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 classmates, 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 thick layer 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 places, 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 granddaughter coming 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 similar.
"Ning-ning, congratulations on your graduation." Huo Yueze ceremoniously handed Huo Guining a large bouquet of deep red flowers.
The red bouquet was like a flame, bright and passionate. The vibrant petals layered 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 exclaimed as she happily accepted 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 playing 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 with laughter 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 planning 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 accompany 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 the company 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.
