Huo Xiaozheng patted her head gently. "Ning Ning, everyone has their own destiny."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Though he said this, Huo Guining still wanted to change the fate of others.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
However, her situation with Huo Xiaozheng wasn''t as good as she had imagined, so she didn''t dare to act rashly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She nodded dejectedly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Seeing her unhappiness, a calcting look shed in Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
On stage, the children''s y was in full swing, with exquisite stage production.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining, however, was too preupied to fully appreciate it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Are you still thinking about Lingling?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining nodded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng said, "How about Dad takes you to see Lingling now?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining''s eyes lit up. "Can we?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng readily agreed, "Why not?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He helped her put on her coat and carried her out. "Besides, Lingling''s parents won''t be back for a while."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining''s expression finally brightened.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Dad, do you think I''m meddling in other people''s business?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng fell silent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In the past, he would have definitely considered this meddling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But now it was different. Ning Ning was struggling with her conscience over this matter, so it wasn''t simply interference anymore.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Ning Ning, you have a soft heart," Huo Xiaozheng said sincerely. "Dad isn''t troubled by this. In fact, Dad is proud of you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Before, Huo Xiaozheng had never experienced such tender emotions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
To him, the world was aboutpetition, urgent decision-making, and being constantly on edge like a taut bowstring, with him as the arrow ready to be released.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After having Ning Ning, he experienced a different kind of life through her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This life was no worse than his day-to-day work.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In fact, it gave meaning to his daily toil.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining couldn''t grasp such deep thoughts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Hearing Huo Xiaozheng''s words, she immediately cheered up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The driver, seeing theme out so quickly, hurriedly sat up straight.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Mr. Huo, are we going home?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng gave an address, and the ck business car drove into the dark night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Lingling sat on the doorstep, bored, ying with Niuniu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Niuniu, oblivious to her mncholy,y at Lingling''s feet, enjoying being petted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Her parents had taken her little brother to see the children''s y. She heard there were musical performers who sang beautifully.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Lingling had wanted to go too.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But her parents said someone needed to watch the house.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Lingling and Niuniu were the perfect house-sitting duo.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Lingling wasn''t happy about it and argued with her mother, insisting on going.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Her mother had beaten her, pulling her hair.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She touched her cheek, which was hot and still stinging.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A blinding light shone on her face, and Lingling shielded her eyes, looking towards the source.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining, wearing little leather shoes, came running up to Lingling, her footsteps echoing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Lingling!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As she approached Lingling, Huo Guining suddenly felt timid and hesitated about a meter away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The harsh light faded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After her eyes adjusted, Lingling could finally see clearly who was in front of her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
A big smile spread across her face as she quickly stood up and rushed to Ning Ning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
She lowered her head and asked, "Why did youe?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining said, "I just saw your parents and brother at the children''s theater. I was worried you might be bored alone at home, so I came over."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The loneliness on Lingling''s face vanished instantly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Although Huo Guining was only 5 years old, Lingling unconsciously treated her like a peer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining indeed felt a bit unsure: "Lingling, are you mad at me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Lingling was a bit confused.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining reminded her, "That day, when I said you weren''t my friend."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Lingling smiled generously, "Ning Ning, you''re so smart. I can''t exin why, but I feel like what you said was right."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
This time it was Huo Guining''s turn to be surprised.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Lingling smiled shyly, "I was worried you might look down on me because of my parents."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining shook her head vigorously, "No, never. You are you, and your parents are your parents."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Lingling said, "I went to the hotel to find you this afternoon."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining was startled, "Then why didn''t I see you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Lingling shook her head, "The hotel was too fancy. I didn''t dare go in without you. I was afraid you might leave at any time, but there were some things I wanted to tell you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining said seriously, "Tell me, I''m listening."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Lingling pulled Huo Guining to sit down on the doorstep. Niuniuy t beside her owner, ready to be petted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Thank you and your dad for helping me that day, and thank you for considering me a friend," Lingling asked, "Can I secretly write to you in the future?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Seeing the hesitation in Huo Guining''s eyes, Lingling raised her hand and swore, "I absolutely won''t let my parents find out, and if they do, I''ll never reveal it was you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Her words made Huo Guining seem petty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
But thinking of Huo Xiaozheng, Huo Guining still said, "Lingling, my home is in South City."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining took out a small bracelet from her backpack. It was a dress-up toy that Huo Xiaozheng had bought for her, with crystal beads that Huo Guining had strung together ording to her preference.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Lingling, study hard ande to South City for school in the future. Then we can be friends again." Huo Guining ced the bracelet in Lingling''s hand. "Let''s use this bracelet as a token of our promise."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The crystal bracelet emitted a soft glow in the night.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Lingling happily tucked it away, "Okay! Wait for me!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
After a moment''s thought, Lingling rushed into the house and came back with a small Mickey Mouse hair clip for Huo Guining.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"This is my token for you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining held Lingling''s hand, "Now that you''ve epted my token, we must meet in South City, okay?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Lingling nodded firmly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
In the night sky, stars twinkled, and the cool moonlight illuminated their eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng leaned against the car door, waiting until Huo Guining walked over, looking back every few steps.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"Did you finish talking?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining nodded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
As they were leaving, Huo Guining lowered the car window and called out to Lingling, "Remember our promise, okay?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng curiously asked about the content of the promise.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining kept quiet, only saying, "It''s a promise about hope."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Then she asked, "Dad, can wee back to y every year?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng immediately understood Ning Ning''s true intentions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
He gently stroked her head and asked softly, "Ning Ning, if Dad makes a mistake, will you forgive me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Guining immediately replied, "I think you''re doing an excellent job as a dad. You won''t make mistakes."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Her tone was like she wasforting a child, but she sounded very certain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng sighed, hoping she would always think that way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
The next day, Huo Guining stuffed all the delicious treats and fun things she had collected in Yun City into her suitcase.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Huo Xiaozheng, fully dressed, was putting on his watch while watching Huo Guining huffing and puffing as she packed. He couldn''t help but remind her:<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
"If you want to eat something, I can have someone buy it and send it to you. No need to go to such trouble."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
Hearing Huo Xiaozheng''s words, Huo Guining looked at him with an expression that said ''you don''t understand''.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0
It wasn''t until they arrived in South City and returned to the Huo family''s old house that Huo Xiaozheng understood her packing behavior.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0