I Transmigrated as Cannon Fodder, Only to be Desired by the Dragon King - Chapter 39

Chapter 39: Wealth as a Dowry — This… this is far too sudden!?

When the waiter pushed open the door with his tray, a rich aroma instantly filled the private room. In the blink of an eye, the large dining table was covered with a variety of delicacies. The rising steam carried a fresh, mellow scent—translucent reds, vibrant greens—every dish was visually enticing and fragrant enough to make anyone’s mouth water.

The last items brought to the table were two bowls of almond pudding. The snow-white pudding was sprinkled with a layer of crushed almonds, smelling sweet and soft—clearly prepared specifically for Little Black and Little Duckling.

“Wow! Shrimp!” Little Black’s eyes lit up instantly. He gripped the edge of the table, reaching out to grab one, but Shen Youqing gently pressed down on the back of his hand. “Wash your hands first. Use your chopsticks; don’t grab with your hands.”

As he spoke, he picked up a warm towel and wiped Little Black’s hands before taking Little Duckling’s small hand to do the same, his movements skilled and patient.

Yuan Yajun watched this scene and couldn’t help but tease with a smile, “Little Youqing, you really look like a qualified daddy right now.”

Su Yao nodded as well, using serving chopsticks to place a shrimp dumpling on the small plate in front of Little Duckling. “Little Fu, try this. There’s shrimp inside; it’s very fresh.”

“Thank you, Sister,” Little Duckling said politely before impatiently biting into the dumpling. The savory juice burst in his mouth, and his eyes curved into crescent moons. He said muffledly to Shen Youqing, “Daddy, it’s yummy!”

Shen Youqing laughed and rubbed his head, picking up an oil-braised prawn for himself and slowly peeling it. “Eat more if you like it.” He then placed the peeled shrimp into Little Black’s bowl.

“Thank you, Daddy!” Little Black happily ate the shrimp.

The meal was lively, and the dishes slowly began to vanish. Little Black and Little Duckling rubbed their round bellies, leaning back in their chairs and yawning. Shen Youqing glanced at the sky outside and stood up. “It’s getting late; we should head back. I don’t want these two falling asleep on the way.”

…

At the entrance of Zuixian Mansion, Shen Youqing waved goodbye. “Thanks for the hospitality today, Sister Su Yao! Next time it’s my treat!”

“Alright, next time is on you,” Su Yao and Yuan Yajun laughed, waving back.

As Shen Youqing’s figure disappeared into the crowd with the children, Su Yao could no longer contain herself. She grabbed Yuan Yajun’s wrist and hopped excitedly in place. “Oh my god! I didn’t expect Little Qingqing and the Dragon King to be close enough to be raising kids together!”

Yuan Yajun’s face was flushed with a smile. “Right? I know!” They chattered excitedly until curious onlookers forced them to calm down and walk home with much lighter steps.

…

Meanwhile, Shen Youqing walked toward the carriage with one hand holding Little Black and the other carrying a drowsy Little Duckling. The sunset painted the sky in warm shades of orange and pink.

“Daddy, when are we going back to the Dragon Palace?” Little Black asked. “I want to bring pearl candy for Grandpa and Grandma. Dragon Palace pearl candy is sweeter than preserves; it makes little bubbles when it melts in your mouth!”

Hearing about pearl candy, Little Duckling woke up a bit and rested his head on Shen Youqing’s shoulder. “Daddy, I want to find small shells to make wind chimes.”

Shen Youqing stroked Little Duckling’s back. “We’ll go together once Feng Xiuyan finishes his work, okay? Daddy will help you pick more shells and bring back pearl candy for everyone to taste.”

When they arrived at the Shen residence, the family was already waiting. Shen Mother hurried forward to check on them, her heart aching with affection. “Must be tired from the trip? Why is Little Fu asleep?”

Shen Father and Old Master Shen also showed their concern in their own ways—one showing off a wooden tiger with black agate eyes to Little Black, and the other grumbling about not letting them eat too much sugar while secretly pushing treats toward them.

…

Late Night at the Shen Residence

The night grew deep, and most of the lamps in the Shen household had been extinguished. Only a warm yellow oil lamp remained lit in Shen Youqing’s room. Little Black and Little Duckling were sleeping side by side, their breathing rhythmic.

It had taken nearly half an hour to get the little ones to sleep. Now, sitting in the quiet room, Shen Youqing suddenly felt a bit bored. For the past few days, he had been busy showing the kids around the mortal realm, but now that it was quiet, Feng Xiuyan’s image kept floating into his mind.

I wonder how things are going over there? Is the West Sea matter finished?

He thought about calling him. Don’t normal couples “talk on the phone” every day? He realized he hadn’t initiated contact once since they parted. He felt a bit guilty—he’d totally forgotten.

He tiptoed to the outer study and took the Sea-Calling Conch from the drawer. He hesitated, looking at the smooth opening. It’s almost 3 AM; is he asleep?

Finally, he brought the conch to his lips and whispered, “Feng Xiuyan, are you there?”

A moment later, the conch vibrated. Feng Xiuyan’s voice drifted through, low and slightly husky from work, yet as warm as jade soaked in tepid water. “Not asleep yet? Did they bother you again?”

Hearing that familiar voice, Shen Youqing felt a flutter in his heart. “No, they’ve been asleep for ages. I just… had some free time. I wanted to ask how the West Sea business is going. Are you still there?”

“Almost finished,” Feng Xiuyan’s voice was clear, as if he were speaking right into his ear. “I’m still at the West Sea Palace. I just finished listing tomorrow’s tasks with my subordinates. You must be exhausted from looking after the two of them.”

Shen Youqing rubbed his ear, which was turning hot. “It’s fine; the family treats them like precious treasures.” He leaned back in his chair, fiddling with a book. “By the way, I took them to Zuixian Mansion today. Guess who I ran into?”

He heard a gentle, cooperative chuckle from the other end. “Who did you meet?”

“Heehee, Yuan Yajun and Su Yao! I was going to treat them, but it turns out you need to book three days in advance. Su Yao ended up treating us instead. You wouldn’t believe it—the restaurant belongs to her brother! He owns rouge shops, fabric manors, and even banks. Tsk, her brother is so good at making money, I’m a bit jealous.”

The other side went quiet for a moment. Just as Shen Youqing thought Feng Xiuyan wouldn’t respond, he heard him speak seriously.

“I have quite a few properties under my name as well. In the mortal realm, the sea tribes, and the Treasure Hall of the Dragon Palace. It’s filled with gold, silver, jewels I’ve collected, and magical artifacts passed down from my father and grandfather.”

Shen Youqing’s eyes went wide. Holy crap, he’s that loaded!?

Before he could recover from the shock, Feng Xiuyan’s voice came through again, softer than before and tinged with a cautious, testing tone:

“All of it is yours. As your betrothal gift (dowry), is that alright?”

This time, the conch really did slip out of Shen Youqing’s hand.

Clatter. It hit the desk edge. He froze completely, his mind echoing only one word: “Betrothal gift.”

This… this was far too sudden!?