I Transmigrated as Cannon Fodder, Only to be Desired by the Dragon King - Chapter 38

Chapter 38: Who Else Understands the Joy of Shipping? — They fought hard to keep from laughing…

Shen Youqing turned around to see Yuan Yajun and Su Yao approaching, carrying food containers imprinted with the “Yi Pin Zhai” logo.

Yuan Yajun was wearing a water-green ruqun, her hair adorned with a pearl hairpin; her eyes curved into crescent moons as she smiled. Su Yao wore an elegant moon-white dress and held a string of freshly bought sugar-coated haws. Seeing Shen Youqing, her eyes were filled with pleasant surprise.

“What a coincidence! Are you guys out shopping too?” Shen Youqing greeted them with a smile. Little Black and Little Duckling stood obediently by his side, looking curiously at the two beautiful sisters.

Little Black quietly tugged at Shen Youqing’s sleeve and whispered, “Daddy, are these your friends?”

Yuan Yajun caught this perfectly. Looking at the two children, who looked as if they were carved from pink jade, a flash of shock crossed her eyes. Did that child just call Shen Youqing ‘Daddy’?!

Su Yao didn’t catch the words, but she leaned in, her eyes full of curiosity as she looked at the little ones. They looked only three or four years old, yet their features held an indescribable spiritual aura. Their cheeks were so chubby and round that she felt a strong urge to pinch them.

Shen Youqing patted the children’s heads. “This is Shen Yuan and Shen Fu. I brought them out to try the food at Zuixian Mansion. If you haven’t decided where to eat, why don’t you join us?”

The two girls didn’t have any urgent business, so they agreed immediately. “Sure! We were just worrying about where to have lunch. I’ve been craving Zuixian Mansion’s sweet and sour fish for ages!” Yuan Yajun exclaimed.

And so, the group walked toward the restaurant, chatting and laughing.

…

Along the way, Yuan Yajun and Su Yao couldn’t stop stealing glances at the two little fellows.

Little Black, being lively, noticed Yuan Yajun looking at him and took the initiative to speak: “Sister, are those sugar-coated haws tasty? Daddy says eating too much sugar rots your teeth, so he doesn’t let us eat much.” He finished with a suspicious gulp of saliva.

Amused, Yuan Yajun was about to hand them over when Little Black rejected her with a look of mock restraint. “Daddy said, eat first. After dinner, I’ll have a bite.” He gulped again.

Yuan Yajun burst out laughing at the “little old man” act. “Right, your… Daddy… is right. Let’s eat real food first.”

Beside her, Su Yao finally heard it clearly. The little dumpling was calling Shen Youqing “Daddy” over and over! She was stunned, instinctively rubbing her ears to make sure she hadn’t misheard.

Is that right? Is this little chubby ball really calling Shen Youqing ‘Daddy’?

Watching Little Black act spoiled toward Shen Youqing, a wave of shock flooded her mind. My God! Could it be… could these two be the children Shen Youqing gave birth to for the Dragon King?!

The more she thought about it, the more incredible it seemed. She shared a look with Yuan Yajun; the doubt and shock in their eyes were identical.

Shen Youqing had long noticed Su Yao’s expression. Seeing her dazed and exchanging looks with Yuan Yajun, he guessed what they were thinking. He shook his head with a smile and rubbed Little Black’s head. “Don’t just look, let’s keep moving. If we’re any later, the sweet and sour fish might be sold out.”

At the mention of “sweet and sour fish,” Little Black immediately forgot the haws. He grabbed Shen Youqing’s hand and ran forward, with Little Duckling following close behind on his short legs.

…

Soon, the plaque for Zuixian Mansion appeared. The vermilion wooden board was carved with three gold-leaf characters. The aroma of food wafted out to the entrance.

A sharp-eyed waiter saw the group of five and rushed forward. “Welcome! Do you have a reservation? We are full today; walk-ins have a half-hour wait, and private rooms need to be booked three days in advance.”

Shen Youqing paused. He’d heard of the fame but forgot about the reservation part. He felt a bit embarrassed; he wanted to treat them but now they were stuck. Just as he was about to suggest waiting or going elsewhere, Su Yao smiled and stepped forward. She took a jade pendant carved with the character “Su” from her sleeve.

“Tell your manager that Su Yicheng’s sister is here and needs a private room.”

The waiter took the pendant, and his expression changed instantly. He bowed deeply. “So it is Miss Su! Please come this way; I’ll take you up immediately!”

He led them to the third floor and shouted to the kitchen: “The Big Boss’s sister is here! Prepare the signature dishes and make two portions of sweet almond pudding!”

Once inside the “Heaven No. 1” room, the waiter efficiently set the table and poured tea with the utmost respect.

Shen Youqing looked around the exquisite room—carved window frames with lotus curtains, landscape paintings on the walls, fresh jasmine on the table. He asked curiously, “Sister Su Yao, why did the waiter change his attitude so fast? And this room… it’s quite something.”

Yuan Yajun laughed first. “You didn’t know? Zuixian Mansion is one of the properties owned by Su Yao’s brother!”

Seeing Shen Youqing’s shock, Yuan Yajun added, “Her brother is incredible. Besides this restaurant, he owns the silk manor in the West Market, the rouge shop in the South Alley, and the Yixin Bank which is found all over the Guliang Dynasty! We’re only in this room today thanks to Su Yao.”

Su Yao looked a bit embarrassed. “It’s not that exaggerated. My brother just kept a room for me so I wouldn’t have to wait for a table.”

Shen Youqing finally understood. He looked at Su Yao with newfound admiration. He knew she was from the Duke of Zhen’s residence, but he hadn’t expected her brother to be a tycoon. Tsk, just like me, she’s a legit ‘third-generation rich’ kid! Hehe~

…

Before he could say more, Yuan Yajun leaned in, her eyes glowing with uncontainable gossip.

She peeked at the children playing with teacups and whispered in Shen Youqing’s ear: “These two kids… are they really yours and the Dragon King’s?”

Su Yao nodded vigorously, her eyes full of curiosity. “We both heard it along the way—they call you ‘Daddy’! When did you give birth to two such adorable pups for the Dragon King?”

Shen Youqing almost spat out his tea, coughing until his cheeks were red. He set his cup down and looked at the two gossip-hungry girls and the children who were now looking at him. He felt helpless.

“Can you two please stop making things up in your heads? I’m begging you!”

He rubbed his temples and explained patiently: “First of all, Feng Xiuyan and I are both men. It is biologically impossible for us to have children. That’s common sense!”

He continued, “Secondly, how long has it been since we met at the villa? Even if something happened, a three-year-old wouldn’t just pop out overnight, right? The logic doesn’t hold up!”

Su Yao rubbed her nose sheepishly. “It’s just that they call you ‘Daddy’ so naturally! And knowing your relationship with the Dragon King, we couldn’t help but wonder…”

Shen Youqing smiled and pointed at the kids. “Actually, you’ve met them before.”

The two girls looked at each other, confused. First time seeing them!

“Back at the villa, do you remember the little black fish in the pond whenever you brought me spring water?”

“The black fish?” Yuan Yajun’s eyes lit up. “The one that was so spirited and always ‘played’ with the Dragon King when he was in his ‘Feng Ling’ form?”

“Yes, that’s him.” Shen Youqing nodded, then pointed to Little Duckling. “And he was the little yellow duck you saw later.”

Su Yao gasped. “You mean…!”

“Exactly. Feng Xiuyan helped them transform.” Shen Youqing rubbed Little Duckling’s head. “I was their godfather before they even had legs. Now that they have them, I’m definitely their ‘Daddy.’ Hehe.”

The two little ones, who were playing with cups, finally realized they were the topic of conversation. Little Black puffed out his chest and said proudly: “Sisters, I’m not called Little Black anymore! Daddy and Father gave me a formal name: Shen Yuan! Sounds good, right?”

Little Duckling followed suit. “I’m called Shen Fu!”

Yuan Yajun and Su Yao smiled. “It sounds lovely.”

The two girls finally laid their doubts to rest, but when they heard Little Black mention “Father,” they froze for a moment. ‘Daddy’ is Shen Youqing… so ‘Father’ must mean… the Dragon King…

They exchanged a lightning-fast glance, a sparkle of joy erupting in their eyes that they couldn’t suppress. Their smiles were uncontainable.

Yuan Yajun’s heart was thumping like a little deer. So it’s true! The affection between Little Youqing and the Dragon King has gone this deep!

Su Yao bit her lip, her cheeks turning pink. To have such a tangible bond… aren’t these two little treasures the perfect evidence?

They fought hard not to laugh out loud, their shoulders shaking from the effort. In their minds, they were already celebrating. This scene was even more moving than anything written in a storybook!