Transmigrating into the Genius Cannon Fodder’s Aunt

Chapter 48.3 – Xiao Feng Pays Homage to Teacher! (III)

Zhu Yuanhai shot a look at Ning Shaoyun. “Oh, so you’re just handing me more work, huh?”

Ning Shaoyun smiled. “I promise you won’t regret it.”

Now fully intrigued, Zhu Yuanhai picked up a brush and casually painted a simple ink lotus on the rice paper.

Xiao Feng was instantly captivated.

Zhu Yuanhai handed the brush and told the little guy, “Want to give it a try?”

Xiao Feng nodded eagerly and started painting. At first, Zhu Yuanhai didn’t think much of it, but after a few strokes, his expression suddenly turned serious. This made Xia Mian a bit nervous as well, so she glanced over.

She didn’t know much about painting, but she watched as Xiao Feng dipped his brush in water, then in ink, smearing and layering it on the paper. What first looked like random patches of ink superimposed together, gradually took the vague shape of a lotus.

Zhu Yuanhai burst into laughter. “Xiao Yun, if we’re talking about gifts, your painting doesn’t hold a candle to this kid!”

When Xiao Feng looked up, Zhu Yuanhai’s gaze had completely changed. Smiling warmly, he reached out to wipe some ink off the boy’s cheek. “Child, do you like painting?”

Without hesitation, Xiao Feng nodded.

Zhu Yuanhai beamed. “Then how about you learn from me?”

Xiao Feng glanced at Xia Mian and Ning Shaoyun. Ning Shaoyun, overjoyed, said to him, “Xiao Feng, didn’t you always want to learn to paint? This is the master that Aunt Yun found for you.” Fearing he might call him ‘Senior Brother’ again, she quickly added, “Come on, call him Master.”

Xiao Feng hesitated for a moment. Seeing Xia Mian’s encouraging look, he straightened up, raised both small arms, and gave a formal bow. In his sweet, childish voice, he said, “Disciple pays homage to Master.”

Then he looked up at Xia Mian.

Xia Mian was also a little confused, until Chenchen’s voice rang up, reminding them, “Mom, Xiao Feng needs to serve tea when paying homage to his master.”

Xia Mian finally realized what was happening. She ruffled Xiao Feng’s hair with an amused smile and explained to Zhu Yuanhai, “I’m sorry, Professor Zhu. These kids have been imitating scenes from TV lately…”

Ning Shaoyun also realized that her words had led to Xiao Feng’s misunderstanding. No wonder he had hesitated just now—she couldn’t help but chuckle.

Ever since Mao Huizhu found out her father was going to be a big star, her enthusiasm for television had gone beyond just watching. Every day after finishing an episode, she had to act out scenes to feel satisfied.

The latest popular show was a martial arts drama, so at kindergarten, the children staged grand martial conflicts between different sects. Back at home, the setting transformed into the secluded mountain retreats of legendary masters.

Mao Huizhu styled herself as a hidden martial arts expert. Chenchen, with his naturally domineering personality, refused to be overshadowed. That left Xiao Feng as the lone disciple, making him extremely well-practiced in formal apprenticeship rituals.

“No wonder Aunt Wei was complaining that two teacups suddenly went missing,” Ning Shaoyun said with a laugh. “Was it you guys doing, hmm?”

Chenchen responded matter-of-factly, “They’re in the Cold Pond Cave on the Celestial Mountain.”

The adults couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Zhu Yuanhai, looking at Xiao Feng’s innocent face, felt a growing fondness for the child. “Xiao Feng, just call me ‘Teacher’ from now on, okay?”

Xiao Feng obediently replied, “Yes, Teacher.”

“Good boy.”

Just as the atmosphere got lively, Aunt Wei walked in with a less-than-pleasant expression, followed closely by a well-dressed young man in a slick suit.

Ning Shaoyun frowned in confusion. “Who is this?”

Aunt Wei answered, “Someone from the Ning family. Says he wants to deliver something to you in person.”

The young man quickly introduced himself, “Miss Ning, hello. I’m President Fan’s assistant, Fan Feng. Next week is the old master’s birthday, and President Fan asked me to personally deliver your invitation.”

As he handed over the invitation, Ning Shaoyun let out a sarcastic chuckle. “Well, thank you for your hard work. I’ll definitely be there.”

The assistant smiled and then pulled out another invitation, turning to Xia Mian. “Miss Xia, the old master heard that you saved the young master of the Huo family and is very grateful. He personally invites you to attend the banquet.”

“It’s my honor. I’ll be there for sure.” Xia Mian accepted the invitation, suppressing a smirk. ‘Well, well, of course I’ll be attending! After all, our hidden big boss has gone through so much trouble to set the stage for his grand spectacle!’

After the assistant left, Zhu Yuanhai frowned. “It’s your own grandfather’s birthday, and he’s specifically sending out invitations to you? Does he see you as some distant relative now? What’s going on in the Ning family?”

Ning Shaoyun smiled. “Nothing much. Grandpa plans to announce the Ning family’s heir at the banquet and distribute some of the assets while he’s at it.”

“So that younger brother of yours is going to take over?” Zhu Yuanhai thought for a moment before recalling something. “President Fan… is that Fan Xiuzhi, the woman your grandfather insisted your father marry?”

Ning Shaoyun nodded.

Zhu Yuanhai shook his head in disapproval. “There’s an old saying: ‘A wife determines the fate of three generations.’ Your grandfather sure picked the wrong one.”

“The Fan family worships money as if it’s the only thing that matters. They act like wealth gives them the right to do anything. I remember how your mother and father’s old friends—none of them were ever good enough for her. She always put on such airs.”

He patted Ning Shaoyun’s shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t worry. I’ll be there to support you.”

Ning Shaoyun smiled happily, as if she had regained the carefree days when she was doted on by her senior brothers. “Thank you, Senior Brother.”

Xia Mian suddenly remarked, “That person didn’t give Dr. Ning an invitation. Is he going to deliver it to the hospital in person?”

Ning Shaoyun chuckled. “If he did, he’s just asking for trouble.”

After all, her little brother was not only vindictive but could be very petty.

…

Curious about how Ning Shaobai would deal with Fan Xiuzhi’s assistant, Xia Mian waited for him at the gate in the evening. As dusk settled, she finally saw him strolling back home leisurely, still wearing his white coat. “Did you get your invitation to your grandfather’s birthday banquet?” She stopped him and asked.

“Nope.”

“Huh? What happened to that assistant?” Xia Mian was puzzled.

Ning Shaobai tilted his head, thinking for a moment. “He’s probably still waiting outside the operating room.”

Xia Mian burst out laughing. “You’re too ruthless.”

Fan Xiuzhi had wanted to show off her power and insisted that the assistant deliver the invitation in person. But once a doctor enters the operating room, who knows when they’ll come out?

The poor assistant must have been stuck in a dilemma—if he left, he risked missing the delivery, but if he waited, there was no telling how long it would take. Judging by Ning Shaobai’s relaxed attitude, it was clear that the assistant had missed his chance.

Furthermore, Ning Shaobai’s temper was always… something. That assistant had been trying to corner him for three days but never managed to catch him. At night, Ning Shaobai wouldn’t open his door; in the morning, he was already at the hospital. And once in the hospital, he was either in meetings or in surgery…

With the banquet fast approaching, the assistant had no choice but to ask Xia Mian to deliver the invitation.

Xia Mian barely held back her laughter as she handed the invitation. “You should’ve seen how embarrassed that assistant looked. If he tells Fan Xiuzhi about it, do you think she’ll be furious?”

Ning Shaobai casually flipped through the invitation. “If she gets mad over something this small, she’ll probably be angered to death on the day of the banquet.”

‘Haha! As expected, he’s planning a grand show!’