The three of them set off together.
Huo Jing's destination was in a tall building not far from the Huo Corporation.
Huo Xiaozheng instructed the driver to drop off the two of them first.
Before getting out of the car, Huo Xiaozheng produced a small floral mask from somewhere and put it on Huo Ning.
"Stay close to your aunt, and call me if anything happens."
Huo Ning nodded.
Huo Jing got out of the car first and walked around to Huo Ning's side, reaching out to help her down.
"Bring Ning Ning back to the office before lunch."
"Huh?" Huo Jing was shocked. "Can't I even have a meal with my little niece?"
Huo Xiaozheng ignored her: "No."
Huo Jing, whose worldview had been refreshed once again, almost laughed in exasperation. How had she never noticed before that her cold brother also had the qualities of a doting father?
Huo Xiaozheng paid no heed to her thoughts, waved to Huo Ning, and drove away.
Huo Jing was fuming at being so blatantly disregarded.
Huo Ning knew Huo Xiaozheng was worried about her having an episode. She stepped forward, took Huo Jing's hand, and looked up with a sincere invitation: "Auntie, why don't you join us for baked lobster at lunch? It's so delicious!"
Huo Jing felt her anger subside a little: "Alright, I'll definitely come. It'll serve your dad right."
Huo Ning smiled sweetly: "No, no, we can't upset my dad."
After all, she was still relying on Huo Xiaozheng to live.
Huo Jing looked dejected: In this family, I'm truly the odd one out.
Visiting a magazine photo shoot location for the first time, Huo Ning looked around curiously.
"Jing-jie is here!" a young man wearing a baseball cap called out.
Huo Jing adjusted her demeanor, switching from a wronged wife to a superstar mode.
"Good morning, everyone."
"Good morning!" Everyone greeted her warmly.
"Oh, who's this little girl...?"
Huo Jing smiled: "This is my little niece. My family had something come up, so I'm looking after her for a bit. I hope it won't affect anyone's work?"
Although Huo Jing had the image of a cold beauty, she had always had a good reputation in the industry, so everyone was kind to her.
"Of course not. As expected of Huo beauty's niece, she's already showing signs of becoming a beauty herself!"
Huo Ning, wearing her mask, didn't quite believe it. How could they tell she was pretty just like this?
The person speaking was a production assistant, chubby with a round face. Seeing the doubt in her eyes, he smiled good-naturedly: "Your eyes are very beautiful. I wonder if you take after your dad or mom?"
People in the industry didn't know about Huo Jing's connection to the famous Huo family, so there was no malice when such questions were asked.
Huo Jing's smile faded a little: "Like her mom."
This was the truth.
Shi Lili might have had poor character, but she was quite beautiful, especially her eyes, which seemed to hold entire galaxies when she blinked.
Huo Ning's eyes were inherited from her mother.
Huo Ning noticed the change in Huo Jing's tone, and the previously bright eyes became dim.
"Has the makeup artist arrived? Let's begin," Huo Jing said flatly.
The staff didn't notice the subtle change in atmosphere and immediately responded, calling for everyone to get into position and start preparations.
Huo Jing handed Huo Ning over to her own manager, instructing her to look after Huo Ning, before starting her work.
The manager's surname was Xu, and her given name was Fanzhen.
Xu Fanzhen led Huo Ning to a corner, found her a bean bag chair, and brought her some snacks.
"What's your name?" Xu Fanzhen sat down beside her.
Huo Ning admired her small eyes, which narrowed into slits when she smiled, like a cat's.
"My name is Ning Ning."
"What a lovely name. It's a bit hot in here, shall I help you take off your mask and scarf?"
Huo Ning nodded, then shook her head.
"What's wrong?"
"Just the scarf, not the mask."
Xu Fanzhen was amused by her little adult-like behavior: "Alright, just the scarf, not the mask. Keeping the mystery alive, captivating millions."
Huo Ning looked a bit dazed: "Wow, big sister, you're so cool."
And her words even rhymed.
"Little Xu, have you seen Jing-jie's cup and clothes?" The chubby production assistant came over, interrupting their conversation.
Xu Fanzhen stood up: "Ah, I left them in the car. I'll go get them now..."
After a few steps, Xu Fanzhen suddenly remembered Huo Ning: "You play here for a while, and I'll be back soon, okay?"
Huo Ning obediently nodded.
The staff on set were busy working in an orderly manner. Huo Jing sat at a nearby makeup table with her eyes closed, allowing the makeup artist to apply various products to her face.
Before long, Huo Jing's originally clear and beautiful face was transformed with heavy makeup. The thick smokey eye makeup made her look like a femme fatale.
After changing into her outfit, Huo Jing posed in various ways in front of the photographer's lens.
Once finished, she quickly changed clothes and makeup again.
Experiencing a celebrity photo shoot up close for the first time, Huo Ning was filled with wonder and completely amazed by Huo Jing.
She took out her iPad and drawing board from her bag and started sketching.
As time passed, Xu Fanzhen still hadn't returned.
Huo Ning needed to use the bathroom.
She looked around, but everyone was busy, especially Huo Jing.
She put down her iPad, stopped a staff member, asked for directions to the restroom, and went by herself.
The entire floor had been rented by the production team and turned into a shooting base.
At the moment, the corridor was empty. Huo Ning walked in the direction the staff member had indicated but couldn't find the restroom.
As she was pondering what to do, a young man wearing a baseball cap and casual suit approached her.
"Little one, what are you looking for?"
Huo Ning had a conditioned reflex of discomfort towards strange men.
She took a step back, alert: "I'm not looking for anything."
The young man noticed her wariness and immediately created a safe distance between them: "Don't be nervous, I'm not a bad person."
His candid action made Huo Ning feel a bit ashamed for misjudging a good person.
"I'm looking for the restroom," Huo Ning said honestly.
"The restroom is that way, you were going in the opposite direction," the young man realized. "Are you from our shooting team? Only people from our company would be on this floor."
Hearing the young man refer to 'our shooting team', Huo Ning completely lowered her guard: "Yes, I came with her to take photos."
The young man smiled warmly: "What's your relationship to Jing-jie?"
Huo Ning couldn't remember if Huo Jing had any plot lines in the original story. But thinking about the complexities of the entertainment industry, she cautiously said: "I'm her family."
The young man understood: "I see. Didn't your dad come with you?"
Huo Ning shook her head: "Dad's busy."
"It must be tough for Jing-jie to earn money and support the family alone."
Huo Ning couldn't quite put her finger on what was off, and said blankly: "Yeah, my aunt is super cool. She looks so pretty today."
The young man led her towards the restroom while chatting: "Of course, Jing-jie's beauty is undeniable, and her acting skills are great too."
Hearing this, Huo Ning smiled even more happily, as if he was praising her.
"How come I've never seen Jing-jie bring you out to play before?" the young man casually asked.
"Because usually my dad takes me out."
A flash of something dark passed through the young man's eyes.
"Oh?"
"Aunt... Jing-jie is always very busy, so we rarely meet."
"Then you must be very happy that she's finally back for a visit?"
Huo Ning was a bit confused: "Yes, I'm very happy..."
Why did it feel like they were on different wavelengths?
Soon, they arrived at the restroom entrance. Throughout their walk, the young man had maintained a safe distance from Huo Ning.
This made Huo Ning completely let down her guard.
"Thank you for your help, uncle."
The young man's face was kind: "It's nothing. Can you remember the way back? Do you need me to take you back?"
Huo Ning shook her head to indicate she didn't need help: "You can go back to your work now."
The young man waved and turned to leave.
Out of Huo Ning's sight, the young man revealed a triumphant smile.