After Transmigrating into a Professional Bootlicker, I Messed Up - Chapter 77.2

Extra Story 2 (Continued)

Ji Chuling sniffled and clenched his tiny fists—he had to find a way to outsmart his dad.

The next morning, with Ji Chi’an off to work, the house was quiet. Only his mom, still in bed, and an early-rising Ji Chuling were left.

He grabbed a little stool and dragged it over to the kitchen counter, climbing up to see the bottles and jars arranged there. He wanted to make breakfast for his mom, but he didn’t know what was in each container. What if he picked something she couldn’t eat?

After some thought, he decided to go with his own baby formula. If it was good enough for him, it was good enough for Mom, right?

With a small cup in hand, he unscrewed the lid with his teeth, carefully scooped out two spoonfuls of formula, and added two more spoonfuls of sugar, just like he’d seen his mom do. Climbing down from the stool, he walked over to the water dispenser, poured in hot water, and stirred it, just like she did.

The milk smelled delicious.

His stomach grumbled, but he resisted. This was for Mom; he wasn’t going to drink it.

Carrying the cup, he headed for her room, setting it down carefully outside the door, twisting the handle with both hands to open it, then picking up the cup again and tiptoeing inside.

His mom was still asleep.

He gently placed the cup on her nightstand and squatted by the bed, cupping his face in his hands as he watched her. She looked so soft and gentle, and he hated to wake her, but he remembered his dad’s words about how skipping breakfast would make her sick.

His dad had been in such a rush that morning he’d barely brushed his hair, leaving her care up to him.

Ji Chuling reached out with his chubby hand and poked her. “Mom, time to wake up and have breakfast.”

She furrowed her brow but didn’t move.

He tried poking her again, but she still didn’t respond.

A bit worried, he put both hands on her face to try shaking her awake. Her skin felt really warm—even though his hands had just held a hot cup, her face still felt burning hot.

He remembered that the last time he’d felt this hot, his dad had said he was very sick and needed the hospital. His mom had mentioned last night that she had a cold.

Her pained expression made him anxious, and his eyes filled with tears. He whimpered, “Mom, Mom…”

She still didn’t respond.

Remembering what his dad had said about calling 911 for emergencies, he wiped his tears and grabbed her phone, dialing the number. Sniffling, he said, “Hello, Auntie? My mom is really sick. My dad’s not here—please come help her. Please, please save my mom. Our address is…”

The lady on the phone reassured him that they’d be there soon and told him not to cry, but three whole minutes passed and no one arrived. Adults were such liars—they weren’t coming to help his mom after all.

Reaching out to touch her warm face, Ji Chuling burst into tears. “Mom, don’t be sick! I’ll carry you to the hospital.”

Using all his strength, he tried to lift her like his dad would, but he was too small, barely able to move her at all. Crying even harder, he wailed, “Why can’t I be big like Dad? Why can’t I carry Mom?”

Then it hit him—he could call Dad. Dad would protect Mom.

“Dad, sob, Dad, sob… I’m scared.”

“Hey, little man, tell me what’s wrong. Brave boys don’t cry, remember?”

“Mom… Mom’s really sick. She’s so hot, and the lady said they’re coming, but they’re not here yet! I can’t carry her. What do I do, Dad? Sob, sob…”

“Dad’s coming back right now. Jiang Chen, turn the car around immediately.”

“But, President Ji, the meeting…”

“Turn around.”

“Waaaaaaah…” Hearing his dad’s voice, Ji Chuling’s tears flowed freely as his fear turned to relief.

That day, Ji Chuling did something he rarely did—he earned his dad’s praise.

With his mom asleep in the hospital bed, Ji Chi’an held his son’s hand in the hallway, father and son standing watch.

“You did a great job today, son. Always take care of Mom, and when things get too big to handle, call me.”

Ji Chuling blushed and nodded shyly.

“Chuling,” Ji Chi’an continued, “one day, Dad will grow old and weak, and then it’ll be up to you to protect Mom. You have to grow up fast, okay? Be ready before I’m too old to do it myself.”

“Mm.” Ji Chuling nodded solemnly, determined.

📜 Scroll Down for Kliraz’s Scoop: Little Heroes, Big Hearts & Family Bonds 📜

Ji Chi’an’s words about growing up to “protect Mom” reflect a deep-rooted Chinese family value called filial piety, meaning respect and care for parents. Ji Chuling’s eagerness to take care of her shows this value blooming in him early! ヾ(・ω・ｏ)

In China, children often have “911 knowledge” drilled into them as part of family safety training. Here, Ji Chuling remembers it perfectly, showing how safety training even at a young age can empower kids in emergencies!

Ji Chuling’s quick shift from frustration to worry illustrates the psychology of attachment. When his mother became “unreachable” due to her illness, his attachment instincts kicked in, driving him to seek comfort, even without his dad nearby.

The role-reversal of Ji Chuling taking on “dad duties” while Ji Chi’an was away highlights a traditional theme in Chinese storytelling where even the youngest characters often get moments to show heroism—what an adorable, little hero!

What’s the most “grown-up” thing you ever tried doing as a kid? I’d love to hear your stories! (◠‿◠)