Chapter 97 His Absolute Favor
The silent yet thunderous crushing blow in the State Guesthouse's banquet hall was like a precise surgical operation, completely removing the cancer that had clung to their lives, Gu Shiyan. Huo Tingxiao didn't even resort to any overt, harsh punishment. Simply, at the most opportune moment, in the calmest tone, he unleashed the most damning truth, completely nailing him and the forces behind him to the pillar of shame, leaving no chance of recovery. This ruthless, utterly brutal crushing blow not only intimidated, but also brought a suffocating, stark realization of the disparity in power.
Since that night, Gu Shiyan and everything related to him were completely erased from reality, as if wiped clean by an eraser. Su Wanqing no longer appeared in her life. The temptations, the beautifully packaged traps, the vicious rumors that once swirled within her vanished, as if they had never existed. The world returned to peace, even more... clear and secure than before.
Su Wanqing's life returned to normal, but she clearly sensed a subtle change. It wasn't just a sense of relief that the external threat had been eliminated, but also a deeper and unquestionable feeling of protection and favor from Huo Tingxiao.
This preference is not a grand declaration, but permeates every detail, silent but powerful, and omnipresent like air.
Detail 1: The ubiquitous "Huo" mark
Su Wanqing discovered that several places she often visited had quietly undergone some inconspicuous but significant changes.
Downstairs from her studio, a long-vacant parking space was now prominently marked with a military license plate. Assistant Chen casually informed her, "The commander said that if you're working late, the driver can park downstairs and wait. It's safer."
The best reading spot by the window in the bookstore she frequented would always be available "just in time" during her usual hours. The clerk would smile and usher her to a seat, offering her her favorite tea. Later, Xia Xiaoran secretly told her that Huo Tingxiao had asked Assistant Chen to make a small "sponsorship" for the bookstore under the guise of "military region cultural procurement cooperation," with the sole requirement that his wife be given priority and comfortable seating in that seat.
Even the manager of the top-tier brand store on the maternity and baby supplies floor of the mall she occasionally visited with Xia Xiaoran seemed to recognize her, always offering attentive, yet not overly attentive, service with unwavering naturalness, and "just happened" to have information on the latest imported, high-quality products she might be interested in. It was self-evident who was behind this perfectly tailored convenience.
He did not restrict her freedom, but in his own way, he quietly laid a soft yet solid protective cushion within the radius of her life, allowing her to do what she likes without any worries.
Detail 2: The balance of resources is tilted
Su Wanqing's "Watcher Design Studio" received several large-scale project offers from the military, with specifications and budgets far exceeding previous projects. The officer in charge was exceptionally respectful, hinting that this was a demonstration of military-civilian integration that had received "personal attention and significant support from the leadership."
What surprised her even more was that one day, a colonel from the Logistics Equipment Department came to visit her in person with an extremely detailed description of the requirements for ergonomic improvements to individual carrying equipment and protective equipment. He also tactfully expressed the hope that her studio could participate in the bidding, with the reason being that "the commander believes that your design pays more attention to practical details and humanistic care, and may bring unexpected breakthroughs."
Su Wanqing understood that this was no ordinary business partnership. Huo Tingxiao was leveraging his influence and resources to build a higher, broader platform for her, directing her talents toward greater value and protection. He was no longer simply protecting her under his wing; he was integrating her into his system, empowering her with greater power and responsibility.
Detail 3: Exceptions to the Principle
Huo Tingxiao was known for his strong principles and his inhumanity. But with Su Wanqing, his principles softened.
He had established a rule that his study was an absolutely forbidden area, containing a wealth of confidential information. However, when Su Wanqing needed to look up historical architectural structures and browse the massive tomes on his shelves that couldn't be found outside, he would tacitly allow her access. If she couldn't reach the upper shelves, he would personally help her get them down, gently reminding her, "You can look at the books in the three rows on the left, but don't touch the books on the right." This was a limited exception based on absolute trust.
He had a very regular sleep schedule and hated being disturbed. But if Su Wanqing had a design inspiration late at night and worked late in the living room, even if he was woken by the light, he wouldn't lose his temper. He would just get up quietly, warm her a cup of milk, and then sit on the sofa next to her, pick up a document, and stay with her until she finished.
He never allowed work to bleed into his family life. But when she enthusiastically discussed a military-themed public art installation with him, holding up a newly drawn sketch, he would put down what he was doing, listen intently, and offer one or two insightful suggestions from a practical perspective, though his tone remained stern. "This obstacle height doesn't meet tactical avoidance requirements; lower it by ten centimeters." "The camouflage color is too reflective, making it easy to be discovered at night."
These subtle "exceptions" silently declared her special position in his world.
Climax: A sudden test
True preference often flows quietly when the waters are calm, but becomes apparent in times of storm.
That day, Su Wanqing was invited to a major industry awards ceremony. She had been shortlisted for the top award for her barrier-free design project for a rehabilitation center for disabled veterans. This recognition, earned entirely through her own professional abilities, was incredibly meaningful. Huo Tingxiao had been unable to accompany the group due to an extremely important inter-regional video conference, but he had Assistant Chen arrange all travel and security arrangements in advance.
On the evening of the ceremony, everything went smoothly. Su Wanqing, wearing a simple yet stylish gown, stood alone under the spotlight, calmly and confidently expounding on her design concept, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience. Finally, the winner was announced: she had won the gold medal!
At that moment, immense joy and pride filled her heart. Holding the heavy trophy, she smiled at the camera, her eyes subconsciously glancing towards the audience, searching for that figure who, though not present, was undoubtedly watching her.
However, just as the award ceremony ended and the media interview session began, a discordant voice suddenly rang out!
A man claiming to be an "independent investigative reporter" suddenly squeezed forward, pointed the microphone at Su Wanqing, and shouted, "Ms. Su, congratulations on your award! But as far as we know, your studio has recently undertaken several large-scale military projects, each worth a considerable sum. And your husband, Commander Huo Tingxiao, happens to be in charge of procurement approvals in related fields. Can you explain whether this award and project acquisition are suspected of any corruption or abuse of power for personal gain? Isn't this unfair to other designers?!"
This question was incredibly vicious and sudden, instantly transforming an academic honor into a conspiracy-filled political gossip! The entire audience erupted in an uproar! All cameras and eyes were focused on Su Wanqing!
Su Wanqing's face turned pale instantly! She had never expected to encounter such a groundless yet extremely lethal attack! She took a deep breath, forced herself to calm down, and was about to refute it harshly -
Just then!
A cold, deep, yet undeniably authoritative male voice suddenly rang out simultaneously from all the audio systems at the ceremony! The voice, transmitted through the internal circuits, was so clear it seemed to explode right in everyone's ears!
"I'm Huo Tingxiao."
Those four simple words, like a magic needle, instantly brought the chaotic scene to a dead silence! Everyone was stunned! Huo... Chief Huo?! How could he...?!
The "reporter" was also obviously frightened, and his hand holding the microphone froze in mid-air.
The cold voice continued to ring out, its speech steady, but each word was like an icicle, carrying a terrifying sense of oppression:
"Questioner, please provide your press card number, your affiliation, and the source of the information you are investigating 'as far as we know'. Someone will contact you to verify it within three minutes."
"Regarding the award my wife received, the organizing committee will make its own impartial judgment. Regarding military projects, all processes are open, transparent, and in compliance with regulations. We welcome legal oversight from any organization. If you have any questions, you can report them to the Military Commission's disciplinary inspection department through formal channels under your real name."
"But I'm reminding certain people here," his voice suddenly grew colder, carrying a thinly veiled warning and anger. "Those who fabricate facts, blatantly slander active-duty senior military officers and their families, and disrupt normal social order, will bear legal responsibility according to Article 246 of the Criminal Law and the Public Security Administration Punishment Law. You know yourselves."
As soon as he finished speaking, the side door of the venue opened, and two men in plain clothes with stern expressions walked straight towards the completely frightened "reporter", showed their credentials, and whispered: "Please come with us and cooperate with the investigation." Then they took the pale-faced man away from the scene without any explanation.
The whole process is lightning fast and clean!
From the start of the problem to the solution, no more than five minutes!
The whole place was silent, everyone was stunned by this sudden yet extremely powerful reversal!
Su Wanqing stood on the stage, her fingers trembling slightly as she gripped the trophy. It wasn't fear, but immense shock and... an indescribable sense of security, of being securely protected. He... he'd actually been there the entire time?! He'd even intervened directly in a public ceremony?! In this most direct and domineering way, he instantly shattered all ill will for her!
Huo Tingxiao's voice rang out again over the speakers, his tone softened slightly, yet still carried an undeniable force: "The award ceremony continues. Congratulations to all the winners. My wife, thank you for your hard work."
After that, the communication was cut off.
After a few seconds of dead silence, the audience erupted in even more enthusiastic applause! This time, the applause was not only for the winners, but also for the man who, though not present, defended his family's reputation and dignity with absolute strength!
Su Wanqing's eyes instantly moistened. She raised her head and looked towards the upper side of the venue, which might be the monitoring room. It was as if she could see through the wall and see the man sitting in front of the screen with a cold look in his eyes.
She knew he must be there.
No matter where he is or what he is doing, as long as she needs him, he will always use his strongest attitude to clear away all storms for her.
This is his love.
No sweet words, but the strongest arms and the sharpest blade.
It cannot be questioned or violated.
Absolute preference.
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