The love between parent and child is universal—even animals are no exception. The strange bird finally stopped, but its two eyes still glared fiercely at the young man who had stolen its child. Henry Linton felt a huge sense of relief, but as soon as he remembered he had no food, his expression darkened. Seeing the huge creature eyeing him like a tiger watching its prey, he didn’t dare even think about those four chicks, especially since the little ones were quite attached to him. The thought that he had originally planned to eat them sent a chill down Henry Linton’s spine.

Using what he thought was the gentlest motion, Henry Linton carefully picked up one of the chicks and tentatively stood up. Sure enough, the strange bird only hesitated for a moment and didn’t attack. This made Henry Linton a bit pleased; he didn’t care at all about the other three little ones bouncing and jumping on him, and walked straight up to the strange bird, pointed at his own mouth, and made an eating gesture. At this moment, he was just like a child who had succeeded in a mischievous trick.

A huge bird was gliding through the sky, searching for possible prey on the ground. The thunder roc was also a rare beast; after the female laid eggs, she would leave immediately, and the male would be responsible for raising the chicks. That’s why it was always merciless to anyone coveting its treasures. But now, it actually had to obey a human because its children had fallen into human hands. Every time it thought of that hateful boy, the thunder roc couldn’t help but want to grab and kill him. But its precious babies clung to that person and wouldn’t let go, leaving it with no solution. Although it was reluctant, the king of the skies didn’t earn its title for nothing. Its sharp eyes noticed a dark shadow on the ground and immediately dove down.

A bloody lump was thrown at Henry Linton’s feet. Although it looked a bit gruesome, to him, it was undoubtedly the most wonderful thing—a wild rabbit weighing at least three or four jin! Overjoyed, Henry Linton rushed forward, grabbed the rabbit, looked it over from left to right, and finally nodded in satisfaction. He was about to take his prize home when a dark shadow blocked his way, showing no intention of letting him pass. Henry Linton was stunned for a moment, then immediately understood what the strange bird wanted. But looking at the little one bouncing around on him, he really couldn’t think of a way to smoothly hand them over to the huge creature.

Shaking his head helplessly, Henry Linton clumsily made a few awkward gestures, as if to explain to the strange bird that he had no way either, and it would have to get its children back itself. This time, the thunder roc was not polite. With a flap of its wings, a strong gust of wind knocked Henry Linton to the ground, and the four chicks were blown off him, tumbling in all directions. Seizing the opportunity, the thunder roc spread its wings and gathered its four little treasures into its embrace, hesitated for a moment as it glanced at Henry Linton lying on the ground, but decided to spare this strange human—after all, its babies seemed to like him.

Henry Linton watched the strange bird leave, both amused and exasperated, and finally let out a long sigh of relief. Somehow, ever since he had changed into this body, his previously gloomy mood had become much brighter. In the past, he would never have had the courage to deal with such a monster. Thinking of how he had tangled with it for so long, and the prize at his side, he couldn’t help but cheer, grabbing his catch and running down the mountain as fast as he could.

From the moment her son rushed out, Charles King had been standing at the door, waiting anxiously. Her husband’s leg injury had already plunged the family into hardship; she really couldn’t bear to see her son follow in his father’s footsteps. But when she met her husband’s resolute gaze, she had no choice but to give in—after all, the man was still the head of the household. Henry Linton was still a child, but now he was the pillar of the family; she couldn’t protect him like a mother hen shielding her chicks. As she thought about this, tears streamed down her face.

“Why are you crying? Look, our son is already back!” A pair of broad, strong arms pulled her into an embrace, and she immediately realized—who else could it be but her husband? But his words brought a smile to her face, and in the distance, their son’s figure grew clearer and clearer.

“Dad, Mom, look—what’s this?” Henry Linton held up the rabbit like a treasure. “Today we can really give Dad a good meal!”

“Look how happy you are!” Charles King half-scolded, half-concerned. “Look, your hands and feet are all scraped up. Why work so hard? If it really comes to it, I’ll swallow my pride and borrow a little from the neighbors, can’t I?”

“Henry Linton, your mother is wrong. The other families in the village aren’t doing well either. If we can avoid troubling others, we shouldn’t ask for help. That’s the principle of being a person, do you understand?” Samuel Linton’s face was unusually serious. “But, to catch such a fat wild rabbit—my son’s got some real skill!”

Henry Linton’s face flushed bright red. How could he admit that he’d just used a bit of trickery?

Chapter Four: Shocking News

The family enjoyed a rare meal and warmth together. Henry Linton looked at his parents’ satisfied smiles and felt his once-icy heart melt—this was a real home. No grand houses, no silks and satins, no rare delicacies or fine wine, just pure, untainted family affection. Even if they were a bit poor, he could accept it. He’d seen enough of the scheming among the rich and powerful; this kind of ordinary happiness was something he could only long for.