Huo Zheng tidied up the photo album and various brushes scattered around. He was amused when he saw Lin Xiaowan carefully following the video tutorial on how to thread colored beads with a thin copper wire. He asked, “Is this fun?”

In addition to the photo album and brushes, there were also architectural models that were pieced together on the ground. Huo Zheng had almost moved his entire office to this place. He would work and have meetings here every day, and his secretary and assistant had to run back and forth every day.

Lin Xiaowan gestured to Huo Zheng to come over before she showed him the pendant she was making. It was a talisman for examinations. She asked, “Can I hang this in your car when the time comes?”

Of course, Huo Zheng would not say no. Let alone hanging it in his car, he would not say no even if she asked him to wear it.

“You won’t let me go out for a walk even though I’m hospitalized. I think I’ve recovered,” Lin Xiaowan said, pouting.

Huo Zheng touched the back of her head. The swelling had not gone down completely. He said, coaxing her, “Let’s wait for a few more days. Once the doctor says everything is fine, we’ll leave, okay?”

“It’s almost the lunar new year. I don’t want to spend the new year in the hospital.”

“You won’t,” Huo Zheng promised.

…

It was getting close to the lunar new year.

Apart from Huo Cheng and Qiao You’an, Qin Yanchuan and his wife visited as well. The three men began to talk about work as soon as they met so Qiao You’an chased them out to the next room.

Lin Xiaowan looked at the unfamiliar woman in front of her and smiled tentatively.

Gu Yuwu was about the same age as Lin Xiaowan. She had almond-shaped eyes and red lips. She was extremely beautiful. She had dyed her long hair, and her makeup was exquisite. She looked like a character that had walked out of a book.

Gu Yuwu took the initiative to speak. She said, “I’ve seen your photo in Qin Yanchuan’s study. You look even better in person. I have long wanted to meet you.”

Qiao You’an had known Gu Wuyu for a long time now. Upon hearing Gu Wuyu’s words, she said proudly, “It’s not just that. Xiaowan is usually very cute as well. You’ll know it once you get to know her.”

The feeling of being praised by another woman, especially a beautiful one, was very good. It was not something that could be described.

Lin Xiaowan was not aloof. She said, “You look very good too… And you smell very nice as well…”

Then, just to be fair, Lin Xiaowan turned to Qiao You’an and said, “Sister, you look very, very, very good too…”

Lin Xiaowan used the word ‘very’ thrice to show her sincerity.

After that, the three women quickly brought out small plates to eat the skewered octopus meatballs that Gu Yuwu brought over.

As Gu Yuwu opened the packaging, she asked with a hint of uncertainty, “Can Xiaowan eat seafood?”

More than a month had passed since Lin Xiaowan’s surgery. She was recovering well, but Huo Zheng was very strict with her diet. She had mentioned a few times that she wanted to eat sweet and sour prawn balls and steamed bass, but she was mercilessly rejected.

Lin Xiaowan glanced at the closed door a few times before she whispered, “It’s fine.”

Then, Lin Xiaowan complained, “Huo Zheng is too strict. He doesn’t allow me to eat many things. However, the doctor said it’s fine as long as I eat those things in moderation.”

Lin Xiaowan had only been eating very bland food. Most of her meals were soup or stir-fried dishes. The chef of the Huo family, who was paid very well, did not even put any seasoning in her meals. At this time, she really craved food like fried chicken and roast duck from the roadside stalls. She really wished she could order takeaway. However, since Huo Zheng accompanied her to eat those bland meals, she could not complain.

Now that the golden and greasy octopus balls were finally placed in front of her, she naturally could not resist. When the fragrance of the mixed sauce permeated the room, Lin Xiaowan could not help but gulp a few times.

Qiao You’an saw Lin Xiaowan holding the skewer and staring at the food greedily. Despite pretending to be reserved, she could see the words ‘I want to eat’ were written all over Lin Xiaowan’s body at this moment. She laughed and said, “Alright, hurry up and eat. You must be hungry.”

“This honey mustard sauce is very delicious. I always ask for it. Try it.”

The octopus balls were stuffed with corn and chopped vegetables, and their skin was fried to crispy perfection.

Lin Xiaowan tested the temperature and quickly took a bite before exclaiming, “It’s tasty!”

Lin Xiaowan’s eyes were closed, and she looked happy as she chewed on the octopus ball.

Gu Yuwu chuckled. “How cute. Xiaowan, you look just like a small animal when you eat.”