Qian Renxue felt like she was hearing things.
But looking at the little baby by the bed, his big eyes gazing at her with adoration and his small mouth earnestly trying to move, she couldn't help but pick up her brush with a flicker of hope.
"Baby, did you just say 'mama'? Or am I just hearing things?"
Lying on the edge of the bed, Lin Luo's tiny mouth, still wet with baby drool, opened and closed, and the faint sound of "m…ama…ma" escaped his lips. The simple sound felt like it took all his effort just to make it happen.
And after one last attempt, he finally said it in full, loud and clear—
"Mama…"
"Mama!"
At that moment, Qian Renxue was stunned, her baby sitting right in front of her, looking up at her as if he were a tiny cherub sent just for her.
Nineteen years old, and here she was—overjoyed, overcome. She shot to her feet as if in a trance. She had no idea how other mothers reacted, but for her, this moment was pure magic. It was as if happiness itself had landed right on her head, knocking her dizzy. She clapped a hand over her mouth, her mind blank for a beat.
Then, in a flash, she ran over, crouched down by the bed, and took both his tiny hands, excitement sparkling in her eyes. "Good baby, could…could you say it again?"
Just like a dream.
After nearly a year, she had been waiting for these words.
"Mama!"
His little voice was as soft as before but much louder now, every syllable a little victory from three whole months of practicing.
"Yes! My good little baby, my little Linlin is such a genius! So smart, my Linlin, learning to call me Mama so fast!"
She gently brushed her cheek against his, and when that wasn't enough, she followed up with a couple of quick kisses.
[Ding! Congratulations! You've completed the milestone task of early development: First time saying 'Mama'. Reward: 2,000 spin points!]
Finally! This milestone had been conquered.
Three whole months…he was exhausted. Lin Luo finally breathed a sigh of relief, only for Qian Renxue to suddenly cup his chubby cheeks with both hands, her face filled with unabated excitement.
"Let Mama take a look—what kind of little mouth says something so beautiful?"
She straightened her skirt, holding Lin Luo in her lap, his small body perched comfortably on her soft, snowy thighs. Having just bathed, her gauzy silk robe still hung loosely over her, slightly transparent, showing the outline of her stunning figure underneath.
The freshly-washed fragrance of her skin filled the air, with delicate beads of water still clinging to her neck. In the small dip between her collarbones, the drops shimmered like crystals, running down her skin as if following invisible paths carved in jade.
For Lin Luo, all this was way too much. He groaned inwardly, thinking, Could you dry yourself off before hugging me like this?
Before he could react, she leaned forward and gave him a soft kiss right on his lips.
Stunned, he blinked at her, not expecting this at all.
She just smiled, nothing strange about her expression, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. She even looked like she wanted to go in for another one.
Wait a second…wasn't that…my first kiss?
Just like that? Just gone?
He was speechless, questioning everything.
Three months old, and you just took my first kiss like it was nothing?!
But Qian Renxue's smile faltered for a second, her nose wrinkling as she raised her hand to waft away an unpleasant smell, brow furrowing.
"Baby, what did you eat? Your little mouth is…" She held him up and leaned in, examining his small mouth. "Kinda…stinky."
Lin Luo's spirit took another hit.
Three months of milk, no brushing, and that's what you expect?
The same person who kissed me is now telling me my mouth smells?
Qian Renxue puckered her lips, teasing, "You're a naughty baby who doesn't brush his teeth, shame on you!"
Lin Luo: "..."
Lady, I don't even have teeth…
She tilted her head, looking all coy and giggly, "But if you call me 'mama' just one more time, I'll forgive you~"
Her heart was practically soaring. All those exhausting, sleepless months suddenly felt worth it.
Seeing how happy she was, Lin Luo felt he had to give in and make her day. He opened his little mouth and softly called out, "Mama~"
"Yes!"
She beamed, sweeping him into her arms.
Actually, Lin Luo had been practicing this for a while. It seemed like such a simple word, but he could never get it quite right—until today. Now that he'd succeeded, even he felt a little proud.
Then Qian Renxue's face lit up with a new excitement.
Hastily, she put him down and quickly slipped on her inner garments and outer robe, then snatched him up and bolted out of the room.
When Lin Luo looked up, they were already outside the Grand Hall.
Peering in with the same stealth as a thief, she whispered toward the interior, "Psst! Bibibi~"
Inside, the elders, led by Qian Daoliu, were meditating. One of them heard her whisper, cracked an eye open, and nudged the others awake.
Seeing no response from their leader, they exchanged glances and tiptoed outside to meet her.
Qian Daoliu of course heard everything but turned a blind eye.
It was always the same—Qian Renxue coming over to ask for help with something small or big as she managed life as a new mother. Soft-hearted as he was toward her, he let it slide every time.
Once they all assembled outside, one elder asked, "What's going on, Xu'er?"
Qian Renxue proudly shook the little one in her arms, saying, "Come on, little guy, show 'em!"
Lin Luo closed his mouth tightly, pretending to be a clueless baby.
A third elder raised an eyebrow. "We've got things to do, you know. Can you at least tell us what this is all about?"
Getting no response from Lin Luo, Qian Renxue looked at him with an exaggerated pout, "Come on, sweetie, just say it once. If you do, Mama will let you snuggle tonight."
Realizing she was serious, Lin Luo's eyes twinkled, and he gave in, "Mama~"
The elders all froze, eyes widening as they stared at Lin Luo in amazement. Even Qian Daoliu, sitting in the hall like a lone sentinel, looked up, astonished.
At three months old, not only could he crawl fast, but now he was talking?
My great-grandchild is really this incredible?
Golden Crocodile laughed. "Well, I'll be! Talking at his age? This little guy's no ordinary kid!"
Qian Renxue's heart was brimming with pride. She lifted her chin, "Of course, look who his mom is! Though…" She flashed a smug grin, "Right now, he can only say 'mama.' "
"Why not try to get him to say 'grandpa'?"
At this, the elders crowded around, all hoping for a shot at his first grandpa or uncle call.
But Lin Luo just buried his face in Qian Renxue's soft shoulder.
With a smirk, Qian Renxue pulled him closer, "Ha! None of you are as important as me right now."
The elders all groaned, laughing with mock frustration.
"Does this kid have any idea how important we are?"
"Honestly, this girl just woke us up for a little show-off session, didn't she?"
"Interrupting meditation for this?"
"She's done it again. This pride is getting to her head!"
"Say what you want, but you're just jealous."
"Oh, go bite yourself. You're just as jealous as I am!"
.....
The elders muttered under their breath as they returned to the hall, only to find Qian Daoliu staring at them, expressionless.
Golden Crocodile hesitated, then explained, "Big Brother, little Luo just said his first word—he can call her 'Mom' now. Xu'er came to tell us."
"This child is remarkable; there's no doubt about it. When he grows up, he'll be extraordinary, a blessing for our Spirit Hall!"
Qian Daoliu stayed silent, yet he could feel his brothers waiting, hopeful, for his response.
These guys...
He cleared his throat, keeping a cold expression. "And so what? If his spirit isn't the Six-Winged Angel, I still won't acknowledge him as kin."
What!? Even this didn't sway you??
The consecrates exchanged bewildered looks, not sure how to respond.
They knew that Qian Daoliu's stubbornness was nearly impossible to change.
For now, they could only hope that Luo'er's spirit would turn out to be the Six-Winged Angel...
On their way back, Qian Renxue passed by the Pope's Palace and stopped, hesitating.
She genuinely wanted to share this joy with Bibi Dong.
But she worried that Bibi Dong might think she was showing off—after all, she hadn't called her "Mom" herself in a long time.
Maybe, she thought, not all happiness could be shared with everyone…
Lin Luo looked up at Qian Renxue and noticed the slight sadness in her expression.
She stood there for a while, unmoving, before finally taking him in her arms and leaving.
That night…
Lin Luo lay in bed, exploring the rewards he'd collected.
Then, glancing at the time, he perked up and looked over at Qian Renxue, his bright eyes filled with anticipation.
At this hour every night, she would finish her meditation and come to lull him to sleep.
But tonight was different. Tonight, he'd get to cuddle and drift off in the most comforting way.
Even though his mental age was far beyond that of an infant, his tiny body was deeply influenced by its instincts. By now, he had developed a serious attachment to his "food supply."
He was starting to understand why everyone said weaning was so difficult...
As an infant himself, Lin Luo wholeheartedly agreed.
Seeing him lying expectantly at the edge of the bed, Qian Renxue couldn't help but laugh in exasperation.
"You little glutton!"
She scolded him playfully.
"But you've already had plenty tonight; you can only suck, not drink, alright? And then you have to go right to sleep."
She had no idea if he could understand, but Qian Renxue lay down next to him, tugging her neckline down slightly to reveal her smooth, pale shoulder.
Just then, Lin Luo opened his mouth in eager anticipation—only for Qian Renxue to cover herself teasingly.
Lin Luo: ?
Mom says pretty girls will try to fool you, but the one tricking me is my mom?
Lin Luo was on the verge of a meltdown.
Qian Renxue's expression turned serious as she asked, "Baby, do you want Great-Grandfather and Grandma to like you?"
No interest whatsoever! You can't be serious about teasing me like this!
Lin Luo reached out his chubby little hand to pry her fingers loose, but they wouldn't budge, so he let out an urgent baby coo.
"Mama~"
Qian Renxue shook her head and coaxed, "Say it with me: Grandma~ Say it, and you get to eat."
Lin Luo: ?
Qian Renxue carefully opened her lips, slowly enunciating, "Grandma~"
Lin Luo looked at her, remembering how she'd stood in silence earlier near the Pope's Palace.
Suddenly, he seemed to understand what was on her mind.
So, Mom, too, loves her own mother.