Early May, the perfect time when spring is in full bloom.
As winter's chill fades away, nature awakens. The garden of the Panlong Bay villa is bursting with signs of spring everywhere.
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.
Walking further into the garden, a European-style villa comes into view. The interior is exquisitely decorated, with polished marble floors reflecting a soft, warm light.
In the center of the spacious hall hangs an ornate crystal chandelier, glittering in the morning light.
A middle-aged man in a black uniform appears in view, extending his hand to stop the film crew who are about to rush up the stairs to the second floor.
"Hello, please wait here for a moment," Butler Chen says with a polite smile, speaking in a calm and measured tone.
The lead producer gives an awkward smile and waves to his team.
The crew retreats to the hall, turning off their cameras and gazing expectantly up the stairs.
The night before, Butler Chen had informed them that guests would be arriving today.
So, Aunt Xu had prepared food early.
At this moment, she appears carrying drinks and snacks, inviting the crew in the living room to eat while they wait.
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?"
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."
The main producer's eyes brighten. "Oh? How so?"
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..."
Butler Chen suddenly appears, interrupting Aunt Xu with a smile: "Aunt Xu, Miss Ningning is awake. Where's her breakfast?"
"Ningning's breakfast is almost ready. I'll go plate it up." Too busy to chat, Aunt Xu hurries back to the kitchen.
Butler Chen stands to one side of the hall, like a statue blocking the crew's path.
The main producer: ...
Not long after, Huo Xiaozheng appears at the top of the stairs, fully dressed.
"Have they arrived?" he asks.
Butler Chen points towards the hall, respectfully saying, "They're waiting over there."
Huo Xiaozheng nods, signaling Butler Chen to let them through.
Butler Chen understands, moving aside and gesturing for the crew to proceed.
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.
"Hello, Mr. Huo," the main producer steps forward to greet Huo Xiaozheng.
Huo Xiaozheng nods coldly, "Hello."
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.
However, the main producer doesn't mind.
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.
In fact, he's hoping that something interesting might happen on Huo Xiaozheng's end.
Something that could boost the show's ratings.
"May I ask about your daughter?" the main producer inquires cautiously.
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.
So, they've arrived quite early today, with the clock just striking 7 AM.
At this time, young children are usually still sound asleep.
Huo Xiaozheng walks ahead silently, leading the way.
Opening the bedroom door, the interior is pitch black, with a gentle breeze moving the curtains, letting in a sliver of light.
Huo Xiaozheng, familiar with the layout, walks to Ningning's small bed and turns on her night light.
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.
Huo Xiaozheng kneels beside the bed, digging her head out from under the blanket. "Ningning, wake up, it's time to get up."
Ningning refuses to open her eyes, mumbling something indistinct.
Huo Xiaozheng lets out a short laugh.
He brushes her hair aside, revealing a fair and adorable face, her cheeks seemingly radiating warmth.
"Did you forget? We're going to North City to play 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.
Time ticks by slowly, and the production team grows anxious.
However, Huo Xiaozheng remains unmoved, patiently speaking to his daughter in a low, gentle voice.
It's not until Ningning slowly opens her eyes, gradually becoming alert, that he presses the switch for the electric curtains.
Huo Xiaozheng lifts her from the bed with one arm, ensuring her pajamas are properly arranged before allowing her to appear on camera.
"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.
Ningning, still not fully awake, nods at the camera and politely says hello.
After greeting, she buries her head in Huo Xiaozheng's shoulder, mumbling, "I'm so sleepy."
Huo Xiaozheng had originally intended to take her to wash up, but hearing this, he pauses. "Should we..."
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..."
Huo Xiaozheng remains unmoved.
However, Ningning, hearing this, doesn't want to inconvenience the crew.
"Daddy, I want to go wash up," she says.
Only then does Huo Xiaozheng continue towards the bathroom.
Once in the bathroom, Huo Xiaozheng doesn't allow the crew to follow.
"Did you brush your teeth properly?"
"There's still some sleep in your eye that hasn't been cleaned... Okay, it's clean now..."
Soon after, Huo Xiaozheng emerges from the bathroom, carrying Ningning.
This time, the father and daughter head straight for the dressing room.
Because of this trip, Ningning had been excited for a long time last night, packing her luggage, coordinating outfits, and even preparing small gifts for her little friends.
Busy with preparations, she didn't lie down until nearly eleven o'clock.
This is why she's so sleepy this morning.
Ningning never allows Huo Xiaozheng to be present when she changes clothes.
After setting Ningning down, Huo Xiaozheng leaves the dressing room.
But he doesn't idle. Instead, he walks to the dressing table, takes out a comb, and waits quietly.
The style of the dressing table is completely different from the cool tones of the bedroom, yet it seems to fit perfectly with Huo Xiaozheng sitting there naturally.
The film crew takes the opportunity to interview: "Does Mr. Huo usually do Ningning's hair?"
Huo Xiaozheng responds with a cold "Mm."
The film crew persists, "Generally, fathers aren't very good at doing hair. Do you think Ningning likes the hairstyles you do for her?"
Huo Xiaozheng gives the camera a fleeting glance.
