It wasn't difficult for Lin Zhaojiang to get Huo Jiayuan's help.

"It's a small thing," he said to the little guy with a smile, "From now on, I'll have your great-uncle pick you up from school every day."

"Hmm?" The quirky Huo Jiayuan frowned.

"So, from now on, you'll come every day, but Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, and Grandpa and Grandma on the other side can't come?"

"Try not to let them come," Lin Zhaojiang said seriously, making up a reason. "Think about it, your parents are both very busy with work, and sometimes they might forget to pick you up. Your grandparents are busy running their coffee shop and enjoying life, so they can't take care of you either. As for your maternal grandparents..."

Lin Zhaojiang was at a loss for words, so he scratched his head and simply waved his hand: "Anyway, they're all busy!"

"Are you the only one with a lot of free time?"

“Uh…” Lin Zhaojiang blinked and could only nod in agreement.

"Alright then," Huo Jiayuan agreed, "but I have my conditions."

"Oh? Go ahead."

"You have to bring me delicious food every day!"

Lin Zhaojiang smiled, solemnly extended his little finger, and made a deal with her.

He went and bought Huo Jiayuan another ice cream cone, this time with double vanilla, making it extra sweet.

"Yuan Yuan, this is our agreement. You know what to say in front of your parents, right?"

Lin Zhaojiang regretted his words as soon as they left his mouth. How could he expect anything from a child!

Unexpectedly, Huo Jiayuan patted her chest confidently, clearly understanding his meaning. "Uncle, don't worry! I definitely won't reveal you in front of Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, and Grandpa and Grandma on my mother's side! Our kindergarten has a school bus that picks us up and drops us off. I just told them that I like that school bus and that I want to take it home from now on!"

Lin Zhaojiang was overjoyed and beamed with delight. He picked up Huo Jiayuan and was about to lift her up and spin her around.

However, in order to prevent the new ice cream cone in her hand from "dying" again, he slowed down.

"You little rascal, how come you have so many tricks up your sleeve?"

Huo Jiayuan glanced at him, pursed her lips, and gave him an expression as if he were an idiot.

The Huo family's children are naturally intelligent! Is this the first time he's found out?

Lin Zhaojiang was overjoyed at getting what he wanted. He carried Huo Jiayuan down the street, and even the sunshine seemed brighter.

Looking at the little girl, he suddenly thought of his own child.

That child who never even got a chance to see this world, that child whom he cruelly forced her to abort even when Song Wan knelt on the ground begging him to stay…

If that child had been born, he would be about the same age as Huo Jiayuan now, right?

Lin Zhaojiang took a deep breath, his upturned lips slowly drooped, and his steps became noticeably heavier.

"Uncle, why are you unhappy again?" Little Huo Jiayuan was good at reading people's expressions and stared at him intently, analyzing, "I always see you looking unhappy. Do you think Yangcheng isn't fun?"

Lin Zhaojiang forced a smile and shook his head.

"Uncle, there's going to be some fun stuff in a couple of days!"

"What?"

Huo Jiayuan whispered in his ear, "My second uncle is going to give my second aunt a ring!"

*

Lin Zhaojiang later learned that the second young master of the Huo family was going to hold a grand marriage proposal ceremony for Bai Zhijin, the daughter of the Bai family.

He had secretly visited the venue; the design was beautiful and romantic, yet grand, showing that the Second Young Master Huo had put a lot of thought into it.

Lin Zhaojiang thought that young people's love was indeed quite beautiful.

After leaving, he wandered aimlessly along the street and unknowingly ended up at the international kindergarten again. It was still early before school ended, and the gatekeeper recognized him as the distinguished guest the principal had invited last time, and respectfully let him in.

"Sir, are you here to pick up Miss Huo today? Miss Huo is having a piano lesson. Would you like to wait for her in the practice room?"

"No need." Lin Zhaojiang tried to suppress his racing heartbeat and asked calmly, "I'd like to wait in the teacher's office. Is that convenient?"

*

At this moment, Song Wan was the only person in the huge office.

While the other teachers were teaching, she didn't have any classes during this time, so she did some crafts in the office to prepare small gifts for the children to give in class later.

She was so engrossed in her work that she didn't even notice someone standing at the door.

Lin Zhaojiang slowed his pace and walked over.

He looked at her slender back and struggled to control the urge to hug her. He saw the mess on her table, saw her making a felt painting by following a pattern with needle and thread, and saw the sunlight streaming through the window, illuminating her beautiful profile.

He saw her smile again.

Lin Zhaojiang's heart skipped a beat.

She was always skillful with her hands; not only could she do these handicrafts, but she could also cook a whole table of delicious dishes.

His tastes were spoiled by her; he was picky and difficult to please, and he could even find fault with the five-star chefs at Huo's hotels.

Song Wan looked at the blueprints, then at the things in her hand, and smiled with satisfaction.

She decided to make a few more and finish them all before school ended so she could use them in class tomorrow.

However, at that moment, she inadvertently looked up and suddenly saw a figure behind her in the small mirror on the table!

"Ah!" She panicked and pricked her hand with the needle, causing blood to seep out.