CHAPTER 60: CHAPTER 60: FAMILY DINNER.

The night passed in silence, though Huo Feng’s mind lingered on the black rose and the chilling note that had been delivered. He had tucked it away in his study drawer, unwilling to burden Yue Ning with its meaning just yet.

By morning, the trio set out for the ancestral mansion.

The sprawling courtyard, with its old cypresses and tiled roofs, welcomed them back with an air of age and authority.

Servants bustled about, polishing railings and arranging flower pots in preparation for Old Madam Huo’s upcoming birthday celebration.

Old Madam Huo was waiting in the main hall. Her eyes brightened as soon as she spotted them.

"Come, Yue Ning, have a seat," she called out warmly, patting the spot beside her on the carved sandalwood couch.

Yue Ning blinked, slightly startled by the affection, but she smiled and walked forward obediently.

Huo Yan crossed her arms and huffed dramatically. "Grandmother has a new favorite now. You don’t care about me anymore." She snorted at the end of her statement.

Her exaggerated pout drew laughter around the hall. Yue Ning chuckled lightly while Old Madam Huo clapped her hands together.

"Silly child. How could I not care about you? Come here. There will always be space for both of you."

Satisfied, Huo Yan’s playful expression returned. She stuck out her tongue at Huo Feng before plopping down on the other side of Old Madam Huo.

For a moment, the picture looked almost like a grandmother surrounded by her granddaughters.

Old Madam Huo’s gaze shifted toward Huo Feng, who stood a step behind, his hands tucked neatly into his pockets with a nonchalant look on his face.

Her brows furrowed instantly. "You. You wouldn’t have stepped foot into this mansion if it weren’t for my birthday." She pointed her fingers at him while her chest heaved heavily.

"Always with that cold face! Tell me, what’s wrong with this house? There are more than enough rooms for everyone. Why did you have to move out?" She always asked this question whenever she met him.

Yue Ning’s lips twitched, while Huo Yan burst into laughter, clearly enjoying her brother being chided.

Huo Feng remained composed, his voice calm but firm. "Peace, Grandmother. Some things are more important than spacious rooms."

Old Madam Huo’s expression softened slightly, she was aware of what he meant, although she still gave a pointed harrumph.

"You take after your grandfather too much. Stubborn to the bone." There was a scoff at the end of her sentence.

She turned back to Yue Ning, her tone immediately warm again. "Tell me, child, how has this brat been treating you? You can always tell me if he hurts you."

Yue Ning’s heart warmed at the genuine care. She lowered her gaze politely. "Thank you, Grandma. Huo Feng treats me properly."

’The Host is quite polite.’ The System teased in her mind.

Yue Ning didn’t give it any response.

"I didn’t have the chance to properly thank you for your gift, I really appreciate it."

"Grandma, you shouldn’t thank me. It was pure luck that I discovered the antique." Yue Ning protested.

Old Madam Huo chuckled, liking her obedient face better.

As they spoke, voices resounded from the stairs The second branch had shown up.

Huo Feng’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, though he kept silent. Yue Ning noticed the faint flicker of coldness in his eyes.

As their laughter settled, footsteps echoed from the stairs.

The atmosphere in the hall shifted instantly.

The second branch appeared, led by Huo Mingjie with his usual calculating smile, and Huo Fei trailing behind him with a proud look on her face.

Yue Nin’’s lips curved faintly—more of a polite mask than a smile. She clearly remembered her past encounters with both of them.

Huo Fei’s venomous tongue and Huo Mingjie’s failed attempt to rope her into his schemes. She was sure that both of them held a grudge against her... not like she cared about them.

Huo Feng’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, though he kept quiet.

"Cousin," Huo Mingjie greeted smoothly, his tone extremely polite, though his eyes never meant it. "What a rare sight to see you back at the ancestral home. It is good that you are back. "

Huo Yan rolled her eyes and mumbled under her breath, it was just loud enough for Yue Ning to hear, "Rare sight, my foot. More like he wishes we’d never come back."

Old Madam Huo’s hand brushed over Yue Ning’s gently, as if to reassure her. "Don’t mind them, child."

Even without Old Madam Huo’s words,Yue Ning wouldn’t be paying attention to them. To her, they weren’t worth it.

Huo Fei’s eyes met with Yue Ning’s when she was about to take a seat, and she immediately averted her gaze as though she was guilty of something.

Yue Ning narrowed her eyes, finding it strange. Although she had only known Huo Fei for a while, she was aware that she wasn’t the type to evade glances.

’She is probably guilty of something,’ the System chirped in mentally.

Yue Ning held her chin thoughtfully while considering the system’s words. It could be true.

"Where are your Parents?" Old Madam Huo’s question snapped Yue Ning out of her thoughts.

"They went out early this morning. I think it is to get Grandmother’s gift," Huo Mingjie was the one who replied.

"Grandmother, I’ll be returning to my room," Huo Feng immediately rose to his feet.

"I will follow you. I haven’t seen your room yet," Yue Ning followed him as well. It would be an understatement to say she was comfortable with the siblings’ presence.

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Dinner in the ancestral mansion was an elaborate affair. The long table gleamed under the chandeliers. Every dish was a display of wealth and tradition.

Old Madam Huo sat at the head of the table, her expression stern but pleased to see her entire family gathered.

Huo Feng, Yue Ning, and Huo Yan occupied the seats to her right. Opposite them, the second branch settled in—Huo Hapieng, Zhang Yuxiu, Huo Mingjie in his impeccable suit, and Huo Fei fidgeting slightly as the maids served their dinner.

Huo Hapieng raised his cup first with a practiced smile. But if one looked closer, they would see the look of fear in his eyes. "It’s been a long time since we all sat together. Family bonds should not be neglected."

Old Madam Huo nodded, satisfied with his words.

Huo Feng’s jaw twitched almost imperceptibly, but he said nothing, neither did he pick up his cup.

Huo Hapieng slowly lowered his hand. He had overestimated his worth in Huo Feng’s eyes.

Yue Ning, sensing the faint currents of unease between the two branches, kept her head lowered politely as she picked at her food.

Across the table, Huo Fei avoided her eyes. She laughed at something her mother whispered, but her chopsticks trembled faintly against the porcelain plate.

Yue Ning noticed, and tilted her head slightly. Strange... she seems restless. Why is she so uneasy?

Before the thought could deepen, Huo Yan leaned forward, mischief evident in her tone. "Cousin Fei, why are you so jumpy? Did you do something wrong?"

The table became silent for half a beat.

Old Madam Huo hit her chopsticks against the bowl sharply. "Yan! Mind your tongue."

Huo Yan kept shut instantly.

Yue Ning blinked, startled by the sudden heaviness in the room. She glanced at Huo Mingjie just in time to catch a frown cross his face before his smile returned, smooth as glass.