Hold on. Let’s call your dear father and show him the handsomeness you inherited from me."
Cutie Yanyan didn’t have to wait long. Within seconds, Bai Tingfeng picked up the video call. If there is a tournament for fastest answering the phone, Bai Tingfeng would probably be the top contender in the competition. It is impressive and slightly concerning, at least, in Shen Yuan’s opinion.
Do guild masters have such an idle life now?
"What is it, Yuan? Is something—"
"You answered faster than expected. Don’t tell me you’re not busy?" Shen Yuan interrupted, raising a brow.
Bai Tingfeng looked almost guilty. "It’s because... It’s you who’s calling," he admitted slowly.
Shen Yuan’s lips curved into a sly smile. That answer just won the crown of his heart. It is indeed something coming from a poor communicator like Bai Tingfeng. Color him proud.
"You’re such a simp. Anyway—check this out."
He shifted the phone toward Yanyan, who flashed a wide grin. "Papa!"
"Wait—Yanyan’s uniform finally arrived?!" Bai Tingfeng exclaimed, delight written all over his face.
"Yes, Papa! Brother Qin Mian delivered it just now. Don’t I look good?" Yanyan spun around again, eager to show every detail.
Bai Tingfeng’s heart melted on the spot. If he had one regret at this moment, it was being stuck at work instead of home. Why did people need jobs, anyway? All they did was make fathers miss memorable moments like this.
"You look amazing," he said softly. "Exactly like your Daddy when he was your age."
Yanyan’s eyes widened with wonder. "Really?!"
Shen Yuan, standing off to the side, arched an eyebrow. Interesting choice of words. Clearly,
Shen Yuan at Yanyan’s age was not the refined celestial fox spirit he was today—but fine, he wasn’t jealous. Just... curious.
"Yes," Bai Tingfeng continued, "your Dada has thick photo albums. I’ve seen pictures of your Daddy around your age. The face, the lips, even the hair—his was just a little longer. But overall, you really do look alike."
That made Yanyan glow with happiness. His Daddy was the most beautiful person in the world, and hearing that he resembled him was the best compliment he could imagine. "Hehehe."
Meanwhile, Shen Yuan smacked his lips loudly. "That was... very descriptive. Sounds like someone remembers that time a little too vividly."
Bai Tingfeng froze, glitching like a broken program. "Wait—are you jealous—"
"Don’t get the wrong idea. I was just asking." Shen Yuan rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I’ll take some pictures of our son for your parents. You can come home whenever."
And just like that, he ended the call.
Bai Tingfeng was left stupidly staring at the screen of his phone, wearing a silly grin.
"So annoying!" Shen Yuan huffed and rolled his eyes.
Yanyan blinked at his Daddy, puzzled. Why did it feel like his Daddy was both angry and not angry at the same time?
Well, whatever it is, Yanyan is not that concerned. He knows that whatever trouble his parents have, the two of them will quickly resolve it. Yanyan has seen firsthand how weak his Daddy is towards his Papa and vice versa.
"Come, let’s do some picture taking," Shen Yuan told his son, blissfully unaware of how his son thinks of him as a simp.
"Okay! Daddy. Can you teach me how to pose in front of the camera?" Yanyan gleefully skipped beside his dad, and the two of them went to the garden where the photoshoot happened.
~~~
"Hey," Bai Tingfeng came home earlier than usual.
Shen Yuan welcomed the man with a passive facial expression, but he struggled to keep that as Bai Tingfeng came back with a few tricks under his sleeves.
"A flower and chocolates?" Shen Yuan was cranky again. Don’t ask how much of that act was real or fake. The celestial fox spirit doesn’t know either. Ever since he woke up from siesta, his stomach has been churning weirdly, which pissed him off. "Is today Valentine’s Day?"
Bai Tingfeng flashed his million-dollar smile, thinking it would appease the pregnant omega even just a little. "It’s not. But we don’t need a cultural holiday to celebrate our relationship, right? So, flowers and chocolates?"
Bai Tingfeng put it right on Shen Yuan’s face.
The celestial fox spirit’s blank expression cracked. He blinked. "Fine, I will take the chocolates, and you will find a vase to put those roses in."
Shen Yuan turned on his heels and headed for the kitchen to prepare the alpha’s plate.
He was busy setting the plate when Bai Tingfeng suddenly hugged him from behind. "What made you edgy today?"