Although Huo Xiaozheng was extremely busy, he was somewhat aware of the current popr trend of "check-in" activities.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At various inte-famous spots, whether scenic views or local snacks, Huo Xiaozheng would stop to take a couple of photos for her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At first, Huo Guining would cooperate by making a peace sign, but gradually, her socially anxious nature began to show.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Inte-famous spots, as the name suggests, are ces where many peoplee to takememorative photos.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s photography style waspletely different from before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Previously, he''d take one photo per second and move on to the next spot.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now, Huo Xiaozheng seemed determined to capture her from all 360 degrees.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Face that way, smile, good, now look here..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Some onlookers, seeing this heartwarming scene, secretly took pictures.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the photos, the 6''3" tall Huo Xiaozheng was crouching on the ground, earnestly taking pictures of the little girl standing about three feet away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Some onlookers waited patiently, while impatient tourists couldn''t help but urge, "Are you done yet...?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    An ill-tempered Auntie walked right up to Guining and rudely bumped her aside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng quickly pulled her away, his expression darkening.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining swiftly took hold of the leash and led Huo Xiaozheng in another direction: "Oh, what''s that over there? It looks so delicious!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng gave the Auntie a cold look before following Huo Guining.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The snacks in Yun City tastedpletely different from those in South City. Huo Guining had a good appetite and could ept all vors, enjoying everything with gusto.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad, do you want to try some?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng looked at the small insects in Huo Guining''s hand and frowned, "No need, Dad doesn''t like that."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although Huo''s ancestors were from Yun City, Huo Xiaozheng was born and raised in South City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His dietary habits werepletely different from those of Yun City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Plus, the appearance of these insects was terrifying, and Huo Xiaozheng had no desire to try them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing he wasn''t interested, Huo Guining didn''t insist. She ate them one by one, crunching the insects with relish.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng crouched down to brush off the food debris from her clothes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A strong aroma of roasted food wafted into his nostrils.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Could they really be that delicious?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng wondered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining quickly finished the small box of fried insects. Huo Xiaozheng took out a tissue from her small backpack and wiped her hands.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "That''s enough street food for today. We''ll go somewhere else for dinnerter."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng noticed that the hygiene conditions of the street stalls were not ideal and worried that Guining might get an upset stomachter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fortunately, Guining was obedient and simply nodded in response.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing that it was getting dark, Huo Xiaozheng led Guining back towards their hotel.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Passing by a rural-style restaurant, Huo Guining''s attention was drawn to a small dog at the entrance, and she kept looking back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng followed her gaze.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was a local restaurant that looked rtively clean.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng asked, "Do you want to eat dinner here?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s eyes lit up, and she nodded immediately.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As they entered the restaurant, they realized that business was quite slow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even though it was dinner time, the ce was nearly empty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining didn''t mind. After entering, Huo Xiaozheng sat down at a nearby table, looking at the menu and ordering from the staff.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining left Huo Xiaozheng''s side and walked towards the dog.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The dog was curled up near the main entrance, lying on a straw mat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The dog was snow-white all over, with a ck spot on one ear.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Its ck eyes were watery and bright. Seeing Huo Guining approach, it raised its upper body and wagged its fluffy tail, looking utterly adorable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining crouched down, calling the dog good while trying to pet it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Unexpectedly, the seemingly docile dog suddenly started barking at her loudly, startling Huo Guining.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Niuniu isn''t familiar with you yet, so you shouldn''t pet her randomly."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A soft female voice came from behind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A girl wearing a blue and white school uniform, carrying arge basket of vegetables, walked in from outside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She looked about 10 years old, with a frail build, but herrge eyes sparkled brightly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing Huo Guining look over, she smiled slightly, "But don''t worry, Niuniu doesn''t bite."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining smiled back, "Is Niuniu yours? She''s so cute."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The girl beamed with pride at thepliment, "Yes! Niuniu isn''t just cute, she''s very smart too!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s eyes lit up, "Really?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Finding a willing audience, the girl immediately put down her vegetable basket and picked up Niuniu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yes, look, Niuniu can shake hands..." she said, putting Niuniu down. "Niuniu, sit..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Niuniu immediately sat down, obediently looking at the girl.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The girl raised an eyebrow proudly and gave anothermand: "Niuniu, shake hands!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Niuniu raised her front paw and ced it in the girl''s palm.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s mouth fell open in amazement, "Wow..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The girl''s expression grew even brighter: "Niuniu..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hurry up and bring those vegetables over, all you do is y with that dog all day!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    An angry shout interrupted the girl''s show.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The speaker was the Landy, who was also the girl''s mother.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She stood with her hands on her hips, holding a spat, and berated the girl: "You''re useless at school, and all you care about is that dog, dog, dog."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The girl lowered her head under her mother''s scolding. She picked up the vegetable basket and walked towards the kitchen, apanied by her mother''s angry words.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was stunned.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng, who had witnessed everything, frowned and walked over to Huo Guining: "Do you still want to eat here?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining pressed her lips together and shook her head.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Landy, overhearing their conversation, protested: "I''ve already started cooking your food, you can''t just say you don''t want it anymore."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng took out his wallet, pulled out several bills, and ced them on the table.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Then he picked up Huo Guining and left.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Around the corner of the kitchen, the scolded Little Girl stared wistfully at their retreating figures, lost in thought.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "That Landy was so fierce, no wonder this restaurant doesn''t have many customers," Huo Guining sighed, resting her chin on Huo Xiaozheng''s shoulder, sounding like a little adult.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng chuckled at her world-weary tone, "Everything happens for a reason."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining sighed again, "Yeah."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Neither of them dwelled on this incident for long.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng had the Hotel Manager make a reservation at a nearby restaurant with a nice ambiance and authentic local cuisine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After dinner, Huo Xiaozheng took Huo Guining back to the hotel.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On the way to the parking lot, they passed by the rural restaurant again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The little dog at the entrance stretched its neck and barked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Inside, the Landy was scolding loudly, her face stern.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The frail Little Girl was silently sweeping the floor with her head down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining felt a twinge of difort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Do you want to help her?" Huo Xiaozheng asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining nodded, "It''s not right for the Landy to treat a child like that, is it?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng had wanted to say that things aren''t always what they seem on the surface.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But from Huo Guining''s perspective, he said, "You''re right, that''s not how parents should behave."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0