It was springtime, with trees sprouting new buds and a gentle breeze that had chased away winter''s chill.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the garden of the Panlong Bay vi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining gripped a small trowel, huffing and puffing as she dug holes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Across from her, Huo Xiaozheng sat ufortably on a tiny stool, loosening the soil for her and wiping sweat from her face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Spring had arrived, and the housekeeper had arranged for the gardeners to spruce up the garden.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing this, Huo Guining had a sudden idea to nt her own tree in the yard.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng was delighted by the notion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Not only did he personally apany her to choose nts she liked, but he also showed great patience, waiting as Guining slowly dug holes and carefully nted the flowers and trees.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Originally, everything had been peaceful and under control.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    All matters were within Huo Xiaozheng''s grasp.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Jiang Family and Qin Family were gradually falling under his influence, and Guining''s condition was steadily improving.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Guining watched a car pass by the gate, with a child about her age carrying a small backpack.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The child stared at her curiously.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Until disappearing from her view.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Guining asked curiously, "Dad, I''m six years old this year, do I need to go to school?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If she didn''t go to school, would it affect her ability to study art in the future?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Unexpectedly, Huo Xiaozheng immediately became tense: "Didn''t we agree that you wouldn''t go to school for now?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Guining ced the small sapling into the hole, filling it with soil by hand: "Brother is taking his high school entrance exams this year. If I don''t go to school, won''t peopleugh at me for being illiterate in the future?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng wanted to say that with her current vocabry, people would only praise her as a genius, and no one could mock her as illiterate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But Guining was talking about the future.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This made Huo Xiaozheng fall into deep thought.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Guining couldn''t leave him to go to school, and he couldn''t apany her to and from school every day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Guining, do you really want to go to school?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining replied indifferently, "Either way is fine."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Then, she extended her hand towards Huo Xiaozheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Huo Guining frowned, "Dad, the watering can."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng snapped back to reality, lifting the watering can to pour: "This can is a bit heavy, let Dad do it. You go nt that tulip over there."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining nodded, gathered her small tools, and moved to the side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Behind her, Huo Xiaozheng had not fully emerged from his contemtion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A morning passed, and Huo Guining had nted most of what she wanted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing how exhausted she was, Huo Xiaozheng left the remaining nting to the gardeners.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After lunch, it wasn''t long before Huo Guining copsed onto the small sofa by the floor-to-ceiling window.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng brought a nap nket and tucked her in snugly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He then pressed the curtain switch, closing the sheer curtains.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This way, the sunlight falling on Guining was warm and cozy, no longer ring.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After doing all this, Huo Xiaozheng made a phone call to Zuo Qinfang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After a brief conversation, Huo Xiaozheng hung up the phone, satisfied.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He brought out hisptop and sat down to work in the reception room by the balcony.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xi Chuan reported to him on the progress of their work.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "On Jiang Suyuan''s side, his funding chain has been cut off. Old Mr. Qin has injected some funds, but it''s estimated that it won''tst long."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng said expressionlessly, "Mm, what about Lin Chuxu''s side?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "As previously discussed, we''ve signed part of the contract with him."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "The contract will take effect in about a month."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng revealed a cruel smile: "Jiang Suyuan''s empire will probably copse in less than a month."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xi Chuan''s expression became solemn: "The transfer order for that person in Yun City hase through."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng grunted in acknowledgment: "Proceed ording to our n."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xi Chuan hesitated: "That person in Yun City has a rather upright character. Our people have tried to approach him, but it''s hard to gauge his stance..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned: "When will he arrive in South City? Arrange a meeting for me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xi Chuan responded affirmatively.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After ending the conversation, Huo Xiaozheng stood up and walked to the balcony.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Perhaps feeling a bit hot, Guining had pushed off most of her nket, her little face flushed red from sleep.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t resist reaching out to pinch her cheek.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hmm, she had gained some flesh.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It seemed the medicinal meals hadn''t been in vain these past days.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After indulging in some baby-watching, Huo Xiaozheng returned to the reception room to continue his work.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The vi was quiet, with only the hum of the heating system and asional sweet bird chirps from outside, creating a serene atmosphere.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining had a satisfying nap.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When she woke up, she was full of energy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng was still handling work matters.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Aunt Xu, seeing that she was awake, immediately brought her some Fuling sugar water to drink.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing her walk towards the art studio, Aunt Xu also brought her a fruit tter and prepared some goji berry tea in a thermos, delivering them all upstairs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Guining, this tea was specially blended for you by your grandmother. She says it''s good for your health."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Aunt Xu ced the items on the table in the art studio, advising, "Make sure to drink it well, okay? It''ll keep you healthy and strong."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining smiled at her, indicating that she understood.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Wei Qingyang had taken leave recently, so Huo Guining had been practicing on her own.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Perhaps because her health had truly improved, she hadn''t dreamed of that little girl in the white dresstely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Consequently, her dreams were no longer so eerie.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The weather was perfect today, so Huo Guining set up her easel by the window.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Outside, Uncle Gardener was sitting on adder, trimming the roses on the hedge.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Next to the hedge, a tall cherry blossom tree had sprouted new buds.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Sunlight filtered through the branches, casting dappled shadows on the gardener.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining picked up her brush and began to paint.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Huo Xiaozheng finished his meeting and noticed that the nket on the balcony had been neatly folded and ced to the side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The surrounding area was empty, with Aunt Xu and the housekeeper nowhere to be seen.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng called out for Guining, but there was no response.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He got up and went to the garden, but it was empty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He then went to the bedroom, but Guining wasn''t there either.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng felt inexplicably irritated: "Where did she go in such a short time?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Aunt Xu came downstairs carryingundry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Where''s Guining?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s tone wasn''t pleasant, and Aunt Xu was stunned for a moment before replying, "Guining went to the art studio. I haven''t seen here down, so she''s probably still painting."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s irritation paused for a moment. He grunted and headed towards the art studio.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Aunt Xu shook her head, wondering why he was so anxious after not seeing her for just a short while.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She had only ever seen children looking for their fathers, never a father looking for his child so urgently.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng opened the door to the art studio and saw the figure by the window. His heart settled back into ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Beside her hand was a star fruit with a single bite taken out of it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In truth, Guining didn''t like the taste of star fruit, but she loved its shape. So, every time Aunt Xu prepared it for her, she couldn''t resist taking a bite.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Destroying that perfect form.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Over time, Aunt Xu assumed she liked it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She would cut it beautifully for her every time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    And Guining would tirelessly take a bite out of each one.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t help butugh.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0