It wouldn't be easy to get Huo Qingning to promise her things, of course. Still, Liang Yan couldn't get hold of his ulterior intentions. She could roughly guess what he would say next, and she clenched her fists nervously, her sweat drenching the sheet.
"Compensate how?" Thousands of possibilities ran through her mind, with not divorcing as the baseline. Perhaps he wanted something more?
Her answer was within his expectations as he knew the welfare home would always be her priority. He had a defined self-awareness, but still, his heart ached when he'd heard her reply. Without much emotion on display, he threw another question back. "What else? As Mrs. Huo, shouldn't you express some of your love towards me, your husband?"
"What?"
While Liang Yan thought she had heard it wrong, he seemed amused by her reaction. He tilted her chin up with his finger, studying her delicate features carefully. "You know, things that only couples do."
His tone was suggestive, and Liang Yan's face shot red instantly. What did he mean? Like doing it right here? It was a no, for sure. Yet, there was so much expectancy written across his face. She had to do something, or he wouldn't give her what she wanted.
She closed her eyes, different images flashing before her: the trees and bushes in the welfare home, the forever overworking dean, and the poor, innocent kids. She was no longer on good terms with her family, so the welfare home was her only true home. She would do anything to protect her family, including dying for them.
Seeing how she kept quiet, Huo Qingning pretended to sigh, releasing his grip. "Since you won't compensate me, then fine. I've no intentions of going against grandpa anyway."
"Wait," she said monotonously, meeting his eyes, and her will took off like a flying arrow. She placed her hands on his shoulders and moved closer to his body, closing her eyes. She hesitated for what seemed like forever before planting a kiss on his cheek. Then, she reopened her eyes to meet his. "Please help me out, babe?"
Her lips were soft with icy sensations, and it felt soothing when it touched his skin. Though it was a simple body contact, he felt the adrenaline rush of conquering her. "You wild girl." His lips broke into a smile. He was glad that she didn't disappoint. If she had given in without a fight, it would've turned him off.
"Don't worry. I'll sort things out." He rubbed her hair almost lovingly.
After sending Liang Yan home, Huo Qingning drove straight to his grandpa's. Old Master Huo wasn't delighted to see him, but he let his grandson in any way.
Huo Qingning didn't come empty-handed as he brought supplements and gifts with him. "How are you doing, Grandpa?"
"I will get well sooner if you stop getting on my nerves." Old Master Huo had his back facing Huo Qingning with a teacup in his hand.
Huo Qingning could tell his grandpa was still in the heat of the moment, but no grandpas would get mad at their grandsons that long. After a few casual exchanges of words, he cut to the chase. "Grandpa. I heard you'll take over the welfare home's acquisition. Didn't we agree to let me handle it?"
Old Master Huo sighed. "If it isn't because of Liang Yan. Even Liang Youli came to me and whined about it. Look at you. Still making me worried when you're already a grown man."
Huo Qingning laughed, and he massaged his shoulder. "You need to keep your promise, grandpa. It's better if you'd let me deal with it anyway. Those poor kids in the welfare home. I'll make sure they are well taken care of."
In reality, Old Master Huo wasn't keen on managing their business. He was old enough, and he had handed over his capacity to the young men. While his annoyance was only fleeting, his original intention was to forge Huo Qingning's mind. Now that he intervened, it seemed like he was going back on his vows. "All right, then. I'll let you kids handle the rest. I'm old, and I can't keep you within bounds forever."