Wait… My Baby Is Mo Li?!

Mo Xiangtian stared at the screen filled with message notifications, frozen in place, unable to process what he was seeing.

Why were the messages he sent to Mr. Mo Li appearing on his precious son’s personal terminal?

Was his son Mo Li?

That couldn’t be!

He remembered once, after he had sent Mr. Mo Li many photos of the little brat, Mr. Mo Li had blocked him. It had taken nearly a month before he was unblocked. After that, Mo Xiangtian didn’t dare spam Mo Li anymore.

But perhaps because Mr. Mo Li and Mo Bai looked so similar, whenever Mo Xiangtian watched videos of Mo Li singing, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of closeness. So he still occasionally sent Mr. Mo Li photos of his son.

Mr. Mo Li’s replies, however, were always cool and indifferent.

For example—
He’d send: ‘Look at my baby. His eyelashes are so long and beautiful.’
Mo Li would reply: ‘Beauty can’t be eaten.’

He’d send: ‘Look! The baby is watching TV hugging a doll. So cute!’
Mo Li would reply: ‘Go to work. Don’t slack off.’

He’d send: ‘Mr. Mo, though I’ve asked many times, I can’t help asking again—you really look just like my son…’
Mo Li would reply: ‘Many people want to be my father. You’re the only one with such a unique reason.’

At the time, Mo Xiangtian thought that although Mr. Mo Li looked like his precious baby, their personalities were completely different. Mo Li was cool and didn’t like small talk. Plus, he was very mysterious, giving off the vibe of a big shot.

In contrast, his little Mo Bai was adorable and cute, with a soft, milky voice. Though occasionally a bit mature, he had none of Mo Li’s coolness!

But now!

Mo Xiangtian’s hand, holding the terminal, trembled slightly.

He wanted to open the messages, scroll up, and personally verify whether the owner of this terminal was really Mo Li. But he couldn’t bring himself to tap the screen.

Just as he hesitated, Mo Bai’s terminal let out another ‘ding.’

A new message.

Mo Xiangtian looked down.

StarBlog notification:
[Wen Zhaoyan: Mo Li, I’ve finished the little brat’s training plan. Should I send it to you?]

Mo Xiangtian: “…”

His last shred of hope was shattered.

Wen Zhaoyan’s ‘Mo Li’ was the same Mr. Mo Li he knew.

And both of their messages were being sent to his son Mo Bai’s terminal.

Mo Xiangtian recalled that face so similar to his son’s. He had always thought Mo Li looked like Mo Bai. Once Mo Bai grew up, wouldn’t he look exactly like Mo Li?

What was going on? How had Mo Li become his son Mo Bai?

Wasn’t Mo Li a big shot? Someone with powerful soothing abilities, whose singing became soothing anthems, who could teach mermaids to enhance their abilities. A big shot that countless hackers had tried and failed to uncover!

Just then, the sound of water stopped in the bathroom.

Mo Bai had finished his bath.

Mo Xiangtian’s heart lurched. He glanced at the terminal. Fortunately, he hadn’t opened the message thread. The latest notifications were just floating previews. As long as he didn’t open the thread, they wouldn’t show as ‘read.’

Instinctively, he quickly put the terminal back on the bed.

No sooner had he set it down than Mo Bai came out.

He was already wearing the monster outfit. His fair little face was slightly flushed from the steam, his big eyes still moist. The hat had two large horns, like bull horns, with a scary face painted between them.

But when Mo Bai pulled up the hood, the scary monster face somehow became less frightening, creating a huge contrast with Mo Bai’s delicate, rosy little face.

On his arms were the furry tentacles characteristic of Uruk Civilization monsters. The more tentacles, the stronger the monster. And now, little Mo Bai had four.

Seeing Mo Xiangtian staring at him, Mo Bai’s eyes held a hint of disdain and helplessness, but he still asked, “Doesn’t it look good?”

Mo Xiangtian instinctively said, “Very cute!”

But this adorable child didn’t look anything like Mo Li!

Hesitating, Mo Xiangtian wanted to ask what was going on, but the words stuck in his throat.

Mo Bai turned around, showing his back. On his bottom was a small dinosaur-like tail. As he turned, the tail swayed, so cute it made you want to touch it.

Thinking that, Mo Xiangtian reached out.

Mo Bai: “…”

Mo Bai put on a stern face. “Don’t touch. Help me zip up.”

His arms were chubby, and he couldn’t reach behind to zip it himself.

“Oh, oh.” Mo Xiangtian quickly withdrew his hand, zipping him up while sneaking glances at his son’s stern little face.

Well, this expression did look a bit like Mo Li’s…

After zipping up, the little brat still had a sour face, as if wearing this outfit was some kind of sacrifice.

Mo Bai thought to himself, ‘If other gods knew about this, they’d definitely mock me. My divine dignity is gone.’

With a sour face, he was about to ask Mo Xiangtian if they could go out when he turned and saw Mo Xiangtian looking distracted, not happy at all, but worried and lost in thought.

Mo Bai frowned. “Are you unhappy?”

Mo Xiangtian quickly composed himself. “No, no. Today is the baby’s birthday. Daddy is very happy.”

Mo Bai thought, ‘Liar. Your forehead is practically wrinkled into a “river” shape.’

But why was Mo Xiangtian unhappy? Hadn’t he been happy just a moment ago?

After a moment, Mo Bai said, “I’m already wearing this outfit.”

Mo Xiangtian was distracted. “Mm, very cute.”

The man who said ‘very cute’ had a very strained smile.

Mo Bai didn’t speak, just looked at Mo Xiangtian.

Mo Xiangtian snapped back and saw Mo Bai looking at him. His heart softened.

No matter why the little brat had become Mo Li, in front of him now was still his soft, sweet little baby. He shouldn’t make him worry.

Mo Xiangtian quickly said, “Don’t overthink it, baby. Daddy was just… thinking about business.”

“Oh.” Mo Bai didn’t ask further and turned to leave.

Mo Xiangtian didn’t know if the little brat was upset and was about to comfort him when he heard the little brat mutter, “I wore the outfit and he’s still unhappy… Men are so hard to please.”

Mo Xiangtian: “???”

–

In the living room, Mrs. Mo had decorated it warmly and beautifully.

The playground equipment had been temporarily stored away, leaving only Mo Bai’s favorite slide. The ceiling was decorated with macaron-colored balloons arranged into the shape of a monster baby. On the walls, a 360-degree projection showed a romantic ocean world, with all kinds of deep-sea fish swimming around.

Mrs. Mo hadn’t planned a big party, but this birthday was the first real celebration since Mo Bai’s ‘recovery.’ No one would make it less lively.

She had also invited Li Chaoci and Xixi, whom little Mo Bai liked most, hoping to have more opportunities to see her brother. Besides Xixi, the two little mermaids, Little Blue and Little Green, were also there in a large fish tank, whispering with Xixi.

Li Chaoci came, but he was out of place with everyone else. After putting down his gift, he sat alone in a corner, exuding danger.

The butler and guards from the neighboring estate also knew about the little brat’s birthday. The Crown Prince had informed them early on and told them to prepare small gifts. He was very attentive. So they had sent gifts early, piling them up in a corner.

When Mo Bai came out in the monster outfit, he immediately became the center of attention.

Everyone exclaimed, “So cute!” and couldn’t help taking photos and videos, wanting to capture him from every angle.

Even Xixi couldn’t resist coming over, touching the little brat’s head and tail, his eyes envious. “So nice… I kind of want to wear one too…”

Mo Bai thought, ‘Take it! Take it all!’

A beautiful, delicate little mermaid with blue hair, and a soft, milky, adorable little baby—standing together, they were a pleasure to behold. Everyone wanted to freeze the moment, taking photo after photo.

Even Li Chaoci couldn’t resist taking a picture. His precious little nephew was truly adorable, more beautiful than any mermaid… well, that crying, cowardly mermaid was okay too.

Mo Bai put on a stern face and warned, “Don’t post these anywhere!”

“Don’t worry, young master. We absolutely won’t!”

Promising not to, they immediately pixelated Mo Bai’s face and happily posted the pictures on StarBlog.

Seeing their hypocrisy, Mo Bai was numb.

He didn’t understand it. Especially seeing all the monster baby decorations, he wanted to complain. The Empire’s people were both afraid of the Uruk Civilization’s monsters and crazy about using their images for dolls. Which was it—fear or love?

After some fun, the robot butler and Mrs. Mo brought out the food, arranging a large round table.

–

At the neighboring estate, Wen Zhaoyan organized his documents.

Interstellar people rarely used paper documents anymore, but because these were for the little brat, Wen Zhaoyan had made them this way.

He hadn’t received a reply from Mo Li yet, but he had sent him an electronic copy.

Just as he was about to leave for the Mo family villa, the old Marshal called.

Wen Zhaoyan’s eyes flickered with helplessness, as if he already knew what the old Marshal would say.

Sure enough, as soon as the call connected, the old Marshal asked, “Three months have passed. Have you made any progress with Mo Li?”

Ever since his grandson admitted to liking Mo Li, the old Marshal called every few days asking about their progress.

Wen Zhaoyan said expressionlessly, “I’m working on it.”

The old Marshal frowned. “Did you not read what I sent you?”

Wen Zhaoyan said, “Are you referring to ‘The Complete Guide to Interstellar Love’ or ‘The Clever Use of the Thirty-Six Stratagems in Love’?”

“No, the one called ‘The Federation Crown Prince and I: A Baby After the Fact.'”

Wen Zhaoyan: “…”

Seeing him silent, the old Marshal said wistfully, “Will I live to hold a great-grandchild?”

Wen Zhaoyan said, “Yes. I’ll bring one home for you today.”

The old Marshal was shocked. “Today?”

Wen Zhaoyan grunted in acknowledgment.

On the trading planet, Mo Xiangtian had suggested the little brat become his godson. He thought it was a good idea. It would allow him to spoil the little brat with Mo Li, and perhaps feel more justified.

The old Marshal didn’t believe him. “Really?”

Wen Zhaoyan nodded. “He’ll say hello to you tonight.”

He paused, understanding why Mo Xiangtian liked to show off. He couldn’t help but boast about his soon-to-be godson, Mo Bai. “He’s very cute.”

The old Marshal was excited, telling Wen Zhaoyan not to forget, before reluctantly hanging up.

Wen Zhaoyan went to the Mo family villa.

Mrs. Mo invited him to sit. He politely nodded and sat beside Mo Bai. On Mo Bai’s other side was Mo Xiangtian.

Wen Zhaoyan raised an eyebrow. Both sides of the little brat were ‘dads.’ Good.

Mo Xiangtian was distracted, but no one noticed—they were all focused on Mo Bai.

After sitting, Wen Zhaoyan patted Mo Bai’s head. “Happy birthday, little brat.” He gave his gift, then turned to Mo Xiangtian.

Mo Bai accepted the gift—a space button containing a custom-made child’s mecha. He was surprised. Wen Zhaoyan was letting him play with mecha at his age? Wasn’t that a bit bold?

Wen Zhaoyan didn’t notice Mo Bai’s expression. He said to Mo Xiangtian, “Mr. Mo, I’ve decided to accept your previous suggestion.”

Mo Xiangtian, still lost in thought about how his son became Mo Li, was dazed. Hearing this, he asked, “My previous suggestion? What suggestion?”

Wen Zhaoyan looked at Mo Bai, finding him adorable. He couldn’t resist touching the horns on his head.

Mo Bai glared at him and hid his horns, like a cat hiding its tail. “Don’t touch!”

Wen Zhaoyan’s mouth twitched into a faint smile.

Mo Bai held his horns and drank, watching Wen Zhaoyan warily, as if he would leave if he touched again.

Seeing the little brat’s wary expression, Wen Zhaoyan withdrew his hand and continued to Mo Xiangtian, “On the trading planet, you suggested Mo Bai become my godson.”

Mo Bai spit out his drink. “Wh-what?”

What the hell? Become Wen Zhaoyan’s godson?

“Oh, that.” Mo Xiangtian remembered. He had indeed thought of it, but after returning to the sanatorium planet, he forgot due to work. If Wen Zhaoyan hadn’t mentioned it, he would have brought it up again later. After all, it had been his idea.

But the situation was different now. His Mo Bai was very likely Mo Li. And would Mo Li want Wen Zhaoyan as a godfather?

Hesitating, Mo Xiangtian looked at Mo Bai. “Um, why don’t you ask the baby?”

Mo Bai didn’t hesitate. “No.”

Wen Zhaoyan looked down at him. “You don’t want to?”

Of course not! What was wrong with Wen Zhaoyan? First, he wanted to be his uncle-in-law; now he wanted to be his father. Couldn’t he have a sensible idea?

Wen Zhaoyan was silent, as if wondering why the little brat refused.

Mo Xiangtian was also surprised. The little brat was closer to Wen Zhaoyan than to him. Why would he refuse?

Cautiously, he asked, “Baby, are you sure? His Highness is practically family. He and your uncle… ah!”

Mo Xiangtian suddenly realized something.

Wen Zhaoyan liked the little brat’s uncle—the whole family knew that. At first, they thought Wen Zhaoyan liked Li Chaoci. But later, Wen Zhaoyan clarified that he had mistaken Mo Li for the little brat’s uncle. He didn’t like Li Chaoci; he liked the person he thought was Mo Li.

That meant Wen Zhaoyan… liked Mo Bai?!

Mo Xiangtian slammed the table and stood up. “No! I disagree!”

What was this? The baby was still so young! Even if he could become Mo Li, he was still young!

If he let the baby become Wen Zhaoyan’s godson, wouldn’t that be handing him over?

He slammed the table again, glaring at Wen Zhaoyan. “Don’t even think about it!”

Wen Zhaoyan: “…?”

Mo Xiangtian’s outburst confused not only Wen Zhaoyan but everyone else.

Mrs. Mo frowned. “Mo Xiangtian, what’s wrong with you?”

Mo Xiangtian immediately shrunk. Mrs. Mo dragged him away by the ear.

Yelping, Mo Xiangtian shouted back, “Baby, stay away from Wen Zhaoyan! Don’t talk to him! Do you hear me? You’re still young!”

Mo Bai, Wen Zhaoyan: “…”

Everyone murmured that even as the Empire’s richest man, Mo Xiangtian was still afraid of his wife.

Wen Zhaoyan watched Mo Xiangtian being dragged upstairs, then said, “Your father seems to have misunderstood something.”

Mo Bai said, “I listen to my father.”

Wen Zhaoyan didn’t press. The little brat really didn’t want to.

He took out the training plan and put it in front of Mo Bai. “Can you read well?”

Mo Bai nodded.

Wen Zhaoyan lowered his voice. “You have special abilities. Starting training now will make them stronger and more stable.”

Mo Bai flipped through the plan. Wen Zhaoyan had been very careful, designing it for a child’s body, including fun activities that also served as training, some requiring custom programs and real-time monitoring to adjust to his situation.

Mo Bai felt complicated. Wen Zhaoyan must have been working on this for a long time.

A large hand landed on his head—Wen Zhaoyan’s.

A low voice came from above. “If you don’t understand, you can ask me or Mo Li. You’re very talented. You’ll be a powerful person.”

Mo Bai said, “…Mm.”

Wen Zhaoyan rubbed his head. “Didn’t Mo Li come for your birthday?”

Mo Bai looked away guiltily. “Uh, Mo… Brother Mo had something. He couldn’t make it.”

Wen Zhaoyan found it strange. It wasn’t like Mo Li. Given how much he cared about the little brat, even if he were busy, he would prioritize the birthday. Why would he miss it? He had confirmed that Mo Li wasn’t there.

But he didn’t ask further. He stood and left.

As soon as Wen Zhaoyan left, Li Chaoci seized the opportunity to sit beside Mo Bai. Others had wanted to, but with Li Chaoci there, they retreated.

Li Chaoci picked up the plan, glanced at it, and snorted. “What’s the use of this? Slow and boring. If you want to improve, your uncle will take you to actual combat. Fight a few times, and you’ll get stronger.”

Nothing improved strength faster than real combat. A hothouse flower could only fight machines. A real enemy wouldn’t care about your mood.

Mo Bai thought, ‘My uncle isn’t wrong. But right now, my body is a child’s. It needs Wen Zhaoyan’s approach. Different directions.’

Wait. How did his little uncle know about his special ability?

Seeing his surprise, Li Chaoci pinched his cheek. “There’s nothing in the interstellar your uncle doesn’t know.”

Mo Bai said, “Then do you know where Mo Li is?”

Li Chaoci: “…”

Mo Bai blinked innocently.

Li Chaoci narrowed his eyes and flicked the little brat’s tail. “Always teasing your uncle.”

Then he felt a pang of jealousy. Why was the little brat so obedient in front of Wen Zhaoyan?

He wanted to tease the little brat to teach him a lesson, but he couldn’t bring himself to. His hands itched. He looked over at the three little mermaids hiding in the corner. He’d just tease them.

–

After being scolded by Mrs. Mo, Mo Xiangtian returned. He immediately went to Mo Bai. Not seeing Wen Zhaoyan, he sighed with relief and asked, “Baby, you didn’t agree to Wen Zhaoyan, did you?”

Mo Bai said, “No.”

“Good. Stay away from him from now on!”

Mo Bai asked, “Why?”

Mo Xiangtian muttered, “I’m afraid he’ll become a pervert. You’re still young… Just don’t get too close.”

Noticing Mo Xiangtian’s evasive eyes and frown, Mo Bai said, “You were the one who suggested I become his godson.”

Mo Xiangtian was exasperated. “I forgot he likes your other identity! You’re still young! That’s not…”

He caught himself and covered his mouth.

Mo Bai said slowly, “Dad, do you know something?”

Mo Xiangtian held his head. “I don’t know! I don’t know anything! I don’t care who you are. You’re my baby! But you… you must change my nickname!”

Mo Bai looked at him. Mo Xiangtian was like an ostrich, pretending. But he already knew.

Mo Bai’s feelings were complicated. He had worried his parents would see him as a monster. But now…

It seemed changing the nickname was more important?

He sighed, opened his terminal and StarBlog, found Mo Xiangtian’s messages, and paused. A few unread messages. He must have seen them during his bath.

Mo Bai changed the nickname in front of Mo Xiangtian.

Mo Xiangtian peeked. The new nickname was ‘Best Dad in the World.’

His mouth twitched up, but he tried to suppress it. Not forgiven yet!

Mo Bai took Mo Xiangtian upstairs and briefly explained why he had become Mo Li. He said he was from ancient Earth with special abilities, that Mo Bai was his reincarnation. His previous dullness was because his soul was gone. The so-called soothing ability was just his power. He didn’t say more.

He didn’t know if Mo Xiangtian could accept it. He watched for his reaction.

Mo Xiangtian, however, seemed to be imagining something, his eyes red. “You’ve suffered…”

Mo Bai: “?”

“It’s now the year 2222 in the interstellar calendar. The Earth era ended over two thousand years ago. Your soul drifted for so long before reincarnating… It’s my fault. I should have married and had children sooner, so you could have reincarnated earlier.”

Mo Bai: “…”

That wasn’t wrong.

–

Two hours later, Liao Ze, on his way to the sanatorium planet, received a flood of messages from Mo Xiangtian.

[My son and I are destined to be father and son!]
[Hurry up! If you don’t come soon, you’ll miss his monster outfit!]
[You’ll love my baby!]
[Do you have a son? Is he cute? Probably not as cute as mine?]
[…]

Liao Ze took a deep breath, resisting the urge to block him. [Almost there. Another hour. Also, my son isn’t cute. He’s sixty and still unmarried.]

[Mo Xiangtian: True. My son is seven and already has a suitor.]

Liao Ze: ‘Is he serious? That’s illegal!’

Arriving, he went to the Mo family villa, dropped off his gift, and urged Mo Xiangtian to show him the koi.

Mo Xiangtian said, “Don’t rush. You haven’t even seen my son yet.”

Liao Ze thought, fair. It was the child’s birthday. He had heard Mo Xiangtian boast about his son’s cuteness, assuming it was just a father’s bias. But when he saw Mo Bai, he was surprised. What a beautiful child. He had never seen such a cute little brat, even with advanced interstellar cosmetic technology.

His first impression was of beauty and comfort… Why did he feel comfortable?

Mo Xiangtian introduced them. “Uncle Liao came from another planet for your birthday. Say thank you.”

Mo Bai looked at Liao Ze. “Uncle, did you come to see me or the fish?”

Liao Ze’s expression froze. The child’s soft, milky voice somehow carried a hint of force.

His heart skipped. This child, though young, seemed shrewder than his father.

Mo Xiangtian was surprised. “You heard us?”

Mo Bai clasped his hands behind his back. “Yes.”

His father already knew his identity. He wouldn’t pretend in front of him. His father was a bit foolish, but not someone to be ordered around.

Liao Ze quickly apologized. “Don’t be angry, little one. I mean no harm. I just wanted to see if the legendary koi really exists. I was a bit eager. I apologize to you and your father. I was inconsiderate.”

Mo Bai pouted. If he meant any harm, he would have been thrown out. He could tell Liao Ze had no ill intentions. He had ancestral protection, hence his wealth. But lately, his fortunes had declined, and he faced problems. If he only spent and didn’t earn, the money would run out.

“You can see the fish, but they’re in the Crown Prince’s estate. Outsiders can’t easily enter. You’ll have to wait for his permission.”

Liao Ze was surprised. The fish Mo Xiangtian said his son raised were in the Crown Prince’s estate? The Crown Prince’s condition was reportedly bad, with recent deterioration. Even Admiral Kai couldn’t care for Xixi’s shots. If he neglected such a precious mermaid, his condition must be severe. But there had been no news recently. Had it improved? Also, Mo Xiangtian’s son was said to be simple, but this child wasn’t. He seemed smarter than his father. Something must have changed him.

Liao Ze became more eager. Whatever the change, it must be the koi!

He decided to be patient.

Mo Bai messaged Wen Zhaoyan.

[Mo: A man named Liao Ze, from the Liao family, wants to see the fish in your pool.]
[Mo: I checked. He’s the head of the Liao family, one of the four great families.]
[Mo: Don’t let him in without conditions. Use this resource. He’ll agree as long as you don’t push too hard.]

Mo Bai sighed. This was his way of repaying Wen Zhaoyan, who had helped him and the Mo family. Wen Zhaoyan was far better than the Third Prince. Why couldn’t he succeed?

Wen Zhaoyan replied quickly.

[Wen Zhaoyan: Thank you. I’ll remember.]
[Wen Zhaoyan: Are you at the Mo family villa?]

Mo Bai realized his slip. He had just told Wen Zhaoyan that Mo Li couldn’t make it.

He had to bluff.

[Mo: Yes. I just arrived. It’s Mo Bai’s birthday. I couldn’t miss it.]

[Wen Zhaoyan: Wait for me. I’ll come over.]
[Mo: ???]

You already gave the gift! Why are you coming back?

He was using Mo Bai’s body. How could he meet Wen Zhaoyan as his spiritual form? He couldn’t just fall to the ground and let his soul out. His parents would call an ambulance!

He quickly typed: [Didn’t you already come?]

[Wen Zhaoyan: To see you. I have something to tell you.]
[Mo: You can say it now.]

[Wen Zhaoyan: Better in person. It’s about the Mermaid Association. Kai found something.]
[Mo: …]

[Wen Zhaoyan: I’ll be right there.]
[Mo: …]