CHAPTER 387: CHAPTER 387; YOU WANT TO?

Tang Fei laughed, the sound light and teasing. "Who knows? I probably exercised too much last night... Isn’t it normal to be like this with a husband like Huo Ting Cheng?"

The kitchen erupted in giggles and knowing laughter. The maids blushed, exchanging glances, while Nanny Yun covered her mouth to hide her smile. Only the children looked confused, not quite understanding the adult humor.

The relationship between Tang Fei and the household staff had evolved significantly over the past months. Where there had once been formality and distance, there was now warmth and camaraderie. They could joke with her now, and she with them, a sign of trust that hadn’t existed before.

"It’s very possible, you know..." Nanny Yun said with a giggle, her cheeks slightly pink. "What would you like to have for breakfast?"

"Anything edible is fine." Tang Fei settled onto one of the high stools at the counter beside the children.

"Good morning, Auntie." Qin Xinyu looked up from his bowl of congee, offering her a polite smile. He was already dressed in his school uniform, crisp and neat, his hair carefully combed. He looked every bit the proper young gentleman.

Beside him, Qing Qing sat in comfortable clothes, still recovering from her recent ordeal and not yet ready to return to school. She smiled shyly at Tang Fei but remained quiet, focusing on her breakfast.

Huo Minghao, fully dressed in her uniform, was methodically working through a plate of steamed buns, her movements precise and deliberate.

"Hehe... Good morning," Tang Fei replied warmly. A steaming bowl of congee was placed before her, still piping hot, garnished with preserved vegetables and a soft-boiled egg. "How was school yesterday, Xinyu? Any problems?"

"It was good, Auntie. Thank you." Qin Xinyu’s voice carried genuine gratitude. Because of the Huo family’s support, his life had changed dramatically.

He was no longer bullied or looked down upon. At his new school, he was respected, treated like any other student from a prominent family. Wealth and class commanded respect in ways he’d never experienced before. Everyone minded their own business, and he could focus on his studies without fear.

"My dear," Nanny Yun interjected gently, reaching over to pat Qin Xinyu’s shoulder, "if you encounter anything, anything at all, speak up. Don’t keep quiet, alright?"

"I know, Mother. I won’t keep quiet." He smiled at Nanny Yun with genuine affection.

The relationship between them had deepened significantly. Though Nanny Yun had initially taken Qin Xinyu in as a form of charity, he had quickly become like a true son to her. She loved him fiercely, and he returned that love with respect and devotion.

Qin Xinyu hesitated for a moment, then turned back to Tang Fei. "Auntie... can I try modeling?"

The question hung in the air.

Tang Fei paused, her spoon halfway to her mouth. She studied him carefully. He truly was handsome, tall for his age, with striking features and a natural charisma that drew the eye. If he entered the entertainment industry, he would likely become famous quickly. He had the look, the presence, the potential.

But...

"You want to?" Tang Fei’s voice was measured, careful. "You do know the entertainment industry is really a dirty place, don’t you? I might not be able to protect you completely. You could face harassment, exploitation... things that would be difficult for someone your age to handle."

She didn’t want to crush his dreams, but she also couldn’t send him into that world blind to its dangers.

"I’ll protect him and manage his schedule, Auntie."

Tang Fei turned at the sound of the new voice.

Twilight had entered the kitchen through the side door, dressed in fitted jeans and a black silk shirt, her hair pulled back into a tight bun. She looked professional, capable, every inch the protective older sister.

"Good morning, Auntie. Qing Qing, Minghao, Qin Xinyu..." She greeted everyone warmly as she settled onto one of the empty stools at the counter.

Twilight and Qin Xinyu were siblings, separated when they were young, each abandoned in different places. Twilight had ended up in an orphanage; Qin Xinyu had been left at a temple.

They’d only recently been reunited, and the relationship was still somewhat awkward. They were taking time to get to know each other, to build the sibling bond that should have existed all along.

But Twilight was fiercely protective of him already. That much was clear.

Tang Fei considered this new information, tapping her fingers thoughtfully against the countertop. "If Twilight is managing your schedule and security, that does change things..." She turned to Nanny Yun. "What do you think? Are you comfortable with Xinyu entering the entertainment industry?"

Nanny Yun was quiet for a moment, her expression thoughtful. Then she smiled gently. "He can do whatever he wants, as long as he doesn’t endanger himself. I’m okay with it." She looked at Qin Xinyu with warm eyes. "I’m not the kind of mother who will restrict you, my dear. You have my support, just promise me you’ll be careful."

"I promise, Mother." Qin Xinyu’s face lit up with genuine joy.

Tang Fei nodded decisively. "Alright then. We’ll start small, photoshoots on weekends, nothing too demanding. If you need to travel for work, I’ll arrange for guards to accompany you. And Twilight will handle all contracts and scheduling to make sure you’re not being taken advantage of."

She pointed her spoon at him for emphasis. "But the moment you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, you tell us immediately. Understood?"

"Understood, Auntie. Thank you!" Qin Xinyu’s smile was radiant.

Tang Fei returned to her breakfast, a small smile playing at her lips. At least some things in life could be simple. At least she could give this boy a chance at his dreams.

Even if her own life was anything but simple.

Even if the blood from last night still stained her conscience, no matter how thoroughly she’d washed her hands.

But for now, in this warm kitchen surrounded by children and laughter, she could pretend.