I Became the Eye Candy: Four Bigshots Claimed to be My Dad?-Chapter 81: The Feeling of Being Protected by a Loved One

"Let’s go in a few days. I’ve already written to the Dean about Si Yan and Zhenzhu. He wrote back saying everything’s been arranged." Ye Qianning was worried he would still be upset about the whole Si Yan affair, so she had already taken care of it.

"Sigh. That must have been difficult for you."

Xiang Minghou knew that if it weren’t for this girl speaking up, the Dean would never have agreed to let Si Yan enroll.

The Capital City was only so big. The Dean had his sources and was perfectly aware of the character of children from prominent families.

"It’s fine. Zhenzhu is also old enough to start her studies, and Lou Mountain offers a good education."

Xiang Zhenzhu was still young. Leaving Xiang Mingli and Mrs. Wang would be good for her. It would keep her from having to face the Old Lady at the estate every day and be corrupted by that constant influence. Even a well-behaved child could be led astray by those adults.

Xiang Minghou knew this perfectly well. It was one thing for little Zhenzhu, but Si Yan was another matter entirely.

"They’ll be going to the academy in a few days. You should go as soon as possible, too."

"Lou Mountain Academy can’t teach me much. It doesn’t matter if I go sooner or later."

’Lou Mountain’s teaching style is a lot like a modern school’s—five days of class followed by one day of rest.’

’If I go up the mountain now, the Old Lady will surely cause a scene again. Dad is already ill; if he gets any more worked up, it could cause permanent damage to his health.’

"Have you decided to become the Dean’s disciple?"

Ye Qianning shook her head. "I’m not sure either. What do you think, Dad?"

’I’m mainly going to Lou Mountain to get closer to Sang Zhi. A secondary goal is to brush up on my traditional characters.’

"With your talent, it doesn’t really matter whether you become a disciple or not. But Lou Mountain Academy places the utmost importance on etiquette. With your personality, Dad’s worried you won’t be able to stand it."

"Then I’ll become his disciple." Ye Qianning really couldn’t stand being so prim and proper.

Xiang Minghou smiled. He knew she was just being mischievous. ’Once she becomes the Dean’s disciple, her seniority in the academy will be so high that probably no one will dare to control her.’

"Dad, you have to get better soon. I’m still waiting for you to show me your broadsword skills." As she spoke, Ye Qianning climbed onto the small bed and snuggled up next to Xiang Minghou.

"I’m all better now. Dad will go perform a set for you right now." Feeling energized, Xiang Minghou started to get up.

"Dad, no rush. Look at how pale you are. Anyone who didn’t know better would think you put on face powder." Ye Qianning held him down, amused.

"Really?" Xiang Minghou raised a hand to touch his face. The more he felt it, the more something seemed wrong. "Where’s my beard?"

"Shaved."

"So do I look like some kind of pretty boy now?"

"No, you’re very handsome!" Ye Qianning wasn’t lying. Her dad was a good-looking man; his handsomeness had just been sealed away by his beard.

With the beard gone, his eyebrows were as sharp as ink brushstrokes and his eyes were bright. His face was a bit tan, and though there was a scar on his left cheek, it only gave him a rugged and wild sort of beauty. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

"I’ll take your word for it."

Xiang Minghou disliked appearing soft and weak. He believed a man should have a beard and carry a broadsword. He’d had his beard for ten years, so it felt genuinely strange now that it was gone.

"You were always handsome," Ye Qianning said, letting out a yawn.

"Sleepy?"

"Mhm."

Ye Qianning had been watching over Xiang Minghou since the previous night and hadn’t closed her eyes once. Her eyelids had been fighting to stay open for a while now.

"Go to sleep." Xiang Minghou’s voice softened as his large hand patted her head.

Ye Qianning mumbled a few words, her head lolling onto his body as she fell asleep.

Xiang Minghou gazed at the sleeping child, his heart melting. His eyes grew so gentle they looked as if they might overflow.

’Thank the heavens for their mercy in giving me a daughter.’

’In this entire world, only this child would stand by my side like this. Though I was delirious, I heard bits and pieces of what happened this morning.’

’So this is what it feels like to be protected by family—it’s wonderful...’

’From now on, I’m no longer alone. I have a daughter...’