MPWATMBC Chapter 76

After the child was born, the cleaning cloth used for the baby was sterilized, and the first bath of the child was given with clean water soaked with a certain dry flower from E69. Then, the baby was wrapped in a soft swaddle and handed over to the young parents. Before the child was born, Auston had absorbed a large amount of theoretical knowledge and even attended training courses. He knew how to hold the baby in a way that would make the little one feel comfortable and not hurt the baby. However, after actually holding the baby, he realized that the theoretical knowledge wasn’t very helpful, because his mind was now blank, and he could only instinctively embrace the little one.

“He’s really small.” The blankness in his mind lasted only briefly. After taking two or three deep breaths, Auston looked down at his precious one: the little face pale with a hint of red, tightly shut eyes, the small mouth wiggling as it tried to reach for the first milk, and the tiny head constantly poking toward his chest… Tuan Tuan was so cute! “It’s a good thing he’s light. When he was in the incubation chamber, I always felt the baby was very big. Why is he so small now? Could it be that he wasn’t fully developed before he came out?”

“Don’t worry, the baby is very healthy.” Ryan sat behind Auston, half-holding him while using one hand to support the baby. Inside the soft swaddle, little Tuan Tuan puckered his mouth, protesting as he couldn’t drink his first milk, letting out a loud cry. If no one gave him food, he was going to flip out! When the baby cried, the two novice dads were a bit panicked. Although Ryan appeared calm, he was still a little confused inside. Hearing the baby cry, he asked a stupid question: “Should we use formula or artificially synthesized breast milk?” He clearly forgot what the instructor had said — artificially synthesized breast milk doesn’t have the same nutritional value as formula, and if possible, formula was still the better choice.

Auston also foolishly responded, “Is breast milk okay? I don’t have any, I can only use the synthetic kind.” He had also forgotten, following Ryan’s line of thinking.

Unable to watch any longer, the grandparents came over and “rescued” the crying Tuan Tuan from the hands of his fathers. Mom Pei Li¹English name sounds Pelly. I’ll go with Chinese name skillfully comforted the baby, while the grandmother stood aside, watching. She was older and knew her arm strength wasn’t enough, afraid she couldn’t hold the baby, so she stood by, feeling very satisfied just watching her great-grandson. The grandmother held the prepared formula, the temperature just right, and after handing it to her daughter-in-law, she softly said, “Feed slowly, you haven’t taken care of a child in a long time.”

“Got it, Mom.” Mom Pei Li sat down on the sofa behind them and began demonstrating how to feed the baby to Ryan and Auston. Ryan and Auston stood by, mimicking the motions by holding the air with both hands. Thanks to the earlier training, the theory quickly turned into practice. By the time the baby was back in Auston’s arms, he no longer felt as confused and helpless as before. That warmth, rising from deep within his heart, had already surrounded him.

In his arms, Tuan Tuan hadn’t opened his eyes yet. His small, pink mouth wrapped around the nipple, sucking the milk with all his might, making little pig-like noises as he ate, his tiny fists clenched near his ears, giving himself strength. Ryan gently touched his son’s little hand and softly said, “He eats so well, just like a little pig.”

“It’s good that he eats well.” Auston hoped the child would eat, sleep, and grow up well. As the thought just arose, he immediately rejected it, wishing instead that the child would forever remain carefree, because when you grow up, there are too many troubles to face.

Seeing Auston’s constantly changing expression, Ryan more or less understood his thoughts. From behind, he gently said in a soft voice, “Let everything happen naturally. Trust yourself. We will give the child an umbrella of protection. When our Tuan Tuan grows up, he will also hold up his own big umbrella.”

“Mm, you’re right.”

The family members around them watched their interaction, looked at little Tuan Tuan, and smiled brightly.

Tuan Tuan was a baby with a loud voice. When he was hungry, needed to pee, or was bored, he would grumble to draw attention. But most of the time, he was still sleeping, growing vigorously in his sleep. The news of the new generation of the Dalton family spread quickly. Those with a bit of political acumen knew how big the family’s victory was in the last struggle. In no time, guests kept arriving at the old family mansion, and people wanting to meet with them, bringing invitations, were non-stop. This family also had the new mecha tycoon Ryan. If one could take advantage of his connections to get some mecha distribution quotas, that would be ideal. So more and more people wanted to visit under the pretext of congratulating them on the birth of their son. In reality, it was “the drunken man’s intention is not in the wine,” aiming at Auston’s power and the resources Ryan held.

Ryan and Auston did not reject people outright. They were not living in a vacuum and had to make use of interpersonal relationships and connections.

In the midst of the coming and going of guests, Tuan Tuan’s full moon arrived. The baby’s full moon celebration was not a grand affair. They invited a few close friends and relatives for a small gathering. The Dalton family’s old mansion had not been this lively in a long, long time. The butler, Bowers, was busy setting everything up, making sure there were no mistakes or oversights. Looking at the current state of the old mansion, the dark gray and black interior remained unchanged, and its calm and restrained atmosphere was still there. However, with the addition of flowers and some cute decorations, the entire house’s heavy atmosphere was swept away. With the arrival of new life, the place was filled with joy and festivity. Every person who came to the old mansion would find it unbelievable — the strict and old-fashioned Dalton family actually had such a bright and lively side!

Tuan Tuan, dressed in a light blue little outfit and wrapped in a soft, bright red swaddle, was the mascot of this banquet, receiving unanimous praise from the guests. The little one, inheriting the strengths of both dads, was truly praiseworthy because he was really exceptional. Looking at his features, the length of his arms and legs, one could not help but wonder which girl or young man would rely on him in the future. After genetic testing, it was confirmed that Tuan Tuan was a little boy with the Y gene sequence.

The full moon banquet was held in a semi-outdoor style, arranged by the lakeside. With the lighting embellishments, the soft glow was like warm winter sunlight — gentle, warm, and not glaring, complementing the satin-like black night. There weren’t many guests, about thirty or so, standing or sitting. Some were chatting, while others were swaying their waists to the music. The atmosphere was harmonious. The menu drafted by Butler Bowers, slightly modified by Ryan and Auston, was presented as irresistible, with hot dishes, cold dishes, desserts, soups, and drinks, ensuring that everyone would eat well and leave content. The gathering among friends and family didn’t stick to formalities, everyone was relaxed. Connor, who had stayed in Capital Star without leaving, even brought along several singers from MM&CC to liven up the event. Others might have thought they were just friends accompanying him, but little did they know, they were his employees.

Ryan, holding the baby, stood in the indoor area of the banquet, surrounded by the pleasant scent of milk. Suddenly, he felt a little movement in the swaddle. The baby’s strong little legs kicked, and he looked at his son’s little face. His small eyebrows were slightly furrowed, as if he was exerting some effort.

Having been personally taking care of his son for a month, Ryan knew that the little guy was currently doing his business. Anyone who gets interrupted while doing their business wouldn’t be happy. Even though the child was small, he still had his dignity. Ryan kept his posture and didn’t disturb his son while he was “handling important business.” He quietly waited until his son’s brows relaxed before changing his diaper, then took the full moon banquet’s main character back to the room and comforted him to sleep.

“Mm, he’s growing up quite well.” Master McAryan walked over with his daughter’s assistance. The loving elderly man looked down at Tuan Tuan, who was “handling important business,” and pinched the little fist. Feeling the little guy’s strong resistance, he wasn’t displeased. Instead, he laughed heartily, “Very good, very good. Just by looking at him, he seems like a strong and smart little guy. When he grows up, he must be taught well. All your skills shouldn’t go to waste.”

“He’s only this small. You can’t tell the future just by looking at him.” Ryan humbly spoke, but didn’t deny Master McAryan’s praise at all. His own child was certainly the best, even if he was just making a mess, he was still the strongest. “He’ll definitely be taught well. He’s the oldest in the family, so he can’t turn out wrong.”

Master McAryan said meaningfully, “Teaching one is teaching, teaching a group is also teaching.”

“Haha, if heaven favors us, Tuan Tuan will have many brothers and sisters.” Ryan knew what Master McAryan was implying. Not long ago, Master McAryan had spoken to him, hoping that he would give a few public lectures at the Imperial Military Mecha Academy. There was no need to talk about profound topics; the goal was simply to teach the children to develop an interest in mechas, how to expand their thinking, and to think deeply. Right now, in mecha research, there was a severe lack of thinking like Ryan’s. Whether in depth or breadth, his way of thinking was undoubtedly the best. But Ryan had declined, and the reason for the rejection was simple: his way of thinking couldn’t be taught. It wouldn’t be right to say that everyone should go live in a black hole for a while, just endure a hundred years of boring solitude, and they too would have an extraordinary way of thinking.

McAryan shook his head helplessly. “Ryan, you know what I mean.”

“Master, you also know my answer.”

“Sigh, Ryan, think about it carefully. Don’t reject me so quickly. Not considering it from the perspective of teaching and benefiting humanity, just from a certain angle, cultivating more followers and having more supporters… don’t you want to have more assistance?”

Master McAryan spoke so clearly, how could Ryan not understand? He himself had survived the complex political struggles and reached the peak; how could he not know the importance of followers? “Master, since you’ve put it that way, let me tell you this: the help from the ivory tower is too immature.” What he didn’t say was that it would take a long time to cultivate them, and he wasn’t willing to wait. He needed more mature strength.

Master McAryan gave Ryan a deep look, his mind rolling with some thoughts, then he helplessly shook his head and smiled, “You…”

Ryan bowed slightly with an apologetic look. “I want to help him as soon as possible, I just hate that I’m still too weak.”

“I know, I know. It’s a good thing for a young person to have such thoughts.” Master McAryan nodded and patted his daughter’s hand, which was linked with his arm. “I’m getting old, and I can’t stay out too long. It’s time to head back.”

“I’ll see you off.”

“No need, no need.” Master McAryan waved his hand.

“It’s the least I can do.” Ryan looked down at Tuan Tuan, whose little eyebrows had relaxed, but his mouth was now pursed, indicating that he was uncomfortable in his soiled diaper and would soon cry to get the adults’ attention. He found his mother, handed Tuan Tuan to her, and mentioned the need to change the diaper. Immediately, Mom Pei Li reached out to feel Tuan Tuan’s little bottom. It was puffed up, with quite a bit in there. Mom Pei Li was about to take Tuan Tuan to change his diaper, and in Grandma’s arms, Tuan Tuan yawned comfortably, smacked his lips, and seemed ready to sleep.

“Just eat and sleep like a fool.” Ryan said, then gave his son’s cute little nose a gentle poke. Even though the little guy was only a month old, his temper wasn’t small. Immediately, he pouted and was about to cry to show his father.

Mom Pei Li gave Ryan a glare. “Don’t tease him. Go see the guests. If Tuan Tuan cries, you’re the one to blame.”

“Now that you have a grandson, you don’t need a son anymore.”

Mom laughed and shook her head. “Competing with your own son, huh?”

Ryan really wanted to pout. Not only had he lost favor with his parents, but he was also about to be pushed to the sidelines by Auston. Thinking about it, he felt a bit miserable. “I’ll stop talking about it. The more I say, the more it’s just tears of bitterness. I’ll go see the Master off.”

“Go ahead, go ahead.” His mother nudged him, “You’re going to disturb Tuan Tuan’s sleep.”

Having lost all his standing at home, Ryan went to see Master McAryan and his daughter off. Watching them leave, he stood by the door for a while before turning and walking back inside. The door slowly closed behind him.

McAryan’s home was in the East District, not far away. The father and daughter strolled back, taking their time. After walking two or three hundred meters, the daughter, who taught at the Imperial Military University, finally couldn’t hold back and spoke, “Dad, that Ryan is too proud of his talent. We only asked him to give a few public lectures at the university, which is his alma mater, yet he’s been making excuses and refuses to agree.”

“Say no more. You don’t know the full story.”

“Dad, I may not know the full story, but I’ve seen him refuse you time and again. I’m not convinced! He may have quick wits and some talent in mecha engineering, but that’s no reason for him to act so arrogantly. Dad, you’re his teacher! How can a disciple repeatedly reject his teacher’s requests? Where’s the respect for the mentor?”

Master McAryan smiled and shook his head, ignoring his daughter’s indignation. “You don’t understand. In name, we are teacher and student, but in terms of ability, I should be calling him teacher.”

“What?!” His daughter found it unbelievable.

McAryan said, “Ryan isn’t just talented; he also has a solid foundation. The knowledge in his mind is a treasure trove we could never fully uncover in a lifetime. You don’t realize, sometimes when I face him, I feel as if I’m standing before Emperor Qin Feng Anderson. Their ways of thinking are so similar. If he had lived in the Emperor’s era, or if the Emperor were alive today, they would undoubtedly be the best of allies. The more I interact with Ryan, the more I feel a sense of fear. Fear of how he’s so young yet so knowledgeable. Fear for my position being overshadowed. Fear that the pinnacle I’ve pursued all my life is one he reaches effortlessly… Sigh, I’m getting old. It’s time for me to step down.”

“Dad, what are you planning to do?”

“Retire. It’s time. I should have retired long ago. I can’t keep holding onto the Mecha Research Institute. There’s no meaning in it anymore.”

“Dad, I disagree.”

Master McAryan turned around, his gaze deep as he looked at his most outstanding child. “Child, I know what you’re thinking. You want to carry the McAryan name even further, to become the next powerful Bromfield.”

Caught out by her father’s words, little McAryan²Daughter’s name is not mentioned and the raw text translates to Little McAryan. I’ll go with this for now, who worked as a professor at the university, turned her head away. But her stubborn nature forced her to face her father again, her expression filled with a desire for power. “Why can’t I?”

“Heh!” Master McAryan let out a soft chuckle, looking steadily at his daughter. “What does our family have besides mechas? Money? High-ranking government officials? Military generals? Do we have any of those things that are essential for a prominent family?”

Little McAryan wasn’t unaware, but she was unwilling to admit it. She turned her head away and muttered, “The Bromfield family doesn’t have those things either.”

“Heh, that’s why their family has always been subordinate, easily discarded. They’ve never recognized their own position,” Master McAryan continued walking towards home, his hands behind his back. After mentioning his retirement, he seemed noticeably lighter, “Our family should focus on academia. Politics, those things, we shouldn’t interfere with. Don’t listen to people flattering you and think you’re impressive. Our family’s foundation is too shallow. Besides me, there’s you. None of your brothers are capable. Once I’m gone, relying solely on you won’t be enough.”

“Dad, I’m not willing to accept that.”

“Haha, it’s good that you’re not willing. Teach your children well. If there were a successor like Ryan, I could die and still laugh.”

The daughter quickly walked a few steps, moving to her father’s side, and took his arm. “Dad, don’t say that.”

“Die?”

“Dad!”

“Ai, my little darling, everyone will die eventually. I’m already very old. My little darling has grown so big.”

The not-so-young little McAryan’s eyes turned red. “Dad, that won’t happen.”

“Haha, alright, alright, dad will live well. Little girl, don’t do anything that will disappoint me.”

“Got it, dad.” The daughter lowered her head, saying with some dejection.

The two figures walked farther and farther away, slowly becoming a part of the night, mingling with the faint fragrance of the wisteria. At the Dalton family mansion, most of the guests had already left. The relatives were the last to go, with Beavis leading his daughter Nana. Just before they were about to leave, he found Auston to express his gratitude. He hadn’t expected to be invited to the child’s full-month banquet. “Auston, thank you.”

Auston, whose life was full and happy, had long forgotten his uncle’s actions at his father’s funeral. That uncle, who had tried to seize everything when he was young, had already died in his heart. The person standing before him now was just a regular relative. He treated him like a regular relative. The only reason he had invited Beavis was because some of his descendants were good, especially Nana, who truly had talent in art. After introducing some masters, many praised her, and she would be a great help to the family. Auston smiled at Beavis. “No need to thank me. Nana has great talent. I’ve said before, any talented family member will receive my support. Nana, study hard. When I contacted your teacher, he kept praising you.”

The quiet girl was taken aback, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She quietly said, “I’ll work hard.”

Upon hearing that his daughter had been praised, Beavis was even more delighted. He looked at his outstanding nephew and regretted how blinded he had been in the past. Suddenly, he bent down. “Auston, I’m sorry.”

Auston stepped aside. “Forget the past, don’t mention it.”

Nana, seeing that there were still people around, quickly grabbed her father’s arm, her face turning pale as she repeatedly apologized to Auston. Auston shook his head and turned to leave. Nana, angry at her father for being so tactless in public, stomped her foot. “Dad, by bowing and apologizing like this in front of everyone, it makes it look like Cousin is bullying us with his power.”

“I—I didn’t mean it that way!” Beavis’s face turned red, and he raised his leg as if to go and explain things to Auston and clarify things with the people around them.

“Dad, forget it. We’ll talk about it privately later.”

“Hmm, Nana really is thoughtful,” Auston whispered softly, acknowledging his daughter’s understanding and maturity.

After the guests had left, the house fell quiet again. After finishing his bath, Ryan came out of the bathroom to find a soft little creature lying in the place on the bed that should have been his. Tuan Tuan had been cleaned up, with a fresh, soft diaper on, and dressed in a pale yellow onesie. The baby lay sprawled on the bed, sound asleep, arms and legs stretched out. He looked so peaceful, enjoying his food and sleep. Ryan couldn’t help but feel a sense of impending danger. With time, Tuan Tuan would grow bigger, perhaps even taking over half the bed entirely—soon enough, the child would be the one to dominate, and Ryan’s cozy spot would be gone!

Auston lay beside their son, propping his head up with his hand, quietly watching the baby sleep. When Ryan stepped out, ready to speak, Auston raised a finger to his lips, signaling for silence. “Shh.”

Ryan：“……” How tragic, how tragic. My son’s taken over, and now I’m just the one left out!!!

Feeling all sorts of wronged, Ryan curled up behind Auston on the bed, clinging to him from behind, resting his chin on Auston’s shoulder as he whispered pitifully, “Look at me…”

“Shh.”

Ryan felt like a giant mess of emotions, his towering form twisted into a little ball as he huddled behind Auston, thinking to himself that he didn’t belong there—he should have been under the bed, not in Auston’s arms.

Suppressing a laugh, Auston carefully turned to stroke Ryan’s head. “Stop it, the baby’s right there. Don’t wake him up.”

Ryan, still pouting, muttered, “You only care about the little one, you don’t even look at the big one.”

Auston hesitated for a moment, a slight flush creeping up his neck. “That’s not true.” He sounded a little defensive.

Ryan lifted his head slightly to kiss Auston, but Auston quickly covered his mouth with his hand. “!!!” It felt like an exclamation mark was about to materialize on his forehead. He really wanted to send Tuan Tuan back into the incubator.

Auston, a little embarrassed, withdrew his hand. In his small moment of shame, he said, “The baby is here.”

Ryan collapsed, silently lying down on the bed. “Oh.”

Auston gently turned around, trying not to disturb the peacefully sleeping baby beside them. He comfortingly patted Ryan’s head, saying, “I’m sorry, I ignored your feelings.”

Ryan ground his teeth, lifted his head, and sealed all of Auston’s apologies with his lips. His hand reached toward Auston’s waist. Since Tuan Tuan came out of the incubator, they hadn’t been intimate in a long time. This was not in line with the physical needs of an adult, healthy man. Auston’s hand, which had been on Ryan’s shoulder, shifted from a rejecting gesture to an embracing one. The atmosphere between the two became more intense, and an adult night was about to unfold.

“Mmm…” Tuan Tuan suddenly let out a small cry, sounding a bit whiny.

Auston’s mind suddenly cleared up. He pushed Ryan aside to check on the baby. Ryan, who had been pushed to the ground unexpectedly, maintained the posture he was in when falling and was now doubting his life.

After calming the baby, Auston quietly crouched by the bedside and looked at Ryan with even more guilt. “I’m sorry.”

Ryan lay flat, expressionless, his eyes empty.

“Ryan.”

Ryan reached out to Auston. Once Auston took his hand, Ryan suddenly exerted force, pulling him down. With a roll, he ended up on top of Auston. He looked at Auston and said, “The bed is for Tuan Tuan now. We’re on the floor. I’m going to do something bad today.”

Auston chuckled softly, stretched out his arm, and wrapped it around Ryan’s neck. “Alright.”