Chapter 99: Secretly Delivering You Food
Chi Fengxiao looked up at the sound, but the helicopter was already gone.
“There’s a helicopter flying over this dump? Don’t tell me it’s some country’s patrol craft?”
“Probably private,” Chi Qian said, popping a date into her mouth.
“What kind of emblem?”
“Just two letters. CY.”
“Oh.”
Chi Fengxiao turned back casually to grab his knife—then froze. “CY?!”
Chi Qian clapped her hands over her ears. “Uncle, too loud.”
“Oh, oh, sorry.” Chi Fengxiao quickly rubbed her little ears, frowning, deeply unsettled.
Why would that guy’s helicopter be here?
Good thing it only flew past without landing. If it had stopped—
Chi Fengxiao suddenly hugged her tight. “Qian Qian, I almost lost you just now!”
Chi Qian looked utterly disgusted. “Uncle, let go. You’re so gross.”
Even he had to admit it was a bit much. He let go and ate a date to calm his nerves.
Then he thought it over again. That guy hadn’t even shown up at her birthday, had even gotten her age and gender wrong. Clearly, he still hated kids just the same.
Even if he knew Chi Qian was here, he probably wouldn’t care.
Which meant— No one was going to steal his treasure.
No need to worry at all.
Relieved, Chi Fengxiao put his heart back in his chest.
The desert’s day-night temperature swing was extreme, but the bonfire helped against the cold, and the guests had brought winter clothes. Not unbearable.
Chi Qian leaned against an ostrich, facing the fire, as if curled up in a cozy bedroom with a blazing fireplace. Incredibly comfortable.
Chi Fengxiao rubbed his niece’s face and climbed onto an ostrich bed himself.
That night, everyone slept soundly—except Xia Zhenzhen.
A few jackals prowled by at midnight, but none dared approach the camp. They circled a few times before retreating.
When dawn broke, the air warmed again.
Chi Fengxiao opened his eyes—and froze at the sight before him.
Chi Qian lay with her hands folded neatly on her belly, posture serene. Wildflowers and fruit ringed her, and a single white tissue lay over her face.
She looked like she’d passed away in peace.
“Holy shit!” Chi Fengxiao bolted upright and shook her wildly. “Qian Qian, wake up! Don’t scare me like this!”
Hell no— How could his baby just be gone when he woke up?!
[First thing in the morning, instant trauma—Little Qian’s funeral scene??]
[What happened last night? Did she get killed??]
From the rough shaking, the tissue fell off her face.
Chi Qian blinked groggily, barely able to keep her eyes open. “Uncle… why aren’t you sleeping in the middle of the night? What are you doing?”
Chi Fengxiao let out a massive breath of relief. “Some bastard put a white paper on your face. I thought you were gone!”
“?” Chi Qian rubbed her eyes. “The fire was too bright. I just used a tissue to block it so I could sleep.”
“…But you can’t cover your whole face with it either!”
Chi Fengxiao was nearly scared to death by this brat. He asked again, “And what’s with all this stuff around you? Who put it here? I almost thought you’d already left this world beautifully and peacefully.”
Chi Qian picked up a fruit beside her, sniffed it. “Sweet. Edible.”
Chi Fengxiao snatched it out of her hand. “Not washed, you can’t eat it! And anyway, edible isn’t the point! Did you put these here?”
“No, I slept through the night.”
Chi Fengxiao frowned. “Then what, is this place haunted?”
[Good grief, I’ve seen people prepare funerals for others, first time I’ve seen someone prepare one for themselves.]
[I really thought the sea-witch had withered away in the desert for lack of water.]
[Upstairs you’re evil, hahaha.]
At that moment, Shen Jiashu pointed at the sky. “Dad, is that the eagle that followed us yesterday?”
Shen Jing replied, “Son, your dad doesn’t have an 8x scope.”
Chi Qian glanced up. “It’s a Booted Eagle. These things should’ve been brought by them. They usually live in shrubs or near desert cacti, that’s why there are cactus fruits on the ground.”
Chi Fengxiao: “So they stayed up all night just to sneak you food??”
“Maybe they’re shy.”
“…”
Chi Qian picked up a twig from the ground. “See? They even thoughtfully brought us toothbrushes and toothpaste.”
“…? How do you brush your teeth with that?”
“This is called miswak. It literally means ‘toothbrush.’ It keeps your mouth clean, and it has medicinal properties too—it can treat all kinds of illnesses.”
Luo Zichuan pushed his glasses up. “She’s right. This twig-toothbrush is actually more effective than fancy packaged plastic ones, since it’s completely natural.”
Shen Jiashu’s eyes lit up. “Will it help with toothaches too?”
“Try it.” Chi Qian handed him one.
Chi Fengxiao held out his hand. “Qian Qian, give me one too.”
“And me,” Shen Jing chimed in.
A moment later, several of them stood in a row, one hand on their hip, brushing their teeth live.
[No way, Little Qian and Zichuan know so much. Are we sure they’re just in middle school?]
[If that twig really cures toothaches, I’ll fly over right now and strip the desert bare.]
[Little Qian showing her two rows of teeth while brushing—so cute (yep, confirmed: late-stage mental illness).]
[Everyone got a twig except Huaxian CP and the Xinyue sisters? Isn’t Little Qian being a little too much?]
Chi Qian couldn’t care less what anyone thought.
After brushing their teeth and washing their faces a little, it was time to eat.
Thanks to the Booted Eagles’ overnight “airlift tribute”—no, breakfast—they had a good meal.
They still had to get moving before the sun got too high, otherwise the heat would cause dehydration.
To check direction, Chi Qian climbed up a tree and scanned the distance.
On the southern horizon, she spotted a glimmer, like sunlight refracting off flowing water.
Chi Qian slid back down. “We should head south. I think there’s a lake there.”
Chi Fengxiao gave an OK sign and started packing at once.
Xia Zhenzhen rolled her eyes.
What, was she a telescope spirit now? Say “lake” and suddenly there’s a lake?
Don’t go leading them straight into a trap.
But this time, Xia Zhenzhen wisely held her tongue.
After Gu Hua’s warning, she’d realized how scheming Chi Qian was. Confronting her directly was useless, it only made people dislike her more.
Better to wait until Chi Qian tripped up—then she could swoop in and lead everyone. That would definitely win her favor.
When all was packed, Chi Qian whistled and summoned the ostriches.
Luo Zichuan came over and handed her a lollipop. “Can I hitch a ride too?”
Chi Qian saw it was grape-flavored, instantly bribed. “Sure, sure.”
Luo Zichuan happily rejoined the main team.
Luo Fan: “???”
Traitor! What a disgrace!
If he’d known, he would’ve brought snacks too, to bribe Chi Qian!
