The entrance of the Ancient Castle was adorned with a huge crystal chandelier; the crystals refracted colorful rays of light that shone onto the walls as if dazzling wallpaper had been applied.
In the middle stood a massive table, its surface not made of wood but of a dark green color, an entire slab of black chicken breed jadeite raw stone, with floating blossoms and a cotton-like texture, as if the whole night sky was contained within the table.
The tap-tap sound of footsteps arose as a person descended from the staircase.
The newcomer’s meticulously combed white hair was tied in a small braid at the back; at first glance, one might think he was a person of power from the whole dynasty.
His face was smooth and beardless, marked with the frost and slight wrinkles of age, with deep-set yet upturned auspicious phoenix eyes, and lips that seemed always slightly curled into a smile. He looked approachable, yet the overly formal attire of his Zhongshan suit made one look on with a sense of awe.
Under the dark-colored Zhongshan suit, he wore a white shirt with an eagle-headed badge at the collar, the beak of the eagle gleaming with a cold light under the refraction of the light.
"Head!" Seventh Team Captain, Mo Haihao, Xiangxiang immediately stood up straight, saluted militarily, and shouted in unison.
Shen Cang’s auspicious phoenix eyes were deep and seemed to be smiling, "You’ve worked hard. Where’s the main force?"
Seventh Team Captain answered with a stiff face, "We brought the children back first; the others haven’t returned from the field yet."
Shen Cang nodded in understanding and his gaze fell on the two children, asking, "Are these our two new colleagues?"
Mo Haihao hastily introduced, "This is Tao Ti, this is Hua Jinyan."
"Little Taotie, I’ve seen your program. Your Nezha Dance was very good." Shen Cang reached into his pocket and, surprisingly, pulled out two candies, handing one to Little Taotie as a gift upon meeting.
Little Taotie looked up at him, blinked, bowed his head, and rubbed his eyes hard. When he looked up again, his eyes were full of confusion.
What is that on Grandpa’s head?
It was dim and vague, like wearing a cap that obscured everything, yet there clearly wasn’t a cap to be seen!
A large hand suddenly grasped the small one; Little Taotie looked up in puzzlement.
Shen Cang chuckled lightly, "Your hands are full of bacteria; don’t rub your eyes."
He stuffed the candy into Little Taotie’s hand, released it, and then turned to look at Hua Jinyan.
Hua Jinyan met his gaze with composure, betraying a maturity beyond his years.
Shen Cang offered the candy in his hand.
Hua Jinyan glanced at Little Taotie, who had already unwrapped and eaten the candy.
Hua Jinyan accepted the candy without eating it, instead slipping it into his pocket, intending to give it to Little Taotie later.
Seventh Team Captain rubbed his hands and said with a sheepish smile, "The children were frightened; may I use your refrigerator to make something delicious to calm them?"
Shen Cang’s brows rose slightly; he nodded his head.
With permission granted, Seventh Team Captain dashed upstairs like the wind, as if fearing that in the next second the Head might change his mind.
Shen Cang turned his gaze to the wolf, which had been keeping its head low, not daring to look up, since entering.
Big White Wolf felt the weighty gaze upon his body, almost tangible, which made him tremble uncontrollably.
Little Taotie wrapped his arms around Big White Wolf’s neck, affectionately nuzzling him, "Puppy, why are you trembling?"
Big White Wolf lay down on the ground, as if to show submission to the owner of that gaze.
Lying comfortably on Big White Wolf’s back, Little Taotie said in his babyish voice, "Puppy, we’ll have something tasty soon!"
Shen Cang took two steps forward, his shadow enveloping both child and wolf.
Big White Wolf trembled even more violently.
Little Taotie looked up and smiled sweetly, "Grandpa, are you hungry too?"
Shen Cang’s originally stern face softened slightly as he corrected, "You should call me ’Head,’ just like the others."