Chapter 54 Punishment
When Wang Chunlan and her group arrived at Jiang Rong's courtyard, they were surprised to find Jiang Xiaoheng and Jiang Hao kneeling against the west wall, the two little ones sobbing. Beside them was a chubby little girl. Moving their gaze upwards, they saw the little fairy standing ramrod straight, every thorn drooping on her body.
Leilei had intended to greet the two children cheerfully, but seeing the situation, she lowered her voice slightly: "Mom, did Uncle Jiang scold Xiaoheng and the others?"
Wang Chunlan smiled slightly: "Is that even a question?"
The two kids had quietly pulled off a daring stunt: they'd secretly kept a mutated tiger under everyone's noses. They were lucky the tiger hadn't harmed them; otherwise, Jiang Rong would have been collecting their corpses.
This is something no parent could tolerate; forcing someone to kneel is the least of their worries.
Seeing the reluctance in Leilei's eyes, Wang Chunlan said gently, "Don't forget what your mother told you before."
Leilei rubbed her hands awkwardly: "I remember... I felt a little sorry for them when I saw them kneeling."
Wang Chunlan carried her medical kit and walked towards the giant, striped tiger: "That's better than collecting their corpses in the future."
Jiang Rong and Guan Shao were squatting beside the tiger, helping to bandage its wounds. Seeing Wang Chunlan enter, Jiang Rong apologized, "I'm so sorry, Sister Chunlan, for making you take time out of your busy schedule to come all this way. Do you think we can save this tiger?"
Wang Chunlan's gaze swept over the tiger, and she said gently, "I'll give it a try first."
Since joining the team of superhumans, Wang Chunlan has gone from being a gynecologist to a general practitioner, and it's not unacceptable for her to work part-time as a veterinarian now.
Leilei's eyes sparkled: "It's a real tiger! It's so big and so fierce!"
The tiger before her was even more imposing than any she had ever seen at the zoo. Two tufts of white fur behind its ears, like large eyes, drew her attention. Leilei rubbed her hands together expectantly, longing to pinch the tiger's big face.
Fearing the tiger might harm people, Jiang Rong and Guan Shao had already restrained it. The enormous tiger lay flat on the operating table pieced together from a tray, completely unconscious, with only its abdomen slowly rising and falling.
After examining her for a while, Wang Chunlan said with a smile, "It can be cured."
Jiang Rong breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you, Sister Chunlan." If the tiger had died in his yard, Jiang Xiaoheng would have been heartbroken.
Wang Chunlan waved her hand: "No need to be so polite." She heard that this tiger and Little Darling had defeated the mutated snake together. If it could really listen to Jiang Xiaoheng and the others, then it could become an asset to the superhuman team.
Jiang Rong sighed, looking exasperated: "This whole thing is a mess..."
Jiang Xiaoheng turned his head, sobbing, to check on Dou Dou, but as soon as he moved, he heard Jiang Rong's voice: "Jiang Xiaoheng, have you forgotten what you promised me?"
Jiang Xiaoheng quickly knelt up, facing the courtyard wall, and tears, uncontrollably, rolled down her cheeks again. "No, I haven't forgotten..."
Before Aunt Chunlan arrived, Jiang Xiaoheng received the worst beating he had ever received since birth. Normally, if he got a small cut on his hand, his father would hold him and soothe him. But today, his father pulled down his pants and slapped his bottom eighteen times—eighteen times! The first slap sent a burning pain down his spine.
Now his buttocks are numb and painful, and even the slightest movement causes him pain.
Jiang Xiaoheng reached out his little hand to wipe away his tears, but as soon as his palm touched the tears, he pulled it back in pain.
Even after spanking him, Dad wasn't satisfied. He snapped off a small twig and started lecturing himself while whipping his own palm. The twig was so thin, so why did it hurt so much when it hit his skin? With each whip, a red welt appeared on his pale palm.
When he was first beaten, Jiang Xiaoheng felt wronged: He had clearly told his father about DouDou's existence before, so why was his father so angry? And DouDou was so badly injured, why didn't his father save DouDou first and instead beat him up first? He admitted that DouDou was bigger than the DouDou in the Meow Meow Team, but it was just as cute and obedient as the DouDou on TV, so why couldn't he keep it?
But what his father said next made him realize how terrible his actions were. The tigers in cartoons and real tigers are two different things. If a tiger bites him, it will hurt a thousand times more than his father's beating. If the tiger eats him, he will never see his father again.
The thought of never seeing his father again made all of Jiang Xiaoheng's grievances disappear. He lowered his head and listened attentively to his father's scolding, still remembering exactly how many mistakes he had made.
His first mistake was being vague. He should have honestly explained to his father who DouDou was. His father isn't a mind reader and might not understand what he meant.
His second mistake was secretly feeding the beans with his older brother. Feeding beans is very dangerous and could potentially hurt them.
His third mistake was that he shouldn't have threatened the little fairy and the little darling. If he hadn't told them not to tell their father, he would have known about DouDou's existence long ago.
His fourth mistake, which was also the main reason he was beaten so badly, was that he shouldn't have used his status to coerce his father.
If he really wants to raise DouDou, he should tell his father early on and ask for his father's consent openly. If his father doesn't agree, he can continue to try, instead of crying and making a fuss to get his father's approval.
Jiang Xiaoheng hung his head in frustration, his eyes red as he looked at Jiang Hao kneeling beside him.
He wasn't the only one who got beaten up because of this.
Jiang Hao got a beating from Uncle Guan for helping him carry dog food to feed Dou Dou. Uncle Guan was strong; one slap and Jiang Hao's bottom turned red. Now, Jiang Hao couldn't even kneel straight; he could only lean to one side to avoid his bottom landing on his thigh.
The little fairy was also punished because she was the one who saw the bean first. Not only did she not tell her father, she even allowed herself to feed the bean. For the next two weeks, the little fairy had no cartoons to watch. This was more painful than killing it; the poor cactus, dejected and resigned, stood by the wall, looking utterly hopeless.
Little Darling wasn't much better off; it was an "accomplice" just like the Fairy. And it even went out to find the little mouse to feed DouDou, so like the Fairy, it wouldn't be able to watch any more cartoons.
Even Lele suffered the consequences, although it was also a victim and couldn't speak. But Dad still accused it of withholding information, and its dog food was cut in half for the next three days…
Because of him, all his friends suffered. Jiang Xiaoheng looked at the dusty cement wall, tears streaming down his face. The more he thought about it, the more wronged and frightened he became, and he couldn't help but cry out, "Waaaaah..."
Jiang Rong glanced helplessly at her son and sighed imperceptibly.
Jiang Rong could tolerate his son's liveliness and innocence on ordinary days, but when it came to matters of life and death, he simply couldn't be lenient. If his son dared to keep a tiger outside today, he might dare to sneak out on his own tomorrow. It wasn't that he couldn't tolerate a tiger, but rather that he was afraid his son would encounter danger, and even more afraid of losing him forever.
Before today, Jiang Rong had never laid a finger on his son. This beating probably ruined his image as a good father in his son's eyes. But as long as his son learns a lesson, he feels it's worth it.
After examining the tiger's body, Wang Chunlan straightened up: "It's just some superficial injuries. This tiger should also be an enhancement type. I feel that its injuries are healing very quickly, and it should be fine soon."
Jiang Rong said gratefully, "Thank you, Sister Chunlan."
Wang Chunlan said gently, "It's only right, Xiao Rong, you don't need to be so polite. But I want to remind you that tigers are not cats, and it might not be so easy to raise one."
Jiang Rong nodded: "I know."
Looking at the large tiger lying there, Leilei couldn't hold back any longer: "Uncle Jiang, can I touch it?"
The tiger was asleep and shouldn't be dangerous. Jiang Rong nodded: "Okay, remember to keep your distance and be careful."
As soon as she finished speaking, Leilei reached out her trembling hand towards the tiger's head. The thick tiger fur was a little rough, but the smooth feel from head to toe was irresistible. The warm, large cat captivated the little girl, and she smiled, her eyes crinkling: "Mommy, I touched the tiger!"
Wang Chunlan was both amused and exasperated: "Do you also want to try raising one?" Kids these days are truly fearless because they're ignorant; they dare to try anything.
The sound of a pickup truck horn came from outside the gate; Chu Qiang and his teammates had arrived. As soon as they entered, Ruan Hanyu exclaimed, "A tiger! It's a real tiger!"
She quickly ran to the tiger's side and asked, "Can I touch it?" Before Jiang Rong could respond, Ruan Hanyu's hand was already on the tiger's belly, her eyes sparkling. "It's so soft!"
Ruan Hanyu used to have a cat at home, but unfortunately, her cat couldn't survive the great crisis. Because of that cat, she cried countless times. Now, seeing such a large golden Shaded dog, this cat lover can no longer control her inner strength.
Jiang Rong: ...
Do most women find it hard to resist felines? Look at Leilei and Ruan Hanyu; they practically want to pounce on the tiger. Seeing them like this, Jiang Rong doesn't know whether to feel sorry for the tiger or for these women who have no sense of danger towards wild animals.
Chu Qiang strolled leisurely to the wall, hands in his pockets. He glanced at the two little ones kneeling as punishment and chuckled, "Serves you right, got a beating, huh? Will you dare to do it again?"
Jiang Xiaoheng looked at Uncle Chu with a pitiful expression, tears streaming down her face: "I won't do it again..."
Chu Qiang nodded in satisfaction: "It's good that you admit your mistakes and correct them. You must remember this next time: you must never do such dangerous things. Do you both understand?"
Jiang Xiaoheng's attitude in admitting his mistake was top-notch. He lowered his head and sniffled, saying, "I heard you clearly."
Jiang Rong looked over and said, "Qiangzi, don't disturb them." Jiang Xiaoheng still has to kneel for more than an hour, and no amount of pleading will work.
Knowing his childhood friend's temper well, Chu Qiang lowered his voice and gave Jiang Xiaoheng a thumbs up: "Good lad, you've really got it."
Before Jiang Rong could explode, Chu Qiang chuckled and left the two. He circled the tiger, and while it slept soundly, he cheekily patted its rear end: "They say you shouldn't touch a tiger's butt, hey, didn't I? By the way, Jiang, what are you going to do with this tiger? Keep it or kill it?"
Jiang Rong's mind was in turmoil: "Let's talk about it later." He had also considered the issue Chunlan had raised. A tiger is not a cat. This tiger can make a hole in the skin of a python, so it would be incredibly easy for it to hurt someone.
If he keeps a tiger as a pet, what if it injures someone in the future? But if he doesn't adopt one, it's not good to have a tiger roaming around the sanctuary. So he plans to take it one step at a time and observe the tiger's behavior before making a decision.
Pan Pan took the opportunity to pet the tiger several times, chuckling, "Is there any need to say more? It's definitely being kept as a pet. If we wanted to kill it, would we need to treat its wounds?"
Chu Qiang suddenly realized: "That's right, I actually overlooked such an important premise."
The team members saw a tiger for the first time. While the tiger was still unconscious, they touched its entire body and then left satisfied, leaving Jiang Rong with a big headache.
*
Jiang Xiaoheng, who had been beaten, went to bed unusually early today. He and Jiang Hao lay face down on their pillows, their eyes still slightly wet. Jiang Rong carefully pulled down her son's pants and saw his bruised and purple buttocks.
Jiang Rong rubbed the pain-relieving and bruise-dispersing ointment into her palm, warmed it with her body heat, and then carefully applied it to her son's bottom. Jiang Xiaoheng wasn't sleeping very peacefully in his dream; the moment her large hand touched his bottom, his two little legs kicked wildly a couple of times.
Jiang Rong coaxed softly, "Xiao Heng, be good, it won't hurt anymore after the medicine is applied." Hearing his father's voice, Jiang Xiao Heng relaxed. He hugged the doll, pressing his fair cheek against it.
Her son's bottom was a little hot, and the subcutaneous bruises looked gruesome. Jiang Rong's eyes showed pity, and she was extra gentle when applying the ointment.
Guan Shao sighed softly, "Feeling the pain?"
Jiang Rong paused for a moment: "Hmm." Although he had hit Jiang Xiaoheng, seeing the marks he had made himself, he felt heavy-hearted and wished those wounds could appear on his own body.
"Spare the rod and spoil the child," Jiang Rong said firmly after a pause. "No matter how much it hurts me, I still have to discipline him." Although many education experts had been advocating for gentleness with children before the crisis, Jiang Rong always felt that a thousand words of admonition were no match for a good beating. She only hoped that Jiang Xiaoheng would learn his lesson after the beating and not put himself in danger again.
After applying the medicine to her son's bottom, Jiang Rong gently held his right hand. His right palm was red and swollen. Jiang Rong lowered her head and gently blew on her son's palm: "Whoosh, it won't hurt anymore."
“Dad…” Jiang Xiaoheng’s voice came.
Jiang Rong responded and looked down to see her son still with his eyes closed, seemingly talking in his sleep. Jiang Xiaoheng softly called "Dad" a few times, his voice filled with endless affection.
Her son didn't resent her for the beating; on the contrary, he remained obedient and well-behaved. Hearing her son's call, Jiang Rong felt a lump in her throat and her eyes reddened.
When Jiang Xiaoheng arrived home, he was less than a month old. Jiang Rong was still a student who knew nothing at the time. After taking on this new life, he clumsily learned how to be a father. He personally changed the baby's first diaper, fed him his first sip of milk, and listened to his babbling until he could utter clear words...
This little guy is an inseparable part of his life.
Jiang Rong finally understood why there were so many unruly children and parents. Once you've invested emotionally, you can't bring yourself to do anything to hurt your child. Parental biases can romanticize a child's behavior, making them think their little one is adorable.
If someone else had beaten Jiang Xiaoheng like this, Jiang Rong would have fought them to the death. But it was he who bore the marks on his son. He was angry, remorseful, and filled with self-blame: "Actually, I'm the one who deserved to be hit today. I protected Xiaoheng too well, letting him not know how dangerous the outside world is. Guan Shao, am I a very irresponsible father?"
Guan Shao placed his hands on Jiang Rong's shoulders and said firmly, "No, you are the most responsible father I have ever met. Xiao Heng is lucky to have a father like you."
After a major crisis, even biological children might be abandoned, let alone adopted children. Jiang Rong not only didn't abandon her child, but also protected him firmly under her wing, something even a biological father wouldn't do.
Guan Shao comforted him, saying, "Don't be sad. Children have to grow up. If you don't let him know the dangers of the world, he will only suffer greatly in the future."
Jiang Rong knew this perfectly well; he was just momentarily blinded by emotion. After calming himself down, he covered his son with a blanket, then went to the other side of the bed to apply medicine to Jiang Hao.
Jiang Hao was sleeping face down, just like Jiang Xiaoheng. Looking at his sleeping face, Jiang Rong couldn't help but turn to look at Guan Shao: "Seriously, is Xiao Hao really not your child?"
If they weren't related, how could they look so alike? Especially those eyes, they're seven or eight parts similar to Guan Shao's.
Guan Shao said slowly, "I do hope he is my child." That way, at least the child will have a blood relative in the world and won't be all alone.
After pulling down Jiang Hao's pants, Jiang Rong gasped, "You went too far."
Guan Shao had a strong hand; with one slap, a complete handprint appeared on Jiang Hao's buttocks. The purplish-blue handprint covered Jiang Hao's buttocks, and it looked painful.
Guan Shao said frankly, "Children always need to be educated; we can't let them make mistakes just because of special circumstances." It was precisely because Jiang Hao had lost his family that Guan Shao dared not be careless. If something happened to Jiang Hao, how could he explain it to his brother?
To be honest, if Jiang Hao were his biological son, Guan Shao would have been even more ruthless.
Jiang Rong took the ointment and applied it to his palm. While waiting for the ointment to melt, he carefully examined Jiang Hao's features: "What a good child." After a period of care, Jiang Hao had become fairer and plumper, looking even more adorable.
Jiang Hao's self-reliance is growing stronger. This afternoon, when Jiang Rong was beating her son, Jiang Hao actually stepped in front of Xiao Heng without hesitation. He hurriedly turned around and offered his own backside to Jiang Rong's slap, even reaching out his hand to take the beating for Jiang Xiao Heng.
Such a sincere and loyal child deserves Jiang Rong's genuine care.
Afraid of waking Jiang Hao, Jiang Rong moved with exceptional gentleness. After applying the medicine, he patted Jiang Hao's head and covered him with a small blanket: "Goodnight."
The moment the door closed, Jiang Hao slowly opened his eyes, which had been somewhat empty before, but now they were full of life.
He slowly raised his hand to touch his head, his scalp tingling and numb, just like the feeling of his grandmother stroking him. Actually, he had already woken up when Uncle Jiang applied the medicine. Listening to Uncle Jiang and Uncle Guan talking softly, Jiang Hao had never felt their voices so clear before.
Hearing Uncle Jiang praise her for being well-behaved and sensible, the corners of her mouth kept turning up.
He really likes Uncle Jiang and little brother Xiao Heng. If Uncle Jiang were his father, how wonderful it would be! Then little brother Xiao Heng would be his own brother.
Jiang Hao reached out and hooked his hand around Jiang Xiaoheng's. He opened his mouth and made two muffled sounds: "Beep beep..."
*
Around 2 a.m., the tiger on the operating table woke up. Before even opening its eyes, it was irritated by the pungent smell of medicine on its body and sneezed several times. The anesthesia had just worn off, and its limbs were somewhat unresponsive. After struggling a few times, it finally managed to roll off the operating table.
After staggering a few steps, the tiger finally found its balance. It began to walk slowly along the wall, its front legs wrapped in thick gauze, which restricted its movement and made it feel very uncomfortable.
The neatly wrapped bandages couldn't withstand the tiger's gnaws; in no time, long strips of gauze appeared on the ground. The tiger stretched its body and began to walk nimbly in the yard.
After walking a few steps, the tiger saw the bloodthirsty vine and the cactus hanging on the courtyard wall. It tilted its head in confusion. Strange, these two used to happily look at a little sign every night, why aren't they looking at it today?
And previously, whenever I appeared, these two creatures would mark out their territory with spikes and vines. Why are they so listless and motionless today?
The atmosphere in the yard was a bit chaotic, but that was no big deal for a tiger raised in a zoo. It quickly caught a few familiar scents—scents belonging to its new keepers.
The zookeepers are rather small, and the food they feed it is delicious, but there isn't enough, so it has to go out hunting to fill its stomach. Lately, it has been wandering around the zookeepers' house, not wanting to get too close to them so quickly.
Yesterday, it was injured in a fight with a snake and, in great pain, instinctively went to find its keeper. Now it seems its choice was right; the keeper not only treated its wounds but also left it food.
After finishing the food that Jiang Rong had specially left, the tiger opened its mouth wide and yawned, then leisurely returned to the tray and lay down.
Jiang Rong quietly lifted the curtain and looked outside: "This tiger... it's a bit shameless." Shouldn't a tiger usually leave as soon as it gets to an unfamiliar place? But this one, after eating, is still clinging to the spot.
It seems that domesticated tigers are much like house cats—they have an unusually big heart. No wonder Jiang Xiaoheng and his friends were able to trick it into coming down the mountain with just a few bags of dog food.
Guan Shao glanced out the window. "Isn't this good?" The tiger helped hunt the python yesterday, and when it was injured, it ran into the yard on its own initiative. Now it has even accepted Jiang Rong's food and is staying in the yard. This proves that it has no ill intentions towards Jiang Rong and the others.
Jiang Rong gasped for breath: "Should we have Zheng Zhanqing come over after dawn? He's not... um..."
Guan Shao kissed Jiang Rong's neck, his fingers tracing patterns on her body: "Okay. But it's not work time now. Since you're awake, shall we continue?"
Jiang Rong twisted his body and shrank back, grabbing Guan Shao's hand and pleading, "It's gone, it's really gone."
Guan Shao gently slid his fingers: "I don't believe it, it's clearly so energetic."
Jiang Rong's eyes reddened and her voice trembled: "No, no..." Stop touching me, it would be really impolite to touch me any further.
The tiger twitched its ears and raised its head, its golden eyes fixed on the nearest window. The curtains behind the window were swaying rhythmically, but the tiger couldn't figure it out even after watching for a while.
It yawned and then obediently lay down.
Author's Note:
DouDou: Hi~ Hi~ Do you remember me?
Little Fairy & Little Darling: If I had known you would make us lose our cartoons, I should have killed you.
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