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 noncommittal.
"By the way, I'm planning 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 black 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 newcomer 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 you come 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 Dad later, 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 getting late, 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 glanced 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 play 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'll come 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 collapsed 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 flash 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 accepted 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 playful, "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.
