Volume One, Chapter 87: The Jar of Jealousy Toppled Over

Ye Sheng could not fathom how the words "mooching a meal" could ever fall from Huo Mingting's lips.

Was she close with him? How many sensible ex-husbands would show up at their ex-wife's house after divorce just to mooch a meal?

Oh... but this wasn't her house.

Ye Sheng turned to Huo Lintong, who had just emerged from the kitchen. "Brother Lin, we've got a visitor here to mooch a meal. Shall we let him in?"

Huo Lintong glanced up, his eyes calm.

His grandson had come all the way to the doorstep, even brought gifts. Even if he wasn't welcome, it wouldn't do to drive him away for real.

"Let him in," he said.

Huo Mingting entered as he wished. The moment he stepped inside, he noticed with keen eyes that both Ye Sheng and Huo Lintong wore black trousers and white shirts—clearly just home from work, not yet changed.

He, too, wore a shirt and trousers, but his shirt was black. Seeing them in white shirts and black trousers, while he was clad all in black, unsettled him.

A subtle emotion stirred within him.

"Take a seat," Huo Lintong said with a cool tone. "I'll add another dish."

He headed for the kitchen. Huo Mingting hurriedly called out, "Grandpa Ninth, anything you make is fine with me. Keep it simple."

The sound of running water came from the kitchen as Huo Lintong washed his hands, his voice drifting out.

"It's nothing fancy—just ordinary home fare. Make do with what's here."

The sleeves of his shirt hung low as he occupied his hands; he lifted his wrist. Ye Sheng, attuned to such things, stepped forward to roll up his sleeves for him, folding them neatly twice.

"Thank you," Huo Lintong smiled.

Ye Sheng arched her lips ever so slightly, and returned to peeling garlic.

...

Huo Mingting stood by the dining room, watching the two interact, so effortlessly and naturally. His gaze grew heavy; his heart felt as if weighed by a stone, sinking deeper.

His stomach churned with jealousy, a sourness rising into his nose.

"Dad?"

Huo Cong and Huo Xiaobei emerged from their room, homework finished. Huo Cong, spotting Huo Mingting, was so surprised he could hardly believe his eyes. For once, his expression was that of a child—delighted and amazed.

Huo Mingting’s brows relaxed as he saw his son. He picked him up, bouncing him twice.

"How is it? Are you getting used to living with your mother?"

Huo Cong nodded honestly. "It's pretty good."

...

Huo Mingting had expected his son to say he wasn’t quite used to it—then he could persuade Ye Sheng to move back to the Huo residence. But unexpectedly, Huo Cong said it was pretty good.

His plans unraveled in an instant.

Seeing his father fall silent, Huo Cong blinked, confusion and innocence in his eyes.

He never lied; he truly felt good about it.

He’d thought he might not settle in, might not get along with Ye Sheng, might have trouble adjusting to the bed. But to his surprise, living here was comfortable.

The house was tidy, the bed was clean. Every night before sleep, Ye Sheng checked his homework, helped him pack his school things for the next day, changed his socks and underwear… Sometimes, watching her wash his socks, he’d blush.

She even polished his shoes.

Back at the house, it was always the servants tending to these chores. Huo Cong never minded; he knew it was their job.

But Ye Sheng had her own work—she was a doctor, and busy. Sometimes she came home late, but no matter how late, she’d always come into his room, kiss his forehead, watch him for a while before leaving.

...He noticed all these things.

And besides, every day he could eat with his desk mate, go to school together, do homework side by side. Sometimes, at night, they would even sleep together.

Huo Cong didn’t like just anyone, but he liked being with Huo Xiaobei.

And Huo Xiaobei liked it too.

He felt his life now was full of joy!

Everyone seemed happy... except Huo Mingting, who didn't seem quite so pleased.