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 flamboyant 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 play?"
Before Huo Yueze could intervene, Huo Guining excitedly said, "We went to play an escape room game, the kind where the dolls are covered in blood!"
Huo Xiaozheng shot Huo Yueze a sharp glance.
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 flash 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 slap 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 became complex.
"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 explain.
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 small company.
Life was quite comfortable.
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't last long.
When Song Tianbai was 5 years old, he playfully ran to the roadside to pick up a ball, not noticing an oncoming truck.
His father, in a desperate attempt to save his son, lost his life.
After her husband's death, Song Qing seemed to become 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 the company alone.
But it was ultimately a struggle.
The company's financial situation worsened day by day, yet Song Qing refused to let go.
The once comfortable 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 glanced 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 deflated. "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 success or psychosis."
The unexpected rhyme made Huo Xiaozheng laugh.
Huo Yueze, ever the doting brother, didn't miss this opportunity and immediately gave a thumbs up: "Awesome!"
Huo Xiaozheng had left his explanation 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, "The company 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 the company, 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 the company to play, but he didn't dare suggest it.
At 18, he was already old enough for his uncle to put to work.
Remembering the last 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 you come with us to the company?"
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's company."
Huo Yueze: ?
