Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

It hadnt occurred to Lu Xia that He Xiaoman would ask again about the contest. She was caught unaware. She replied after a gap. ...I think she got into the next round.

He Xiaoman frowned and said, She didnt get eliminated even with grades like her?

Lu Xia replied in a mild tone. I already told you that her grades are pretty good.

He Xiaoman vaguely recalled Lu Xia telling her so, but she did not take it to heart and only said, Is it the next round soon? Be sure to study the notes that your father got you from his friend working at the Education Association.

Lu Xia lowered her eyes and replied. Mhm, I will. Ill head back to my room now.

Okay, go on, said He Xiaoman with a wave of her hand.

***

Song Ning and Huo Jinyan had been caught up with the villa renovations and tended to be out for most of the day. Out of concern that they could not take care of Huo Yao properly, they hired a part-time maid to help with the cooking.

Huo Yao had just come home from school and the maid was ready with the food.

The moment she saw Huo Yao, she hurriedly took off her apron and said, Yaoyao, I have urgent matters pending at home, so I have to leave. Oh yes, you received a package in the afternoon. I placed it on the cabinet.

The maid quickly left without even waiting for Huo Yaos response.

Huo Yao put down her bag unhurriedly. She glanced at the cabinet but was not anxious to open her parcel.

Instead, she turned to look at the food on the table. She fished out her phone and called Huo Tingrui.

He had started coming back for dinner every day and was usually home by now.

The phone got through, and Huo Tingrui said immediately, Yao, I wont be home for dinner tonight. I have to go on a business trip for a few days.

Huo Yao detected a note of anxiety in Huo Tingruis voice. She frowned and said, Did something happen?

Huo Tingrui was stunned. He had not expected his younger sister to be so perceptive. His eyes turned darker. No big deal. Dont worry.

The airport staff was rushing Huo Tingrui to board the plane, so he quickly said, I have to board now. Talk again soon. See you.

Huo Yao furrowed her brows. However, there was no time to probe him, so she said, Mhm. If you need my help, let me know.

Huo Tingrui smiled and replied with a smile. Sure.

Before he hung up the phone, she could hear the airport announcement for flights to Country M.

Huo Yao mulled over it for some time before putting her phone down.

Song Ning and Huo Jinyan came home earlier than usual. They entered in shortly after Huo Yao sat down to eat.

They were discussing the renovations while walking in but stopped talking in unison before they reached their daughter.

Huo Yao looked at them quizzically and asked. You...

Song Ning smiled and said, Weve eaten.

Huo Jinyan chimed in. Yup!

Huo Yao, ...

Song Ning tossed her bag casually on the cabinet. She glanced at the living room and asked her. Hmm? Why isnt Tingrui home today?

Her son had been home on time every single day to hang out with his sister, so Song Ning was surprised when there was no sign of him anywhere.

He had to go on a work trip last minute, said Huo Yao.

She did not mention how her brother said that he might be going abroad.

On a work trip again? muttered Song Ning without any surprise.

It was as though she was used to him going away on business trips often.