Chapter 3: Happy Motherhood

A flicker of surprise passed through Duoluosa’s eyes.She struggled, pushing against Liang Lai’s shoulder.But Liang Lai held her tightly, giving her no chance to break free.
‘What does this woman want?’
Duoluosa’s fingers began to crystallize.She raised her small hand above Liang Lai’s head.Her brow furrowed with a sinister glint.But Liang Lai remained oblivious.She even felt the air was a bit chilly.So she hugged the child even tighter.
“Hah… huh?”
Duoluosa froze.
How could someone be so unguarded?Couldn’t she sense the power of the crystals?The things in the underground sanctuary weren’t so naive or easily fooled…Thinking of this, Duoluosa’s eyes darkened.She glanced at Liang Lai’s attire.She must be someone of high rank.Following her… maybe there’d be something to gain.Maybe even good news.
But were all high-ranking people this defenseless?Or was she just pretending, testing her?
Duoluosa grew nervous.She didn’t attack Liang Lai again.
Liang Lai had no idea she’d just escaped danger.She grinned foolishly, thinking she’d done something incredibly virtuous today.
“Oh, God, I’m definitely going to heaven someday.”
As she spoke, she weighed Duoluosa in her arms.
It must be said, Liang Lai’s embrace was warm and soft.Nestled in her arms, Duoluosa inexplicably felt a sense of security and comfort.The feeling made her drowsy.But her vigilance kept her alert, carefully observing her surroundings.
It was evening now.The sanctuary was nearly empty.Bishops, priests, and Inquisition members were busy with their own tasks.Only a few green-robed priests passed by, glancing curiously at them before moving on.
Liang Lai carried Duoluosa back to her residence, the Garden of Purity.
“This is my home.”“And from now on, it’s your home too.”
At the door, Liang Lai set Duoluosa down.She rubbed her sore shoulders.
She looked down and saw Duoluosa’s slightly stunned expression.She thought the child was shocked by the lavish residence.To be honest, Liang Lai had been shocked when she first saw it too.Though she’d lost the right to marry, she’d gained power and wealth.Not a bad trade.
Liang Lai affectionately patted Duoluosa’s head.
“Alright, let’s go inside.”“You’re wearing so little, be careful not to catch a cold.”
After saying this, Liang Lai felt a wave of déjà vu.She always felt she’d enjoy being a mother.Well… it wasn’t so bad.But being called “Mother” or something like that…It made her feel like she was pretending to be a woman while playing mahjong, treating her dazzling but repressed junior like a pet.
Liang Lai’s imagination ran wild.Meanwhile, Duoluosa was still in shock.
She wasn’t stunned by the residence’s luxury.She was shocked that this seemingly naive, trusting person was actually a Saintess!She’d thought Liang Lai was just a nun…
‘Oh my God.’
‘Have I walked into a trap?’
While she pondered, Liang Lai had already taken her hand.They climbed to the second floor.Liang Lai pushed open the bathroom door.
This little Duoluosa looked grimy and must be filthy.If a child was too dirty, they’d easily get sick…A stomachache or fungal infection would be bad.
But…It wasn’t proper for a grown man to bathe a little girl.Should she call the two nuns outside?
Just as Liang Lai stood to get help, Duoluosa grabbed her skirt.
“What are you doing?”
It was the longest sentence she’d said to Liang Lai in hours.
Liang Lai was delighted by the child’s unexpected clinginess.She ruffled Duoluosa’s hair, smiling brightly.
“Oh, I want to give you a bath and change you into new clothes.”“Um… and maybe trim your bangs.”“But, but…”
Liang Lai struggled to explain.“I’m not great at bathing others or cutting bangs…”“So I was going to ask a nun outside to help with that.”
Duoluosa’s frown deepened.
‘Huh?’
Did she look disabled?Did she need help?Did this woman have no brains?
On the surface, though, she spoke softly:“It’s fine, I can wash myself. You go out.”
Liang Lai smiled again.
She wanted to praise her.Kids loved praise—it encouraged them to work harder.Lacking experience with kids, Liang Lai recalled a comment she’d seen on Xiaohongshu.
“Aww, baby, you’re such an amazing baby!”
Duoluosa: “?”
‘This woman… is there really nothing wrong with her brain?’
But Liang Lai was still worried about leaving Duoluosa alone.So she dragged a small stool to the door.She sat with her back to Duoluosa.
“Go ahead and wash. Call me when you’re done.”
Duoluosa silently watched Liang Lai’s back.After ensuring no danger, she slowly undressed.
A strange birthmark marked her body.If Liang Lai saw it, she’d find it eerily familiar.
“Hmm~”
Duoluosa soaked in the warm water, stretching comfortably.
The underground sanctuary had no such warm pool.The water there was always freezing.She’d grown used to it.But now, the warmth around her felt unfamiliar.It made her uneasy.
Liang Lai sat on the stool, propping her head with her hands.She fiddled with her fingers out of boredom.
‘If only I had a phone right now.’
She sighed.
But Duoluosa didn’t keep her waiting long.Twenty minutes later, Liang Lai heard water splashing behind her.Then the sound of a bathrobe being slipped on.
“I’m dressed. You can come over.”
Liang Lai turned and froze for a second.
Duoluosa had trimmed her bangs short.Her small face, once hidden, was now revealed.Her big, wet blue eyes gleamed, fully exposed to Liang Lai.They reminded Liang Lai of a ragdoll cat she’d once raised.
Such an adorable child.
Liang Lai felt a surge of maternal love.
She stood, smiling, and wrapped an arm around Duoluosa’s shoulders with familiarity.Words she’d only imagined spilled out:
“Duoluosa, I’m your family now.”“How about you call me Dad… no, Mom?”
‘Huh?’
‘Huh?!’