An eight-year-old kid emptied his scumbag father's warehouse and followed his grandparents into

Jing Chunxi felt sleepy and his eyelids became heavier and heavier. Finally, he could no longer hold on and fell into a deep sleep on the soft bed.

Her consciousness faded, and she began to dream again. This time, the dream was remarkably clear and vivid. She dreamed of herself soaring lightly over towering mountains, while lush, ancient forests swept beneath her like green waves. The wind whistled in her ears, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees. Finally, she gracefully landed on the summit of a particularly tall and steep peak.

After standing firm, she subconsciously looked down. Beneath her feet was a deep, bottomless canyon. A wide river roared at the bottom of the valley, and the turbulent water hit the rocks, making a deafening roar.

For some reason, she was driven by a strong urge to go down and explore the deeper into the canyon. A clear voice deep in her heart was calling her - she wanted to find her brother Xiaokang.

In her dream, she began walking down a steep hillside. The sound of rushing water grew louder and louder, almost filling her entire hearing. She weaved between towering ancient trees that required several people to embrace. The dense canopy almost blocked out the sky, with only a few dappled rays of light occasionally filtering through.

She focused on going down, getting closer and closer to the misty and steamy turbulent river bank.

However, just as she was about to reach the shore, something unexpected happened! She slipped and stepped on a slippery, mossy boulder. She instantly lost her balance and rushed uncontrollably down the steep slope.

The strange thing was that at this critical moment, she didn't feel the slightest fear in her heart, and she completely forgot to scream, and she didn't even think of hiding in her own safe space.

Deep down, she felt a strange and fulfilling sense of security, as if she was certain something would protect her. So, she completely relaxed, letting her body drift in this uncontrolled fall.

Just as she thought she was about to fall into the icy, turbulent river, a gentle yet rhythmic breeze suddenly passed by her ears. Then, a warm and powerful force suddenly gripped her waist, halting her descent.

Immediately, she felt a warmth all over her body, as if she were enveloped in an incomparably safe place. She looked closely and saw that what was encircling her was a giant dragon, shimmering with a soft golden light! The dragon's scales were distinct and shimmering. As she steadied herself, she felt a slight tingling sensation in her jaw, as if something hard had gently pricked her.

She subconsciously looked up and saw the familiar, smiling face of Brother Xiaokang. He was still handsome, his eyes filled with tenderness. However, atop his head now stood a pair of majestic, gracefully curved dragon horns. This sudden change left her momentarily stunned and mesmerized.

"Does Brother Xiaokang look good?" Xu Zize looked at the girl in his arms. Her eyes were hazy, and it seemed that she had not yet fully woken up from her sleep. She looked particularly cute and adorable with her sleepy eyes opened in a daze.

He couldn't help but chuckle, his voice low and amused. He deliberately used his unshaved beard, which had a few days of stubble, to gently rub her tender jaw with a bit of pampering and teasing.

The slightly tingling sensation finally brought Jing Chunxi back to her senses. She was shocked to realize that not only had she fallen asleep, but she had also fallen into a sweet and deep sleep, held so intimately in his arms.

Realizing this, a surge of heat instantly surged to her cheeks, making her face flush red with embarrassment, as if it were dyed with the most gorgeous sunset in the sky.

She subconsciously raised her hand to touch the corner of her mouth, and found that no indecent saliva had flowed out. She felt relieved, and then she pushed him away with a bit of anger, saying, "I don't know how many days you haven't showered, you already smell. Hurry up and get up! I'll ask someone to bring the food up, and after you eat, go wash up and clean up."

"Yes, my housekeeper." Xu Zize responded obediently with a doting smile on his lips. Before he finished speaking, he quickly pecked her soft lips, then reluctantly let go of his arms that were around her.

He smoothed his hair, placed his hands on his head, and said seriously, "The final plan for the canal construction has been finalized today. Time is running out. Brother Xiaokang will leave for the south in five days to supervise the construction. This trip will probably take some time. I was thinking of bringing Brother Erlang along to gain some experience. Is that okay?"

"Leaving so soon!" She was caught off guard, her heart suddenly filled with strong reluctance, and it was difficult for her to accept this sudden separation.

Impulsively, like a little animal seeking warmth and comfort, she suddenly snuggled back into his strong and warm arms, her cheek pressed tightly against his chest, as if this could ease the pain of the impending separation.

"Hmm!" Xu Zize felt her dependence and reluctance, and his heart felt soft and sour. He tightened his arms and held her tighter in his arms. His chin rested lightly on the top of her head, and he sighed with satisfaction but a little helplessness.

"Father can't wait any longer. This project concerns the national economy and people's livelihood. The sooner it can be completed, the better." He paused and continued, his tone full of attachment. "I will write to you often. Xi'er, when you reply, you must not be too perfunctory. You must tell me everything, big or small, what you ate, what you did, who you met, and what you thought about every day. Otherwise, Brother Xiaokang will miss you so much over there that he will not be able to help but drop his official duties and come back to see you."

"Hmm!" Jing Chunxi replied muffledly, her voice nasal. She felt that even before he left, the gnawing longing had already begun to spread. No matter what he said now, there was no reason for her to disobey him.

"The south has a lot of rain and a hot and humid climate, especially in the mountains and forests. It's even more humid and hot, and there are many poisonous insects, snakes and ants."

Jing Chunxi raised his head from his arms, his face full of worry, and began to list the things he needed to prepare. "I'll prepare some extra ointments and powders for repelling insects, preventing epidemics, and treating external injuries. Remember to carry them with you. Don't treat yourself badly, and be careful. Also, don't leave any of your secret guards with me, take them all with you! Most of the people in our courtyard now have returned from Qiuyi Village after studying there. They all have some martial arts skills, enough to protect me. Brother Xiaokang doesn't have to worry about the capital."

"Okay! I'll follow the housekeeper's arrangements." Xu Zize followed suit, his heart filled with her meticulous care.

He rubbed her back and gave her some advice, "If you feel bored at home, you can invite your sisters to stay with you at home, or go to the palace to Anping more often to relieve your boredom."

"You should think more about how to take care of yourself when you are away from home. I am in Beijing, and there are many places to entertain myself. My grandparents will have a baby soon, so I won't be bored."

Jing Chunxi gave him a reproachful look, then remembered what he had just said, "—Hey! Oh, right, you said you wanted Erlang to go with you?"