Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Family Feast

Rong Qing spent two stifling days in the hospital, feeling utterly miserable. During those two days, Huo Lingtian never left her side, tending to her every need and even bringing his work into the hospital room. While Rong Qing rested on the bed, Huo Lingtian worked; when she chewed on an apple and watched television, he handed her her cup; when she, bored and exasperated, glared at him with clenched teeth, he merely smiled gently, stroked the head of the little rascal throwing a tantrum, his expression brimming with tenderness. All her grievances and helplessness melted away in an instant, swallowed silently.

"This life is unbearable! I want to be discharged!" Rong Qing rebelled, raising her flag of defiance. Taking advantage of Huo Lingtian’s absence, she sneaked out of the hospital on her own.

Delighted, she got into her private car, feeling the cool breeze refresh her from head to toe. Yet as the car drove on, she realized the direction was completely wrong. Alert now, she asked, “Where are we going? This isn’t the way to the villa.” Narrowing her eyes, she looked just like a cunning little fox. Had she not known the driver was one of the Huo family’s trusted men, she would have called the police, suspecting an abduction!

“There’s a banquet tonight. Young Master instructed me to take you there,” the driver replied respectfully, his refinement and understanding of propriety marking him as a servant of a great family.

Rong Qing snorted in reluctant acknowledgment. So it was all premeditated; otherwise, how could she have slipped out of the hospital so easily?

The driver delivered her to an upscale beauty salon, a place catering exclusively to society ladies and superstars. As soon as she entered, she was met with attentive service, styling, wardrobe selection, skin care—the full works. When she finally stepped out beneath the glittering golden doors, she was completely transformed. Even the wound on her head was expertly concealed.

Upon reaching the VIP avenue, Huo Lingtian personally waited for her at the entrance, standing like an elegant, dignified prince, his bearing polished by aristocratic training, his strikingly handsome features rendering him the center of attention. He opened the door for Rong Qing, who stepped out in a pure white evening gown, and arm in arm, they appeared before the crowd—a perfect pair.

No matter how low-key the Huo family’s head tried to be, his commanding presence and unrivaled status became the focus of all eyes. Never before had Huo Lingtian brought a female companion to such an event, making the woman at his side all the more dazzling. The long white mermaid gown clung to her fiery curves, a stark contrast to her usual fresh elegance. Tonight, under the bold strokes of a famed makeup artist, she radiated breathtaking allure, her pure white ensemble exuding a deadly, seductive charm. Her delicate, exquisite face lit up with a smile, instantly becoming the star of the evening. One slender, jade-like hand held tightly to the man beside her, while the other carried a blood-red poppy clutch, her presence utterly commanding.

Feeling the irresistible allure of the little rascal at his side, Huo Lingtian’s large hand gripped her slender waist possessively. Leaning close to her ear, his voice husky with desire, he murmured, “You’re beautiful.”

Rong Qing, not to be outdone, gazed at him with eyes full of a thousand charms, nearly draining the self-control Huo Lingtian prided himself on. “I hope I haven’t embarrassed you tonight, Mr. Huo,” she teased, her enchanting smile eclipsing all others.

“Shut up. Don’t smile like that,” Huo Lingtian growled, giving her waist a hard squeeze. Damn this woman—bringing her here had been a mistake. He should build a secluded villa, lock her away, and let her smile only for him, let her be seen only by him!

“Hmph, you dragged me here,” Rong Qing retorted, pouting in feigned annoyance.

“You—” He stopped himself. He didn’t want to argue with this little rascal. She was the kind who was always right, no matter what logic dictated!

Tonight’s event was a Huo family gathering, attended mostly by Huo family members and close friends. By inviting Rong Qing, Huo Lingtian was subtly introducing her to his relatives and friends—a small gathering, yet highly significant.

“Huo Brother…” A petite, sweet girl came running over, not yet grown, but already showing the promise of a beauty. Dressed in a pale pink princess dress, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders, she was fresh and elegant. Though her eyes sparkled with excitement, she never forgot the family rules that demanded decorum.

A faint smile appeared in Huo Lingtian’s eyes; of all his relatives, this cousin had always pleased him most, though it was only satisfaction, nothing more.

“This is my cousin, Huo Xinfey,” he introduced, thus tacitly acknowledging Rong Qing’s position at his side.

“Hello, I’m your brother’s friend, Rong Qing.” Her mild smile was poised and elegant, which only made the pampered and lauded Huo Xinfey all the more jealous. The brother she’d always adored now had a woman at his side. She couldn’t quite name the disappointment she felt, so she pursed her lips, but still extended her hand to shake with the beautiful older girl.

“Are you my brother’s girlfriend?” Huo Xinfey asked, unable to hide her curiosity.

Rong Qing arched an eyebrow at the man beside her, who seemed a little tense, then replied with a soft laugh, neither confirming nor denying, “What do you think?” With those few words, she deftly sidestepped the question.

Huo Lingtian promptly pulled the mischievous little rascal away. Hmph, if she stayed any longer, even his cousin would be corrupted by her influence. Young Master Huo fumed inwardly with a touch of resentment. “Friend,” was it? No matter how often they saw each other, in Rong Qing’s eyes he was just someone to share a table with.

——End of the aside——

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