CHAPTER 362: EPISODE 34.3.1 THE TWO BOYS’ SPEECH (PART ONE)

The opening ceremony went on without a hitch—miraculously, considering how chaotic things had been earlier.

It began with a student orientation covering the school’s basic rules and regulations. Normally, that part would’ve been a total snooze fest—a teacher droning on about what’s allowed, what’s forbidden, and how not to set the playground on fire.

But this time, the teacher in charge actually had charisma. Sharp wit, great timing, and just enough flair to keep two hundred toddlers staring up at her like she was telling them a bedtime story instead of a lecture.

Even Shen Yuan had to admit—it took serious skill to make a rulebook sound this entertaining. The teacher on stage was animated, expressive, and somehow made "no running in the hallways" sound like a sacred decree. The children listened almost religiously.

Still, halfway through the talk, Shen Yuan found himself slumping in his seat, eyes glazing over.

"Gods, is there a time spell that can fast-forward reality?" he muttered under his breath, low enough for only Bai Tingfeng to hear. "I swear, if I hear one more rule about uniform length, I’m going to evaporate."

His gaze drifted toward the stage. "Can we just get to the kids’ speech already? I’m dying here."

Bai Tingfeng only sighed, the corner of his mouth twitching—half amusement, half resignation.

Shen Yuan had sounded perfectly confident when he suggested that Yanyan and Ao Yichen share the stage for the welcome speech. It had seemed like a brilliant, heartwarming idea at the time.

But now—now that the program format had been flipped at the last minute and the time limit left no room for a quick rehearsal—he was starting to regret opening his big, confident mouth.

A twinge of worry crept up his chest.

Great. His smart-ass idea might’ve just tossed his son into a very awkward situation.

Could Yanyan really work smoothly with someone like Ao Yichen—a boy he’d only just met under such dramatic circumstances?

"It was the right call to let both kids share the speech," Bai Tingfeng said suddenly beside him, breaking through Shen Yuan’s spiralling thoughts. "If you hadn’t suggested that, Director Song probably would’ve cancelled the student address altogether."

Shen Yuan’s gaze drifted toward Yanyan, who was now sitting with his class, listening closely to the teacher. The faint redness still clinging to his eyes said enough—Tingfeng was right.

As the head of the academy, Director Song’s top priority was—and always would be—the well-being of the children.

If either boy had been deemed too emotional or unfit to speak in front of the crowd, Director Song wouldn’t have hesitated to scrap the entire welcome speech.

All of Yanyan’s and Ao Yichen’s effort—and their excitement—would’ve gone straight down the drain in the name of protecting their tender little hearts.

Thankfully, Shen Yuan’s brilliant suggestion and well-timed pep talk had saved the day. Not only did he preserve the ceremony’s highlight, but he also soothed the tension and encouraged both boys, like the dazzling celestial fox he was.

The celestial fox spirit recognized the positive consequences of his actions, but still, he had one prayer.

"I really hoped that the outcome would be good," Shen Yuan said, fidgeting.

"Trust in our son," Bai Tingfeng enclosed his husband’s hand using his.

"And now, to officially welcome everyone to our new school year, we have two very special students who represent the bright future of our academy." Shen Yuan had just leaned on the backrest of his seat when he heard the head teacher of the kindergarten wrap up the orientation and move on to the next part of the program.

"Please give a round of applause to our student representatives and the pair who tied in the first place in our admissions exam: Bai Shengyan from Class Huli Jing and Ao Yichen from Class Huanglong!"

"It’s their turn!" Shen Yuan and Bai Tingfeng literally jumped to stand up.

The celestial fox spirit’s eyes darted toward his son, who was being guided onto the stage, and before he could stop himself, he cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted,

"You got this, baby!"

"Go, Chen-Chen!" Ao Yichen’s mother called out right after, her voice trembling but loud enough to carry.

None of this was rehearsed—they were simply two parents being, well, parents.

The crowd couldn’t help but smile. Teachers chuckled, and a few fellow parents laughed softly in amusement.

No one had expected that from Shen Yuan—the elegant, polished omega who usually exuded the grace of a magazine cover. Yet here he was, hollering like a proud dad at a soccer game.

Alpha, beta, omega—rich or not, none of that mattered when it came to their children. Every parent, no matter how refined, would gladly trade poise for pride if it meant cheering their kid on.

"Not bad, girl," Shen Yuan said with a satisfied smirk, glancing at Ao Yichen’s mom. "That’s what you were missing—a little courage to back up your strong-willed son."

Like any traditional omega unused to such attention, she flushed a pretty shade of pink, ducked her head, and quietly sank back into her seat.

There goes her courage...

"Yuan," Bai Tingfeng hissed under his breath, voice tight with warning. "Stop charming people, okay?!"

The naughty fox spirit shot him a side-eye. What? What did I even do this time?

Honestly, Shen Yuan wanted to smack his overly possessive husband on the back of the head. The man had already impregnated him and still acted like a walking jar of vinegar.

But no. He took a deep breath.

It’s Yanyan’s day. Be good. Don’t start drama in front of the children.

So instead of snapping back, Shen Yuan grabbed Bai Tingfeng’s hand and lifted it high in the air, yelling, "Go, Yanyan! Make your Papa proud!"

"Yuan!" Bai Tingfeng sputtered, his face flushing a deep shade of red—like a cherry tomato ripened under the sun.

On stage, Yanyan stood behind the podium, his tiny hands gripping the edge for courage. The levitating platform beneath him shimmered faintly, lifting him just high enough to meet the audience’s gaze.

Beside him, Ao Yichen waited, shoulders squared but eyes a little uncertain. Two small figures—nervous, trembling, but standing tall in front of hundreds.

For a heartbeat, the world seemed to still.

Yanyan inhaled, trying to smile through the rush of nerves. The grin came out a little crooked, caught between a breath and a tremor, but it was pure and brave—and it made Shen Yuan’s chest ache with pride.

"Fuck! Can someone tell everyone that that is my son?!" Shen Yuan whispered to Bai Tingfeng, hands clutching his chest.

Bai Tingfeng only smiled, but his eyes told a deeper story—one overflowing with quiet, insurmountable happiness.