looked at him. He was a perceptive man and immediately saw who the man resembled. Looking at his age, he was indeed too young... but that didn't prevent him from being his wife's admirer.Huo Shaoting...Qiao Jingnian smiled: "It's been a few years! Shaoting, I heard you're doing well in your career."

Ho Shao-ting remained modest.

The two chatted casually for a few more moments. Huo Mingzhu came up from downstairs and, like she did when she was a child, she playfully snuggled into Qiao Jingnian’s arm and said, “Uncle Qiao, my dad asked you to come down.”

Joe Jingnian patted Huo Mingzhu's hand.

very kind.

< Huo Mingzhu smiled brightly and accompanied him downstairs: "Did Qiao An not come back this time" >

Qiao Jingnian was taken aback.

He instinctively turned his head to look at Huo Shaoqing.

The man leaned against the floor-to-ceiling window, his dark clothes blending seamlessly with the night outside. His brow was furrowed, his chin slightly raised, and his slender fingers held a cigarette, which he inhaled slowly.

Joe Jingnian sighed, "Shao Ting is truly outstanding."

He looked downcast and whispered to Huo Mingzhu, "Well, I'm not coming back for now."

...Huomingzhu said something more, but it was inaudible...

On the balcony, Huo Shaoting slowly finished a cigarette. The sound of his family urging him downstairs reached him, and he then leisurely walked down the stairs.

Tonight, the Huo residence has an important guest.

The domestic helpers at home were busy as bees, bustling about.

Ho Zhen Dong had set up a lavish feast to welcome his friend. He got up and, with a close embrace around Qiao Jing Nian, said warmly: “Jing Nian, it’s been years since we last met, you are still as radiant as ever! I, on the other hand, look like I've aged considerably.”

"Dad, do you still want to find a second spring"

One remark made everyone at the table laugh.

Mrs. Huo lovingly scolded, "Stop talking nonsense! Just wait until your father disciplines you."

Huo Mingzhu playfully stuck out her tongue: “Uncle Qiao will protect me.”

Mrs. Huo smiled gently and said to Qiao Jingnian, "Mingzhu has always liked to stick with you since she was little."

Qiao Jingnian looked at Huo Mingzhu, his heart aching.

Although he and his wife had a daughter, she was adopted, not their biological child. If only he hadn't valued his pride so much back then, leading to his girlfriend leaving him heartbroken, perhaps Qiao Jingnian would have had biological children of his own.

As lively and adorable as a pearl!

He said sadly in a low voice, "Mingzhu is very likeable!" After speaking, he also patted Huo Mingzhu's head.

Ho Mingzhu was puzzled and blinked her innocent eyes.

Knowing his old friend might be sad, Huo Zhendong changed the subject, bringing the atmosphere back to life. However, while they were enjoying their drinks and conversation, Huo Zhendong noticed that his son was in low spirits, with a somber expression on his face.

Ho Chin-tin sighed slightly.

A banquet to welcome guests, eating until the early morning.

Mrs. Huo had the servants tidy up a guest room early, but Qiao Jingnian insisted on staying at the hotel. The Huo couple couldn't persuade him, so they agreed and sent him back to the hotel by driver.

Splendor fades.

The vast restaurant, bathed in the glow of crystal chandeliers, seemed strangely deserted. Only servants were busy clearing away the remnants of the feast, their movements accompanied by the gentle clinking of dishes.

Huo Shaoting was just about to go back to his room to rest.

Ho-zen called to him: "Shao-ting, I have something to tell you."

Ho Shao-ting gazed intently at his father.

Ho Chin went upstairs and, as she passed him, whispered: "Go to the study and talk."

For a moment, the father and son arrived at the study.

Ho Shaoting closed the door and made another cup of sobering tea for Ho Zhendong, his tone indifferent: "Dad, what's the matter that has to be said in the middle of the night."

He put down the tea but didn't drink it, instead placing it aside.

He looked serious: “Shaoting, you don't seem very interested today with Uncle Qiao here!”

Ho Shao-ting fished out a cigarette and lit it, bowing his head.

A faint wisp of smoke rose, blurring their faces slightly. Huo Shaoting smiled faintly: "Nothing! I've probably just been too tired lately."

A father who knows his son best.

This can't hide from Ho Chung-dong!

After some deliberation, the father spoke slowly: "Shaoting, I don't care about your past with Qiao's girl! There's only one rule, you young ones shouldn't disrupt the friendship between me and your Uncle Qiao."

Huo Shaoting took a long drag of his cigarette, then flicked the ash into the brown ashtray.

He got up and smiled faintly: “Then I’ll go back first.” to hide it, she couldn't fool herself – her body was trembling.Perhaps out of fear, or maybe for some other reason.She struggled several times, but she couldn't break free because Gu Yunfan wouldn't...