It was springtime, with trees sprouting new buds and a gentle breeze that had chased away winter's chill.
In the garden of the Panlong Bay villa.
Huo Guining gripped a small trowel, huffing and puffing as she dug holes.
Across from her, Huo Xiaozheng sat uncomfortably on a tiny stool, loosening the soil for her and wiping sweat from her face.
Spring had arrived, and the housekeeper had arranged for the gardeners to spruce up the garden.
Seeing this, Huo Guining had a sudden idea to plant her own tree in the yard.
Huo Xiaozheng was delighted by the notion.
Not only did he personally accompany her to choose plants she liked, but he also showed great patience, waiting as Guining slowly dug holes and carefully planted the flowers and trees.
Originally, everything had been peaceful and under control.
All matters were within Huo Xiaozheng's grasp.
The Jiang Family and Qin Family were gradually falling under his influence, and Guining's condition was steadily improving.
Until...
Guining watched a car pass by the gate, with a child about her age carrying a small backpack.
The child stared at her curiously.
Until disappearing from her view.
Guining asked curiously, "Dad, I'm six years old this year, do I need to go to school?"
If she didn't go to school, would it affect her ability to study art in the future?
Unexpectedly, Huo Xiaozheng immediately became tense: "Didn't we agree that you wouldn't go to school for now?"
Guining placed the small sapling into the hole, filling it with soil by hand: "Brother is taking his high school entrance exams this year. If I don't go to school, won't people laugh at me for being illiterate in the future?"
Huo Xiaozheng wanted to say that with her current vocabulary, people would only praise her as a genius, and no one could mock her as illiterate.
But Guining was talking about the future.
This made Huo Xiaozheng fall into deep thought.
Guining couldn't leave him to go to school, and he couldn't accompany her to and from school every day.
"Guining, do you really want to go to school?"
Huo Guining replied indifferently, "Either way is fine."
Then, she extended her hand towards Huo Xiaozheng.
Huo Xiaozheng: ?
Huo Guining frowned, "Dad, the watering can."
Huo Xiaozheng snapped back to reality, lifting the watering can to pour: "This can is a bit heavy, let Dad do it. You go plant that tulip over there."
Huo Guining nodded, gathered her small tools, and moved to the side.
Behind her, Huo Xiaozheng had not fully emerged from his contemplation.
A morning passed, and Huo Guining had planted most of what she wanted.
Seeing how exhausted she was, Huo Xiaozheng left the remaining planting to the gardeners.
After lunch, it wasn't long before Huo Guining collapsed onto the small sofa by the floor-to-ceiling window.
Huo Xiaozheng brought a nap blanket and tucked her in snugly.
He then pressed the curtain switch, closing the sheer curtains.
This way, the sunlight falling on Guining was warm and cozy, no longer glaring.
After doing all this, Huo Xiaozheng made a phone call to Zuo Qinfang.
After a brief conversation, Huo Xiaozheng hung up the phone, satisfied.
He brought out his laptop and sat down to work in the reception room by the balcony.
Xi Chuan reported to him on the progress of their work.
"On Jiang Suyuan's side, his funding chain has been cut off. Old Mr. Qin has injected some funds, but it's estimated that it won't last long."
Huo Xiaozheng said expressionlessly, "Mm, what about Lin Chuxu's side?"
"As previously discussed, we've signed part of the contract with him."
"The contract will take effect in about a month."
Huo Xiaozheng revealed a cruel smile: "Jiang Suyuan's empire will probably collapse in less than a month."
Xi Chuan's expression became solemn: "The transfer order for that person in Yun City has come through."
Huo Xiaozheng grunted in acknowledgment: "Proceed according to our plan."
Xi Chuan hesitated: "That person in Yun City has a rather upright character. Our people have tried to approach him, but it's hard to gauge his stance..."
Huo Xiaozheng frowned: "When will he arrive in South City? Arrange a meeting for me."
Xi Chuan responded affirmatively.
After ending the conversation, Huo Xiaozheng stood up and walked to the balcony.
Perhaps feeling a bit hot, Guining had pushed off most of her blanket, her little face flushed red from sleep.
Huo Xiaozheng couldn't resist reaching out to pinch her cheek.
Hmm, she had gained some flesh.
It seemed the medicinal meals hadn't been in vain these past days.
After indulging in some baby-watching, Huo Xiaozheng returned to the reception room to continue his work.
The villa was quiet, with only the hum of the heating system and occasional sweet bird chirps from outside, creating a serene atmosphere.
Huo Guining had a satisfying nap.
When she woke up, she was full of energy.
Huo Xiaozheng was still handling work matters.
Aunt Xu, seeing that she was awake, immediately brought her some Fuling sugar water to drink.
Seeing her walk towards the art studio, Aunt Xu also brought her a fruit platter and prepared some goji berry tea in a thermos, delivering them all upstairs.
"Guining, this tea was specially blended for you by your grandmother. She says it's good for your health."
Aunt Xu placed the items on the table in the art studio, advising, "Make sure to drink it well, okay? It'll keep you healthy and strong."
Huo Guining smiled at her, indicating that she understood.
Wei Qingyang had taken leave recently, so Huo Guining had been practicing on her own.
Perhaps because her health had truly improved, she hadn't dreamed of that little girl in the white dress lately.
Consequently, her dreams were no longer so eerie.
The weather was perfect today, so Huo Guining set up her easel by the window.
Outside, Uncle Gardener was sitting on a ladder, trimming the roses on the hedge.
Next to the hedge, a tall cherry blossom tree had sprouted new buds.
Sunlight filtered through the branches, casting dappled shadows on the gardener.
Huo Guining picked up her brush and began to paint.
Downstairs.
Huo Xiaozheng finished his meeting and noticed that the blanket on the balcony had been neatly folded and placed to the side.
The surrounding area was empty, with Aunt Xu and the housekeeper nowhere to be seen.
Huo Xiaozheng called out for Guining, but there was no response.
He got up and went to the garden, but it was empty.
He then went to the bedroom, but Guining wasn't there either.
Huo Xiaozheng felt inexplicably irritated: "Where did she go in such a short time?"
Aunt Xu came downstairs carrying laundry.
"Where's Guining?"
Huo Xiaozheng's tone wasn't pleasant, and Aunt Xu was stunned for a moment before replying, "Guining went to the art studio. I haven't seen her come down, so she's probably still painting."
Huo Xiaozheng's irritation paused for a moment. He grunted and headed towards the art studio.
Aunt Xu shook her head, wondering why he was so anxious after not seeing her for just a short while.
She had only ever seen children looking for their fathers, never a father looking for his child so urgently.
Huo Xiaozheng opened the door to the art studio and saw the figure by the window. His heart settled back into place.
Beside her hand was a star fruit with a single bite taken out of it.
In truth, Guining didn't like the taste of star fruit, but she loved its shape. So, every time Aunt Xu prepared it for her, she couldn't resist taking a bite.
Destroying that perfect form.
Over time, Aunt Xu assumed she liked it.
She would cut it beautifully for her every time.
And Guining would tirelessly take a bite out of each one.
Huo Xiaozheng couldn't help but laugh.