CHAPTER 364: EPISODE 34.4 FIRST DAY BLUES, FIRST GOOD BYE

The ceremony ended with Director Song’s final remarks. Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for and quietly dreading. It was time for the students to step into their new classrooms for the very first time.

In other words, it was time for parents and children to part ways.

Parents were allowed to accompany their little ones up to the classroom doors, but only from the outside.

"Papa... Daddy..." Yanyan’s small hands clutched tightly at Shen Yuan and Bai Tingfeng’s as they reached the door to his classroom. He was reluctant to let go, especially after the high of his successful speech still lingered warmly in his chest.

Truthfully, he wanted to run away from the school altogether and spend the rest of the day with his parents instead.

Ao Yichen’s earlier speech had left a mark on his heart, reminding him how precious his parents were and how much he wanted to stay by their side.

"Yanyan..." Shen Yuan trailed off, his voice soft with helpless affection. "It’s time for the moment of truth. You’re a student now."

Yanyan opened his mouth to protest, but before he could, a familiar voice called out from a nearby classroom.

"Don’t worry about me, Mom. I got this!"

It was Ao Yichen—his childish voice steady with confidence as he faced his emotional omega mother.

Yanyan’s eyes followed him instinctively. Their gazes met, and Ao Yichen immediately stepped forward.

"Oh," he said, walking closer with that same earnest energy from earlier. "Bai Shengyan, we may be in different classes, but I meant what I said on stage! You and I are officially rivals! I’ll beat you down to rank two, so you’d better watch out!"

The adults around them couldn’t help but laugh at the exchange, their expressions full of fond amusement—especially Shen Yuan’s.

Despite Ao Yichen’s bold words, there wasn’t a shred of malice in him. If anything, the boy reminded Shen Yuan of a shounen manga protagonist who’d just discovered the thrill of having a worthy rival.

It was adorable. And honestly, a breath of fresh air.

"These two are super cute," Shen Yuan whispered to his husband, eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Master Shen, Master Bai," Ao Yichen said politely, bowing to the couple. "Thank you for your help. It was nice to meet you."

His respectful gesture was soon mirrored by his omega mother, who bowed as well—so deeply that it startled Bai Tingfeng.

He instinctively reached out, wanting to stop her from such a grand display, but halted when he felt Shen Yuan tug lightly at the hem of his clothes.

They exchanged a look.

Bai Tingfeng understood immediately. People as timid as her would only feel more flustered if stopped midway—it was kinder to accept their sincerity instead. Besides, it set a good example for the children. Gratitude was a virtue worth learning.

"No big deal."

Bai Tingfeng chuckled and added warmly, "But we would be happier if you became friends with my son."

As he spoke, the alpha reached out to gently ruffle Yanyan’s hair, pride softening his usually composed expression.

Ao Yichen’s mother looked pleasantly surprised at the S-class hunter’s words, but she held her tongue, waiting for her son to answer on his own.

"That sounds cool!" Ao Yichen said earnestly, his eyes bright. "But I still want Yanyan to be my rival. I want us to be both friends and rivals!"

Shen Yuan couldn’t help but laugh quietly. The boy’s sincerity and fiery determination were so pure it reminded him of the heroes in Yanyan’s favorite cartoons—brimming with ideals and dramatic speeches about friendship and competition. It was ridiculously cute.

A moment later, Ao Yichen’s teacher called his name. Though he looked like he wanted to say more, the little boy simply smiled, excused himself, and hurried into his classroom.

That left Yanyan watching the back of his self-declared rival disappear through the door.

"It’s only your first day, and you already found yourself a rival," Shen Yuan said with a teasing smile. "Guess our boy’s school life won’t ever be boring, huh?"

Yanyan pouted, mumbling under his breath, "But I never meant to compete with anyone..."

Bai Tingfeng chuckled. "Life gets dull if everyone’s your friend. Sometimes it’s more fun to have someone you butt heads with."

Yanyan tilted his head, thinking about it. But he already had friends to banter with—Xiaolun and the others! Why would he need another rival?

Lost in thought, he didn’t realize his Daddy, Shen Yuan, had gently nudged him toward the flow of children heading inside. Before he knew it, he was being carried along with the crowd—until suddenly, he found himself standing in his new classroom.

"Daddy?!" Yanyan yelped, rushing to the window and giving his Daddy a betrayed look.

Bai Tingfeng stood beside his husband, laughing at the scene.

Shen Yuan only laughed and stuck out his tongue. "Go on, brave boy! After class, we’ll eat wherever you want, okay? So, behave, enjoy, and make lots of memories!"

That sealed Yanyan’s fate.

Shen Yuan and Bai Tingfeng watched through the window as Yanyan was guided by his adviser to his designated seat.

A pleasant, fluttering warmth bloomed in both their chests.

"He’s a big boy now..." Shen Yuan murmured, his voice soft with blissful pride.

Bai Tingfeng chuckled, a small laugh catching in his throat. "Yes, he is—and you just made him experience his first betrayal."

Shen Yuan rolled his eyes at his husband.

What he did was not betrayal. It was called lending a hand, okay?!

The schedule of classes in Qilin Academy spanned from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.—a full-day affair.

After having a brief conversation with Yanyan’s adviser, Teacher Chen, Shen Yuan and Bai Tingfeng finally left the classroom area. The lively chatter of children faded behind them as they walked through the hallways now half-empty of parents. The school courtyard, once bustling with goodbyes, had quieted down to the steady rhythm of a new day beginning.

That’s when the fatigue began to creep in.

A few career parents tried to rope them into a networking brunch, but since Shen Yuan had made it abundantly clear he wanted nothing to do with that kind of social circus, Bai Tingfeng had to think fast and whip up an excuse for them both.

"Sorry, we have work engagements after this," Bai Tingfeng said smoothly, flashing an easy smile.

Turning people down was easy enough—especially since none of them were the parents of Yanyan’s friends. Those parents were just as busy, and they too politely declined any social gathering.

By the time the couple reached their car, the emotional whirlwind of the morning had caught up with Shen Yuan. It was as if his body suddenly realized it could rest.

He slumped into the backseat with a long sigh, eyelids drooping.

"I told you that making breakfast right before heading out would be too taxing in your condition," Bai Tingfeng said, reaching into the mini fridge for a bottle of water.

"Sorry, okay? Sorry," Shen Yuan muttered, rolling his eyes before sassily taking the bottle and gulping down half of it.

"I might’ve overestimated my body," he admitted, pouting. "I mean, I’m more than an S-class awakener in this world, so I thought I could handle a little fatigue even while pregnant..."

He leaned against the window, watching the scenery blur past as the car began to move.

Wrong move! The sudden rush of motion made his stomach flip.

"Holy shit," Shen Yuan groaned, snapping upright before collapsing back against the seat and squeezing his eyes shut.

Bai Tingfeng, startled by his husband’s reaction, immediately panicked. He leaned forward and tapped the driver’s seat.

"Take us to the hospital. Quick!"

But before the driver could even react, Shen Yuan swatted Bai Tingfeng’s hand away like he was chasing off a fly.

"Calm your tits, Bai Tingfeng! I’m fine! I just need to rest, okay?!"

Bai Tingfeng inhaled sharply, half-exasperated, half-concerned.

Right.

If Shen Yuan said he wanted rest, forcing him to the hospital would only stress him out more.

"Then we’re heading home," he decided firmly. "Quickly."

However, that suggestion was just as swiftly rejected.

"No! I don’t want to stay at home when Yanyan isn’t there," Shen Yuan protested, his voice dropping into a pitiful whimper. "It’s the first time I’ll come home without him waiting at the door. The house will feel too empty. I’m not ready for that. Take me to your office instead."

Bai Tingfeng blinked, confused. "My office? Wouldn’t it be more comfortable to rest in our bed?"

Shen Yuan didn’t even hesitate. "If we go home, you’ll just lock yourself in our study room to dive into work the moment I lie down. I don’t want to be alone today. Just take me with you instead."

The celestial fox spirit turned to face him, reasoning softly, "You can work on your backlogs while I occupy the couch in your office. I’ll rest, and when it’s time to pick up Yanyan, we can leave together."

"Yuan..." Bai Tingfeng whispered his husband’s name. His voice was so gentle and caring that it made Shen Yuan’s heart skip a beat. "Are you hormonal now?"

"This fucker..." Shen Yuan muttered under his breath. "Driver, can you ram this car into a nearby post? Gosh! This asshole really loves riling up a pregnant omega!"

Bai Tingfeng’s laughter filled the car, warm and low, while Shen Yuan huffed against the window, muttering curses he didn’t mean.

Outside, the city rolled by; bright, alive, and ready for whatever came next.