Chapter 6: The Vow
Alvin brought Yun Yingzhi back to the workshop.
Entering the workshop and seeing the many materials destroyed by Yun Yingzhi, he pinched the child’s nose and said, “I already thought our Zhizhi baby’s destructive power was amazing, but now that we know you have 3S-rank Mental Power, it seems our little baby was actually holding back.”
Yun Yingzhi covered his mouth and giggled.
Alvin began teaching Yun Yingzhi the principles of Source Weapon manufacturing.
It was different from before.
Previously, when Alvin taught Yun Yingzhi, he would always listen intently. Today, he was clearly distracted. During every break, he would ask his personal terminal what time it was, over and over again…
At about five in the evening, Yun Yingzhi pressed his face against Alvin’s, said goodbye, and happily boarded the hovercar to go home.
Yun Yingzhi was very excited. He couldn’t wait to see Madame Yun and tell her about his Mental Power talent.
He wanted to say: he wasn’t a waste, he wasn’t the shame of the Yun family—he had an incredibly strong Mental Power talent!
Because he was happy, Yun Yingzhi couldn’t help but hum a little tune again.
The driver in the front seat looked back at Yun Yingzhi and said with a smile, “Young Master Zhizhi seems very happy today?”
Yun Yingzhi tilted his small chin up slightly and said happily, “Mhm! I have good news to tell Mama today!”
The driver paused, smiled, and said nothing more.
Everyone saw the favoritism in the Yun family. However, as household servants, they were powerless to change anything. All they could do was take more care of this pitiable young master in various ways.
A bit after five, Yun Yingzhi arrived home.
General Yun and Madame Yun were not there. His older brother, Yun Yinghui, lived at school and rarely came home.
He stood at the door, anticipating his parents’ return. He wanted to tell his mother his Mental Power level as soon as possible.
He waited at the door for a full half-hour before finally receiving news that Madame Yun had returned.
The butler and servants of the General’s Manor went to greet her.
The door opened. Madame Yun, with her hair pinned up and wearing a red formal dress, walked in holding Yun Yingyao.
Beside them was Madame Huai. Beside Madame Huai was Huai Boshe.
Yun Yingzhi blinked his large eyes. His ink-black pupils looked at Madame Huai, and he greeted her politely. When he saw Huai Boshe, he tossed his head and gave a “Hmph!”
Madame Yun, who was holding Yun Yingyao, noticed this and scolded Yun Yingzhi, telling him to apologize to Huai Boshe.
Yun Yingzhi felt a bit wronged, but he didn’t want to make his mother angry, so he obediently apologized. Afterward, taking advantage of the adults not looking, he gave Huai Boshe a “fierce” look.
Huai Boshe accurately caught Yun Yingzhi’s gaze and gave him a massive white-eyed glare with his pale amber eyes.
Yun Yingzhi turned his gaze toward Madame Yun.
Madame Yun was holding Yun Yingyao.
Yun Yingzhi was so envious. In his memory, General Yun and Madame Yun had never held him. He also really wanted to be held by his father and mother.
He thought: parents like excellent children, children as excellent as his brother and sister—at the very least, they shouldn’t be the family’s shame.
He felt that if he told his mother about his 3S-rank Mental Power, she might love him just as much as she loved his sister.
Actually, it was okay if she didn’t love him that much. He would be very satisfied if she just gave him a little more attention and occasionally—really, very occasionally—held him.
“Congratulations to our Yao Yao for awakening her second ability at such a young age,” Madame Huai said.
A smile appeared on Madame Yun’s cold face. She looked at Yun Yingyao with a gentle gaze and said, “Yao Yao is very much like Yinghui.”
As she spoke, she sat on the sofa with Madame Huai.
Huai Boshe sat beside Madame Huai. His gaze shifted from Yun Yingyao to Yun Yingzhi, and he couldn’t help but look at him repeatedly.
Madame Huai had always told him that Yun Yingyao was exceptional. Compared to her, Yun Yingzhi was inferior in every way. In her eyes, he didn’t even seem like a child of the Yun family.
However, it had to be said—he was truly beautiful.
But relatively speaking, compared to Yun Yingzhi who only had looks, Huai Boshe thought he preferred Yun Yingyao, who was outstanding in every aspect.
As he thought this, he didn’t realize that his gaze was uncontrollably drawn to Yun Yingzhi.
The young versions of themselves didn’t know that this was the lethality of a natural beauty; they naturally attract everyone’s eyes without even trying.
Yun Yingzhi trotted forward and placed his two small hands on Madame Yun’s legs.
The smile on Madame Yun’s face vanished, and she looked at Yun Yingzhi with a cold gaze.
Yun Yingzhi shrank back and instinctively withdrew his hands.
Madame Yun said, “Yingzhi, go upstairs. Don’t be an eyesore here.”
Yun Yingzhi’s small face wrinkled up. He said in a soft voice, “But… but Mama, Zhizhi has something he wants to tell Mama.”
Madame Yun: “What is it?”
Yun Yingzhi looked at her with sparkling eyes. “Mama, Zhizhi has Source Weapon manufacturing talent!”
Madame Yun’s eyelid twitched. She said in an even sterner voice, “Yun Yingzhi, go back to your room.”
Yun Yingzhi’s small body shrank again, but he didn’t go upstairs. With a sobbing voice, he said, “Mama, Mama, Zhizhi isn’t a waste! Zhizhi’s Mental Power is very strong. Zhizhi can become a Source Weapon manufacturer. Zhizhi can make many, many powerful Source Weapons in the future. Zhizhi…”
Madame Yun: “I told you to go up!”
The entire living room fell silent.
Tears pitter-pattered down from Yun Yingzhi’s eyes. He looked at Madame Yun with red eyes and said stubbornly, “Why doesn’t Mama like Zhizhi? Zhizhi can be very impressive too! Zhizhi can…”
Madame Yun interrupted him: “The ‘impressiveness’ you’re talking about… refers to Source Weapons?” With C-rank Mental Power? She found it utterly laughable.
Not only laughable, but it also made her feel embarrassed, especially in front of others.
Madame Yun said sternly, “Yun Yingzhi, I want a child who is outstanding in every field, not one who thinks about taking shortcuts through Source Weapons. Don’t embarrass me any further. Go up!”
Yun Yingzhi bit his lip, crying piteously. He wanted to argue with her, but he was too young to know how.
However, he now clearly understood that Madame Yun did not need a child who could manufacture Source Weapons.
Yun Yingzhi felt despair. This was the only area where he had talent; in all other areas, he had nothing.
Madame Yun ordered, “Butler Zhang, take Yun Yingzhi upstairs. Don’t let him out.”
The butler of the Yun family hurried forward and carried Yun Yingzhi upstairs.
Butler Zhang had worked for the Yun family for many years and had practically seen Yun Yingzhi grow up. He really didn’t understand why—even though Yun Yingzhi was ordinary among the three children—he was exceptionally well-behaved and cute. Why didn’t the General and Madame like him?
If only this child had been born into another family…
Butler Zhang carried Yun Yingzhi back to his room, sat him in a chair, and gently wiped his tears.
Yun Yingzhi looked at Butler Zhang and asked, “Uncle Zhang, why doesn’t Mama like Source Weapon manufacturers?” He paused and added, “Even though Zhizhi’s Second Form is a little bunny, Zhizhi can make many Source Weapons for himself. Zhizhi can manipulate Source Energy, and Zhizhi can become very strong—stronger than Little Sister, waaaaah…” As he spoke, he burst into uncontrollable sobs.
Butler Zhang said, “Zhizhi, Madame is very strict. You see, Madame prefers warriors who possess strong innate talent rather than those who use Source Weapons to boost their strength.”
Yun Yingzhi sobbed and said, “Mama is wrong. Power shouldn’t be ranked. Mama is biased against Source Weapons, uwaaaaah…”
Butler Zhang gently patted Yun Yingzhi’s back and said, “Be good, Zhizhi. You have to understand Madame. The Yun family has always been restricted by Source Weapons. The Source Weapon Association and the Military Source Weapon Research Institute always give the Source Weapons they make to the legions led by General Yun last. That’s why Madame dislikes Source Weapons so much.” He let out a heavy sigh.
Yun Yingzhi didn’t fully understand, but he got the general idea: Madame Yun didn’t like Source Weapons, so she didn’t want him to be a manufacturer.
He paused, tears still falling, and grabbed Butler Zhang’s hand. “Then… what about Papa? Does Papa think the same as Mama?”
“…” Butler Zhang remained silent.
“If Zhizhi becomes a manufacturer, a very impressive one, will Papa be happy?” Yun Yingzhi asked again.
Butler Zhang sighed. “If Zhizhi can become a very impressive manufacturer—and I mean exceptionally impressive—then the General might be happy.”
Yun Yingzhi wiped the tears from his cheeks with his sleeve, stopped crying, and fell into thought.
He realized that, as things stood, neither his father nor mother would like him.
Yun Yingzhi thought about it, and his mental state collapsed again. He let out a “Waaaah” and cried. Butler Zhang comforted him for a long time.
After this experience, there was a moment when Yun Yingzhi wanted to give up on manufacturing. He felt that no matter how hard he worked, as long as he couldn’t meet their requirements in terms of innate talent, they wouldn’t like him.
However, he didn’t want to stay in the somber atmosphere of the Yun family forever.
Huai Boshe, who was always visiting the Yun family, made him feel suffocated, and he didn’t want to see his sister, Yun Yingyao, who was so different from him and so well-loved. So, he still packed his small backpack every day and went diligently to Alvin’s workshop with the family driver.
After the Mental Power talent test, Alvin began to teach Yun Yingzhi how to manufacture Source Weapons in earnest.
Yun Yingzhi was listless and wanted to give up many times, but then he thought of his brother, Yun Yinghui, who had sent him to Alvin.
He thought: if his father and mother didn’t like him, it was fine—his brother loved him.
Hmph!
If his father and mother didn’t love him, then he wouldn’t love them either! From now on, he only needed one person: his brother, Yun Yinghui.
Young Yun Yingzhi thought: he was ordinary in every field, useless at everything, and possessed a first-rate ability for destruction even at a young age. According to Teacher Alvin, because of him, Yun Yinghui was already on the path of “selling himself” to pay back the debts.
Of course, he didn’t know what “selling himself” meant. It just sounded like working very hard, constantly doing missions to earn money.
At that time, Yun Yingzhi thought: he must become the most powerful Source Weapon manufacturer to repay his brother’s love.
Yun Yingzhi braced himself and continued learning Source Weapon manufacturing.
Fense Academy opened once a month.
Once a month, when Yun Yinghui returned home from Fense Academy, Yun Yingzhi would wait longingly at the door.
Like Yun Yingzhi, Yun Yingyao would also wait at the door for Yun Yinghui.
Yun Yingzhi looked at Yun Yingyao with hostile eyes, deeply worried that his sister would steal his brother’s affection.
Yun Yingyao glared back at Yun Yingzhi; she also wanted a hug from her big brother.
The two children, only a year apart, waited expectantly at the door for Yun Yinghui.
Finally, Yun Yinghui returned.
The moment the door opened, both children rushed toward him.
Yun Yinghui looked down at the two children gazing up at him, his brow furrowing slightly.
Yun Yingzhi’s eyes were filled with fear and insecurity, while Yun Yingyao’s eyes were full of expectation.
Ultimately, Yun Yinghui picked up Yun Yingzhi.
Yun Yingzhi wrapped his arms tightly around Yun Yinghui’s neck, planting wet kisses all over his face.
Yun Yingyao stomped her foot and said unhappily, “Big Brother only likes Zhizhi. Brother, why don’t you look at Yao Yao?”
Yun Yinghui touched Yun Yingyao’s hair and said softly, “Brother likes Yao Yao too.”
Hearing this, Yun Yingzhi tightened his grip on Yun Yinghui’s neck.
Yun Yinghui sensitively noticed Yun Yingzhi’s emotions and kissed his cheek to comfort him.
Yun Yingyao became even angrier. “But Big Brother only holds Zhizhi and only kisses Zhizhi! Why doesn’t Big Brother hold me or kiss me?” she accused.
“Because Yao Yao is a girl, and Zhizhi is a boy. So Brother can’t be too intimate with Yao Yao, and Yao Yao shouldn’t be too intimate with other boys either, understand?” Yun Yinghui educated her gently.
Yun Yingzhi pouted.
Yun Yinghui tapped Yun Yingzhi’s forehead lightly, his gaze full of doting.
Yun Yingzhi pressed his face against Yun Yinghui’s, thinking: Papa belongs to Big Brother, Mama belongs to Little Sister, and Big Brother is his!
His!
His!
Yun Yingzhi also thought: his father and mother didn’t love him, but it didn’t matter. His brother loved him. His brother could be his father, mother, and brother all in one.
His amazing brother could play all three roles!
That night, Yun Yingzhi, wearing his pajamas and holding his small pillow, trotted over and knocked on Yun Yinghui’s door.
A voice as clear and cold as snow came from inside: “Come in.”
Yun Yingzhi walked into Yun Yinghui’s room with cheerful steps.
When Yun Yinghui saw Yun Yingzhi, his cold expression—like Madame Yun’s—melted into a gentle one. He opened his arms to the little guy, inviting him for a hug.
Yun Yingzhi tossed his pillow onto the large bed and lunged into Yun Yinghui’s arms. “Brother, Zhizhi wants to become the most powerful Source Weapon manufacturer! Zhizhi also wants to be the strongest Source Weapon warrior. Zhizhi wants to be Brother’s copper wall and iron bastion!”
Yun Yinghui paused, then pinched Yun Yingzhi’s nose. “Not a copper wall and iron bastion, but a right-hand man.”
Yun Yingzhi tilted his chin up proudly, though no one knew exactly what he was proud of.
“Then Zhizhi and Brother have a pact: Zhizhi will become the strongest manufacturer and be Brother’s right-hand man,” Yun Yinghui said.
Yun Yingzhi added, “And Zhizhi will also be the strongest Source Weapon warrior!”
Yun Yinghui paused and said, “But, Brother doesn’t want Zhizhi to be a warrior.”
“Eh?” Yun Yingzhi didn’t understand.
“Because if Zhizhi becomes a warrior, you might face many battles. Brother doesn’t want Zhizhi to face any danger.” Yun Yinghui gently combed through Yun Yingzhi’s hair.
Yun Yingzhi thought about it. With large, tear-filled eyes, he looked at Yun Yinghui and said in a cloying voice, “Brother!”
Yun Yinghui: “Mhm.”
Yun Yingzhi: “Zhizhi loves you!”
Yun Yinghui: “Brother loves Zhizhi too.”
Yun Yingzhi: “Papa!”
“…” Yun Yinghui froze for a moment. “…What?”
Yun Yingzhi cupped Yun Yinghui’s face with both hands. “Brother is Zhizhi’s brother and also Zhizhi’s papa!”
Yun Yinghui thought children’s logic moved very fast. He paused and responded, “Mhm.”
Yun Yingzhi: “Mama!”
“…” So, the current count was brother, father, and now he was adding the role of mother as well? Yun Yinghui felt that the role of “male mother” was quite unnecessary.
He just thought that when the little guy in his arms called out again in a sweet voice: “Mama!” His large eyes were full of expectation.
Yun Yinghui’s eyelid twitched. After a moment of silence, he said, “…Be good, Zhizhi.”
Yun Yingzhi’s eyes immediately curved into crescent moons, his deep dimples showing. He pressed his forehead against Yun Yinghui’s and made a serious vow: “For Brother—for Brother who is Zhizhi’s papa and mama too—Zhizhi must become the absolute most powerful Source Weapon manufacturer!”
Yun Yinghui: “Our Zhizhi is truly amazing.”
Yun Yingzhi smiled until his eyes were curved.
He felt that he was useless at everything else and lacked innate talent, but in this one area, he had decent skill in Source Weapon manufacturing.
At the very least, Teacher Alvin told him that not every child could reach the level where Yun Yinghui had to “sell himself” just to afford the materials.
According to Teacher Alvin’s words, he was quite awesome in this regard!
Author’s Note:
Zhizhi looks at his friends proudly.
Zhizhi: Zhizhi has two papas! And two mamas!
Friend 1: Wow! Two papas? One is General Yun, so who is the other?
Zhizhi pauses and says seriously: Yun Yinghui Papa.
Friend 2: Wow! What about the other mama?
Zhizhi: …
After a moment of silence, the toddler’s voice is firm and resolute as he answers: Yun Yinghui Mama.
Friend 3: Why does it feel like your other papa and mama have the same name?
Friend 4: Wait, Zhizhi, isn’t Yun Yinghui your brother?
Zhizhi tilts his small chin up: Yup! Brother is Zhizhi’s papa, mama, and brother all at once!
Yun Yinghui, who finally has time to pick his brother up from school: …………
He wonders if it’s his imagination, but the children’s gazes today seem a bit strange?
When Zhizhi waves goodbye to his friends—
Friend 1: “Goodbye! Zhizhi’s Papa!”
Friend 2: “Goodbye! Zhizhi’s Mama!”
Yun Yinghui: “…”
Translator’s Note:
- Male Mother (男媽媽): This is a humorous term in C-novels/fandoms. It refers to a male character who is extremely nurturing, caring, and domestic—essentially taking on the “mother” role in a relationship or family dynamic. You’ll see this come up with Zhizhi’s brother!
- Copper Wall and Iron Bastion (銅牆鐵壁): An idiom meaning an impenetrable defense. Poor little Zhizhi got it mixed up with “right-hand man.”
- A little note from me: This chapter shows just how much Zhizhi adores his brother. Yun Yinghui is basically his entire world since his parents are so cold. And that author’s note? Absolutely precious.
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