Chapter 321

Morning sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains into the bedroom.

Little Fubao rubbed her sleepy eyes and sat up, her fluffy curls sticking out in every direction.

"Fubao's awake?" Uncle Number One pushed open the door with a steaming glass of milk.

Uncle Number Two followed closely behind, holding two brand-new dresses. "Pink or blue today?"

Uncle Number Three peeked in from the hallway. "I made your favorite strawberry pancakes."

Fubao blinked her big eyes and said in her sweet baby voice, "I want both~"

Uncle Number Four squeezed in with a plush toy. "Look what I got you!"

Uncle Number Five held up flash cards. "Time to learn new words today."

Uncle Number Six waved a tiny comb. "Let me braid your hair."

Uncle Number Seven carried a fruit platter. "Have some fruit first."

Uncle Number Eight raised his camera. "Make way! I need to take Fubao's picture."

The little girl found herself surrounded by eight doting uncles, her face lighting up with joy.

She pointed her chubby fingers at each uncle in turn. "First Uncle hug, Second Uncle kiss, Third Uncle feed..."

The grown men scrambled to fulfill their princess's every wish.

Grandma's voice boomed from downstairs. "Come eat breakfast! Stop spoiling that child!"

All eight uncles instinctively ducked their heads.

Fubao covered her mouth and giggled, her eyes crinkling like crescent moons. "Uncles got scolded again~"

She bounced toward the stairs, making all eight men chase after her. "Slow down! Don't fall!"

In the dining room, Grandma pretended to frown while secretly slipping the largest fried egg onto Fubao's plate.

"Thank you, Grandma~" the little girl chirped.

The uncles watched with puppy-dog eyes. "Mom, where's ours?"

Grandma glared. "Don't you have hands?"

Fubao's laughter filled the morning with warmth and joy.

The aroma of the Forgetfulness Elixir drifted across the Naihe Bridge.

Little three-year-old Fubao stood on tiptoes, peering curiously.

"Granny, does this soup really make people forget everything?"

The Soul Ferrywoman didn't look up, mechanically ladling the brew.

"Drink it and you'll be reborn."

Fubao tilted her head, suddenly extending her chubby little hand.

"Granny, I want to taste it."

The ladle froze mid-air.

"Nonsense!"

Finally raising her head, the Soul Ferrywoman revealed a face far too youthful for her title.

Fubao's eyes widened in surprise.

"Granny, you're so pretty!"

A faint blush colored the Soul Ferrywoman's cheeks as she turned away.

"Stop flattering me."

Yet her ladle secretly scooped an extra half-spoonful of sugar.

Fubao's sharp eyes caught the gesture.

"Granny's actually really kind."

The ladle trembled slightly.

"Keep talking and you won't get any."

Fubao obediently closed her mouth, but a secret smile played on her lips.

Footsteps approached in the distance.

The Soul Ferrywoman's expression changed as she quickly hid Fubao behind her.

"Stay quiet."

The Black Wraith appeared at the bridge's edge.

"Why hasn't today's batch been delivered?"

Her voice turned icy.

"It's ready now."

She discreetly slipped a candy into Fubao's palm.

Clutching the sweet, Fubao's eyes sparkled.

So even the Soul Ferrywoman kept secret candies!

This discovery delighted her beyond measure.

The Black Wraith sniffed suspiciously.

"I smell living flesh."

Her face remained impassive.

"Your nose is faulty."

She slammed the bowl onto the tray.

"Take it and go."

His anger flared.

"Watch your tone!"

A cold smile curved her lips.

"This is my tone. Take it or leave it."

Hidden behind, Fubao nervously twisted her sleeve.

The Black Wraith suddenly grabbed the Soul Ferrywoman's arm.

"What are you hiding?"

A candy tumbled to the ground.

Dead silence fell.

Fubao's heart leaped to her throat.

Bending gracefully, the Soul Ferrywoman picked up the sweet and slowly unwrapped it.

Under the Black Wraith's stunned gaze, she popped it into her mouth.

"Got a problem with my candy?"

The Black Wraith's face darkened with rage.

"You...how dare—"

She waved dismissively.

"Scram."

Fubao covered her mouth, barely suppressing giggles.

The Soul Ferrywoman was amazing!

With a furious swirl of robes, the Black Wraith departed.

Turning, the Soul Ferrywoman winked at Fubao.

"Had enough fun, little imp?"

Fubao gazed up in admiration.

"Granny, you're incredible!"

A soft huff escaped her, though her ears turned pink.

"Enough of that."

Kneeling to Fubao's level, she met the child's eyes.

"Time to send you back."

Fubao suddenly hugged her neck.

"Can I visit you again, Granny?"

The question caught her off guard.

After a long pause, a quiet "Mm" escaped her.

Fubao bounced with joy.

"Pinky promise!"

Eyeing the tiny extended finger, the Soul Ferrywoman reluctantly linked hers.

"Troublesome child."

Yet the corners of her mouth lifted imperceptibly.

Eight uncles' frantic calls echoed in the distance.

Waving reluctantly, Fubao called,

"Bye, Granny!"

Standing at the bridge's edge, the Soul Ferrywoman watched the skipping figure disappear.

Her fingers brushed the candies in her pocket.

"Little imp..."

Her voice held unconscious tenderness.