THE REAL PROTEGE-Chapter 481: WHO WANTS TO STEAL YOUR THUNDER?

From inside the bathroom, muffled sounds began to filter through the door — groans and moans that made Mushu's stomach clench with concern. His jaw tightened, muscles jumping beneath the skin. His heart ached with a strange, indefinable pain, but he could not understand why or what it meant.

Sisu was jacking himself under the cold shower. The image of Mushu just couldn't get out of his mind, and his dick wouldn't calm down.

Outside, Mushu sat in silence, hands clasped together, knuckles white. "...."

He was truly, utterly speechless and helpless — two states he had not experienced in over decades.

He opened his laptop, typing furiously as he searched the web for symptoms: flushed face, rapid heartbeat, avoidance, tears. He read each result, his brows knitting tighter, both his fists and jaws clenched.

Finally, he tore his eyes from the screen and looked at the closed bathroom door again. The sounds had returned — sharper now, more desperate, building in intensity — and Mushu felt his chest constrict with helpless concern.

"...."

Mushu exhaled a long, shuddering breath, his broad shoulders sagging with the weight of his confusion. His voice, when he finally spoke to the empty room, was low and resigned.

Mushu decided then, with the grim determination of a soldier accepting an impossible mission, that he would find ways to help his little brother — whatever was wrong, whatever burden he was carrying. But he did not know where to start, had no map for this unfamiliar terrain. 'Let's take it a day at a time,' he thought, closing the laptop with quiet resolve. 'One day at a time. I'll figure this out. I have to.'

The next morning, as Ling Li awoke, a flood of warmth enveloped her, a soothing reminder of the cherished closeness from the night before. She rose late, untroubled by the hour, knowing her body craved respite after the intense, intimate time she had shared with Four Eyes.

Ling Li flushed as memories of the previous night returned. Shaking her head, she hurried out of bed to wash up, determined to start her day anew.

Once ready, she made her way to the nursery to check on her little ones, her footsteps light with anticipation as she transitioned from her own morning to the rhythm of family life.

Ling Li peeked into the nursery, the gentle scent of baby powder drifting through the air. She saw the triplets nestled in their cribs, their soft snores a harmonious lullaby in the quiet room. Although she couldn't produce enough milk for all three — leading to a mix of breastfeeding and formula — she felt at ease, comforted by the knowledge they wouldn't go hungry.

Ling Li's brows knit as she paused at the nursery doorway. Her voice low, tinged with worry, she asked, "And the twins? Where have they run off to now?" She bit her lip, hoping her twins hadn't felt invisible in the family's daily storm.

"I sent them to the study hall for their lessons."

Feeling hungry, Ling Li thanked Pharsa and left to have breakfast, ready for whatever the day brought.

At the end of the staircase, Mushu was already waiting for her, ready to brief her on the household's activities.

As she descended, Ling Li asked, "Are they all gone for the training?"

"Yes, Madam. However, Young Master Shi Min is waiting for you at the dining hall," Mushu replied. Ling Li paused briefly at the entrance, her senses alert to the familiar murmur of morning activity. Anticipation mingled with curiosity as she smoothed her dress and stepped inside. Shi Min's teasing rang out clearly. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Shi Min's voice rang out as soon as Ling Li entered. "Finally, you're up! Mom! Paps woke at the crack of dawn and made you soup — even shooed everyone else away! Said you needed it after, ahem, last night!"

Ling Li pointed at her son, hands on her waist, voice sharp. "Shi Min! You little rascal! Not afraid I'll scrub your mouth clean with soap, are you?"

Shi Min laughed out loud. He added, "Mom, I haven't heard you say that for a long time! I remember when you caught Ren and me running through the garden with muddy shoes, and you threatened to wash our mouths out with soap every time we giggled about it. Ren and I spent the afternoon plotting how to make it up to you. We ended up giving you that crooked drawing of the family, remember?"

Butler James came out of the kitchen carrying a steaming bowl of soup. He announced, "Madam, Master Chu Yan said to serve you this nourishing soup once you come down. Madam, drink it while it's hot."

Ling Li "...."

Shi Min tried his best not to laugh out loud again, but couldn't hide the grin on his face as his mother reacted.

Rolling her eyes at her son's antics, Ling Li sat down, ready to enjoy her breakfast amidst the morning's lively atmosphere.

Shi Min grinned widely, eager to share. "Mom, you know Pap's bathed the triplets every single morning? I caught him at it today — I couldn't believe he's done it since they were born! I thought about trying, but with my clumsy hands, who knows which sibling I'd drop first? He's a pro!"

Ling Li was drinking her soup, but stopped midway. She never imagined Four Eyes would go to such lengths for their daughters. Gratitude surged, mingling with surprise at his quiet dedication. She knew he woke early to cultivate, but she hadn't realized he was also the one bathing the triplets, just as he had for the twins before.

"Ling Li nodded as she continued with her soup. "Your Paps also did the same for the twins," she said. "Mom, I wonder if I will be a good father like Paps," Shi Min blurted out, even though he was startled by the question.

"Ling Li replied flatly, "Well, first, find a woman to marry."

Shi Min "...."

Shi Min instantly fired back, face mischievous. "Hey Mushu, Rockie — aren't you two still single? If I marry first, is that breaking ancient protocol? I will be called unfilial, too! You'd better hurry up, or I'm going to steal your thunder as the family trailblazer!"

Mushu and Rockie, who were trying to be invisible on the side "...."

'Why were we dragged into their conversation?

Who wants to steal your thunder?'