Finally, the Steward handed Huo Guining a mobile phone.
"This is your new phone."
Huo Guining happily accepted it, thanking heaven and earth that she finally had her own phone.
"Thank you, Steward."
The Steward smiled, "You're welcome. I'll be waiting for the young miss to return home."
Huo Guining beamed.
After the Steward left, Huo Yueze dragged a suitcase into Huo Guining's room.
This room was originally used as Huo Yueze's study, so the decor had a masculine feel.
Zuo Qinfang opened the suitcase and began changing the bedding.
The bedding looked as if it had just been stripped from Ningning's bed.
She asked with a puzzled expression, "Ningning, are you particular about your bedding?"
Huo Guining nodded, "Yes, but the Steward brought my little bunny, so I can sleep hugging it."
That explained it.
Zuo Qinfang thought to herself: No wonder the sheets still smell of baby powder.
"Yueze, help me remember to get a night light for Ningning when we go to the supermarket later."
Before Huo Yueze could answer, Huo Guining rummaged through the suitcase: "No need, I have one here."
It was a mushroom-shaped night light that emitted a soft, non-glaring light.
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.
It could be plugged in by the bed or carried in hand.
This way, it provided light and spared Huo Guining from the embarrassment she feared.
Huo Guining loved it.
Seeing this, Huo Xiaozheng had several more bought in different shapes for her to use.
Zuo Qinfang couldn't help but sigh.
She and Huo Yanqin had once worried that Huo Xiaozheng wouldn't know how to raise a child.
Now it seemed he was even better at it than she was.
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.
Huo Guining understood and took her clothes into the bathroom alone. After washing up, she emerged from the bathroom fully dressed.
Only her hair was still wet, draped over her shoulders.
Zuo Qinfang had disappeared somewhere.
Huo Guining wrapped her hair in a dry towel and knocked on Huo Yueze's door.
"Brother, may I come in?"
After receiving an affirmative answer, Huo Guining entered and handed the hair dryer to Huo Yueze, "Brother, can you help me dry my hair?"
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.
"Of course. Come, sit here."
Huo Guining obediently sat down on the sofa.
"Is it too hot? Tell me if it's burning, okay?"
To Huo Guining's surprise, despite Huo Yueze's seemingly careless demeanor, his movements were very gentle, and the temperature was just right.
Huo Guining shook her head, "It's not too hot."
"Brother, do you have any plans for the next few days?"
Huo Yueze thought for a moment, "I'm meeting friends to play basketball this afternoon. Classes start tomorrow, so no other plans. Why do you ask?"
Huo Guining let out an "Oh," then asked, "Can I tag along with you?"
Huo Yueze exclaimed, "Of course you can! I was wondering how to take you with me!"
Huo Guining was confused, "Huh? Take me with you?"
Huo Yueze laughed, "Yeah, to show off my adorable little sister to everyone!"
His dramatic declaration made Huo Guining feel a bit embarrassed, so she quickly changed the subject, "You just got out of the hospital. Are you okay to play basketball?"
"It's fine, I can just watch if nothing else. If Mom asks, don't give me away, okay?"
Huo Guining nodded.
Huo Yueze effortlessly dried her hair, then took out their mother's hair oil and carefully applied a layer.
He then combed her hair smooth.
Huo Guining couldn't help but give him a thumbs up, "Wow, brother, you're amazing! Even better than Dad!"
Huo Yueze laughed heartily, "I learned a bit from watching videos. Just tried it out!"
He looked her over, "Ningning's hairstyle is so cool!"
Huo Guining cockily raised her chin, "You have good taste!"
They both burst into laughter.
It wasn't until after lunch that Huo Guining understood what Huo Yueze meant by 'don't give me away.'
"Mom, I'm meeting friends at the library. I'll be back soon."
Zuo Qinfang was skeptical, "You never liked reading. Why would you go to the library? Are you trying to trick me?"
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."
As he spoke, Huo Yueze winked at Huo Guining.
Huo Guining immediately looked up at Zuo Qinfang with big, pitiful eyes.
Zuo Qinfang gave in, "Alright, but make sure you look after your sister."
Huo Yueze nodded vigorously.
He scooped up Huo Guining and rushed to the entryway, helping her put on shoes, scarf, hat, and mask.
Seeing how smoothly and quickly he moved, Zuo Qinfang couldn't help but smile.
"Bring your sister back early, and don't feed her any junk food."
Huo Yueze gave an OK sign and left with Huo Guining.
Zuo Qinfang picked up the contact number left by the Steward and dialed, "Ningning's gone out. Keep an eye on them."
The two took a taxi to the sports center.
The weekend made the sports center very lively.
As soon as Huo Yueze entered, classmates called out to him.
With so many people around, Huo Yueze simply picked Huo Guining up.
"Yueze, is this your sister?"
Several boys gathered around, still smelling of sweat.
Huo Yueze beamed with pride, "Yeah, isn't she cute?"
"She's adorable."
One of them reached out to pinch Huo Guining's cheek, but Huo Yueze quickly dodged.
"What are you doing? No touching her."
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.
"Will you be good and play here while your brother plays some basketball?"
Huo Guining thought that sounded fine.
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!
Huo Yueze glanced in Huo Guining's direction and waved at her.
The youthful atmosphere infected Huo Guining, and she smiled too.
After playing for a while, Huo Yueze left the court.
"Little sis, let brother teach you how to play."
Huo Guining was stunned, "I'm too small. I can't reach."
Huo Yueze pointed to a children's basketball court nearby, "We'll go there."
He downed a large bottle of mineral water, gave Huo Guining some juice, and took her over.
When Huo Yueze said he'd teach her to play, he really did teach her seriously.
"Come on, let's start with dribbling."
Huo Guining awkwardly imitated his movements, bouncing the basketball bit by bit.
Huo Yueze kept encouraging her and even taught her simple shooting techniques.
Although she couldn't quite get the hang of it, it didn't stop Huo Guining from having fun.
The group played until after five before heading home.
The sports center wasn't far from Huo Yueze's house.
When they got home, Zuo Qinfang saw their sweaty state and clenched her fists.
"Huo Yueze! Didn't you say you were going to the library?!"
She enunciated each word.
Before bed that night, Huo Guining recounted the incident to Huo Xiaozheng, laughing, "Brother is so silly. We were in a rush to get back but forgot about the lie we told before leaving."
As soon as she said it, her heart sank. Oh no, hadn't she just exposed herself too?
