Chapter 366 The Mantis Stalks The Cicada, Unaware Of The Oriole Behind It.
Right above the subspace where Xu Qianghua's parents and aunt lounged, two figures stood in the shimmering void. One was a man, tall and imposing, exuding an aura of calm strength.
Beside him was a little girl, no older than five or six, her bright eyes fixed curiously on the scene below.
This man was none other than Xu Qianghua, but not the one currently talking in the meeting in Nexara. No, this was his future self, someone who had seen and done far more than the younger version now leading the meeting.
Beside him was his daughter, a cheerful little bundle of curiosity who clung to a plush blue bunny as though it were her greatest treasure.
The girl, whom Xu Qianghua affectionately called "Little Yu'er," had silky black hair tied into two pigtails that swayed as she moved. Her plump cheeks were rosy, and her innocent smile was as radiant as the stars.
She wore a simple white dress that fluttered softly as she fidgeted with excitement, her small feet clad in snug white slippers.
"Daddy," she piped up, her voice a sweet melody that filled the silence. "Why are Grandpa, Grandma, and Grand Aunt watching you talk to those uncles down there? Aren't they supposed to be helping you?"
Xu Qianghua chuckled softly at her question, the corners of his lips lifting into a gentle smile. Instead of answering right away, he bent down and scooped her up effortlessly. "Come here, Little Yu'er," he said warmly.
As he adjusted her in his arms, he bent his knees slightly. A grand throne appeared beneath him, seemingly materializing out of thin air. The throne was elegant yet understated, devoid of any flashy ornamentation.
But when it emerged, the very fabric of space and time seemed to pause for a fleeting moment before a soft hum restored the natural flow.
Xu Qianghua sat down, settling Little Yu'er comfortably on his lap. The girl wasn't fazed by the throne's appearance, clearly used to such displays. She leaned against him, her bunny tucked securely in her arms, waiting for his answer.
"You see, Little Yu'er," Xu Qianghua began, his tone soft and filled with affection, "during this time, I didn't know that my parents were still alive. I thought they had... left a long time ago."
Little Yu'er's eyes widened in surprise. "They left you alone, Daddy? But why didn't they come back now to help you? Were they not allowed?"
Xu Qianghua shook his head, his expression thoughtful. "Not exactly. They stayed hidden because they believed that their presence might hold me back. They thought I needed to grow on my own.
And because they knew I wasn't originally from this world, they were unsure about how to guide me. They wanted to protect me, but they also wanted me to become strong enough to stand on my own."
Little Yu'er tilted her head, processing his words. "So they were watching you the whole time, just like we're watching them now?"
"Exactly," Xu Qianghua said, tapping her nose lightly and making her giggle. "They were always there, quietly supporting me from the shadows. And even though I didn't know it then, their presence gave me the strength I needed to push forward."
The little girl looked thoughtful, her small hands clutching her bunny tightly. "Daddy, does that mean you're doing the same thing now? Watching them watch you?"
Xu Qianghua laughed, the sound deep and warm. "Something like that, Little Yu'er. It's a bit funny, isn't it? Watching my parents while they watch my younger self. It's like a big circle."
Little Yu'er frowned, trying to wrap her head around his words. "It sounds confusing," she finally declared.
"It does, doesn't it?" he chuckled, stroking her hair affectionately.
"But remember this, Little Yu'er. Sometimes, the simplest things are the hardest to understand.
Sometimes, the best lessons come from unexpected sources. And sometimes, the people we trust the most are the ones who are the hardest to understand.
But in the end, it's those moments, the confusing and challenging ones, that shape us and make us who we are.
So even though it may seem strange, or even silly, to watch yourself watching others, it's a lesson worth learning.@@novelbin@@
After all, the world is a big place filled with mysteries and wonders.
And even when we think we have everything figured out, there's always more to discover.
So be patient and keep an open mind. Because the universe is full of surprises."
Little Yu'er pondered her father's words. Finally, her face brightened, her smile returning. "Okay, Daddy," she chirped.
"That's my girl," he said, patting her head affectionately.
"But Daddy, don't you think the way they are watching over you looks more like they are watching a live movie?" Little Yu'er suddenly said, her tone innocent.
"Yes, yes, it does," Xu Qianghua laughed, ruffling her hair. "My Little Yu'er is very smart, aren't you?"
The girl giggled, her bright eyes sparkling with amusement. "Yeah, but does Grandpa always look so serious, though? Does he always look like that?"
"Most of the time," Xu Qianghua admitted with a grin. "But don't let that fool you. He's probably enjoying this as much as your Grand Aunt is. They just show it in different ways."
"I don't get it, Daddy," Little Yu'er complained, scrunching up her face adorably.
"It's alright, Little Yu'er. You will eventually. You're still young, after all," Xu Qianghua teased.
"Hey!" Little Yu'er protested.
"What is it, Little Yu'er?"
"Daddy is being mean," she whined.
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"Oh, am I? How so?"
"You are teasing me. Stop it!"
Xu Qianghua's gaze softened, and he wrapped his arms around her in a warm embrace.
"I'm sorry, Little Yu'er. I can't help it. You're just too adorable. And besides, I'm allowed to tease my daughter, aren't I?"
Little Yu'er grumbled, but her expression soon softened. She nestled closer to her father, sighing contentedly.
"Fine, Daddy. Just this once," she muttered, her voice muffled by his robes.
"Thank you, Little Yu'er. You're so generous. How can your Daddy ever repay you?"
"Give me a kiss," the little girl demanded, tilting her head up expectantly.
Xu Qianghua obliged, dropping a feather-light kiss on her forehead. She giggled happily, nuzzling against him.
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