Even after the driver had dropped Huo Yueze off at home and Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Guining had returned to Panlong Bay, Huo Guining was still basking in the joy of having "a young maning of age in the family."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s mood, which had been dampened by her constant chatter on the way home, had improved considerably.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After washing up, Huo Xiaozheng pinned her down on her small bed and gave her a serious lesson on "no early dating."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Liking someone is a process of two different people gradually being attracted to each other. A healthy romantic rtionship should make both people be better versions of themselves."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining had read plenty of novels in her past life, otherwise she wouldn''t have transmigrated into this book.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At this moment, listening to Huo Xiaozheng''s rambling, she found it somewhat amusing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad, do you think your previous rtionship with Aunt Qin was healthy?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng fell silent for a moment before replying, "No, it wasn''t."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Don''t worry, I won''t follow in your footsteps," Huo Guining said casually, patting her old father''s shoulder.<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


    However, Huo Guining''s nonchnt attitude actually put Huo Xiaozheng''s mind at ease.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At least he didn''t have to worry about Ning Ning being deceived by a scoundrel in the future.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As for other matters, he didn''t care.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After this incident, Huo Yueze had originally wanted to take Ning Ning along for the graduation trip, but Huo Xiaozheng ruthlessly refused.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He didn''t want Huo Guining to be influenced too early by the blossoming feelings of adolescent boys and girls.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although Huo Yueze had tried his best to exin that his rtionship with that girl wasn''t what Huo Xiaozheng imagined, Huo Xiaozheng still wouldn''t budge.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The reason for his refusal wasn''t just because he didn''t trust Huo Yueze, but also because Huo Guining had been very busytely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She was due to start school in September.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng appeared even more nervous than Huo Guining.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Unbeknownst to Huo Guining, Huo Xiaozheng was even selecting her future ssmates.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This boy looks like trouble, no."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This girl is not bad, quiet and well-behaved, a good match for Ning Ning."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Is this the Shen Family''s youngest grandson? Put him in the next ss, don''t let him bother Ning Ning."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xi Chuan held back as long as he could, but finally couldn''t resist reminding him with a strained smile, "Mr. Huo, we only invested in a building for Miss Ning''s school. The Shen Family are the actual board members."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng paused his search: "Oh, is that so?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yes, it is," Xi Chuan replied with a polite smile.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The next day, Huo Xiaozheng strode into the office full of vigor and handed Xi Chuan a stack of documents.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I''ve donated another building to Ning Ning''s school. Go through the list of children I mentioned yesterday again."<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


    Huo Guining herself was very calm about the whole situation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She worked from nine to five, and in her spare time, she painted, swam, and went shopping.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On this day, Huo Jing had a rare day off and had arranged to go shopping with Huo Guining early in the morning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After breakfast, Huo Jing appeared punctually at Panlong Bay, waiting to set off with Ning Ning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The atmosphere around Huo Xiaozheng was a bit chilly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His tone towards Huo Jing wasn''t particrly friendly either: "Ning Ning is at a critical stage of growth. Don''t let her eat any junk food."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Jing rolled her eyes hard.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ever since thest time when she secretly took Ning Ning to eat burgers, c, and fried chicken, and was discovered by Huo Xiaozheng, she had been lectured for a whole month.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Fried chicken might contain hormones. Eating it too frequently could lead to precocious puberty," Huo Xiaozheng warned.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Jing pleaded, "Brother, you really are my biological brother! I truly know my mistake. Today I''ll make sure Ning Ning eats healthy food. I''ll even send you photos, okay?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Only then did Huo Xiaozheng let her off the hook.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He then turned to look at the girl with pigtails behind her: "Ning Ning, you understand too, right?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining timidly peeked out from behind Huo Jing and promised without much conviction, "I understand, Dad."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng left the house with lingering doubts, not forgetting to remind Ning Ning to bring her medicine with her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Of course, Huo Guining agreed to everything he said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After Huo Xiaozheng left, Huo Guining happily took Huo Jing''s hand, and the two joyfully went shopping.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What kind of surprise do you want to prepare for your dad?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Jing, wearing enormous sunsses and looking aloof, held Huo Guining''s hand as they entered the elevator.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining opened her small purse, took out her savings card, and said pitifully, "I want to buy a watch for Dad, but I don''t have enough money..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Jing thought about Ning Ning''s house and stock rights, and suddenly Huo Xiaozheng''s image ovepped with Ning Ning''s.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She sighed helplessly, "Why don''t you use the ck card your grandfather gave you? You could buy a sports car with that, no problem."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining shook her head seriously, "That won''t do. I want to use money I''ve earned myself to buy a gift for Dad."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Jing remembered that half a month ago, a friend in their circle had identally seen a painting in her photo album and really liked it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After some inquiries, the friend wanted to ask through Huo Jing if the artist would sell the painting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Thinking this was a form of recognition for Huo Guining, Huo Jing asked for her opinion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    To her surprise, Huo Guining, who usually treasured her paintings, not only agreed to sell but also sent over her other works, asking if the buyer was interested in any others.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the end, she sold two paintings.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They were worth eighty thousand yuan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When Huo Jing rmended these paintings, she hadn''t revealed Huo Guining''s true identity.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Therefore, this money was indeed earned by Ning Ning''s own merit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The small fortune in Huo Guining''s hands came from this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Jing thought for a moment, "You can''t afford an expensive watch, but you could buy your dad something else. Eighty thousand isn''t a small amount."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining tilted her head and counted on her fingers, "I''ve thought about giving Dad a watch, a pen, a tie clip... I can''t think of anything else."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Jing made a decision, "Some entry-level watches are quite nice too. Let''s go! Auntie will take you to choose one!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The aunt and niece were so engrossed in shopping that they lost track of time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When Huo Xiaozheng returned to the Panlong Bay vi, only a few floormps were still lit in the vi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He frowned and called Huo Jing, but she informed him that she had already sent Ning Ning home. If he hadn''t seen her, then Ning Ning must be asleep.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After all, today''s shopping trip had been quite tiring.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng walked upstairs, and just as he pushed open the bedroom door, he sensed something was off.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining, hiding behind the door, worried: Eh? Why isn''t Dad pushing the door open?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng paused for a good while before finally pushing the door open.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad! Happy Father''s Day!" Huo Guining jumped out as nned, giving Huo Xiaozheng a surprise.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The bedroom light suddenly came on, and Huo Guining was holding a small cake with "Happy Father''s Day" written in ck chocte.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    To be able to reach Huo Xiaozheng''s height, Huo Guining had specially moved her footstool behind the door.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She stepped onto the footstool, handed the cake to Huo Xiaozheng, then scampered to the dressing room and brought out two gift boxes, onerge and one small.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "These are the holiday gifts I prepared for you! Open them!" Huo Guining''s little face was full of barely concealed pride.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0