The moment Monkey asked about his parents, Aiden Chen's eyes widened in alarm.
He shuffled his small cloth shoes back a couple of steps, only stopping when he bumped into Birdie behind him.
"What's wrong?" Birdie bent down and whispered softly in his ear.
Little Aiden's eyes were wide as he cautiously replied, "He... why does he want to know about my parents?"
Hearing this, Monkey was already frowning.
"What, you can't even tell people your parents' names?"
Aiden Chen blinked blankly, his gaze full of hostility.
"Maybe Uncle Master Wukong scared him just now. He's still a child, after all."
Eugene quietly brewed a cup of tea and pushed it aside, nodding to Birdie.
Birdie quietly returned the gesture and knelt down beside him.
Lifting her teacup, Birdie said softly, "Didn't your master just say? If the Great Sage wants to ask something, just tell him."
"But... he asked about my parents..."
"What's wrong with asking about your parents? You don't think I want to do something to them, do you?" Monkey grinned at Aiden, propping his hands on his knees. "I say, kid, you're only a few years old—how come you're so guarded? Come on, tell your uncle: what's your parents' names, where do you live? I'll buy you candy next time."
His expression was no different from a child trafficker trying to lure a kid.
As he spoke, Monkey even reached out to touch Aiden's face, startling the boy into spinning around and bolting.
Before the others could react, Monkey had already reached out and pulled him back entirely.
"Master, save me—! Save me—!"
In his panic, Aiden screamed.
Then, under the terrified gazes of the others, Monkey gripped Aiden's wrist with one hand and clamped his throat with the other, pinning him firmly to the ground.
With a loud bang, the main door swung open.
Clara Heart rushed in, sword in hand, her face still streaked with tears. The moment she entered, she saw Monkey pinning Aiden Chen flat against the floor, and for a moment, she was completely stunned.
Eugene was so shocked that his teacup fell with a loud clatter, spilling tea all over the floor.
"Master... Master, save me..."
"You... What are you doing?" After a brief moment of confusion, Clara glared at Monkey and drew her sword with a sharp clang.
Birdie quickly spread her arms to block between them. "Put the sword away! The Great Sage means no harm!"
"No harm?" Clara pointed her sword at Monkey over Birdie's shoulder and snapped, "If he means no harm, why treat Aiden like this? Do you think I'm blind?"
Spiritual energy was already gathering; Clara was visibly agitated, her eyes still red from crying.
Seeing things on the verge of spiraling out of control, Eugene hurriedly grabbed Monkey's wrist and gently shook his head. "Uncle Master Wukong..."
Monkey shot Clara a cold glance, then looked down at Aiden Chen, who was struggling desperately under his grip, sobbing so hard he could barely breathe. Finally, Monkey glanced at Eugene and let go.
As soon as Monkey released him, Aiden scrambled away, rolling and crawling until he hid behind Clara.
"Don't be afraid, your master is here." Clara dropped her sword, comforting Aiden as she glared furiously at Monkey.
Monkey spread his fingers, expressionless. "I didn't do anything. I didn't hit him, I didn't curse him. He suddenly turned and ran, so I had no choice but to stop him."
Clara didn't believe a word Monkey said. She stroked Aiden's head and said, "Aiden, be good, tell your master—what did this crazy monkey do to you? Don't be afraid, I'm here for you."
"He... he asked me my parents' names."
"And then?"
"And then... then he grabbed my hand."
"Hey, hey, hey, be clear!" Monkey pointed at Aiden and barked, "I only grabbed your hand because you tried to run! If you hadn't run, why would I grab you? If you keep lying, watch out or I'll slice you, brat!"
Monkey's outburst startled Aiden into silence. He stared at Monkey with wide, terrified eyes, lips pressed tight. After a moment, he burst into even louder sobs.
Clara shot Monkey a fierce glare, then pulled Aiden, ready to leave.
Suddenly, Monkey slammed his palm onto the floor. With a thunderous crash, a massive reverse barrier sprang up, blocking Clara's way.