HLM – Chapter 133 The Baby Feels Bitter Inside

Just as Wang Bo had expected, after settling into the castle, young Bartier quickly fell into a deep sleep. By the time the domineering CEO returned to his room after dinner last night, his son was already fast asleep.

The boy had exhausted all his energy and needed plenty of rest. Even now, he was still sleeping.

Speaking of this, Bartier’s expression turned a mix of sadness and relief. “Since his condition worsened last year, last night was the longest he’s ever slept—over six hours, for the first time.”

Wang Bo instinctively asked, “May I ask how Master Bartier developed his sleep disorder?”

The moment the words left his mouth, the CEO’s expression darkened. Clearly, it wasn’t an appropriate topic.

Noticing this, Wang Bo quickly and cleverly changed the subject. “Right, President Good, could you explain what the Free Flight Alliance is? I’m not too familiar with it. Could you help clarify a few things?”

The domineering CEO’s expression softened, and a smile returned to his face. “No need to be so formal, Wang. You can just call me Bartier. As for the Free Flight Club, I do know a bit. Go ahead and ask.”

Wang Bo first explained why he wanted to know more about the Free Flight Club: because Adams had mentioned recommending him for membership yesterday, he needed to understand the club better.

Bartier chuckled. “Ah, yes. The club operates on a referral-only system. If you’re not recommended by a member, they won’t proactively recruit you.”

“If I’m not mistaken, Adams only has one chance to refer someone during his entire membership. You two must have a pretty good relationship if he’s using such a valuable opportunity on you.”

Wang Bo was a bit surprised. “Only one chance? To be honest, I’m not that close with Adams, but clearly, he’s a good man.”

Bartier went on to explain, “That’s right. Referral chances are limited. Adams is a standard member, so he only gets one. Senior members have two, and lifetime members get three.”

Unlike the top circles in other countries, the Free Flight Club is extremely low-key, largely because of its founders’ backgrounds: they were criminals before coming to New Zealand and understood the dangers of drawing too much attention.

Adams recommending Wang Bo was an act of goodwill, but there was no guarantee he would be accepted. The club’s members were all elite figures; Wang Bo’s net worth of one hundred million wouldn’t impress them.

“But,” Bartier analyzed, “you do own the largest stretch of private land in New Zealand and the only noble castle. That would definitely earn you bonus points during the selection process.”

Wang Bo wasn’t particularly interested. He smiled and said, “Then let’s hold off for now. Once I’ve built more value and my business has grown, I’ll reconsider it.”

Bartier admired his attitude and couldn’t help saying, “You’re very open-minded, Wang. You’ve got a great perspective and broad vision.”

Wang Bo couldn’t help but laugh. Open-minded? Not at all. It was pride: I’m a man with the Heart of a Lord. Do any of you have that? No? Then even joining your club feels like I’m lowering my worth.

Just then, the pair of Xuanhe cranes flew in. Their snow-white necks were long and elegant, their bodies sleek and graceful. As they spread their wings, their gray feathers shimmered faintly under the sunlight—noble and reserved.

“My God, what kind of bird is that? So beautiful!” Even someone as well-traveled as Bartier was stunned at first glance.

There are no white-headed cranes in New Zealand. Strictly speaking, there are no cranes at all. The locals had never seen these legendary birds from China.

After circling twice over Wang Bo’s head, the female crane landed first. She walked over on her long legs, her bright eyes fixed on Wang Bo, letting out a crisp cry as if urging him to do something.

Wang Bo rolled his eyes. He understood perfectly—this was the crane urging him to get rid of the guests so they could go back to incubating their eggs.

The military parrot, who had been preening its feathers in the tree, immediately flew over upon seeing the crane couple return. It flapped onto Wang Bo’s shoulder, shouting, “Ah, drive away! Ah, baby’s not happy!”

Wang Bo pushed it aside. “If you want them gone, do it yourself.”

The parrot was the epitome of a bully with backup. Feeling brave with Wang Bo beside it, it boldly flew to the cranes and squawked, “Ah, scram! Ah, scram!”

But the cranes hadn’t received the Heart of the Soul, so they weren’t that intelligent. They had only been infused with energy from the Heart of the Nest, making them slightly clever but not enough to understand the parrot’s words.

So when the parrot kept yelling and agitating them, the crane couple finally snapped. Without hesitation, they stretched out their necks and lunged to bite him.

The parrot had gotten too fat recently, and its flying wasn’t as agile. The male crane bit into its back, pulling out a few feathers in one chomp.

“AAAAHH!” the parrot shrieked, flailing its short legs as it ran and flapped to escape the onslaught, eventually flying back to Wang Bo for refuge.

This coward of a bird always acted tough—cursing this and laughing at that—but when faced with actual danger, it immediately chickened out. It didn’t even dare sit on Wang Bo’s shoulder, instead diving straight into his arms, peeking out with just half its head.

Zhuang Ding the dog, who had been sitting nearby, suddenly perked up and barked twice—not to defend the parrot or scare off the cranes, but to cheer them on.

Even Bartier noticed and said with an odd expression, “Your dog seems… very happy?”

Wang Bo didn’t have time to respond. The crane couple had gotten fired up and was now moving toward him, ready to attack.

At that moment, the gleeful Zhuang Ding got angry. It stood up and unleashed the Roar of the King: “Awoooo! Woof woof woof!”

The deep, powerful roar escalated with each bark—intimidating and commanding.

The crane couple was startled and immediately spread their wings and flew away.

Zhuang Ding gave the parrot a sidelong glance and sat back down, its square, majestic face full of disdain.

The parrot was utterly aggrieved. It poked its head out of Wang Bo’s arms, opened its beak, and cried out, “Ah, ah, the baby feels bitter inside!”

“Shut up already. Bitter my ass. Weren’t you unhappy just now? Are you happy now?” Wang Bo had no intention of comforting it. This damn bird was so annoying—if you comforted it, it would take advantage and climb all over you.

“Ah, your mom exploded!” the parrot screamed angrily, clearly upset with Wang Bo’s lack of sympathy.

Even Bartier was dumbfounded. He stared blankly at the whole scene, and once he regained his senses, he asked eagerly, “My God, this little parrot is simply… simply… I can’t describe it. Oh, Wang, would you consider selling it to me?”

Wang Bo firmly shook his head. “Sorry, buddy. He’s family.”

The little parrot gave Bartier an angry glare, spread its wings, and flew off. As it left, it cursed, “Ah, your mom exploded!”

Bartier rubbed his nose awkwardly and said, “Please forgive a father’s foolish hope of finding a companion for his son. My earlier request was irrational. It’s just that my son has so few friends… and I thought this little parrot could be one.”