What to Do If I Become the Villain's Daughter

10.

Huo Ning's body was not seriously injured.

Having successfully helped Huo Xiaozheng avoid a crisis, Huo Ning felt quite proud of herself! Once a person relaxes, their appetite tends to surge, especially considering the anxiety Huo Ning had endured throughout the day.

By the time she was discharged from the hospital and returned home that evening, Huo Ning was like a little bird returning to its nest, darting straight into the kitchen.

"Aunt Xu, I'm so hungry! Can I have some stir-fried shrimp with green onions?" she pleaded.

Aunt Xu, completely charmed by her adorable demeanor, naturally agreed to everything.

"Huo Ning, come with me to the study," Huo Xiaozheng called out as he handed his coat to the butler and walked to the kitchen doorway, addressing the slender figure before him.

The fear of being called by her full name by a parent made Huo Ning's scalp tingle. Her smile froze on her face as she slowly turned to meet Huo Xiaozheng's gaze.

Huo Xiaozheng showed no signs of softening as he headed upstairs to the study.

Aunt Xu was also puzzled. What could be the matter now?

Huo Ning flashed a reassuring smile at Aunt Xu before slowly shuffling to the study door.

"Knock, knock..." Huo Ning tapped on the half-closed door.

"Come in," came the reply.

Huo Xiaozheng sat in an armchair, with the floor lamp on. In the warm orange glow, even his usual coldness seemed to have melted somewhat.

Huo Ning closed the door behind her and, following Huo Xiaozheng's gestured instruction, sat in the chair opposite him.

Confused by this interrogation-like atmosphere, Huo Ning wondered what she could have possibly done wrong.

"Thwack!"

A file folder was tossed onto the small round table between them. Huo Ning timidly looked at Huo Xiaozheng and said, "Dad?"

'Boss, just tell me straight if I've done something wrong. Please don't scare me like this!' she thought to herself.

Seeing her sitting posture reminiscent of a schoolgirl and her eyes full of fear like a deer's, Huo Xiaozheng realized she had misunderstood the situation.

The man who commanded such authority in the business world awkwardly tried to soften his demeanor.

"Your household registration has come through. I've made a small change to your name. Take a look," he explained.

Huo Ning was bewildered.

Huo Xiaozheng, realizing he had made another mistake – after all, the child before him was only five and likely didn't know how to open a file folder – opened it himself. He leaned forward to hand her a small booklet, took out a piece of paper, and pointed to the name for her to see.

"I've changed your name slightly. It's now Huo Guining."

Huo Ning repeated in confusion, "Guining?"

"Yes. It means 'welcome home.'"

Huo Ning's eyes widened. In ancient times, when a married woman returned to her parents' home, it was called "guining." Huo Xiaozheng was...

She had originally thought Huo Xiaozheng would scold her for today's events. Instead, he had given her a new name, using this method to provide her with a sense of security.

A lump formed in her throat, and Huo Ning's eyes reddened. She quickly lowered her head.

Crying was so embarrassing.