《What to Do If I Become the Villain’s Daughter》


 Chapter 1

    It was a winter''s night.


    The bitter wind howled asrge snowkes drifted down onto the fields.


    In the white expanse, a huddled figure could be seen in the distance.


    A little girl in thin clothingy on the snowy ground, her face pale blue, shivering violently. She seemed to be breathing in more than she was breathing out.


    Huo Ning felt the cold wetness beneath her body, a pain like knives scraping her bones.


    She struggled to open her heavy eyelids.


    The first thought that came to her mind was: I''ve survived again, somehow.


    Her vision was filled with white. In the distance, a row of dim streetlights stood lonely, as if waiting for someone who might never return.


    Huo Ning''s foggy mind grew even more confused: How did she end up lying outdoors? Could it be that she hadn''t survived after all, and her soul had already ascended?


    A gust of wind blew past, and the unbearable stinging pain clearly told her: This was no dream.


    Huo Ning propped herself up, shivering as she sat up.


    A searing pain tore through her mind. Huo Ning bit her lip hard, feeling her heart pounding rapidly as cold sweat beaded on her forehead.


    Memories that didn''t belong to her began to surface in her mind.


    Then, an AI-like mechanical voice sounded in her head:


    "The world you are currently in is the novel ''Doting on Wife Without Limits''. Your mission is to reform the viin Huo Xiaozheng and maintain the stability of this world.


    The reward for sessfulpletion of the mission is: to continue living in this world with your current identity.


    The punishment for failure is: to suffer the pain of your previous life again, ending your life in this world in the same manner."


    Huo Ning''s eyes widened. ''Doting on Wife Without Limits''? Wasn''t that the novel she had read before?


    In the book, Huo Xiaozheng, after failing to win the female lead''s affection, became bitter from love. Heter turned to the dark side, bing an ultimate viin, doing everything he could to obstruct the female lead''s happiness.


    At the end of the story, the male lead intervened, and Huo Xiaozheng met his end in an "ident".


    So, had she transmigrated into a book?


    However, there was no response in her mind.


    Huo Ning looked down at her body and realized she had be a young child.


    Although she had once thought that if she ever transmigrated into a book, she would kneel and call the viin "daddy" for survival''s sake.


    But she never imagined she would directly be a child.


    After a moment of disorientation, the memories in her mind told her that this body belonged to a 5-year-old girl, originally named Shi Ning.


    She had never received attention since birth, and her irresponsible mother not only let her drift from one rtive''s house to another.


    After bringing her back home, she even allowed her to be abused by her boyfriend.


    Today, her birth mother and new boyfriend had gone on a date.


    Completely disregarding the fact that the new boyfriend had fed her allergy medication, they had yfully abandoned her in the wilderness.


    The adult dose of allergy medicine had made the original owner drowsy in the freezing wilderness, until her life came to an end.


    The howling wind whistled past her ears like a ghost, and Huo Ning felt her body temperature dropping lower and lower.


    She had no time to sort out her chaotic thoughts. Stumbling to her feet, she hugged herself and started walking eastward.


    Perhaps it was the luck thates with transmigrating, but while the original owner had ended her life due to hypothermia, Huo Ning had a chance to struggle for survival.


    Huo Ning''s most urgent task was to find a ce to shelter from the cold.


    The memories in her mind told her that across that road, on the other side, there would be a 24-hour convenience store.


    In this icy world, the original owner had been frozen for who knows how long.


    This forced her to stop and rest after every couple of steps. The heart in her chest seemed to be struggling too, pounding hard against her ribcage.


    Her stomach was empty; Huo Ning could clearly feel itpressed like a sheet of paper.


    The cold and hunger made Huo Ning lightheaded and barely able to move. She even felt like she might die a second time at any moment.


    Huo Ning gasped for air, her vision blurry. She curled up into a ball, feeling as if the world was spinning around her.


    I can''t go on, I''m going to die... Huo Ning thought in despair.


    In her final moments, the sound of a police siren rang out.


    A patrol car with shing blue lights stopped beside her.


    "Little girl, are you lost?" Huo Ning struggled to lift her head. When she made out the police uniform on the speaker, she fainted with relief.


    ...


    "Move away, don''t block the heater..." a woman''s voice gently scolded.


    "Hot milk, I added sugar..."


    Amidst a cacophony of voices, Huo Ning slowly opened her eyes.


    The stinging cold was gone, reced by a warmth that enveloped her body as if she were soaking in afortable bath.


    "Oh, she''s awake, she''s awake..."


    Huo Ning looked towards the speaker. It was the police officer from earlier.


    "Hungry..." Huo Ning said softly.


    Hearing this, the female officer immediately handed her some bread and milk.


    Huo Ning epted them, taking a big bite like a starving wolf and gulping down the milk. It was hot.


    Huo Ning couldn''t help but tear up: Ah, I''ve survived.


    Due to long-term malnutrition, Huo Ning was smaller than other children her age. The only striking feature on her was a pair of bright, slightly cute eyes.


    This scene touched the hearts of the police officers: Poor little thing, so pitiful.


    After she had eaten and drunk her fill, the police officers began their routine questions.


    "Little one, what''s your name? Where do you live? Do you have your parents'' contact information?"


    Huo Ning lowered her head.


    She knew her original mother''s contact information by heart.


    After all, the original owner was often forgotten at kindergarten, so she had to memorize her mother''s phone number to remind her toe pick her up.


    But now, she couldn''t let the original mother take her back.


    This was not only for her uing mission but also for her own chance to grow up properly.


    "My name is Shi Ning, and my father is Huo Xiaozheng."


    "But I can''t remember his phone number. Can you help me call him?" Huo Ning asked timidly.


    Seeing her blinking her big eyes, the female officer momentarily overlooked the significance of the name ''Huo Xiaozheng''.


    "Alright, what are the three characters? Auntie will look it up for you." The female officer looked at her lovingly.


    A male officer incredulously asked, "It can''t be that Huo Xiaozheng, right?"


    The female officer looked puzzled. "Which one? You know her father?"


    The male officer quickly shook his head. "You know, that one. The big boss of Huo Group. He was trending on social media a couple of days ago. Weren''t you hugging your phone and calling him ''husband'' at the time?"


    The female officer btedly realized and looked at Huo Ning in shock, her eyes questioning.


    Seeing this, Huo Ning confirmed that she had indeed transmigrated into a book.


    After all, only in a novel could Huo Xiaozheng''s name be so universally recognized.


    Pretending ignorance, she spelled out slowly: "The ''Xiao'' from ''midnight'', the ''Zheng'' from ''expedition''."


    Seeing that the police still didn''t quite believe her, Huo Ning''s small, thin hands tightly gripped the hem of her clothes. She looked up, her gaze sincere as she said to the police: "I''m not lying."


    The police had no choice but to dial Huo Xiaozheng''s work number.


    "Hello, is this Huo Xiaozheng? We''re from the Tongcheng Public Security Branch. Your daughter is currently at the police station. Pleasee and take the little one home."


    On the other end of the line, Huo Xiaozheng''s chief assistant Xi Chuan looked bewildered.


    He nced at his phone, the screen indeed showing the call was from the police station. He asked in disbelief: "What daughter?"


    When did Mr. Huo have a daughter? Howe he didn''t know about this?


    The incredulity in Xi Chuan''s tone was too obvious.


    The police officer making the call couldn''t help but turn back to look at the little girl, feeling uneasy: If this turns out to be a mistake...


    But havinge this far, he had to press on: "It''s like this, our staff found a lost little girl by the roadside.


    When we asked for her family''s contact information, the little girl said her father is Huo Xiaozheng.


    Given that the little girl could clearly state Mr. Huo''s name, we''d like to request Mr. Huo toe to the police station."


    After finishing, the officer added uncertainly: "Or you could send awyer if you prefer."


    Xi Chuan nced at Huo Xiaozheng, who was pretending to nap in the back seat, and covered the mouthpiece to ask: "Mr. Huo, the police station called. They say there''s a little girl iming to be your daughter..."


    Xi Chuan couldn''t finish the rest of the sentence.


    Huo Xiaozheng, nearly 30 years old, had his hair slicked back in a pompadour style.


    His features were handsome and chiseled, but there was a coldness in his brow that made people afraid to look directly at him.


    "Daughter?" He opened his eyes, his tone t: "Do I need to teach you how to handle such nder?"


    Xi Chuan choked up, turning his head to speak into the phone: "I''m sorry, but Mr. Huo doesn''t have a daughter. We''ll send awyer to assist with your investigationter."


    The police officer on the other end felt his heart sink: Had they been too hasty after all?


    "I see, sorry to bother you..." the officer was about to hang up.


    Behind him, Huo Ning saw her chance slipping away. She blurted out desperately: "Five years ago, Gantang Court!"


    Startled by Huo Ning''s shout, the officer hastily ended the call. He turned to her with slight irritation: "Little one, tell Uncle the truth now. What are your parents'' real names?"


    Huo Ning remembered that five years ago, Huo Xiaozheng had encountered the original girl''s mother at Gantang Court.


    This was a dark spot in Huo Xiaozheng''s past. Surely he wouldn''t have forgotten?


    But reality was cruel. Her words seemingly hadn''t reached the other end of the line at all.


    Huo Ning watched her only hope vanish. The little energy she''d stored up from drinking milk earlier rapidly drained away, leaving her both physically and emotionally devastated.


    She slumped in the chair, deaf to the officer''s questions.


    The police interpreted Huo Ning''s demeanor as a naughty child''s confusion after being caught misbehaving.


    So they stopped pressing her and began actively searching for information about Huo Ning instead.


    As they searched, they actually managed to find contact information for the original girl''s mother.


    Huo Ning wracked her brain, trying to figure out her next move.


    Before she coulde up with a n, a loud wailing cry echoed from the doorway.


    "Ning Ning, my baby!"


    The cries grew closer. Huo Ning watched wide-eyed as a woman dressed like a nightclub hostess barreled towards her.


    It was Shi Lili, the original girl''s mother.


    Shi Lili grabbed Huo Ning in a tight embrace, sobbing dramatically and calling her "baby" over and over.


    In the heat of the moment, she even started smacking Huo Ning''s back in a show of "tough love."


    But this body seemed conditioned to fear such treatment. Almost reflexively, Huo Ning raised her arms to shield her head.


    At the same time, her body began to tremble uncontrobly.


    Yet even so, she couldn''t suppress her body''s instinctive reaction.


    Shaking, she lifted her arms to hug her mother''s head: "I''m sorry, Mommy. I made you worry. Please don''t cry."


    It seemed the original girl''s consciousness hadn''t fully faded away yet.


    Btedly realizing this, Huo Ning felt a pang of sorrow.


    The original girl''s given name was just Ning, but she took her mother''s surname, making it Shi Ning. This sounded like "dead person" in Chinese.


    How much must someone dislike their own child to give them such a name? Huo Ning couldn''t understand it.


    Feeling Huo Ning''s embrace, Shi Lili felt a twinge of satisfaction:


    No matter how she treated Shi Ning, the girl always loved her mother unconditionally. As she pretended to cry into Huo Ning''s shoulder, Shi Lili couldn''t help but smirk.


    That faint sound ofughter did not escape Huo Ning''s notice.


    After that hug, it was as if the original girl''s presence vanishedpletely.


    Huo Ning pushed away the sobbing Shi Lili and asked in a childlike tone: "Mommy, what are youughing at?"


    Shi Lili''s body stiffened. She gritted her teeth and straightened up: "Mommy''s just happy, sweetie. I''ve been looking everywhere for you..."


    The young officer who had made the phone call earlier took this opportunity to lecture her: "What kind of mother are you?


    It''s 10 PM and snowing outside. How could you let a child wander around alone?


    When we found her, she was freezing cold."


    Shi Lili epted the scolding meekly: "Yes, yes, you''re absolutely right, officer. I''ve spoiled her too much. I never thought she''d run out to y in this heavy snow..."


    Huo Ning deliberately interrupted: "Mommy, where''s Uncle? Didn''t hee back with you?"


    She blinked her big eyes, feigning a child''s adoration.


    Hearing this, the female officer couldn''t help but interject: "Spoiled? What kind of spoiling involves neglecting to feed your child while you go on dates?


    You''re all dressed up, but you let your child out in this snowstorm wearing only this?"


    She lifted the heavy nket covering Huo Ning, revealing the thin autumn jacket underneath.


    Shi Lili''s expression soured.


    She forced a smile and grabbed Huo Ning: "You''re absolutely right, officer. I''ll go home right now and reflect on my actions. This won''t happen again."


    Seeing that Shi Lili was about to take her away, Huo Ning began to struggle, her voice filled with fear: "Mommy, I can''t go home."


    "Uncle said I''m not allowed to go home today without his permission, or he''ll break my hands."


    Huo Ning shouted as she tried to hide behind the female officer.


    Shi Lili was barely maintaining her smile now: "This child, always making up stories. Your uncle dotes on you so much, how could he possibly hit you?"


    "If you keep lying, the police will arrest you!"


    Hearing this, the officers found themselves in a dilemma.


    Clearly, Shi Lili wasn''t a responsible mother. But after the earlier phone incident, the police were wary of trusting the little girl too readily.


    The situation had reached an impasse.


    Shi Lili read the room and softened her tone: "Officers, my daughter often exaggerates things to get my attention. She likes to cause a scene to make me worry about her."


    "I admit I haven''t been strict enough with her discipline, and I haven''t paid her enough attention. But I''m still her mother. How could I possibly let anyone hurt my daughter?"


    What could they do? No matter what mistakes parents might make, as long as they hadn''t killed their child, a child still needed their parents.


    The female officer holding Huo Ning''s hand crouched down, her expression resigned.


    She gently smoothed Huo Ning''s hair and spoke softly: "Don''t run away like this again, okay? If anyone bullies you, call Big Sister. I''ve put my number in your coat pocket."


    Seeing the officer''s resolve weakening, Huo Ning found herself at a loss.


    Shi Lili quickly pulled Huo Ning close, thanking the officers profusely as she led Huo Ning out of the police station.


    The night was deep, and a biting wind howled outside the door. The thick snow seemed to freeze Huo Ning''s anxiously beating heart.


    As soon as they stepped out of the police station, Shi Lili dropped her act.


    She yelled at Huo Ning: "Didn''t I tell you to y in the snow for a bit ande right back? Your uncle was just joking with you. How did you end up at the police station?"


    Memories of this so-called "uncle" surfaced in Huo Ning''s mind, instantly making her feel sick.


    She unexpectedly wrenched free from Shi Lili''s grasp and ran back towards the police station.


    Damn it all, she''d report them and let the police lock them both up.


    It all happened so fast. A car driving normally down the road was startled by Huo Ning''s sudden dash.


    The driver jerked the steering wheel to the right. With a screech of brakes, Huo Ning was knocked into a snowbank by some external force.


    Huo "Carrot" Ning, forcibly nted face-first in the snow: Maybe you should just kill me off directly instead.

 Chapter 2

    Due to the slow speed of the car and the cushioning effect of the snow, Huo Ning''s body wasn''t seriously injured.


    Shi Lili had already caught up and was hurling abuse at the driver.


    Huo Xiaozheng opened the car door and saw Huo Ning getting up by herself from the snowy ground.


    Her face and hair were covered in snow, her dark eyes shining brightly in the night, like a startled fawn in the snow.


    Huo Xiaozheng was inexplicably struck by those eyes...


    He walked over to help the little girl up. Seeing that her nket was wet from the snow, he draped his coat over her and coldly asked if she needed to go to the hospital.


    "You knocked down my daughter, you''re not leaving without payingpensation! There''s a police station right next door, if you don''t pay up, we''ll call the police!" Shi Lili''s shrill voice pierced the quiet night.


    Huo Ning pressed her lips together and said, "Not the hospital, the police station."


    Given the young age of this body, despite her inner anger, Huo Ning''s words came out sounding babyish.


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned slightly.


    Seeing that Huo Ning wasn''t seriously hurt, he wrapped her in his coat, picked her up, and walked towards the police station.


    Seeing this, Shi Lili immediately followed.


    In just a few minutes, Huo Ning found herself at the police station for the second time.


    The officer on duty was a bit surprised: "Little girl, why are you back again?"


    Huo Xiaozheng ced Huo Ning on a nearby recliner.


    "Hello, I''m Xi Chuan, Mr. Huo''s secretary. You called me earlier," Xi Chuan, who had followed closely behind, introduced himself.


    Shi Lili ignored the "Mr. Huo" he mentioned and continued to demandpensation from Xi Chuan while cursing.


    After understanding the situation, the police officer said to Shi Lili, "This is a police station, not the traffic police department. You can either settle this privately or call the traffic police directly."


    Without waiting for Shi Lili to continue her tirade, he apologized to Xi Chuan, "I''m very sorry. We were about to call you back. The little girl was just making things up, it''s our fault for not checking properly."


    Xi Chuan didn''t mind, "I see. We''d like to meet that little girl."


    The police officer was confused and pointed at Huo Ning, "She is that little girl."


    Xi Chuan was momentarily stunned.


    "You''re Huo Xiaozheng, aren''t you?" Huo Ning had already guessed Huo Xiaozheng''s identity.


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded.


    "Can I talk to you?" Huo Ning said, quickly adding, "Without my mom present."


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded, giving Xi Chuan a look.


    Xi Chuan understood and immediately led Shi Lili to another area to discusspensation.


    "Can you speak now?" Huo Xiaozheng asked.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s aura was strong, and Huo Ning gathered her courage to speak, "I''m your daughter. You can verify this with a paternity test."


    "Hmm, what do you want?" Huo Xiaozheng was indifferent.


    Compared to Huo Ning''s identity, Huo Xiaozheng was more concerned about who had taken advantage of him at Gantang Court five years ago.


    In the original novel, the antagonist was portrayed as that cold, ruthless, handsome type. Now, facing Huo Xiaozheng, Huo Ning felt a bit intimidated.


    She swallowed and said, "Can you raise me until I''m 18?"


    Thirteen years should be enough for her to change the course of the story, right?


    Hearing this, Huo Xiaozheng looked down at her. The little girl was looking up at him, her fair face thin but with rosy cheeks. Though clearly afraid of him, she still mustered the courage to state her conditions.


    "What does your mother want?" Huo Xiaozheng didn''t believe in love or hate without reason in this world.


    Huo Ning shook her head, "She doesn''t know you''re my father."


    This statement was very interesting.


    Five years ago at Gantang Court, Huo Xiaozheng had been set up and indeed had a one-night stand with a strange woman.


    After that, the incident seemed to have never happened, no one mentioned it, no one sought answers.


    As time passed, even Huo Xiaozheng had forgotten about it.


    Unexpectedly, when it was brought up again, it came from the mouth of a child.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s gaze was probing, "Then how did you know?"


    Huo Ning couldn''t help but give a thumbs up internally. Good question, she was also wondering how she should make up a convincing story!


    In a sh, Huo Ning remembered that in the original book, Shi Ning''s death would be a scandal for Huo Xiaozheng, not only causing the original female lead topletely lose faith in him but also bing the catalyst for the downfall of Huo Group.


    And Shi Lili''s boyfriend seemed to have yed some role in it...


    "Uncle," Huo Ning mumbled, "I overheard uncle talking on the phone with someone."


    "Name," Huo Xiaozheng said concisely.


    Huo Ning was stunned for a moment before realizing he was asking for the ''uncle''s'' name.


    "Li Zhiyuan."


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded.


    "I can give you living expenses until you''re 18," Huo Xiaozheng said. "On the condition that you and your mother cannot live in this country."


    Huo Ning''s heart sank. As expected of an antagonist, cold and heartless to the core.


    Living under the same roof with Shi Lili was the most disgusting thing Huo Ning could imagine.


    But in Huo Xiaozheng''s consideration, keeping Huo Ning and Shi Lili, two potential liabilities, under control in one ce was clearly more reassuring to him.


    If that''s the case...


    Huo Ning timidly nced in Shi Lili''s direction, making sure she wasn''t looking this way, then took off the coat draped over her shoulders and slowly unzipped her jacket.


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned, "What are you doing?"


    Huo Ning didn''t speak. She slowly took off her outer jacket, carefully folded it and put it aside, then removed her cardigan and undershirt until her upper body waspletely bare.


    Huo Ning turned her back, presenting it to everyone.


    She already looked very thin, but without clothes, she could be described as skin and bones.


    Her pale back was covered in crisscrossing bruises of varying depths. It was a shocking sight.


    Huo Ning put her clothes back on one by one, then turned around and brushed her long hair away from her neck, revealing a ring of purple bruises.


    She did all this slowly, as if without any sense of basic shame, exposing her injuries to everyone''s view.


    Ignoring the pitying gazes of the onlookers, she pleaded in a soft voice, "These are the injuries within mom''s allowed range. Although I don''t want to trouble you, dad, I also don''t want to die."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes darkened at Huo Ning''s words and actions, and he was momentarily stunned by Huo Ning calling him ''dad''.


    Huo Ning knew how impactful such words would being from the mouth of a 5-year-old girl.


    And this plea of not wanting to die, how the original owner had longed to say it.


    Xi Chuan felt remorseful, regretting that he had believed Shi Lili''s act earlier and thought the little girl was a liar.


    Bah! She didn''t deserve to be a parent at all.


    Shi Lili, who had happily received thepensation, was oblivious to all this. She walked towards Huo Ning, nning in her mind to send Huo Ning home and then enjoy a night at a five-star hotel with Zhiyuan...


    The female police officer stopped her, "I''m going to charge you with child abuse!"


    Shi Lili was stunned for a moment, then seeing Huo Ning''s not fully buttoned clothes, she immediately understood, "I didn''t abuse my daughter! Ning Ning, those are just from you identally bumping into things while ying, right?"


    Huo Ning felt a wave of sorrow for the original owner.


    She looked up at Huo Xiaozheng, "Can I go with you?"


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t refuse. He gave Shi Lili a dark look and left with Huo Ning.


    "They''re kidnapping a child! Police, aren''t you going to do anything?!" Shi Lili shouted from behind.


    Given Shi Lili''s behavior, the police chose to ignore her.


    The little girl had already called him dad, and Mr. Huo hadn''t denied it. Going with him would certainly be better than staying with this vicious mother.


    Besides, how could someone of Mr. Huo''s high status and power have any connection with Shi Lili...


    The long night continued, and winter snow still fell.


    Huo Ning curled up in the back seat of Huo Xiaozheng''s car, feeling warm all over and thinking that the future looked promising.


    Huo Ning, feeling optimistic about the future, soon fell into a deep sleep.


    Being left in the snow for so long with only minimal sustenance, it was a miracle she had held on until now.


    Sitting beside her, Huo Xiaozheng, having calmed down, felt he might have been manipted.


    Just as he was about to confront someone, he noticed the child had slumped over in her seat, eyes tightly shut, face flushed, and breathing heavily.


    He reached out to feel the child''s forehead, which was rmingly hot.


    "Go to the hospital," Huo Xiaozheng ordered the driver in a deep voice.


    Following the order, the ck Maybach glided into the night like a fish through water.


    Xi Chuan, who had just verbally triumphed over the woman, looked at the empty courtyard: Where was the car? Where had such arge car gone?


    Xi Chuan recalled the earlier situation. He repeated the phrase "Gantang Court 5 years ago" from the phone call, and Huo Xiaozheng in the back seat, upon hearing it, immediately ordered them to turn around and head to the police station.


    So, the little girl being Huo''s daughter was true, wasn''t it?


    Thinking about it this way, it seemed less difficult to ept that Mr. Huo had left her behind and departed with the little girl...


    Inside Anzhen Children''s Hospital.


    "It''s a circtory imbnce that urred after not fully recovering from hypothermia and then getting cold again," Shen Shiyan said, looking through the patient''s medical records and addressing the man sitting upright.


    "Hypothermia?" Huo Xiaozheng repeated the word questioningly.


    "Given the child''s condition, she must have been hypothermic for at least two hours."


    "In other words, she was exposed to freezing conditions without any protection for at least two hours."


    As it was a VIP consultation, all relevant test results were alreadyplete. Shen Shiyan continued after reviewing the results:


    "The little one is malnourished. It''s a miracle she survived two hours in the freezing cold."


    Huo Xiaozheng gave him a cold nce. His tone slightly lowered: "Is there any danger to her life?"


    Shen Shiyan, who had grown up with Huo Xiaozheng since childhood, ignored his cold face: "With me here, I''d snatch her life back from the King of Hell himself if I had to."


    Only then did Huo Xiaozheng avert his gaze.


    Seeing this, Shen Shiyan said amusedly: "By the way, whose child is this? Important enough for you to call me out from home in the middle of the night?"


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t respond, but instructed: "Take good care of her."


    He was about to leave.


    "This couldn''t be your child, could it..." Shen Shiyan joked.


    As he spoke, he carefully studied the sickly little girl''s features, noticing that her eyes and brows seemed somewhat simr to his friend''s...


    His tone gradually became surprised: "This child''s eyes and brows look a lot like yours!"


    "I just took a sample. Do a paternity test for me and her."


    Huo Xiaozheng, gripping the door handle, turned back to warn: "Before I make this public, you''d better keep your mouth shut and those of your subordinates."


    Shen Shiyan closed his lips tightly in shock, showing his loyalty.


    Huo Xiaozheng nced at Huo Ning on the hospital bed and left the room.


    Meanwhile, Xi Chuan had already obtained the information Huo Xiaozheng wanted.


    "Li Zhiyuan was Shi Lili''s boyfriend of three years. Li Zhiyuan had no job and relied entirely on Shi Lili for support."


    "Six months ago, Jiang Suyuan''s people approached him, and since then, Li Zhiyuan has been receiving a sum of money every month."


    The Jiang family again.


    "Keep investigating," Huo Xiaozheng said coldly.


    "Yes, sir."


    After spending a few days in Anzhen Hospital, Huo Ning''s health gradually improved.


    On this day, after another good night''s sleep.


    It had snowed all night, and the morning was bright and clear.


    Warm sunlight streamed through the windows, filling the entire room.


    The scent of disinfectant filled her nostrils. Huo Ning, having been in hospitals for so long, didn''t find it unpleasant; rather, it gave her a sense of familiarfort after a long absence.


    After all, being able to smell this again was proof that she was alive.


    "Little one, are you awake? How are you feeling?" A gentle male voice sounded in the hospital room.


    Shen Shiyan had beening to do rounds every day, and Huo Ning had be familiar with him.


    She rubbed her eyes somewhat drowsily and looked at Shen Shiyan: "I feel great, thank you for your concern, Doctor Uncle."


    Huo Ning had just woken up, her voice milky and slightly coquettish, sounding extremely adorable.


    Shen Shiyan couldn''t help but feel a surge of paternal affection: "Ning Ning is such a good girl."


    After a series of checks, Shen Shiyan happily announced that there were no major issues with her body, and all she needed now was proper care and recuperation.


    Huo Ning was very satisfied with this, and the smile on her face became even more genuine.


    "Today, Uncle will take you home. Pack up your things, and we''ll leave after breakfast."


    Huo Ning tilted her head and asked: "Does Doctor Uncle know where my home is?"


    Shen Shiyan''s heart melted at her head tilt: "Yes, I do. Uncle is good friends with your dad."


    Hearing this, Huo Ning felt relieved. It seemed the paternity test had beenpleted and the results were out.


    She obediently washed up. The person in the mirror still looked a bit pale, but her almond-shaped eyes were cute and lively.


    After breakfast, Shen Shiyan drove her to Huo Xiaozheng''s vi.


    It was ten in the morning. The spacious vi was quiet and empty, its cool-toned decor giving no sense of warmth or homing.


    "He''s as dedicated to his work as ever," Shen Shiyan muttered to himself.


    He called Huo Xiaozheng, who, upon learning that Shen Shiyan had brought Huo Ning to his residence, fell silent for a few seconds, which was rare for him.


    "You didn''t forget that Ning Ning was being discharged today, did you? I reminded you justst night," Shen Shiyan said, a bit annoyed.


    "Never mind, I''ll have someonee over. Wait there for a while," Huo Xiaozheng said resignedly.


    Shen Shiyan didn''t mind and took charge, leading Huo Ning on a tour of the vi.


    "Ning Ning,e on, let''s go choose a room," Shen Shiyan extended his hand in invitation.


    This body still wasn''t used to the touch of unfamiliar men, and Huo Ning couldn''t resist the instinctive reaction, her fingers shrinking back.


    As apromise, she pinched the hem of Shen Shiyan''s clothes.


    Shen Shiyan pretended not to notice and led Huo Ning upstairs with a cheerful smile.


    Huo Ning secretly breathed a sigh of relief.


    However, there wasn''t much to see in this vi. Although it wasrge and luxurious, the interior was truly empty.


    Except for the master bedroom and study, every room was furnished like a hotel room,pletely copy-and-pasted.


    Seeing this, Shen Shiyan also felt a bit embarrassed.


    But havinge this far, he could only persist and rmend the room opposite the master bedroom: "Ning Ning, you should choose this room. It has arge balcony, and the window overlooks the garden. The view is great."


    Huo Ning thought for a moment, but still couldn''t help breaking his beautiful illusion: "Uncle, Dad probably won''t let me stay here."


    Huo Ning understood clearly that Huo Xiaozheng''s agreement to take her in was only due to a momentary pang of conscience brought on by blood ties.


    After all, any decent person wouldn''t be unmoved seeing their own daughter being abused.


    Although it had been a one-night stand back then, he was also a victim in a way.


    Now, he suddenly had a daughter, and this daughter might even be a stain on his reputation.


    For Huo Xiaozheng, Huo Ning was a burden, a hot potato like a ticking time bomb.


    So, Huo Ning understood very well that at the police station, what Huo Xiaozheng had agreed to was only to remove her from her mother''s shackles and provide money for her to survive until adulthood.


    It wasn''t that he would personally raise her until she came of age.


    Faced with the little girl''s clear-eyed gaze, Shen Shiyan, who knew Huo Xiaozheng''s temperament well, was momentarily at a loss for words, unable to refute.

 Chapter 3

    After saying those words, Huo Ning appeared very calm. She sat alone by the floor-to-ceiling window, admiring the scenery outside.


    This scene was observed by Shen Shiyan, who saw it as a ''poor child with no one to rely on, desperately pondering where the future lies.jpg'' moment. If you added some background music like "Erquan Yingyue," you could easily make a fortune by setting up shop on the roadside.


    Unaware of Shen Shiyan''s thoughts, Huo Ning was fully focused on: The carp in the pond are so plump, they''d make such delicious grilled fish!


    The two, dreaming different dreams in the same room - one full of hope, one mncholic - waited until the doorbell rang.


    The visitor was Xi Chuan.


    As Huo Ning had anticipated, Xi Chuan came to relocate her to another residence.


    "Who will take care of her?" Shen Shiyan frowned.


    Xi Chuan, not daring to offend the Shen family''s eldest son, smiled and replied, "We''ve hired someone to provide 24-hour personal care."


    "She''s only five years old," Shen Shiyan furrowed his brow.


    Xi Chuan thought to himself: Who could really make decisions for Huo Xiaozheng?


    Seeing Xi Chuan''s silence, Shen Shiyan also knew that their opinions didn''t matter, and he too fell silent.


    Huo Ning had no objections to this, after all, her opinion wasn''t important in Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes. She followed Xi Chuan into the car, obediently saying goodbye to Shen Shiyan.


    She nced at the door number, feeling a bit wistful: It''s such a shame about those plump fish.


    They soon arrived at the new residence, a house in the suburbs with three bedrooms and two living rooms, decorated modestly, with good security andndscaping in the surrounding area.


    Xi Chuan had hired a housekeeper to provide 24-hour care for Huo Ning. Before leaving, Xi Chuan handed her his business card, instructing her to call him if anything came up.


    Huo Ning nodded obediently.


    After Xi Chuan left, Huo Ning settled in under the housekeeper''s guidance.


    "Miss Huo, this is your room," the housekeeper, surnamed Xu, was very kind. She crouched down to introduce Huo Ning to her surroundings: "If you need anything, you can always tell me."


    Aunt Xu had a gentle face, and her hands, due to years of hard work, were covered in cracks. Her right index finger even had a band-aid on it.


    Huo Ning asked with concern, "Auntie, what happened to your hand? Does it hurt?"


    Aunt Xu didn''t expect such a young girl to care about her hands. She smiled and said, "Winter''sing, and the skin cracks easily. I''m used to it, it doesn''t hurt."


    Huo Ning looked at the jagged wounds, thought for a moment, then held her hand and gently blew on it, childishly saying, "Blow the pain away~"


    After blowing, Huo Ning felt a bit numb: It seems the 18-year-old soul couldn''t ovee the 5-year-old body; this action was too childish.


    Aunt Xu, however, was melted by her words and actions, her heart turning soft: "Thank you for your concern, little miss."


    After blowing, Huo Ning said in a sweet voice, "Auntie, you can call me Ningning."


    Aunt Xu had worked for many wealthy families before and had encountered many spoiled children.


    Seeing how sweet and thoughtful Huo Ning was, she said with genuine affection, "Oh, Miss Ningning, are you hungry? I made some snacks before you arrived, would you like some?"


    Huo Ning''s eyes lit up: "Yes!"


    The hospital food had been too nd, and she had no choice but to eat whatever was given. Now that she finally had dessert, she was overjoyed.


    Aunt Xu was a great cook. Huo Ning devoured a mango mousse in one go, and if Aunt Xu hadn''t stopped her, she would have eaten a strawberry daifuku as well. After eating her fill, Huo Ning couldn''t resist the body''s natural instincts of a young child and began to feel drowsy.


    Before she could make it to her room, she fell asleep on the couch.


    Fortunately, the heating was sufficient. Aunt Xu turned up the temperature, turned on the humidifier, and covered her with a thick nket before going to clean the house.


    Meanwhile, Xi Chuan returned to Huo Corporation.


    "Mr. Huo, Shi... Miss Ningning has been sent to Royal Elegance Garden, and the live-in housekeeper has arrived."


    "Mm, how''s the investigation on that matter going?"


    "Li Zhiyuan''s dealings with the Jiang family have been kept very discreet, we don''t have much to go on yet, but..." Speaking of this, Xi Chuan handed over the information he had just received to Huo Xiaozheng: "We''ve discovered that all of Miss Ningning''s injuries were caused by Li Zhiyuan."


    "ording to their neighbors, Li Zhiyuan frequently abused Miss Ningning. The most severe incident resulted in Miss Ningning wearing a cast on her upper limb for a long time due to a fracture."


    Xi Chuan handed the medical records to Huo Xiaozheng.


    "But after that, the neighbors never heard the child cry again."


    Huo Xiaozheng pondered for a moment, then said, "Keep this matter under wraps for now, and tell the local police to withdraw the charges, saying we intend to settle privately."


    Xi Chuan looked at Huo Xiaozheng in disbelief.


    Huo Xiaozheng narrowed his eyes: "What? Do you have any objections to my decision?"


    Xi Chuan btedly broke out in a cold sweat, immediately lowering his head and denying: "No. Then about Shi Lili..."


    "Give her thepensation she wants, and as for the child..." Huo Xiaozheng said coldly, "Let her think I want to adopt Shi Ning."


    Xi Chuan hurriedly left.


    It''s no wonder Huo Xiaozheng was so casual about dismissing Shi Lili. During Xi Chuan''s negotiations with her, he discovered that Shi Lili truly didn''t want Shi Ning. It was only due to social pressure that she hadn''t abandoned the child.


    In other words, Shi Lili probably had no idea that the child was Mr. Huo''s. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have missed such a golden opportunity all these years.


    So, when Xi Chuan contacted Shi Lili, informed her of the relevant intentions, promised her a ''hundred thousand'' inpensation, and proposed to sponsor Huo Ning, Shi Lili only hesitated for three seconds before epting Xi Chuan''s proposal.


    Afterpleting all this, Xi Chuan sighed, feeling sorry for Ningning.


    The object of his pity, Huo Ning, was sleeping soundly. In her hazy state, a familiar pain spread through her chest and back, just like before she transmigrated, when she was in thete stages of cancer - that unbearable, nearly suffocating pain.


    She gasped for air, her peaceful sleep long gone. The intense pain caused her to break out in a cold sweat all over her body, and she couldn''t help but moan in agony.


    Hearing the painful cries, Aunt Xu ran over. Seeing her curled up like a bow, she was startled: "Miss Ningning, what''s wrong?"


    In the week since transmigrating, Huo Ning had almost forgotten this kind of pain. So when it started again, she was on the verge of breaking down. She whimpered through her tears: "It... hurts..."


    Aunt Xu thought she might have gotten sick from the afternoon sweets and asked nervously, "Is it your stomach? Let Aunt Xu take a look."


    Huo Ning was in too much pain to speak. Her bangs were quickly soaked with cold sweat, sticking to her face in strands, looking pitiful and miserable as she shook her head.


    Seeing this, Aunt Xu didn''t dare dy and immediately called 120 (emergency services).


    Although it was in the suburbs, the ambnce arrived quickly after hearing the situation. They rushed Huo Ning to the nearest hospital.


    On the way, Huo Ning''s pain didn''t subside at all, and even seemed to be getting worse. By the time they reached the hospital, her lips were colorless, and she was barely conscious.


    "Where are the family members? Why aren''t they here yet? The child''s condition is very serious. Did she have any underlying health issues?" The attending physician had never seen such a case before. There were no obvious organic lesions in the examination, but the young patient''s symptoms were rming, with abnormal blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing.


    Faced with the doctor''s questions, Aunt Xu couldn''t answer: "I''m the nanny, and it''s my first day taking care of Miss Ningning. I''m not familiar with her condition, but the family members are on their way and should be here soon."


    The attending physician had no choice but to administer painkillers.


    After the ambnce picked up Huo Ning, Aunt Xu immediately called Xi Chuan to inform him of the situation.


    Worried that Xi Chuan might not believe her, Aunt Xu even recorded a short video and sent it to him.


    After watching the video, Xi Chuan didn''t dare dy and immediately informed Huo Xiaozheng of the situation.


    Huo Xiaozheng paused the meeting, called the attending physician to learn about Huo Ning''s condition, then cancelled the meeting and brought Shen Shiyan along to the hospital.


    When they arrived at the hospital, Huo Ning''s tiny body was curled up in a ball on the hospital bed, shaking uncontrobly and emitting whimpers like a small animal on the brink of death, one after another.

 Chapter 4

    Shen Shiyan hurried forward to check.


    Aftermunicating with the attending physician, he learned that Huo Ning had already been given Pethidine, but her symptoms showed no signs of improvement. He was deeply surprised.


    Huo Xiaozheng stared at the little girl before him, his expression unmoved.


    The excessive pain gradually made Huo Ning''s mind hazy. In her vision, Huo Xiaozheng''s figure ovepped with those of her parents.


    She suddenly felt as if she had returned to her final moments in her previous life, with her father and mother by her side. They watched her suffer from the torment of illness with heartbreaking grief, yet couldn''t bear to let her go.


    She seemed to hear her mother''s crying, begging Huo Ning not to be so cruel as to leave her.


    In her foggy consciousness, Huo Ning confused the past and present.


    Her heart felt as if it were being cut by a knife as she murmured, "Mom, I''m sorry..."


    Huo Ning was in too much pain. She looked at her father by the bed and reached out to him.


    Seekingfort while crying and pleading, "Dad... I''m in so much pain... Will you let me go?"


    She was only 5 years old. Huo Xiaozheng remembered the file about her on his desk.


    He stepped forward and grasped her fingers. The small hand was cold and mmy, still shaking.


    Huo Xiaozheng pondered for a moment, then said, "The medicine has been given. It won''t hurt soon."


    His tone wasn''t particrly gentle, but Xi Chuan, who knew Huo Xiaozheng''s temperament well, was surprised. For the usually cold CEO, this was already considered tender.


    Aunt Xu''s eyes were brimming with tears as she used a handkerchief to wipe away the cold sweat.


    The damp bangs were a mess, sticking messily to her face.


    But her eyes seemed to focus only on Huo Xiaozheng. Even though the pain had made her eyes lose focus, she still stared intently in Huo Xiaozheng''s direction, deliriously calling him "Dad" and repeatedly begging him to let her go.


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t respond further to the little girl''s cries, only ncing at Shen Shiyan with an unreadable expression.


    Shen Shiyan quickly finished reading the medical record and stepped forward: "All the necessary examinations have been done here, and the results arergely the same as when she was discharged previously. Given Ning Ning''s current condition, I''m honestly at a loss. I''ve alreadymunicated with the doctors here, and we''ll try adding another dose of painkillers shortly..."


    Shen Shiyan cautiously added, "But this kind of medication carries a certain risk of harm for children..."


    Huo Xiaozheng interrupted, "Add it."


    Shen Shiyan looked at Huo Xiaozheng with aplex expression. Seeing him unmoved, he turned to discuss the additional medication with the attending physician.


    "Doctor Zeng, the little girl''s vital signs are recovering!" the nurse eximed.


    The attending physician and Shen Shiyan immediately checked and then looked at the little girl on the bed.


    Her eyes were closed, her body no longer trembling, and her breathing had be calm. The hysterical crying from earlier had ceased.


    Shen Shiyan seemed lost in thought.


    Huo Ning''s illness came as suddenly as it went. Shen Shiyan was adamant that Huo Ning didn''t need to be hospitalized again, so Huo Xiaozheng had her sent home.


    Unexpectedly, since Huo Xiaozheng had held Huo Ning''s hand, she refused to let go.


    They managed to pry her hand away and hand her to Aunt Xu, but the little girl seemed to sense something and started whimpering again, showing signs of pain returning.


    Huo Xiaozheng, not believing it, let Xi Chuan and Shen Shiyan take turns, but the result was the same.


    When she was in Shen Shiyan''s arms, the little girl even woke up in pain.


    It was somewhat mystical.


    Huo Xiaozheng had no choice but to let her sleep against him.


    Under these circumstances, Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t send the little girl back to the suburbs and had to take her to his own vi.


    Huo Ning still appeared as if she would wake up in pain if separated from Huo Xiaozheng, so he had no choice but to let her lie on the sofa.


    Aunt Xu didn''t dare criticize the big boss, and could only bring a small nket and pillow to arrange herfortably.


    Shen Shiyan also came back with them.


    "Do you have something to say?" Huo Xiaozheng sat down on the sofa, raising his hand to push the sweaty little head a bit further away.


    "I have a theory about Ning Ning''s illness," Shen Shiyan said, watching Huo Xiaozheng''s actions with disapproval.


    "After ruling out physical illnesses, Ning Ning''s symptoms point to a psychological issue. So, I suspect she might have dissociative disorder."


    Hearing this term, Huo Xiaozheng frowned, "Dissociative disorder?"


    "Commonly known as hysteria," Shen Shiyan exined.


    "Are you saying her illness is to attract my attention?" Huo Xiaozheng''s fingers tapped on the sofa.


    Shen Shiyan shook his head, "It''s probably not to attract your attention. She shows signs of having been abused, and in such an adverse environment, she might have a stress response to intimate rtionships. Your appearance is both hope and a new danger to her."


    Huo Xiaozheng finally looked directly at Shen Shiyan, "So?"


    "So, Ning Ning''s illness isn''t about attraction, but a cry for help," Shen Shiyan emphasized. "Just like in the emergency room, she was calling for help."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s fingers curled slightly.


    "Then what do you suggest?"


    Shen Shiyan took a deep breath, "If I''m not mistaken, she may desperately need you ¨C a blood rtive who embodies herst hope ¨C to stay by her side."


    "And each time you reject or ignore her, it will remind her of the abuse she suffered, and she might even cast you in the role of the abuser. One day, when your imagepletely oveps with that of her abuser, she might..."


    Shen Shiyan didn''t finish, but Huo Xiaozheng understood his meaning.


    "Why so sudden?" Huo Xiaozheng asked.


    Shen Shiyan understood his confusion, "Maybe it''s not sudden. Before this, this condition might have urred many times, but because no one paid attention, no one knew."


    At this point, there was no need for further discussion.


    Huo Xiaozheng was approaching his thirties and had no experience with children before this. He rarely smiled, and even the younger members of his family didn''t dare to get close to him.


    He had been privileged since birth, and the biggest setback he had ever faced was merely a stumbling block in his emotional life. Although it annoyed him, he had the ability to vent his frustrations.


    But his biological daughter couldn''t.


    She was only 5 years old. She couldn''t choose her birth, yet she suffered these hardships for no reason.


    Huo Xiaozheng nced at his sleeping daughter.


    "Find time to transfer her household registration under my name," Huo Xiaozheng instructed over the phone. "Also, get someone to renovate this ce ording to child-friendly standards."


    On the other end of the phone, Xi Chuan was stunned for a few seconds before he reacted, immediately agreeing.


    Perhaps due to extreme exhaustion, Huo Ning slept straight through until early the next morning.


    Regarding this sudden onset of pain, after wracking her brain, the reborn Huo Ning came to the only possible conclusion: this was a warning from the novel world.


    Perhaps because the suburban house was too far from Huo Xiaozheng, she was punished.


    Understanding this, the first thing Huo Ning nned after waking up was how to stay by Huo Xiaozheng''s side.


    Aunt Xu opened the door to see Huo Ning staring nkly at the ceiling with her big eyes, like a soulless doll.


    Remembering Mr. Huo''s decision, Aunt Xu''s eyes reddened slightly. Miss Ning Ning''s suffering had finallye to an end.


    So, when Huo Ning met Aunt Xu''s reddened eyes, her innocent face was full of confusion: "?"

 Chapter 5

    Huo Ning chose to interpret this expression as one of concern. Sheforted Aunt Xu in her childish way, and the soothing words prompted Aunt Xu to add two more dishes to her breakfast.


    After washing up, Huo Ning enjoyed her breakfast as if nothing had happened.


    She looked around and realized she wasn''t in Royal Elegance Garden. Curiously, she called out to Aunt Xu in the kitchen, "Aunt Xu, where are we?"


    Aunt Xu replied gently, "This is Panlong Bay Vi Area."


    Huo Ning nodded, seeming to understand but not quite, "Then when are we going back to Royal Elegance Garden?"


    "You''ll be living here from now on," Huo Xiaozheng''s voice sounded behind her as he sat down opposite Huo Ning.


    Huo Xiaozheng was very tall, dressed in a ck suit. Coupled with his stern, expressionless face, he gave off an intimidating aura.


    Huo Ning felt a bit nervous, but also somewhat delighted, "What about you?"


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t miss her expression. He took a sip of coffee and said slowly, "This is my home, so of course I''ll be living here too."


    This sudden happiness caught Huo Ning off guard. What a coincidence! She had just been worrying about how to stay close to Huo Xiaozheng, and now it was as if someone had handed her exactly what she needed. It truly felt like heaven was on her side.


    Did this also mean she would never have to face Shi Lili again?


    "Uncle Huo..." Huo Ning wasn''t sure how Huo Xiaozheng felt about her at the moment, and worried that casually calling him ''Dad'' might offend him, "Where''s my mom?"


    "If you don''t want to, you''ll never have to see her again."


    Though Huo Xiaozheng''s tonecked warmth, Huo Ning inexplicably felt a surge of security. She nodded vigorously, "I never want to see her again."


    Huo Xiaozheng grunted in acknowledgment.


    "Next, I''ll transfer your household registration to my name. Do you have any thoughts about your name?" Despite her being only 5 years old, perhaps due to her life experiences, Huo Xiaozheng wanted to give her the choice regarding her name.


    Huo Ning hadn''t expected him to say so much to her. She stammered that she wanted to keep her given name but didn''t want to use the surname Shi anymore.


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded, "That''s fine."


    The conversation ended there. Huo Xiaozheng finished his breakfast at a leisurely pace and prepared to leave.


    The 5-year-old Huo Ning, due to her weak constitution and the excess sugar she had consumed at breakfast, began to feel drowsy again after eating.


    Aunt Xu came over and picked up Huo Ning, who was already starting to nod off.


    Huo Xiaozheng stood up, grabbing his coat to leave.


    Aunt Xu hesitantly stopped him, "Mr. Huo, is the young miss going to thepany with you today?"


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned, "No."


    Aunt Xu nced at the sleeping girl in her arms and stammered, "But the young miss can''t be without you... what should we do..."


    Aunt Xu''s words reminded Huo Xiaozheng.


    To amodate Huo Ning, Huo Xiaozheng had worked from home yesterday. In the evening, he had the housekeeper take Huo Ning to sleep in the guest room. But after just a few minutes, the housekeeper brought back a Huo Ning who had cried herself hoarse.


    Huo Xiaozheng had no choice but to let Huo Ning sleep beside him.


    That night, Huo Xiaozheng could barely sleep and woke up before dawn. Meanwhile, the culprit slept soundly through the night and even had the energy to chat and ask for extra food at breakfast as if nothing had happened.


    Huo Xiaozheng thought: What a troublemaker.


    Thinking of this, Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t help but pinch the bridge of his nose, "Give her to me."


    Aunt Xu replied, "Of course, Mr. Huo."


    Huo Xiaozheng awkwardly took Huo Ning into his arms. The child in his arms didn''t look like she was 5 years old; she was so small and thin that she could easily pass for a 3-year-old.


    In the car, he let Huo Ning lean against him, sleeping unsteadily.


    The driver asionally nced at the little girl sleeping so vulnerably through the rearview mirror, feeling somewhat guilty. He could only drive as smoothly as possible.


    Huo Xiaozheng, however, showed no concern, focusing entirely on hisptop, busy with work early in the morning.


    By the time they reached thepany, Huo Ning was still asleep. She slept without a care, her little face flushed, which covered up her slightly sallowplexion.


    Huo Xiaozheng had no choice but to carry her up to the office himself.


    The temperature was very low today. Aunt Xu had dressed her in a long purple down jacket, with a fluffy cor that covered her headpletely.


    Employees watched as Huo Xiaozheng, expressionless, carried a small child towards the top floor. The child''s face was hidden by the coat''s hood, only a pair of butterfly-bow snow boots visible, and judging by the size, it seemed to be a little girl.


    Employees who witnessed this scene wailed in the group chat, both curious and heartbroken.


    Curious about the little girl''s identity, heartbroken that their dream romance was shattered.


    "The CEO brought a little girl to work today!"


    "Ah, my crush! My dreams are shattered!"


    "Isn''t the CEO single??? A secret child?"


    "Does anyone know the inside story??? Spill the tea!"


    "Isn''t this the father-daughter rtionship I''ve dreamed of? I ship this CP!"


    "Shipping everything will only hurt you"


    "+1"


    "+1"


    ...


    Huo Xiaozheng was oblivious to all this. When they reached the top floor, he handed the child to his female secretary, Yin Su.


    "Take her to my rest area and keep an eye on her," Huo Xiaozheng instructed.


    Having never seen Huo Xiaozheng care about any female creature other than Qin Wangshu, even Yin Su was momentarily stunned.


    But her professionalism quickly kicked in. She carefully took the little girl and headed towards the rest area.


    Not far away, Xi Chuan, who had just seen the messages in the internal group chat, happened to walk by.


    He nced at the departing Huo Ning and handed some documents to Huo Xiaozheng, "These are the materials for the uing meeting. The shareholders are already waiting in the conference room."


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded and walked towards the conference room.


    Meanwhile, Yin Su ced the little girl on the bed in the rest area.


    Feeling a slight pressure on her chest, Huo Ning groggily opened her eyes as soon as she touched the bed.


    "Where am I?" Huo Ning rubbed her eyes and sat up, her almond-shaped eyes still misty with sleep.


    Having just woken up, Huo Ning''s voice was a bit hoarse, sounding adorably sweet.


    Yin Su''s maternal instincts were instantly triggered.


    "This is the CEO''s office," Yin Su crouched by the bed and said softly, "The CEO has gone to a meeting. It will be a while before he''s done."


    Huo Ning felt her chest. It felt a bit tight, but not painful. She obediently nodded, "Pretty sister, who are you?"


    Yin Su was delighted by being called "pretty sister": "I''m the CEO''s secretary. My name is Yin Su."


    The child''s body really wasn''t in good shape. Having just woken up from a nap, she was already feeling hungry again. Huo Ning tilted her head, "Sister Yin, I''m hungry."


    Although Huo Ning found it a bit strange that Huo Xiaozheng had brought her to thepany, at this moment, her stomach was clearly the priority.


    Yin Su happily asked, "What would you like to eat? I''ll buy it for you."


    Now that food was mentioned, she perked right up.


    "I want a beef burger and an iced c!" Huo Ning cheerfully ced her order, "And if there could be some fries, that would be even better!"


    "Little ones shouldn''t drink iced c. How about milk instead?"


    Huo Ning couldn''t refuse a beautiful woman''s request and immediatelypromised, "Okay!"


    Yin Su sighed in relief. After cing the order, she asked Huo Ning what she wanted to do.


    Considering that this was a workce, Huo Ning thought for a moment and, in line with her childish persona, made a request: "Can I watch cartoons?"


    Yin Su smiled, "Of course you can."


    Yin Su led Huo Ning out of the rest area and settled her on the couch in the office, giving her an iPad.


    "You can choose your own cartoons, okay?" Yin Su opened a video app for her, switched to the cartoon channel, and handed it to her.


    Huo Ning took the iPad and nodded obediently.


    After settling Huo Ning, Yin Su went out to work.


    In her previous life, Huo Ning had been an animation enthusiast, and her hobby was drawing anime. But due to her health issues, it became increasingly difficult for her to keep up with it, so the hobby was eventually set aside.


    The world in the book was almost identical to the real world, just with different names, as if it were a knockoff version of reality. Huo Ning found some of the anime she had followed in her previous life and began to watch them.


    Midway through, Yin Su brought her the burger. Huo Ning happily ate while watching her anime.


    "Have the marketing department rewrite the project proposal. Huo Corporation is not a garbage dump. If this happens again, fire them..." Huo Xiaozheng walked into his office with a gloomy face, followed by Xi Chuan, who was respectfully keeping his distance to avoid incurring his boss''s wrath.


    "No matter when, live on with pride!" A passionate young voice from the iPad interrupted Huo Xiaozheng''s anger.


    Meanwhile, Huo Ning was burying her face in a giant hamburger, opening her mouth wide to take a big bite. Huo Xiaozheng''s voice didn''t disturb her immersive viewing experience at all.


    From Huo Xiaozheng''s angle, he could only see her eyes, which were fixed intently on the iPad screen. She nodded vigorously along with the dialogue, then picked up a nearby ss of milk and took a hearty gulp.


    Her eating manner was fierce, yet oddly endearing.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s brows furrowed. He cleared his throat, walked over, and pressed the pause button on the video.


    Huo Ning, engrossed in the plot, was startled by the sudden appearance of a pair of hands. With her mouth full of food, she didn''t have time to swallow and choked a bit.


    "Cough, cough, cough..." Huo Ning coughed violently, her little face turning red instantly.


    Fortunately, only a tiny bit of food had entered her airway. Huo Ning recovered quickly.


    Huo Xiaozheng said disapprovingly, "No watching TV while eating."


    As he spoke, Huo Xiaozheng nced at the screen. To his surprise, the paused image showed severed limbs, blood everywhere, and even some internal organs...


    Huo Xiaozheng was a bit shocked. Do 5-year-olds nowadays like watching this kind of animation?


    Huo Ning wasn''t bothered by his lecture. She nodded obediently, "Okay, I understand."


    She then closed the iPad and buried her head to take another big bite of the hamburger.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s frown deepened. He could only console himself that it must be because children have lower IQs and couldn''t fully understand what he was saying.


    Having reached this conclusion, Huo Xiaozheng stopped paying attention to Huo Ning. He stood up, walked to his desk, and began working.


    Xi Chuan, seeing that he had dodged the anger, gave Huo Ning a mental thumbs up and quietly left.


    Without her mealtime animation, Huo Ning''s eating speed was impressively fast for a 5-year-old.


    After finishing her meal, she dutifully cleaned up the trash and headed for the door.


    "Where are you going?" Huo Xiaozheng, who had been engrossed in his work, suddenly spoke up.


    "To throw away the trash." Huo Ning was still a bit intimidated when Huo Xiaozheng showed no expression.


    Huo Xiaozheng raised his hand and pointed to a spot not far from his right - it was a trash can.


    Huo Ning shook her head, "You don''t like the smell of food, so I think it''s better if I throw it outside."


    Earlier, when Huo Xiaozheng had crouched down to close her iPad, Huo Ning had noticed that he strongly disliked the smell of hamburgers, which was why he had been frowning the whole time.


    Her innocent words caught Huo Xiaozheng off guard for a moment.


    Seeing no reaction from him, Huo Ning opened the door and walked out.


    After disposing of the trash, Huo Ning obediently returned to the office.


    "Uncle Huo..." Huo Ning wanted to ask Huo Xiaozheng how long she needed to stay here.


    Hearing this form of address, Huo Xiaozheng stood up and sat down on the sofa next to Huo Ning. Considering his future ns, Huo Xiaozheng said, "Since you are my daughter, you don''t have to call me uncle."


    Huo Ning tilted her head. Did he mean she should call him dad?


    Internally, Huo Ning was reluctant. How could an 18-year-old soul call a 29-year-old man ''dad'' without any psychological barriers? She was desperately seeking an answer.


    Seeing her conflicted expression, Huo Xiaozheng continued, "Of course, it''s just a form of address. If you''re notfortable with it, you can continue calling me uncle."


    No joke, it''s just a form of address, and Huo Ning could adapt! After all, she would need to rely on Huo Xiaozheng to survive in the future. Otherwise, she might literally die of pain. Thinking of this...


    "Dad!"


    The hardest part is always the beginning. After this first attempt, although Huo Ning felt a bit shy, she mostly felt resigned.


    Since she was supposed to be his daughter, what harm was there in calling him dad on behalf of the original child?


    This clear, crisp call caught Huo Xiaozheng off guard.


    "Have you had episodes like yesterday''s illness before?" Huo Xiaozheng moved past the issue of how she addressed him.


    Huo Ning hesitated, unsure how to answer this question. If she said she hadn''t, it might make yesterday''s pain seem too coincidental, even suspicious. But if she said she had...


    Her hesitation coincidentally aligned with what Shen Shiyan had said about her having had episodes before, but no one paid attention.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s expression darkened, "Regarding your illness yesterday, Dr. Shen Shiyan suggested you undergo systematic treatment."


    Huo Ning was confused, "Systematic treatment?"


    Faced with the bewildered girl, Huo Xiaozheng tried to exin as clearly as possible that she would need to undergo psychological counseling, not psychiatric treatment.


    But clearly, Huo Ning misunderstood.


    "So, are you sending me to a mental hospital?" Huo Ning looked utterly shocked, as if struck by lightning. Was her n going to end in a mental hospital before it even began?


    "No, that''s not it," Huo Xiaozheng regretted his approach. Why did he assume a 5-year-old girl would be mature enough to understand the difference between psychological counseling and psychiatric treatment? But he tried to exin, "You just need to chat with a doctor at a fixed time each week. Would you be willing to do that?"


    Of course, Huo Ning was unwilling!


    No joke, whether it was psychiatric treatment or psychological counseling, she, as a transmigrator, could easily be exposed!


    Seeing that Huo Ning still looked like the sky was falling,


    Huo Xiaozheng, as if possessed, added, "If you need, I can apany you."


    Huo Ning asked softly, "Do I have to go?"


    Her tone was probing and cautious. Huo Xiaozheng''s rational mind told him that Huo Ning must receive psychological treatment, and he didn''t have that much time to stay by her side.


    But...


    "If you don''t want to, then we won''t go."


    As soon as these words left his mouth, Huo Ning''s rigid body immediately rxed. Her pale face showed a hint of joy, "As long as you''re with me, Dad, I promise I won''t have any more episodes."


    This childish promise was nothing short of a pipe dream.


    Huo Xiaozheng sighed inwardly.


    "In that case, you cane to work with me for now."


    Having dodged a bullet, Huo Ning had no objections to this arrangement. In fact, she was quite eager.


    "I''ll be quiet and won''t cause you any trouble!" Huo Ning promised solemnly.


    Despite her words, during lunchtime, Huo Xiaozheng found himself looking from the dark, man-eating flowers and bloody corpses on the iPad to Huo Ning heartily enjoying her meal.


    As Huo Ning dug into her second helping, she failed to notice that the father beside her looked like he was about to have a breakdown.

 Chapter 6

    For several days in a row, Huo Ning had been living like a working professional, following Huo Xiaozheng''s nine-to-five schedule. Not only that, but as a workaholic, Huo Xiaozheng often worked overtime, and Huo Ning, apanying him, frequently returned home under the starlight, feeling disoriented about the time while washing up.


    On this weekend day, Huo Xiaozheng woke up early again. Hearing Huo Xiaozheng''s movements, Huo Ning opened her eyes and sat up abruptly, half-asleep as she climbed down from the bed, intending to go to the bathroom to start another day in the rat race.


    For the sake of his own sleep, Huo Xiaozheng had ordered a small bed with guardrails to be ced next to his for Huo Ning, to prevent her from getting too close to him.


    There was a small staircase at the foot of the bed for safe climbing. Huo Ning, still groggy, crawled down the little stairs, fumbling to find her slippers. After putting them on, she drifted towards the bathroom like a wandering soul.


    Huo Xiaozheng, tying his tie in front of the mirror, happened to see this scene in the reflection. His hands paused as he nced at the clock nearby: Sunday, 7:30 AM.


    Over the past few days, Huo Ning hadn''t experienced any more chest pains. Even when Huo Xiaozheng went out for an hour without her, she didn''t seem to feel any difort.


    Huo Xiaozheng walked to the bathroom door. The little girl, with her messy long hair, stood on a children''s foot stool, her face full of sleepiness, soullessly brushing her teeth.


    Huo Xiaozheng found it adorable.


    He cleared his throat, startling the dozing Huo Ning, who immediately widened her eyes: "Dad?"


    "You can stay at home today. If anythinges up, someone can bring you to thepany," Huo Xiaozheng said.


    Huo Ning was momentarily confused, thinking that Huo Xiaozheng probably found it troublesome to bring a child along, so she obediently replied, "Okay."


    After saying this, Huo Ning continued brushing her teeth.


    Huo Xiaozheng waited for a while, seeing her wash her face with practiced ease. He hesitated, then said, "It''s still early, you can go back to sleep for a bit."


    Huo Ning wrung out the small towel halfway, haphazardly wiped her face, and pushed the hair stuck to the corners of her mouth away: "Aunt Xu must have prepared breakfast already. I''ll eat first, then sleep."


    Huo Xiaozheng thought: It''s hard to tell which is more important to her, eating or sleeping.


    Since she wasn''t going out today, Huo Ning chose a long green dinosaur-patterned loungewear. The buttons were a bit difficult to fasten, and after struggling for a while, Huo Ning simply gave up and pattered downstairs to find Aunt Xu for help.


    Huo Xiaozheng, who was putting on his watch while coldly observing this scene, felt a fleeting sense of peculiarity. However, he didn''t dwell on it much.


    After breakfast, Huo Xiaozheng left for thepany alone.


    The weather was bright, with some unmelted snow still in the garden. In her previous life, Huo Ning, lying on a hospital bed, found the snowy season only depressing. This life was different; now she just wanted to y in the snow.


    Aunt Xu bundled her up until she was round like a ball, carefully wrapping her in a scarf and gloves before letting her y in the garden.


    In the garden, ice and snow hung on various green nts. Despite the severe cold, the winter plum blossoms were in full bloom, their red and yellow flowers encased in ayer of ice crystals, a beautiful sight.


    Huo Ning crouched by the fence, her small handsboriously rolling a snowball, then another.


    Her little face was flushed red, and as she saw her small snowman taking shape, she became overjoyed. With a yelp, she rushed into the kitchen: "Butler grandpa, give me a carrot!"


    Butler Chen, who was polishing some sses, smiled kindly at her request: "What does the young miss need a carrot for?"


    Huo Ning excitedly replied, "I want to make a nose for my little snowman!"


    Butler Chen understood and, after rummaging through the refrigerator for a moment, handed her some baby carrots and cherries: "Will these be enough?"


    Huo Ning stared at the cherries, swallowing hard: "That''s enough!"


    With that, she hugged the items and returned to the courtyard.


    Huo Ning stuffed cherries into her mouth while trying to stick the thin baby carrot onto the snowman''s face. After the carrot, she added the cherries, but it still needed eyebrows and a mouth.


    Remembering Huo Xiaozheng''s stern expression, she found some dry twigs and arranged them to create a face devoid of emotion and slightly fierce.


    The once cute and adorable snowman suddenly looked a bit eerie.


    Still unsatisfied, Huo Ning quickly built another snowman lying on the ground next to it. Then she ran back to her room, brought out some paint, and began creating with enthusiasm.


    Aunt Xu, having finished cleaning, suddenly realized she hadn''t seen Huo Ning for a while, so she went to the garden to look for her.


    She arrived just as Huo Ning had finished her creation, hugging a te of cherries and admiring her handiwork.


    Aunt Xu lovingly wiped the juice stains from her chest: "Young Miss Ning is so clever, building all those..."


    As Aunt Xu''s gaze turned towards the snowmen, her voice seemed to be choked off, and she swallowed the rest of her words.


    Huo Ning looked up, puzzled, and asked, "Aunt Xu, what''s wrong?"


    Aunt Xu''s mouth twitched, forcing an awkward smile: "Nothing... it''s too cold out here, let''s go back inside."


    Huo Ning nodded and, after saying goodbye to her snowman friends, followed the stiffly moving Aunt Xu back into the house.


    The warmth inside made Huo Ning sigh contentedly.


    Aunt Xu stared at the adorable little face for several minutes before graduallying back to her senses.


    "Young Miss Ning, wash your hands. It''s time for lunch."


    The clock pointed to 11:30. Huo Ning had lost track of time while ying, and now not only felt hungry, but also noticed the chest difort that had been ignored earlier was subtly intensifying.


    "Aunt Xu, I''d like to bring lunch to Dad and eat with him," Huo Ning came up with a good n. Over the past few days, she had discovered a pattern: if she was too far from Huo Xiaozheng, her chest pain would re up.


    If that was the case, if the mountain wouldn''te to her, she''d go to the mountain.


    After all, Huo Xiaozheng had said before leaving that if anything came up, she coulde to thepany to find him, right?


    Aunt Xu''s face lit up with approval: "Oh, that''s wonderful! I''ll pack it up right away, and then have Uncle Zhou drive you to thepany!"


    Considering the outing, after packing the lunch boxes, Aunt Xu efficiently changed Huo Ning into a mint green short down jacket paired with oatmeal-colored thick wide-leg pants. Before leaving, she also put woolen ankle boots on her, dressing her up full of energy before sending her off in the car.


    By this time, Huo Ning could already feel a needle-like pain in her chest,ing in waves.


    "Uncle Zhou, can you drive a bit faster?" Huo Ning asked weakly, slumped in her child seat.


    Zhou Liqiang had heard bits and pieces about Huo Ning from the butler. Although herplexion seemed a bit off, the little girl''s cute and sweet appearance, with her bright almond eyes, made her incredibly likable.


    He nced at Huo Ning in the rearview mirror and smiled, "Is the little miss eager to see her father?"


    Misunderstood, Huo Ning nodded numbly: "Yes, that''s right."


    Zhou Liqiang chuckled, "Alright then, I''ll get you to your father right away!" With that, he pressed harder on the gas pedal...


    Feeling that something was off about this conversation, Huo Ning thought: Thanks, I appreciate the sentiment.


    Zhou Liqiang lived up to his reputation as an experienced driver. A journey that usually took 50 minutes waspleted in less than half an hour.


    The pain in Huo Ning''s chest was still bearable. She allowed Zhou Liqiang to hold her hand as they took the elevator to Huo Xiaozheng''s office.


    Being Sunday, there weren''t many people in thepany, and Huo Xiaozheng wasn''t in his office either.


    Noticing that the dull pain in her chest wasn''t getting worse, Huo Ning told Uncle Zhou to leave first, while she sat on the sofa waiting for Huo Xiaozheng.


    Since she hade under the pretense of bringing lunch, she might as well y the part fully.


    After a week in this world, Huo Ning had more or less adapted to her young body. As for the progress of the storyline, judging from Huo Xiaozheng''s current state, it probably hadn''t reached the crucial point yet.


    The gray-toned decor made the entire office appear solemn and unapproachable. Sunlight poured through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows onto the carpet, cool and clear. Looking down from the window, the entire city was visible.


    An overwhelming sense of vastness washed over her, and Huo Ning recalled her previous life, where the hospital had been practically her home.


    Back then, Huo Ning''s spirits were always low, both yearning for and resenting the sunlight outside her window.


    Over time, she grew to dislike sunny days.


    Huo Xiaozheng pushed open the door and immediately spotted Huo Ning, standing alone like a bean sprout in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing absent-mindedly at the bustling streets below.


    "Why did youe here?"


    Huo Ning snapped back to reality and walked obediently to the sofa: "I brought you lunch."


    Huo Xiaozheng sat down at his desk, understanding that she might havee because she was feeling unwell, but he didn''t point it out: "Thank you. You can eat first."


    Huo Ning had been ying all morning, and her stomach was already growling with hunger. Hearing his words, she no longer hesitated and took out the pink lunchbox from her bag, carrying it to the adjacent reception room.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s hand paused mid-motion as he recalled Huo Ning''s keen powers of observation. He gazed meaningfully at her small retreating figure.


    As usual, she ate with the speed of a whirlwind. After finishing her meal, Huo Ning still felt a bit of tightness in her chest. She returned to the office, taking out a small pillow and nket from the rest area, spreading them out to lie down.


    "Don''t lie down immediately after eating," Huo Xiaozheng interrupted her actions.


    "I''ve already watched an episode of anime in the rest area," she replied.


    This was unexpected for Huo Xiaozheng, though given how quickly she usually ate, it seemed usible.


    "Regarding your guardianship issue, someone wille byter. You''ll need to record a video proving that Shi Li abused you," Huo Xiaozheng said.


    Huo Ning asked, puzzled, "Record a video?"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s expression was inscrutable as he said, "Just like you did at the police station."


    Huo Ning immediately understood his meaning: "Like at the police station, taking off my clothes to show where it hurts?"


    Hearing these childish words, Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t respond immediately.


    "Alright, can I still take a nap?" she asked.


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded, "Yes, when you wake up, Xi Chuan wille to take you."


    Hearing she could nap, Huo Ning felt relieved.


    After her nap, the tightness in Huo Ning''s chest hadpletely disappeared. Soon after, Xi Chuan came to fetch her, leading her to another room where a short-haired brte woman was waiting with a DSLR camera.


    "Miss Ning, this is the photographer who will be recording you. The photographer will take some videos of you, okay?" Xi Chuan exined, crouching down to Huo Ning''s level.


    Huo Ning nodded.


    Although Huo Ning was just a child, to avoid any impropriety, Xi Chuan left after giving his instructions.


    The photographer had been strictly warned beforehand to just record the video and not to say or ask anything else.


    It would be a lie to say Huo Ning wasn''t nervous about undressing in front of a stranger. She could only keep reassuring herself internally that this was Huo Xiaozheng''s territory and that this kind of recording was safe.


    Even so, the filming took nearly an hour toplete. During the process, Huo Ning was also asked to exin that these injuries came from Shi Li.


    After the recording finished, Huo Ning put her clothes back on with the photographer''s help. When she opened the door, she saw Yin Su.


    "Sister Yin, I thought you weren''t working today?" Huo Ning''s eyes lit up upon seeing Yin Su.


    Yin Su masked her emotions and walked forward gently, taking Huo Ning''s hand. "I am working. I bought some dorayaki on my way to the office. Would you like some, Miss Ning?"


    "Yes!" Huo Ning smiled, her eyes crinkling with joy.


    In the break room, Huo Ning sat on a chair, her slender legs swinging happily as she brought a dorayaki to her mouth.


    With one bite, the sweet aroma of red bean paste rushed to her head, and Huo Ning blissfully narrowed her eyes.


    Seeing how easily satisfied she was, Yin Su felt increasingly heartbroken.


    "Miss Ning, were you scared during the photo shoot?" Yin Su asked.


    "A little bit," Huo Ning answered honestly.


    Yin Su had no intention of prying into the secrets of the wealthy family, and Xi Chuan had only instructed her to keep the little girlpany. But at the door, she had heard the girl''s timid voice describing the abuse she had suffered.


    Having worked as a secretary under Mr. Huo for years, Yin Su instantly understood what was happening.


    "You know, if you had said you didn''t want to do it, Mr. Huo probably wouldn''t have forced you," Yin Su said, then immediately chided herself. Huo Ning was only five years old, how much could she understand?


    Huo Ning swallowed her mouthful of dorayaki and shook her head seriously. "I know that Dad wants to use this video to take me away from my mom. Making a video is the easiest way."


    Yin Su was shocked.


    "You know...?"


    Huo Ning met Yin Su''s eyes. "Yes. I can understand why he''s doing this."


    For a five-year-old to say this was enough to leave Yin Su stunned. But for her to say she could understand Mr. Huo''s actions, well...


    "Why?" Yin Su murmured.


    "Sister Yin should know, right? Before this, Dad wasn''t my dad. So I can understand and ept that Dad doesn''t love me."


    As Huo Ning said these words, she waspletely speaking from the perspective of an observer,menting on Huo Xiaozheng''s actions towards ''Shi Ning''.


    She tossed away the dorayaki wrapper and smiled, patting Yin Su''s head. "Sister Yin doesn''t need to feel sad for me. I''m doing very well now."


    Indeed she was. Compared to the original owner freezing to death in the snow and then being used as a weapon to attack Huo Xiaozheng, her current situation was already quite good.


    Yin Su waspletely shocked by Huo Ning''s mature words, her heart filled with an indescribable sourness.


    Suddenly, a ''click'' sound from the door interrupted their conversation.


    Yin Su discreetly wiped the corner of her eye and got up to open the door.


    "Who''s there?" she called out.


    The hallway was empty, but one of the white pebbles used to decorate the potted nts had fallen to the ground.


    Yin Su bent down to pick up the stone.


    In an unnoticed corner, a tall figure stood straight as a pir. In eyes that were usually as calm as still water, a hint of turbulence could be seen.

 Chapter 7

    As Huo Ning had anticipated, it didn''t take long for the news to break. Within a few days, headlines about the Jiang Corporation''s CEO instigating child abuse appeared, and under Huo Xiaozheng''s guidance, the topic remained trending.


    Simultaneously, the Jiang Corporation swiftly counterattacked, falsely iming that this incident was entirely staged by the Huo Corporation''s CEO.


    In this battle between two tigers, the Huo Corporation showed no mercy, directly suing the Jiang Corporation in court under the name of Huo Ning''s father.


    As both Huo and Jiang families were leading enterprises in the Capital City, thewsuit quickly progressed to the day of the court hearing.


    Thewyers on both sides were evenly matched. Since Jiang Suyuan had long nned for this, the Jiang Corporationpletely distanced itself from the incident, iming that Li Zhiyuan was lying. When the court summoned Li Zhiyuan, he firmly insisted that this was entirely his personal action.


    Huo Xiaozheng found himself at a disadvantage for the moment.


    However, Huo Ning saw through it clearly.


    The Jiang Corporation''s instigation was true, and so was the novel world''s favoritism towards the male protagonist.


    If Huo Ning had died on that snowy night, Huo Xiaozheng would have undoubtedly suffered a crushing blow this time.


    After work that day, Xi Chuan hurriedly entered Huo Xiaozheng''s study with some people. They didn''te out even after Huo Ning had finished dinner and taken a bath.


    Seeing her constantly staring at the study, Aunt Xu teased her, "Is Miss Ning worried that Mr. Huo hasn''t had dinner?"


    Huo Ning nodded, "Uncle Xi Chuan has been in there for so long..."


    Aunt Xu, who had heard about the recent news, noticed the worry in Huo Ning''s voice andforted her, "Don''t worry, Mr. Huo is so capable, he''ll definitely solve this. Miss Ning just needs to eat well and grow up healthy!"


    Thisment reminded Huo Ning of something.


    If Huo Xiaozheng lost to Jiang Suyuan this time, wouldn''t his hatred towards the male and female protagonists only deepen? Wouldn''t that make her task of softening him even more difficult?


    Thinking of this, Huo Ning''s little face tensed up.


    Just then, Xi Chuan came out of the study with the others. As he passed through the living room, he greeted Huo Ning before hurriedly heading out.


    "Lawyer Zheng, for tomorrow''s court appearance, you should..." Xi Chuan was discussing with the person next to him as they walked.


    Just as they were about to get in the car, someone tugged at Xi Chuan''s coat.


    "Miss Ning?"


    Huo Ning was panting, clearly having run all the way out.


    "Uncle Xi Chuan, can I ask you a question?"


    Xi Chuan turned and crouched down to Huo Ning''s level: "Of course, but only one, okay? Uncle still has work to do."


    Huo Ning nodded obediently: "Is the video they took of me not useful?"


    This out-of-the-blue question confused Xi Chuan.


    "The one that the photographer sister took that day..." Huo Ning reminded him.


    Xi Chuan suddenly realized: "Oh, that one..."


    It was supposed to be crucial evidence to corner the other party. However, for some reason, Mr. Huo suddenly ordered that the video not be made public. This put them in a passive position.


    "Is this something that can''t be talked about?" Huo Ning asked.


    Xi Chuan didn''t know how to exin, so he just said, "Yes, we can''t use this evidence for now, so..."


    Can''t be used? Huo Ning didn''t quite understand. Did the court not ept this kind of video evidence?


    Nevertheless, she moved on.


    "Then what if I testify in court?" the little girl suddenly blurted out.


    This startled Xi Chuan. After the initial shock, Lawyer Zheng whispered something in his ear.


    After listening, Xi Chuan looked at Huo Ning with aplex expression: "This isn''t something we can decide. It mainly depends on Mr. Huo''s side..."


    Seeing thewyer''s eyes light up for a moment, Huo Ning knew this approach was effective. As for Huo Xiaozheng, Huo Ning guessed it might be the plot deliberately hindering him, trying to make him lose the initiative.


    "What if I go to court without telling Dad?" Seeing their hesitation, Huo Ning added, "As long as we can catch the bad people who bullied me, Dad won''t be angry."


    Huo Ning deliberately spoke childishly, ultimately aiming for a ''act first, reportter'' strategy.


    Xi Chuan remained silent, while Lawyer Zheng seemed tempted. He stepped forward and crouched down in front of Huo Ning, mimicking Xi Chuan: "Do you know the name of the bad person who bullied you?"


    Huo Ning nodded: "Li Zhiyuan."


    Lawyer Zheng looked disappointed. Li Zhiyuan''s abuse was already a foregone conclusion; what they needed was a breakthrough regarding the Jiang Corporation.


    "And Jiang Suyuan."


    Huo Ning''s words were like a bolt from the blue, even making Xi Chuan straighten his back.


    "Ning, how do you know this name?"


    Lawyer Zheng also showed a hopeful expression.


    "At first, Li Zhiyuan just liked to make me run errands for him and didn''t give me food. Later, I heard him on the phone with Jiang Suyuan, and after that, he started hitting me."


    Upon hearing this, Lawyer Zheng''s face lit up with joy. If this was true, with this evidence plus the transfer records between Jiang Corporation and Li Zhiyuan, they would essentially have it in the bag. Thinking of this, he excitedly patted Xi Chuan: "Assistant Xi, this is truly a blessing in disguise..."


    Seeing Xi Chuan''s sympathetic gaze, Lawyer Zheng quickly suppressed his smile.


    "Ning, are you sure it was Jiang Suyuan?" Xi Chuan asked cautiously. "Is it possible that you''ve heard this name in the news these past few days and..."


    Huo Ning shook her head firmly: "I have evidence."


    Xi Chuan was shocked again: "What?"


    "Once, to curry favor with Jiang Suyuan, Li Zhiyuan recorded a video while beating me. He even said Jiang Suyuan''s name." Huo Ning dropped another bombshell.


    Huo Ning had indeed inherited the original host''s memories, but perhaps due to her young age, she could only recall certain things when encountering relevant people.


    If it weren''t for Huo Xiaozheng''s inability topete with the original male lead using the video, Huo Ning wouldn''t have wanted to recall those memories of abuse at all.


    Although this was good news, Xi Chuan still had to pour cold water on it: "Ning, you might not fully understand what evidence means. Although you, as the person involved, can narrate this partpletely, in court, we need something concrete, like that video, to prove the truth of this matter."


    Hearing Xi Chuan''s words, Huo Ning pursed her lips.


    She quickly racked her brain, trying to search for any information about the whereabouts of that video in the original host''s memories. However... she came up empty-handed.


    Huo Ning apologized dejectedly: "I''m sorry for wasting your time."


    Xi Chuan gave her an encouraging smile: "You haven''t wasted our time. If you can testify in court, it would be greatly beneficial for us."


    Lawyer Zheng gave Xi Chuan a puzzled look, to which Xi Chuan subtly shook his head.


    "Alright, it''s cold outside. Ning, you should go back now," Xi Chuan gently coaxed.


    Huo Ning said goodbye to the two men glumly.


    "Where did you go sote?" As soon as she entered the door, Huo Xiaozheng''s voice sounded from above.


    Huo Ning avoided his gaze: "I went to look at my snowmen."


    Mentioning the snowmen in the garden, Huo Xiaozheng recalled how they looked when he saw them that day: except for one grumpy-faced snowman standing properly, the rest were lying around with missing arms and legs, covered all over with a color as thick as blood.


    Seeing these snowmente at night, even Huo Xiaozheng felt a chill run down his spine.


    "Ahem!" Huo Xiaozheng cleared his throat: "If you don''t know how to build snowmen, I''ll find someone to teach you in a few days."


    Huo Ning couldn''t help but give him a "have you gone mad" look.


    With such pressing matters at hand, why was he still concerned about those snowmen?


    Huo Xiaozheng: "?"

 Chapter 8

    The sky was a dreary gray, with snowkes dancing like willow catkins in the wind, eventually settling on rooftops, tree branches, and the hair of passersby.


    The sharp ''click-ck'' of high heels echoed from deep within the alley, apanied by angry cursing.


    "Just wait until I make it big! I''lle back and buy this dump of a building to tear it down, you good-for-nothing!"


    Shi Lili struggled forward in the biting cold wind, dragging a heavy suitcase behind her.


    Her expensive fur coat, which she usually kept safely stored away, was carelessly draped over her shoulders. Yet her expression showed no sign of defeat.


    With furrowed brows and shing eyes, she kept turning back to hurl insults at the far end of the alley. Her bright red lipstick made her face look harsh and frightening.


    Thepensation money she had received from Xi Chuan''s side was already squandered away.


    Li Zhiyuan, who had once been so loving towards her, had suddenly vanished without a trace.


    If she hadn''t happened to catch the newsst night, she wouldn''t have known that the battle between the Huo and Jiang families involved her as well.


    Remembering her daughter''s identity, Shi Lili instantly straightened her back.


    She took out a cigarette, lit it, and took a deep drag. Looking back over her shoulder, she cast a contemptuous nce behind her, as if spitting on her past.


    She casually hailed a taxi and climbed in.


    At the Huo family vi.


    "Are you sure you don''t want toe to thepany with me today?" Huo Xiaozheng drained thest of his coffee as he walked to the foyer, his eyes fixed on Huo Ning standing nearby.


    This morning, Huo Ning had woken up early. He had assumed she would apany him to thepany, but she suddenly said she wanted to rest at home today.


    That simple statement had somehow pricked the conscience of the usually cold Huo Xiaozheng.


    Hence the current scene.


    Huo Ning shook her head. "I''ll stay home for now. But I might bring you lunchter."


    Huo Xiaozheng raised an eyebrow. "Which meal?"


    Huo Ning pressed her lips together.


    She couldn''t say for sure.


    Huo Xiaozheng wasn''t in the mood to tease her further. Things were unsettled outsidetely, so it might be safer for her to stay at home. With this thought, Huo Xiaozheng left alone.


    As soon as the ck car disappeared from view, Huo Ning immediately found her phone watch and dialed a number...


    Not long after, a white car drove into the Huo family vi and picked up Huo Ning.


    The clock struck nine.


    In the solemn courthouse, Huo Ning sat in a small room waiting to be called, apanied by Xi Chuan.


    Aunt Xu had originally prepared a pink Chanel-style suit and down jacket for her today, but considering the setting, Huo Ning had opted for a simple beige sweatshirt, ck leggings, and a long ck down coat.


    The room was well-heated, and Huo Ning''s little face was flushed from the warmth.


    "Ning Ning, do you remember what to sayter?" Xi Chuan asked.


    Given that Huo Ning was a minor, there would be no spectators at this hearing, which somewhat relieved her.


    Huo Ning expressed confidence in her uing statement.


    "Uncle Xi Chuan, here." Huo Ning took a plush rabbit from her backpack and handed it to Xi Chuan.


    "Is this for me?" Xi Chuan was a bit confused by the child''s thought process.


    Huo Ning shook her head. She pressed the rabbit''s right paw, and a man''s voice yed:


    "How''s this level of beating? Don''t worry, the marks won''t fade for at least half a month or more. You can trust me, Li Zhiyuan, to do a thorough job! Send this video to Jiang Suyuan, and I bet he''ll pay a good price!"


    Xi Chuan''s jaw dropped in shock.


    "I couldn''t find Uncle Li''s video, but I identally pressed the doll''s hand and recorded the sound," Huo Ning exined. "Can this be used as evidence?"


    Xi Chuan''s face lit up with joy. "Of course! It''s irond evidence! If you had told me earlier, I could have slept wellst night!"


    Huo Ning gave a shy smile. She could hardly admit that she had desperately searched for evidence this morning, only to stumble upon it by ident when she fell into the pile of junk Shi Lili had brought back.


    Such depth of cunning in a 5-year-old would frighten anyone.


    "I''m sorry, I... kind of forgot," Huo Ning apologized timidly.


    Seeing this, Xi Chuan patted her head reassuringly, telling her not to worry. With this evidence and her testimony, they were sure to win this battle.


    With that, he went to contact Lawyer Zheng.


    Xi Chuan''s words put Huo Ning more at ease.


    This rabbit toy was bought by Shi Lili for her third birthday. Holding down the left paw allowed for recording, while pressing the right paw yed back the recording.


    Back then, Shi Lili must have still loved the original Huo Ning, because the next recording was of Shi Lili wishing Ning Ning a happy birthday and good health.


    In just two years, who knows what Shi Lili had gone through to change so drastically, treating Huo Ning as a burden, a millstone around her neck, until she becamepletely indifferent.


    If she couldn''t raise her, why did she give birth to her in the first ce?


    When it was time to testify, everything proceeded smoothly.


    As she described the abuse she had suffered, Huo Ning inadvertently met Li Zhiyuan''s gaze: possessive, obsessed, lewd...


    A chill ran down her spine, and Huo Ning froze, rooted to the spot.


    Far away at thepany in a meeting, Huo Xiaozheng suddenly felt a pang of worry.


    "Ring ring ring..."


    The sudden ringing of a phone broke the silence, with Xi Chuan''s name shing on the screen.


    "Mr. Huo! Pleasee to the South City People''s Court immediately!" An anxious voice came through the phone, faintly mixed with cries for help. "Ning Ning is having an episode!"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s ears rang. He immediately stood up and walked out. "What''s going on? Why is Ning Ning at the court?"


    With the truth now exposed, Xi Chuan had no choice but to exin the whole situation to Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s face turned ashen, clearly furious. "You''ve really done it this time, Xi Chuan."


    Xi Chuan on the other end of the line: Oh no.


    Driving at breakneck speed, Huo Xiaozheng arrived at the court in just 20 minutes.


    Many reporters had already gathered at the entrance, waiting for today''s verdict.


    Although thewsuit between the Huo and Jiang families was in full swing, the reporters knew that before the judgment was announced, neither side''s representatives would face the media at this critical juncture.


    So when they saw Huo Xiaozheng, the reporters were momentarily stunned.


    "It''s Huo Xiaozheng!" Someone in the crowd suddenly shouted.


    The previously scattered reporters suddenly surged forward, thrusting their cameras and microphones ahead, attempting to corner Huo Xiaozheng.


    The bodyguards behind Huo Xiaozheng immediately stepped forward, holding back the reporters and clearing a path for Huo Xiaozheng to enter the court smoothly.


    Once inside the doors, the reporters dared not follow further.


    Huo Xiaozheng strode towards where Huo Ning was.


    "You must be Huo Xiaozheng, right?" A woman suddenly appeared, blocking his path.


    Huo Xiaozheng found her fur coat extremely irritating and swept her with a furious nce. "Get out of my way."


    The woman, stung by his dismissive attitude, quickly changed her demeanor. She put on a fragile expression and suddenly copsed in front of him.


    "Is there no justice left? Mr. Huo raped me back then, and now he wants to steal my daughter!" she cried out.


    Her shocking words shattered the solemnity of the courtroom.


    It was then that Huo Xiaozheng realized this woman was his daughter''s birth mother, Shi Lili.

 Chapter 9

    Shi Lili''s earth-shattering scream caused Huo Xiaozheng''s already fierce expression to darken further.


    As ifughing from anger, he crouched down and said softly to the woman lying on the ground, "What right does someone like you have to call yourself a mother?"


    With that, he stood up without another nce and walked away.


    The bodyguards behind him restrained Shi Lili and began to lead her away.


    Xi Chuan rushed downstairs carrying Huo Ning, only to run into Huo Xiaozhenging towards them.


    Huo Ning was curled up in Xi Chuan''s arms, her eyes tightly shut, looking just as she had in the hospital ¨C pale-faced, drenched in cold sweat, and upon closer inspection, her limbs were trembling slightly.


    "An ambnce has been called, but it''ll take a while to get here."


    Huo Xiaozheng reached out to take Huo Ning: "What happened?"


    Xi Chuan wiped the cold sweat from his temples: "Miss Ning was giving her testimony as a witness about the abuse she suffered, when suddenly, for some reason, she seemed to go into a trance. She wouldn''t respond no matter how we called her."


    Lawyer Zheng, who was following closely behind, added: "However, Miss Ning''s reaction directly confirms the abuse she endured. As for..."


    "Ahem... ahem!" Xi Chuan couldn''t help but interject as he saw Huo Xiaozheng''s face growing increasingly grim.


    But it was toote.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s cold gaze swept towards Lawyer Zheng: "Since Lawyer Zheng is so capable, you can personally handle that case in Africa next."


    With that, Huo Xiaozheng pulled up Huo Ning''s hood, covering herpletely, and carried her out of the courtroom.


    Behind them, Lawyer Zheng broke out in a cold sweat, tears of frustration welling up in his eyes...


    Xi Chuan patted his shoulder, indicating he had tried his best.


    This was the first time Huo Xiaozheng had exposed Huo Ning to public view. Ignoring the cameras of the surrounding reporters, he shielded Huo Ning''s face from exposure and, with Xi Chuan''s help, sessfully got into the car.


    "To Anzhen Children''s Hospital."


    The driver obeyed and immediately started the vehicle.


    Xi Chuan, who had been dealing with the aftermath for his boss, rushed to catch up, only to get a mouthful of exhaust fumes.


    Xi Chuan: So exhausted, feels like I can never love again.


    In the car, Huo Xiaozheng continued to hold Huo Ning. Feeling the child in his arms gradually stop trembling and her breathing slowly calm, his worried heart finally settled.


    Huo Xiaozheng carefullyid her down on the back seat.


    "I''m sorry," Huo Ning''s weak voice suddenly sounded in his ear.


    Huo Xiaozheng thought he had misheard: "What?"


    "Just now, my mom was shouting. I heard her voice. I''m sorry."


    Huo Ning''s thinking was simple. For Shi Lili to shout such things so brazenly and shamelessly, it was obviously an attempt to extort money from Huo Xiaozheng.


    The original story had briefly mentioned that on that night at Gantang Court, Shi Lili had been a premeditated participant.


    If that was the case, then her behavior was highly hical.


    Huo Ning didn''t want to deal with her, nor did she want to have any connection with her.


    But for Huo Xiaozheng, it wasn''t that simple.


    Huo Ning used to have the surname Shi, they had lived together for five years, and they had an undeniable blood rtionship.


    Rather than risk being misunderstood by Huo Xiaozheng, Huo Ning thought it better to take the initiative.


    The car fell into silence.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s thoughts were in turmoil.


    He rarely encountered situations this difficult to handle.


    The little girl before him hadn''t yet recovered from her ill state, and her hasty apology was likely an attempt to avoid being abandoned again.


    I didn''t kill Bowen, but Bowen died because of me.


    In the adult world, even when feeling guilty about something, the entanglements were soplex that Huo Xiaozheng rarely felt pure guilt.


    But Huo Ning was different.


    For the first time, Huo Xiaozheng felt a desire to get close to his biological daughter. He looked at Huo Ning seriously and said, "This isn''t your fault."


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t seem to know how tofort people, but Huo Ning still felt a hint of warmth.


    Good, Huo Xiaozheng hadn''t pushed the me onto her.


    Realizing this, Huo Ning let out a heavy sigh of relief.


    When they arrived at Anzhen Children''s Hospital, Huo Ning was still asleep. When she was woken up, faced with the stark whiteness around her, she felt a bit dazed.


    "Are you sure there''s nothing else wrong with her physically? She often seems like she can''t wake up properly," Huo Xiaozheng''s serious voice sounded to Huo Ning as if it wasing through a fog.


    Huo Ning: ?


    Shen Shiyan rubbed his forehead: "She''s only five years old and her constitution is weak. Isn''t it normal for her to sleep a lot?"


    Huo Xiaozheng fell silent.


    "Was this episode any different from previous ones?"


    "I heard she suddenly couldn''t speak and just sat there motionless." Huo Xiaozheng frowned as he spoke of this.


    "You heard?" Shen Shiyan repeated with a hint of amusement.


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t get annoyed: "She''s been mostly by my sidetely. Sometimes when she''s away from me for a while, she''s fine. Today when she asked to stay at home, I didn''t object."


    "Is that so?" Shen Shiyan''s irrelevant response made Huo Xiaozheng want to refute.


    "Ning Ning," Shen Shiyan called out.


    Caught eavesdropping, Huo Ning had no choice but to open her eyes, looking at Shen Shiyan somewhat guiltily: "Dad is right."


    Huo Xiaozheng said displeased: "Shen Shiyan, what do you mean?"


    Shen Shiyan snorted: "I''m mocking certain people who think being a father is painless."


    Having said that, Shen Shiyan had no intention of arguing further with Huo Xiaozheng. He walked over and sat by Huo Ning''s bed: "Can you tell me why you felt unwell today?"


    Huo Ning pursed her lips: "Do I have to say it?"


    Shen Shiyan thought for a moment: "When a big tree gets sick, Dr. Woodpecker needs to peck open the bark to investigate the cause. Only then can he catch the bugs inside."


    Such a childish analogy made Huo Ning want to mock it as immature, but she couldn''t.


    Not only could she not, but she also had to go along with Shen Shiyan.


    "What if we don''t catch the bug?"


    "Then the tree will keep being sick. Its leaves will all fall off, and it won''t bloom or bear fruit anymore." As a pediatrician, Shen Shiyan coulde up with such fairy tales effortlessly.


    Alright, she could talk about it. Besides, speaking out might earn her the viin''s sympathy.


    But it wasn''t exactly a pleasant memory.


    "Today when Li... when he looked at me, I remembered... before," Huo Ning found it difficult to choose her words as she spoke about this. "At first, he would only... bully me... when mom wasn''t around..."


    Huo Xiaozheng clenched his fists.


    "Sometimes, he would use mom''s makeup on me... When mom found out, she got very angry and would hit me, saying I was naughty... I didn''t want mom to be angry because it meant I would go hungry."


    "But he still put makeup on me in secret... and then looked at me like he did today..."


    Huo Ning stuttered through describing the memories in her mind in childishnguage, feeling as if someone was squeezing her windpipe, making it hard to breathe.


    These all came from the original Huo Ning''s fears. Shi Ning couldn''t understand these potential harms, but when faced with her abuser, she inevitably showed primal fear.


    The child didn''t understand, but the two adults listening were boiling with rage.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s gaze was cold and sharp, like an unsheathed sword, making one shudder.

 Chapter 10

    Huo Ning''s body was not seriously injured.


    Having sessfully helped Huo Xiaozheng avoid a crisis, Huo Ning felt quite proud of herself! Once a person rxes, their appetite tends to surge, especially considering the anxiety Huo Ning had endured throughout the day.


    By the time she was discharged from the hospital and returned home that evening, Huo Ning was like a little bird returning to its nest, darting straight into the kitchen.


    "Aunt Xu, I''m so hungry! Can I have some stir-fried shrimp with green onions?" she pleaded.


    Aunt Xu,pletely charmed by her adorable demeanor, naturally agreed to everything.


    "Huo Ning,e with me to the study," Huo Xiaozheng called out as he handed his coat to the butler and walked to the kitchen doorway, addressing the slender figure before him.


    The fear of being called by her full name by a parent made Huo Ning''s scalp tingle. Her smile froze on her face as she slowly turned to meet Huo Xiaozheng''s gaze.


    Huo Xiaozheng showed no signs of softening as he headed upstairs to the study.


    Aunt Xu was also puzzled. What could be the matter now?


    Huo Ning shed a reassuring smile at Aunt Xu before slowly shuffling to the study door.


    "Knock, knock..." Huo Ning tapped on the half-closed door.


    "Come in," came the reply.


    Huo Xiaozheng sat in an armchair, with the floormp on. In the warm orange glow, even his usual coldness seemed to have melted somewhat.


    Huo Ning closed the door behind her and, following Huo Xiaozheng''s gestured instruction, sat in the chair opposite him.


    Confused by this interrogation-like atmosphere, Huo Ning wondered what she could have possibly done wrong.


    "Thwack!"


    A file folder was tossed onto the small round table between them. Huo Ning timidly looked at Huo Xiaozheng and said, "Dad?"


    ''Boss, just tell me straight if I''ve done something wrong. Please don''t scare me like this!'' she thought to herself.


    Seeing her sitting posture reminiscent of a schoolgirl and her eyes full of fear like a deer''s, Huo Xiaozheng realized she had misunderstood the situation.


    The man whomanded such authority in the business world awkwardly tried to soften his demeanor.


    "Your household registration hase through. I''ve made a small change to your name. Take a look," he exined.


    Huo Ning was bewildered.


    Huo Xiaozheng, realizing he had made another mistake ¨C after all, the child before him was only five and likely didn''t know how to open a file folder ¨C opened it himself. He leaned forward to hand her a small booklet, took out a piece of paper, and pointed to the name for her to see.


    "I''ve changed your name slightly. It''s now Huo Guining."


    Huo Ning repeated in confusion, "Guining?"


    "Yes. It means ''wee home.''"


    Huo Ning''s eyes widened. In ancient times, when a married woman returned to her parents'' home, it was called "guining." Huo Xiaozheng was...


    She had originally thought Huo Xiaozheng would scold her for today''s events. Instead, he had given her a new name, using this method to provide her with a sense of security.


    A lump formed in her throat, and Huo Ning''s eyes reddened. She quickly lowered her head.


    Crying was so embarrassing.


    Huo Xiaozheng reached out and gently patted her head.


    Outside, the winter wind howled, just as it had on the day she arrived in this world. The difference was that this time, she felt warm both physically and emotionally.


    Huo Ning smiled at Huo Xiaozheng, a hint of childishness still visible in her expression.


    "Dad, will Jiang Suyuan be punished?" she asked.


    The name Jiang Suyuan hung over Huo Xiaozheng''s head like the sword of Damocles.


    Initially, he had only been angry that Jiang Suyuan had stolen the person he loved. Later, he discovered that things were not as simple as he had imagined.


    It seemed that from that moment on, he had been firmly controlled by an invisible hand, never able to break free.


    This time was no different.


    Although it was his own decision to give up using Huo Ning''s video as evidence, he still felt a suffocating sense of being controlled.


    He didn''t even fully understand why he sometimes abandoned his long-held etiquette andposure, degenerating into a tool driven by emotion.


    It was as if Jiang Suyuan always stood on undefeated ground, while he would forever be a prisoner.


    No matter how hard he tried.


    His anger no longer stemmed from Qin Zhiyi, but from this futility.


    The more futile his efforts, the more unwilling he became to ept it. This vicious cycle continued until he met... his daughter.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s gaze suddenly turned cold. "I almost forgot. How dare you conspire with Xi Chuan behind my back?"


    Huo Ning''s heart raced, but she maintained a calm exterior.


    Tilting her head innocently, she asked, "What does ''conspire'' mean?"


    About to lose his temper, Huo Xiaozheng was forced to pause. He had forgotten that the child before him hadn''t even finished kindergarten yet.


    "What I mean is, why did you go to court with Xi Chuan without telling me?"


    "Uncle Xi Chuan said the video I recorded couldn''t be used," Huo Ning replied, looking directly at Huo Xiaozheng. "It was you who wouldn''t let them use it, right?"


    "Hmm?"


    "That day at thepany, I saw your shoes."


    After her conversation with Sister Yin Su that day, she had noticed a leather shoe peeking out from a corner.


    Having apanied Huo Xiaozheng to work for a week straight, leaving the house together each morning, Huo Ning was very familiar with these shoes. They belonged to Huo Xiaozheng.


    So, she guessed that Huo Xiaozheng had overheard her conversation with Yin Su.


    When Xi Chuan mentioned that the video couldn''t be used, Huo Ning instinctively knew it was on Huo Xiaozheng''s orders.


    That''s what led to her subsequent proposal.


    Huo Ning''s exnation brought Huo Xiaozheng''s thoughts back to that day. Hearing the words "I can ept that Dad doesn''t love me" from a child''s mouth was undeniably shocking.


    Huo Xiaozheng opened and closed his mouth several times, wanting to say something but not knowing how to begin.


    After a long silence, Huo Xiaozheng''s hoarse voice finally broke the quiet of the study. "You wanted to help me, so you kept it from me?"


    Huo Ning nodded. "Did what I said to Sister Yin Su that day make you sad? I''m sorry."


    Huo Xiaozheng lowered his head. His nearly 6''3" frame hunched in the sofa, suddenly looking somewhat disheveled. He shook his head. "I''m the one who should apologize."


    "But what I said put pressure on you. That''s why you felt ufortable using my video as evidence. I understand," Huo Ning said. After a moment''s thought, she hopped off her chair and walked to Huo Xiaozheng''s side. "That''s why I kept it from you. But I didn''t mean to make you even sadder. I''m sorry."


    This apology was somewhat sincere on Huo Ning''s part.


    When making ns with Xi Chuan, Huo Ning hadn''t considered Huo Xiaozheng''s feelings. The main reason was that before this, Huo Xiaozheng had always seemed indifferent towards her, maintaining a very businesslike attitude.


    This led Huo Ning to mistakenly believe that ''Huo Xiaozheng doesn''t care about such small matters.''


    "No, what you did actually helped me a great deal," Huo Xiaozheng replied. Beingforted by a child was something he hadn''t expected. "I..."


    "Knock, knock..."


    A knock on the study door interrupted Huo Xiaozheng, followed by the butler''s voice.


    "Young master, dinner is ready."


    Huo Ning''s eyes lit up, looking expectantly at Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Xiaozheng sighed, "Alright, let''s go eat first."


    Huo Ning shot out of the room like a firecracker.


    "Slow down...!" Huo Xiaozheng caught her arm. "What''s the rush? The food isn''t going to run away."


    After eating her fill, Huo Ning curled up on the soft sofa to continue watching her anime. When Huo Xiaozheng came downstairs after finishing somepany business, he saw her in full otaku mode and suddenly remembered what he had said a few days ago.


    "Tomorrow, a big brother wille to teach you how to build a snowman."


    The entranced look hadn''t left Huo Ning''s eyes as she turned to Huo Xiaozheng in confusion. "What big brother? What snowman?"

 Chapter 11

    "Good morning, Ning Ning. I''m Huo Yueze."


    Huo Ning gazed drowsily at the young man in the living room. He appeared to be about 14 or 15 years old, standing at 5''7", wearing a white hoodie with a Jupiter pattern, paired with a blue down jacket and ck jeans.


    His short, naturally curly brown hair framed strikingly handsome features. He was the very picture of a lively young master.


    "Hello," Huo Ning mumbled, a bit wilted from being dragged out of bed early by Huo Xiaozheng to meet a guest.


    She wore a set of pink coral fleece Guilin dog pajamas. Her small, somewhat gaunt face drooped, and her hair, not yet smoothed after crawling out of bed, stood up in all directions. Her almond-shaped eyes seemed covered by ayer of mist, and her words came out slow and sticky.


    Huo Xiaozheng came down the stairs from the second floor, carrying a long Hanfu cloak. He walked up to Huo Ning, turned the barely-awake child around, and fastened the cloak for her.


    "You should call Huo Yueze ''brother''," Huo Xiaozheng reminded her.


    Huo Ning obediently turned and softly called out, "Hello, Brother Yueze."


    "Hello, little sister Ning Ning," Huo Yueze responded smoothly.


    Huo Ning felt a bit speechless: What kind of Dream of the Red Chamber, Grand View Garden dialogue was this...


    "I''m very busy today, so Yueze will keep youpany. You..." Huo Xiaozheng was about to tell her not to build such terrifying snowmen, but after a moment''s thought, he realized this might be a way for her to release her inner feelings, so instead he said:


    "Have fun ying."


    If you can''t beat them, join them.


    Huo Yueze was shocked: Who was this soft-spoken man? Where was his cold, domineering uncle?


    "Huo Yueze, take good care of your sister." When addressing Huo Yueze, Huo Xiaozheng reverted to his usual aloof and cold demeanor, his tone carrying the chill of winter snow.


    Huo Yueze thought: Ah, there''s my real uncle.


    "Yes, Uncle," he replied.


    Due to yesterday''s blizzard warning, schools in South City had been closed for the past few days. When Huo Yueze received Huo Xiaozheng''s call, he thought he must havemitted some grave error to have disturbed this formidable figure in his family.


    But instead...


    Huo Yueze looked down at the little bean in front of him.


    After breakfast, Aunt Xu had given the little one a wash. Her previously messy hair was now braided into two small pigtails hanging over her shoulders. She wore a pink fluffy hat with rabbit ears, a matching pink cashmere top and skirt, paired with warm snow boots.


    Outside, the wind howled, but the little one''s outfit ensured not a single breeze would touch her.


    Before Huo Ning woke up, the housekeeper had briefly exined her identity to Huo Yueze. As for Huo Ning''s mother, the housekeeper didn''t say much.


    Recently, the affairs between the Huo family and the Jiang family had been the talk of the town, and everyone in the old mansion was curious about this little girl. Even Grandfather had called to ask, but Uncle had consistently refused to exin further, so everyone could only wait for Uncle to bring her over himself.


    Unexpectedly, Huo Yueze had be the first person to meet the little girl.


    This added a sense of pride to Huo Yueze''s heart.


    Thinking of this, the slight annoyance he felt at being assigned to babysit vanished into thin air. He took Huo Ning''s hand and said, "Let''s go! The snow has stopped. Today, I''ll build you an Ice Princess that will amaze everyone!"


    "Young Master, wait a moment!" Aunt Xu stopped the two enthusiastic children.


    Huo Ning turned and tilted her head: "Aunt Xu, do you want to build a snowman with us too?"


    Aunt Xu smiled at her childish words: "Aunt Xu is too old for that kind of cold. I''ll make you some red bean soupter. It''ll be ready when you''re done building your snowman!"


    Huo Ning beamed: "I love sweet bean soup!"


    "Then I''ll make extra," Aunt Xu said as she wrapped a pink scarf around Huo Ning''s neck. The scarf also had two dangling rabbit ears.


    Additionally, Aunt Xu put a pair of leather gloves on her, lined with cashmere, soft and warm.


    "Alright, off you go to y!"


    Huo Ning, a southerner who had never experienced such things in her previous life, immediately ran wild into the garden.


    Her joyful silhouette looked just like a little pink rabbit.


    Huo Yueze seized the opportunity to take out his phone,


    "Click, click!"


    Ahead, Huo Ning ran too fast and, not paying attention, tumbled headfirst into a flower bed.


    She was wearing so manyyers that she struggled to get up, huffing and puffing. Her vision was obstructed, and from a distance, she looked like a turtle iling about.


    Huo Yueze broke out in a cold sweat. He ran over in big strides and pulled her out of the flower bed.


    Huo Ning was covered in snow from head to toe, even with some in her mouth. Her little face was tense, looking utterly stunned.


    "Are you hurt anywhere?" Huo Yueze asked anxiously as he brushed the snow off her.


    Having fallen for the second time, Huo Ning shook her head weakly without speaking.


    Seeing this, Huo Yueze became even more worried: "I''ll ask Uncle to send someone to take us to the hospital for a check-up..."


    As he spoke, he started to walk towards the house.


    Huo Ning immediately grabbed him: "I''m not hurt... it''s just... embarrassing..."


    Her voice was so small that Huo Yueze couldn''t quite hear: "What?"


    Huo Ning closed her eyes and shouted as if she had nothing left to lose: "I said it''s too embarrassing!"


    Huo Yueze struggled to hold back hisughter.


    "It''s not embarrassing, I think it''s cute," Huo Yueze consoled her. "How about we build a rabbit snowman first?"


    Seeing how tactfully he changed the subject, Huo Ning stopped being coy and immediately agreed.


    This time, she didn''t charge ahead recklessly. Instead, she held onto the hem of Huo Yueze''s clothes, taking one careful step at a time towards the garden.


    Strength really is an advantage.


    Huo Ning watched in awe as Huo Yueze effortlessly rolled up a snowball as big as a car wheel.


    "Wow, Brother Yueze, you''re amazing!" she eximed.


    When she praised him, her expression was particrly sincere and full of admiration.


    This inted Huo Yueze''s ego several times over: "This is nothing. Watch me make an even bigger one!"


    "Wow~ Even bigger than thest one!"


    "I want to build a little car too!"


    "No problem! What else do you want? Ask for anything!"


    "Brother Yueze, you''re too awesome!"


    Huo Ning''s joyful shouts echoed through the garden. Hearing themotion, Huo Xiaozheng got up and walked to the balcony. Seeing genuine happiness on Huo Ning''s young face, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.


    Huo Yueze was now having a snowball fight with Huo Ning.


    To ensure Huo Ning was having fun, Huo Yueze intentionally went easy on her. However, even with Huo Yueze holding back as much as the Yellow River in flood, Huo Ning still struggled to hit him.


    Meanwhile, every snowball he casually tossed seemed to hit Huo Ning without fail.


    Before long, Huo Ning was once again covered in snow from head to toe. Yet she maintained a happy demeanor, showing no signs of frustration. Her little face, red from the cold, looked up at him softly and said, "Snowball fights are so much fun."


    Huo Yueze''s expression wasplex, feeling quite guilty inside. But adhering to the spirit of respecting the game, he formed a tiny snowball to tease Huo Ning.


    "I''m throwing it... Ah!"


    A sudden snowball hit Huo Yueze, causing him to stumble and fall to his knees in the snow. The icy snow slid down his neck and into his back, making him shiver!


    "Who was that??" Huo Yueze asked angrily.


    Huo Ning looked at Huo Xiaozheng approaching from not far away: "Daddy?"


    Huo Xiaozheng brushed the snow off his hands with an expressionless face: "I''ve avenged you."


    Huo Yueze dared not voice his anger. Such arge snowball was indeed revenge.


    Huo Ning, on the other hand, was delighted. She immediately pped her little hands: "Wow! Daddy, you''re so good at rolling snowballs too!"


    Her expression was just as sincere as before, with an added touch of admiration.


    Huo Yueze thought: I''ve been betrayed after all.


    Ignoring his nephew''s plight, Huo Xiaozheng reached out to brush the snow off Huo Ning: "I need to go out for a while. Do you want to stay at home ore with me?"


    If Huo Yueze had any doubts about Huo Ning''s identity before, they were nowpletely dispelled.


    This rare disy of favoritism was irrefutable proof.

 Chapter 12

    When she had an attack in court yesterday,pared to her previous chest pains, she felt an overwhelming sense of panic.


    So, when Huo Xiaozheng asked if she wanted to follow, she almost instinctively dropped the snowball in her hand and grabbed the hem of his suit jacket instead.


    This gesture spoke volumes.


    Huo Xiaozheng bent down to pick her up and instructed Huo Yueze, "You can go back now."


    Huo Yueze thought: Uncle is as unsentimental as ever.


    Suddenly, Huo Xiaozheng caught sight of a snowman in the distance, along with Huo Ning''s usual drawing tools.


    His eyes shed, and he changed his mind, saying, "Actually, wait until wee back to spend some time with your sister. You can leave after dinner tonight."


    With that, he carried Huo Ning away without looking back.


    Huo Ning, however, turned back to wave goodbye as they walked.


    Huo Yueze forced a stiff smile: So the seemingly heartless one has a heart after all.


    The butler stepped forward at the right moment: "Young master, the gift prepared for you is on the table in the second-floor guest room."


    Huo Yueze''s gloom instantly vanished, and he dashed upstairs.


    When it came to gift-giving, his uncle had always been generous.


    Sure enough, on the table in the guest room sat thetest model of handheld gaming console!


    This was the beloved item he had begged his parents for so many times but never received!


    His uncle was the best uncle in the whole world!


    The butler smiled as he closed the door for him, shutting out the room full of excited screams.


    Meanwhile, on the other side.


    "Daddy, where are we going?" Huo Ning, strapped in her child seat, curiously stared at the snow-coveredndscape outside.


    "Hmm, we''re going to eat," Huo Xiaozheng replied concisely.


    Huo Ning let out an "Ah" of disappointment: "Then we can only have Auntie Xu''s red bean soup tonight."


    After the heavy snow, the sky was a clear blue, and everything was adorned with white snowkes. In the cold atmosphere, the warmth inside the car felt even morefortable.


    Huo Xiaozheng put down his phone and started a conversation.


    "Do you like red bean soup that much?"


    Huo Ning breathed on the car window, drew a simple heart, and smiled sweetly at Huo Xiaozheng: "I love it."


    "What else besides red bean soup?"


    Huo Ning counted on her fingers, mumbling: "Sweet cake, I like. Fragrant little buns, I like. Dark red cherries, I like too."


    Huo Xiaozheng noticed that all these foods she mentioned were things she had eaten sinceing to Panlong Bay Vi.


    "What about daddy, what do you like to eat?" Since they would be living under the same roof for over a decade, it seemed necessary to inquire about her roommate''s preferences.


    Huo Xiaozheng was taken aback.


    When dining out for business, Huo Xiaozheng never revealed his preferences and almost never drank alcohol unless absolutely necessary¡ªof course, this was also due to the aftermath of being drugged after mistakenly drinking a ss of wine at Gantang Court years ago.


    Suddenly asked like this, Huo Xiaozheng found himself unable to say what he liked.


    Seeing that Huo Xiaozheng hadn''t responded, Huo Ning tilted her head and looked at him: "Daddy?"


    Huo Xiaozheng snapped back to reality: "Hmm, I prefer lighter vors."


    Huo Ning let out a long "Oh": "A light diet leads to a long life~"


    Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t help but smile: "Did you learn that from cartoons too?"


    Huo Ning smiled shyly.


    The car stopped in front of a white European-style building.


    It was a high-end restaurant. The restaurant was situated in the center of a huge garden, surrounded by nts that provided both privacy and beauty.


    Huo Xiaozheng carried Huo Ning along the green path towards the entrance, and someone immediately came to greet them.


    "Hello, do you have a reservation?"


    "We have a reservation with Miss Qin."


    "Certainly, Miss Qin is already waiting."


    The waiter understood and led them to a private room.


    Qin? Could it be Qin Zhiyi, the female protagonist from the original novel?


    Huo Corporation had just won a big victory in thiswsuit. What could Qin Zhiyi''s purpose be in seeking out Huo Xiaozheng at this time?


    "Pleasee in."


    The waiter opened the door.


    Inside the room, a woman wearing a beige knit dress sat by the window, her chestnut-colored curls cascading smoothly over her shoulders. Her features were delicate, and she greeted Huo Xiaozheng with a perfectly appropriate smile, polite and elegant.


    "You''re here." She stood up, looking at Huo Xiaozheng, then noticed Huo Ning beside him: "Is this the little girl?"


    Huo Xiaozheng gave a nomittal "Mm" and had Huo Ning sit next to him.


    "Hello, I''m Qin Zhiyi, a friend of your father''s." So it really was the female lead.


    Huo Ning nced at Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Xiaozheng scoffed and said, "Call her auntie."


    Huo Ning obediently said, "Hello, auntie."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s attitude made Qin Zhiyi feel somewhat embarrassed. She forced a smile at Huo Ning, then sat down on her own, momentarily at a loss for words.


    Seeing her like this, Huo Xiaozheng felt a twinge of pity. He picked up the teapot, intending to pour her a cup of tea.


    Huo Ning immediately spoke up: "Daddy, I''m thirsty."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s hand paused.


    The teapot contained oolong tea.


    Huo Xiaozheng put down the teapot and handed her the menu: "What would you like to drink?"


    Huo Ning pointed at a wine-red colored drink: "This one!"


    The familiar color made Huo Xiaozheng feel somewhat nauseous, but after confirming it was cherry juice, he instructed the waiter not to add ice.


    Qin Zhiyi watched Huo Xiaozheng''s attentive behavior, feeling momentarily dazed.


    Before meeting Jiang Suyuan, she and Huo Xiaozheng had grown up together. The Huo and Qin families were old friends, and until junior high, she and Huo Xiaozheng had been neighbors. After high school, she moved away, and their interactions gradually became limited to school.


    She had always known that Huo Xiaozheng liked her, and she enjoyed his affection.


    After the college entrance exams, Huo Xiaozheng confessed to her.


    Qin Zhiyi, unsure of her own feelings, had put him off, saying she would give him an answer after returning from studying abroad.


    This waitsted several years.


    On the day she returned, Huo Xiaozheng had somehow found out her flight information and came to pick her up at the airport.


    Qin Zhiyi, in the throes of a new romance, paid little attention to Huo Xiaozheng''s feelings and bluntly told him that she didn''t like him, that she only saw him as a brother.


    Looking back, that day, after being rejected, Huo Xiaozheng hadn''t shown much anger.


    This had made her wonder if Huo Xiaozheng''s confession had been a dream.


    "What did you want to see me about?" Huo Xiaozheng asked coldly.


    Qin Zhiyi snapped back to the present and stood up to bow to him: "Brother Xiaozheng, I''m here to apologize on Suyuan''s behalf."


    Huo Ning felt exasperated. Why was everyone calling each other brother and sister everywhere they went?


    "Miss Qin, I''m afraid you''re mistaken. I wasn''t aware that my father had an illegitimate daughter," Huo Xiaozheng said mercilessly.


    Qin Zhiyi, stung by his words, reddened at the corners of her eyes, looking on the verge of tears: "Brother Xiaozheng, why must you hurt me like this..."


    Huo Xiaozheng let out a cold snort: "Why must I?"


    "Why must youe to apologize on Jiang Suyuan''s behalf? Why did Jiang Suyuan go so far as to shoot at my daughter?" The angrier Huo Xiaozheng became, the calmer his face appeared: "And what right do you have to call me brother?"

 Chapter 13

    Huo Ning hadn''t expected to overhear such explosive dialogue.


    In the original story, Huo Xiaozheng was supposed to be a lovesick fool for Qin Zhiyi. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have fallen into Jiang Suyuan''s traps time and time again without ever ming Qin Zhiyi.


    Qin Zhiyi, as the person in question, was even more incredulous.


    The Huo Xiaozheng of the past had hardly ever spoken a harsh word to her.


    And now...


    Qin Zhiyi copsed into a nearby seat as if all her strength had left her.


    As expected of the female lead, even her copsing posture had a delicate, willow-in-the-wind quality that invited sympathy. Huo Ning thought to herself.


    Qin Zhiyi only learned about Jiang Suyuan''s actions on the day the trial results came out.


    Because she had once dated Huo Xiaozheng, and Huo Xiaozheng was in no way inferior to Jiang Suyuan in any aspect.


    So, all along, Jiang Suyuan had harbored hostility towards Huo Xiaozheng.


    In business affairs, the two were at loggerheads. Huo Xiaozheng often set up obstacles for Jiang Suyuan, and Jiang Suyuan gave as good as he got.


    Qin Zhiyi had always believed it was because she hadn''t given Jiang Suyuan enough sense of security. She didn''t criticize him much for this, only hoping that Jiang Suyuan would show more care and feel her love.


    But this incident truly caught Qin Zhiyi off guard.


    The framing tactics from five years ago were already despicable, but the exploitation of an innocent child was even more sinister.


    Thinking of this, Qin Zhiyi set aside her own sorrow and said earnestly, "Suyuan has made a mistake. To make amends..."


    She looked at Huo Ning, who was burying her head in a ss of juice, then nced questioningly at Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Xiaozheng ignored her, cing a napkin on Huo Ning''s chest.


    "Topensate Mr. Huo''s daughter, I''m willing to gift her 3% of Qin Corporation''s shares. Please, Mr. Huo, show mercy and let Suyuan off the hook."


    Qin Corporation had numerous subsidiaries, and 3% of its shares was a sincere offer.


    At least, that''s what Qin Zhiyi thought.


    "Does Miss Qin think that Huo Corporation is in need of your 3% share dividends?" Huo Xiaozheng crossed his long legs, looking coldly at Qin Zhiyi. "I have no grudge against Qin Corporation. The one who should apologize isn''t you, Miss Qin."


    Qin Zhiyi bit her lip. Jiang Suyuan had always seen Huo Xiaozheng as a thorn in his side; how could he possibly bow his head to him?


    "Huo..." She was about to say something more when a loud "bang" interrupted her as the door to the private room was kicked open.


    "Mr. Jiang, you can''t go in..." The waiter urgently tried to stop him from behind.


    Huo Ning was startled, nearly dropping her ss.


    Wow! Is this what the male lead should look like? Picturesque eyebrows, delicate features, the very image of a handsome young man!


    However, Huo Ning still preferred Huo Xiaozheng''s type of looks. With equally handsome features, Huo Xiaozheng had an added air of cool dignity.


    "Is this what you call a girls'' night out?" Jiang Suyuan stared directly at Qin Zhiyi, his tone sharp.


    Huo Xiaozheng added fuel to the fire: "Weren''t you calling her ''sister'' earlier? Howe she''s suddenly a ''girl friend'' now?"


    Huo Ning inwardly raged helplessly: My dear dad, please don''t court death! This male lead is surviving in this book with the blessing of heaven''s will!


    She gently tugged at Huo Xiaozheng''s clothes, intending to persuade him not to stoop to the other''s level.


    However, in Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes, this looked like a scared.jpg meme.


    Her noble father reached out and ruffled her hair tofort her.


    Rivals in love see each other as enemies, and when two love-brained individuals - one with a personal history and one currently at the peak of their love-brain creativity - meet, it''s even more so.


    They went back and forth, engaging in a war of words, with Qin Zhiyi caught busy in between.


    Huo Ning immediately pictured the scene: In the pouring rain, the female lead crying out ¡ª "Stop fighting!"


    Thinking of this, Huo Ning quickly lowered her head and clenched her teeth, but a hint of a splittingugh still escaped.


    The scene suddenly fell silent.


    Jiang Suyuan finally noticed Huo Ning''s presence.


    "Bringing your daughter to meet your ex-girlfriend, Mr. Huo, you really are a man of principles."


    Perhaps due to the setting of the original story, both Huo Xiaozheng and Jiang Suyuan behaved very childishly when it came to matters concerning Qin Zhiyi.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s expression turned cold: "Since Mr. Jiang has no sincerity in apologizing, don''t use Qin Zhiyi as a shield anymore. I want to see how long Jiang Corporation can hold out."


    With that, Huo Xiaozheng picked up Huo Ning and headed for the exit.


    Though Huo Ning''s body moved forward with him, her little eyes couldn''t help but linger on the dishes on the table.


    It looked like Cantonese cuisine, and seemed very delicious...


    What a pity.


    Huo Ning couldn''t help but swallow.


    However, emotions don''t always align between people.


    Jiang Suyuan, who was under the same roof, couldn''t appreciate the deliciousness of Cantonese cuisine. Instead, he was increasingly angered by Huo Xiaozheng''s words.


    He red darkly at Huo Xiaozheng, suddenly sneering and blurting out: "Next week is my and Zhizhi''s wedding. Mr. Huo, please make sure to grace us with your presence."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s steps faltered. He said coldly, "I thought Mr. Jiang''s love for Miss Qin was more steadfast. Well then, I''ll be looking forward to your grand wedding."


    Qin Zhiyi''s face fell.


    In the original story, the main reason Huo Xiaozheng had been relentlessly pursuing Jiang Suyuan was that Qin Zhiyi didn''t want her marriage to Jiang Suyuan to involve any business interests.


    Now, Qin Zhiyi agreeing to marry indeed had the intention of helping Jiang Suyuan.


    These words were like a sharp spear, piercing through both of them at once.


    Huo Ning rested her chin on Huo Xiaozheng''s shoulder, looking at Jiang Suyuan and Qin Zhiyi. They were truly a sight to behold, both beautiful even in anger and sorrow.


    It was just a pity that her father seemed to be leaving their race track for now.


    Jiang Suyuan''s punch hit cotton, and the light nce from his rival''s daughter further ignited the anger in his heart.


    "Huo Xiaozheng, you just wait and see." Jiang Suyuan said through gritted teeth.


    This time, Huo Xiaozheng ignored his impotent rage and left the private room without looking back.


    "Dad, are we going home to eat?" Huo Ning rubbed her empty little tummy, feeling a bit mncholic.


    Huo Xiaozheng changed direction, walking towards another private room.


    "Let''s eat before we leave."


    Huo Ning''s eyes lit up!


    The food arrived quickly. Almost as soon as the two sat down in the private room, waiters filed in one after another, filling the table with exquisite dishes.


    "Wow..."


    Huo Ning held her chopsticks, her eyes darting from one dish to another, unable to take it all in. She had the air of an ancient emperor struggling to choose which concubine to summon to his bed.


    It was indeed past their usual mealtime. Huo Ning stuffed her cheeks full, watching as Huo Xiaozheng ate with elegant movements but no appetite. She frowned.


    "Dad, are you very sad?"


    Huo Xiaozheng was slightly taken aback: "Why do you say that?"


    "Just now, when you heard about that sister getting married, you squeezed my leg too hard." Huo Ning''s delicate brows furrowed, her expression innocent and thoughtful.

 Chapter 14

    The Huo family rule: no talking while eating or sleeping.


    Huo Xiaozheng put down his chopsticks and wiped his mouth with a napkin.


    "I''m sorry, does your leg still hurt?" he asked.


    Huo Ning shook her head, her cheeks still full: "It doesn''t hurt anymore."


    She swallowed the shrimp dumpling in her mouth and looked eagerly at Huo Xiaozheng: "Daddy, did you like thatdy we just met?"


    "I used to like her very much," Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes held a hint of nostalgia.


    Huo Ning tilted her head, pretending not to understand: "Used to? What about now?"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s thoughts seemed to drift back to his teenage years.


    Back then, Huo Xiaozheng was not only busy with his studies but also had to take overpany affairs. His life revolved around three points: home, school, and work. The joys his peers experienced seemed to be behind a ss wall - visible, but out of reach.


    Qin Zhiyi was the one who shattered that ss.


    Although he and Qin Zhiyi had known each other since childhood, their rtionship was limited to mere acquaintance. In her teenage years, Qin Zhiyi approached him with a smile as sweet as gardenias, bringing him the joys of youth he had been missing.


    On a rainy day, they shared an umbre. The fresh scent of rain-kissed gardenias surrounded them, and her radiant smile gently touched his heart.


    From that moment on, affection grew like a vine, entwining his heart.


    He arrogantly believed he could keep this gardenia flower for himself.


    However, when Qin Zhiyi returned from studying abroad, his confidence was shattered.


    She was arm in arm with Jiang Suyuan, her smile as bright as it had been on that rainy day.


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t want to give Huo Ning a perfunctory answer, but he also couldn''t bring himself to say definitively that he no longer cared about Qin Zhiyi.


    After all, if he truly didn''t care about her, why would he havee to meet her today, knowing full well she had invited him for Jiang Suyuan''s sake? It was a form of self-torture.


    His silence gave Huo Ning the answer she sought.


    Huo Ning took a sip of lemon tea, her eyes narrowing in satisfaction.


    "But thatdy is getting married, Daddy. Do you still have a chance?" Huo Ning asked.


    One couldn''t me Huo Ning for probing her father''s heart. In the original story, even after Qin Zhiyi got married, he still didn''t give up on trying to sabotage their rtionship.


    Although on the surface he was attacking Jiang Corporation, everyone knew his true intentions were focused on Qin Zhiyi.


    Huo Xiaozheng was taken aback.


    Qin Zhiyi was getting married.


    These simple words,ing from his daughter''s mouth, somehow seemed absurd.


    Huo Xiaozheng suddenly gained rity: "I don''t have a chance anymore, but I don''t need that chance either."


    His rare smile dazzled Huo Ning.


    "Wow, so handsome!" she blurted out.


    Oops, she identally said her thoughts out loud.


    Huo Ning covered her mouth and peeked at Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Xiaozheng raised an eyebrow: "Why do you look scared afterplimenting me?"


    Huo Ning smiled sweetly: "I''m not scared, Daddy, you really are handsome!"


    Huo Xiaozheng patted her head, his eyes soft with affection.


    After the meal, as expected, Huo Ning sumbed to her fooda. She hadn''t been in the car long before she fell asleep, slumped against Huo Xiaozheng.


    Messages kept popping up in the family group chat. Huo Xiaozheng casually scrolled through them, his gaze stopping on an image of Huo Ning nted headfirst in the snow.


    The video also captured a briefugh.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s face darkened.


    At Panlong Bay Vi, Huo Yueze, who was happily enjoying his game, suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.


    Upon arriving home, Huo Ning was awakened by the sweet aroma of red bean soup. Her drowsiness instantly vanished.


    "I have work this afternoon. You can find Yueze..." Thinking of Huo Yueze, Huo Xiaozheng changed the subject: "Have you decorated the snowman that Brother Yueze built for you?"


    "Not yet! Do you want to see it, Daddy? I can have it decorated before dinner!" Huo Ning looked eager to start.


    Huo Xiaozheng smiled gently: "Did you have fun with Brother Yueze today?"


    "Yes, I did." Thinking of the snowmen in the garden, Huo Ning could hardly wait to start decorating. She didn''t pay much attention to what Huo Xiaozheng was saying.


    "Then remember to show Brother Yueze your snowman before he leaves tonight. Give him a surprise. I''m sure Brother Yueze will love your decorated snowman as much as I do."


    When they had passed by the garden earlier, Huo Xiaozheng had already seen those bizarrely posed snowmen.


    No doubt, once decorated by Huo Ning''s hands, they would be even more outrageous than before.


    Huo Ning didn''t notice his expression. She was thrilled that Huo Xiaozheng liked her snowmen and agreed enthusiastically: "I''ll definitely give Brother Yueze a surprise!"


    Huo Xiaozheng adjusted her slightly loose scarf and patted her head: "Off you go, then."


    Huo Ning set off with her tools, brimming with enthusiasm.


    Huo Xiaozheng went upstairs and knocked on Huo Yueze''s door.


    "Yueze, can you help me test a mobile game thepany is developing?"


    Having just received a coveted gift from his uncle, Huo Yueze couldn''t refuse. Besides, mobile games were one of his hobbies.


    "Sure thing!"


    "Enjoy it, and let me know your thoughts on the game experience before dinner."


    Huo Yueze confidently replied: "Alright! Don''t worry, Uncle!"


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded in satisfaction, closed the door, and left.


    The two children, one big and one small, worked diligently on their respective tasks until dinnertime.


    At the dinner table, Huo Ning secretly nced at Huo Yueze, then gave Huo Xiaozheng a look that said ''don''t worry''.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s lips curved into a slight smile as he ced a plum-vored spare rib on her te: "Focus on your food."


    Huo Yueze''s gaze was somewhat unfocused. After ying the mobile game all afternoon and being fully immersed in the storyline, he was still a bit dazed when the housekeeper knocked on his door to call him for dinner.


    After dinner, Huo Yueze was eager to go home and write up the game test report for Huo Xiaozheng.


    "Uncle, I''ll send you the test reportter tonight."


    "Good," Huo Xiaozheng said, then gave Huo Ning a meaningful look.


    Huo Ning immediately understood. She stepped forward and obediently took Huo Yueze''s hand, saying, "Brother Yueze, let me walk you to the door."


    Huo Yueze was deeply touched. What an angel of a little sister, so well-behaved!


    "Alright! Thank you, Ning Ning. Will youe y at my house next time?"


    Huo Ning was eager to show off her work, so at this moment, she would agree to anything Huo Yueze said.


    Although Huo Yueze didn''t understand why she was so keen on seeing him out, he quickly got dressed and allowed Huo Ning to lead him out the door.


    In winter, night falls early.


    The garden seemed even more serene in the snowy night. Under the dim yellow streetlights, even the slightest movement could be startling.


    Huo Yueze''s mind suddenly shed back to a scene from the mobile game "Soul Chaser": In a gloomy castle, the once bright streetlights gradually dimmed. A cold wind blew, the shadows of nearby trees swayed, and a figure slowly emerged - a tall man covered in blood, surrounded by scattered limbs...


    "Ah!!!"


    The sudden appearance of a blood-red humanoid snowman in front of him made Huo Yueze scream out loud.


    Huo Ning stood next to the "snowman", tilting her head in confusion.


    "Brother Yueze, don''t you like my snowman?"

 Chapter 15

    At this moment, Huo Yueze, who had always believed in atheism, began to doubt his faith.


    His adorable sister was still tilting her head, waiting for his answer, as if just one ''no'' from him would cause the stars in her eyes to fall into the abyss.


    As the cold wind blew, Huo Yueze felt a chill down his spine. With a trembling voice and against his conscience, he praised, "I like it... It''s a... unique snowman."


    Hearing this, Huo Ning''s eyes lit up. She immediately took Huo Yueze''s hand and led him towards the snowman: "Brother Yueze, look, this snowman is a warrior."


    She pointed at the tall snowman, then pulled Huo Yueze down to squat and look at the dismembered limbs on the ground: "These people tried to bully the warrior''s family, but the warrior stopped them and chopped them into pieces!"


    Huo Yueze, who had originally thought these were the snowman''s magic wands, froze upon hearing this.


    "Oh... great... hehe..."


    In the dim light, Huo Yueze didn''t dare to make eye contact with the snowman he had built with his own hands.


    "Ning Ning."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s voice rescued Huo Yueze. Finally finding an opportunity to escape from being forced to admire the snowman, Huo Yueze ran towards the car as if fleeing for his life.


    "I''m going home first. See you next time, little sister Huo Ning. Goodbye, Uncle!"


    Huo Ning felt a bit disappointed: "Dad, brother doesn''t like my snowman."


    Huo Xiaozheng said ominously: "He will like it."


    Huo Ning didn''t understand why Huo Xiaozheng was so certain.


    But not long after, Huo Yueze, who received an identical snowman sculpture, waspletely devastated.


    For an entire month, he couldn''t get a good night''s sleep.


    Of course, that''s a story for another time.


    After the blizzard, the weather became clear.


    It was near the end of the year, and Huo Xiaozheng resumed his nine-to-five work life. Earlier, when Shen Shiyan learned that Huo Xiaozheng was bringing Huo Ning to work nine-to-five every day, he raised an objection, stating that it wasn''t conducive to a child''s growth and development.


    So Huo Xiaozheng pushed back his morning work start time by an hour.


    Even so, Huo Ning still often slept in.


    The clock pointed to 9:30, and Huo Ning still showed no signs of waking up.


    "Forget it, when she wakes upter, have the driver bring her to thepany," Huo Xiaozheng instructed Aunt Xu, telling her to make sure Huo Ning ate breakfast before sending her over.


    Aunt Xu, who had witnessed Huo Xiaozheng''s changing attitude towards Huo Ning all along, was delighted to see this.


    After Huo Xiaozheng left, Aunt Xu heated up Huo Ning''s favorite breakfast and went upstairs to wake her.


    Huo Ningy in her child''s bed, mumbling as if in a nightmare: "Mom..."


    Aunt Xu approached her with concern and touched her forehead, only to discover she had a fever.


    After taking her temperature, she found Huo Ning was running a high fever.


    It might have been because she yed too wildly in the snow yesterday and didn''t wipe off her sweat in time. Thinking this, Aunt Xu contacted Xi Chuan.


    Not daring to dy, Xi Chuan told Aunt Xu to take Huo Ning to Anzhen Hospital.


    When Huo Ning woke up in a daze, she found herself lying in the hospital again. She tried to sit up but realized her entire body was sore and she could barely muster any strength.


    "Aunt Xu..." her voice was hoarse, and she could barely call out: "Cough..."


    It must be a cold.


    "Aunt Xu went back to make porridge for you," Xi Chuan''s voice suddenly rang out.


    Only then did Huo Ning realize that Xi Chuan had been sitting on the sofa all along, with a pile of documents spread out on the table.


    "Mr. Huo just came by, but he had a meeting at thepany that he needed to attend. He''lle back once he''s done."


    Xi Chuan saw her looking a bit dejected and mistakenly thought she was looking for her dad.


    Huo Ning shook her head: "Uncle Xi Chuan, I want some water."


    Xi Chuan poured her a ss of water and helped her drink it.


    A phone ring suddenly sounded, and Xi Chuan looked at the caller ID with a strange expression, ncing at Huo Ning before walking out to answer the call.


    "Hello? No need to pay attention to her nonsense... Meet? Meet what?... Be smart, don''t mess things up. As soon as the time is up, send the person away immediately!" Xi Chuan instructed with a somewhat sharp tone.


    Just as he hung up, Huo Xiaozheng called.


    "She''s awake... Seems fine... Alright, I''ll ask."


    After saying this, Xi Chuan walked towards the doctor''s office.


    The ward fell into silence.


    Huo Ning recalled the nightmare that had been haunting her recently: a vast seabed, entangling seaweed, and in the corner, a lonely girl with her head buried in her knees, calling out to her with a mix of pleading and reluctance.


    "Miss Ning, look what Aunt Xu brought for you?"


    Aunt Xu''s gentle voice, along with the sound of the door opening, interrupted Huo Ning''s thoughts.


    Huo Ning smiled brightly: "Is it shrimp porridge?"


    Aunt Xu''s smile deepened: "Miss Ning has such a keen nose! You must be starving, right?"


    Huo Ning nodded: "I''m so hungry. Did I sleep for a long time?"


    "Indeed you did. Mr. Huo told me not to disturb your sleep, but we didn''t expect you were sick! It''s a good thing we found out in time, otherwise this high fever could have really harmed you." Aunt Xu chattered as shedled the porridge into a small bowl to feed Huo Ning.


    Huo Ning smiled sweetly, repeatedly praising Aunt Xu''s cooking skills.


    But this time, Aunt Xu wasn''t falling for it: "Next time, you can''t y in the snow like that. If you sweat, you must tell Aunt Xu immediately, understand?"


    Of course, Huo Ning agreed.


    After eating, seeing that Aunt Xu was there, Xi Chuan returned to thepany.


    Huo Ning had been lying down all day, and after dinner, seeing the sunset outside the window was just right, she begged Aunt Xu to take her for a walk.


    Afraid of tiring her out, Aunt Xu borrowed a wheelchair from the nurses and insisted that she sit in it to go out.


    Unable to persuade her otherwise, Huo Ning had toply.


    They had just reached the park downstairs.


    "Oh my! I forgot to bring you a cape!" Aunt Xu eximed regretfully.


    Huo Ning, feeling she was already wrapped up tightly, said it wasn''t necessary.


    But it wasn''t about what Huo Ning thought, it was about what Aunt Xu thought.


    After asking a nearby patient to look after Huo Ning for a moment, Aunt Xu turned back to the ward to get the cape.


    Anzhen Hospital had a great location, with arge park built within the hospital grounds.


    Huo Ning sat in a sheltered spot, the distant sunset already half-sunk, the evening sky aze with red. The surrounding pines and cypresses remained evergreen. A gust of cold wind blew past, bringing a bit of rity to Huo Ning''s foggy mind.


    Although this was a transmigration, it was in this moment that Huo Ning felt truly alive for the first time.


    "Ning Ning."


    Someone called her from behind.


    Huo Ning turned around.


    Shi Lili couldn''t believe that the person before her, with rosy lips and white teeth, wearing a rxed smile, was her daughter.


    Seeing Shi Lili, Huo Ning''s expression changed: "Who are you?"


    Shi Lili was provoked by her words and actions, her tone turning sharp: "What? Now that you''ve got a rich dad, you don''t want to recognize your low-ss mom?"


    Huo Ning felt a tightness in her chest.


    Some memories flooded into her mind like a tidal wave.


    Shi Lili hadn''t always been unloving towards the original Huo Ning. Before she was three, Shi Lili had treated her like her precious baby. Even when life was difficult, she didn''t want her daughter to suffer. When others called her a bastard, she would tell the original Huo Ning that even without a father, she was still her precious pearl.


    But people''s hearts can change easily.


    Suddenly one day, as if someone had pressed a pause button, Shi Lili stopped caring about her ''precious daughter''. A single strand of her boyfriend''s hair became more valuable than her daughter.


    Huo Ning''s indifferent attitude angered Shi Lili. Her eyes turned vicious as she stepped forward, raising her hand...


    Arge hand grabbed her wrist, throwing her roughly to the side.


    "Didn''t I warn you not to appear in front of Ning Ning again?" Huo Xiaozheng suddenly appeared, his whole body exuding cold anger, his words full of murderous intent.


    His daughter was still sitting sick in the wheelchair, and her biological mother not only didn''t care but even tried to hit her?


    How could this not make him angry!

 Chapter 16

    Shi Lili was suddenly thrown to the ground, the rough pebbles scraping her arms and sending a piercing pain through her body. Thebination of old wounds not yet healed and new pain, along with the memory of recent suffering, filled her with such hatred that she nearly ground her teeth to dust.


    Anger surged within Shi Lili. Her bangs covered her fierce eyes as shey on the ground. In an instant, she put on a facade of maternal affection.


    "Ning, Mommy knows she was wrong, truly wrong," Shi Lili said tearfully, her words dripping with anguish. She appeared as if Huo Ning had broken her heart.


    Huo Ning remained unmoved. She wasn''t really five years old; how could she believe these crocodile tears?


    "You''re not my mother," she stated tly, as if merely stating an established fact.


    Just then, Aunt Xu arrived with a cloak. Huo Xiaozheng took it and draped it over Huo Ning''s shoulders. Though the small child''s face remained impassive, her little fists were clenched tightly, as if she were trying hard to endure something.


    Seeing no reaction from Huo Ning, Shi Lili crawled desperately towards her. "Ning, don''t you remember how much you loved the sunflower and smiley-face egg dishes Mommy made for you? Come home with Mommy, and I''ll make them for you again, okay?"


    Shi Lili''s performance grew increasingly earnest, fully embodying the image of a mother deeply in love with her daughter.


    Huo Ning seemed to freeze at these words.


    Recalling the information Xi Chuan had uncovered, the coldness in Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes intensified. He covered Huo Ning''s ears to shield her from Shi Lili''s maniptive words and signaled to his bodyguards.


    The bodyguards immediately moved forward to drag Shi Lili away.


    "Mommy..."


    Large tears formed in Huo Ning''s eyes and fell one by one. She looked in Shi Lili''s direction, her eyes filled with reminiscence, reluctance, and a hint of inner struggle.


    There was an almost bewitched quality to her demeanor.


    Huo Xiaozheng halted the bodyguards'' actions. He crouched down, turning Huo Ning to face him. "Ning, do you want to talk to her?"


    Huo Ning mechanically rolled her eyes, still muttering "Mom... mom..." in a daze.


    Left with no choice, Huo Xiaozheng picked up Huo Ning and had the bodyguards bring Shi Lili back to the hospital room.


    Seeing Huo Ning''s reaction, Shi Lili felt a sense of triumph.


    This child had always loved her deeply and been extremely dependent on her. Whatever she said, Ning wouldply 100%.


    Sure enough, all it took was a little act of pity for her daughter to soften.


    A fleeting smile crossed Shi Lili''s face.


    Huo Xiaozheng asked Aunt Xu to find Shen Shiyan while he stayed in the room. Unsure of Huo Ning''s condition, he decided to go along with her wishes for now.


    "Ning, your... mother... is here. You can talk to her," Huo Xiaozheng said. Worried that Shi Lili might harm her, he added, "I''ll be right here, not disturbing you."


    He settled Huo Ning on the bed in a half-lying position and moved to give Shi Lili the spot by the bedside.


    "If you truly consider her your daughter, don''t try any tricks," Huo Xiaozheng warned coldly.


    Shi Lili inwardly scoffed. Seeing Huo Xiaozheng''s demeanor, she thought: as long as she had Ning under her thumb, what couldn''t she achieve?


    Lying on the bed, Huo Ning didn''t miss a single change in Shi Lili''s expression.


    From the moment Shi Lili mentioned the sunflower, Huo Ning had fallen into a sort of mental whirlpool. Though her consciousness was clear, her body had be rigid. Her heart, beyond her control, was kneaded by Shi Lili''s words and expressions, allowing threads of bitterness to spread.


    It was as if the original owner of this body was still present.


    Realizing this, Huo Ning felt both panic and a twinge of sadness. The original Huo Ning truly was like a person clinging to their first love ¨C no matter how much Shi Lili hurt her, she remained devoted.


    With this thought, Huo Ning stopped fighting against the consciousness in her mind, allowing it to take control of the body.


    After all, this was originally Huo Ning''s body. In the end, she was the outsider.


    "Ning, I''m sorry. Mommy was wrong. I''ll never do it again. Can you forgive Mommy?" Shi Lili shamelessly grasped Huo Ning''s hands, her words dripping with false sincerity.


    ''Huo Ning'' turned stiffly, revealing a conflicted expression.


    Seeing her wavering, a glint of triumph shed in Shi Lili''s eyes.


    She pressed on, "Give Mommy one more chance, okay? Come back to Mommy."


    A deeper bitterness spread like a tide from Huo Ning''s heart to her entire body. She murmured, "Go back?"


    Thinking she had convinced her, Shi Lili spoke with even more apparent affection, "Yes, live with Mommy. I promise I''ll take good care of you."


    "What about Uncle Li?" Huo Ning tilted her head, seeming intrigued by the proposal.


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned at these words.


    Shi Lili hastily replied, "He''s just trash! I had no idea he was bullying you like this! There won''t be Uncle Li or any other uncles. It''ll just be you and Mommy living together, okay?"


    Shi Lili had calcted carefully. If Huo Ning asked to live with her, the Huo family would surely have to pay a hefty child support fee.


    She recalled her previous rash actions, going to court without aplete n, only to have Huo Xiaozheng use his influence to silence all the reporters present.


    This time, she had found Huo Xiaozheng''s weakness. That money would be hers for the taking.


    What Shi Lili didn''t know was that her words "had no idea" sent a massive wave of darkness crashing over Huo Ning. Her vision went ck, and the hopeful expression on her face instantly vanished.


    "If you didn''t love me, why did you give birth to me?"


    Huo Ning''s light words seemed less like an usation and more like a genuine question.


    From the depths of her consciousness, Huo Ning observed everything clearly. The original novel never exined why Shi Lili''s attitude towards Huo Ning was so strange, or what exactly happened at that crucial point when she was three years old.


    Before she could ponder further, Huo Ning was forced to shut down.


    She fainted outright.


    Shi Lili was dumbfounded. Just when she thought she was about to sessfully win over this little brat, what was this new development?


    Huo Xiaozheng,pletely disregarding Shi Lili''s thoughts, immediately ordered the bodyguards to throw her out.


    "Keep a close eye on her. If there''s a next time, you needn''t show your faces to me again."


    The bodyguards'' expressions turned solemn as they nodded in acknowledgment and dragged Shi Lili out of the room.


    Almost as soon as the bodyguards left, Shen Shiyan entered.


    "Ning is fine. She seems to have fainted from the emotional overload," Shen Shiyan first confirmed Huo Ning''s condition.


    "How is it?" Huo Xiaozheng asked.


    For Huo Ning''s safety, Huo Xiaozheng had long ago arranged for Xi Chuan to install cameras in her hospital room.


    The moment Shi Lili entered the room, he had contacted Shen Shiyan, asking him to observe Huo Ning''s condition through the video feed.


    "Ning''s hysteria is definitely rted to her birth mother. But Ning''s condition isn''t just hysteria. It seems..." Shen Shiyan recalled the scene he had witnessed in the video. For a moment, he felt as if Huo Ning had be a different person.


    If exined scientifically, that would mean...


    Huo Xiaozheng furrowed his brow. "Speak inly."


    "It seems she might also be showing symptoms of dissociative identity disorder."

 Chapter 17

    "Hysteria plus schizophrenia?" Huo Xiaozheng looked at Huo Ning lying on the bed with aplex expression. She was frowning tightly, seeming to endure great pain even in her sleep.


    Shen Shiyan felt somewhat sympathetic: "Medically speaking, it''s dissociative identity disorder. The individual switches between one or more identities, possibly apanied by memory impairment."


    Huo Xiaozheng raised his hand to smooth out Huo Ning''s frown.


    "When Huo Yueze came to y with her, the way she smiled almost made me forget what she was originally like," Huo Xiaozheng''s voice sounded somewhat guilty.


    Shen Shiyan hadn''t heard him speak in this tone for a long time. Thest time he heard it, wasn''t Huo Xiaozheng still a young man?


    "Don''t feel too guilty," heforted. "If there''s anyone to me, it''s her cruel mother."


    Huo Xiaozheng pressed his forehead against Huo Ning''s hand.


    Although that was said, the mistake made back then wasn''t solely directed by Shi Lili.


    If it weren''t for his momentary carelessness, no one would have found a loophole.


    As for Shi Lili...


    Huo Xiaozheng''s face darkened. He had originally been mindful that she was Huo Ning''s birth mother and didn''t want to go to extremes. But now it seemed...


    A glint of coldness shed in his eyes.


    Shen Shiyan mistakenly thought he was deeply remorseful and said, "Don''t worry too much. Ning Ning''s condition is caused by external factors. With proper treatment, there shouldn''t be any major problems."


    Huo Xiaozheng met Shen Shiyan''s gaze: "Help me find a doctor. I need someone to stay by Ning Ning''s side."


    Shen Shiyan certainly wouldn''t object.


    "When will she wake up?"


    "Try talking to her about things she''s interested in..." Shen Shiyan suggested.


    Halfway through his sentence, he awkwardly realized that this father and daughter had only been together for half a month, far from being familiar enough with Ning Ning''s preferences.


    He scratched his head: "Anyway, try to say things she likes."


    "It''s okay if you really can''t think of anything to say. If she doesn''t wake up in two hours, I''ll give her some medication," Shen Shiyan added.


    "Isn''t it harmful to her growth and development if those medications are used too often?"


    Shen Shiyan teased: "Don''t you remember thest time Ning Ning had an episode? You were quite liberal with the medication to quickly alleviate her symptoms."


    Huo Xiaozheng, unexpectedly stung by this remark: speechless.


    Seeing him at a loss, Shen Shiyan felt a sense of satisfaction as if avenging Ning Ning: "Don''t worry, I''ll manage the dosage properly."


    Huo Xiaozheng responded with a simple "Mm."


    Seeing his low spirits, Shen Shiyan left with Aunt Xu to give some instructions, leaving Huo Xiaozheng alone in the hospital room.


    Thest rays of sunset disappeared behind the mountains, and night fell. The hospital room was quiet, with medical equipment asionally making sounds, their regr beeps reassuring.


    Huo Xiaozheng sat by Huo Ning''s bed, Shen Shiyan''s words echoing in his mind.


    ''Talk to her about things she likes.''


    Huo Xiaozheng looked at the sickly Huo Ning and thought self-mockingly, what could he possibly talk to her about? He didn''t know her preferences at all.


    She was only 5 years old.


    Used as a bargaining chip by the mother she relied on for survival, andter discarded.


    In just 5 short years, she had be as world-weary as an elderly person.


    The night he first met her, the look in her eyes towards Shi Lili held a sense of desperate resolve, as if ready to perish together.


    The glimpses he had uncovered of her life over the past 5 years showed that her happy memories stopped at age 3. After that, it was all suffering.


    Because of trust, she had been continuously hurt.


    Huo Xiaozheng clenched his fists, his body trembling slightly, as if struggling to contain his emotions.


    Huo Ning, deep in sleep, was oblivious to this.


    She had her own nightmares.


    She saw herself hiding in a building with half the sky burning red, everything copsing around her, thick smoke everywhere. A little girl in tattered clothes cowered in a corner, shivering.


    That person was her, yet not her.


    She stood up and took a few steps, trying to find a way out.


    At the end of the path appeared a firefighter with a face simr to Li Zhiyuan''s.


    She stopped, even retreating a few steps.


    The smoke began to dissipate, ashes falling like winter snow all around.


    She took a few steps outside, where there was a cherry blossom tree, its flowers almost white with just a hint of pink.


    She reached out, wanting to touch that bit of color, but unexpectedly, the cherry blossom tree transformed into a huge bloody mouth, lunging towards her!


    Huo Ning''s heart jolted, and she instantly opened her eyes.


    A dim yellow light greeted her, the beeping sounds in her ears and the smell of disinfectant at her nose indicating she was in a hospital room.


    So it was all just a dream.


    Huo Ning breathed a sigh of relief.


    She slowly crawled up, her movement startling Huo Xiaozheng who had been dozing on the sofa.


    "You''re awake. Are you hungry?" Huo Xiaozheng turned on the bedsidemp, brightening the room considerably.


    Huo Ning shook her head: "I''m thirsty."


    Huo Xiaozheng brought water and helped her drink some: "Are you still feeling unwell?"


    Huo Ning focused for a moment, sensing that the original consciousness was no longer there, and shook her head again: "I''m not feeling unwell anymore."


    "It''s still early." The wall clock showed 7:30 PM. Huo Xiaozheng said, "I''ll ask Aunt Xu to heat up some abalone porridge for you. You can eat and then go back to sleep."


    Though she had said she wasn''t hungry, Huo Ning, who was actually craving food, certainly didn''t refuse.


    "I''m sorry," Huo Ning mumbled. "Did I cause you trouble?"


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned: "Why do you say that?"


    Huo Ning was somewhat surprised. Did this even need to be asked?


    Previously, when she wanted him to raise her until she was 18, Huo Xiaozheng''s first reaction was to suspect that Shi Lili and she had some scheme.


    Now that there was trouble between Shi Lili and her, causing him problems, wasn''t it normal for her to apologize?


    Did this really need to be questioned?


    The confusion in Huo Ning''s eyes was almost tangible, and Huo Xiaozheng immediately realized what she was thinking.


    "Before, I hadn''t investigated thoroughly and mistakenly thought you were a tool Shi Lili was using to threaten me, so I was guarded against you," Huo Xiaozheng exined, which was rare for him.


    After a pause, he added: "It won''t be like that anymore."


    Huo Ning was even more shocked, her little mouth agape: "Oh, I see~"


    Her childish tone made Huo Xiaozheng smile involuntarily: "Yes, I''m the one who should be saying sorry."


    Perhaps because the atmosphere in the hospital room had be too rxed, Huo Ning didn''t dwell on it too much and said with a bit of pride: "Then I forgive you. You should forgive me too!"


    Huo Xiaozheng solemnly shook his head.


    Huo Ning''s little face fell. How could he be like this?


    Huo Xiaozheng softened his expression: "Take your time forgiving Dad. I haven''t done well, but I''ll learn gradually."


    This sudden tenderness truly touched Huo Ning''s heart.


    She thought of her previous life.


    In her previous life, due to the nature of his work, her father always wore a cold expression. Plus, her father was often away on business trips, which further reduced their time together.


    Although she had her mother by her side, for her, her father was more like a familiar stranger.


    She often longed for her father to say some soft words to her, to hug her, tofort her, but even when she was critically ill, this person who was as deep as a mountain in her heart only reddened his eyes.


    Hearing Huo Xiaozheng speak like this, her eyes almost immediately reddened.


    Although Huo Xiaozheng wasn''t the father from her previous life, she seemed to be moved as well.


    "Mm!" Huo Ning, with her big watery eyes, nodded heavily, then revealed a sweet smile.


    Huo Ning recalled the events of today, and in some mysterious way, she sensed that the original consciousness hadn''tpletely dissipated, as if there were still unfinished business in this world.


    "Dad, I want to see her one more time."

 Chapter 18

    Upon hearing Huo Ning''s words, Huo Xiaozheng immediately understood. The "she" she referred to was Shi Lili. Realizing this, his expression grew serious.


    He wanted to directly deny Huo Ning''s thoughts, but felt that doing so might damage the child''s self-confidence.


    "Can you tell me why you want to see her again?" he asked.


    Huo Ning lowered her head and fiddled with the nket. "I want to ask her why she treated me this way."


    In truth, Huo Ning wanted to ask on behalf of the original owner of this body.


    She figured this must be the root of the original owner''s emotional knot.


    Since she had upied the original owner''s body, she felt she should do something for her.


    Worried that Huo Xiaozheng wouldn''t understand, she added, "Before I was three years old, she was very good to me. She even learned to make sunflower wool flowers for me."


    "When she worked at the Western restaurant, I saw other mothers make smiley face fried eggs for their children, and I fussed about wanting them too."


    "After that, she made me smiley face sunny-side-up eggs for breakfast every day."


    Recalling these happy memories, a shy smile appeared on Huo Ning''s face.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s fingers curled slightly.


    The truth?


    He knew it.


    But in this situation, he couldn''t tell her the cruel truth.


    "Ning Ning," Huo Xiaozheng advised, "Dr. Shen says it''s not suitable for you to have contact with her right now."


    Huo Ning looked confused.


    "I don''t want to see you faint again," Huo Xiaozheng said seriously. "I hope you''ll get better first. As for her, I''ll have someone take good care of her. When you''re well, you can talk to her then, okay?"


    Huo Ning hesitated.


    "Right now, Shi Lili''s emotions are also unstable. I don''t want her to hurt you."


    His words were earnest, and if Huo Ning refused, it would seem deliberate and unreasonable.


    Besides, this matter wasn''t urgent.


    So Huo Ning agreed.


    Her quick agreement made Huo Xiaozheng feel relieved.


    Fortunately, although this child was mature for her age, she was still a young one after all.


    In a few years, if he could make her life rich and happy, perhaps she would forget about that troublesome mother.


    Huo Xiaozheng was plotting carefully.


    Huo Ning was oblivious to this. When Aunt Xu brought abalone porridge, she nearly buried her whole face in the bowl.


    Huo Xiaozheng reached out to steady her head. "Eat slowly, don''t choke."


    That night, Huo Xiaozheng stayed with Huo Ning at the hospital.


    Early the next morning, after a simple wash-up and changing into clothes brought by the housekeeper, Huo Xiaozheng prepared to go directly to thepany.


    "If sheins of pain, have Uncle Zhou bring her directly to thepany. If she''s fine, just pack up and go home," Huo Xiaozheng instructed Aunt Xu.


    Aunt Xu agreed repeatedly.


    Huo Ning had slept well and woke up refreshed, showing no signs of yesterday''s illness.


    However, out of respect for Huo Xiaozheng''s authority, she still ate light food this morning.


    At the moment, she was happily devouring a piece of thousandyer cake, feeling warmth in her heart as she listened to Huo Xiaozheng''s chatter.


    "Dad, be careful on the road," Huo Ning said sweetly.


    Huo Xiaozheng stepped forward and wiped some crumbs from the corner of her mouth. "This cake is too sweet, eat less of it. Oh, Aunt Xu, take her to see the dentistter."


    "Me?" Huo Ning''s pupils shook as she pointed at herself. "Why suddenly see the dentist?!"


    It''s worth noting that dentists were almost considered terrifying beings.


    Huo Xiaozheng exined, "Children should regrly see the dentist anyway. The Spring Festival ising soon, and you wouldn''t want to face all that delicious food during the New Year and only be able to look but not eat because of dental problems, right?"


    She had let her guard down, forgetting that this body was only 5 years old.


    "But I don''t really want to see the dentist," Huo Ning struggled to say. "My teeth are fine."


    On this matter, Huo Xiaozheng clearly wouldn''t indulge her. "That''s even better then, just let the dentist take a quick look."


    Huo Ning wracked her brains, trying to think of something else to say.


    But Huo Xiaozheng didn''t wait. "I''m leaving now. When I get off work, I''ll ask Dr. Shen for your dental examination report."


    The thousandyer cake suddenly lost its appeal. Huo Ning drooped her eyebrows and eyes and agreed.


    Huo Xiaozheng chuckled, patted her head, and left the hospital room.


    To be on the safe side, Huo Xiaozheng even sent a message to Shen Shiyan, asking him to make sure Huo Ning went to see the dentist.


    Shen Shiyan hadn''t expected that Huo Ning, with her dark little girl appearance, would actually be afraid of the dentist.


    Previously, when Huo Xiaozheng had shown him the snowman Huo Ning built and her asional doodles, asking if such dark artwork would have any negative impact on Huo Ning''s growth, Shen Shiyan had advised encouraging Huo Ning to express her inner feelings through drawing.


    Thinking of this, Shen Shiyan was charmed by this gap moe.


    "Alright, alright, I''ll apany the little princess throughout," Shen Shiyan teased.


    Receiving the message, Huo Xiaozheng repeatedly savored the words ''little princess'', feeling for the first time that Shen Shiyan had some redeeming qualities.


    While the adults were in high spirits, Huo Ning shuffled along beside Shen Shiyan like a soldier marching to her death, moving step by step towards the dental department.


    "Are you very afraid?" Shen Shiyan teased her.


    Huo Ning managed to force out a smile.


    Shen Shiyanforted her, "Don''t be afraid, I''ll ask the dentist to be gentle."


    Huo Ning: Thanks, that''s notforting at all.


    Shey down on the examination chair with a stiff expression, hands sped tightly, pupils darting nervously towards the examination light above and the gloved dentist.


    Shen Shiyan found it amusing and started recording a video.


    "Little one," the dentist said in a gentle voice, trying to distract her, "How old are you?"


    "Five years old," Huo Ning replied in a serious tone.


    She thought she heard the dentist chuckle.


    "Five years old, you''re a big girl now. Come on, open your mouth wide... ah..."


    Huo Ning watched helplessly as the dentist inserted a mouth prop. She gripped her clothes tightly and obediently opened her mouth wide.


    As the dentist examined her mouth with instruments, Huo Ning simply closed her eyes, no longer watching.


    The cold instruments moved around in her mouth, asionally apanied by the dentist''s questions: "Does it hurt? Does it feel sour?"


    "There''s some tartar on the mrs on both sides," the dentist said to Shen Shiyan.


    "No major problems, right?" Shen Shiyan asked.


    "It''s fine, we''ll give her a dental cleaning. Just pay more attention to oral hygiene in the future."


    Shen Shiyan nodded. "That''s good. Please be gentle, the little girl is a bit scared."


    The dentistughed heartily. "Is she a rtive of yours?"


    "Yes, my niece. Please be gentle with her."


    "Certainly!"


    Huo Ning was already on high alert when she heard about the cleaning. To lessen her fear, she simply closed her eyes, thinking that what she couldn''t see couldn''t hurt her.


    Seeing her tense expression, the dentist tried tofort her, "Don''t be afraid, little one. Uncle will clean very gently, it won''t hurt."


    The moment the ultrasonic cleaning instrument touched her teeth, Huo Ning stiffened like a startled cat, her whole body going rigid.


    Although the doctor said it wouldn''t hurt much, there was actually a bit of soreness and pain. Coupled with her fear, Huo Ning was not feeling good at all.


    Meanwhile, Huo Xiaozheng opened the video Shen Shiyan had sent.


    In the video, after lying down, Huo Ning looked around anxiously, as if seeking support.


    Finding none, she resigned herself and closed her eyes, her small body still trembling.


    Huo Xiaozheng felt a twinge of regret.


    He had just promised Huo Ning that he would learn to be a good father.


    Yet in the blink of an eye, he had let her face this fear alone.

 Chapter 19

    After leaving the dental department, Huo Ning felt reborn and quickly escaped the ce she dreaded.


    She even used her Genius Kid smartwatch to send a message to Huo Xiaozheng, hoping to be discharged from the hospital that evening.


    Huo Ning was just caught up in the moment, but unexpectedly, around six o''clock, Huo Xiaozheng actually arranged for her discharge and took her straight home.


    Even as they got into the car, Huo Ning was somewhat dazed.


    "Are we being discharged already?"


    Huo Xiaozheng secured her seatbelt and hummed softly in affirmation.


    "It''s no big deal, if you don''t want to stay in the hospital, we''ll go home."


    Huo Ning was overjoyed; going home was certainly the best option. She hadn''t been in the novel''s world long, yet she found herself running to the hospital every other day, as if returning to a nest, which was truly annoying.


    "Tonight is my uncle''s birthday, we''re going back to the Huo Family estate for dinner, is that okay?" Huo Xiaozheng asked for Huo Ning''s opinion.


    Huo Ning paused for a second.


    "Can I go?"


    Although the original novel sessfully portrayed Huo Xiaozheng as a viin, it didn''t describe the Huo Family in much detail.


    Based on Huo Ning''s understanding of wealthy families, being an ''illegitimate daughter'' with a mother who couldn''t be publicly acknowledged, the older generation of the Huo Family probably wouldn''t like her, right?


    "If you don''t want to go, then we won''t," Huo Xiaozheng said casually.


    "Ah, you wouldn''t go either?" Huo Ning was somewhat surprised.


    "If you don''t go, then we''ll just go home."


    Again, that phrase.


    Huo Ning felt something was odd, but couldn''t quite put her finger on it at the moment.


    "Are you worried they won''t like you?" Huo Xiaozheng, being a father, observed her for a moment and quickly grasped what was on Huo Ning''s mind.


    Huo Ning nodded.


    Huo Xiaozheng smiled, pulled out his phone, scrolled to the family group chat, and showed her a video Huo Yueze had posted of her slipping in the snow, handing the phone to her.


    "This is your uncle, your aunt, and those below are your aunts."


    Huo Ning scrolled down.


    In the chat, everyone was praising how cute she was and scolding Huo Yueze for not taking good care of his sister.


    Some cute emojis made Huo Ningugh.


    "Your aunt is so beautiful," Huo Ning clicked on her aunt''s profile picture, a stunning beauty with big wavy hair and fiery red lips, her eyes and brows somewhat resembling Huo Xiaozheng''s, her gaze cool and clear.


    Huo Xiaozheng hesitated: "She''s an actress."


    Huo Ning gasped in surprise.


    "She would definitely like you if she met you."


    "Why?"


    Huo Xiaozheng, recalling Huo Jing''s peculiar preferences, answered evasively.


    "Because you''re cute and pretty."


    The straightforwardpliment made Huo Ning blush.


    She shyly hid in her thick scarf, and after a while, she peeked out with big eyes: "Should I bring a gift for my uncle?"


    Huo Xiaozheng, feeling guilty about the dental issue, was naturally eager: "Dad has already prepared it, you can present it when the timees, okay?"


    Huo Ning beamed: "Okay!"


    The car started and headed towards the Huo Family estate.


    In her previous life, Huo Ningcked experience interacting with the older generation. Her mother was already quite old when she had her.


    By the time she grew up, her mother had been diagnosed with cancer early on.


    To avoid upsetting the older generation, Huo Ning''s parents had kept a secret from them.


    This had be one of Huo Ning''s regrets.


    "Ning Ning?"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s voice interrupted her reverie.


    "We''re here, let''s get out of the car."


    Following Huo Xiaozheng out of the car, she was greeted by a traditional Chinese courtyard,plete with a bamboo garden. They walked along the garden path towards a rockery, the gentle sound of trickling water adding to the tranquility.


    As they opened the dark red door, a burst ofughter and cheerful voices greeted them.


    It seems the family atmosphere is quite pleasant, Huo Ning thought.


    "Is Xiaozheng back?"


    An elderly woman''s voice, filled with surprise, called out.


    With that call, theughter in the living room paused abruptly, falling silent.


    Huo Xiaozheng, ustomed to this, nodded in acknowledgment.


    "Is this Ning Ning?" a grandmother in a deep blue cheongsam asked gently.


    Huo Xiaozheng introduced her, "This is Grandma."


    Huo Ning sped her hands in front of her, politely greeting, "Hello, Grandma."


    Zheng Jinxiu''s smile deepened, "Ah, good girl,e in..."


    The atmosphere immediately livened up again.


    "So this is Ning Ning, she''s grown up so beautifully, let your great aunt have a look."


    "Those eyebrows and eyes, you look just like Xiaozheng."


    "My, how old is Ning Ning now? Are you in kindergarten?"


    Surrounded by a crowd of rtives, Huo Ning, unustomed to such a scene, was momentarily bewildered.


    "I''m Ning Ning, full name Huo Ning, I''m 5 years old. I''ve been to kindergarten but am not currently attending school," she replied clearly.


    Her candid demeanor endeared her to all the adults present.


    One who imed to be the great aunt couldn''t help herself and scooped Huo Ning up.


    "Our Ning Ning is so smart, even using the word ''recently''! Great aunt has a reward for you!"


    Saying so, she looked around and spotted Huo Yueze: "Yueze, go get the little gift box from mom''s bag!"


    Huo Yueze, finally finding an opportunity to speak, quickly stepped forward, rescuing the nervous Huo Ning.


    "Mom, it''s Ning Ning''s first time home, don''t scare her!"


    As he spoke, he took Huo Ning into his arms.


    Although the previous snowman incident had scared Huo Yueze quite a bit, seeing Huo Ning''s adorable appearance now, he immediately forgot all about his fear.


    Just as he was about to embrace his long-awaited little sister, a pair ofrge hands suddenly appeared and snatched her away.


    "Ah!" Huo Yueze, reluctant to let go, was about to throw a tantrum when he saw who it was and calmed down: "Uncle..."


    Huo Xiaozheng, who had just taken off his coat and washed his hands, hadn''t noticed Huo Ning being surrounded.


    He touched Huo Ning''s slightly pale face, "Were you scared?"


    Huo Ning had recovered by then and smiled sweetly, "No! Great aunt said she has a little gift for me."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s smile was fleeting, "Before that, let''s give your gift to great uncle first."


    "Alright!" Huo Xiaozheng put her down, and Huo Ning ran to the pile of gifts that Uncle Zhou had brought over, rummaging through them.


    Holding a gift box, Huo Ning, under the guidance of Huo Xiaozheng, presented it to her great-uncle.


    "Happy birthday Great Uncle, may you have such a day every year, and such a morning every day!" Huo Ning recited a blessing she had found online wlessly.


    Huo Yanqin, a man of high standing, customarily wore a stern face imbued with authority. But upon hearing the sweetness of the little girl''s words, he deliberately softened his expression, pulling out a gentle smile, "Ah, thank you, Ning Ning!"


    He epted Huo Ning''s gift and, under her hopeful gaze, unwrapped it.


    It was a deep blue wristwatch from brand P.


    "Huo Ning personally picked this out for you," Huo Xiaozheng reminded.


    The statement was no lie. Upon learning that she wanted to give her great-uncle a gift, Huo Xiaozheng had immediately produced an iPad for her to choose from, and the chosen gift was then delivered by the brand.


    Huo Yanqin''s smile deepened.


    "Cough!"


    A deep voice apanied by the sound of a cane echoed.


    ¡°Xiaozheng,e to the study,¡± came the voice of Old Master Huo.


    Dressed in a dark robe, leaning on a dark brown cane, sitting in the main position of the living room, he broke the harmonious and lively atmosphere.


    Huo Xiaozheng gathered his expression and patted Huo Ning''s head in a soothing manner.


    As Huo Yueze stepped out with the gift, Great Aunt spotted it and took Huo Ning''s hand, softly suggested, "Ning Ning, would you like to open gifts with Great Aunt?¡±


    Old Master Huo''s aura somewhat intimidated Huo Ning. Now that Great Aunt was diffusing the situation, Huo Ning naturally agreed obediently.


    She met Old Master Huo''s gaze, revealed under the passage of time, his eyes were as tranquil as Huo Xiaozheng''s when they first met.


    Huo Ning felt a hint of apprehension.

 Chapter 20

    Inside the study.


    Old Master Huo sat at the desk, while Huo Xiaozheng lounged on the master chair to the right, leisurely pouring himself a cup of tea.


    Although the Huo Family wealth was built upon umtions of past generations, maintaining it proved to be more difficult than building it. By the time it reached Old Master Huo''s generation, the family unity was not as strong as it once was.


    Old Master Huo exhausted all his abilities, barely managing to maintain the existing fortune of the Huo Family.


    Yet, this was far from sufficient.


    Old Master Huo had the intention to mentor his eldest son, but Huo Yanqin went into the civil service early.


    After Huo Yanqin entered service, he brought considerable benefit to the Huo Family.


    But it was still not enough.


    His old age would inevitablye one day.


    Thus, Huo Xiaozheng became the definitive choice.


    As expected, his judgement was impable.


    Even in his youth, Huo Xiaozheng disyed wits and maturity surpassing his peers, and his means grew increasingly decisive and ruthless with time.


    The family matters that Old Master Huo couldn''t resolve due to old affections, Huo Xiaozheng dealt with them directly, without sentimentality.


    Old Master Huo felt deeply relieved.


    Until recently.


    "Have you looked into the background of that little girl?" Old Master Huo asked with a voice carrying inherent authority.


    Huo Xiaozheng nonchntly set down his tea cup, "Yes, she''s my daughter."


    A gleam shed in Old Master Huo''s eyes, "I heard you''ve already registered her under your name."


    "Yes."


    "That''s fine. The Huo Family can manage to raise another little girl," Old Master Huo said, "Let''s register her under your elder brother''s name."


    Huo Xiaozheng remainedposed, "No need, I will raise my own daughter."


    It was rare for Huo Xiaozheng to defy him like this, leaving Old Master Huo momentarily startled, his countenance darkened, "The Jiang and Qin families are about to form a marital alliance. You should know what this implies, without me having to spell it out for you, right?"


    Huo Xiaozheng remained unperturbed, "They won''t stir up much trouble."


    "Bang!"


    A tea cup flew past Huo Xiaozheng''s cheek, smashing against the bookshelf and shattering.


    "Not stir up trouble?" Old Master Huo was enraged, "Do you really think I''m senile? You and that youngster from the Jiang Family have been at odds for years, you just won a fight using the case of that little girl. That Jiang boy made a few remarks and redirected the me towards his own family branch, taking the opportunity to clean out internal traitors."


    "Now that the Jiang and Qin families are getting married, the Huo Family stocks are consistently dropping, what''s your countermeasure?"


    Huo Xiaozheng showed no expression, only a slight twitch in his brows when he heard about ''winning a fight using the case of the little girl''.


    "Father, the Huo Family has been in my hands for so many years, you should trust me."


    Huo Xiaozheng maintained hisposure throughout, which seemed to ease Old Master Huo¡¯s worries.


    "Never have I worried about you since you were a child. I''ve always had faith in your leadership of the Huo family," the sight of the blood on Huo Xiaozheng''s cheek softened Old Master Huo''s tone. "As for the matter of the little girl, deal with it as you see fit."


    As he spoke, Old Master Huo got up, "Let''s go, we shouldn''t dy your older brother''s birthday celebration."


    "She''s my daughter, logically speaking, you should call her your granddaughter." Huo Xiaozheng''s voice sounded rigid and somewhat oppressive, "Or, you could call her by her nickname - Ning Ning."


    Old Master Huo was taken aback.


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t expect the Old Master Huo to take a stand, he got up, slightly bent his waist at the old man, and walked out of the study first.


    Separated only by a wall, the atmosphere inside and outside the study was starkly different.


    The Huo family had few girls, and thus, the youngdy was dearly treasured. At the moment, Huo Ning was surrounded affectionately by everyone.


    Upon catching a glimpse of Huo Xiaozheng walking out of the study, sheinstantly broke from the crowd and rushed to his side, looking up at him and calling out, ¡°Dad.¡±


    Huo Xiaozheng responded with a grunt, asking her, ¡°Did you have fun?¡±


    Huo Ning stepped back a bit and instead of answering, she asked, ¡°Does it hurt?¡±


    Huo Xiaozheng gave her a puzzled look.


    Huo Ning pointed at her own cheek indicating, ¡°There¡¯s blood.¡±


    Huo Xiaozheng btedly felt a burning sting, he lifted his hand to wipe at the blood.


    Huo Ning quickly handed him a napkin, ¡°Use this to wipe.¡±


    Huo Xiaozheng chuckled abruptly, obediently wiping the blood from his cheek with the napkin.


    Seeing this, Huo Yanqin frowned. ¡°Did Dad hit you?¡±


    Huo Xiaozheng was back to his reticent self, ¡°I''m fine.¡±


    Zheng Jinxiu moved closer to Huo Xiaozheng wanting to wipe his wound but hesitated.


    In the strained atmosphere, Old Master Huo walked out leaning on his walking stick with the help of the butler.


    Seeing this, Huo Ning took a few steps forward, shielding Huo Xiaozheng behind her, her eyes fixed on the Old Master Huo with a fierce determination of a wolf pup.


    The old master paused in his tracks.


    This time, Huo Xiaozheng genuinelyughed.


    He bent over to pick up his fierce little niece and gently said, ¡° Ning Ning, you must not be impolite.¡±


    ¡°Hitting someone is wrong.¡± Huo Ning emphasized earnestly, ¡°It hurts.¡±


    This reminded Huo Xiaozheng of his niece¡¯s past experiences, she must be afraid of pain.


    He reassured her gently, ¡°Mm, Grandpa didn¡¯t do it on purpose, so, you must not be impolite.¡±


    Huo Ning realized that Huo Xiaozheng was trying to keep the peace, but as she was under their roof she had no choice¡­


    ¡°I''m sorry,¡± Huo Ning mumbled in the direction of the Old Master Huo.


    Huo Xiaozheng stroked her head.


    Old Master Huo stepped forward, cleared his throat, and said, ¡°It''s okay, let''s eat."


    Huo Ning didn¡¯t want to interact with Old Master Huo any further, she burrowed into Huo Xiaozheng¡¯s arms after apologizing, unwilling to give the old man another nce.


    Her child-like behavior livened up the atmosphere as everyone teased, ¡°Young Miss really is close to her father, she knows how to protect him.¡±


    ¡°Yes, unlike my brat at home!¡±


    "Huo Ning, will you protect your brother in the future?" Huo Yueze couldn¡¯t resist jumping in to vie for affection.


    Huo Ning thought for a moment, considering that this silly brother of hers did a pretty decent job at making a snowman and even appreciated her own creation, she nodded, ¡°I will.¡±


    At her words, Huo Yuezepletely erased his fear of snowmen from his memory, basking in the adoration his younger sister showed him.


    Apart from Old Master Huo, everyone else was all smiles.


    When it was time to eat, Huo Ning sat down next to Huo Xiaozheng and whispered into his ears, "Where is Aunt Dimei?"


    "Your aunt has an award ceremony to attend tonight, she wille backte," exined Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Ning spoke with an air of longing, "So, did Auntie win any awards? She''s amazing."


    "The results haven¡¯te out yet, so we still don''t know if she has won."


    "Oh, I see.¡±


    Although this was a family banquet for Huo Yanqin''s birthday, there were some distant rtives who came to offer their congrattions after the meal.


    Due to Old Master Huo, even though the Huo Family wasn''t particrly close with these distant rtives, they were always cordial on the surface.


    As more and more people arrived, Huo Xiaozheng started to think about leaving with Huo Ning.


    "Letting Ning interact with children her own age might be more beneficial for her physical and mental health.¡±


    Shen Shiyan''s words echoed in his mind.


    "Ning, your dad and your uncle have some matters to discuss. Would you like to y with the other kids?" ncing around at the room full of toddlers, Huo Xiaozheng subtly steered Huo Ning towards a group of little girls, away from the mischievous ones.


    Admittedly, Huo Ning was a bit tired, but she obediently agreed to her father''s request.


    Little did she know how much she would regret saying ¡®yes''.

 Chapter 21

    Huo Xiaozheng indeed had something to discuss with Huo Yanqin.


    After instructing Huo Ning, he went to the reception room.


    Huo Ning remained among the group of children, looking somewhat dazed.


    This group of children were all girls from the Huo family''s extended branches, mostly around 7-8 years old, with only one slightly older at 12.


    "Hello, little sister Ning. I''m sister Jiayi," said the slightly older girl.


    "Hello," Huo Ning replied obediently.


    Huo Jiayi noticed her seemingly not-too-bright expression and the unbranded sweater and woolen pants she wore. Recalling her mother''sments at home about her being an illegitimate child, a hint of contempt shed in her eyes.


    "We''re ying hide-and-seek. Ning, why don''t you join us?" Huo Jiayi invited enthusiastically.


    Remembering how the adults had just been pinching her cheeks, Huo Ning shuddered.


    To avoid further torment, Huo Ning immediately agreed with a "Sure."


    Huo Jingyi beamed with delight.


    At hermand, a girl named An Qi covered her eyes and began counting.


    The hiding area was limited to the first floor.


    Huo Ning felt a bit anxious and looked around for possible hiding spots.


    Huo Jingyi made a "shh" gesture towards her and pulled her towards a corner of the hallway.


    Huo Jingyi, familiar with the ce, found a cab. It wasn''trge, and with the space already upied, it could just fit one small child.


    "Little sister Ning, hide here."


    Huo Ning was surprised: "What about you?"


    Huo Jingyi smiled mysteriously: "I have another ce. Quick, get in. I''ll lock it for you. If An Qi can''t find you, I''lle to open it when the game ends."


    With that, she pushed Huo Ning into the cab.


    Huo Ning panicked and quickly reached out to grab her: "Sister Jingyi, I''m afraid of the dark."


    As Huo Ning reached out, a smooth Hetian jade bracelet was revealed on her thin arm. Huo Jingyi immediately recognized it as the gift that Eldest Aunt Huo had promised to give her on her birthday, originally meant for her.


    Huo Jingyi''s smile faded.


    She grabbed Huo Ning''s wrist and demanded harshly: "Where did you get this bracelet?"


    Her tone was fierce, making Huo Ning ufortable. She withdrew her hand: "Eldest Aunt Huo gave it to me."


    "Impossible!"


    Huo Ning shrank her shoulders in fear.


    Realizing her tone was too harsh, Huo Jingyi''s eyes darted around as she hatched a n: "Little sister Ning, I really like this bracelet. Can we trade it for my pink floppy-eared rabbit?"


    Huo Ning tilted her head: "I can''t trade a gift from Eldest Aunt Huo. It would make her sad."


    Surprised that the seemingly not-so-bright child could say something so thoughtful, Huo Jingyi was momentarily at a loss.


    "9, 8, 7..." An Qi''s countdown echoed from afar.


    Huo Ning urged: "Sister Jingyi, we''re running out of time. Let''s quickly find a ce to hide."


    She tried to crawl out of the cab.


    Feeling angry, Huo Jingyi quickly pushed Huo Ning back into the cab, putting on a kind face: "You stay hidden here. Wait for me toe find you."


    With that, she swiftly locked the cab and her footsteps faded away.


    Huo Ning: I''m really going to die.


    Huo Ning wasn''t lying; she had always been afraid of the dark. And the original owner of this body, due to past traumas, was even more unable to bear being alone in darkness.


    Now, Huo Ning could only observe the details inside the cab through the faint light seeping through the cracks, trying to distract herself.


    The cab was filled with old items, seemingly arranged without logic.


    Certificates, toy guns, notebooks, photo frames...


    Wait, these seemed to be childhood items of Uncle and Aunt.


    Does that mean there might be childhood memories of her viinous father too?


    Huo Ning excitedly began searching, while also being cautious not to make too much noise and alert the little hunter An Qi outside.


    Time ticked by slowly.


    Huo Ning didn''t find anything from Huo Xiaozheng''s childhood, and the little hunter An Qi hadn''t found Huo Ning either.


    "These little brats are pretty bad at this game," Huo Ning muttered.


    Perhaps due to poor air cirction in the confined space, Huo Ning felt a bit dizzy. She yawned widely, adjusted her position, and closed her eyes.


    Might as well pretend to be sleeping.


    Don''t think about the situation.


    Huo Ning dozed off hazily, and even when she woke up, no one hade to find her.


    Huo Jingyi hadn''te to open the cab either.


    Surrounded by darkness, Huo Ning turned on her children''s smartwatch.


    Oh boy, it was almost 9 o''clock.


    This game wasn''t worth ying anymore.


    "Is anyone out there?" Huo Ning tapped on the cab door. "Let me out."


    No response.


    Huo Ning knocked harder, still no response.


    She opened her contacts, found Huo Xiaozheng''s number, but just as she was about to dial, she remembered the injury on Huo Xiaozheng''s cheek.


    Huo Xiaozheng had been disciplined by Grandfather Huo, and now he must be discussing important matters with Uncle.


    She sent Huo Xiaozheng a text message instead.


    "Dad, I''m stuck in a cab in the hallway and can''t get out."


    Huo Ning thought herself quite clever.


    Huo Xiaozheng must still be in the old mansion, otherwise her chest would hurt.


    As long as her viinous father was still around, she would survive.


    Huo Ning thought optimistically.


    She even picked up some crayons from the cab and started doodling on the door in the darkness.


    When Huo Xiaozheng finally saw the message and opened the cab door with a stern face, the first thing he saw was Huo Ning''s flushed face and the wild drawings all over the cab door.


    The culprit even had the leisure to smile at him: "You''re here."


    Huo Xiaozheng pulled her out of the cab in one swift motion. Only then did Huo Ning see a group of people behind him, all seeming caught off guard by this sudden situation.


    Huo Yueze looked surprised: "Ning, how did you end up in the cab? Didn''t Jingyi say you were sleeping in the guest room? She told us not to disturb you."


    Huo Ning looked innocent: "We were ying hide-and-seek. Sister Jingyi told me to hide here and wait for them to find me."


    "But they''re too stupid. I''ve already woken up, and they still haven''t found me."


    Hearing this, Zheng Jinxiu, Huo Yanqin and his wife, and Huo Yueze all looked displeased.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s face was even darker, as if about to drip water.


    Huo Xiaozheng was clearly angry: "Couldn''t you call for help?"


    Huo Ning was stunned.


    She timidly said: "I did..."


    The butler exined apologetically: "This area is a bit remote, people don''t usuallye here, so even if the young miss called for help, we might not have heard... It was my oversight."


    "Then why didn''t you call me?" Huo Xiaozheng''s tone was still not good.


    Huo Ning smiled ingratiatingly: "Dad must have been busy. I wasn''t in a hurry, so waiting in the cab for a while was fine."


    Huo Ning couldn''t see herself, so she didn''t know how unconvincing her pale face looked as she tried to reassure the adults.


    Huo Xiaozheng felt as if his throat was stuffed with cotton.


    Sensing Huo Xiaozheng''s bad mood, Huo Ning carefully took his hand and shook it: "Dad, don''t be angry anymore."


    The hand in his palm was small and soft.


    His daughter seemed to love him very much, yet didn''t rely on him.


    Huo Xiaozheng felt somewhat defeated.

 Chapter 22

    If Huo Xiaozheng wasn''t happy, no one else would be let off easy.


    The families of the group of little troublemakers, led by Huo Jingyi, were all implicated.


    "Dear nephew, this was just children ying around. We''ll make sure to discipline them more strictly when we get home!" A man with a receding hairline said with a fawning smile.


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t even spare him a nce.


    The man gritted his teeth, then grabbed Huo Jingyi and made a show of patting her back. "How dare you bully your sister! Your sister is young and needs more sleep. Have you be so forgetful that you left her locked in a closet?!"


    Ignoring Huo Jingyi''s wails, the man pushed her towards Huo Ning. "Quickly, apologize to your sister!"


    Huo Jingyi was crying so hard she could barely breathe. She didn''t understand why her usually doting father would hit her in front of so many people.


    "No!" Her temper red up too. "Dad, why are you only scolding me?! Mom always said Huo Ning is just an illegitimate child..."


    "p!"


    The balding man''s face turned pale upon hearing this. Enraged and embarrassed, he swung his palm towards Huo Jingyi''s face, berating her, "You''ve grown too bold! How dare you repeat such nonsense..."


    Huo Jingyi had never seen her father so furious before.


    Huo Xiaozheng let out a coldugh, clearly unsatisfied with this little drama, especially after hearing the words ''illegitimate child''. His expression grew even colder.


    "If you can''t even manage your own children properly, I doubt you''re capable of handlingpany affairs," Huo Xiaozheng said, cross-legged on the sofa, looking at the group of trembling, pleading people across from him. His tone was icy. "In that case, why don''t you all go experience life in some remote areas?"


    Huo Ning sat next to Huo Xiaozheng, gulping down freshly squeezed juice, seemingly unbothered by being called an illegitimate child.


    She did, however, ask curiously, "Dad, by remote areas, do you mean the bordends of our country?"


    Huo Xiaozheng sneered, "How could the bordends of our country be enough for their ''experience''?"


    The group, led by the balding man, almost copsed to the ground.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s implication was crystal clear. Unless they wanted to sever all ties with the Huo Family, they would have to spend the rest of their lives in some impoverished region.


    "Huo Xiaozheng, you can''t do this! After all, we''re family."


    "Yes... how can you bear to see your nephews and nieces..."


    "Family?" Huo Xiaozheng exuded an air of supreme arrogance. "You dare to consider yourselves worthy?"


    Seeing that Huo Xiaozheng was unmoved, the balding man nced at Old Master Huo, who had remained silent.


    "Brother! Please, show some mercy!" The balding man crawled on his knees towards Old Master Huo.


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t stop him, merely casting a cold nce at his father before reaching out to smooth Huo Ning''s slightly disheveled hair.


    Huo Ning was somewhat used to Huo Xiaozheng''s mild obsessivepulsive disorder, as he always seemed unable to tolerate her messy hair and wouldn''t rest until he had smoothed it out.


    She shook her head, looking innocently towards Old Master Huo as if watching a TV drama unfold.


    Old Master Huo had no doubt that if given a handful of sunflower seeds, she would happily munch on them while enjoying the show.


    With his son''s words still ringing in his ears, coupled with little Huo Ning''s gaze, Old Master Huo swallowed the words of leniency he had been about to utter.


    "You''re not getting any younger. Surely you understand the principle that without rules, there can be no square," Old Master Huo said calmly.


    "Ning Ning is my granddaughter of the Huo Family, and no one has the right to question that."


    As Huo Xiaozheng had said, Huo Ning was his granddaughter. No matter how unsuitable her mother might have been, she remained a granddaughter of the Huo Family.


    Old Master Huo emphasized, "You questioned Ning Ning''s status, which shows you don''t quite grasp the concept of family. Listen to Xiaozheng and go experience life elsewhere for a while."


    The balding man felt as if struck by lightning.


    Old Master Huo''s words were as good as a final verdict.


    Huo Ning looked at Old Master Huo with surprise a few times.


    Feeling a bit awkward, Old Master Huo cleared his throat and excused himself, citing poor health as he retreated to his room.


    At this point, there was no room for negotiation. The extended family members began to disperse, intending to gather some valuables to take with them.


    "Wait," Huo Xiaozheng spoke up.


    He wiped the juice from the corner of Huo Ning''s mouth, then said leisurely, "Did I say you could leave?"


    "?"


    What more could he want?


    Huo Xiaozheng took a tissue and meticulously wiped the juice residue from his fingers. "All of you,e here and apologize to my daughter."


    This statement stunned everyone present, including the extended family members, Huo Yanqin, and Zheng Jinxiu.


    Huo Xiaozheng wasn''t known for being so outwardly expressive.


    The Huo Family''s continued prosperity and even greater sess under his leadership was due to his ruthless and decisive methods.


    He protected the Huo Family, but more like he was protecting a symbol, a responsibility he was born with.


    Gradually, he became increasingly difficult to read, and even family members grew to fear him.


    Now, his insistence showed a hint of vitality.


    The balding man silently cursed his bad luck but had no choice but toply.


    He dragged his wife and daughter in front of the little girl, pressing their heads down to apologize to Huo Ning. "We''re sorry!"


    Seeing this, the others followed suit, apologizing one by one.


    Huo Ning clutched Huo Xiaozheng''s sleeve tightly, afraid of shortening her lifespan.


    She understood that Huo Xiaozheng was standing up for her, and of course, she wouldn''t undermine his efforts. So she epted each apology.


    "Don''t let me see you appear in front of my daughter again," Huo Xiaozheng warned the group.


    He didn''t need to say it. After tonight''s events, everyone would run in the opposite direction if they saw Huo Ning, let alone appear in front of her.


    However, this group didn''t include the young Huo Jingyi.


    "Why? Why? She''s clearly just an illegitimate child, why can''t anyone say it?!"


    As soon as they got in the car, Huo Jingyi burst into uncontroble sobs.


    Earlier, to avoid angering Huo Xiaozheng, her mother had covered her mouth, preventing her from crying out loud.


    Now, with no outsiders present, she reverted to her spoiled rich girl demeanor.


    Hearing this, the balding man nearly pped her again.


    His wife barely managed to stop him after much pleading.


    "What a fine daughter you''ve raised!" the balding man fumed. "I told you to curry favor with that Huo Ning, and what do you two do? One calls her an illegitimate child, and the other is stupid enough to lock her in a closet in front of everyone!"


    "Are your heads filled with shit?!"


    Huo Jingyi protested, "It''s her fault for stealing my bracelet!"


    "Your bracelet? Was that really your bracelet?" The balding man couldn''t understand how he had raised such a stupid daughter. He raged, "When we get to Africa, you''ll have plenty of time to pan for gold and make your own bracelets!"


    His wife seemed to suddenlye to her senses. "Can''t you think of something? Are we really going to Africa as a family?"


    The balding man sneered, "We don''t have to go. Just stop eating the Huo Family''s rice, and we won''t have to go."


    His wife let out a whimper and threw herself onto Huo Jingyi, crying.


    "Oh, my poor daughter! I had hoped to raise her as a properdy of society, to marry into a good family. What are we going to do now?!"


    "Cry, cry, cry. Are you holding a funeral?" The balding man lit a cigarette and took a deep drag. "Just wait a bit longer..."


    A glimmer of hope appeared in his wife''s eyes.

 Chapter 23

    Huo Yanqin''s birthday was a chaotic affair.


    Huo Xiaozheng apologized to Huo Yanqin.


    "We''re family, let''s not keep secrets," Huo Yanqin said, looking at Huo Ning, who was engrossed in watching cartoons. "As for you, it''s about time you introduced Ning Ning to the family."


    "Otherwise, with all the gossip going around, Ning Ning might hear something unpleasant elsewhere."


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded, "I understand."


    Huo Yanqin patted his shoulder, "You''ve always had your own way of doing things since you were young. Your big brother trusts you to handle this well."


    After a pause, he added, "I heard that girl from the Qin Family is getting married."


    He kept his eyes fixed on Huo Xiaozheng, and felt relieved when he saw no change in his brother''s expression.


    For years, his brother had seemed bewitched, stumbling whenever anything rted to the Qin Family''s daughter came up.


    This time, the Qin Family''s daughter was getting married and had sent invitations to all the prominent families in South City.


    Huo Yanqin was worried his brother might go crazy.


    "Yes, I received an invitation too."


    Jiang Suyuan wouldn''t miss such a good opportunity to show off, and had the invitation delivered to Huo Xiaozheng immediately.


    "If it''s inconvenient for you, I can attend on your behalf."


    The Huo Family and Qin Family were old acquaintances, so it wouldn''t be out of ce for Huo Yanqin to attend Qin Zhiyi''s wedding.


    Thinking of Jiang Suyuan, Huo Yanqin felt a bit irritated: "That Jiang boy is too inconsiderate. Why drag the little girl into our generation''s grudges?"


    Thewsuit between the Huo and Jiang families had been trending on social media for a long time, dominating headlines everywhere. It was hard to avoid seeing it.


    But the Huo family knew little about the specific details. They wanted to ask Huo Xiaozheng, but given his personality, if he didn''t volunteer information, no one could pry it out of him.


    As a result, the Huo family''s understanding of what happened to Huo Ning was not much different from that of the general public.


    "I''ll tell you more about Ning Ning''s situation when the time is right," Huo Xiaozheng said. He didn''t want to keep reopening Ning Ning''s wounds for others to see. He hoped that when Ning Ning had fullye to terms with her past, she could choose whether to talk about it or not.


    As for Jiang and Qin: "I''ll attend their wedding in person."


    Three days after Huo Yanqin''s birthday, Huo Xiaozheng took Huo Ning to attend Jiang and Qin''s wedding.


    The wedding venue was thergest five-star hotel in the area.


    "Dad, why are you going to this wedding?" As the scenery outside the car window receded, Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Ning were on their way to the wedding venue.


    In the back seat, Huo Ning wore a white little dress with thick tights, covered by a thick cashmere coat. She looked up curiously at Huo Xiaozheng beside her.


    Huo Xiaozheng wore a well-tailored ck suit with a gold fern brooch pinned to his left chest. His short ck hair wasbed back, revealing a full forehead and high nose bridge. His chiseled face looked even more handsome in the light.


    The temperature in the car was a bit high, so Huo Xiaozheng took off his jacket and rolled up the sleeves of his white shirt.


    "Dad''s going to avenge you."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s leisurely words fell like a bolt from the blue on Huo Ning''s ears.


    She widened her big eyes, "Huh?"


    Huo Xiaozheng was amused by her expression and gave a brief smile, "Don''t believe me?"


    Huo Ning shook her head, "It''s not that, but is this really okay?"


    Dad, I''ll get on my knees and call you daddy if you want, just please don''t go provoke the main characters, okay?


    She had originally thought Huo Xiaozheng was attending this wedding to help her move on.


    Now it seemed he was just asking for trouble.


    Huo Ning''s brain was racing, and she became so anxious that she started to stutter, "Dad, you... Jiang... An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind!"


    By the end, she was practically shouting.


    Huo Xiaozheng was stunned, then burst outughing.


    Huo Ning was so anxious that she didn''t even have time to hide it.


    What''s there tough about at a time like this???


    "Where did you learn such a sophisticated phrase?" Huo Xiaozheng stoppedughing, "Looks like we need to find you a teacher soon, so your education doesn''t fall behind."


    Huo Ning was sweating with anxiety, "Dad, you don''t need to avenge me, really!"


    Seeing that she was about to cry from worry, Huo Xiaozheng asked, "Why are you so afraid of me taking revenge on Jiang Suyuan?"


    Huo Ning''s expression froze, and she instantly lost the ability to form words.


    Oh no, she had been too hasty and Watson had found her blind spot.


    Why indeed? She could hardly say that she knew this world was just a book, and her dear dad was the viin in it, could she?


    Huo Xiaozheng gazed at her silently for a while, then said in a solemn tone, "Are you afraid he''ll retaliate against me?"


    Bingo!


    Huo Ning was delighted inwardly, but didn''t show it on her face.


    She nodded like a pecking chick, "I don''t mean that I don''t trust you, but..."


    Her little brain started spinning rapidly again.


    "I don''t want any more children like me to be born by ident."


    As she spoke, Huo Ning lowered her head dejectedly.


    Huo Xiaozheng was struck by her words and didn''t know how to react for a moment.


    Suddenly seeming to realize something, Huo Ning looked up and hastily exined, "Don''t overthink it, I don''t me you..."


    Huo Xiaozheng sighed, "I''m not overthinking. I''m just surprised that Ning Ning seems to care more about me than herself."


    "Of course, you''re my dad after all," seeing that Huo Xiaozheng''s attitude had softened, Huo Ning immediately poured on the sugar.


    No one can resist a cub''s sugar-coated cannonballs, let alone the cub''s own father.


    Huo Xiaozheng rubbed the child''s head with some tenderness, "Don''t worry, I''ll only do what I should, and won''t cause unnecessary trouble."


    Worried that she might not understand the phrase "cause unnecessary trouble," Huo Xiaozheng exined it further.


    Huo Ning let out a long sigh of relief.


    True to his word, when they arrived at the hotel, Huo Xiaozheng behaved properly as a guesting to offer blessings, without causing any trouble at all.


    Until...


    "Uncle Xi Chuan, where''s my dad?"


    Xi Chuan had also attended this wedding.


    Midway through, Huo Xiaozheng was held up by a business partner. When Huo Ning wanted to use the restroom, Huo Xiaozheng asked Xi Chuan to apany her.


    By the time Huo Ning had taken care of her physical needs, Huo Xiaozheng was no longer where they had left him.


    In the dressing room next to the banquet hall.


    Huo Xiaozheng, Qin Zhiyi, and Jiang Suyuan sat face to face, all with solemn expressions.


    "Speak up, what did you want to see me about?" Huo Xiaozheng said leisurely, crossing his long legs and resting his hands on the back of the chair.


    "I can''t believe you actually came," Jiang Suyuan said with a hint of amusement.


    "Why wouldn''t Ie?" Huo Xiaozheng sneered, "Pridees before a fall. If I don''t witness your blissful love, how could I fully enjoy it when you end up on the streets?"


    At this, Huo Xiaozheng mocked Jiang Suyuan, "Don''t you agree, Mr. Jiang?"


    Jiang Suyuan frowned, "Whether you believe it or not, I have to tell you that what happened back then was indeed done by people from my Jiang family, but I knew nothing about it."


    No, recalling the details, Jiang Suyuan denied, "Or rather, I didn''t find out about it much earlier than you did."


    The Jiang Suyuan whomunicated with Li Zhiyuan on the phone wasn''t Jiang Suyuan himself, but someone impersonating him, intending to use the opportunity to smear the Huo Corporation. If it seeded, he would be a hero for the Jiang family; if it failed, he could still suppress Jiang Suyuan.


    Killing two birds with one stone.


    "At this point, Mr. Jiang is still emphasizing his innocence?" Huo Xiaozheng said.


    Jiang Suyuan spoke seriously, "Huo Xiaozheng, what I''m saying today is not to exonerate myself, nor am I afraid of your revenge."


    "I just want to express apologies to your daughter on behalf of the Jiang family, and offerpensation."


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned, suspecting there must be some catch.


    Seeing that Huo Xiaozheng didn''t believe him, Jiang Suyuan looked at his wife with a face full of sweetness. Qin Zhiyi returned an encouraging look.


    Only then did Jiang Suyuan speak, "Zhiyi is pregnant."


    Huo Xiaozheng froze on the spot.


    "Having our own child made me realize how much harm your daughter suffered and how painful it must have been for you both. I was foolish before, but now, Zhiyi and I hope we can make some amends to your daughter."


    Seeing Huo Xiaozheng remain silent, Qin Zhiyi added, "In addition to thepensation we proposed earlier, the Qin family also wants to..."


    "Enough!" Huo Xiaozheng suddenly stood up.


    "You want to use your money topensate for the harm she suffered? You two really are birds of a feather!"


    Jiang Suyuan''s face darkened, "I will apologize publicly. But what''s done is done, money is just one way to make amends, I..."


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t want to hear any more and stood up to leave.


    "Didn''t you investigate it yourself? The main perpetrator of that incident was actually Shi Lili, wasn''t it?" Jiang Suyuan retorted, flushed with anger and shame.


    Qin Zhiyi, seeing the situation deteriorating, immediately grabbed Jiang Suyuan but couldn''t cover his mouth in time.


    Huo Xiaozheng halted his steps and turned back, asking, "What did you say?"


    Jiang Suyuan, throwing caution to the wind, blurted out, "Back then, if Shi Lili hadn''t offered herself to you, and then refused to abort when she found out she was pregnant, insisting on giving birth to gain status through the child, how would your daughter have suffered such harm?"


    "When ites down to it, you brought this upon yourself!"


    Huo Xiaozheng, burning with rage, lunged forward with lightning speed, gripping Jiang Suyuan''s neck and pinning him against the wall.

 Chapter 24

    "It seems you haven''tpletely cleared out the traitors in your household," Huo Xiaozhengughed, his anger reaching its peak. "You were blind to the truth back then, and even now, you still can''t see the reality, can you?"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s grip was too strong. Jiang Suyuan wanted to resist, but due tock of oxygen, he couldn''t muster any strength in his body.


    His face turning purple, he asked, "What do you mean?"


    "If Shi Lili wanted to gain status through her child, why didn''t shee to me?" Huo Xiaozheng said, enunciating each word.


    Jiang Suyuan''s eyes widened in shock.


    Seeing that Jiang Suyuan was about to be strangled to death by Huo Xiaozheng, Qin Zhiyi, summoning strength from an unknown source, rushed forward and pried Huo Xiaozheng''s hands away.


    Jiang Suyuan could finally breathe. He leaned against the wall, gasping for air. Once he caught his breath, he shouted at Huo Xiaozheng, "What on earth do you mean?!"


    Huo Xiaozheng replied mockingly, "Back then, Shi Lili thought she was sleeping with you, Jiang Suyuan. When she got pregnant, she believed the child was yours."


    Jiang Suyuan recalled that five years ago, someone had indeed confronted him, calling him a scumbag. But at that time, he and Qin Zhiyi were in an on-and-off rtionship because of Huo Xiaozheng. So, Jiang Suyuan hadn''t paid much attention to it. But now, thinking back...


    "When Ning was three years old, Shi Lili somehow got hold of your hair sample and sent it for a paternity test along with Ning''s," Huo Xiaozheng''s tone grew increasingly cold. "After discovering that Ning wasn''t your child, Shi Lili became obsessed. In fact, it wasn''t just Li Zhiyuan who abused Ning."


    Jiang Suyuan''s eyes showed a hint of brokenness.


    He had never considered himself a good person, but he had always acted without guilt.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s words plunged him into deep self-reproach.


    "Your Jiang family schemed to harm me and you. In the end, the only one who got hurt was my daughter," Huo Xiaozheng said, each word filled with cruelty. "If money couldpensate for this, I wouldn''t hesitate to give the Huo Corporation to Ning. What are your Jiang and Qin familiespared to that?"


    Jiang Suyuan and Qin Zhiyi''s eyes were filled with emptiness.


    Huo Xiaozheng turned to leave.


    The door was slightly ajar. As Huo Xiaozheng pushed it open, he saw Huo Ning, who was supposed to be in the banquet hall eating chocte cake.


    Huo Xiaozheng panicked a little, "Ning..."


    Huo Ning stood at the doorway like a wooden stake, staring at him with a nk expression. She asked dully, "Dad, is what you said true?"


    Huo Xiaozheng suddenly felt a surge of regret. If only he hadn''t been so insistent on arguing with Jiang Suyuan, or if he had been more thoughtful and locked the door...


    That would have been so much better.


    Huo Xiaozheng opened his mouth but couldn''te up with a lie to deceive her.


    "I see," seeing Huo Xiaozheng stammer, the little girl who barely reached his waist gave a self-mocking smile. "No wonder mom stopped liking me after I turned three. I thought I had done something wrong."


    Huo Xiaozheng stepped forward, wanting tofort her.


    But he, who had always been ruthless in his actions, hadn''t yet learned this skill.


    He raised his hand and then lowered it.


    Huo Ning seemed indifferent. She smiled sweetly at Huo Xiaozheng, "So it wasn''t my fault after all."


    Seeing her smile, Huo Xiaozheng felt relieved. He immediately knelt down and affirmed, "You did nothing wrong."


    Huo Ning''s expression suddenly crumbled, falling into a kind of self-destructive state. She murmured, "No, I must have done something wrong."


    "If I had been a bit more obedient, a bit more well-behaved, maybe mom would have loved me like she used to," Huo Ning''s expression turned somewhat manic. "She''s my mom, after all."


    Huo Xiaozheng concealed his worry and gripped her shoulders firmly, stating, "Ning, didn''t you say before that there are mothers in this world who don''t love their children?"


    "Since she doesn''t love you, why don''t you just let her go, okay?"


    Since Huo Ning''s breakdown in court, Huo Xiaozheng had privately read some psychology books. Now, he was trying to go along with Huo Ning''s emotions, encouraging her to vent.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s intention wasn''t wrong, but the words ''she doesn''t love you'' were like sharp scissors, cutting the taut string in Huo Ning''s heart.


    Or rather, cutting the taut string in the original owner''s heart.


    Originally, Huo Ning had been happily eating cake in the banquet hall. Perhaps because the hall was too stuffy, Huo Ning felt a tightness in her chest.


    It just so happened that Xi Chuan had gone out to take a phone call.


    Worried that the chest tightness might develop into chest pain, Huo Ning got up to look for Huo Xiaozheng.


    This search led her to find him, but she didn''t expect to hear the truth about what had happened years ago.


    Huo Ning had previously suspected that a trace of the original owner''s consciousness remained, perhaps due to the stark contrast in Shi Lili''s behavior before and after, which had left the original owner with unresolved issues.


    Sure enough, the moment she heard the truth about Shi Lili''s childbirth, the original owner''s consciousness took over.


    "You also think she doesn''t love me," Huo Ning said, almost hysterically. "Is it because I''m not well-behaved enough?"


    Huo Xiaozheng was at a loss, "No, no, it''s not your fault."


    She continued, her voice choked with sobs,rge tears falling one by one, "Mom said she was too busy to pick me up from kindergarten, so I waited obediently. Even when it got dark, I wasn''t afraid as long as mom came."


    "It didn''t matter if she forgot my birthday, because my birthday wish was just for mom to be happy."


    "Living with Uncle Li was fine too, as long as mom would hug me."


    Her emotions were intense, her wordsing out rapidly, as if she wanted to pour out all the grievances she had suffered over the years.


    "That''s not it," Huo Xiaozheng, seeing her trapped in this mindset, weaklyforted her. "Your mom, she''s just not suited to be a mother."


    Shi Lili had only ever wanted to climb the socialdder or be a pampered little woman.


    The process didn''t matter to her, and her daughter could be used as a pawn.


    These words seemed to hit a pause button. Huo Ning''s crying suddenly stopped.


    She tilted her head like a marite, revealing an eerie smile.


    "Right? I also think she''s not suitable to be my mom."


    "That snowy day was too cold. I wanted to be a ghost and take her with me."


    Huo Ning''s words were childishly innocent, her smile sweet.


    "That way, she would love me forever."


    Huo Xiaozheng was horrified.


    The Huo Ning hiding in her mind was also startled.


    So, on that night, had the original owner already lost her will to live?


    Before anyone could react, Huo Ning continued, "Can I see her once?"


    At this moment, Huo Xiaozheng felt more defeated than ever before.


    Originally, he had nned to let Huo Ning choose how to face this when she was mentally and physically healthier.


    The scene at the police station, the conversation at thepany, and her self-assertion in court had led him to mistakenly treat Huo Ning as an adult.


    But she was, after all, only five years old.


    "Of course you can," Huo Xiaozheng didn''t want Huo Ning to feel abandoned by the whole world, so he immediately responded as soon as she finished asking, "We''ll go see her right now."

 Chapter 25

    Everything happened too quickly.


    Qin Zhiyi and Jiang Suyuan didn''t have time to react before Huo Xiaozheng had already left with his people.


    "What a pity," Jiang Suyuan sighed softly.


    At that moment, all thoughts of weddings and romance were cast aside by Huo Xiaozheng.


    Upon receiving the news, Xi Chuan rushed over, and the group hurriedly left the venue, leaving the surrounding reporters bewildered.


    Huo Ning was fully shielded, making it impossible for outsiders to capture her face.


    Huo Xiaozheng held her with one arm while pressing her head against his shoulder with the other.


    The person who had been so emotionally charged earlier now seemed like a lifeless doll, slumped limp in his arms.


    "What did Shen Shiyan say?"


    While keeping an eye on the road, Xi Chuan replied, "Dr. Shen is on his way with his team."


    "And the other matter?"


    Xi Chuan realized he was referring to Shi Lili: "People have been dispatched to make preparations."


    As they spoke, Huo Ning remained limp in Huo Xiaozheng''s arms, her entire being in a daze.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s brow was furrowed so tightly it could twist into a pretzel.


    "Drive faster."


    Beads of cold sweat formed on Xi Chuan''s temples as he pressed down harder on the elerator...


    Before long, the car came to a stop in front of the detention center.


    Having made prior arrangements, Huo Xiaozheng carried Huo Ning to the meeting room, led by awyer.


    Inside the room, a stainless steel curtain separated Shi Lili from them.


    Her hair was disheveled, her eyes dim, herplexion sallow ¨C she looked as if all her energy had been drained.


    Huo Xiaozheng sat down opposite her, still holding Huo Ning.


    Shi Lili immediately became agitated, crying out loudly, "Mr. Huo, please be merciful! For the sake of me being Ning Ning''s mother, I beg you to let me go! Ning Ning and I have relied on each other since she was little, she can''t live without me!"


    "Quiet!"


    The staff member reprimanded.


    Shi Lili''s body trembled, and she dared not shout again.


    Her eyes, full of pleading, looked at Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Xiaozheng ignored her, gently patting Huo Ning in his arms. "Ning Ning, wake up."


    Huo Ning wasn''t asleep, just staring nkly into space.


    Shi Lili''s voice was hoarse, and Huo Ning didn''t recognize it at first.


    She sat up straight, looking directly at Shi Lili, and gave a smile.


    "Hi, long time no see."


    Shi Lili''s eyes lit up, instantly bursting with excitement.


    "Ning Ning! Mommy''s precious! I knew you wouldn''t bear to see your mom suffer like this." Towards the end, Shi Lili began to sob, reaching out her hands, wanting to touch Huo Ning''s face.


    The staff member promptly stopped her.


    Huo Ning patted Huo Xiaozheng''s arm, signaling him to put her down.


    Huo Xiaozhengplied.


    She stepped forward, maintaining a distance that allowed her to clearly see Shi Lili''s facial expressions but prevented Shi Lili from touching her.


    "You..." Huo Ning uttered one word before her throat constricted, making it difficult to continue.


    The Huo Ning who had been hiding in a corner of her consciousness connected with the original host, understanding what she wanted to ask.


    She softly told the original host, "Be brave, you did nothing wrong."


    The original host seemed to hear Huo Ning''s words. She took a deep breath and asked with a strained voice, "That day, when I told you Uncle Li touched me and made me ufortable, did you really think I was lying?"


    Shi Lili''s facial expression froze, almost losing herposure.


    "What are you talking about touching? He was just ying with you."


    Shi Lili''s words were directed at the original host, but she gave an awkward smile to Huo Xiaozheng.


    "If it was just ying, why were you so angry when Uncle Li put makeup on me?"


    Huo Ning''s tone was soft, as if she was merely seeking an answer and would leave once she got it.


    Shi Lili looked annoyed, "You little vixen, always seducing people since you were young..."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s face darkened ominously, as if a storm was brewing. Seeing this, the staff member opposite quickly covered Shi Lili''s mouth.


    Huo Ning turned back to look at Huo Xiaozheng, giving a weak smile, "I want to hear what she has to say."


    Huo Xiaozheng disapproved.


    Huo Ning insisted on listening.


    Huo Xiaozheng shot Shi Lili a warning nce.


    The staff member released Shi Lili.


    Knowing there was no hope for redemption, Shi Lili stopped struggling and reverted to her true self.


    "Don''t me me for being heartless. That year, I had my eye on Jiang Suyuan. I used every trick in the book to get into his bed. Not long after, I found out I was pregnant. I thought the child was Jiang Suyuan''s."


    "At that time, Jiang Suyuan was in a passionate rtionship with the Qin family''s daughter. I didn''t dare reveal anything, so I gave birth to you in secret, nning to do a paternity test when the time was right and then marry Jiang Suyuan. This waitsted three years."


    At this point, Shi Lili''s gaze turned vicious.


    "Who would have thought, you weren''t Jiang Suyuan''s child after all. How could you not be his child?!"


    Although she already knew the truth, hearing it directly from the person involved was still painful for both the original host and Huo Ning.


    "Can you call me Coco one more time?" The original host seemed to be falling apart.


    Huo Ning was startled.


    Was the original host''s nickname Coco? This detail hadn''t been mentioned in the original story.


    Shi Lili gave a mocking smile, her tone venomous, "Before you were three, you were my hot chocte Coco, my ticket into the Jiang family, a necessity. After you turned three, I changed your name to Shi Ning. Didn''t the other kids already tell you what that name means? Hahahaha..."


    "What use are you? You might as well die, wouldn''t it be better if you were dead!"


    Sensing something was wrong, Huo Xiaozheng quickly covered Huo Ning''s ears and pulled her into his embrace, turning her away.


    "Shi Lili, are you even human?!" Huo Xiaozheng berated harshly.


    Huo Ning struggled free from Huo Xiaozheng''s grasp and faced Shi Lili again.


    "Do you know where you are now?"


    Shi Lili''s smug expression froze.


    "I''lle to visit you often in the future."


    Shi Lili raged, "You little hussy! I saw through you long ago, you''re no innocent! You even went and found your own father, look how capable you''ve be! If it weren''t for me, you..."


    Huo Ning smiled brightly, "That''s right, if it weren''t for you, how could I have sent all those who bullied me to a ce like this?"


    "My dear mother."


    With that, Huo Ning ignored Shi Lili and tugged at Huo Xiaozheng''s clothes, asking to leave.


    Compared to the lifeless doll from before, Huo Ning now seemed much more animated.


    "Don''t worry, Daddy will have thewyer uncle take good care of her," he said as he picked up Huo Ning and walked out.


    Hepletely disregarded Shi Lili''s frenzied curses behind them.


    As they walked out of the detention center''s main gate, they ran into Shen Shiyan.


    Huo Xiaozheng shook his head slightly at him, indicating that Huo Ning was fine.


    Shen Shiyan wasn''t entirely convinced and followed them into Huo Xiaozheng''s car.


    Huo Ning still had the energy to greet him, "Hello, Uncle Shen."


    "Hello, Ning Ning. Have you been welltely?"


    Huo Ning was still nestled in Huo Xiaozheng''s arms, refusing toe down, and Huo Xiaozheng seemed to be enjoying her unprecedented dependence.


    However, Shen Shiyan noticed that her hands were trembling slightly. He discreetly signaled to Xi Chuan in the driver''s seat.


    "I''ve been very well," Huo Ning nodded in affirmation. "I just went to see mom."


    Seeing that she brought up Shi Lili on her own, Shen Shiyan asked, "Oh? Was it a happy meeting?"


    Huo Ning''s little eyes darted around as she pondered, then she nodded again, "Yes, happy!"


    After saying this, she buried her entire face in Huo Xiaozheng''s chest and started giggling. However, herughter went on for an unusually long time.


    Sensing something was amiss, Huo Xiaozheng frowned, "Ning Ning, if you don''t want tough, you don''t have to."


    Like someone who had endured endless cold and frost suddenly touching a hint of warmth, Huo Ning, still buried in his embrace, began to sob like a wounded animal in response to Huo Xiaozheng''s words.

 Chapter 26

    Huo Ning cried as if the entire world was copsing around her. No matter how Huo Xiaozheng tried tofort her, she couldn''t stop, showing signs of an impending breakdown.


    Seeing her struggle to breathe, Shen Shiyan immediately took the medical kit from Xi Chuan''s hands, extracted the prepared medication, and with Huo Xiaozheng''s help, injected her with a sedative.


    The drug took effect quickly. Soon, she copsed into Huo Xiaozheng''s arms, falling into a deep sleep.


    "Will she be alright?" Huo Xiaozheng asked.


    Shen Shiyan said, "Don''t worry, it shouldn''t be a big problem. Make sure someone stays with her at all times for the next few days. Don''t let her be alone."


    "Mm..." Huo Xiaozheng looked at her with aplex expression, his throat tightening. "Did I do the wrong thing?"


    Shen Shiyan was very surprised.


    For someone as proud as Huo Xiaozheng, he had rarely, if ever, admitted to being wrong. More often, he would make others kneel before him to apologize.


    He patted his friend''s shoulder, speaking earnestly, "It''s not entirely your fault."


    Xi Chuan had already discreetly stepped away from this conversation. At this moment, only Huo Xiaozheng, Shen Shiyan, and the sleeping Huo Ning remained in the car.


    "She''s always seemed to be doing well. I didn''t realize in time how fixated she was on Shi Lili," Huo Xiaozheng rarely showed such remorse. "I''ve always treated her like a mature adult, so I didn''t make thorough ns for her. When she asked to see Shi Lili, I chose to respect her wishes."


    "But she''s only 5 years old."


    "What decision-making ability can a 5-year-old have?"


    "I could have handled today''s events much better."


    "Instead, I chose the easiest way, thinking it was respect."


    He med Jiang Suyuan, med Shi Lili, med everyone who caused this tragedy.


    But to be fair, wasn''t Huo Ning''s initial impression of her father also rooted in hurt?


    When Huo Ning revealed her identity, his first reaction was to worry that she would be a burden, which was why he was relieved that Huo Ning only asked him to raise her until she turned eighteen.


    He was no different from them.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s throat felt like it was stuffed with cotton, unable to say more.


    This was clearly his fault.


    As Shen Shiyan listened to his friend''s confession, he felt both sympathy and a hint of schadenfreude. He remembered how Huo Xiaozheng had once left Ning Ning far away in the suburbs, not even picking her up from the hospital.


    One could only call it karmic retribution.


    He cleared his throat, "Now is not the time for self-me. Ning Ning''s condition requires treatment."


    Huo Xiaozheng pulled himself out of his emotions and said seriously, "Have you found the doctor I asked you to look for?"


    Shen Shiyan nodded, "My college ssmate. She went abroad to study psychology after graduation. I contacted her a few days ago, and she happens to be back in the country."


    "Good, let''s set up an appointment as soon as possible."


    "Mm, don''t be too hard on yourself," Shen Shiyan pondered for a moment. "Today''s situation might not be a bad thing for Ning Ning. Now that everything is out in the open, it allows the sun to shine in."


    "However, we need to be careful about guiding Ning Ning''s behavior from now on. Otherwise, she might be extreme."


    Huo Xiaozheng grunted in agreement.


    This was something Huo Xiaozheng understood.


    That''s why he had always allowed Huo Ning to draw, hoping it would help her release her emotions.


    The car fell into silence. Shen Shiyan waved Xi Chuan over, and they drove away.


    While Huo Ning''s body was in deep sleep, her consciousness remained awake.


    After the intense crying, the original soul seemed to have found release, its consciousness seemingly dissipating without a trace.


    Huo Ning had originally wanted to try and return the body to its original owner, but it seemed the original soul had no attachment to this world whatsoever.


    This was for the best.


    For Huo Ning, this world was a book, a new life. But for the original soul, it was no different from purgatory.


    If that was the case, she would live on in ce of the original soul.


    If there was a next life, she hoped the original soul would be reborn into a happy family and have a joyful life.


    With these thoughts, Huo Ning drifted off to sleep.


    Xi Chuan drove the car back to the vi, with Shen Shiyan getting out as well.


    "I''ll be staying nearby for the next few days," Shen Shiyan pointed towards his family''s direction, as the Shen Family''s Old Residence was right next to Huo Xiaozheng''s home. "If anything happens, call me anytime."


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded at him and carried Huo Ning towards the house.


    Shen Shiyan clicked his tongue, "The Huo Xiaozheng from just now was more personable."


    Xi Chuan in the driver''s seat kept his eyes straight ahead and his mouth shut, pretending he hadn''t heard anything.


    Meanwhile, as soon as Huo Xiaozheng entered the house, he saw Huo Yueze, Zheng Jinxiu, and Old Master Huo sitting in his living room.


    The wall clock pointed to 7 PM.


    Huo Xiaozheng held Huo Ning with one arm while helping her change shoes, and asked, "Mom, Dad, why are you here?"


    Huo Yueze rushed over in a few steps, "Uncle, reporters caught you hurriedly leaving the wedding venue with Ning Ning in your arms. Is Ning Ning okay?"


    "Did they capture Ning Ning''s face?" Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes suddenly turned cold.


    Huo Yueze felt a chill run down his spine, involuntarily taking a step back, shaking his head frantically, "No. The reporters only caught the back view. I recognized Ning Ning''s shoes, so..."


    Huo Xiaozheng handed Huo Ning to Aunt Xu, who was waiting nearby, instructing, "Put her to bed upstairs and keep an eye on her."


    Aunt Xu responded with an "Alright" and took Huo Ning upstairs.


    After this, Huo Xiaozheng walked towards the living room and exined, "Ning Ning... is fine. I can handle it."


    Zheng Jinxiu stood up, her voice filled with concern, "The previous news reports said that Ning Ning had been abused. Now that we''ve met Ning Ning, we''re family. Tell Mom the truth, what exactly happened to Ning Ning?"


    "Didn''t you say earlier that she''s also my granddaughter?" Old Master Huo chimed in.


    Huo Xiaozheng thought for a moment, sat down opposite them, and briefly exined the day''s events.


    "That''s roughly what happened. Shen Shiyan says that with gradual care, there shouldn''t be any major issues."


    Huo Yueze was so angry his curly hair seemed about to explode, "How can there be such a mother in this world! From now on, I''ll protect Ning Ning. I''d like to see who dares to bully her!"


    Old Master Huo hit him on the arm with his cane, "Protect what? Are you some kind of hoodlum?!"


    Huo Yueze wanted to say something, but noticing Huo Xiaozheng''s displeased expression, he could only mutter, "What''s wrong with wanting to protect my sister..."


    Zheng Jinxiu sighed, "In the end, it''s all because of your misdeeds. It''s my poor granddaughter who suffers..."


    Old Master Huo said, "I was wondering. That Jiang boy has always been at odds with you, stubbornly refusing to back down before. Today, he announced at the wedding that he''s gifting 5% of the Jiang Family''s shares to Ning Ning. He and Qin Zhiyi even apologized to Ning Ning at the wedding venue."


    "So that''s the reason behind it."


    At this point, Old Master Huo scoffed, "What''s 5% of shares? There''s nothing our Huo Family can''t provide."


    Huo Yueze interrupted with clear eyes, "I also have many things to give Ning Ning. Grandpa, when will my sister be adopted into our family?"

 Chapter 27

    Ever since hearing that Old Master Huo had the idea of adopting his sister into their family, he had been thinking about it day and night, longing for his sister to live with him. This way, he could see his adorable sister every day and even show her off at school.


    Upon hearing Huo Yueze mention this, Huo Xiaozheng''s face, which had just softened, instantly darkened again.


    Old Master Huo felt a bit guilty. Embarrassed and angry, he picked up his cane and swung it at Huo Yueze, shouting, "What nonsense are you talking about!"


    Zheng Jinxiu shot a reproachful look at her husband and gave Huo Xiaozheng a reassuring expression.


    "Don''t mind your father," she said.


    Huo Xiaozheng remained nomittal.


    "By the way, I''m nning to host a dinner party for Ningning," Huo Xiaozheng said, looking at Old Master Huo, who was still vigorously waving his cane despite his age. "Dad, you can announce Ningning''s identity at that time."


    "Alright," Old Master Huo immediately replied. "When?"


    "In a little while," Huo Xiaozheng pondered briefly. "Shen Shiyan says Ningning''s current state requires her to see a psychologist."


    A ''click'' sound of high heels from the doorway interrupted their conversation.


    Then, the main door was pulled open.


    A tall, stunningly beautiful young woman walked in, pulling a suitcase. She was wearing a ck long dress with a white fur coat. She greeted everyone stylishly, "Hi~ everyone, I''m back."


    Huo Yueze''s eyes lit up. He immediately escaped from his grandfather''s cane and rushed over like a firecracker, hugging her arm and whining, "Aunt, save me!"


    The neer was Huo Jing, Huo Xiaozheng''s sister.


    "Jingjing is back," Old Master Huo and Zheng Jinxiu said with some surprise.


    She greeted her parents and then patted her nephew''s hand. "What trouble have you gotten into now?"


    Huo Yueze cried foul, ready to spill everything like beans from a bamboo tube, but was mercilessly interrupted by Huo Xiaozheng.


    "Why did youe too?" Huo Xiaozheng frowned.


    Huo Jing tossed her suitcase to Huo Yueze, gesturing for him to take it to the guest room downstairs.


    Hearing Huo Xiaozheng''s rather cold question, Huo Jing raised an eyebrow. "I saw the news and rushed over to see my little niece. Where is she?"


    "Asleep," Huo Xiaozheng said coldly, watching Huo Yueze carry the luggage. His tone was gloomy as he added, "You go back with Mom and Dadter, don''t stay here."


    Huo Jing ignored him, casually asking the housekeeper for an iced Americano and sitting down on the sofa.


    Old Master Huo and Zheng Jinxiu, hearing this, were a bit displeased.


    "Is that how you talk to your sister?" Zheng Jinxiu sat down next to Huo Jing, squeezing her wrist. "You''ve lost weight again. Don''t always drink coffee, it''s not good for your health."


    Huo Jing responded carelessly, "I know, I know."


    Old Master Huo chimed in, "Why suffer unnecessarily? It''s not like the family can''t afford to support you. Your brother..."


    Huo Jing impatiently interrupted, "It''s gettingte, shouldn''t you two go home to rest?"


    Zheng Jinxiu gave Huo Jing a reproachful look, her smile indulgent. "Alright, alright, we''ll stop talking..."


    Old Master Huo nced at the time, got up and put on his coat, instructing Huo Jing to return to the old house tomorrow.


    Huo Jing still responded perfunctorily, "I''ll y at my brother''s house for a few days before going back."


    Huo Xiaozheng interjected, "It''s not convenient. You should go back now."


    Zheng Jinxiu also helped, "Your brother really isn''t convenient these days. Ningning''s situation is enough for him to worry about. Come back with us, don''t meddle."


    Huo Jing simply stood up, pushing the elderly couple towards the door. "I''m already 26 this year, not a child anymore. I know my limits. You go back first, I''lle home in a few days."


    After seeing them out the door, she promptly closed and locked it, all in one smooth motion.


    Huo Xiaozheng was both amused and annoyed by her turning the tables. "What''s wrong with you?"


    Huo Jing copsed back onto the sofa, saying weakly, "Stop scolding. I was up all night filming yesterday, and when I saw the news about you and my little niece today, I flew back immediately. Now, either let me see my little niece, or don''t bother me and let me rest for a while before seeing her."


    In front of the camera, Huo Jing was a cool and stunning beauty. But with Huo Xiaozheng, she was always difficult.


    A bit crazy.


    Huo Xiaozheng clicked his tongue.


    "Don''t disturb her today."


    Huo Jing nodded indifferently, "Sister Qin''s wedding today was really grand. By the way, have you really let go?"


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t have that much patience for her. "Are you that idle?"


    "Ningning - that''s what my little niece is called, right?" Huo Jing persisted, undeterred.


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded, "Her full name is Huo Guining, nickname Ningning."


    A sh of surprise crossed Huo Jing''s eyes. "After what happened, aren''t you afraid Ningning will resent you? How dare you keep her by your side?"


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned, "What do you mean?"


    Huo Jing didn''t hide her thoughts, "I mean exactly what I said. Her mother had ulterior motives, and she''s so young but already so determined. Aren''t you worried?"


    Of course he had worried, that''s why he regretted it now.


    Huo Xiaozheng looked displeased, "How do you know all this?"


    Huo Jing waved her phone, "Just now, Huo Yueze was live streaming."


    Huo Xiaozheng: ...


    "So, I think you should listen to Dad and adopt Ningning to our older brother. This way, maybe you and Qin Zhiyi still have a future."


    "She''s already married," Huo Xiaozheng''s face darkened. "Besides, Ningning is my daughter. Her life is not for you to dictate."


    Huo Jing sat up straight, "You have the right to pursue anything you want, not to be tripped up by something that came out of nowhere."


    Huo Xiaozheng stood up abruptly, giving her a cold look. His words carried a hint of threat, "Don''t let me hear you talking such nonsense in front of Ningning. And go back to the old house tomorrow."


    Huo Jing was also afraid of an angry Huo Xiaozheng. Having been warned, she obediently made a gesture of zipping her lips, no longer provoking him.


    With nothing more to say, Huo Xiaozheng got up and walked upstairs.


    He happened to bump into Huo Yueze.


    He had forgotten about this little thief in the house.


    Huo Yueze, who had just finished moving the luggage from the guest room, looked at the empty living room: where had his big grandfather and grandmother gone?


    Huo Jing looked at Huo Yueze, their eyes meeting, "Why don''t you stay over tonight too?"


    In the past, Huo Yueze would have definitely refused this offer. But now, thinking of his adorable sister, he made a quick decision and immediately epted the proposal.


    "You can stay, but tomorrow you''ll take the bus to school by yourself," Huo Xiaozheng said mercilessly.


    It takes a 20-minute walk from here to the bus stop. Huo Yueze thought for a moment, then gritted his teeth and agreed.


    Huo Jing''s expression was yful, "Do you like your sister that much?"


    Huo Yueze''s face brightened, "Of course! Sister likes me too, she even gave me a sculpture!"


    Mentioning the sculpture, his expression froze for a moment. But thinking of his sister''s unique affection, he immediately brightened up again.


    Huo Jing looked past him at Huo Xiaozheng''s retreating figure, lost in thought.

 Chapter 28

    Early the next morning, Huo Ning awoke in the dawn light.


    The morning sun filtered through the gaps in the white gauze curtains, spilling onto her small bed.


    On therger bed, Huo Xiaozheng was still asleep.


    Huo Ning stretchedzily, then tiptoed out of bed and quietly left the room.


    "Ning Ning?" Huo Yueze''s groggy voice came from downstairs.


    Huo Ning was a bit confused: "Good morning, big brother. Why are you at my house?"


    She held onto the railing, taking the stairs one step at a time.


    Seeing her little legs moving so cautiously, Huo Yueze took a few big strides forward and scooped her up.


    "I came over with grandpa and grandma to see youst night. It got toote, so we stayed over." He set Huo Ning down and replied gently: "Why are you up so early?"


    Huo Ning looked up at him: "I''m hungry."


    It was just six in the morning, and Aunt Xu hadn''t arrived yet.


    Huo Yueze took her hand and walked to the refrigerator, then picked her up: "What do you want to eat? Big brother will make it for you."


    Knowing Huo Yueze''s status as a young master from a wealthy family, Huo Ning chose something simple: "Tomato and egg noodles."


    Huo Yueze confidently replied: "That''s easy!"


    He heated up a cup of milk for Huo Ning to drink, then got busy in the kitchen.


    The kitchen was open-n, so Huo Ning sat on a stool at the ind, slurping down half the cup of milk and swinging her feet as she watched Huo Yueze cook.


    The young man was tall andnky, his natural brown curls tousled from sleep. His fair face still showed traces of drowsiness, and he yawned repeatedly, but it didn''t detract from his handsomeness at all.


    For Huo Yueze''s first time cooking, to show his affection for his little sister, he cut up sixrge tomatoes and six eggs.


    "Big brother, do you not know how to do this?" Huo Ning asked, finding it strange that he stood there dazed after finishing the chopping.


    Huo Yueze''s ears turned red: "Of course I do. Just wait patiently for your meal."


    After saying this, he turned his back to Huo Ning and secretly took out his phone to search for a recipe for tomato and egg noodles.


    After quickly reading through it, Huo Yueze regained his confidence.


    He lit the gas stove, took out a wok, poured in some oil, threw in a bit of minced garlic, and then poured in the eggs. Instantly, hot oil sttered, catching Huo Yueze off guard. Several red spots appeared on his arm where he was scalded.


    He cried out in surprise.


    Huo Ning grew anxious and tried to climb down from her stool.


    "Big brother, are you okay?"


    Huo Yueze quickly tried to save face: "I''m fine! This is normal when cooking. Don''te over here, just keep drinking your milk."


    Seeing that his tone was normal, Huo Ning rxed a bit: "Be careful, big brother. Don''t hurt yourself."


    Inwardly, she felt a bit regretful: Tomato and egg noodles ¨C was it tooplicated after all?


    Seeing that the eggs had taken shape, Huo Yueze lifted his hand and poured in the tomatoes. The small wok instantly became so full it was nearly overflowing.


    "Wow, it smells so good!" Huo Ning praised sincerely as she caught the aroma.


    This praise boosted Huo Yueze''s confidence, which had been wavering. He poured in a bowl of water with the air of a king ascending his throne.


    The wok couldn''t handle the load, and soup spilled out immediately.


    Huo Yueze scrambled to scoop it up with adle. For a moment, the kitchen was in chaos.


    After fifteen minutes, Huo Yueze finally managed to produce a bowl of tomato and egg noodles.


    "Eat up, little sister."


    Afraid of letting her go hungry, Huo Yueze fanned her noodles to cool them down while urging her to eat.


    She lowered her head and took a bite, immediately giving a thumbs up: "Big brother, you''re amazing! This tastes so good!"


    Huo Yueze''s eyes sparkled: "Really?"


    Huo Ning nodded emphatically.


    "Huo Yueze, what mischief are you up to now? Making such a racket that one can''t even sleep peacefully."


    Huo Jing, wearing dark blue pajamas and looking half-asleep, walked over with a frown, looking at the two at the table.


    Huo Yueze retorted defiantly: "I''m not causing trouble. Ning Ning was hungry, so I''m making her breakfast."


    Huo Ning looked at the neer.


    "Auntie?" Huo Ning called tentatively.


    Huo Jing reached out and pinched her little cheek, smiling and making an affirmative sound.


    Huo Yueze, who was about to introduce Huo Jing, asked in surprise: "You know Auntie?"


    Huo Ning shook her head, then nodded: "I''ve seen photos on Dad''s phone."


    Huo Jing looked over the little girl before her. She seemed a bit frail, but herplexion was good. Her big eyes were bright and sparkling, making her quite endearing.


    Such an adorable child, how could that good-for-nothing mother of hers be so heartless?


    But still...


    "Are you even five years old?" Huo Jing asked sincerely.


    The little girl wasn''t just frail, she also seemed quite short. She could easily pass for a three-year-old.


    Huo Ning nodded: "Yes, I''m almost five years old."


    Huo Jing felt a bit displeased, though not with Huo Ning, but with Shi Lili.


    She poured herself a ss of water and sat down across from Huo Ning: "What did Yueze make for you?"


    Huo Ning proudly pushed her bowl towards her: "It''s tomato and egg noodles. Would you like some, Auntie?"


    The bowl of tomato and egg "noodles" before her, piled up like a small mountain, looked thoroughly unappetizing.


    But it was hard to refuse such a sincere offer. Huo Jing picked up Ning Ning''s chopsticks, intending to find a bit of noodle to taste, but...


    "There are no noodles in this tomato and egg noodle dish?" Huo Jing had never been so speechless in her life: "Huo Yueze, since when does tomato and egg stir-fry use whole fried eggs?"


    It was only then that Huo Ning realized that in this mountain of a breakfast, Huo Yueze seemed to have, possibly, perhaps, forgotten to add the noodles.


    Feeling embarrassed, Huo Yueze mumbled: "Oh, I forgot. I was a bit nervous since it''s my first time cooking."


    Huo Jing clicked her tongue, reaching out to take the bowl away: "Where''s the housekeeper? Let him make a proper bowl."


    A soft little hand pressed on her wrist, stopping her action. Huo Ning said with an obedient face: "There''s no need. I think it''s very delicious. It''s big brother''s first time cooking, and he''s already done a great job!"


    Huo Jing''s face clearly said ''Did you hit your head or something?'': "?"


    Ignoring her, Huo Ning picked up her chopsticks and continued eating.


    Huo Yueze was so touched he almost burst into tears: "Waaah, little sister loves me so much!"


    Huo Jing raised her hand and smacked the back of his head.


    Huo Xiaozheng, who had witnessed this scene from the stairs, allowed a smile to curve his lips as he slowly descended.


    He walked to Huo Ning''s side, reached out to smooth down the messy hair on top of her head, and asked gently: "There''s some strawberry cake that Aunt Xu madest night in the fridge. Would you like some?"


    Huo Ning looked at Huo Yueze with a conflicted expression.


    Such a small child, yet so considerate of the older child''s feelings.


    Huo Xiaozheng nced at Huo Yueze.


    "You''re still growing, and you need a bnced diet. Just tomatoes and eggs aren''t enough. Why don''t you share the rest with your brother?"


    Huo Xiaozheng effortlessly provided her with an excuse.


    Huo Jing rolled her eyes. This man''s ability to lie through his teeth was truly first-rate.


    Huo Yueze, still overwhelmed with emotion, naturally went along with whatever his little sister wanted.


    "Uncle is right. You should eat something else too. That way you''ll grow up big and strong!"


    Huo Ning shed a sweet smile: "Okay! Big brother, let''s eat together. We''ll both grow tall! You need to grow as tall as Dad!"


    Huo Yueze nodded happily.


    Huo Jing moved her seat a bit further away, looking somewhat disgusted.


    "When are you going back to the main house?" Huo Xiaozheng took a sip of water.


    Huo Jing was a bit surprised: "Is it really necessary? Are you actually kicking me out?"


    Huo Xiaozheng nced at Huo Ning, who was tilting her head back as she waited for Huo Yueze to cut the cake.


    "Ning Ning is very sensitive."


    "So, until you learn to control your temperament, I don''t want Ning Ning to suffer even the slightest harm from you," Huo Xiaozheng met Huo Jing''s gaze seriously, with a hint of warning. "Do you understand?"


    Huo Jing''s expression became a bit ufortable.

 Chapter 29

    Huo Yueze and his little sister lovingly shared an entire small strawberry cake.


    Huo Xiaozheng reminded him coolly, "It''s almost 7 o''clock. If you start now, you can still catch the bus."


    Huo Yueze let out a loud "Ow!" as he suddenly remembered he had to take the bus to school today.


    He rushed into the bedroom to wash up and change, then bolted to the entryway to put on his shoes. His frantic behavior nearly caused a whirlwind in the house.


    Huo Ning was somewhat dumbfounded.


    "Daddy, can''t we drive brother to school?" she asked, tilting her head back to look up at him.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s face was cold and stern: "No, running is good for your brother''s physical and mental health."


    "Oh." Huo Ning thought about it and figured that made sense, so she didn''t push further.


    All morning, Huo Yueze had been basking in his sister''s approval. Now, he couldn''t hear any of the cold words directed at him.


    He cheerfully waved to Huo Ning: "I''ll be there in no time! Don''t worry, sis. Bye-bye, I''lle see you on the weekend!"


    Huo Ning smiled brightly and waved back: "Bye-bye, brother!"


    Huo Xiaozheng narrowed his eyes. This disy of affection was making him ufortable.


    It seemed it was time to ask his older brother to sign Huo Yueze up for more sses.


    Huo Jing, who had been observing coldly from the sidelines, was surprised to see Huo Xiaozheng''s rare disy of emotion. She turned to look at the little dumpling waving foolishly, lost in thought.


    "Aunt Xu took the day off. You should go back to the old house for breakfast," Huo Xiaozheng said, turning his attention to Huo Jing after chasing away his nephew.


    Huo Jingughed sarcastically: "I suppose your chef just happened to take the day off too?"


    "That''s right," Huo Xiaozheng replied with a straight face.


    Before Huo Ning came, there had always been a professional chef in Huo Xiaozheng''s vi. The chef''s surname was He, and he was responsible for Huo Xiaozheng''s three meals a day.


    But because of Huo Xiaozheng''s workaholic nature, this chef often found himself idle at home. Over time, he stopped staying at the vi and instead studied at a star-rated restaurant while waiting for the housekeeper''s call.


    So, technically, Huo Xiaozheng wasn''t lying.


    "Daddy, does this mean I won''t get to eat Uncle He''s baked lobster with supreme stock tonight?" Huo Ning asked, a bit disappointed.


    Huo Xiaozheng, who had just imed the chef was on leave, now faced his daughter''s innocent question without fear: "Daddy will take you to a restaurant to eat."


    Huo Jing let out a coldugh, realizing that Huo Xiaozheng had no intention of being reasonable at the moment.


    Huo Xiaozheng ignored her.


    With Aunt Xu absent, the task of grooming and dressing Huo Ning fell to Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Ning was quite capable, able to wash up and dress herself.


    However, because her hair was a bit long, she had difficulty styling it on her own.


    "Ouch..." Huo Ning took a sharp breath. "Daddy, that hurts a little."


    Huo Xiaozheng, standing at nearly 190 cm tall, was holding the little girl''s hair as if facing a formidable task. One hand gripped theb, carefully brushing downwards.


    Being his first time doing this, Huo Xiaozheng was very clumsy and didn''t dare use much force.


    But even with his gentle touch, he couldn''t prevent the hair from tangling in theb at odd angles, asionally tugging at the little girl''s scalp.


    This simple task had Huo Xiaozheng breaking out in a sweat.


    "Ah..."


    Another careless move caused Huo Ning''s scalp to tighten, and she couldn''t help but cry out in pain.


    Huo Xiaozheng dared not try anymore.


    He took out his phone and pressed the call button: "Come to my room for a moment."


    Soon after, Huo Jing appeared at the door, fully dressed.


    "What is it?"


    Huo Xiaozheng, holding theb, stepped aside to reveal Huo Ning sitting obediently in the chair with her hair in disarray.


    Huo Ning gave her a shy smile.


    Huo Jing rubbed her forehead.


    Taking over Huo Xiaozheng''s task, she expertly consulted her little client: "What kind of hairstyle would you like?"


    Before Huo Ning could answer, Huo Jing surveyed her outfit: a pink Chanel-style dress with thick tights that had cat ears on the sides, very cute.


    "Nice coordination!" Huo Jing gave her a thumbs up. "Let''s go for adylike hairstyle today."


    Saying this, Huo Jing skillfully applied hair oil and smoothed out Huo Ning''s hair.


    She deftly twisted two circles at the top of Huo Ning''s head, creating a bow shape, and decorated it with pretty white cat-themed hair ties.


    Then she styled the side bangs with an inward curl, and used a curling iron to create small ringlets with the rest of the hair, making Huo Ning look as exquisite and adorable as a porcin doll.


    Throughout the entire process, Huo Ning didn''t feel even a hint of pain.


    This disy of miraculous skill left Huo Ning so shocked her mouth could have fit an egg.


    "Wow! It''s so beautiful!" Huo Ning stared at herself in the mirror with starry eyes, unable to contain her excitement as she pped her hands. "Auntie, you''re amazing!"


    When Huo Ning praised someone, there was a kind of heartfelt sincerity that was particrly hard to resist and easy to get carried away with.


    Huo Jing finally experienced the same feeling Huo Yueze had earlier.


    "It''s nothing, your auntie is an actress, so I''m naturally good at this sort of thing," Huo Jing said, unable to keep from smiling.


    Once again faced with a scene of mutual affection, Huo Xiaozheng''s expression darkened.


    It seemed that Huo Jing had been having too little worktely as well.


    Huo Jing, absorbed in the praise, didn''t notice that she had just been mentally assigned more work.


    However, Huo Ning, while admiring her own beauty in the mirror, caught sight of Huo Xiaozheng''s expression.


    She hopped down from the chair, walked over to Huo Xiaozheng, and took his hand: "Daddy, it''s time for us to go to work."


    Huo Xiaozheng snapped out of his thoughts. Huo Ning''s initiative to be close to him improved his mood considerably.


    "Alright, do you want to bring your drawing board?"


    Huo Ning nodded.


    Huo Jing, standing to the side, was a bit confused: "Ning Ning, are you going to work with your dad? Don''t you need to go to school?"


    Huo Ning hesitated a bit.


    Due to her experiences in her past life, she was always reticent about discussing illness, preferring not to mention it.


    "She''s a bit weak, so she''s staying with me temporarily to improve her health. She''ll start school in the fall," Huo Xiaozheng exined.


    Huo Jing thought it was strange but didn''t pursue the matter.


    "It must be so boring going to work with your dad. I have a magazine cover shoot today, and it''s near your dad''spany. Would you like toe y with auntie?"


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned, about to refuse, when he caught sight of Huo Ning''s curious expression from the corner of his eye. He held his tongue.


    "Can I really go?"


    This was a field Huo Ning had never experienced before, and she was very curious.


    Huo Jing immediately agreed: "Of course you can."


    Huo Ning looked up at Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Xiaozheng felt as if he was looking at a little puppy wagging its tail, begging for a bone, silently pleading ''please, please.''


    "If you want to go, then go," Huo Xiaozheng raised his hand to pat her head, but considering her borate hairstyle, he resisted the urge. "Call me if anything happens."


    Huo Ning, of course, nodded obediently in agreement.


    When addressing Huo Jing, Huo Xiaozheng''s tone wasn''t nearly as gentle.


    "Don''t let her be photographed by the media."


    Huo Jing was a bit impatient: "I know. She calls me auntie, after all. I do have some discretion."


    Saying this, she reached out and pinched Huo Ning''s little face, smiling indulgently: "Auntie will definitely protect Ning Ning well, right~"


    Huo Ning loved it when the beautiful woman showed her affection. She nodded vigorously and yed along in her sweet voice: "Right!"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s temple twitched. He had a bad feeling about this.

 Chapter 30

    The three of them set off together.


    Huo Jing''s destination was in a tall building not far from the Huo Corporation.


    Huo Xiaozheng instructed the driver to drop off the two of them first.


    Before getting out of the car, Huo Xiaozheng produced a small floral mask from somewhere and put it on Huo Ning.


    "Stay close to your aunt, and call me if anything happens."


    Huo Ning nodded.


    Huo Jing got out of the car first and walked around to Huo Ning''s side, reaching out to help her down.


    "Bring Ning Ning back to the office before lunch."


    "Huh?" Huo Jing was shocked. "Can''t I even have a meal with my little niece?"


    Huo Xiaozheng ignored her: "No."


    Huo Jing, whose worldview had been refreshed once again, almostughed in exasperation. How had she never noticed before that her cold brother also had the qualities of a doting father?


    Huo Xiaozheng paid no heed to her thoughts, waved to Huo Ning, and drove away.


    Huo Jing was fuming at being so tantly disregarded.


    Huo Ning knew Huo Xiaozheng was worried about her having an episode. She stepped forward, took Huo Jing''s hand, and looked up with a sincere invitation: "Auntie, why don''t you join us for baked lobster at lunch? It''s so delicious!"


    Huo Jing felt her anger subside a little: "Alright, I''ll definitelye. It''ll serve your dad right."


    Huo Ning smiled sweetly: "No, no, we can''t upset my dad."


    After all, she was still relying on Huo Xiaozheng to live.


    Huo Jing looked dejected: In this family, I''m truly the odd one out.


    Visiting a magazine photo shoot location for the first time, Huo Ning looked around curiously.


    "Jing-jie is here!" a young man wearing a baseball cap called out.


    Huo Jing adjusted her demeanor, switching from a wronged wife to a superstar mode.


    "Good morning, everyone."


    "Good morning!" Everyone greeted her warmly.


    "Oh, who''s this little girl...?"


    Huo Jing smiled: "This is my little niece. My family had somethinge up, so I''m looking after her for a bit. I hope it won''t affect anyone''s work?"


    Although Huo Jing had the image of a cold beauty, she had always had a good reputation in the industry, so everyone was kind to her.


    "Of course not. As expected of Huo beauty''s niece, she''s already showing signs of bing a beauty herself!"


    Huo Ning, wearing her mask, didn''t quite believe it. How could they tell she was pretty just like this?


    The person speaking was a production assistant, chubby with a round face. Seeing the doubt in her eyes, he smiled good-naturedly: "Your eyes are very beautiful. I wonder if you take after your dad or mom?"


    People in the industry didn''t know about Huo Jing''s connection to the famous Huo family, so there was no malice when such questions were asked.


    Huo Jing''s smile faded a little: "Like her mom."


    This was the truth.


    Shi Lili might have had poor character, but she was quite beautiful, especially her eyes, which seemed to hold entire gxies when she blinked.


    Huo Ning''s eyes were inherited from her mother.


    Huo Ning noticed the change in Huo Jing''s tone, and the previously bright eyes became dim.


    "Has the makeup artist arrived? Let''s begin," Huo Jing said tly.


    The staff didn''t notice the subtle change in atmosphere and immediately responded, calling for everyone to get into position and start preparations.


    Huo Jing handed Huo Ning over to her own manager, instructing her to look after Huo Ning, before starting her work.


    The manager''s surname was Xu, and her given name was Fanzhen.


    Xu Fanzhen led Huo Ning to a corner, found her a bean bag chair, and brought her some snacks.


    "What''s your name?" Xu Fanzhen sat down beside her.


    Huo Ning admired her small eyes, which narrowed into slits when she smiled, like a cat''s.


    "My name is Ning Ning."


    "What a lovely name. It''s a bit hot in here, shall I help you take off your mask and scarf?"


    Huo Ning nodded, then shook her head.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Just the scarf, not the mask."


    Xu Fanzhen was amused by her little adult-like behavior: "Alright, just the scarf, not the mask. Keeping the mystery alive, captivating millions."


    Huo Ning looked a bit dazed: "Wow, big sister, you''re so cool."


    And her words even rhymed.


    "Little Xu, have you seen Jing-jie''s cup and clothes?" The chubby production assistant came over, interrupting their conversation.


    Xu Fanzhen stood up: "Ah, I left them in the car. I''ll go get them now..."


    After a few steps, Xu Fanzhen suddenly remembered Huo Ning: "You y here for a while, and I''ll be back soon, okay?"


    Huo Ning obediently nodded.


    The staff on set were busy working in an orderly manner. Huo Jing sat at a nearby makeup table with her eyes closed, allowing the makeup artist to apply various products to her face.


    Before long, Huo Jing''s originally clear and beautiful face was transformed with heavy makeup. The thick smokey eye makeup made her look like a femme fatale.


    After changing into her outfit, Huo Jing posed in various ways in front of the photographer''s lens.


    Once finished, she quickly changed clothes and makeup again.


    Experiencing a celebrity photo shoot up close for the first time, Huo Ning was filled with wonder andpletely amazed by Huo Jing.


    She took out her iPad and drawing board from her bag and started sketching.


    As time passed, Xu Fanzhen still hadn''t returned.


    Huo Ning needed to use the bathroom.


    She looked around, but everyone was busy, especially Huo Jing.


    She put down her iPad, stopped a staff member, asked for directions to the restroom, and went by herself.


    The entire floor had been rented by the production team and turned into a shooting base.


    At the moment, the corridor was empty. Huo Ning walked in the direction the staff member had indicated but couldn''t find the restroom.


    As she was pondering what to do, a young man wearing a baseball cap and casual suit approached her.


    "Little one, what are you looking for?"


    Huo Ning had a conditioned reflex of difort towards strange men.


    She took a step back, alert: "I''m not looking for anything."


    The young man noticed her wariness and immediately created a safe distance between them: "Don''t be nervous, I''m not a bad person."


    His candid action made Huo Ning feel a bit ashamed for misjudging a good person.


    "I''m looking for the restroom," Huo Ning said honestly.


    "The restroom is that way, you were going in the opposite direction," the young man realized. "Are you from our shooting team? Only people from ourpany would be on this floor."


    Hearing the young man refer to ''our shooting team'', Huo Ningpletely lowered her guard: "Yes, I came with her to take photos."


    The young man smiled warmly: "What''s your rtionship to Jing-jie?"


    Huo Ning couldn''t remember if Huo Jing had any plot lines in the original story. But thinking about theplexities of the entertainment industry, she cautiously said: "I''m her family."


    The young man understood: "I see. Didn''t your dade with you?"


    Huo Ning shook her head: "Dad''s busy."


    "It must be tough for Jing-jie to earn money and support the family alone."


    Huo Ning couldn''t quite put her finger on what was off, and said nkly: "Yeah, my aunt is super cool. She looks so pretty today."


    The young man led her towards the restroom while chatting: "Of course, Jing-jie''s beauty is undeniable, and her acting skills are great too."


    Hearing this, Huo Ning smiled even more happily, as if he was praising her.


    "Howe I''ve never seen Jing-jie bring you out to y before?" the young man casually asked.


    "Because usually my dad takes me out."


    A sh of something dark passed through the young man''s eyes.


    "Oh?"


    "Aunt... Jing-jie is always very busy, so we rarely meet."


    "Then you must be very happy that she''s finally back for a visit?"


    Huo Ning was a bit confused: "Yes, I''m very happy..."


    Why did it feel like they were on different wavelengths?


    Soon, they arrived at the restroom entrance. Throughout their walk, the young man had maintained a safe distance from Huo Ning.


    This made Huo Ningpletely let down her guard.


    "Thank you for your help, uncle."


    The young man''s face was kind: "It''s nothing. Can you remember the way back? Do you need me to take you back?"


    Huo Ning shook her head to indicate she didn''t need help: "You can go back to your work now."


    The young man waved and turned to leave.


    Out of Huo Ning''s sight, the young man revealed a triumphant smile.

 Chapter 31

    Huo Ning returned to the filming location feeling light and unburdened.


    She bumped into Xu Fanzhen, who grabbed her excitedly and called out behind her, "I found her, she''s here!"


    Huo Ning was a bit dazed: "Sister Xu..."


    Xu Fanzhen spoke urgently: "Where did you go? I couldn''t find you when I came back, I was so worried."


    "I went to the bathroom..."


    Before she could finish, Huo Jing rushed over.


    Huo Jing pulled Huo Ning close and looked her up and down: "Are you alright?"


    Huo Ning shook her head,


    "I just needed to use the bathroom urgently, so I went by myself."


    Huo Jing sighed in relief.


    "I''m d you''re okay. Are you hungry? I had Fanzhen buy you some strawberry milk."


    Huo Ning let Huo Jing hold her hand, listening to her ramble on about how next time, she must not leave the adults'' sight, how there are so many child abductors nowadays, and so on and so forth.


    She held the strawberry milk with the straw already inserted, feeling a bit conflicted: "Auntie, can I take off my mask now?"


    Huo Jing was taken aback.


    No wonder she felt something was off.


    "Of course you can, why have you been wearing it all this time? Isn''t it stuffy?"


    Huo Ning finally removed her mask: "Didn''t Dad say not to let reporters photograph me? I was worried about causing trouble for you, so I didn''t take it off."


    She took a deep breath and a big sip of strawberry milk, looking satisfied.


    Huo Jing''s expression wasplex.


    "Auntie, your outfit looks a lot like mine," Huo Ning remarked curiously as she examined Huo Jing''s attire, a navy blue vintage check suit set, very simr to her own Chanel-style outfit.


    Huo Jing smiled: "You''re right, doesn''t it look like we''re wearing matching outfits?"


    Huo Ning nodded with a sweet smile: "It does. But Auntie, you look cooler."


    On a whim, Huo Jing asked the photographer to take a set of portraits of herself and Ning Ning.


    Huo Ning, thrust into the spotlight, appeared a bit awkward in front of the camera.


    "Good, baby, look at Auntie and smile!"


    She turned up the corners of her mouth, shing a big toothy grin at Huo Jing.


    When selecting photos, Huo Jing specifically posted this picture in the family group chat.


    Caption: "Mother-daughter photo."


    Huo Xiaozheng, who had just finished a meeting and was buried in work in his office, received the message and smirked, clicking save.


    After saving it, he felt Huo Jing was an eyesore, so he edited the photo, cropping out Huo Jing''s part and turning it into a solo shot of Huo Ning. Only then was he satisfied.


    Huo Jing was oblivious to this, happily praising Huo Ning''s photogenic nature in the family group chat.


    The morning shoot ended around 11 o''clock.


    By the time Huo Jing had packed up, Huo Xiaozheng was already waiting downstairs.


    "Dad!" Huo Ning spotted Huo Xiaozheng and ran happily towards the car.


    Huo Xiaozheng got out of the car, squatted down to lift her into the vehicle, and fastened her seatbelt.


    "Did you have fun?"


    "Yes! It was fun! Auntie and I took photos together, they look great!" Huo Ning was eager to show off their photos, but her smartwatch screen was too small to see clearly.


    "Auntie posted them in the group chat, I saw them. You''re very photogenic."


    Huo Ning smiled shyly.


    Huo Jing got into the car as well, expressing her disdain for Huo Xiaozheng''s giarism of herplimentary vocabry.


    Huo Xiaozheng ignored her.


    After lunch, Huo Jing had other engagements and left first.


    Huo Ning went with Huo Xiaozheng back to thepany for a nap.


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t have a habit of napping.


    Huo Ning, on the other hand, slept until half past five, when it was already dark.


    She climbed out of bed and sat there somewhat dazed, unsure of the time.


    Since transmigrating into the book, perhaps because her body was that of a child, her perceptions and actions had be childlike.


    Shi Lili and Li Zhiyuan had been dealt with and could no longer cause trouble; the risk of Huo Xiaozheng turning evil should have been averted, as both Jiang Suyuan and Qin Zhiyi had publicly apologized.


    From now on, she just needed to cherish this life.


    This healthy life without cancer.


    It was as if her life had been reset.


    "Awake?" Huo Xiaozheng pushed open the door to find the little bundle sitting alone, lost in thought.


    The dim bedsidemp was still on, casting her small shadow on the wall. Huo Xiaozheng lowered his voice: "It''s time to go home."


    Huo Ning snapped back to reality and smiled brightly: "Okay, let''s go home."


    However, this peace didn''tst long.


    As they took the elevator to the underground parking lot, they were stopped by a balding old man.


    "Xiaozheng, just getting off work?"


    Huo Ning recognized him as Huo Jingyi''s father.


    Huo Xiaozheng reached out his hand to pull Huo Ning behind him: "What''s the matter?"


    The balding man''s face clouded over, but he quickly masked it, smiling ingratiatingly: "I just received a transfer notice from thepany. We''re all family, it''s embarrassing for things to end up like this, don''t you think?"


    Huo Xiaozheng remained unmoved: "I made myself very clearst time. Did you not understand, or do you think Africa is too close?"


    The balding man''s expression changed slightly: "Don''t be so harsh. Jingyi just identally forgot Ning Ning in the closet, how does that warrant such anger from you?"


    Before Huo Xiaozheng could respond, the balding man continued: "I heard Ning Ning''s health isn''t too good. Children at this age needpanionship from peers. My Jingyi is just the right age, and she''s her sister, so you see..."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s face darkened: "Who told you Ning Ning''s health is poor?"


    The balding man thought Huo Xiaozheng was softening: "Do we need someone else to tell us? After being..."


    He made a lewd gesture.


    "Like that... how could her health be good?... Ah!"


    It happened too fast. Huo Ning only saw the balding man fly out like a parab.


    Huo Xiaozheng gave his bodyguard a look.


    The bodyguard immediately understood, knowing exactly how to beat someone to make them suffer without causing hospitalization or permanent injury.


    Huo Xiaozheng bent down to pick up Huo Ning, got in the car, locked the doors, and left, all in one smooth motion.


    Huo Ning quietly peeked out from behind his hand, listening to the balding man''s curses and imagining the beating scene in her mind.


    Before long, the balding man was curled up with his hands over his head, barely able to even whimper.


    The bodyguards stopped, satisfied, and left.


    In a quiet corner, the balding man loosened his grip on his tie clip. At the top of the small tie clip, a red light was shing.


    He spat and growled viciously: "Huo Xiaozheng, I gave you a chance. Since you won''t be kind, don''t me me for being unkind!"


    After leaving the parking lot, Huo Xiaozheng solemnly educated the child.


    "Violence is not a good way to solve problems."


    "Then why did you use violence?"


    "I momentarily lost control of my emotions, that was my mistake," Huo Xiaozheng said unconvincingly: "Don''t learn from me."


    Violence can''t solve problems, but when faced with some scumbags, violence is the only way to save your own sanity.


    Huo Ning thought to herself.

 Chapter 32

    A week had passed since Huo Ning''s meeting with Shi Lili.


    On Friday evening, Huo Jing hosted a wee dinner for Huo Ning at the Huo Mansion, under the guise of being her aunt.


    "A wee dinner?"


    Huo Ning, the true working girl, was sitting in the car with Huo Xiaozheng on their way home from work when she heard this news, feeling a bit puzzled.


    Huo Xiaozheng was still busy with work, but he multitasked to answer her question: "She''s just looking for an excuse to get us back to the old house."


    "But why?"


    Because of her first experience at the old house, Huo Ning didn''t have a good impression of the ce.


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t understand her meaning: "Maybe because she wants to see you."


    "But why?"


    If she wanted to see her, they could meet somewhere else.


    Huo Xiaozheng paused his work, mistakenly thinking Huo Ning was trying to get his attention, and felt somewhat gratified.


    "Because you''re very likable."


    Huo Ning was a bit confused, as they were focused on different points, so their answers differed.


    Being praised so directly, Huo Ning instinctively felt shy.


    "Thank you," she said, cupping her face in her hands, somewhat bashfully. "Then I''ll tell auntie that if she misses me in the future, she cane directly to Panlong Bay to visit me."


    Huo Xiaozheng patted her head.


    Due to Huo Xiaozheng''s workaholic nature, they arrived at the Huo Mansion a bitter than scheduled.


    Huo Yueze, not having seen her for a week, saw her looking fresh and pretty, and rushed over in one big stride to lift her high in the air.


    Huo Ning let out a startled cry.


    Huo Jing swiftly intervened, rescuing Huo Ning.


    "What are you doing, being so reckless? Aren''t you afraid of dropping your sister?"


    Huo Yueze didn''t mind being scolded, secretly waving at Huo Ning.


    Huo Ning loved this warm atmosphere. Her eyes curved into crescents as she obediently greeted everyone: "Good evening, Grandfather, Grandmother, Uncle, Aunt, Auntie, Brother Yueze."


    Zheng Jinxiu wore a dark red qipao with a white cape over it. She smiled and responded: "Having your wee dinner sote, we weren''t thoughtful enough. Don''t be angry, Ning Ning."


    Saying this, she picked up a box and handed it to Huo Ning.


    "After meeting you for the first time, I had a golden lock made for you. Gold wards off evil and blesses you with smooth sailing in all things."


    Huo Ning opened the box. The golden lock wasn''trge, but it was exquisitely crafted, with some inscriptions she couldn''t understand.


    Seeing her confused look, Zheng Jinxiu''s smile deepened: "Ning Ning has a good eye. The inscriptions are sutras. The Bodhisattva will bless you."


    Old Master Huo cleared his throat.


    Zheng Jinxiu chuckled: "Your father specially had a high monk bless it, saying that if Ning Ning wears it, it will bless her to grow up healthy, without illness or misfortune."


    "Thank you, Grandmother," Huo Ning said sincerely. "Thank you, Grandfather."


    Huo Xiaozheng took the golden lock and put it on Huo Ning: "Thank you, Mom and Dad."


    Old Master Huo lifted his chin slightly, saying somewhat proudly: "We''re family, no need for thanks."


    Huo Jing snickered, thinking it''s no wonder his granddaughter isn''t close to him.


    Huo Yanqin and his wife were very straightforward, directly giving her a big red envelope.


    After getting Huo Xiaozheng''s permission, she epted the red envelope and felt it - there was a card inside.


    "Our Little Princess of the Huo Family certainly can''t be short of money. Buy whatever you want, and if it''s not enough, ask your uncle for more."


    Huo Yanqin genuinely liked his niece. After Huo Yueze was born, his wife suffered from postpartum depression for two months.


    After that, he gave up the idea of having another child.


    Now, meeting such an adorable little niece like Huo Ning, he was sincerely happy.


    Huo Ning sweetly expressed her thanks.


    Huo Jing hadn''t prepared an extra gift, only saying: "All the bags in Auntie''s collection are yours, take whichever one you want!"


    Seeing that everyone had prepared gifts without telling him, Huo Yueze became anxious: "How could you all do this? Preparing gifts without telling me, now I haven''t prepared anything!"


    Everyone burst intoughter.


    Huo Ning stepped forward and held Huo Yueze''s hand, gently shaking it: "Brother Yueze ying with me is the best gift."


    Such a heartwarming gesture made Huo Yueze instantly burst into tears of gratitude.


    "Waaah, you really are my good little sister..."


    Huo Xiaozheng mercilessly pushed away Huo Yueze''s embrace, scooping up Huo Ning and heading towards the dining room: "Let''s eat, Ning Ning is hungry."


    Huo Yueze thought: Is his uncle allergic to emotions?


    The moonlight was beautiful that night, with stars twinkling and a slight chill in the breeze.


    "Ring ring ring..."


    A phone rang.


    Huo Jing got up to answer: "What is it? We''re eating..."


    "Trending topic?" Huo Jing was bewildered. "What''s going on? Is it serious?"


    Huo Jing put the call on speaker and switched the screen to a social media app.


    ''Breaking! Huo Jing kept as a mistress, has a daughter!''


    "Jing jie,st time when you brought Ning Ning to y, you were photographed by reporters. Now our rivals are buying trending topics, writing negative articles about you. Your TV drama is set to air tomorrow, and at this critical moment..."


    Huo Jing hurriedly turned off the speaker: "Alright, I got it. Quickly get thepany to find PR to remove the trending topic."


    "How could she possibly be my daughter? How can you believe such rumors..."


    Huo Xiaozheng put down his chopsticks with a ''ck'', his usually expressionless face instantly darkening.


    Huo Jing, the ice beauty, panicked for the first time since growing up: "Brother, I''m sorry... I really don''t know which staff member leaked the photos..."


    Huo Jing was also bewildered. The team that took photos for the magazine that day were old friends of hers, all in the same industry. Even if there was no true friendship, they should still have professional ethics.


    Had she misjudged them?


    Ignoring Huo Jing''s pleas, Huo Xiaozheng, with a gloomy face, called Xi Chuan: "Delete all news with Ning Ning''s photos."


    After rifying the situation, Xi Chuan quickly took action.


    "Don''t bother with Huo Jing''s negative publicity, just make sure all of Ning Ning''s photos arepletely removed."


    Huo Xiaozheng was as cold as an icicle in the dead of winter.


    Huo Jing was furious. She vowed that if she found out who was behind this, she would make them pay dearly.


    Everyone had put down their chopsticks, and Huo Ning didn''t feelfortable continuing to eat either.


    "Dad, please don''t be angry with Auntie, okay?"


    In Huo Ning''s view, she was still young, and in a few years, people wouldn''t remember what she looked like anyway.


    Besides, with Huo Xiaozheng''s power, protecting a little bean like her shouldn''t be a big problem.


    As for Huo Jing...


    "Auntie has been wrongly used, it''s so pitiful. Can we help her, please?"


    Huo Ning''s face was full of sincerity.


    She hoped to resolve this quickly so she could continue eating.


    She eyed the lobster meat on the table hungrily, silently swallowing.


    Huo Jing was a bit stunned.


    Actually, it wasn''t that she found Huo Ning adorable and likable from their first meeting.


    On the contrary, after seeing Shi Lili''s photo, every time she saw Huo Ning''s eyes that resembled her mother''s, she would feel a surge of anger.


    That day, when Huo Yueze was livestreaming and she heard Huo Xiaozheng recount Ning Ning and Shi Lili''s past, Huo Jing even became wary of Huo Ning, worried that she might be like her mother.


    That day at the magazine, when someoneplimented Huo Ning''s eyes, Huo Jing was very unhappy.


    Huo Ning had been watching for her reaction.


    Huo Jing knew, but she cruelly chose to ignore it, leaving Huo Ning to feel awkward alone.


    And now...


    Huo Jing felt a mix of emotions.


    Had she been overthinking? What bad intentions could a 5-year-old child have?


    Huo Jing looked at Huo Ning, only to see her cautiously watching out for others while secretly swallowing the shrimp meat Huo Yueze fed her.


    Her eating manner was both fierce and adorable.


    Case solved, she had indeed been overthinking. This child''s intelligence wasn''t much different from her dimwitted nephew.


    Huo Jing: *smiles*

 Chapter 33

    Xi Chuan acted quickly.


    Before long, Huo Ning''s photos quickly disappeared from the inte.


    In fact, Huo Xiaozheng had also been photographed, but due to the angle, his face was very blurry, and one could only tell it was a man.


    However, when Huo Xiaozheng was photographed, he was standing very close to Huo Jing.


    So, even though Xi Chuan ordered people to delete them, someizens still retained the images and shared them privately.


    Considering that these photos were few and not widely circted, and Huo Xiaozheng himself didn''t seem to care much, Xi Chuan didn''t intervene further.


    Upon hearing this news, Huo Jing breathed a sigh of relief. Now that Huo Xiaozheng valued his daughter so much, as long as Ning was alright, everything else could be managed.


    She called Xu Fanzhen.


    "How''s it going? Have you found out who leaked the damaging information?"


    "What? It was her? Never mind, just send awyer''s letter. Hmm, I haven''t been kept by anyone, I don''t have a daughter..." Huo Jing rubbed her forehead: "What are you talking about? That''s not true. Don''t worry, go ahead and sue. We won''t lose."


    After hanging up the phone, Huo Jing looked at the varied expressions of those around her.


    Huo Jing misunderstood, thinking everyone was concerned about her being ndered.


    She smiled reassuringly: "It''s okay, this kind of thing happens often in my line of work."


    Old Master Huo frowned: "Jing, when you first chose this career, I..."


    Huo Jing impatiently interrupted: "Stop, stop, stop. You''ve been saying this for years. I''ve told you this is my passion, you all..."


    Old Master Huo''s face darkened, his tone severe: "We don''t object to your passion, but you shouldn''t have involved Ning!"


    Huo Jing was stunned.


    "Since you''ve been in that circle for so long, you should know better how powerful rumors can be!"


    Old Master Huo scolded mercilessly: "You''re an adult, but Ning isn''t. When you take Ning out, you should know what responsibilities you bear!"


    Huo Jing, pampered since childhood, had never heard such harsh words from her parents.


    She stammered: "I know, but I..."


    Zheng Jinxiu, seeing her daughter being criticized, wanted to intervene.


    But catching sight of Huo Ning''s tense little face, she swallowed her words.


    Huo Ning felt conflicted inside. She wanted to exin something but was stopped by Huo Yueze.


    Huo Yueze whispered in her ear: "Sister, just stay by my side. Don''t be afraid, they won''t scold you."


    A wave of warmth washed over Huo Ning''s heart.


    Huo Yueze was the first person in this world to make her feel unconditional love.


    Holding Huo Yueze''s hand, she obediently stood in the corner.


    Old Master Huo stopped scolding and beckoned to Huo Ning.


    Huo Ning nervously nced at Huo Xiaozheng. Huo Xiaozheng walked over, took her hand, and stood beside Old Master Huo.


    Old Master Huo was fuming, his son''s behavior suggesting he might mistreat his own granddaughter.


    But he had nothing to say. He couldn''t turn back time to when he first met his granddaughter with a scowling face.


    "Ning and Brother Yueze, would you like to y upstairs? A few days ago, Grandpa had a game room made for you."


    Seeing Old Master Huo''s intention to send her away, and Huo Xiaozheng not objecting, Huo Ning lowered her head, pondering for a moment.


    "Grandpa, it''s my fault. Please don''t scold Aunt anymore."


    Huo Ning had been thinking: the on-site staff seemed to have a good rtionship with Huo Jing and didn''t seem like malicious people.


    If they didn''t leak the photos, then who could it be?


    After much thought, Huo Ning remembered the young man in the baseball cap.


    The problem might have urred on the way to the restroom when she encountered that young man.


    She told everyone about her encounter with the young man.


    After finishing, she pleaded: "Aunt had someone watching me, and she even got me snacks. We even took family photos, didn''t you all see them?"


    "So, Grandpa, please don''t scold Aunt anymore, okay?"


    This was the first time Huo Jing heard about this incident. She walked up to Huo Ning: "Why didn''t you tell me about this that day?"


    Her tone was somewhat aggressive.


    Old Master Huo opened his mouth but held back for Huo Ning''s sake.


    Huo Xiaozheng looked impatient. He called Huo Yueze over and crouched down to speak to Huo Ning: "Why don''t you and your brother go y upstairs? Dad will call you when it''s time to leave, okay?"


    Having said what needed to be said, Huo Ning nodded obediently.


    Huo Yueze proudly took his sister''s hand and headed upstairs.


    As they passed the dining room, he directly picked up the te of lobster and took it with them.


    The adults present: ...


    Huo Yueze: Well, sister loves to eat it.


    Once the children left, Old Master Huo spoke without holding back.


    "Look at yourself! How dare you snap at Ning? If you had been watching her properly, why would Ning go to the restroom unapanied, huh? You''re 26, not 6!"


    "Even at 5 years old, Ning is more responsible than you. As an aunt, do you always just me others when things go wrong?"


    Old Master Huo exuded natural authority: "All these years, your mother and I have let you roam free, thinking it would temper your character. It seems we''ve spoiled you instead."


    Huo Jing''s face fell. She took a deep breath: "First of all, I admit it was my oversight that this happened. I''ll take responsibility for that mistake."


    "Secondly, it''s easier to guard against open attacks than hidden ones. I never imagined these people would stoop so low as to target a child."


    Huo Xiaozheng suddenly spoke: "Huo Jing, if you don''t like Ning, you don''t have to pretend."


    If the atmosphere was tense before, Huo Xiaozheng''s words brought it to a freezing point.


    Huo Jing angrily retorted: "Who says I don''t like her?!"


    Huo Xiaozheng ignored her anger: "Out of respect for you being my sister by blood, I''ll leave you some face."


    "I''ll take this as a lesson for myself."


    "From now on, just be yourself. You don''t need to take on the role of an aunt anymore."


    Huo Jing, clinging to a glimmer of hope, said: "What are you talking about? I don''t understand."


    Huo Yanqin frowned: "Xiaozheng, what do you mean by that? Although I feel bad for Ning suffering this undeserved disaster, isn''t this going too far?"


    Huo Xiaozheng nced at Huo Jing''s pale face: "A few days ago, Ning suddenlyined to Aunt Xu, saying she wished her eyes looked more like her dad''s."


    "To build Ning''s confidence, I never deny her. Huo Jing, tell me, who gave her this misconception?"


    Huo Jing''s heart sank. She thought she had acted well enough, how could this happen?


    "Don''t use your professional skills on me. Although Ning is a daughter I found halfway through life, I owe her, not the other way around."


    Huo Xiaozheng emphasized each word: "My daughter, I don''t want her to live her life seeking anyone''s approval, not even yours, Huo Jing."


    With these words, even Huo Yanqin stopped trying to mediate.


    Huo Jing stood frozen, wondering how her brother could know.


    Huo Xiaozheng ignored her.


    Feeling his phone suddenly vibrate in his pocket, he took it out and answered: "What is it?"


    On the other end, Xi Chuan spoke urgently, saying something unknown.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s face darkened.


    "He''s asking for death."

 Chapter 34

    One wave had barely subsided when another arose.


    Seeing his troubled expression, Old Master Huo inquired, "What''s wrong?"


    Huo Xiaozheng remained silent for a moment.


    "Someone online has used Huo Jing''s scandal to expose Ning''s situation."


    Old Master Huo asked, puzzled, "Didn''t you delete Ning''s photos?"


    Huo Jing started, immediately pulling out her phone.


    Several breaking news stories topped the headlines.


    "Huo Corporation heir''s illegitimate daughter is deeply scheming!"


    "5-year-old girl''s cruel ploy sends birth mother to prison!!"


    "Huo Xiaozheng''s neglect leads to daughter''s abuse!"


    The Huo Yanqin couple''s faces darkened upon seeing this.


    "How outrageous! Who could be so vicious as to target a child!" Huo Yanqin said, turning his gaze towards Huo Jing.


    Huo Jing thought for a moment, then denied it, "These headlines are aimed at my brother, it''s probably not my rivals behind this."


    Huo Xiaozheng also denied it: "It''s not Huo Jing''s people, it''s Huo Siyuan."


    Huo Siyuan was the balding man.


    Huo Xiaozheng med himself for being careless, thinking Huo Siyuan was merelyshing out in desperation. He hadn''t expected him to have a backup n.


    Huo Xiaozheng was still investigating Huo Siyuan''s motives for this move.


    If it was simply to attack Huo Ning, then he had been overly impulsive.


    If not...


    A sh of insight crossed Huo Xiaozheng''s mind.


    With this thought, he strode upstairs, dug Huo Ning out from the colorful foam balls, and carried her downstairs with one arm.


    Huo Ning stared with wide eyes, her face full of confusion: "Huh?"


    Huo Yueze hurriedly followed behind: "Uncle, are you going home so early?"


    Huo Xiaozheng ignored him. When he reached the living room, he briefly greeted the elders: "I''m taking Ning home first."


    Huo Yanqin guessed he would be very busy tonight and suggested leaving Ning at the old house.


    Zheng Jinxiu also sought Huo Ning''s opinion: "Dad has work to do, would you like to stay at grandpa and grandma''s house for the night?"


    Huo Ning''s fingers curled slightly, and she lowered her head, looking a bit troubled.


    "I..."


    Huo Xiaozheng interrupted: "No need, it''s more convenient for Ning to be with me."


    Seeing his firm attitude, Huo Yanqin didn''t press further, only telling Huo Xiaozheng not to worry, that he would find people to try and get the trending topics taken down as soon as possible.


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded, then left carrying Huo Ning.


    Huo Ning rested her head on Huo Xiaozheng''s shoulder, waving to everyone: "Bye-bye, dinner was delicious, I''lle again next time."


    Huo Yueze, holding a colorful foam ball, watched her leave.


    Huo Ning''s eyes curved in a smile: "Goodbye, big brother."


    Surprised to receive a personal farewell, Huo Yueze excitedly waved back: "Goodbye, little sister!"


    Once in the car, Huo Xiaozheng sternly advised Huo Ning: "For the next couple of days, you need to stay with me. Don''t go out alone, and make sure to tell me immediately if anything happens, okay?"


    Huo Ning didn''t know she had be a target again.


    Scared by Huo Xiaozheng''s serious demeanor, she obediently nodded: "Okay, I understand."


    She didn''t dare ask what was wrong.


    After returning home, Huo Xiaozheng handed Huo Ning over to Aunt Xu and went to his study alone.


    Shortly after, Xi Chuan arrived and also entered the study.


    "Have you found anything?"


    Xi Chuan reported: "The video of you and Miss Ning was released under Huo Siyuan''s orders. Miss Ning''s past was also exaggerated and released at Huo Siyuan''s behest."


    "Huo Siyuan can''t have just this one move. Keep investigating, find out who he''s been in contact with recently."


    Xi Chuan: "Yes, sir."


    "Step up the efforts, have PR move faster. I don''t want to see thosements continue to ferment."


    At this, Xi Chuan hesitated.


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned: "Speak inly."


    Xi Chuan picked up an iPad, navigated to a social media page, and gestured for Huo Xiaozheng to look.


    "Official media have already stepped in to condemn this behavior. Currently, the vast majority of marketing ounts have been banned."


    Huo Xiaozheng was somewhat surprised.


    Huo Yanqin''s words still echoed in his ears; it seemed his older brother wasn''t just trying tofort him.


    Although Huo Yanqin held a high position, he had always been self-restrained and rarely interfered in Huo Xiaozheng''s affairs.


    This intervention had indeed eased some of the pressure on Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Xiaozheng let out a small sigh of relief.


    "Besides that, it seems the Jiang Group has also stepped in," Xi Chuan said, carefully observing Huo Xiaozheng''s expression.


    "However, they only helped delete the parts rted to Miss Ning..."


    Xi Chuan trembled inwardly; the Jiang family''s actions were really...


    Huo Xiaozheng let out a derisiveugh: "Never mind him. You continue to find people to investigate."


    That night, Huo Xiaozheng worked until veryte before going to sleep.


    When he entered the bedroom, the cool moonlight fell on Huo Ning''s small bed, illuminating her delicate and cute features. She was curled up snugly in her soft nket, sleeping sweetly.


    An indescribable feeling of happiness welled up in Huo Xiaozheng''s heart. His heart felt as if it were soaking in warm water, both warm and content.


    Perhaps this was the power of blood ties.


    Huo Xiaozheng tucked her nket in and said softly, "Good night."


    The next morning, the sun shone brightly, its winter rays warm and cozy. Huo Ningzed in bed for a while before getting up.


    Huo Xiaozheng was no longer in the big bed.


    The room temperature was just right. Aunt Xu, estimating the time, quietly pushed open the bedroom door, just in time to meet Huo Ning''s bright, big eyes.


    "Good morning, Aunt Xu!"


    Aunt Xu greeted her with a kind smile and gently informed her that Huo Xiaozheng and Xi Chuan were discussing work in the study.


    "They worked tootest night, so Assistant Xi slept in the guest room," Aunt Xu chatted as she helped Huo Ning get ready.


    In the bright morning light, Huo Ning felt a sense of peaceful contentment.


    "Dad is so busy," Huo Ningmented casually, patting down her messy bangs.


    Aunt Xu''s hands paused for a moment. It seemed the little miss didn''t know about the onlinemotion, so she said no more.


    Indeed, Huo Ning was unaware. Since the Jiang Group''s public apology, the critical point of Huo Xiaozheng''s negative publicity had passed.


    Even with yesterday''s incident of being photographed, she calmly trusted that Huo Xiaozheng could handle it well.


    Now, she sat at the dining table, heartily enjoying her meal, looking as if she didn''t have a care in the world.


    While eating, she also watched cartoons on an iPad, thoroughly enjoying herself.


    "Ding!"


    A news alert suddenly popped up.


    "5-year-old girl''s cruel ploy sends birth mother to prison!!"


    These keywords were too specific. Huo Ning''s fingers stiffened, and she tremblingly tapped on it.


    "Recently, an insider revealed that a 5-year-old girl used her past experiences of being beaten and scolded to send her birth mother to prison. Someizens uploaded footage of the Huo Group''s leader appearing with a 5-year-old girl, during which the girl called the Huo Group leader ''Dad''..."


    Huo Ning''s vision darkened. Had Huo Xiaozheng seen this?


    A sudden, sharp pain gripped her chest...


    In the study, Xi Chuan showed Huo Xiaozheng a video:


    Outside the Huo Corporation building, nearly a hundred employees held white banners, protesting at the entrance.


    "Huo Corporation is heartless, illegallyying off workers! Give us back our jobs,pensate our losses!"


    "When did this happen?" Huo Xiaozheng''s face was full of anger.


    Xi Chuan put away the tablet, his expression respectful: "Just this morning, sir."


    ''Knock knock knock!''


    Suddenly, urgent knocking came from the study door. Xi Chuan opened it to find a panicked Aunt Xu: "Ning has fainted!"

 Chapter 35

    Huo Xiaozheng sprang to his feet with a start.


    "What''s going on?"


    He strode quickly downstairs, his tone urgent.


    Aunt Xu had never quite gotten used to Huo Xiaozheng''s handsome but excessively cold face.


    Now, seeing his furious expression, Aunt Xu felt like crying: "I''m not sure either. The young miss was just eating breakfast, and in the time it took me to warm up some milk for her, I came out to find her slumped over the table."


    Fortunately, Huo Ning''s dining chair was custom-made, which prevented her from falling off.


    Otherwise...


    Aunt Xu stole a nce at Huo Xiaozheng''s face, not daring to think further.


    Huo Ningy on the living room sofa. Huo Xiaozheng called her name several times, but she showed no signs of waking.


    On the coffee table, Ningning''s frequently used iPad was still ying cartoons.


    Huo Xiaozheng opened the background pages.


    That news article appeared in his line of sight.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s hand, gripping the iPad, showed bulging veins.


    "Mr. Huo, shouldn''t we take Ningning to the hospital first?" Xi Chuan, seeing the situation, immediately advised.


    Huo Xiaozheng grunted in agreement.


    "Xi Chuan, go back to thepany and calm down those protesting employees. Find out what''s really going on and call me if anythinges up."


    Xi Chuan looked troubled: "Mr. Huo, at this critical moment, if you''re not there..."


    Huo Xiaozheng red at him: "If thepany would copse without me, why am I paying you all so much?"


    Xi Chuan was left speechless, not daring to argue further.


    Huo Xiaozheng drove the car like it was an airne, arriving at Anzhen Children''s Hospital with a screech of tires that left a cloud of dust in its wake.


    Medical staff were already waiting at the emergency entrance.


    Huo Xiaozheng carried Huo Ning out of the car and handed her over to the medical personnel.


    No sooner had they entered the ward than Shen Shiyan followed close behind.


    He put on his white coat while asking, "What happened?"


    Huo Xiaozheng briefly exined the situation.


    Shen Shiyan: "This shouldn''t be happening. Emotional fluctuations are normal, but for chest pain to ur again..."


    He frowned, unable to figure it out for the moment.


    "Dr. Shen, the child''s vital signs are all stable. The physical examination shows no abnormalities so far, and the ECG doesn''t indicate any signs of myocardial infarction," the attending physician reported.


    It was as Shen Shiyan had expected. He nodded and performed his own examination.


    "The patient''s main symptoms are chest pain and syncope. Please further rule out any cardiac and cerebral issues."


    "Understood."


    After giving instructions, Shen Shiyan took Huo Xiaozheng aside.


    Huo Xiaozheng asked, "How is she?"


    Shen Shiyan gave him a reassuring look: "It''s probably the old problem. Nothing too serious."


    "By the way, I set up an appointment with a psychologist for youst time. Why didn''t you bring Ningning?"


    Bringing this up, Shen Shiyan was quite dissatisfied.


    Huo Xiaozheng was usually a man of his word, rarely dropping the ball like this.


    "Ningning is very resistant to psychologists," Huo Xiaozheng said.


    Shen Shiyan''s eyes widened in surprise: "You didn''t directly tell Ningning you were taking her to see a psychologist, did you?"


    Huo Xiaozheng looked puzzled: "How did you know?"


    Shen Shiyan was speechless: "Children don''t like doctors, whether they''re psychologists, physicians, or dentists. They don''t like any of them."


    "Have you forgotten about Ningning''s experience with the dentistst time?"


    Of course Huo Xiaozheng hadn''t forgotten. Not only had he not forgotten, but the memory was still vivid.


    "It''s precisely because of the dentist incident that I''d rather she didn''t have to face unknown fears," Huo Xiaozheng exined calmly. "Moreover, I''ll always be by her side."


    Shen Shiyan thought: In some ways, this father and daughter pair are equally naive.


    "Let''s be frank, Ningning is ill," Shen Shiyan said bluntly. "If you continue to avoid treatment or let Ningning do as she pleases, the frequency of episodes will only increase."


    Huo Xiaozheng fell silent.


    Originally, he thought that as long as Ningning stayed by his side, she wouldn''t have any episodes.


    But this morning''s incident was clearly unexpected.


    "Every time Ningning talks about her experiences of being molested or abused, she has the detached calmness of an observer," Shen Shiyan analyzed. "This situation is actually more serious."


    "Last time when she cried, it was a good thing. It would have been a great opportunity to see a psychologist then, and there might have been more progress."


    "And you dropped the ball at the crucial moment."


    After venting his righteous indignation, Shen Shiyan btedly met Huo Xiaozheng''s icy gaze and felt a bit intimidated.


    Huo Xiaozheng rarely experienced moments of being scolded to his face, but at this moment, even though he was angry, he could only swallow his dissatisfaction.


    Huo Xiaozheng closed his eyes briefly, calming his emotions.


    "Let''s do it today. Set up an appointment with the doctor. We''ll start treatment when Ningning wakes up."


    Having pulled the tiger''s whiskers, Shen Shiyanposed himself and agreed.


    Huo Ning, still unconscious, was oblivious to all this.


    At that moment, she found herself in an enormous maze.


    She wandered around in circles, unable to find the exit.


    Just as she was getting desperate and sweating profusely, she encountered a girl.


    A girl who looked exactly like her former self, but appeared to be only 5 or 6 years old.


    She wore a white dress with several sunflowers embroidered on the chest,cking color.


    "Who are you?" Huo Ning asked warily.


    The girl smiled, revealing a pair of cute little fangs, looking quite mischievous, identical to her childhood self.


    "I''m you," she said.


    Huo Ning was bewildered: "If you''re me, then who am I?"


    The girlughed again: "You''re me!"


    "What?" Huo Ning was confused by her riddles. "What kind of puzzle are you ying?"


    The girl floated to her side like a sprite, leaning in to whisper in her ear: "You regret it, don''t you? We both have our missing pieces. Why don''t weplement each other?"


    Huo Ning waspletely baffled: "I don''t understand what you''re saying..."


    The girl stopped looking at her and walked deeper into the maze with her hands behind her back. She was muttering something, but Huo Ning couldn''t hear clearly. As the ''beep beep'' sound grew clearer, Huo Ningpletely emerged from her dream.


    Huo Ning opened her eyes and saw the familiar hospital room again.


    "So it was just a dream," she murmured, a bit dazed.


    In contrast to the chaotic atmosphere surrounding Huo Xiaozheng, on the other side, Huo Siyuan stared at Huo Corporation''s stock with a sly smile.


    "Huo Xiaozheng, oh Huo Xiaozheng, you''re not the only shareholder in Huo Corporation."


    His assistant stood to the side, bowing obsequiously: "Your move was brilliant, sir. Taking advantage of Huo Jing''s scandal, then dropping the news about Mr. Huo''s daughter. Huo Xiaozheng has to put out fires on both fronts while also dealing with the employee protests."


    "Even Huo Xiaozheng can''t perform miracles."


    This string of ttery left Huo Siyuan feeling thoroughly pleased.


    "You''ve taken care of the employee protest situation, right?" he asked.


    "The illegalyoff documents were signed by people from headquarters. There''s no way it can be traced back to you. You can rest absolutely assured," the assistant said confidently.


    Huo Siyuan let out a coldugh, raising his hand to stroke his smooth bald head: "Huo Xiaozheng, I''m waiting for you toe begging me."

 Chapter 36

    After Huo Ning woke up, she was taken to arge building by Huo Xiaozheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Along the way, Huo Xiaozheng''s phone kept ringing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning thought it was probably because of the news she had seen, so she didn''t dare to ask much.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It wasn''t until they got out of the car and took the elevator that Huo Xiaozheng finally had a moment of peace. She then asked, "Dad, where are we?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The sharp pain in her chest seemed to linger, yet Huo Xiaozheng had urgently brought her to this ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng put a coat on her, then a knitted hat with a brim, wrapping her up tightly, and carried her out of the car with one arm.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This is a hospital. Shen Shiyan isn''t doing well, so Dad is getting you a new doctor," Huo Xiaozheng made up an excuse to cate her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning''s mouth formed an O shape, unable to respond to this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The elevator went directly from the underground parking lot to the 8th floor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Sitting in Huo Xiaozheng''s arms, Huo Ning curiously observed her surroundings.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The entire floor was very quiet, with beige-toned decor, ented with green and floral touches, making it very pleasing to the eye.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On the left side was arge door, and at the entrance, a pretty young woman was working.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing footsteps, she looked up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her eyes lit up, and as the two approached, she immediately put on a sweet smile and asked softly, "Hello, do you have an appointment?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng gave her a cool nce and said coldly, "I have an appointment with Dr. Xie."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The receptionist put away the admiration in her eyes and switched to a professional smile. "Mr. Huo, right? Dr. Xie is already waiting. This way, please."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    The receptionist closed the door behind them and then left the room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hello, I''m Xie Lingluo," a woman wearing a beige sweater and casual pants, with a white coat over them, came forward with a professional smile and extended her hand to Huo Xiaozheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng put Huo Ning on the sofa and shook hands with Xie Lingluo. "Huo Xiaozheng."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning looked at the namete on the desk and btedly asked, "Dad, are we here to see a psychologist?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yes, you''ll chat with the doctor, and after that, I''ll take you for something delicious to eat, okay?" Huo Xiaozheng half-squatted, his tone slightly coaxing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning didn''t fuss. Since they were here, she might as well go along with it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She nodded decisively, "Alright."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing this scene, Xie Lingluo was somewhat surprised.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Back in college, Huo Xiaozheng''s name was already well-known.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Good grades, good looks, high family status, and maximum money-making ability.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But there was one thing not so good about him: he always had a cold face and didn''t like to get close to people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The only romantic news about him was always rted to Qin Zhiyi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Handsome and loyal, even if cold, there was no shortage of bold girls trying to get close to him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But they all failed, without exception.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Over time, Huo Xiaozheng became the unattainable flower on a high cliff in the university, difficult for ordinary people to reach.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now, seeing him softening his voice to coax a child added a touch of worldly warmth to his image.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After a moment of surprise, Xie Lingluo crouched in front of Huo Ning and asked gently, "Would you like to chat with auntie while your dad rests nearby?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning didn''t want Huo Xiaozheng to be present while she was being questioned by the psychologist.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing this, she naturally nodded in agreement.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng stroked her head, "Don''t be afraid, I''ll be waiting next door."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing Huo Xiaozheng walk out, Xie Lingluo sat down in front of Huo Ning, "Your name is Ning Ning, right?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning nodded, feeling a bit nervous.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They say psychologists are very perceptive, will she think I''m crazy and send me to a mental hospital? She thought silently.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Noticing Huo Ning''s tension, Xie Lingluo sat a bit further away, "Are you afraid of me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    This startled little expression amused Xie Lingluo, "Can you tell me why you''re afraid?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo''s tone was unhurried, her gaze steady and encouraging.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But to Huo Ning, it seemed like she was saying, "Take your time, I''m waiting for your answer."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning stammered, "I''m a bit scared of doctors."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo understood and stood up to take off her white coat, "Is this better?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It made no difference, Huo Ning thought.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But she still obediently nodded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After that, Xie Lingluo, like a close friend, asked about her recent life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning told her everything.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Your dad said you were sick yesterday?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo''s words were very tactful, but Huo Ning still felt a bit embarrassed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The past experiences belonged to the original Huo Ning, but finding Huo Xiaozheng after the original Huo Ning left, testifying in court, and sending her own mother to prison...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    All these actions were done by the current Huo Ning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning felt she had done nothing wrong, but she still feared what others might say.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You''ve seen the news too, right?" Huo Ning lowered her head and said glumly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo had expected Huo Ning to refuse to answer and was already thinking of how to change the subject painlessly, but she was surprised to hear her voice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo responded gently, "Which news are you referring to?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning looked up and told her everything.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Finally, she asked somewhat dejectedly, "Am I a bad person for doing this?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo''s expression remained unchanged, "Why do you think this makes you bad?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Because..." Maybe it was the atmosphere that was so conducive to confiding.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Or perhaps, sinceing into this book world, her stress had been too great, and she had always wanted to share it with someone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning gathered her courage and said word by word, "People online say I''m very maniptive."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo was shocked inside but didn''t show it on her face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her eyes were encouraging, and her voice became even softer, "Do you think you''re a maniptive child?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning was stumped by the question.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Wasn''t her paining from her inability to face herself after being exposed?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    From the very beginning of finding Huo Xiaozheng, toter self-validation and self-rescue, the purposes of these actions were very clear.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Find Huo Xiaozheng, please Huo Xiaozheng, remove obstacles around her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If this wasn''t being maniptive, what was it?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I guess so..." Huo Ning gave a bitter smile, "How could it not be?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo continued to ask, "Do you know what being maniptive means?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning nodded, "It was mentioned in cartoons, it means something bad."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo then asked, "Ning Ning, how old are you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The topic changed so quickly that Huo Ning was a bit surprised, but she still obediently answered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I''m 5 years old."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Can you tell me about things that make you happy?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning waspletely led by Xie Lingluo, and now she lowered her head to think.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Happy?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The original Huo Ning had very few happy moments, only those rted to Shi Lili.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But given Shi Lili''s actions, Huo Ning decided to forget about them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As for happiness aftering into this book world...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Finding Dad and drawing make me very happy," Huo Ning counted on her fingers. "I''m also very happy when Brother Yue Ze is with me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo maintained a listening posture, "If you had to choose one thing that makes you the happiest, what would be number one?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning''s eyes became a bit distant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "The happiest thing?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It''s when I went to see Mom after she was in prison. She shouted at me, just like how I used to beg her not to abandon me. At that moment, I was the happiest."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 37

    As soon as Huo Ning finished speaking, the room fell into silence.


    She regretted it immediately.


    She had let her guard down; the atmosphere here had made Huo Ning too rxed, causing her to identally speak the truth.


    Feeling uneasy, she looked up at Xie Lingluo.


    Xie Lingluo, true to her profession as a psychologist, didn''t change her expression at all.


    She still maintained a serious listening posture, encouraging Huo Ning to speak, and even showed a hint of satisfaction at her words.


    "I''m d you''re being so honest with me," Xie Lingluo smiled.


    What psychologists dread the most is patients who are reluctant to seek treatment and overly guarded with their doctors.


    Fortunately, Huo Ning wasn''t like that.


    Hearing this, Huo Ning also breathed a sigh of relief.


    Xie Lingluo continued to encourage her: "We''ll meet again in the future. I hope you can maintain this state. Let''s work hard together, okay?"


    Huo Ning smiled somewhat forcedly: "Okay."


    Another session? QAQ


    After the consultation, Huo Ning felt physically and mentally exhausted.


    "Ning Ning, are you tired? Have some snacks here, and I''ll call your father to pick you up, okay?"


    Huo Ning, feelingpletely drained, copsed on the sofa and nodded slightly.


    Xie Lingluo found her appearance adorable and chuckled.


    She then picked up the phone, asked the reception to send in cake and milk, instructed them to keep Huo Ningpany for a while, and went to the adjacent room herself.


    "Knock knock..."


    "Come in."


    Xie Lingluo, now in the role of a visitor, paused for a moment, showing a helpless smile, and pushed open the door.


    "Mr. Huo, regarding Ning Ning''s situation, I think it''s necessary to have a chat with you."


    Huo Xiaozheng put down his phone and made a gesture inviting her to speak.


    ...


    When Huo Xiaozheng came to pick up Huo Ning, she was already dozing off.


    She squinted, caught sight of Huo Xiaozheng, jumped off the sofa, walked to his side, held his hand, and looked up to ask, "Can we go now?"


    Her voice was a bit muffled, like someone who had just woken up in the early morning, still with a hint of grumpiness.


    "Of course we can."


    Huo Xiaozheng bent down, picked her up with one arm, and let her head rest on his shoulder. "If you''re tired, take a nap. You''ll be just in time for dinner when you wake up."


    After saying this, he nodded slightly to Xie Lingluo and left.


    Originally, Huo Ning didn''t feel very sleepy, but as soon as her head touched Huo Xiaozheng''s shoulder, she was hit by a wave of heavy fatigue and fell asleep within minutes.


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t wake her up and took her straight back to thepany.


    After instructing Yin Su to look after Huo Ning, Huo Xiaozheng immersed himself in his work.


    "Those protesting employees belong to the southern subsidiary. The subsidiary''s capital chain broke, and to quickly secure cash, the subsidiary''s general manager chose toy off staff. The number ofyoffs was significant, and no correspondingpensation was given, so the employees are protesting."


    Xi Chuan reported the current situation one by one.


    "Such a big decision, who at the headquarters approved it?" Huo Xiaozheng hit the nail on the head.


    Xi Chuan reluctantly said: "It was Manager Xu from Human Resources."


    "Xu Zhen?"


    Xi Chuan nodded.


    Xu Zhen had some history with Huo Xiaozheng.


    When Huo Xiaozheng took over Huo Corporation from the old Mr. Huo, there were some tricky issues to deal with, not to mention he waspeting with Jiang Group at the time.


    At that time, he was framed bypetitors and found himself in a difficult situation.


    It was Xu Zhen who lent him a helping hand.


    It''s easy to add flowers to brocade, but hard to send charcoal in snowy weather.


    Huo Xiaozheng always repaid kindness, and seeing that Xu Zhen was righteous and capable, he kept him at Huo Corporation.


    Facts proved that he hadn''t misjudged.


    Now, hearing that the person who signed off on this was Xu Zhen, Huo Xiaozheng was somewhat surprised.


    "Why wasn''t appropriatepensation given?"


    "Manager Xu said that these people belonged to the factory workers under the subsidiary, but their production line had an extremely high defect rate, so the proposal foryoffs was very reasonable."


    Huo Xiaozheng sensed something was off.


    "Have you checked if there''s any connection between Xu Zhen and Huo Siyuan?"


    Xi Chuan: "We''ve checked, there''s no close association."


    "Let thepany''s legal department negotiatepensation with these employees."


    Xi Chuan looked troubled: "We''ve already had the legal departmentmunicate with these employees, but their attitude is firm, and their demands aren''t just aboutpensation."


    Huo Xiaozheng gestured for him to continue.


    "Among these employees, there''s a leader. This leader ims that hisyoff was unreasonable, that thepany wronged him."


    "He demands an apology from thepany."


    Huo Xiaozheng said in a chilling tone: "Negotiate ording to thepany rules. If he insists he was wronged, let him provide evidence."


    "We''ve already said that, but they im thepany is protecting its own, that he can''t produce evidence, and wants thepany tounch an investigation."


    "If we don''t investigate, they''ll go on a hunger strike in protest."


    This was putting Huo Corporation in a very difficult position.


    Before Huo Xiaozheng could sort out his thoughts,


    Xi Chuan''s secretary knocked and entered.


    "Mr. Huo, there''s another online leak, saying you''re the sugar daddy keeping Miss Huo Jing."


    The timing of these events was too coincidental.


    Huo Xiaozheng pondered for a moment, then asked: "Has Huo Siyuan made any moves?"


    Xi Chuan: "After sending his wife and daughter abroad, he''s currently handling some work handovers."


    What Xi Chuan didn''t say was that Huo Siyuan had initially been unwilling to send his wife and daughter abroad so early.


    But due to Huo Xiaozheng''s firm attitude, and after the incident in the underground parking lot was witnessed, he had no choice but to send his wife and daughter abroad first, to show his willingness to follow orders.


    "At present, if thepany starts an investigation process, we can''t get results immediately. Plus, with the rumors about you..."


    Saying this, Xi Chuan secretly nced at Huo Xiaozheng, and seeing his expression unchanged, continued: "If the protesting employees really start a hunger strike, it would be very unfavorable for thepany."


    Huo Xiaozheng had naturally thought of all these points that Xi Chuan mentioned.


    "Talk to the protest leader, let him assist with the investigation. Since he wants to start an investigation, he must know some inside information."


    At this point, Huo Xiaozheng''s tone turned cold: "If it''s indeed thepany''s fault, we''ll handle it ording topany rules; if not, we''ll go through legal procedures."


    "Yes," Xi Chuan immediately responded.


    "However..." Xi Chuan hesitated to speak.


    Huo Xiaozheng: "Just say it."


    "Actually, Huo Siyuan has contacted us. He said... he has some connection with the protest leader." Xi Chuan observed Huo Xiaozheng''s expression: "If he steps in, he might be able to persuade the protesters to pause their demonstration during the investigation period."


    Huo Xiaozheng smiled. Huo Siyuan had been pampered by the Huo family for so many years, turning him into a useless person.


    No wonder he raised his wife and daughter to be brainless scarecrows.


    They only know how to put on airs.


    Huo Xiaozheng said coolly: "Fine, then call him over and let''s hear his conditions."


    It was time to make Huo Siyuan understand one thing: Huo Xiaozheng had raised a daughter, not changed his nature to be a saint.

 Chapter 38

    Huo Corporation issued a statement that day.


    The statement imed that there was no improper rtionship between Huo Xiaozheng and Ms. Huo Jing, and that they would hold those spreading rumors ountable. It also advisedizens that the inte is not awless ce and hoped everyone would be cautious with their words and actions.


    Huo Jing''s managementpany quickly reposted Huo Corporation''s statement, also attaching awyer''s letter, suing several of the most popr marketing ounts spreading rumors.


    Meanwhile, Xi Chuan contacted Huo Siyuan, inviting him to the headquarters.


    Huo Siyuan arrived quickly, and seeing Xi Chuan waiting for him in the lobby, he became even more arrogant, feeling that he had Huo Xiaozheng cornered at this crucial moment.


    When Huo Xiaozheng saw him, he got straight to the point, directly asking him to persuade the protest leader to cooperate with thepany''s investigation.


    Huo Siyuan was stunned for a moment.


    He sauntered to the sofa and sat down without a sideways nce.


    Suddenly, he felt something soft poking him.


    He reached under his bottom and pulled out a gray petal rabbit plush toy, which he tossed to the other end with disgust before settling back down, crossing his legs and resting his hands on the sofa, looking every bit the owner.


    "Nephew, by rights, if you ask for this favor, I must help," Huo Siyuan said, ying hard to get. "But I''ve been busy with my transfertely, and I''m afraid I just don''t have the capacity."


    Huo Xiaozheng leaned on his desk, elegantly holding a cup of coffee, taking a small sip without responding.


    Huo Siyuan wasn''t annoyed and ordered Xi Chuan, "Get me a coffee."


    Xi Chuan nced at Huo Xiaozheng before having the secretary bring him a cup of coffee.


    Huo Siyuan mimicked Huo Xiaozheng''s manner, stirring his coffee and was about to taste it when...


    "So what exactly are you suggesting?" Huo Xiaozheng suddenly spoke.


    Huo Siyuan immediately took a sip of coffee but burned his throat, grimacing for a while before recovering.


    "What I mean is..." Without time to scold Xi Chuan, Huo Siyuan quickly replied, "It''s simple, nephew. If you transfer me to headquarters and put me in charge of this matter, I''ll handle it perfectly for you!"


    Huo Xiaozheng smiled, thinking his appetite was quiterge.


    "Oh? You''re that confident?"


    Seeing that Huo Xiaozheng didn''t immediately refuse, Huo Siyuan''s confidence soared. "Of course! He wasid off because he wasn''t good enough at his job. What''s there to make a fuss about?


    "Besides, dealing with thesemon folk is very simple. Middle-aged people, no matter how much dignity they have, can''t stand up to having children and elderly at home..."


    Huo Siyuan went on and on, clearly not his first time doing this kind of thing.


    In the past, this sort of thing wouldn''t have stirred much emotion in Huo Xiaozheng, but now he had a daughter.


    Although they hadn''t been together long, remembering what the psychologist had told him today, listening to Huo Siyuan''s boasting made his blood boil.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes were cold, but his tone remained level: "Since you''re so experienced, why don''t you take full responsibility for this matter?"


    Huo Siyuan was overjoyed.


    He thought he''d have to do more convincing, but Huo Xiaozheng agreed so readily!


    However...


    "Nephew, you agreed so quickly, you''re not nning to use me as a scapegoat, are you?" Huo Siyuan''s eyes darted as he raised an eyebrow and asked, "This is all talk. You wouldn''t go back on your word after I''ve taken care of things, would you?"


    Huo Xiaozheng smiled and immediately had Xi Chuan draft a personnel transfer order, which he signed and stamped before handing it to Huo Siyuan.


    Huo Siyuan read it word by word, making sure to verify Huo Xiaozheng''s signature before finally putting his mind at ease.


    Huo Xiaozheng said calmly, "The transfer date depends on your efforts."


    Huo Siyuan agreed enthusiastically and quickly left the office.


    "Xi Chuan, have someone keep an eye on him."


    Xi Chuan nodded and followed him out.


    After things settled down, Huo Xiaozheng got up and walked into the rest area.


    Yin Su saw him enter and reported respectfully, "Miss Ning hasn''t woken up yet."


    Huo Xiaozheng asked, "No nightmares?"


    This morning, when she woke up in the hospital, she seemed to have had a nightmare, her forehead damp with sweat.


    Yin Su shook her head, "No."


    Huo Xiaozheng waved his hand, and Yin Su left.


    Huo Ning was curled up in the warm nkets, her fair face flushed, her breathing deep and even. A trace of drool glistened at the corner of her mouth, but her brows were slightly furrowed.


    "Ningcks self-confidence. Although she acts like she doesn''t care about others'' opinions, deep down she''s very concerned about people''s strange looks."


    "She carries a heavy psychological burden."


    Xie Lingluo''s words echoed in his ears.


    Huo Xiaozheng asked, "What can I do?"


    "Believe in her," Xie Lingluo said gently but firmly. "She severelycks confidence in intimate rtionships, causing her to be overly independent and unable to seek help from others."


    "Past experiences have often left her feeling helpless. As a father, you should learn to give her a sense of security."


    The sound of deep breathing pulled Huo Xiaozheng back to reality. He sat down on the edge of the bed and reached out to smooth Huo Ning''s furrowed brow. "Such a small person shouldn''t have so many worries."


    Though his movement was gentle, it woke Huo Ning.


    Her eyshes fluttered like raven feathers, and she opened her eyes, calling out drowsily, "Dad..."


    Seeing her trying to get up, Huo Xiaozheng reached out to help her. "You''re awake? Do you want to sleep a bit more?"


    Huo Ning shook her head. Though not fully awake, she spoke clearly.


    "I''m hungry."


    The corners of Huo Xiaozheng''s mouth turned up as he took the jacket from the chair and skillfully helped her put it on. "Then I''ll take you to eat. Is there anything you''d like?"


    Huo Ning thought for a moment. "I want beef noodles with a poached egg and strawberry milk."


    "Mm-hmm, anything else?"


    Huo Xiaozheng asked while putting on her shoes.


    Surprised that she could add more, Huo Ning thought again. "I also want shrimp dumplings."


    Huo Xiaozheng picked her up and draped her coat over her. "Then let''s go to the cafeteria. You can have whatever you want."


    Arriving at the cafeteria, Huo Ning realized that Huo Xiaozheng wasn''t exaggerating.


    The Huo Group''s cafeteria had a rich variety of dishes from all over the country, from street food to the eight major Chinese cuisines, almost everything you could think of.


    At this time, it wasn''t yet the peak dining hour.


    The employees in the cafeteria were surprised to see Huo Xiaozheng arrive, and even more astonished to see Huo Ning.


    They had also been following the recent online gossip.


    But because Huo Corporation had always been kind to its employees, the Huo Group staff didn''t believe the rumors, and many had been arguing against them online.


    Now seeing Huo Ning, some even secretly waved at her,plimenting her cuteness.


    But at this moment, Huo Ning could only focus on one thing. Perched on Huo Xiaozheng''s shoulder, she was overwhelmed by the variety of dishes.


    Xi Chuan followed behind, smiling. "Ning, what would you like? I''ll get it for you."


    Huo Ning''s eyes lit up brilliantly. "This pork knuckle, chicken wings, chicken feet, and that fried pork cutlet, and the one next to the pork cutlet too..."


    Huo Xiaozheng even thought he saw her secretly swallowing as she listed off dishes.


    Xi Chuan got each item for her.


    When they passed the pastry section, Huo Ning pointed out a bunch more.


    After all the dishes were served, Huo Xiaozheng frowned. "You can''t finish all of these. Just try a bit of each."


    These portions were normal for adults, but a bit much for a child.


    Huo Ning didn''t hear a word. Seeing the food, she was like reuniting with long-lost family,pletely shutting out the outside world and focusing solely on devouring her meal.


    "Mr. Huo." Xi Chuan stepped forward and whispered a few words in his ear.


    Huo Xiaozheng wiped the oil from the corner of Huo Ning''s mouth and calmly said, "Alright, close the."

 Chapter 39

    In the time it took to finish a meal, photos of Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Ning dining in the cafeteria had swept through thepany forum.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the photos, Huo Xiaozheng wore a ck formal suit with a sleek slicked-back hairstyle. His angr face looked handsome yet somewhat cold.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He sat with a stern expression, his brows furrowed as he gazed at the little dumpling across from him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The little girl with two pigtails was using both hands to eat, nearly burying her entire face in the bowl. Only her big eyes remained visible, sneaking nces at the man opposite her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was as if she was saying, ''As long as you don''t stop me, I won''t stop eating.''<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The scene was incredibly heartwarming.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Some hardcore shippers got increasingly excited as they looked at the photos. Coincidentally, they noticed people online still attacking Huo Ning for being maniptive. Using their peace and love lotus avatar, theyunched into a tirade:<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Were you born on the Tianshan Mountains? Is Snow Lotus your father or your mother? Is that why you were born so pure and saintly?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I hope you encounter the same situation, and then use your psychic powers to reform the bad guys. In your next life, you cane back to save all living beings."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Well then, thank you very much, Amitabha Buddha, mwah mwah!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "When the Ghost Festivales, bring me a message. I''ll definitely take a bath, burn some incense, and respectfully erect a memorial arch for you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "May your spirit in heaven rest in peace, and may the light of the Holy Mother shine upon millions of homes!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The barrage of insults left the target dazed and trembling as they retreated from the battle.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Meanwhile, the actual subjects of the photos were still engaged in their own battle at the dining table.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Enough, you can''t eat anymore," Huo Xiaozheng said helplessly as he blocked her chopsticks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning righteously dered, "I''m not full yet."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although this was Huo Xiaozheng''s first time raising a child, he remembered that Huo Yueze didn''t seem to eat this much when he was young.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He started to waver.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But looking at the table, he saw that six small bowls were almost empty, with only a bit of rice left at the bottom of her bowl.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s rationality won out in the end.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He stood up and, reaching across the table, gently patted Huo Ning''s belly. Her little tummy was round and protruding.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You''re full," Huo Xiaozheng concluded definitively.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning, either shocked by Huo Xiaozheng''s action or defeated by the established fact, looked longingly at the remaining dishes. She reluctantly put down her chopsticks and said, "Okay, I''m full."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Just a little more craving, she silently added in her heart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng took out a wet wipe and cleaned her mouth and hands, then bent down to pick her up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing her slightly downcast mood, Huo Xiaozheng said with amusement, "If you like it, we cane to the cafeteria to eat often in the future."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This cheered Huo Ning up a bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Back in the office, Huo Xiaozheng let Huo Ning y by herself. She habitually picked up the plush rabbit from the sofa, intending to hug it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng quickly intercepted, grabbing the rabbit by its ears and tossing it into the trash can. "This one''s dirty. I''ve had someone get you a new one."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Saying this, he walked to his desk, opened a drawer, and took out a new, identical rabbit to give her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning was a bit confused. "Can''t we just wash it if it''s dirty?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Remembering the image of Huo Siyuan sitting on it, Huo Xiaozheng''s tone cooled. "It can be washed, but it''s got poop on it. It won''te clean."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning shuddered in disgust. She took the new rabbit and no longer looked at her old love in the trash can, instead curling up in the bean bag chair.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng called for Yin Su.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "How about the coach I asked you to contact earlier?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yin Su replied, "I''ve already contacted them. Shall we start today?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng nced at Huo Ning, who was engrossed in a cartoon. He nodded, "Have theme over. Is everything prepared for Ning Ning?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It''s all ready, in the rest room."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded, "Go ahead then."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shortly after Yin Su left, Xi Chuan came in.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mr. Huo, the protest has been suspended."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mm, the protest leader said that the factory''s defect rate wasn''t actually that high. It was Huo Siyuan who secretly had someone switch out the goods, so the test results were wrong," Xi Chuan reported. "Huo Siyuan has already found a scapegoat, so the investigation into this matter is basically concluded."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng tapped his fingers on the desk. "Very good. You should know how to handle this. As for Huo Siyuan..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xi Chuan said, "He asked me for a personnel transfer form, hoping to finalize the date as soon as possible."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng smiled cruelly, "Personnel transfer form? That doesn''t exist. Urge him to pack up quickly and go reunite with his family."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xi Chuan wasn''t surprised at all. In his heart, he gave a big thumbs up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Indeed, raising a daughter doesn''t mean bing a saint. In fact, for the sake of his daughter, things seemed to be escting.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Siyuan himself was still unaware of this dire news.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He had his subordinates intimidate and threaten the protest leader, who, in anger, spilled out all the truth he knew.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    What Huo Siyuan didn''t know was that the person responsible for the intimidation was actually Huo Xiaozheng''s mole.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    What he saw was merely a y acted out by the mole and the protest leader.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    And Huo Siyuan was just a medium in this y.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The curtain had fallen, and everyone returned to their positions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng promoted the protest leader to be the factory''s top executive, and all the employees who participated in the protest, as long as they were capable, were given long-term contracts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Only Huo Siyuan was still immersed in the sweet dream of reaping benefits from his little scheme.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With Huo Corporation''s swift measures and Huo Jing''s fearlesswyer''s letter, the online buzz about Huo Ning gradually subsided.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now, all that was left was...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    The sound of knocking pulled Huo Xiaozheng back from his thoughts. "Come in."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was Yin Su.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "The coach has arrived."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded and walked over to Huo Ning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Huo Ning paused her cartoon and looked up. "Hmm?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Let''s go."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning followed Huo Xiaozheng to the other end of the office, puzzled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Opening therge door revealed a spacious swimming pool, its blue water gently rippling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning''s big eyes widened in surprise. "What a big swimming pool!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A female coach approached them. "Hello, I''m Lin Yutong."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    He crouched down and said to Huo Ning, "Starting today, Coach Lin will teach you how to swim."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning was confused. "Why do I need to learn how to swim?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng replied gently, "To let you try various sports. If you don''t like it, we can switch to something else. Tennis, dance, golf - there are many options for you to choose from."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning still looked bewildered, but Huo Xiaozheng didn''t seem to be joking. "It''s so sudden, isn''t it?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng was momentarily taken aback. "Do you not want to learn?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Ning wasn''t against the idea. In her previous life, she had been andlubber with average athletic ability.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Learning to swim should be quite interesting, she thought.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With this in mind, she shook her head and honestly said, "I want to learn, but I''m afraid of water."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng breathed a sigh of relief. "Don''t be afraid. I''ll be here with you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing this, Huo Ning felt a little more at ease.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing this, Lin Yutong took Huo Ning to change into her swimsuit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At this moment, with Huo Ning not around, Huo Xiaozheng pulled up his memo app and added a note under ''Eats too much too fast, needs attention'': Afraid of water, needs apaniment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 40

    After warming up, Huo Ning nervously entered the water under Coach Lin''s guidance.


    She wore a pale yellow swimsuit, itsce skirt blooming like a flower as it touched the water.


    Around her waist was a pink candy-colored swim ring, and she wore a matching swim cap and goggles.


    The goggles felt a bit tight, and Huo Ning, not quite used to them, kept adjusting them with her hand.


    Coach Lin supported her with both hands as he led her into the water.


    The swimming pool was temperature-controlled, so the water wasn''t cold.


    But being unfamiliar with swimming, Huo Ning remained nervous, holding onto the swim ring with one hand and the pool edge with the other.


    Coach Lin exined what they''d be learning today ¨C simply put, holding breath underwater.


    Huo Ning understood; holding breath wasn''t tooplicated, and she felt somewhat eager to try.


    But in the next moment, the coach removed her swim ring.


    Startled, Huo Ning shuddered and scrambled onto the coach like a monkey, using both hands and feet.


    Coach Lin was both amused and exasperated. He supported her bottom with one hand to ensure her safety, while grabbing a small kickboard with the other, instructing her to hold it against her back.


    "Now, take a deep breath and hold it."


    "Tilt your head down, keeping your body in a straight line. Let the water slowly lift you up."


    "I''ll keep supporting you. If you''re scared, just raise your hand, and I''ll lift you out."


    Huo Ning could feel the coach''s hand constantly supporting her waist, which made her feel a bit more at ease.


    She obediently took a deep breath, tilted her head down, and rxed her body.


    As she felt herself slowly floating up, Huo Ning experienced a sense of novelty.


    The pool water was crystal clear, and with her head submerged, the world seemed separated from her by a barrier.


    The warm water enveloped her body, and her mind was filled with tranquility.


    Huo Ning loved this feeling.


    Coach Lin''s voice, seemingly from another world, brought her back to reality: "Lift your head when you can''t hold your breath anymore."


    Huo Ning stared at the pool bottom for a while, only lifting her head when she really couldn''t hold her breath any longer.


    By the end of the lesson, Huo Ning had not only learned to hold her breath, but seeing her quickprehension, Coach Lin had even taught her some breaststroke movements.


    As the ss ended, Huo Ning''s eyes sparkled, eager to master swimming and do tenps in this big pool right away.


    "How was it?" Huo Xiaozheng took the towel from Lin Yutong''s hand and draped it over Huo Ning.


    Huo Ning had been so engrossed in ying in the water that she thought Huo Xiaozheng had returned to his office. She hadn''t expected him to keep his word and stay with her the whole time.


    Huo Ning''s eyes brightened even more, and she said with a beaming smile: "Swimming is so much fun!"


    A hint of a smile appeared in Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes: "I''m d you enjoy it."


    After arranging the time for the next lesson, Huo Ning waved goodbye to Coach Lin.


    After freshening up, Yin Su took her to the break room.


    The small table in the break room wasden with various snacks.


    Fried chicken, juice, pastries, fruits ¨C a feast for the eyes.


    Huo Ning let out an excited yelp and rushed over first.


    Only after entering did she realize there was someone else inside.


    She stopped in her tracks immediately.


    "Qianqian, why are you here?" Yin Su was also a bit surprised to see the girl in the break room.


    Qianqian was the assistant to the HR department''s general manager and rarely appeared on this floor except to deliver documents.


    Upon seeing Huo Ning, Qianqian''s eyes lit up with excitement, but noticing Huo Ning''s shyness, she suppressed her inner fangirl scream.


    While ncing at Huo Ning, she replied to Yin Su: "I just came to deliver some documents. Then, colleagues on the 12th floor treated us to afternoon tea, and I couldn''t finish it all, so I brought some up here."


    "I thought I''d see if you wanted some, Yin Su."


    Qianqian was the hardcore CP fan who had been arguing with haters online.


    Seeing her behavior, Yin Su understood immediately but still seriously advised: "Miss Ning can''t eat food from unknown sources, so please take it back."


    Huo Ning''s excited expression fell, ah, her once round but now paper-thin stomach...


    The duck that was almost in her grasp had flown away.


    What a pity.


    Yin Su''s words also reminded Qianqian, who immediately retrieved the food she had brought, agreeing with Yin Su''s decision.


    "Yin Su is right!"


    With that, she quickly ran out carrying the food.


    Halfway out, she suddenly turned back, standing about a meter away from Huo Ning, and cheered: "Ning Ning, keep it up! You''re really amazing!"


    Huo Ning was stunned for a moment, then broke into a grin.


    She raised both hands, forming a heart shape above her head: "Thank you, auntie!"


    Qianqian couldn''t help but let out a squeal, then quickly silenced herself, realizing this was the CEO''s office.


    Her hands moved as if wound up, waving at Ning Ning repeatedly as she backed away.


    Until she disappeared around the corner, no longer visible.


    Yin Su smiled helplessly, then took out a food box containing some delicate pastries.


    "You must be hungry, have these."


    Huo Ning''s face lit up even more.


    After the afternoon tea, Yin Su took Huo Ning to the adjacent shopping mall.


    Huo Xiaozheng had originally wanted to apany them personally but was held up bypany matters.


    "Will Ning Ning be upset that Dad''s noting?" Yin Su, having spent some time with her, had grown closer to her.


    Huo Ning shook her head: "No, it''s better for Dad to earn more money."


    The more money earned, the less of a burden it would be to raise her, Huo Ning thought silently.


    At this moment, she and Yin Su were sitting in C Brand''s VIP room. Yin Su crouched beside her, holding an iPad, letting her choose the gown she liked.


    Huo Ning asked curiously:


    "Yin Su, why do we need to buy a gown?"


    Since Huo Xiaozheng had changed his attitude, half of the walk-in closet in the master bedroom had been upied by her clothes and personal items.


    Winter hadn''t passed yet, so there shouldn''t be a rush to replenish, right?


    Yin Su smiled: "Mr. Huo was worried you might get bored staying in the office all day, so he asked me to take you out shopping."


    Huo Ning seemed to understand but not quite. She wanted to ask more, but Yin Su changed the subject.


    "Do you like this white one?"


    It was an intricate princess-style dress with embroidered badges on the chest.


    A bit boring, Huo Ning thought.


    She flipped through a few more pages, then suddenly stopped.


    On the screen was a U-neck spaghetti strap A-line long dress, adorned withrge roses of the same color at the corbone. The entire dress shimmered under the light, looking both noble and enchanting.


    The sales assistant, sensing an opportunity, immediately had someone bring out this dress.


    The actual dress was just as beautiful. After trying it on, Huo Ning expressed her satisfaction.


    Huo Ning also chose a pair of ck leather shoes with a slight heel.


    Yin Su asked the sales assistant to package everything Huo Ning wanted and have it sent back to thepany.


    On their way back, passing by an ice cream shop, Huo Ning clung to Yin Su''s leg, pleading adorably.


    Yin Su said firmly: "You''ve had quite a few snacks today, you can''t have ice cream now."


    Five minutester, Huo Ning was happily eating ice cream, one hand holding Yin Su''s, the other holding the ice cream cone.


    When they returned to the office, Huo Ning had just enough time to destroy the evidence.


    Huo Xiaozheng pretended not to notice, discreetly wiping away the ice cream from the corner of her mouth: "Did you have fun?"


    Huo Ning nodded.


    After a moment''s thought, she said with a slight frown: "But I think I''ve gotten a bit skinny, it doesn''t look good."


    Huo Xiaozheng was somewhat surprised.


    This was the first time Huo Ning had voluntarily expressed her concerns to him, instead of trying to deal with them on her own.


    Huo Xiaozheng thought for a moment, then made a phone call to Shen Shiyan.

 Chapter 41

    Huo Ning likely felt she had be a bit thinner when trying on clothes.


    Huo Xiaozheng contacted Shen Shiyan and asked him to rmend a nutritionist.


    "Just eat well, and you''ll gradually gain weight," Huo Xiaozheng said reassuringly after hanging up the phone, seeing that the little girl was indeed somewhat unhappy.


    Huo Ning pushed her luck: "Then can I have burgers and fried chicken for dinner?"


    Huo Xiaozheng: ...


    On this day, Huo Ning was destined to miss out on fried chicken.


    Come dinnertime, Zheng Jinxiu, concerned about her health, repeatedly instructed Huo Xiaozheng to bring Ning Ning back to the old mansion for dinner without fail.


    Unable to resist the temptation of lobster, Huo Ning followed Huo Xiaozheng back to the old mansion.


    At seven in the evening, the two arrived at the old mansion right on time.


    On the way, worried that Huo Ning might be hungry, Huo Xiaozheng gave her a small bread roll to eat.


    With cheese-baked lobster on her mind, Huo Ning managed to resist the temptation and didn''t eat another bite.


    Now, as soon as she entered the door, her gaze couldn''t help but drift towards the dining table.


    Zheng Jinxiu smiled, "Is Ning Ning hungry?"


    Huo Ning felt a bit embarrassed: "I just had a small bread roll on the way, so I''m not that hungry yet..."


    Just craving, she silently added in her heart.


    Zheng Jinxiu saw through it but didn''t say anything. She immediately called for Old Master Huo, and the family of four sat down to eat.


    Huo Yueze usually lived at his own home, which was closer to school.


    Only on weekends, when Huo Yueze''s parents were too busy to look after him, would they asionally drop him off at the old mansion to keep his grandparentspany.


    At this moment, without Huo Yueze to liven up the atmosphere, the dining table was somewhat quiet.


    Huo Ning was eating heartily while her mind wandered.


    Suddenly, a piece of broli appeared on her te. Huo Ning frowned and looked up at the owner of the chopsticks.


    "You need to eat your vegetables too," Huo Xiaozheng said calmly, ignoring her displeasure. "You need to eat all kinds of food to grow nice and plump."


    Because of her experience with illness in her previous life, Huo Ning hated seeing herself look sickly and unhealthy.


    Now, hearing Huo Xiaozheng say this, she hesitated despite her usual deep aversion to vegetables.


    "Really?"


    Huo Xiaozheng smiled gently: "Of course, I wouldn''t lie to you."


    Huo Ning looked a bit dejected but obediently swallowed a piece of broli.


    Little did she know, this was just the beginning. After the broli came snow peas, carrots, and celery.


    Frightened, Huo Ning kept backing away, forgetting even about her beloved lobster, frantically waving her hands in refusal.


    "I''m full!"


    Old Master Huo burst outughing.


    But he quicklyposed himself and said seriously: "Children don''t like vegetables, but we can cultivate the taste gradually. No need to rush."


    Huo Xiaozheng: ?


    Old Master Huo didn''t care. Taking advantage of the moment of discord between father and daughter, he used the serving chopsticks to put a chicken leg on Huo Ning''s te.


    "This is delicious."


    Huo Ning nced at Huo Xiaozheng''s expression. Seeing that he wasn''t angry, she brazenly pushed the vegetables aside, picked up the chicken leg with her hands, and took a big bite.


    Then she disyed the satisfied expression that Huo Xiaozheng had grown ustomed to seeing.


    Watching this scene, Huo Xiaozheng gave a coldugh in Old Master Huo''s direction.


    It seemed that, unless absolutely necessary, there was no need toe back to the old mansion in the future.


    It was just an ordinary dinner, but Huo Xiaozheng was as busy as if he were dealing with a battle.


    The two elders were feeding Huo Ning with almost no restraint. As long as Huo Ning nodded, she could skip all the vegetables.


    Dessert was served in unlimited quantities after the meal. Cherries were washed clean, juiced, and served in cute duck-shaped ss cups.


    She could drink as much as she wanted.


    This should be in moderation, that''s not allowed - despite all his efforts to restrain her, Huo Xiaozheng still couldn''t prevent Huo Ning from eating until her belly was round and full.


    When Huo Jing walked in the door, she saw Huo Ning half-lying on the sofa, with Huo Xiaozheng rubbing her belly while ring at the two elders.


    And her parents were looking anywhere but at Huo Xiaozheng, one gazing at the sky and the other at the ground.


    "Auntie!" Huo Ning was the first to notice Huo Jing.


    "Auntie, you look so beautiful!" she eximed, her eyes sparkling with admiration.


    Huo Jing hade directly from a movie promotion event, which was closer to the old mansion, so she had been dropped off here.


    At this moment, she was still wearing the wine-red sequined fitted spaghetti strap evening gown she had worn on the red carpet, with a white coat draped over it. Her hair was styled in big waves swept to one side, exuding charm and grace.


    Seeing Huo Ning''s adoring expression, Huo Jing felt somewhat pleased.


    She smiled at Huo Ning and walked over, intending to pat Huo Ning''s head, but upon seeing Huo Xiaozheng, her gaze became a bit hesitant.


    She could only stand at a distance and wave at Huo Ning.


    Huo Xiaozheng nced at Huo Jing and continued to lecture Huo Ning: "Will you dare to eat so much again in the future?"


    After Huo Xiaozheng''s massage, Huo Ning felt that her stomach was no longer bloated at all. She felt she could go another round.


    But catching Huo Xiaozheng''s icy gaze, Huo Ning ducked her head and meekly replied like a little quail: "I won''t dare."


    Actually, she still would, but she didn''t say so.


    Seeing that she had recovered sufficiently, Huo Xiaozheng stood up, intending to take Huo Ning home.


    Seeing that they were about to leave, Zheng Jinxiu quickly ran to the kitchen and had the housekeeper pack some of Ning Ning''s favorite foods for them to take away.


    Huo Jing had been standing in ce all this time, unsure whether to sit or remain standing.


    Now, seeing that they were about to leave, Huo Jing hesitantly spoke up: "Brother, can we talk?"


    Old Master Huo, noticing the situation, turned to Huo Ning and asked: "Grandpa heard that Ning Ning can draw,"


    This old man''s creaky voice sent a shiver down Huo Jing''s spine. But at the moment, she obviously couldn''t spare the energy to be disgusted with her father.


    Seeing Huo Xiaozheng heading towards the reception room, Huo Jing quickly followed.


    Watching the two leave one after another, Huo Ning came back to her senses and nodded at Old Master Huo.


    "Can you show Grandpa?"


    ...


    Huo Xiaozheng sat down in the main seat of the reception room and leisurely poured himself a cup of tea.


    Huo Jing sat down nervously beside him.


    "Brother," she said, her tone anxious.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s expression remained unchanged: "What is it? Go ahead."


    Huo Jing bit her lip: "About Ning Ning, I was wrong."


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t respond.


    "I shouldn''t have transferred my dislike for her mother onto her. It''s not fair to her."


    Huo Xiaozheng gave a slight "Mm." Then asked: "Anything else?"


    Huo Jing was a bit confused. She thought for a moment, her eyes flickering: "That day at the magazine shoot, it was my fault for not being attentive enough. I shouldn''t have left Ning Ning in someone else''s care."


    Huo Xiaozheng finished the tea in his cup and shook his head: "That''s not it."


    Huo Jing was stunned. Could there be something else?


    "From the first time you met her, you treated her as an imaginary enemy," Huo Xiaozheng said, his tone somewhat cold. "If Ning Ning had been born into the Huo family, would you have treated her this way?"


    His words hit hard, resonating deeply.


    Huo Jing felt as if she had been struck by lightning, momentarily losing the ability to speak.


    Huo Xiaozheng stood up and patted his sister''s shoulder.


    "ept her."


    With that, Huo Xiaozheng walked out first.


    Those three words seemed to be directed at Huo Jing, but also appeared to be Huo Xiaozheng''s self-reflection.


    The night was hazy, the cold wind biting.


    Yet it couldn''t disperse the warmth within themplight.

 Chapter 42

    In the living room.


    "This is the dress I designed for Aunt," Huo Ning sat on the sofa, her small hand pointing at the tablet screen.


    Old Master Huo sat on her left, wearing reading sses, eagerly following her finger, admiring her masterpiece.


    "This dress..." Old Master Huo''s eyes looked a bit dazed, "Why does it look a bit creepy?"


    Zheng Jinxiu sat on Huo Ning''s right side.


    Hearing her husband''s dangerousment, Zheng Jinxiu hurriedly tried to smooth things over: "What do you mean creepy! This is art, it''s stylish!"


    Huo Ning tilted her head in a thoughtful pose, and after a moment, she stated firmly: "I think Grandma is right!"


    Saying this, she turned her back and leaned towards Zheng Jinxiu, pointing at the model in the picture and continuing to introduce: "This dress is called ''Blood-Colored Bride'', these red parts are the color of blood sttered on it..."


    Zheng Jinxiu''s face froze.


    Huo Ning continued to enthusiastically exin her design concept: "It symbolizes new life."


    Huo Xiaozheng came out of the reception room to see his parents looking dumbfounded and his daughter talking non-stop.


    Her little mouth was still chattering: "There''s also a set of veils, also in white and red... Aunt will look so cool wearing it..."


    Huo Xiaozheng walked over, took one nce at the iPad, and felt his heart age several years instantly.


    He calmly said: "Is this your new work?"


    Huo Ning nodded, holding up the screen for him to see, with an expression seeking praise.


    Huo Jing walked over as well. She had vaguely heard that Ning Ning had designed clothes for her, and driven by curiosity, she also looked at the screen.


    She had thought it would be a child''s doodle, but unexpectedly, the screen showed a proper model, with features simr to hers, wearing an avant-garde dress.


    It was both bloody and romantic.


    She let out a "Wow!" exmation: "This is so cool!"


    It truly resonated with her.


    Huo Ning''s eyes sparkled: "Does Aunt like it?"


    Huo Jing gave a 100% affirmation: "I love it so much!"


    Huo Jing''s words were sincere, without a hint of perfunctoriness.


    Huo Ning smiled even more happily.


    "Did you draw this?"


    Huo Ning nodded heavily: "I drew it for Aunt on the day of her magazine photoshoot!"


    The amazement in Huo Jing''s eyes hadn''t faded.


    She crouched down, her eyes level with Huo Ning on the sofa.


    "Ning Ning, Aunt hasn''t been doing well before. Aunt wants to apologize to you."


    Huo Ning looked confused: "Aunt hasn''t done anything wrong."


    Huo Jing said self-deprecatingly: "If it wasn''t for me not taking good care of you, you wouldn''t have been photographed by someone. You''re already weak, and I still..."


    Huo Jing couldn''t continue speaking.


    Huo Ning jumped off the sofa and stretched out her arms to hug her: "Aunt, it''s not your fault. Let''s get along well from now on."


    The innocent words made Huo Jing''s eyes well up with tears.


    She buried her head in Huo Ning''s neck, her voice a bit choked: "I''m so d to meet you, my little niece."


    Huo Ning gently patted her back, speaking softly: "I''m d to meet you too, my beautiful aunt."


    This loving scene, in Old Master Huo''s eyes, was very eye-catching.


    He wondered what nickname his little granddaughter had given him.


    On the way back, Huo Ning remained in an excited state.


    Huo Xiaozheng said amusedly: "Do you like your aunt that much?"


    Huo Ning nodded: "Aunt is beautiful."


    Huo Xiaozheng, as if possessed, continued: "Then what about Dad?"


    Huo Ning was stunned.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s features were rather cold and hard, he usually wore his hair slicked back, always in formal attire, giving off an unapproachable aura.


    "Dad is handsome and cool!" Huo Ning evaluated sincerely.


    Perhaps it was the perfect night, or perhaps Huo Ning seemed very talkative tonight.


    Huo Xiaozheng continued: "Then do you like Dad or Aunt more?"


    Huo Ning replied without hesitation: "I like Dad."


    She gave her answer almost instantly, without any time for thought.


    Her tone was very natural.


    Huo Ning''s thinking was simple. She came into this world with a thousand ties to Huo Xiaozheng.


    In fact, her very life safety depended on Huo Xiaozheng.


    So, for Huo Ning, let alone Huo Jing, no one was as important as Huo Xiaozheng.


    But Huo Xiaozheng clearly misunderstood.


    In the dim car, Huo Xiaozheng''s lips curved up uncontrobly.


    The following days, Huo Ning spent her time working, swimming, shopping, and attending psychological counseling.


    As Huo Xiaozheng had said, following the nutritionist''s diet n, Huo Ning visibly rounded up.


    On New Year''s Day, Huo Xiaozheng finally took a break from being a workaholic.


    Huo Ning slept until noon and was dug out of her nkets by Huo Xiaozheng for lunch.


    This day was New Year''s Day.


    In the evening, they would return to the old mansion to have dinner and celebrate the New Year with the Huo family.


    Huo Yueze sent her a message saying he had prepared lots of fireworks to set off for her to watch that night.


    Huo Ning was looking forward to this.


    After lunch, apanied by Huo Xiaozheng, she swam in the pool for a while. After returning, she started to show signs of restlessness.


    She even put aside her tablet, neither looking at it nor drawing.


    Huo Xiaozheng found it amusing.


    "Tonight we''ll meet Grandpa and Grandma''s good friends, so stylists wille overter to help you get ready," Huo Xiaozheng exined, seeing her fidgeting on the sofa. "Once you''re styled, we''ll head to the old mansion, okay?"


    Huo Ning nodded eagerly.


    Soon after, the stylists arrived.


    The butler led everyone to a room on the second floor.


    The room was directly opposite Huo Xiaozheng''s bedroom, prepared as Huo Ning''s future bedroom, and was fully decorated.


    The bedroom was spacious, with a huge walk-in closet and bathroom. The decor leaned towards warm tones, looking veryfortable.


    This was also Huo Ning''s first time entering this room. Learning that this room was prepared for her, Huo Ning was already eager to move in immediately.


    Once Huo Ning was seated, the stylists began their work.


    Huo Ning''s face had gained some flesh, looking fair and tender, with a hint of pampered luxury.


    The hairstylist trimmed her long ck hair slightly, leaving her with straight bangs.


    He took out an electric curling iron, intending to curl her hair, but was stopped by Huo Ning.


    "Uncle, I want this hairstyle," Huo Ning pointed at a picture on the tablet, her voice soft.


    The model in the photo had a princess cut hairstyle.


    The hairstylist looked a bit troubled.


    It wasn''t that the hairstyle wasn''t pretty, but this kind of hairstyle paired with a princess dress...


    The makeup artist, hearing her voice, also peeked at the picture, showing the same troubled look in her eyes.


    Huo Ning didn''t mind.


    She hopped off the chair, pitter-pattered to the bedroom, and with Huo Xiaozheng''s help, brought out her purple long dress.


    "I want to match it with this dress!" Huo Ning announced to everyone.


    They all looked at each other, at a loss for what to do.


    This was a bit contrary to Mr. Huo''s instructions.


    Huo Ning looked anxiously at Huo Xiaozheng, her big eyes drooping.


    Huo Xiaozheng smiled, patted her head, and signaled everyone to do as she said.

 Chapter 43

    With Huo Xiaozheng''s orders, the staff immediately sprang into action.


    The hairstylist skillfully styled her hair into a princess cut, while the stylist took out the purple dress, ironed it again, and waited to help her change into it.


    By the time Huo Ning was fully dressed and made up, an hour had passed.


    During this time, Huo Xiaozheng watched for a while before returning to his study to handle business matters.


    The Steward was left to oversee everything.


    Watching Huo Ning transform from an adorable little dumpling into a dark little princess, the Steward felt nothing but pride, with a touch of "our little girl is growing up" sentiment.


    In the mirror, Huo Ning''s obedient long ck hair had been transformed into a princess cut, adorned with diamond hair essories on both sides.


    She wore a purple U-neck long dress made of a special material that shimmered and sparkled under the lights.


    Concerned about the temperature, the stylist paired it with a thick beige coat for warmth.


    Huo Ning smiled, and the girl in the mirror smiled back.


    Huo Xiaozheng happened to catch this moment and gave her a thumbs up, mouthing "You look beautiful."


    Huo Ning turned around with a radiant smile and ran a few steps to Huo Xiaozheng''s side.


    Huo Xiaozheng had changed into a gray suit, tailored perfectly, exuding an elegant air.


    "You look very nice," he repeated.


    Receiving thepliment, Huo Ning''s smile widened, her eyes crinkling with joy.


    Huo Xiaozheng raised his hand, ncing at the watch on his wrist. "It''s gettingte, we should get going."


    He crouched down, picked up Huo Ning, and headed downstairs.


    Huo Ning, in high spirits, couldn''t help but chatter, "Daddy, why do you always like to carry me?"


    After all, she could walk by herself.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s steps faltered as he imagined his 6''3" frame, hunched over, holding hands with a 3''3" little bean sprout - a scene both humbling and unseemly.


    He casually replied, "Because you''re still small. As you grow day by day, the time I can carry you will gradually decrease."


    Huo Ning stared into his eyes, feeling something was off but unable to put her finger on it.


    Huo Xiaozheng subtly averted his gaze.


    ...


    It was the New Year''s holiday period, and as they passed through the city center, the crowds wererge, causing their car to be stuck in traffic for a while.


    Huo Ning remained calm about this, even finding time to draw during the traffic jam.


    She drew the crowds, the trees, and the cars.


    When she got tired, she would lean against Huo Xiaozheng and rest for a bit.


    By the time they reached the Huo Family Ancestral Home, the clock showed 6 PM.


    Many cars were parked at the entrance, but Huo Ning, having just woken up, was still groggy and didn''t pay much attention.


    She nestled on Huo Xiaozheng''s shoulder, her coat shielding her from the cold wind outside.


    Upon entering the house, the rush of warm air made her drowsy.


    Seeing how sleepy she was, Zheng Jinxiu gave Huo Xiaozheng a look, signaling him to take her to rest.


    "Sister! You''re finally here!" Huo Yueze''s sudden loud voice interrupted everyone''s careful silence.


    It also chased away Huo Ning''s drowsiness.


    She patted Huo Xiaozheng''s shoulder, and he put her down. Worried she might still be disoriented, he simply crouched down, his hands protectively at her sides.


    "Hello, Brother Yueze!"


    Huo Yueze rushed over, but came to an abrupt halt under Huo Xiaozheng''s icy gaze.


    "Wow, sister, you''ve changed your hairstyle. It''s so pretty!" Huo Yueze''s eyes sparkled with admiration.


    Huo Yueze was wearing a white formal suit today, his curly hair styled with hair gel.


    "Brother, your hair looks so cool," Huo Ning said. It had a Korean drama second male lead vibe.


    Huo Yueze smiled shyly.


    "Is this Ning Ning?" An elderly woman in her sixties approached. "What a pretty little face, she looks just like Xiaozheng, as if cut from the same mold."


    Zheng Jinxiu chimed in, "You''re here atst, we''ve been waiting for you to start the banquet. Ning Ning, this is Grandmother Xu, say hello to her."


    Huo Ning obediently greeted her.


    Looking around, she finally realized that the usually spacious living room was now filled with many people.


    It had been transformed into a banquet hall, with Old Master Huo at the center, everyone exchanging greetings and smiling warmly.


    "Daddy, are all these Grandpa and Grandma''s good friends? There are so many..."


    Huo Xiaozheng, charmed by her wide-eyed wonder, patiently exined, "There are also Daddy''s friends, and friends of uncles, aunts, and other rtives."


    Seeing that she was now awake, Zheng Jinxiu called over the Steward and whispered a few words.


    Suddenly, the lights in the hall went out, leaving only one chandelier lit.


    Old Master Huo, supporting himself with a cane in one hand, walked up to Huo Ning.


    "Come, Ning Ning, let Grandpa introduce you to everyone."


    Huo Ning looked uncertainly towards Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Xiaozheng patted her head. "Go on, I''ll be right behind you."


    Only then did Huo Ning feel reassured, cing her hand in Old Master Huo''s palm, allowing him to lead her to the center of the hall.


    The crowd gradually gathered around Old Master Huo.


    "Everyone here today is a rtive or friend of the Huo Family. Over the years, we''ve been grateful for your care and support."


    "Today is New Year''s Day. On this joyous asion, I''d like to introduce my granddaughter, who is also the daughter of my youngest son, Huo Xiaozheng."


    "Her name is Huo Guining."


    The name "Huo Guining" was pronounced with solemn gravity.


    "In the future, I hope you will all look after her as well."


    Those present had, to varying degrees, seen the previous news reports.


    As such, upon hearing these words, they understood Old Master Huo''s good intentions.


    By introducing the little girl to everyone in this circle, anyone who might think of doing something unsavory to her in the future would have to think twice.


    The crowd understood, and as Old Master Huo finished speaking, apuse thundered through the room.


    Huo Ning was still a bit dazed.


    So, this was a family introduction banquet?


    Was this why Huo Xiaozheng had Yin Su take her shopping for the past two days?


    Before Huo Ning could fully process this, the stream of gifts being presented interrupted her thoughts.


    "The young miss looks so intelligent, very much like Old Master Huo in his younger days!"


    Hearing this, Old Master Huo beamed, his eyes crinkling with joy. He modestly replied, "Oh, not at all, not at all, haha."


    Huo Ning, or rather, from today onwards, Huo Guining, epted the gifts from the elders, bowing slightly in thanks.


    Her graceful manners drew more admiration from those around her.


    Huo Guining thought to herself, being a child is really nice. It''s the age where even a simple thank you is praiseworthy.


    It seemed that this family introduction banquet had been in preparation for some time, which exined why everyone had brought gifts on New Year''s Day.


    At this moment, as Huo Guining repeatedly went through the process of receiving gifts, greeting people, and expressing thanks, she felt a warmth in her heart.


    For the first time, she felt that she wasn''t just an outsider in this story.


    After the banquet began, Huo Guining, under Old Master Huo''s guidance, toasted some respected elders with juice.


    Old Master Huo, mindful of her weak constitution and seeing that she had eaten enough, soon signaled for Huo Xiaozheng to take her to rest.


    Seeing that his sister was finally free, Huo Yueze seized the opportunity: "Sister, let''s go set off fireworks!"


    Seeing her interest, Huo Xiaozheng took her to a room to change into warmer clothes before letting her go y.


    "Be careful, and don''t run too far."


    Huo Yueze agreed repeatedly, then took Huo Guining''s hand as they happily ran towards the garden.


    In the corridor of the banquet hall, an inconspicuous man intently watched the two figures, throwing his cigarette butt to the ground and viciously stamping it out.

 Chapter 44

    In the garden, Huo Guining waved two lit sparklers happily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Nearby, Huo Yueze was fiddling with arge firework, asionally ncing up at her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Sister, don''t hold the sparklers so close. Keep them farther away."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining obediently held the sparklers at arm''s length.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Brother, they''re finished," Huo Guining tossed away the burnt-out sparklers and ran to Huo Yueze. Mimicking his posture, she crouched beside him and asked curiously, "Brother, is it ready yet?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze smiled at her and deftly lit the fuse.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With a sizzling sound, Huo Yueze scooped up Huo Guining and quickly moved to a safe distance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Look, sister!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Loud bangs echoed through the sky as enormous, dazzling fireworks bloomed like flowers, cascading with color. Sparks of various hues spread outwards before disappearing into the dark night sky.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    One after another, the fireworks came in quick session.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze produced a pair of sses from somewhere and put them on Huo Guining. "Sister, wear these to protect your eyes from the dust!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining shed him a big smile, about to say thank you...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Sister, look! This is the surprise I prepared for you!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining immediately tilted her head back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After a tremendous boom, apanied by a series of crackling sounds, words appeared in the sky.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Ningning, wee home!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s eyes welled up with emotion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze, looking pleased with himself, excitedly shouted in her ear, "Ningning, wee home! From now on, your brother will protect you. No one will ever bully you again!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The boy''s straightforward and sincere words added a touch of warmth to the dramatic scene.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining removed her sses, rubbed her eyes, and said in a muffled voice, "Thank you, brother. These are the most beautiful fireworks I''ve ever seen!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing this, Huo Yueze''s invisible tail practically wagged with joy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was worth depleting his entire savings to arrange this fireworks disy for his sister.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Suddenly, Huo Yueze had an idea: "Sister, wait a moment. The gift I prepared for you isn''t just this..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With that, he dashed up to his second-floor bedroom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining smiled sweetly, dutifully put on her sses, and stood under the wisteria-covered arbor in the garden to continue enjoying the fireworks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The fireworks illuminated the entire night sky, blooming like golden chrysanthemums against the vast ck canvas, fluttering like colorful butterflies, and scattering like celestial maidens showering flowers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining felt a sense of peace wash over her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Young Miss, Young Master Yueze has prepared several special fireworks for you to light yourself."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The speaker was a burly but not tall man in a ck suit, with a white earpiece. He had an air of righteousness about him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze had told her that he personally lit what he considered the most important set of fireworks, and had arranged for staff to handle the rest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Thinking this was another little surprise from Huo Yueze, Huo Guining nodded and followed him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They walked deeper into the garden, indeed towards the fireworksunch site. Huo Guining, not suspecting anything, admired the fireworks as they walked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When they reached a rockery, the man in the ck suit suddenly stopped.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining peered ahead, asking puzzled, "Are we here?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before she could react, her shoulders were gripped, a cloth was pressed tightly over her mouth and nose, and she was lifted off the ground by the man in the ck suit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s eyes widened as she struggled violently.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But her body began to go limp against her will.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her movements grew weaker and weaker. Through the haze, she saw a figure running towards her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But soon, she plunged into darkness, copsing softly into the arms of the man in the ck suit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hey, wake up."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Huo Guining heard a girl''s voice, ethereal and quiet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You can''t sleep anymore... wake up."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining struggled to open her heavy eyelids, and a little girl appeared in her vision.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She wore a white dress with a sunflower embroidered on the chest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A colorless little girl.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Behind her was a dark, damp forest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining frowned, "It''s you again."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The little girl smiled, revealing a small fang: "Good thing you woke up. If you slept any longer, no one could save you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Barefoot, like an innocent child, she circled around Huo Guining.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Stop spinning, I feel sick."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The little girl shook her head: "Feeling sick is good. How much longer are you going to stay here?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was confused. This was a dream, she must be dreaming.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But what happened before the dream?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The image of the man in the ck suit suddenly appeared in her mind, and her eyes narrowed sharply.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining looked at the girl warily: "Who are you really?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The sunflower girl shrugged: "I told you, I''m you~"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With that, she turned and walked decisively into the depths of the forest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Unlikest time, this time a small duck was faintly visible at her feet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She rushed forward to ask for rification, but her foot stepped into emptiness...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s heart lurched, and she suddenly woke up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She was locked in a basement, the only lighting from a dim tablemp.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The room was cluttered with discarded items, and the ceiling leaked, creating a dull, oppressive dripping sound.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s hands and feet were bound, and her mouth was taped shut.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her wrists were bare; apparently, the kidnappers had disposed of her watch.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In these conditions, Huo Guining couldn''t tell how long she had been held captive. She felt not only anxious but also hungry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Surely, a considerable amount of time must have passed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Bang!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A loud noise came from the stairs as someone approached.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The man in the ck suit came towards her carrying a ss of water.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining could now see his face clearly: a square, ordinary face with arge mole at the corner of his mouth. He looked unremarkable, not at all like a vicious criminal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He ripped the tape off Huo Guining''s mouth and held the ss to her lips. "Drink."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining immediately started screaming for help.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The man in the ck suit sneered and smashed the ss, sending shards flying that cut Huo Guining''s face. Red droplets of blood emerged eagerly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The man gripped her chin roughly: "Getting cocky, are we? Did you think I wouldn''t do anything to you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining asked timidly, "Why did you kidnap me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The man''s eyes suddenly turned vicious: "Why? When I get the money, you can ask the King of Hell for an answer!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining realized she had misjudged him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It turned out that not all demons have hideous faces. They can also, like this man in the ck suit, have an utterly ordinary appearance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was so frightened that involuntary tears began to flow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She dug her nails into her palms, not daring to cry out loud.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Uncle, I''m hungry. Can I have something to eat?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The man in the ck suit was momentarily taken aback.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He had expected the little girl to keep causing trouble, not ask for food.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He clicked his tongue: "Fine. Build up your strength. You''ll need itter."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 45

    Soon, the Man in Suit tossed her a piece of bread.


    Huo Guining looked at him pleadingly and said timidly, "I can''t eat with my hands tied like this."


    Her hands were bound, making it impossible for her to even tear open the bread''s packaging.


    The Man in Suit impatiently kicked her, cursing under his breath. He roughly tore open the packaging and shoved the bread into her hands.


    "Don''t give me any more trouble, or you''ll regret it!" he snarled as he turned and walked out.


    When he mmed the door shut, the force shook loose ayer of dust.


    Huo Guining trembled, struggling to raise her arms as she began to nibble on the bread in small bites.


    She couldn''t eat too quickly or she''d choke. But she couldn''t not eat either. Huo Xiaozheng was so capable; he''d surely rescue her. She needed to keep up her strength and seize any opportunity that arose.


    Just like...


    Huo Guining didn''t finish the thought.


    She unexpectedly discovered that her hands were bound with tape. And now, as she could bite the bread in her hands, didn''t that mean...


    She tried using her teeth to gnaw at the tape, slowly wearing it down. After a good while, she managed to make a small tear in the resilient tape.


    Her heart leaped with joy, and she immediately quickened her efforts.


    Meanwhile, the Huo family was in chaos.


    An hour had passed since Huo Guining''s disappearance.


    For wealthy families, time is life in kidnapping cases.


    The longer it drags on, the lower the chances of survival.


    Huo Xiaozheng had called the police immediately.


    The police believed this was a premeditated kidnapping.


    But so far, the Huo family hadn''t received any calls from the kidnappers.


    The security footage showed no sign of who had taken Huo Guining, only a ck sedan leaving the vi around the time she disappeared.


    "If Guining and Yueze were kidnapped together, why can we see Yueze in the footage but not Guining?" Huo Yanqin raged.


    Huo Xiaozheng was the first to notice Guining''s disappearance, initially thinking Huo Yueze had mischievously taken her somewhere.


    Huo Xiaozheng opened Guining''s location information and found her watch in a corner of the garden.


    Along with a purple tassel hair clip.


    That''s when he realized Guining was gone.


    For the first time, he panicked and immediately called Huo Yueze, only to find that Huo Yueze hadn''t brought his phone.


    His sister-inw answered the call.


    That''s when they realized both Guining and Huo Yueze were missing.


    Old Master Huo ordered everyone to search.


    They scoured the entire area but found no trace.


    While checking the surveince footage, Huo Yanqin saw his son chasing after a car. But at a corner, the car disappeared, and soon after, so did his son.


    The ck sedan had used fake tes and switched cars before reaching the next surveince camera.


    The police were having difficulty tracking the culprits'' whereabouts.


    And Huo Yueze''s disappearance was even more mysterious.


    As time ticked away with no progress, the guests who hade to celebrate mobilized. That night, no one in South City slept.


    Meanwhile, Guining anxiously watched the basement entrance while struggling to chew through the tape on her hands.


    To avoid detection by the Man in Suit, she carefully spit the tape residue into herrge ck down jacket.


    "Click."


    The basement door lock opened.


    Huo Guining dropped the bread in her hands and hid them between her knees, pretending to shiver from the cold.


    The Man in Suit strode over, his eyes suddenly changing when he saw 2/3 of the bread still on the ground.


    He put down what he was carrying, snatched up the bread from the floor, and tried to force it into Huo Guining''s mouth. "ying the pampered princess with me, are you? Eat! Eat it all!"


    Huo Guining whimpered and dodged, enraging the Man in Suit. He raised his hand to strike...


    "Uncle, I didn''t mean not to eat it, it''s just that my throat was choked!" Huo Guining cried out hurriedly.


    But she wasn''t sure if the Man in Suit had anypassion left.


    The Man in Suit''s hand stopped mid-air, suddenly losing strength. He tossed the bread into a corner.


    "Forget it. You don''t have much time left anyway, no point in fussing over this."


    His words chilled Huo Guining to the bone, her heart momentarily stopping.


    Coincidentally, Huo Guining felt the familiar dull pain in her heart again.


    This time, she dared not y weak in front of the Man in Suit.


    Devils have nopassion.


    The Man in Suit straightened her body, making her sit against the wall.


    Directly opposite her was a camera, its red light currently on.


    After adjusting the angle, the Man in Suit sat in front of the camera and ordered Huo Guining, "I''m going to send this video to your father. Tell your father to prepare one hundred million yuan and transfer it to the bank ount I specify."


    "When the timees, I''ll release you."


    Huo Guining''s eyes widened.


    This man was lying.


    Thinking Huo Guining was too young to understand, he had just said earlier that he wouldn''t let her live!


    "What are you spacing out for!" The Man in Suit grabbed an old book and threw it at Huo Guining.


    The loud noise echoed in the basement, tightening her already ufortable heart even more.


    Huo Guining, with tears welling up in her big eyes, faced the camera and said word by word, "Dad, it''s... it''s Guining."


    Seeing her stutter, the Man in Suit became furious. He strode over to Huo Guining, crouched down, and grabbed her chin.


    He hissed menacingly, "I''ve seen you in the news. Since you''re not some ignorant child, I advise you to behave yourself."


    "I''ll give you onest chance. If you can''t speak clearly this time, I won''t hesitate to send your limbs to Huo Xiaozheng."


    Huo Guining felt a chill run from her tailbone to the top of her head, leaving her entire body cold.


    She nodded frantically.


    "Dad, it''s... it''s Guining." She stammered again identally, then fearfully nced at the man behind the camera. Shrinking her neck, she quickly said, "Uncle wants you to prepare one hundred million yuan and transfer it to his specified bank ount."


    "Otherwise, he''ll kill me."


    As soon as she finished speaking, the Man in Suit turned off the camera.


    "Well said." The Man in Suit patted Huo Guining''s face approvingly.


    "What do you think? If Huo Xiaozheng knew that the faster he sends the money, the quicker you''ll die."


    "Would he kill himself? Hahahahaha."


    The Man in Suit left the basement,ughing loudly.


    "He''s aplete devil," Huo Guining muttered.


    How could someone be so cruel, not just killing but also torturing the soul?


    Huo Guining leaned against the wall, her eyes lifeless, like a soulless puppet.

 Chapter 46

    Upon receiving the video, Huo Xiaozheng was filled with rage, his fingertips digging deep into his palms, veins bulging on the back of his hands.


    "Have you traced the sender''s IP?" he demanded.


    The police officer shook his head. "The sender concealed their IP address. Our IT colleagues are working on tracking it down."


    As time ticked away, there was still no breakthrough in the case.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s entire demeanor changed.


    The police station staff were all busy, with Huo Xiaozheng at the center, investigating potential suspects.


    Simultaneously, they were tracking the vehicle with fake license tes.


    "We''ve got something!" someone shouted. "Someone spotted that ck car at a vehicle processing station in the eastern part of the city."


    People immediately mobilized to pursue the ck car.


    Huo Xiaozheng waited at the station, his expression growing increasingly grim.


    "We''ve checked all the visitor logs and haven''t found any suspicious individuals," a police officer reported. "However... we haven''t been able to contact a bodyguard named Xu Jin yet."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes sharpened. "Xu Jin?"


    "There''s no one named Xu Jin in the security team."


    The police officer''s expression immediately changed. "The head of the security team is suspicious!"


    ...


    Outside an abandoned building in the suburbs, a white figure trembled, slowly moving along the wall.


    It was Huo Yueze.


    He had been chasing the ck car, but his speed was no match for four wheels.


    Just as he was about to lose them, the ck car stopped. A man in a ck suit wearing a baseball cap got out, carrying the unconscious Huo Guining, and switched to a white car.


    Thinking quickly, Huo Yueze gged down a passing delivery truck driver. He emptied his pockets of the only 200 yuan he had, begging the driver to follow the white car. This allowed him to keep up.


    But the truck driver had his own business to attend to. After following for a while, he saw the white car heading towards the suburbs,pletely opposite to his own direction.


    He immediately refused to continue, dropping Huo Yueze off and leaving.


    Huo Yueze pleaded desperately, saying his name was Huo and that his sister had been kidnapped.


    But the driver, seeing Huo Yueze''s wild curly hair and his white suit covered in mud spots, instinctively thought he was mentally ill.


    He floored the elerator and fled like the wind.


    As the north wind howled, Huo Yueze thought he heard, "If it weren''t for the 200 yuan you scraped together, I wouldn''t have humored your madness."


    In the icy, snow-coveredndscape, night enveloped the earth. There was no sign of civilization, and he could barely see his hand in front of his face.


    He had left his phone at the Luo family''s house.


    Huo Yueze felt like crying.


    He could only run in the direction the white car had disappeared, hoping to find some clue.


    Fortunately, his luck hadn''tpletely run out.


    Just as he felt he was about to freeze to death, he saw a lighte on in an abandoned building.


    A white sedan was parked at the entrance.


    Huo Yueze held his breath and quickly moved to the vicinity of the building. This led to the scene from earlier.


    Thankfully, the abandoned building was surrounded by trees, and the cover of night allowed him to conceal his presence.


    He made his way to the back of the building and, sure enough, saw the man in the ck suit fiddling with a video camera.


    The man in the ck suit was wearing a Bluetooth earpiece, seemingly on a phone call.


    Huo Yueze took advantage of his distraction and slipped inside.


    The structure of the abandoned building appeared to be that of a small vi. Huo Yueze, trying to think like a criminal, first searched for rooms that would be easy to hide someone in.


    In the basement, Huo Guining had regained consciousness.


    She silently encouraged herself, taking deep breaths to alleviate her physical difort while continuing to gnaw at the tape binding her hands with her teeth.


    Persistence paid off.


    She finally freed her hands.


    Supporting herself against the wall, she slowly stood up and searched the basement, finding a rusty key.


    Huo Guining gripped the key and, mustering all her strength, began cutting at the tape.


    Soon, the tape was cut through.


    But things were far from smooth sailing.


    The basement door had been barred from the outside with an iron rod.


    The entire basement had only this one exit.


    Huo Guining pressed her ear to the door and listened for a moment. Confirming that the man in the suit wasn''t outside, she untied her hair ribbon and looped it around the iron rod, attempting to move it.


    The rusty iron rod made a piercing screech.


    In the main hall, the man in the suit sensed something was amiss and started walking towards the basement.


    Huo Guining''s heart skipped a beat in fear. She quickly retracted her ribbon and pressed herself tightly against the wall by the door, barely daring to breathe.


    Her other hand clutched tightly to a frying pan she had found during her search of the basement.


    Footsteps approached, getting closer and closer to Huo Guining...


    Her palms were cold and mmy, her nerves on high alert.


    With a faint, slow creaking, the basement door opened.


    Huo Guining took a deep breath and, summoning all her strength, swung the pan towards the intruder''s groin!


    ...


    Meanwhile, the Huo family''s old residence remained brightly lit.


    Huo Xiaozheng received another message from the kidnapper.


    Although the kidnapper was vague about his old grudge with Huo Xiaozheng, the police were able to connect the dots using the clues he let slip, along with the identity of the head of the security team.


    The head of the security team imed that the person originally responsible for setting off the fireworks that day had fallen ill, and this recement was rmended by a friend who vouched for his reliability.


    After the incident, the friend finally told the truth.


    Someone had given him a sum of money to help find a part-time job.


    Coincidentally, when the head of the security team mentioned this opportunity, the friend seized the chance and rmended the man.


    In reality, the friend didn''t know the man in the ck suit at all.


    Even so, the police were able to identify the man in the ck suit from surveince footage of his interaction with the friend.


    "Xu Jin, male, 42 years old, married. He previously worked as a deputy manager at a subsidiary of Jiang Group. One year ago, Xu Jin was fired from thepany due to his inability to perform his duties. That same year, Xu Jin''s wife died in a car ident."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes turned cold. "Jiang Group?"


    The police officer exined, "To be precise, Xu Jin''s dismissal is closely rted to you, Mr. Huo."


    "One year ago, Huo Corporationpeted with Jiang Corporation for a project. The project that failed was the one Xu Jin was responsible for."


    "As a result, Xu Jin bore the main responsibility and was fired by thepany. After his dismissal, given his age, he couldn''t find suitable employment. The pressure of mortgage payments was high, and his wife became depressed, leading to the fatal car ident."


    "We suspect this is the reason for Xu Jin''s desire for revenge."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s expression remained unchanged.


    Thepetition between Huo Corporation and Jiang Corporation wasn''t illegal.


    Given the current situation, one couldn''t stand on moral high ground and criticize Huo Xiaozheng''s actions.


    But they still hadn''t managed to locate the sender''s IP address.


    This plunged everyone, who had just seen a glimmer of hope, back into a stalemate.


    "Why must my child suffer such misfortune?" Zheng Jinxiu couldn''t help but raise her hand to wipe away tears from the corner of her eye.


    Old Master Huo swallowed a few pills with his tea and patted Zheng Jinxiu''s hand tofort her. "Yueze is blessed with good fortune. Now that Ningning has returned to her ancestral home, the Huo family ancestors will surely protect them both and keep them safe and sound."


    The steward hurried in and whispered something in Huo Xiaozheng''s ear.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s expression changed, and he spoke with a sharp tone, "Let him in!"

 Chapter 47

    In the outskirts of the city, within an abandoned construction site.


    A brief sound caught Xu Jin''s attention.


    He clicked his tongue in annoyance and rose to investigate the source of the noise.


    As he turned the corner, a rat scurried out, knocking over a piece of wood leaning against the wall.


    Xu Jin had a moment of realization, and just then, Huo Xiaozheng''s icy voice came through his earpiece: "I need a little more time to prepare the money you''ve requested."


    Xu Jin continued walking while scoffing, "Mr. Huo, with your vast wealth, you''re telling me you need time to prepare such a paltry sum? Who do you think you''re fooling?"


    Xu Jin''s voice, processed through a voice changer, sounded like that of a demon crawling out of hell¡ªraspy and grating.


    "If I don''t see the money in my ount within half an hour, you can prepare to collect your daughter''s corpse!"


    With this vicious threat, Xu Jin abruptly ended the call.


    Meanwhile, in the basement.


    Huo Guining was both startled and overjoyed. She stared wide-eyed at Huo Yueze, who stood before her with an expression of pain, his hands tightly clutching his lower body.


    "Brother?! I''m so sorry! I thought you were one of the bad guys... so I..."


    Huo Guining apologized in a small voice, but her excitement was palpable.


    "It''s alright, sister."


    Huo Yueze covered her mouth with his hand and listened intently for any movement outside.


    Sensing that Xu Jin was moving away, Huo Yueze ignored his own pain and quickly checked Huo Guining for injuries.


    "Sister, are you hurt?"


    Huo Guining shook her head.


    Huo Yueze breathed a sigh of relief and briefly exined the situation to her: "Sister, I''m going to get you out of here soon. But you mustn''t make any noise, okay?"


    "There''s a dangerous man outside."


    Huo Guining nodded obediently.


    Huo Yueze gently pushed open the basement door and led Huo Guining out.


    Fortunately, the abandoned building wasn''tpletely finished, and there was a window to their left that wasrge enough for them to escape through.


    The window was about five feet high, with dense forest beyond it.


    Huo Yueze lifted Huo Guining onto the windowsill. He climbed out first, and when he jumped down, a searing pain shot through his groin where he had been struck earlier.


    Biting his lip hard to stifle a cry, Huo Yueze reached up towards Huo Guining inside and whispered, "Ning Ning, jump down. I''ll catch you."


    Without hesitation, Huo Guining leaped into her brother''s arms.


    Huo Yueze staggered, letting out a muffled groan.


    Huo Guining was startled and wanted to ask if he was okay, but remembering his earlier warning to stay quiet, she hesitated anxiously.


    After a moment to catch his breath, Huo Yueze steadied himself against the wall and stood up. He patted her head reassuringly:


    "I''m fine. Let''s go!"


    Huo Yueze pointed towards the mountains behind them and whispered to Huo Guining.


    Understanding immediately, Huo Guining started running towards the small path leading into the mountains.


    Huo Yueze followed closely behind, keeping a vignt eye on her.


    Soon, they reached a fork in the path.


    Huo Yueze heard a strange noise in the distance.


    Huo Guining heard it too.


    She tensed up immediately, clutching tightly at Huo Yueze''s clothes, her voice trembling slightly, "Brother, someone''sing..."


    Huo Yueze''s expression turned serious. He gently patted her shoulder and whispered soothingly, "Don''t be afraid. I''m here with you."


    Thinking quickly, he removed Huo Guining''s shoes and tossed them onto the right-hand path.


    Then, he scooped Huo Guining up into his arms, shielding her against his chest as he plunged into the thicket on the left.


    Fortunately, at that moment, a blizzard suddenly swept in.


    Their tracks were quickly buried under the heavy snowfall.


    Huo Guining, pressed against Huo Yueze''s chest, could hear hisbored breathing and asional stifled groans. She tried to look up at him to check if he was alright.


    But Huo Yueze held her firmly in ce.


    Thinking she was ufortable being carried, he reassured her, "Be good, sister. I''ll put you down once we''re out of this forest."


    Huo Guining wanted to say she could run on her own, but given the urgency of their situation, she trusted her brother''s judgment.


    After what seemed like an eternity, the howling wind around them finally died down.


    Huo Yueze set Huo Guining down and took her hand, panting heavily, "Sister, let''s run together now."


    With that, he led her forward, continuing their escape.


    "Bang!"


    A gunshot shattered the silence of the night.


    The two fleeing figures froze in their tracks.


    Xu Jin''s voice carried from the distance: "Run all you want, you won''t escape this forest!"


    "Why don''t youe back quietly? Once I get the money, I''ll naturally let you go."


    It seemed he hadn''t found them yet; the gunshot was merely meant to intimidate them.


    However, Xu Jin''s words nted a seed of doubt in Huo Yueze''s mind. Only now did he realize that this forest was farrger than he had imagined, and continuing to run might not lead them to safety.


    But if they didn''t run...


    Huo Yueze, still young and inexperienced, found himself hesitating.


    Huo Guining, however, knew all too well how ruthless Xu Jin could be. She tugged at Huo Yueze''s hand, "Brother, don''t believe him. He said he''d kill me after getting the money, just to hurt Dad."


    The word "kill" hit Huo Yueze like a sledgehammer, instantly clearing the fog of doubt from his mind.


    Without further hesitation, he grabbed Huo Guining''s hand and began running at full speed.


    As they fled, they kept their ears attuned to any sounds of pursuit.


    In their haste and panic, they failed to watch their step and suddenly found themselves tumbling down a steep slope.


    The forest floor was littered with dead branches and thorny bushes, but in the split second they began to fall, Huo Yueze had pulled Huo Guining into his arms, shielding her.


    So when they finallynded in a small cave at the bottom of the slope, Huo Guining felt sore but otherwise unharmed.


    "Brother..." Huo Guining crawled out of Huo Yueze''s embrace. "Are you okay?"


    Huo Yuezey on his side, unresponsive.


    Panic seized Huo Guining as she shook his body, "Brother! Don''t scare me like this, please wake up!"


    Fearful that the man in ck might be nearby, Huo Guining dared not raise her voice too much.


    Yet, Huo Yueze remained silent and still.


    In the pitch-ck cave, Huo Guining felt Huo Yueze''s ice-cold hand and began to cry helplessly.


    She reached out, her hand trembling, to check if he was still breathing.


    To her relief, she could feel his breath.


    She sped his hand between hers, her mind racing.


    If only someone coulde and help them. She didn''t even dare to call for help.


    Because she feared her cries might attract the demon instead.


    Using the faint light from the snow outside, Huo Guining examined her brother more closely.


    Thankfully, there was no visible blood near his head.


    Huo Guining felt slightly relieved. She struggled to drag Huo Yueze''s body further into the cave to prevent them from being buried by the heavy snow.


    Time ticked by slowly, and Huo Yueze showed no signs of waking.


    The only constion was that Huo Guining hadn''t heard the man''s voice again either.


    Huo Guining rested Huo Yueze''s head on herp and held his hands in hers to keep him warm.


    The night deepened.


    Huo Guining''s heart ached with worry, and she felt her strength waning.


    Her eyelids grew impossibly heavy...


    In her hazy state, she heard the sound of police sirens approaching, growing louder and louder until they filled the night air.

 Chapter 48

    Saved atst!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The piercing sound of sirens instantly acted like a shot of adrenaline, immediately dispelling all of Huo Guining''s heaviness and fatigue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As the mor of voices grew around her, she finally dared to cry out loudly:<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Help! We''re here! Come quickly and save my brother!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Is anyone there? Please save my brother!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The rescue team immediately followed the sound, and a bright shlight beam illuminated the entire pit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "We''ve found them! They''re here!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A tall figure leaped down into the waist-deep pit, embraced Huo Guining''s shoulders, and examined her up and down in the light of the police shlights: "Ningning, are you alright?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining looked at the neer with tear-filled eyes, her long-suppressed emotions suddenly bursting forth: "Waaah, Dad! I... I can''t wake up... my brother, please save him, waaah..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The neer was none other than Huo Xiaozheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing Huo Guining''s loud cries, his anxious heart finally rxed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It''s okay now, Ningning, don''t cry. Dad''s here, and your brother will be fine too."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Afterforting Huo Guining, Huo Xiaozheng finally noticed that someone was lying across her legs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze''s white suit was now tattered and torn by tree branches. He was covered in mud, with twigs stuck in his hair. His eyes were tightly shut, and his breathing was rapid.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng moved him aside, took Huo Guining into his arms, and wrapped her tightly in his coat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Then, he moved to the side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The apanying medical personnel immediately came forward. After a preliminary assessment of Huo Yueze''s condition, they lifted him onto a stretcher and carried him away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing his son lying on the stretcher, looking so battered and weak, Huo Yanqin''s eyes reddened.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Then he saw Huo Guining, her hair in disarray and her face streaked with tears, lying in Huo Xiaozheng''s arms as he followed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His heart was filled with both anger and pain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "How is Ningning?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng shook his head: "Not sure yet. I''ll take her to the hospital along with Yueze."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The group arrived at Anzhen Hospital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After a series of examinations, it was determined that Huo Guining only had some minor external injuries and was suffering from shock.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze''s condition was slightly more serious, with scrapes and bruises all over his face, body, and feet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In addition to a concussion, he probably wouldn''t wake up for a while.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, fortunately, Huo Yueze was not in any serious danger and only needed to stay in the hospital for observation for a few days.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Upon hearing this news, Huo Guining finally couldn''t hold on any longer and fell asleep with her head tilted to one side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After all the hustle and bustle, it was already one o''clock in the morning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The siblings'' hospital rooms were separated only by a wall, each of them lying peacefully in the quiet rooms, breathing softly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng sat by Huo Guining''s bedside, staring at her without blinking.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Only now did he feel that his heart had truly settled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the quiet of the night, he reflected on the time since Huo Guining had arrived.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At first, this daughter who had appeared out of nowhere made him suspicious. Like Huo Jing, he even suspected that her appearance might have some ulterior motive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But she was perceptive and knew when to stop.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Whether it was her initial mention of guardianship, her show of weakness in court, or even herints about Shi Lili, everything was kept within certain boundaries.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her rationality was like a mirror; she needed to be constantly vignt to ensure that she wouldn''t be deceived at any moment, lest she step into the other side of the mirror - that illusory world that could destroy her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Pain, sorrow, breakdown - none of thesested too long in her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    For the first time, Huo Xiaozheng saw a reflection of himself in her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The moment she saw him, the lowering of her defenses seemed less like dependence and more like trust.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In contrast, the way she clung to Huo Yueze, crying her heart out for her brother, made Huo Xiaozheng feel it was even more genuine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng felt both happy and disappointed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He even found himself increasingly annoyed by his nephew lying in the next room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If it weren''t for the fact that the foolish boy had risked his life to save Ningning, he would have tried to convince his older brother to send him abroad for further education as soon as possible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng heaved a long sigh.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On the hospital bed, Huo Guining was not sleeping peacefully. As she turned over, half of her body was exposed outside the nket.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng leaned forward and grabbed her hand to tuck it back under the covers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Huo Guining frowned and instinctively tried to shake off Huo Xiaozheng''s hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng lightened his touch and turned on the small night light to look at Huo Guining''s wrist.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On her fair wrist, a purplish-red mark was clearly visible. Huo Xiaozheng was shocked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the urgency earlier, he had only been concerned about whether her body was intact.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now, seeing the injury on her wrist, his heart felt as if it was being squeezed by a merciless hand, leaving him almost unable to breathe.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng turned off the night light, tucked Huo Guining in properly, andy down on the nearby cot.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At this moment, all was silent except for the sound of his heartbeat pounding in his ears.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Early the next morning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Master Huo and Zheng Jinxiu arrived at the hospital early, followed by the butler carrying various bags and packages.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The butler, though over fifty, showed surprising strength, looking neither flushed nor out of breath.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining had already woken up and was washing up with Huo Xiaozheng''s help.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad, can I go see my brother?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The first thing Huo Guining asked upon waking was about Huo Yueze''s condition.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng told her that her brother was still sleeping and that they should let him rest and not disturb him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After confirming that Huo Yueze was not in any danger and was just sleeping, Huo Guining finally felt relieved.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    "Dad, I can wash my face by myself..." Huo Guining stood on the footmat, looking somewhat helpless.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng, holding a towel, refused sternly: "No, your wrist is still injured. The doctor said you can''t get it wet."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Unable to protest further, Huo Guining had no choice but to let him wash her face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng had never done such a thing before, and his movements were quite awkward.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Master Huo pushed open the door to see this "loving" scene between father and daughter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Ningning, you''re awake." Zheng Jinxiu quickly walked to Huo Guining''s side, looking her up and down, her gaze finally settling on her wrist.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "My poor dear, you''ve suffered so much." Zheng Jinxiu''s eyes immediately reddened: "Does it hurt? You must have been so frightened."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining smiled brightly: "It doesn''t hurt. I was a bit scared at the time, but I''m not afraid at all now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A sh of darkness passed through Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zheng Jinxiu knew she was trying tofort her, and her eyes grew even redder: "Grandma brought you some abalone porridge. Come and eat, Ningning."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    As her gaze passed over Old Master Huo, she greeted him obediently as well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Master Huo''s expression was not good. He sighed: "What happenedst night was my fault, Ningning. I didn''t ensure proper security."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You''ve suffered so much because of it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining shook her head: "It''s alright, it''s not your fault, Grandpa."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Look, I''m perfectly fine now, aren''t I?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After saying this, Huo Guining purposely jumped off the footmat and spun around in ce to show that she was indeed healthy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng took her hand, led her to sit on the sofa, and began applying medicine to her wrist without a word.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Ah!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s touch was a bit too heavy, and Huo Guining couldn''t help but cry out in pain.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "If it hurts, you can say so."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng stared into Huo Guining''s eyes, enunciating each word clearly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 49

    Huo Xiaozheng''s sudden question left Huo Guining bewildered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Noticing his unusual expression, she cautiously asked, "Dad, what''s wrong?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Huo Guining widened her eyes and replied sincerely, "If you weren''t pressing so hard, it wouldn''t hurt."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng felt a bit agitated. He didn''t respond further, silently finished applying the medicine, and then got up to go to the bathroom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining, still caught up in their cross-purposes conversation, looked slightly dazed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zheng Jinxiu cast a meaningful nce at Huo Xiaozheng''s retreating figure. She wanted to say something but swallowed her words. Instead, she chose to sit down beside Huo Guining''s bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She began pulling items out of therge and small packages the steward had brought:<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Abalone porridge, shrimp dumplings, steamed chicken feet, pea pudding, Buddha''s hand pastries, brown sugar cake, egg rolls, Chinese herbal bone broth, walnut and almond milk, cherries, sliced mangoes, strawberries...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The table was soon filled to overflowing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You must be starving, Ning-ning. Eat up!" Zheng Jinxiu urged.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s mouth formed an O shape. "This is amazing!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She shed Zheng Jinxiu a sugar-sweet smile and immediately dug in, almost burying herself in the food.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Master Huo, seeing the child eat so voraciously for the first time, grew a bit anxious. He kept mumbling, "Slow down, eat slowly..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zheng Jinxiu watched her with a benevolent expression, asionally wiping her mouth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    By the time Huo Xiaozheng hadposed himself and emerged from the bathroom, Huo Guining''s stomach was already round and full.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng said with resignation, "You shouldn''t eat any more. Be careful not to get indigestion."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining looked down at her belly nkly, realizing he was right.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She gave a shy smile and obeyed Huo Xiaozheng, stopping her feast.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The steward came forward with a smile to clear away the leftovers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Do the police have any results yet?" Old Master Huo inquired.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    The police had interrogated through the night, and their findings were simr to the initial investigation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Years ago, after Xu Jin was fired from hispany, he had intended to join the Huo Corporation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng had rebuffed him with a curt "We don''t take Jiang Corporation''s discarded trash."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the midst of his dejection, Xu Jin''s wife died in a car ident.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Under the weight of thesepounded pressures, Xu Jin broke down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    One day, he identally learned that Huo Xiaozheng had a daughter. Blinded by hatred, he couldn''t bear the fact that while he had lost his job and his wife had left him, Huo Xiaozheng still had a daughter to dote on.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Thus, he decided to take revenge on Huo Xiaozheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    And the most heart-wrenching way to do so was to make Huo Xiaozheng experience the pain of losing a daughter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It''s easier to dodge a spear than a hidden arrow," Old Master Huo sighed. "It seems not only I, but you too have security issues."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t argue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He had always believed in trusting those he employed without suspicion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This time, although it was partly due to the negligence of the person in charge, he couldn''t shirk his own responsibility.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Moreover, ultimately, Ning-ning''s ordeal was because of him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although legal measures had been taken to ensure Xu Jin received due punishment, Huo Xiaozheng still couldn''t find peace.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He looked at Huo Guining on the hospital bed, showing her drawings on a tablet to Zheng Jinxiu, his expression inscrutable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Bang!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With a loud noise, Huo Yueze, his head wrapped in white gauze, came rushing in, pushing an IV stand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Sister! I''m so d you''re okay!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s eyes lit up. "Brother!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She flew into Huo Yueze''s arms like a bird returning to its nest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng separated them with a dark face, saying pompously, "Don''t touch your brother''s wounds."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze replied innocently, "It''s fine, these little wounds don''t hurt at all!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng was at a loss for words.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing Huo Yueze in this state, Zheng Jinxiu''s eyes reddened again. "Poor child, how did you get so injured?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze was wearing a hospital gown, with bandages not only on his head but also various scrapes on his face, neck, and hands.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Grandma, I''m fine!" he assured her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "That''s my Huo family''s good boy!" Old Master Huo said proudly. "This is how you should protect your sister!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze straightened his back. "Of course! No one can bully my sister!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Elder Madam Huo pushed open the door, hurriedly saying, "Look at you! The doctor said not to run around! Go back and lie down!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze''s eyes drooped. He scratched his head, "Yesterday, sister was tied up alone in the basement for so long, I was worried about her and wanted toe see her."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He sat down on Huo Guining''s bed. "Sister, you''re not scared anymore, right?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    The usually carefree Huo Yueze promised her solemnly, "See, I didn''t lie to you. I''ll always protect you in the future, I promise!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining felt a lump in her throat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She threw herself into Huo Yueze''s arms, hugging him tightly. "Thank you, bro¡ª Ah!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze, whose concussion hadn''t fully healed, was hit by Huo Guining''s sudden embrace. His stomach churned, and with a "Wah!", he threw up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng, who had been watching the two closely, quickly pulled Huo Guining away, saving her from the mess.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zheng Jinxiu wasn''t so lucky.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her dark red jacket was now covered in vomit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Elder Madam Huo''s eyes darted around, not daring to look directly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    For a moment, the hospital room was filled with an unpleasant odor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze was pushed back to his room in a wheelchair by Elder Madam Huo.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After examining Huo Yueze, the doctor stated that the patient was not in serious condition.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "But please follow my instructions. Don''t get up on your own, avoid emotional excitement, and refrain from strenuous activities."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yuezey obediently on the hospital bed, blinking rapidly to show he wouldn''t dare disobey again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Worried about Huo Yueze, Huo Guining kept running to his room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    By now, Huo Yueze had been given a simple wash and changed into fresh clothes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining sat on his hospital bed, propping up her tabletputer so they could watch her favorite anime together.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng thought to himself: This looks rather irritating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing that both children were not in serious condition, Old Master Huo and Zheng Jinxiu returned to the family mansion at Elder Madam Huo''s urging.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    "Uncle, you can go to work. I can take care of Ning-ning," Huo Yueze suggested, thinking he was being considerate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ever since entering the hospital room, Huo Xiaozheng''s phone had been ringing non-stop.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng took a deep breath and closed his eyes: This big fool saved Ning-ning, he saved Ning-ning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Opening his eyes again, Huo Xiaozheng smiled, "You''re still a patient yourself, how can you take care of your sister? Come on, Ning-ning, let''s go to the office with Dad."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining, already tired of her work life, felt conflicted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She didn''t want to go, preferring to stay with her savior. But if she didn''t go, her chest would hurt.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Suddenly, Huo Guining remembered that when she was locked in the basement yesterday, her chest had hurt too.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Butter, it seemed that with Huo Yueze''s arrival, the chest pain hadn''t been as severe as usual.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s eyes brightened. She got up, walked to the foot of the bed, and gestured for Huo Xiaozheng to bend down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Huo Guining whispered, "Dad, I''ve noticed that when brother is with me, my chest doesn''t hurt."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 50

    The second day of the New Year.


    Media captured the president of Huo Corporation leaving Anzhen Children''s Hospital with an icy expression.


    Rumors suggested it was due to recent stock fluctuations in the Huo Group, causing shareholders to put pressure on Huo Xiaozheng.


    Meanwhile, the real culprit was currently curled up on Huo Yueze''s hospital bed, earnestly drawing a portrait of the sleeping Huo Yueze.


    It was just after ten in the morning.


    Huo Jing opened the door to find Huo Guining bathed in the warm winter sunlight, sketching with a devout expression.


    The subject of the drawingy on the bed, his curly hair a mess, a white bandage on his head, mouth agape, and drooling.


    The sound of the door opening caught Huo Guining''s attention.


    She called out softly, "Auntie!"


    Huo Jing nced at her eye-searing nephew, then picked up Huo Guining and ced her on the sofa.


    "Let auntie take a look, are you alright?"


    When the incident with Huo Guining urred, Huo Jing had been attending an event abroad.


    It wasn''t until after the event that she saw the news about Huo Guining''s situation.


    So, as soon as she got off the ne, she rushed to the hospital to visit Huo Guining.


    Huo Jing''s expression still held traces of fatigue, with some bloodshot veins visible in her eyes.


    Huo Guining smiled softly, "I''m fine, really."


    She looked bright and adorable, causing Huo Jing''s worried heart to settle.


    "What about Huo Yueze? What exactly happened yesterday? I was scared to death."


    Huo Jing asked about Huo Yueze''s condition, but her eyes didn''t want to fall on him at all, subtly showing some disdain.


    Huo Guining didn''t notice.


    She recounted everything to Huo Jing, from how she bit through the tape after being kidnapped to how Huo Yueze helped her escape.


    "I was really scared at first. But after brother came, I wasn''t scared at all!"


    Huo Jing felt somewhat emotional.


    "You''re so brave!" Huo Jing praised, then nced towards Huo Yueze again: "Huo Yueze is quite gutsy too!"


    Huo Guining giggled, continuously praising Huo Yueze until Huo Jing started to feel a bit uneasy.


    "Ning Ning, look, this is the gift auntie brought back for you from Country F."


    Huo Jing handed her arge blue gift box.


    The box was big, toorge for Huo Guining''s small hands to hold: "What is it, auntie?"


    Huo Jing smiled, gesturing for her to open it.


    Huo Guining did as told.


    Lifting the lid of the gift box and tearing away the outer wrapping paper, a red and white long dress appeared before her.


    "Wow..." Huo Guining couldn''t help but exim in admiration.


    It was the same style as the blood-red dress she had drawn for Huo Jingst time.


    "Auntie! You made it real!" Huo Guining''s eyes sparkled.


    Her smile was so infectious that Huo Jing couldn''t help but smile too. "To be precise, auntie didn''t make it, auntie had someone else make it. They made two."


    Huo Jing held up two fingers: "Auntie has one too!"


    Huo Guining''s smile grew even sweeter: "We have matching outfits now!"


    Her long hair was braided into two small its hanging over her chest. Under her princess-cut bangs, herrge eyes shone brightly.


    Huo Jing couldn''t resist stroking her soft hair: "In the future, we''ll have even more matching things."


    Huo Yueze''s voice rose faintly from behind the two: "Auntie, where''s my gift?"


    Huo Jing''s eyes froze for a moment.


    In a sh, she strode to the bedside, grabbed her big nephew''s head, shaking it back and forth, and said through gritted teeth:


    "Auntie rushed back overnight just to see you, isn''t that the best gift?"


    Before Huo Guining could stop her, Huo Yueze, unable to bear his aunt''s heavy love, let out a "wah" and vomited again.


    Huo Jing and Huo Guining were both kicked out of the hospital room.


    Huo Jing hadn''t anticipated this turn of events. If it weren''t for the face mask she wore to avoid the paparazzi, she might have thrown up too.


    Feeling a bit awkward, she suggested: "How about auntie takes you for ice cream?"


    The sun was shining brightly today, but the outdoor temperature wasn''t high.


    Huo Guining was silent for a few seconds: "Auntie, you should go home and rest."


    It was the first time Huo Jing had been rejected by a child, and sheughed awkwardly: "Alright then, auntie will head back now ande see you again tomorrow."


    Huo Guining keenly sensed the change in Huo Jing''s mood and said softly: "Auntie, your eyes are so red. Make sure to rest well at home, okay?"


    Huo Jing''s eyes filled with emotion. She whimpered and moved forward, wanting to hug the little girl and breathe her in.


    Huo Guining, looking at the mess on her clothes, silently took a step back.


    The deeply hurt Huo Jing wailed on her social media,menting how deeply she''d been wounded by her niece and nephew.


    Seeing this from afar, Huo Xiaozheng felt somewhat satisfied, and his work efficiency even improved.


    Huo Guining was strictly forbidden by the doctor from entering Huo Yueze''s room.


    She felt a bit bored.


    Fortunately, after the lunch break, Huo Xiaozheng returned.


    He took Huo Guining back to the psychologist''s office.


    Originally, due to the New Year holiday, the counseling session was scheduled for next week.


    But because of the kidnapping incident, Huo Xiaozheng was worried it might leave new trauma for Huo Guining, so he made an appointment with Xie Lingluo, hoping she could provide some psychological guidance for Huo Guining.


    Xie Lingluo readily agreed.


    Sitting in the familiar office, Huo Guining still couldn''t help feeling nervous.


    Just likest time, Xie Lingluo wasn''t wearing a white coat, but casual clothes in a low-saturation blue that was very soothing.


    "Happy New Year, Ning Ning. How have these past few days been?"


    Xie Lingluo''s smile was also very gentle.


    Huo Guining, small as she was, sat on the soft beige sofa.


    She wore a light purple sweater and light khaki woolen pants, with snow boots on her feet. Her white down jacket was ced aside, neatly folded by Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Guining politely greeted her but didn''t answer about her recent situation. Instead, she asked: "Didn''t daddy already tell you about my situation?"


    This statement carried a hint of aggression.


    Xie Lingluo''s expression remained unchanged, her gaze calm: "Oh? Are you bothered that your father told me about your situation?"


    Huo Guining knew she was referring to the kidnapping incident.


    But since she asked this way, Huo Guining could only shake her head: "Not really."


    "Hmm? Then why do you seem a bit angry?"


    Huo Guining couldn''t quite exin it herself.


    "Is it because your father told me about your experience without your consent, making you feel disrespected?"


    Xie Lingluo''s voice was unhurried, her tone still gentle.


    It seemed to carry no malice, just an objective desire to understand her feelings.


    Huo Guining nodded, then shook her head.


    Xie Lingluo didn''t rush her, just quietly waited for her answer.


    Gentle yet persistent.


    Huo Guining gave in, saying somewhat deted: "I just feel like this makes me seem useless."


    This was an answer Xie Lingluo hadn''t expected.


    Xie Lingluo asked: "Why do you feel useless?"


    "When I was kidnapped, I knew that uncle was a stranger, but I still went with him."


    "I also caused my brother to get hurt."


    "Isn''t that being useless?"

 Chapter 51

    This was something Xie Lingluo hadn''t anticipated.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Maturity is closely rted to a person''s experiences. The more one experiences, the moreprehensive their perspective bes, and the more adept they be at handling situations. It''s at times like these that people praise you for being mature.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Five-year-old Huo Guining had endured more than her peers. Xie Lingluo could understand that in certain aspects, she was more sensitive and mature than others her age, naturally thinking more deeply about things.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When Xie Lingluo first began working with her, the treatment goal was to help her be a child appropriate for her age, enjoying the happiness of childhood. Now, it seemed there was still a long way to go to reach that goal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But the immediate concern wasn''t toment this fact.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After a brief moment of reflection, Xie Lingluo didn''t rush to dismiss Huo Guining''s feelings. Instead, she asked, "What''s your standard for being useful?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining looked puzzled. "Standard?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo rephrased her question: "In your opinion, what would make someone useful in a kidnapping situation?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining replied dejectedly, "Like my brother - brave, bold, and strong. That''s very useful."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng had already briefed Xie Lingluo on what had happened, so she knew who Huo Guining meant by "brother."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Did you know that your brother actually had a chance to borrow a phone and call for help directly?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was clearly unaware of this. She shook her head in shock. "If my brother had made that call, would he not have been hurt so badly?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo smiled gently. "That''s possible."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After a pause, she asked, "Given your brother made this mistake, do you think he''s useless?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining immediately denied this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "No, my brother was already very brave! He must have been too anxious, so..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her voice trailed off under Xie Lingluo''s gentle gaze.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You''re very clever," Xie Lingluo praised sincerely. "I believe you''ve realized it now? You easily understood your brother and forgave his mistake."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "So what about yourself, Ning?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s heart skipped a beat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This was a question she had never considered before.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Ning, you did great too. If something that big happened to me, I''d probably be crying my eyes out, not knowing what to do."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "But you were brave enough to tear off the tape, and after your brother fell, you protected him, didn''t you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s eyes began to water. This urge to cry wasn''t just because of Xie Lingluo''s words, but also because of her past life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At 15, she had been diagnosed with cancer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before that, she had been trained as a dance prodigy, with her parents hoping she would enter a dance academy in the future.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her mother had always been in poor health, and her father was often away on business trips.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her childhood, even her early teens,cked warmth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her father loved her mother deeply, reserving all his affection for her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As a child, she had craved her father''s closeness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But after giving birth to her, her mother''s health deteriorated. Her father repeatedly taught her to be quiet and well-behaved, to avoid disturbing her mother.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    By the time her mother recovered, she had outgrown the age of seeking hugs from her father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    While her family wasn''t poor, she learned to be independent early on.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Washing up, preparing simple meals, going to and from school alone, traveling to other cities for exams...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Over time, she became the capable daughter her father envisioned.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Or rather, she became a daughter who at least wouldn''t trouble her mother.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After her cancer diagnosis, the pain broke down her emotional defenses.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her mother often stayed with her, but remembering her father''s teachings, she didn''t dare show her suffering in front of her mother, not wanting to worry her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As for her father...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Once, when her chemotherapy side effects were particrly severe, vomiting left her emotionally devastated.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Tears streaming down her face, she longed for her father to hug her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She was eighteen then.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A daughter as good as an adult, and a stern father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was difficult to bridge the gap of time and perform such an intimate yet unfamiliar gesture.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    That day, the sound of medical equipment seemed to shatter her eardrums.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her father reached out and patted her shoulder, saying, "This too shall pass."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her father''s subtle rejection felt like a p in the face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In that moment, she felt not only shame but also pain and hatred.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She hated that she couldn''t die, hated her terrible luck, wondering why, out of all people, she had to be the one with cancer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Looking back now, her past life had been nothing but a struggle to endure.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Parents are true love, children are idents."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This joke from the inte was almost a disaster in her reality.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She had grown ustomed to reading people''s expressions, weighing pros and cons, making decisions that would please her father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her father wanted her to be independent, self-reliant, and poised, so she strived to be independent, self-reliant, and poised.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She had forgotten how to ask for help, let alone how to love herself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining struggled to control her body''s trembling. At this moment, she wasn''t the "Huo Guining" from the novel.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo remained silent, quietly watching Huo Guining cry, offering tissues when appropriate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining, fighting back sobs, managed a apologetic smile: "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to... but..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo sped Huo Guining''s hands in hers: "Don''t worry about what I think. You can cry if you need to."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When you''re sad, thest thing you want is someoneforting you.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was no exception.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing Xie Lingluo''s words, she covered her face with her hands and burst into tears.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In a corner where Huo Guining couldn''t see, Xie Lingluo''s expression wasplex.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After the intense crying session, Huo Guining, as usual, fell asleep from exhaustion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo opened the door to the adjacent room and sat down in front of Huo Xiaozheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing her serious expression, Huo Xiaozheng sat up straight: "What''s wrong? Is Ning''s condition very serious?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo shook her head with a smile: "No, not at all."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    "Earlier, Shen Shiyan mentioned that Ning might have schizophrenia. You''re aware of this, right?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    "In future treatments, I might need to use hypnotherapy on her."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hypnotherapy?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo nodded: "Ning''s defenses are incredibly strong. So far, she''s never voluntarily mentioned anything about her past."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Whenever she does speak of it, it''s always vague."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Without a thorough understanding of her past, we can''t guide her to unravel her emotional knots."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng furrowed his brow: "Is hypnotherapy absolutely necessary?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo smiled: "Of course not."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "If you can help her lower her defenses, we won''t need hypnotherapy at all."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On the way back, Huo Xiaozheng kept reying Xie Lingluo''s words in his mind, so much so that he didn''t notice when Huo Guining woke up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad? Are we back?" Huo Guining called out to him several times.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng snapped back to reality and carried her into Huo Yueze''s hospital room: "Yes."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze was half-sitting up in bed, hisplexion now rosy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing his sister, he happily waved his hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was still a bit listless, but she mustered up the energy to greet Huo Yueze.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng, however, handed Huo Yueze a set of keys.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Huo Xiaozheng replied concisely: "Heard you''ve always wanted this supercar model. Saw it, so I bought it for you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze let out a high-pitched squeal of delight.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 52

    During the New Year''s holiday, Huo Guining and Huo Yueze spent a full seven days in the hospital.


    Originally, Huo Guining could have been discharged, but she was worried Huo Yueze would be lonely by himself, so she chose to stay in the hospital to keep himpany.


    Coincidentally, Huo Xiaozheng was quite busy with work during this time, so he let her have her way.


    However, he would return to the hospital in the evenings to apany her.


    Finally, the day of discharge arrived.


    Huo Xiaozheng was called away early in the morning by Xi Chuan, so Mr. and Mrs. Huo Yanqin took Huo Guining back to their home.


    This was Huo Guining''s first time visiting her uncle''s house.


    The Huo Yanqin residence was arge single-story apartment,bining Chinese-style decor with modern technology. Thanks to the mistress''s attentiveness, the home was both cozy and immacte.


    "Ningning,e here, these are the slippers Aunt-inw bought especially for you," said Elder Madam Huo, whose maiden name was Zuo Qinfang. She held a pair of purple bunny ear slippers and ced them at Huo Guining''s feet.


    Huo Guining sweetly thanked her.


    Huo Yueze chimed in, "These slippers have been waiting for you for a long time. I''ve been begging Young Uncle to bring you to y at our house, but he always said he was busy."


    Huo Yanqin red at him, "Is your skin itching for a beating?"


    Huo Yueze stuck out his tongue, quickly grabbed Huo Guining''s hand, and ran towards his room.


    "Little sister, I''ve kept the sculpture you sentst time safe and sound. Let me show you!"


    Huo Guining followed him in a daze.


    Sculpture? What sculpture?


    At the Huo Group.


    Xi Chuan said with some difficulty, "Mr. Huo, for this case, the person in charge on the other side insists on meeting with you face-to-face. They said if they can''t see you, everything is off the table."


    Huo Xiaozheng wore a white shirt and gray vest, with his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing the ck watch on his wrist. His long fingers and the visible veins on the back of his hand were clearly visible.


    He tapped the desk, "Then we''ll make the trip. Book two ne tickets. Ningning''s passport is still at home, you..."


    He suddenly paused, "Wait a moment."


    Saying this, he took out his phone.


    Meanwhile, Huo Guining was still immersed in the exquisite beauty of the sculpture. She hadn''t expected Huo Yueze to like her snowman so much.


    Otherwise, Huo Xiaozheng wouldn''t have had her snowman made into a sculpture and sent to Huo Yueze.


    Huo Guining''s fondness for Huo Yueze grew even more.


    When she received Huo Xiaozheng''s call, Huo Yueze was rummaging through something in his bedroom, telling Huo Guining to wait.


    "Dad? I''m at brother''s house."


    "Business trip? Abroad?"


    Huo Yueze immediately rushed to Huo Guining''s side, making faces at her.


    Huo Guining couldn''t understand his gestictions and just thought he looked silly.


    Zuo Qinfang happened to enter with a tray of fruit. Seeing the situation, she gave Huo Yueze a questioning look.


    Huo Yueze then exined in a low voice.


    Meanwhile, Huo Guining was still conflicted.


    If she went abroad with Huo Xiaozheng, she would surely be a corporate ve 2.0 version, but if she didn''t go, would she have an episode?


    Huo Yueze''s big face suddenly appeared in front of her, mouthing something silently.


    Huo Guining''s eyes lit up.


    "I can stay with brother, can''t I?"


    "Hello?" There was no response from the other end of the phone. Huo Guining thought her watch had malfunctioned, so she hung up directly.


    "Aunt-inw, could you call my dad? I think my watch might be broken."


    Zuo Qinfang certainly didn''t refuse. While taking out her phone, she said, "Is dad going on a business trip abroad? Ningning, you shouldn''t go, it''s too tiring."


    The call connected quickly, and Zuo Qinfang put it on speakerphone. Huo Xiaozheng''s voice filled the room: "Sister-inw."


    Zuo Qinfang: "Oh, Ningning said you''re going on a business trip?"


    "Yes."


    "You can focus on your work, I''ll take care of Ningning for you."


    After a moment of silence on the other end: "Is Ningning there?"


    Huo Guining immediately replied, "I''m here."


    "Dad will be gone for three days. During this time, you''ll stay at your uncle''s house, and let Yueze take care of you, okay?"


    Huo Guining nodded, then realizing Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t see her, she said, "I can do that, but brother Yueze has to go to school..."


    Zuo Qinfang was a bit confused. Huo Xiaozheng usually liked peace and quiet, and her own son was always boisterous, so Huo Xiaozheng often had a cold face when seeing him.


    Howe now he was constantly entrusting Ningning to him?


    "It''s fine if Yueze goes to school, I have free time."


    Zuo Qinfang was a high school teacher at the same school as Huo Yueze.


    Even if she brought a child to ss, it shouldn''t be a big problem.


    Huo Yueze''s eyes lit up: "Young Uncle, you can rest assured. Before youe back, I absolutely won''t let Ningning leave my 10-meter radius."


    A dark gleam shed in Huo Guining''s eyes, and her heart skipped a beat. The way Huo Yueze said that...


    Huo Yueze himself was oblivious, cheerfully giving her a determined look when she nced his way.


    Considering that for the past week, Ningning had spent her days with Huo Yueze without any issues, Huo Xiaozheng had no reason to refuse.


    "Then I''ll have the housekeeper send over your daily necessities. Have a good time at your aunt''s house, and call me if anythinges up."


    Huo Guining made a sound of agreement, then added, "But I think my watch might be broken. I couldn''t hear your voice just now."


    There was a moment of silence on the other end.


    "I''ll have someone get you a new phone."


    "Okay."


    After saying this, Huo Guining returned the phone to Zuo Qinfang.


    "Sister-inw, I''ll trouble you to take care of Ningning these few days."


    Zuo Qinfang was more than happy to, her face beaming as she said, "We''re family, don''t be so formal! Is there anything we need to pay attention to for Ningning?"


    "She tends to eat without limits, so keep an eye on that. Don''t let her eat too much."


    "When she''s using the tablet, set an rm for her. She shouldn''t stare at the screen for more than an hour continuously."


    "Set it up for her, Ningning won''t cancel it herself. She''s very obedient in this regard."


    "She tends to kick off her nket at night, so please check on her, or simply turn up the temperature a bit."


    After a pause, he added, "But if you raise the temperature, turn up the humidifier as well. If it''s too dry, she won''t sleep well."


    The formerly aloof Mr. Huo now seemed more down-to-earth, his words carrying the air of a father.


    Zuo Qinfang''s expression softened, "Alright, I''ve noted all of that down."


    After hanging up, Huo Yueze excitedly said, "Little sister, will you sleep with me tonight? You can take the bed, and I''ll sleep on the couch."


    Zuo Qinfang chided, "It''s not like we don''t have enough rooms, why do you need to squeeze together? Come, Ningning, how about you sleep in the room next to your brother''s?"


    As she spoke, she took Huo Guining''s hand and led her to the adjacent room.


    Huo Yueze grinned foolishly, not objecting.


    Meanwhile, on the other side.


    After hanging up the phone, Huo Xiaozheng felt somewhat powerless.


    Xi Chuan, waiting nearby, didn''t rush him, quietly allowing him to process his emotions.


    After a long while, Huo Xiaozheng spoke, "Go ahead and book the flight tickets."


    Xi Chuan smiled, "Do we still need to book one for Miss Ningning?"


    Huo Xiaozheng slumped, "No need."


    Not long after, the housekeeper delivered Huo Guining''s daily necessities and clothes.


    A total of threerge suitcases.


    "This suitcase contains bedding and toiletries."


    "This one is for clothes."


    "And this one has Miss Ningning''s favorite snacks and some vitamins."


    The housekeeper exined with a smile, "There are also two personal bodyguards on standby nearby. If Miss Ningning leaves thepound, please call on them to apany her."


    Saying this, the housekeeper handed over a piece of paper, "These are the bodyguards'' contact details."


    Zuo Qinfang was dumbfounded.

 Chapter 53

    Finally, the Steward handed Huo Guining a mobile phone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This is your new phone."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining happily epted it, thanking heaven and earth that she finally had her own phone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Thank you, Steward."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Steward smiled, "You''re wee. I''ll be waiting for the young miss to return home."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    After the Steward left, Huo Yueze dragged a suitcase into Huo Guining''s room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This room was originally used as Huo Yueze''s study, so the decor had a masculine feel.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zuo Qinfang opened the suitcase and began changing the bedding.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The bedding looked as if it had just been stripped from Ningning''s bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She asked with a puzzled expression, "Ningning, are you particr about your bedding?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining nodded, "Yes, but the Steward brought my little bunny, so I can sleep hugging it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    That exined it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zuo Qinfang thought to herself: No wonder the sheets still smell of baby powder.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yueze, help me remember to get a night light for Ningning when we go to the supermarketter."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before Huo Yueze could answer, Huo Guining rummaged through the suitcase: "No need, I have one here."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was a mushroom-shaped night light that emitted a soft, non-ring light.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ever since Huo Xiaozheng discovered Huo Guining''s habit of getting up at night to use the bathroom, he had this night light bought for her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It could be plugged in by the bed or carried in hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This way, it provided light and spared Huo Guining from the embarrassment she feared.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Seeing this, Huo Xiaozheng had several more bought in different shapes for her to use.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zuo Qinfang couldn''t help but sigh.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She and Huo Yanqin had once worried that Huo Xiaozheng wouldn''t know how to raise a child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now it seemed he was even better at it than she was.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After finishing up, Zuo Qinfang wanted to give Huo Guining a bath and change of clothes, saying it would wash away the hospital''s impurities.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining understood and took her clothes into the bathroom alone. After washing up, she emerged from the bathroom fully dressed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Only her hair was still wet, draped over her shoulders.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zuo Qinfang had disappeared somewhere.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining wrapped her hair in a dry towel and knocked on Huo Yueze''s door.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Brother, may Ie in?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After receiving an affirmative answer, Huo Guining entered and handed the hair dryer to Huo Yueze, "Brother, can you help me dry my hair?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze was in the middle of an online game with friends, but hearing his sister''s request, he apologized to his friends and picked up the hair dryer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Of course. Come, sit here."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining obediently sat down on the sofa.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Is it too hot? Tell me if it''s burning, okay?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    To Huo Guining''s surprise, despite Huo Yueze''s seemingly careless demeanor, his movements were very gentle, and the temperature was just right.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining shook her head, "It''s not too hot."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Brother, do you have any ns for the next few days?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze thought for a moment, "I''m meeting friends to y basketball this afternoon. sses start tomorrow, so no other ns. Why do you ask?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining let out an "Oh," then asked, "Can I tag along with you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze eximed, "Of course you can! I was wondering how to take you with me!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was confused, "Huh? Take me with you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yuezeughed, "Yeah, to show off my adorable little sister to everyone!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His dramatic deration made Huo Guining feel a bit embarrassed, so she quickly changed the subject, "You just got out of the hospital. Are you okay to y basketball?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It''s fine, I can just watch if nothing else. If Mom asks, don''t give me away, okay?"<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 Yueze effortlessly dried her hair, then took out their mother''s hair oil and carefully applied ayer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He thenbed her hair smooth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining couldn''t help but give him a thumbs up, "Wow, brother, you''re amazing! Even better than Dad!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yuezeughed heartily, "I learned a bit from watching videos. Just tried it out!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He looked her over, "Ningning''s hairstyle is so cool!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining cockily raised her chin, "You have good taste!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They both burst intoughter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It wasn''t until after lunch that Huo Guining understood what Huo Yueze meant by ''don''t give me away.''<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mom, I''m meeting friends at the library. I''ll be back soon."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zuo Qinfang was skeptical, "You never liked reading. Why would you go to the library? Are you trying to trick me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze hugged Zuo Qinfang''s arm, "How could I? Besides, Ningning''s been cooped up in the hospital for so long. She needs to get out for a bit."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As he spoke, Huo Yueze winked at Huo Guining.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining immediately looked up at Zuo Qinfang with big, pitiful eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zuo Qinfang gave in, "Alright, but make sure you look after your sister."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze nodded vigorously.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He scooped up Huo Guining and rushed to the entryway, helping her put on shoes, scarf, hat, and mask.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing how smoothly and quickly he moved, Zuo Qinfang couldn''t help but smile.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Bring your sister back early, and don''t feed her any junk food."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze gave an OK sign and left with Huo Guining.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zuo Qinfang picked up the contact number left by the Steward and dialed, "Ningning''s gone out. Keep an eye on them."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The two took a taxi to the sports center.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The weekend made the sports center very lively.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As soon as Huo Yueze entered, ssmates called out to him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With so many people around, Huo Yueze simply picked Huo Guining up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yueze, is this your sister?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Several boys gathered around, still smelling of sweat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze beamed with pride, "Yeah, isn''t she cute?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "She''s adorable."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    One of them reached out to pinch Huo Guining''s cheek, but Huo Yueze quickly dodged.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What are you doing? No touching her."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze turned and set Huo Guining down on the bleachers, took off his backpack, and handed her the tablet and juice Zuo Qinfang had prepared.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Will you be good and y here while your brother ys some basketball?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining thought that sounded fine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze''s friends looked to be about his age. They noisily passed the ball, broke through defenses, changed directions, jumped, shot, and scored! The whole court cheered!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze nced in Huo Guining''s direction and waved at her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The youthful atmosphere infected Huo Guining, and she smiled too.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After ying for a while, Huo Yueze left the court.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Little sis, let brother teach you how to y."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was stunned, "I''m too small. I can''t reach."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze pointed to a children''s basketball court nearby, "We''ll go there."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He downed arge bottle of mineral water, gave Huo Guining some juice, and took her over.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When Huo Yueze said he''d teach her to y, he really did teach her seriously.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Come on, let''s start with dribbling."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining awkwardly imitated his movements, bouncing the basketball bit by bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze kept encouraging her and even taught her simple shooting techniques.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although she couldn''t quite get the hang of it, it didn''t stop Huo Guining from having fun.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The group yed until after five before heading home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The sports center wasn''t far from Huo Yueze''s house.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When they got home, Zuo Qinfang saw their sweaty state and clenched her fists.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Huo Yueze! Didn''t you say you were going to the library?!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She enunciated each word.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before bed that night, Huo Guining recounted the incident to Huo Xiaozheng,ughing, "Brother is so silly. We were in a rush to get back but forgot about the lie we told before leaving."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As soon as she said it, her heart sank. Oh no, hadn''t she just exposed herself too?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 54

    Huo Xiaozheng, far away in a foreign country, saw the young girl''s smiling eyes through the screen and couldn''t help but smile himself.


    "Did you have fun going out with your brother today?"


    Huo Guining nodded emphatically, "Very much!"


    The atmosphere of youthful energy, the joy of physical activity, and Huo Yueze''spanionship all made her extremely happy.


    It was the first time Huo Xiaozheng had heard her describe her mood as "very happy."


    Huo Xiaozheng, who had been feeling a bit down because she wasn''t by his side, now sincerely thanked his eldest nephew for his silent dedication.


    "But, no more lying next time," Huo Xiaozheng said, feigning sternness.


    Huo Guining naturally nodded in agreement without hesitation.


    "Dad, are you still busy?" Huo Guining noticed he had a small deskmp on.


    "No, I''m about to get up," Huo Xiaozheng exined. "There''s a time difference between here and home."


    Huo Guining had forgotten about that.


    "You should go to bed," he said.


    Huo Guining nodded, said goodnight, and promptly ended the video call.


    On the other end of the line, Huo Xiaozheng felt a bit lost.


    Huo Guining slept until 7:30 the next morning.


    She got dressed and washed up on her own, then heard noises from the kitchen. She grabbed her hairbrush and went to find Zuo Qinfang.


    The person in the kitchen wasn''t Zuo Qinfang.


    It was Huo Yanqin making breakfast.


    "Ning Ning, you''re up. Are you hungry?" Huo Yanqin asked, deliberately softening his voice.


    Huo Guining nodded.


    "Uncle, where''s Aunt?"


    Huo Yanqin felt the same heartache Huo Xiaozheng had experienced. Noticing the brush in her hand, he crouched down and asked:


    "Aunt is washing up. Did you want her to brush your hair?"


    Huo Guining nodded.


    "Well..."


    Huo Guining saw the eagerness in his eyes and took a step back, worried that Huo Yanqin might follow in Huo Xiaozheng''s footsteps.


    "Uncle, what are you making? It smells good," she said, abruptly changing the subject.


    The light in Huo Yanqin''s eyes dimmed.


    "I''m making noodles with gravy. Would you like some?"


    Huo Guining nodded.


    Considering her young age, Huo Yanqin only gave her a small bowl. While she was eating, he turned to heat up a cup of milk for her.


    Zuo Qinfang had specifically instructed him to give her a cup of warm milk in the morning.


    After microwaving it for a minute, Huo Yanqin carefully tested the temperature before bringing it over.


    "Ning Ning, eat slowly, and have some warm milk..."


    Huo Guining had already finished eating. She was holding her chopsticks, looking at him with lingering interest.


    "Uncle, can I have another bowl of noodles?"


    Seeing his cooking skills appreciated, Huo Yanqin beamed with joy. "Of course you can."


    By the time Zuo Qinfang came out, Huo Guining had already eaten three small bowls of noodles.


    She hurriedly stopped Huo Yanqin from serving more.


    "No more feeding her."


    Huo Guining obediently put down her chopsticks and ced her hands on her little tummy. "I''m full. I''ll go wake up brother."


    With that, she dashed off.


    Zuo Qinfang didn''t know whether tough or cry, giving her husband a reproachful pat.


    Huo Guining went straight to Huo Yueze''s room and knocked loudly on his door. "Brother, wake up! You''ll bete for school!"


    Afterst night''s discussion, Zuo Qinfang had decided to take Ning Ning to school with them.


    Since Ning Ning was also at the age to start school, Zuo Qinfang nned to let her experience school life.


    Thus, Huo Guining knocked with righteous fervor.


    Huo Yueze opened the door with messy hair, scooped up Huo Guining, and started tickling her. "You did that on purpose, didn''t you?"


    Huo Guining giggled loudly.


    While begging for mercy, she admonished him, "Hurry up, brother, or you''ll bete."


    Only then did Huo Yueze put her down and enter the bathroom.


    In less than two minutes, he emerged fully dressed.


    He saw Huo Guining brushing her long hair in front of the mirror.


    He walked over, took her brush, and skillfully braided her hair into two small its. Then he rummaged in her bedroom and found a beret, which he securely fastened on her head.


    "How''s that?"


    Huo Yueze guided her to the full-length mirror.


    Huo Guining''s eyes widened, "Brother, you''re amazing!"


    Huo Yueze smirked, "Of course, there''s nothing your brother can''t do."


    When Zuo Qinfang saw her outfit, she echoed the praise, "Did Yueze do your hair? It looks lovely!"


    Huo Guining nodded, "Brother is really great! Brother, did you used to have long hair?"


    There was a moment of silence in the dining room. Huo Yueze said nonchntly, "When I was little, I thought I was a girl. We often yed house with friends, so I got good at it over time."


    Huo Guining pondered, "I see..."


    Zuo Qinfang urged, "Yueze, hurry up. I have a ss during the third period in the morning. Remember to pick up your sister from the office."


    While the adults weren''t looking, Huo Guining quickly swallowed a mouthful of noodles Huo Yueze passed to her, chewing secretly like a little hamster with her head down.


    Huo Yueze switched back to his own chopsticks and raised his hand to shield the little hamster, "Got it, I won''t forget."


    Zuo Qinfang sighed deeply, "Yueze, stop feeding her. If you keep this up, she''ll get a stomachache."


    The two caught red-handed: ...


    Zuo Qinfang drove today, with Huo Guining and Huo Yueze sitting in the back.


    "This is brother," Huo Guining said, opening her drawings and introducing them one by one. "This is when brother was in the hospital, and this is from the day we yed basketball."


    Huo Yueze pointed to one of them and asked, "What about this one?"


    This picture depicted a young man standing in a massive doorframe, with darkness in the foreground and brilliant light behind him.


    It was quite dramatic.


    But it was also one of Huo Guining''s rare, more positive drawings.


    Huo Guining smiled a bit shyly.


    "This is the scene from the day brother came to rescue me."


    Huo Guining''s drawing had decent lines, but the details were a bit childish.


    Huo Yueze didn''t hold back his praise, "It''s really well done! Is Ning Ning saying that brother is a hero?"


    Huo Guining smiled, "To me, brother is a hero."


    Huo Yueze grinned broadly, "Mom, did you hear that?"


    Zuo Qinfang smiled, ncing at the two of them in the rearview mirror, "I heard, my big hero!"


    After arriving at school, Zuo Qinfang initially wanted to take Ning Ning to the teachers'' office, but Huo Yueze objected.


    "Your office is too far away, and some teachers even smoke in there secretly. It''s better if Ning Ning stays with me."


    Zuo Qinfang frowned, "You have sses. What will Ning Ning do with you?"


    Huo Yueze shrugged, "I''m already set to advance to the high school division anyway, so it doesn''t matter if I miss ss."


    "But Ning Ning can''t just wander around the school with you, can she?"


    "I''ll take Ning Ning to experience a kindergarten ss."


    This actually aligned with Zuo Qinfang''s original n.


    "Alright then, I''ll let your homeroom teacher know," Zuo Qinfang said, picking up her phone. "Take good care of your sister, okay? Don''t let her get hurt."


    Huo Yueze waved his hand, signaling her not to worry.


    The school''s tree-lined path was expansive, with huge ne trees nted on both sides. In the cold winter, only lonely branches remained.


    Huo Yueze held Huo Guining''s hand as they strolled towards the kindergarten.


    "Brother, do you know something?" Huo Guining asked hesitantly.

 Chapter 55

    Huo Yueze didn''t answer directly, but instead asked, "What does Ning Ning mean?"


    Huo Guining looked at his bright face and thought she might have been overthinking.


    She shook her head and changed the subject, "Brother, did you skip ss just to apany me?"


    Huo Yueze smiled, "Half and half. Ning Ning, do you want to go to school?"


    Huo Guining wrinkled her nose; she didn''t really like school.


    Huo Yueze was amused by her expression, "You dislike it that much?"


    Huo Guining smiled sheepishly, "Getting up too early, and the ssmates are probably very childish..."


    As soon as the words left her mouth, Huo Guining wished she could bite her tongue off.


    She had let it slip.


    Fortunately, Huo Yueze didn''t notice this slip-up. Heughed even louder, "You''re a little kid yourself, why are youining about your ssmates being childish!"


    Saying this, Huo Yueze crouched down, his eyes level with hers. He reached out and pinched her nose, "Being childish is a child''s right. Don''t be in a hurry to grow up."


    The doubt that had just been suppressed surged back, and Huo Guining''s eyes darted about, "Brother, why do you say that?"


    Huo Yueze seemedpletely unaware of her panic and said lightly, "To make you a little happier."


    "Brother said he would look after you. So cry if you want to cry,ugh if you want tough."


    At first, she was worried that he had discovered she was ill.


    Later, she worried if she had given herself away.


    Now it seemed that, thankfully, he probably just thought his little sister was living too heavily and wanted to encourage her.


    Now that he said this, Huo Guining breathed a sigh of relief.


    "I understand."


    Huo Yueze stood up, and they continued walking.


    Before they reached the kindergarten, they heard a burst of loud crying. The wailing was so intense it seemed to pierce the heavens.


    The siblings stopped in unison.


    Huo Guining clearly didn''t want to go further, but she didn''t say so, only asking, "Brother, are we still going?"


    Huo Yueze remembered that just a few minutes ago, he had said he hoped Ning Ning would enjoy a normal childhood. It wouldn''t be appropriate to retreat now.


    He gritted his teeth and tried to sound rxed, "Let''s go, why not..."


    "Waaah...!"


    Another even louder cry came, drowning out the previous one.


    After that, one cry after another, rising and falling, without interruption.


    The crying was so heart-wrenching that it would move listeners to tears.


    Huo Yueze immediately picked up Huo Guining and ran in the opposite direction, "The timing doesn''t seem right today, let''s try another time."


    Huo Guining agreed with a serious face, "Yes, we''lle back when the time is right."


    They ran all the way to the yground before they had a chance to catch their breath.


    "Ning Ning, maybe you should let uncle hire a tutor for you," Huo Yueze frowned, "The kindergarten is too noisy."


    Huo Guining nodded, "Indeed, I can''t go to kindergarten anyway."


    Huo Yueze gave her a slightly surprised look.


    The person in question didn''t notice anything unusual, and instead let her mind wander, "Dad must still be busy now."


    Huo Guining imagined Huo Xiaozheng expressionlessly attending meetings, signing documents, reading files.


    A veritable emotionless working machine.


    She couldn''t help butugh.


    "What''s so funny?"


    "I just imagined what dad looks like at work, it''s like this..."


    Saying this, Huo Guining imitated Huo Xiaozheng''s manner, frowning, cold-eyed, looking down on the world.


    Huo Yueze was amused by her.


    He quickly snapped a photo and sent it to his uncle, "This is how Ning Ning sees you, uncle. Haha.jpg."


    Huo Guining was immersed in her performance, amusing herself for a while.


    The two then went to the school''s small shop, and Huo Guining, clutching arge cat-shaped cotton candy, followed Huo Yueze back to his ssroom in a daze.


    It was break time.


    The ssroom was noisy and bustling.


    Huo Guining''s appearance immediately attracted the attention of the boys and girls.


    "Wow! Huo Yueze, is this your sister? She''s so cute!"


    "She must be from the kindergarten, right? Little sister, are you skipping ss?"


    High-pitched voices rose from all around.


    Huo Guiningughed to herself: ever since she had entered this body, she had unwittingly lost herself in her own sweet, childish tone.


    Now it seemed that humans were all the same, unable to resist the damn charm of an adorable young child.


    Some even tried to reach out and hug her.


    Huo Yueze quickly stopped them, "Hey, hey, watch it everyone, don''t get handsy. Have you washed your hands? There''s dirt under your nails! Don''t touch my sister!"


    Everyone burst intoughter.


    Huo Guining, however, acted as if nothing was wrong, taking a bite out of the cat-shaped cotton candy''s head: delicious.


    The bell rang, and everyone got up to change ssrooms.


    Huo Guining asked in confusion, "Brother, are we going too?"


    Huo Yueze picked up the small backpack containing her water bottle and snacks, and held her hand as they followed the crowd, "Brother''s taking you to art ss."


    The ssmates all knew that Huo Yueze''s mother was Teacher Zuo, and Zuo Qinfang was the art teacher.


    So, seeing Huo Yueze bringing a child along, they weren''t surprised.


    They surrounded Huo Guining, chattering and ying with her.


    Huo Guining''s mental age matched theirs, so she didn''t mind this.


    After all, looking at herself in the mirror recently, she sometimes couldn''t resist pinching her cheeks.


    "Eating well, sleeping well, though my mind might be ill, my body''s not bad."


    Huo Guining was very optimistic.


    As long as it didn''t escte to mental illness, all problems could be solved slowly.


    In the ssroom, Zuo Qinfang was already standing at the podium.


    Seeing Huo Guining, her expression softened and she waved, "Ning Ning, you''re here."


    Huo Guining let go of Huo Yueze''s hand, ran over and hugged Zuo Qinfang''s legs, looking up to say, "Auntie."


    Zuo Qinfang took the backpack her son handed over, pulled out a wet wipe and wiped Huo Guining''s mouth, "Don''t eat too much candy, you''ll get cavities."


    Huo Guining obediently nodded.


    Huo Yueze led her back to his seat.


    Zuo Qinfang began the lesson.


    In the art room, there were many easels set up.


    Huo Guining stood in front of Huo Yueze''s easel, listening to Zuo Qinfang talk about the history of a certain painting.


    Zuo Qinfang spoke gently and taught eloquently, the content captivating.


    Huo Guining leaned against Huo Yueze, listening intently.


    "Alright, today''s color exercise theme is life. Now begin your free practice!"


    Huo Guining turned and asked, "Brother, can I paint?"


    Huo Yueze dly gave her the easel, and worried she couldn''t reach it, he also brought her a stool. He sat behind her to prevent her from falling.


    Usually only drawing on a tablet, this was the first time Huo Guining had picked up a paintbrush in this world, and she felt a bit unfamiliar.


    "What color do you want to use?"


    Huo Guining thought for a moment, "Green."


    Huo Yueze''s eyes showed approval; no color could express life better than green.


    Huo Guining watched how the people next to her mixed colors, pretended to learn for a while, then began to paint.


    By the time Zuo Qinfang came around to check on the siblings, one was loungingzily, doodling on a tablet, drawing a chibi version of his sister.


    The other was painting on the canvas withposure and ease, her brush strokes fluid and masterful.


    Zuo Qinfang stood behind Huo Guining, looking at her canvas with amazement.


    "Buzz..."


    Huo Xiaozheng, who had been busy all day abroad, opened two starkly different pictures.


    His smile gradually disappeared.

 Chapter 56

    The white canvas was covered withrge swathes of dark green, so deep it was almost ck.


    The oppressive sky hung low, nearly merging with the vast sea.


    Over the grey-white ocean, fierce winds swept across, massive waves crashing against the shore, sending sprays of foam into the air.


    On the expansive, dark green beach, faint hints of tender green could be seen, spreading thinly like moss.


    The painting style was somber, yet powerful in its grandeur.


    The subtle touch of green, set against the heavy tones, appeared vibrant with life.


    Zuo Qinfang''s eyes held admiration: "Is this the vitality in Ningning''s heart?"


    Huo Guining nodded: "Just like flowers blooming on a cliff, the struggle for survival always gives a sense of vigorous life."


    Zuo Qinfang seemed lost in thought.


    Huo Yueze''s expression was equallyplex. He frowned and said to Huo Guining, "How do you have such an old soul at such a young age?"


    Huo Guining''s heart skipped a beat, but she feigned innocence, tilting her head: "What do you mean, big brother?"


    Zuo Qinfang understood and yfully scolded him: "Don''t tease your sister!"


    Back at the old house, Zuo Qinfang had seen Ningning painting before, but she had assumed it was just a child''s scribbles and hadn''t paid much attention.


    Now she realized that Ningning had some real talent.


    "Ningning, would you like to learn painting from Auntie?"


    Huo Guining nodded: "I''d love to."


    In her previous life, she had died too young, and painting was one of her unfulfilled dreams.


    Zuo Qinfang stroked her hair.


    She took a photo of the painting and sent it to Huo Xiaozheng.


    She briefed him about today''s ss and added ament.


    "Ningning has some talent in painting, I think we should nurture it."


    Far away overseas, Huo Xiaozheng''s thoughts upon seeing the painting werepletely different from Zuo Qinfang''s.


    If the photo Huo Yueze had sent earlier had made Huo Xiaozheng think Ningning''s condition was improving,


    Then the painting Zuo Qinfang sent brutally brought him back to reality.


    Ningning''s inner world was still oppressive and dark.


    Huo Xiaozheng even felt that the thinyer of tender green was only there to respond to Zuo Qinfang''s theme of life.


    Zuo Qinfang, not knowing Huo Guining well yet, hadn''t thought of this aspect.


    At that moment, the bell rang, signaling the end of ss. Students started leaving the ssroom in small groups.


    Huo Yueze packed Ningning''s painting into his backpack and took out some snacks and juice for her.


    "You should go back to ss. I''ll take your sister home after lunch," Zuo Qinfang said to Huo Yueze while tidying up her teaching materials.


    Huo Guining gulped down the juice, finishing it quickly.


    "Why don''t you go ahead? I''ll bring Ningning home after my sses," Huo Yueze suggested.


    Zuo Qinfang gave him a stern look: "What are you talking about? You want Ningning to sit through your sses?"


    Huo Yueze thought for a moment: "Ningning, do you want to go to the amusement park?"


    Huo Guining''s eyes lit up.


    The weather was perfect today, and by noon, the temperature would be ideal for an outing.


    Come to think of it, she had been following Huo Xiaozheng to work every day and had hardly been anywhere for fun.


    The only notable outing was when Yin Su took her shopping for a dress.


    "Can we?" Huo Guining asked.


    Huo Yueze raised an eyebrow and smiled: "Of course we can."


    Zuo Qinfangughed, exasperated: "Are you two conspiring right in front of me?"


    Huo Yueze hugged Zuo Qinfang, pleading: "Dear mother, can''t you see the longing in my sister''s eyes?"


    Receiving the cue, Huo Guining''srge eyes became even more poignant, her desire almost tangible as it pierced towards Zuo Qinfang.


    "Fine, go ahead. I''ll excuse you for these couple of days, so you can spend time with your sister."


    Zuo Qinfang conceded defeat.


    Huo Yueze had originally nned to just let Huo Guining experience campus life, but now that Zuo Qinfang had agreed, he naturally epted without hesitation.


    "Let''s go, little sister!"


    With that, he scooped up Huo Guining and dashed towards the school exit.


    Zuo Qinfang shook her head and called after them: "Be back before dinner, and take good care of your sister!"


    Huo Yueze waved his hand and quickly disappeared around the corner.


    "Big brother, are you sure this won''t affect your studies?" Huo Guining btedly felt a twinge of guilt.


    Huo Yuezeughed and patted her little head: "Of course not. If it would, Mom definitely wouldn''t have let me skip ss to y."


    Huo Guining felt relieved.


    "You think a lot for such a little one," Huo Yueze teased.


    Huo Guining gave a shy smile.


    With the power of money, they quickly arrived at the amusement park and entered through the VIP channel.


    Although it was a Wednesday, the park was quite busy.


    Considering Huo Guining''s young age, Huo Yueze first took her to ride the carousel.


    "I''m too big for this now, so I''ll take photos of you from down here. Go on."


    The carousel wasrge and luxurious, with a very dreamy decoration.


    Huo Guining''s eyes sparkled with desire. She nodded at Huo Yueze and, with the help of the staff, climbed onto a little horse.


    As the carousel began to rotate and rise, Huo Guining felt as if she had been transported into a magical world, with each note of music around her dancing with joy.


    Huo Yueze watched her with a smile, asionally waving at her.


    When Huo Guining came down, Huo Yueze helped her retie her loosened hair and asked:


    "Are you hungry? Shall we have lunch before continuing?"


    Huo Guining nodded.


    It was lunchtime, and all the restaurants were packed.


    Huo Guining chose the pirate-themed restaurant. After Huo Yueze scanned the QR code to order, he told Huo Guining to stay put and save their seats while he went to collect the food.


    Huo Guining obediently waited at the table.


    "Little one, are you alone? Can we sit here?"


    A bespectacled couple sat down opposite her, directly pushing aside the chair next to her. They asked if they could sit, but their words didn''t match their actions as they had already ced their bags on the table.


    Before Huo Guining could answer, they also seated their son next to her.


    Just like that, this family of three had upied three seats at the four-person table.


    Huo Guining frowned: "This seat is mine. You can''t sit here."


    The couple raised their eyebrows and smiled, ignoring Huo Guining.


    Their son, who looked about 7 or 8 years old, directly punched Huo Guining: "You go away, this is our seat!"


    Huo Guining was stunned.


    This was the first time she had encountered such a rude child.


    The punch wasn''t light; Huo Guining even heard a ''thud'' sound.


    Huo Guining got angry: "You''re the one who should go away. This is my seat."


    The bespectacled couple first looked around, and seeing no adult with Huo Guining, they said: "Chengcheng, you shouldn''t do that. Come, tell mommy what you want to eat."


    Hearing this, the child called Chengcheng became even more arrogant, even making faces at Huo Guining.


    In a corner unnoticed by the bespectacled couple, two tall, burly men approached.


    However, Huo Guining''s actions were even quicker than theirs.


    She raised her hand and, with lightning speed and considerable force, gave the rude child a resounding p.


    "Smack!"


    The previously bustling restaurant fell into an eerie silence.

 Chapter 57

    "Chengcheng!"


    The couple with sses changed their expressions drastically. The mother of the unruly child immediately leaned forward to hug her son, cradling his face and examining it closely. "Does it hurt?"


    Chengcheng let out a loud "Waaah!" and started bawling, his cries echoing through the air.


    Seeing this, sses Man cursed under his breath and raised his hand, intending to grab Huo Guining''s cor.


    His hands were seized, stopping him in his tracks.


    "Young miss, are you alright?"


    The neer was one of the bodyguards apanying them.


    Seeing Huo Guining''s confused look, he introduced himself briefly.


    Huo Guining rxed her expression and shook her head to indicate she was fine.


    The bodyguards were tall and imposing. Although they weren''t wearing sunsses, they still looked quite intimidating.


    sses Woman noticed this and curled her lip, forcing out a few tears as she said, "Is there no justice? Just because you have some money at home, you think you''re all that? So violent at such a young age, look at how hard she pped..."


    "If you keep developing like this, even when you grow up, you''ll just be a poison to society!"


    She stroked her son''s face sympathetically, causing a stinging pain.


    The unruly child immediately cried even louder.


    Huo Guining casually pulled out a wet wipe and cleaned her hands. Her usually smiling face was now cold as ice. She slightly raised her eyes and said, "If you don''t know how to teach children, you can pay someone else to do it."


    Her usually sweet voice was now deliberately lowered.


    "If you don''t have money and aren''t willing to learn..." Huo Guining''s eyes shifted, and she continued slowly, "It''s better not to have children at all, otherwise..."


    Huo Guining nced at the unruly child, revealing a contemptuous smile. The meaning was clear without words.


    "Ah, no!"


    Seeing sses Man about to interject, Huo Guining maliciously looked him up and down.


    Then she interrupted him word by word: "You should pass this advice to your parents. After all, like father, like son..."


    sses Man, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, immediately bristled. He spat, "You little beast, born without a mother''s care..."


    The bodyguard immediately stepped forward and covered sses Man''s mouth.


    Themotion had already alerted the park staff, and some came forward to mediate.


    But without Huo Guining''s word, the bodyguard wouldn''t let go.


    Seeing this, sses Woman immediately started crying about Huo Guining''s cruelty.


    Her usations of "so vicious at such a young age" made Huo Guiningugh.


    She even found time to make a face at the unruly child.


    Chengcheng, feeling frustrated, twisted his face and struggled out of his mother''s arms, wanting to perish together with Huo Guining.


    He was pushed back by Huo Yueze, who was holding a tray of food with one hand.


    "Ningnin, what''s wrong?"


    Huo Yueze put down the tray, just in time to hear sses Woman''s insults.


    He darkened his face: "Madam, please watch yournguage."


    sses Womanughed angrily, her emotions that had just been calmed by the staff immediately ring up again: "You must be her father, right? Let me tell you, if your daughter doesn''t apologize to my son, this matter isn''t over today!"


    Huo Yueze hadn''t yet figured out what had happened, but that didn''t stop him from being protective:


    "This is my sister. And what apology? If anyone should apologize, it''s your son!"


    Seeing this, sses Woman became even more arrogant. Another bodyguard immediately stepped forward, seemingly about to take action.


    The park staff, worried about the negative impact, hurriedly intervened, politely inviting both parties to the office.


    After much persuasion, the couple with sses finally agreed to discuss privately.


    Huo Yueze, concerned about the potential exposure affecting Huo Guining, had no objection to this either.


    "Tell your bodyguard to let go of my husband!" sses Woman said fiercely.


    Huo Yueze thought these bodyguards must have been sent by his uncle.


    He waved at the two men, but they didn''t move an inch.


    Huo Yueze: ?


    Huo Guining reverted to her childish tone and said to the two bodyguards, "Uncles, please let him go."


    The two immediately released their hold and stood behind Huo Guining.


    Huo Yueze: So I''m just an outsider, huh.


    ...


    The group made their way to the park''s mediation room.


    On the way, Huo Yueze carried Huo Guining the entire time.


    He had heard most of what had happened.


    During the journey, Huo Yueze took out his phone and sent a message to Huo Xiaozheng.


    When they arrived at the mediation room, they could hear the couple with sses cursing and swearing.


    Huo Yueze ignored them as if they were just passing gas, focusing entirely on feeding Huo Guining.


    "This pork cutlet is very tender, with a sweet and sour taste. Try it."


    "Delicious!"


    "And this corn, it has cheese added. It''s fragrant and sweet."


    The big and small one turned the office desk into a dining table, eating with great enjoyment.


    The couple with sses, wary of the bodyguards standing next to the two, dared not voice their anger.


    Chengcheng, however, was brought to tears by the tempting food and cried for some too.


    sses Woman said haughtily, "Give us a set of this meal too."


    The park staff smiled and said, "This meal set was ordered by Mr. Huo himself. We''re just helping with the delivery."


    sses Woman said resentfully, "When you were persuading us earlier, your attitude was so good. Now that we''ve agreed to reconcile, this is your attitude?"


    She took out her phone and continued, "I have tens of thousands of followers on my social media. Want me to expose your two-faced behavior?"


    The staff member''s smile froze.


    The reason they didn''t handle this in public was to avoid affecting other visitors, not out of consideration for the couple with sses.


    Hearing her say this, the staff member couldn''t help but secretly roll their eyes, reminding her:


    "Ma''am, we''ve already retrieved the surveince footage of the incident."


    On the way here, other staff members had gone to get the surveince footage.


    Under surveince, the truth of the matter was clear.


    sses Woman and her husband exchanged a nce, a sh of panic crossing their faces.


    "Since you''ve seen the surveince, you should have also seen my son being hit," sses Woman said, feeling more and more justified. "I want to call the police!"


    Huo Guining couldn''t help but interject, "The surveince should also show that your son was the one who struck first."


    Huo Yueze was startled and immediately stood up, "Where did that little brat hit you? Does it hurt?"


    Seeing that they had finished eating most of their meal, Huo Guining''s eyes rolled mischievously, and she pouted, "He punched my back with his fist. It hurts so much, wuwuwu..."


    With that, she fell straight into Huo Yueze''s arms, making a show of crying without any real tears.


    Huo Yueze, judging from her behavior that she wasn''t really injured, yed along, "Let''s call the police then. We demand a medical examination."


    The park staff had originally nned to minimize the issue and resolve it quietly.


    They didn''t expect that, under mediation, both parties would want to involve the police.


    This would be detrimental to the park''s reputation.


    After trying to please both sides, the couple with sses smugly relented, "Have his sister apologize to us, andpensate for our son''s mental distress, and we can consider this matter settled."


    Huo Yueze gave a coldugh, ncing at the staff member.


    He slowly said to the couple with sses, "You think it''s that easy to settle privately?"


    "Dream on!"


    As soon as he finished speaking, there was a knock on the office door.


    Lawyer Zheng walked in carrying a briefcase.


    ...


    Regarding the kidnapping case, how Huo Xiaozheng discovered where Huo Guining was hidden.


    This story goes back to Huo Yueze and the moving truck driver.


    At that time, the driver had insisted that he wouldn''t waste a whole day''s business for just 200 yuan, so he had left them halfway.


    Coincidentally, the delivery the driver made that day was to the Shen Family.


    Huo Guining had been kidnapped at that time, and the Shen Family knew about it.


    The driver overheard some of the conversation and asked someone nearby about the surname of the kidnapped family. The person told him everything.


    The driver thought, if he really had encountered the kidnapped person, given the wealth of rich families, even a small reward would probably equal several months of his sry.


    Thinking this, the driver immediately went to the Huo Family, saying he had important information that might help find the young master of the Huo Family.


    It was the driver''s first time riding in a police car, and he felt a bit uneasy.


    After reaching the outskirts, the driver pointed the police in the direction where he had left Huo Yueze.


    Sure enough, the police found him.


    Not only did they find the young master of the Huo Family, but they also rescued a little girl, he heard.


    Afterwards, the Huo Family indeed gave the driver a sum of money, equivalent to a year''s sry.


    After learning the truth about his rescue, Huo Yueze was determined not to let this incident tarnish the image of the heroic brother in Ningnin''s eyes before she came of age.

 Chapter 58

    All disputes began to simplify as Lawyer Zheng entered the office.


    Lawyer Zheng took a firm stance, stating that even if the sses Woman chose to call the police, Huo Guining''s side would insist on pressing charges.


    The staff also yed the surveince footage from the time of the incident, attempting to mediate between the two parties and encourage a private settlement to avoid escting the situation.


    The sses Woman was clearly in the wrong.


    But the fact that her son had been pped was something that neither of them could get over, no matter how they looked at it.


    "Your son is so fat, what''s wrong with getting pped?" Huo Yueze unleashed his sarcasm skills. "My sister is so thin, who knows what kind of injury that punch could have caused her."


    The situation reached a stalemate.


    Huo Yueze lost his patience.


    "Since they don''t want to apologize, let''s meet in court then."


    With that, he took a wet wipe to clean Huo Guining''s mouth and hands, then picked her up and headed for the exit.


    Seeing their demeanor, the sses couple realized they couldn''t mess with them.


    The sses Man pped his unruly child on the back: "Always causing trouble, acting tough after hitting someone. Hurry up and apologize!"


    The boy was stunned by the p, looking at his father in disbelief before his face crumpled and he began wailing loudly.


    The sses Woman scolded him too: "Cry, cry, cry, that''s all you know how to do. Don''t let people say you''re ill-mannered!"


    Huo Yueze picked at his ear, his expression impatient: "Are you two insulting us indirectly?"


    The sses couple fell silent, focusing on scolding their son.


    The staff member, not wanting to make a big deal of the situation, said with a cating smile: "Look, it''s just children ying rough. We apologize on their behalf. Please be magnanimous and don''t take it out on a child."


    Huo Yueze still had some anger pent up in his chest.


    However, Huo Guining felt that the p she had given had already vented her anger.


    She quietly leaned close to Huo Yueze''s ear and said: "Brother, that little boy''s face is swollen. He''s hurting more than me."


    Huo Yueze nced over and saw that it was true.


    The boy''s cheek clearly showed the imprint of five fingers.


    Huo Yueze cleared his throat and said: "Alright then, let''s consider this matter settled."


    With that, he gave Lawyer Zheng a look and left with Huo Guining.


    This small incident didn''t affect the siblings'' mood.


    After confirming that Huo Guining was fine, Huo Yueze took her to enjoy all the rides in the amusement park.


    The two happily returned home carrying amusement park souvenirs.


    "Auntie, why are you here?" Huo Yueze asked as he was helping Huo Guining change her shoes and saw Huo Jing standing in the entrance.


    Huo Jing replied irritably: "You have the nerve to ask me that? You two have gone viral."


    Huo Yueze and Huo Guining: Both looked bewildered.


    "Go look online for yourselves. You and your sister are trending on social media!"


    Saying this, Huo Jing took Huo Guining''s hand and sat her on the couch: "Ningning, where did that nasty boy hit you? Let auntie take a look."


    Huo Guining seemed a bit shy: "On my back, but it doesn''t hurt anymore."


    Huo Yueze sat down next to them while checking his phone.


    On social media, the hashtag ''Siblings Bullying Others with Their Power'' was trending at number three.


    It turned out that bystanders had filmed the incident and uploaded the video to social media.


    In the video, the moment when Huo Guining hit the boy was edited to look particrly violent.


    Immediately after the incident, someone iming to be a child psychology expert appeared to analyze Huo Guining''s violent behavior and micro-expressions.


    They concluded that Huo Guining might have antisocial personality disorder.


    Huo Yueze was furious: "What nonsense!"


    Huo Jing, having seen such tactics before, tried to calm him down: "I''ve already contacted the PRpany to handle it."


    "But Ningning, tell auntie the truth, are you really not hurt?"


    Huo Jing had seen the video; that unruly boy had caught Ningning off guard with a sudden attack.


    The force looked considerable.


    Huo Guining shook her head, insisting she was fine.


    Huo Yueze became a bit anxious: "Won''t this incident make people think of Ningning''s previous..."


    He suddenly closed his mouth.


    Huo Jing shot him a re. He really knew how to bring up the wrong topics.


    "Ningning, don''t listen to your brother''s nonsense." Huo Jing stroked her head.


    Although she said this, Huo Jing had also heard about Ningning''s episode due to the newsst time.


    What Huo Yueze said wasn''t entirely without reason.


    "Yueze, take your sister to freshen up. I''ve ordered takeout. We''ll eat when your parents get back."


    As she spoke, she made a phone call gesture to Huo Yueze.


    Huo Yueze understood and led Huo Guining to her room.


    As soon as the two disappeared from view, Huo Jing dialed Huo Xiaozheng''s number.


    ...


    Before Huo Jing could react, an interview with the sses Woman went viral on video tforms.


    "That little girl was so vicious! My son''s face is still swollen!"


    "My son loves ying with other kids, just like how boys like to pull the pigtails of girls sitting in front of them."


    "Who knew that little girl would be so fierce? It was just ying around, and she hit him."


    "And she had two bodyguards with her. Who would dare mess with that?"


    Huo Xiaozheng was watching the video while on the phone with Huo Jing.


    His expression grew colder.


    "The rest doesn''t matter. Online drama will die down in a few days," Huo Jing said. "I''m just worried about Ningning. You''re not by her side right now, and I''m afraid if something happens to her, we won''t know how to handle it."


    Huo Xiaozheng thought for a moment: "Just don''t let her see the news and she''ll be fine."


    Huo Jing understood this point well.


    "Also, I heard that Ningning has been seeing a psychologist..."


    Huo Xiaozheng coldly asked: "Did Shen Shiyan tell you that?"


    Huo Jing didn''t deny it: "He identally let it slip when we were having dinner."


    "What are you trying to say?"


    Hearing Huo Xiaozheng''s tone, Huo Jing knew he had misunderstood her intentions.


    "You''ve seen today''s video too. All these so-called experts have popped up online, judging Ningning left and right."


    "It''s possible some gossip ounts might still remember Ningning''s previous news incident."


    "What if they dig up the fact that Ningning is seeing a psychologist? Wouldn''t that make things even worse?"


    Huo Jing exined all at once.


    This was something Huo Xiaozheng hadn''t considered.


    Although Huo Xiaozheng had sued all the gossip ounts after thest news incident, this time was different.


    No one would care about Ningning''s background, experiences, or the truth in the video.


    They would only think that Ningning was a potential sociopath with a mental illness.

 Chapter 59

    Having learned from the previous incident, this time, the Huo family deliberately kept Huo Guining away from online discussions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze went even further, directly cutting off Huo Guining''s Wi-Fi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After dinner, having bid farewell to Huo Jing, Huo Guining was about to watch some anime when she found herself confused: "Brother?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze felt a bit guilty. He rubbed his nose and said with a straight face, "You must be tired after ying all day. You should go to bed early!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As he spoke, he pushed her towards the bedroom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining looked at the time; it was only eight in the evening.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Brother, is there something you''re not telling me?" Huo Guining felt strange. "Cutting off my Wi-Fi won''t help, you know. I still have my phone."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze, in his concern, had forgotten about that.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Then don''t use your phone either for now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining shook her head. "No, I haven''t called Dad yet today."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    That''s right.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It had been less than two days since Huo Xiaozheng went abroad, but Huo Guining would video call him every day to ask about his situation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Sometimes Huo Yueze couldn''t tell who was the father and who was the daughter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As they were arguing, Huo Xiaozheng''s call came in.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining quickly answered, "Dad!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng was startled. The urgency in her voice made him a bit worried. "What''s wrong? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining shook her head and plopped down on the sofa. "Brother cut off my inte and is trying to take my phone."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Knowing that Huo Yueze was worried about her seeing negativements online, Huo Xiaozheng felt relieved. So he teased her, "How could your brother be so naughty?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was taken aback and hurriedly exined, "Brother isn''t naughty. He''s just worried that I''m tired from ying all day and wants me to go to bed early."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng said, "Oh, so your brother is quite nice then."<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


    "Then shouldn''t you go wash up and get ready for bed?" Huo Xiaozheng''s tone was coaxing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    To be honest, he wasn''t sure how Guining would react if she saw the onlinements.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But just in case, it would be better if she didn''t see them before he had dealt with the situation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Thinking of this, he added, "If you go to bed early today, Dad will bring you a present tomorrow."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad, are youing back tomorrow?" Huo Guining was a bit excited.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although Huo Yueze was very nice, and her uncle and aunt were good too, Huo Guining still preferred living at her own home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yes, I''ll be back tomorrow. So rest early, and I''ll pick you up in the evening to go home."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t tell her that he was already on his way to the airport.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With this situation, he felt he would be more at ease if he was by her side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Since Huo Xiaozheng said so, Huo Guining obedientlyplied.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She handed her phone to Huo Yueze to keep. "Brother will give me back my phone tomorrow, right?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze hadn''t expected her to be so obedient and immediately answered, "Of course! A gentleman''s word is his bond!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Just as she was wondering what to do, Zuo Qinfang beckoned to her, saying she had made some adjustments to the painting from earlier in the day and asked if she wanted to take a look.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining happily agreed and left the living room, holding Zuo Qinfang''s hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze was left standing alone, lost in thought.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yanqin had just entered the room when he saw his son''s dazed expression. He couldn''t help but pat him on the back, "What are you daydreaming about?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze answered off-topic, "Dad, when I was 5 years old, could I understand idioms?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "At 5? At 5, you had trouble withplex characters, let alone idioms!" Huo Yanqin said bluntly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze''s eyes gradually widened in shock. He excitedly said, "Dad, we might have a genius in our family!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yanqin couldn''t take it anymore, "Isn''t your uncle one?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze instinctively dismissed his uncle''s existence, "I''m talking about Guining! Just now when I said ''A gentleman''s word is his bond,'' she actually understood!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Thinking carefully,munication with Guining had always been smooth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The news incidentst time was also strange.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Guining seemed to have almost no difficulty reading, with a vocabry far beyond that of a typical 5-year-old.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If this wasn''t genius, what was it?!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The more Huo Yueze thought about it, the more excited he became. He rushed to the study, eager to immediately take Guining for an IQ test.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But he was stopped by a look from Zuo Qinfang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "The color transition here isn''t smooth enough. You should do it like this..." Zuo Qinfang picked up a brush and demonstrated for Guining.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining understood immediately and casually drew an example, asking, "Is it like this... right?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zuo Qinfang gave a thumbs up, "Exactly like that!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After finishing the painting, Zuo Qinfang looked at her son who was standing dumbfounded to the side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Do you need something?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze''s eyes were as wide as saucers. He crouched down and hugged Guining''s shoulders, "You... you''re amazing!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining waspletely confused, "What''s wrong, brother?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zuo Qinfang couldn''t stand it anymore and frowned at him, "Yueze, what are you going on about now?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze gave Zuo Qinfang a mysterious look and solemnly asked Guining, "A gentleman''s word..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining confusedly continued, "...is his bond?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Eight immortals crossing the sea?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Each showing their unique powers?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    These idioms were so ingrained in Huo Guining that she answered without even thinking.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    By the time she realized what was happening, it was toote!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze hugged Huo Guining tightly, eximing, "Guining really is a genius!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zuo Qinfang was also somewhat surprised, but clearly more rational than Huo Yueze.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She stopped Huo Yueze''s actions and asked Guining, "Guining, did you go to kindergarten before?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was panicking internally, "Yes, I did."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This wasn''t a lie. Shi Lili, eager to get rid of the burden of caring for her, had wished the kindergarten was open year-round to take care of the child for her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zuo Qinfang asked her a few more idioms. This time, Huo Guining didn''t dare to answer and just pretended not to understand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze excitedly presented new evidence, "Remember the news incidentst time? Didn''t uncle say Guining read it herself? A 5-year-old recognizing so many characters, if that''s not genius, what is?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining wished she could tape his mouth shut. She waved her hands repeatedly, saying, "I''m not a genius."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze was about to speak again, but Zuo Qinfang seemed to have figured something out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She gently asked, "Guining, do you not like being seen as a genius?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    How could she answer that question? This had nothing to do with being a genius; it was purely because she hadn''t yed the role of a 5-year-old child well enough!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining lowered her head and remained silent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zuo Qinfang seemed lost in thought.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I''m not a genius," Huo Guining said after some consideration, deciding to tell the truth. "I often y alone, but the house is too quiet, and I get scared."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "So I keep the TV on and watch it. I watch whatever is lively."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "After watching a lot, I learned things."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s words implied: She wasn''t smart; she was simply too lonely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing this, Huo Yueze''s excitement also cooled down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Guining''s situation was... very simr to his uncle''s situation back then.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 60

    Zuo Qinfang felt heartbroken upon hearing Huo Guining''s words.


    After Huo Yueze was born, she had neglected him due to her poor health.


    When her health improved, she wanted to make it up to Huo Yueze every moment.


    Not to mention Ningning''s situation now.


    What kind of mother would be heartless enough to let her child stay home alone withoutpany?


    Zuo Qinfang and Huo Yueze, mother and son, were not on the same page, so their expressions naturally differed.


    Huo Guining found it difficult to interpret their reactions.


    Fortunately, Zuo Qinfang didn''t let Huo Yueze get carried away, but instead took Huo Guining back to her room to sleep.


    "Ningning, would you like Auntie to tell you a bedtime story?"


    Zuo Qinfang felt very sorry for her, so she wanted to give her as much warmth as possible.


    Huo Guining shook her head: "No need, I''m not used to that."


    Upon hearing this, Zuo Qinfang''s expression became even more sympathetic.


    However, Huo Guining didn''t think much of it.


    After finishing her bedtime routine, Zuo Qinfang adjusted the room temperature for her, checked if the windows were properly closed, turned off the lights, and walked out.


    Huo Guining patiently waited for a while, and after making sure Zuo Qinfang had left, she got up and took out a small white pill from the inside of her schoolbag.


    She picked up the ss of water from the bedside table and swallowed the pill.


    Then, she slowly closed her eyes.


    ......


    Online, the video of Huo Guining and Huo Yueze was still causing a stir.


    The PRpany was doing its best to delete it, but some marketing ounts still managed to trace clues and discover Huo Guining''s identity.


    Unlikest time, things were different now.


    Huo Guining had been officially recognized by her family, and marketing ounts aware of the inside story didn''t dare to offend the Huo Group.


    However, there were still some stubbornpanies wanting to capitalize on this hot topic for traffic.


    They found the Eyesses Couple for an interview.


    Seeing that the matter had blown up, the Eyesses Couple was initially a bit scared of the truth being exposed.


    But when they were told about Huo Guining sending her birth mother to prison, the couple suddenly felt they were on moral high ground.


    So they coborated with the marketing ounts to keep hyping up the story of Huo Guining beating up an innocent boy.


    Faced with the overwhelming reports, the Huo Group''s PRpany found the situation rather thorny.


    "Times are changing, and people are starting to question the concept that human nature is inherently good."


    "Last time, when Miss Huo sent her birth mother to prison, we only focused on deleting photos without fully rifying the facts."


    "This led to more and more malicious spection about Miss Huo fromizens."


    "And now, this..."


    Xi Chuan yed the video for Huo Xiaozheng: "Right here, Miss Huo''s expression has been over-interpreted."


    "Thement section has been led astray, they''re all saying Miss Huo is..."


    Xi Chuan stammered, afraid to continue.


    Huo Xiaozheng coldly nced over: "Just say it."


    "Thements are saying Miss Huo is born evil."


    "Crash!"


    At that moment, even the roar of an airne couldn''tpare to the sound of ss shattering in Huo Xiaozheng''s hand.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s expression was as cold as ice, his eyes seeming to spit fire.


    Xi Chuan hadn''t seen Huo Xiaozheng this angry in a long time. He lowered his head, not daring to speak for a long while.


    Huo Xiaozheng spoke: "Find someone to release theplete video."


    Xi Chuan reluctantly said: "We''ve already done that, but public opinion is not on our side."


    The PR department''s view was that this wave of traffic was huge, and marketingpanies had invested heavily in steering the narrative.


    The current situation was that theplete video had been released, butizens had already formed preconceptions and believed that Huo Guining''s side was trying to whitewash the situation.


    Huo Xiaozheng gave a coldugh: "Contact the amusement park and tell them we have some business to discuss."


    Moreover, Huo Xiaozheng instructed Xi Chuan to offer a reward on public media, asking for more people to provide videos from that day.


    The base price was 100,000 yuan.


    The higher the quality of the video provided, the higher the reward.


    Where there''s a big reward, there are bound to be brave takers.


    The public hadn''t expected this money-making opportunity, and suddenly, all sorts of ounts iming to be onlookers started uploading videos to the official blog.


    Some spectators also stated that they were at the scene that day, and the facts didn''t match the Eyesses Couple''s description.


    Of course, that''s a story forter.


    At 4 AM, Huo Xiaozheng arrived in South City.


    "Mr. Huo, shall I take you back to Panlong Bay?" Xi Chuan asked.


    Huo Xiaozheng tiredly rubbed his eyes: "No need, let''s go to my brother''s house to pick up Ningning first."


    Xi Chuan hesitated: "At this hour, Miss Ningning should still be asleep..."


    Huo Xiaozheng paused, realizing he had forgotten about the time in his eagerness to bring her home.


    "Then let''s go back to the vi first."


    Huo Xiaozheng dozed off in the car for a while, and after returning home and freshening up, it was already 6 AM.


    Because Ningning wasn''t home, Aunt Xu hadn''t prepared breakfast recently.


    Seeing Huo Xiaozheng this morning, she was a bit flustered: "Mr. Huo, you''re back. What would you like for breakfast?"


    Huo Xiaozheng shook his head, about to refuse, but then thought: "Make something Ningning likes."


    He would go pick her upter.


    However, things don''t always go as nned.


    The PR department said that the person in charge from the amusement park would arrive at thepany at 8 AM and hoped to have a face-to-face meeting with Huo Xiaozheng.


    After pondering for a moment, Huo Xiaozheng still decided to go to thepany.


    ......


    Meanwhile, Huo Guining didn''t know that Huo Xiaozheng had already returned.


    She touched her chest, feeling her heart beating steadily, and breathed a sigh of relief.


    After getting dressed andpleting her morning routine alone, she opened the door and walked out.


    It was still Huo Yanqin making breakfast.


    "Good morning, Uncle," Huo Guining greeted softly.


    Huo Yanqin smiled and responded: "Good morning, Ningning. Are you hungry?"


    Huo Guining got goosebumps from his affected tone.


    She nodded.


    Today''s breakfast was small shepherd''s purse wonton. The skin was thin and the filling was plentiful. One bite released a burst of juicy, fragrant vor.


    Huo Guining gave a thumbs up.


    Huo Yanqin smiled gently.


    "Ningning, didn''t you sleep wellst night?"


    Huo Yanqin suddenly asked: "Why do your lips look so pale?"


    Huo Guining''s heart skipped a beat, but her face remained calm: "Not really, maybe I''m just a bit tired from going out yesterday."


    Huo Yanqin nodded: "After breakfast, let your brother take you out for some exercise to build up your stamina."


    Huo Guining nodded perfunctorily.


    Huo Yueze didn''t go to school again today.


    When Huo Guining asked him for his phone, he still acted like a miser and didn''t want to give it.


    But having promised earlier, he had no choice but to hand it over.


    Seeing this, Zuo Qinfang said: "The weather is nice today. Yueze, why don''t you take your sister out to sketch nearby?"


    The park in themunity had nice scenery, and the winter plum blossoms were in full bloom, making it indeed a good time for plum blossom appreciation.


    After breakfast, Huo Yueze carried his drawing board and pulled a small camping cart to thekeside to set up a tent.


    Themunity was very private, so Huo Yueze wasn''t worried about anyoneing to bother them.


    He set up the tent, turned on the heating equipment, and ced a chair at the tent entrance, letting Huo Guining sketch thekeside scenery.


    Huo Guining really enjoyed this moment.


    She didn''t have to think about her situation, and the tragic experiences of "Shi Ning" no longer haunted her.


    At this moment, she was free.


    Huo Yueze was organizing her small bag that she never left behind, filled with various snacks, tissues, cute little dolls, and...


    Holding the instruction manual in his hand, Huo Yueze looked at Huo Guining, who was engrossed in drawing, with aplex expression.

 Chapter 61

    Huo Guining sensed the gaze behind her and looked at Huo Yueze quizzically. "Brother, why are you looking at me like that?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze held up the instruction leaflet. "What''s this?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s heart skipped a beat. Oh no, had she forgotten to throw away the medication instructions?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She tried to remain calm. "What do you mean?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze walked over and held the leaflet in front of her eyes, smiling. "Why do you stuff everything into your bag? What''s the point of keeping the instructions for vitamin tablets?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Vitamins?" Huo Guining was stunned for a moment, then let out a long sigh of relief. "Butler Chen must have put it in there."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze thought about it and agreed. "That must be it. Maybe Butler Chen was worried Mom would forget the dosage."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining forced a couple ofughs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As a cold wind blew past, the cold sweat on her back made her shiver involuntarily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    That was close.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing her reaction, Huo Yueze asked with concern, "What''s wrong? Are you cold?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    She tried to focus on her painting, but her mind was elsewhere.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Beside her, Huo Yueze felt something was off, but he couldn''t quite put his finger on it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The siblings continued their activities - one painting the winterndscape tirelessly, the other ying on his phone with headphones on.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After Huo Xiaozheng took action, the online controversy didn''t escte further.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On Huo Corporation''s official media ount, more and more firsthand ounts from visitors began to appear.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Corporation, as agreed, made private transfers to these ounts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although someizens still used Huo Corporation of paying to clean up their image, as videos from different perspectives emerged, the tide of public opinion began to turn.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "That couple is really shameless, taking advantage of a young girl who wasn''t apanied by adults."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "But that little brat hit first, and quite hard too."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Another day of having my worldview refreshed."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Like father, like son - the whole family is rotten!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "They have the nerve toe out and use others!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "All for the clicks and views."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng was satisfied with how the situation was being handled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This morning, he had already reached an agreement with the amusement park''s top management.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They would soon release a statement. At that point, right and wrong would be clear for all to see.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng nced at his watch; it was already 10:30 AM.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He picked up his coat and headed out. "I''m going home now. Call me if anythinges up."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xi Chuan nodded, thinking to himself: The boss used to only say he was leaving work, but now he naturally says he''s going home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yin Su, who had been following the situation closely, asked Xi Chuan in confusion, "Assistant Xi, why doesn''t the boss just rify things directly?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Miss Guining is always being ndered for personally sending her mother to prison, this..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xi Chuan''s gaze was distant. "Of course Mr. Huo wants to rify all these rumors."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "But if he did, Miss Guining''s birth and her mother would both be criticized."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "She''s still so young, and she''ll have ssmates and friends in the future. How could she handle all that at such a tender age?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xi Chuan sighed. A parent''s love for their child is truly far-sighted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The current Mr. Huo was gradually bing more like a father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Huo Guining was in good spirits today. After returning from sketching, her lips seemed to have regained some color.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze, just as when they left, was carrying bags of all sizes. Worried that Guining might get tired, he let her sit in the cart and pulled her along.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This childish game delighted Huo Guining, and she couldn''t help but chatter excitedly:<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It''s my first time seeing such beautiful plum blossoms."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "The frozenke surface looks so fun, I really want to step on it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze said, "Another day, brother will take you ice skating. That''s much more fun than just stepping on ake!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Brother is really good at ice skating, you..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad!" Huo Guining''s clear voice interrupted Huo Yueze''s self-praise.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He looked up to see his uncle, dressed in a ck coat and grey suit, striding towards them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing Huo Guining nestled in the small cart, her eyes twinkling like stars, Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes couldn''t help but crinkle with a smile.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He bent down to lift her out of the cart, gauging her weight.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Did you go camping with your brother?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Sinceing to this world, Huo Xiaozheng was the person she was most familiar with, bar none.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After not seeing him for two days, she did miss him a bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She nodded with a smile. "We set up a tent by theke. Brother is amazing, he set up the tent so quickly and well."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Standing nearby, Huo Yueze puffed out his chest a little upon hearing this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng said mildly to Huo Yueze, "Thank you for your hard work. You''ve taken very good care of your sister."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze was pleasantly surprised.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    From childhood, his uncle had always found him noisy, even suspecting he had ADHD.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At one point, he had tried to convince Mr. and Mrs. Huo Yanqin to have him see a doctor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Let alone praise him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze''s eyes welled up with tears, his face full of disbelief. "Uncle actually praised me..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining: ? Is that really necessary, brother? It doesn''t even sound like praise...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If anything, it sounded more like constion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But Huo Yueze was clearly basking in the perceived praise.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He absent-mindedly pushed the cart towards home, looking somewhat disoriented in his excitement.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng ignored him and held Huo Guining at arm''s length, examining her for a moment before saying with some concern, "You don''t look too well. Are you alright?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining quickly shook her head. "It''s just cold outside."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She then put her hands on Huo Xiaozheng''s ears, giving him a cold shock.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng smiled. "It is quite chilly. Let''s head back."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining thought he meant going back to Huo Yueze''s house, but to her surprise, he carried her straight to the car.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The driver had already loaded her suitcase, and they were ready to depart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze looked a bit dumbfounded. "Uncle, are you taking Guining away already?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded. "I''ve already spoken with your mother. I''m taking Guining home now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "As for you, I''ve arranged for a driver to take you to school."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze: Thanks, I guess.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining lowered the car window to wave goodbye.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze approached reluctantly, about to say a few words.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Suddenly, the window closed mercilessly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Then, the car sped away in a sh.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze btedly realized he had forgotten something important.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He took out his phone and sent Huo Xiaozheng a message.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Only then did he return home, change into his school uniform, and set off for school.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    "Dad, are you very busy?" Huo Guining asked, somewhat puzzled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng looked confused. "What do you mean?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Just now, it seemed like brother still had something to say to me, but we left in such a hurry. Won''t brother be sad?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s expression remained calm. "He won''t be. You can always contact each other by phone, can''t you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    But Huo Xiaozheng stopped her. "Little ones shouldn''t y with phones in the car. It''s bad for your eyes."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining obediently made a small sound of acknowledgment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing her fall silent, Huo Xiaozheng took the initiative to ask about her past two days.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


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


    The psychologist''s rmendation was to let her interact with peers as much as possible, to understand what a normal child''s life was like.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining recalled the scene at the kindergarten and shook her head vigorously like a rattle drum. "I''d rather not."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 62

    Huo Xiaozheng''s thoughts aligned with Huo Guining''s without prior discussion.


    The timing wasn''t right yet, and Huo Xiaozheng didn''t want Huo Guining to join collective life too early.


    Moreover...


    He also didn''t have time to apany her 24 hours a day.


    Huo Xiaozheng made a sound of agreement, his furrowed brow rxing.


    A glint shed in Huo Guining''s eyes.


    "Have you felt unwell these past couple of days?" Huo Xiaozheng asked again.


    This time, Huo Guining shook her head even more enthusiastically: "Not at all!"


    Huo Xiaozheng was puzzled. Based on this development, Ning''s chest pain seemed to be psychosomatic.


    In other words, it was physical difort caused by psychological factors.


    If Huo Yueze could alleviate her chest pain, did it mean that as long as she established trust with those around her...


    Then, in the future, she wouldn''t need to cling to him so much.


    Thinking this way, Huo Xiaozheng felt both relieved and disappointed.


    Huo Xiaozheng sighed.


    Huo Guining leaned against the window, staring at the scenery outside with an indescribable expression.


    Seeing her lost in thought, Huo Xiaozheng didn''t disturb her.


    He took out his phone and saw a message from Huo Yueze.


    "Uncle, you must take Ning to test her IQ. I suspect Ning is a genius!"


    From just this short line, Huo Xiaozheng could already imagine Huo Yueze''s expression.


    Before Huo Xiaozheng could reply, a long voice message quickly came through.


    Huo Xiaozheng yed it, his expression gradually bing serious.


    Huo Guining seemed to sense something and turned back, startled by his expression: "Dad, did something happen?"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s face was grave: "Aze says you''re a genius."


    Huo Guining''s heart had been on a rollercoaster all day, never settling down.


    Hearing this, she hurriedly exined: "Brother is just joking."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s expression didn''t improve.


    "I''ve already told him, those are just my..."


    Huo Xiaozheng interrupted: "It doesn''t matter whether it''s true or not. I just hope you live ording to your own wishes."


    Huo Guining was stunned.


    Originally, she was worried that Huo Xiaozheng would be suspicious of her, but unexpectedly, he was concerned about the pressure that came with beingbeled a "genius."


    Huo Guining smiled.


    Huo Xiaozheng patted her head, thinking that the greater the ability, the heavier the burden.


    He hoped his daughter wouldn''t have to be so tired anymore.


    Huo Guining didn''t know what Huo Xiaozheng was thinking, only feeling that she had dodged another bullet.


    When they got home, Aunt Xu had already prepared lunch.


    After eating her fill, Huo Guiningy down on her little bed for a nap.


    Seeing her sleeping soundly, Huo Xiaozheng gently closed the door and headed to his study.


    "Sir, Miss Ning''s white pills have run out. Do we need to buy more?" Aunt Xu approached quietly, holding Huo Guining''s small backpack.


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned: "What medicine?"


    "The medicine Miss Ning took to your brother''s house."


    Huo Xiaozheng suddenly realized she must be referring to the multivitamins.


    "Yes, if they''re gone, have the housekeeper buy some more for her."


    With that, Huo Xiaozheng turned and entered his study.


    Aunt Xu was a bit confused: "This medicine... can it be taken long-term?"


    Aunt Xu wasn''t highly educated, and considering Huo Guining''s previous hospitalization, she couldn''t quite understand.


    But since Mr. Huo said so, she decided to buy a box when she went grocery shopping.


    After all, Mr. Huo wouldn''t harm Miss Ning.


    ...


    When Zuo Qinfang learned that Huo Xiaozheng had brought Ning home, she immediately contacted him.


    She mentioned Ning''s talent for painting again.


    "If Ning isn''t going to kindergarten, why don''t you hire a teacher to teach her painting at home?"


    "Ning is very interested and can sit still despite her young age."


    Huo Xiaozheng made a sound of agreement, then asked, "Sister-inw, don''t you think Ning''s paintings are a bit depressing?"


    There was a pause on the other end of the phone, and Zuo Qinfang sighed, "One''s appearance reflects one''s heart, and it''s the same with painting."


    "But this doesn''t diminish Ning''s talent."


    "I know that with you raising Ning, she certainly won''t want for food or clothing in the future."


    "But I''m a parent too. I can see that Ning''s state isn''t good."


    "Suggesting you find her a teacher is also with this intention. I hope she can paint what''s in her heart and no longer keep it bottled up inside."


    Huo Xiaozheng was somewhat surprised that Zuo Qinfang could say these things.


    "That''s what I was thinking too," Huo Xiaozheng inquired further, "Do you have any good teachers you can rmend?"


    Zuo Qinfang had been worried that given Huo Xiaozheng''s own experiences, he might not like these ideas.


    Hearing him ask this, she immediately responded, "Yes, I have a junior from school who is excellent. I''ll rmend her to you."


    Huo Xiaozheng said softly, "Thank you for your trouble."


    After hanging up, Huo Xiaozheng worked in his study until sunset.


    The online issues had been mostly resolved, with the amusement park''s upper management personallying forward to refute the rumors.


    They also issued a statement condemning behavior that was detrimental to children''s physical and mental health development.


    Combined with the Huo Corporation''s actions, Huo Guining and Huo Yueze''s reputations instantly turned around.


    To be cautious, Huo Xiaozheng immediately had the PR department pixte the images of the two.


    So, Huo Guining and Huo Yueze hadn''t yet be widely recognized.


    When Huo Guining woke up from her nap, she happened to run into Huo Xiaozhenging out of his study.


    "Did you sleep well?"


    Huo Guining nodded.


    Huo Xiaozheng picked her up, and they headed to the dining room together.


    He told her about hiring a tutor and asked for her opinion.


    Huo Guining was naturally willing.


    But...


    "Won''t this be troublesome for you, Dad?"


    Huo Guining was referring to her inability to be away from Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Xiaozheng thought for a moment: "I can clear out an office for you at thepany."


    Huo Guining smiled happily.


    As they were going downstairs, Aunt Xu approached with a small bag and handed it to Huo Xiaozheng: "Sir, these are Miss Ning''s pills."


    Huo Guining suddenly remembered that on the day she went to Huo Yueze''s house, she had secretly called Aunt Xu.


    On the phone, she had told Aunt Xu that she had run out of the medicine she usually took.


    She had asked Aunt Xu to put the medicine from her bedside into her small backpack before the housekeeper left.


    But she didn''t know why this time, Aunt Xu had gone to buy new ones for her...


    Huo Guining''s scalp tingled.


    She held her breath, her eyes fixed intently on the bag...


    Just as Huo Xiaozheng was about to reach for it.


    Huo Guining beat him to it, quickly grabbing the bag and hugging Aunt Xu''s arm, her voice sweet: "Thank you, Aunt Xu!"


    "Oh, no need to thank me, it''s such a small matter. You need to eat well and take care of your health, that''s what''s most important!"


    Huo Guining nodded repeatedly.


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned: "What''s the rush? I don''t remember you being so eager to take medicine before."


    Huo Guining said in a proud tone: "I should take care of my own things!"


    Huo Xiaozheng chuckled: "Now that you''ve done that, it''s time to eat."


    Huo Guining nodded.


    Fortunately, Zuo Qinfang had dressed her in overalls today, and the pockets were big enough for her to hide the medicine securely.


    Seeing her expression of having narrowly escaped disaster, a hint of doubt shed in Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes.

 Chapter 63

    Huo Guining keenly sensed Huo Xiaozheng''s doubts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After dinner, while Huo Xiaozheng was on the phone, she snuck into the room and reced the medicine with vitamins.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As for the actual pills, she secretly hid them away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When Huo Xiaozheng entered the room, he "happened" to catch Huo Guining taking her medicine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng picked up the vitamins from the table and examined them carefully.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining let him look without any hesitation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad, is there something wrong with these vitamins?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing her innocent expression, Huo Xiaozheng''s doubts gradually dissipated, and he chided himself for being too suspicious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "These vitamin capsules are a bit toorge. I''ll have someone get you smaller ones."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Huo Xiaozheng pulled out his suitcase and opened it, gesturing for her to look: "I brought you some gifts."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Inside the ck suitcase were various types of rabbit plush toys and colorful packages.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining eximed in shock: "Are all of these for me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng pulled up a chair and sat down, nodding: "They''re all yours. See if there''s anything you like."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining plopped down on the carpet and began unwrapping the gifts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    There were various styles of rabbit plush toys, puzzles, cute-shaped candies and choctes, and paints.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s eyes sparkled: "These paints look amazing!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "If you like them, I''ll buy you more."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Can we buy them in China too?" Huo Guining asked casually.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded: "Yes, we can."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Then we should have bought them in China. It would have saved you the trouble."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng was taken aback. Was Ningning worried about him being tired?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At this thought, he smiled: "Some limited editions are only avable abroad."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining, not realizing how her casualment had pleased her father, responded with a vague "Oh."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She thought to herself: She was starting to understand the world of the rich.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Having slept too long in the afternoon, by ten o''clock in the evening, Huo Guining still wasn''t sleepy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t force her to sleep, instead turning on the bedsidemp and letting her watch anime in bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining turned the volume down to its lowest setting and snuggledfortably into the nkets.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Soon after, intermittent snoring sounds came from beside her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Due to her weak constitution, Huo Guining had always been a deep sleeper.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This was the first time she had heard Huo Xiaozheng snore.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So even tycoons snore, huh?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining chuckled at her own thought.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She propped herself up to look at Huo Xiaozheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He must have been truly exhausted, sleeping so deeply.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even tycoons have it tough, she mused.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining sighed, reached over to turn off the bedsidemp, and nestled into the covers, ready to sleep.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before closing her iPad, she habitually opened her social media app.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As usual, she first looked at the recent trending news.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She scrolled through page after page, then suddenly froze. Photos of herself and Huo Yueze appeared on the homepage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining finally realized why Huo Yueze had tried to stop her from using her phone yesterday, even resorting to the foolish act of cutting off the inte.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Having learned from previous experiences, Huo Guining was now able to face such situations with a bit moreposure.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She dimmed the screen brightness and slowly read through the entire story.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Upon learning that the bespectacled couple had been struck by the arrow she had shot, Huo Guining felt quite satisfied.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She chose to selectively ignore the negativements, no longer paying attention to them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After closing the iPad, shey in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The bedroom was pitch ck, with only the sound of Huo Xiaozheng''s breathing audible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining finally understood why Huo Xiaozheng was so tired.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Thank you, she silently mouthed, slowly closing her eyes.<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


    After breakfast, Huo Guining went to work with Huo Xiaozheng as usual.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before leaving, just in case, she still put on her small backpack.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Upon arriving at thepany, Huo Xiaozheng first sent Huo Guining to her swimming lesson.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After the swimming lesson, Huo Guining returned to the office with Yin Su.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Several staff members from subordinate departments were standing in Huo Xiaozheng''s office, apparently being scolded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Have you even looked at this project proposal yourselves?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "How is this any different from garbage?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s tone was gloomy, his brows furrowed, his anger palpable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


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


    Yin Su, startled by Huo Xiaozheng''s tone, immediately straightened her back and carefully pushed open the office door.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She let Huo Guining in.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining habitually greeted Huo Xiaozheng: "Dad..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She ran a couple of steps towards Huo Xiaozheng, btedly realizing the atmosphere was a bit off.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng took a deep breath, softening his expression: "Ningning,e here."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Only then did Huo Guining muster the courage to approach: "Dad, are you angry?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mm. Is your swimming lesson over?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    "Have Yin Su take you to get something to eat. Dad still has some work to do here."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    She gently advised: "Don''t be angry, getting sick from anger isn''t worth it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    "Alright, Dad won''t be angry. After you finish eating, you cane back and draw."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing him smile, Huo Guining felt relieved.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She walked away with light steps, led by Yin Su to the break room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The office door closed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng looked at the subordinates before him and sighed: "Forget it. Take this proposal back, revise it, and submit it again."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The subordinates nced at each other, their faces lighting up with joy. They hurriedly agreed, grabbed their documents, and rushed out one after another.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng shook his head, thought of his daughter''s face, and couldn''t help but chuckle.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A phone ring broke the silence.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was Zuo Qinfang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I''ve found a teacher for Ningning. When would be a good time for her to meet with Ningning?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng checked the time: "How about two o''clock this afternoon?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It would be perfect timing after Ningning woke up from her nap to start her drawing lesson.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zuo Qinfang: "Alright, I''ll have the teachere to your office in the afternoon."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    After lunch, Huo Guining slept until two o''clock, when Huo Xiaozheng woke her up to meet someone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "In a moment, a teacher will being to teach you how to draw."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining hadn''t expected Huo Xiaozheng to arrange things so quickly. Although a bit dazed, she still obediently agreed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad has to go on a sudden business trip this afternoon. Your brother wille to keep youpany after his sses."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was surprised: "Another business trip?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned: "Something urgent came up."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining immediately expressed understanding: "Okay."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing her expression unchanged, Huo Xiaozheng felt somewhat relieved.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "When your brother finishes school, you''ll go home with him. I''lle pick you up tomorrow."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "When are you leaving?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng patiently exined: "I''ll leave after your brother arrives."<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


    The tutor arrived, and since the art room wasn''t finished being renovated yet, Yin Su found an empty room for them to use temporarily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    During the lesson, Huo Guining found it a bit difficult to concentrate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, since this was just an initial session for the tutor to assess Huo Guining''s skill level, she didn''t criticize too harshly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As it neared 4:30 PM, the lesson ended.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng escorted Huo Guining downstairs. Soon after, a familiar ck Maybach pulled up in front of her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The window rolled down, revealing Huo Yueze''s sunny, handsome face: "Little sister!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 64

    Huo Guining immediately put on a cheerful face and waved to Huo Yueze through the window.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing herck of enthusiasm, Huo Yueze thought about telling some jokes to cheer her up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But Huo Yueze''s jokes were nothing short of disastrous, as they were all terrible puns.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "A chocte bar and a tomato got into a fight. The chocte won. Do you know why?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    "Because the chocte bar!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining remained silent for a moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze, however, was thoroughly amused and continued with the next one...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "So, two people fell into a trap. The dead one is called ''dead person''. Guess what the living one is called?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    "He''s called ''Help!'' Hahaha!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    By the time they got out of the car, Huo Guining''s head was spinning with chocte bars and what the living person was called...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She felt dizzy, and her chest felt ufortable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Noticing her poor condition, Huo Yueze asked, "Sister, are you hungry?"<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


    Zuo Qinfang, who had no afternoon sses, had arrived home earlier than the two.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    By now, the dining room table was set with dishes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing Huo Yueze bringing Guining home, Zuo Qinfang smiled warmly and said, "You''re back."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The orange light cast upon her gave Huo Guining a sudden feeling of d¨¦j¨¤ vu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In her previous life, her mother had also smiled like this, waiting for her toe home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "We''re back," Huo Guining smiled, "Hello, Aunt. The food smells delicious..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    As Huo Guining''s car disappeared from view, Huo Xiaozheng also got into his car and set off.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Due to the sudden business trip, Huo Xiaozheng had brought Xi Chuan along.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Oh? Isn''t this Guining''s little backpack?" Xi Chuan picked up the pink Mickey Mouse backpack from the passenger seat, sighing with a smile, "It''s quite heavy."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng let out a shortugh.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Give it to me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He took the backpack from Xi Chuan and indeed found it rather heavy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He unzipped the backpack, frowning, "What''s in here that makes it so heavy..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It turned out to be the paint set he had given her, along with the little gold lock from Zheng Jinxiu, paintbrushes, an iPad, small toys, and tissues.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She''s carrying quite a lot, Huo Xiaozheng thought.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Inside the pink backpack was a small zippered pocket that seemed to hold a white transparent bag.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng opened it, intending to tidy things up for her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the transparent bag were clearly a strip of white pills.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The small bag also contained some loose, neatly cut white pills.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They appeared to be the same as the uncut ones.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng turned the package over, puzzled, and saw the name of the medication printed on the back: "Cetirizine Hydrochloride Tablets."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He took out his phone and looked up the use of the drug.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    An antihistamine?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng pondered for a moment, then called Shen Shiyan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Did you prescribe Cetirizine Hydrochloride tablets for Guining?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I found them in Guining''s bag. She''s cut them into small pieces."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Does Guining need antihistamines?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After receiving a negative answer, Huo Xiaozheng''s expression grew increasingly grave.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What did you say?!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xi Chuan, sitting in the passenger seat, heard the anger in Huo Xiaozheng''s voice and knew something was wrong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Had Guining done something wrong?!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Turn around!" Huo Xiaozheng hung up the phone, his expression icy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The driver didn''t dare dy and immediately made a U-turn at the next intersection.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Guining doesn''t need to take antihistamines. Are you sure you didn''t make a mistake?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "If she identally took the wrong medication, it shouldn''t be a problem if the dose wasn''t too high."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "She might just experience dizziness or drowsiness. It''ll pass when the effects wear off."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan''s words echoed in Huo Xiaozheng''s mind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng could only hope he was overthinking things.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Meanwhile, after quickly finishing her meal, Huo Guining sat on the sofa for barely five minutes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She then excused herself, saying she was tired from swimming and drawing all day, and wanted to go to bed early.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing that she indeed looked unwell, Zuo Qinfang didn''t even have time to cut fruit for her and immediately took her to rest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After Zuo Qinfang left the room, Huo Guining got up and began rummaging through her luggage.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The familiar pink Mickey Mouse backpack was nowhere to be found.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s heart raced with panic.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The chest pain she had been suppressing was amplified by her fear, and cold sweat beaded on her forehead.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Refusing to give up, Huo Guining searched again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Still nothing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Clutching her chest, she carefully retraced the backpack''s whereabouts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the morning, she had taken the backpack to thepany, and it had stayed in Huo Xiaozheng''s office.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Wait!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The backpack must have been left in the car from this morning!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining grew increasingly desperate.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    More than finding the backpack, she now worried about Huo Xiaozheng discovering her secret.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Under theyers of anxiety and fear, Huo Guining felt an unbearable pain in her chest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She couldn''t think about anything else now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining began to reassure herself: Don''t be afraid, you won''t die, you''ll feel better after sleeping.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Huo Guining worried that if she passed out by the sofa, it would raise Zuo Qinfang''s suspicions and concerns.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She struggled to inch her way to the bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The surroundings were deathly quiet, amplifying her heartbeat a thousandfold. The rapid "thump-thump-thump" pounded in her ears.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "If there''s a next time, I''ll definitely keep the medicine with me at all times."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This was Huo Guining''sst thought before she lost consciousness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    At Huo Yanqin''s house.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yuezey on the sofa, scrolling through his phone. Zuo Qinfang was tidying up in the kitchen.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yanqin couldn''t stand the sight of Huo Yueze''szy posture and couldn''t help but give his leg a smack.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Sit properly! Stand properly!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze yelped in pain and sat up,ining to Zuo Qinfang, "Mom! Dad hit me!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zuo Qinfang smiled, bringing out a te of fruit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Were you lying down ying with your phone again?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze pouted and bit into a cherry with a vengeance. "Ah, these are sister''s favorites!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A series of urgent knocks at the door interrupted their conversation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Who could it be at this hour?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze got up to open the door. Seeing who it was, he eximed in surprise, "Uncle? How did you get back so quickly?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing this, Zuo Qinfang and Huo Yanqin quickly rose as well. "Xiaozheng?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng had no time for pleasantries. He asked urgently, "Where''s Guining?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zuo Qinfang pointed behind her. "Guining''s asleep in the room. She didn''t look well..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before she could finish, Huo Xiaozheng strode towards the room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Huo Xiaozheng turned on the lights.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    There was no sign of her on the bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As Huo Xiaozheng approached, he discovered her lying unconscious on the floor in front of the bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zuo Qinfang gasped in shock. "How did this happen? She was fine when I left her!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t bother to exin. He scooped Guining into his arms and said hurriedly, "I''m taking her to the hospital first."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze wanted to follow, but all he got was a mouthful of car exhaust.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 65

    Huo Guiningy in Huo Xiaozheng''s arms, her once-thin face having gained some flesh in recent times.


    Her eyshes were long and thick, likely inherited from Shi Lili.


    With her eyes closed, her features bore some resemnce to Huo Xiaozheng.


    It was hard to imagine how such a small person could carry such heavy thoughts.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s brows were furrowed, unable to fully empathize with her.


    Everything would have to wait until she woke up.


    That night, Shen Shiyan happened to be on duty at the hospital.


    Huo Xiaozheng rushed there with Huo Guining.


    After a brief examination, Shen Shiyan confirmed there was no immediate danger to her life and sent her for further tests.


    He then got up to make a cup of coffee for the dejected tall man sitting nearby.


    "Here, I made it myself. Drink up," he said.


    Huo Xiaozheng was in no mood for small talk and set the coffee aside.


    "Why did Ning Ning secretly take that medicine?" he asked.


    Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t understand. Previously, Ning Ning had almost frozen to death in the wilderness after being force-fed an overdose of antiallergic medication.


    Now, why would she voluntarily take antiallergic drugs?


    "By the way, why didn''t you take Ning Ning with you on this business trip?" Shen Shiyan inquired.


    When Ning Ning was hospitalizedst time due to the kidnapping incident, Shen Shiyan had coincidentally been abroad for an academic conference.


    So he didn''t know that during her hospital stay, Ning Ning had actually spent time with Huo Yueze.


    Naturally, he was also unaware that being with Huo Yueze could alleviate Ning Ning''s chest pain symptoms.


    Huo Xiaozheng exined the whole situation to him.


    "So, you''re saying that Ning Ning doesn''t have episodes when she''s with Yueze?"


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded.


    Shen Shiyan frowned, "That''s not impossible. After all, we''ve always considered Ning Ning''s condition to be psychosomatic."


    "But if that''s the case, it''s very strange that Ning Ning would take antiallergic medication."


    Shen Shiyan was thoroughly perplexed.


    Huo Xiaozheng had a vague suspicion, but rather than discussing it with Shen Shiyan, he preferred to let Ning Ning exin it herself.


    Remembering the previous psychological consultation, he thought Ning Ning''s pride might prevent her from wanting others to know about this.


    "How much will the medication affect her health?" Huo Xiaozheng asked.


    Shen Shiyan replied, "We won''t know until the test resultse back. After all, we don''t know how much she took or for how long."


    This reminded Huo Xiaozheng of someone. He called Aunt Xu.


    "How many times did you buy medicine for her?"


    "Just twice?"


    "How many boxes each time? ... Alright, I understand."


    Shen Shiyan approached and asked, "Who was that?"


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t hide it: "Aunt Xu, who''s responsible for taking care of Ning Ning."


    "Aunt Xu said that the first time she bought it, Ning Ning gave her the drug name on her phone and asked her to buy it from the pharmacy."


    "Not only that, she told Aunt Xu that she had allergic rhinitis and her nose was very blocked at night, so she needed this medicine."


    Shen Shiyan nodded, "This medication isn''t strictly controlled, it''s generally avable in pharmacies."


    He changed the subject, "But how did Ning Ning know about this drug''s effects?"


    Huo Xiaozheng remained silent.


    Why else? It was because she had almost lost her life because of it.


    But if she knew this, why would she still take the medicine?


    Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t understand.


    Seeing his expression, Shen Shiyan knew he had some idea and didn''t ask further.


    After Huo Guining was brought back to the hospital room and Shen Shiyan administered some medication, he left Huo Xiaozheng alone in the room to wait for Ning Ning to wake up.


    It was now 9:30 PM.


    The familiar hospital room, the familiar scene, but Huo Xiaozheng''s state of mind waspletely different.


    The room''s light was soft, and Huo Guiningy pale but peaceful on the hospital bed.


    During this time, Huo Xiaozheng returned a few phone calls ¨C from Huo Yanqin, Old Master Huo, and Xi Chuan regarding work matters.


    After responding to each, the room fell back into silence.


    On the hospital bed, Huo Guining''s breathing became shallow and quick, her eyshes fluttering like raven feathers.


    Huo Xiaozheng sighed silently.


    "If you''re awake, let''s talk," he said.


    Huo Guining''s heart skipped a beat, and she resignedly opened her eyes.


    She had actually been woken up by the sound of Huo Xiaozheng opening and closing the door a few minutes ago.


    But she hadn''t figured out how to exin things to Huo Xiaozheng yet.


    So she had been afraid to open her eyes.


    Now, her lips still somewhat pale, she immediately put on a smile when she saw Huo Xiaozheng. "Hi, Dad," she said.


    Huo Xiaozheng brought her a ss of water and helped her take a few sips.


    "Are you hungry?" he asked.


    Huo Guining shook her head.


    "Then let''s talk. Why did you take that medicine?"


    Huo Guining''s face fell, and she lowered her head.


    After a while, she looked up and said weakly, "These past couple of days... I''ve had a bit of a cold..."


    Huo Xiaozheng crossed his long legs and leaned back in the sofa. "So you asked Aunt Xu to buy you medicine?"


    Huo Guining''s face froze. "You already know about that?"


    It had been a long time since Huo Xiaozheng had heard such a formal address from her.


    Hearing it now, he almostughed out of frustration.


    "I don''t know everything. For instance, when did you catch this cold?"


    "And thest time you took this medicine, was it also because of a cold?"


    "I know nothing about any of this."


    He emphasized each word of thest sentence.


    Huo Guining hadn''t seen him this serious and cold in a long time.


    She felt a bit panicked, her pupils trembling, clearly struggling internally.


    Huo Xiaozheng felt some reluctance, but he truly had no other option.


    Ning Ning was more stubborn than anyone, and she never learned to rely on him.


    They remained at an impasse.


    One was determined to get answers, while the other struggled desperately.


    Huo Xiaozheng, being older, was the first to lower his head.


    He softened his voice and said:


    "Ning Ning, do you know that children shouldn''t take this medicine carelessly?"


    Huo Guining''s eyes reddened. She nced timidly at Huo Xiaozheng and hesitantly nodded.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s heart felt heavy.


    "So, even though you knew this medicine would be bad for your health, you chose to harm yourself to avoid causing me trouble?"


    "Is that right?"


    Huo Guining''s eyes widened in shock.


    So, Huo Xiaozheng had already guessed.


    Her reaction was as good as an answer to Huo Xiaozheng, and it felt like a stinging p to his face.


    "So, when you said earlier that you wouldn''t have chest pains when you were with your brother, was that a lie?"


    Huo Guining nodded tearfully and said in a choked voice:


    "I''m sorry, I didn''t think it through. At that time, I saw how busy you were, and I thought if I followed you around every day, it would cause you a lot of trouble."


    Huo Xiaozheng asked with disappointment, "How could you think of telling such a lie?"


    Huo Guining was at a loss. Beingbeled a "liar" by Huo Xiaozheng was tantamount to being cast in the role of a deceiver.


    She hurriedly exined, "I didn''t lie. On the day I was kidnapped, I was in chest pain the whole time."


    "But after my brother came, my chest pain eased a bit."


    Huo Xiaozheng questioned, "How much is ''a bit''? Was it enough for you to manage daily life?"

 Chapter 66

    Faced with Huo Xiaozheng''s questioning, Huo Guining lowered her head.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It wasn''t enough, of course it wasn''t enough.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    That''s why she chose to take the medication.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She raised her head and began to exin in a soft voice.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "After the kidnapping, during the time my brother and I were in the hospital, I once had an allergic reaction to a medication, which caused some rashes on my body."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "The nurse gave me antihistamines."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "That day, although my head was fuzzy and I eventually fell asleep, the pain in my chest did indeed go away."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "For the next few days, when the doctor made his rounds in the morning and asked if I was itchy, I always said the rashes hadn''t healed and were still itchy."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s fingers curled slightly, his body tense, but he didn''t interrupt her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I overheard the name of the medication when the doctor was instructing his student to prescribe it for me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It was the same kind that Li... had given me before."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "He had told me that this medication could also be taken for colds, that it was avable at pharmacies, and that it wouldn''t kill you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    At this point, Huo Guining stole a nce at Huo Xiaozheng. Seeing that his expression seemed to have softened a bit, she gathered her courage and continued:<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "So after I was discharged, I pretended to have a cold and asked Aunt Xu to buy it for me..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng coldly interrupted: "You really have some nerve!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s face showed a moment of surprise, and she lowered her head again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng took a deep breath and closed his eyes briefly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She had nearly died in the wilderness because of this medication.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining mumbled: "I checked the instructions, the dosage I took shouldn''t have had a big impact on my body..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her voice became so low towards the end that it was almost inaudible.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng was burning with anger. Unable to bear it any longer, he abruptly stood up and walked out of the hospital room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining stared nkly at his retreating figure, knowing she was in the wrong, not daring to follow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although she had expected Huo Xiaozheng to be angry, she thought his relief would outweigh his anger.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After all, that''s how her father had been in her previous life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s guilt was mixed with a hint of confusion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In her previous life, when she was diagnosed with cancer, it wasn''t her who was knocked down first, but her mother.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her mother had always been frail, and after hearing the news, she quickly broke down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Both of them ended up in the hospital.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her father, stretched thin and unable to inform the elderly grandparents on both sides of the family, weighed his options and hired a 24-hour caregiver for Huo Guining during her hospital stay.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He himself stayed by her mother''s side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining expressed understanding, after all, she didn''t want to see her mother suffering either.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Later, when her mother gradually epted the fact of Huo Guining''s illness, she wanted to dismiss the caregiver and try her best to stay by Huo Guining''s side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her father, worried about her mother''s health deteriorating, only agreed to let her stay with Huo Guining during the day, while leaving the night care to the caregiver.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "If you copse, what will happen to Ningning?" her father had reasoned with her mother at the time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining, deeply affected, chimed in to support him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her mother reluctantly agreed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But her mother was too fragile.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At that time, most of Huo Guining''s treatments were during the day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Having missed the optimal window for surgery, she faced endless chemotherapy sessions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The chemotherapy was excruciating, its side effects were horrible, and the pain from lung cancer was unbearable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining oftenpsed into a hazy state of consciousness, and when she came to, she frequently saw her mother in tears.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But her mother didn''t want her to see her vulnerability. She would immediately turn away, wipe her tears, and call out with a gentle smile: "Ningning, you''re awake. Are you feeling better?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    No, not at all better.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After each chemotherapy session, she wished she would never wake up again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But she couldn''t say that, because it would break her mother''s heart and make her feel guilty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The chemotherapy continued in cycles, and Huo Guining alternated between hospital stays and discharges, not only detached from school but also from society, yet unable to escape the pain of survival.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Once, her attending doctor asked if she wanted to pause the chemotherapy if it was too difficult.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At that time, both her parents were by her side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining had to clench her teeth to hold back the affirmative answer she wanted to blurt out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She lied, saying, "No need, I feel I''m doing well."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was pure self-deception.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But her father gave her an approving smile, even nodding at her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her mother, equally pleased, nestled in her father''s arms, her eyes sparkling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining thought: Ah, so this is how I can gain Father''s approval.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So, until her final moments, she couldn''t bring herself to tell her parents to give up on her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now, Huo Guining truly felt confused. They were both fathers, so why hadn''t her considerate, selfless behavior earned her approval?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In fact, Huo Xiaozheng''s state could almost be described as furious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Indeed, Huo Xiaozheng was very angry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He couldn''t understand Huo Guining''s self-harming, self-sacrificing behavior, just as Huo Guining couldn''t understand why she hadn''t gained his approval.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A wall separated the worlds of father and daughter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After leaving the hospital room, Huo Xiaozheng went to Shen Shiyan''s office.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan said helplessly, "Are you going to tell me or not? If not, I''m going to sleep."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yes, a full half hour had passed since Huo Xiaozheng entered, and Shen Shiyan had been waiting for him to speak, but he hadn''t said a word.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Shi Lili really deserves to die," Huo Xiaozheng said out of the blue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan replied wearily, "Yes, yes, yes. But brother,pared to that, I''m more curious about Ningning''s illness and those medications. What''s really going on?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Shen Shiyan grew angry: "After all, I am Ningning''s attending physician. What gives you the right to keep this from me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng gave a coldugh: "You just said that Ningning''s body has no problems, and those medications haven''t caused any harm to her."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan: "Although I''m not a professional psychologist, ording to our rtionship, Ningning should call me uncle."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan continued, bing more confident: "Am I not allowed to care about my niece''s health?"<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


    Thinking he had made his point, Shen Shiyan continued: "As for that Shi Lili, you shouldn''t dwell on it. You and Ningning need to learn to move forward, to face problems and solve them!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Instead of getting stuck in the problem, obsessing over it. You storming off like this, isn''t it a form of cold violence towards Ningning?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s brow twitched.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Besides, you''re almost 30 years old, why are you getting angry at a 5-year-old child?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Who''s the father here, you or Ningning?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan got carried away as he spoke, momentarily forgetting Huo Xiaozheng''s true nature.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng replied in a chilling tone: "It seems Uncle Shen hasn''t arranged enough blind dates for youtely..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan thought to himself: Damn it, he still hasn''t fully grasped the lessons from the stories of the dog biting L¨¹ Dongbin, the farmer and the snake, and the schr and the wolf!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 67

    "Click"


    The sudden sound of the door opening interrupted Huo Guining''s thoughts. She looked towards the source of the noise.


    She saw Huo Xiaozheng walking in quietly, holding a small strawberry-vored cake in one hand.


    Noticing that Huo Guining was still awake, Huo Xiaozheng rxed his body and asked, "Are you hungry?"


    Huo Guining felt her stomach was very empty and nodded nkly.


    "Dad, are you not angry anymore?"


    Huo Xiaozheng, who was helping her set up the bed tray, paused when he heard this.


    "Do you think I''m angry?"


    Huo Guining nodded matter-of-factly. When he left earlier, he was walking so fast it created a breeze.


    He nearly mmed the door.


    "Then tell me, why do you think I''m angry?"


    Huo Xiaozheng finished setting up the tray, opened the cake packaging, and handed her a fork, indicating that she should eat while thinking.


    Huo Guining didn''t hesitate, especially since she hadn''t eaten much at dinner due to not feeling well. Now she was starving.


    She scooped arge spoonful of cake into her mouth. The sweet taste spread across her tongue, and Huo Guining''s mood improved considerably.


    Feeling less empty in her stomach, Huo Guining put down her fork and formally answered Huo Xiaozheng''s question.


    "Because I lied to you, so you''re very angry."


    Huo Guining''s tone was confident.


    Huo Xiaozheng shook his head, "No, that''s not it, Ningning."


    Huo Guining was stunned, "It''s not?"


    Huo Xiaozheng spoke earnestly, "My work is indeed important, butpared to your health, work is insignificant."


    Huo Guining was a bit dazed, "Am I more important than your work?"


    "Of course," Huo Xiaozheng gave her a definitive answer. "The reason I sometimes don''t want to take you to work isn''t because I''m worried you''ll hold me back."


    "On the contrary, I''m worried that if youe with me, you''ll get tired or bored."


    Huo Guining was stunned.


    Huo Xiaozheng patiently exined, "But Ningning, you never tell me what you want."


    "So I don''t know what you want or don''t want."


    "I''ve said before that I''ll learn to be a father. But this requires your cooperation."


    Huo Xiaozheng softened his voice, "I''m not upset that you lied to me. I''m upset that you don''t take your own health seriously."


    "Do you understand?"


    Huo Guining''s eyes reddened. At this moment, she realized that Huo Xiaozheng was different from her father in her previous life.


    Perhaps, not only Shi Ning, but she too was unloved in her previous life.


    Huo Guining felt a lump in her throat.


    "I was just afraid of bing a burden to you, that you would dislike me..."


    Like in her previous life, she was afraid of being rejected.


    Huo Xiaozheng stroked her head, "Ningning, taking care of one''s child is the responsibility of parents."


    "You don''t need to feel any burden, understand?"


    Huo Guining nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s tone became a bit more serious, "Look me in the eyes when you answer."


    Huo Guining looked up, meeting Huo Xiaozheng''s gaze.


    His expression was serious, not seeming to be feigned.


    Huo Guiningposed herself and nodded just as seriously.


    "I understand."


    Huo Xiaozheng wasn''t sure if she truly understood, but for now, he chose to believe her.


    Future matters could be dealt withter.


    Thinking this, Huo Xiaozheng felt the weight lift from his heart.


    He stopped pressuring Huo Guining, put away the small tray, and brought a warm towel to wipe her face.


    "It''ste, go brush your teeth and get to bed early."


    Huo Guining obediently did as told.


    As she reached the bathroom door, Huo Guining turned back, "Dad, will you stay and keep mepany tonight?"


    Huo Xiaozheng smiled gently, "Of course."


    Huo Guining''s lips curved into a smile.


    After washing up, Huo Guiningy in the hospital bed.


    The night deepened.


    The surrounding noise gradually faded away. The moon peeked out from behind the clouds, casting a patch of cool moonlight.


    The surroundings were very quiet. The only sound was the asional footsteps of nurses passing by, steady and rhythmic in the silent night, bringing a sense of peace.


    Huo Guining felt she had narrowly escaped disaster and gained Huo Xiaozheng''s promise not to reject her.


    That night, she slept exceptionally soundly.


    The next morning.


    She woke up to amotion.


    As soon as she opened her eyes, she met a pair of sorrowful eyes.


    Huo Guining was startled and shrunk back into her nket.


    "Brother?"


    Huo Yueze sat down on the chair by the bed, crossing one leg over the other and resting his hands on his knee.


    He stared at her in this position.


    As he stared, Huo Guining began to feel guilty, "Brother, what''s wrong?"


    Huo Yueze snorted.


    "You didn''t tell me you weren''t feeling well, and you''re asking what''s wrong?"


    Huo Yueze said haughtily, "I''m angry!"


    Huo Guining quickly sat up and eagerly moved closer, "I''m sorry, brother. I didn''t mean to."


    Seeing her submission, Huo Yueze couldn''t bring himself to stay angry.


    He gently pinched her cheek to vent his frustration, "Don''t do it again, okay? Being sick is so ufortable. You''re so young, what if something serious happened?"


    Huo Guining sweetly replied, "I know, I know."


    Huo Xiaozheng pushed open the door, walking in on this scene of sibling harmony.


    "Last time you and your brother didn''t fully enjoy the amusement park. How about I take you again today?"


    Huo Guining hesitated. Although the previous incident had been resolved, she still didn''t want to cause any more trouble.


    Thinking of this, she shook her head in refusal, "I have an appointment with my art teacher today. We''re going to paint."


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t insist, "Alright, we''ll have ss at home today."


    Huo Yueze interjected, "After you finish your ss, I''ll take you to y tennis."


    Huo Guining pointed at herself, her eyes disbelieving, "Me?"


    Huo Yueze nced at Huo Xiaozheng and said with certainty, "Yes, you!"


    Before leaving, Huo Yueze had already prepared sports clothes for her under the guidance of a professional coach.


    With Aunt Xu''s help, Huo Guining changed into the clothes and added a sports down jacket on top.


    Huo Xiaozheng came forward and knelt down, adjusting her cor, "The sports center is right next door. If you start feeling unwell, call me immediately."


    Huo Guining was about to say she wouldn''t feel unwell, but Huo Xiaozheng''s next words stopped her.


    "Can I trust you?"


    The words she was about to say were swallowed back.


    Huo Guining nodded solemnly.


    Only then did Huo Xiaozheng stand up and gently push her towards Huo Yueze, "Go on then. Dad will be working at home, waiting for you toe back for dinner."


    After Huo Guining finished her art ss, it was two in the afternoon.


    On this bright winter day, the sky was a deep blue, with white cloudszily floating in the air.


    The pine trees nted along both sides of the road remained evergreen, swaying gently in the wind.


    "Brother, why are you suddenly taking me to y tennis?"


    Huo Yueze smiled, "Uncle said your constitution is a bit weak, so he asked me to help you exercise and build up your strength."


    Huo Guining let out an "Oh."


    Upon reaching the tennis court, Huo Guining saw the coach holding a racket and eximed in surprise, "Eh?"

 Chapter 68

    To everyone''s surprise, the person who arrived was Huo Jing.


    "Auntie, why are you here?"


    Huo Jing was wearing a sporty outfit, her long hair tied up high, looking energetic and stylish.


    "I heard your father wanted you to learn tennis, so I volunteered to be your coach."


    Huo Jing walked over and pinched her little cheek. "Are you happy to see your auntie here?"


    Huo Guining smiled, her big eyes curving into crescent moons.


    "Yes, I''m happy!"


    "Auntie, you know how to y tennis too?"


    Huo Jing raised an eyebrow: "If I hadn''t changed my path at thest minute, I would''ve definitely had a ce in the tennis world."


    Huo Guining gave her a thumbs up.


    Huo Yueze nodded in agreement: "Auntie won third ce in a youth tennispetition back then."


    Huo Guining was shocked.


    Huo Jing smiled gently: "Enough talk, let''s start practicing!"


    After warming up, Huo Guining realized just how amazing Huo Jing was.


    Huo Guining and Huo Yueze both ran tenps around the court, after which Huo Jing taught her the basic grip and how to receive serves.


    Huo Yueze acted as Huo Guining''s practice partner, running back and forth on the court.


    Every time Huo Guining missed the ball, Huo Jing would intentionally make her go pick it up.


    Huo Guining didn''t mind at all. With the dopamine flowing, even chasing after balls became a kind of fun.


    Next, Huo Yueze got to witness just howpetitive Huo Guining could be.


    Although she was just a beginner, every swing of Huo Guining''s racket was filled with determination to win.


    Her demeanor was like that of a queen descending upon the court.


    But...


    "Guining, although tennis isn''t a performance, you should try to control your expression a bit," Huo Jing suggested.


    Huo Guining tilted her head in confusion.


    Huo Jing imitated her, furrowing her brows and putting on a serious face.


    "Like this..." Huo Jing pointed at her own face and said, "It''s too fierce."


    Huo Guining seemed to half-understand. She softened her expression but still maintained a stance ready for battle.


    Huo Jing: ...


    When Huo Xiaozheng arrived at the court, he saw Guining staring at the ball hit by Huo Yueze with a serious face from afar.


    She quickly counterattacked with a forehand topspin, and then... missed!


    But she wasn''t frustrated at all. Instead, she happily ran to pick up the ball.


    Huo Xiaozheng walked up to Huo Yueze and patted him on the shoulder.


    Huo Yueze was startled: "Uncle?"


    Huo Xiaozheng was wearing casual clothes, walking with elegant ease. He said to Huo Yueze, "Give me the racket."


    Huo Yueze obediently did as told and walked to the side to stand next to Huo Jing.


    "Guess if uncle will let Guining know the harshness of society," he said.


    Huo Jing rolled her eyes at him: "Haven''t you already shown Guining the harshness of society?"


    Who ys so seriously against a 5-year-old girl?


    Since Guining started ying, for a whole hour, she hadn''t managed to return a single ball.


    Huo Yueze scratched his head embarrassedly: "My little sister was so serious, I couldn''t bring myself to..."


    "Dad, why are you here?!"


    After picking up the ball, Huo Guining saw that the person on the other side had changed to Huo Xiaozheng. Her face lit up with joy.


    Huo Xiaozheng smiled and gestured for her to serve.


    After learning for an afternoon, although Huo Guining couldn''t return balls, her serve was already quite decent.


    She took a deep breath, then suddenly tossed the ball up. Her racket quickly followed, hitting the tennis ball and sending it flying towards Huo Xiaozheng in a beautiful arc.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s wrist moved slightly, deftly turning the racket to redirect the ball onto a different trajectory.


    Huo Jing smiled.


    Huo Guining quickly counterattacked, taking a few small steps and hitting a backhand over the.


    Considering the huge difference in their strength, Huo Guining used a bit of strategy, deliberately lessening her force so that the ball would drop right after crossing the.


    Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t reach it in time. In this round, Huo Guining wonpletely!


    This made Huo Guining extremely happy. She immediately ran towards Huo Xiaozheng, hugging his leg and boasting: "I hit the ball! I hit the ball!"


    Huo Xiaozheng picked her up with one arm, praising her with a smile: "You have a strong learning ability."


    Sitting in Huo Xiaozheng''s arms, Huo Guining smiled shyly: "When I was ying with brother earlier, I couldn''t hit a single one. This time it must have been luck."


    Huo Xiaozheng discreetly nced at Huo Yueze.


    Huo Jing stepped forward: "How can you say it''s luck? You deliberately reduced your strength just now so your dad couldn''t reach it, didn''t you?"


    Huo Guining looked at Huo Jing with admiration in her eyes: "Auntie, how did you know?"


    Huo Jing smiled without answering: "Your dad is right, you really do have a strong learning ability."


    Huo Xiaozheng yed with Huo Guining for a while longer. Seeing that it was getting dark, the group started heading home.


    Huo Guining was being carried by Huo Xiaozheng. She rested her head on his shoulder with her eyes closed, looking as if she had fallen asleep.


    "Guining really likes it when you y with her," Huo Jing remarked.


    Huo Jing noticed that ever since Huo Xiaozheng arrived, although Guining''s expression remained fierce, her whole demeanor had rxed considerably.


    Huo Xiaozheng spoke softly: "Is that so?"


    Huo Jing: "Mm-hmm. Although it might not be very realistic, if you have time, you should try to spend more time with her."


    "I read from an expert that if children have enough sense of security, their physical health will improve as well."


    Huo Yueze was puzzled: "What expert? How did it turn into talking about mysticism?"


    Huo Jing raised her hand and gave him a flick on the forehead.


    Huo Yueze pouted pitifully.


    Huo Xiaozheng wrapped Huo Guining''s down jacket tighter around her, his voice very soft: "I understand."


    Huo Jing''s eyes lit up: "Oh right! There''s a parent-child travel reality show recently. You could go with Guining!"


    Huo Xiaozheng immediately refused.


    Huo Jing thought for a moment: "The biggest gap between you and Guininges from the fact that you haven''t lived together."


    "Currently, all of Guining''s daily needs are well taken care of, with people looking after her."


    "But that''s precisely the problem!"


    "If you don''t personally take care of things, how can you be as close as father and daughter should be..."


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned: "We are already father and daughter."


    Huo Jing stomped her foot: "Aiya, you know what I mean!"


    Huo Yueze immediately raised his hand: "I''ll do it, I can take Guining..."


    Huo Jing snorted coldly: "A child taking care of a child? How could you even think of that!"


    Huo Jing earnestly advised: "Guining will definitely go to school in the future. She will have to face those gossips someday."


    "Instead of that, why don''t you apany her on the reality show, let everyone see what a kind child Guining is."


    "If the audience is really blind, then you can invest more money."


    "As long as you have enough money, you don''t have to worry about not being able to turn public opinion around."


    Huo Yueze was dumbfounded.


    Is the entertainment industry so tant about these things now?


    Huo Jing btedly spat twice: "That''s not what I meant, but brother, you should understand my meaning, right?"


    Ever since learning the truth about Guining''s repeated hospitalizations from Shen Shiyan, Huo Jing had felt very sympathetic towards Huo Guining.


    Also, because of her past hostility, she wanted to make some amends.


    Huo Guining mumbled a bit and changed her position to continue sleeping.


    Huo Xiaozheng remembered the scene of her running towards him, and his eyes softened.


    "I''ll think about it."


    Huo Jing''s face lit up with joy.

 Chapter 69

    When Huo Guining woke up, Huo Yueze and Huo Jing had already left.


    A small night light was still on in the bedroom, casting a soft, gentle glow.


    Huo Guining got up and put on her little dinosaur pajamas before leaving the room.


    The clock showed 7 PM.


    Aunt Xu happened to being out of the kitchen. Upon seeing Huo Guining, she immediately went over to button up her clothespletely.


    "Young miss, you need to wear your clothes properly. Don''t catch a cold again."


    Huo Guining remembered lying to Aunt Xu, using a cold as an excuse to get her to buy medicine.


    A twinge of guilt rose in her heart.


    "Thank you, Aunt Xu."


    Aunt Xu knew this child was often sick and frail, which made her particrly sympathetic.


    Seeing how well-behaved she was, Aunt Xu gently took her hand and led her to the dining room. "You must be hungry. I''ve made your favorite..."


    The afternoon''s activities had given Huo Guining quite an appetite.


    Even after finishing dinner, Huo Guining hadn''t seen Huo Xiaozheng.


    "Aunt Xu, where''s Dad?"


    Aunt Xu answered while tidying up the kitchen, "Mr. Huo is in the study."


    After finishing the cleanup, Aunt Xu was ready to leave.


    After saying goodbye to Aunt Xu, Huo Guining went straight to the study.


    Hearing the familiar voice from inside, Huo Guining felt relieved. She picked up her tablet andy down on the sofa, looking like azy fish.


    The online gossip about her had almost died down.


    Only when searching for specific keywords could one still find some "CP" fans.


    As for Huo Jing, however...


    Previously gued by rumors of being a kept woman, she was now being gossiped about having a child out of wedlock.


    Entertainment reporters were grasping at straws, spinning wild tales from a single photo.


    With the year-end approaching, various award ceremonies and celebration gs were inviting celebrities.


    Huo Jing, entangled in rumors, would inevitably find her work affected.


    Huo Guining''s little hands tapped away at the screen, looking very busy.


    Huo Xiaozheng came down to find her like this.


    "What are you ying?"


    Seeing Huo Xiaozheng, Huo Guining''s eyes lit up. She answered, "Looking at news about Auntie. Poor Auntie."


    Huo Xiaozheng sat down beside her and nced at the screen.


    Various unsavoryments, full of hostility.


    Of course, there were also true fans defending her, but faced with the "truth," these defenses seemed weak and ineffective.


    Huo Xiaozheng grunted in agreement, "Indeed, quite unfortunate."


    Huo Guining waited for him to continue.


    Huo Xiaozheng asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Huo Guining stared at him intently and said, "Why doesn''t Auntie just tell the truth? If she revealed her identity, wouldn''t all this be solved?"


    Huo Xiaozheng exined, "Back when your aunt insisted on entering the entertainment industry against your grandfather''s wishes..."


    "She vowed never to rely on the Huo family for anything."


    Huo Guining understood.


    It was a matter of pride.


    "Ah."


    Huo Xiaozheng was amused by her sigh. "Why the sigh? It''s not the first time your aunt has faced this kind of situation."


    Huo Guining rested her chin on her hands, looking wise beyond her years. "No matter how many times you face it, it still hurts, doesn''t it?"


    Huo Xiaozheng was a bit taken aback.


    He changed the subject, "Guining, if you were your aunt, with so many strangers criticizing you, would you be upset?"


    Huo Guining nodded, "I would. Just likest time..."


    Huo Guining quickly stopped, sneaking a nce at Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Xiaozheng patted her head, "Sost time, you fainted because you were too upset, right?"


    Huo Guining nodded.


    If given a choice, everyone would prefer to live a clean, respectable life rather than being the subject of gossip.


    Huo Xiaozheng seemed lost in thought.


    Seeing him silent, Huo Guining found Huo Jing''s WeChat and opened it.


    "Auntie, you need to stay strong. Don''t let the bad people affect you, okay?"


    Huo Guining''s voice was still a bit babyish, with a heavy nasal tone.


    It sounded incredibly childish.


    Huo Jing immediately replied with a voice message.


    "Thank you for the encouragement, Guining. Auntie feels full of strength now."


    She also attached a ''Powerful Kitten'' sticker.


    Huo Guining couldn''t help butugh.


    "Guining, would you like to go on a trip?" Huo Xiaozheng asked tentatively.


    "A trip?" Huo Guining asked, puzzled. "Where to?"


    Huo Xiaozheng thought for a moment, then asked, "Where would you like to go?"


    Huo Guining didn''t know much about this world, and given her age, she couldn''t name specific ces urately.


    "I want to see the sea."


    In her previous life, Huo Guining''sst wish was for her parents to scatter her ashes in the sea, letting her be free with the blue sky and clear waters.


    Huo Xiaozheng asked with interest, "Is there anywhere else you''d like to go?"


    Huo Guining put down her phone and thought like a little adult, "Hmm, I want to see any ce I haven''t been before."


    That way, she''d have more subjects to paint.


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded seriously.


    Huo Guining asked curiously, "Dad, are we going on a trip?"


    Huo Xiaozheng stroked her head, "Yes."


    "But aren''t you very busy?"


    The hair under his hand felt soft, like a cat''s. Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t help but smile, "I''ll make time."


    Huo Guining''s eyes slowly widened.


    Huo Xiaozheng patted her head, "Want to go see your art studio?"


    Huo Guining''s eyes lit up, and she immediately jumped off the sofa. "Yes! Where is it?"


    She was about to run off.


    Huo Xiaozheng followed leisurely behind her, "On the third floor, first room on the right."


    Huo Guining climbed the stairs with her short legs.


    This was the art studio she had dreamed of in her previous life. In front of the huge floor-to-ceiling windows were neatly arranged natural wood shelves, holding various brushes and paints.


    On the table by the window sat a turtle-back bamboo, a weeping jasmine, a Boston fern, and a sunflower.


    The easel and chair were custom-made to fit Huo Guining''s height, allowing her to paintfortably.


    "This afternoon, based on your art teacher''s requirements, we added some more things. If you need anything else, just tell the housekeeper directly."


    The morning''s art ss had been held in the guest room.


    At the time, workers wereing in and out, but Huo Guining was so focused on painting that she didn''t pay attention.


    She never imagined that in the blink of an eye, she would have such an amazing studio!


    Huo Guining''s eyes sparkled as she turned to thank Huo Xiaozheng, "Thank you, Dad! I love it so much!"


    "I''m d you like it."


    Huo Guining couldn''t wait to paint something in her new studio.


    Considering her unusual painting style, Huo Xiaozheng didn''t linger long and went straight back to his study.


    After leaving the studio, Huo Xiaozheng''s rxed expression disappeared.


    With less than two weeks until Spring Festival, most of the work had been wrapped up, but...


    Looking at the reports on hisputer, Huo Xiaozheng felt a vague unease.


    "How''s thend auction project in Yun City progressing?"


    From the other end of the phone came Xi Chuan''s voice: "We''ve reached the qualification review stage."


    Xi Chuan paused for a moment, then continued, "Jiang Group has also entered the bidding. After the qualification review, the auction will probably be held after Spring Festival."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s expression grew serious.

 Chapter 70

    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¡ªHuo 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

 Chapter 71

    Throughout the event, Xi Chuan carefully followed the boss''s instructions, keeping within 5 meters of Huo Xiaozheng at all times.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, Ningning was already a 5-year-old child, and holding her for a long time inevitably made his arms ache.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fortunately, not long after someone else took over carrying her, Huo Guining woke up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Ningning, are you awake?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining nodded, indicating for him to put her down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although Huo Xiaozheng had brought her out, to avoid being photographed by paparazzi, he had put a mask on her when they got out of the car.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As a result, Huo Guining''s voice sounded a bit muffled when she spoke.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Xi Chuan hurriedly put her down, discreetly flexing his sore shoulders, and pointed towards the main stage: "The Chairman is over there."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining looked in the direction he was pointing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng stood there with a cold expression, his elegant figuremanding and exuding the aura of a person in power.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining couldn''t help but exim: "My dad is so handsome."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng had always maintained the habit of working out. Often, by the time Huo Guining was just waking up, Huo Xiaozheng had already finished exercising.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As a result, Huo Xiaozheng was in great shape.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    There was absolutely no sign of the middle-age spread that oftenes with getting older.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xi Chuan choked a bit: "Yes... he is."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Noticing Huo Guining''s gaze, Huo Xiaozheng nced in her direction.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded at her with an expressionless face, but there was a glimmer ofughter in his eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The entire ceremony didn''tst long. After taking photos with the media, Huo Xiaozheng returned.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Some media representatives noticed Huo Guining''s appearance and followed, sensing a story.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This must be Chairman Huo''s daughter. She''s so pretty."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "She looks very well-behaved."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Chairman Huo, would it be alright if we took a photo of you together?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was very cold towards the reporters. She clutched Huo Xiaozheng''s clothes and lowered her eyes, not looking at them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The media reporters all knew about the situation with Huo Xiaozheng''s daughter, and seeing her attitude, they all felt a bit awkward.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng directly picked up Huo Guining and said coldly: "If there''s nothing else, you can all leave now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The reporters left sheepishly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s attitude also effectively rejected Huo Jing''s earlier suggestion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    There was absolutely no need for a parent-child reality show.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As for future matters, when Ningning grows up, he would face them with her together.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Not relying onizens, not relying on reporters, not bowing to public opinion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng checked his watch; it was almost quitting time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He carried Huo Guining towards the car: "We''ll have dinner at the old house tonight."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining asked: "Will brother be there too?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng: "Yes, Uncle and his family will all be there."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining: "What about Auntie?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng: "Auntie will be there too."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining: "Then we can y Monopoly together."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng: "Auntie might not have time."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining: "Do you have time then?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t answer immediately. After pondering for a moment, he said: "I should, probably."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xi Chuan listened to their conversation and felt somewhat moved.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Chairman''s patience has improved so much.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On the way, Huo Xiaozheng asked about the Yun City project.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xi Chuan answered: "Someone from inside the Jiang family said that Chairman Jiang doesn''t intend to use that piece ofnd in Yun City formercial purposes."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s tone was puzzled: "Not formercial use?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xi Chuan nodded: "That''s right."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Jiang family had been in South City for generations. If they bought that piece ofnd but not formercial use, it was very likely, just like himself, that it was for private use.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If that was the case, then his only purpose would be Qin Zhiyi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Like the Huo family, the Qin family''s ancestral home was also in Yun City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was very possible that Jiang Suyuan bought this piece ofnd to give to Qin Zhiyi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Thinking of this, Huo Xiaozheng''s face gradually darkened.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing "Chairman Jiang," Huo Guining asked curiously: "Dad, what are you talking about?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng concealed his expression: "Nothing, just work stuff."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing him say this, Huo Guining felt a bit anxious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although Jiang Suyuan and Qin Zhiyi were already married, Huo Xiaozheng, as the viin in the book, wasn''t following the plot.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But she couldn''t show too much curiosity about Jiang Suyuan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Otherwise, it would arouse Huo Xiaozheng''s suspicion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining felt like she was itching to scratch her ears and cheeks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing her thirst for knowledge was so strong, Huo Xiaozheng took the initiative to ask: "What''s wrong?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining opened her mouth, not knowing how to start.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Until Xi Chuan got out of the car.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Chairman Huo, do we need to investigate further into the Jiang corporation?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng: "Go ahead. Since they''ve also entered the qualification review stage, we should scout out thepetition."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After Xi Chuan left, Huo Guining finally found an opening to ask: "Dad, are the Jiang family targeting you again?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng smirked: "As if they''re capable of that."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    The confidence of a viin was truly strong enough to make one want to cry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Not only was Jiang Suyuan capable, he might even bring you down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Thinking back on recent events, with the constant scandals surrounding the Huo family, she wondered...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad, will we go bankrupt?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s words were shocking.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng was stunned: "Why would you ask that?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining thought for a moment: "When I first came home, didn''t Grandpa worry that Aunt Qin marrying Uncle Jiang would affect yourpany?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng hadn''t expected that she would remember such a thing at her young age.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Don''t worry, I can handle it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng patted her head, cutting off the topic without further discussion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining fell into deep thought.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ording to the original setting, as long as she gained Huo Xiaozheng''s trust and prevented him from taking action against Qin Zhiyi and Jiang Suyuan again,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She would be able to break free from the plot''s constraints on her and no longer need to rely on Huo Xiaozheng to survive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But the facts proved that even though her rtionship with Huo Xiaozheng had improved, her condition hadn''tpletely alleviated.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She still needed to depend on Huo Xiaozheng to maintain her health.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining began to feel uneasy inside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    That day, all the Huo family members were present.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Jingined that recently it felt like she had been cursed, constantly being picked on and haunted by troubles.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Master Huo snorted coldly: "When you chose that line of work, you should have known this day woulde."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zheng Jinxiu raised her hand to pat him: "Our daughter is in a bad mood, and you''re still saying such cold words."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Master Huo pressed his lips into a straight line and said no more.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining felt increasingly anxious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Oh right, the director of that parent-child reality show asked me again. Brother, do you want to take Ningning to participate?" Huo Jing asked Huo Xiaozheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Master Huo''s anger, which had just subsided, nearly red up again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was confused: "Parent-child reality show?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She looked at Huo Xiaozheng, her eyes seeming to say, ''Dad didn''t tell me about this.''<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng patted her head: "I didn''t n on taking Ningning."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Jing pressed her lips together: "Actually, this is a great opportunity. The recent news has made the stock market look not so good, so at this time..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng interrupted: "It''s not necessary."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining became anxious. She tugged at Huo Xiaozheng''s clothes and asked: "What does Auntie mean?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng thought for a moment and exined: "Auntie wants me to take you on a show to gain some goodwill for thepany and increase its visibility."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Why do we need to gain goodwill?" Huo Guining didn''t understand: "Is it because of the news about me before?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The atmosphere suddenly cooled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 72

    Huo Jing btedly realized her mistake, wishing she could p herself.


    Work had been so hectictely that her brain felt like it was turning to mush.


    Huo Yanqin said gently, "Ning-ning, you''re mistaken. Your news won''t affect Dad''spany''s development, good or bad."


    Zuo Qinfang chimed in, "That''s right, Ning-ning. Don''t overthink it."


    Huo Guining remained silent, her heart gradually sinking.


    Since transmigrating into the novel, her spirit and body hadn''t fully merged with the original owner''s.


    In her past life, cancer had weakened her mental strength.


    After abruptly transmigrating, the original owner''s mental and physical state were both poor.


    This led her to be temporarily trapped in the original owner''s experiences, unable to break free, and even gradually assimted.


    She had transmigrated into the novel but nearly overlooked the existence of the plot.


    She thought she had prevented herself from being used as a pawn and stopped Huo Xiaozheng''s downfall.


    But in reality, Huo Xiaozheng was still being attacked by the plot because of her.


    The initial task given to her by the plot god was: to reform the viin Huo Xiaozheng, maintain the stability of this world and prevent it from copsing. Otherwise, she would die again in this novel world.


    Today, Huo Guining btedly realized: did maintaining the stability of the novel world mean that the viin could only remain a viin, unable to hinder the development of the main characters'' storyline?


    Reforming the viin was only to make him obediently ept the plot''s arrangements.


    And Huo Xiaozheng''s fate...


    Had her arrival actually been meant to kill Huo Xiaozheng?


    Huo Guining felt a chill rising from her feet, and she couldn''t help but shiver.


    Seeing her unusual expression, Huo Xiaozheng turned her shoulders towards him and asked softly, "What''s wrong?"


    Faced with Huo Xiaozheng''s concern, Huo Guining''s tears burst forth: "I''m sorry, wuwuwu..."


    Huo Xiaozheng mistakenly thought she was apologizing for her news and immediatelyforted her, "Didn''t Uncle say that thepany''s affairs have nothing to do with you?"


    Huo Guining''s face was covered in tears, but she couldn''t voice the truth.


    "No... it''s my fault..."


    Huo Xiaozheng was at a loss, only able to hold her stiffly andfort her not to think too much.


    Old Master Huo shot Huo Jing a stern nce.


    Knowing she was in the wrong, Huo Jing hurriedly ran to the kitchen and brought out freshly squeezed cherry juice.


    "Ning-ning, look! Fresh cherry juice, do you want some..."


    Huo Xiaozheng: ...You''re really good atforting children.


    Zheng Jinxiu took Huo Guining from Huo Xiaozheng''s arms, wiped her face with a tissue, and joked in a gentle tone, "You''re crying so much you''ll turn into a little cat."


    "Making money isn''t easy, and it''s normal for business to have ups and downs."


    "If the Huo Group could copse because of your little incident, it would be too fragile."


    "Don''t you think so?"


    Although Huo Guining knew this was justfort, she still asked hopefully, "Really, it''s okay?"


    Zheng Jinxiu said kindly, "Of course it will be okay. Don''t you trust your dad?"


    Huo Guining immediately responded, "I do."


    She believed it, but this world was just a book...


    Old Master Huo interjected, "The Huo Group was built from scratch by our ancestors. Even if something really happened, we''d just start over from the beginning."


    "You little girl, just focus on growing up healthy."


    "Leave the adult matters for adults to worry about."


    Although the words were rough, the reasoning wasn''t bad, but Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t help giving him a cold nce.


    Seeing that Huo Guining had stopped crying, Zheng Jinxiu handed her back to Huo Xiaozheng.


    She gently tapped Huo Guining''s nose and said, "Ning-ning, rx."


    Huo Guining smiled.


    Yes, don''t rush. There should be other ways.


    Seeing that the small storm had passed, Huo Yueze timidly spoke up, "Does anyone want to y Monopoly?"


    Huo Xiaozheng grabbed Huo Guining''s hand and raised it: "We do."


    Huo Guining turned to look at her dad: ?


    Huo Jing was also stunned by her brother''s sudden cuteness, momentarily frozen in ce.


    Zuo Qinfang raised her hand with a smile: "Count me in. I yed once with Yueze at home, but it wasn''t as fun with fewer people."


    The adults exchanged nces and all raised their hands.


    Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Guining formed one team, and with the others, it made exactly six yers.


    Old Master Huo asked the butler to bring reading sses for him and Zheng Jinxiu. The six of them sat around the round table in the living room and began ying the game intently.


    Originally, Huo Guining had been gloomy, her mind constantly dwelling on the transmigration. She yed the game absent-mindedly.


    Seeing hernd and money dwindling, Huo Guining began to panic.


    "Ah, big brother, you can''t buy mynd!"


    Huo Yueze mischievously waved his coins at her: "Big brother has money~"


    Huo Guining was furious and could only pray inwardly for Huo Yueze to roll a small number, an even smaller number.


    Huo Yueze saw through her thoughts and deliberately dyed rolling the dice.


    Huo Guining leaned back against Huo Xiaozheng, sitting in hisp.


    At this moment, her body was tense, leaning slightly forward, her eyes fixed intently on the dice in Huo Yueze''s hand.


    Huo Yueze raised an eyebrow with a smile and casually tossed the dice.


    "One! Big brother goes to jail!"


    Huo Guining let out a joyful shout!


    Huo Yueze looked devastated.


    Except for him and Ning-ning, all the adults present were shrewd.


    Not to mention Ning-ning''s behind-the-scenes operator ¡ª her uncle.


    It was Huo Guining''s turn to roll the dice.


    Huo Guining studied the map carefully.


    If she rolled a 3 or 6, she could take over Huo Yueze''s two most prosperousnds.


    Remembering Ning-ning''s slightly unlucky streak, Huo Yueze rxed and sank back into his chair.


    He taunted, "Go ahead, roll! Feel free to roll!"


    Huo Guining immediately understood his arrogance. She turned and ced the dice in Huo Xiaozheng''s hand: "Dad, you do it!"


    Huo Yueze jumped up like a startled cat: "You can''t let Uncle roll!"


    Huo Guining raised her chin: "We agreed before the game started that Dad and I are a team. Why can''t Dad roll?"


    The adults burst intoughter.


    Why? Ning-ning didn''t know, but the adults present knew very well.


    Years ago, for the sake of a business deal, Huo Xiaozheng had a high-stakes game in a casino with his opponent, where one game determined life or death.


    The story from that year is still circting in the casino to this day.


    How could a mere dice roll be difficult for him?


    Huo Xiaozheng raised his hand, his wrist turning, shaking the dice. The sound of the rolling dice echoed.


    He suddenly covered the dice on the table with his hand.


    Huo Yueze and Huo Guining held their breath and looked on.


    Huo Xiaozheng lifted his hand with a poker face.


    "Six-six-six!" Huo Guining shouted gleefully.


    She immediately moved her piece six steps, paid the coins, and bought Huo Yueze''s money-making nd''.


    In the following rounds, anyone who passed through this area had to pay her a substantial toll.


    Seeing her happy, Huo Xiaozheng felt relieved.


    In the next few rounds, Huo Xiaozheng, Huo Yanqin, and Huo Jing no longer participated.


    The three gathered in the study, with Old Master Huo sitting in the main seat.

 Chapter 73

    "Tell me, what''s the current situation?" Old Master Huo furrowed his brow, his eyes fixed on Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Xiaozheng took a small sip of tea, savoring its fragrant aroma and slightly bitter taste.


    He set down the cup and said, "Thepany''s situation hasn''t been goodtely. Revenue hasn''t increased in any of our major branches, and some are even seeing a decline."


    Huo Yanqin asked, "The overall economic situation isn''t great either. Could it be due to policy changes?"


    Huo Xiaozheng shook his head, his expression calm and unruffled.


    Seeing that he seemed to have a grasp on the situation, Old Master Huo changed the subject.


    "What''s going on with little Ning?"


    At this question, Huo Yanqin and Huo Jing both turned to look at Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Guining had fainted at Huo Yanqin''s house and been taken to the hospital. After discharge, she was brought directly back to Panlong Bay.


    Huo Xiaozheng had been vague about the details.


    As a result, neither Huo Yanqin nor Huo Jing knew the full story.


    "Ning has some health issues," Huo Xiaozheng said.


    Old Master Huo asked gravely, "What kind of issues are we talking about?"


    At this point, Huo Xiaozheng had no choice but to exin Ning''s condition in detail to everyone.


    Huo Jing eximed in shock, "I thought it was strange how you suddenly became such a doting father when Ning returned. So this is the reason behind it."


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t refute her statement.


    Huo Yanqin inquired, "Since Ning''s psychologist suggested hypnosis, does that mean it''s the most efficient treatment method with the best results?"


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded. "I initially thought we had plenty of time, and that if I just apanied Ning patiently, she would eventually get better."


    "But recently, I''ve noticed that Ning seems to be under a lot of pressure about needing to depend on me to stay healthy."


    Huo Jing interjected, "Is that why Ning lied, to make you think she''d be fine even when she was with Yueze?"


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t deny it.


    He continued slowly, "I''ve already discussed it with Ning''s psychologist. We n to start hypnotherapy after the Spring Festival."


    Huo Yanqin voiced his concern, "Ning has a strong sense of pride. If you''ve really decided to do this, it might be better to keep it from her."


    This was exactly what worried Huo Xiaozheng as well.


    Ning''s health had been problematic multiple times, and beyond that, Huo Xiaozheng had noticed that she disyed some obsessive behaviors in daily life.


    For instance, every morning after getting up, she insisted on making her bed meticulously ording to her own habits.


    If even the slightest detail was off, she would tirelessly unmake the bed and start over.


    She had always had an unusual enthusiasm for food, eating when happy, eating when sad, and eating even more when anxious.


    This exined her voracious appetite.


    Moreover, once she got into the zone while painting, she would forget to eat or sleep.


    If anyone interrupted her, her instinctive reaction was full of hostility.


    That night when Huo Xiaozheng interrupted her painting, he was met with a pair of hostile eyes.


    But perhaps due to her experiences, she was very adept at quickly hiding her emotions.


    Huo Xiaozheng had arranged for her to swim and y tennis, hoping that exercise would help alleviate her stress.


    The effects were minimal.


    Old Master Huo heaved a long sigh.


    The sound of his sigh brought Huo Xiaozheng back from his thoughts.


    Huo Xiaozheng said, "The psychologist also suggested keeping it from her. But..."


    Huo Jing understood his concern, "But if Ning finds out, the consequences could be unimaginable."


    Huo Xiaozheng fell silent.


    Ning''s situation was even more challenging than thepany''s affairs.


    Huo Jing tentatively said, "There''s something I''d like to suggest."


    Old Master Huo red at her. "Out with it!"


    "My previous idea about a parent-child reality show isn''t practical, but brother could take Ning on a trip during the Spring Festival break to help her rx," Huo Jing said quickly, afraid of being scolded.


    "Maybe during the trip, Ning will be willing to let her guard down with brother. Wouldn''t that make the hypnosis issue easier to resolve?"


    Huo Yanqin agreed, "That''s not a bad idea. If Ning lets her guard down, it might not be impossible to get her consent for the hypnosis."


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned, clearly still considering the proposal.


    Seeing this, Old Master Huo made the decision, "Then it''s settled. Leave thepany matters to the staff for now, and we''ll deal with it after the Spring Festival."


    When the four of them came out of the study, Huo Guining was sitting on the sofa, showing hertest work to Huo Yueze, Zuo Qinfang, and Zheng Jinxiu.


    Zuo Qinfang was looking at it intently, asionally offering somements.


    Huo Yueze and Zheng Jinxiu, however, kept ncing at each other, avoiding looking at the painting.


    But their stream ofpliments never ceased.


    Huo Xiaozheng walked over and said, "Ning, it''s time to go home."


    Huo Yueze and Zheng Jinxiu looked relieved, saying cheerfully, "Leaving so soon?"


    Huo Guining put away her tablet and hopped off the sofa, her long bangs swaying by her cheeks.


    "Goodnight, Grandpa and Grandma. Goodnight, Uncle, Aunt, and Auntie. Goodnight, brother. Goodbye."


    With that, she went to hold Huo Xiaozheng''s hand.


    Huo Xiaozheng bent down to pick her up, waving goodbye to everyone.


    Huo Yanqin and Huo Jing exchanged nces, both seeing a glimmer of hope in each other''s eyes.


    ...


    On this day, Huo Guining was roused from her bed early by Huo Xiaozheng.


    After groggily eating breakfast, Huo Guining got into the car, tilted her head, and fell asleep again.


    Having woken up so early, Huo Guining was in a daze for most of the morning.


    Seeing her condition, Huo Xiaozheng rescheduled her art ss appointment.


    When Huo Guining woke up again, she found herself still in the car.


    "Dad, where are we going?" she asked.


    Huo Xiaozheng smoothed her messy hair and replied, "To Yun City."


    The car stopped, and Huo Xiaozheng carried her out while the driver followed behind with their luggage.


    It was then that Huo Guining realized they were at the airport.


    "What are we going to Yun City for?" she asked.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s answer was brief: "To have fun."


    Huo Guining: ...


    This was Huo Guining''s first time on a ne sinceing to this world.


    And it was first ss, no less.


    The first-ss cabin was spacious. Worried about her experiencing vertigo and ear pain, Huo Xiaozheng seated her in the aisle seat.


    He had also prepared noise-cancelling earplugs for her, which he helped her put in before takeoff.


    But Huo Guining wasn''t afraid at all.


    Once the ne stabilized, she unbuckled her seatbelt and leaned over to look out the window.


    Seeing her curiosity, Huo Xiaozheng switched seats with her and fastened her seatbelt again.


    The weather was nice that day. The ne flew above thick white clouds, with bright sunshine and an endless expanse of blue sky.


    Huo Guining felt her spirits lift.


    Seeing her engrossed, Huo Xiaozheng opened hisptop and started working.


    After lunch, Huo Guining''s excitement had worn off.


    Remembering that Uncle Zhou had brought tworge suitcases, she asked curiously, "Dad, how long are we staying?"


    Huo Xiaozheng took a sip of water and replied, "It''s not certain yet. We''ll see how it goes once we get there."


    Huo Guining was puzzled: Wasn''t Huo Xiaozheng usually very busy?

 Chapter 74

    The flight time from South City to Yun City is two hours.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Winter in Yun City differs from that in South City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This season, the temperature in Yun City is quitefortable, with a gentle breeze that haspletely lost its bone-chilling coldness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Upon arriving in Yun City, Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Guining disembarked from their flight and immediately boarded a ck business vehicle.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Once inside the car, Huo Xiaozheng removed Huo Guining''s thick coat and reced it with a lighter one.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yun City''s climate is favorable, capable of nurturing all forms of life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Along the way, they saw sunflowers and daisies everywhere, with various small flowerspeting in their beauty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A warm breeze carrying the essence of spring caressed their faces.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining lowered the car window and stretched her hand outside, trying to capture the presence of the wind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This was the first time Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Guining were truly alone together.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing her rxed posture, Huo Xiaozheng unconsciously eased up as well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The two checked into a five-star hotel owned by the Huo Group.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The hotel manager was waiting at the entrance. Upon seeing the ck business car arrive, he immediately came forward to greet them and escort them inside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The magnificent lobby, with its marble floors and walls, reflected a dazzling scene under the enormous crystal chandelier.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The hotel''s elevator was swift and silent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The group went directly to the presidential suite on the top floor, which boasted huge floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the stunningndscape.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The manager respectfully inquired, "Mr. Huo, the room staff will be here shortly to arrange your luggage. Is there anything else you need?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng took off his coat and hung it on a nearby coat rack.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He nced at Huo Guining, who was wandering around, taking everything in. "Send up some local snacks and drinks, please."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The manager nodded, closed the door, and left.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Are you tired? Do you want to rest for a while?" Huo Xiaozheng asked Huo Guining.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was still marveling at the luxurious presidential suite.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She came to her senses and shook her head: although Huo Xiaozheng was here for work, she was here to travel.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I''m not tired. Dad, when will your work be finished?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    The view outside was so beautiful; it would be nice to go out for a walk and take a look around.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng nced at his watch, which showed half past one in the afternoon.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I have a meeting in half an hour," Huo Xiaozheng said. "After the meeting ends, I''ll take you out for a walk."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Soon after, staff members filed in.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The meeting was to be held in the reception room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    While Huo Xiaozheng and the staff were in the meeting room, Huo Guining stayed in the bedroom, happily enjoying her afternoon tea.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The customer service staff was arranging their luggage nearby.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Miss, shall I put this easel in the living room for you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining hadn''t expected that Huo Xiaozheng would bring her easel along.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She put down her snack and said, "No need, bring it over here."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Under her instruction, the staff set up the easel by the floor-to-ceiling window.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining checked the time, took out her brushes, and began to paint.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This time, the canvas wasn''t filled with her fantasies.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Instead, it captured the beautiful view outside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When Huo Xiaozheng finished his meeting and came in, he saw her intensely focused on her canvas.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He walked over and saw that she was painting the view outside the window.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    This might be a good start.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He didn''t interrupt Huo Guining but went to the living room, opened hisptop, and continued with his work.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although the auction in Yun City wouldn''t take ce until after the New Year, it didn''t prevent Huo Xiaozheng from conducting an early on-site inspection.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ording to the reports submitted by his subordinates, the location of that plot ofnd wasn''t particrly ideal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Geographically, thend wasn''t near mountains or water and was located in the suburbs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yun City had a well-developed tourism industry, but due to its rich cultural heritage, it wasn''t suitable for overlymercialized districts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    For tourism development, it was truly a dilemma¡ªneither appetizing nor easily discarded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But recently, the economy had been poor, and the real estate market was not doing well.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The local government intended to auction off thend to obtain funds for cash flow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, the price was clearly higher than the market value.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng sent a message to Xi Chuan, asking about his inquiries into the Jiang family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xi Chuan reported no progress.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng wasn''t worried that the Jiang family would want to use this plot formercial purposes, but rather that their ideas might be simr to his own.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad, is your meeting over?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s voice interrupted Huo Xiaozheng''s contemtion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng rxed his furrowed brow: "Yes, it''s over. Have you finished your painting?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining nodded: "When are we going out?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng quickly tidied up his desk: "Now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Given the warmer temperature here, Huo Xiaozheng changed into a beige long-sleeved shirt and light-colored casual suit, paired with khaki casual trousers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He had Huo Guining change into a pink-apricot cardigan sweater and light-colored trousers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before leaving, Huo Xiaozheng also grabbed a medium-thick beige coat for her to carry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Huo Guining sat in the back seat, her words tinged with the joy of sightseeing: "Dad, where are we going now?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng said: "There''s a famous attraction nearby, let''s go take a look."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although it was the off-season, there were still quite a few tourists along the way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Upon reaching their destination.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The sun was still a bit harsh.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng produced a pair of sunsses from somewhere and put them on Huo Guining.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He then took out a small backpack and helped her put it on.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Finally, he pulled out a rope and with a ''click'' attached it to Huo Guining''s small backpack.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining: "Dad, is this a dog leash?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng replied calmly: "No, it''s a child leash."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining felt there was little difference between the two.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "If I were to carry you all the time, you wouldn''t be free," Huo Xiaozheng exined. "Besides, there are so many people, it would be terrible if you got lost."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining reluctantly epted this exnation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng ''led'' Huo Guining as they strolled along the quaint street.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s physique and appearance were too eye-catching. They hadn''t walked far when they encountered bold young women approaching them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Handsome, could you help us take a photo?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng initially didn''t want to respond, but considering he wanted to set a good example of approachability for Guining.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He nodded slightly and took the camera from the girl''s hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    He returned the phone to the girl.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing how amiable Huo Xiaozheng was, some young men, learning from the girls'' example, mustered up the courage to approach.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng took their phones and photographed them one by one.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining marveled: "Dad, you''re so good-tempered."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Has he changed? She didn''t voice this question.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng noticed her expression and felt his teaching demonstration had been effective.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    For the rest of the time, he obliged everyone who came forward requesting help with photos.<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


    "Handsome, could I take a picture with you two?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng tly refused, took Huo Guining''s hand, and walked away without looking back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The girl felt disappointed, thinking that even letting the handsome man take a photo for them would have been an honor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Meanwhile, those boys and girls who had been granted this honor stared at the photos in their phone albums in collective silence.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 75

    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

 Chapter 76

    Despite saying this, it was still a family matter.<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng could only gently tell Huo Guining that no matter how capable he was, his hands couldn''t reach into other people''s homes.<span>0


    "Because the bossdy only scolded her and didn''t hit her, it doesn''t count as domestic violence, right?" Huo Guining asked, looking up with her little face.<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng was stunned for a moment, and could only reluctantly agree.<span>0


    Huo Guining returned to the hotel with Huo Xiaozheng, feeling a bit gloomy.<span>0


    The next day.<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng nned to take Huo Guining mountain climbing.<span>0


    After a simple breakfast, Huo Xiaozheng drove to one of the local scenic spots.<span>0


    The sun shone brightly in a cloudless sky.<span>0


    Both Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Guining were dressed in sportswear, each properly equipped with a hiking stick as they set foot on the stone steps.<span>0


    The mountain wasn''t tall, but Huo Guining''s small frame was too weak.<span>0


    Before long, she was panting heavily.<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng resisted the urge to carry her, instead giving her some water and encouraging her, "You''re doing great, you''ve already climbed so high. Keep it up."<span>0


    Huo Guining looked back at the path they''de: the starting point seemed just a stone''s throw away.<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t mind, "You''re already doing wonderfully."<span>0


    As time passed, Huo Guining trudged upwards with determined huffs and puffs.<span>0


    Along the way, Huo Xiaozheng wanted to call for a stop, to let Huo Guining pause and enjoy the scenery.<span>0


    She mercilessly refused.<span>0


    "I want to climb to the top in one go!"<span>0


    Seeing her still in good spirits, Huo Xiaozheng let her be.<span>0


    Halfway up the mountain, there was a temple bustling with a steady stream of worshippers, its incense burning prosperously.<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng wasn''t superstitious about these things.<span>0


    But looking at the little girl in front of him, puffing and panting, something stirred in his heart.<span>0


    "Ningning, let''s go pay our respects."<span>0


    Due to the exercise, Huo Guining''s cheeks were flushed red.<span>0


    Her cool princess-cut bangs were now damp with sweat, sticking to her face in strands.<span>0


    Huo Guining hastily wiped her face, shaking the bangs clinging to her face: "Okay!"<span>0


    With that, she rushed headlong towards the temple.<span>0


    Seeing she was about to collide with tourists ahead, Huo Xiaozheng stepped forward, grabbed her arm, and lifted her up.<span>0


    "Be careful, it''s a bit crowded here."<span>0


    Huo Guining btedly realized she had almost bumped into someone.<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng carried her like this, walked into the main hall, and then set her down.<span>0


    The deity''s statue in the center of the hall was majestic and imposing, high above, looking down upon all living beings.<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng disliked this appearance and turned to leave.<span>0


    But Huo Guining suddenly imitated the worshippers, bending her knees and kneeling on the prayer mat.<span>0


    She sped her hands together, her little mouth muttering, eyes closed, praying devoutly.<span>0


    After a moment of surprise, Huo Xiaozheng also knelt down.<span>0


    "If the gods are listening, bless my daughter with health and longevity," Huo Xiaozheng prayed silently.<span>0


    Beside him, Huo Guining''s wish wasn''t much different from his.<span>0


    "Great God of Plot, please spare Huo Xiaozheng. Huo Guining promises you, Huo Xiaozheng will never again threaten the happiness of the main characters."<span>0


    "Dong!"<span>0


    A deep and solemn bell rang, the sounding from afar.<span>0


    Huo Guining opened her eyes, looked up at the statue seriously, and thought to herself: I''ll take this bell as your agreement.<span>0


    After finishing, she stood up.<span>0


    Only then did she remember Huo Xiaozheng beside her.<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng had just stood up when he heard Huo Guining ask, "Dad, do you also have wishes that only the gods can help fulfill?"<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng said softly, "I do."<span>0


    Huo Guining didn''t understand.<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t want to say more, only asking, "Ningning prayed so earnestly, what wish did you make to the gods?"<span>0


    Huo Guining covered her mouth.<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng smiled.<span>0


    Leaving the temple, the two continued towards the mountain peak.<span>0


    On the way, they passed a stream, its clear water gurgling towards the distance.<span>0


    Huo Guining was feeling hot, and seeing the stream made her eyes light up.<span>0


    "Dad, can we go wash our hands by the stream?"<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded.<span>0


    There were many pebbles by the stream, and worried Huo Guining might fall, Huo Xiaozheng simply carried her and let her sit on hisp to wash.<span>0


    The stream water was cool, instantly relieving Huo Guining''s heat.<span>0


    "Woof woof woof..."<span>0


    A series of urgent dog barks came.<span>0


    Huo Guining looked towards the sound and saw a small white dog downstream, barking at some bushes and running in circles.<span>0


    Huo Guining called out, "Niuniu!"<span>0


    The white dog immediately looked at her and wagged its tail.<span>0


    Huo Guining excitedly tugged at Huo Xiaozheng''s sleeve, "Dad, it''s Niuniu!"<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t know who Niuniu was.<span>0


    Huo Guining exined, "Niuniu is the white dog we saw at the restaurant yesterday!"<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng picked her up, and they both walked towards where Niuniu was downstream.<span>0


    Seeing people approaching, Niuniu barked even more enthusiastically!<span>0


    She ran to Huo Xiaozheng''s side, grabbed his pant leg with her mouth, trying to lead him into the bushes.<span>0


    "Dad, Niuniu wants you to follow her."<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng understood.<span>0


    The edge of the bushes had many branches, and the terrain was a bitplex.<span>0


    "Dad, I''ll wait here for you. Can you follow Niuniu and take a look?"<span>0


    Huo Guining had a feeling something was wrong. Dogs are very intuitive animals, especially smart dogs like Niuniu.<span>0


    She must have encountered something to be so anxious.<span>0


    She even overcame her wariness of strangers.<span>0


    However, Huo Xiaozheng was hesitant.<span>0


    The downstream area was far from the crowd. If he left Ningning alone here and something happened...<span>0


    "Niu...Niu."<span>0


    A faint call came through.<span>0


    Instantly, Niuniu barked even more excitedly.<span>0


    "Dad, it''s that big sister!"<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s expression turned serious: "Ningning, be good and wait here for dad."<span>0


    Huo Guining nodded eagerly.<span>0


    "Dad, hurry and save the big sister," she said, then added, "But be careful too!"<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng hesitated no longer. He looked around, found a stick about as thick as a cup''s mouth, and followed the call into the bushes.<span>0


    Most of the surrounding shrubs were thorny. Huo Xiaozheng swung the stick, clearing a path through the thorny thicket.<span>0


    Huo Guining stood in ce, watching as Huo Xiaozheng and Niuniu disappeared from view.<span>0


    She stretched her neck, constantly looking around.<span>0


    All around was silent, even Niuniu''s barks had scattered in the wind.<span>0


    Huo Guining was anxious. She lifted her leg to walk towards the thorny bushes.<span>0


    A pair of long legs appeared in her line of sight.<span>0


    "Dad!"<span>0


    She saw Huo Xiaozheng carrying the young woman in his arms, with Niuniu happily running circles around his feet.<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng ced the young girl on arge rock by the stream.<span>0


    "Big sister, are you okay?" Huo Guining asked.<span>0


    "Call me Lingling," the young girl smiled shyly. "I''m fine, I just got pricked by a thorn while picking mushrooms."<span>0


    Huo Guining immediately wanted to take a look.<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng stopped her with an arm around her neck.<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng crouched down in front of Huo Guining, face to face. His expression was displeased: "What did dad just tell you to do?"<span>0


    Huo Guining was startled by his seriousness, and stammered, "You said to stay in ce."<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng looked at where she was standing now, his meaning clear without words.<span>0


    A warmth flowed through Huo Guining''s heart.<span>0


    So, dad was worried about her.<span>0

 Chapter 77

    Because Lingling''s leg was injured, Huo Xiaozheng made a phone call to have someonee and take her down the mountain.


    Huo Guining was worried about Lingling''s injury and begged Huo Xiaozheng to return with them.


    In the medical room at the foot of the mountain, the doctor quickly treated Lingling''s wound.


    "It''s nothing serious. Just be careful not to get it wet for the next couple of days."


    Lingling nodded obediently.


    Huo Guining felt relieved and squatted nearby to y with Niuniu.


    Seeing her constantly using her hand to tease Niuniu, Huo Xiaozheng''s face showed disapproval: "Ning Ning, don''t use your hands to tease the dog. Be careful, it might bite you."


    He didn''t say out loud that he wasn''t sure if the little dog had been vinated.


    He stepped forward, loosely embracing Huo Guining and holding her protectively.


    Lingling noticed this and her eyes revealed a hint of envy.


    Seeing this, Huo Guining initiated a conversation: "Lingling, why did you go into the mountains alone to pick mushrooms?"


    Although there were tourists in the mountains, the mushroom picking spot seemed a bit remote.


    Lingling said: "Recently, customers have been asking about mushrooms at our shop. My mom saw that business wasn''t good, and since I''m on holiday with nothing to do, she sent me to the mountains."


    "But how old are you?"


    Huo Xiaozheng let out a shortugh.


    He thought it funny to ask someone''s age when the young girl clearly looked older than Ning Ning.


    However, as an adult, he felt it wasn''t his ce to interrupt the children''s conversation.


    Lingling pressed her lips together and said: "I''m 10 years old. Before, my dad used toe mushroom picking with me..."


    Huo Guining asked curiously: "Then why didn''t hee with you today?"


    Lingling smiled sheepishly: "My little brother isn''t well, so my parents couldn''t get away."


    Huo Guining''s smile faded.


    Huo Xiaozheng interrupted their conversation: "It''s gettingte, let''s go down the mountain."


    As he spoke, he picked up Huo Guining.


    "What would you like for lunch?"


    Huo Guining mumbled: "What about Lingling?"


    Huo Xiaozheng thought for a moment and asked Lingling: "Would you like to have lunch with us? Afterwards, I can arrange for someone to take you home."


    Lingling''s eyes lit up, but suddenly remembering her mother''s words, the light in her eyes instantly extinguished.


    "No need, I didn''t find any mushrooms and I''ve hurt my leg. I need to hurry back to help my mom with some work..." Lingling''s voice grew quieter: "Otherwise, mom will be angry."


    Huo Guining didn''t know if Lingling''s mom would be angry.


    But Huo Guining was already angry.


    Huo Guining turned to whisper in Huo Xiaozheng''s ear: "Dad, can''t we help her today?"


    Faced with Huo Guining''s hopeful eyes, Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t refuse: "I''ll think of something."


    Huo Xiaozheng asked Lingling: "Do you remember your parents'' phone number?"


    Lingling nodded, not understanding why he asked.


    Huo Xiaozheng had the doctor call Lingling''s parents.


    After it was done, he turned to Lingling: "Can you walk by yourself?"


    Lingling stood up from the chair and took a few steps.


    "I can manage."


    Huo Xiaozheng said: "Would you like to join us for lunch?"


    Huo Guining excitedly said: "After lunch, we can take Niuniu and go swimming in the hotel. Do you know how to swim? I can teach you!"


    Then, Huo Guining asked Huo Xiaozheng: "Dad, is that okay?"


    Seeing her so enthusiastic was rare, so naturally, Huo Xiaozheng agreed to whatever she said.


    Huo Guining struggled not to be carried by Huo Xiaozheng and walked over to Lingling''s side, supporting her like a little adult.


    "Besides the little bugs, what else is good to eat in Yun City?"


    "There''s a lot!"


    Huo Guining recalled the day they arrived in Yun City when she had tried many local snacks.


    She chattered on about them all.


    Lingling was taken aback by her enthusiasm.


    When Huo Guining wasn''t speaking, her beautiful face seemed somewhat distant.


    As if keeping people a thousand miles away.


    In this aspect, she was exactly like the tall uncle beside her.


    But when Ning Ning smiled, that sense of distancepletely vanished.


    It was contradictory and a bit intoxicating.


    Lingling couldn''t help but feel at ease.


    They looked like rich people and probably wouldn''t do anything bad to her.


    Even the medical fees just now.


    Ning Ning''s dad didn''t even frown, he just paid without haggling.


    Huo Xiaozheng drove, while Huo Guining, Lingling, and Niuniu sat in the back seat.


    Lingling curiously stared at Huo Guining''s safety seat: "What''s this?"


    Huo Guining exined: "It''s a child safety seat, to protect kids when they''re in the car."


    Lingling felt like a whole new world had opened up to her: "That''s so cool."


    Huo Guining thought for a moment: "It''s not that cool. I always feel like I''m a grasshopper tied to a tree."


    The corners of Huo Xiaozheng''s mouth lifted slightly.


    Lingling was also caught off guard by her suddenment. After processing it, she couldn''t help but smile.


    Niuniu obediently curled up in Lingling''s arms, quietly watching them chat.


    When they arrived at the hotel, the clock had just struck 11:30.


    Huo Xiaozheng unbuckled Huo Guining''s safety seat, teasing: "You''re free now, little trapped grasshopper."


    Huo Guining giggled.


    The side door opened, and a man who looked like a manager appeared in front of Lingling.


    He reached out, grasped Lingling''s waist, and lifted her out.


    The manager asked: "Mr. Huo, would you like to have lunch in the restaurant or have it sent to your room?"


    Huo Xiaozheng handed the car keys to a nearby doorman and looked at Huo Guining.


    Huo Guining thought for a moment and asked: "Can Niuniue in?"


    The manager looked a bit troubled: "Well..."


    Huo Xiaozheng gave him a look and said to Huo Guining: "Niuniu can''t go in, but Uncle Manager will find someone to take good care of her. When Lingling goes home, we''ll pick Niuniu up again."


    Huo Guining looked at Lingling: "What do you think?"


    Lingling nodded awkwardly.


    The manager had someone bring a leash and put it on Niuniu.


    Seeing this familiar object, Huo Guining couldn''t help but nce back at Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Xiaozheng cleared his throat lightly, bent down to pick up Huo Guining, and changed the subject: "Are you hungry? Let''s go eat."


    Lingling followed the manager into the hotel.


    It was Lingling''s first time seeing such a high-end hotel. She looked around and couldn''t help but exim: "It''s so beautiful."


    The manager handed the dog over to a nearby staff member.


    Seeing their gentle attitude, Lingling felt reassured and followed the manager''s steps.


    The group walked into a private room on the second floor of the restaurant.


    Huo Xiaozheng put Huo Guining down: "Go wash your hands."


    Huo Guining nodded and pulled Lingling towards the washbasin in the room.


    "Lingling, can we order food togetherter?"


    Lingling was a bit confused: "Is that okay? Your dad is here."


    Huo Guining turned to call out to Huo Xiaozheng: "Dad, can Lingling and I order the food today?"


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded indifferently.


    Remembering something, he added: "But don''t waste any food."


    Huo Guining patted her chest, looking as if she was saying ''leave it to me, don''t worry''.


    Lingling watched their interaction, her eyes revealing a sense of longing.

 Chapter 78

    Under Lingling''s guidance, Huo Guining quickly ordered a table full of dishes.


    The waiters entered in a line, carrying the food.


    After the meal, Huo Xiaozheng leisurely wiped his hands and said, "This afternoon, you and Lingling can y by yourselves. Dad has some business to attend to."


    Huo Guining nodded, "Dad, are you going to another meeting?"


    Huo Xiaozheng replied, "Not a meeting, just inspecting the hotel."


    Lingling was shocked once again, "Guining, does your family own this hotel?"


    Huo Guining nodded, "Lingling, shall we go sing karaoketer?"


    Lingling''s eyes lit up, "Sure!"


    The suite had everything, including a KTV room.


    Huo Xiaozheng had the Manager escort the two children back to their room, while he went off to work.


    After teaching the two kids how to use the KTV facilities, the Manager left.


    The songs in this world weren''t much different from those in her previous life. Huo Guining wasn''t a good singer, but she was enthusiastic nheless.


    After finishing a song, Huo Guining was happy, but Lingling''s smile seemed a bit forced.


    "Lingling, you should sing too!"


    It was Lingling''s first time using such equipment. She took a deep breath and started singing along with the music.


    At first, Huo Guining could only hear the original singer.


    But soon, Lingling''s voicepletely overpowered the original, her voice clear and powerful.


    As thest note faded, Huo Guining couldn''t help but p like a little seal, eximing, "You sang so well! Have you had professional training?"


    Lingling smiled shyly, "I just like singing, so I practice by imitating singers on my phone. I''ve never had formal lessons."


    Huo Guining was excited; this child was clearly a natural talent.


    "Lingling, you should study music."


    In her previous life, Huo Guining had been an art student and was familiar with vocal majors.


    But in art, those with innate talent always stood out more than those who relied on hard work alone.


    Lingling shouldn''t be overlooked.


    Lingling continued smiling, "That''s not possible. My little brother is still young, and our family business isn''t doing well. If it weren''t for the fact that school is free now, my mom would want me to stay home and help out."


    Huo Guining was shocked.


    "But you''re so young, how could you help?"


    Lingling just smiled. Not everyone was as fortunate as Guining, born into a wealthy family with a doting father.


    "By the way, Guining, where''s your mom?"


    Huo Guining smiled without answering, "Mom didn''te."


    Sensing that they were both deliberately avoiding certain topics, they stopped chatting. Lingling happily sang for the rest of the afternoon.


    Until the Manager came knocking.


    "Miss Guining, I''m here to take Lingling home."


    Huo Guining looked disappointed, "Does she have to leave already?"


    Huo Xiaozheng, who had just finished work, walked into the room.


    Hearing this, heforted her, "If Lingling doesn''t go home, her parents will worry."


    Huo Guining couldn''t argue with that.


    Huo Xiaozheng picked her up, "Let''s see Lingling off together."


    "Lingling, can Ie y with you again?"


    "Of course you can."


    Despite her words, Lingling fell silent after saying this.


    It wasn''t until the Manager returned Niuniu to her that a flicker of emotion appeared in her eyes.


    Seeing how reluctant Guining was to part, Huo Xiaozheng decided to drive Lingling home himself.


    The two little friends, with a five-year age gap, chattered away in the back seat, ying with Niuniu, talking about singing and their uing separation.


    Upon reaching their destination, Huo Xiaozheng took Lingling''s small basket from the trunk and handed it to her.


    Lingling took the basket, finding it surprisingly heavy.


    "This is..."


    Huo Xiaozheng exined, "I had the doctor tell your parents you were resting in the infirmary this afternoon. All the mushrooms you picked this morning are in there."


    In reality, Huo Xiaozheng, worried about Lingling''s exnation at home, had asked the Manager to buy some mushrooms from local vigers and put them in her basket.


    Lingling softly said thank you and turned to walk home.


    Huo Guining remembered something, "Dad, Lingling is very talented at singing. Can you sponsor her?"


    Huo Xiaozheng was a bit surprised, "I could, but how can you tell Lingling has talent?"


    Huo Guining recounted their afternoon of singing, and Huo Xiaozheng was intrigued.


    "I''ll have Uncle Xichuan contact her parents about thister."


    What Huo Xiaozheng didn''t say was that since this family could run a farmhouse inn, their financial situation shouldn''t be too bad.


    But Lingling''s clothes and demeanor didn''t seem like those of a child raised in a well-off, loving family.


    Before Huo Guining could finish speaking, they saw Lingling''s mom p her hard across the face as soon as she approached, limping and carrying the dog.


    Huo Guining couldn''t help but cry out, "How can you hit her like that!"


    Huo Xiaozheng strode over, but it was toote.


    Half of Lingling''s face was already swollen.


    Huo Guining, a few steps behind, saw the injury and couldn''t help but scold, "Lingling is already hurt, how can you hit her?!"


    Lingling''s mom, holding a little boy in her arms, spat in response, "What injury? Where have you been all afternoon? I told you toe back and watch your brother, and youe up with all these excuses!"


    "You even got a doctor to lie for you!"


    "As a woman myself, I know all about her little tricks."


    A man wearing a ck jacket stepped forward, halfheartedly trying to stop Lingling''s mom, "Stop scolding, stop scolding. The child is back, that''s what matters!"


    "Hmph! Neither of you wants to do any work, leaving me to be the nanny all by myself."


    With that, she turned and left.


    The man, with his scruffy beard and drooping eyes, noticed Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Guining''s fine clothes and remembered them as the big spenders from yesterday.


    A glint appeared in his eyes. Instead of addressing Huo Xiaozheng, he asked Huo Guining:


    "Are you Lingling''s friend?"


    Huo Xiaozheng shook his head.


    Huo Guining also saw the calction in the man''s eyes.


    Lingling tightly clenched her fingers, saying nothing.


    Huo Guining pressed her lips together and said, "We''re not friends. My dad and I were just passing by."


    Huo Xiaozheng was stunned for a moment, then said, "That''s not how children should be taught."


    He then picked up Huo Guining and turned to leave.


    Huo Guining, resting on Huo Xiaozheng''s shoulder, kept her eyes fixed on Lingling behind the man.


    Lingling timidly nced at her once, then lowered her head in disappointment.


    Huo Guining felt a pang in her heart, followed by a helpless sigh.


    Huo Xiaozheng ced her in the back seat and asked, "Aren''t you and Lingling friends?"


    Huo Guining shook her head, "I think we are friends."


    "Then why did you deny it just now? Aren''t you afraid of hurting Lingling''s feelings?"


    Huo Guining met Huo Xiaozheng''s gaze directly, "If I had admitted it, Lingling might have faced more than just hurt feelings."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s interest was piqued, "Oh?"


    Huo Guining sighed again, "Lingling''s parents don''t treat her well. Her father''s eyes lit up when he saw you."


    "He could tell you''re very wealthy."


    Huo Guining added seriously, "It''s also because Dad gave him too much money yesterday."


    Those few bills were more than enough for three meals.


    Huo Xiaozheng, having been lectured, wasn''t annoyed.


    "It''s Dad''s fault. I was too extravagant."


    "Were you worried that they might start targeting Dad, so you gave up your friend?"

 Chapter 79

    To Huo Xiaozheng''s surprise, Huo Guining also shook her head.


    "Half the reason I deny being friends with Lingling is that I''m worried they''lltch onto you," Huo Guining said seriously. "The other half is that I''m afraid they''ll treat Lingling like a cash cow."


    Huo Xiaozheng was somewhat astonished by Huo Guining''s perceptiveness.


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Huo Guining pursed her lips, "If Lingling and I became good friends, I certainly couldn''t stand by when she was suffering."


    "Then I would choose to help her."


    "But I don''t have the ability to help her. So, I would definitely choose to ask Dad for help."


    Huo Xiaozheng listened patiently as Huo Guining continued, "Dad''s way of helping people is simple and forceful - he would definitely give money."


    "Once or twice, and sooner orter Lingling''s parents would find out."


    "When that dayes, I would not only lose a friend, but I would also harm Dad."


    As Huo Guining said this, her words were clear and logical.


    Huo Xiaozheng took a long time to recover.


    "Dad, are you listening to me?" Huo Guining waved her hand in front of his eyes.


    "Dad is listening," Huo Xiaozheng smiled. "Your analysis is very reasonable."


    Huo Guining smiled.


    Huo Xiaozheng sighed, "Sometimes, Dad wishes you weren''t so smart. Maybe then you could be a little happier."


    For the next few days, Huo Xiaozhengpletely set aside his work and took Huo Guining sightseeing.


    The pair''s striking looks and height difference were too eye-catching.


    Some tourists posted photos of the two online. At first,izens thought it was just a good-looking father and daughter on vacation.


    Later, some sharp-eyedizens discovered their identities.


    "Holy crap! Isn''t this the CEO of Huo Corporation and his cold-hearted daughter?"


    "The baby looks so adorably cool! How is she cold-hearted?"


    "Mr. Huo, those damn kidnappers took me to a foreign ce,e quickly and take me home!"


    "Dad! I''m your long-lost daughter!"


    "The little girl''s smile is so sweet, I''m in love!"


    As more and more photos of the two were taken, the online discussions gradually went off-topic.


    "My little girl''s hairstyle is cool, but her daily outfits are so sweet. Could it be that Mr. Huo is personally coordinating them?"


    "The one above speaks the truth. Mr. Huo hugs my little girl every day, the height difference is killing me with cuteness!"


    "The leash Mr. Huo uses for my little girl seems to be the same as the one for my puppy. [Dog emoji]"


    "Mr. Huo must have bought the wrong one, haha! The one for human children is different...!"


    The inte buzz finally reached Huo Jing.


    During a break in filming, her young assistant asked while holding her phone, "Jing, isn''t this Ning? Howe she''s in Yun City?"


    Huo Jing took a look, "It is Ning. Why are there so many photos?"


    "There''s a flower festival in Yun City recently, quite a lot of tourists went to see it. These should all be taken by passersby. Little Ning is so cute!"


    Huo Jing had a bit of PTSD from Ning trending online before. She scrolled through thements, and luckily, there weren''t any malicious remarks.


    Huo Jing sighed in relief. Hearing her assistant give Ning a nickname, she couldn''t help but show off the rich collection in her phone''s photo album.


    "Look, Ning is even cuter when she''s having a snowball fight!" Huo Jing said, unable to suppress herughter as she watched.


    This video was from when Huo Guining was repeatedly hit by Huo Yueze during their snowball fight.


    At the end of the video, Huo Yueze was struck by a suddenrge snowball from Huo Xiaozheng, leaving him dumbfounded.


    The assistant waspletely captivated by Ning''s adorably clueless snowball fighting.


    Huo Jing raised an eyebrow and smiled: Hmph, when ites toparing content, you''re still too green.


    After showing off, Huo Jing called Huo Xiaozheng.


    "Brother, you seem to be having a great time in Yun City."


    "I saw your photos online. You haven''t seen them, have you?"


    "The public opinion online is pretty good for now, so maybe just keep an eye on it for now."


    On the other end of the phone, Huo Xiaozheng looked at Huo Guining, who was lost in the bliss of ice cream, "I''ll handle it."


    With that, he hung up the phone.


    Huo Guining asked, "Was that Auntie?"


    Huo Xiaozheng walked over and took away her ice cream tub, "Yes."


    Huo Guining held up her spoon, pleading, "Can I have onest spoonful, please?"


    Huo Xiaozheng shook his head, saying ruthlessly, "You''ve already said that three times."


    That evening, there was a children''s musical performance at a nearby theater. Huo Xiaozheng had already booked tickets.


    Putting the ice cream back in the fridge, Huo Xiaozheng picked up her coat, and they left.


    At the hotel entrance, a thin figure was crouching behind arge stone pir, peering around cautiously.


    "Little one, what are you doing here?" asked the hotel doorman, noticing her strange behavior.


    It was Lingling.


    Lingling shook her head, and hurriedly walked away with her backpack.


    Not long after, Huo Xiaozheng came out of the elevator carrying Huo Guining, just as Lingling turned the corner, the three of them passing by each other.


    The father and daughter were in the midst of a serious negotiation over the ice cream incident.


    "Eating too much ice cream will give you a stomachache."


    Huo Guining: "It won''t happen to me."


    "You''d better hope not. Next time, you can have at most 5 spoonfuls."


    Remembering the size of the spoon, Huo Xiaozheng immediately corrected himself, "No, at most two spoonfuls."


    Huo Guining protested, "Three spoonfuls."


    "Two spoonfuls, and if you argue, it''ll be one."


    Huo Guining: OK, fine, the wise bow to the inevitable.


    That day, a driver picked them up.


    After fastening Huo Guining''s seatbelt, Huo Xiaozheng noticed her silence and thought she might be angry.


    Just as he was about to speak,


    Huo Guining''s voice drifted up: "Dad, can we have popcornter?"


    Huo Xiaozheng: ...


    He discreetly nced at Ning''s belly, then opened his phone and started searching for articles on scientific feeding methods for children.


    Suddenly, Huo Guining''s phone rang. It was Huo Yueze calling.


    Huo Guining answered eagerly, "Brother!"


    Huo Yueze''s voice filled the car, "Ning, I''m on holiday! When are youing back?"


    Huo Guining looked at Huo Xiaozheng, "Dad, when are we going back?"


    Huo Xiaozheng asked, "When do you want to go back?"


    Huo Yueze interjected, "It''s almost Spring Festival in a few days. Ning, you''re not nning to abandon us and spend the New Year alone with Uncle, are you?"


    Is it almost New Year?


    Huo Guining was a bit surprised.


    "Of course not, Brother. Dad and I will definitelye back for New Year."


    "Right, Dad?"


    Huo Xiaozheng took her phone, "Ning and I will fly back tomorrow afternoon."


    With that, he hung up.


    The children''s theater was almost full.


    Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Guining sat in a second-floor box. At Huo Xiaozheng''s insistence, Huo Guining gave up on popcorn and opted for a fruit tter instead.


    "Oh? Those are Lingling''s parents!"


    Huo Guining pointed at two figures downstairs.


    Huo Xiaozheng looked closely, and indeed they were.


    "They only brought Lingling''s little brother, not Lingling."


    Huo Guining''s tone was a bit dejected, probably feeling sorry for Lingling.

 Chapter 80

    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

 Chapter 81

    "This is for Grandpa and Grandma, this is for Eldest Uncle, Elder Brother, Aunt-inw, and Aunt..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining pulled out the gifts one by one, distributing them to everyone present.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although they weren''t particrly expensive items, everyone who received a gift smiled with joy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Thank you, Ning Ning! Aunt-inw loves it!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even Old Master Huo, who usually didn''t show his emotions, said, "That''s thoughtful of you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    At such a young age, she was quite adept at winning people over.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A smile appeared in Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Master Huo asked, "Is thepany''s annual meeting over?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng: "Thepany''s annual meeting is tomorrow."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining asked, "Dad, are we going to the annual meeting too?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng: "Yes, we''ll go for a while. After the meeting ends, we''ll start our holiday."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining eximed excitedly, "I can sleep in!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Watching the interaction between father and daughter, Old Master Huo felt deeply moved.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He had originally thought that his youngest son''s entanglement with the Qin family''s daughter would lead nowhere, and that he might not live to see Huo Xiaozheng''s child in his lifetime.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Unexpectedly, things had taken a turn for the better.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Master Huo asked again, "I heard you want to bid on thend in Yun City?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was after dinner, and everyone was sitting casually in the living room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was curled up next to Huo Yueze, watching him y a game.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing Old Master Huo mention Yun City, Huo Guining couldn''t help but prick up her ears.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng: "Yes, I was nning to build a holiday resort there. It''s perfect since Ning Ning also likes Yun City very much."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Master Huo nodded approvingly, "Our ancestors are all in Yun City, it''s only natural that Ning Ning likes it there."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Jing secretly rolled her eyes, wondering who it was that had wanted to adopt Ning Ning into the eldest brother''s family.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now, they couldn''t wait to include Ning Ning in the Huo family?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, Huo Jing didn''t dare to say this out loud.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing their conversation drifting off topic, Huo Guining feigned curiosity and asked, "Dad, isn''t Jiang Suyuan also bidding for that piece ofnd?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ning Ning''s words made all the adults pause.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng remainedposed: "If he wants to bid, he''ll have to see if he has what it takes."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Master Huo didn''t seem to approve: "Why are you going up against that Jiang boy again? Are you still not over that Qin girl?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng denied it: "It has nothing to do with Qin Zhiyi."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Master Huo clearly didn''t believe him: "Then why are you specifically targeting him? Does that piece ofnd in Yun City have highmercial value?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng thought for a moment and said, "Thatnd doesn''t have muchmercial value, but it has beautiful scenery and fresh air."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I originally nned to buy it and turn it into a holiday resort, so I could take Ning Ning there for recuperation when we have time."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Was Huo Xiaozheng really this thoughtful?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing this, Old Master Huo seemed to understand: "The mountains and waters of Yun City are indeed suitable for recuperation."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yanqin asked, "If it doesn''t have muchmercial value, what does the Jiang family want thatnd for?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng said calmly, "Probably for Qin Zhiyi."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Huo Guining''s heart skipped a beat. Was he going to sh with the male and female protagonists again?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She raised her hand and said weakly, "Dad, actually, I prefer South City to Yun City."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Seeing everyone looking at her, Huo Guining felt like backing down.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But remembering that she and Huo Xiaozheng shared the same fate, Huo Guining pressed on, "I mean, I don''t want a holiday resort. I want to be together with everyone."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her words were like a warm current, flowing into everyone''s hearts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A hint of a smile appeared in Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes: "Alright, Dad understands."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Surprised that Huo Xiaozheng was so easily persuaded, Huo Guining breathed a sigh of relief.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze snapped back to reality from his game and called out to Huo Guining, "Ning Ning, I died. It''s your turn."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining replied cheerfully, "I''ming~"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Thepany''s annual meeting was scheduled for 6 PM.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    During the day, Huo Xiaozheng took Huo Guining to thepany, where Huo Yueze apanied her to y tennis at thepany''s tennis court.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After exercising, Huo Guining had her art teacher revise the paintings she had drawn in Yun City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze sat on the sofa in the studio, waiting for Ning Ning to finish her lesson.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The studio was converted from an office, and itsyout wasrgely simr to that of the Panlong Bay vi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    To amodate Ning Ning''s height, the supplies and furniture in the studio were all lowered to Ning Ning''s standards.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This assignment is very good, quite different from your usual style," the art teacher praised.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining smiled, "The scenery in Yun City is beautiful, so I couldn''t help but paint it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The art teacher was a woman with long ck hair reaching her waist, named Wei Qingyang.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She was about 30 years old, spoke gently, and had her own logic when teaching.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Wei Qingyang asked, "Your grasp of bright colors is obviously not as good as dark tones. Do you prefer paintings with darker color schemes?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She had seen Huo Guining''s previous works, which had a depressing atmosphere and very somber colors. Although they didn''t inspire joy, the power of rebirth from despair was very captivating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining couldn''t say whether she liked it or not, but she replied, "Many of the dark-toned paintingse from my dreams or fantasies."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Listening to Ning Ning''s words, Huo Yueze felt a twinge of sadness in his heart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After taking on this job, Wei Qingyang had also learned about Huo Guining''s background.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing her say this, Wei Qingyang wasn''t surprised.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She nodded, "Beauty doesn''t have just one standard. Whether it''s bright, dark, shining, or bloody, as long as it has content, it''s beautiful."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining strongly agreed with her theory.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Wei Qingyang continued, "Painting habits also change with the artist''s state of mind."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You don''t need to worry about your painting style being too gloomy. As your skills improve day by day, the brush will just be a medium for you tomunicate with the world."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining smiled, "I''m not worried."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    What''s so bad about being gloomy? If you can solve it, solve it. If you can''t solve it, tear it apart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Through the reflection in the window, Huo Yueze saw a hint of determination in Ning Ning''s expression.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It disappeared in an instant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze rubbed his eyes, and when he looked again, Huo Guining was listening attentively to the lesson. The previous scene seemed like just his imagination.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The setting sun''s glow shone through therge floor-to-ceiling windows, leaving a pool of orange light on the floor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The clock slowly ticked towards six o''clock.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng knocked on the studio door and took Huo Guining and Huo Yueze away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Elder Brother, have you ever been to an annual meeting?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was Huo Guining''s first time attending an annual meeting, so she was naturally curious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In previous years, Huo Yueze had never attended thepany''s annual meetings out of respect for his uncle''s authority.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But with Ning Ning asking like this, wouldn''t it be embarrassing to say he had never attended?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He vaguely hummed an affirmative, "Annual meetings are very boring."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining seemed a bit disappointed, "Ah... I thought it would be interesting."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng nced at his nephew, then bent down to pick up Ning Ning, "The annual meeting has a lucky draw. I heard there''s a mystery grand prize this year. You can participate too."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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

 Chapter 82

    The act of drawing lots itself carries the expectation of a lucky windfall.


    After the annual meeting began, Huo Yueze apanied Huo Guining as they ate and drank. At their table, besides Xi Chuan, there was also Yin Su.


    Due to Huo Xiaozheng''s presence, asionally some executives woulde to the head table to offer toasts, but no one dared to sit down.


    Taking advantage of Huo Xiaozheng''s momentary distraction, Huo Guining quickly stuffed a piece of ice cream bread into her mouth.


    While chewing, she gestured for Huo Yueze to try some too: "Brother, this is delicious."


    Huo Yueze declined: "My teeth have been hurtingtely, so I can''t eat it. Ningnin, you eat more."


    As he spoke, he picked up a piece of bread and ced it on Ningnin''s te.


    Huo Xiaozheng, without turning his gaze, reced Ningnin''s te and admonished Huo Yueze: "Your teeth are already hurting, yet you''re giving your sister so many sweets. Aren''t you worried she''ll get a toothache too?"


    Huo Yueze: That makes sense.


    Fortunately, there were other delicious foods on the table, and Huo Guining quickly got over the ice cream bread.


    She ate bite by bite, like a little hamster.


    The host cued Huo Xiaozheng, inviting him to give a speech on stage.


    Huo Xiaozheng stood up, buttoned his suit jacket, and instructed Huo Yueze to keep an eye on Ningnin, making sure she didn''t eat too much.


    Huo Yueze gave his uncle an "OK" hand gesture.


    Huo Xiaozheng walked towards the stage with an upright posture and long strides.


    Under the spotlight, Huo Xiaozheng appeared tall and long-legged, with sharp features and a high nose bridge. His face hadpletely lost its usual gentleness, looking as cool as a domineering CEO straight out of a manga.


    Huo Guining looked around and noticed many female employees swooning over Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Guining felt proud as if she were the object of their admiration. She stopped eating and took out her phone.


    With a "click" sound.


    Huo Yueze thought she was taking a selfie and leaned in to join the photo.


    Huo Guining giggled: "I''m taking a picture of Dad."


    Huo Yueze felt jealous: "Then you should take one of me too."


    After a moment''s thought, Huo Yueze added: "No, let''s take one together."


    After ying the selfie game with Huo Yueze for a while, Huo Guining resumed eating.


    On the main stage, Huo Xiaozheng''s speech was nearing its end.


    "Since my daughter wants to participate in the prize draw, and young children shouldn''t stay up toote, today''s lucky draw will start earlier."


    As soon as he said this, a wave of yful jeers rose from the audience below.


    "Who says our CEO Huo is cold? How cold could such a considerate dad be?"


    "I wonder if Ningnin wants a stepmother¡ªfair-skinned, beautiful, but without long legs."


    Whispered jokes could be heard from all around.


    But there was no real malice in them.


    Huo Guining heard them but didn''t mind.


    At the moment, she was more interested in the lucky draw.


    "Brother, it''s time for the lucky draw!"


    Huo Yueze also seemed eager to try his luck.


    Seeing the two children so enthusiastic, Xi Chuan smiled and said, "Let''s see which of you can win the grand prize."


    Seeing his mysterious expression, Huo Guining couldn''t help but probe, "Uncle Xi Chuan, what''s the grand prize?"


    Xi Chuan smiled and shook his head, maintaining an air of mystery.


    Huo Guining then looked at Yin Su.


    Yin Su made an "X" gesture over her mouth, also keeping a mysterious expression.


    "Before entering, Xi Assistant had already entered your information into the lucky draw system. Now, we just wait for the results to be announced."


    The draw process involved a staff member clicking to start the application, with the big screen scrolling through names, and Huo Xiaozheng clicking to stop it, drawing the top three winners and the grand prize winner.


    "Alright, now we''ll announce the third-ce winner. Who will it be?"


    The host built up suspense.


    Huo Xiaozheng yed along, waiting until the host announced the reveal before clicking to stop.


    The third and second ce winners were from the Marketing Department and Human Resources Department respectively.


    The third-ce prize was thetest modelptop.


    The second-ce prize was to clear out their shopping cart, with a limit of 50,000 yuan. If the total price of items in their cart didn''t exceed 50,000 yuan, the employee could choose to select items on the spot to make up the difference.


    The winning staff members were overjoyed, expressing in their eptance speeches that they wanted to work at Huo Corporation until retirement.


    The audience below burst intoughter.


    The host continued to cue the process with a smile: "Next, we''ll announce the first-ce winner."


    With the second and third ces already taken, Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Yueze weren''t disappointed, but rather more excited.


    "First ce: Huo Guining!"


    Hearing her name echo through the venue, she couldn''t help but let out a scream.


    Without even high-fiving Huo Yueze, she immediately jumped off her chair and happily rushed towards Huo Xiaozheng on the main stage.


    The previously cold-faced Huo Xiaozheng knelt down, opening his arms to catch the little girl running towards him.


    "Dad, I won a prize too!" She seemed overjoyed, with sweat beading on her forehead.


    Huo Xiaozheng picked her up, brushing back her messy bangs, his eyes carrying a hint of a smile: "Ningnin has such good luck."


    The host joked: "This draw waspletely fair and just, with witnesses from the R&D department."


    The spotlight focused on the R&D department''s area, where the staff members wereughing heartily, waving their hands to indicate that the draw was absolutely fair and just.


    "What''s the first-ce prize? Congrattions to the little miss, you''ve won the opportunity to have dinner with the CEO, at a restaurant of your choice, with thepany footing the bill!"


    The employees who had been grumbling about behind-the-scenes maniption moments ago suddenly couldn''t keep theirposure, bursting intoughter.


    The host''s eyes twinkled as he held the microphone towards Huo Guining: "Little miss, may I ask, do you like this prize?"


    Huo Guining smiled so widely her eyes almost disappeared, and she said loudly: "I love it! I can treat Dad to dinner now!"


    Huo Xiaozheng looked at her with gentle eyes.


    Huo Yueze, on the other hand, covered his face, perfectly demonstrating the "I can''t bear to watch" expression.


    Thankfully, he wasn''t the one who won this prize, otherwise it would have been really difficult to handle.


    There was still one grand prize left.


    At the host''s suggestion, Huo Guining was to reveal the grand prize winner.


    Huo Xiaozheng said softly, "When the host says ''stop'', you just click this side of the mouse, okay?"


    Huo Guining nodded.


    As soon as the host gave the signal, Huo Guining immediately clicked the left mouse button.


    "Grand prize! Wang Yuanliang! Congrattions to Wang Yuanliang for winning the grand prize of 88,000 yuan to spend as you wish!"


    The whole venue erupted!


    Huo Guining''s eyes widened: "Wow! That''s so much money!"


    Huo Xiaozheng chuckled softly, said some words of encouragement, and then announced that his part in the lucky draw was over.


    Huo Xiaozheng carried Ningnin off the stage with one arm, only to be met by a gloomy Huo Yueze.


    "Uncle, did you really enter my information into the system? Are you sure?"


    Huo Yueze asked with a straight face: "Xi Chuan, are you sure?"


    Xi Chuan smiled respectfully: "I''m sure."


    Huo Yueze: ...


    Huo Guining couldn''t bear to see Huo Yueze so dejected, and immediately offered: "Brother, don''t be sad. Do you want me to give you my first prize?"


    Huo Yueze nced at Huo Xiaozheng''s serious face: He politely declined.


    Huo Xiaozheng gave him a side nce: "Let''s go, it''s time for Ningnin to sleep."

 Chapter 83

    After the annualpany meeting, thepany began its New Year holiday.


    Huo Xiaozheng was at leisure at home, spending his days handling some routine affairs and apanying Ningning.


    As the Spring Festival approached, the Swimming Coach and Art Teacher both went on vacation.


    Every day, Huo Xiaozheng would apany Ningning for a swim in their home''s temperature-controlled pool.


    Though Ningning appeared brave, she would only dare to float with a swim ring if there wasn''t a trusted person apanying her, too afraid to swim out on her own.


    After swimming came painting.


    Painting, it was clear, was even more of a headache for Huo Xiaozheng than swimming.


    After lunch, Ningning would go to the art studio.


    For an entire afternoon, she wouldn''t budge from her seat.


    Aunt Xu brought in some fruit at one point, and Ningning said she would eat it.


    In reality, by the time the sun had set, the fruit te remained untouched.


    When Huo Xiaozheng pushed open the door to the art studio, he saw herpletely focused, her whole being absorbed in the canvas before her.


    This small person had an extraordinary passion and stubbornness for painting, to the extent that even delicious food couldn''t divert her attention.


    Huo Xiaozheng coughed lightly a few times.


    Huo Guining looked at him somewhat sluggishly: "Dad, is something wrong?"


    "How''s the paintinging along?"


    Huo Guining put down her brush, her expression still showing dissatisfaction: "It''s still missing something."


    Huo Xiaozheng suggested: "Maybe it''s because you''ve been painting for too long, your nerves are overstretched."


    Huo Guining nced at the sky outside: "Oh? Is it thiste already?"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s tone was a bit heavy: "Yes, it''s time for dinner."


    Huo Guining noticed his expression wasn''t quite right and spoke with a bit of caution: "Dad, are you in a bad mood?"


    Huo Xiaozheng was taken aback, his furrowed brow rxing a bit: "I''m not in a bad mood, just a little hungry."


    Hearing this, Huo Guining quickly tidied up her painting supplies and got up to walk towards him: "Then let''s go eat."


    "Mm."


    After dinner, Huo Guining watched some anime, but her mind was preupied with her unfinished painting, making her somewhat distracted.


    Huo Xiaozheng saw her fidgeting, clearly wanting to go back upstairs to the art studio.


    A thought struck Huo Xiaozheng and he asked: "There''s a fireworks show tonight, do you want to go see it?"


    Huo Guining eximed with delight: "A fireworks show?"


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded: "It''s just across the river."


    Though it was just a suggestion, Huo Xiaozheng had already stood up.


    Seeing this, Huo Guining followed suit and headed towards the door.


    February nights in South City were still bitterly cold.


    Huo Xiaozheng had Ningning wear a thick coat, as well as a scarf and hat.


    The two walked out one after the other.


    After nightfall, the streetmps of Panlong Bay lit up one by one, standing along the roadside, illuminating the myriad lights of homes.


    The asional sound of passing vehicles, mixed with the winter night breeze rustling through the treetops, became the clearest winter melody of the night.


    Huo Guining felt her restless heart calm a little.


    For some unknown reason,tely, she had been feeling somewhat impatient.


    Impatient to travel, impatient to show affection to her family, impatient to enjoy the happiness of being a child, impatient to paint freely.


    Within this restlessness was a hint of inexplicable anxiety that Huo Guining couldn''t quite ce.


    The wide, tree-lined avenue was nked by enormous French ne trees. In winter, their leaves carpeted the ground.


    Huo Guining stepped on Huo Xiaozheng''s shadow, treading on the fallen leaves. On the quiet road, it made a muffled sound.


    She never tired of ying this game.


    Huo Xiaozheng had brought her out precisely to let her move around a bit and rx her mood.


    At this moment, he was happy to indulge her, matching his pace to hers, allowing her to slowly advance while stepping on his shadow.


    Before long, the two arrived at the riverside on foot.


    The broad surface of the river rippled in the night wind, creating circle after circle of ripples,yer uponyer, gradually spreading outward.


    Scattered lights reflected on the water''s surface, bringing out dots of brilliance.


    "Are you cold?" Huo Xiaozheng crouched down, reaching out to touch her face.


    Recently, Huo Guining''s diet had been under the supervision of a nutritionist.


    Her originally thin face had gained some flesh, and her once dullplexion had gradually gained some luster.


    Now, in the river breeze, her cheeks still held a hint of coolness.


    Huo Guining''s eyes were bright and shining, her dark pupils seeming to be infused with water: "I''m not cold, Dad. When does the fireworks show start?"


    Huo Xiaozheng took out his phone, his fingers moving a few times.


    "Soon, just a few more minutes."


    Huo Guining looked around. If the fireworks show was on the opposite bank, there should be other people here at this time.


    But there weren''t.


    Apart from the asional elderly person out for a walk, there was almost no one else.


    Perhaps this wasn''t the best viewing spot, Huo Guining thought to herself.


    "Boom!"


    A loud noise interrupted Huo Guining''s thoughts.


    In the vast sky, an enormous firework bloomed, almost upying the entire night sky.


    Unlike the day of the family recognition banquet, this time the fireworks were more beautiful and more spectacr.


    Huo Guining tilted her head back, her mouth agape as she gazed at the sky.


    "Bang bang bang!"


    The fireworks were so beautiful, the spectacr scene made Huo Guining so excited she didn''t know what to do.


    "It''s so beautiful! Dad, quick, take a photo for me, I want to send it to my brother!"


    Huo Guining eagerly handed her phone to Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Xiaozheng dly epted. He knelt down, holding the phone at the lowest angle, opened the wide-angle night mode, and lowered the exposure.


    As another massive firework bloomed in the sky.


    Huo Xiaozheng quickly pressed the shutter.


    ''Click.''


    In the photo, Ningning''s smile was radiant, her dark eyes shining brightly in the night. Behind her were golden fireworks upying the entire night sky.


    As dazzling as her smile.


    Huo Xiaozheng forwarded the photo to himself.


    Then, he locked the screen.


    Seeing the lock screen wallpaper, he paused for a moment.


    Huo Guining''s phone lock screen wallpaper was clearly a photo of him at the annual meeting.


    Dressed in a suit, with a serious expression, under the spotlight, he looked every bit the emotionless work machine.


    In the foreground of the photo was Ningning''s little hand, making a peace sign at the camera.


    In a sense, this seemed to be their first photo together, aside from paparazzi shots.


    Huo Xiaozheng looked at Ningning in the distance with aplex expression.


    Huo Guining maintained her head-tilted posture, the night wind blowing her long bangs. She tilted her little head back, her mouth slightly open, seemingly entranced by the beautiful scene before her.


    The corners of Huo Xiaozheng''s lips turned up slightly.


    A vibration came from his pocket.


    Huo Xiaozheng received a text message from Xi Chuan.


    "Mr. Huo, the fireworks disy has begun."


    Huo Xiaozheng replied that he had seen it.


    He opened his social media app, saved the photo he had just sent from Ningning''s phone, and set it as his wallpaper.


    If his work and life before had been a joke, then from this moment on...


    No, it should be from the moment he decided to learn how to be a father, his life had found meaning.


    Sensing Huo Xiaozheng''s gaze, Huo Guining turned her head and asked quizzically: "Dad?"


    Huo Xiaozheng shook his head: "It''s nothing, I''ve sent the photo to your brother for you."

 Chapter 84

    Time flew by in an instant.


    In the blink of an eye, it was New Year''s Eve.


    Following the tradition of previous years, Huo Guining and Huo Xiaozheng spent the New Year at the Huo Family Ancestral Home.


    This was Huo Guining''s first time staying overnight at the Huo Family Ancestral Home.


    Considering Ning Ning''s poor health, Old Master Huo had specifically arranged for Huo Xiaozheng''s room to be modified.


    Next to therge bed, a slightly shorter but equally wide small bed was added.


    Huo Guining eximed, "What a big bed!"


    Huo Xiaozheng felt a twinge in his heart.


    Initially, due to his wariness of Ning Ning and for his own convenience in checking on her, Ning Ning''s bed at Panlong Bay was rtively small.


    Huo Xiaozheng pondered whether he should rece Ning Ning''s bed with arger one after the New Year.


    Huo Yueze knocked on the half-open door and called out to Ning Ning, "Ning Ning, shall we go fishing?"


    Huo Guining nced at the time, it was 10 AM.


    She asked puzzled, "Don''t we need to hang couplets and prepare for the New Year''s Eve dinner?"


    Huo Yueze paused for a moment: "Couplets? New Year''s Eve dinner? We don''t need to..."


    Huo Xiaozheng interrupted, "Ning Ning, do you want to hang couplets?"


    Huo Guining nodded.


    Huo Yueze was about to say that the butler would arrange for someone to do these things.


    But since Huo Xiaozheng had already spoken, Huo Yueze also became interested.


    Hearing that Ning Ning wanted to hang couplets, Old Master Huo thought for a moment and said to the butler, "Bring paper and brushes."


    Huo Guining eximed in surprise, "Grandpa, are you going to write the couplets yourself?"


    Old Master Huo smiled, his stern face softening, "Grandpa is old now, I can''t keep up physically, so I''ll just write one pair for the main entrance."


    Huo Guining excitedly said, "Then I want to write the small ones."


    She looked at Huo Yueze, "Brother, let''s write together!"


    In previous years, during the Spring Festival, Huo Yueze would either y games with his friends or go out to have fun.


    On New Year''s Eve, he would have dinner with his family, pay respects to the elders, receive red envelopes, and that would be the extent of his New Year celebration.


    Hearing Huo Guining''s novel suggestion, he eagerly agreed.


    In the main hall, the butler cleared tworge tables for them.


    He brought out brushes, ink, and high-quality red paper, setting everything up.


    Old Master Huo held the brush, dipped it in ink, and his brush tip danced across the paper, the characters strong and powerful.


    "May happiness dwell in this precious ce for a thousand years, may fortune shine upon this household in all matters"


    Old Master Huo put down his brush and rubbed his wrist.


    Huo Guining''s eyes sparkled with admiration, "Grandpa, your handwriting is so beautiful!"


    Old Master Huoughed suddenly, modestly saying, "I haven''t written in a long time, I''m a bit rusty."


    Though he said this, the pride in his eyes was hard to conceal.


    Huo Yueze, not to be outdone, picked up a brush, relying on the few years of calligraphy he had learned from Old Master Huo as a child.


    Huo Guining was truly shocked, howe everyone seemed to know how to write?


    However...


    One minuteter.


    Huo Guining diplomatically suggested, "Brother, why don''t we try writing the horizontal scrolls to get a feel for it?"


    Huo Yueze looked at his writing, which resembled spring worms and autumn snakes, and nodded gravely.


    Zuo Qinfang happened to see this scene and couldn''t help but burst outughing.


    Huo Yueze felt a bit annoyed.


    Huo Guining stood on the sofa and patted his head, "Brother just isn''t good at writing, don''t be discouraged, you''ll improve with practice."


    After Old Master Huo retired, the remaining couplets were divided among Huo Xiaozheng, Zuo Qinfang, and Huo Yanqin.


    The three had distinct writing styles, but they all shared one thing inmon - they were all pleasing to the eye.


    Huo Guining pped her hands, marveling at their skills.


    Huo Xiaozheng handed her a smaller brush and some smaller red paper, letting her practice writing on the side.


    "Dad, can I write the horizontal scroll for our room?" she asked.


    Before Huo Xiaozheng could answer, Old Master Huo agreed, "The horizontal scroll, the frame couplets, the door heart - you can write whichever you like!"


    Huo Guining cheered, then turned to ask Huo Xiaozheng, "Dad, what are frame couplets and door heart?"


    Old Master Huo: ...


    Huo Xiaozheng put down his brush and patiently exined, "The ''door heart'' is the Spring Festival couplet pasted in the center of the upper part of the door. The ''frame couplets'' are pasted on the left and right door frames."


    Huo Guining had a moment of realization.


    Huo Yueze, eager to prove himself, urged Huo Guining to start writing without bothering to learn about the intricacies of couplets.


    Three minutester.


    "Hey, Ning Ning, howe your writing looks a bit better than mine?" Huo Yueze couldn''t help but scratch his head.


    Huo Guiningy on the tea table, chin in her hands, looking thoughtful.


    After a while, she said seriously, "Maybe it''s because I can draw."


    Huo Xiaozheng looked at her writing, and indeed it was true.


    Ning Ning''s writing didn''t follow traditional rules, it had its own structure, like a painting, with its own kind of beauty.


    Old Master Huo looked pleased, "Ning Ning has done well."


    "But one thing, the brush strokes are too hard."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s heart skipped a beat, and a phrase involuntarily came to his mind.


    ''Too rigid and easily broken.''


    Huo Xiaozheng''s hand slowed down, until he could no longer concentrate on writing.


    Huo Guining was oblivious to this, innocently asking Old Master Huo, "Is it not good if the brush strokes are too hard?"


    Old Master Huo, remembering something, changed his words, "Hard brush strokes are good too, it shows strength in the brush tip."


    Huo Guining smiled again.


    Old Master Huo nced in Huo Xiaozheng''s direction, their eyes meeting directly, both filled with deep thought.


    Whether it was Ning Ning''s paintings or her writing, they gave Huo Xiaozheng an uneasy feeling.


    After the couplets were written, Huo Guining and Huo Yueze happily ran off to hang them.


    It was because of this activity that Huo Yueze experienced the taste of the New Year for the first time.


    "Brother, a bit to the right, it''s too high,e down a bit, that''s it!"


    After hanging the couplets, Zuo Qinfang organized everyone to make dumplings together.


    In previous years, the dumplings would be prepared by the chef, and everyone would just wait to eat.


    This year, seeing Ning Ning so enthusiastic about family activities, Zuo Qinfang simply had the chef prepare the ingredients.


    The whole family gathered around the dining table, happily making dumplings together.


    Time flew by, and soon it was 8:30 PM.


    Huo Jing, having finished participating in the Spring Festival G, rushed back in a hurry.


    Zuo Qinfang quickly put the dumplings in the pot, added two bowls of cold water after the water boiled, and the plump dumplings floated one by one.


    Huo Yanqin brought outrge bowls, scooped out the dumplings, and served them.


    The dumplings were thin-skinned with generous fillings, still steaming hot.


    "Happy New Year!" Old Master Huo was the first to raise his ss.


    Huo Guining stood on her child''s chair, holding a stemmed ss filled with cherry juice, happily toasting with everyone.


    Festive music came from the TV, and in the bright dining room, the Huo family chatted andughed, no longer bound by the family rule of ''no talking while eating''.


    On this day, lights shone in every home, each with amp waiting for its wandering child.


    After the New Year''s Eve dinner, Huo Guining insisted on staying up to see the New Year in, but eventually sumbed to sleepiness.


    Huo Xiaozheng held her on the sofa, covering her with a nket.


    Huo Jingmented, "Ning Ning''s physical condition looks pretty good."


    Huo Yanqin spoke up, "Maybe we should forget about the hypnosis thing?"


    Huo Xiaozheng seemed slightly swayed.


    Huo Yueze eximed in horror, "What hypnosis? Hypnotize who?!"

 Chapter 85

    Even as the New Year arrived, Huo Yueze still hadn''t gotten an answer.


    The adults kept quiet about it among themselves, vaguely saying it was due to too much work stress and inability to sleep, requiring hypnosis.


    Huo Yueze thought: Do you think I''m stupid?


    But regardless, the new year had finally arrived.


    Huo Guining slept until the next day,pletely missing the New Year''s Eve festivities.


    When she woke up, Huo Xiaozheng''s bed was already empty.


    Huo Guining groggily fumbled around her bedside, looking for her phone.


    Unexpectedly, she found several bulging red envelopes under her pillow.


    She counted them - exactly seven, no more, no less.


    Huo Guining felt a bit happy.


    Although it was the first day of the new year, the adults didn''t stubbornly insist on the children starting the new year with a fresh attitude.


    At 10 AM, Huo Guining and Huo Yueze appeared in the living room almost simultaneously, the siblings sporting matching messy hair, mumbling about being hungry.


    The big and small one sat facing each other at the dining table, devouring breakfast like a whirlwind.


    Huo Guining looked around but didn''t see any sign of Huo Xiaozheng.


    Seeing this, Zuo Qinfang thoughtfully informed her: "Your father went to the Shen family to pay New Year''s respects. He should be back soon."


    Huo Guining nodded: "Aunt, do we need to go pay respects too?"


    Zuo Qinfang smiled and shook her head: "No need."


    Soon after, Huo Guining understood Zuo Qinfang''s meaning.


    After 10 o''clock, people started arriving at the Huo family home in groups to pay New Year''s respects.


    Old Master Huo sat calmly in the main seat, weing visitors like a jolly Buddha.


    Huo Yueze disliked socializing, so after apanying for a while, he lured Huo Guining upstairs.


    "Sister, let''s y with puzzles."


    Huo Guining seemed distracted: "Brother, why hasn''t Dade back yet?"


    Huo Yueze hadn''t expected Guining to be so attached to his uncle. It had only been an hour since theyst saw him, and she was already looking for him.


    Heforted her: "It''s the first day of the New Year. There are some nearby prominent families that Uncle needs to visit. He''ll be back soon."


    Though he said this, Huo Yueze was also feeling uneasy inside.


    Given the Huo family''s status, there were only a few families that would require his uncle to visit personally.


    The Shen family, the Zheng family, and the Qin family...


    Thinking of the Qin family, Huo Yueze''s heart skipped a beat.


    Could it be that his uncle still... had lingering feelings for Aunt Qin?


    Seeing his strange expression, Huo Guining anxiously asked: "Brother, what''s wrong?"


    Huo Yuezeughed it off awkwardly, stiffly changing the subject: "It''s nothing. I just suddenly remembered I left my puzzle in the car and forgot to bring it. Wait here for a moment, okay?"


    With that, Huo Yueze immediately stood up and headed downstairs.


    Huo Guining was bewildered, watching as Huo Yueze left as if his pants were on fire.


    Huo Yanqin had to go to work for duty today, leaving only Old Master Huo and Zheng Jinxiu to entertain guests, while Huo Jing was still fast asleep.


    Huo Yueze found Zuo Qinfang and asked: "Mom, has Unclee back yet?"


    Zuo Qinfang found it strange: "Not yet. Don''t you usually fear your uncle the most? Why are you suddenly concerned about his whereabouts?"


    Huo Yueze licked his lips, influenced by Guining''s worry: "Guining keeps asking me where Uncle is. Uncle went to visit the Qin family today, right? I''m worried..."


    Everyone in the Huo family knew how crazy Huo Xiaozheng had been over Qin Zhiyi back then.


    Before Guining''s arrival, Huo Xiaozheng had been cold and unapproachable, brooking no argument, especially regarding matters concerning Qin Zhiyi.


    His revenge against the Jiang family had also been like madness,pletely devoid of reason.


    Zuo Qinfang hesitated: "It shouldn''t be. Didn''t your Aunt Qin get married? By rights, she shouldn''t be at her parents'' home today..."


    Despite saying this, Qin Zhiyi had lost her mother at a young age, leaving only her elderly father at home.


    On this day of family reunions, it was possible that Qin Zhiyi was at home apanying her father.


    If Qin Zhiyi was at home, then Jiang Suyuan...


    Zuo Qinfang''s brow furrowed deeply.


    She hurriedly put on her coat and was about to head out.


    Seeing this, Huo Yueze momentarily forgot about Guining''s existence and followed his mother out.


    Huo Guining waited upstairs, left and right, but Huo Yueze didn''t return.


    So she went downstairs to look for him.


    In the hall, Old Master Huo was still receiving guests.


    The butler came out of the kitchen carrying fruit.


    Huo Guining approached and asked: "Uncle Butler, have you seen my brother?"


    The butler smiled and replied: "Young Master Yueze just left with Madam Huo."


    Huo Guining was stunned: "Where did they go?"


    The butler thought for a moment: "I believe it was the Qin family. Miss, did you need them for something?"


    The Qin family?


    Huo Guining''s eyes gradually turned cold: "The Qin family, you mean Qin Zhiyi''s family?"


    The butler nodded.


    Huo Guining made a sound of acknowledgment and walked towards the bedroom.


    At the other end of the hall, Zheng Jinxiu called for the butler to bring the fruit over.


    The butler nced at Huo Guining''s retreating figure and walked towards the hall.


    Huo Guining returned to her bedroom to put on her coat, then walked to the entryway, put on her snow boots, opened the door, and walked out.


    She could sense that the Qin family home shouldn''t be far from here.


    Huo Guining walked to the security office and knocked on the door.


    The security guard recognized Huo Guining, the Huo family''s newly cherished pearl.


    The guard asked with a friendly smile what she needed.


    Huo Guining tilted her head and asked innocently: "Uncle, do you know how to get to Aunt Qin Zhiyi''s house? My dad told me to go there to find him."


    The guard smiled and pointed in a direction: "Go straight down this road, turn left at the end, and the house with the white fence is it."


    Huo Guining thanked him politely.


    The guard btedly found it a bit strange - given how protective the Huo family was, how could they let a child who didn''t know the way go find her father?


    He shook his head, feeling he was overthinking things.


    Huo Guining walked steadily in the direction the guard had indicated, and before long, she saw a house with a white fence.


    The fence was open and not locked.


    Huo Guining pressed her lips together, pushed open the fence, and walked in.


    A small path paved with pebbles led all the way to the front door, where tworge rednterns hung. On the door were pasted red New Year couplets.


    An authoritative male voice came from inside: "Nephew, what''s past is past. Why do you still persist?"


    "All the apologies andpensation that needed to be made, Suyuan has already done. Why are you still being so aggressive?"


    "It was my father who, remembering the friendship of the older generation, entrusted me to pay a visit." Huo Xiaozheng''s voice rang out. "Old Mr. Qin, are you saying you want to cut off rtions between our two families?"


    Old Mr. Qin sighed: "Xiaozheng, you know that''s not what I mean. Can''t you and Zhiyi just part ways amicably?"


    Huo Xiaozheng: "If Jiang Suyuan gives up that plot ofnd in Yun City, I might consider it."


    Jiang Suyuan became angry: "Huo Xiaozheng, you still say you don''t have lingering feelings for Zhiyi?"


    "Your Huo family moved away from Yun City so many years ago. If not for Zhiyi, what use do you have for thatnd?"


    Qin Zhiyi''s voice weakly chimed in: "Brother Xiaozheng, thatnd is of no use to you. Why don''t you..."


    "Bang!" An extremely crisp sound echoed through the hall.


    Everyone looked up to see that a meter-high vase by the hall had been smashed to pieces.


    In the center of the doorway stood a girl about as tall as the vase, dusting off her hands.


    Her jawline was tense, her eyes shing with anger: "If it''s of no use, I should give it to you? Who do you think you are?"

 Chapter 86

    The sudden noise startled everyone in the hall.


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned and quickly walked up to her: "Ning Ning, why are you here?"


    Huo Guining pulled Huo Xiaozheng behind her protectively.


    Huo Xiaozheng found it somewhat amusing.


    Her words came out rapidly, without a trace of her usual childish tone, and even carried a sharp edge.


    "Since you''re already married, please have some basic trust in each other."


    "Jiang Suyuan, don''t you get tired of constantly suspecting others of coveting your wife?"


    "Qin Zhiyi, do you really enjoy the sense of security thates from being doubted?"


    "Is my dad just a prop in your love y?"


    Huo Guining clenched her fists tightly and dered emphatically: "And you, old grandfather, talking about my dad needing to leave your daughter and son-inw alone - please! I''m the one who needs to ask you to leave my dad alone!"


    "Is your life meaningless without my dad''s involvement?"


    "You people!" Huo Guining shouted with all her might, her eyes red with anger: "What on earth do you think you are?!"


    Huo Xiaozheng hugged Huo Guining tightly, gently patting her back.


    Feeling her body still trembling, Huo Xiaozhengforted her: "It''s okay, Ning Ning. Dad hasn''t been bullied, everything''s fine."


    "The adults just raised their voices a bit, they''re not fighting. Don''t worry, okay?"


    Despite his words, Huo Xiaozheng''s gaze towards the people in the hall was as cold as poison, sweeping darkly over each person.


    Huo Guining clutched Huo Xiaozheng''s clothes tightly. She wasn''t scared; she was simply furious.


    The plot kept trying to correct Huo Xiaozheng''s behavior, forcing him into inevitable conflicts with Jiang Suyuan and Qin Zhiyi.


    But why should it be this way?


    Zuo Qinfang and Huo Yueze were dyed by friends on the way and arrived a bitte.


    As they entered the hall, they saw Huo Xiaozheng hugging Ning Ning tenderly.


    Huo Yueze: ?? What happened to little sister?


    Being scolded by a 5-year-old child was more than even the well-mannered Old Mr. Qin could handle.


    Before Huo Yueze and Zuo Qinfang could grasp the situation,


    Old Mr. Qin raised his cane, pointing it at Huo Guining with surprising vigor: "Insolent child, how dare you!!!"


    Though confused, Huo Yueze immediately stepped in front of Ning Ning.


    "Grandpa Qin, please speak civilly. Don''t be rude to my sister!"


    Seeing them all acting this way, Old Mr. Qin took a deep breath, clutching his chest and calling out, "Medicine..."


    Seeing her father in this state, Qin Zhiyi became furious.


    She shed her earlier soft, sorrowful demeanor and spoke harshly: "I understand you''re young andck proper upbringing, but the Qin family is not a ce for a little brat like you to casually insult!"


    Her words were aimed directly at Huo Guining, as if calling for backup.


    Zuo Qinfang was displeased hearing this. She sneered, "My brother-inw came to pay his respects to Old Mr. Qin out of courtesy."


    "Who would have thought the Qin family''s hospitality had declined so much? In Zhiyi''s generation, you''vepletely lost face!"


    Zuo Qinfang shook her sleeve dismissively: "And you still imagine my brother-inw harbors deep feelings for you?"


    "Look in the mirror! The things you and that Jiang boy have done? I''m disgusted just thinking about it!"


    "You''re both halfway to the grave, yet you bully a child. Your ancestors must be rolling in their graves!"


    Old Mr. Qin''s heartbeat, which had just settled, suddenly spiked again.


    The butler quickly shoved a handful of pills into his mouth.


    Jiang Suyuan had been observing, thinking this was the Qin family''s territory and it wasn''t his ce to discipline the guests.


    Seeing his wife and father-inw so upset, Jiang Suyuan became furious. He sneered and opened his mouth: "I..."


    Before he could speak, Huo Xiaozheng suddenly stood up, holding his daughter, and hurried towards the exit.


    Zuo Qinfang, who had been in the middle of her tirade, saw Huo Xiaozheng''s movement. Though confused, she grabbed Huo Yueze and followed.


    The group that had arrived so quickly left just as swiftly.


    They left behind a group of like-minded individuals, stunned in the hall.


    Huo Xiaozheng tookrge strides, and in moments, they were back at the Huo family''s old residence.


    Zuo Qinfang and Huo Yueze were catching their breath, about to check on Ning Ning''s condition, when they saw Huo Xiaozheng heading straight for the garage.


    Zuo Qinfang and Huo Yueze exchanged nces, sensing something was wrong, and immediately followed.


    "Sister-inw, please start the car," Huo Xiaozheng suddenly turned and said to Zuo Qinfang.


    Without questioning, Zuo Qinfang got into the driver''s seat.


    Huo Xiaozheng sat in the back holding Ning Ning, while Huo Yueze took the passenger seat.


    "Where are we going?" Zuo Qinfang asked.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s voice carried a hint of barely suppressed urgency: "Anzhen Children''s Hospital."


    Zuo Qinfang was startled: "What''s wrong with Ning Ning?"


    Huo Yueze turned to look at Ning Ning in Huo Xiaozheng''s arms.


    He saw her drenched in sweat, face deathly pale, lips bloodless, breathing weakly, as if she might pass away at any moment.


    Huo Yueze hurriedly urged: "Mom, drive quickly, Ning Ning''s in critical condition!"


    Hearing this, Zuo Qinfang wasted no more time.


    She released the handbrake, shifted gears, and stepped on the elerator.


    The ck car shot out like an arrow released from a bow.


    Huo Xiaozheng held Ning Ning tightly, yet carefully, afraid to squeeze too hard.


    The atmosphere in the car was tense.


    Huo Yueze''s heart was in his throat, having to watch the road for his mother who was practically drifting through city streets, while also worrying about his weak sister.


    Huo Xiaozheng hugged Ning Ning close, hoping his embrace could ease her difort.


    At first, he thought Ning Ning was just shaking from anger, being overly protective.


    But when he realized the person in his arms had gone silent, Huo Guining''s face was already bright red.


    Her eyes were wide open, pressing hard against her chest, as if someone was choking her, unable to make a sound.


    Huo Xiaozheng panicked.


    He recalled Ning Ning''s earlier demeanor, her tone sarcastic and a bit frantic.


    She had clumsily yet stubbornly tried to defend Huo Xiaozheng''s honor.


    But the physical difort had clearly exceeded her tolerance, and Huo Guining''s body went limp, copsing directly into Huo Xiaozheng''s arms.


    This was different from the previous incident.


    No, it was different from every other time.


    This time, he was still by Ning Ning''s side, but she had fallen unconscious in his arms.


    Huo Xiaozheng forced himself to calm down. He remembered thatst time, Shen Shiyan had given him a bottle of medicine, saying it could be used for emergency treatment if Ning Ning fainted again.


    Huo Xiaozheng suppressed the trembling in his fingers and took out a pill from his pocket, trying to push it into Ning Ning''s tightly clenched mouth.


    Once, twice, Huo Xiaozheng''s shaking hands couldn''t pry open Ning Ning''s mouth.


    Seeing this, Huo Yueze shouted: "Uncle, pinch Ning Ning''s jaw!"


    Huo Xiaozheng regained a bit of rationality at his nephew''s voice.


    He forcefully pinched Ning Ning''s jaw, and finally, her tightly closed teeth parted slightly. Huo Xiaozheng lifted her up a bit and managed to ce the pill under her tongue.


    Huo Yueze stared at Huo Xiaozheng''s hand in shock, murmuring, "Uncle, your hand..."


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t hear him, only asking, "Are we almost there?"


    Zuo Qinfang replied coldly, "Almost."


    Soon, a sharp braking sound was heard as a ck luxury car screeched to a halt at the emergency entrance, kicking up a cloud of dust.


    The car door opened, and a tall man carrying a child rushed towards the hospital.

 Chapter 87

    Huo Xiaozheng''s premonition was not wrong.


    This time, Huo Guining''s condition waspletely different from before.


    "Heart rate too fast, blood pressure too low!"


    The nurse called out loudly.


    "Specific values?"


    "Heart rate 120 beats per minute, blood pressure 76/56 mmHg."


    "Shock?!" The emergency doctor rushed over. "Set up cardiac monitoring, give oxygen, establish two IV lines, call ICU and Pediatrics for an urgent consultation."


    The nurse immediately nodded and quickly walked to the nurse''s station.


    "Hello, ICU/Pediatrics? Urgent consultation needed, pleasee to the ER!"


    "Shanshan, bring the crash cart over, quickly!"


    Huo Xiaozheng was pushed to the side, his fingers curled as a chill wrapped around them, snaking up to his heart.


    Huo Yueze, seeing this scene for the first time, hadn''t yet recovered from the nauseating feeling when his lips suddenly turned pale.


    "Ning... she''ll be okay, right?"


    He''d heard that if doctors and nurses seem indifferent when you go to the hospital, you probably don''t have anything serious. But if they look urgent and all swarm around you, then...


    Zuo Qinfang sped her hands tightly: "It''ll be fine. Anzhen Children''s Hospital is the top-ranked children''s hospital in the country. It''ll be fine... it must be fine..."


    "Mr. Huo, did you give the child any medication on the way here?" A doctor approached and asked.


    Huo Xiaozheng took out the medicine bottle from his pocket and handed it to him: "This..."


    The doctor took the bottle: "Mr. Huo, your hand..."


    Huo Xiaozheng instinctively looked at his hand. The skin on his finger joints was broken, with thin lines of blood oozing out, looking somewhat frightening.


    It was from when he was giving Ning medicine earlier, and her little canine teeth had scratched him.


    He shook off the blood droplets: "It''s nothing. How''s my daughter?"


    The doctor no longer dwelled on this minor issue, gave him a reassuring look, and walked away with the medicine bottle.


    Huo Xiaozheng stood in the center of the emergency room, watching helplessly as his daughter lost consciousness, allowing the medical staff to resuscitate her over and over.


    A stretcher was pushed through the hospital doors, bringing in a gust of cold wind.


    He vaguely felt that the wind passed through his body, cutting straight to his heart, causing a sharp pain.


    Seeing him like this, Zuo Qinfang felt a pang of sympathy.


    Another rush of hurried footsteps approached, and Shen Shiyan was seen walking over quickly.


    Zuo Qinfang''s eyes lit up: "Yan, quick, go check on Ning!"


    Huo Xiaozheng turned his head.


    Shen Shiyan gave him a look, unable to spare time for pleasantries, and rushed straight to Ning.


    "What''s the situation now?"


    Seeing it was Shen Shiyan, the attending physician''s furrowed brow rxed slightly. He spoke rapidly:


    "She''s already showing signs of shock, but like before, we can''t find the cause. And..." The attending physician nced at Huo Xiaozheng, hesitating to continue.


    Shen Shiyan urged: "Just say it."


    "And this time, her vital signs are unstable."


    "The current low blood pressure should be rted to the emergency medication. Look, it''s this one..."


    The ER attending physician pointed to the medicine bottle at the bedside.


    Shen Shiyan nodded in understanding: "I know, I prepared it for him."


    After another round ofmunication, Shen Shiyan said something to his colleagues, and their actions became even more rapid, seemingly about to take Ning away.


    Huo Xiaozheng stepped forward: "What are you doing?"


    Shen Shiyan held him back: "Ning''s condition isn''t good. I''m taking her to the intensive care unit first. Once she''s settled, you can go in to be with her."


    Having shed his role as a father, Huo Xiaozheng''s authority as a superior was fully on disy.


    At this moment, his face was expressionless, his tone aggressive, carrying a strong sense of pressure.


    "Why does she need to go to the ICU? Didn''t you say Ning''s illness was psychological? How could it be serious enough to require intensive care?"


    Faced with an enraged Huo Xiaozheng, Shen Shiyan felt his scalp tingle: "I know you''re anxious, but please calm down. I''llmunicate with Ning''s psychologist again."


    "But right now, the urgent matter is to stabilize Ning''s vital signs, okay?"


    Huo Xiaozheng took a deep breath and stepped back half a pace.


    Shen Shiyan waved to the medical staff who had been watching Huo Xiaozheng''s expression, and they hurriedly pushed Ning towards the ICU.


    They ran into the ICU on-duty doctoring for the consultation. The ER doctor immediately pulled him along, personally escorting the patient while walking and talking.


    Huo Xiaozheng asked: "Can''t I go over?"


    Shen Shiyan was stunned for a moment before saying: "Of course you can."


    Huo Xiaozheng gave him a chilling nce, his eyes seemingly saying, "Then what were you stopping me for earlier?"


    Shen Shiyan knew he was in the wrong and mumbled: "With your attitude just now, I thought you were going to start a fight."


    He scratched his head and jogged a few steps to catch up with Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Yueze was bewildered. He tugged at Zuo Qinfang''s clothes: "Mom, I can''t understand a word Uncle Shen is saying. Do you know what he means?"


    Zuo Qinfang didn''t have time to exin to him: "Ze, you go home first. For now, don''t tell Grandpa and Grandma about Ning..."


    Before she could finish, her phone rang.


    It was Huo Yanqin.


    Zuo Qinfang briefly exined the situation she knew to Huo Yanqin, and finally said: "Xiaozheng''s condition isn''t good either, we need someone to stay with him."


    "You can''t leave, Mom and Dad will get suspicious. I''ll have to go backter too, we still have guests at home."


    "Jingjing? Okay. Ze, let me ask him..."


    Huo Yueze immediately said: "I''m not going back, I want to stay with my sister too."


    With that, he ran off in the direction of Huo Xiaozheng without looking back.


    Zuo Qinfang: My son has some curiosity, but not much.


    ...


    Returning to a state of confusion once again, Huo Guining was already well-versed in it.


    Although her mind was foggy, she could vaguely hear a voice describing the scenery of a dream.


    "You''re lying on a widewn, the sky is clear blue, white clouds floating leisurely, and in your ears is the melodious sound of birdsong..."


    Huo Guining didn''t expect the dream to upgrade to having colors. She looked up and saw ''herself'' in a white long dress, leisurely treading on the green grass at the end of thewn, slowly walking towards her.


    Like an old friend returning.


    Huo Guining waved her hand: "Hi, how have you beentely?"


    The girl in the white dress looked less rxed than before, with a hint of heaviness in her eyes.


    Huo Guining smiled brilliantly: "You''re hiding so deep, why are you still so uneasy?"


    The girl didn''t answer but asked instead: "How I am doesn''t matter. But you, why do you look not so good?"


    The smile on Huo Guining''s lips faded a bit.


    She rubbed her hair frustratedly: "It''s so annoying, I can''t save him."


    "Save who?"


    Huo Guining, emboldened by the fact that this was a dream, became more daring in her words.


    "My dad, Huo Xiaozheng."


    "Oh, so it''s your dad."

 Chapter 88

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


    "Who am I?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    "Why are you asking me about myself now?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The girl changed the subject: "What happened to your dad? Why does he need you to save him?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    After a while, she said: "Nothing''s happened to him, but I''m afraid something will."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After all, that was the ending written in the book.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Huo family going bankrupt, and Huo Xiaozheng ultimately meeting an idental death.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although Huo Xiaozheng had loved the wrong person, he didn''t deserve to die.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even though she had only interacted with Huo Xiaozheng for just over a month, he wasn''t an utterly despicable person.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Moreover, she quite liked this father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If she could choose her birth, she''d be quite willing to choose Huo Xiaozheng as her father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The girl asked curiously: "Why are you worried something will happen to him?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining replied matter-of-factly: "Because he''s always entangled with Jiang Suyuan and Qin Zhiyi."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She rxed and rolled over on the grass, hearing the babbling of the stream nearby, its tinkling sounds mingling with birdsong, making one feel particrly at ease.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The girl asked: "What does Huo Xiaozheng potentially getting into trouble have to do with Jiang Suyuan and Qin Zhiyi? Are you worried they''ll harm your father?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining became somewhat wary: "What''s wrong with you? You''re not like yourself. Howe you don''t know anything?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The girl''s tone was a bit hurt: "I haven''t been feeling welltely, so..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining thought of her own body and suddenly felt guilty: "I''m sorry, I didn''t mean to, but..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The scene at the Qin house suddenly yed out before her eyes. In the blink of an eye, the blue sky, white clouds, and grass all vanished.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A fleeting image of Qin Zhiyi and Jiang Suyuan speaking harshly to her shed by, reced by a scene of ruins after a fire.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the vast garden, a great fire raged.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    No leaves, no flowers, no fruits.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Only charred branches remained, standing lonely in ce, waiting for the wildfire to spread.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The girl stood barefoot on the ruins, a solitary figure in the distance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing Huo Guining look over, she shook her head and turned away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The fire had not yet died down, and thick smoke choked the air, making Huo Guining cough uncontrobly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Cough, cough, cough..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The ruins before her eyes gradually disappeared, and the world plunged into darkness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Beep, beep, beep, beep"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A series of urgent alert sounds rang out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The nurse immediately came forward to check: "Tachycardia!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The doctor came over with a stethoscope: "How''s the blood pressure?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Blood pressure is fine."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Give her the medication."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shortly after administering the drug, the heart monitor showed that the heart rate had returned to normal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The doctor exhaled and waved to the people nearby: "It''s alright now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the VIP ward, Shen Shiyan stood by the bed and nodded to his colleague upon hearing this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The medical staff left the room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan turned to look at Huo Xiaozheng, who was nting himself on a stool by the bed: "How do you feel about it?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng looked as if his anger hadn''t fully subsided. He coldly nced at the other person in the room: "I don''t feel good about it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo stepped out from the shadows: "This method was indeed a bit risky."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan agreed: "It was risky, but it seems to have worked."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t argue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After Ningning was admitted to the ICU, her vital signs gradually stabilized.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, three days had passed, and she still showed no signs of regaining consciousness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On the few asions when she hazily opened her eyes, her consciousness remained foggy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She didn''t know where she was, and her responses to conversations were incoherent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing that this situation couldn''t continue, Shen Shiyan contacted Xie Lingluo, hoping to find a breakthrough from her side.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Considering that Ningning''s vital signs were now stable, and she asionally woke up, able to vaguely understand part of what others were saying,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo suggested starting hypnotherapy directly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng asked: "Will it be dangerous?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    What was it that Xie Lingluo had said at the time?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Of course there are risks, but at worst, it''s better than Ningning just lying here indefinitely, between life and death."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t immediately agree.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He looked at Ningning on the bed, her once rosy lips now colorless, and the little weight she had managed to gain had all been lost in these three days.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her breathing was shallow and slow, lying there, unaware of the passage of time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The news of Ningning''s hospitalization couldn''t be kept from Old Master Huo.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When he heard that Ningning''s incident had urred at the Qin house, the elderly Old Master Huo, without anyone''s support, angrily stormed over and berated Old Mr. Qin viciously.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    While Huo Xiaozheng was at the hospital, Xi Chuan handledpany matters.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    asionally, when decisions couldn''t be made, Old Master Huo would step in directly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His way of doing things was identical to Huo Xiaozheng''s, if not more extreme.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the past, he had looked down on his son for relentlessly pursuing the Jiang family because of Qin Zhiyi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now, he was acting even more outrageously than Huo Xiaozheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Cut off all cooperation with the Jiang and Qin families. Spread the word that as long as the Huo family exists, the Jiang and Qin families will have no ce to stand in South City."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xi Chuan wiped his sweat, thinking that just as Mr. Huo had recovered, the old man had now fallen ill.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t care about this.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    By the fourth day, Ningning''s condition showed no improvement.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In fact, the instances of her hazily regaining consciousness became less frequent.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng: "Would it be better to send Ningning to a hospital abroad?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan: "It might be. But in Ningning''s current condition, she can''t endure a long flight."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Let''s try it," Shen Shiyan urged. "I promise you, with me here, Ningning''s condition won''t get any worse than it is now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng looked at Shen Shiyan: "What can you use to promise me?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Not because of Huo Xiaozheng''s unreasonable questioning, but because this was the first time he had seen an expression resembling pleading on Huo Xiaozheng''s face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The day Huo Xiaozheng was rejected by Qin Zhiyi, he found Shen Shiyan, and the two of them dug out Old Master Huo''s aged wine in the underground cer of the Huo family''s old mansion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even at that time, Huo Xiaozheng had controlled himself, only allowing himself one more ss than usual.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At the end, it was still Huo Xiaozheng who sent Shen Shiyan home.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In Shen Shiyan''s heart, Huo Xiaozheng had always been the epitome of rationality.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He believed in human triumph over nature more than any vain prayers or hopes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But at this moment, for his daughter, he had surrendered.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan''s nose tingled a bit, and he cleared his constricted throat.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Trying to sound casual but with a firm tone, he said: "I promise you with my ''reputation'' and ''ability'' as a genius doctor who chose pediatrics and has practiced medicine until now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Since that snowy night when he personally helped Ningning up, this day''spromise was inevitable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At this point, he thought: Even if it fails, it doesn''t matter. There will be many, many people who will apany his daughter in death. It doesn''t matter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 89

    No one knew what Huo Xiaozheng was thinking.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Not even Huo Guining, lying on the hospital bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo had already informed Huo Xiaozheng that hypnotherapy would not be effective in a single session before the treatment began.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Throughout the treatment, neither Huo Xiaozheng nor Shen Shiyan left the hospital room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They sat down on the sofa by the window, quietly watching them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After Huo Guining entered a hypnotic state, things began to deviate from Xie Lingluo''s nned course.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining voluntarily greeted her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If it weren''t for her tightly closed eyes, Xie Lingluo would have suspected a paranormal event.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo steadied her emotions, but before she could respond,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She heard Huo Guining ask herself, "Why are you so uneasy?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo realized that Huo Guining wasn''t talking to her, but conversing with another personality.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She pretended to be the second personality and continued the conversation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When they heard Huo Guining anxiously say that she couldn''t save Huo Xiaozheng, all three people present were somewhat stunned.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo was the first to regain herposure. She tried to inquire about the identity of the second personality but almost got exposed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo changed direction and continued to ask about Huo Xiaozheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When she heard her say she was afraid something would happen to her father, Huo Xiaozheng stiffened his spine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His body tensed, his eyes fixed unblinkingly in Huo Guining''s direction.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo continued to ask for the reason.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But from Huo Guining''s mouth, she heard the names Jiang Suyuan and Qin Zhiyi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan looked at Huo Xiaozheng with some confusion, not understanding why those two people would cause Guining such deep fear.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing that Huo Xiaozheng seemedpletely unaware of this, Xie Lingluo immediately asked for the reason.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, Huo Guining''s vignce was too strong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Or rather, the sessive questions earlier had already made her suspicious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This time, Huo Guining no longer answered. Instead, she expressed her doubts about the identity of the White-Clothed Girl.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo made an excuse that her body wasn''t well, so she couldn''t remember some things clearly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    For a moment, Huo Guining felt guilty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But the words "not feeling well" seemed to trigger some unpleasant associations.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining broke out of the hypnotic state and immediately experienced cardiac arrhythmia.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan called for medical staff to inject her with pre-prepared medication.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining then fell into a deep sleep.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After the medical staff left the room, Huo Xiaozheng asked softly, "So, it''s the pressure I''ve put on her that''s caused her to be overwhelmed?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His words were more of a statement than a question.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fearing his friend would get stuck in a mental rut, Shen Shiyan immediately advised, "You can''t think like that. Guining was just worried about you out of concern..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo also agreed, "Dr. Shen is right."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "The one who was talking to me just now should be Guining''s second personality."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s tone was sharp: "What do you mean by second personality?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo sighed, "I discussed this with you before. Guining is very likely suffering from schizophrenia. You heard it during this hypnosis session."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Guining''s conversation partner was clearly not me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo''s words exploded like a muffled thunder in Huo Xiaozheng''s mind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng had no room for rebuttal because the facts were as they were.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing his expression, a trace of sympathy shed across Shen Shiyan''s face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo said tactfully, "Mr. Huo, if you''re not feeling well right now, we can discuss thister."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng said softly, "No, I''m fine. Please continue."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo nced at Shen Shiyan and continued, "Mr. Huo, you shouldn''t be too pessimistic. This is actually a good thing for Guining."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "At least we don''t have to blindly try tofort her with ineffective words of constion anymore."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng looked back at his daughter on the hospital bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her face, usually full of smiles andughter, was now as still as if she had no breath.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What''s the current treatment n?" Huo Xiaozheng asked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo said with difficulty, "At present, although Guining is in a continuous state of sleep, her vital signs are rtively stable."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "My suggestion is to continue with hypnotherapy."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Perhaps we can find a key breakthrough point from the conversations."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng said woodenly, "How long will it take for Guining to wake up if we do this?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The room fell into silence.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    No one dared to guarantee when Guining would wake up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Neither Shen Shiyan nor Xie Lingluo could.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng continued on his own, "I understand."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan wanted to say something, but was held back by Xie Lingluo.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She shook her head at him, and then led him out of the hospital room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo walked into Shen Shiyan''s office and said something surprising, "Senior, I feel there''s something odd about Guining''s situation."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan was also taken aback, "What''s odd about it?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo pondered for a moment before speaking, "Don''t you think Guining''s worries seem a bit unfounded?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    "Although Guining''s abuse wasn''t directly carried out by Jiang Suyuan and Qin Zhiyi, they can''t bepletely absolved of responsibility."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "In that sense, Guining''s worries aren''t unfounded at all."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Something shed through Xie Lingluo''s mind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Isn''t Guining''s worry about her father getting into trouble mainly because she''s afraid of being abandoned?" Shen Shiyan''s words made Xie Lingluo lose grasp of that fleeting doubt. She hesitated, "I just feel like I''m overlooking something."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    The office door was suddenly knocked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan: "Come in."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The door opened, revealing Huo Jing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing Xie Lingluo present, Huo Jing asked, "Is it okay if Ie in?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan nodded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Jing walked in, followed by Huo Yueze.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "How is Guining''s condition? I just went to the ward and saw my brother holding Guining''s hand without saying a word. It was a bit scary."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Huo family only knew about Guining''s chest pain problem, but they didn''t know much about her mental illness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At this point, there was nothing to hide.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Considering Huo Xiaozheng''s emotional state, not only could they not keep it from the Huo family, but they actually needed their help.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan told Huo Jing everything from beginning to end.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Jing copsed into a chair, murmuring, "How could this happen..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze''s eyes widened in disbelief: "Uncle Shen, you''re joking, right? Guining was always so lively..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze couldn''t continue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The incident of Guining fainting in their guest room was still fresh in his mind.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In fact, he knew that Guining wasn''t lively at all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She preferred to be alone, drawing those pictures he dared not look at.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But fearing others'' worry, she would always cheerfully agree to whatever the adults suggested.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    To avoid troubling others, she always chose topromise herself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But when her family was hurt, she always put on a brave face, wanting to be the protector.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze felt a lump in his throat and asked hoarsely, "What needs to be done for Guining to wake up?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It seemed he had broken his promise. He hadn''t protected his sister after all.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 90

    Huo Yueze''s question seemed to fall into a void, with no response.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Jing''s pupils contracted. "Shen Shiyan, what do you mean by not saying anything?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan shook his head helplessly. "Jingjing, I can''t answer that question."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Jing turned to look at Xie Lingluo, her gaze sharp and intimidating.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But it was useless.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Jing''s heart suddenly sank.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After Xie Lingluo left, Huo Yueze curled up in Shen Shiyan''s office, his face buried in a pillow, shoulders shaking.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Jing patted his back. "Why are you crying? Are you mourning? Ningning is still alive. As a man, are you not as strong as Ningning?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze suddenly raised his head, shouting through his tears, "If Ningning had been with our family since birth, how could this have happened to her!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "And you, Aunt, you were so fake towards Ningning at first. If you had loved her even a little more, she wouldn''t be in aa now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "And Grandpa, Grandpa wasn''t good to Ningning either!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Only I... waaah... but I couldn''t protect my sister either... waaah..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "The Huo family didn''t protect her either, and she was kidnapped. Who knows if she was traumatized and just didn''t tell us."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "She could only cope on her own... waaah... adults are so terrible... waaah..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing him bing more and more outrageous, Huo Jing suppressed her difort and gave him a p on the back of his head.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Stop crying! Instead of wailing here, why don''t you go talk to your sister!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This reminded Huo Yueze. He immediately stopped crying and hastily wiped his face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Aunt, you''re right. I should talk to Ningning more. This way, she won''t want to leave me!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With that, he rushed out of the office.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan couldn''t help but give Huo Jing a thumbs up. "As expected of you. Aze''s crying almost... blew... off... my... skull..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before he could finish, he saw the usually elegant and aloof Huo Jing''s eyes turn red, tears welling up in her almond-shaped eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Cursing while crying, she said, "Damn it, Aze''s usations were spot on."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan: ... He couldn''t tell if she neededfort or not.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    During this time, the Huo family members took turns looking after Huo Guining.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng simply moved into the hospital room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In just a week, Huo Xiaozheng seemed to have aged several years.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Stubble had grown on his chin, but Huo Xiaozheng paid no attention to it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Following the doctor''s instructions, he turned Ningning over and wiped her back every day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan suggested he leave this task to the nurses, but Huo Xiaozheng ignored him, stubbornly insisting on doing it himself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was as if doing this could slightly alleviate his guilt.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Xie Lingluo intermittently conducted two more hypnosis sessions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But perhaps due to the near-exposure the first time, Huo Guining''s vignce had clearly increased.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even in her dreams, she no longer spoke freely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining remained in this neither-good-nor-bad state, day after day.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As soon as sses ended, Huo Yueze would rush to the hospital, chattering endlessly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He talked about the little past he shared with Ningning, and his experiences at school.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    asionally, when Huo Xiaozheng wasn''t around, he would talk about Huo Xiaozheng''s daily life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Ningning, can you feel it?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Uncle is by your side every day."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "But he''s lost a lot of weight. I''ve never seen Uncle look so haggard."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You should wake up soon, okay? You wouldn''t want to see Uncle remain so depressed, would you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When Huo Yueze talked to Ningning, her heart rate would asionally show brief fluctuations.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan strongly encouraged Huo Yueze''s behavior.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining naturally noticed that something was off.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The girl in the white dress appeared less and less frequently, while the time she spent in darkness grew longer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When the girl in the white dress did appear, her words carried a hint of probing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Having learned from the previous lesson, Huo Guining dared not answer easily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If it weren''t for asionally hearing Huo Yueze''s voice, she would have lost all sense of time passing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Listening to Huo Yueze''s chatter, Huo Guining felt increasingly anxious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t open her eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This state, like sleep paralysis, made her unsure whether she was in a dream or if this dream was her reality.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Winter passed, and spring arrived.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After shedding winter''s severity, the Spring Festival holiday quickly passed, and time moved to the day of the Spring Equinox.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The wind no longer carried a biting chill, new buds sprouted on the bare trees lining the streets, and sunlight streamed through the raised gauze curtains, casting dappled shadows on the floor.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The spring breeze seemed to bring new hope to Huo Xiaozheng, who suddenly roused himself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He bribed people and, at an extremely high price, acquired that piece ofnd in Yun City.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After washing up and dressing neatly, he came to Huo Guining''s bedside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng bent down to stroke his daughter''s hair, revealing an extremely gentle smile. "Since you''re worried about Dad getting into trouble, Dad will nip your worries in the bud."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This way, you should be able to wake up, right?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His voice was low, with a hint of madness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On the heart monitor, Huo Guining''s heartbeat suddenly elerated.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing this, the smile on Huo Xiaozheng''s face grew even wider.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad will take that as a yes. After Dad deals with them, I''lle back to keep youpany."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    That day after school, when Huo Yueze entered the hospital room, he didn''t see the familiar figure by the bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He asked the nurse, who said Huo Xiaozheng had gone out in the afternoon.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze was puzzled: Recently, Uncle had been practically glued to Ningning''s side, how could he leave without saying a word?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He asked around the family, but everyone said they didn''t know where Huo Xiaozheng had gone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze stopped dwelling on it, pulled up a chair, and began his daily ritual of talking to Ningning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Theatose Huo Guining, however, couldn''t remain calm.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s words echoed in her ears, and Huo Guining couldn''t help but ponder their meaning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If it was just about getting revenge for her, Huo Xiaozheng''s words needn''t have been so resolute.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But if not...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The more Huo Guining thought about it, the more rmed she became.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her mind, which had been foggy recently, suddenly cleared.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She helplessly cried out in the darkness, "Hey, whoever''s keeping me here,e out! Let''s talk!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    No response. The surroundings were as silent as snow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hey!!!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Shi Ning! You''ve been here all along, haven''t you?! Come out! Help me!!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ''Beep beep beep beep''<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The heart monitor sounded an rm, startling Huo Yueze, who immediately pressed the call button.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Doctor, something''s wrong with Ningning!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan rushed in with the nurses.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze watched helplessly as the emergency scene from before reyed itself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The sharp rm echoed through the room, constantly pulling at his nerves. Everything around him seemed to recede like the tide.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His heart beat violently, pounding against his chest.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On the hospital bed, Huo Guining suddenly took a deep breath and opened her eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan stopped the doctor who was about to use the defibritor and tentatively called out, "Ningning?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining turned her head somewhat stiffly and said in a hoarse voice, "Dad, stop Dad..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 91

    Shen Shiyan was somewhat puzzled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He bent down close to Huo Guining and asked, "Ning Ning, what are you saying?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s brows were furrowed, his expression somewhat pained, but more anxious: "My dad, he seems to have gone to find Jiang Suyuan..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze pushed through the crowd, squeezing to Huo Guining''s bedside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Ning Ning, do you mean that Uncle has gone to seek revenge on Jiang Suyuan?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Upon hearing this, Shen Shiyan also became anxious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    These past few days, he had been keeping an eye on Huo Xiaozheng''s behavior.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Given his usual personality, it wasn''t impossible that he might do something irreversible, in fact, it was highly likely that it couldn''t be undone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Shen Shiyan took out his phone: "I''ll call him."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    The wait became exceptionally long.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "The number you have dialed is busy, please try againter. Sorry, the subscriber you dialed is busy..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In a ruined building on the outskirts of the city.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng, dressed in a ck suit, sat upright on the rooftop tform.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His forehead bangs werebed back, revealing sharp eyebrows beneath his clean forehead.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Golden sunlight came from behind him, casting a ground full of afterglow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The rooftop had no railing, and near the edgey two people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Their hands and feet were bound, and they appeared to be unconscious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    The bodyguard beside him immediately understood, grabbing two buckets of ice water and sshing them onto the two people.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hiss~"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A sharp intake of breath was heard as the two lying down woke up groggily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Zhiyi, are you alright?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was Jiang Suyuan and Qin Zhiyi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Zhiyi shook her head pitifully, indicating she was temporarily fine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Both Jiang Suyuan and Qin Zhiyi looked equally disheveled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The usually elegant and graceful Qin Zhiyi now had hair as messy as a bird''s nest, and her down jacket had been caught on something, with the inner down eagerly poking out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It stuck to both her and Jiang Suyuan''s hair.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The bucket of ice water poured over their heads earlier had caused the down to flow into their mouths with the water.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan spat and cursed loudly: "Huo Xiaozheng, what madness are you up to?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Don''t you know that your behavior is illegal!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    "Thew? In the past, I trusted thew too much. That''s why it was so easy for you Jiang family people tomit evil deeds."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan frowned: "Do you have to be at odds with the Jiang family?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng shook his head, saying seriously: "Of course not."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Zhiyi saw that Huo Xiaozheng''s state was not right at the moment, and immediately tried to persuade him: "Brother Xiaozheng, can we talk this through? There''s no problem that needs to be solved by such means, right?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng raised his hand and turned the watch on his wrist, the deep blue watch emitting a cold light: "I have nothing to say to you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Zhiyi was startled: "Did something happen to Ning Ning?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng looked at the two with a half-smile: "What do you think?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan let out a sigh of relief, only to hear him say through gritted teeth: "Huo Xiaozheng, don''t be unreasonable, it was your daughter who was rude first..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Jiang Suyuan, Qin Zhiyi," Huo Xiaozheng interrupted him calmly, "Tell me, if my daughter had been raised by the Huo Family from childhood, would she still be so rude?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "When you''re facing the consequences of your own actions, why push the me onto my daughter?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng patted off non-existent dust from his hands, stood up and squatted down in front of the two, looking down at their disheveled appearance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Qin Zhiyi, you''re pregnant, right?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Zhiyi shuddered at his cold gaze: "What do you want to do?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s lips held a smile, but his eyes were wild: "My daughter asked me, if her mother doesn''t love her, why did she give birth to her."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I couldn''t answer."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Since you''re also a mother, tell me, how should I answer my daughter''s question?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Zhiyi''s lips trembled, and she remained speechless for a long time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan said with difficulty: "This matter, we adults have wronged her."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Apologize?" Huo Xiaozhengughed uncontrobly as if he had heard some incredible joke.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The early spring chill was biting, and the howling wind blew through the nearby forest, rustling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Theughter and the sound of wind blowing through the trees made the entire scene seem eerie.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng suddenly stoppedughing without warning and said seriously: "If an apology was enough, what would be the point of me being a father?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Since you don''t understand the principles of being human, don''t drag your unborn child into this. The three of you, all neat and tidy, should go down early to apany my daughter in death."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He raised his hand slightly, and the bodyguard beside him stepped forward, dragging the two towards the edge of the roof.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Zhiyi''s pupils shook violently, struggling while shouting: "Huo Xiaozheng, you''ve really gone mad."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng said calmly: "I''m not mad, but my daughter is about to go mad."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His gaze drifted into the distance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "While you two were lovey-dovey, fighting with me over that piece ofnd that means nothing to you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "My daughter was worried sick about me, fearing that you would push me into a corner."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t mention feeling manipted, nor did he bring up the period of waiting in vain, devoid of self-respect.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before meeting Ning Ning, he already had a premonition that he would die - the kind of death thates too early.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although he didn''t know when, where, or for what reason.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ning Ning''s worry wasn''t misced.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Perhaps it was due to blood ties, or perhaps Ning Ning was born highly sensitive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Or maybe Ning Ning''s past experiences had made her more perceptive to danger.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In any case, regarding the matter of ''Huo Xiaozheng dying young'', he and Ning Ning seemed to have the same intuition.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Zhiyi''s desperate cry interrupted his thoughts: "What do you really want???"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He gave the disheveled pair a strange smile, his tone soft, like the whisper of a demon.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "To put my daughter at ease, why don''t you two just die..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Zhiyi and Jiang Suyuan never expected that Huo Xiaozheng was actually serious.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan shouted: "Huo Xiaozheng! Let Zhiyi go, if you have any issues,e at me!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "If you care about your daughter, for her sake, you should umte some virtue!!!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    ''umte virtue''?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    These two words seemed to hit a nerve with Huo Xiaozheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng walked towards Jiang Suyuan, grabbed his head and shoved it to the ground: "If you want to beg for mercy, you''d better soften your tone."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Rather than, provoking me by cursing my daughter."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng said, enunciating each word.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As he spoke, he lifted Jiang Suyuan''s head and smashed it hard against the concrete ground. Instantly, blood flowed profusely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Zhiyi let out a scream, her eyes rolled back, and she fainted on the spot.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s action used every ounce of his strength, leaving Jiang Suyuan''s head ringing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After a good while, amidst Qin Zhiyi''s screams, he felt a burning pain, warm blood flowing down his cheeks.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 92

    The sun was gradually setting, its twilight rays casting a golden veil over thend.


    The wind blew, rustling abandoned stic bags on the rooftop.


    Huo Xiaozheng dragged Jiang Suyuan with one hand, strolling casually towards the edge.


    Huo Xiaozheng pulled Jiang Suyuan''s body, making him stand on the edge of the roof.


    Jiang Suyuan nced down.


    At least six stories high, if he fell, there would be absolutely no chance of survival.


    Jiang Suyuan tried his best to steady his voice, but a slight tremor still escaped.


    "Have you considered your daughter''s future in doing this? If you act, she''ll forever be known as a murderer''s daughter."


    Huo Xiaozheng, like him, stood at the edge of the roof, gazing out at the vast fields.


    The setting sun had painted half the sky red, unbelievably beautiful.


    "Jiang Suyuan, only with your deaths will my daughter have a future."


    These words sent chills down Jiang Suyuan''s spine.


    "Spare Zhi Yi," Jiang Suyuan said, calmer now. "I can write a suicide note, proving I took my own life."


    He turned to look at the crazed man beside him: "You wouldn''t want other children to suffer the same fate as your daughter, would you?"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s gaze gradually settled into silence as the sun disappeared.


    "Jiang Suyuan, you''ve got it wrong."


    "What do I care about others'' lives or deaths?"


    As he spoke, his fingers slowly began to loosen...


    Jiang Suyuan closed his eyes in despair.


    "La..."


    A sudden burst of music rang out.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s brow twitched slightly.


    It was Ningning''s personalized ringtone.


    He pulled out his phone and answered: "Ningning?"


    The nearby bodyguard swiftly steadied Jiang Suyuan''s body.


    "Dad, where are you?"


    Hearing Ningning''s voice, Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes suddenly reddened.


    He said hoarsely, "Daddy''s out. Are you hungry?"


    Hearing this, Huo Guining''s nose also began to tingle with emotion.


    But hearing the howling wind on the other end of the phone, her unease only grew.


    "I''m hungry. Can you buy me some fish porridge from Xiang Ji?"


    Ningning''s voice sounded a bit dry, her speech slow and somewhat pleading.


    Huo Xiaozheng replied gently, "Daddy will go buy it for you now. Wait for daddy, don''t fall asleep."


    As soon as he finished speaking, Huo Xiaozheng hurriedly headed downstairs.


    On the other end of the phone, hearing Huo Xiaozheng''s footsteps, Huo Guining hung up with relief.


    The nearby bodyguard also breathed a sigh of relief. He had been on edge ever since Huo Xiaozheng had nearly let go.


    He weighed in his mind what he should do if the boss really intended to kill someone.


    The bodyguard had followed Huo Xiaozheng for many years, and while they had done plenty of bad things, they had never actually broken thew.


    That phone call came at just the right time. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have been able to quickly pull Jiang Suyuan back from the brink of death.


    Seeing Huo Xiaozheng about to disappear from view, the bodyguard hurriedly asked, "Boss, how should we handle these two?"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s footsteps paused.


    He said something softly, then continued on his way without stopping.


    Soon after, the roar of an engine came from below, apanied by a cloud of dust as it sped away.


    ...


    In the hospital room, Huo Guining put down the phone and weakly fell back onto the bed.


    Huo Yueze, who had been apuding nearby, was startled at the sight.


    "Sister, how do you feel? You''re not going to fall asleep again, are you?"


    As he spoke, Huo Yueze was nearly in tears.


    Huo Guining forced a smile: "I won''t, brother. I''m just a bit tired and want to rest."


    This was exactly what Huo Yueze was worried about: "Can you rest with your eyes open then?"


    Huo Guining: ...


    Shen Shiyan sighed and turned to ask, "Ningning, what did your father say?"


    Huo Guining pursed her lips: "It should be fine now. Dad always quickly does what he promises me."


    After a moment''s thought, she added, "Besides, Dad knows I can''t be away from him for too long."


    Shen Shiyan and Huo Yueze both breathed sighs of relief.


    "Brother, thank you for staying with me all this time," Huo Guining said softly, half-lying down.


    Huo Yueze moved closer, picked up the warm water by the bed, and helped her drink a few sips.


    "Sister, you being healthy and well is the best thanks you can give me."


    Shen Shiyan nodded approvingly. This nephew wasn''t so foolish after all; he knew how to say the right things.


    But then...


    "Yueze, don''t feed Ningning cherries. Ningning just woke up, her stomach can''t handle it..."


    "Put down that cheese-baked lobster..."


    "Cake is even worse," Shen Shiyan said, somewhat exasperated. "Do you really have to rush this? Didn''t Ningning ask your uncle to bring porridge?"


    Huo Yueze replied weakly, "Ningning just woke up. I''m worried she''ll faint from hunger if she doesn''t eat something."


    Huo Guining couldn''t help butugh.


    "Brother, I promise you, I won''t sleep."


    Only then did Huo Yueze rx.


    He took out his phone, snapped a photo of Ningning, and spoke into it: "Mom, Ningning''s awake. Can you make some nourishing soup and bring it over?"


    Shen Shiyan shook his head and walked to Ningning''s side. "Ningning, how do you feel?"


    Huo Guining pursed her lips: "My head feels a bit fuzzy, but otherwise, I feel okay."


    Shen Shiyan performed an examination: "And your chest?"


    "No tightness or pain."


    Shen Shiyan said gently, "Ningning, people with chest difort should avoid strong emotional fluctuations."


    Huo Guining lowered her head: "I''m sorry, I..."


    Shen Shiyan reached out and patted her head: "No need to apologize, Ningning. You did very well."


    Though he didn''t know what had happened to Ningning at the Qin family, Huo Yueze immediately affirmed her.


    "Sister, don''t doubt yourself. You''re the best!"


    Shen Shiyan: ...


    Huo Guining smiled gently.


    "Uncle Shen means that no matter what happens, your safety should be your first priority."


    "Whether it''s your father, your brother, or anyone important you might meet in the future."


    "No matter who it is, their importance can''t surpass your own."


    Huo Guining thought: No, she was bound by rules. To her, Huo Xiaozheng was more important than herself.


    But she couldn''t say that.


    So Huo Guining maintained her smile and nodded obediently: "Mm! I understand!"


    Shen Shiyan gave some precautions and then left the room.


    Huo Yueze, as usual, sat by her bed, chattering away.


    "Sister, you slept for over a week. You really scared me."


    "Aunt also came many times, but you were always sleeping. She''s mean, she beat me up while you were asleep."


    Huo Guining smiled: "Why?"


    If he told his sister that he had cried so uncontrobly, it would be too embarrassing.


    So, Huo Yueze said: "Because I told Aunt that every time I talk to you, your heartbeat speeds up."


    "But when Aunt chats with you, your heartbeat stays steady."


    Huo Guining was stunned.


    "Did Aunt chat with me?"


    Huo Yueze grinned proudly: "See? You really didn''t hear."


    "Although I don''t know what Aunt actually said to you, Uncle Shen said that Aunt always chats with you when I''m not around."


    Huo Guining tried hard to remember...


    "Bang!"


    The door to the hospital room was suddenly pushed open.

 Chapter 93

    Huo Guining''s eyes lit up: "Dad!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng steadied his breathing, walking towards her step by step.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze consciously made room at the bedside.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Hungry, aren''t you?" Huo Xiaozheng skilfully opened the small dining table on the hospital bed, lifting the lid off the food container, releasing an appetizing aroma.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Wow, it smells so good!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng raised the head of the bed, his smile gentle: "Let Dad let it cool down for a bit, and you can eat it in a moment."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng expertly stirred the soup with a spoon, a scene he had rehearsed countless times in his mind over the past week.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The difference was, the food in his hand finally had an owner.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad, your cor..." There was a ssh of crimson on Huo Xiaozheng''s blue shirt, looking very conspicuous.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng nonchntly wiped it off with a wet tissue, calmly saying: "I must have brushed against something by ident. The porridge is ready,e, open your mouth..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining obediently opened her mouth, but Huo Xiaozheng was too calm, calm to the point of making her uneasy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She swallowed the porridge in her hand, weakly asking: "Dad, where did you just go?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s movements paused for a moment, his tone unchanged: "There was something at thepany, I went to take care of it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining wanted to ask more.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But Huo Xiaozheng''s expression suddenly changed, his tone a little urgent: "What''s wrong, is your chest hurting?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining hurriedly said: "No, I''m not feeling unwell now..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze cut in: "Sister, you can''t lie. You just said your head still felt a little dizzy..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining nced at Huo Xiaozheng uneasily: "That''s because I''ve been lying down for so long..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s expression didn''t change, continuing to feed her the porridge one spoonful at a time.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad, I''m full."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After lying down for so long, it seemed her stomach had shrunk, as she felt full after just a small bowl.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng calmly put away the utensils, handing them to Huo Yueze: "Yueze, take the trash with you when you leave."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze: "I''m not..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Catching sight of Huo Xiaozheng''s expression, Huo Yueze swallowed his words: "Okay, I should be heading home. Goodbye, sister. Goodbye, uncle!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With that, he swiftly left the hospital room with the trash and his backpack.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


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


    "Yes!" Huo Guining reflexively replied.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s demeanor was off, he was usually a man who paid great attention to his appearance, but now, his high-end tailored suit was a little crumpled, and his bangs were disheveled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining timidly said: "Dad, what''s wrong?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Are you afraid of Jiang Suyuan and Qin Zhiyi?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s heart skipped a beat, her face turning pale, with a hint of panic shing in her eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "No... ah..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    "Nining, don''t worry, Dad has taken care of Jiang Suyuan and Qin Zhiyi."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    After a long while, she finally calmed down, trembling as she asked: "Dad, what do you mean by ''taken care of''?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng smiled, but his eyes were cold: "Exactly what it means. From now on, they will never appear in front of you again."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Recalling the unexined blood stains on his cor, a chill ran down Huo Guining''s spine.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Could it be that Huo Xiaozheng...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining asked with difficulty: "Dad... did you break thew?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng: "That''s not important."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining screamed internally: This is very important! Don''t be dazed, big man, even in books it''s a society under the rule ofw!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t hear her internal screams, saying very gently: "What''s important is, you won''t have to be scared anymore."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    No, she was even more scared now.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At this moment, she truly felt that Huo Xiaozheng existed as the antagonist in the book.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining became a little frantic: "Dad, killing is against thew, I don''t want to never see you again!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Thinking it over, she added: "Let''s turn ourselves in, okay? Maybe there''s a chance for a reduced sentence... Yes..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining mumbled as she tried to get out of bed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


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


    Huo Xiaozheng''s actions didpletely resolve her fears.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But itpletely vited the plot development, and disregarded thew.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    More importantly, she yed a crucial role in it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The more Huo Guining thought about it, the more panicked she became, her mind filled with visions of Huo Xiaozheng being arrested and resisting arrest, ultimately being...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She ignored Huo Xiaozheng''s attempts to stop her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Gripping his sleeve, she looked up at him earnestly: "Dad, pin the me on me, after all, you did this because of me..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining felt she was making sense the more she thought about it: "Since I''m a minor, I..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s expression was a little strange: "Why?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was a little desperate: "Because I don''t want you to go to prison, I don''t want to see you be a criminal because of me..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng gripped her shoulders: "Nining, calm down, Dad didn''t kill anyone."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was taken aback: "How can I calm down, you killing is against thew... Huh?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She came to her senses: "Dad, what did you just say?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng said helplessly: "I said I didn''t kill anyone."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You''re so young, but your knowledge base is quite substantial, you even know minors don''t get punished for murder."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining didn''t believe him: "You really didn''t kill anyone?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng pushed her back onto the bed, covering her with the nket: "Really."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But he only told half the truth.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If the phone hadn''t rung, Jiang Suyuan and Qin Zhiyi probably would have disappeared from this world.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining sighed in relief: "You really scared me..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "But, if you don''t want Dad to be a criminal." Huo Xiaozheng added: "Then I hope you won''t lie to me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining looked innocent: "I didn''t lie."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng sat down at the bedside: "If you''re not feeling well, you have to honestly tell me. Hiding things is also a form of deception."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You''re my daughter, Huo Xiaozheng''s daughter. No matter what happens, I''ll be on your side."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Just like how you misunderstood me, but still hoped to make excuses for me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "If one day, you do something irreversible, Dad will also be the one making excuses for you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s nose turned sour.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But she couldn''t say it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Should she tell Huo Xiaozheng that the world he lives in is a book, and that as long as there are Jiang Suyuan, Qin Zhiyi, and her, his ending is doomed to be tragic?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad, if, I mean if..." Huo Guining hesitated: "If you knew something would definitely happen, would you choose to stop it?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A strange look shed across Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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

 Chapter 94

    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t answer hastily, but said, "That depends on whether stopping this is worth it to me."


    Huo Guining pursed her lips. Was it worth it?


    Preventing Huo Xiaozheng''s death would be all benefit and no harm to her.


    But what troubled her was that she had little influence andcked the intelligence and ability to aplish this task.


    "It''s definitely worth it, but..."


    Huo Xiaozheng: "But you''re afraid you can''t do it?"


    Huo Guining suddenly looked up, her eyes full of disbelief: "Dad, you..."


    A sh of understanding crossed Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes as he exined, "When I was still a child, facing such choices, I also hesitated and felt afraid."


    Huo Guining couldn''t help but breathe a sigh of relief. She asked curiously, "So what did you do?"


    "It''s simple. I asked for help."


    Huo Guining tilted her head: "Eh?"


    "At that time, I didn''t have the ability to stop others, so I borrowed grandfather''s hand to do it," Huo Xiaozheng said with a reminiscent and somewhat proud expression.


    Huo Guining was a bit surprised.


    She hadn''t expected Huo Xiaozheng to be like this.


    By saying this, he was clearly showing that he knew she was hiding something and wanted to give her a reason to seek his help.


    Huo Guining looked up at him, her gaze passing over his cor.


    Her expression paused.


    After a while, she mustered up her courage, as if making some kind of decision: "I hope you won''t have any more interactions with Jiang Suyuan and Qin Zhiyi."


    She added after a pause: "But I also don''t want you to do anything illegal."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s expression cleared up.


    He smiled.


    Unlike the smile on the rooftop terrace, this time, he smiled wholeheartedly.


    "Dad promises you," Huo Xiaozheng said firmly. "And those two, even the entire family, will never appear in our world again."


    Huo Guining asked timidly: "Dad, aren''t you going to ask me why?"


    Huo Xiaozheng stroked her hair: "If you don''t want Dad to ask, then Dad will never ask."


    Huo Guining''s eyes widened in disbelief, as if she couldn''t believe this matter was resolved so easily.


    Huo Xiaozheng chuckled: "What? Don''t you trust me?"


    Huo Guining shook her head, murmuring, "I trust you."


    Huo Xiaozheng said firmly: "If you trust me, then you don''t need to worry anymore. Dad will make sure you get what you want."


    "Dad, I''m hungry."


    Perhaps finally relieved of her burden, Huo Guining felt a sudden emptiness in her stomach.


    Huo Xiaozheng was taken aback: "Your brother already took the porridge back."


    Huo Guining: ...


    Huo Xiaozheng took out his phone to call Xi Chuan.


    The sound of the door opening came from the entrance.


    "Ningning."


    Huo Xiaozheng was a bit surprised: "Sister-inw? Why are you here?"


    Zuo Qinfang was carrying arge food box, looking at Ningning with eyes that seemed to be brimming with tears: "I heard Ningning woke up, so I came to see her."


    Huo Xiaozheng stood up and took the package from Zuo Qinfang''s hands.


    Zuo Qinfang couldn''t help but sit down on the bed and embrace Ningning.


    "You''ve suffered, my child."


    Her tone was choked with emotion as she stroked Ningning''s hair with one hand and patted her back with the other.


    Huo Guining smiled and hugged Zuo Qinfang back: "Auntie, I''m fine now. Everything will be good from now on."


    At this, Zuo Qinfang released her somewhat angrily and said seriously: "You! Even if you want to protect your father, you should consider your own health first!"


    Huo Guining grinned sheepishly, coaxing: "I know I was wrong, Auntie. Don''t be angry with me~"


    Zuo Qinfang couldn''t maintain her serious expression and couldn''t help but smile: "You just know how to make me happy!"


    A fragrant aroma filled the air, and Huo Guining took a deep breath: "Wow, it smells so good."


    Zuo Qinfang suddenly remembered the food box she brought: "Aze urged me to hurry, so I quickly made some pigeon soup. Try it..."


    As she spoke, she lifted the lid.


    The sun hadpletely set behind the mountains, thest rays of twilight swallowed by darkness.


    The warm yellow lights came on, and the hospital room was filled with the fresh scent of herbs and pigeon.


    Huo Guining took the first sip, closing her eyes in satisfaction.


    "Dad, the pigeon soup is so delicious. You should have some too," she called out.


    Huo Xiaozheng approached with a smile on his lips: "Drink slowly..."


    Zuo Qinfang made room by the hospital bed, watching the father and daughter with contentment.


    ...


    Huo Guining was discharged from the hospital not long after.


    Huo Xiaozheng resumed his psychological counseling and treatment as before.


    Xie Lingluo continued to do her best to guide her, offering suggestions beneficial to her physical and mental health.


    But Huo Guining felt that something was quietly changing.


    After Huo Xiaozheng''s return, the Huo family patriarch once again retreated behind the scenes.


    On Huo Guining''s first visit back to the old mansion after her illness, the Huo family tacitly avoided mentioning her injuries.


    During the family dinner, the Huo patriarch praised Huo Guining''s protective behavior in front of everyone.


    But like Zuo Qinfang, he reprimanded her for treating her own health carelessly.


    During this time, Huo Jing came back to see her once.


    She brought back the photos they had taken together before.


    Among them was a solo photo of Huo Guining, which Huo Jing had framed.


    Huo Xiaozheng had it hung in the bedroom.


    Huo Xiaozheng returned to his previous state of being unapproachable and serious.


    However, he was even busier than before.


    The Huo family dinners became more frequent, and the Huo patriarch, Huo Yanqin, and Huo Xiaozheng often stayed in the study untilte at night.


    Huo Guining''s stays at the old mansion also became more frequent than usual.


    Because of this, she also learned how skilled Zheng Jinxiu was at making soups.


    Whenever she was at the Huo Mansion, she would unfailingly have a bowl of soup every day.


    She had tried almost every kind of medicinal cuisine made from various Chinese herbs, designed to boost energy, nourish blood, soothe the liver, and relieve depression.


    Towards the end, she felt nauseous at the sight of medicinal food and tried to get her father to secretly dispose of it for her.


    Not only that, but every week, Huo Xiaozheng would apany her swimming and ying tennis.


    When Huo Xiaozheng was busy, Huo Yueze and Huo Jing would apany her instead.


    "Auntie, are you on vacation recently?" After a game of tennis, Huo Guining was panting heavily.


    Huo Jing took a big gulp of water, clearly exhausted as well: "No, I''m not."


    Huo Guining probed: "Auntie, are you... perhaps past your prime?"


    Huo Jing tightly gripped her water bottle, forcing a smile: "You should be well-rested now, right? Come on, let''s continue..."


    Huo Guining: ...


    That day, Huo Guining was so tired she could barely lift her fingers.


    Huo Yanqin, however, gave Huo Jing a thumbs up.


    "Usually, you can''t bear to tire her out. Most days she barely breaks a sweat. Why did you suddenly have the heart to be tough today?"


    Huo Jing smiled mysteriously: "Guess."


    Huo Guining didn''t have the energy to y their guessing game.


    Before it was even time for dinner, she was so hungry that she grabbed the medicinal soup and gulped it down.


    Even Huo Xiaozheng looked at Huo Jing with newfound respect: "How did you manage that?"


    Huo Yanqin nced at Ningning and shook his head with a smile: "This is a little secret between aunt and niece. As a father, you shouldn''t pry into your child''s privacy."


    Huo Guining thought: What secret? A girl''s anger, only those who provoke it will understand.

 Chapter 95

    In stark contrast to the peaceful days at the Huo family, the Jiang and Qin families found themselves in a disastrous situation.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s conversation with Huo Guining that day was far from empty words.


    Even as Huo Xiaozheng kept vigil at Ning''s bedside, Old Master Huo had already begun making arrangements.


    Between the Jiang and Qin families, the Jiang family held more influence.


    The Qin family, known for their schrly background, had seen their influence in the business world steadily decline in recent years.


    After Qin Zhiyi''s marriage to Jiang Suyuan, the Qin family had shown signs of recovery.


    But that didn''t matter.


    Huo Xiaozheng had been secretly nning to absorb both the Jiang and Qin families.


    However, Ning''s appearance had temporarily put this n on hold.


    But now, since Ning was anxious because of it, why not expand the original n a bit more?


    Although it would require some effort, once the first step waspleted, the rest could be gradually consumed.


    That night, in the study of the Panlong Bay vi, Huo Xiaozheng was conducting a video conference.


    "Xi Chuan, how is Jiang Corporation''s project in Country A progressing?"


    "The project has been approved. Next, they''ll need arge amount of capital for turnover."


    Huo Xiaozheng said in a deep voice, "I see. Keep a close eye on their movements."


    Xi Chuan couldn''t help but speak up, "Mr. Huo, the project in Country A is something you put a lot of effort into securing. To just hand it over like this..."


    Huo Xiaozheng leaned back in his chair, "It doesn''t matter. Just do as I say."


    Xi Chuan nodded.


    ...


    After being threatened with death by Huo Xiaozheng that day, Qin Zhiyi''s first reaction upon recovering was to demand they call the police.


    But Jiang Suyuan stopped her.


    "Why not? You almost died!" Qin Zhiyi shouted emotionally, "Huo Xiaozheng had murderous intent!"


    Jiang Suyuan swallowed hard, his throat still hoarse from the cold wind that had rushed into it on the rooftop that day.


    "Zhiyi, this is what we owe his daughter."


    Qin Zhiyi screamed as if she had gone mad, "That''s what Jiang Hui owed them! We were just kept in the dark!"


    Recalling Huo Xiaozheng''s parting words that day, Jiang Suyuan said weakly, "Zhiyi, I''m sorry."


    Qin Zhiyi was stunned, "What do you mean?"


    Faced with Qin Zhiyi''s clear gaze, Jiang Suyuan couldn''t bring himself to speak.


    He lowered his head, "Zhiyi, it was Huo Xiaozheng who was kept in the dark, not me. Do you understand?"


    Qin Zhiyi''s voice trembled, "Are you saying that when Jiang Hui did this, you... knew about it?"


    Jiang Suyuan nodded helplessly.


    "I was so jealous at the time. I was jealous of the bond between you two, jealous of Huo Xiaozheng''s excellence."


    Jiang Suyuan confessed self-deprecatingly, "When Jiang Hui was nning that incident, although I didn''t participate, I knew about it beforehand and didn''t stop it."


    Qin Zhiyi copsed onto the sofa, drained of strength.


    Jiang Suyuan hurriedly went to support her.


    Qin Zhiyi mumbled, "How could this happen... how could this happen..."


    This was perhaps the greatest stain on Jiang Suyuan''s life.


    He never imagined that a moment of jealousy back then would turn Huo Xiaozheng''s daughter into a sacrifice in their war.


    Now, both he and Huo Xiaozheng were left wounded.


    "So, Zhiyi, I can''t call the police," Jiang Suyuan said painfully.


    If Huo Xiaozheng had tried to kill him for Qin Zhiyi''s sake, he would have reported it without hesitation.


    But since it was for his daughter, he could only ept the consequences.


    That day, before Huo Xiaozheng left, he had said to him, "If you''re still human, you should know what to do."


    Jiang Suyuan thought this was probably the first step in being human.


    Qin Zhiyi, with tears in her eyes, said, "Are we supposed to carry this guilt with us for the rest of our lives? What about my child? What will happen to them?"


    Jiang Suyuan tenderly wiped the tears from her cheeks, "It won''t be like that. This time, let''s consider it as if I''ve already died once, atoning for that sin."


    "From now on, we''ll stay out of each other''s way, okay?"


    Qin Zhiyi nodded helplessly and copsed into his arms, crying.


    Despite these words, Old Mr. Qin couldn''t swallow this insult.


    For a schr, nothing matters more than face.


    It was during the Spring Festival when he was scolded by a 5-year-old child and then confronted by Old Master Huo. This was an insult he absolutely couldn''t ept.


    Considering Qin Zhiyi''s pregnancy, Old Mr. Qin decided to discuss the matter with Jiang Suyuan.


    At present, the Huo family''s influence in South City was on par with thebined forces of the Jiang and Qin families.


    Their business territories were also almost evenly split.


    "Did he win the bid for that piece ofnd in Yun City?"


    Jiang Suyuan and Old Mr. Qin sat face to face, with a tea table between them.


    "Yes, the price was much higher than what the local government offered."


    Old Mr. Qin asked, "Oh? Why is that?"


    Jiang Suyuan shook his head and guessed, "Probably for the sake of his frail daughter."


    "Since he''s handed us leverage, why don''t we help him out a bit?"


    Jiang Suyuan, who had just convinced his wife to stay out of Huo Xiaozheng''s way, was confused: What leverage? Help with what?


    Old Mr. Qin, frustrated, said, "You''ve beenpeting with Huo Xiaozheng for so many years, and this time he''s walked all over you. Are you really content with that?"


    Jiang Suyuan pressed his lips together, "I''m not content, but I don''t want revenge."


    Old Mr. Qin thought: Useless! Like mud that can''t be used to patch a wall!


    Old Mr. Qin wanted to act alone, but his resources wouldn''t allow it.


    "Suyuan, I heard you need capital for that overseas project?" Old Mr. Qin suddenly changed the subject.


    Jiang Suyuan nodded, "Yes."


    Old Mr. Qin fell silent. He elegantly poured himself a cup of tea and took a slow sip.


    Jiang Suyuan immediately realized that Old Mr. Qin was using the previously agreed-upon investment to threaten him.


    He became rmed, "Dad, what do you mean?"


    Old Mr. Qin finished his tea leisurely before speaking, "The current situation isn''t good, and I don''t have much liquid capital on hand."


    "Since you won''t help me get my revenge, I''ll naturally have to take matters into my own hands."


    "In that case, I''ll need to use some money to grease the wheels."


    Jiang Suyuan stood up abruptly, "Dad, we can''t do that. I''ve already signed the contract for the project in Country A, and I''m just waiting for your funds toe through..."


    Old Mr. Qin had pinched exactly this weak spot.


    He smiled triumphantly, "So, what''s your attitude now?"


    Jiang Suyuan hesitated, thought it over, and still refused.


    "Dad, let it go, please. Can I apologize on behalf of the Huo family?"


    Old Mr. Qin''s face immediately darkened, "Have you made up your mind to side with Huo Xiaozheng?"


    "Have you forgotten how Huo Xiaozheng has been suppressing you all these years?"


    Jiang Suyuan wanted to say that over the years, he and Huo Xiaozheng had been going back and forth, and it wasn''t a matter of who was suppressing whom.


    But clearly, Old Mr. Qin in his fury wouldn''t listen to such words.


    Seeing his firm attitude, Old Mr. Qin became enraged and threw his teacup at him.


    His head, not yet fully healed, now bore a new wound.


    Upon learning of this, Huo Xiaozheng immediately ordered Xi Chuan to contact Jiang Suyuan, expressing interest in investing.


    Huo Guining, who had been frowning while eating her medicinal meal, looked puzzled.


    Huo Xiaozheng stroked the small tufts of hair sticking up on her head, smiling without a word.

 Chapter 96

    Jiang Suyuan was caught in a dilemma.


    He didn''t want to choose either Old Mr. Qin or Huo Xiaozheng.


    Qin Zhiyi advised from the side, "Huo Xiaozheng clearly doesn''t have good intentions. If you ept his investment, then my father''s side..."


    Jiang Suyuan fell into deep thought.


    Huo Xiaozheng, like a hunter, possessed excellent patience and didn''t mind waiting out Jiang Suyuan.


    Meanwhile, Old Mr. Qin didn''t go back on his word.


    Almost from the moment Jiang Suyuan walked out of the Qin family''s front door, he began his own n alone.


    And his first target was Yun City, which Huo Xiaozheng had bought at a high price at auction.


    Huo Guining was oblivious to all of this. In her view, Huo Xiaozheng was either busy or getting busier.


    This morning, Huo Guining groggily crawled out of bed in the dim dawn light. She looked at the already dressed and groomed Huo Xiaozheng with sleepy eyes and asked in a muffled voice:


    "Dad, so early today?"


    Huo Xiaozheng took out an eye mask and put it over her eyes, scooping her up in one motion: "There''s an early meeting at thepany today. You go back to sleep, I''ll put you in the rest roomter."


    Huo Guining was really too tired to argue. Hearing this, she didn''t stand on ceremony. Her head tilted to one side, and she fell asleep again.


    Given that Huo Guining had been resting at thepany more and more oftentely, Huo Xiaozheng''s rest room now hardly differed from a child''s room.


    Not only was it fully equipped with children''s supplies, but daily clothes had also been prepared for Ning Ning.


    They were all new seasonal children''s products delivered from nearby shopping malls.


    When Huo Guining woke up again, the rest room was already bright with daylight.


    She raised her hand to remove the eye mask, looking around groggily.


    Good, as usual, there was no one around.


    She changed out of her pajamas with practiced ease, gave herself a quick wash, and walked out carrying ab.


    In the office, Huo Xiaozheng sat in the boss''s chair. In front of the desk, employees held documents, seemingly reporting something.


    Huo Xiaozheng caught sight of Ning Ning out of the corner of his eye and made a pause gesture.


    He stood up and walked to Ning Ning''s side: "Are you awake?"


    Huo Guining nodded: "I''m going to find Sister Yin Su to do my hair."


    Huo Xiaozheng took theb and pressed her down to sit by the sofa: "Yin Su is out on an errand. Dad will tie it for you."


    A collective intake of breath sounded around them.


    Only then did Huo Guining notice that there were other people around.


    Huo Xiaozheng was already well-practiced in doing her hair.


    Before Huo Guining could figure out how to escape this awkward situation, Huo Xiaozheng had already deftly tied her hair into a bun.


    After putting down theb, Huo Xiaozheng btedly realized there were others in the office.


    He crouched down and said softly: "Go find Uncle Xi Chuan and have him heat up your breakfast. Make sure to finish your medicinal soup."


    Huo Guining''s head nearly exploded at the mention of medicinal soup.


    But given the presence of others, she couldn''t bargain. She could only reluctantly agree.


    "Okay," she said gloomily.


    A glint of amusement shed in Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes.


    Seeing Ning Ning leave the office, his expression immediately returned to its cold state, and his tone became stern: "Where were we?"


    The employees who had been watching the scene snapped back to attention: "We were talking about the issues that arose during the project implementation..."


    Meanwhile, Huo Guining didn''t go to find Xi Chuan.


    Instead, she walked to the tea room, opened the food box on the small table, and began to eat breakfast leisurely.


    Breakfast was from a nearby private kitchen.


    The medicinal soup had been prepared by Zheng Jinxiu the night before and sent over by the driver early in the morning.


    It had to be said, the world of the rich was truly wonderful.


    Huo Guining sighed, enjoying the delicious food while taking in the beautiful view from the high-rise.


    The past period of time felt like a dream.


    The only bad aftereffect was that Huo Xiaozheng was watching over her even more strictly.


    For Huo Guining, who had always been left to her own devices in her previous life, she didn''t feel any difort.


    "Have you finished the medicinal soup?" Huo Xiaozheng''s voice suddenly rang out.


    Huo Guining was startled: "Dad, are you done with work?"


    Huo Xiaozheng shook his head: "Not yet, just came to check on you."


    Huo Guining picked up the medicinal soup container to show him: "I''ve finished it, it''s all gone."


    Huo Xiaozheng patted her head approvingly.


    "Today, Dad doesn''t have time to take you to see Dr. Xie."


    Huo Guining understood: "It''s okay, we can go next time..."


    Better not to go at all, she thought.


    "No need for next time, I''ve asked Dr. Xie toe here," Huo Xiaozheng smiled. "We''ll borrow your art studio for a while, it''s quiet enough there."


    Huo Guining pouted.


    "Mr. Huo, there''s movement from Jiang Suyuan''s side!" Xi Chuan''s voice suddenly rang out in the tea room.


    Huo Guining peeked out: "Uncle Xi Chuan, what kind of movement?"


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned at Xi Chuan, his eyes containing a warning.


    Xi Chuan broke out in a cold sweat, suddenly stammering.


    Seeing that Ning Ning had finished eating, Huo Xiaozheng wiped her mouth: "There''s still some time before Dr. Xie arrives. Why don''t you go draw for a while?"


    He was clearly sending her away.


    "Dad, are you sure you won''t be in danger?" Huo Guining couldn''t help but worry.


    Huo Xiaozheng promised solemnly: "I won''t be."


    Huo Guining had no choice but to leave.


    "Mr. Huo, Jiang Suyuan has chosen to ally with Old Mr. Qin," Xi Chuan reported immediately after Ning Ning left.


    Huo Xiaozheng grunted in acknowledgment, and the two returned to the office, one in front and one behind.


    "What moves has Old Mr. Qin made?"


    Xi Chuan: "They''ve recently contacted local officials in Yun City, but as for what exactly they''re doing, currently..."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s lips curled into a smile: "Old Mr. Qin is indeed getting old."


    Xi Chuan: ...


    ...


    Huo Guining had been in the art studio for less than an hour when Xie Lingluo arrived.


    She still had that calm and gentle demeanor.


    "Ning Ning, good morning."


    Huo Guining put down her paintbrush: "Hello, Dr. Xie."


    Xie Lingluo''s smile deepened, feeling both amused and touched to be addressed so formally by a child.


    "You can call me Auntie Xie."


    Huo Guining waved her hand, thinking it''s better not to, as she really hoped to see her as little as possible in the future.


    Xie Lingluo saw through her thoughts and stopped the small talk: "How have you been recently? Everything okay?"


    Huo Guining smiled, her eyes curving: "Very good."


    Xie Lingluo: "Like what?"


    Huo Guining''s smile faltered, today''s conversation seemed to be going off script.


    "Like... breakfast was delicious..." Huo Guining stammered, "The medicinal soup wasn''t bad either..."


    Xie Lingluo nodded in agreement: "These are indeed very good. Anything else?"


    Huo Guining thought for a moment: "I got enough sleep today."


    Xie Lingluo''s eyes were filled with amusement: "For you to say you got enough sleep, it seems you indeed slept well."


    Huo Guining breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Anything else?"


    Huo Guining: ...


    "Dad did my hair today, and it didn''t hurt at all. I thought that was nice."


    Xie Lingluo nodded, continuing to maintain a listening posture.


    Huo Guining lowered her head in thought: "When I opened my eyes this morning and saw the first ray of light fall on me, I thought that was nice."


    Her tone was slow, as if stating her thoughts.


    "When Dad told me I could sleep peacefully, I thought that was nice."


    "Just now when I interrupted his work, he didn''t scold me but immediately focused on my needs. I thought that was nice."


    As she spoke, Huo Guining raised her head.

 Chapter 97

    Xie Lingluo looked at her encouragingly and said, "Say it."


    Huo Guining''s lips trembled as she spoke, "The life I have now is very good for me."


    After Xie Lingluo left, Huo Guining sat alone in the studio for a long time.


    Before leaving, Xie Lingluo had told her that they wouldn''t need to meet as frequently in the future.


    Did Xie Lingluo mean that she was now free?


    Initially, she had been diagnosed with a psychological disorder, which was why Huo Xiaozheng had taken her to see a psychologist.


    Huo Guining had always felt that their judgment was wrong. So, she had been waiting for this day, the day she would be released.


    However, this day came unexpectedly.


    When Huo Xiaozheng pushed open the door to the studio, he saw Guining sitting in front of the easel, her paintbrush dangling in her hand.


    The owner of the brush seemed lost in thought, unaware of her surroundings.


    Huo Xiaozheng approached quietly and said softly, "Guining, it''s time for lunch."


    Huo Guining looked up, her eyes a bit dazed. "Oh, I''ll clean up my painting supplies."


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned. Hadn''t Xie Lingluo said that Guining''s condition had improved?


    As Huo Guining was tidying up, she noticed from the corner of her eye the paint that had dripped onto the floor earlier.


    Red and blue, now congealed into a small puddle.


    She suddenly turned to Huo Xiaozheng with a smile. "Dad, Dr. Xie said I''m almost better."


    Huo Xiaozheng felt a wave of relief wash over him and smiled back. "That''s wonderful news. What would you like as a reward?"


    Huo Guining was taken aback. "I can get a reward for this?"


    Huo Xiaozheng recalled the key points about child psychology from the books he had read.


    He immediately affirmed, "Of course. This is the result of your hard work, and it should definitely be encouraged."


    Huo Guining beamed, grabbing the hem of Huo Xiaozheng''s shirt and pulling him towards the door. "Then I''ll have to think carefully about what I want!"


    Huo Xiaozheng followed her steps, speaking gently, "Alright, take your time to think about it. But for now, let''s go eat."


    "Grandma''s medicinal soup just arrived downstairs. We''ll take it to the dining hallter..."


    "I love Grandma," Huo Guining said, her little face scrunching up. "But Dad, how much longer do I have to drink this medicinal soup?"


    Huo Xiaozheng was silent for a moment before replying, "Well... we might have to ask Grandma about that."


    A thought suddenly shed through Huo Guining''s mind. "Oh, I''ve decided on my reward! I want Grandma''s medicinal soup in the future to..."


    Huo Xiaozheng quickly covered her mouth with his hand. "No, you haven''t decided yet."


    Huo Guining thought to herself: Adults'' words are full of lies.


    ...


    Old Mr. Qin moved quickly. Within a few days, news about Huo Xiaozheng bribing officials in Yun City appeared online.


    ording to reports, the acquisition price paid by Huo Group was far higher than the initial listing price for the suburbannd in Yun City.


    This allowed Huo Group to outbid severalpetingpanies and not only acquire that piece ofnd.


    Moreover, ording to reliable sources, Huo Group nned to use thend for heavy industry development.


    When this news broke, the localizens of Yun City were the first to react.


    Yun City was famous for its tourism, with its biggest selling point being its clean environment and fresh air.


    If Huo Group really had such intentions, it would inevitably deal a heavy blow to the local tourism industry.


    All at once, discussions criticizing Huo Group flooded the inte.


    Some people with ulterior motives even dug up photos of Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Guining in Yun City.


    Using the principle of "start with one picture, make up the whole story," they concocted an borate tale about how Huo Xiaozheng had meticulously nned to transition into heavy industry.


    The plot twists were so dramatic that even thete Mr. Jin Yong would have felt humbled.


    The incident developed and spread so quickly that Huo Xiaozheng barely had time to react.


    The news quickly caught the attention of national authorities.


    It was rumored that the Discipline Inspection Commission had sent people to Yun City to investigate the involved officials.


    Old Mr. Qin was very pleased with this development.


    Jiang Suyuan, however, had apletely different reaction.


    "Dad, what are you doing?!" As soon as he got the news, Jiang Suyuan rushed to the Qin family''s old residence.


    At present, Old Mr. Qin was leisurely sipping tea, seemingly oblivious to his son-inw''s anxiety.


    After a while, he finally spoke, "What am I doing? Can''t you see for yourself?"


    "Now that we''ve caught the attention of the higher-ups, I want to see what good wille to Huo Xiaozheng."


    Jiang Suyuan paced back and forth anxiously. "Dad! Even if you''re angry, you should have asked for my opinion before doing something like this!"


    Old Mr. Qin mmed his teacup on the table, making a harsh sound.


    "I don''t need you to make decisions about my affairs!"


    The Qin family, known for their schrly tradition, abhorred disregard for seniority and hierarchy.


    At this moment, Jiang Suyuan''s words and actions, in Old Mr. Qin''s eyes, were bordering on audacity.


    "Dad, do you know why Huo Xiaozheng bought thatnd at such a high price?" Jiang Suyuan blurted out, unable to hold back. "He''s building a private holiday vi for his daughter, purely for personal use!"


    Old Mr. Qin''s anger deted a bit, but he still stubbornly argued, "So what?"


    "Regardless, he bought government auctionnd at several times the market price. That''s suspicious!"


    "The Discipline Inspection Commission is involved now. How could it be false?"


    Jiang Suyuan was nearly driven to despair by Old Mr. Qin''s stubbornness. "We''d better hope that the Commission actually finds something, otherwise..."


    Jiang Suyuan had received information that the Yun City officials were set to take up important positions in South City next month.


    This was one of the reasons why Jiang Suyuan had wanted to secure that piece ofnd in the first ce.


    If things turned out this way, with the Commission finding no issues and the official taking up his new post normally, only toter discover that Old Mr. Qin was behind all this...


    Jiang Suyuan didn''t dare to think further.


    He tried to persuade Old Mr. Qin earnestly, "Dad, please stop while there''s still room to maneuver."


    Being repeatedly contradicted by his son-inw in his own home, Old Mr. Qin''s face showed signs of displeasure.


    "I don''t need a young upstart like you to teach me how to handle my affairs."


    With that, he was ready to show his guest out.


    Jiang Suyuan took a deep breath and left, throwing up his hands in frustration.


    Since this approach didn''t work, he had no choice but to appeal to Huo Xiaozheng.


    Far away at Huo Group, when Huo Xiaozheng learned of this news, his eyes gleamed with determination.


    "Dad, aren''t you worried?" After work, Huo Guining and Huo Xiaozheng returned to the Huo family''s old residence together.


    In the car, Huo Guining tilted her head curiously and asked Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Xiaozheng shook his head. "It''s nothing major. But what about you? How are you nning to talk to Grandmater?"


    Huo Guining pondered for a moment, then looked up with a spirited expression. "Grandma! Look, I''ve got muscles now. I don''t need to drink the medicine anymore!"


    As she spoke, she rolled up her sleeve, trying to show off her biceps.


    Huo Xiaozheng gave her a thumbs up.


    However...


    "Oh my, Guining has muscles now! That old Chinese doctor''s prescription really worked. Grandma will go get three more courses tomorrow!" Zheng Jinxiu said with a beaming smile.


    Guining: Game over.

 Chapter 98

    The investigation into the Yun City project proceeded quietly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On Huo Xiaozheng''s side, the public rtionspany had moderately controlled the public opinion.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    They managed to maintain the buzz around the Yun City project while preventing the Huo Corporation''s stock price from falling too drastically.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Mr. Qin watched with great satisfaction as Huo Corporation''s stock turned green.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "You young upstart, you dare to challenge me!" he thought smugly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With this small taste of victory, hepletely disregarded his son-inw''s warnings.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Not only did he not back down, but he intensified his efforts to manipte the situation.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    However, Jiang Suyuan could no longer concern himself with these matters.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The funding for Country A was urgently needed, and the Qin family was no longer in a position to invest in him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At this point, hoping for a massive influx of funds was almost a pipe dream.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Considering that Qin Zhiyi was still pregnant and her emotions had been unstable due to the situation with Huo Xiaozheng,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan decided not to discuss these issues with her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She remainedpletely unaware of Old Mr. Qin''s actions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As for the news about Huo Xiaozheng, she was indifferent, even feeling that someone had taken revenge on her behalf.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She never connected Huo Xiaozheng with her father''s actions.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Noticing that Jiang Suyuan wasing hometer andter, with an increasingly anxious expression,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Zhiyi finally realized that he must be facing some difficult problem.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Suyuan, tell me the truth, what''s really going on?" Qin Zhiyi asked firmly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan didn''t dare to reveal everything, only mentioning that thepany was facing cash flow difficulties.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    There were only three days left, and if the funds couldn''t be secured,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Not only would the project in Country A fail, but thepany would also face enormous penalties for breach of contract.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Caught between a rock and a hard ce, he was at his wit''s end.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Zhiyi asked, puzzled, "Didn''t my father promise to invest?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Unable to admit he had argued with his father-inw, Jiang Suyuan lied through gritted teeth, "Yes, but something came up unexpectedly. Your father said the funds won''t be avable for at least a week."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Zhiyi pouted, adopting a childish demeanor, and pulled out her phone to call her father.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan gently stopped her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "If your father said so, he must have his reasons. We shouldn''t push him too hard."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Zhiyi sulked, "No matter how difficult it is, he can''t just abandon us."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "No, I still need to¡ª"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As they were at an impasse, Aunt suddenly approached, saying a guest had arrived.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan calmed Qin Zhiyi and went to the living room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing the visitor, Jiang Suyuan was surprised.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Lin Chuxu? What brings you here?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The man called Lin Chuxu was dressed casually, his almond-shaped eyes sparkling with charm. When he smiled, he exuded an air of debonair elegance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He nced at Qin Zhiyi behind Jiang Suyuan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan frowned, turning to block his view. "What exactly are you here for?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lin Chuxu raised an eyebrow and smiled, "I heard you''re short on cashtely, so I''m here to bring you money."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing this, Jiang Suyuan''s frown deepened. "What nonsense are you talking about?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Back in university, Qin Zhiyi nevercked admirers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lin Chuxu was one of them.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This was why Jiang Suyuan was so wary of him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lin Chuxu casually sat down on the sofa and waved to Aunt, "A cup of coffee, with sugar and milk, please."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan held back his irritation and sat opposite him with Qin Zhiyi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What exactly do you want?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lin Chuxu leaned back into the sofa, lookingpletely at ease. "I''m here to discuss a business deal with you, one where you''re guaranteed to profit."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan''s eyes urged him to continue.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "For Zhiyi''s sake, I¡ª"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan couldn''t bear it anymore: "Qin! Qin Zhiyi."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lin Chuxu smoothly corrected himself: "For Qin Zhiyi''s sake, I''m willing to invest in yourpany."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan: "And the conditions?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Just then, Aunt brought the coffee. Lin Chuxu took it, thanking her politely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He took a leisurely sip of coffee, watching as Jiang Suyuan''s patience was about to run out before finally speaking.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I want to invest in yourpany by purchasing shares."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan rxed a bit; this wasn''t a big deal.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "That can be arranged."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lin Chuxu added, "Also... I want a piece of the Country A project."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan smiled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    If Lin Chuxu had simply wanted to invest, he might have worried that Lin still harbored feelings for Qin Zhiyi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But now that Lin Chuxu had revealed his business motives, Jiang Suyuan felt more at ease.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan rxed his posture: "How do you want to split it?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Their discussionsted nearly two hours.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    By the time Lin Chuxu was leaving, Jiang Suyuan could shake hands with him calmly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lin Chuxu''s charming eyes still couldn''t resist ncing at Qin Zhiyi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Mr. Jiang, now that you''ve won the beauty, make sure to cherish her," Lin Chuxu said mischievously.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan ignored his provocative manner, simply smiling and saying, "Take care. No need to see you out. Bring the contract tomorrow, and we''ll meet at mypany."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lin Chuxu snorted and turned to leave.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Zhiyi asked, "Suyuan, is everything resolved?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan''s face finally showed some relief: "Almost certainly. Lin Chuxu and Huo Xiaozheng have always been at odds, so his investment is actually safer right now."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Zhiyi anxiously said, "Lin Chuxu mentioned something about controlling shares..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan confidently replied, "Even if we sell him 20% of the shares, he won''t be able to cause any trouble."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Jiang Suyuan''s reasoning wasn''t unfounded.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Matching his appearance, Lin Chuxu''s business style was equally carefree and unrestrained.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He never cared about money, acting purely on his own whims.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Because of this, thepanies he managed had always been mediocre performers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Only one e-sportspany had struck gold, benefiting from the boom in the industry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was this sess that gave him the means to discuss investment with Jiang Suyuan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Watching Lin Chuxu''s retreating figure, Jiang Suyuan thought maliciously: This negotiation was probably just Lin Chuxu''s attempt to impress Qin Zhiyi.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But what was the point? Qin Zhiyi was already his.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Qin Zhiyi hadn''t thought that far ahead. Hearing Jiang Suyuan''s words, she breathed a sigh of relief.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As for Lin Chuxu, after leaving the Jiang residence, he dialed a number.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "It''s done."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s voice came through the phone: "Very good."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lin Chuxu scoffed, "Is that how you treat your benefactor?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s tone remained impassive: "Thank you. I''ll treat you to dinner when I have time."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lin Chuxuughed in disbelief and was about to tease him when he heard a sweet, childish voice on the other end of the line.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Daddy, I''ve finished half of the medicinal soup. Can you help me drink the rest?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "No, I already helped you with half of your lunch portion. You''ll have to finish the dinner one yourself," Huo Xiaozheng coaxed gently.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The little girl mumbled something indistinctly, her voice fading as she moved away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng chuckled softly, resigned.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Lin Chuxu''s eyes widened in disbelief. He double-checked the screen ¨C it was indeed Huo Xiaozheng on the other end.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Had he been possessed or something?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 99

    Huo Xiaozheng ruthlessly hung up Lin Chuxu''s call.


    He quickly caught up with the sulking Ningning in a few strides.


    "Dad was just teasing you earlier. If you don''t want to drink it, you don''t have to. Don''t feel so pressured," he said, taking the cup from Ningning''s hands and cing it on the nearby dining table.


    Huo Guining nced at the cup, feeling a bit conflicted. "But Grandma went through so much trouble to make that for me..."


    Huo Xiaozheng suggested, "If you feel bad about it, why don''t you drink it like water after you finish swimming? How does that sound?"


    Huo Guining''s eyes lit up; it was indeed a good solution.


    As Ningning''s swimming practice sessions increased, she was no longer as afraid of water as she had been initially.


    Huo Xiaozheng could now work by the poolside while watching her swim.


    However, for safety reasons, he generally avoided handling tasks that required intense concentration while Ningning was swimming.


    This was to ensure he could immediately notice if she identally choked on water.


    In this environment of ample security, Huo Guining became increasingly confident.


    asionally, she would even venture alone into slightly deeper areas of the pool.


    But when Huo Xiaozheng discovered this, he strictly forbade it.


    From that point on, every time she swam, Huo Xiaozheng forcibly attached small foam wings to her body.


    They were ugly, but they could save her life.


    As for psychological counseling, just as Xie Lingluo had said, the frequency gradually decreased.


    Because of this, Huo Guining lowered her guard around her.


    Sometimes when Xie Lingluo asked about her past, Huo Guining would share a few details.


    A mix of truth and fiction, it didn''t raise Xie Lingluo''s suspicions.


    Things seemed to be moving in a positive direction.


    Except for her body, which was still bound by the plot, forcing her to stay by Huo Xiaozheng''s side.


    Fortunately, both Huo Guining and Huo Xiaozheng had grown ustomed to each other''s presence.


    The father-daughter duo seemed to have fully adapted to each other''s existence.


    Not only did thepany have Ningning''s rest area and art studio, but Huo Xiaozheng''s office also had children''s items scattered about.


    Huo Guining remainedpletely unaware of the brewing storm in the business world.


    With Lin Chuxu''s help, Jiang Suyuan quickly began operations on the Country A project.


    Consequently, his attention to Old Mr. Qin''s situation diminished.


    The results from Yun City''s disciplinary inspection hadn''t been released, which seemed to give Old Mr. Qin unwarranted confidence.


    The longer the investigation took, the more it suggested an unfavorable oue.


    Old Mr. Qin became increasingly reckless, not only intensifying his smear campaign against Huo Xiaozheng but even implicating local officials in Yun City.


    By the time Jiang Suyuan finally had the chance to focus on Old Mr. Qin''s situation, it was toote.


    It was Friday night when the disciplinary inspection''s results on Yun City officials were released.


    Not only did it clear the local officials of suspicion, but it also made public the details of Huo Xiaozheng''snd auction bid.


    It stated that Huo Xiaozheng''s procedure for bidding on that piece ofnd was not only legal andpliant, but out of love for his ancestral home, he had deliberately raised the price.


    The price difference was used by the local Yun City government for infrastructure construction.


    A detailed n was also made public.


    In the end, the local police stated that the inte was not awless ce and that they would hold those who deliberately incited conflict ountable.


    Upon hearing this news, Old Mr. Qin immediately ceased all activities and cut ties with all marketing ounts.


    Due to Jiang Suyuan''s prior warning, Old Mr. Qin hadn''t used his own name when contacting these marketing ounts.


    Instead, he had entrusted a friend to handle it.


    Now, as the tree fell, the monkeys scattered.


    His friend was the first to betray Old Mr. Qin.


    When Jiang Suyuan came to find him, Old Mr. Qin was at a loss.


    Jiang Suyuan said through gritted teeth, "At this point, there''s no other way. Either you personally apologize to Huo Xiaozheng and Yun City to see if there''s any..."


    Old Mr. Qin, fuming, interrupted, "Apologize to a junior? Absolutely not!"


    Jiang Suyuan couldn''t help but roll his eyes. If you had known it woulde to this, why did you do it in the first ce?


    But saying that out loud would probably be seen as disrespectful.


    "Other than this, I can''t think of any better solution..." he said.


    Old Mr. Qin, clinging to a glimmer of hope, suggested, "Let''s push the responsibility onto the marketingpany and give them some hush money."


    Jiang Suyuan: ...


    He took a deep breath and said, "I''ve already told you the solution. How you choose to proceed is up to you."


    With that, he turned and left without hesitation.


    Despite his words, when he got home, he still discussed the matter with Qin Zhiyi.


    They decided that Qin Zhiyi would privately apologize to the Yun City government on behalf of the Qin family and seek reconciliation.


    As for Huo Xiaozheng...


    Jiang Suyuan thought wearily that he would have to make another visit himself.


    Unexpectedly, this time, Huo Xiaozheng was surprisingly amenable.


    "How about this," Huo Xiaozheng said calmly, "The Qin family has already given my daughter some shares as an apology. Your Jiang family should also show some goodwill, but I hope it won''t be less than what the Qin family offered."


    Jiang Suyuan gritted his teeth and agreed, "Fine!"


    It was just a matter of giving Huo Xiaozheng''s daughter a share of the annual profits. Such a small gesture was something he should do anyway.


    With Jiang Suyuan''s consent, the process of transferring shares proceeded quickly.


    Huo Xiaozheng also kept his word and didn''t take advantage of the Qin family''s vulnerable position.


    Meanwhile, the local Yun City government responded well to Qin Zhiyi''s apology andpensation.


    However, considering that Yun City still needed funds for infrastructure, the local government hoped that the Qin family could provide some assistance within their means.


    Qin Zhiyi generously agreed.


    Learning that the matter had been resolved satisfactorily, Old Mr. Qin breathed a sigh of relief. That night, he drank alone under the moon until dawn.


    The next day, when the housekeeper went to wake him up, they found him unconscious.


    Qin Zhiyi, eyes red from crying, kept vigil at her father''s bedside, not daring to leave for a moment.


    Jiang Suyuan wanted to stay with her, but he received news that there was a problem with the Country A project.


    "The funding chain broke? How is that possible?" Jiang Suyuan was shocked that at this critical moment, the unpredictable Lin Chuxu would simply abandon the project.


    He immediately contacted Lin Chuxu: "What do you mean by this?"


    Lin Chuxuzily reclined in a chair at his estate, basking in the sunlight. "I don''t mean anything. I just suddenly don''t feel like doing it anymore."


    Jiang Suyuan tried to contain his anger: "You do realize that withdrawing your investment now is a breach of contract and you''ll have to paypensation, right?!"


    Lin Chuxu drawled, "I know. It''s just money, isn''t it? I''llpensate you, of course."


    Thepensation wouldn''t be nearly enough for Jiang Suyuan to keep the project afloat.


    Jiang Suyuan felt helpless: "Lin Chuxu, you''re 30 years old. Can''t you act more responsibly?"


    Lin Chuxuughed: "Is this your first day knowing me?"


    Before Jiang Suyuan could respond, he added, "I''ve already sent awyer to yourpany. You can discuss the details with our legal team."


    With that, he abruptly ended the call.


    "Tsk, Huo Xiaozheng''s move to cut off our resources is truly ruthless," Lin Chuxu muttered to himself. "Better not cross paths with Huo Xiaozheng in the future. He''s too intimidating."


    The intimidating Huo Xiaozheng was currently arguing with Huo Guining: "Didn''t we agree that you wouldn''t go to school for now?"

 Chapter 100

    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

 Chapter 101

    Huo Guining turned her head towards the source of theughter.


    "Dad?"


    Huo Xiaozheng walked up to the canvas and, upon seeing its contents, felt a sense of relief wash over him.


    "It''s about time. Grandma wants you toe back to the ancestral home for dinner tonight."


    Huo Guining obediently put down her paintbrush and, while tidying up her art supplies, asked, "Will big brother be there?"


    "Yes, everyone will be there."


    Huo Guining was somewhat surprised. "Aunt will be there too?"


    Huo Xiaozheng raised an eyebrow. "Is there a problem?"


    Huo Guining seemed conflicted, hesitating before speaking. "Thest time Aunt yed tennis with me, I wanted to ask... Is she..."


    "Is she not getting any work?"


    Huo Xiaozheng found this both amusing and exasperating.


    But he didn''t rush to exin.


    As they were about to leave, Huo Guining picked up the tulips she had bought, intending to give them to Zheng Jinxiu.


    At six in the evening, the two arrived at the Huo Family Ancestral Home.


    The Spring Festival had passed, but the rednterns and decorations in the courtyard hadn''t been taken down yet.


    She hadn''t noticed during the New Year, but now she saw that some trees still had the character for ''congrattions'' hanging on them.


    "Eh? Why is this character still here?" Huo Guining asked curiously.


    Huo Xiaozheng exined, "It probably means ''congrattions on the new spring.''"


    Huo Guining nodded, seeming to understand but not quite.


    Huo Xiaozheng carried her with one arm while she held the tulips.


    The night breeze blew, bringing a chill.


    The garden''s ground lights were on, guiding them inside.


    The living room lights were dim, and the interior was silent.


    "Dad, did Grandpa and Grandma forget we wereing?" Huo Guining hesitated. "It feels like there''s no one home."


    Huo Xiaozheng pretended to think. "That shouldn''t be the case."


    As he spoke, he stepped inside.


    Huo Guining reached out and pushed open the slightly ajar door.


    "Happy birthday!"


    With a chorus of well-wishes, the Huo family members emerged from the shadows.


    Led by Huo Yueze, who was holding a birthday cake, everyone sang the birthday song as they slowly approached.


    The flickering candlelight illuminated everyone''s smiles.


    Huo Guining looked at everyone in disbelief, then turned to Huo Xiaozheng.


    As the song ended, Huo Yueze urged, "Little sister, quick, make a wish and blow out the candles!"


    Huo Jing came forward, took the tulips from her hands, and winked at her.


    "Wishes are more likely toe true if you say them out loud!"


    Huo Guining, still a bit confused, closed her eyes, made a wish, and then, with Huo Yueze''s assistance, blew out the candles.


    In an instant, all the lights in the living room came on.


    Huo Xiaozheng put her down and pinched her nose. "Did you forget today was your birthday?"


    Huo Guining scratched her head sheepishly. She couldn''t say she had forgotten, as she wasn''t quite sure which day her birthday actually was.


    After the ceremony, everyone gathered at the dining table.


    "Wow."


    The long dining table wasden with all kinds of dishes.


    Zheng Jinxiu smiled and said, "We specially invited a renowned chef to cook for you. Ning-ning, try it and see. If you like it, Grandma will take you to the restaurant next time."


    Huo Yueze felt jealous. "Grandma, howe I didn''t get this treatment on my birthday?"


    Zheng Jinxiu reassured him, "Alright, alright, Grandma will arrange it for you next time."


    After the meal came the ssic gift-giving session.


    Huo Guining, led by Huo Yueze, came to her bedroom.


    "There were too many gifts to bring to you one by one, so we put them all in your room."


    "Go ahead and open them."


    With that, Huo Yueze gave her a gentle push.


    A small mountain of colorful gift boxes upied a corner of the bedroom, taller than Huo Guining herself.


    She was surprised. "Are all these for me?"


    Huo Jing smiled. "Of course, they''re all for you. Everyone has given you something."


    Huo Guining''s eyes sparkled as she walked to the center of the small mountain and sat down, picking up the nearest small square gift box.


    Huo Jing suddenly called out, "Wait! These gifts are what we would have given you from ages 1 to 6. The boxes are numbered, you can guess based on the numbers."


    Huo Guining was stunned. "From 1 to 6 years old?"


    Huo Jing smiled sweetly. "That''s right. As you open the gifts, we''ll apany you growing up!"


    A warm feeling washed over Huo Guining, and she couldn''t help but feel a lump in her throat.


    Huo Yueze hurriedly handed her a box marked with the number 1, urging, "Little sister! Open this one, open this one!"


    Huo Guining''s emotional moment was interrupted, and she opened the box with mixed feelings. The small golden package box should be...


    "Wow! A gold bracelet!" Huo Guining''s smile was so wide her eyes nearly disappeared. There was no one who didn''t like gold as a hard currency.


    Huo Yueze proudly dered, "It''s from me!"


    The elders burst intoughter, praising the gift.


    Huo Guining sweetly thanked him.


    It seemed that all the gold-wrapped boxes were from Huo Yueze.


    Realizing this, Huo Guining decided to find all the gold ones and open them.


    For age 2, a children''s picture book. For 3, a princess dress. For 4, a doll. For 5... a game console? For 6... a bnce bike?


    Huo Yueze excitedly said, "Little sister, with these, you can go out and y with your big brother!"


    Huo Guining replied, "Thank you, big brother."


    Next...


    Huo Guining''s eyes were drawn to a series of ck gift boxes with gold trim.


    With Huo Xiaozheng''s help, she sessfully found all six.


    For the 1st year, a Cartier bracelet.


    For the 2nd year, a ssic Dior handbag.


    For the 3rd year, a custom Juicy Couture doll.


    For the 4th year, a Bvlgari ne.


    For the 5th year, thetest smartphone model.


    For the 6th year, a set of keys.


    Huo Guining was a bit confused. "What kind of keys are these?"


    Huo Jing cleared her throat. "They''re car keys."


    Huo Yueze took the keys and looked at them, letting out an earth-shattering wail. "Ahhhh! It''s that Bugatti supercar! I''ve been asking for it for so long and no one would give it to me..."


    Huo Yueze learned what it meant to be as quiet as a mouse after receiving a punch.


    Although Huo Guining wasn''t very familiar with luxury brands, she knew that this set of gifts must have cost at least several million.


    "Aunt, is it really okay for you to give such expensive gifts?" Huo Guining worried. At this rate, wouldn''t her aunt end up penniless?


    Huo Jing keenly noticed something in Huo Guining''s expression.


    She said ominously, "It''s fine. I can give even more in the future, thank you."


    Huo Guining replied, "Okay then, thank you, Aunt."


    She hadn''t realized before how strong-willed her aunt was.


    A smile rippled across Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes.


    The gifts from the others were,paratively, much more practical.


    Apart from some jewelry and jade, there were also properties.


    Zuo Qinfang had been particrly creative, gifting her a set of her favorite painting supplies.


    Huo Guining was moved to tears.


    After opening all the gifts, the butler wheeled in a six-tier giant cake, sprinkled with edible gold leaf on top.


    It was said that Old Master Huo had personally ordered it, with the beautiful exnation: "Eachyer represents making up for each of Ning-ning''s missing birthdays in the past."


    On the very topyer was a Q-version of Ning-ning, sporting a princess haircut, looking down at everyone haughtily.

 Chapter 102

    As the festivities came to an end, it was nearly ten o''clock in the evening.


    Huo Guining sat in the car, whispering to Huo Xiaozheng.


    "Dad, can you help Auntie?" Huo Guining said with some concern. "I''ve been searching for Auntie''s name online recently, and it seems she''s not trending much anymore."


    A hint of amusement shed in Huo Xiaozheng''s otherwise calm eyes. "Alright, Dad understands."


    At that moment, Huo Jing, who was hurriedly returning to her film set, let out a big sneeze.


    "Achoo! Who''s thinking about me?" Huo Jing rubbed her nose.


    After returning home, Huo Guining huffed and puffed as she carried her enormous birthday gifts to her bedroom.


    Worried she might tire herself out, Huo Xiaozheng handed her a few stuffed toys to carry, letting her feel involved.


    Huo Guining dragged the gifts into her walk-in closet and then surveyed her bedroom.


    She thoughtfully said to Huo Xiaozheng, "Dad, I''m six years old now."


    Huo Xiaozheng removed his tie and set it aside. "Yes, happy birthday!"


    Huo Guining shook her head seriously. "Thank you. Dad, shouldn''t I be sleeping alone now?"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s hands paused.


    At six years old, she was at an age where gender awareness was developing.


    Indeed, she should probably sleep in a separate room from her father. Wouldn''t that be better for her health?


    But Huo Xiaozheng said, "Dad has prepared birthday gifts for you. Would you like to open them?"


    As expected, Guining''s attention was quickly diverted.


    "Yes! Where are the gifts?"


    Huo Xiaozheng pointed towards the sofa.


    Six boxes of varying sizesy neatly on it.


    Huo Guining pounced on them like a tiger on its prey.


    Like the others, Huo Xiaozheng''s gifts were also marked with numbers.


    Huo Guining swiftly unwrapped the box marked with ''1''.


    The box wasrge, and Huo Guining stood to open it.


    Inside was a Herm¨¨s baby nket, a pair of soft pink baby shoes, baby bibs, a pacifier, and a rabbit plush toy with Guining''s name embroidered on it.


    Huo Xiaozheng sat down on the sofa and said softly, "I wasn''t able to be with you when you were born."


    "But if I could do it all over again, I would have prepared these things for you at your birth."


    "And even more."


    Huo Guining''s eyes reddened.


    Huo Xiaozheng reached out and gently wiped the corner of her eye.


    The box for age 2 was smaller, square in shape.


    On the blue inner liningy a diamond-encrusted crown.


    "At two years old, you''re a little princess who can start to be vain."


    Age 3.


    A huge LEGO castle.


    "Dad can build it with you."


    Age 4.


    A thin ck cardy in the box.


    "I hope you learn early that money will never be a worry in your life."


    Age 5.


    It was a property deed for arge apartment in the city center.


    "When your rebellious phasees and you don''t want to deal with Dad anymore, you''ll have a ce to go."


    Huo Guining obediently said, "I''ll never not want to deal with you, Dad."


    Age 6.


    The box contained only a card with two words written on it: "As wished."


    Huo Guining looked at Huo Xiaozheng in confusion.


    He opened his tablet and pulled up a news article.


    The news showed that Huo Corporation would soon acquire Jiang Group, and that the head of Qin Group was under investigation for allegedly defaming public officials.


    Given that the head of Qin Group was currently hospitalized due to a sudden cerebral hemorrhage, the case was postponed.


    Huo Guining''s eyes widened. "Dad, what does this mean?"


    Huo Xiaozheng put away the tablet. Looking her in the eyes, he said seriously, "Dad has already acquired Jiang Group. Jiang Suyuan and Qin Zhiyi will move abroad for Old Mr. Qin''s sake."


    "So, it means that in the future, we won''t have any more interactions with them."


    "Guining, you don''t need to be afraid of Jiang Suyuan and Qin Zhiyi anymore."


    It all seemed like a dream. Huo Guining was a bit dazed. "Really? Won''t they seek revenge?"


    Huo Xiaozheng shook his head. "They won''t. They don''t have that capability."


    After a pause, he added, "Besides, they deserve what''sing to them."


    Huo Guining broke into a smile.


    Although she couldn''t be sure if this had defeated the plot, it was at least a good start.


    "This is the best gift I''ve ever received!" Huo Guining said cheerfully.


    Huo Xiaozheng smiled and patted her head.


    If it could put Guining at ease, then the sacrifices he had made were worth it.


    Two days earlier...


    Old Mr. Qin had been hospitalized due to illness, and Jiang Group was thrown into chaos by Lin Chuxu''s sudden withdrawal of investment.


    Qin Zhiyi, distressed by the situation, identally affected her pregnancy and was hospitalized along with Old Mr. Qin.


    While Jiang Suyuan was at his wit''s end, Huo Xiaozheng approached him.


    Using both carrot and stick, he suggested that Jiang sell Jiang Group to him, and informed him that the official Old Mr. Qin had offended was about to take up a position in South City.


    Rather than struggling on, it would be better to take the money and live abroad.


    After all, both Qin Group and Jiang Group''s reputations in the country were already ruined.


    At first, Jiang Suyuan refused adamantly.


    But then news came from the hospital that Old Mr. Qin''s condition had worsened, and the best option was to seek further treatment abroad immediately.


    Qin Zhiyiy in her hospital bed, crying every day.


    Jiang Suyuan finally gave in.


    Although the process would take some time, he had already sent people to take Old Mr. Qin and Qin Zhiyi abroad.


    He was just waiting to wrap up affairs in the country before joining them.


    "Mr. Huo, you really are cunning. That project in Country A, you deliberately let me have it, didn''t you?" Jiang Suyuanughed bitterly. "Because you had already calcted that it would end up back in your hands?"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s face remained expressionless. "Good that you understand."


    Jiang Suyuan was truly exhausted.


    At this point, he was stretched thin, never expecting that his final conversation partner would be his arch-enemy, Huo Xiaozheng.


    That day, Huo Xiaozheng raised a toast to him.


    He said he looked forward to never seeing them again in this lifetime.


    Jiang Suyuan responded with a bitter smile.


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t share these details with Huo Guining.


    He, Huo Xiaozheng, hoped that from Guining''s birthday onwards, she could truly grow up healthy and happy.


    On the day everything was settled, Huo Xiaozheng was interviewing tutors.


    He had put in some effort to temporarily dissuade Guining from the idea of going to school, and she had agreed to study at home.


    Of course, this was Huo Xiaozheng''s unteral decision.


    In fact, Huo Guining had only mentioned it in passing that day.


    She didn''t really want to go to school and y naive games with a bunch of kids.


    After careful consideration from various aspects, Huo Xiaozheng quickly decided on a tutor.


    Due to the extremely high sry Huo Xiaozheng offered, the tutoring wasn''t limited to Panlong Bay Vi; sometimes it would take ce at Huo Xiaozheng''spany.


    On this day, after finishing the lesson, the tutor knocked on the door of Huo Xiaozheng''s office.


    "What is it?" Huo Xiaozheng''s voice was a bit deep.


    "It''s about Guining''s learning progress," the tutor, a young woman, pushed up her sses. "I think Guining can skip the elementary school curriculum."


    Huo Xiaozheng: "?"

 Chapter 103

    Huo Xiaozheng thought he had misheard.


    "Tell me your reasoning," he said.


    The tutor disyed all of Ningning''s assignments from the past few months to Huo Xiaozheng.


    "As you can see, given Ningning''s current level, it would be no problem for her to start learning middle school material directly."


    Huo Xiaozheng was silent for a moment before saying, "Thank you for your hard work."


    Though he said this, he gave no actual response to the tutor''s suggestion.


    The tutor wanted to say more, but upon seeing Huo Xiaozheng''s somewhat gloomy expression, he immediately swallowed his words.


    After the tutor left, Huo Xiaozheng stopped his work and went to find Ningning at the swimming pool.


    She was wearing a yellow swimsuit, floating on her back in the pool like a happy little yellow duck, freely drifting on the water''s surface.


    The coach, seeing Huo Xiaozheng approach, whispered something in Huo Guining''s ear.


    Huo Guining flipped over, immediately switching to freestyle, and swam over to Huo Xiaozheng''s side.


    "Dad, were you looking for me?"


    Huo Xiaozheng lifted her out of the water and wrapped her in arge towel.


    "Dad has something he wants to hear your thoughts on."


    Huo Guining''s eyes darted around, and she had a good idea: "Did the tutor say something to you?"


    Huo Xiaozheng sent the coach away and sat alone on a wicker chair by the pool, drying Ningning''s hair.


    "The tutor says your learning progress is very fast," Huo Xiaozheng said, setting aside her goggles and swim cap. He continued, "He suggests you could start learning from the middle school curriculum."


    As he spoke, he picked up a coconut drink from the side and held it to her lips.


    Huo Guining took a few sips and then waved her hand, indicating she didn''t want any more.


    "Dad, are you unhappy because of what he said?"


    Huo Xiaozheng put the coconut drink back on the table. "Dad is very happy, but Dad doesn''t want you to be immersed in academics too early and lose the joys of childhood."


    Huo Guining''s lips curled up in a smile. She thought about it and felt this made sense.


    After all, she was now a little rich girl and didn''t need to rack her brains thinking about future survival problems.


    If that was the case, why not enjoy childhood to the fullest?


    "But I''m a bit tired of the elementary school content," Huo Guining looked somewhat troubled. "It''s too boring."


    Huo Xiaozheng fell silent.


    Although Huo Guining wasining that the courses were too boring, to Huo Xiaozheng, it meant something else entirely.


    After taking over the Jiang Group, he had be increasingly busy.


    He couldn''t bring himself to promise to make time to y with Ningning.


    At least not now.


    Huo Guining sat sideways on Huo Xiaozheng''sp, her short legs dangling and swinging back and forth.


    The atmosphere became a bit heavy.


    "Buzz... buzz..."


    A phone rang.


    The screen showed the caller was Huo Jing.


    Seeing Ningning''s curiosity, Huo Xiaozheng put the call on speaker.


    "Brother, are you busy?"


    Huo Xiaozheng: "No, what''s the matter?"


    "Do you remember that parent-child travel reality show I mentioned?"


    "Mm, what about it?"


    Huo Xiaozheng steadied Ningning, who was leaning halfway across his body, his eyes warning her to be careful.


    Ningning pouted but pricked up her ears to listen.


    "One of the guest families had some issues and got cklisted," Huo Jing probed. "The director is quite close to me. He saw the news about you and Ningning before and asked me to check if you could help out in this emergency."


    Worried that Huo Xiaozheng would immediately refuse, Huo Jing quickly added, "Even if you could just go once, on a weekend, that would be great."


    "It would be perfect for improving the public''s impression of yourpany and enhancing yourpany''s image."


    Ningning asked curiously, "Auntie, where would we travel to?"


    Hearing her voice, Huo Jing''s tone softened, "This shoot is just in the neighboring city. Do you want to go, Ningning?"


    Seeing Ningning lean in, Huo Xiaozheng simply handed her the phone.


    She obediently brought the phone close, "Is it fun there? I want to go painting."


    Huo Jing''s voice carried a hint ofughter, "There''s an ancient vige in the neighboring city where this shoot will take ce. Many art students go there to sketch, you''d probably like it."


    Ningning''s eyes lit up, "Then I want to go!"


    As soon as the words left her mouth, she btedly realized that Huo Xiaozheng hadn''t expressed his opinion yet.


    Huo Jing had clearly thought of this too, "Brother, if you really don''t have time, I could take Ningning myself."


    Over the past three months, Huo Guining had tried to distance herself from Huo Xiaozheng to test the strength of his influence on her.


    Of course, all of this was done under Huo Xiaozheng''s strict supervision.


    For safety''s sake, she still carried the medicine Shen Shiyan had given her.


    Recently, Huo Guining discovered that she could move freely around South City without Huo Xiaozheng.


    The Huo family was well aware of this.


    If this trip to the neighboring city also went without a hitch...


    Huo Xiaozheng''s cold voice rang out, "I''m free on the weekend. Give your director friend Xi Chuan''s contact information."


    Huo Jing was somewhat surprised. She hadn''t held much hope for this call.


    It was only because the show''s director had done her a favor and was being extremely persistent that she agreed to try.


    She hadn''t expected her brother to actually agree.


    Huo Jing was stunned for a moment, mumbling, "But you said before..."


    Huo Xiaozheng, remembering Ningning''s troubled expression when she said she was bored earlier, said coolly, "The past is the past, now is now."


    Huo Jing, inexplicably scolded: ...


    Before hanging up, Huo Jing confirmed once more.


    Only after hearing Huo Xiaozheng''s impatient affirmative response did she feel reassured.


    Huo Guining''s eyes sparkled with joy, "Dad, you''ll go with me?"


    Huo Xiaozheng gave an affirmative hum.


    Although he couldn''t squeeze out a long time to apany Ningning, he could spare a weekend.


    Ningning looked a bit conflicted.


    Huo Xiaozheng changed her position in his arms, making her face him, "What are you worried about?"


    "I''m worried people will criticize us."


    Huo Xiaozheng responded promptly, "Then we''ll go by ourselves, not participate in the show."


    Huo Guining hurriedly said, "No, don''t! We''ve already promised Auntie."


    "If you''re so worried, why did you agree to be on the show?" Huo Xiaozheng looked confused.


    Huo Guining fidgeted with her fingers, "Because Auntie said it would be good for yourpany."


    "Dad''s been so busytely, are you cleaning up the mess left behind before?"


    At this, Huo Guining looked up with a determined expression, "I want to help Dad too."


    The corners of Huo Xiaozheng''s straight lips curled up slightly, "Then I''ll be troubling Ningning."


    Huo Guining smiled shyly.


    Meanwhile, Xi Chuan, who had received a call from the director, looked bewildered.


    "Are you sure you haven''t made a mistake? Are you certain you invited our Mr. Huo? Your show conflicts with Mr. Huo''s schedule."


    "Yes, Mr. Huo does have a daughter."


    "What? Mr. Huo is going with his daughter?"


    "Oh, I see. Send the contract to my email, and I''ll get back to you after reviewing it."

 Chapter 104

    Early May, the perfect time when spring is in full bloom.<span>0


    As winter''s chill fades away, nature awakens. The garden of the Panlong Bay vi is bursting with signs of spring everywhere.<span>0


    Tender green buds dance atop deeper green foliage, while bright spring sunlight falls on the treetops. Meticulously pruned rose bushes are in full bloom, their flowers hanging cheerfully from the branches.<span>0


    Walking further into the garden, a European-style vies into view. The interior is exquisitely decorated, with polished marble floors reflecting a soft, warm light.<span>0


    In the center of the spacious hall hangs an ornate crystal chandelier, glittering in the morning light.<span>0


    A middle-aged man in a ck uniform appears in view, extending his hand to stop the film crew who are about to rush up the stairs to the second floor.<span>0


    "Hello, please wait here for a moment," Butler Chen says with a polite smile, speaking in a calm and measured tone.<span>0


    The lead producer gives an awkward smile and waves to his team.<span>0


    The crew retreats to the hall, turning off their cameras and gazing expectantly up the stairs.<span>0


    The night before, Butler Chen had informed them that guests would be arriving today.<span>0


    So, Aunt Xu had prepared food early.<span>0


    At this moment, she appears carrying drinks and snacks, inviting the crew in the living room to eat while they wait.<span>0


    The main producer''s eyes light up, and he signals to the cameraman before stopping Aunt Xu to ask, "Hello, may I ask if you''re the one who usually takes care of Ningning?"<span>0


    Aunt Xu replies with a cheerful smile, "I just cook for Ningning and such. As for taking care of Ningning, that''s usually Mr. Huo himself who does that."<span>0


    The main producer''s eyes brighten. "Oh? How so?"<span>0


    Aunt Xu is momentarily confused. She hasn''t noticed the camera filming, and hearing the question, she answers instinctively, "Taking care of a child involves all the usual things, doesn''t it? Eating, drinking, using the bathroom. It''s just that Ningning..."<span>0


    Butler Chen suddenly appears, interrupting Aunt Xu with a smile: "Aunt Xu, Miss Ningning is awake. Where''s her breakfast?"<span>0


    "Ningning''s breakfast is almost ready. I''ll go te it up." Too busy to chat, Aunt Xu hurries back to the kitchen.<span>0


    Butler Chen stands to one side of the hall, like a statue blocking the crew''s path.<span>0


    The main producer: ...<span>0


    Not long after, Huo Xiaozheng appears at the top of the stairs, fully dressed.<span>0


    "Have they arrived?" he asks.<span>0


    Butler Chen points towards the hall, respectfully saying, "They''re waiting over there."<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng nods, signaling Butler Chen to let them through.<span>0


    Butler Chen understands, moving aside and gesturing for the crew to proceed.<span>0


    The stairs are covered with thick, non-slip carpeting, and all sharp edges on the railings are padded, everywhere showing signs of a child''s presence.<span>0


    "Hello, Mr. Huo," the main producer steps forward to greet Huo Xiaozheng.<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng nods coldly, "Hello."<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s appearance is strikingly handsome, with chiseled features and deep-set eyes. Although he''s wearing a blue shirt and casual trousers, his unsmiling demeanor gives off an intimidating aura.<span>0


    However, the main producer doesn''t mind.<span>0


    Being able to convince this business tycoon to join his show is already a stroke of luck. He doesn''t expect Huo Xiaozheng to enthusiastically cooperate with their filming.<span>0


    In fact, he''s hoping that something interesting might happen on Huo Xiaozheng''s end.<span>0


    Something that could boost the show''s ratings.<span>0


    "May I ask about your daughter?" the main producer inquires cautiously.<span>0


    This reality show is pre-recorded, with this episode''s travel destination being North City, which requires a one-and-a-half-hour high-speed train ride from South City.<span>0


    So, they''ve arrived quite early today, with the clock just striking 7 AM.<span>0


    At this time, young children are usually still sound asleep.<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng walks ahead silently, leading the way.<span>0


    Opening the bedroom door, the interior is pitch ck, with a gentle breeze moving the curtains, letting in a sliver of light.<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng, familiar with theyout, walks to Ningning''s small bed and turns on her night light.<span>0


    The warm light illuminates the room. Though not too bright, it still causes the figure in the bed to struggle and burrow deeper under the covers.<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng kneels beside the bed, digging her head out from under the nket. "Ningning, wake up, it''s time to get up."<span>0


    Ningning refuses to open her eyes, mumbling something indistinct.<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng lets out a shortugh.<span>0


    He brushes her hair aside, revealing a fair and adorable face, her cheeks seemingly radiating warmth.<span>0


    "Did you forget? We''re going to North City to y today," Huo Xiaozheng says softly, his voice so gentle that the film crew can barely tell if he''s trying to wake her up or lull her back to sleep.<span>0


    Time ticks by slowly, and the production team grows anxious.<span>0


    However, Huo Xiaozheng remains unmoved, patiently speaking to his daughter in a low, gentle voice.<span>0


    It''s not until Ningning slowly opens her eyes, gradually bing alert, that he presses the switch for the electric curtains.<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng lifts her from the bed with one arm, ensuring her pajamas are properly arranged before allowing her to appear on camera.<span>0


    "These are the uncles and aunties from the film crew. Would you like to say hello?" Huo Xiaozheng points towards the camera. Although his expression remains neutral, his tone could genuinely be described as gentle.<span>0


    Ningning, still not fully awake, nods at the camera and politely says hello.<span>0


    After greeting, she buries her head in Huo Xiaozheng''s shoulder, mumbling, "I''m so sleepy."<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng had originally intended to take her to wash up, but hearing this, he pauses. "Should we..."<span>0


    The main producer''s brow twitches, his tone restrained but impatient: "Mr. Huo, you see, our scheduled high-speed train will be departing soon. Perhaps Ningning could sleep on the train..."<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng remains unmoved.<span>0


    However, Ningning, hearing this, doesn''t want to inconvenience the crew.<span>0


    "Daddy, I want to go wash up," she says.<span>0


    Only then does Huo Xiaozheng continue towards the bathroom.<span>0


    Once in the bathroom, Huo Xiaozheng doesn''t allow the crew to follow.<span>0


    "Did you brush your teeth properly?"<span>0


    "There''s still some sleep in your eye that hasn''t been cleaned... Okay, it''s clean now..."<span>0


    Soon after, Huo Xiaozheng emerges from the bathroom, carrying Ningning.<span>0


    This time, the father and daughter head straight for the dressing room.<span>0


    Because of this trip, Ningning had been excited for a long timest night, packing her luggage, coordinating outfits, and even preparing small gifts for her little friends.<span>0


    Busy with preparations, she didn''t lie down until nearly eleven o''clock.<span>0


    This is why she''s so sleepy this morning.<span>0


    Ningning never allows Huo Xiaozheng to be present when she changes clothes.<span>0


    After setting Ningning down, Huo Xiaozheng leaves the dressing room.<span>0


    But he doesn''t idle. Instead, he walks to the dressing table, takes out ab, and waits quietly.<span>0


    The style of the dressing table ispletely different from the cool tones of the bedroom, yet it seems to fit perfectly with Huo Xiaozheng sitting there naturally.<span>0


    The film crew takes the opportunity to interview: "Does Mr. Huo usually do Ningning''s hair?"<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng responds with a cold "Mm."<span>0


    The film crew persists, "Generally, fathers aren''t very good at doing hair. Do you think Ningning likes the hairstyles you do for her?"<span>0


    Huo Xiaozheng gives the camera a fleeting nce.<span>0

 Chapter 105

    It didn''t take long for the production team to get their answer.


    The sliding door of the dressing room opened, and Ningning emerged wearing a purple striped shirtyered under a navy blue pleated school-style dress, with gray tights on her feet¡ªthe perfect image of a wealthy youngdy.


    She skipped over to Huo Xiaozheng, twirled in front of him, and asked with a bright smile if she looked good.


    Without hesitation, Huo Xiaozheng gave an affirmative answer: "Of course, you look the most beautiful."


    Ningning was very pleased with this response.


    She promptly sat down at the dressing table, her legs swinging in the air, and tilted her head to make a request of Huo Xiaozheng: "Daddy, I want two braids today, low ones."


    Huo Xiaozheng happily obliged.


    This scene was unexpected for the production team.


    After all, ording to previous news reports, Huo Xiaozheng''s daughter was supposed to have a rather gloomy image.


    As for Huo Xiaozheng himself, both before and after the production team''s encounter with him, he had been perceived as someone difficult to approach.


    But now, the supposedly gloomy little girl wasn''t gloomy at all; her smile was sweet enough to melt hearts.


    Huo Xiaozheng, on the other hand, was consistent with public perception, except when it came to his daughter. With her, he seemed like apletely different person.


    "All done!"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s voice snapped everyone back to reality.


    Ningning looked at herself in the mirror. Two neat fishtail braids rested on her shoulders, with slightly curled ends.


    Huo Xiaozheng had used a curling iron to give a slight curve to her princess-cut bangs, which framed her face sweetly on both sides, making Ningning look even more adorable.


    She shed a satisfied smile: "I absolutely love this hairstyle, Daddy. You''re amazing!"


    The corners of Huo Xiaozheng''s mouth turned up slightly: "Let''s go. We should head out after breakfast."


    The production team, as if waking from a dream, followed the pair downstairs.


    Breakfast went surprisingly smoothly. Unlike many children who are picky eaters, Ningning ate almost everything she was given, praising each dish.


    This made Aunt Xu''s weathered face bloom into a bright smile.


    If it weren''t for Huo Xiaozheng stopping her, Ningning would have cleaned her te entirely.


    The butler loaded their luggage into the van and saw them off.


    In the car, the production team interviewed Ningning: "What''s your name? How old are you?"


    Faced with the camera and interview, Huo Guining lost her earlier casualness.


    She answered seriously: "My name is Huo Guining, and I''m 6 years old."


    "Is this Ningning''s first trip with her dad?"


    Huo Guining shook her head, her expression somewhat solemn: "No, it''s not."


    The production team waited a moment, realizing she didn''t intend to borate, so they had to probe further: "When was yourst trip, then?"


    Huo Guining thought for a moment, giving a precise answer: "January 28th."


    The production team, having waited in vain for more details, felt a bit helpless.


    "Are you happy to be traveling with your dad?"


    Huo Guining answered without hesitation: "Yes, I''m happy!"


    "Why is that?"


    Huo Guining looked confused: "Because I''m traveling with Daddy, so of course I''m happy."


    The production team: OK, this interview career might being to an end here.


    A glimmer of amusement shed in Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes as he considerately came to the production team''s rescue: "I think the uncle wants you to talk about what specific things during the trip make you feel happy."


    Facing Huo Xiaozheng, Huo Guining visibly rxed.


    She counted on her fingers for Huo Xiaozheng: "Apanying Daddy to meetings, eating delicious food with Daddy, seeing different scenery¡ªall of these things make me very happy."


    The production team interjected: "Does your dad still have meetings when he takes you on trips?"


    Huo Guining''s expression was peculiar, her words tinged with a ''how can you not know this if you''re interviewing'' disbelief.


    Her red lips parted: "My daddy has to support many people. CEOs are very busy."


    Huo Xiaozheng chuckled: "Ningning, it''s not polite to speak like that."


    Huo Guining obediently apologized, but mumbled under her breath: I was just telling the truth...


    Huo Xiaozheng patted her head, revealing a helpless smile.


    By the time they reached the high-speed rail station, the humiliated production team refused to speak further.


    Huo Guining carried her small bag, sitting on top of her suitcase, allowing Huo Xiaozheng to push her along.


    "Daddy, didn''t Aunt say there would be other guests? Where are they?"


    Huo Xiaozheng, tall and striking in his ck trench coat, walked through the crowd. His outstanding appearance caused passersby to frequently nce sideways, secretly wondering if he was some celebrity.


    Hearing Ningning''s question, he looked towards the apanying producer: "Everyone is gathering in North City."


    Huo Guining nodded. That''s right, this reality show existed in her previous life too.


    This was indeed the procedure.


    Realizing she had asked a redundant question, Huo Guining looked around.


    The ce was bustling with arge flow of people. Everyone around was hurrying about their business.


    People carried luggage of various sizes and weights.


    Some were setting out on journeys, others returning home. They squeezed into the iron can like sardines, then flowed out into the vast sea of humanity.


    "Daddy, why do people have to separate? I don''t like separation."


    Huo Guining mused, feeling emotional.


    Huo Xiaozheng stopped, picked her up with one arm, and patted her back: "We won''t separate. Daddy will always be with you."


    Huo Guining leaned on his shoulder, her expression showing a dependence she herself hadn''t noticed.


    Maintaining this posture, Huo Xiaozheng pushed their two suitcases with one hand as he continued towards the waiting hall.


    After boarding, Ningning promptly fell asleep in her seat, dead to the world.


    Worried she might catch cold, Huo Xiaozheng asked a flight attendant for a nket and tucked her in snugly.


    Taking advantage of this interval, the production team''s desire to interview stirred again.


    "Mr. Huo, from what we understand, Ningning only returned to your side when she was 5 years old, is that correct?"


    Although they asked this, the production team had already agreed with Huo Xiaozheng''s side from the beginning.


    He could choose which of the production team''s questions to answer.


    Huo Xiaozheng sat upright, his long legs crossed, hands resting on the armrests, revealing an expensive watch at his wrist.


    Every word and action exuded an air of nobility.


    He answered candidly: "Yes, that''s right."


    Seeing the interview was going somewhere, the production team continued: "Have you thought about how to make up for those 5 years of absence?"


    Huo Xiaozheng nced at Ningning, his thoughts seeming to drift: "I haven''t thought about it."


    "Why not?"


    What''s past is past. If even he were to dwell on the past, how could Ningning move forward?


    "The past isn''t important," Huo Xiaozheng replied concisely.


    A typical Huo-style answer.


    The production team, having been rebuffed time and again, chose to stop self-geting. They didn''t bring up any more topics until they got off the train.


    Ningning slept like the dead, and Huo Xiaozheng didn''t intend to wake her. He dutifully carried her to the gathering point.


    Seeing that everyone else had arrived, he finally woke her up unhurriedly.


    For this episode, besides Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Guining, there were four other guest families.


    Among them were two actor families, one singer family, and one athlete family.


    Clearly, Huo Xiaozheng held the highest status among them.


    After Huo Xiaozheng got off the car, each family took the initiative to greet him.


    Huo Xiaozheng exchanged pleasantries with them, neither warm nor cold.


    Huo Guining was still a bit groggy, hugging Huo Xiaozheng''s leg obediently as she greeted everyone in turn.


    "Dad, is she the sister who sent Mom to prison?" a child''s voice suddenly piped up.

 Chapter 106

    The entire filming location fell into a brief silence due to this abrupt question.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The father of the troublemaker, sweating profusely, covered the little boy''s mouth and apologized sheepishly to Huo Xiaozheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I''m so sorry, Mr. Huo. Kids say the darndest things, you know!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng coldly nced at the father and son, then crouched down and stroked Ningning''s face.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I''m not hungry," Huo Guining, keenly sensing Huo Xiaozheng''s poor mood, patted his shoulder like a little adult. "Dad, don''t be angry."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The dark clouds above Huo Xiaozheng''s head dispersed a bit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Worried that someone else might speak out of turn, the on-site host first briefly introduced the newly arrived father and daughter, Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Guining, then cued the program to begin.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Just like in the parenting reality shows of her previous life, the five families were about to start a battle for houses.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But before that, each child had to give up their toys.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As soon as this requirement was announced, the scene erupted into wails.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Among the five families, the youngest boy was only four and a half years old, while the oldest was barely seven.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was the perfect age for ying in the mud.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing that their snacks and toys were about to be taken away, the children cried and fussed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On the Huo family''s side, however, it was apletely different scene.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Peace and love.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng even had the leisure to let Ningning sit on the suitcase while he hand-fed her fruit.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The host reminded, "I''m going to check the suitcase, okay?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ningning took a bite of starfruit, wrinkled her nose in distaste, then hopped off the suitcase, decisively plopping it on the ground and coolly waving her hand.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Go ahead and check."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng put away the food container and cooperatively opened another suitcase.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The host pointed at the bottles and jars in the suitcase. "Are these candies? You''re not allowed to bring those."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ningning said coldly, "Those are my vitamins."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The host picked one up and looked. They really were vitamins.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He surveyed the suitcase and discovered a small grey rabbit in the corner.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Stuffed animals aren''t allowed either."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s expression froze for a moment.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned, about to say something, when he heard Ningning say nonchntly, "Then take it away."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As she spoke, she voluntarily put the stuffed animal into the storage box provided by the production team.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Ningning, you don''t have to give it up," Huo Xiaozheng said righteously, then coldly nced at the camera.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The production team''s hearts skipped a beat. Although there was indeed room for negotiation, they thought, "Mr. Huo, you don''t have to be so tant about it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    How would the other families feel?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ningning''s expression remained unchanged. "It''s fine, I don''t need to hug it to sleep anyway."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The host, seeing her soft and sweet appearance but hearing her speak so rationally, couldn''t help but look at her a few more times.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She seemed even more mature than the oldest child.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Then I''ll take this away," the host said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ningning waved her hand with a "don''t bother me" expression, looking very cool.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    A little girl nearby, who had been crying with hups, saw Ningning''s demeanor and her eyes filled with admiration.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Daddy, I''ll stop crying. I want to learn from big sister."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The little girl''s name was Cao Yinuo, and her father was the famous actor Cao Xunbo.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Usually, Yinuo was taken care of by her mother and was very spoiled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When she started crying, she wouldn''t stop until she got what she wanted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now, hearing his daughter voluntarilypromise, Cao Xunbo breathed a sigh of relief.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He said with a beaming smile, "Good girl, Yinuo. Learn from the big sister. Give your snacks and toys to the uncle, and we''ll take them back when we go home, okay?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Yinuo''s eyshes were still wet with tears, but she held back her sobs and agreed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She looked at the staff member, then at Ningning, as if drawing courage from her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    At that moment, she was whispering to Huo Xiaozheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad, I''ll get you the best roomter."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s eyes softened. "Don''t stress yourself. Dad can stay anywhere."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ningning frowned, her gaze determined. "No, you can''t."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng was stunned for a moment, then lowered his head and chuckled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining felt a bit embarrassed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Before she could say anything, she heard the host start inviting the children to choose houses.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Sure enough, just like in her previous life, they were given some photos and told to choose without adult intervention.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although the pictures were in a cartoon style, Huo Guining still identified the best room from the photos.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She rubbed her hands together, eager to start.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Alright, next, we''ll ask the children to draw lots."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining felt like she''d been doused with a bucket of cold water, her excitement instantly chilled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This was bad. She had always had terrible luck.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Why draw lots? Couldn''t theypete based on ability? She had prepared herself for a 100-meter dash!<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ningning looked up at Huo Xiaozheng helplessly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng repeated his earlier words, telling her to rx and that they''d stay wherever she drew.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The lots were drawn in order from youngest to oldest, with Ningning in third ce.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The youngest, Yinuo, had her heart set on the impractical thatched cottage and threw a tantrum until she got the worst house.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining felt a bit more at ease.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The second to draw was singer Yue Shuhua''s son, Yue Haoyu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His face was still streaked with tears as he sniffled and drew a picture, then cried and threw himself into his father''s arms.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He was stillmenting the loss of his toys.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The host counted down from three, and the crybaby ended up with the most luxurious suite.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s expression crumbled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Calcting the remaining three options, she still had a chance. The one on the hillside wasn''t bad either.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ningning walked forward as if facing her doom, wavering between the three pictures.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In her panic, she looked back at Huo Xiaozheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng held up two fingers.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ningning''s eyes lit up, and she quickly drew the second picture.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yay~!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Ningning rushed towards Huo Xiaozheng like a bird flying into the woods. "Dad, this one is good too!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng took out a tissue to wipe the sweat from her forehead and gave her a thumbs up in agreement.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The remaining clean poultry house and the tidy bungalow were drawn by singer Yue Shuhua and athlete Zhang Tianyou respectively.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After the room assignments werepleted, everyone followed the signposts to return to their rooms and unpack.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining enthusiastically helped Huo Xiaozheng push the luggage, constantly praising him for being amazing.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad, you''re so lucky. If it weren''t for you, we might have ended up living with pigs!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I don''t like pigs. They smell bad."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "But I like eating pork. Pork chops, braised pork, sweet and sour ribs are all delicious!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The cameraman thought: Mr. Huo, aren''t you going to do something about your daughter? Being fond of animals is supposed to be the cute standard, you know.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s expressionless face remained cold, but his tone was gentle. "Is that so? Then let''s have ribs for lunch."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining: "Dad, do you know how to cook them?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng hesitated for a moment, but facing Ningning''s sparkling eyes, he confidently said, "Of course."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining praised him enthusiastically: "Wow! Dad, you can do anything!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The production team secretly grumbled: In the reality show business, the most taboo thing is setting up gs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 107

    The room was more or less as the father and daughter had imagined.


    Though simple, it was clean and had its own bathroom.


    Huo Xiaozheng quickly tidied up the room and neatly arranged their luggage.


    Huo Guining became a little tterer: "Dad, you''re so fast at organizing! You''re amazing!"


    Huo Xiaozheng had studied abroad alone before, and because of his mild obsession with cleanliness, he often organized his own belongings.


    The corners of his mouth quirked up: "You think that''s impressive?"


    Huo Guining nodded without hesitation.


    After settling in, it was time for lunch.


    ording to the director''s requirements, the children needed to go to a designated spot to choose ingredients for their families, and then have their fathers cook.


    Huo Xiaozheng thought for a moment and instructed, "Ning Ning, take whatever you want to eat."


    Huo Guining nodded without dy.


    Upon reaching the designated spot, whether intentionally or not, there were two good-looking pork ribs on the table.


    Unlike the other bewildered children, Huo Guining, almost without hesitation, imed the ribs.


    Considering that the variety of ingredients wasn''t particrly abundant, she only took one rib, along with a handful of greens and two eggs.


    On the way back, the cameraman asked her why she didn''t take more.


    Ning Ning looked confused: "Why take so much? We should leave some for others too."


    Cameraman: Why did I even bother asking her? [Mind blown]


    Seeing Ning Ning return, Huo Xiaozheng put down his tablet and went to greet her.


    Seeing the ingredients she brought, Huo Xiaozheng frowned: "Why did you only take this little?"


    Based on her usual appetite, it probably wouldn''t be enough.


    Ning Ning smiled sweetly: "The show didn''t provide much, so I was worried others might not have enough. That''s why I took less."


    Huo Xiaozheng understood.


    Cameraman: ? Your tone was quite different when you told me earlier.


    "Go y for a while, Dad will call you when the food is ready."


    Huo Guining followed him into the kitchen like a little tail: "I want to help you."


    Huo Xiaozheng rolled up his sleeves past his elbows and put the greens in a basin of water for her to y with: "Then you can help Dad wash the vegetables."


    Huo Guining excitedly sat down on a small stool and started washing diligently.


    Hearing the sound of chopping ribs from the kitchen, Huo Guining thought her dad was even more impressive, so she washed with even more vigor.


    Ten minutester, Huo Xiaozheng looked at the vegetables in the basin. Although he felt puzzled, he immediately praised Ning Ning: "Great job, they''re so clean!"


    Production team: Of course they''re clean! If you wash them any more, they''ll be cooked. What''s the point of stir-frying then?


    Huo Guining had never really done housework in her previous life, so she believed Huo Xiaozheng''s praise.


    She enthusiastically asked for the next task.


    Huo Xiaozheng looked around and put the bowls and chopsticks in a basin for her to wash slowly.


    With her previous experience, Huo Guining''s confidence soared, and she washed the simple bowls with the intensity of a scientific experiment.


    Meanwhile in the kitchen, the production team watched the swirling smoke and cautiously spoke up: "Mr. Huo, why don''t you turn off the fire first?"


    Huo Xiaozheng was stunned for a moment, also feeling that the smoke was a bit heavy.


    He turned off the gas, lifted the lid, and a mix of savory and burnt smells wafted out.


    The simple exhaust fan was working frantically, its des almost sparking, but it couldn''t dispel the heavy smoke.


    Huo Xiaozheng and the cameraman fled the kitchen like refugees.


    In the yard, Huo Guining had finished washing the dishes and was staring absent-mindedly at the white clouds in the sky.


    Seeing theme out, Huo Guining''s eyes lit up: "Dad, is the food ready?"


    Because he was worried Ning Ning might get hurt in the kitchen, Huo Xiaozheng had forbidden her to enter.


    Huo Xiaozheng, unusually sheepish, said: "We need to wait a bit longer."


    Huo Guining nodded good-naturedly and pointed to a cloud on the horizon, saying: "Dad, look at that cloud. It''s so fluffy, it looks delicious."


    Cameraman: ? What''s she on about?


    Huo Xiaozheng responded unsympathetically: "Don''t even think about it. Your sugar intake for this month is already over the limit. Cotton candy is out of the question."


    Huo Guining wasn''t discouraged and even showed a silly smile: "How about next month?"


    Huo Xiaozheng thought for three seconds: "Alright."


    Cameraman: It''s not that Ning Ning is hard to understand, it''s that we''re not on the same wavelength.


    The aroma from the kitchen wafted out on the breeze, and Huo Guining took a deep breath, her almond-shaped eyes widening: "Dad, your cooking smells so good!"


    Cameraman: ?


    The corners of Huo Xiaozheng''s usually straight mouth lifted slightly: "We can eat in just a moment."


    As the smoke in the kitchen had mostly cleared, the cameraman reluctantly followed him in. In the poty ck, unidentifiable objects that were supposedly ribs.


    He zoomed in for a close-up.


    Huo Xiaozheng calmly scooped out the mass and put it in a bowl.


    He heated the wok, added oil, threw in the nearly pulverized vegetables, and then, guided by his excellent intuition, added salt and chicken bouillon in session.


    Remembering that vegetables on the dining table usually had some soup, Huo Xiaozheng added half a bowl of water and covered the wok.


    A minuteter, Huo Xiaozheng lifted the lid and satisfiedly dished out the vegetables.


    "Ning Ning, lunch is ready."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s voice came from the kitchen, and Huo Guining cheerfully responded, quickly walking towards him.


    The father and daughter properly set out the bowls, chopsticks, and dishes, sitting in the small courtyard, enjoying today''s lunch under the warm sunlight.


    Upon seeing the ribs, Huo Guining''s expression froze for a moment.


    But it was only for an instant.


    Seeing Huo Xiaozhenge out with the steamed egg, she shed a sweet smile.


    "Dad, you''re amazing! You actually made three dishes."


    Huo Xiaozheng carefully washed his hands, making sure there was no lingering smell of cooking oil, before picking up his bowl to start eating.


    "It''s Dad''s first time cooking, I''m not sure if it''s good. Give it a try."


    Huo Guining picked up a piece of ''rib''. The sauce-covered rib delivered a texture entirely consistent with its appearance, difficult to describe.


    Huo Guining gave an enthusiastic thumbs up, her eyes flickering as she said: "These ribs are so delicious! They melt in your mouth!"


    Huo Xiaozheng took a bite, somewhat skeptically, but felt satisfied: "I''m d you like it, Ning Ning."


    Huo Guining tasted the vegetables and the sponge-like steamed egg in turn.


    The mushy vegetables tasted a bit fishy, but were still tolerable.


    As for the steamed egg, although it looked like a sponge, it was actually so hard that chopsticks could barely pierce it.


    Huo Xiaozheng found a stainless steel spoon, which finally allowed Huo Guining to taste some of it.


    Huo Guining was very supportive, and soon her bowl of rice was empty.


    As she swallowed thest mouthful of rice, Huo Guining couldn''t help but make a retching sound.


    The courtyard suddenly fell into silence.


    After a while, Huo Guining made an excuse that she had eaten too quickly, and put down her chopsticks.


    The cameraman insincerely praised: "Ning Ning ate with such gusto! She finished a bowl of rice so quickly!"


    Huo Xiaozheng: At home, Ning Ning usually eats three bowls of rice.


    Huo Guining nced lightly at the camera: If you don''t know how to make conversation, you don''t have to.

 Chapter 108

    The meal finally ended with Huo Xiaozheng facing reality.


    Seeing an opportunity for footage, the camera crew immediately urged Huo Guining to go mooch food from another household.


    Huo Guining haughtily dered that she would uphold her father''s dignity, so she wouldn''t go!


    The father and daughter sat in the courtyard, their expressions numb as they smelled the aroma of meat wafting over from next door.


    "Dad, I''m sleepy," Huo Guining said after a moment, using the excuse of a nap to leave the courtyard.


    The room faced the sun, but it was still bright even after Huo Xiaozheng drew the curtains.


    He dug out arge eye mask from his suitcase and put it on Huo Guining. "Sleep well, have a good nap."


    Though the nap was just an excuse, Huo Guining quickly fell asleep to the sound of Huo Xiaozheng typing on his keyboard.


    An hourter, the production team came to call them, reminding the father and daughter that it was time to gather.


    They went through the same routine as the early morning. By the time they reached the meeting point, Huo Guining was still nestled in Huo Xiaozheng''s arms, half-asleep.


    Yinuo, hiding in her father''s arms, giggled: "Big sister is shy, she''s not fully awake yet."


    Hearing this, Huo Guining drowsily patted Huo Xiaozheng, signaling him to put her down.


    Huo Xiaozheng held her shoulders, letting her lean against his leg.


    He then took out a wet wipe and cleaned her face. "Does this help you feel more awake?"


    Huo Guining nodded.


    The others arrived one after another.


    The host announced the afternoon''s itinerary: the cute kids would go on a treasure hunt in a nearby ancient vige.


    The more treasures they found, the more rewards they could exchange them for.


    "What kind of rewards?" asked Haohao, the son of singer Yue Shuhua.


    Haohao was chubby and adorably cute, with a babyish voice.


    The host asked in return, "What kind of reward would Haohao like?"


    Haohao replied, "I want ice cream and candy."


    The host said mysteriously, "Well, Haohao will have to work hard to find treasures. Who knows, you might be able to exchange them for ice cream and candy."


    As soon as he finished speaking, the other children immediately started moring.


    "Alright, now please take your task cards and follow the map to find the treasures!" the host announced.


    Huo Guining inwardly scoffed at how childish it all seemed.


    Huo Xiaozheng crouched down and earnestly instructed Ningning: "Don''t go anywhere dangerous. If you feel unwell at all, have the cameraman uncle contact Dad immediately, understand?"


    He then cast a cool nce at the cameraman.


    Huo Guining nodded, ustomed to such instructions.


    The other children had already spent time together in previous episodes, so they were rtively more familiar with each other.


    They held hands and looked in Ningning''s direction.


    Liang Wenzhuo, the oldest boy, called out loudly as he saw Ningning dawdling: "Hurry up! We''ll bete if we don''t leave now!"


    Huo Guining waved goodbye to her father and set off on the ''treasure hunt'' path with the other children.


    The filming location was in an ancient vige in the north of the city.


    It was a ce with a long history, featuring white walls and dark tiles surrounding courtyards and skylights, with deep gardens, small bridges, and flowing water - a typical Jiangnan scenery.


    Yinuo, naturally friendly, held onto the hem of Huo Guining''s clothes, tottering behind her.


    Worried that the little one might trip with her short legs, Huo Guining proactively moved to the outer side of the path, protecting Yinuo on the inner side.


    Following along arge pond, the group arrived at the first treasure location.


    Vigers sat at their doorways, curiously observing the little treasure-hunting squad.


    Liang Wenzhuo took the initiative to speak: "Grandma, have you seen any treasure?"


    The grandmother''s face was full of wrinkles. Although she couldn''t understand the children''s words, she generally knew what they were looking for.


    She stretched out her hand, pointing in a direction.


    The group continued inward.


    Inside was an ancestral hall with a courtyard. Above the courtyard, there were no tiles covering the sky, allowing arge patch of sunlight to fall down.


    It illuminated the ancestral hall brightly.


    Liang Wenzhuo, acting like a little adult, quickly walked in. After a search, he found a treasure box.


    "Found it!"


    The boys swarmed over in a rush.


    Yinuo, who probably hadn''t understood the rules, squatted by the courtyard, intently digging at the moss on the ground.


    As she yed, she would asionally hand some moss to Huo Guining like a little puppy.


    Huo Guining, not particrly interested in the treasure hunt either, kept Yinuopany, and the two sisters dug at the ground together.


    The cameraman reminded them: "Ningning, if you don''t look for treasures, you might not have anything to eat for dinner."


    Huo Guining thought for a moment, then calmly said: "No rush."


    She still had her dad; he definitely wouldn''t let her go hungry.


    Yinuo suddenly came to her senses: "Big sister, Daddy told me to find treasures so he can make something yummy for dinner."


    Yinuo looked like a porcin doll, with naturally curly hair and bright, crystal-clear eyes. She was adorably cute.


    Huo Guining smiled: "Is your daddy a very good cook?"


    Yinuo nodded: "My daddy is super good at cooking!"


    Huo Guining''s eyes lit up as a n slowly formed in her mind.


    From that point on, Huo Guining''s behavior changed dramatically.


    Although Liang Wenzhuo was seven years old, he was still a child, and the vast Gu Vige was somewhatplex for little ones.


    After leaving the ancestral hall, he began to lose his bearings.


    Add to that thenguage barrier with the locals, and the treasure hunt quickly reached an impasse.


    Seeing this, Huo Guining spread out the simple map, figured out the general directions, and then began searching systematically, one location at a time, based on their proximity.


    Although Huo Guining looked cold, she was very goal-oriented.


    Leading the group, she found treasures with unerring uracy, almost effortlessly.


    Soon, the group had thoroughly scoured the so-called ''treasures''.


    The children who had initially looked down on Huo Guining now had stars in their eyes, calling her "Ningning" this and "Ningning" that.


    Huo Guining gathered the children together and had everyone open their treasures.


    As expected, the treasure rewards were nothing more than daily necessities.


    "Fish, who wants fish?"


    Zhang Ling raised his hand: "Ningning, can I have it?"


    Huo Guining generously handed it to him.


    "Ice cream!"


    At these three words, all the children''s eyes lit up.


    "Me! Me! Me!"


    Although it said ice cream, Huo Guining guessed that, given the nature of the show, there was probably only one.


    Thinking this, she spoke up directly: "There''s only one ice cream. I don''t want it. What about you all?"


    Liang Wenzhuo also stated: "I don''t want it either. Let''s leave it for the younger ones."


    Huo Guining nodded at him approvingly.


    Zhang Ling followed suit: "Then I''ll leave it for the younger ones too."


    Huo Guining gave him an appreciative look.


    Then she turned to the remaining two children: "Yinuo and Haohao, can you two share it?"


    Haohao puffed out his chest like a little gentleman: "This time, let''s give it to the little sister. I can eat some when I get home."


    Without hesitation, Huo Guining promptly gave the ice cream card to Yinuo: "Yinuo, keep the card safe. You can exchange it for ice creamter."


    Yinuo smiled sweetly and obediently put the card in the front pocket of her overalls.


    Huo Guining continued her actions.


    "As for the meat, I''ll keep it for myself. If anyone wants some,e find me." She looked at everyone: "Do you have any objections?"


    The children shook their heads vigorously, like little rattle drums.

 Chapter 109

    On the other side, the fathers were busy repairing houses for the elderly and widowed vigers.


    This task was much easier than cooking.


    Huo Xiaozheng wore a cold expression, like an emotionless machine, as he worked alongside the other fathers to rece roof tiles on leaky roofs.


    The work wasn''t difficult, just tedious. Worried about Ningning, time ticked by slowly, and Huo Xiaozheng''s expression grew increasingly cold.


    The cameraman didn''t even dare to point the lens in his direction.


    Fortunately, it wasn''t long before the chattering voices of children could be heard approaching.


    The host asked, "Are the children back so soon?"


    Zhang Ling, being outgoing, immediately boasted, "With Ningning leading us, we finished the task quickly. Look, let''s exchange our rewards!"


    The host replied, "No rush. We''ll exchange them together once the fathers are done."


    Huo Guining let go of Yinuo''s small hand, handing her over to the host, and ran to Huo Xiaozheng, eximing, "Dad, I''m back!"


    Huo Xiaozheng was still busy on the roof, but seeing her return unharmed, some of his anxiety dissipated.


    He quickly climbed down thedder and wiped her slightly damp forehead with the back of his hand, asking, "Are you thirsty?"


    Huo Guining shook her head and whispered something in his ear like she was sharing a secret.


    Huo Xiaozheng was surprised at first, then nodded in agreement, "Alright, I''ll mention itter."


    Huo Guining nodded.


    After a while, the five men finally finished the repairs.


    The host gathered everyone together to exchange rewards.


    As Huo Guining had guessed, the treasures could be exchanged for items.


    "Now, children, please take out the treasures you found to exchange for gifts. Who wants to go first?"


    The children unanimously shouted, "Ningning (sister) first!"


    The host was taken aback, "Ningning seems to be the popr choice. Alright, Ningning, you''re up first!"


    Huo Guining took out her cards and exchanged them for meat, potatoes, and the fail-safe tomatoes and eggs.


    The host praised her, "Well done, Ningning! You found these treasures. Who''s next?"


    The cameraman shook his head silently, thinking: When the show airs, you''ll realize how meaningless your performance is now.


    Seeing Ningning finish, Yinuo couldn''t resist raising her little hand, "Yinuo wants ice cream!"


    The host mysteriously waved his hand, "Yinuo, it might not be ice cream, you know."


    The children confidently stated, "Hers is ice cream, it''s written on the card."


    The host was confused. ording to the n, each child should have found different treasures, emphasizing individualpetition.


    But it seemed like these children were all working together.


    Yinuo happily ran over and handed her card to the host, "Ice cream!"


    The host looked, and indeed it was!


    "Wow, Yinuo found ice cream!" he said, then his eyes gleamed mischievously as he added, "But there''s only one ice cream..."


    As he spoke, his eyes scanned each child''s face.


    The cameraman was so embarrassed he could curl his toes.


    "We know there''s only one," Liang Wenzhuo said proudly. "We already divided everything up, and the ice cream is for Yinuo!"


    Even the fathers were surprised by this.


    "Zhuo Zhuo, what''s going on here?"


    Children can hardly keep secrets, and hearing his father''s question, he immediately exined how Ningning had led them to quickly find all the items and how they had efficiently divided the spoils.


    He told his father everything in detail.


    Meanwhile, the story''s protagonist leaned nonchntly against Huo Xiaozheng''s leg, contentedly sipping her yogurt.


    Huo Xiaozheng patted her head, his eyes soft with affection.


    The host''s expression was shocked. Since Huo Guining had alreadypleted the process, he had be redundant.


    He dutifully took the cards from the children and distributed items to everyone in turn.


    After all themotion, the sun quickly began to set.


    Everyone headed home with their spoils.


    Yinuo swung her short legs, quickly walking towards Huo Guining, once again clutching the hem of her clothes.


    Huo Guining looked down, "Yinuo? What''s wrong?"


    Yinuo gazed up at her, "Going home with sister."


    Cao Xunbo came over and took Yinuo''s hand, "Sister needs to go home and eat with uncle. We cane y with sister after dinner, okay?"


    Yinuo shook off her father''s hand and hugged Huo Guining''s waist instead, "Eat with sister!"


    Facing Huo Xiaozheng''s cold stare, Cao Xunbo broke out in a cold sweat.


    "Yinuo, be good. Sister..."


    Remembering her earlier n, Huo Guining suddenly spoke up, "Yinuo, do you want to eat dinner with sister?"


    Yinuo''s eyes lit up, nodding vigorously, "Yes! I love Ningning sister the most!"


    Seeing Ningning say this, Huo Xiaozheng also spoke, "Then let''s have dinner at our ce."


    Cao Xunbo wiped the cold sweat from his brow and agreed.


    Huo Guining walked in front, holding Yinuo''s hand, with Huo Xiaozheng and Cao Xunbo following behind.


    Once inside, Huo Guining settled Yinuo in the courtyard, then ran to the kitchen to ask Huo Xiaozheng if he needed help.


    Huo Xiaozheng shook his head, reminding her to take her vitamins first.


    After Huo Guining left, Cao Xunbo sighed, "Ningning is raised so well."


    As soon as he said it, he regretted it. He had seen the news about Ningning, and hisment now seemed somewhat sarcastic.


    Surprisingly, Huo Xiaozheng didn''t give him a cold look.


    Instead, he seriously replied, "It''s not that we raised her well, it''s mainly that Ningning is naturally well-behaved."


    This made Cao Xunbo rx a bit.


    "I see. Our Yinuo can be quite troublesome sometimes. When things don''t go her way, she cries and throws tantrums. It''s quite headache-inducing."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s hands paused for a moment, "I''d rather Ningning was that willful."


    Hearing him say this, Cao Xunbo felt a pang of sympathy, "When Yinuo was little, she was almost kidnapped. After we found her, she became wary of strangers."


    "The fact that Yinuo has be so attached to Ningning on their first meeting shows that Ningning must be a kind-hearted child."


    "Good people will surely be rewarded. Just wait and see."


    Huo Xiaozheng gazed lovingly at Huo Guining in the courtyard, murmuring, "I hope you''re right."


    With Cao Xunbo''s help, Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Guining enjoyed a satisfying meal.


    In the evening, the children gathered to y hide-and-seek, while the adults chatted in the living room.


    Huo Xiaozheng patted Ningning''s head and asked softly, "Do you want to go y?"


    Huo Guining looked at the TV, then at Yinuo who was staring at her pitifully, and sighed inwardly.


    "Alright, I''ll go."


    As she stood up, her little shadow immediately clutched the hem of her clothes.


    The group of children marched out of the courtyard together.


    For the first round, Zhang Ling was "it".


    The children scattered in all directions as he started counting.


    Yinuo seemed not to have understood the rules and kept following Ningning.


    Huo Guining had no choice but to take her along, hiding in a small alley by the pond where a stone b perfectly concealed them both.


    The ancient vige at night lost its daytime gentleness. As darkness fell, a cool breeze brought a chill.


    At first, Zhang Ling was still counting, but as the children dispersed, silence settled around them.


    The rules hadn''t been exined clearly, and the children had scattered quite far.


    Zhang Ling happened to walk near where Huo Guining and Yinuo were hiding.


    The spot was quite windy, and Zhang Ling was hesitant to go further in.


    As he hesitated, a piercing cat''s cry suddenly echoed from deep in the alley.


    It was spine-chilling.


    The cameraman was startled and let out a yelp.


    Zhang Ling''s small frame shook, and he ran back in panic.


    Yinuo was also frightened to tears, clinging to Ningning and crying incessantly.


    Huo Guining struggled to pick her up, trying tofort her as they made their way out.


    "Help! A child has fallen into the water!"


    An urgent cry came through the walkie-talkie.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s expression turned grave as he strode out with long steps, leading the way.

 Chapter 110

    When Huo Xiaozheng arrived at the scene, Huo Guining was soaked through, curled up in a towel.


    Yinuo sat next to her, eyes red, looking like she wanted to cry but didn''t dare.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s heart tightened: "Ningning, what happened?"


    Huo Guining gave him a smile: "Zhang Ling just fell into the water. I tried to pull him out, but identally got dragged in too."


    "But it''s okay, I can swim, so nothing serious happened," she paused, then added, "Zhang Ling is fine too."


    Huo Xiaozheng felt an inexplicable surge of irritation, but he didn''t want to pass on negative emotions to Ningning.


    He took a deep breath, epted a towel from a staff member, and wrapped Huo Guining up in itpletely.


    Then, ignoring the gazes of those around, he carried Ningning straight back to their lodgings.


    Seeing this, the main producer gave the cameraman a look, and the cameraman scurried after them.


    Huo Xiaozheng remained silent the whole time. Back at their room, he wordlessly ran a bath for Ningning, letting her soak in the hot water and change into dry clothes.


    When they returned to the bedroom, Huo Guining saw that Huo Xiaozheng''s expression was still not good.


    She timidly spoke up: "Dad, are you angry?"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s heart constricted: "No, Dad''s not angry with you."


    Huo Guining was confused: "If you''re not angry with me, why do you look so serious?"


    "Dad''s angry with himself. I still haven''t taught you how to rely on me properly."


    Huo Xiaozheng felt somewhat helpless: "A pond isn''t like a swimming pool. The depth is unpredictable, and there might be mud and weeds at the bottom. What if you had gotten tangled up?"


    Huo Guining obediently admitted her mistake: "I''m sorry, I acted too impulsively."


    "At that moment, the cameraman had fallen, and Zhang Ling was about to choke on water. I was panicked, so..."


    Huo Xiaozheng shook his head: "It''s not your fault. The adults were too careless."


    She nced weakly at Huo Xiaozheng, then continued hesitantly: "I did think about calling for you, but there wasn''t enough time..."


    "Really?"


    Seeing Huo Xiaozheng''s attitude soften, Huo Guining immediately straightened up and raised her hand to swear: "Absolutely true!"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s anger dissipated a bit: "Were you hurt?"


    Huo Guining shook her head obediently: "Not at all."


    Then, she couldn''t help but feel a little proud: "Dad, I think I was pretty amazing. I managed to swim and drag Zhang Ling along at the same time..."


    Huo Xiaozheng chuckled: "That is indeed quite impressive."


    The barrier between father and daughter dissipated.


    "Knock knock."


    There was a knock at the door.


    Huo Xiaozheng draped a jacket over Huo Guining''s shoulders and opened the door.


    It was Zhang Ling and his father.


    "Mr. Huo, hello. I''ve brought Zhang Ling to thank Ningning."


    Zhang Ling peeked out from behind his father and waved at Ningning: "Ningning, thank you so much for earlier."


    Huo Xiaozheng showed no intention of inviting them in.


    Huo Guining walked to the doorway and politely said, "You''re wee."


    So, the four of them stood there, inside and outside the door, exchanging a few dry words.


    As the night wind began to rise, Zhang Ling''s father was about to leave with his son.


    But Zhang Ling shook off his father''s hand and walked up to Ningning.


    "Ningning, can I talk to you for a moment?"


    Although puzzled, Ningning still gave an affirmative answer: "Sure."


    Zhang Ling, looking mysterious, tried to pull Huo Guining aside.


    Huo Xiaozheng extended an iron hand to stop him, his tone ominous: "If you have something to say, just say it. No need to pull her away."


    Huo Guining also didn''t like this behavior and advised: "Just say what you want to say. My dad isn''t an outsider."


    Zhang Ling fidgeted for a while, then mustered up his courage: "Ningning, I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to say bad things about you this morning."


    Huo Guining thought for a moment before realizing: "Oh, so it was you who said that this morning?"


    Zhang Ling nodded, nced at his father, then timidly continued.


    "My dad said that talking like that would hurt your feelings. I''m sorry, I shouldn''t have learned a few phrases online and then carelessly repeated them."


    At this point, little Zhang Ling earnestly evaluated: "Ningning, you''re the best girl I''ve ever met."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s brow furrowed. What was this kid saying?


    "I''m truly sorry for hurting your feelings," Zhang Ling said, bowing deeply to her.


    Zhang Ling''s father also apologized: "Mr. Huo, Ningning, I''m sorry. It''s my fault for not guiding him properly. The staff members said a few things casually, and I didn''t realize he had overheard."


    "I''m truly sorry this happened."


    Zhang Ling''s father was an athlete, with slightly dark skin and a proper, sincere face.


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t respond, but looked to Huo Guining instead.


    Huo Guining thought for a moment, then spoke seriously: "Zhang Ling, you should understand the situation clearly beforementing on me and my mom."


    "Although I don''t think I''ve done anything wrong, I indeed don''t like being talked about like that."


    Zhang Ling''s mouth turned down, looking so guilty he might cry at any moment.


    Huo Guining changed the subject: "However, since you didn''t mean any harm, I''ll forgive you this time. But don''t let it happen again!"


    Zhang Ling''s eyes lit up, and he reached out to hug Huo Guining: "Ningning, you''re such a good person!"


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned, pulled Ningning back, and pushed her into the room, issuing an undisguised dismissal.


    "If there''s nothing else, you should go. Ningning needs to sleep."


    Seeing that Huo Xiaozheng''s face was still cold, Zhang Ling''s father felt a bit uneasy.


    But since he had said this, they couldn''t keep lingering. He had to pull his son away.


    The cameraman thought: Perfect, we''ve got material for this episode and even some extras.


    Huo Xiaozheng closed the door and watched her finish taking her vitamins.


    "Zhang Ling is quite cute," Huo Guining said, amused as she recalled Zhang Ling''s almost-crying expression.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s face darkened: "What''s cute about him? He can''t even speak properly."


    Huo Guining nodded in agreement: "That''s true, that part isn''t so good."


    On the way home, Zhang Ling sneezed: "Dad, should we send some cold medicine to Ningning? Do you think she might catch a cold?"


    Recalling Huo Xiaozheng''s expression, Zhang Ling''s father wanted to knock some sense into his son.


    "Ningning has her dad to take care of her if she gets sick. Why are you worried about it?"


    "But Ningning is my lifesaver. Caring about her is the code of brotherhood!"


    "You''ve been watching too many martial arts dramas," Zhang Ling''s father thought silently. He made a mental note to keep a close eye on his son tomorrow and prevent him from getting too close to Ningning.


    Zhang Ling''s dangerousments from earlier had likely put him on Mr. Huo''s cklist.


    Thinking of this, Zhang Ling''s father advised him: "Son, when you talk to Ningning tomorrow, don''t be so ambiguous. You might get beaten up."


    Zhang Ling was confused: "Ambiguous?"


    Zhang Ling''s father: "Say what needs to be said, and don''t say what shouldn''t be said."


    "No, starting tomorrow, you should practice the skill of being silent," he added.


    Zhang Ling: ...

 Chapter 111

    The night in the ancient vige was peaceful and quiet.


    This was the first time Huo Guining and Huo Xiaozhengy on the same bed.


    Moonlight filtered through the not-quite-opaque curtains, falling on the bed, faintly illuminating their faces.


    Huo Guiningy with her legs crossed, hands behind her head, looking content.


    "Dad, can you hear that?" she asked.


    The sound of frogs croaking filled the air, asionally interrupted by the wind rustling through the treetops or crickets chirping in the corner.


    Huo Xiaozhengy straight, with his hands on his waist. Hearing Guining''s question, he opened his eyes and replied, "Mm, it sounds nice."


    "It''s so quiet here," Huo Guining mused. "It''s like a night covered in thick snow. But even more wonderful!"


    Her rxed tone infected Huo Xiaozheng, who allowed himself to rx and immerse in the natural nighttime atmosphere.


    "Do you like it here?" he asked.


    Huo Guining nodded, then realizing Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t see clearly, she added, "Yes, I do."


    "Then we''lle back again someday."


    Huo Guining wiggled her feet, unconsciously humming along with the insects'' songs.


    The nameless tune, carrying its owner''s good mood, floated away on the breeze.


    In the darkness, Huo Xiaozheng''s lips slowly curved into a smile.


    It seems this trip wasn''t a mistake after all.


    The next morning.


    "Achoo!" Huo Guining sat up in bed, sneezing repeatedly.


    Huo Xiaozheng brought over a cup of cold medicine, speaking softly, "Drink this, you''ll feel better."


    Huo Guining took it and downed it in one gulp.


    The bitter medicine was barely masked by a thinyer of sweetness, leaving an odd aftertaste.


    Huo Guining made a sour face and bargained, "Can I have a candy, Dad?"


    Huo Guining had developed a fever in the second half of the night.


    When Huo Xiaozheng discovered it, her back was drenched in sweat, her face flushed, and she was curled up next to his arm, whimpering.


    Huo Xiaozheng expertly retrieved a thermometer and fever medication from the suitcase, took her temperature - it was a low-grade fever.


    Considering Guining''s weak constitution, Huo Xiaozheng gave her half a dose of fever reducer.


    He then used a dry towel to wipe the sweat from her back and changed her into dry pajamas.


    Half an hourter, Guining''s fever broke, and she stopped whimpering.


    She slept untilte morning.


    But Huo Xiaozheng didn''t dare let his guard down. After breakfast, he still coaxed her into drinking a cup of cold medicine.


    Huo Xiaozheng had the production team bring over Guining''s snack bag, from which he selected a preserved plum ginger candy and handed it to her.


    "You were very good about taking your medicine today, so you deserve a candy."


    Huo Guining lifted her chin proudly: "Of course."


    Due to Guining''s illness, the Huo father and daughter didn''t participate in the morning''s tasks.


    The production team came to inquire if they could join the uing activities. Huo Xiaozheng''s instinct was to refuse.


    But Huo Guining didn''t want to giveizens any reason to criticize, so she said she could participate in the uing activities.


    Fortunately, the task before lunch was for the children to draw scenes from the ancient vige, which would then be judged by local elders.


    The fathers could help, but weren''t allowed to draw for their children.


    Whichever child received the highest score would win the most generous reward for their family.


    Huo Guining suspected this was entirely Huo Xiaozheng''s behind-the-scenes maniption, but she had no proof.


    Once the task began, the children sat down at tables near the vige entrance and started drawing.


    Although it was children''s art, the show provided quite a variety of tools.


    The ancient vige wasn''t particrly colorful, so after some thought, Huo Guining decided to do a sketch.


    Little Yinuo sat down next to Huo Guining, scribbling with her crayons.


    Liang Wenzhuo, Zhang Ling, and Haohao started ying tic-tac-toe as they drew.


    The adults were running around frantically, grabbing one child here, calling out to another there.


    The scene was chaotic yet harmonious.


    On the Huo family''s side, the atmosphere was noticeably different.


    Once Huo Guining entered her drawing zone, she became almostpletely absorbed.


    To avoid spreading her cold, she wore a face mask.


    Apart from asional coughing and wiping her nose, she was almost entirely cut off from the world around her.


    Huo Xiaozheng sat beside her, his long legs crossed, staring at her pencil, lost in thought.


    After what seemed like an eternity, the host called time.


    Huo Guining snapped out of her trance.


    With her artistic background, Huo Guining was in apletely different league from the other children.


    Except for Liang Wenzhuo, who had apparently also studied art at home.


    So his drawing was quite good too.


    When the results were announced, Huo Guining unsurprisingly won first ce.


    "The first prize is a sumptuous lunch provided by the show!" the host announced.


    Huo Guining pped her hands without much excitement and volunteered to share with everyone.


    The fathers and children naturally didn''t refuse.


    "Guining, is your cold still bothering you?" Zhang Ling''s father asked, surprised that his son''s early morning prediction hade true, as he''d heard Guining coughing non-stop since dawn.


    Huo Guining replied in a stuffy voice, "I''ve taken medicine, it''s much better now."


    The variety showsted two days and one night. After lunch, it was time for everyone to part ways.


    Worried about Guining''s health, Huo Xiaozheng quickly packed their things, ready to leave.


    Yinuo, with red-rimmed eyes, clung to Huo Guining''s clothes, reluctant to let go. "Guining big sister, are you leaving?"


    Huo Guining, still wearing her mask, bent down to hug her. "Yes, I have to go now."


    "Will youe back again?"


    Production team: Good question!


    Huo Guining avoided answering directly: "Yinuo, are you going to miss me?"


    The little girl nodded, looking pitiful.


    Huo Guining couldn''t resist reaching out to pinch her chubby cheeks. "If you miss me, you cane y at my house when you''re back in South City."


    Yinuo''s eyes lit up. "Really?"


    Huo Guining nodded.


    Zhang Ling rushed over, butting in: "I want toe too!"


    Before Huo Xiaozheng could refuse, Huo Guining''s cheerful voice rang out: "Sure!"


    Not only did she agree, but she extended the invitation to everyone.


    "You can alle!"


    Huo Xiaozheng: ...


    Huo Guining was scooped up by Huo Xiaozheng, who walked away without looking back.


    Not far off, their driver was waiting. He took the luggage from Huo Xiaozheng''s hand and, seeing Huo Xiaozheng''s gloomy expression, stepped hard on the gas pedal, quickly disappearing from everyone''s sight.


    The Huo father and daughter hade in a rush and left in a rush.


    Once in the car, Huo Guining''s forced energy copsed.


    She curled up weakly in her safety seat, drowsy.


    "If you''re tired, go to sleep," Huo Xiaozheng said, closing the car window and covering her with a thin nket.


    Huo Guining obediently closed her eyes.


    Huo Xiaozheng opened hisptop and began to work.


    "Dad, let''s note next time, okay?" Huo Guining murmured, half-asleep. "I don''t want you to be so tired."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s hands paused.


    Huo Guining, clearly unable to distinguish between sleep and wakefulness, muttered these words, probably truly concerned about how busy Huo Xiaozheng was, yet still making time to y with her.


    Huo Xiaozheng stroked her head. "Dad''s not tired."


    Huo Guining seemed reassured and fell asleep, her head lolling to one side.


    It wasn''t until after the show aired that Huo Guining realized.


    Huo Xiaozheng had an ulterior motive for bringing her to participate in this variety show.

 Chapter 112

    Huo Yueze was in the midst of his middle school entrance exams. Although the pressure wasn''t intense, his studies kept him busy, and he also faced the same herbal soup task as Huo Guining.


    "Come on, this one''s for Ning Ning, and this one''s for Aze," Zheng Jinxiu enthusiastically ced the soup bowls in front of the two.


    Considering Ning Ning had just recovered from a cold, Zheng Jinxiu had added extra ingredients to hers.


    The siblings exchanged nces across the dining table.


    Huo Guining, with the air of someone who''d been through it all, advised, "Brother, this herbal soup is quite good."


    Despite her words, her posture as she drank the soup resembled that of someone resigned to their fate.


    Huo Yueze thought: There''s no need for that.


    All of this happened behind Zheng Jinxiu''s back.


    When Zheng Jinxiu sat down at the table, the siblings greeted her with identical smiles: "Grandma, the herbal soup you made is absolutely delicious!"


    Huo Xiaozheng: I can''t bear to watch.


    After dinner, Old Master Huo called Huo Xiaozheng to his study.


    Huo Yueze and Huo Guining each held a fruit tter, sitting at opposite ends of the sofa, resembling old folks gossiping at the vige entrance.


    "Sister, is North City fun?"


    Huo Guiningy like azy fish, popping a grape into her mouth: "It''s alright, the scenery is quite nice."


    Huo Yuezeined, "Why didn''t you take me along? I could have been part of the parent-child program too!"


    Huo Guining shook her head wearily: "It''s all little kids. You''d get tired looking after them."


    Huo Yueze imagined a flock of ducklings circling around him and couldn''t help but shudder.


    "Well, never mind then. After my entrance exams, let''s go on a trip together, shall we?"


    Hearing the words ''entrance exams'', Huo Guining sat up straight: "Brother, which high school are you aiming for?"


    Huo Yueze took some time to exin to Ning Ning that he was currently in a prestigious private school with both middle and high school sections. If his scores met the standard, he could directly enter the high school section.


    "Ning Ning, will you be starting elementary school in the second half of the year?" Huo Yueze asked casually.


    Thinking of her private tutor, Huo Guining hesitated: "I probably won''t be going."


    Huo Yueze: "Won''t you get bored?"


    Huo Guining: "I suppose so."


    After pondering for a moment, Huo Guining thought: "If I went to sixth grade, would the ssmates be less rowdy?"


    Huo Yueze paused: "Ning Ning, sixth grade isn''t kindergarten. You can''t go there..."


    Huo Guining smiled mischievously: "My tutor suggested I start directly with middle school knowledge, you know~"


    Huo Yueze''s expression froze.


    "You''re joking, right?"


    Just then, Huo Xiaozheng came downstairs. Huo Guining waved at him, calling out loudly: "Dad, didn''t my teacher say before that I could skip elementary school learning?"


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded: "Indeed, it''s possible. Have you made up your mind?"


    Huo Guining didn''t answer his question. Instead, she shed a triumphant smile at Huo Yueze: "Now do you believe me?"


    Huo Yueze suddenly found the fruit in his hand less sweet.


    "Uncle, did Ning Ning inherit her intelligence... from you?"


    Huo Guining suddenly felt nervous. Her umted knowledge only went up to high school level. To call her a genius might be an overstatement.


    Huo Xiaozheng shook his head.


    Huo Guining breathed a sigh of relief, but the next second, Huo Xiaozheng''s words caught her off guard.


    "We haven''t had Ning Ning tested, but it''s probably not far off," Huo Xiaozheng said casually.


    Huo Guining: ...


    "Aze will be entering high school next semester. If you want to go to school, you could certainly enter the middle school section," Huo Xiaozheng said. "However, given your young age, you might attract too much attention..."


    What Huo Xiaozheng didn''t finish saying was that he worried Ning Ning might be bullied due to her young age.


    But it didn''t matter. As long as Ning Ning wanted to do it, he would clear all obstacles for her.


    Huo Guining fell into deep thought.


    In her previous life, her time had been limited. She hadn''t had the chance to do much before passing away.


    Now, she had plenty of time to spare. Although her body wasn''t in the best condition, it didn''t stop her from pursuing her dreams.


    In her previous life, due to her physical condition, she hadn''t been able to properly experience campus life.


    Given this second chance, she not only wanted to realize her dreams but also experience normal school life.


    "Dad, I want to enter first grade through the normal process," Huo Guining said. "But for my studies, I''d still like to have a private tutor teach me ording to my abilities."


    In other words, she would enter first grade but learn middle school and beyond knowledge in advance.


    Huo Yueze was stunned.


    He was at the top of his ss at school, but he had never encountered anyone skipping grades.


    Yet his sister was so intelligent.


    Huo Xiaozheng was very calm: "Alright, we''ll arrange for your enrollment in September."


    Huo Guining gave Huo Xiaozheng an OK sign and continued chatting with Huo Yueze.


    "Brother,e September, we''ll be schoolmates then."


    Huo Yueze waved at her with a stiff smile: "Hi, junior..."


    ...


    On the day the variety show aired, Zheng Jinxiu specially gathered the Huo family to watch together.


    Huo Xiaozheng also cleared his evening schedule, and the family satfortably on the sofa, waiting for the show to start.


    Due to editing, the official broadcast differed quite a bit from what actually happened.


    The show opened with a stunningly handsome shot of Huo Xiaozheng standing on the second floor.


    As the camera switched, Huo Guining appeared on the screen.


    Her rosy cheeks and slightly babyish whining made the elders exim how adorable she was.


    The joy was theirs, the embarrassment was Huo Guining''s.


    She buried her face in her piggy plush, not daring to look up.


    Zheng Jinxiu teased, "Is Ning Ning feeling shy?"


    Huo Guining nodded frantically.


    Zheng Jinxiuughed, "If I hadn''t seen it on TV, I wouldn''t have known Ning Ning looked so cute when waking up!"


    Huo Guining shyly raised her head, reached past Huo Xiaozheng to hug Zheng Jinxiu, and softly said, "Love you, Grandma."


    Huo Yueze let out a strange cry: "Oh~ Only love for Grandma~ Brother hasn''t seen Ning Ning looking so cute either!"


    Huo Guining didn''t fall for it: "Well, now you''ve seen it."


    She pointed towards the TV screen.


    Huo Yueze: My sister looks super cute even when she''s sassing me!


    At this moment, Zhang Ling''s impolitement suddenly rang out.


    Huo Guining nced at Huo Xiaozheng, her eyes filled with disbelief.


    She hadn''t expected Huo Xiaozheng to allow the production team to include this line in the final cut.


    Huo Yueze was the first to get angry: "How dare that brat speak so rudely? Uncle, why didn''t you punch him!"


    Huo Xiaozheng gave him a sidelong nce: "How do you know I didn''t?"


    Huo Guining was shocked: "Dad, did you really hit Zhang Ling in private?!"


    Huo Xiaozheng: "No, Dad didn''t."


    He had only beaten the boy ck and blue with his eyes.


    Huo Yueze snorted: "Just let me run into that kid, I''ll definitely..."


    Zuo Qinfang pped the back of his head: "What are you going to do? Getting above yourself, aren''t you? Haven''t I always told you to learn from your uncle? What have you been learning all this time?"


    Huo Yueze looked bewildered: Learn from uncle to do what? To be a spiritual Ah Q?


    Huo Xiaozheng gave a cold smile.


    In the art of war, the supreme excellence is to subdue the enemy without fighting, to kill without spilling blood.

 Chapter 113

    Soon, Huo Yueze understood Zuo Qinfang''s meaning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This parent-child reality show already had high poprity, and after officially announcing the participation of Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Guining, its poprity reached new heights.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Besides television broadcast, it was also streamed simultaneously on online video tforms.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As soon as Zhang Ling said this, the bullet screenments immediately covered the screenpletely.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "How ill-mannered!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "As expected, an athlete''s child is so straightforward!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What''s wrong with telling the truth? Can the Huo family silence everyone?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "This is pure nder, the official court results have been released."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Is thew always fair? Someone must have manipted things behind the scenes."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    "To the person above, I hope you have a mother like Ning Ning in your next life!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zhang Ling''s father, watching from afar, was also startled.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As an athlete, his career was short-lived and grueling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Relying on his past world champion aura and his rtively presentable face, he had originally nned to enter the entertainment industry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    To find a better way out for himself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Now, with one sentence from his son, his path to stardom was likely ruined.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He immediately called the director''s team, but they didn''t answer.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze scrolled through social media while secretly ncing at Huo Xiaozheng.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He leaned close to Zuo Qinfang''s ear and whispered, "Mom, don''t you think this is Uncle''s handiwork?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zuo Qinfang smiled elegantly: "Not bad, you''re notpletely hopeless after all."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze: ...You really are my birth mother.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining mumbled, "This editing is deliberately stirring up trouble."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng raised an eyebrow: "Ning Ning is so clever."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining smiled sweetly: "They just want topics for discussion, right? The more controversy, the more they like it."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "When ratings are high, it''s easier for them to mize the traffic."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Master Huo gave a thumbs up: "Ning Ning is very perceptive."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining felt guilty, she was just a small thief, stealing experiences fromizens in her past life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She returned her gaze to the TV, not daring to respond.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Sure enough, after Zhang Ling said this, the production team didn''t offer any exnation for this statement, but simply let the program continue as nned.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Netizens were holding back their anger.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Some were angry at Zhang Ling, others at Ning Ning.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    With this pent-up energy, the show''s poprity online grew higher and higher.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    And as the interesting personalities of Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Guining were revealed, along with Huo Xiaozheng''s humorous side despite being a CEO,<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Theizens'' anger towards Ning Ning gradually subsided.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The episode ended abruptly at this point.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    To find out what happens next, please tune in tomorrow at noon.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Or, be a valued VIP member to watch in advance.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze angrily spent 198 yuan to be a valued VIP member of the video website.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Master Huo approved of Huo Yueze''s action and immediately transferred him a red envelope of 10,000 yuan.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze: A pie falling from the sky, knocking himself out.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining: Does no one care about her embarrassment and life anymore?<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


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


    The next day''s episode had fewerughs.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng saw firsthand for the first time how bravely and decisively Huo Guining saved Zhang Ling.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It was somewhat different from Huo Guining''s description.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At the time, the lighting outside the ancestral hall was not bright.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s decision to save him waspletely instinctive.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The only adult PD had fallen to the ground, the pond reflected the cold moonlight, and Zhang Ling''s panic was evident on camera.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Then, Huo Guining lunged towards the edge of the pond, reaching out her hand to firmly grab Zhang Ling, who was taller and heavier than her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining nced at the PD, realizing the camera PD seemed to be injured and unable to rescue immediately.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She looked towards the ancestral hall again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This action waspletely a mistake.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    So, Huo Guining fell into the water.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s heart clenched as he followed the camera.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining first sshed around a few times, and after getting her head above water, she found that Zhang Ling had choked on water and his head was almost submerged.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She immediately swam to Zhang Ling''s side, grabbed his body and pushed him up, while gritting her teeth and swimming towards the shore.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But Huo Guining was too small and thin, and the size difference with Zhang Ling was too great.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After a few steps, she was already panting heavily.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    But she didn''t give up.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Fortunately, soon after, a staff member jumped into the pond, lifted both of them up, and brought them to the shore in a few moves.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Everyone present breathed a sigh of relief.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Master Huo frowned: "Huo Xiaozheng, is this how you take care of people?!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    His tone was somewhat stern.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining immediately said: "Grandpa, don''t be angry with Dad, it''s all my fault!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Master Huo sighed: "Your intentions were good, but..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining lowered her little head: "But I shouldn''t have set out..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Master Huo: ...<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 Yueze: ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zheng Jinxiu burst outughing: "Ning Ning, don''t be upset with Grandpa. He''s just worried about your safety."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining timidly looked at Old Master Huo: "I know, Dad is also angry because he''s worried about me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I won''t do it again."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Grandpa, if you scold Dad, Dad will be sad, and I''ll be sad too."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Master Huo red at Huo Xiaozheng somewhat jealously, thenpromised: "Alright, alright, we''ll listen to Ning Ning. But this shouldn''t happen again."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s lips curled into a smile as he gave a low "Mm" in response.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Master Huo: It''s just unpleasant to look at.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The show ended with Zhang Ling''s apology.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze angrily said: "That kid''s apology is fine, but why are his words so strange?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng gave Huo Yueze an approving look.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining asked in confusion: "Zhang Ling''s words weren''t strange at all, he was clearly praising me."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As she spoke, Huo Guining startedughing to herself.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing this, Huo Yueze became even more annoyed: "You''re not falling for that little..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng threw a pillow at him, interrupting his words.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zuo Qinfang smiled and shook her head: "Ning Ning, you can invite your friends over to our house."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining smiled sweetly: "Aunt, I''ve already invited them."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Zuo Qinfang''s eyes lit up: "When? Aunt will make small cakes to entertain your friends."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining fell into thought: "I just invited them, we didn''t set a date."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After saying this, she turned to look at Huo Xiaozheng: "Dad, do you have their contact information?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Faced with Ning Ning''s eager gaze, Huo Xiaozheng decided to lie on the spot: No.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The Huo family: ...<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After the show aired, the poprity of the Huo father-daughter duo remained high.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Given Huo Guining''s kindness shown in the program and Huo Xiaozheng''s fatherly image, the public''s impression of the two greatly improved.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Huo Xiaozheng is clearly such a good father, I love it! I''m going to buy Huo family products right away to support my electronic father-daughter duo."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    "My little goose has finally found happiness!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "I''ve been saying all along that my little goose and her dad are innocent, do you believe it now?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Huo Dad is so gentle with his daughter, he can''t be that bad no matter what."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 114

    The production team gained poprity, and Huo Xiaozheng had the public rtions department clearly expose the entanglement between Ningning and her mother.


    In an instant, the inte was flooded with support for Huo Guining.


    Meanwhile, Huo Xiaozheng officially held a press conference.


    He hoped that various media outlets would not over-interpret his daughter''s experiences.


    Official media also used Huo Guining''s case to propose amendments tows and regtions on child abuse.


    From this point on, one-sided news about Ningning sending her birth mother to prison would no longer appear on the inte.


    In Huo Xiaozheng''s office.


    Huo Guining shifted her gaze from the tablet screen to Huo Xiaozheng behind the desk.


    "Dad, did you specially take me to that parent-child reality show for my sake?"


    Huo Xiaozheng looked up from his documents, pondered for a moment before saying, "If I say yes, would it burden you psychologically?"


    Huo Guining shook her head and frankly said, "No burden, just gratitude. Thank you for doing this for me."


    Huo Xiaozheng gave a shortugh.


    "This is what a father should do. You don''t need to say thank you."


    "You were originally such a kind child. I just found an opportunity to let everyone understand your goodness."


    Huo Guining smiled sweetly.


    Given the show''s unprecedented high ratings, the production team extended an invitation for the Huo father and daughter to be regr participants.


    After asking Huo Guining''s opinion, Huo Xiaozheng decisively refused.


    In June, Huo Yueze took part in the high school entrance examination.


    It was very hot on the day of the exam. Although Huo Yueze had told his family not to wait for him at the school gate, Huo Guining still chose to wait eagerly at the gate, acting as Huo Yueze''s guardian.


    Initially, Huo Xiaozheng didn''t agree with her spending the whole day waiting for Huo Yueze to finish his exam.


    The weather was so hot, and sitting in the car all day wasn''t good for her health.


    Moreover, with the crowding and going, it would be easy for a stampede to ur.


    After much persuasion, Huo Guining finally got Huo Xiaozheng to agree to wait for Huo Yueze toe home on the day the exam ended.


    Huo Xiaozheng had no choice but to let her go, asking Uncle Zhou to apany her in case of any needs.


    Because ¡ª Zuo Qinfang was an exam invigtor and couldn''t wait at the gate.


    On a June day, cicadas chirped incessantly, the air was stifling, and the scorching sun gradually climbed overhead as temperatures rose.


    Sweat-soaked sleeves couldn''t shield the hearts of parents waiting for their exam-taking children. They stood under the shade of trees or in nearby milk tea shops, chatting in small groups, full of anticipation.


    asionally, a breeze would blow by, its cool touch eliciting sighs of relief.


    Huo Guining''s car was parked not far from the school.


    Unlike the stuffiness outside, the car was very cool, with her favorite iced drinks and vani ice cream in the car refrigerator.


    Huo Guining sat cross-legged in the back seat, sketching in her notebook, mimicking the adults outside as she looked left and right towards the school gate.


    As the sun began to set, an announcement that the exam had ended came from within the campus.


    Soon after, the school gates opened, and students began to file out.


    The once-quiet crowd began to move, each heading towards their loved ones.


    Huo Guining, not to be outdone, craned her neck in anticipation.


    Huo Yueze, tall and handsome, soon appeared in Huo Guining''s line of sight.


    Huo Guining dropped her pencil and immediately opened the car door, rushing out.


    "Brother!"


    Huo Guining called out while waving her hand in Huo Yueze''s direction.


    But Huo Guining was too small; despite her best efforts to wave, she was quickly swallowed up by the crowd.


    Seeing the situation, Uncle Zhou immediately followed, carefully protecting her surroundings.


    "Yueze! Let''s have dinner together tonight!"


    A boy put his arm around Huo Yueze''s shoulder, looking excited.


    Huo Yueze frowned, thinking he had just heard Ningning''s voice.


    He casually replied, "That''s fine."


    The boy shouted something behind him, then said, "Thene with me, let''s go!"


    As he spoke, he was about to lead Huo Yueze in another direction.


    "Brother! I''m here!"


    A childish voice cut through the bustling crowd, falling directly into Huo Yueze''s ears.


    Huo Yueze looked towards the source of the sound. Huo Guining was jumping up and down in the crowd, stretching her neck and arms towards his direction.


    Huo Yueze''s face lit up with joy: "Sister!"


    He shook off the boy''s hand, pushed through the crowd, and went in Huo Guining''s direction.


    "Ningning, why are you here?" Huo Yueze stood in front of Huo Guining and stretched out his arms to pick her up.


    Huo Guining said with a bright smile: "I''m here to pick you up."


    She handed the bouquet she had been carefully protecting to Huo Yueze, as if presenting a treasure.


    Green Polemonium and white peonies ovepped, wrapped in blue and white paper.


    "Brother, the meaning of this bouquet is ''rx''! Congrattions on graduating from middle school! You''re amazing!"


    Huo Yueze held Huo Guining with one arm and took the bouquet with the other, feeling incredibly touched.


    "Is this for me from Ningning? I love it so much!"


    Huo Guining said proudly: "I chose everything myself, from the flowers to the wrapping paper~!"


    Hearing this, Huo Yueze was even more moved, his eyes brimming with tears.


    "Yueze! How did you disappear as soon as I turned around..." It was the boy from earlier: "Oh... isn''t this little sister Ningning?"


    Huo Guining had met this boy before, he was Huo Yueze''s friend.


    She was about to greet him...


    Huo Yueze turned his body while holding Huo Guining, causing her to face away from the boy: "Chen Zheng, can you not casually call her ''sister''? Ningning is my sister, not yours!"


    Chen Zhengughed and raised both hands in surrender: "Okay, okay, your sister! Do you want to bring your sister to the dinner gathering?"


    Huo Guining tilted her head: "Brother, are you going to a dinner gathering?"


    Huo Yueze asked: "If you want to go, we''ll go. If you don''t want to go, we''ll go home."


    This sounded vaguely familiar.


    Huo Guining thought for a moment: "I want to go and y."


    Huo Yueze said "Okay," then turned to ask Chen Zheng: "Where was the gathering ce again?"


    Chen Zheng, seeing his taskpleted, was in high spirits and said eagerly: "I''ll lead the way!"


    Huo Guining asked Uncle Zhou: "Uncle Zhou, do you have time to take us to the dinner?"


    Uncle Zhou smiled: "Of course. Mr. Huo said that today I''m at Miss Ningning''s disposal."


    Huo Guining thanked him.


    The three of them got into the car together and drove to their destination.


    Huo Yueze held his graduation bouquet, unable to let it go.


    Huo Guining sat beside him, obediently reporting their schedule to Huo Xiaozheng.


    "Dad, I''m going to attend brother''s ss dinner gathering tonight."


    "Isn''t it fun? But I''m very curious about what a graduation dinner is like."


    "We will. We can be back before 9 o''clock." Huo Guining patted Huo Yueze and asked, "Right, brother?"


    Huo Yueze nodded, gesturing for her to give him the phone.


    "Uncle, don''t worry. I''ll take good care of Ningning and bring her home safely," Huo Yueze promised.


    On the other end of the phone, Huo Xiaozheng''s voice was cool: "No need, I''ll pick her up at 9. Send me the address."

 Chapter 115

    Huo Yueze looked somewhat fatigued after hanging up the phone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining asked with concern, "Brother, did you... not do well on the exam?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing this, Huo Yueze felt even more exhausted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He lowered his head, looking at the bouquet in his arms, and finally felt a glimmer offort in his weary heart.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He pulled himself together and said, "Brother did very well on the exam, don''t worry."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining didn''t quite believe him but nodded anyway.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chen Zhengughed, "Yueze, did your uncle criticize you again?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze shot him a sharp nce, "Are you itching for trouble?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chen Zheng waved his hand, "Cheer up, you''ll have something to be happy about tonight!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    In her previous life, she hadn''t been able to attend the graduation gathering due to poor health, which had always been a regret for her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Hearing Chen Zheng say this, she was sure the graduation party would be a lot of fun.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze waved his hand dismissively and turned to ask Huo Guining if she was hungry or thirsty.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


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


    The party venue was at a five-star hotel, with a private room already booked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    On the way, worried that Huo Guining might not make it until the food was served, Huo Yueze insisted on stopping to buy her a beef burger.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining epted it graciously.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chen Zheng wasn''t so lucky. With his stomach growling from hunger, he not only had to buy a burger for Guining but also had to usher the two into the private room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even someone as insensitive as Huo Yueze sensed something was off.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Chen Zheng, have you done something to wrong me?" Huo Yueze asked directly, "Why are you acting like such a bootlicker?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chen Zheng grinned foolishly, "Well, we''re about to graduate, right? I was thinking, what if we''re not in the same ss in high school, so I should cherish the present moment, you know?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze got goosebumps from his words and quickly led Guining into the private room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As they walked, he cursed, "Chen Zheng, you''re so damn disgusting!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining had a vague premonition of what might happen.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing Huo Yueze''s innocent face, she felt quite excited.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When the three entered the private room, it was packed with people, the noise almost lifting the roof.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Yueze, you''re here!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    People kept greeting Huo Yueze.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He waved in response.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He sat down with Huo Guining on the sofa on the right side of the room, habitually taking out vitamins from her small bag and feeding them to her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Some girls, seeing how cute Huo Guining was, immediately came over.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Huo Yueze, you brought your sister again. She''s so cute, I want to pat her."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze stretched out his hand to block them, "Don''t pat my sister. Have you sanitized your hands? My sister is prone to allergies."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    Some who were seeing Huo Guining for the first time asked curiously, "Huo Yueze, has your sister been on a variety show before?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze nodded, "Yes, she has."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He wouldn''t let people get close to Huo Guining, yet he couldn''t help but boast, "Isn''t my sister even cuter in person than on TV?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Indeed! Your sister looks a lot like your father. She''s incredibly pretty."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Thisment clearly pleased Huo Guining, and she smiled sweetly, "Thank you for thepliment, big sister!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Soon after, Huo Yueze''s homeroom teacher arrived, and the gathering officially began.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The teacher first gave a graduation speech, expressing his fondness and attachment to this ss.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After a round of well-wishes, Huo Yueze was worried that Huo Guining might feel tired from boredom.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    To his surprise, Guining was listening intently to every word with her big eyes wide open.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At emotional moments, she even had tears in her eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze: Doesn''t quite understand, but knows how tofort.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Little sister, don''t believe Old Liu''s words. I heard from senior students he''s taught before that these are all rehearsed speeches. Even the blessings are pre-written," Huo Yueze whispered in Huo Guining''s ear, "He memorized and recited them beforeing here."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Liu was Huo Yueze''s homeroom teacher.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining looked at Old Liu in disbelief, then leaned towards Huo Yueze''s ear, showing disgust, "Really? That''s so fake!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The siblings'' whispering was caught red-handed by Old Liu.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Huo Yueze, are you badmouthing me to your sister?" Old Liu was almost bald, with only a few strands of hair stubbornly holding on around the edges.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze said tteringly, "How could I? I was praising you to my sister!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Old Liu clearly didn''t believe him and turned to Huo Guining, "Little Guining, my daughter is a big fan of yours. Could you take a picture with meter and give me an autograph?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining didn''t expect him to say this and nodded nkly, "Sure..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Satisfied, Old Liu moved on to the next person.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining turned back to Huo Yueze and whispered, "Brother, I feel like Old Liu... I mean, your homeroom teacher doesn''t seem to be such a fake person."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze didn''t want to see Guining with red eyes, so he decided to stick to his story, "Guining, you can never truly know what''s in someone''s heart. You''ll understand when you''re older."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining nodded, seeming to understand but not quite.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After Old Liu finished his routine, he had a few drinks with the students, talked about the future, and then left.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As soon as Old Liu left, the curtain for the real party was raised.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The group moved to the KTV upstairs to continue the fun.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was excited, and seeing that it was still early, Huo Yueze decided to go along.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Not long after they sat down, a pretty girl came over, saying she had something to discuss with Huo Yueze.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chen Zheng gave the girl a meaningful look, then assured Huo Yueze that he would take good care of Huo Guining.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Only then did Huo Yueze reluctantly leave the room, looking back several times.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing his taskpleted, Chen Zheng breathed a sigh of relief.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When he turned back to check on his buddy''s sister, he met Huo Guining''s sparkling eyes.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Can you take me to see what my brother is doing?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She clearly had a look of wanting to watch the show.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Chen Zheng was stunned, "This... they have something to discuss..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Is that girl going to confess her feelings?" Huo Guining''s gossip fire was burning strong.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "How did you know?!" Chen Zheng looked shocked.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining smiled mysteriously, "Take me there and I''ll tell you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Momentster, two heads, one big and one small, were peeking out from behind a stone pir at the bottom of the hotel, craning their necks to look.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Not far away, under a French ne tree, Huo Yueze was leaning against the trunk with his right leg propped up, looking somewhat impatient.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "What did you want to talk to me about?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The girl''s face was flushed red. She sped her hands tightly, "I have something to tell you... Actually..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She was so nervous that her words came out in fragments.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze frowned, "What exactly do you want to say?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Guining was alone with so many strangers, who knows if she might be scared.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing him urging her on, the girl didn''t dare to dy any longer. She closed her eyes and said with resignation, "I like you!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s pupils dted.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Suddenly, her body was lifted into the air, picked up by someone.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng''s face was as dark as thunder.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 116

    Huo Xiaozheng left Huo Yueze behind and walked away without looking back, carrying Huo Guining.


    Chen Zheng wanted to stop him, but Huo Xiaozheng''s aura was too intimidating, and he didn''t dare to intervene.


    Huo Guining, perched on his shoulder, waved goodbye to Chen Zheng.


    "Dad, aren''t we waiting for big brother to go home together?" she asked.


    Huo Xiaozheng replied coldly, "No need. Your brother is very busy."


    Huo Guining nced in Huo Yueze''s direction, looking disappointed as if she hadn''t gotten enough of the drama. She slumped on Huo Xiaozheng''s shoulder and sighed.


    Meanwhile, Huo Yueze found himself in an awkward situation.


    The girl in front of him was blushing, saying things that made him ufortable.


    Huo Yueze tried to recall any special memories with this girl but found nothing particrly noteworthy.


    Naturally, he couldn''t say he had feelings for her.


    Huo Yueze spoke with a slightly cold tone, "Thank you for your feelings, but I''m sorry, I don''t feel the same way about you."


    The girl was taken aback, then timidly lowered her head. "I''m sorry for bothering you..."


    "Why do you like me?" Huo Yueze asked, curious.


    The girl shyly lowered her head again. "Once, when I had menstrual cramps, you took me to the infirmary despite others'' stares, and even bought medicine for me..."


    Huo Yueze narrowed his eyes as a distant memory flooded back.


    It was during a winter PE ss when he had ns to meet friends at the basketball court.


    As he passed through a tree-lined path, he suddenly saw a girl crouching in the shade, seemingly shivering.


    The boys with him immediately started teasing, but none of them approached to help.


    At that time, Huo Guining was in the hospital due to poor health. For some reason, Huo Yueze walked up to the girl and asked what was wrong.


    The girl was too embarrassed to exin, just shaking her head.


    The boys around continued their jeering, so Huo Yueze sternly sent them away.


    He had a good idea of the girl''s situation.


    "Can you walk?" Huo Yueze asked tentatively.


    The girl, too weak from pain to speak, just shook her head.


    Huo Yueze thought for a moment, then picked her up and carried her to the infirmary.


    As luck would have it, the infirmary was out of fast-acting pain relievers that day.


    The nurse suggested trying extended-release tablets instead.


    Huo Yueze used his financial means to quickly obtain more effective fast-acting pain relievers.


    Seeing the girl fall into an exhausted sleep not long after taking the medicine, Huo Yueze felt relieved and went to the sports field.


    "So it was you..." Huo Yueze murmured.


    The girl smiled shyly. "You remember now?"


    Huo Yueze nodded, then suddenly thought of Huo Guining.


    He couldn''t help but imagine the future, when Huo Guining might confess to a boy she liked. What if that boy responded the same way he just had...


    "I remember now, but I''m sorry, my answer remains the same," he said.


    "Taking you to the infirmary and buying medicine that day was just a small gesture on my part."


    "You can thank me for it, but you don''t need to like me because of it."


    Huo Yueze unconsciously stood up straighter and spoke seriously.


    "Although I''m rejecting you, it doesn''t mean anything about you. You''re still an excellent girl."


    The girl suddenly looked up.


    Huo Yueze gently advised, "You know I have a little sister, right?"


    The girl was confused why Huo Yueze suddenly mentioned his sister, but she nodded anyway.


    "One day, my sister will grow up and meet a boy she likes," Huo Yueze said, his eyes gradually softening. "But I hope she learns to love herself first before loving someone else."


    Thinking of this, Huo Yueze smiled slightly and looked at the girl. "I hope the same for you."


    When Huo Yueze returned to the private room, Huo Guining was nowhere to be seen.


    His heart sank, and he grabbed Chen Zheng by the cor, shouting, "Chen Zheng! Where''s my sister? You can''t even watch one person, what use are you?"


    His angry shout overpowered even the KTV microphones.


    Chen Zheng patted his ears. "Don''t yell at me. Your uncle came personally and took your sister away!"


    Huo Yueze''s heart tightened. "My uncle came? When?!"


    Chen Zheng smiled meaningfully. "Right when you were having your moonlit rendezvous with what''s-her-name... Ouch!"


    Huo Yueze kicked him. "Watch yournguage! If you can''t use idioms properly, read more books!"


    He cursed under his breath while pushing the door open to leave.


    "I''m going home first. You guys continue!"


    With that, he ran off like the wind.


    Many cars were parked at the hotel entrance, but none were waiting for him.


    Huo Yueze dejectedly walked to the roadside, nning to hail a taxi home.


    "Big brother! Over here!" Huo Guining''s voice suddenly rang out.


    Huo Yueze''s eyes lit up.


    Not far away, under a ne tree, his uncle''s ck Maybach was quietly parked.


    Huo Guining poked her head out of the rear window, waving her little hand at him.


    Huo Yueze ran over and opened the back door.


    "I thought Uncle took you away. Howe you''re..."


    Huo Yueze, who had been bending down to get in the back seat, suddenly straightened up, closed the rear door properly, opened the front passenger door, and sat down.


    He fastened his seatbelt meticulously.


    Smiling, he greeted the man in the back seat. "Good evening, Uncle."


    Huo Xiaozheng snorted. "Do I look like I''m having a good evening?"


    Huo Yueze quickly shut up and changed the subject. "Uncle Zhou, it''s gettingte. We should head home."


    The car slowly merged into traffic.


    Huo Guining, seemingly oblivious to the tension between uncle and nephew, eagerly asked Huo Yueze, "Big brother, did someone just confess to you?"


    The quiet car suddenly became lively. Huo Yueze broke out in a cold sweat. "No, that girl was just thanking me for something."


    Huo Guining didn''t believe him. "How is that possible? That girl''s face was all red. I could see from her lips that she was saying..."


    Huo Yueze wished he could cover Huo Guining''s mouth. "Guining, are you hungry?"


    Huo Guining smiled mischievously. "Not hungry. Don''t change the subject, big brother."


    Huo Xiaozheng let out a cold snort.


    Huo Yueze decided toe clean. "Fine, fine. That girl did confess to me."


    The gossip fire in Huo Guining''s eyes was about to ignite. "Did you ept? Huh? Huh?"


    Huo Xiaozheng pushed her back into her seat with one hand. "Sit properly!"


    Huo Yueze sighed. "No, I didn''t. We''re both still minors. It''s immature to talk about this kind of thing now."


    Huo Guining was as excited as if she had been the one confessed to. "Big brother, what does it feel like to be confessed to?"


    Huo Yueze thought seriously for a moment before answering, "A bit nerve-wracking."


    "Why?" Huo Guining looked confused. "Shouldn''t it be something to be happy about?"


    How to exin this to a 6-year-old sister? Huo Yueze looked at Huo Xiaozheng nervously, his tone pleading, "Uncle..."


    Huo Xiaozheng nced at him, leaving the siblings hanging for a while before saying, "It''s only a happy thing when the person you like confesses to you."


    "Otherwise, it can be quite troublesome."


    Huo Guining, with no experience in love, opened her mouth in an O shape.


    She envied this kind of emotional journey. Unlike her, who could only observe... or overhear.

 Chapter 117

    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

 Chapter 118

    It was the third Sunday of June.


    For Huo Xiaozheng, the most special thing about this day was that his daughter had left him to happily y with her aunt.


    While working overtime at thepany, in the midst of his busy schedule, he wondered if Ningning had eaten properly.


    Would Huo Jing be able to take good care of a 6-year-old child?


    During the half-hour lunch break, Huo Xiaozhengy down in his rest room, which he hadn''t used in a long time.


    The bed sheets were no longer cool-toned, but a warm yellow that children liked. At the head of the bed, two of Ningning''s favorite stuffed toysy scattered about.


    On the bedside table, Ningning''s favorite anime character water bottle sat quietly, its lid left open.


    Huo Xiaozheng thought to himself that next time, he should tell Ningning to put away her things properly.


    Yet his actions were honest as he arranged the stuffed toys neatly and closed the bottle lid.


    At dinnertime, Ningning called him, asking when he would be home.


    Huo Xiaozheng was caught up in a project at the time, and Ningning''s call made him look up at the sky, only to realize it was already quitete.


    "Daddy''s a bit busy today. Would you mind having dinner with auntie?" Huo Xiaozheng remembered his tone, deliberately suppressing his anxious mood, but still sounding a bit rushed.


    Ningning paused for a few seconds on the other end of the line, then very neatly said "okay," and even reminded him to eat on time.


    Then, she hung up the phone.


    Huo Xiaozheng stood stunned with his phone for a few seconds, then quickened his pace at work.


    Rushing as fast as he could, he made it home right at ten o''clock.


    Until he opened the bedroom door, he hadn''t realized that today was Father''s Day, and that Ningning had even prepared gifts for him.


    The scene that greeted him upon opening the door was one he had never imagined.


    He epted the cake from Ningning''s hands in a rare moment of bewilderment, watching as she hopped about like a little rabbit, proudly presenting him with two gift boxes.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s throat felt a bit dry: "Is this... for me?"


    Huo Guining nodded matter-of-factly.


    She tugged at Huo Xiaozheng''s clothes, and they sat down on the sofa in the room.


    Huo Xiaozheng tasted the cake; it was vani mousse, with a light, subtle sweetness.


    "It''s delicious," Huo Xiaozhengmented.


    Huo Guining beamed with joy: "I specially asked the shop assistant to choose one that wasn''t too sweet!"


    Before Huo Xiaozheng could respond, she urged him to open the gifts.


    Huo Xiaozheng put the cake aside, his hands unusually nervous as he held the gift boxes.


    He opened the smaller one first. It was an entry-level watch from Gi, not expensive, but with a simple, elegant design.


    At this point, Huo Guining became a bit shy: "When I have more money in the future, I''ll buy you an even better one..."


    Huo Xiaozheng mistakenly thought she was reluctant to use her own savings to buy a more expensive gift, but he still graciously epted her gesture: "Thank you for the gift, Ningning. Daddy likes it very much."


    Huo Guining breathed a sigh of relief and urged him to open the second gift box.


    It was a painting.


    Huo Xiaozheng unwrapped the surface paper, revealing the full view of the painting.


    It was a portrait of Huo Xiaozheng.


    In the painting, Huo Xiaozheng sat behind a huge desk, his expression serious. The golden-orange sunset fell on his brow and eyes, adding a touch of gentleness.


    "Did you paint this?" Huo Xiaozheng asked, immediately realizing it was a silly question.


    Ningning''s English signaturey quietly in the bottom right corner of the painting.


    Huo Guining nodded without hesitation: "Yes, but I''m not very good at painting people, so it''s not that good..."


    She leaned in closer, showing a slightly dissatisfied expression: "The lines aren''t handled very well, and the light and shadow..."


    Huo Xiaozheng interrupted her with a smile: "It''s painted very well. Daddy likes it very much."


    Huo Guining''s brow rxed, and she said happily: "I''m d you like it, hehe!"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s lips moved: "Did you go shopping today just to buy me gifts?"


    Huo Guining nodded: "I wanted to give you a surprise."


    "I could havee back at noon, but my painting also needed to be framed, so time dragged on, and it got a bitte." At this, Huo Guining asked alertly: "Dad, did you eat on time?"


    Huo Xiaozheng chuckled and hummed an affirmative: "Of course."


    Huo Guining was relieved. She jumped off the sofa and walked towards the bathroom: "I''m going to wash up now. I''m a bit tired after shopping all day."


    The corners of Huo Xiaozheng''s mouth turned up slightly as he picked up the cake and ate it bit by bit.


    He didn''t like sweets, but this cake was surprisingly to his liking.


    ''Buzz...''


    His phone vibrated.


    It was a message from Huo Jing.


    "Did you receive the surprise?"


    Huo Xiaozheng loungedfortably on the sofa: "I did. Two of them."


    Huo Jing: ...No need to show off, okay? I spent the whole day with Ningning, do you think I don''t know you got two gifts?


    She replied: "It''s indeed worth being proud of. Ningning emptied her savings to buy you that watch."


    Huo Xiaozheng sat up straighter: "What do you mean by ''emptied her savings''?"


    Huo Jing gloated: "You don''t know? Ningning sold two of her paintings to save up for your watch."


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned and called her directly: "What did you mean by what you just said?"


    Huo Jing briefly exined what had happened, and ended with a tease: "Ningning is only 6 years old and already knows how to earn money to support her dad. I''m so envious."


    Huo Xiaozheng coldly replied: "You can''t be envious of this."


    The call ended.


    Huo Jing: ...Not to say anything, but is something wrong with this guy? Why is he repaying kindness with enmity??


    Huo Guining came out of the bathroom and was met with Huo Xiaozheng''s beaming face.


    "Dad, what''s wrong?"


    Huo Xiaozheng walked up to her, crouched down, and hugged her tightly.


    So tightly that Huo Guining almost suffocated.


    Fortunately, Huo Xiaozheng quickly let her go.


    "Nothing''s wrong. Daddy is just... too happy to receive your gifts!" Huo Xiaozheng exined,posing himself.


    Huo Guining: "Oh, I''m d you''re happy."


    That night, the family group chat was buzzing with messages as Huo Xiaozheng showcased the gifts he received from all angles, in full detail.


    Before long, Huo Yueze exercised his group admin powers and kicked Huo Xiaozheng out of the family group chat.


    Huo Xiaozheng tossed his phone onto the bedside table, walked to Ningning''s small bed, and ruffled her hair.


    Ningning, sound asleep, dreamed that she was being pestered by an annoying monkey. In her frustration, she swung her hand and pped the monkey across the face.


    ...His daughter was just swatting at mosquitoes. This damned June weather.


    Huo Xiaozheng convinced himself.

 Chapter 119

    The time after Father''s Day seemed to have been put on fast-forward.


    After Huo Yueze finished his graduation trip, he stayed at Panlong Bay for an extended period, taking Huo Guining out for food, drinks, and fun.


    The Father''s Day gift seemed to have given Huo Xiaozheng a sense of security.


    He no longer obsessed over whether Huo Guining was by his side every day, and he even found his nephew more pleasant to look at.


    Huo Yueze became the new generation''s ''caretaker'', but he enjoyed it thoroughly.


    Other people''s older brothers didn''t like taking their little tagalongs along, as it dampened their fun.


    Huo Yueze was different; he was adamant about bringing Ningning to every ce where he could show her off.


    Whether it was the arcade, restaurants, sports fields, or even just walking down the street, if passersby gave Ningning a second nce, Huo Yueze would seize the opportunity to boast.


    Although Huo Guining found it exasperating, she benefited from Huo Yueze''s enthusiasm. That summer, she painted every corner of South City.


    Gradually, Huo Yueze expanded their yground to neighboring cities.


    However, each time, Huo Xiaozheng would insist that the two go together when he was on business trips, so he could look after Huo Guining.


    In early August, Huo Guining once again visited Xie Lingluo''s counseling office.


    As usual, Huo Xiaozheng dropped her off in the room and then went to the adjacent room to wait.


    Xie Lingluo had cut her hair a bit shorter, making her look more intellectual and gentle.


    She sat down across from Huo Guining and greeted her with a smile.


    Huo Guining politely replied with a "hello."


    "It''s been a while since west met. How have you beentely?" Xie Lingluo asked in a tone reminiscent of old friends, like a warm current flowing through Huo Guining''s heart.


    "Pretty good, I''ve been going out to y with my brother every day," Huo Guining smiled.


    Xie Lingluo''s dark eyes softened: "Sounds like you''re living it up."


    Huo Guining nodded: "Not just sounds like it, it really is quite carefree, haha."


    Xie Lingluo couldn''t help butugh too.


    Afterughing for a bit, Xie Lingluo asked, "How''s your health?"


    Huo Guining thought for a moment before saying, "Much better than before. I haven''t had any chest tightness for a long time."


    Xie Lingluo: "Oh? It seems you''ve be very healthy. Do you like your current state?"


    Huo Guining affirmed without hesitation: "I love it. In another month, I''ll be starting school."


    After a pause, she added, "At the same school as my brother. Because he''s directly advancing to the high school division."


    Xie Lingluo nodded in understanding: "How''s your rtionship with your dad?"


    Huo Guining''s eyes lit up: "Very good. And with my brother taking care of me, dad hasn''t been as tiredtely."


    Xie Lingluo: "Ningning has learned to be considerate of her dad, that''s wonderful."


    They chatted for a while longer, and soon, Xie Lingluo announced the end of the session.


    Huo Guining nced at the timer, somewhat surprised: "Is it over so quickly today?"


    Xie Lingluo smiled gently: "Yes, it is."


    When Huo Xiaozheng came to pick up Ningning, his expression mirrored Huo Guining''s: "It''s over so soon today?"


    Xie Lingluo announced: "Ningning doesn''t need toe anymore. If we happen to meet on the street, let''s just greet each other like friends."


    This was directed at Huo Guining.


    Huo Guining breathed a sigh of relief. Did Xie Lingluo saying this mean that from today on, thebel of schizophrenia would bepletely removed from her?


    Huo Xiaozheng patted Ningning''s little head and sincerely expressed his thanks.


    The father and daughter left the counseling room.


    Huo Xiaozheng picked up Huo Guining, hearing her say, "Dad, I think I''ve grown taller. Soon, you won''t need to carry me anymore."


    Huo Xiaozheng: "Is that so? Let''s measure when we get home."


    Xie Lingluo watched them leave, a gratified smile on her face.


    Days passed, seasons changed.


    Amidst the chirping of cicadas, the summer breeze rustled the leaves of the phoenix trees, and the street lights cast dappled shadows.


    With Xie Lingluo''s diagnosis, on this day in September, Huo Guining officially became an elementary school student.


    Huo Xiaozheng escorted Huo Guining to the ssroom door: "If you feel unwell, tell the teacher immediately, or call me directly."


    Huo Yueze: "Uncle, you''ve said that three hundred times already. The teacher is waiting for Ningning."


    In the ssroom, a sea of little tots craned their necks to look at them, while the teacher at the podium gave Huo Xiaozheng an awkward smile.


    It seemed she wanted to hurry him along but didn''t dare to be too direct.


    Huo Guining hugged her father,forting him: "Dad, I''lle to thepany to pick you up after school, don''t worry."


    "You know where your brother''s high school division is, right? If someone..."


    Huo Guining gave him that ''you''re really impossible'' look, patted Huo Xiaozheng''s shoulder, signaling him to rx.


    Huo Xiaozheng sighed inwardly, closed his mouth, patted her backpack, and let her into the ssroom.


    Seeing her sit down obediently at her desk under the teacher''s guidance, Huo Xiaozheng finally left, looking back every few steps.


    Huo Yueze found it unbearable to watch.


    "Uncle,e on, Ningning''s going to school, not to her funeral. Your expression is too..."


    Huo Yueze only relearned the lesson of ''silence is golden'' after receiving a sharp knock on his head.


    "Come check on Ningning during your breaks, don''t just run off to the sports field," Huo Xiaozheng said coldly.


    Huo Yueze calcted the distance between the high school and elementary divisions, wanting to argue, but was silenced by Huo Xiaozheng''s re.


    "Alright, I got it, Uncle."


    Unlike Huo Xiaozheng''s numerous worries,


    Huo Guining felt a strange experience as she walked into the ssroom.


    Everything in the ssroom seemed a bit cute, the teacher''s voice had a coaxing tone, and all the ssmates were genuinely little tots, their every word and action still tinged with childishness.


    "Hey, what''s your name?"


    Huo Guining''s ponytail was tugged, quite forcefully, making her scalp hurt.


    She frowned and turned to look at the little boy behind her. He was chubby, with eyebrows shaped like the number eight, all scrunched up.


    Huo Guining said in an unfriendly tone: "Kid, you need to be polite when greeting people, understand?"


    The little boy hadn''t expected such a response and became flustered: "Who said I wasn''t polite?"


    Huo Guining turned her body, lookingposed: "I did. The answer is so obvious, why do you even need to ask?"


    The boy was clearly confused by her logic. After a moment of bewilderment, he lost patience: "So, what''s your name anyway?"


    Huo Guining: "When asking someone''s name, you should introduce yourself first. It''s the code of honor, get it?"


    The little boy got angry: "What does ''introduce yourself'' mean?"


    Huo Guining looked surprised: "You don''t even know what ''introduce yourself'' means? No way, really?"


    "Waaah, mommy, I want to go home!"


    One child''s cry triggered homesickness in the other kids in the ss. The ssroom instantly descended into chaos, with cries rising one after another, showing no signs of stopping.


    Huo Guining picked at her ear: ... What''s wrong with these kids? Are they really this easy to tease?


    Huo Xiaozheng''s car hadn''t even driven 500 meters when he received a phone call.


    "Hello, is this the parent of student Huo Guining?"


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned: "Yes, I am."


    "It''s like this, little Huo Guining has made the entire ss cry. We need you toe to the school."


    Huo Xiaozheng doubted his hearing: What on earth?

 Chapter 120

    When Huo Xiaozheng returned to the school, he found his daughter resignedly wiping the nose of a little girl.


    "He''s crying because he''s naughty and pulled my pigtails, but why are you crying?" Huo Guining asked.


    The little girl was thrown off by Huo Guining''s question. Her brain seemed to short-circuit, and her crying paused as she stood there pondering why she was crying in the first ce.


    The teacher had been following the sound of crying, trying tofort the children. She was clearly quite upset.


    But the troublemaker wasn''t idle either; she was even helping to soothe the others.


    For a moment, the teacher couldn''t decide whether she should scold her or praise her first.


    Realizing the situation wasn''t as serious as he had imagined, Huo Xiaozheng breathed a sigh of relief and walked into the ssroom.


    When Huo Guining saw him, she immediately broke into a big smile and waved at him. But as soon as she realized why he was there at this time, she sheepishly lowered her hand.


    Huo Xiaozheng gave her a reassuring look and greeted the teacher first.


    Having finally stabilized the situation, Huo Xiaozheng, Huo Guining, and the little boy were invited into the teacher''s office.


    The teacher gave Huo Xiaozheng a brief overview of what had happened.


    "Mr. Huo, it''s not a big deal, but..."


    Huo Xiaozheng coldly interrupted, "What''s your name?" He was addressing the little boy.


    Frightened by his tone, the boy hid behind the teacher.


    Seeing Huo Xiaozheng''s usatory demeanor, the teacher suddenly regretted calling him in. But it was toote now, so she could only press on, "This incident was indeed Shen Mingli''s fault to begin with. His parents are on their way..."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s lips curled into a smirk. "Shen Mingli, is it?" He said as he pulled out his phone...


    The teacher sensed that things were taking an unexpected turn. Just as she was about to intervene, there was a knock at the door.


    The door opened, and Shen Shiyan appeared. "Hello, teacher. I''m Shen Mingli''s guardian."


    As he finished speaking, his eyes met Huo Xiaozheng''s. "Why are you here?"


    Before Huo Xiaozheng could answer, they heard Shen Mingli running towards his uncle, crying, "Waaah! She bullied me!"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s face suddenly darkened. What a little brat, already mastering the art of ying the victim at such a young age.


    Shen Shiyan grabbed his nephew''s shoulders, partly to prevent him from wiping his tears and snot on his clothes, and partly in a panicked attempt to exin.


    "This is my nephew''s doing. Guining, please don''t hold it against me personally, okay?"


    Seeing the situation descend into chaos again, the teacher had to step in and repeat the whole story once more.


    This time, Shen Shiyan stopped coddling his nephew. He crouched down, pulled out a napkin, and wiped Shen Mingli''s face.


    Finally, in a serious tone, he asked, "Why did you pull Guining''s pigtails?"


    Shen Mingli, between sobs, replied, "She''s pretty. I wanted to y with her, waaah!"


    Huo Xiaozheng stepped forward.


    Shen Shiyan quickly intercepted him: "Don''t get angry. Let me handle this..."


    He then hugged his nephew, turning his back to Huo Xiaozheng as he reprimanded the boy.


    Huo Guining tugged at Huo Xiaozheng''s sleeve. When he crouched down, she whispered in his ear, shocked, "So this chubby little boy is Uncle Shen''s nephew..."


    "He''s no good. He can''t take a joke at all."


    She finished with a look of disdain on her face.


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    Aware that the teacher was still watching them like a hawk, Huo Xiaozheng righteously began, "It was wrong of him to pull your pigtails, but you..."


    Huo Xiaozheng thought for a long time but couldn''t find a single fault with Guining.


    The teacher waited for a while, but he never finished his sentence.


    She held her breath, almost unable to exhale.


    Suddenly, Shen Shiyan chimed in, "Guining didn''t do anything wrong. It''s all Mingli''s fault. Go on, apologize to Guining."


    Looking bewildered, Shen Mingli walked over. At Shen Shiyan''s prompting, he bowed respectfully to Huo Guining and apologized, even making a promise for the future.


    "I''m sorry, Guining. If you be my friend, I''ll never pull your pigtails again."


    Shen Shiyan''s pupils dted in shock.


    He quickly intercepted Huo Xiaozheng, who was about to intervene. "Wait a moment. My moral education lesson clearly didn''t sink in. Give him one more chance."


    Huo Xiaozheng coldly replied, "If you don''t know how to teach him, I don''t mind doing it for you."


    Shen Shiyan: "Well, that''s..."


    The teacher, unable to bear it any longer, eximed, "Could the two parents please be quiet!"


    Shen Shiyan: ...


    Huo Xiaozheng: ...


    Under the teacher''s control, this farce finally ended with both parties shaking hands and promising not to bully ssmates or disrupt ss order again.


    Huo Xiaozheng and Shen Shiyan were quickly ''ushered out'' of the office.


    Huo Guining was forced to walk back to the ssroom hand in hand with Shen Mingli.


    Shen Mingli, the little crybaby, seemed to cry endlessly. He was still sniffling when they got back to their seats.


    "Oh, stop crying already. You hurt my scalp when you pulled my hair, but I''m not crying," Huo Guining said, exasperated.


    Shen Mingli''s little eyebrows furrowed into a figure eight shape. "Did it hurt a lot?"


    Huo Guining nodded solemnly. "Very much. Like this..."


    She then grabbed a small tuft of his hair to demonstrate.


    A stinging pain shot through his scalp. Shen Mingli''s mouth gradually opened, his eyes brimming with tears...


    Seeing that he was about to burst into tears, Huo Guining quickly stuffed a lollipop into his mouth.


    "Here''s some candy. Don''t cry!"


    Shen Mingli was shocked by her action, but the sweet taste in his mouth was real. It was his favorite strawberry vor.


    In an instant, he forgot all about the pain and started sucking on the lollipop.


    Huo Guining breathed a sigh of relief.


    She turned back to her own desk, thinking that going to school was truly exhausting.


    As the bell for ss rang, the teacher''s familiar voice came right on cue.


    "Shen Mingli, no eating in ss!"


    Shen Mingli stared at Huo Guining''s back in disbelief, as if trying to bore a hole through her head with his gaze.


    Huo Guining held her head in her hands, just wishing for the day to pass quickly, even quicker.


    The chaotic day finally came to an end. When school let out in the afternoon, Huo Guining hastily packed her bag and fled.


    Behind her, Shen Mingli followed, bouncing along with a face full of righteous indignation.


    "Huo Guining! Don''t you run away!"


    Huo Guining thought: Only a fool wouldn''t run.


    Uncle Zhou was waiting for her at the door. Seeing her dash into the car like a gust of wind, lock the door, and urge him to drive away quickly, he was bewildered butplied nheless.


    Left behind was Shen Mingli, who had been scolded all day, now standing dumbfounded and tasting a mouthful of car exhaust.


    Shen Mingli: Just feeling very angry.


    When they arrived at Huo Xiaozheng''spany, he was still in a meeting.


    Huo Guining put down her schoolbag and headed straight to the pantry, grabbing some bread and milk, which she promptly devoured.


    Xi Chuan interrupted her meal with a smile: "Guining, the school teacher called. They want your dad toe to the school again tomorrow."


    "This conflicts with Mr. Huo''s schedule tomorrow. May I ask why you''ve been called in for a parent-teacher meeting?"


    Huo Guining''s hand froze mid-action, and she felt like crying: "Shen Mingli is such a tattletale!"

 Chapter 121

    The daily life of elementary school students can be both boring and interesting.


    Huo Guining immersed herself in the joy of teasing children every day.


    In less than a month, she became the queen of the kids.


    Even Shen Mingli, who had been bullied by her, willingly submitted to her.


    The reason was simple: although Huo Guining often put on a sour face,


    she had excellent grades and was articte, making her a favorite among teachers.


    Her ssmates were no exception, treating her almost like a deity.


    Sometimes Huo Guining wondered, when she was in elementary school, there were always one or two unlikeable kids in the ss.


    Howe after transmigrating into this book, such situations no longer existed?


    Despite her puzzlement, Huo Guining was so immersed in happiness that she couldn''t extricate herself.


    Sometimes she even forgot her actual age.


    At first, Huo Yueze worried that Ning Ning might be bullied at school.


    He often sneaked to the elementary school section to observe Ning Ning''s situation.


    After many observations, Huo Yueze came to a conclusion.


    In the entire ss, there were only those bullied by Ning Ning, and none who bullied her.


    From then on, his heart was at ease.


    As seasons changed and years passed,


    The year Huo Yueze took the college entrance exam, Huo Guining hadpleted her elementary education early due to grade skipping.


    That year, Huo Guining was 9 years old.


    In July, the Huo Family held a grand graduation ceremony for Huo Yueze and Huo Guining.


    On the night of the banquet, Huo Yueze and Huo Guining each invited their own friends.


    The 18-year-old Huo Yueze was no different from when he was 15, constantly bragging about his sister to his friends at the banquet.


    "Today is my graduation ceremony, that''s right, but it''s also my sister''s."


    "You know what? My sister skipped grades and graduated from elementary school at just 9 years old!"


    "Isn''t that worth bragging about? Ha! You try skipping grades if you can!"


    The 9-year-old Huo Guining was much more mature than the 18-year-old Huo Yueze.


    She had many friends, ranging from 9 to 12 years old across various age groups.


    Shen Mingli lived near the Huo Family Ancestral Home, so he was the first to arrive.


    The 9-year-old Shen Mingli had lost some of his baby fat, but his eyes remained clear and innocent.


    "Ning Ning, won''t you be in the elementary section anymore?" he asked persistently.


    Huo Guining had answered this question many times: "Yes, from next semester, I''ll be attending sses in the middle school section."


    Although they were only ssmates for a short year, Shen Mingli had often pestered Huo Guining in private.


    After Huo Guining skipped grades, he woulde to the ancestral home to bother her.


    He annoyed Huo Xiaozheng so much that he was reluctant to bring Huo Guining back to the ancestral home.


    If it weren''t for Old Master Huo''s mix of kindness and sternness, grass might have grown tall on Shen Mingli''s grave by now.


    Hearing Huo Guining''s affirmative answer, Shen Mingli felt a bit sad.


    He liked Huo Guining very much, but it was obvious that Huo Guining always treated him like a little kid.


    Even though they were the same age, when Huo Guining talked to him, her tone always had a hint of coaxing.


    It was very frustrating.


    To this day, Huo Guining was going to middle school, while he was still struggling with math.


    Truly struggling.


    The kind of struggle where even a private tutor couldn''t help him grasp mathematical logic.


    Shen Mingli was very dejected, but there was nothing he could do.


    The adults couldn''t understand Shen Mingli''s dejection, and Huo Xiaozheng directly ignored the little brat''s shimmering eyes.


    Throughout the banquet, he kept Huo Guining by his side at all times.


    Only after the adults'' bragging session ended did Huo Guining have time to gather with her own friends.


    Calling them friends was an overstatement; they were actually just children Huo Guining liked to tease.


    Among them were the kids she had appeared with on the parent-child TV show.


    The children''s gathering was full of eating, drinking, and ying around.


    One of the kids suggested going to y in Huo Guining''s room.


    Huo Guining didn''t think much of it and led the group on their grand expedition.


    Upon entering the room...


    "Ning Ning, you''re so big now, do you still sleep in the same room as your dad?"


    Huo Guining was taken aback: "Yeah..."


    The child spoke without restraint: "How embarrassing, are you afraid of the dark and can''t sleep alone?"


    Huo Guiningughed awkwardly, brushing off the matter with a few casual words.


    Shen Mingli said naively: "I''m afraid of the dark too. But my mom and dad don''t let me sleep with them."


    As he spoke, his eyes showed envy: "Ning Ning, your dad is so good to you."


    The 9-year-old children weren''t particrly intelligent.


    They were easily led astray by Shen Mingli''s words.


    They all eximed: "Me too, my parents don''t let me sleep with them!"


    Huo Guining thought: Should she find a partner for Huo Xiaozheng?


    However, before Huo Guining could act,


    the banquet hall was already in an uproar.


    "Mr. Huo, long time no see." A woman with a svelte figure and beautiful features extended her hand to Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned, politely shaking her hand: "Why are you here?"


    The woman smiled charmingly, revealing a pair of small dimples at the corners of her mouth.


    She was as beautiful as jade, exuding a slight sweetness.


    "Oh? Am I not allowed toe?"


    A group of little kids peered down from the second-floor railing, gossipping.


    "Ning Ning, is this woman trying to be your stepmother?"


    Huo Guining looked down and met a pair of bright ck eyes.


    Next to the woman stood a very handsome boy, quietly observing her.


    His gaze entwined around Huo Guining like a water snake, making her feel ufortable.


    She was the first to look away, answering the previous question: "I don''t know."


    Not knowing what the woman had said to Huo Xiaozheng, it wasn''t long before Huo Guining received a summons from him.


    "Ning Ning,e down."


    Huo Guining nodded and led the group of children downstairs.


    The kids were all afraid of Huo Xiaozheng, so they scattered as soon as they reached the bottom.


    Huo Guining walked to Huo Xiaozheng''s side.


    "Your daughter looks like you," the woman''s voice, unlike her appearance,cked aggression and even had a hint of warmth: "Hello, little girl."


    Huo Guining gave a polite smile.


    "This is daddy''s..." Huo Xiaozheng paused briefly at this point, then continued, "ssmate, Song Qing."


    "You can call her Aunt Song."


    Huo Guining obliged: "Hello, Aunt Song. I''m Huo Guining."


    Song Qing''s eyes flickered, and she gave her son a gentle push: "Song Tianbai, go y with little sister Ning Ning."


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned, immediately wanting to intervene.


    However, Huo Guining, remembering Song Tianbai''s earlier audacious gaze, felt a desire for revenge.


    "Dad, I''ll take him to y with Brother Yueze."


    Seeing her speak up, Huo Xiaozheng no longer objected, only cautioning: "Be careful."


    Ever since Ning Ning had been kidnapped, all of the Huo Family''s security measures had been thoroughly upgraded.


    Therefore, Huo Xiaozheng wasn''t worried about her safety within the Huo residence.


    It''s just... Song Qing was a tricky character, and he didn''t want her to have any connection with Ning Ning.


    Watching the two children disappear from sight, he spokenguidly: "Tell me, what''s your real purpose foring here?"


    Meanwhile, in the garden corridor, Huo Guining, like a little tyrant, pinned Song Tianbai to a bench, tilting up his chin like a small hooligan.


    "Speak up, why were you staring at me earlier? What''s your purpose?"

 Chapter 122

    Whether it was Song Qing or Song Tianbai, neither gave Huo Guining a good first impression.


    At this moment, although Song Tianbai obediently said he had no ulterior motives and was merely curious, Huo Guining didn''t believe this nonsense.


    She took out a wet wipe to clean her hands, and saidnguidly, "Is that so? Somehow I don''t quite believe it."


    As expected, a sh of darkness passed through Song Tianbai''s eyes.


    Huo Guining lowered her head, the corners of her mouth curling slightly.


    "Since you have no purpose, then please don''t bother me again in the future. Thank you."


    Huo Guining tossed the tissue into the trash can and turned to leave.


    A cold sensation suddenly gripped her wrist, sending a shiver through her on this hot summer night.


    She hastily shook off Song Tianbai''s hand.


    "If you have something to say, just say it. Don''t put your hands on me!"


    Before she could finish speaking, Huo Guining watched in shock as Song Tianbai fell to the ground like a willow in the wind.


    Huo Guining looked at her own hands in astonishment: surely she didn''t use that much force?


    Song Tianbai propped himself up on the ground.


    Hearing Huo Guining''s words, he pouted pitifully, tears welling up in his dark eyes: "Sister Ning Ning, I''m sorry, I just wanted to chat with you..."


    Huo Guining btedly caught a whiff of tea.


    Before she could speak, Old Master Huo''s authoritative voice came from behind.


    "Ning Ning, what are you doing?"


    Huo Guining turned to see Old Master Huo approaching the garden, surrounded by a group of people.


    Huo Guining nced at Song Tianbai on the ground, then at herself standing over him.


    As she pondered, Old Master Huo had already arrived in front of her.


    Old Master Huo''s face was grim as he had someone help Song Tianbai up.


    He asked with concern, "Are you alright?"


    Song Tianbai''s lips curled slightly, putting on an innocent facade: "I''m fine, Grandfather. Please don''t me Sister Ning Ning. I just fell identally, it has nothing to do with her."


    Huo Guining was inwardly rolling her eyes to the heavens.


    Look at him, even a white lotus on a snowy mountain wasn''t as pure as he pretended to be.


    Old Master Huo, however, simply nodded: "That''s good then."


    Song Tianbai waited for a while, but when Old Master Huo didn''t continue, a sh of confusion crossed his eyes.


    Old Master Huo paid him no more attention, instead taking Ning Ning''s hand and leading her inside: "Why are your hands so cold?"


    Huo Guining obediently replied, "I was just startled by a dog."


    Song Tianbai: ...


    He looked up at Huo Guining, his eyes somewhat cold.


    Old Master Huo seemed topletely miss this subtext: "Even if you were startled, your hands shouldn''t be this cold."


    "Let''s have your grandmother prepare some medicinal soup for you!" Old Master Huo decided firmly.


    Huo Guining''s heart sank, and she made a mental note against Song Tianbai.


    Behind them, Song Tianbai stared fixedly at the backs of the grandfather and granddaughter.


    In the cover of night, the darkness and jealousy in his eyes nearly overflowed.


    Huo Guining sensed something and turned her head, only to be met with his fake smile.


    She inwardly cursed her bad luck.


    Old Master Huo squeezed her hand firmly, signaling her to focus on walking.


    Meanwhile, the conversation between Huo Xiaozheng and Song Qing was not yet over.


    The history between Huo Xiaozheng and Song Qing could be traced back to their student days.


    Song Qing was capable, attractive, and had already shown extreme ambition during her school years.


    There was nothing she wanted that she couldn''t get.


    At that time, Huo Xiaozheng was busy taking overpany affairs and greatly appreciated capable people like Song Qing.


    Song Qing was also very perceptive. When Huo Xiaozheng extended an olive branch to her, she immediately grasped it.


    As Huo Xiaozheng''s assistant, Song Qing performed her work excellently.


    During the time when Huo Xiaozheng was entangled with Qin Zhiyi, Song Qing was also very tactful, often advising Huo Xiaozheng that he shouldn''t be so fixated on such trivial romantic matters.


    Although Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t ept such advice at the time, he greatly appreciated her rationality.


    However, their working rtionship ultimately soured because of Qin Zhiyi.


    After Qin Zhiyi announced her rtionship and explicitly rejected Huo Xiaozheng, Song Qing expressed her love for him and hoped they could marry.


    Huo Xiaozheng naturally refused.


    After this, Song Qing promptly resigned and took away a batch of Huo Xiaozheng''s client resources.


    Out of appreciation for Song Qing, Huo Xiaozheng didn''t pursue her responsibility.


    He thought that he and Song Qing, as work partners, had parted on good terms.


    But her sudden appearance on this special day truly bewildered Huo Xiaozheng.


    "Did my leaving back then make you resent me so much?"


    Song Qing''s voice pulled Huo Xiaozheng back from his thoughts.


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned: "I don''t resent you for leaving. What I resent is that you vited professional ethics."


    Song Qing thought: Huo Xiaozheng is still as stubborn as ever.


    Song Qing feigned openness and smiled: "Yes, I did it on purpose. I''m so capable, and the Song family isn''t some small household. How am I not good enough for you?"


    Huo Xiaozheng: "Neither marriage nor love should be bargaining chips in a negotiation."


    Song Qing sneered.


    Huo Xiaozheng nced at a spot not far away and said meaningfully: "Or is it that your child is just another one of your bargaining chips?"


    Song Qing''s expression stiffened.


    "Song Qing, we''re not children anymore. If you have something to say to me this time, you might as well speak inly."


    "Our past rtionship has pretty much dissipated for me, but I''m willing to give you a chance."


    After saying this, Huo Xiaozheng didn''t give Song Qing a chance to speak.


    He stood up and walked to Old Master Huo''s side.


    Old Master Huo whispered a few words in his ear, then instructed Huo Guining: "Later, your grandmother will send some medicinal soup to you. You must drink it."


    Remembering her poor track record, Old Master Huo then warned Huo Xiaozheng: "You''re not allowed to help Ning Ning drink it. It''s the height of summer, yet her hands are still so cold."


    "It''s most likely because of your indulgence!"


    Huo Xiaozheng obediently epted the reprimand.


    Huo Guining shed him an ingratiating smile: "Dad, I love you!"


    Huo Xiaozheng patted her head: "It''s gettingte. Go wash up first. We''ll be done here soon."


    "Okay."


    Song Qing coldly observed all of this,plex emotions in her eyes.


    Her son, Song Tianbai, walked up to her side a few steps behind, timidly saying: "Mom..."


    Song Qing''s expression was displeased as she lowered her voice: "You can''t even handle such a small matter. Useless!"


    Her tone carried disgust, as if Song Tianbai were filth from a street corner.


    Inparison, the scene of Huo Guining surrounded by love became increasingly painful for Song Tianbai to witness.


    He tightly gripped his palm until a warm sensation spread.


    Huo Xiaozheng caught a glimpse of this scene from the corner of his eye and made some mental calctions.


    After the banquet ended, Huo Xiaozheng walked into the bedroom.


    The small bed was neatly made, and there was no sign of Huo Guining in the bathroom.

 Chapter 123

    Old Master Huo''s warning shed through his mind.


    "That Song Qing family''s boy doesn''t seem upright. Be careful."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s heart tightened as he opened the door and walked out hurriedly.


    The door opposite suddenly opened, revealing Huo Guining''s small figure.


    She asked curiously, "Dad, where are you going?"


    Huo Xiaozheng sighed in relief, "Nowhere. Why are you across the hall?"


    Zheng Jinxiu emerged from behind Huo Guining, smiling, "Ning is growing up and wants her own room. I''m just helping her set it up."


    Huo Xiaozheng was stunned for a moment.


    This day was bound toe eventually, and Huo Xiaozheng wasn''t entirely unprepared.


    "Why the sudden desire to sleep alone?" Huo Xiaozheng asked as he walked into her bedroom. "Weren''t you afraid of the dark?"


    Huo Guining was too embarrassed to say she''d been teased by her ssmates, so she just said she''d grown taller and sleeping in a small bed seemed childish now.


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t press further and looked around the room.


    This room had long been prepared for Huo Guining, cleaned daily, with bedding and essentials all ready.


    They just needed to move her toiletries and clothes from Huo Xiaozheng''s room.


    After a thorough inspection, Huo Xiaozheng was satisfied. As he left, he said, "Go to bed on time, and no sneaking on your phone."


    Huo Guining giggled mischievously.


    Just then, Huo Yueze burst in with his phone, shouting excitedly.


    Not noticing Huo Xiaozheng by the bathroom door, he babbled, "Ning, quick, log on! We need a jungler!"


    Huo Xiaozheng gave him a sharp rap on the head, saying coldly, "Do I look like a jungler to you?"


    Huo Guining waved at her brother like a lucky cat, in mock sympathy.


    After Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Yueze left,


    Zheng Jinxiu supervised Huo Guining as she drank her medicinal soup, then left as well.


    Huo Guining thought she''d toss and turn all night, unable to sleep.


    Surprisingly, she slept through till morning, without even getting up once.


    It was Huo Xiaozheng who looked like he hadn''t slept, with dark circles under his eyes.


    "Dad, didn''t you sleep wellst night?" Huo Guining asked with concern.


    Last night, Huo Xiaozheng had followed his usual routine, washing up and turning off the lights to sleep.


    But he kept waking up, getting up to check if Ning was properly tucked in.


    When he found her bed empty, he panicked momentarily.


    Realizing she was just next door, he was too alert to fall back asleep.


    This cycle repeated, leaving him sleepless most of the night.


    But to Ning''s question, he could only say, "I caught a bit of a chillst night, had a headache, so I didn''t sleep well."


    Zheng Jinxiu passed by, hearing this, and smiled knowingly withoutment.


    Huo Guining, however, grew worried: "Oh no! Dad, are you catching a cold?"


    She stood up from her chair and reached to feel Huo Xiaozheng''s forehead.


    Huo Xiaozheng gently held her hands away, shaking his head, "No, it doesn''t hurt anymore."


    Huo Guining had never seen Huo Xiaozheng look so haggard.


    So, even hearing his reassurance, she remained concerned.


    She ran to the living room, grabbed a thermometer, and insisted on taking Huo Xiaozheng''s temperature.


    "Beep, 38.1¡ãC, your temperature is elevated."


    Huo Guining scolded, "You said it was nothing? You''ve got a fever!"


    Huo Guining took Huo Xiaozheng''s hand and led him upstairs, instructing the housekeeper as they went.


    "Uncle Housekeeper, could you please bring some breakfast upter? Dad has a fever and needs to rest."


    "Certainly."


    "Grandma, Dad has a fever. Could you prepare a portion of the medicinal soup for him at lunch too?"


    "Of course, dear."


    Finally reaching the bedroom, she tucked Huo Xiaozheng into bed. Then she pulled out his phone, deftly unlocked it, and dialed.


    "Hello, Uncle Xi Chuan? This is Ning."


    "Dad is sick and needs to rest today."


    "Alright, thank you."


    Huo Xiaozheng smiled wryly, "Ning, I''m fine. It''s just a low-grade fever."


    Huo Guining was serious, "It may be low, but for someone like you who never gets sick, this is a big deal!"


    Realizing this, she pulled out her phone again and called Shen Shiyan.


    "Uncle Shen, my dad has a fever of 38.1¡ã. Should he take fever medication?"


    Unsure of what Shen Shiyan asked, Huo Guining covered the mouthpiece and ryed to Huo Xiaozheng: "Dad, do you feel unwell anywhere?"


    Huo Xiaozheng chuckled, "You can turn on the speakerphone, you know."


    Huo Guining smiled sheepishly, having forgotten about that option.


    She switched to speaker, and Shen Shiyan''s gleeful voice came through.


    "Your dad''s tough. I''m sure he''s not feeling bad anywhere else. Don''t worry."


    Huo Xiaozheng calmly interjected, "Actually, I do."


    Shen Shiyan''s voice faltered, "Such as?"


    "Headache, and I feel a bit weak."


    "Any runny nose, cough, or sore throat?"


    Huo Xiaozheng swallowed experimentally, "My throat''s a bit sore, nothing else."


    "Then take some pain relief and get some sleep."


    Huo Guining chimed in, "Should we go to the hospital for an IV drip?"


    Addressing Ning, Shen Shiyan''s tone softened considerably, "No need. Your dad has a strong immune system. It''s not necessary."


    "But Ning, you should keep your distance from your dad. Your immune system isn''t as robust."


    At this, Shen Shiyan called out to Huo Xiaozheng, "Did you hear that? Stay away from Ning. It''s probably the flu, which is contagious."


    "Really?" Huo Xiaozheng asked.


    Shen Shiyanughed, exasperated, "What, am I trying to get a share of your estate or something? Why would I lie?"


    Huo Xiaozheng abruptly ended the call and gently told Ning, "Ning, you should go now. Ask Uncle Housekeeper to bring me the medicine."


    Huo Guining nodded decisively and left the room.


    Huo Xiaozheng paused for a moment before lying down.


    "So it''s just a cold," he thought to himself.


    He had worried it might be separation anxiety.


    Some timeter, the door opened.


    Thinking it was the housekeeper with medicine, Huo Xiaozheng said, "Just leave it there. I''ll take itter."


    Huo Guining''s indignant voice piped up, "I knew you wouldn''t behave properly."


    Huo Xiaozheng sat up, startled.


    He saw Huo Guining carrying a small tray with medicine and steaming porridge.


    Her little face was adorned with a pink mask, looking utterly adorable.


    Even her voice sounded slightly muffled.


    "Didn''t I tell you not toe?" Huo Xiaozheng tried to sound stern.


    Huo Guining exined, "It''s okay, I''m wearing a mask. Dad, have some porridge first, then take your medicine."


    "I asked Uncle Shen, and he said this way it won''t upset your stomach."


    Usually, it was Huo Guining who fell ill, and Huo Xiaozheng never thought being sick could be a good thing.


    But now, enjoying Ning''s care, he suddenly realized that his little girl was indeed growing up bit by bit.


    Huo Guining sat on the edge of the bed, watching him eat while casually asking, "Dad, that Auntie Song Qing, howe I''ve never met her before?"

 Chapter 124

    Concerned that Huo Guining might catch his illness, Huo Xiaozheng briefly told her about his past with Song Qing. Then he urged her to leave quickly.


    Huo Guining stood thoughtfully holding the food tray. Was this a case of Song Qing''s unrequited love turning to hatred? But where did Song Tianbaie from in all this...?


    Feeling she had discovered a blind spot, Huo Guining put down the tray and wanted to go back to ask Huo Xiaozheng. She reached for the door handle but found it wouldn''t turn at all.


    Huo Guining called out in disbelief: "Dad? Why did you lock the door?"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s voice came from behind the door.


    "I was worried you might absentmindedlye in again." Huo Xiaozheng''s voice was a bit hoarse, and he coughed a few times.


    Huo Guining said in a disappointed tone: "Please unlock the door. I won''te in again."


    Worried Huo Xiaozheng wouldn''t believe her, she swore at the door: "If Ie in again, I''m a puppy."


    Huo Xiaozheng behind the door let out a shortugh, then unlocked the door.


    Hearing that ''click'', Huo Guining was happy and carried the tray downstairs.


    Zheng Jinxiu expressed some concern, but upon learning that Huo Xiaozheng had already eaten porridge and food, she felt much more at ease. She praised Huo Guining a bit, then asked her to call Huo Yueze for breakfast.


    Huo Guining obediently did as asked.


    With Huo Xiaozheng ill, Huo Guining wasn''t in the mood to y. After breakfast, she set up an easel in the old mansion''s garden and started painting.


    Huo Yueze finished breakfast and came over, inviting her to go out and y.


    Huo Guining refused him righteously: "I need to take care of Dad. I can''t go out to y with you."


    At eighteen, Huo Yueze had grown much taller. At thest family dinner, he had boasted at the table about being 180cm tall now.


    His features had also shed their former immaturity, gradually bing more defined.


    But in Huo Guining''s heart, he had never changed.


    "If you''re not going, it won''t be fun for me to go alone." Three years had passed, and Huo Yueze had gone further down the path of showing off his sister.


    None of his friends didn''t know Huo Guining.


    Originally, some friends had invited him to y an escape room game. Huo Yueze thought Ning Ning hadn''t yed before and might be interested, so he agreed.


    He didn''t expect his uncle to suddenly fall ill, which held Ning Ning back.


    So, he figured they might as well both stay at home and y video games together.


    Thinking this, Huo Yueze sat down on the garden swing, ying with his phone while keeping Ning Ningpany as she painted.


    At nine in the morning, the sun was already high, but the siblings, sheltered under a maple tree, weren''t too hot.


    A sound of footsteps interrupted this moment of tranquility.


    "Ning Ning, a young boy is here saying he''s looking for you," the butler came over and told Huo Guining.


    Huo Guining pulled herself away from her painting: "A young boy? What''s his name?"


    "He said his name is Song Tianbai."


    Huo Guining couldn''t help but frown, muttering: "What''s he doing here..."


    Just as Huo Yueze''s friends were very familiar with Huo Guining, Huo Yueze knew all of Ning Ning''s friends as well.


    Hearing this unfamiliar name, Huo Yueze sat up straight: "Who''s Song Tianbai? Howe I don''t know you have such a friend?"


    Huo Guining briefly exined how she met Song Tianbai yesterday.


    Huo Yueze said to the butler: "Just tell him Ning Ning isn''t home..."


    Huo Guining said helplessly: "The butler already came in to ask. Even an idiot would know I''m home."


    Huo "Idiot" Yueze: "Oh, right. Well then, why don''t youe out to y with me after all? This outing was nned a while ago anyway."


    Huo Guining thought for a moment, realizing this indeed wouldn''t be impolite.


    "We can''t y for too long, okay? I still need toe back and keep Dadpany," Huo Guining cautioned.


    "It won''t be long. Let''s go," he said.


    With that, the siblings packed up the painting supplies and got in the car to leave.


    As they were leaving the Huo family''s old mansion, the brother and sister saw Song Tianbai''s figure from afar.


    He was standing quietly under the big tree next to the security booth, his eyes fixed unblinkingly on the inside of the gate.


    His features were truly beautiful. Standing there quietly, he looked like a porcin doll.


    Huo Yueze asked puzzled: "Is that Song Tianbai? He looks very well-behaved."


    Huo Guining nodded: "He does look well-behaved."


    The porcin doll watched as the vehicle approached, then passed by him.


    In that instant, he seemed to sense something, and then he started running after the car.


    As Huo Guining expected, he fell.


    Not only did he fall, but he also got up quickly with remarkable determination and continued chasing the car.


    Huo Yueze couldn''t bear to watch.


    Huo Guining reluctantly asked the driver to stop.


    The siblings were forcibly detained for one minute.


    "Song Tianbai, we''re not close. What are you doing looking for me?" Huo Guining got out of the car and stood in front of Song Tianbai.


    Song Tianbai had run too hard and was panting: "I just want to y with you."


    Huo Guining shook her head: "I''ve already told you very clearly, we can''t be friends."


    Song Tianbai pressed his lips together without speaking.


    His knee was scraped, with a trail of bright red blood winding down. Grit still clung to the angry-looking wound, but its owner paid no attention.


    Huo Guining very much wanted to turn and leave.


    But Song Tianbai had the air of someone who would keep chasing if she continued to walk away.


    Huo Yueze wasn''t about to indulge Song Tianbai.


    He took out some banknotes from his pocket and held them out to Song Tianbai: "Kid, take this money, go get that wound treated, and stop following my sister. Got it?"


    Song Tianbai ignored Huo Yueze, his beautiful eyes stubbornly fixed on Huo Guining.


    Huo Guining gave in: "What do you want?"


    Song Tianbai: "Can you take me along to y?"


    Huo Yueze: "No."


    Huo Guining held back her brother''s hands that wanted to hit someone: "Is your goal today just to y with me?"


    Song Tianbai hesitated for a moment, then nodded.


    "And after that?" Huo Guining said mercilessly: "Aren''t you going to push your luck and ask for more?"


    She looked Song Tianbai up and down, speaking pointedly: "Using. This. Method."


    Song Tianbai''s lips went white, as if someone had painfully torn off a mask long glued to his face. He said: "Just this once."


    His eyes were determined as he promised: "I swear, just this one time."


    Huo Yueze didn''t believe this kid''s lies at all. He pulled Ning Ning behind him, looking ready to use force.


    Huo Guining spoke up: "Alright, I''ll trust you this once."


    Huo Yueze raged: "Why trust him?"


    Huo Guining shook her head at Huo Yueze, signaling him to calm down.


    There was a first aid kit in the car.


    Huo Yueze reluctantly bandaged Song Tianbai''s wound.


    Thinking this brat had impure motives, Huo Yueze didn''t hold back. When disinfecting the wound, his movements were rough.


    Song Tianbai showed some grit.


    Apart from taking a sharp breath the first time he was stung, he didn''t make even a single sound of pain after that.


    Song Tianbai was only a year older than Huo Guining, but his words and actions showed none of the innocence of childhood.


    This left Huo Guining very puzzled.

 Chapter 125

    When the three of them arrived at the escape room location, it was around 10 AM.


    Huo Yueze''s friends weren''t particrly surprised that he had brought along another pretty youngpanion. Instead, they teased him about expanding his business as a professional escort.


    As for Song Tianbai''s identity, everyone simply assumed he was Ningning''s friend.


    This was Huo Guining''s first time ying an escape room game, and she didn''t quite understand the rules.


    The theme of this escape room was magic-rted. Probably because Huo Guining was there, everyone chose a less scary room to amodate the young girl.


    Once they entered, the ambient lighting and decorated dolls made Huo Guining exim with excitement.


    "Brother, will ghosts suddenly jump out at uster?" Huo Guining asked eagerly.


    Huo Yueze felt his scalp tingle: "Ningning, this is a puzzle-solving game, don''t be too eager for that..."


    Song Tianbai, dressed in magical attire, obediently followed behind the two, his expression unreadable.


    As Huo Guining had anticipated, the group searched for clues everywhere, with NPCs popping up to make their presence known.


    Some of Huo Yueze''s ssmates were easily frightened, screaming out loud.


    Huo Guining, on the other hand, wore an expression of pure delight. Not only did she admire the NPCs'' costumes, but she also had time to help everyone find clues.


    Amidst all themotion, the group finally reached thest level.


    Here, the horror atmosphere was at its peak, with lighting, sound effects, and ghostly NPCs making everyone''s hearts race.


    Although Huo Yueze knew Huo Guining wouldn''t be scared, he still held her hand tightly to prevent her from being jostled by panickedpanions.


    "Ahahahaha~"


    The sudden amplified sound effect made everyone scream.


    Even Huo Guining was startled.


    Then, she felt someone grab the hem of her clothes.


    It was Song Tianbai.


    Huo Guining frowned but couldn''t bring herself to shake off his hand.


    After solving the final puzzle, the group was finally able to leave.


    Huo Yueze, being tall, was assigned to retrieve a key from a high ce.


    Suddenly, a broken, blood-stained doll fell from the ceiling.


    Huo Guining only caught a glimpse, but the screams behind her were deafening.


    The group, who had maintained theirposure until now, ran frantically towards the exit.


    Huo Guining, momentarily distracted, was jostled about.


    Song Tianbai, being slightly taller than her, shielded her from the front.


    Huo Yueze fought against the crowd to find them, taking one in each hand and leading them out of the escape room.


    Outside, the lighting was bright.


    Recalling the muffled groan she had heard earlier, Huo Guining immediately began checking Song Tianbai for injuries.


    "Did you get hurt just now?"


    Song Tianbai shook his head, pressing his lips together: "I was bumped, but it''s nothing."


    He covered his arm, constantly trying to back away.


    Adhering to the principle of repaying both grudges and favors, Huo Guining grabbed his arm to examine it without hesitation.


    His elbow was badly bruised, looking quite painful.


    Huo Guining felt a rare twinge of guilt.


    Huo Yueze, unable to stand by, grumbled as he reached out to help: "What''s the big deal? He''s a man, how much can it hurt?"


    Huo Guining stiffened for a moment, deftly blocking her brother''s mischievous hand.


    "Brother, I''m a bit hungry."


    Huo Yueze: "Then let''s go get you some small cakes."


    With that, Huo Yueze waved goodbye to his friends, and the group changed venues, heading to a dessert shop.


    Huo Yueze ordered chestnut cake and coconut sago dessert, ording to Ningning''s usual preferences.


    He also casually ordered donuts and milk for Song Tianbai.


    "Ningning, eat these first. We''ll have lunch a bitter," Huo Yueze exined, worried that Huo Guining might not have enough to eat.


    Huo Guining nodded: "It''s gettingte, let''s go home for lunch. Dad should be awake by now."


    Huo Yueze checked his watch: "Alright."


    Song Tianbai suddenly spoke up: "My mom''s not home, I..."


    Huo Guining asked, puzzled: "Do you want toe to our house for lunch?"


    Before Song Tianbai could answer, Huo Guining ruthlessly refused: "Not possible."


    Huo Yueze smiled brightly.


    Song Tianbai shook his head obediently: "No, it''s not that. My mom''s not home, and I don''t have money for food..."


    Huo Guining looked at him suspiciously: "Your mom doesn''t seem short on money, how could you not have money for food?"


    Song Tianbai lowered his head without speaking, looking somewhat pitiful.


    Huo Guining nced at Huo Yueze, who mouthed: "He''s faking it."


    Huo Guining looked back at Song Tianbai, her gaze inadvertently passing over his elbow.


    She sighed resignedly: "Fine, brother, let''s eat out with him."


    Song Tianbai suddenly raised his head, eyes bright.


    Huo Guining said cruelly: "Consider it thanks for the injury he sustained for me."


    Song Tianbai''s eyes visibly dimmed.


    Huo Guining pretended not to notice.


    Huo Yueze''s friends had other ns.


    After finishing their desserts, the group split up.


    Huo Guining, Huo Yueze, and Song Tianbai went to a restaurant to eat Cantonese cuisine, Huo Guining''s favorite.


    Song Tianbai ate at an incredibly slow pace.


    Huo Guining and Huo Yueze, maintaining their good manners, didn''t feelfortable leaving first.


    By the time Song Tianbai put down his chopsticks, it was nearly 2 PM.


    Huo Guining couldn''t help whispering to Huo Yueze: "Brother, has he never eaten before? He eats so slowly and so much."


    Huo Yueze was equally puzzled: "Surely not. He may not be cute, but he doesn''t look malnourished."


    Song Tianbai clearly heard the siblings discussing him right in front of him, but he remained nonchnt.


    He suddenly felt that Song Qing had overthought things.


    Huo Guining wasn''t nearly as difficult to deal with as she had imagined.


    "Song Tianbai, where''s your home? We''ll drop you off first," Huo Yueze asked.


    He wanted to avoid any potential trouble if something happened on the way back.


    Song Tianbai pressed his lips together: "No need, I can get off where we got in the car earlier."


    Huo Guining was confused: "Don''t tell me you''re still nning to act there?"


    Stung by her bluntness, Song Tianbai was momentarily at a loss for words.


    At this point, Huo Guining couldn''t be bothered to persuade him further and let him be.


    When they arrived at the Huo family''s old residence, Huo Yueze didn''t stand on ceremony and simply dropped Song Tianbai off at the main gate.


    As they were getting back in the car to leave, Huo Guining suddenly noticed something.


    Inside the Huo familypound, Song Qing''s graceful figure flitted through the garden like a butterfly.


    She opened the car door and stood next to Song Tianbai.


    Her eyes fixed on Song Tianbai, but her tone was certain: "So, you''ve been putting on an act for me since early this morning, right?"


    Song Tianbai didn''t try to hide it anymore and admitted: "Yes, my mom had some business with your dad..."


    "So she deliberately sent you to distract me?" Huo Guiningughed: "Your mom is as foolish as you are."


    Song Tianbai''s eyes were filled with confusion.

 Chapter 126

    Huo Guining simply brought Song Tianbai in with her to watch the show.


    In the living room, Huo Xiaozheng sat fully dressed in the main seat. Song Qing, swaying her hips with the air of a hostess, offered fruit to Huo Guining.


    "Ning Ning, you''re back? Come have some fruit."


    Huo Yueze rolled his eyes. "Excuse me, ma''am, but who are you?"


    Song Qing''s expression remained unchanged, as if she hadn''t heard. "The fruit is so fresh today..."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s voice was cold, carrying a warning: "Song Qing, know your limits."


    Song Qing''s mboyant movements finally ceased.


    She sat down opposite Huo Xiaozheng and beckoned to Song Tianbai.


    Song Tianbai silently walked to her side.


    Huo Guining snorted softly and went to Huo Xiaozheng''s side, asking, "Dad, are you feeling better?"


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded. "Much better. Where did you and your brother go y?"


    Before Huo Yueze could intervene, Huo Guining excitedly said, "We went to y an escape room game, the kind where the dolls are covered in blood!"


    Huo Xiaozheng shot Huo Yueze a sharp nce.


    Huo Yueze shrank his neck, trying hard to minimize his presence.


    "Dad, don''t be mad at brother. It was really fun!" Huo Guining earnestly tried to convince him.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s expression softened: "Alright, next time when Dad is free, I''ll go with you."


    This scene of paternal affection irritated Song Qing immensely.


    "Ah!" Song Tianbai suddenly cried out in pain.


    Huo Guining looked up, just in time to see a sh of pain in his eyes.


    Song Qing scolded, "What are you yelling for? Haven''t I taught you manners?"


    Song Tianbai lowered his head and apologized, "I''m sorry."


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned. "Song Qing, I''ve already told you what needs to be said. It''s time for you to leave."


    Huo Guining''s eyes widened. She had just returned, and the drama was already over?


    Song Qing looked very reluctant, but given the presence of the children and Huo Xiaozheng''s clear attitude, she couldn''t say more.


    In a moment of anger, she grabbed Song Tianbai with one hand and walked straight out.


    Song Tianbai couldn''t help but let out a cry of pain.


    The sudden sound seemed to touch Song Qing''s forbidden zone. Before the mother and son could leave the living room, a loud p was heard.


    Huo Guining''s body stiffened, and she couldn''t help but peek.


    Huo Xiaozheng covered her eyes and gestured for the housekeeper to see the guests out quickly.


    Everyone''s thoughts were in a jumble.


    Huo Yueze sighed, "Although that Song Tianbai kid isn''t likable, he doesn''t deserve to be hit..."


    Huo Guining remembered Song Tianbai''s expression of unwavering loyalty to his mother, and her expression becameplex.


    "Dad, are they acting?"


    Seeing the mother and son walk away, Huo Xiaozheng removed his hand and said leisurely, "No. Song Qing just resents him for causing her husband''s death."


    Huo Guining''s eyes widened in shock. "Song Tianbai killed his dad???"


    Huo Yueze plopped down on the sofa, openly eavesdropping with pricked ears.


    Seeing Huo Guining''s eager face, Huo Xiaozheng began to exin.


    After Song Qing betrayed him back then, she met Song Tianbai''s father.


    They quickly married and used the resources Song Qing had gathered from Huo Xiaozheng to start a smallpany.


    Life was quitefortable.


    After Song Tianbai was born, his father, to show his love for Song Qing, deliberately gave Song Tianbai his mother''s surname.


    However, the good times didn''tst long.


    When Song Tianbai was 5 years old, he yfully ran to the roadside to pick up a ball, not noticing an oing truck.


    His father, in a desperate attempt to save his son, lost his life.


    After her husband''s death, Song Qing seemed to be a different person.


    No longer the gentle mother, she became irritable, quick-tempered, and extremely proud.


    She never showed weakness in front of others.


    After her husband''s passing, she supported thepany alone.


    But it was ultimately a struggle.


    Thepany''s financial situation worsened day by day, yet Song Qing refused to let go.


    The oncefortable life also became increasingly strained due to Song Qing''s stubbornness.


    "So, she came to you for investment?" Huo Guining asked, tilting her head in confusion.


    Huo Xiaozheng replied, "Yes, but also no."


    Huo Yueze, unable to stand his uncle''s vague answers, anxiously said, "What exactly do you mean? Please tell us."


    Huo Xiaozheng nced at his nephew who never seemed to learn his lesson, and said slowly, "What she means, you two kids don''t need to know."


    Huo Guining visibly deted. "Ah..."


    She had grown up noticeably, the baby fat on her face had mostly disappeared, and her dark eyes sparkled brightly.


    Huo Xiaozheng said with amusement, "Just remember, those who deserve pity often have detestable aspects. I''ll handle the situation with this mother and son."


    Huo Guining pouted, "Song Tianbai is quite resilient. Even when his mom twisted his wound, he only let out a muffled groan."


    After a pause, she added, "Suppressing emotions without release leads to either sess or psychosis."


    The unexpected rhyme made Huo Xiaozhengugh.


    Huo Yueze, ever the doting brother, didn''t miss this opportunity and immediately gave a thumbs up: "Awesome!"


    Huo Xiaozheng had left his exnation half-finished, but Huo Guining had already guessed most of it.


    It was nothing more than Song Qing originally wanting to secure an investment, but upon meeting Huo Xiaozheng again, old feelings resurfaced, and she developed intentions towards him once more.


    Huo Guining shrugged, "By the way, Dad, why are you dressed so formally?"


    Huo Xiaozheng coughed guiltily, "Thepany has a meeting this afternoon that I need to attend."


    Huo Guining narrowed her eyes, "Then this project must be worth several billion, otherwise it wouldn''t be worth you working while sick."


    Huo Yueze giggled slyly.


    Huo Xiaozheng sighed, "After taking the medicine you gave me, Dad really is much better."


    Huo Guining clearly didn''t believe him, "When are you going? I want to go too, to keep an eye on you."


    She made an ''I''m watching you'' gesture towards Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Xiaozheng was happy to oblige, "We''ll leave in a bit."


    Huo Yueze protested, "Ning Ning, how can you ditch me like this? Didn''t we agree to team up for online games this afternoon?!"


    Huo Guining looked at him as if he were a child who didn''t understand, and said earnestly, "Brother, between games and Dad''s health, of course Dad''s health is more important."


    "As for the game, I can still team up with you from thepany, be good." Huo Guining spoke as if coaxing a child who didn''t know better.


    Huo Xiaozheng was pleased.


    As they left, there was a spring in his step.


    Huo Yueze wanted to follow them to thepany to y, but he didn''t dare suggest it.


    At 18, he was already old enough for his uncle to put to work.


    Remembering thest task his uncle had given him...


    Huo Yueze couldn''t help but shudder.


    Huo Guining held Huo Xiaozheng''s hand, and suddenly seemed to remember something, "Brother, can youe with us to thepany?"


    Huo Yueze, who had just started to escape upstairs: ? Am I no longer your dear brother?


    Zheng Jinxiu and Old Master Huo, who had just woken from their nap, immediately expressed their approval upon hearing Ning Ning''s words.


    "Isn''t Yueze studying finance? It would be good for him to learn at your uncle''spany."


    Huo Yueze: ?

 Chapter 127

    After arriving at thepany.


    Huo Xiaozheng was worried that Huo Guining would be bored, so he wanted to leave Huo Yueze behind to keep herpany.


    Unexpectedly, Huo Guining ''sacrificed family for justice'', waving her hand grandly to indicate she didn''t need anyone to apany her.


    As for her brother, if he could help Huo Xiaozheng and reduce his workload, that would be even better.


    Huo Yueze wore a bitter expression, trying to hold back but ultimately failing: "Sister, actually your favorite is Uncle, right?"


    Huo Guining nodded matter-of-factly: "Yes, of course. Who else?"


    Huo Yueze raged helplessly, pointing at himself and asking reluctantly: "Then what about me?"


    Huo Guining replied without hesitation: "You''re my second favorite!"


    Her expression was frank, her tone super sweet, and her smile sincere.


    Huo Yueze''s gloom instantly lifted, and he followed Huo Xiaozheng out of the office with renewed vigor.


    Seeing the two walk away, Huo Guining patted her chest in relief: "That was close, I almost slipped up."


    Huo Yueze attended the meeting with Huo Xiaozheng and realized that his uncle hadn''t been exaggerating.


    This meeting was indeed very important.


    The Huo Group was constantly expanding, and its overseas business territory was also growing.


    Currently, Huo Xiaozheng had sessfully negotiated the resource project in Country S.


    With this project, the Huo Group''s ie was set to rise steadily.


    Huo Guining had no interest in business.


    She curled up in the office, enthusiastically drawing her favorite anime characters.


    "Buzz... buzz..."


    Her phone suddenly started vibrating.


    The screen disyed an unknown number.


    Thinking it might be one of the recent scam calls, Huo Guining hung up without a second thought.


    However, the caller was persistent and kept calling back.


    Huo Guining answered with suppressed anger: "Who is this?"


    Her tone was a bit harsh.


    The person on the other end seemed startled by her tone and paused before saying: "It''s Song Tianbai."


    Huo Guining thought to herself, why won''t this kid leave her alone?


    "How did you get my number?"


    On the phone, Song Tianbai''s voice was weak: "I saw your social media username that day, looked it up, and found your phone number..."


    Huo Guining disliked his calcted approach and asked bluntly: "Why are you looking for me?"


    "Can we talk? I''m downstairs at yourpany."


    Huo Guining''s dislike peaked: "Song Tianbai, we''re not close enough to sit down and chat, are we?"


    "What new task has your mother assigned you this time?"


    Huo Guining rarely used such a sarcastic tone, but she disliked both Song Qing and Song Tianbai.


    Song Tianbai''s voice lowered even more: "It has nothing to do with my mom, I snuck out on my own..."


    Huo Guiningughed: "Trying to cling to me again? Dream on!"


    She was about to hang up.


    "Come down, I''ll tell you how to get rid of me and my mom."


    That''s what Song Tianbai said.


    This time, it was Huo Guining''s turn to be stunned.


    At first, Huo Guining didn''t take Song Tianbai''s words seriously and continued drawing.


    But Song Tianbai''s cryptic words made her curious.


    Fine, she might as well go take a look. After all, he was just downstairs, and the security guards and receptionist all knew her well, plus there were surveince cameras.


    Thinking this, she informed Sister Yin Su and headed downstairs.


    The elevator arrived at the first floor.


    Bright sunlight shone through the tall floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the entire lobby. The clean marble floor reflected a soft glow.


    Song Tianbai was huddled in the corner of a brown sofa, head lowered, lost in thought, looking somewhat forlorn.


    Huo Guining pressed her lips together and walked towards him.


    "Hey!"


    Huo Guining said, looking down at him.


    She stood against the light, her shadow perfectly covering Song Tianbai.


    Song Tianbai looked up to see her descending like a goddess, surrounded by a golden glow.


    He couldn''t help but squint his eyes.


    Huo Guining quickly sat down across from him, adopting a negotiating posture.


    "Speak," Huo Guining said calmly, "I''d like to hear how you n to teach me to drive you and your mother away."


    Song Tianbai was unfazed by her mocking attitude.


    He even sat up a bit straighter.


    Then, he rolled up his sleeves.


    Huo Guining: ?


    What was he doing in such a public ce?


    Gradually, Huo Guining understood.


    Song Tianbai''s upper arms were covered in bruises.


    "So the bruise you showed me this morning wasn''t from bumping into something in the escape room?" Huo Guining said, suddenly realizing.


    Song Tianbai hadn''t expected her first reaction to be this. He paused before nodding: "Right, it wasn''t from the escape room."


    Huo Guining''s expression turned grim: "These... they weren''t caused by your mother, were they?"


    Song Tianbai nodded, then shook his head.


    Huo Guining spoke impatiently: "If you have something to say, say it properly. Don''t act like you can''t speak."


    Song Tianbai raised his head, meeting her gaze: "After my dad passed away, my mom became a bit... unhinged. These happened when she lost control of her emotions."


    Huo Guining asked, confused: "So?"


    Song Tianbai spoke with rare seriousness and sincerity: "So, she didn''t mean to do it."


    Huo Guining was stunned.


    "After dad died, mom got sick, but she refuses to see a doctor," Song Tianbai said, enunciating each word. "She loves me, she''s just... temporarily forgotten."


    This was unexpected for Huo Guining. Her throat felt like it was stuffed with cotton, unable to breathe in or out.


    After a long while, she finally spoke: "How long has it been since your father passed away?"


    Song Tianbai: "Three years."


    "Has your mother been like this for all three years?"


    Song Tianbai shook his head: "Not entirely. Sometimes mom... forgets that dad is... dead."


    Huo Guining was rmed. This was clearly a serious problem.


    "Then you need to get your mom to see a doctor quickly. What use is iting to me?"


    Song Tianbai said dejectedly: "I''ve tried, but..."


    "But you get beaten every time?"


    Song Tianbai nodded.


    Huo Guining sensed something was off: "From what you''re saying, your mom shouldn''t have the energy to cling to my dad, right?"


    Song Tianbai hesitated: "My mom has a friend who gave her bad advice, telling her to fall in love with someone else to forget about my dad..."


    Huo Guining was speechless. That was truly terrible advice.


    "Your mom and her friend are something else. One dares to suggest it, the other dares to do it."


    Song Tianbai shook his head seriously: "It''s not like that. My mom is just... too hurt."


    Huo Guining suddenly understood: "No wonder you''ve been helping her all along. It''s because you feel sorry for your mom."


    Before Song Tianbai could nod, Huo Guining scolded lightly: "Your mom''s life is valuable, but isn''t my dad''s life valuable too?"


    Song Tianbai pressed his lips together and lowered his head to apologize.


    Without his mask of maturity, Song Tianbai''s childish nature was exposed.


    Huo Guining felt inexplicably irritated: "Tell me, what do you want me to help you with?"


    Song Tianbai spoke with certainty: "Help me deal with your dad."


    Huo Guining: ?

 Chapter 128

    Huo Guining''s momentary softness of heart had turned her into a joke.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    As soon as Song Tianbai finished speaking, Huo Guining stood up and walked away.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Song Tianbai hurriedly got up, his tone pleading: "Please, as long as your father cuts off my mother''s hopes, I promise that my mother and I will never appear in your world again."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining paused: "What do you mean?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing that she was willing to listen, Song Tianbai dared not hide anymore: "My mother is clearly obsessed now. Thepany can''t be sustained anyway, whether it''s acquisition or something else, please ask your father to act quickly and never give my mother hope."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After a few seconds of silence, he added: "Please ask your father not to consider any past affection."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining finally understood: "So, whether it''s seeking sponsorship from my father or trying to be my stepmother, your mother..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Song Tianbai lowered his head: "It''s all to save herpany."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s expression became indescribable.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Even if you say that, I won''t make you any promises," Huo Guining said bluntly.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Song Tianbai clenched his palms tightly: "I know, I know all of that..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Youing to find me today waspletely unnecessary," Huo Guining thought for a moment and said, "My father... never intended to give your mother any chance at all."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Song Tianbai said dejectedly: "That''s why I wanted to ask your father for help, to be thest straw that breaks the camel''s back."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Destroy before rebuilding.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining understood this principle, but it seemed a bit extreme.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After leaving the hall, Huo Guining stared at the rising numbers on the elevator, lost in thought.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Ding!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The elevator doors opened.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng, surrounded by a group of people, ran into Huo Guining head-on.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Ning Ning?" Huo Xiaozheng asked, puzzled. "Where did you go?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining obediently replied: "I met someone."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing that there was more to her words, Huo Xiaozheng dismissed the others, and the father and daughter walked towards the office.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze was out on field work.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the spacious office, the sunlight was faint, and the room was quiet.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "That''s about it," Huo Guining took a sip of fruit juice and told Huo Xiaozheng everything that had just happened. "Although hearing it like this, Song Tianbai seems quite pitiful too."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng grunted in agreement: "This kid is so young, but quite daring."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "However, not very likable."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining nodded in agreement: "Yes, too gloomy and overly extreme."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng wasn''t interested in the affairs of Song''s mother and son: "Why are you suddenly concerned about his matters?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining pouted: "I can''t quite exin it..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She just felt that, to some extent, her former self and Song Tianbai had some simrities.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    For the sake of her only support, she kept brainwashing herself, believing that her mother loved her.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Until the day of her death, she realized the truth wasn''t as she had imagined.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


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


    A moment of softness.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Having raised Huo Guining for so long, Huo Xiaozheng hadpletely figured out Huo Guining''s thoughts.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Although she didn''t say it, he had guessed most of it.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "That boy''s request isn''t actually difficult," Huo Xiaozheng said.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining hesitated a bit: "But we don''t need to do them this favor, right..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "After all, his mother was at fault first. You''re already being kind enough by not pursuing her responsibility. To help her further..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    At this point, Huo Guining suddenly felt a bit angry.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Angry at herself for sympathizing with an old enemy.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng casually stroked her head.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Just now, a friend contacted me, wanting to disy your paintings in his gallery."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining''s eyes lit up, immediately putting Song Tianbai''s matter out of her mind: "Really?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded: "You might have heard of this friend. I''ll give you his contact informationter. If you''re interested, you can add him."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After a pause, Huo Xiaozheng added: "He doesn''t know your identity."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The implication was that the other party was contacting her solely because of Huo Guining''s paintings, not because she was Huo Xiaozheng''s daughter.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was so excited that she wanted to rush home immediately to take good photos of her paintings and see which ones could be sent for exhibition.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad, are you done with your work?" Huo Guining suddenly remembered his health and her tone became serious: "You promised to only have one meeting, you''re not going back on your word, are you?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng pressed his brow wearily and said helplessly: "I''m not. I''ll just sign a few documents and then we''ll leave."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    True to his word, Huo Xiaozheng soon left thepany with Huo Guining and returned to Panlong Bay.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze, returning from field work, excitedly pushed open the office door, only to be greeted by an empty room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Yueze: Just very annoying.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After returning home, Huo Guining acted like a little adult, taking care of Huo Xiaozheng by measuring his temperature and supervising him as he took medicine and rested.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After making sure he was lying down properly, she immediately pattered off to her studio.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She stayed there for two hours.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    It wasn''t until Huo Xiaozheng woke up and came to the studio to fetch her that she reluctantly left.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Dad, that friend of yours is actually Lion!" Huo Guining''s eyes sparkled with excitement: "I love his paintings so much!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng smiled faintly: "It''s his honor to be liked by you."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining giggled: "He''s currently the hottest abstract painter internationally, to be noticed by him..."<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    She paused, then proudly echoed Huo Xiaozheng''s previous words: "He''s got good taste!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    When Huo Guining talked about things she liked, her dark eyes seemed to be filled with starlight from the Milky Way.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Her whole person was radiant.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Seeing this, Huo Xiaozheng''s entire demeanor softened: "Do you like painting that much?"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining couldn''t express the longing from her previous life, so she just said: "I like it super, super, super much!"<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "That''s very good," Huo Xiaozheng''s words were soft, carrying an indescribable sense of satisfaction.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining was too excited to pay much attention.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    After dinner, Huo Guining wanted to go to the studio again.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This time, Huo Xiaozheng limited her to a maximum of two hours.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Guining agreed faster than anything.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    "Okay. By the way, Dad, I''m sleeping in my own room tonight. Could you help me move my toiletries? Thanks!" With that, she dashed into the studio without looking back.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng stood there, stunned for a good while before epting this fact.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    He returned to his room.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In just four short years, the once cold and minimalist bedroom hadpletely changed.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The curtains were nowce, and the wallpaper had been changed to beige.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Even Huo Xiaozheng''s bedding had been changed to match Ning Ning''s anime-style set.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    This was Ning Ning''s wish when she was 7 years old, and Huo Xiaozheng had no room to refuse.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    The walk-in closet, bathroom, carpet - everywhere bore traces of Ning Ning''s life.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    Huo Xiaozheng sighed, suddenly realizing that time truly flies like an arrow.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0


    In the blink of an eye, his daughter had already grown to the age where she wanted to separate from him.<span ss="css-1gz1n0z"><span ss="bg css-i073lf"><span ss="num css-0">0

 Chapter 129

    In the sultry night of midsummer, the air was stifling. In the garden, unknown insects chirped incessantly, while tall maple trees cast enormous shadows under the illumination of lights.


    The night breeze rustled through the branches, lifting and dropping them repeatedly, like ethereal spirits dancing in the darkness.


    It also stirred the gauze curtains by the window, causing the whitece to flutter through the gaps. The midsummer wind thus silently crept into the room.


    Huo Xiaozheng had finally finished tidying up, and as he looked at the now half-empty bedroom, he felt a sense of emptiness in his heart.


    Feeling disgruntled, he thought about dealing with the troublesome Song Qing.


    Before his conversation with Ningning, he had nned to intimidate Song Qing, hoping she would back off on her own.


    After their talk, he changed his mind.


    He took out his phone and dialed Xi Chuan''s number.


    "How''s the investigation I asked you to do?"


    Whatever was said on the other end of the line made Huo Xiaozheng''s brow rx slightly.


    "Hmm, then proceed as we discussed earlier."


    "No, don''t leave any way out." Huo Xiaozheng''s voice turned cold.


    Thinking of Ningning, he added, "Have someone keep an eye on things, make sure no one dies."


    After hanging up, Huo Xiaozheng noticed he had broken into a light sweat.


    He then realized he had forgotten to close the window.


    He walked over, peered outside, and saw that the art studio was brightly lit, its light spilling out to illuminate the garden corridor.


    He nced at his wristwatch and headed for the door.


    In the art studio.


    Huo Guining had her long ck hair tied up with a paintbrush. Her left hand held a palette while her right wielded a brush, as she focused intently on her work.


    Over the years of living together, Huo Xiaozheng had graduallye to understand her temperament.


    Ningning was a very devoted person. No matter how time changed, her love for the princess cut hairstyle never wavered.


    Even when she asionally felt inspired to try a new hairstyle.


    It wouldn''t be long before she returned to her princess cut.


    At this moment, she had pinned back her bangs with small clips, revealing her delicate yet cool features.


    As she grew older, Ningning''s appearance increasingly resembled Huo Xiaozheng''s.


    Unlike her cute looks from childhood, her features were gradually bing more sharp. When she wasn''t speaking or smiling, she had quite the air of Huo Xiaozheng about her.


    However, she never showed this side of herself to the Huo family.


    Huo Xiaozheng only discovered Ningning''s other side when he picked her up from school one day.


    That day, thunder roared and a sudden downpour began. Although Ningning wasn''t afraid of thunder, the ominous atmosphere of dark clouds pressing down on the city made Huo Xiaozheng worry.


    He brought his work with him and waited early at the school gates to pick up Ningning.


    Due to the heavy rain, the school had let the students out early.


    Ningning was lost in the crowd, wearing the school uniform and carrying arge backpack. Her expression was cool, her posture straight as she walked forward purposefully under her umbre, not sparing a nce to either side.


    The surrounding ssmates moved in small groups, chattering noisily as they made their way through the rain.


    Only Huo Guining seemed to stand alone, detached from the world.


    At that moment, Huo Xiaozheng, looking at his daughter, felt as if a piece of his heart had gone missing.


    Uncle Zhou, the driver, quickly spotted Ningning and sounded the horn.


    It was only when Ningning opened the car door and saw Huo Xiaozheng that warmth returned to her entire being.


    She asked him with surprise and delight why he had time to pick her up today.


    Then, with a hint of reproach, she said he shouldn''t havee to pick her up in such a heavy rain, as she wasn''t a little kid anymore.


    That year, she had just celebrated her 8th birthday.


    Huo Xiaozheng, suppressing the ache in his heart, took out a towel to dry her hair and took her backpack.


    The backpack was heavy, filled with books and nicely packaged gift boxes.


    "Gifts from ssmates?" Huo Xiaozheng asked.


    Huo Guining replied coolly, "I don''t know who put them in my desk. It would be impolite to throw them away at school, so I''ll return them once I find the owners."


    Ningning behaved very properly and acted withposure.


    But her maturity suddenly made Huo Xiaozheng realize that children grow up secretly in ces where we can''t see.


    It was from that year on that Huo Xiaozheng insisted on picking up Ningning from school every day.


    Unless he absolutely couldn''t get away from work.


    For any parent-child activities organized by the school - the kind he had sneered at during his own student days - he was now more enthusiastic than any CEO should be.


    It was often at these times that Huo Guining would show the childishness typical of her age.


    "Are your mom and dad too busy?" Ningning would ask, her eyes cool but with a hint of pride, even when talking to children older than her: "Ah, this is my dad."


    Huo Xiaozheng delighted in this.


    It was precisely this kind ofpanionship that made Huo Xiaozheng unafraid of her cool demeanor in public.


    His daughter hadn''t grown up behind his back; he had been there all along.


    "Dad?"


    Huo Guining''s voice interrupted Huo Xiaozheng''s thoughts.


    Huo Xiaozheng came back to himself, feigning sternness: "What did you promise Dad?"


    Huo Guining was momentarily confused, then understood. She smiled sweetly and said, "I forgot to set an rm, but I''ve finished painting. Let''s go rest!"


    Huo Xiaozheng apanied her in putting away the canvas and turning off the studio lights.


    "Dad, Lion has epted my friend request. He said besides the previous one, he wants a new one, the theme is..."


    "Oh, do you have any ideas yet?"


    "A few, but I''m still thinking it through..."


    The father and daughter walked side by side, chattering away.


    The night was deep.


    In Panlong Bay Vi, only asional insect chirps could be heard, along with the soft murmurs of the father and daughter, gradually swallowed by the night.


    ...


    The task Huo Xiaozheng had ordered was quickly aplished.


    Song Qing''spany was already on the brink of copse, and with Huo Xiaozheng''s push, its downfall was only a matter of time.


    Song Qing was not one to sit idly by.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s rejection of her would only humiliate her.


    But herpany was like her lifeblood.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s intervention had clearly infuriated her.


    Song Qing stormed into Huo Group, demanding an exnation.


    Huo Xiaozheng easily deflected her: "Every effect has its cause. You should have anticipated this day when you betrayed me."


    Song Qing''s eyes reddened with anger.


    "Huo Xiaozheng, even if you won''t help me, you don''t need to destroy mepletely, do you?"


    Huo Xiaozheng loungedzily in his executive chair: "Song Qing, this is the utmost respect I can show you, isn''t it?"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s words were extremely arrogant.


    He was clearly saying that for anyone else, he wouldn''t even bother to take action.


    They parted on bad terms.


    Song Qing struggled desperately for a while, but she was no match for Huo Xiaozheng''s determined efforts.


    On the day herpany dered bankruptcy, Song Qing seemed to have lost her soul.


    Song Tianbai stayed by her side, alternating between apologies and reassurances that she still had him, telling her not to worry.


    On the day they left South City, Song Tianbai contacted Huo Guining again.


    This time, he made no outrageous requests, only sincerely thanking Huo Guining over the phone.


    After hanging up, Huo Guining quickly realized who was behind all this.


    "Dad, thank you," Huo Guining said, her eyes curved in a smile.


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded, responding with utmost gentlemanly grace: "It''s what Dad should do."

 Chapter 130

    In August, Huo Yueze''s college entrance exam results were released. He was admitted to the most prestigious university in South City, majoring in finance.


    For the entire summer vacation, Huo Yueze had been working for Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Yanqin called it "training" for him.


    For convenience, Huo Yueze simply moved to Panlong Bay, working from nine to five every day,muting with Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Guining''s health had greatly improved, and she no longer apanied Huo Xiaozheng to work every day.


    More often, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her hobbies.


    asionally, when she had free time, she would bring nutritious lunches prepared by Aunt Xu to Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Yueze.


    In just one month, Huo Yueze''s growth was astonishing. Xi Chuan had already started calling him "Young Mr. Huo."


    His facial features took after Huo Yanqin, and as he grew older, his eyes lost their youthful innocence, gradually showing some coldness.


    When he wasn''t speaking, he looked somewhat intimidating.


    For daily work, he wore various formal attires.


    But unlike Huo Xiaozheng, he didn''t like to constrain himself with a tie. He preferred light-colored shirts, always leaving the top button undone, which added a touch of elegance.


    When Huo Guining came out of thepany elevator, she saw Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Yueze walking side by side, talking in low voices.


    Time hadn''t left much of a mark on Huo Xiaozheng''s face. When he stood next to Huo Yueze, they looked more like brothers than uncle and nephew.


    Huo Guining called out, "Dad, Brother."


    Both of them turned their gaze towards her simultaneously.


    Their serious and cold masks instantly crumbled, their eyes filled with the warmth of midsummer sunshine: "Why are you here?"


    They asked in unison.


    Huo Guining held up the lunch boxes in her hands, like presenting a treasure: "I''vee to deliver lunch!"


    The three of them walked towards the pantry as usual.


    Huo Guiningid out the meals packed by Aunt Xu, filling the entire table.


    "Weren''t you supposed to meet Lion today?" Huo Xiaozheng asked, puzzled. "How do you have time toe here?"


    Huo Yueze was surprised: "Is it today?"


    He quickly took out his phone to check his schedule: "What time? I''ll apany youter."


    Huo Xiaozheng said calmly: "No need to check your schedule, you''re busy today."


    Huo Yueze, known as Young Mr. Huo, didn''t look pleased hearing this: "You''re not suggesting Ning goes by herself, are you?"


    After a pause, he added: "Ning is still so young."


    Huo Xiaozheng snorted: "Just because you''re busy doesn''t mean I am."


    Huo Yueze: ...


    Huo Guining smiled: "You two just focus on your work. Uncle Zhou will take me there."


    Huo Yueze became anxious: "That''s not the same!"


    After thinking for a moment, he voluntarily stepped back: "Fine, I''ll handle thepany matters. Uncle, you apany Ning in the afternoon."


    Huo Xiaozheng said leisurely: "What else did you expect?"


    He looked as if this had been the n all along.


    Huo Guining couldn''t help but giggle. She picked up the serving chopsticks and gave Huo Yueze a piece of ribs:


    "Brother, try these potato-braised ribs, they''re delicious!"


    Huo Yueze, in high spirits, picked up the ribs Ning gave him, deliberately making a show of eating with great relish.


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t bother topete with him.


    After lunch, the three of them each took a short nap.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s rest room still maintained the look of when Ning used to visit frequently.


    In just a few short years, Huo Guining had grown like a young sapling, suddenly starting to shoot up.


    She was no longer the little girl Huo Xiaozheng needed to carry in his arms all the time.


    The rest room before her eyes also gradually seemed to shrink.


    Huo Guining hugged a stuffed animal pillow, feeling somewhat emotional.


    When Huo Xiaozheng came in to wake her up, her eyes were still staring nkly out the window, lost in thought.


    "Couldn''t sleep?" Huo Xiaozheng sat down on the edge of the bed and asked softly.


    Huo Guining came back to her senses and sat up, still hugging the stuffed animal: "Mm, not very sleepy."


    Huo Xiaozheng patted her head: "Then let''s get up. Yin Su bought your favorite juice."


    Huo Guining nodded.


    At one o''clock in the afternoon, Huo Guining, apanied by Huo Xiaozheng, arrived at Hua Ci Shu.


    Hua Ci Shu was a Chinese fusion restaurant that also served as a teahouse during leisure hours.


    When Lion proposed toe to South City to meet Huo Guining, Huo Guining, thinking of herself as the host, asked Huo Xiaozheng if there were any characteristic restaurants in South City suitable for entertaining foreigners like Lion.


    Huo Xiaozheng rmended this ce.


    Hua Ci Shu was built against a mountain. From the outside, it looked like a traditional Chinese courtyard. Walking along the bluestone path, clear water flowed down from an artificial mountain, making a tinkling sound. Though not melodious, it had its own charm.


    The courtyard was nted with several maple trees and green cypress trees. The trees weren''t tall, but well-trimmed.


    Under the trees were scattered some flowers and nts that Huo Guining couldn''t name.


    Walking further in, the restaurant came into view, with white outer walls and blue-green zed tiles. The interior had light tea-colored flooring and decor, exuding a strong Chinese style.


    Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Guining were led to a private room by a waiter.


    Opening the window of the room, the view of the mountain was in full sight.


    Layers of green mountains stretched out, connecting with the clouds at their peaks.


    "Dad, this ce is so beautiful. Why haven''t you brought me here before?" Huo Guining eximed.


    Huo Xiaozheng asked the waiter to bring a cup of oolong tea for Ning, and took out a wet wipe for her to clean her hands.


    "This ce was just built recently. If you like it, we cane here often in the future."


    Huo Guining nodded.


    While waiting, Huo Xiaozheng leisurely ordered some novel desserts for Ning to eat slowly.


    When Lion walked into the private room, he saw the scene of a father and daughter, one big and one small, in a yful tug-of-war.


    "You can''t eat anymore, or you won''t be able to eat dinnerter."


    "Can we take the rest home then?" The girl''s eyes darted around. "Brother will definitely like it."


    "..."


    The waiter''s voice interrupted their conversation: "Mr. Huo, your guest has arrived."


    The father and daughter both looked towards the door, their big and small faces oddly ovepping.


    Lion resisted the urge to y a matching game and greeted them friendly: "Hello, I''m Lion."


    Aliali: 6720f54c2bffb2b7bc4c0e56


    Huo Guining''s small face was tense as she stood up with Huo Xiaozheng to greet him.


    Although Lion had been in contact with Huo Guining, he didn''t know her age.


    At first nce, he thought Huo Xiaozheng was his ''online friend''.


    "Huo, we finally meet," Lion extended his hand towards Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned and shook his hand: "You might have misunderstood. Your friend is Ning. I''m her father."


    Saying this, he stepped aside, fully exposing Ning to Lion''s view.


    Lion was of mixed race but prided himself on his good Chinese.


    Hearing Huo Xiaozheng''s words, he showed an expression of disbelief: "Ning is a child?"


    Huo Guining smiled shyly: "No, I''m a big friend. I''m 10 years old by East Asian age reckoning."


    Lion felt dizzy and steadied himself on a chair: "Oh my god!"

 Chapter 131

    Lion is 28 years old this year, a blonde mixed-race man.


    His features are deep-set, his skin fair, and his blue eyes look particrly adorable.


    Even his gesture of rubbing his forehead carries a hint of childlike innocence.


    Huo Guining said, "You never asked about my age, so..."


    Lion finished her unspoken thought: "So you never specifically mentioned it."


    Huo Guining nodded.


    After exchanging contact information, Lion had beenmunicating with her primarily through text on social media.


    asionally, when Lion needed to see her artwork, she would simply send him images.


    So, Lion only knew she was female, but had no idea she was so young.


    Lion remained in a state of shock, unable to snap out of it for a long while.


    Huo Xiaozheng raised his hand to break the silence: "Let''s sit down and talk."


    Having been in a position of authority for so long, Huo Xiaozheng''s words carried an inherent gravitas.


    Lion couldn''t help butply, his body obediently taking a seat before his mind could even process it.


    "You two talk, don''t mind me," Huo Xiaozheng said, leaning back and assuming an air of detachment.


    Only then did Lion remember the original purpose of today''s meeting. He turned to face Huo Guining.


    "For this trip back to China, I''m nning to hold a touring art exhibition in various cities. Originally, I wanted to invite you to join me..."


    But looking at the young girl before him, the rest of his words became difficult to voice.


    She was barely 10 years old, an age that still required a guardian''s care when going out. How could she possibly apany him on a tour?


    Huo Guining, confused, asked, "Have you changed your mind now?"


    Lion, with a headache, replied, "It''s not that I''ve changed my mind, it''s just..."


    Huo Xiaozheng understood his meaning.


    "He''s worried you''re too young to travel conveniently," he exined, then asked, "Do you want to go on the tour with him?"


    Huo Guining hesitated as well.


    Although her health had greatly improved, a national tour meant either testing her current condition to see if she could manage without Huo Xiaozheng,


    Or having Huo Xiaozheng apany her.


    Clearly, thetter was far less practical.


    The Huo Corporation was thriving, and it was only due to Huo Yueze''s help during the summer break that Huo Xiaozheng could steal a half-day of leisure to apany her to this hillside appointment.


    And a touring exhibition... wasn''t something that could be wrapped up in just a day or two.


    Thinking of this, Huo Guining remained silent.


    Her hesitation made her answer evident.


    If she didn''t want to go, she wouldn''t have hesitated at all.


    "Let me see your tour n," Huo Xiaozheng instructed Lion, without pressing Guining further.


    Lion naturallyplied, handing over the exhibition tour n.


    After doing so, he btedly regretted it: the man wasn''t his boss, so why was he letting himself be led by the nose?


    Huo Xiaozheng crossed his long legs and seriously perused the n.


    "It''s only three months," Huo Xiaozheng said lightly. "Dad has time."


    Three months might not seem like much to Huo Guining, but for Huo Xiaozheng, it was an entirely different matter.


    Huo Guining bit her lip: "Dad, I don''t really want to go that much..."


    Lion listened in confusion: "Wait, in my tour n, Guining only needs to stay in each ce for a few days, not the entire three months."


    "Why are you acting like it''s such a big deal?"


    Huo Xiaozheng, in his concern, had momentarily forgotten this detail.


    Hearing this, father and daughter both let out a sigh of relief, exchanging a smile.


    Lion discussed the tour details and required artworks with Huo Guining for a while.


    "I have some paintings at home," Huo Guining remembered her studio''s stock and invited, "If you have time, why don''t youe to my house to see them?"


    The two agreed readily, setting up an appointment for the next morning.


    Lion asked a few more questions about her painting, which Huo Guining answered in detail.


    When it came to topics she was interested in, Huo Guining tended to talk at length.


    At first, Lion thought Huo Guining had a childish mentality and worried her artistic spark might be fleeting.


    As they continued talking, he gradually changed his opinion of her.


    The two chatted pleasantly until after dinner.


    During this time, Huo Xiaozheng didn''t interrupt.


    He simply opened hisptop and quietly dealt with his own work.


    When it was time to part, Huo Guining still seemed reluctant to end the conversation.


    "Are you that happy?" Huo Xiaozheng asked.


    Huo Guining nodded: "His theoretical knowledge is solid, and his aesthetic sense is excellent. He''s the kind of person I aspire to be."


    Huo Xiaozheng patted her head: "You will definitely be the person you want to be."


    Huo Guining smiled, her eyes curving into crescents.


    The next day, Lion arrived as promised.


    Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Yueze had gone to thepany, leaving only Huo Guining, Aunt Xu, and the butler at home.


    Huo Guining didn''t waste time on small talk. After a brief exchange of pleasantries with Lion, she led him to her studio upstairs.


    Lion wasn''t from a poor background either.


    He had heard of the Huo family before.


    So, arriving at Panlong Bay didn''t particrly surprise him.


    Huo Guining''s biggest hobby was painting, so she had arge inventory.


    Lion browsed with interest, his gaze suddenly drawn to one particr piece.


    It was a sketch Huo Guining had casually drawn while in confinement.


    At that time, her painting style was dark, the color palette muted, and the overall color harmony didn''t give a sense of beauty.


    Huo Guining felt a bit embarrassed: "I painted this when I was little."


    Lion teased: "Aren''t you still little now?"


    Huo Guining realized: "Oh, I misspoke. That was when I was 5 or 6 years old. At that time..."


    Huo Guining didn''t want to exin her experiences from that time, so after some thought, she vaguely said, "I wasn''t in a good mood then."


    Lion didn''t mind: "This paintingcks technique, but it''s full of life. I like it."


    Huo Guining had heard a simr evaluation from Zuo Qinfang before.


    At the time, she thought Zuo Qinfang was just trying to please her, but now it seemed Zuo Qinfang might have been giving an honest assessment.


    "What''s wrong?" Lion asked, puzzled by her sudden daze.


    Huo Guining shook her head,ing back to herself: "There are quite a few simr ones, over here."


    In one corner of the studio, Huo Xiaozheng had arranged for Huo Guining''s paintings from when she was 5 or 6 years old to be collected together. She easily found the works from that period.


    Lion''s eyes lit up with excitement: "My goodness, these were painted when you were 5 or 6?"


    Huo Guining stepped forward to confirm, then nodded: "Yes."


    Lion asked excitedly: "Can these be used for the touring exhibition?"


    Huo Guining nodded: "They can."


    She suddenly felt a bit insecure: "Are my current paintings not as good as when I was little?"


    "How could that be!" Lion wore an expression of disbelief at her thought: "Different age groups have different experiences and ideas. Each age has its own beauty."


    "You''ve been constantly improving. It''s just that in your childhood paintings, I found something I was looking for."


    Huo Guining didn''t understand: "Something you were looking for?"

 Chapter 132

    Golden September.


    The fragrance of osmanthus wafted in waves as the north wind blew towards the distance. The summer heat lingered, but the morning breeze already carried a hint of coolness.


    The sun still shone brightly, but its light cast on the walls had turned pale. Autumn had stripped away summer''s passion, calming the restlessness in people''s hearts.


    Huo Guining officially became a middle school student.


    As with every previous school start, Huo Xiaozheng personally escorted her to school.


    Fortunately, Huo Guining was tall for her age, so she didn''t stand out too much among the group of middle schoolers.


    The middle school section was only separated from her former elementary section by a yground, so Huo Guining didn''t feel out of ce.


    After Huo Xiaozheng left, the homeroom teacher entered the ssroom, introduced Huo Guining with emphasis, and urged everyone to take good care of the young girl.


    The ssmates widened their eyes in surprise, their gazes a mix of astonishment and care.


    In the unfamiliar environment, Huo Guining was slow to warm up.


    After politely introducing herself, she sat up straight with a serious expression.


    Seeing her aloof demeanor, her ssmates didn''t actively approach her.


    Huo Guining didn''t seem to mind this.


    Lion''s art exhibition was set to begin its tour next month, so she nned toplete her schoolwork in ss and devote herself wholeheartedly to painting during her free time.


    When the results of the cement test were announced soon after, Huo Guining secured the top position.


    The homeroom teacher asked her to share her study methods with the ss.


    Huo Guining didn''t hold back. After sharing her usual study tips, she concluded, "Actually, I''ve already gone through the middle school curriculum during the summer vacation with the help of a tutor."


    "So, the current courses are not learning for me, but review."


    "You can try this method too. It makes sses much easier."


    Huo Guining finished speaking, politely bowed, and ended her talk.


    The ssroom fell into silence, then erupted into thunderous apuse.


    Huo Guining became famous overnight.


    In October, Huo Guining, apanied by Huo Xiaozheng, began the city art exhibition tour with Lion.


    The father and daughter only arrived in each city for the opening days of the exhibition, leaving when it ended.


    During this time, Lion introduced Huo Guining to many renowned artists.


    Over the three months, Huo Guining felt like a sponge, soaking up knowledge.


    Thest exhibition was in South City.


    Huo Guining invited her family to attend.


    On that day, Huo Guining had her long ck hair pinned up, wearing a beige knit long dress with a white camellia at the chest that looked incredibly beautiful under the lights.


    Old Master Huo watched her grow from a tiny tot into the graceful youngdy she was today.


    After the exhibition, the old master sighed, filled with emotion.


    "I''m d you''ve grown into who you are today. Grandpa is very proud. I hope in the future you''ll continue to walk the path you want and spread your wings high."


    Huo Guining smiled brightly: "Thank you, Grandpa."


    Shortly after the exhibition ended, Huo Guining faced her end-of-term exams.


    As expected, Huo Guining secured the top spot in her grade.


    During her three years of middle school, Huo Guining took two years off to study art in Country E with Lion.


    Huo Xiaozheng bought her a house in Country E, near the university where Lion taught.


    Not only that, Huo Xiaozheng also shifted his work focus to Country E.


    For those two years, he stayed with Huo Guining in Country E.


    During school holidays, Huo Guining would return to China with Huo Xiaozheng.


    After finishing middle school exams, Huo Guining unsurprisingly advanced directly to the high school section of her school.


    That year, Huo Guining turned 13.


    Huo Xiaozheng asked about Huo Guining''s ns for high school.


    Huo Guining had a clear goal: to enter a top domestic art university.


    "You''re not going to Lion''s ce?" Huo Xiaozheng asked.


    Huo Guining shook her head: "After two years, I''ve learned most of what Lion can teach. Now, I want to study traditional Chinese painting."


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''tment.


    As she grew older, Guining''s independence strengthened, and Huo Xiaozheng didn''t interfere with her decisions.


    asionally, when she was unsure, Huo Xiaozheng would advise her to try everything.


    After all, with her father as a safety, there was no cost to her trial and error.


    Under Huo Xiaozheng''s indulgence, Huo Guining grew increasingly confident and self-assured.


    In her first year of high school, Huo Xiaozheng was still present for her first day.


    By then, Guining had grown to 162cm tall.


    Because she hadn''t skipped grades in middle school, the age gap between Guining and her ssmates wasn''t too noticeable.


    Due to Huo Guining''s outstanding performance, the homeroom teacher approached her, hoping she would take on the role of vice ss monitor.


    Huo Guining, thinking of the many things she still wanted to do, refused without hesitation.


    The homeroom teacher was a woman nearing 50, surnamed Zhang. She had shoulder-length short hair and unremarkable features, but when she smiled, she exuded a particrly strong sense of warmth.


    She wasn''t surprised by Huo Guining''s attitude. Instead, she smiled and said, "Teacher knows you''re an exceptionally talented girl. You skipped grades in elementary school, took two years off in middle school, and still managed to advance to the high school section with grades in the top ten of your year."


    Huo Guining lowered her head without responding.


    "But Guining, flowers bloom in their own time. In the most brilliant years of your youth, you should bloom fully. Don''t be in a rush," Teacher Zhang said gently.


    Huo Guining looked confused.


    Teacher Zhang didn''t borate further: "Take on the vice ss monitor role for now. If there''s anything you don''t understand, you can discuss it with the ss monitor."


    Seeing her firm stance, Huo Guining couldn''t refuse outright.


    She secretly decided to give up the position after a while.


    When Huo Guining returned to the ssroom, her ssmates were receiving new textbooks.


    Huo Guining sat at the back of the ssroom, in the third row by the window.


    To her right was a girl with straight bangs named Chen Xi.


    "Huo Guining, over here, I got your new books for you," Chen Xi waved at her.


    Chen Xi had an outgoing personality and was naturally friendly to everyone. She had delicate features, and her single-lidded eyes almost disappeared into slits when she smiled.


    She wasn''t ugly, in fact, she was quite cute.


    Huo Guining nodded at her and sat down: "Thank you."


    Chen Xi waved her hand dismissively: "It''s no big deal, don''t mention it."


    Then, she leaned in curiously: "What did Old Zhang call you for?"


    Huo Guining subtly moved back a bit and replied good-naturedly: "She asked me to be the vice ss monitor."


    Chen Xi rubbed her chin: "Your entrance exam score was the highest, so logically, you should be the ss monitor."


    She looked towards the boys at the back of the ssroom: "Old Zhang isn''t gender-biased, is she? Why did she choose Fan Xingzhou as the ss monitor?"


    "Although his grades are good too, he''s still second ce after all."


    Seeing her chatter on, Huo Guining had to interrupt: "Who is Fan Xingzhou?"


    "Ah, when Old Zhang chose Fan Xingzhou as the ss monitor, you were outside talking with your dad," Chen Xi suddenly remembered and understood.


    Chen Xi pointed towards where the boys were sitting: "See that handsome guy? That''s Fan Xingzhou."


    The boy was wearing a ck shirt, and from his profile, one could tell he was good-looking, with impressive facial contours.


    Huo Guining couldn''t help but admire Chen Xi: "It''s only the first day of school, and you already remember everyone''s names?"


    Chen Xi had an expression that suggested this was no big deal: "My grades might be at the bottom, but I''m great at remembering names."

 Chapter 133

    At the school opening ceremony, Huo Guining was asked to give a speech as an outstanding representative of her grade.


    The night before the speech, after dinner, Huo Guining paced back and forth in the living room, repeatedly rehearsing her speech.


    Huo Xiaozheng sat on the sofa, listening and offering suggestions for revisions.


    After modifying the speech, Huo Guining went through it one more time.


    When she finished, she dove straight into her art studio.


    Huo Xiaozheng had been concerned that she was too tired and hoped she would rest for a while.


    But Huo Guining''s passion for art was like an undying me, never showing signs of burning out.


    After several failed attempts to persuade her, and seeing that Guining showed no signs of difort, Huo Xiaozheng stopped trying. He only frequently reminded Auntie Xu to prepare more nourishing soups for Guining to drink.


    On the day of the opening ceremony, Huo Guining walked onto the stage wearing a deep blue uniform.


    "Respected teachers, dear ssmates: Hello. I''m honored to stand here as the representative of our grade. I am Huo Guining from ss 3, Grade 10..."


    Huo Guining''s voice, with its unique girlish sweetness, echoed through the auditorium.


    Chen Xi, sitting right in front of the stage, kept waving at Huo Guining.


    Huo Guining smiled gently.


    At 13, Huo Guining''s features had be increasingly delicate. Under the careful nurturing of the Huo family, her skin was fair with a rosy glow. This smile was like adding color to a ck and white portrait of ady, making her unbelievably beautiful.


    The boys around her let out a collective "Wow!"


    Undisturbed by the outside world, Huo Guining continued: "The time wille when we''ll ride the wind and break the waves. We''ll set our cloud-like sail to cross the vast sea. In the days toe, let us set sail and embark together. Thank you all!"


    The auditorium erupted in enthusiastic apuse, mixed with whistles from the boys.


    Huo Guining, with her long, graceful neck like an elegant swan, walked off the stage and sat down next to Chen Xi.


    "Guining, you were absolutely dazzling!" Chen Xi eximed excitedly.


    Huo Guining thanked her softly.


    Suddenly, her phone vibrated.


    Huo Guining took out her phone. It was a message from the family group chat.


    "Guining''s outstanding grade representative speech."


    Followed by a video.


    The sender was Huo Xiaozheng.


    Huo Guining turned her head to look around.


    Finally, she spotted Huo Xiaozheng in thest few rows.


    With too many people around, it wasn''t convenient to go out.


    Huo Guining lowered her head to message Huo Xiaozheng: "Dad, why did youe?"


    Huo Xiaozheng: "Of course I had toe for your outstanding representative speech."


    Huo Guining replied with smiling eyes: "Thank you, Dad."


    "Guining, who are you messaging?" Chen Xi leaned forward curiously.


    Huo Guining: "My dad."


    Chen Xi said enviously: "You have such a good rtionship with your dad. Unlike me, I get annoyed just seeing my old man."


    Huo Guining was surprised: "Why annoyed?"


    Chen Xi grumbled: "He''s always controlling me, forbidding this and that, constantly pushing me to study. My academic ability has its limits, you know, but he keeps pressuring me like a chicken!"


    Huo Guining guessed: "Maybe your dad just wants you to seed."


    Chen Xi pouted: "He''s not even a dragon, how can I be a phoenix? Sigh..."


    Huo Guining was amused by her.


    To study at this school, one either had to have excellent grades ore from a wealthy family.


    Chen Xi talking like this was obviously justining for the sake of it.


    Huo Guining smiled and didn''t take it seriously.


    "Don''t you ever find your dad annoying?" Chen Xi continued to ask.


    Huo Guining shook her head without hesitation: "My dad is great, not annoying at all."


    Chen Xi fell silent and closed her mouth.


    Huo Guining returned her attention to her phone. Huo Xiaozheng''s message was at the top: "Dad has to go to work now, I''ll pick you up after school."


    Huo Guining turned her head towards where Huo Xiaozheng was sitting. He was just getting up to leave.


    Sensing Huo Guining''s gaze, he stopped and waved at her.


    Huo Guining happily returned a smile.


    ...


    After bing the deputy ss monitor, Huo Guining''s school life became somewhat busy.


    Fortunately, Fan Xingzhou was quite easy to get along with and didn''t give her too much trouble. So far, they had gotten along quite well.


    But Huo Guining gradually began to feel irritated.


    Huo Xiaozheng noticed her unease immediately.


    That day, as usual, Huo Xiaozheng came to pick up Huo Guining after school.


    Huo Guining, who was always punctual, hadn''t appeared at the school gate for a long time.


    Her phone was also unreachable.


    So Huo Xiaozheng went to the ssroom to look for her.


    The evening glow dyed the entire sky red, and a cool breeze lifted the curtains by the window. Huo Guining was sitting by the window, her brows tightly knitted, facing a boy and arguing about something.


    Across the corridor and the entire ssroom, Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t hear clearly.


    Soon, Huo Guining suddenly stood up, picked up her schoolbag, and walked out with her head down, looking as if she was sulking.


    She passed by Huo Xiaozheng without even noticing him.


    Huo Xiaozheng nced at the boy, then reached out to grab Huo Guining.


    "Guining." Huo Xiaozheng''s voice was a bit deep.


    Hearing her father''s voice, Huo Guining suddenly realized that her ssmates had all left, and the entire campus was quiet.


    "Dad, I had something to deal with just now. I forgot you were waiting outside for me." Huo Guining said apologetically.


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t mind: "It''s okay. Were you very busy today?"


    As he asked, he held Huo Guining''s hand and walked downstairs, taking her schoolbag from her shoulder.


    "A little bit."


    "Oh? What kept you busy?"


    Huo Guining said softly: "The autumn sports meet ising up soon. The homeroom teacher asked me and the ss monitor to organize people to sign up."


    "Is that so?" Huo Xiaozheng said casually: "That indeed would keep you busy."


    Huo Guining bit her lip.


    She actually didn''t want to participate in the sports meet at all, let alone motivate her ssmates and persuade them to sign up for events.


    What''s worse, just now, Fan Xingzhou actually suggested that there were no candidates for the girls'' 4x400 meter ry race and hoped Huo Guining could fill in.


    Huo Guining was furious.


    The deputy ss monitor duties were already taking up a lot of her energy.


    After returning from Country E, she spent several months preparing for the high school entrance exam.


    After school started, she was busy with deputy ss monitor duties.


    Now, she had less and less time to spend in her art studio.


    Not only that, but her painting state was also getting worse and worse. Although she was physically in the studio, she found it increasingly difficult to paint what she wanted.


    This was also why, during holidays, she frequently went out to sketch, seeking inspiration.


    "If you don''t like it, just give up the deputy ss monitor position," Huo Xiaozheng said calmly.


    Huo Guining had thought about doing this, but...


    "As the deputy ss monitor, you have the obligation to motivate your ssmates and set an example," Fan Xingzhou''s words still echoed in her ears.


    Huo Guining asked: "What if I refuse?"


    For the first time, Fan Xingzhou spoke coldly: "Then why did you ept the position of deputy ss monitor? When in a position, one should fulfill its duties."


    These words left Huo Guining speechless.


    If she really did as Huo Xiaozheng suggested, wouldn''t that make her irresponsible?


    Huo Guining was caught in a dilemma.


    "Guining." Huo Xiaozheng interrupted her thoughts: "Anything that makes you anxious, you can either face it or give it up."


    Huo Guining was very hesitant: "But..."


    It would be so embarrassing.


    "It''s not shameful," Huo Xiaozheng said gently. "You''re already very outstanding."

 Chapter 134

    The next day.


    Huo Guining found Fan Xingzhou and announced her decision to participate in the 4x400 meter women''s ry.


    Fan Xingzhou responded with a faint smile, showing little emotional reaction.


    There was still a week until the sports meet.


    Besides Huo Guining, the other participants in the women''s ry were Chen Xi, Fang Yuan, and Qi Xin.


    Huo Guining had a strongpetitive spirit. Since she decided to participate, she didn''t want to be left behind.


    Fortunately, she had been consistently swimming, so her cardiopulmonary function was well-trained.


    During the jogging warm-up, she wasn''t out of breath.


    Chen Xi was different.


    She originally disliked sports and only signed up for the ry because no one else had. Worried that Huo Guining might be in a difficult position, she volunteered.


    "Aren''t... you all... tired?" Chen Xi panted.


    Huo Guining wiped the sweat from her face, indicating she was fine.


    Fang Yuan and Qi Xin exchanged smiles: "We often y basketball together, so this level of jogging is okay for us."


    Chen Xi: Now it seemed she was the odd one out.


    She hesitated, looking worried: "Won''t I hold you all back?"


    Huo Guining thought for a moment: "You might need to practice a bit harder these few days."


    Seeing Chen Xi''s crestfallen face, she quickly added: "I''ll practice with you."


    Fang Yuan and Qi Xin chimed in: "Let''s all do it together, we only have a few days anyway."


    Chen Xi nodded gratefully.


    "You two have such a good rtionship," Chen Xi, having caught her breath, couldn''t keep quiet. She looked at Fang Yuan and Qi Xin with envy, "Unlike me, my friends are scattered like stars in the sky."


    Huo Guining burst outughing.


    Fang Yuan, tall with strong features,ughed heartily: "Xin Xin and I have been ssmates since elementary school, so we''re quite close."


    Qi Xin asked curiously: "Why did all your friends scatter?"


    Chen Xi sighed deeply, looking wise beyond her years.


    Huo Guining didn''t stop her from joking around, instead adopting a listening pose.


    "My dad is a busy man, changing jobs as frequently as punching a time clock," Chen Xi said with a hint of disdain. "Every time he changes jobs, I have to transfer schools. Over time, my friends just scattered."


    After saying this, Chen Xi sighed again.


    Qi Xin, petite with dimples when she smiled, said: "That does sound quite unfair for you."


    Chen Xiughed at Qi Xin''s serious tone, and soon everyone wasughing together.


    However, y time was y time. After theughter, the four continued their training.


    Friday, the day of the sports meet arrived as scheduled.


    That morning, Huo Guining unusually didn''t oversleep. She got up early, finished her morning routine, had breakfast, and waited for Huo Xiaozheng to drive her to school.


    "So early today?" Huo Xiaozheng was a bit surprised.


    Huo Guining smiled: "It''s the sports meet, after all."


    Huo Xiaozheng didn''t tease her further: "Wait a moment, I''ll be ready soon."


    After breakfast, they arrived at school together.


    Huo Guining was the first to open the car door and get out, bending down to say goodbye to Huo Xiaozheng as usual.


    Unexpectedly, Huo Xiaozheng also opened his door and got out.


    "Dad, aren''t you going to work?"


    Huo Xiaozheng calmly said: "I''ll go after watching your race."


    Huo Guining then noticed that Huo Xiaozheng was wearing casual business attire today.


    She happily linked arms with him: "Really? But what about thepany matters?"


    Huo Xiaozheng replied: "Thepany has matters every day, one day won''t make a difference."


    The father and daughter walked towards the school together, their tall and short silhouettes particrly heartwarming under the shade of therge ne trees.


    The opening ceremony of the sports meet took quite some time. Huo Xiaozheng sat in the stands, holding a video camera, ready and waiting.


    When it was time for Huo Guining''s ry race, Huo Xiaozheng, like any ordinary father, walked to the side of the track with his camera, standing next to Huo Guining to cheer her on.


    "Ning Ning, do your best, Dad will be waiting for you at the finish line."


    Huo Guining took a deep breath and gave him an OK sign.


    With a loud gunshot, Fang Yuan started the first leg, followed by Qi Xin.


    Both performed well, running into the top three.


    The first and second ces were held by the school''s track and field team.


    Chen Xi was on the third leg.


    She nervously watched Qi Xin, immediately starting to run after receiving the baton, but herck of explosive power soon led to her being overtaken.


    Huo Guining''s heart was pounding. She jogged in ce while keeping her eyes fixed on Chen Xi''s direction.


    Soon, Chen Xi appeared in her line of sight.


    50 meters, 40 meters, 30 meters, 20 meters, 10 meters...


    Huo Guining took the baton from Chen Xi''s hand and shot off like an arrow.


    Huo Xiaozheng waited at the finish line with his camera.


    He watched as Ning Ning overtook the 5th ce runner, then the 4th, then the 3rd...


    Soon, she was neck and neck with the 2nd ce runner.


    Huo Xiaozheng''s ears were filled with cheers, with Ning Ning''s name being shouted by the young students.


    "Huo Guining, go for it! Huo Guining, you''re the best! Huo Guining,e on!"


    Seemingly spurred on, Huo Guining gritted her teeth and made a final push in thest 100 meters.


    Finally, she overtook the 2nd ce runner!


    The cheers reached a new crescendo!


    "Ning Ning, I love you, you''re so cool!!" An anonymous confession rang out, causingughter all around.


    Before Huo Xiaozheng could frown, another deafening cheer erupted!


    "Oh my god! She''s caught up to first ce!"


    "Your ss''s little academic star is too amazing!"


    "That''s right, she''s got looks and skills!"


    "I''m so envious, I wish I could be Huo Guining."


    "Sure, go to bed early, dreams cane true."


    Listening to the children''s banter, Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t help but smile.


    Meanwhile, Huo Guining was still neck and neck with the track team runner.


    As the whistle blew, Huo Guining fell into Huo Xiaozheng''s arms.


    "Dad," Huo Guining called out, breathless.


    "Mm, Dad saw you, you ran very well," Huo Xiaozheng said, taking out a tissue to wipe her sweat and handing her a bottle of electrolyte water. "Drink slowly, small sips."


    Chen Xi, Qi Xin, and Fang Yuan rushed over, surrounding her.


    "Ning Ning, you were amazing! Our ss tied for first with the track team!" Chen Xi''s clear voice rang in Huo Guining''s ears. "Ning Ning, you''re my idol!"


    Although Huo Guining felt her head buzzing from the noise, she couldn''t help but smile: "To be able topete with the track team, we really outdid ourselves!"


    The four girls burst intoughter.


    Huo Xiaozheng watched Huo Guining for a while, and seeing her full of energy, he left the school, promising to pick her up after school in the evening.


    After Huo Xiaozheng left, Huo Guining was immediately surrounded by her ssmates: "Huo Guining, you''re so brave!"


    Huo Guining had caught her breath by now. She waved her hand: "It wasn''t just my achievement. Qi Xin, Fang Yuan... and Chen Xi, it''s thanks to the three of them setting a good example before me."


    Chen Xi pretended to be embarrassed: "You can mention those two, but don''t include me. I have some dignity."


    Fan Xingzhou, as the ss monitor, also came forward to congratte the four.


    Finally, he said to Huo Guining: "Participating in the sports meet, no regrets, right?"


    Ignoring Chen Xi''s winks and nudges, Huo Guining replied frankly: "Yes, no regrets."

 Chapter 135

    After the sports meet, Huo Guining became good friends with Chen Xi, Fang Yuan, and Qi Xin.


    Before this, due to her mentally mature nature, Huo Guining had never developed friendships with her ssmates. Even in her previous life, she had few friends because of her weak constitution, which often led to hospital visits.


    This time, the experience of bonding with the girls felt novel to her.


    In their free time, they often went out together to have fun. Sometimes Huo Guining would bring her sketchpad, other times she''d just join them in their carefree activities.


    Huo Xiaozheng noticed that Guining''s anxiety had visibly decreased, which eased his worries considerably.


    That year, although Huo Guining''s academic performance still far surpassed her ssmates, she didn''t skip any grades. She also continued to hold her position as deputy ss monitor.


    On Huo Guining''s birthday, which fell in the depths of winter, the Huo family had a rare argument over her birthday celebration.


    "I''ve got one foot in the grave already. Am I not qualified topete with you, her father, for the right to organize the birthday party?" Old Master Huo fumed, his mustache quivering.


    Zheng Jinxiu, though reluctant to watch, couldn''t help but chime in: "Xiaozheng, look, for the past few years, you''ve hadplete control over Guining''s birthday celebrations."


    "Isn''t it our turn this year?"


    Huo Xiaozheng sat calmly in a corner of the living room, his expression unchanged as he heard this.


    "It''s not that simple," he said, taking a sip of tea and speaking leisurely. "In previous years, I always listened to Guining. Whatever she wanted, I made it happen."


    "This year is different. I have my own ideas."


    Hearing his sophistry, Old Master Huo nearly choked on his anger. "I should call Guining down here to listen to your nonsense!"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s lips curled into a smile, his eyes brimming with confidence, as if to say, ''It''s useless, Guining loves her father very much.''


    Zheng Jinxiu sighed, "Oh, your father and I are already in our seventies. This joy of family... oh..."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s smile faltered. When the hard approach failed, they were now ying the family card?


    Huo Yueze, wearing an expression identical to Huo Xiaozheng''s, came down from upstairs. He had finally gotten a day off to visit his grandparents at the old house, only to stumble upon this drama.


    "Grandpa, Grandma, stop acting. Guining is grown up now and has her own friends. She might prefer to celebrate with them," Huo Yueze said, exasperated.


    Huo Xiaozheng frowned, pondering silently. Recently, Guining had been spending more of her free time going out. ording to the bodyguards'' reports, she got along very well with those three girls. The four of them were alwaysughing and having fun together, no matter what they were doing.


    Thinking about it, Huo Yueze''s words made sense.


    "That''s easy to solve," Huo Xiaozheng said. "We''ll just invite all her friends over."


    Huo Yueze retorted, "Would you invite your friends to Guining''s birthday party?"


    The three adults fell silent.


    "If you would, how could Guining and her friends rx and have fun?"


    Old Master Huo struggled, "Well, after the party starts, Guining could take her friends upstairs."


    Huo Yueze countered, "What''s fun about ying at home? Besides, Guining has both male and female friends. I can''t stand the thought of boys going into her room."


    He imagined the scene and firmly dered, "Absolutely not!"


    Huo Xiaozheng''s face grew serious as he pondered.


    Huo Guining came downstairs, looking confused, only to find the Huo family in a state of high alert.


    She paused, her mind suddenly clearing: "What''s going on?"


    Everyone turned to look at her in unison.


    Huo Xiaozheng beckoned her over: "Guining,e here."


    Huo Guining approached with a puzzled expression, feeling somewhat uneasy: "Dad, has something happened?"


    Huo Xiaozheng, still treating her as he did when she was little, patted her head: "It''s nothing serious. We''re just discussing how to organize your birthday party this year."


    Huo Guining breathed a sigh of relief: "I''ll go with whatever Dad decides."


    Huo Xiaozheng cast a fleeting nce at Old Master Huo, who didn''t miss the smugness in his eyes. The old man turned away.


    "However..." Huo Guining remembered her friends, "This year, I''d like to invite my friends over. Is that okay?"


    Huo Xiaozheng immediately responded, "Of course it is."


    Huo Yueze wanted to say something, but faced with Huo Guining''s happy expression, he swallowed his words.


    "Invite whoever you want," Huo Xiaozheng continued.


    Huo Guining nodded excitedly, already nning how to entertain her good friends on her birthday.


    "By the way, will this year''s party be held at home again?" Huo Guining asked.


    In previous years, Huo Xiaozheng had always held her birthday parties at Panlong Bay. Judging by the current situation...


    Huo Guining looked around, then back at Huo Xiaozheng.


    Old Master Huo stared intently at Huo Xiaozheng, gripping his cane, ready to pounce.


    Huo Xiaozheng cleared his throat. A memory suddenly shed in his mind, and his eyes flickered as he asked Guining, "How about having it at the old house this year?"


    Huo Guining nodded immediately: "That would be great."


    With the major decision made, a week before Huo Guining''s birthday, Old Master Huo contacted her to ask if she had any specific requests for the party.


    Huo Guining told Old Master Huo her wishes in great detail.


    After a long silence, Old Master Huo finally agreed readily.


    Meanwhile, Huo Guining extended invitations to her friends.


    "Are you free this Friday evening? I''d like to invite you to my birthday party," Huo Guining said, handing out invitations to Chen Xi and the others.


    Chen Xi let out an exmation of admiration: "Wow, these invitations feel so luxurious!"


    The invitations featured traditional Chinesendscape paintings, with the content handwritten by Old Master Huo himself.


    The calligraphy was exquisite, the writing style dignified.


    Huo Guining exined, "My grandfather wrote these."


    The three girls eximed in unison: "Your family really dotes on you!"


    Huo Guining smiled and waved it off.


    Chen Xi''s voice was a bit too loud, standing out in the ssroom that had just finished lessons.


    A ssmate who overheard snapped, "Chen Xi, you''re such a bootlicker. You envy everything. Are you that desperate for attention?"


    The speaker was Zeng Zhilin. She was quite pretty and hung out more with girls from other sses, often gathering in a small clique.


    There were rumors that she frequently bullied younger students.


    Chen Xi had once secretly gossiped about it, swearing that someone had photographic evidence, and warned Huo Guining to stay away from them.


    Now it seemed...


    Huo Guining frowned: "Zeng Zhilin, we''re in high school now. Don''t you understand basic courtesy?"


    Huo Guining usually appeared very easy-going in ss, so Zeng Zhilin hadn''t expected her to confront her like this.


    But being publicly embarrassed made Zeng Zhilin very angry.


    "Say that again if you dare!" she challenged.


    Huo Guining''s lips curled into a slight smile, her eyes filled with disdain.

 Chapter 136

    Huo Guiningpletely ignored Zeng Zhilin.


    After school, Chen Xi linked arms with Huo Guining, frequently ncing back at Zeng Zhilin, who was fuming like a pufferfish.


    "Ning-ning, be careful these days. She''s the type to seek revenge for the slightest offense," Chen Xi whispered to Huo Guining.


    Huo Guining smiled without speaking. When it came to seeking revenge, Zeng Zhilin was probably just a babypared to her.


    ...


    The next day, Huo Guining arrived at school as usual.


    Because Huo Xiaozheng needed to go to thepany early in the morning, Huo Guining, like a little shadow, left with him.


    So when she arrived at school, it was still early.


    The campus was empty, with only a few students visible here and there.


    The sun was just rising, painting half the blue sky red, resembling autumn maple leaves. It was breathtakingly beautiful.


    Huo Guining, who had originally nned to go straight to the ssroom, had a sudden impulse and walked towards the small park next to the yground.


    In winter, only the pines and cypresses stood tall in the small park, while the grass had turned yellow and withered.


    This didn''t affect Huo Guining''s good mood.


    She sat down under the wisteria trellis, opened her sketchbook, and habitually started doodling.


    "Hey, did you give that thing to Fan Xingzhou or not?" An arrogant female voice rang out.


    "Of course I did."


    The wisteria trellis was located in a corner of the yground, with pines and cypresses growing somewhat densely. Given the cold winter weather, few students woulde here at this time.


    Huo Guining''s position happened to be obscured by the trees, so this group of girls probably hadn''t noticed her presence.


    "Are you sure?" The arrogant girl''s tone was cold.


    "Yes, I wouldn''t dare lie..."


    A crisp p broke the morning stillness, interrupting the girl''s words.


    "You''re very bold, aren''t you? Lying without even blinking. Tiantian saw you throw my letter in the trash."


    Along with these words came a thin gasp of pain.


    It seemed the girl who pped had used quite a bit of force.


    Huo Guining couldn''t sit still anymore. She stood up and walked out from behind the pines and cypresses.


    "ssmate, hitting people is wrong."


    "Who do you think you are?" The owner of the arrogant voice had a high ponytail, and her winter uniform skirt had been shortened considerably.


    As she spoke, she lifted her chin slightly. Her not-so-clear features became even more blurred, but she exuded an extremely domineering aura.


    "Just someone who can''t stand by when seeing injustice," Huo Guining nced at the bullied girl, her eyes showing a moment of surprise.


    But her expression remained unchanged: "I''ve already recorded what just happened on video..."


    Huo Guining raised her phone, calmly threatening, "It''s still recording now, if you''re not afraid..."


    At this, Huo Guining raised a yful smile, mimicking the arrogant girl''s domineering expression: "Why don''t you try me?"


    The arrogant girl was furious and lunged forward.


    She was held back by those around her: "Lu-lu, don''t! Don''t! Where there''s life, there''s hope..."


    The group pushed and shoved, retreating under Huo Guining''s fearless gaze, cursing as they left.


    "You just wait!" the arrogant girl snarled viciously.


    Huo Guining''s eyes narrowed: "Who do you think you are to make me wait?"


    The bullied girl''s outstretched hand trembled and withdrew.


    On the other side, the arrogant girl''spanions used all their strength to barely restrain her.


    But they couldn''t stop her foul-mouthed curses.


    Thenguage was filthy, and Huo Guining automatically tuned it out.


    When her ears finally had peace, she turned to look at the bullied girl.


    "Hey, aren''t you quite arrogant in ss?" Huo Guining sneered, curling her lip: "What''s this? Only tough at home?"


    Zeng Zhilin covered her cheek with one hand, her expression awkward: "You''re really a newborn calf unafraid of tigers. They''re senior students from the third year, with close ties to some thugs outside school. If they''re upset, they''ll just have those thugs deal with people directly."


    Huo Guining frowned: "Why hasn''t this been reported to the school?"


    Zeng Zhilin pouted: "Guess why she''s stillfortably in this school even though she''s in her third year?"


    "You mean she''s been bullying people for a long time, but no one''s done anything about it?"


    Zeng Zhilin snapped: "Why else would I listen to them? I''m not an idiot!"


    Huo Guining pondered for a moment: "But that''s not right. You''re a first-year, they''re third-years. You''re inpletely different grades. How did they target you?"


    At this, Zeng Zhilin began to stammer.


    Huo Guining recalled the earlier conversation, and a name popped out of her mouth: "Fan Xingzhou?"


    "How did you know?" Zeng Zhilin''s tone was surprised.


    Huo Guining wore an expression that said ''just as I thought'': "So what''s really going on? I''ve taken on a load of enmity for your sake, you know."


    "The girl who hit me is called Huang Lu. She likes Fan Xingzhou. By chance, she discovered that I... After that, she started targeting me."


    Huo Guining understood: "You confessed to Fan Xingzhou, and she caught you in the act, right?"


    Her words were too blunt, and Zeng Zhilin couldn''t help but snap angrily: "You still have the mind to worry about this? Huang Lu has already threatened you!"


    Huo Guining waved her hand dismissively.


    With her father around, no one could do anything to her.


    "As for you, be careful," Huo Guining said coldly. "You won''t always be lucky enough to meet someone who can help you."


    With that, Huo Guining pocketed her sketchbook and left the trellis.


    Zeng Zhilin watched her figure disappear into the distance, murmuring, "Just this one stroke of luck..."


    Huo Guining wasn''t acting out of kindness. It was just that when malicious incidents happen on campus, it''s only a matter of probability who bes the victim.


    As long as the source of the problem remains.


    Having decided to intervene in this matter, Huo Guining''s first action was to contact Huo Xiaozheng.


    Considering that Huo Xiaozheng had important business to attend to, Huo Guining chose to send him a message.


    She briefly exined the morning''s events to Huo Xiaozheng, stating that she might face retaliation today and needed him to send someone to help.


    After sending it, Huo Guining focused on her studies with peace of mind.


    She didn''t tell anyone else about this incident.


    Although Zeng Zhilin was annoying, Huo Guining didn''t want anyone to be hurt by rumors.


    After lunch, Huo Guining took a short nap at her desk.


    The cafeteria had served her favorite potato and beef stew for lunch, and she had eaten a bit too much, so her sleep was not very peaceful.


    She stretched and rotated her sore neck.


    Suddenly, her movements froze.


    She saw that Zeng Zhilin''s seat was empty.


    An ominous feeling spread in Huo Guining''s heart.


    Huo Guining looked around. Only Fan Xingzhou was still sitting upright, as if he hadn''t slept at all.


    She walked over and asked softly, "ss monitor, have you seen Zeng Zhilin?"


    Afraid of waking other ssmates, Huo Guining leaned in quite close.


    Fan Xingzhou subtly leaned back a bit, and mimicking her soft tone, said: "She left with her phone about 10 minutes ago..."


    Huo Guining inwardly cursed, "Oh no."

 Chapter 137

    Huo Guining nced at her phone. The message she had sent to Huo Xiaozheng showed as read but unanswered.


    Feeling somewhat reassured, she asked about the direction Zeng Zhilin had gone and rushed out with her phone in hand.


    It was lunchtime, so there weren''t many people wandering around campus.


    Huo Guining went straight to the security office.


    "Uncle, I lost my watch but haven''t been able to find it. Could I check the security cameras?" Huo Guining told a white lie.


    The kindly security guard, seeing Huo Guining''s innocent face, immediately agreed.


    "Do you remember roughly when and where you might have lost it?" he asked.


    Huo Guining thought for a moment. "Probably after lunch. My ssmate and I went to buy something at the school gate, then walked around campus for a bit..."


    This implied she wanted to check the footage from various parts of the school during the entire lunch period.


    The security guard hesitated, realizing it would be quite a lot of work.


    "I can look through it myself, you don''t need to trouble yourself," Huo Guining quickly offered, noticing the guard''s concern.


    The security guard''s furrowed brow rxed. "Alright then. First, click here. I''ve already set the time for you. You can drag the progress bar, and then... that''s it."


    He briefly exined to Huo Guining how to view the surveince footage.


    Huo Guining nodded, indicating she understood.


    "Thank you, uncle."


    With that, Huo Guining sat down at theputer and focused intently on examining the footage.


    The yground - nothing. The garden - nothing. The small supermarket - nothing. In front of the teaching building... also nothing.


    Huo Guining''s brow furrowed more and more. She even began to doubt if her guess was correct.


    Maybe Zeng Zhilin had just gone to the bathroom.


    Once this possibility urred to her, Huo Guining''s whole body rxed.


    Her tight grip on the mouse loosened as she clicked through the remaining locations.


    As the mouse passed over the alley behind the teaching building, Zeng Zhilin''s face shed by, disappearing into the alley.


    Huo Guining''s nerves tightened. She pointed at the alley and asked the security guard, "Uncle, where is this?"


    The security guard put on his reading sses and squinted at the screen for a moment. "Oh, that''s the alley behind the middle school building. You kids often sneak out there because the wall is low."


    Realizing what he''d said, the guard looked at her suspiciously. "You''re not..."


    Sensing that the guard was worried she might be one of the wall-jumpers, Huo Guining waved her hands frantically. "No, no, I''m not!"


    She quickly stood up. "Thank you, uncle. I''ll go back and check my backpack again."


    The security guard nodded. "Keys are so small, you can''t really see them clearly on the cameras anyway..."


    Seeing that the guard had also realized the flimsiness of her lie, Huo Guining ran off, shouting her thanks as she went.


    Huo Guining arrived at the small alley, which was empty.


    She eyed the height of the wall, rolling up her sleeves in preparation.


    Just as she was about to jump, a sudden noise interrupted her.


    "Huo Guining, what are you doing?"


    Huo Guining whirled around.


    It was Fan Xingzhou.


    Huo Guining replied frankly, "I''m climbing the wall."


    Fan Xingzhou was taken aback by her directness. "I can see you''re nning to climb the wall. I mean, what are you nning to do after you climb it?"


    Although Fan Xingzhou was part of Zeng Zhilin''s story, Huo Guining still didn''t want to say much. She simply said, "That''s none of your business."


    With that, she prepared to leap towards the top of the wall again.


    Fan Xingzhou, looking exasperated, quickly grabbed her arm. "It''s very high on the other side. You''ll hurt yourself when youe down. If you just want to leave school, there are many ways to do it."


    Huo Guining turned her head, surprise in her voice. "How did you know?"


    Fan Xingzhou avoided answering. "So, do you want to go find Zeng Zhilin?"


    Huo Guining nced at her watch. There was only half an hour left before ss.


    "I''m going, and you shouldn''t get involved."


    Huo Guining rolled down her sleeves and started walking away.


    After a few steps, she turned back and asked, "You seem to know Zeng Zhilin quite well. Do you know where she''s gone?"


    Fan Xingzhou pressed his lips together. "No."


    His answer was so brief that Huo Guining couldn''t tell which part of her question he was denying.


    Seeing that he was unwilling to say more, Huo Guining didn''t press the issue. She turned and walked away decisively.


    Fan Xingzhou followed a few steps behind.


    "What are you doing?" Huo Guining asked, surprised.


    Fan Xingzhou countered, "If I don''te, do you know what excuse to use to leave school?"


    Huo Guining pondered for a moment. She usually followed the rules and indeedcked experience in skipping ss.


    "I''ll call my family toe pick me up."


    Fan Xingzhou replied, "By the time your family arrives, Zeng Zhilin will..."


    Huo Guining waved her hand confidently, not bothering to exin further.


    When Fan Xingzhou apanied Huo Guining to the school gate and saw the young man standing next to a ck luxury car outside, he was stunned.


    The man was tall with long legs, wearing a well-tailored suit. His features were delicate, but there was an intimidating aura about his brow and eyes that made Fan Xingzhou unable to look directly at him.


    Huo Guining happily waved at the man.


    The previously stern-faced man broke into an extremely doting smile, his intimidating aura instantly vanishing, transforming him into a graceful young gentleman.


    Huo Guining turned and said, "My family is here. You can go now."


    With that, she walked towards the security office without a backward nce.


    The security guard saw Huo Guining again and couldn''t help but chuckle. "Little miss, still haven''t found your keys?"


    Huo Guining gave a shy smile. "No, my family hase to get me for something."


    As she spoke, the young man also entered the security office. "Ning Ning."


    Huo Guining happily called out, "Brother!"


    The security guard asked Huo Yueze to sign something, and Huo Guining was easily able to leave school.


    "Brother, how did you get here so quickly?" Huo Guining asked happily, linking arms with Huo Yueze, all traces of the aloofness she had shown with Fan Xingzhou gone.


    "Uncle sent me a message. If I hadn''t been held up by something at school, I would have been here earlier," Huo Yueze said casually. He then changed the subject, asking curiously:


    "But you, do you really have to get involved in that girl''s business?"


    Huo Guining pouted. "When youe across this kind of thing, you have to help. It''s not like I''m helpless."


    Huo Yueze was surprised. "How are you not? Uncle is always going on about how we''ve been feeding you for so many years and you haven''t gained an ounce."


    As he spoke, he reached out and pinched her cheek. "Look, look, there''s hardly any meat on your face."


    Huo Guining swatted his hand away, displeased. "I''m not just talking about physical strength. I have you guys, don''t I?"


    "Besides, if you don''t help and I don''t help, what if something like this happened to me? Would you want people around me to stand by and do nothing?"


    Huo Yueze replied, "With us around, you''ll never encounter such a situation."


    Huo Guining patiently exined, "It''s just a metaphor, brother. Do you understand what a metaphor is?"


    Huo Yueze''s hand itched again, and he couldn''t resist ruffling her hair.


    Huo Guining dodged away with a yelp.


    Amidst their banter, the two arrived at the street outside the wall.


    It was a secluded area, the end point of a three-way intersection.


    In the corner, Zeng Zhilin was surrounded by a group, her hair disheveled and her appearance disheveled.

 Chapter 138

    Seeing this scene, Huo Guining was stunned for a moment.


    Several youths dressed in a slovenly manner were eyeing Zeng Zhilin''s body up and down with lustful gazes.


    Huang Lu stood with her arms crossed next to her girlfriends, looking down at the disheveled Zeng Zhilin with mockery: "You didn''t think your ssmates woulde to your rescue, did you?"


    She spat on the ground, her arrogance on full disy: "Why don''t you call for help and see if any miracles happen at this moment?"


    Zeng Zhilin had liquid sshed on her, her wet hair clinging to her scalp in strands.


    She said in a panic: "Senior Huang Lu, I was wrong. I''ll never dare to do it again."


    With that, she reluctantly lowered her head in submission.


    Zeng Zhilin''s action pleased Huang Lu, greatly satisfying her vanity.


    But this was far from enough.


    Having her face ruined in front of her girlfriends by a junior like Huo Guining, this kind of situation couldn''t be resolved just by Zeng Zhilin lowering her head.


    Relying on the backing of the young thugs, Huang Lu walked forward and grabbed Zeng Zhilin''s chin, snarling: "Don''t think you can appease my anger with just an apology. Your ssmate... understand?"


    Forced to raise her face, Zeng Zhilin''s pupils contracted when she heard Huang Lu mention Huo Guining.


    "Senior, that ssmate of mine is just an idiot. Please don''t bother with her. I''ll punish her for you!"


    Hearing this, Huo Guining''s eyes darkened.


    Huo Yueze frowned and whispered in Huo Guining''s ear: "Your ssmate''s character seems quite poor. Should we..."


    Huo Guining remained silent.


    Zeng Zhilin''s fawning face and her gritted promise made Huang Lu''s anger subside a bit more.


    "At least you know your ce. Don''t disappoint me." Huang Lu flung Zeng Zhilin''s head away, her eyes fixed on her as she spoke to the young thugs.


    "Give her a chance. I want to see what she can do."


    Zeng Zhilin''s suspended heart fell back to the ground.


    She raised her head, shing a grin at Huang Lu, trying to please her: "Don''t worry, I won''t let you down!"


    The young thug pushed Huang Lu aside, causing her to stumble before being caught by her girlfriends.


    Zeng Zhilin''s school uniform skirt was short, about 20cm above the knee. Due to the earlier pushing and shoving, the skirt had almost bunched up to the top of her thighs, leaving her tender white legs shivering in the cold wind.


    Her features were delicate, with wet ck bangs clinging to her forehead. Her anxious expression was pitiable.


    The young thug reached out, his finger tracing her soft white face: "Little sister, some things don''t need you to do them yourself. Why don''t you let big brother help you..."


    The metal skull earring on the thug''s ear gleamed coldly, sending chills down one''s spine.


    Zeng Zhilin hurriedly covered her skirt, forcing a smile: "It''s such a small matter, there''s no need to trouble..."


    "Ah!" A sudden sharp pain on her scalp interrupted her attempt at negotiation.


    The thug''s repulsive face suddenly came close, the stench from his mouth assaulting Zeng Zhilin''s senses.


    Zeng Zhilin couldn''t help but make a retching sound.


    Seeing this, the thug''s buddies burst intoughter: "Brother Jing, you made the little girl sick, hahaha..."


    The thug called Brother Jing''s face darkened with anger: "You think I''m disgusting, huh? Today I''ll show you what real disgust is!"


    Saying this, he grabbed Zeng Zhilin''s long hair, trying to drag her along.


    "Let go of that girl!"


    A clear female voice suddenly rang out.


    The misbehaving young delinquents and thugs instinctively stopped what they were doing, turning to look at the source of the voice.


    After shouting, Huo Guining btedly felt a wave of embarrassment.


    But seeing everyone staring at her, she had to swallow her shame and repeat coldly: "Let go of that girl."


    Having their face ruined repeatedly on their own turf, both Huang Lu and the thugs were extremely annoyed.


    The two walked forward in sync, arrogantly saying: "Huo Guining, you''re asking for a beating."


    "Who do you think you are?"


    One question, one answer, like dogs biting each other.


    Huo Guining smiled: "Your duet isn''t bad, but I don''t have time to listen to you sing. Get lost."


    Her words were extremely arrogant. Though alone, she carried an overwhelming aura, looking down on everyone present.


    The posturing was impressive.


    ''Skull'' was thoroughly enraged. He waved to his brothers, and Huang Lu, not to be outdone, led her group as they all surged towards Huo Guining.


    Zeng Zhilin came to her senses, nearly crying with anxiety: "Huo Guining, are you stupid? Run quickly!"


    As she spoke, she looked around, trying to find something to use as a weapon.


    Meanwhile, Huo Guining casually stepped back, revealing the person hidden around the corner.


    "Brother, I''m counting on you."


    Huo Yuezeughed in exasperation: "For such a small matter, you don''t need me to personally intervene."


    Huo Guining still had the mood to smile at him.


    Huo Yueze waved his hand dismissively.


    Just as the group was about to reach the two, suddenly a bunch of muscr men burst out, subduing the little chicks in no time.


    Huo Guining thought: Still, my brother is the best.


    She walked up to Zeng Zhilin, taking out a wet wipe and handing it to her: "How are you?"


    Zeng Zhilin was still immersed in this sudden turn of events: "These people, did you bring them?"


    Huo Guining said casually: "I suppose so."


    She lifted her eyelids, looking at Zeng Zhilin: "Why are you so stupid? Huang Lu calls and you juste?"


    Zeng Zhilin bit her lip: "She said if I didn''te, she''d directly find people to deal with you."


    Huo Guining was stunned for a moment, then said mockingly: "Don''t you have a brain? Huang Lu is clearly the type to push her luck. You actually believed her?"


    "You''re the first person to help me." After saying this, Zeng Zhilin felt as embarrassed as Huo Guining had earlier when she shouted.


    "So..."


    Huo Guining made a ''stop'' gesture: "Don''t say it. We have no chance."


    Zeng Zhilin looked at her with a ''are you crazy'' expression.


    Huo Guining''s goosebumps subsided a bit: "Zeng Zhilin, that day, no matter who encountered such a situation, I would have helped. So, I didn''t save you specifically."


    Zeng Zhilin hadn''t expected her to say this.


    Huo Guining said coldly: "After all, even as friends, I don''t like people with your kind of personality."


    After saying this, she revealed a smile, the epitome of elegance.


    Huo Guining stood up, handing Zeng Zhilin the towel she had bought earlier at a roadside store: "Whether it''s Huang Lu or the thugs, you don''t need to worry about them hurting you anymore."


    She pointed at the sky: "I have connections above. At least during your student years, you won''t suffer bullying again."


    Zeng Zhilin couldn''t help but ask: "What about after student years?"


    Huo Guining''s lips curled slightly: "Society will teach everyone how to be a person."


    "Whether it''s you or Huang Lu, don''t you agree?"


    With that, she turned and left without hesitation. In the gloomy weather, her figure was the epitome of elegance.

 Chapter 139

    Although Huo Yueze is still in college, he has already started taking over some of Huo Xiaozheng''s business.


    Huo Xiaozheng calls it "training" for Huo Yueze.


    But Huo Yueze has a vague feeling that the year he graduates will be the year Huo Xiaozheng retires.


    When he heard this, Huo Xiaozheng surprisingly smiled at Huo Yueze.


    "How could that be? Your uncle wouldn''t be so heartless."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s appearance was so attractive that even Huo Yueze was almost deceived.


    Today, if Huo Xiaozheng hadn''t been tied up with a big client, it wouldn''t have fallen to this old ox to deal with Ning Ning''s affairs.


    "Brother, are you going back to thepany?" Huo Guining asked.


    Huo Yueze, feeling a bit dizzy, replied, "Ning Ning, I haven''t even graduated from college yet. Why don''t you ask if I''m going back to school?"


    Huo Guining''s eyes darted around, and she pointed at the nearby bubble tea shop: "Brother, thank you for today. Why don''t I treat you to some bubble tea?"


    Her voice was so loud that itpletely illuminated her nervousness.


    Huo Yueze smiled, no longer teasing her: "About today''s incident, I''ll help you handle it. Uncle means that from now on, Brother Zhao will be with you, so you don''t need to be afraid."


    As he spoke, he pointed to a tall, imposing man not far away. Although he wasn''t particrly burly, he had a strong presence.


    "Brother Zhao is from the military. He can protect you."


    The man Huo Yueze referred to as Brother Zhao noticed their gaze and nodded, acknowledging them.


    Huo Guining didn''t reject this protection: "Okay."


    Huo Yueze patted her little head, sighing: "Not bad. You didn''t try to be tough when facing trouble and sought help from adults. Our efforts over these years haven''t been in vain."


    Huo Guining''s eyes curved into a smile: "It''s all thanks to your good teaching~"


    After chatting for a while, Huo Yueze saw that Brother Zhao had almost finished handling the situation. He sent Huo Guining back to school and then returned to thepany.


    When Huo Guining returned to the ssroom, Zeng Zhilin''s seat was still empty.


    Chen Xi, seeing here back from outside, curiously asked: "What happened? Why were both you and Zeng Zhilin not in the ssroom? The ss monitor just got back too."


    Chen Xi spoke rapidly, her words tumbling out like beans spilling from a bag.


    Huo Guining raised an eyebrow: "I went to the bathroom. As for them, I''m not sure."


    Chen Xi obviously didn''t believe her, but seeing her expression of not wanting to say more, she didn''t press further.


    That afternoon, Zeng Zhilin didn''t show up at all.


    With Huo Yueze''s assurance, Huo Guining wasn''t worried about Zeng Zhilin''s personal safety.


    At the end of school, Chen Xi, unable to suppress her curiosity, caught up with Huo Guining in a few steps, wanting to ask more.


    A tall figure beat her to it, blocking Huo Guining''s path.


    "Fan Xingzhou?" Huo Guining looked confused. "Do you need something?"


    Fan Xingzhou stood tall and straight in front of Huo Guining, a full head taller than her.


    He spoke leisurely: "Did you find her?"


    The "her" in Fan Xingzhou''s mouth was obviously Zeng Zhilin.


    "Mm." Huo Guining frowned. "Weren''t you not concerned?"


    Fan Xingzhou clenched his palm: "It''s not what you think between us."


    Huo Guining''s frown deepened: "What do I think?"


    Fan Xingzhou seemed to want to say something but held back.


    Huo Guining, losing patience first, spoke ahead of him: "Look, ss monitor, I don''t care at all about what''s going on between you two. Right now, I''m in a hurry to get home. My dad is waiting for me."


    With that, she walked around Fan Xingzhou and hurried towards the school gate.


    Chen Xi watched this scene with her chin propped on her hand, looking as if she had just gotten some juicy gossip.


    Huo Guining paid no attention to this little interlude.


    Not far from the school gate, she saw the familiar car.


    Opening the car door, she found Huo Xiaozheng sitting in the back seat, wearing a gentle smile: "You''re a bitte today."


    Huo Guining sat down, fastening her seatbelt while grumbling: "Our ss monitor suddenly came to find me, saying some weird, nonsensical things, wasting my time."


    Huo Xiaozheng''s smile faded a bit: "Oh? What nonsensical things?"


    Huo Guining thought for a moment, then told Huo Xiaozheng everything about Zeng Zhilin and Fan Xingzhou.


    At the end, she was still a bit annoyed: "This Fan Xingzhou isn''t very good. He clearly has something going on with Zeng Zhilin, but he''s in denial, and he''s even worried that I might spread rumors about them."


    Huo Guining chattered on: "Isn''t this just a case of a petty person judging others by his own standards? Don''t you think so, Dad?"


    Huo Xiaozheng was both amused and exasperated: "I suppose so..."


    Finding agreement, Huo Guining felt as if she had grown taller. Shepletely lost her cool girl image from earlier that day, and simply turned her body to face Huo Xiaozheng, venting her frustrations.


    It wasn''t until the car reached its destination that she finally stopped, albeit reluctantly.


    After returning home, Huo Xiaozheng repeated to Ning Ning what Huo Yueze had said earlier.


    Huo Guining, of course, agreed readily.


    Time quickly arrived at Huo Guining''s birthday.


    This time, the old Mr. Huo specially found a top-notch team to n this birthday party, and the security measures were also very well done.


    The venue for the evening banquet was decorated extremely luxuriously, with every detail exuding high-end taste.


    Dazzling crystal chandeliers hung like stars, illuminating the entire hall. The luxurious carpet was as soft as silk, as if walking on clouds.


    Exquisite tableware and fresh flowers adorned the tables, exuding an enchanting fragrance.


    The walls were adorned with precious artworks, making one feel as if they were in an art pce.


    Elegant music flowed through the air, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.


    Well-dressed guests chatted andughed in this luxurious scene, as if at a feast of high society.


    Although Huo Guining had only sent invitations to a few of her close friends, thanks to Chen Xi''s talkative nature, many ssmates actively approached her, hoping to attend her birthday party.


    Huo Guining dly agreed.


    So, on her birthday, her ssmates finally realized that Huo Guining''s "Huo" was the same "Huo" as in Huo Group.


    "Ning Ning is really a princess. I''ve never seen such a luxurious party before..."


    "That person, is that Huo Jing..."


    In the hall, Huo Jing wore a gorgeous evening gown. The champagne-colored skirt flowed like clouds, setting off her snow-white, delicate, and smooth skin. Her exquisite makeup made her stunningly beautiful.


    "Oh my god, it really is Huo Jing!"


    "Ahhhh, my goddess, I can''t believe I''m seeing my goddess here..."


    "It''s true! Wasn''t she supposed to be filming? How did she suddenly appear here?"


    Chen Xi smirked: "Just a reminder, both Ning Ning and Huo Jing have the surname Huo."


    With that, she gracefully walked away with a ss of champagne, leaving her ssmates screaming like excited chickens behind her.


    Chen Xi, along with Qi Xin and Fang Yuan, were led by the butler to Huo Guining''s bedroom.


    "Young Miss, your friends are here," the butler said. After hearing a response from inside, he retreated.


    The door opened, and Huo Guining appeared before the three.


    She was wearing a ck gown made of velvet, with the cor trimmed in silver thread, outlining delicate lily of the valley flowers. A ck satin ribbon was tied around her waist, with a bow casually tied to one side.


    Her skirt spread out like the night sky, dotted with twinkling star patterns, as if she had draped the entire Milky Way over herself.


    Her hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, with strands of purple highlights interwoven among the ck tresses. The princess-cut bangs that were usually clipped up were now let down.


    On her head, she wore a small ck crown iid with purple gemstones, glittering with a cold and alluring light.


    She wore ckce gloves, with her fingertips shimmering faintly. On her feet were a pair of silver low-heeled shoes, making her posture even more upright and elegant.


    At this moment, Huo Guining looked like a night princess from another world, cold and untouchable.

 Chapter 140

    After Chen Xi and the others reacted, they eximed in session, "We always knew you were beautiful, but we didn''t expect you to be so..."


    Qi Xin, seeing that she couldn''t find the right word for a while, added, "So noble and elegant."


    Huo Guining couldn''t help but smile.


    When she smiled, that sense of aloofness faded considerably.


    "You''re exaggerating," Huo Guining said. "This gown is for the opening ceremony. After that''s over, we can go and have fun on our own."


    Chen Xi didn''t quite understand, but figured that wealthy families must have their own ways, so she didn''t ask further.


    The four girls, arm in arm, affectionately walked out of the room together.


    Since Old Master Huo was hosting this birthday party, there were even more guests than usual.


    After the opening ceremony, Huo Guining had to stay by Old Master Huo and Huo Xiaozheng''s side, exchanging pleasantries with the guests.


    When Old Master Huo finally gave the word to disperse, Huo Guining immediately returned to her room, changed into a soft, white off-the-shoulder sweater, and joined her ssmates.


    "Let''s go y in the house behind us. There are no adults there," Huo Guining called out to everyone.


    The group of young men and women flocked to the small vi behind the main hall.


    The vi was decorated primarily in shades of purple, still luxurious.


    Fan Xingzhougged behind the group. Seeing Huo Guining usher everyone into the hall, he called out to her.


    Huo Guining turned back, somewhat puzzled: "What''s wrong?"


    The moonlight was gentle, and the light under the porch was dim. Huo Guining''s face was clearly visible in the night.


    Fan Xingzhou was silent for a moment before saying, "You look beautiful today."


    Huo Guining replied matter-of-factly, "I know."


    Fan Xingzhou looked up, again appearing as if he wanted to say something but couldn''t.


    Huo Guining frowned: "Are you going to say it or not? If not, I''m going in. My ssmates are waiting for me."


    This isn''t the best time, Fan Xingzhou thought.


    He shook his head and repeated what he had said before: "There''s nothing special between Zeng Zhilin and me."


    Huo Guining couldn''t help but be direct: "Fan Xingzhou, you like me, don''t you?"


    Fan Xingzhou''s pupils shook, his heart felt as if it was being tightly gripped. He couldn''t help but clench his fist, his eyes showing a glimmer of hope and joy.


    "How did you know..."


    Since Fan Xingzhou didn''t deny it, Huo Guining adjusted her stance and first expressed her appreciation for Fan Xingzhou: "Thank you for liking me. I understand young people''s admiration for beautiful things. You have good taste."


    "But you might have misunderstood. Whether it''s you or Zeng Zhilin, we''re just ssmates."


    "I don''t care about your rtionship with Zeng Zhilin, and you don''t need to be overly concerned about my feelings."


    Huo Guining''s words were calm with a touch of coldness.


    Fan Xingzhou was stunned: "Then at the sports meet, why did you decide to participate just because of what I said?"


    Huo Guining held her forehead, not expecting that her conflicted feelings had caused such a big misunderstanding.


    "That was purely because of mypetitive nature," Huo Guining recalled, feeling annoyed. "As for participating, it didn''t have much to do with you."


    Fan Xingzhou felt as if he had been struck by lightning out of a clear sky. The usually calm andposed person''s expression cracked.


    "So..."


    Huo Guining: "You asked how I knew you liked me. Do you want to know the answer?"


    Fan Xingzhou had a feeling her answer wouldn''t be pleasant to hear, but he still couldn''t help nodding: "Yes."


    "Whether it''s liking someone or loving someone, these emotions will surpass a person''s rationality. I like my family, I love my family. If they were in danger, my first thought would be how to help them."


    "But you''re not like that."


    "You know Zeng Zhilin likes you, and I''m making a malicious guess here, you probably even know she''s gotten into some trouble because of it."


    "But you disregarded it. Even when I stepped in to help, you chose to be a bystander."


    "You enjoy being liked by others, but you hate the trouble it brings. I don''t like that kind of person."


    "Fan Xingzhou, the way you look at me is about possession, control, waiting to see me hit a wall and then dly epting your control."


    "This isn''t liking someone."


    Every word Huo Guining said ruthlessly tore open Fan Xingzhou''s not-so-pure heart.


    Fan Xingzhou''s face turned pale. He smiled bitterly: "Even if you''re rejecting me, you don''t have to be so cruel."


    There was no trace of mockery or contempt on Huo Guining''s face. She said sincerely: "Fan Xingzhou, love is a subject that needs to be learned."


    "You just happen to be very poor at this subject without realizing it."


    Having said all she needed to say, Huo Guining gave Fan Xingzhou a deep look, then turned and pushed open the door to the hall.


    Fan Xingzhou stood alone, the cold moonlight falling on his shoulders, his figure looking deste.


    Huo Jing, who had been following Fan Xingzhou, saw this and turned away satisfied.


    Inside the vi''s hall, it was quite a different scene.


    At first, some curious ssmates searched for Huo Xiaozheng and Huo Guining''s names online.


    The inte, of course, has a memory.


    Huo Guining''s past was graduallyid out before her ssmates.


    This led to Huo Guining walking into the hall and directly facing a crowd of sympathetic gazes.


    Chen Xi was the first to break down, rushing over to hug her: "Guining, you deserve all of this today, wuwuwu!"


    Even the usually calm Qi Xin couldn''t help but tear up: "Guining..."


    It took Huo Guining a while to understand what had happened. She said, torn betweenughter and tears: "It''s all been so many years, I''ve grown up!"


    But Chen Xi wouldn''t have it. Relying on being two years older than Huo Guining, she pulled her to sit on the sofa: "What''s your birthday wish? Tell me, I''ll definitely make ite true for you!"


    Just as one misunderstanding was resolved, another one hit her head-on. This birthday party was both joyful and headache-inducing for Huo Guining.


    After the party ended, Huo Guining''s bedroom was, as usual, piled high with gifts.


    Huo Guining, familiar with the routine, picked up Huo Xiaozheng''s gift first. It was a photo album.


    The album was filled with photos from when she was five years old until now.


    On the title page was written: "Thank you, my daughter, for apanying me all these years. Dad is very happy."


    Huo Guining hugged the album with both hands, the warmth in her heart almost overflowing.


    Huo Xiaozheng pushed open the door to see Guining sitting in the pile of gifts with red-rimmed eyes, holding the photo album he had made himself.


    He walked over and sat down beside her, wiping the corner of her eye: "This isn''t worth crying over."


    Huo Guining sniffled: "I''m just too happy."


    In the night, the conversation between father and daughter was soft and gentle, as if afraid to disturb this quiet and beautiful evening.


    In the moonlight, the silhouettes of the father and daughter formed a beautiful and warm picture. Their familial love was like the moonlight, gentle and warm, illuminating each other''s hearts.


    After the birthday party, Huo Guining and Fan Xingzhou''s rtionship returned to normal.


    Zeng Zhilin secretly slipped a gift into Huo Guining''s drawer. The box contained a somewhat ugly chocte cookie charm.


    It looked handmade.


    Huo Guining thought for a moment, then attached it to her keychain. Zeng Zhilin, who had been secretly observing Huo Guining''s reaction, breathed a sigh of relief.


    That day, the ssmates who attended the birthday party kept very tight-lipped and didn''t spread Huo Guining''s background too much.

 Chapter 141

    Days and nights passed, seasons changed.


    Huo Guining methodically progressed through each year of her high school life.


    On the day the college entrance exams ended, Huo Guining, along with her ssmates, created a summer snowfall inside the school building, bathed in the brilliant glow of the setting sun.


    Torn textbooks swirled down from the upper floors, settling on the ground in a thickyer of ''snow''.


    The graduates rejoiced, celebrating the dawn of a brighter future.


    Huo Guining''s face lit up with a smile; in the golden sunset, she seemed to be embracing a new life.


    "Are you that happy?" Huo Xiaozheng had been waiting for her at the school gate, just as she had once waited for Huo Yueze years ago.


    Seeing her eyes sparkle, Huo Xiaozheng couldn''t help but feel happy too.


    Huo Guining nodded vigorously: "I''ve graduated from high school. I''m 18 now."


    She had finally lived past 18!


    Unaware of her inner thoughts, Huo Xiaozheng chimed in, "Yes, you''re 18. Have you thought about where you want to go for your graduation trip?"


    Huo Guining''s eyes immediately brightened even more: "I have! I want to go to many, many ces, see every corner of the world, and see how other people live."


    Huo Xiaozheng smiled and asked, "Will you bring your paintbrushes?"


    Huo Guining nodded with an expression that said ''you know me so well''.


    The car started, quickly leaving the school behind.


    The two arrived at the Huo family''s old residence. That night, the Huo family gathered to celebrate their little granddaughtering of age.


    Huo Yueze managed to arrive five minutes before the feast began.


    As time had passed, Huo Yueze had grown more and more like Huo Xiaozheng, their mannerisms strikingly simr.


    "Ning-ning, congrattions on your graduation." Huo Yueze ceremoniously handed Huo Guining arge bouquet of deep red flowers.


    The red bouquet was like a me, bright and passionate. The vibrant petalsyered upon each other, tightly clustered together like a collection of burning hearts. The fragrance of the red flowers was rich and sweet, like a gentle summer breeze carrying a hint of sweetness. A red ribbon wound around the stems, adding a touch of elegance.


    It was reminiscent of a summer sunset.


    "Wow, what beautiful flowers," Huo Guining eximed as she happily epted them.


    "I hope my little sister''s future will be as vibrant and full of life as these flowers!" Huo Yueze said with a smile ying on his lips.


    Huo Guining''s eyes crinkled with joy: "Thank you, brother. I''m sure it will be!"


    The bright dining room was filled withughter and cheerful conversation.


    "Ning-ning, have you decided where you want to go for your summer vacation?" Old Master Huo asked.


    Huo Guining repeated what she had told Huo Xiaozheng earlier.


    "That''s wonderful," Old Master Huo nodded approvingly. "Youth is the time to explore the world."


    "Are you going with your friends?"


    Huo Guining shook her head.


    Huo Xiaozheng looked puzzled: "You''re not nning to go alone, are you?"


    Huo Guining shook her head again. She stood up and gave Huo Xiaozheng a gentlemanly bow: "I wonder if I might have the honor of inviting Mr. Huo Xiaozheng to apany me?"


    Huo Xiaozheng was pleasantly surprised: "You want Dad to go with you? Really?"


    Huo Guining nodded: "Of course, if you''re willing."


    Huo Xiaozheng nodded happily.


    Huo Yueze wore a forced smile, seeming somewhat exasperated: "I''m so envious of Uncle. Unlike me, who only knows how to work."


    After a pause, he added: "And work for Uncle, at that."


    Huo Xiaozheng waved his hand cheerfully: "If you''d like, you can take over thepany from now on. I''m tired, and it''s time I spent some quality time with Ning-ning."


    Huo Yueze gritted his teeth: "Ning-ning is 18 now, you know. She''ll have her own life. Perhaps you shouldn''t cling to her so much, old man."


    Before Huo Xiaozheng could respond, Huo Guining quickly replied: "It''s not Dad clinging to me, it''s me who likes to cling to Dad."


    Huo Yueze: Utterly defeated.


    Everyone chuckled at this exchange.


    At that moment, under the night sky filled with the lights of countless homes, there was finally a light that shone just for Huo Guining.


    She had finally crossed the threshold of her 18th year. From now on, she could live a long and fulfilling life, experiencing all the beauty and joy the world had to offer.


    Most importantly, she finally had a family who loved her and whom she loved deeply in return.


    She was truly happy.


    End of the main text.

 Chapter 142

    I am Huo Xiaozheng.


    At the age of 29, I unexpectedly became the father of a daughter.


    The first time we met, she was like a carrot, swept into a snowbank by my car.


    When I dug her out, her frailty wasn''t much different from that of a carrot.


    But her eyes were bright, full of life.


    That day, my assistant received a call from the police station. On the phone, the little girl''s voice mentioned a location where I had been set up by rivals years ago.


    Though I always hold grudges, I dislike trouble.


    But that day, as if possessed, I went to the police station.


    Fatefully, I brought home my daughter.


    At first, I thought she was quite cunning, using a ploy of self-harm at such a young age.


    When the paternity test results came back, I held those few thin sheets of paper, my thoughts returning to that day at the police station, and unexpectedly felt a twinge in my heart.


    But I still remained wary of her.


    Ningning was very perceptive, rarely causing me any trouble.


    Oh, Ningning is my daughter''s nickname. Her original name was Huo Ning, which Iter changed to Huo Guining.


    Of course, that''s a story for another time.


    She was very well-behaved, observing my likes and dislikes.


    She would never overstep my boundaries, not even once.


    Even when I nned to use her to attack my rivals, and my staff couldn''t bear to watch, she would always act very understanding.


    But children shouldn''t be like this.


    When Huo Yueze was young, he was almost a little terror, noisy and willful.


    Ningning was the opposite of Huo Yueze.


    Quiet.


    So quiet that even when she was sick, she wouldn''t dare ask forfort while awake.


    It was then that the paternal love dormant in my blood suddenly awakened.


    I thought, Ningning shouldn''t be like this.


    But Ningning clearly didn''t think so.


    She continued to suppress herself.


    Sensing her father''s approach, she was happy, but still guarded.


    I knew this, but felt helpless.


    Ningning''s health was poor. Learning that she would fall ill if she left me, for a moment I was quite pleased.


    This way, perhaps Ningning would learn to depend on me.


    But reality continued to defy my wishes.


    I tried my best to keep Ningning by my side, not realizing she was always afraid of causing me trouble.


    To put my mind at ease, Ningning deliberately concealed that she was taking medication to avoid chest pain.


    When I learned this truth, I felt utterly defeated.


    Angry, but more than that, heartbroken.


    I hadn''t been by her side since she was little, and I didn''t know how to get her to open up.


    Even in dealing with her birth mother, I performed terribly.


    Leaving her exposed to public scrutiny, bearing the brunt of criticism.


    Muchter, when Ningning grew up and recalled the past, she evenforted me.


    Telling me those things were trivial, that she didn''t care about the criticism at all.


    But I cared deeply.


    That guilt remained buried in my heart.


    Fortunately, as Ningning grew up healthy, watching her be healthy, happy, and free, my guilt gradually lessened.


    Ningning''s intelligence had always been exceptional for her age. After the college entrance exam, she chose to study abroad, pursuing her longtime passion for art.


    Coincidentally, Huo Yueze was also about to graduate from university.


    I handed the Huo Corporation to Huo Yueze, with Xi Chuan assisting him.


    At first, Huo Yueze was unwilling, but when he learned I was going abroad to apany Ningning during her studies, the brat agreed quite quickly.


    On the day we left the country, my parents hugged Ningning with tears in their eyes.


    I couldn''t rte to that sense of sorrow at parting.


    I even urged them to go home and rest soon, not to tire themselves out, saying that Ningning and I would naturally return during the holidays.


    Ningningforted her grandparents just as I did.


    I couldn''t help but recall her first meeting with her grandfather.


    I couldn''t help butugh out loud.


    The old man, still vigorous despite his age, hearing myughter, raised his cane to swat at me, shouting not to be smug, and that in a while when the weather warmed up, they would bothe over to apany us during the studies.


    This time I didn''t dareugh.


    Ningning and I both coaxed the two elders to take care of their health.


    Life abroad was even happier than I had imagined.


    I became an ordinary father.


    In my spare time, I would practice cooking and drive Ningning to and from school.


    I had worried that Ningning would feel I was restricting her freedom.


    After all, she was in her youth, the age when one loves to have fun.


    Fortunately, Ningning''s interests weren''t that broad.


    She did love to y and have fun, but always within reason, returning home on time.


    She never gave me cause to worry.


    As we spent time together day after day, our rtionship became more natural and close.


    Ningning would tell me about her ssmates'' love affairs at school.


    I would take the opportunity to ask about her own love life.


    But Ningning waspletely oblivious, and seemed to have no desire to change that. She proudly dered, "What''s so great about dating? I''m a noble single, with my own charm."


    Whether Ningning dated or not, I approved.


    After all, my hope for Ningning was simply that she be free and happy.


    We rarely discussed such abstract topics as father and daughter.


    During her time studying abroad, we talked more about everyday, trivial things like the weather, food, and fashion.


    I no longer worried whether Ningning was happy or not.


    Because her eyes gave me the answer.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!