Since the marriage alliance between the Jiang and Qin families, Huo Xiaozheng''s attitude towards the couple hadpletely changed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
If previously, Huo Xiaozheng''s dislike for Jiang Suyuan stemmed from his unrequited pursuit of Qin Zhiyi, now his hostility towards the Jiang family originated from his own daughter—Huo Guining.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In Huo Xiaozheng''s heart, besides Shi Lili, he himself and Jiang Suyuan were the culprits responsible for Ningning''s tragedy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Although the Jiang family had publicly announced at a press conference that they would give part of their shares to Huo Guining aspensation, Huo Xiaozheng did not ept it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Afterwards, due to Huo Guining''s health condition, Huo Xiaozheng didn''t have much interaction with the Jiang family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Half a month ago, Huo Xiaozheng received intelligence that the Yun City government intended to auction off a piece ofnd.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
An insider imed that due to some uncontroble factors, the price of thatnd was lower than the actual market price.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The specific reasons were unclear.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But this piqued Huo Xiaozheng''s interest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The Huo family had started their business in Yun City, and as their business grew, they gradually relocated to South City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Ningning''s health had always been poor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Before Huo Jing proposed participating in a parent-child reality show, Huo Xiaozheng had already intended to take Ningning away from this environment for a while.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Thend that Yun City was auctioning happened to be not far from the Huo family''s old residence in Yun City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng nned to buy thisnd and build an amusement park or a holiday resort as a gift for Ningning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
His recent impromptu business trip with Xi Chuan was also for the Yun City auction.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Now, hearing Xi Chuan say that the Jiang family was also interested in getting involved, a cold glint appeared in Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"I hadn''t heard before that the Jiang family was interested in projects in Yun City."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Xi Chuan on the other end of the phone was also puzzled: "The Jiang family''s documents were only submitted on the deadline day. There wasn''t even a whisper of it before."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng''s lips pressed into a thin line: "Investigate it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Xi Chuan responded with an affirmative.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After hanging up the phone, Huo Xiaozheng leaned back in his executive chair.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Thend in Yun City didn''t have highmercial value.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The local GDP was low, and even if they invested in building a shopping mall, it would likely not be profitable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t understand why Jiang Suyuan would suddenly be interested in this piece ofnd.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Could it be that he was merely trying to cause trouble for him?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng furrowed his brows.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In stark contrast to Huo Xiaozheng''s mood, on the other side, Huo Guining was in her element in the art studio.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Thanks to Huo Xiaozheng''s financial resources, Huo Guining used paints without any hesitation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She stayed alone in the studio until nearly ten o''clock.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
When Huo Xiaozheng quietly walked into the room, he thought she had already gone to bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Unexpectedly, the small bed was neatly made, with no sign of her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng went upstairs and pushed open the door to the studio.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The studio was as bright as day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining, small in stature, sat on a stool, concentrating intently as she wielded her paintbrush.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The white canvas was dyed red, with demons faintly visible in the blood-colored sky, their faces blue and their teeth protruding.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A little girl in a white dress, holding a dark gray rabbit, floated in mid-air.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Unknown flowers bloomed on the ground, and Huo Guining was currently coloring them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Good, at least the colors of the flowers were warm.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng sighed in relief: "Ningning, it''s time for bed."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining, as if waking from a dream, was startled by his voice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"I''ll sleep after I finish this part."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining nced at Huo Xiaozheng, then immersed herself in her creation again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng frowned: "It''s veryte. If you don''t rest now, it''s not good for your health."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining''s paintbrush paused.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Alright."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She resignedly put down her brush and followed Huo Xiaozheng downstairs, as if she had lost her soul.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After finishing her bedtime routine, Huo Guiningy with her big eyes wide open, staring nkly at the ceiling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng sat down on the edge of the bed: "Can''t sleep?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining nodded: "I want to paint."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng sighed: "It''s toote. Can you paint tomorrow?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining remained silent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng had no choice but to help her get dressed again and took her to the third floor with his tabletputer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Seeing his actions, Huo Guining spoke up: "Dad, are youing too?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Aren''t you afraid of the dark? It''s toote, I''ll keep youpany."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A warm feeling flowed through Huo Guining''s heart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Can we go back to sleep after half an hour of painting?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining nodded happily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She picked up her paintbrush again and continued coloring.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng found a stool to sit on and looked at reports nearby.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Time ticked by slowly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining had finished outlining her painting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She moved her sore upper limbs and looked up at Huo Xiaozheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng was very tall, and sitting on the small chair, his long legs had nowhere to go.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After washing up, the sharpness in Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes had diminished somewhat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He wore a dark blue bathrobe, intently focused on hisputer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Thinking about how he hade to keep herpany because he was worried she might be scared, Huo Guining put down her paintbrush: "Dad, I''m done painting."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng made a sound of acknowledgment, put away his tablet, and reached out a hand to her: "Then let''s go to sleep."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining ran forward, held his hand, and followed his shadow down the stairs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In the dead of night, Huo Guining felt that her heart had found its home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The next day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining returned to her workaholic life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
By the time Huo Xiaozheng was about to leave, Huo Guining was just groggily waking up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng pinched her nose: "Didn''t I tell you not to stay upte?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining made a couple of grunts in protest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Allowing Aunt Xu to dress her and help her wash up, Huo Guining stumbled after Huo Xiaozheng towards the underground parking garage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t bear to watch and picked her up with one arm.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It wasn''t until they arrived at thepany and she drank the corn juice Aunt Xu had prepared for her that she felt her mind clear a bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Xi Chuan reported the day''s schedule to Huo Xiaozheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Considering Ningning''s situation, Huo Xiaozheng rarely went on business trips now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But today was an exception.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"The real estate development project in the north of the city needs you to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony this afternoon."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng nodded and called out to Huo Guining:<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Ningning, you have swimming and painting lessons in the morning, and in the afternoon you''ll go out with Dad."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining nodded dazedly, her mind only registering swimming and painting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After the lunch break, Huo Xiaozheng pulled her out of bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining, who had finally caught up on sleep, looked confused: "Dad?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng sighed, regretting his moment of weaknessst night that had disrupted her biological clock.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Now, after her swimming and painting sses were over, she was groggy again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng sighed: "I told you this morning that we need to go out this afternoon."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining nodded, pretending she remembered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
However, once in the car, she tilted to one side and fell asleep again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She hadn''t woken up by the time they arrived.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Seeing that it was almost time for the ribbon-cutting, Xi Chuan volunteered: "Shall I carry Miss Guining?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng thought for a moment and handed her to Xi Chuan: "Don''t stray too far from me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Xi Chuan: ?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0