Watching Ziya’s lonely and dazed figure hurry away, Bai Li was instantly consumed by rage.
‘Damn it… that dead rebellious daughter!!! How dare she treat Ziya like that?! What kind of schemes is she playing at?’
He snapped his head around to glare at Baining, who had just forced a kiss on him.
“Baining! You goddamn…”
The words were at the tip of his tongue, but he forced himself to swallow them.
‘No, no matter how angry I am, I can’t just lash out recklessly… I’m her father. I can’t lose my composure and spout filth in front of my daughter.’
Bai Li took a deep breath, barely suppressing his boiling anger, though his tone remained heavy with indignation.
“Baining, you were fine just a moment ago. Why are you acting crazy again? You should know how sensitive Ziya is. Don’t you think an act like that would hurt her for no reason? Do you think this is appropriate?”
“It was just a whim. I only wanted to get close to you, Bai Li…”
Baining tilted her head slightly, her airy tone a blatant attempt at an excuse.
“I just finished talking to you! You did that on purpose!”
“I’ll settle the score with you later. Right now, I have to go comfort Ziya! Take the desserts on the table and get out there right now. You’re going to give her a sincere apology, you dead rebellious daughter!”
With that, Bai Li hurried out after her.
Baining watched his fuming figure leave.
Her crimson eyes flickered slightly as an imperceptible ripple stirred in her heart.
‘Pops actually told me to get out. It seems he’s truly enraged this time.’
But she didn’t regret it.
Even if she felt a modicum of guilt toward Ziya, she had to declare her sovereignty like this.
She wanted Ziya to understand perfectly that Bai Li’s willingness to spend three months with her wasn’t a given; it was a charity Baining had granted by painfully parting with what was hers.
Everything about Pops should belong to her.
Even if it had to be shared, she should be the one leading and distributing it.
She was destined to be the one standing closest to him.
‘Still… an apology is necessary. She is my sister, after all.’
At least Baining was willing to share, unlike Longjiu, who wanted total possession.
Ziya would eventually understand.
‘And even if she doesn’t, what of it? With the military power of Ziya’s nation in her hands, she didn’t need to fear any variables. Hehe…’
Baining chuckled softly, picked up the porcelain plate filled with exquisite desserts, and slowly walked out.
Bai Li had just stepped out of the kitchen when he spotted Ziya sitting at the dining table.
As he drew closer, he realized with a start that the child had put on light makeup, making her small face look even more charming and lovely.
However, her eyes were red and swollen, a sight that pulled at his heartstrings.
‘Wait… Red eyes? Did Ziya… just cry in secret?’
Bai Li’s heart tightened.
He hurried forward and gently patted her back, his voice becoming incredibly soft.
“Ziya, are you okay? Are you willing to listen to Father’s explanation?”
“I… I’m fine!”
Ziya didn’t realize her eyes had already betrayed her.
She maintained her facade of composure, forcing a calm smile.
“Father…”
“What happened just now was really a misunderstanding. Baining was just being playful when she forced herself on me. Please, don’t overthink it. I would never condone such a thing! I’ll definitely give your reckless older sister a proper scolding!”
“A… misunderstanding?”
Ziya’s voice carried a faint, nearly imperceptible tremble.
“That’s right. So, don’t take it to heart, okay?”
“Father… is my sadness really that obvious?”
“Yes, it’s clear as day,” Bai Li said gently.
“But I think this honest version of you is the Ziya I like most.”
“I… I also really like the current Father…”
Ziya’s quiet murmur hit Bai Li’s heart like a heavy hammer, catching him completely off guard.
‘She actually likes my current appearance as a petite girl over the tall and powerful father I used to be?’
“But Father, I clearly saw that you didn’t resist when Sister Baining hugged you… Even at the moment you were kissed, besides the surprise, your expression held a sliver of happiness that you couldn’t hide…”
Ziya spoke timidly.
“Ziya?”
Bai Li was stunned, momentarily speechless.
“Father might not know this, but we Succubi are born with the ability to sense the emotions and desires of others. Just now… I felt it. Father didn’t reject that kiss. You even enjoyed it.”
“Ugh!!”
Bai Li felt another heavy blow to his heart, his mind descending into chaos.
‘Could it be… did I really unconsciously enjoy that boundary-crossing kiss? That’s impossible, right?!’
“Ziya, you… you must have sensed it wrong! I would definitely resist something so immoral. There’s no way I could enjoy it!” he hurriedly defended himself, his tone laced with panic.
“But Father… Baining, Longjiu, and I… aren’t we all just daughters you adopted?”
Ziya’s words were like a fine needle, pricking the peace Bai Li was desperately trying to maintain.
“Ziya, what do you mean by that?”
Bai Li’s heart tightened as he pressed for an answer.
“No… it’s nothing! I was just asking!”
Ziya hurriedly lowered her head, her eyes darting away.
“Regardless of blood relations, in my heart, I will always be your father. That will never change. I can never accept anything that crosses ethical lines, so please stop overthinking it, okay?”
Bai Li’s tone held a trace of imperceptible nervousness.
He didn’t dare think too deeply about why Ziya would ask such a thing or what intentions were hidden in her heart.
He only hoped… that he was overthinking things.
“Mm, I understand, Father…”
Ziya replied softly.
The feelings that had just begun to sprout in her heart were forcibly suppressed.
‘Since Father is so resistant, I will keep these feelings hidden forever.’
No matter what, she had to repay him for raising her.
Regardless of her status, she would stay by his side, be obedient, and protect his peace and happiness for a lifetime.
With those thoughts in mind, Ziya suddenly reached out her small hands and gently hugged Bai Li.
“What’s wrong? Are you still sad? It’s all Papa’s fault for letting you be treated so unfairly…”
Bai Li comforted her gently.
“I just… I missed you so much, Father.”
Ziya’s incredibly quiet murmur instantly choked back all the words in Bai Li’s throat.
He slowly raised his hands and gently returned the embrace of the small figure in his arms, his voice so tender it could melt.
“I missed you too, my Ziya Baby.”