I Transmigrated as Cannon Fodder, Only to be Desired by the Dragon King - Chapter 27

Chapter 27: The Dragon King Has Children?! Shen Youqing Clenched His Fists…

Shen Youqing stood atop a grey-blue reef, the salty sea breeze whipping his robes into a frantic rustle. He pulled the small conch shell from his sleeve, cradling it in his palm to examine it closely.

Does this thing actually work? Or is it just a toy to trick people?

Taking a deep breath, he pressed the shell to his lips and blew gently. A clear, lingering sound pulsed through the shell—a cry like a seabird’s, wrapped in mist, drifting out over the waves. He lowered the shell, ears perked and eyes fixed on the shimmering water.

Nothing happened. Aside from the waves crashing against the rocks, the world remained silent.

“Maybe I blew too softly?” He scratched his head and tried again, this time with more force. The sound echoed louder, yet the surface remained calm. Only a few gulls soared past; not even a fish’s shadow graced the water.

Growing impatient, he blew three times in rapid succession. The wind carried the sound far out, but it was like a stone sinking into the abyss. He planted his hands on his hips, glaring at the horizon. “Damn it! Am I being played? I look like an idiot.”

Just as he was about to turn and leave, a faint light flickered in the distance. It wasn’t the glow of the setting sun, but a soft, blue-hued radiance rising from beneath the depths.

He froze. The light grew brighter, condensing into a semi-transparent sphere of light coated in fine droplets of water. Inside the sphere stood a man.

The man wore robes the color of water. His features were refined and slightly distant; he had broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and a high bridge to his nose. Bathed in the maritime glow, he looked exceptionally striking.

Whoa, Shen Youqing thought. Does the sea tribe just produce handsome men by the dozen?

The sphere drifted near the reef, and the man’s gaze fell upon him. His voice was like jade soaked in seawater—cool and steady. “Was it you who sounded the Summoning Conch?”

Shen Youqing snapped out of his daze and took a half-step back. “Yeah, it was me. Uh… you’re from the Dragon Palace, right?”

“Yes,” Gu Li replied curtly. He glanced at the conch. This shell had been forged with the King’s own life-breath; His Majesty would only give it to someone he truly cared for. This vibrant human before him must be the one the King held in his heart.

“Great!” Shen Youqing’s eyes lit up. “Could you help me find Feng Xiuyan?”

A flash of displeasure crossed Gu Li’s eyes. Who in the sea tribe dared to call His Majesty by his name? This human was far too rude. Suppressing his annoyance, he spoke smoothly. “His Majesty is in the palace. I will take you there; it’s better than waiting on the shore.”

He didn’t mention that he had sensed His Majesty was actually away from the palace.

“Really? Thank you so much!” Unaware of the trap, Shen Youqing followed. Gu Li tapped the water, and a path opened through the waves.

As they walked through the tunnel of water, Gu Li slowed his pace, pointing toward a dense cluster of coral. “His Majesty said this morning he was coming to see the Little Prince. Perhaps he is over there. Let us look, lest we miss him.”

They ducked behind the coral. Not far away, at a stone table, sat a chubby little boy dressed in black. He was holding a crystal bowl of steaming green soup.

“Little Prince, this is the Spirit Algae Soup prepared for the Second Prince. Hold it carefully, do not spill it,” a sea servant said respectfully.

The boy, “Little Black,” took the bowl and stirred it with a spoon, speaking in a milky voice: “I know. Father specifically told me to take good care of my brother.”

Behind the coral, Shen Youqing froze. The conch almost slipped from his hand.

Father? Feng Xiuyan has a child? And more than one?!

He looked at Gu Li, who was casually fiddling with a coral branch as if he hadn’t heard. “It seems he isn’t here. Let’s check the side hall.”

Shen Youqing didn’t move. The words “Second Prince” and “Father” exploded in his ears like thunder.

That old dragon already has a wife and kids? And he’s been acting all sincere with me? I’ve been played for a fool!

“Feng Xiuyan, you jerk! How dare you trick me!” His curiosity turned into a blazing rage. He spun around and sprinted back through the water path, ignoring Gu Li’s calls.

Gu Li watched his retreating back, a triumphant glint in his eyes. A faint, cold smile finally spread across his lips.

…

Meanwhile, Feng Xiuyan had just reached the Shen family’s gate. As he raised his hand to knock, the silver chain on his wrist vibrated with warmth. The Summoning Conch!

His eyes lit up with joy. “He went to find me?”

He vanished in a blur of blue light, racing toward the East Sea.

Back on the beach, Shen Youqing emerged from the water, droplets in his hair sparkling like diamonds in the sunset. He was angrily kicking the sand when a familiar, joyful voice called out behind him.

“You came? Were you looking for me?”

Shen Youqing turned to see Feng Xiuyan running toward him, his blue eyes full of surprise and delight.

Shen Youqing clenched his fists, his face flushed red with fury. “Feng Xiuyan, you scumbag!”

Feng Xiuyan stopped dead. The smile froze on his face. Seeing the fire in the boy’s eyes, his heart sank. He thought Shen Youqing was upset because he hadn’t visited for three days.

He stepped forward, reaching out to take Shen Youqing’s hand. “What’s wrong? Are you mad I didn’t come sooner? I didn’t mean to, actually—”

Shen Youqing recoiled, dodging his hand like a startled cat. “Don’t ever come looking for me again! I don’t want to see you!”

He turned to leave. Feng Xiuyan was utterly bewildered. Just as he was about to chase after him, Shen Youqing turned back. For a second, Feng Xiuyan thought he was going to listen to an explanation, but instead, Shen Youqing threw the Summoning Conch at him with all his might.

“Take this back!”

Feng Xiuyan caught the shell. He could still feel the warmth of Shen Youqing’s hand on it. His brow furrowed in confusion and panic. Why was he so angry? And what did “scumbag” mean?

“Your Majesty, you’ve returned,” Gu Li’s voice drifted from behind him.

Feng Xiuyan turned, his voice low and dangerous. “What happened? What did you say to him?!”

…

Slam!

Shen Youqing threw open his bedroom door and marched to the table, pouring himself a large cup of cold tea. He downed it in one gulp, the bitterness helping to suppress the fire in his chest.

He slammed the cup down. “I am so pissed!”

He sat back, kicking his legs up on the table. I’m a modern soul. I’ve seen every dating trope in the book, and yet I almost fell for an old dragon’s lies!

“Good thing I found out early,” he muttered. “Better to end it before it starts than to get trapped.”

He stood up and headed for the bed. “Who needs romance? Staying in and reading is way better.”

But as he moved, a strange scent hit his nose. He sniffed his collar and made a face. “Ugh, it stinks!”

It was the smell of seawater and coral. He let go of his robes in disgust. Glad I don’t have to marry that dragon. If I had to smell this fishy stench every day, I’d never get any sleep!