Chapter 104 1/2

Jiang Li felt surrounded by a chattering group of Huskies, with the military dog being the most composed, though its gaze was quite like that of a suspect tracker.

Jiang Li couldn’t help but reflect on whether he had any contraband on him or had ever committed any petty theft. There was one instance, but it didn’t warrant such scrutiny.

Suddenly, a stern command came from above: “Get back up here!” The Alphas and the dog hurriedly reformed, standing in a single file on the steps, each Alpha occupying a step, still eagerly offering help to Jiang Li.

“I can carry the kid for you!”

Jiang Li needed the assistance, but the Alpha above seemed irritated that his child had attracted so many Alphas. Smiling, he said, “Thank you, but your leader is waiting, and training is important.”

“No worries; our leader encourages us to help others.”

“We’re supposed to help those in need.”

“Our leader wouldn’t object; he’d want us to practice carrying extra weight.”

Jiang Li hesitated. “Well, then…”

An Alpha enthusiastically took over carrying the child!

He carefully cradled Jiang Wangxing, showing a triumphant smile as if holding Team Leader Cen’s child.

Jiang Li was a bit stunned.

In his sleep, Jiang Wangxing furrowed his brow, sniffed the unfamiliar environment, and without his familiar daddy’s scent, he kicked his legs and reached out, his mouth trembling as if about to cry.

The Alpha panicked. “Oh no, he’s going to cry!”

Jiang Li quickly took the child back, and as soon as Jiang Wangxing’s head rested on his dad’s arm, he slept peacefully and adorably.

Jiang Li said, “I think it’s better if I carry him myself.”

“Climbing a mountain with a child alone? That’s tough.”

“I can carry your bag.”

An Alpha grabbed Jiang Li’s heavy bag, which seemed to contain everything from home.

No wonder he needed to rest halfway; it was like carrying a set of twins!

Cen Lang felt exasperated. His soldiers couldn’t resist a pretty omega. He had personally signed off on their anti-temptation training.

That omega probably thinks I’m a lousy team leader.

Embarrassing.

Striding down, Cen Lang realised their focus wasn’t the omega, but the child in his arms. Their eyes were glued.

Low birth rates and widespread singlehood didn’t justify being envious of someone else’s kid.

The Alphas, seeing Cen Lang, winked and made faces, distorting their usually disciplined expressions into comically foolish ones.

With their leader present, they refrained from directly saying the child resembled him out of respect for the child’s father.

Surely the leader understood why they were drawn in, right?

As Cen Lang got closer, he saw the sweat marks on Jiang Li’s face, indicating that this climb with a child was his limit.

The father was exhausted, and the child cried in others’ arms. These rough Alphas had no clue how to hold a toddler!

Cen Lang frowned and said gruffly, “Let me try.”

The Alphas cheered, like a heartwarming reunion scene from a military show.

But does the leader know how to hold a child? He looks like he could knock out a kid with a single punch!

“Our leader is really kind,” the Alphas assured Jiang Li.

“Team Leader Cen once won the Most Popular Alpha Among Children award in the galaxy!”

Cen Lang: This is ridiculous.

What kind of medal is that?

Jiang Li, unable to refuse such a gracious offer, reluctantly handed over his little one to Cen Lang.

He wasn’t intimidated by Cen Lang’s Alpha presence; rather, he found him a bit… awkward?

Cen Lang carefully took Jiang Li’s child, staring at the sleeping toddler for twenty seconds.

This was one of the longest twenty seconds of Cen Lang’s life. For some reason, he felt that if the child cried, it would signify some failure in his life.

The little one didn’t cry, continuing to sleep peacefully, seemingly unaware of the change in who was holding him.

The other Alphas were both shocked and envious, their minds racing with thoughts.

Cen Lang cut off their speculation, saying, “When we get back, all of you will train your arm strength. The child cries because your hands shake.”

Alphas: Damn.

Jiang Li was also surprised. He glanced at Cen Lang’s deep, handsome features, then at his child. Do they resemble each other?

However, the Alpha he encountered in the underground was a retired soldier, while the Alpha before him was clearly a high-ranking officer.

Jiang Li had gained much knowledge at the Second Military Academy, such as recognising the insignia on these Alphas’ sleeves, indicating they belonged to the Federation’s Special Operations Forces.

Jiang Li had no intention of prying into military secrets. “Will this waste your time?”

Cen Lang: “No, today is just summit training.”

Jiang Li, feeling a bit embarrassed, said, “Can I change his clothes? He sweated a lot in his sleep, and the wind at the summit might make him catch a cold.”

Cen Lang: “Sure.”

Jiang Li directed Cen Lang to help. He opened his backpack, laid out a blanket, placed the child on it, removed the sweat-soaked clothes, wiped him down, and quickly dressed him in fresh clothes.

Throughout this process, Jiang Wangxing remained sound asleep.

Cen Lang: “He’s very well-behaved.”

Jiang Li: “More or less.”

Cen Lang noticed that Jiang Li also had a set of his own clothes in the bag, but adults couldn’t change in public like two-year-olds.

Jiang Li: “We’re ready to go.”

Cen Lang carried the child, while Jiang Li followed behind.

“I can actually carry another adult as well,” Cen Lang thought, realising Jiang Li must be exhausted.

“You hold on for a moment.” Cen Lang handed the child back to Jiang Li and walked into the forest. He pulled out a short knife and leapt up a tree, cutting down a thin, sturdy branch with a forked tip.

In no time, he fashioned a walking stick, free of splinters and perfectly fitting his hand.

“Here.”

Jiang Li stared at the walking stick in surprise, momentarily forgetting to take it.

Cen Lang: “If you’d prefer to be carried up the mountain, that’s also an option.”