Pinky Promise

Gu Xun'er is Gu Yuan's only child, and being a daughter, Gu Yuan dotes on her immensely.

After all, one's "little cotton-padded jacket" is to be cherished by oneself—how could he expect others to pamper her?

Because of this overindulgence, Gu Yuan became overly protective, fearing that Gu Xun'er might suffer harm or grievances. As a result, no one in the Gu clan dared to interact with her freely.

Unlike Hun Xiu, who chooses solitude voluntarily, Gu Xun'er's loneliness is a consequence of her father's excessive care.

Recently, Gu Yuan realized this issue and decided to take the opportunity to send Gu Xun'er to the Xiao family as an "undercover agent." Of course, the Tushe Ancient Emperor Jade is part of the plan, but the primary reason is that Gu Yuan hopes Gu Xun'er can experience a joyful childhood.

However, Gu Yuan was unaware that Gu Xun'er had no desire to go to the Xiao family. She only wanted to stay with her brother, Hun Xiu.

While everyone in the Gu clan kept their distance from her, Hun Xiu was the only one who willingly played with her.

In particular, two years ago, Hunxiu allowed her to ride on his back like a toy horse just to make her happy. This act left a deep impression on her young heart.

No one else in the Soul Clan would play with her, yet this older brother not only accompanied her but also humored her as a "toy horse."

As for the reason why Hun Xiu played this role to subside her tears, Gu Xun'er subconsciously ignored it.

To her, the beginning of the story didn't matter. What truly mattered was the outcome and the process.

"Really?"

The little girl stopped crying immediately upon hearing Hun Xiu's promise. She blinked her large, tear-filled eyes and looked at him with cautious hope.

Her gaze was adorable beyond measure.

"Of course. Brother Hun Xiu will never let Xun'er become an undercover agent," Hun Xiu assured her as he gently rubbed her head.

Would he simply watch her get pushed into such a situation? Absolutely not.

If he hadn't known about the plan, it might have been different. But now that he was aware, there was no way he would allow it.

"But… Father..."

Though happy for a moment, the little girl's joy quickly faded. She realized her father's decision might override Hun Xiu's assurance.

Her eyes filled with tears again, her sadness evident.

Hun Xiu quickly noticed her distress. Before she could even finish her sentence, he interrupted, saying, "Don't worry. I'll speak with Father-in-law."

"Really?"

Hearing this, the little girl sobbed but nodded her head cutely.

Hun Xiu gently wiped away her tears with his hand and said, "Xun'er, don't cry. Leave everything to Brother Hun Xiu. As long as Xun'er doesn't want to do something, no one can force her."

"Really?"

The little girl nodded again, sobbing softly.

---

Suddenly, she burst into tears again, crying even more pitifully than before, catching Hun Xiu completely off guard.

What had happened?

Everything seemed fine just a moment ago—why was she suddenly crying again?

"Xun'er, what's wrong?"

Hun Xiu, bewildered, quickly changed his tone, adopting a soft and apologetic one. "Xun'er, it's my fault. Please don't cry."

In his previous life, Hun Xiu had little interaction with girls due to being an introverted home boy. Now, faced with a crying child, he felt entirely at a loss.

Still, although inexperienced, Hunxiu was no fool.

When a girl cries, apologizing—whether you are right or wrong—is always the safest move.

So, he apologized without hesitation.

"It's okay now. Please don't cry, or you'll turn into a big tabby cat—and that wouldn't look good."

The fear of becoming unattractive was a critical weak spot for girls.

Sure enough, Hun Xiu's words immediately stopped her tears. Sobering up, she looked at him with wide, curious eyes.

"But… if you tell Father, he'll know it was me who said something. He'll blame me," she said, her face full of grievance.

Hun Xiu instantly understood why she had started crying again. He couldn't help but praise her intelligence in his heart.

What a clever little girl. At her age, he could barely manage more than playing in the mud.

He smiled gently and reassured her, "Don't worry, Xun'er. Brother Hun Xiu has his own ways. No one will know it was you, and I won't let you become an undercover agent."

"Come, let's make a pinky promise…"

"What's a pinky promise?"

The little girl tilted her head in confusion.

Hunxiu realized that this world likely didn't have the concept of pinky promises. Nonetheless, he patiently taught her the gesture.

Finally, Gu Xun'er learned how to make a pinky promise.

"Now, we'll promise each other and keep it for a hundred years. Whoever breaks the promise will become a puppy…"

---

Later That Night.

Hun Xiu arrived at Hun Tian Di's study room to address the matter.

In the study room, Hun Tian Di glanced at him and snorted coldly. "What brings you here?"

The tone was laced with dissatisfaction.

Hun Xiu felt perplexed. When had he offended his father?

Had he done something wrong without realizing it?

(TL/N: Yessur.....)