In the garden, Huo Guining waved two lit sparklers happily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Nearby, Huo Yueze was fiddling with arge firework, asionally ncing up at her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Sister, don''t hold the sparklers so close. Keep them farther away."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining obediently held the sparklers at arm''s length.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Brother, they''re finished," Huo Guining tossed away the burnt-out sparklers and ran to Huo Yueze. Mimicking his posture, she crouched beside him and asked curiously, "Brother, is it ready yet?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze smiled at her and deftly lit the fuse.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With a sizzling sound, Huo Yueze scooped up Huo Guining and quickly moved to a safe distance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Look, sister!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Loud bangs echoed through the sky as enormous, dazzling fireworks bloomed like flowers, cascading with color. Sparks of various hues spread outwards before disappearing into the dark night sky.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    One after another, the fireworks came in quick session.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze produced a pair of sses from somewhere and put them on Huo Guining. "Sister, wear these to protect your eyes from the dust!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining shed him a big smile, about to say thank you...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Sister, look! This is the surprise I prepared for you!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining immediately tilted her head back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After a tremendous boom, apanied by a series of crackling sounds, words appeared in the sky.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Ningning, wee home!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s eyes welled up with emotion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze, looking pleased with himself, excitedly shouted in her ear, "Ningning, wee home! From now on, your brother will protect you. No one will ever bully you again!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The boy''s straightforward and sincere words added a touch of warmth to the dramatic scene.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining removed her sses, rubbed her eyes, and said in a muffled voice, "Thank you, brother. These are the most beautiful fireworks I''ve ever seen!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing this, Huo Yueze''s invisible tail practically wagged with joy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was worth depleting his entire savings to arrange this fireworks disy for his sister.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Suddenly, Huo Yueze had an idea: "Sister, wait a moment. The gift I prepared for you isn''t just this..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With that, he dashed up to his second-floor bedroom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining smiled sweetly, dutifully put on her sses, and stood under the wisteria-covered arbor in the garden to continue enjoying the fireworks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The fireworks illuminated the entire night sky, blooming like golden chrysanthemums against the vast ck canvas, fluttering like colorful butterflies, and scattering like celestial maidens showering flowers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining felt a sense of peace wash over her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Young Miss, Young Master Yueze has prepared several special fireworks for you to light yourself."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The speaker was a burly but not tall man in a ck suit, with a white earpiece. He had an air of righteousness about him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze had told her that he personally lit what he considered the most important set of fireworks, and had arranged for staff to handle the rest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Thinking this was another little surprise from Huo Yueze, Huo Guining nodded and followed him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They walked deeper into the garden, indeed towards the fireworksunch site. Huo Guining, not suspecting anything, admired the fireworks as they walked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When they reached a rockery, the man in the ck suit suddenly stopped.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining peered ahead, asking puzzled, "Are we here?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before she could react, her shoulders were gripped, a cloth was pressed tightly over her mouth and nose, and she was lifted off the ground by the man in the ck suit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s eyes widened as she struggled violently.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But her body began to go limp against her will.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her movements grew weaker and weaker. Through the haze, she saw a figure running towards her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But soon, she plunged into darkness, copsing softly into the arms of the man in the ck suit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hey, wake up."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Wake up..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining heard a girl''s voice, ethereal and quiet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You can''t sleep anymore... wake up."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining struggled to open her heavy eyelids, and a little girl appeared in her vision.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She wore a white dress with a sunflower embroidered on the chest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A colorless little girl.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Behind her was a dark, damp forest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining frowned, "It''s you again."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The little girl smiled, revealing a small fang: "Good thing you woke up. If you slept any longer, no one could save you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Barefoot, like an innocent child, she circled around Huo Guining.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Stop spinning, I feel sick."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The little girl shook her head: "Feeling sick is good. How much longer are you going to stay here?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was confused. This was a dream, she must be dreaming.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But what happened before the dream?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The image of the man in the ck suit suddenly appeared in her mind, and her eyes narrowed sharply.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining looked at the girl warily: "Who are you really?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The sunflower girl shrugged: "I told you, I''m you~"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With that, she turned and walked decisively into the depths of the forest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Unlikest time, this time a small duck was faintly visible at her feet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She rushed forward to ask for rification, but her foot stepped into emptiness...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s heart lurched, and she suddenly woke up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She was locked in a basement, the only lighting from a dim tablemp.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The room was cluttered with discarded items, and the ceiling leaked, creating a dull, oppressive dripping sound.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s hands and feet were bound, and her mouth was taped shut.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her wrists were bare; apparently, the kidnappers had disposed of her watch.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In these conditions, Huo Guining couldn''t tell how long she had been held captive. She felt not only anxious but also hungry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Surely, a considerable amount of time must have passed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Bang!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A loud noise came from the stairs as someone approached.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The man in the ck suit came towards her carrying a ss of water.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining could now see his face clearly: a square, ordinary face with arge mole at the corner of his mouth. He looked unremarkable, not at all like a vicious criminal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He ripped the tape off Huo Guining''s mouth and held the ss to her lips. "Drink."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining immediately started screaming for help.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The man in the ck suit sneered and smashed the ss, sending shards flying that cut Huo Guining''s face. Red droplets of blood emerged eagerly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The man gripped her chin roughly: "Getting cocky, are we? Did you think I wouldn''t do anything to you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining asked timidly, "Why did you kidnap me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The man''s eyes suddenly turned vicious: "Why? When I get the money, you can ask the King of Hell for an answer!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining realized she had misjudged him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It turned out that not all demons have hideous faces. They can also, like this man in the ck suit, have an utterly ordinary appearance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was so frightened that involuntary tears began to flow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She dug her nails into her palms, not daring to cry out loud.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Uncle, I''m hungry. Can I have something to eat?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The man in the ck suit was momentarily taken aback.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He had expected the little girl to keep causing trouble, not ask for food.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He clicked his tongue: "Fine. Build up your strength. You''ll need itter."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0