Huo Feng had just reached the door when a familiar voice cut through the halls, making him stop in his tracks.
He turned, his gaze landing on his grandmother as she descended the stairs with the support of her maid. Although her steps appeared frail, her presence carried a weight that demanded attention.
Bowing slightly, he greeted her.
"Were you about to leave without even saying hello to me?" Old Madam Huo’s tone carried mild reproach, though her eyes were sharp.
A faint smile touched his lips. "I only came to deliver something to Uncle. It’s nearly time for your rest, and I didn’t wish to disturb you."
Old Madam Huo gave a dismissive roll of her eyes at the excuse and settled into her seat.
"What of Yue Ning? She didn’t come with you?" she asked, her gaze narrowing as she noticed the girl’s absence.
Silence lingered between them. Huo Feng’s jaw tightened, his thoughts wavering on the edge of truth. For a heartbeat, he nearly spoke of the accident... but in the end, he let the moment slip.
"Grandmother, Yue Ning isn’t aware I came. As I said, I only came to deliver something to Uncle. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave."
Before she could question him further, he turned around and left.
"This child..." she muttered, eyes fixed on the closing door.
"It’s not as though Mother doesn’t know his character," Zhang Yuxiu murmured. "Why fuss over such a small matter?"
Old Madam Huo turned her head, her sneer cutting sharp as a blade causing her to lower her head in fear.
"Don’t think I’ve forgotten what Huo Feng said at the last dinner. I simply haven’t had the time to confront you."
The color drained from Zhang Yuxiu’s face. Under that piercing gaze, her throat tightened, and she swallowed hard. This was far from over.
With Old Madam Huo’s vengeful character, if she knew about what she had done years ago, then she was done for.
With this thought, her face turned paler and she found it difficult to breathe.
There was a look of disdain on Old Madam Huo’s face before gesturing to her maid to help her up.
After she had left, Huo Hapieng finally spoke with a cold voice. "It would be best to warn your kids to stay away from Huo Feng. I won’t be responsible if he decides to deal with them."
"Hapieng..." She stopped speaking when he walked out on her.
Left in silence, Zhang Yuxiu lowered her head, her fingers curling into fists against her lap. Her lips pressed into a thin line, her head lowered, but her eyes glinted with something darker, an anger she dared not voice.
When she raised her head, all traces of anger left. She was only left with a terrifying calmness, but deep in her eyes was darkness which she couldn’t hide.
The sky had turned dark as the sun returned to its resting place when Huo Feng arrived.
Meanwhile, Huo Yan and Yue Ning were in the dining room, having dinner.
"Brother!" Huo Yan was the first to notice him, and she shouted without hesitation.
Huo Feng smiled before turning to look at Yue Ning who smiled faintly.
"You are back..." She murmured.
Huo Feng frowned. She didn’t look like she was in a good mood.
He handed his coat to one of the maids as he took his seat.
Huo Yan leaned over and whispered into his ears. "Sister-in-law has been in a bad mood ever since she received a call in the afternoon."
Huo Feng’s brows creased as he stared at the girl who was playing with her food.
"Do you know the reason?" He inquired.
Huo Yan shook her head negatively. "I tried asking her, but she didn’t give me a response. Maybe you should try." She suggested.
Huo Feng fixed his gaze on Yue Ning intently but there wasn’t any reaction. He could only sigh before gesturing for his sister to have dinner.
After they had dinner, Huo Yan helped Yue Ning back to her room. She said a few words before leaving.
Huo Feng, on the other hand, waited for Huo Yan to leave before he walked in with a plate of fruits.
Yue Ning looked up when she sensed the door open. She was visibly stunned to see Huo Feng walking to her with a plate of fruits.
"Why are you here?" Shs questioned, surprise evident in her voice.
Huo Feng smiled before sitting on her bed. "I noticed that you didn’t eat much during dinner, so I brought you fruits. The doctor also mentioned that fruits could hasten up your recovery." He explained.
She hesitated, then nodded. His attentiveness left her unsure of what to say.
Picking up a lychee, he held it out to her. Yue Ning blinked, giving him a puzzled look.
"I want to feed you," he explained patiently. "Will you let me?"
Her lips parted in speechless disbelief, but in the end, she could only obey, opening her mouth. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ɴovᴇl(ꜰ)ir(e).nᴇt
So it went—one fruit after another until the plate was empty.
When he set it aside, Yue Ning shifted awkwardly, her hand brushing her stomach. Only then did she realize how hungry she had been.
Huo Feng didn’t comment. Instead, his eyes softened, and he simply stayed beside her.
"You were not in a good mood when I returned. Tell me, who made you angry?" He finally asked her.
Yue Ning laughed dryly. She knew she couldn’t hide under his watchful gaze.
"In two days, my dad will be hosting a banquet to celebrate his birthday. He called me because of that," she paused to see if he was listening.
She only continued when she saw his serious expression.
"He asked me to return tomorrow to help with the arrangements, but I’m not interested. They will only bully me once I get there." Yue Ning whispered her last statement with her head lowered.
Huo Feng’s eyes darkened. "I would like to see them try."