C13 Suspicion

Huo Tian sighed, gently ruffling his sister's hair before patting her back. "I've already agreed to the divorce with her. From now on... don't get involved in these things. If I catch you again, you'll be in trouble."

Although Huo Tian didn't have much affection for Soong Yu, he didn't intend to make things difficult for her either. In the past, when he wasn't around, he couldn't stop Huo Ning from spreading rumors about her, which caused quite a stir. Now that he's occasionally home, he can keep Huo Ning in check. They still have to live under the same roof for another six months. Since she agreed, they might as well part on good terms.

Huo Ning hugged her brother tightly, responding with a heavy nasal "mm-hmm."

Huo Tian released her. "It's getting late, and you have school tomorrow. Go get some rest."

After sending Huo Ning off, Huo Tian went to check on Huo Zhen. The old man was already asleep. He turned off the light and returned to his room. Lying down in the familiar surroundings, his mind was a jumble of thoughts.

Soong Yu woke up just after five in the morning, accustomed to starting her day early. She got dressed and began preparing breakfast, rinsing rice to make porridge. The porridge was cooked on a coal stove. She removed the vent cover, replaced the coal, and placed an aluminum pot on the stove. After adding the rinsed rice and water, she covered it to cook.

She washed the vegetables she bought yesterday, planning to stir-fry them with lotus root and boil an egg for Huo Ning. The girl could be picky, but Soong Yu understood her perspective.

After finishing these tasks, Soong Yu went out to the garden. She needed to tidy up the plot she had started yesterday, breaking up large clumps of soil and dividing the area into three sections: one for greens, one for cilantro, and one for radishes. Though the October morning was chilly, she quickly worked up a sweat.

Soong Yu didn't feel tired at all; instead, she felt fulfilled and was grateful for the second chance at life she had been given. She cherished it deeply.

Once the soil was turned and ready, Soong Yu went back inside to grab a bucket of water. She sprinkled it over the ground, then took out the seeds she bought yesterday and scattered them evenly. Afterward, she covered them with a thin layer of fine soil.

With that done, she headed to the kitchen to check on the porridge, which wasn't ready yet. So, she found some tools and began gathering the scattered flower pots in the yard to start pruning.

Her last job was in gardening, so she was quite skilled at trimming and caring for plants.

Huo Tian stood by the window on the second floor, watching her as she worked in the yard. He had been observing since she started turning the soil and planting seeds. Now, seeing her deftly pruning the plants, his brow remained furrowed.

The old Soong Yu was diligent, but not to this extent, and she certainly didn't know how to care for flowers. She had said so herself. How was he supposed to explain this change?

Unaware of being watched, Soong Yu finished pruning the green plants and tended to the climbing roses before heading back inside to sweep the floors and wipe the tables.

At 6:30, Huo Ning got up. She saw Soong Yu busy at work and wanted to lash out, but remembered what her brother had said the night before. Holding back, she rolled her eyes instead.

Soong Yu didn't take it to heart, knowing she was just a kid.

By now, the porridge had thickened nicely. She fished out a boiled egg, rinsed it, and set it aside before starting to cook some dishes. Once the food was ready, Huo Ning had finished getting ready for school.

Soong Yu had already poured a bowl of porridge to cool, with a boiled egg beside it.

Huo Ning, needing to leave for school, was the first to eat. Seeing the prepared breakfast, she snorted, "Don't think this will change my opinion of you."

"Whatever makes you happy," Soong Yu replied indifferently.

She ate her oatmeal while watching the woman bustling around in the kitchen, frowning. It felt like punching a pillow—so frustrating. This woman used to be an okay cook, but now her food was undeniably delicious. She'd learned to hold back; before, every time she spoke, the woman would snap back, and they'd bicker constantly. Yesterday, despite the yelling and even accidentally pushing her down the stairs, the woman didn't lose her temper or argue back. Had she turned over a new leaf? She must be up to something.

Soong Yu didn't care what Huo Ning was thinking. She cracked an egg into the flour, added water, and kneaded the dough to let it rise.

"I want a pancake," Huo Ning called out.

"Okay, just a minute," Soong Yu replied. She pulled off a piece of dough and made a pancake, quickly browning it on both sides. Turning off the stove, she placed the pancake on a plate and handed it to her. "Do you have time to eat it now? If not, you can eat it on the way."

Huo Ning glanced at the clock. It was almost seven, and she was running late. "I'll eat it on the way."

Soong Yu set down the plate, wrapped the pancake in a piece of newspaper, and handed it to Huo Ning. Huo Ning took it, gave her a scrutinizing look, and then headed off to school with her backpack.

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