Chapter 19: A Guest Visit

In Longyuan’s study, two men sat facing each other: one with frost-white long hair and a handsome, refined appearance, the other with sharp black eyes and jet-black hair, exuding a cold demeanor.

“The secret letter the Marshal sent last night piqued my interest,” said the frost-white-haired man, Frost Ming, holding a delicate teacup. His translucent violet eyes watched the swirling tea leaves as he spoke slowly.

Longyuan’s fingers tapped lightly on the table as he looked at him. “Do you have any leads, Imperial Advisor?”

Frost Ming set down the cup and met Longyuan’s gaze. “The information is too scant. To confirm anything, I’d need to see that person with my own eyes.”

“So, who is this person the Marshal mentioned—someone whose face he can’t quite recall?” Longyuan asked calmly, as if inquiring about an ordinary matter, yet a flicker of caution stirred within him.

He knew Frost Ming too well.

Cold-hearted and indifferent, Frost Ming paid no attention to anything beyond his official duties. His unique and mysterious abilities were always focused on the welfare of the entire nation and its people, never lingering on the emotions of any individual—not even the empire’s most noble crown prince.

Though Longyuan had sent the secret letter last night, he hadn’t expected much of a reply. But Frost Ming’s reaction now was far beyond what he had anticipated.

Something was off.

The name Chu Shi twisted on his tongue but he swallowed it back. A certain intuition warned him not to let that woman catch Frost Ming’s attention.

So, Longyuan paused briefly before shifting the topic: “It’s just an interesting historical tale from within the Longshi clan, no proof of its truth. I was merely curious and sought the Imperial Advisor’s insight.”

Frost Ming’s long, frosted lashes flickered as he scrutinized Longyuan, who remained composed, giving nothing away. Then Frost Ming lowered his gaze, hiding any expression.

“In that case, I have no leads. But the frequent disturbances by wild beasts along the border today—perhaps we should synchronize information with the Marshal…”

Soon, their focus turned fully to state affairs, tacitly leaving the previous topic behind.

The afternoon slipped away quietly.

*

Meanwhile, on the other side, Shi Chuchu spent the entire afternoon in the block house with two little ones.

To be precise, she had been lying inert in the corner all afternoon.

Long Xiaobao darted about energetically, pulling along a newly acquainted young boy, both laughing and playing exuberantly.

Frost Ci trailed behind, diligently tidying up the scattered blocks Long Xiaobao had thrown about.

Shi Chuchu watched, exhausted on their behalf.

Poor kid with obsessive tendencies... born to worry endlessly.

Evening soon came.

After a full afternoon of play, Long Xiaobao lay on the floor panting heavily.

After tidying up for hours, Frost Ci was utterly drained, resting with closed eyes on the sofa.

Only Shi Chuchu remained full of vigor.

She picked up Long Xiaobao from the floor, placed him beside Frost Ci, then fetched a thin blanket to cover the two little ones.

Watching them rest side by side stirred a complex mix of emotions within her.

Thankfully, both children resembled their fathers; if they’d taken after her, it would have been troublesome.

Just as she was lost in thought, footsteps sounded at the door.

Moments later, Longyuan and Frost Ming entered.

Shi Chuchu quickly lowered her head to check her mask, then raised it again once assured.

On the sofa, the two little ones were already asleep.

Frost Ming’s gaze flickered with surprise as he looked at Frost Ci, who was sleeping soundly.

Frost Ci was known for being particular about his surroundings, never sleeping in unfamiliar places. Yet here he was.

His eyes casually scanned Shi Chuchu before swiftly masking his thoughts.

Longyuan, seeing Long Xiaobao’s peaceful, slightly smiling face, breathed a sigh of relief.

It seemed the two kids got along well; having more playmates meant more frequent visits in the future.

Longyuan was about to invite Frost Ming to bring Frost Ci over again when Frost Ming spoke first: “It appears Frost Ci is fond of Xiaobao. I wonder if Xiaobao would like to visit my estate tomorrow?”

Longyuan paused, then replied, “I’ll ask him once he wakes up. If he agrees, I’ll bring him to your place tomorrow.”

Frost Ming nodded gently, then carefully lifted Frost Ci, uncovering him from the thin blanket.

His wrist brushed against Shi Chuchu’s hair inadvertently, pausing for an imperceptible moment before returning to normal.

Longyuan personally saw Frost Ming and his son off.

Upon returning, he gently roused Long Xiaobao, not wanting him to sleep too long and risk insomnia at night.

Rubbing his eyes with chubby hands, Long Xiaobao was cradled in Longyuan’s arms, clearly grumpy.

“Daddy’s arms are too stiff, uncomfortable. I prefer Mommy’s hugs—soft and fragrant.”

He cast a disdainful glance at Longyuan before reaching out to Shi Chuchu.

Shi Chuchu accepted him with an innocent smile, while Longyuan and she exchanged a glance.

Longyuan looked slightly dark-faced, inexplicably a bit jealous.

After a moment’s silence, he pinched Long Xiaobao’s cheek and asked, “Did you like today’s big brother?”

At the mention, Long Xiaobao’s eyes brightened, wide with excitement.

“Yes! Brother… good!”

In Long Xiaobao’s eyes, Frost Ci was truly a good person—handsome, understanding his words, and playing blocks with him!

Longyuan chuckled. “Then tomorrow Daddy will take you to see Brother Frost Ci, alright?”

Long Xiaobao nodded happily, then suddenly clung to Shi Chuchu’s neck.

“Mommy… you come too.”

Longyuan: …

Shi Chuchu: …

*

Elsewhere, aboard the hovercar bound for Frost Ming’s estate.

Frost Ci woke in his father’s arms.

“…Father.”

He instinctively climbed out of Frost Ming’s embrace and sat properly in the seat beside him.

Frost Ming paid no mind, speaking calmly, “It’s rare to see you sleep so soundly in unfamiliar places.”

Frost Ci pressed his lips, weary: “…Playing with Long Xiaobao is quite exhausting.”

Frost Ming glanced at him. “Did you learn anything from Long Ye?”

Frost Ci’s expression stiffened. “His language skills are limited; he’s not good at conversation. But I heard him call that caregiver… ‘Mommy.’”

Frost Ming’s expression shifted, brow furrowing as he fell into deep thought.

The hovercar grew suddenly silent.

After a moment, Frost Ci could no longer hold back: “Father… you said the Marshal Longyuan’s estate might have news about Mommy, but I haven’t gotten any useful information.”

His tone was urgent, revealing that beneath his composed exterior, the boy was far from calm.

Frost Ming gently smoothed Frost Ci’s tousled hair, thoughtful.

“Don’t worry. Unless something unexpected happens, your Mommy will soon return to us.”