"On the Day of Reunion, The Heir to the Wealthy Family Became My Brother" - Chapter 24

That evening, Ning Xin’er video-called Zeng Yi and shared the news about renting the apartment.

At first, Zeng Yi was excited, but then her expression dimmed as if she had remembered something.

Her tone turned dejected as she said, “Xin’er, my parents want me to intern at home and later work in our hometown.”

“So, I don’t think I can move out to live with you.”

Zeng Yi’s parents were both public school teachers and naturally valued stability. They hoped their daughter would take the exam for a government position, allowing the family to live a peaceful life together.

An eight-thousand-yuan monthly salary wasn’t considered low. More importantly, it guaranteed job security without the fear of layoffs.

The couple wanted their daughter to live a safe and smooth life without experiencing the ups and downs of big-city living. Their retirement income would be enough to ensure Zeng Yi’s future. She only needed to be a happy, carefree “little salted fish.”

Struggles and ambition were unnecessary.

“What? Ning Xin’er felt a bit disappointed. It seemed that after graduation, the two of them would go their separate ways.

But she quickly comforted Zeng Yi, saying, “It’s okay. If there’s ever an opportunity in the future, I will visit you.”

Zeng Yi nodded, “Yes, we’ll never lose touch.”

They chatted for a while longer before ending the call.

Lying on her bed and lost in thought, Ning Xin’er suddenly realized she hadn’t asked her mother’s opinion on where she should work—whether in Yun City or Nan City.

So, she called her mother.

Her mother answered immediately, warmly checking on her and sounding particularly happy.

Ning Xin’er also asked about her parents’ situation. Even though she had only been away for a few days, she already missed home.

“Dear Mother, I want to ask you something.”

Ning Xin’er slowly shared her thoughts: “Do you want me to work in Nan City or stay in Yun City? ”

There was silence on the other end of the call. After a long pause, her mother spoke earnestly.

“Do what you like. Work wherever you feel happy. I won’t force you. Follow your heart.”

“But,” her mother added, “remember that safety comes first and health is most important. You must be responsible for yourself.”

“If you want to ‘soar’ outside, I’ll support you. If you want to come back, I’ll support you too.”

Ning Xin’er was moved. Her mother continued, saying,

“Young people still have a long life ahead. Being brave isn’t wrong—you have the freedom to make mistakes while you’re young.”

“Besides, your mom will always be your backup. If one day you don’t feel like ‘flying’ anymore, I’ll be here with Uncle Song. Just don’t be lost. Follow your heart.”

Ning Xin’er felt her mother’s wisdom and understanding deeply.

Just when her mother had almost finished encouraging her, she became serious and said, “Xin’er, in a few days, I’ll be going back to the Huo family with Uncle Song.”

Back to the Huo family?

Did that mean Grandpa Huo had accepted her mother?

“Dear Mother, are you really going to the Huo family? Did Grandpa Huo agree to you and Uncle Song being together? ” Ning Xin’er asked uncertainly.

Her mother hesitated for a moment before replying in a somber tone, “No, not yet. Since we’re married now, Uncle Song wants to visit the family. Grandpa Huo has been urging him to return.”

It was true that Grandpa Huo had been urging Uncle Song Yan to go back.

But he hadn’t told Song Yan to bring her mother along. He wanted him to come alone.

Grandpa Huo still didn’t accept her mother, Wen Nuan.

After pondering for a moment, Ning Xin’er said, “Then be careful. When you come, don’t forget to visit me.”

Her mother chuckled and replied, “Of course! When I see you, I’ll bring you some treats! ”

After hanging up the phone, Ning Xin’er felt even more uneasy.

The thought of her mother going to the Huo family made her worried. She didn’t know what kind of people they were.

What if her mother was mistreated…?

Uncle Song would protect her, right?

Thinking this, Ning Xin’er unconsciously walked to her door, opened it, and decided to grab a bottle of milk.

She couldn’t seem to fall asleep.

Milk might help her sleep.

Just as she opened the door, a tall shadow appeared in front of her.

“Ah!!! ” Ning Xin’er screamed in fright. She was terrified of ghosts.

In the dark, who would stand outside her door? She couldn’t imagine it being a person.

The most likely explanation? A ghost!

“What are you screaming for? Are you scared silly? ” A deep, magnetic voice came from above her.

A large hand covered her mouth, annoyed by her noise.

Ning Xin’er stopped screaming and looked up to see Huo Jinyan’s bright eyes shining in the darkness.

With a “click,” the light outside turned on.

“Why were you standing there silently? I thought you were a ghost,” Ning Xin’er complained as soon as she was free.

Huo Jinyan stared at her lazily and said, “Where have you ever seen such a handsome ‘ghost’?”

Ning Xin’er rolled her eyes and walked past him. “Ugh, narcissist.”

Huo Jinyan was indeed good-looking—probably the most attractive person she had ever seen.

But hearing him say it himself made it feel… off.

It didn’t sound like something he would normally say.

“Do you want some milk? I can grab you a bottle too,” Ning Xin’er asked.

“I don’t drink cold milk.” Huo Jinyan stopped her from heading toward the fridge and led her to the kitchen instead.

Ning Xin’er looked puzzled.

Why was he taking her to the kitchen?

Was he going to make her, his “maid,” prepare a midnight snack?

It wasn’t until Huo Jinyan handed her a cup of warm milk that she realized there was already heated milk in the kitchen.

As for who heated it…

Ning Xin’er glanced up. It was undoubtedly Huo Jinyan.

“Your period is coming soon. Don’t drink cold things,” Huo Jinyan said casually, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

Ning Xin’er froze.

Her period?

He actually remembered her cycle.

She almost spat out the milk she had just sipped.

What was wrong with him?

Feeling slightly embarrassed, Ning Xin’er stammered, “How do you know? It’s been so long—what if my cycle has changed? ”

She nervously drank her milk, feeling awkward about the personal topic.

Huo Jinyan glanced at her, unfazed, and confidently said, “It hasn’t.”

The rule of sleeping before eleven o’clock alone was enough to confirm that Ning Xin’er’s body was healthy and her cycle regular.

After speaking, Huo Jinyan didn’t even look at her again and left the kitchen.

Ning Xin’er quietly finished her milk and washed the cup.

She hadn’t expected Huo Jinyan to have such a good memory, remembering even small details from three years ago.

If it weren’t for his calm demeanor, she might have thought he still had feelings for her.

But Huo Jinyan was always true to his word.

He wouldn’t say anything deceptive.

Since he had promised to treat her as a sister, it could only mean… She was overthinking it.

When Ning Xin’er came out, Huo Jinyan wasn’t in his bedroom but was sitting on the living room sofa.

She glanced at him briefly before heading to her room.

Halfway there, she suddenly turned back and walked to the sofa, sitting down stiffly.

After a long pause, Ning Xin’er boldly turned her head and asked, “I want to ask you something.”

Her expression was conflicted, as if she wanted to ask but also didn’t.

Huo Jinyan raised an eyebrow. “Ask.”

The man threw out the word lightly.

Ning Xin’er looked up, meeting his gaze, and asked hesitantly:

“Is Grandpa Huo… very strict? ”