allendalepharm Chapter 44 Uncle Di Tian
Chapter 44 Uncle Di Tian
When Huo Yutong presented Brigitte with a wreath made of white and pink flowers, the gentle emerald swan's eyes were filled with affection. She bent down and let Huo Yutong put it on her head, saying softly, "Thank you, Yutong, it's beautiful."
Facing the aloof and elegant Zi Ji, Huo Yutong nervously presented her with a wreath featuring deep purple and dark red flowers.
A smile played on Zi Ji's lips. She took the flower wreath but didn't wear it. Instead, she wrapped it around her wrist like a unique bracelet. "Thank you, Xiao Yutong. I like it very much."
Finally, Huo Yutong held in her hands the wreath that she had spent the longest time and put the most effort into weaving.
She took a deep breath and mustered her courage to walk toward Di Tian, who had been standing quietly in the distance, watching everything intently.
The afterglow of the setting sun gilded his imposing figure; he stood there, the cornerstone and the will of this forest.
Huo Yutong walked up to him, her heart pounding like a drum. She stood on tiptoe and raised the wreath that held all her gratitude and respect high in her hands.
"Senior Di Tian, this... is for you. Thank you."
Di Tian's gaze fell on the small, yet heartfelt, wreath, then back to the girl's face, which was flushed with nervousness.
He knelt down to make it easier for her to move.
Huo Yutong gently placed the flower wreath on his dark hair.
"I've heard that humans celebrate birthdays every year. What gift would you like?"
At this moment, Huo Yutong felt a surge of courage. She looked at him, her eyes shining with anticipation, and her voice, though barely audible, was soft enough to be heard: "I...I can call you...Uncle Di Tian from now on?"
The air seemed to freeze for a moment.
After a moment of silence, Di Tian raised his hand and gently placed it on Huo Yutong's head, rubbing it lightly.
"Um."
Huo Yutong's cheeks instantly turned bright red, like a ripe apple. She hurriedly lowered her head, her heart filled with immense joy and shyness, but the corners of her mouth uncontrollably turned up, revealing the sweetest smile.
Uncle Ditian, you are different.
Di Tian continued, "Yu Tong, I don't know what gift to give you, so I'll give you a promise: if you encounter any troubles or difficulties, remember to tell us."
We are your elders, and we will help you resolve this. This promise is valid forever.
Huo Yutong's vision blurred. She opened her mouth, her voice choked with sobs, "Why...why are you so good to me?"
I want to repay you, but I can't do anything... I'm afraid... afraid I won't be able to repay this kindness..."
Tears finally rolled down her pale cheeks.
Di Tian reached out, seemingly wanting to wipe away her tears, but hesitated in mid-air before gently placing his hand on her shoulder:
"You don't need to pay me back. I'm already very happy to see you grow up so well. You're a good child, and you deserve to be treated kindly and to have happiness. Accept this, and don't feel burdened."
You are still young, a child. You can make many friends, play to your heart's content, eat what you want, and wear the clothes you like, just like any other child.
Di Tian looked at her, his eyes filled with the natural tenderness of an elder looking at a younger generation: "I am your elder, and it is only natural for me to protect the younger generation. You and Qiu'er are both my children. I will protect you until you no longer need my protection."
At that moment, Huo Yutong could no longer suppress her emotions.
She suddenly took a step forward, opened her arms, and hugged Di Tian tightly.
Her small body trembled slightly, and warm tears silently soaked the fabric of his clothes. A few teardrops slid down his neck, carrying a burning temperature.
Di Tian froze for a moment, then relaxed.
He raised his hand and patted her back somewhat awkwardly but very gently, again and again, as if soothing a frightened little animal.
He didn't say anything, just let her hold him and let her tears flow.
At this moment, Huo Yutong finally believed that she could truly be cherished and that she could truly have a place to belong.
Mom, I have a home now.
Huo Yutong clung tightly to Di Tian's neck, crying uncontrollably, and it took her a while to calm down.
The emotional release made her belatedly realize how intimate their actions had been, but she couldn't bear to let go.
She buried her face in Di Tian's neck, feeling his steady breathing gently brush against her hair.
It'll be over in a little while...
She said it to herself.
Uncle Di Tian...
After a while, Huo Yutong reluctantly let go of her hand.
At this moment, Brigitte stepped forward, knelt down, took out a handkerchief, and gently wiped away the tears on her face.
"Yutong, if any bad people bully you in the future, I'll protect you!" Di Qiu'er leaned closer. "And if I can't beat them—Daddy's here!"
"If anyone dares to bully you, tell me, and I'll beat them up for you!" Zi Ji raised her fist.
"Thank you... thank you all." Huo Yutong raised her face, revealing a radiant smile tinged with tears.
I have a home now. A real, warm, and happy place to belong.
"Yutong, there's a river with really fat fish. I'll take you to catch some and we'll cook for you," Diqiu suggested.
"Okay!" Huo Yutong said with a smile.
The night was as dark as ink, but warm firelight danced on the shore of the Lake of Life in the core area of the Starry Sky Forest, reflecting the twinkling stars in the sky.
The air was filled with the enticing aroma of food that was almost cooked.
The wine that Zi Ji took out from her storage soul tool, once opened, released a rich aroma that wafted out first.
Huo Yutong deftly skewered the prepared fresh fish onto a sharpened branch, the fish scales shimmering in the firelight.
Xiong Jun carefully brought out his treasured jar of royal jelly. The moment he lifted the wax seal, an extremely pure and sweet floral and honey fragrance instantly overwhelmed the aroma of wine, attracting the attention of all the beasts.
With a smile, Brigitte placed a few fruits, radiating a faint glow and brimming with spiritual energy, on the spread-out leaves, adding a touch of sweetness to the upcoming barbecue feast.
"Hey, this honey of mine was 'negotiated' from the lair of the ancient demon bees. I usually can't bear to eat it myself!" Bear King proudly shook his huge head.
Murasaki pushed the wine jar she had brought over: "Honey alone isn't enough. Try this. Humans always say that good things should be shared."
Xiong Jun leaned over and sniffed, then snorted. Still, he curiously poured himself a cup (thanks again to the Soul Hunter Team's storage soul tool that sacrificed itself in the Star Dou Great Forest), and gulped down a big mouthful. He immediately grimaced from the spiciness, which made the other beasts chuckle.
Huo Yutong had already placed the skewered fish next to the campfire, skillfully controlling the distance so that the flames could grill the fish skin just right, making a soft "sizzling" sound.
Although Di Tian still sat upright, his tense lips relaxed as he watched this scene.
He took the cup of wine that Zi Ji handed him, but did not drink it. He simply watched the flames leaping.
Di Qiu sat between him and Huo Yutong, her small face flushed red by the firelight, her eyes filled with novelty and joy.
The Red King lay not far away, its three heads bobbing, all six eyes fixed on the grill, its tail unconsciously sweeping the ground.
The Demon King poured himself a glass of wine and slowly savored it.
Soon, the aroma of the grilled fish became increasingly rich, and the fish skin turned golden brown.
Xiong Jun eagerly offered his honey, and Bi Ji carefully spread it evenly on the grilled fish. The honey caramelized when heated, releasing an even more enticing sweet aroma.
Murasaki was responsible for sprinkling some of the spices she had brought from the human world.
"Alright, you can eat now!"
Huo Yutong picked up a perfectly grilled fish skewer, handed it to Di Qiu first, and then picked up another skewer for Di Tian.
Di Tian took the grilled fish, looked at Di Qiu's satisfied expression, and then looked at the ferocious beasts sitting together.
He raised his glass, saying nothing, but everything was understood without being told.