OFTLHFRO C117

Chapter 117: I’m Not Afraid of Ghosts

Hongxing had not expected that not only would they be included in the New Year’s Eve dinner, but they would even be seated at the same table.

Though the dishes were nothing unusual—chicken, duck, and fish—once prepared by Luo Mingchen, they tasted extraordinary.

The big pork knuckle had even been made into a braised delicacy, its fragrance mouthwatering.

She had once considered her own cooking skills fairly good, yet compared to this meal, even the aroma could not measure up.

And if it smelled this good, how much better must it taste…

Once the firecrackers were set off, Luo Mingchen saw Zhuqing return and then said:

“Today is our first meeting. From now on, I’ll be entrusting you all to help care for our children. That’s all I’ll say. Let’s eat!”

The five were a little overwhelmed.

With their identities, they rarely experienced such equal treatment. The feeling was strange, even awkward.

At first Huo Xiang was a little reserved, but as he ate, his self-consciousness faded.

Huo Xinyue, being so young, didn’t care in the least that five strangers had joined them at the table. She ate and drank as usual—but if any unfamiliar person tried to touch her, she would certainly struggle.

As for Huo Yuhui, who had woken from sleep, he behaved as he usually did, though when his eyes occasionally met Huo Yan’s, he would show some unease.

Luo Mingchen had imagined his first New Year’s Eve in this world would be spent inviting Xiao Lin and the others to eat together, joyfully pasting couplets and “Fortune” characters, while he cooked extra sausages, tofu, and cured meats to share with friends and with Huo Yuhui’s brothers’ friends.

But instead, here they were, celebrating the holiday in a house he hadn’t even fully explored.

The only comfort was that the family was whole and together.

After dinner, it was already late, and the world outside had fallen into pitch-black night.

Fireworks blossomed in the sky, beautiful—but none of them belonged to him.

Standing in the corridor, Luo Mingchen gazed up at the heavens.

It stirred in him memories of the days before the apocalypse: at New Year’s, alone in a cheap basement rental, looking out through a tiny window at the festivities that were never his to join.

Sensing his unease, Huo Yan clasped his hand.

Warmth spread from that grip. Luo Mingchen came back to himself, and instinctively smiled.

“What is it?”

Huo Yan stared into those large eyes and, for some reason, thought Luo Mingchen looked like an abandoned puppy.

Just as Luo Mingchen was about to ask again, Huo Yan suddenly pinched his cheek.

“Hiss! What are you doing?”

Whatever sadness had lingered in Luo Mingchen vanished instantly. Eyes wide, he reached up to pinch back, only for Huo Yan to catch his hand.

“Come. Let’s buy a few crates of fireworks.”

Huo Yan didn’t like such things, but hadn’t realized Luo Mingchen did. Still, even now it wasn’t too late to buy them.

“Are you crazy?”

Luo Mingchen tugged against his grip but failed to break free. Instead, he pulled Huo Yan closer.

“Fireworks are so expensive, and they’re useless afterward. We can see other people’s just fine. Firecrackers are far more practical—let’s just buy those, not fireworks.”

Seeing he was serious, Huo Yan said:

“Then firecrackers it is.”

“Huh?”

So, the two husbands went off to buy a string of firecrackers, and with the three children in tow, set them off near a cluster of ornamental rocks.

The crackling explosions filled the night with festive clamor.

When it ended, Luo Mingchen looked at Huo Yan, hesitating to speak.

Huo Yan looked back and asked:

“Another string?”

“…Don’t you think the two of us are acting rather foolish?”

Huo Xiang, who wanted to light one but was afraid of burning his hands: “…”

After a moment’s thought, Huo Yan said seriously:

“Not especially foolish.”

That straight-faced answer struck Luo Mingchen right on his funny bone. Leaning against Huo Yan, he laughed until his stomach hurt.

“Has anyone ever told you you’re adorable?”

The tall, imposing Huo Yan: “…”

“No more firecrackers. Let’s wash up and sleep. Xiao Hui was startled badly today—he should rest early.”

The rooms in the main courtyard had all been cleaned and readied, making the house truly move-in ready.

Ziyuan stepped forward and said:

“Lord Luo, the young miss’s room has already been warmed. Should I carry her over?”

The three children had long since grown used to sharing a room. At first, Luo Mingchen found the idea odd, but then he realized—Huo Xinyue was already three years old. It was indeed time she had her own room.

Huo Xiang was a boy, which was simpler, but Huo Yuhui was older, and Huo Xinyue a little girl. With conditions permitting, they should sleep separately.

So Luo Mingchen crouched down to meet Huo Xinyue’s eyes.

“Yueyue, would you be willing to sleep on your own tonight?”

She nodded her little head firmly.

“Yes.”

Luo Mingchen blinked.

“…Huh?”

“Yueyue’s a big kid now. I can sleep alone.”

He was stunned.

“So obedient?”

Her little face brimmed with pride.

“Mm! Yueyue’s not afraid of ghosts.”

Both Luo Mingchen and Huo Yan turned their gaze toward Huo Xiang. Their look said everything.

Huo Xiang, afraid of ghosts: “…”

Hongxing, suppressing laughter, added:

“This servant can keep watch over Second Young Master. It’s always more comfortable for one person to have the bed to himself.”

But Luo Mingchen thought it best not to let Huo Yuhui forever share a bed with Huo Xiang. Learning independence early was a good thing.

“Have Xiaochen or Zhuqing keep watch. Xiao Xiang’s a bit shy.”

Forced into independence, Huo Xiang didn’t even get the chance to object.

All Huo Yuhui could do was pat his shoulder in consolation.

The four bedrooms were all in the same courtyard. Not far, but still a few steps apart.

After escorting Huo Xinyue to her room, Luo Mingchen couldn’t help but remind her:

“Yueyue, if you get scared, just call this sister in purple.”

“Daddy, are you scared?”

Before Luo Mingchen could reply, Huo Xinyue reached out like a little grown-up to pat his face.

“Don’t be scared. There are no ghosts.”

“…All right.”

Ziyuan assured him:

“Lord Luo, this servant will take good care of the young miss.”

Only then did Luo Mingchen straighten and reluctantly look away.

“Thank you.”

“You’re too kind.”

Because Huo Xiang feared ghosts, Luo Mingchen arranged for him to sleep in the room next to Huo Yuhui’s, while Huo Xinyue slept in the room beside their own.

Later, seated in their room, Luo Mingchen sipped some water and asked:

“Do you want to wash first, or should I?”

As if recalling something, Huo Yan said:

“You first. I want to ask Xiao Hui a few questions.”

“About what?”

“I’ll tell you after.”

Luo Mingchen didn’t understand what he meant.

But considering that Huo Yuhui had suffered a scare earlier that day, it was natural for his father to comfort him. Luo Mingchen didn’t dwell on it and went to fetch clothes to bathe.

In this household, like all large estates, each courtyard had a system akin to pipes, with a special place to supply hot water. One only had to turn it on, and the water would flow out—quite convenient.

Knock knock.

Just as Huo Yuhui had spread out his paper, ready to practice a few pages of calligraphy before bed, he rose to open the door.

Seeing Huo Yan standing there, he froze briefly, then smiled.

“Daddy, what is it?”

“Let’s talk.”

Not seeing Luo Mingchen with him, Huo Yuhui pressed his lips together and gave a low hum of assent.

Once inside, Huo Yan swept a glance at the desk and sat down in a chair.

Huo Yuhui closed the door, then stood obediently before him.