The car wasn't heading towards Huo Corporation, but instead was driving in the direction of Old Master Huo's residence.

Huo Mingzheng straightened his cufflinks, "Have those two people been thoroughly interrogated?"

Cao Fang turned the steering wheel, driving the car onto the main road. Huo Mingzheng was referring to the two servants who had inadvertently let slip the news of Ji Lin's accident in front of Fu Yan, causing Fu Yan to become aware of it.

But he followed Mr. Huo's orders, having greeted everyone in the manor and forbidding them from discussing Ji Lin within its walls.

Mr. Huo demanded a thorough investigation, and she did indeed uncover some clues.

He hummed, “Their testimonies are consistent. They all claim it was an accident and they didn't know Miss Fu was there. It’s truly seamless.”

Ahead was a red light, and he stopped his car before continuing, “But I found out that their hometown, Tongxian, had a flood ten years ago. The Huo family happened to have a project there at the time, and Young Master Yuan represented the Huo family by donating a batch of supplies and one hundred million yuan to Tongxian. They gave condolences money to residents around the project. Their family was poor, so Young Master Yuan helped them go to school.”

A chilling smile played at the corners of Huo Mingzheng's lips.

The car stopped outside the Huo Gongguan, in a parking space reserved for Huo Mingzheng. He got out of the car, and as he did, the misty sky began to drizzle.

Caofang took an umbrella from the car and opened it with a bang. Huo Mingzheng strode down from the car, his charcoal-grey long coat making him look even more deep and cold. He pulled at his tie with one hand and walked inside.

As I entered the hall, I saw Huo Yuan trimming a branch of plum blossom.

At this time, plum blossoms have begun to wither. However, this branch of winter plum is blooming beautifully, swaying in the wind, delicate and charming with a faint fragrance floating around.

AJI stood behind Huo Yuan, respectfully greeting him, "Second Young Master."

Huo Mingzheng faintly responded with an "Mhm," "Big brother, you have such refined taste."

As Huo Yuan was pruning away the dead branches, he chuckled softly, "It's the sixth day of the Lunar New Year today, Ah Zheng. Why aren't you at work, but have time to come back and tease me?"

I heard Grandpa wasn't feeling well, so I called a doctor for him a few days ago. The doctor might not have been good enough, so I came back to take a look at him. Unexpectedly, I saw my older brother.

"So you were just teasing me. Looks like I overthought it." Huo Yuan shi put down the scissors and took the hot towel from Aji's hand to wipe his hands.

He pushed the trimmed plum blossoms forward, "What do you think, Azheng?"

The fragrance of plum blossoms comes from the midst of bitter cold. But spring has already arrived. Even this beautiful flower should wither and fall, becoming nothing more than dust underfoot, a fate to be trampled upon.

"I ask you about the plum blossoms," Huo Yuan shi said with a slight smile at the corner of his lips.

Huo Mingzheng's eyes were cold and clear, "I just said plum blossom."

It seems Zheng isn't in a good mood today. Aji, tell someone to brew a cup of cooling tea for Zheng to help him calm down.

"No need for that," Huo Mingzheng stated directly, "As long as Big Brother doesn't extend his hand before me, this anger of mine will naturally subside."

Huo Yuanshi looked at him calmly for a few moments, "Azheng, Ji Lin is YanYan's good friend, you have no right to hide this from her."

"Big brother's words are so eloquent, I wonder if he truly wants to help her or has ulterior motives. You may not say it, but that doesn't mean I don't understand."

If Ji Lin were to have any misfortune, Yan Yan would certainly be heartbroken. I don't want her to regret this.

A servant walked past from the front hall, bowing their head as they called out to the Second Young Master and the First Young Master. In the Huo family, Huo Mingzheng was now the one who held authority.

Ho Mingzheng took two steps forward, picked up a plum blossom that had been repaired on the table, and held it lightly in his palm. "Perhaps my brother has overinterpreted his feelings for Yan Yan. For example, who she likes, I'm very clear about now."

"Do you really know who Yanyan likes now?" Huo Yuanshi moved his gaze from the crushed plum blossom in his palm.

Huo Mingzheng's fingers unconsciously tightened, the juice of the plum blossom staining his fingertips, turning his fair skin a horrifying shade of crimson.

(Editor in charge：water for chocolate novel)