Chapter 117
Extra 3: Big Snowball Raises Little A-Ran
【 Reading Guide】【This fantasy extra is a follow-up to Big Snowball meeting Little A-Ran in the future timeline of the main story】
Since the global release of “Doomsday,” An Xun, the protagonist who should have been in the spotlight, had completely disappeared, not even attending any award ceremonies, including the Laurel Awards.
Even Ma Sai, the director, could only say in front of reporters that An Xun seemed to have his own career considerations.
For a time, news about An Xun’s whereabouts became the most talked about topic among countless fans.
However, the truth was that after An Xun officially graduated from S University as an ordinary student, even his last remaining contact information disappeared.
Some said that it was because this young and famous actor felt that there were no more challenges in the film industry, so he decided to retire at the peak of his career.
There were also rumors that An Xun was hiding a huge secret, and a certain transnational government organization had been investigating him for many years, forcing him to leave.
Some even felt that this was related to the strange deaths of An Xun’s parents and the tragic fate of his agent, perhaps it was because of a huge scandal that this superstar chose to retire.
But no matter what the speculation, An Xun never appeared in public again.
And at this time, in a coffee shop at the foot of a snow mountain in a foreign country, Fu Changtao couldn’t help but laugh seeing the entertainment news being broadcast on TV.
“An, look, they’re talking about you again. But this reporter has some inside information, they actually dug up your private doctor from back then.”
Since An Xun gave up on that radical plan at the last minute, although Fu Changtao didn’t understand why, he was still relieved and unconditionally supported his friend’s choice.
Strangely, after that, the condition of all the mutated demons gradually improved, and there were no more berserk incidents, even An Xun’s ear had completely recovered.
However, one of Fu Changtao’s hobbies was still reading various speculations and reports about An Xun, even though An Xun had already disappeared for so many years.
After this private doctor was exposed, the matter of An Xun’s ear problem once again caused a stir.
Many fans said they didn’t believe that An Xun couldn’t hear with one ear because no one had ever noticed anything unusual in his films and TV works.
But some paparazzi said that after zooming in on many photos, An Xun did often wear a hearing aid-like accessory on his ear in private.
“Tsk, this is truly heartbreaking for fans, they all think that you chose to retire because of the secrets and pressure you were carrying, haha.”
Fu Changtao chuckled while drinking his coffee.
What An Xun was carrying back then was far more than this, just the investigation from the Monitoring Bureau was already unbearable for ordinary people.
An Xun, carrying his equipment and walking downstairs, just glanced at it and looked away indifferently: “Let’s go when you’re ready.”
Since semi-retiring, An Xun had been traveling around the world, as if relaxing or searching for something endlessly, engaging in outdoor adventure activities, especially rock climbing.
This time, he and Fu Changtao had come to the famous Kasfiya Snow Mountain.
It was said that if one reached the summit of Kasfiya Snow Mountain, they would have the chance to meet an ancient shaman, who could fulfill one of the climber’s wishes.
Because of this legend, Kasfiya Snow Mountain had also become the first choice for many climbers.
However, because of its extremely high difficulty, very few people had successfully reached the summit, and many even lost their lives there every year.
But for mutated demons like An Xun and Fu Changtao, it clearly wasn’t difficult. On the contrary, with their complete equipment, they could feel the thrill and excitement of this extreme sport.
However, what Fu Changtao didn’t expect was that when they reached the summit, there was a strange demon waiting for them, as if waiting for their arrival.
When An Xun saw the mirror in front of him, his eyes were filled with doubt.
“You’re saying that this mirror can fulfill my wish?”
An Xun, taking off his sunglasses, looked up at the confident and mysterious demon, the doubt in his tone obvious.
He had seen too many charlatans.
He probably didn’t even know what his true wish was.
“Indeed, perhaps this is fate, place this mirror and your box together, and a miracle might happen.”
This demon saw the doubt in An Xun’s eyes, but he wasn’t angry. Instead, after speaking, he smiled and quietly left.
“No way, he just left like that?” Fu Changtao felt that this was a bit strange. “If he’s a con man, he didn’t even cheat us out of any money?”
It would have been fine if he had cheated them out of money, after all, neither of them was short of it. But this charlatan didn’t even want money, then he didn’t know what he was trying to con them out of.
But only An Xun knew that he knew about the Box of Memories.
After the plane landed, An Xun quickly returned home.
“Aunt Wang, I’m back. How have you been?”
Aunt Wang, the housekeeper, had aged quite a bit, but she was still working diligently, and An Xun didn’t find it strange.
“Mm, I’m back.”
An Xun nodded and took out the Box of Memories, which he had locked away deep in the safe.
Would it be useful?
Even if it was just a glimmer of hope, he still wanted to try.
After placing the mirror and the Box of Memories together, An Xun lay down on the bed with a strange feeling for the first time and closed his eyes.
Unexpectedly, he slept very soundly this time, not hearing any sound from the outside world.
When An Xun opened his eyes, it was almost dawn.
“Clang–”
The next second, the noise from beside the cabinet made An Xun subconsciously sit up.
He saw a piece of clothing dragging out from under the curtains, seemingly a small lump of something.
The ecological environment in this villa area was very good. If he didn’t close the windows, occasionally, small animals would stray in. An Xun easily lifted the curtains and grabbed the small figure that was trying to escape!
“I, I’m not a bad person…”
The cub, caught off guard, widened his eyes in fright and was carried out, looking panicked and aggrieved.
As An Xun reached out, his soft, fluffy black hair was brushed aside from his forehead.
However, the moment he saw his face, An Xun’s pupils constricted.
Because this was clearly… a miniature version of A-Ran!?
Could it be that the effect was too strong, and it directly brought out A-Ran in his childhood form?
A few minutes later, at the long table in the dining room on the first floor.
The cub, suddenly brought to this strange world from his sleep, was still a little dazed, but after smelling the creamy mushroom soup on the table, his stomach rumbled.
“Why aren’t you eating? Do you think it’s not tasty?”
Aunt Wang had no resistance to this kind of beautiful cub, although she was also startled when she saw her employer stiffly carrying this aggrieved cub downstairs.
But after being with An Xun for so long, Aunt Wang gradually learned what to ask and what not to ask.
After all, this little guy was truly incredibly beautiful.
His dark eyes were sparkling, his eyelashes long and thick like small fans, and his cheeks so tender that they seemed like water could be squeezed out of them.
And after looking at him for a while, Aunt Wang felt that this cub looked familiar.
Lin Ran shook his little head, saying that it wasn’t because it wasn’t tasty.
“Then eat, eat more, look how thin you are, your chin is so pointy.”
Aunt Wang couldn’t help but urge him, and the little guy finally took a sip.
It was really delicious, as delicious as Grandma’s cooking.
After taking a small sip like a little animal, he finally held the edge of the bowl and started drinking obediently, not leaving a single drop.
“I’m finished, thank you, Auntie.”
He thanked her softly.
“Aiyo, you’re already finished? Do you want some more fruit or something?”
The little guy’s cuteness made Aunt Wang’s heart tremble.
What kind of parents could raise such a well-behaved baby?
However, Lin Ran looked at An Xun, feeling that this older brother was a bit strange, always staring at him.
Lin Ran remembered that he was clearly on summer vacation, and after finishing his homework, he lay down on the bed to sleep, with Grandma fanning him beside him. But when he opened his eyes, he was in this unfamiliar big house.
Even though everything here was very beautiful, A-Ran still missed home.
His big eyes gradually drooped.
“Mew…”
The next second, the snow leopard, holding its tail in its mouth, placed it in A-Ran’s hand, subconsciously comforting the cub who was about to cry.
Seeing the snow leopard in front of him, the little guy instantly forgot about missing home and stared blankly at the beautiful creature. Especially its fluffy and soft big tail, which felt amazing in his palm.
Just as he reached out to touch it carefully, the big tail would twitch, deliberately teasing Lin Ran to distract him and catch it.
An Xun felt like his tail had become a cat teaser.
And A-Ran, even though he had become smaller, was still very gentle, knowing that he might hurt his tail if he used too much force. After finally catching it, he just rubbed his cheek against it.
He even fell asleep, using it as a pillow.
His tail had grown an A-Ran!
An Xun carefully kept his tail still, letting A-Ran sleep on it with his eyes closed.
So what should he do?
Just as An Xun was unusually hesitant, the mirror on the table lit up.
[Limited-time challenge! Make A-Ran gain 10 million popularity points within seven days to obtain a Time Coordinate X1, fulfilling the condition will allow you to travel through time and space to meet him~]
After repeatedly reading the words on the mirror, An Xun immediately picked up his phone.
A few minutes later…
“What, you’re willing to be on a variety show again!?”
Agent Lin Jiajia was incredibly surprised.
Lin Jiajia, who was originally an assistant, had been taken away from the old company by An Xun after he became independent and had gradually grown into a capable agent.
It proved that this intern assistant, who had been frequently targeted by Fu Yan back then, was indeed very capable in this area, and she had handled all the follow-up matters of An Xun’s sudden retirement and disappearance very well.
Suddenly receiving his call, Lin Jiajia was overjoyed, but the next second, she almost dropped her phone in shock.
“A parenting variety show——!?”
Had this ancestor disappeared for so many years just to have a child!?
“No… it’s a friend’s younger brother.”
An Xun instantly realized that she had misunderstood something, his expression a little strange.
“It better be a friend’s younger brother.”
Lin Jiajia said listlessly.
But when she saw the cub An Xun was holding and brought to the company that afternoon, her eyes lit up, and she even subconsciously covered her mouth.
“Where did you steal him from? He’s too cute!!”
And the moment she saw him, Lin Jiajia was certain that he was definitely not related to An Xun.
Because the little guy’s features were completely different from An Xun’s!
If An Xun’s features had a sharp and cold feeling, and after looking at him for too long, one could even be frozen by that indescribable coldness,
Then just one glance at this cub gave one the feeling of hugging a soft, pink cloud. His round, dark eyes were moist, and when he looked up at you, it made you involuntarily want to hug him.
She couldn’t imagine how sweet it would be to hug and kiss this little guy!
“Hello, Sister…”
Lin Ran subconsciously gripped An Xun’s finger, but still obediently greeted her.
“Hello, baby! What’s your name? How did you meet An Xun?”
Just as Lin Jiajia wanted to squat down and rub his cheek, she was stopped by An Xun, who frowned and pulled the cub behind him.
“He hasn’t washed his hands, you’re not allowed to touch him.”
An Xun knew that A-Ran was a bit of a clean freak.
Lin Ran did look up at An Xun strangely, feeling that this older brother was very familiar with his habits.
Although he wouldn’t dodge if she really wanted to touch him.
And the news of An Xun’s return and participation in the parenting variety show immediately exploded on the trending topics!
Just as Lin Jiajia had imagined, many fans were heartbroken, thinking that he had disappeared for these past few years to have a child, but after the company presented a series of evidence and released the promotional poster for the show, this rumor instantly lost its market.
[OMG, just by looking at his appearance, you can tell they’re definitely not related, he’s too cute! QWQ so cute I want to take a bite, what should I do?]
[But is he really going to be on a parenting variety show with An Xun? I can’t imagine that scene]
[After all, An Xun’s temper isn’t suitable for taking care of children on a variety show! Won’t it end up being a disaster?]
What all the fans were excited and worried about was that old fans knew An Xun’s temper all too well.
From the candid photos taken outside of filming since he was young, he basically always had a cold expression, wearing a black mask, and appearing alone with his backpack.
After he quickly grew taller in his youth, his cold and aloof aura became even stronger. Many times, fans who picked him up at the airport would subconsciously keep a certain distance, not daring to get too close.
And now they were telling them that An Xun was going to be on a parenting variety show!? Wouldn’t he make the child cry so much that they had to stop filming?
[I’m telling you, it’s better to let me take care of the baby, I think I’m better at it than An Xun QWQ]
[Lol, isn’t SF Express faster than carrying him by hand? Just take the baby home after the show is over, right?]
Many fans said that they were better at taking care of children than An Xun, although some felt that their ulterior motives could be heard even from the Southern Hemisphere.
This huge contrast and anticipation actually made the topic even more popular, and the show became a hit before it even aired, showing signs of becoming a phenomenon-level variety show.
However, after the show officially aired, all the fans, including the haters, were stunned.
Because An Xun seemed like a completely different person!
[No way, is this really An Xun!? Did the program team find a body double!?]
The live parenting variety show “Let’s Go to the Countryside~” featured idyllic rural life, with five different celebrity guests taking their cute children and completing a series of tasks assigned by the program team.
After each task was completed, there would be corresponding rewards and punishments to increase the fun, and in the end, the best parent-child duo would be selected.
Objectively speaking, the competition designed by the program team was quite intense, not to mention that a program’s popularity was limited, and whoever had more screen time would undoubtedly receive more benefits.
The children this time were basically all relatively well-known child stars, and among them, a little cool guy, Lu Ling, had just starred in a hit drama. Only Lin Ran seemed to be a pure amateur cub who came out of nowhere.
However, the fierce competition everyone had imagined didn’t happen.
From the moment little A-Ran was led out of the nanny van, he instantly attracted everyone’s attention!
The tiny little guy was wearing a milky white down jacket, his dark eyes looking at you moistly, obedient and well-behaved, like a newly hatched chick.
Lin Ran, participating in the show, only knew that, according to the mirror, as long as he played house for seven days, he could go back.
“Hello, this is a welcome gift for you.”
Holding the small basket gift box he made with An Xun, Lin Ran gently handed it to the usually most arrogant little child star, and after looking at each other for a few seconds, the other party instantly broke character and blushed.
“Oh… thank you for the gift. I’m Lu Ling, what’s your name?”
This little cool guy asked with reddened ears, and Lin Ran smiled and replied, “I’m A-Ran.”
Lu Ling: !!!
Just this first meeting made countless fans watching the live broadcast scream, this was too cute, wasn’t it? Two little cuties!
[Hahaha, so coldness is just Lu Ling’s disguise, blushing is his true nature]
[No, I would also blush if I were there, he’s too cute to resist!! I would directly kiss him]
But some fans reminded everyone to pay attention to the blind spot:
[Lol, don’t you think An Xun’s expression in the corner frantically looking over here is even more entertaining!? Don’t just focus on the cubs!]
While the cubs were getting to know each other, the celebrity guests were also exchanging greetings not far away. There were many important figures among the guests this time.
Although An Xun was the most famous, there were two other senior celebrities, so initial socializing was necessary.
But after just a few words, An Xun was already frowning and looking towards the cubs with a cold aura.
Because A-Ran was clearly surrounded and couldn’t get away!
“Look, my Transformers is super cool, you don’t have one at home, right? Then I’ll let you play… H-hello, Brother An Xun.”
Lu Ling had only shown off his treasure for a few seconds like a peacock spreading its tail when he found that his new friend had been taken away!
Standing in front of him was the somewhat scary Brother An Xun!
Before the show, his parents and agent had told him that it would be good to interact more with him if he had the chance, but Lu Ling instinctively felt that he was a bit scary.
“A-Ran isn’t interested in Transformers.”
An Xun coldly glanced at the Transformer, certain that among the pile of toys he had bought for A-Ran before coming, A-Ran wasn’t particularly interested in this kind of thing.
“Oh. Then what about the mecha tank? A-Ran, do you like it! I’ll give it to you if you like it!”
Lu Ling nodded aggrievedly and couldn’t help but ask about another toy, unwilling to give up.
[Hahaha, it feels like he was trying to abduct someone else’s cub and was caught red-handed by the parent!!]
[Although I also think that A-Ran isn’t interested in Transformers, he’s just afraid of hurting Lu Ling’s feelings, so he’s been listening attentively, haha]
[OMG, it feels like Lu Ling is constantly stepping on mines!?]
The audience in the barrage comments could see more clearly than the guests at the scene. The more Lu Ling tried to cling to A-Ran and talk non-stop, the colder An Xun’s expression became.
But A-Ran was quietly and obediently being held by An Xun, blinking his eyes.
He really wasn’t interested in Transformers…
“But if we say it directly like this, wouldn’t it be a bit impolite?”
The cub whispered into An Xun’s ear, completely unaware that everything he said was being captured by the microphones on the guests.
[Hahaha, it’s over, how is A-Ran even more mature than An Xun?!]
[Lol, a strange combination of a cub who’s more sensible than his guardian, haha]
The barrage comments exploded with amusement, and in just a few minutes after the broadcast started, they had already discovered the strange dynamic of this adorable parent-child duo.
And in the following series of rural challenges, Lin Ran’s adaptability far exceeded everyone’s expectations.
Because after the show officially started filming, the first thing they did was to confiscate all the toys from the cubs!
Lu Ling almost burst into tears seeing his pile of toys being “snatched” away by people in black.
“Don’t cry, how about playing with this?”
But just as he opened his mouth to cry, he was handed a small rabbit woven from weeds by Lin Ran.
Lu Ling had indeed never seen such an abstract woven rabbit before and subconsciously started playing with it.
Wait, A-Ran gave him a rabbit… which meant that A-Ran must like him!
Just as Lu Ling was overjoyed and wanted to find A-Ran, he found that the other three children, regardless of gender, had all received small woven animals from A-Ran!!
“A-Ran, this little squirrel is so cute!”
“Wow, mine is a little rabbit?”
They chirped and surrounded A-Ran, all fascinated by the small toys woven from grass.
And the dumbfounded Lu Ling was given a “wind blowing past” special effect by the program team, looking very comical.
And An Xun also raised an eyebrow with a rare cold smile, which was given a close-up by the mischievous program team.
Not bad, A-Ran was indeed very good at coaxing people.
But A-Ran’s coaxing was always fair and impartial.
Wanting special treatment? Impossible. [Snow leopard sneering]
[Lol, there are too many funny moments, I don’t know where to start laughing, was A-Ran already a master of impartiality at such a young age?!]
[It’s over, Lu Ling’s cool guy persona has completely collapsed, haha, even child stars can’t just be on variety shows]
[But it feels like An Xun, this adult, is even busier. Compared to completing the tasks assigned by the program team, he seems more concerned about how to splash water and tear umbrellas OwO]
Throughout the filming of the program, A-Ran, who initially gave everyone the impression of being super adorable, actually displayed unparalleled leadership!
Not only did he coax the cubs so well that none of them were left alone and crying, but he even completed a series of tasks on his own, such as setting up a stall to sell corn and earn travel expenses, and identifying different vegetables.
“You did a great job completing the task, here’s your small red flower.”
Lin Ran took the small red flower sticker he bought with the one yuan he earned from selling the small woven animals, lowered his eyes, and imitated the teacher, sticking the sticker on his little friend as encouragement.
He didn’t even notice that the little guy’s gaze was almost glued to him.
This was Duo Duo – Xia Yiduo, the lead actor in a recently popular children’s animation, whose parents were also famous actors.
This little girl, who had a bit of a crush on good-looking people, kept staring at A-Ran, wanting to kiss his cheek.
“Eh…”
But just as she leaned over, she missed, and A-Ran was suddenly picked up.
“I’ve also sold everything.”
An Xun seriously handed the money he earned from selling the crops to A-Ran.
A-Ran, as the team leader for this task, was responsible for arranging for all team members to sell the crops they were assigned.
“Then you also get a small red flower.”
Lin Ran, who hadn’t reacted yet, also seriously gave An Xun a small red flower sticker.
[Lol, Duo Duo is about to cry, she didn’t get to kiss him and even watched as A-Ran gave the small red flower to someone else]
[An Xun, you’re too bad, I didn’t know someone could be so bad! What’s wrong with letting our Duo kiss A-Ran!! Two little cuties being affectionate!]
Even though the cubs were young, there were already a few fans who shipped them. However, the CP fan group only survived for less than three days before being completely shut down.
The official reason was that the cubs were still young, and shipping CPs would be struck by lightning.
[But I suspect I’m not the only one who thinks that it was shut down by a certain someone!? We only drew some cute fan art!]
[Second, it’s a miscarriage of justice!] [+1111]
Countless fans dared to be angry but didn’t dare to speak.
But undoubtedly, the most popular pairing during this winter vacation was An Xun and A-Ran, this parent-child duo.
Facing the series of challenges set by the program team, the process of the two working together to solve them was even dazzling for countless viewers.
Especially in the episode where they went to the snow village for the challenge, due to an equipment malfunction, An Xun unexpectedly disappeared and became a trending topic. And A-Ran, waiting alone in the snow mountain tent, actually had a big snow leopard beside him!
This adult snow leopard even used its fluffy, long tail to comfort the little cub who was missing his guardian, shielding him from the wind and snow outside the tent.
Finally, he watched as A-Ran gradually fell asleep, nestled in his fur.
When the program team, scared, sent an official rescue team to find the cub, that aloof and charming snow mountain spirit had already disappeared!
Even though there were no accidents, the “Let’s Go to the Countryside~” program team still issued a series of apologies and compensations.
And the show’s popularity reached its peak when everyone finally reunited at the summit, seeing the golden red sunrise over the snow mountain.
“I will always, always remember you, A-Ran…”
Knowing that the show was coming to an end, Lu Ling choked up and hugged A-Ran tightly.
The next second, the other little ones also pounced over and hugged him.
“Me too!!” “Can we still go and play with you after the show is over, A-Ran?”
The setting sun shone on the soft, fluffy black hair of the cub in the center, giving it a beautiful golden edge, making A-Ran look even more dazzling.
“Of course, we’ll definitely meet again.”
Smiling, he hugged his little friends, and Lin Ran nodded seriously, comforting them.
[Sob, sob, sob, baby! Why did this variety show end so soon? Can there be a second season? Begging for a second season!]
[Me too, pretty baby——! Our A-Ran is like a little crystal! The kind you hold in your hand, afraid that it will melt]
Not only were the guests on the show sad and reluctant to part, but the fans outside the show were even more so, and for the first time, they had the urge to fight for custody with strangers!
No wonder An Xun brought him to the show, if their own child was so cute and capable, they would want to show him off to the whole world, okay?
However, even A-Ran was a little tired after seven days of filming, as he came down the snow mountain as a cub.
He obediently let An Xun carry him on his broad back and fell asleep with his eyes closed, his soft breathing and the warm air from his neck could be felt.
An Xun, feeling the light weight on his back, felt like he was holding the whole world, but also had a subtle feeling that this happiness was about to expire.
Actually, the 10 million popularity points had already been reached halfway through the show.
But he knew that A-Ran deserved all of this.
How could anyone not like A-Ran?
But with the coordinates, when would they meet again next time?
Should he prepare a small toy house for A-Ran in the villa in advance?
But maybe next time A-Ran came over, he wouldn’t be a cub anymore.
Then perhaps he should prepare a normal bedroom…
Countless thoughts appeared in An Xun’s mind, turning into a tighter hug for a few more seconds.
A feeling called anticipation took root and sprouted in his heart for the first time.
[Ding——Congratulations on completing the quest! Obtained A-Ran’s Time Coordinate reward~]
However, just after this Time Mirror completed its two missions, it was suddenly grabbed by a hand from the void, and the next second, as it was taken away, a white feather, the “culprit,” unexpectedly flew out!
