After Descending the Mountain, Seven Big Brothers Spoil Me

Chapter 177 The Radiance of Protecting the Country

One second.

Two seconds.

Three seconds.

Time slowly passed, and Qin Lie still hadn't heard Zhouzhou's response.

Was she too shocked and didn't know what to say?

He felt conflicted as well, but in the end, he turned to look at Zhouzhou, only to be stunned.

"Zzzz—"

He saw that Zhouzhou had fallen asleep at some point, making soft snoring sounds. Occasionally, she smacked her lips and muttered words like "bread" and "candy."

Such a little foodie.

Qin Lie sighed and rubbed his temple, feeling a headache coming on.

He had mustered up the courage to ask that question, imagining a thousand possible reactions from her, but he never expected it to be like this.

He couldn't help but cry and laugh at the same time. He lightly tapped her little nose and helplessly said, "You silly child, do you know how much courage it took for Dad to ask you this? The next time I want to tell you about this, I'll need even more courage."

He was considering the danger that Ye Lingfeng's identity might bring to her, as well as how Zhouzhou would react to this information. Would she choose to leave with Ye Lingfeng and not want them anymore?@@@@

He couldn't be certain himself if he would be able to say those words again in the future.

With a sigh, he looked at his sleeping chubby daughter in his arms and eventually laid her down, tucking her feet back into the blanket. He also brought over the golden pixiu from the bedside table and placed it within her reach.

As if sensing something, Zhouzhou moved her small hand, skillfully hugging the golden pixiu and turning over in her sleep, completely unaware of the inner struggle and turmoil in her old father's heart.

"Let nature take its course," the Ancestral Master floated out of the statue and yawned, saying, "Perhaps the timing isn't right yet. Don't rush it, take it slowly."

Ye Lingfeng's identity was still a question mark. Once everything was investigated and confirmed to be fine, then he could tell Zhouzhou. There was no rush.

Qin Lie nodded slightly and looked at him, asking, "Ancestral Master, do you have a way to find out what Ye Lingfeng has been doing these past few years?"

"I can't tell the specifics, but I know that his interests are probably similar to your Second Elder Brother's. He's someone who can balance between wickedness and merit, and not many people can achieve that," the Ancestral Master replied.

"But is there no way to know more details?"

Well...

The Ancestral Master rubbed his chin and glanced at him. "There might be a way."

He paused for a moment, sympathetically looking at Qin Lie. "Zhouzhou's biological father has a significant background. It's better not to confront him directly. He's a person protected by the Heavenly Tao, and going against him will not end well."

After saying that, he floated back into the statue to heal his injuries, no longer speaking.

In the study, Qin Lie's frown deepened. He didn't want to confront Ye Lingfeng either because it would be the most difficult situation for Zhouzhou once she knew the truth.

The only thing he wanted to know was whether Ye Lingfeng's identity would bring danger to Zhouzhou.

What exactly did he do to make even the Ancestral Master unable to enter his dreams?

The study's light remained on throughout the night.

Meanwhile, Zhouzhou slept soundly in her room.

The next morning, as soon as the sun rose, she opened her eyes. When she went downstairs, she found that Qin Lie had already prepared gifts, filling half of the living room.

Unable to contain her excitement, she exclaimed, "Wow!" and ran over, asking, "Dad, are these gifts for my Master?"

"Yes," Qin Lie nodded. "Your Master raised you, and it's not easy. You should show them more respect."

Regardless of Ye Lingfeng's current identity or whatever misfortunes An Ya experienced in the past, Zhouzhou was raised by both of her Masters.

Since they couldn't find out anything for now, they should focus on the present matters.

Seeing that the little girl's hair resembled a chicken nest, Qin Lie took her to the mirror.

Standing on a small stool, Zhouzhou pointed at her own head and directed herself, saying, "Dad, today I want to have eight little pigtails. Four on this side, four on the other side, and no pigtails on top!"

She stretched out her chubby hand and drew a line in the middle, splitting her little head into two halves.

Qin Lie was momentarily taken aback, unable to imagine the sight of his daughter with antennas on her head.

In an instant, all his worries and hesitations vanished. Now, his only concern was his little girl's sense of aesthetics.

"Zhouzhou," he tried to persuade her to change her mind, but when he met her sparkling eyes, the words on the tip of his tongue instantly changed. "How about trying eight pigtails all around? Four on each side might look a bit silly."

As soon as the words came out, he slapped his forehead.

Why did he agree to that?

But Zhouzhou had no idea about his regret. She vigorously nodded her little head, happily turned around, and hugged him. She rubbed her head against his body, looking up at him with shining eyes. "Thank you, Dad! Dad is so nice! I love Dad the most!"

Qin Lie: "..."

Forget it, as long as Zhouzhou is happy.