But a few, particularly so of the younger won who’d been dragged to this expensive restaurant by wealthy but inattentive partners, watched with sothing like envy.
Because regardless of etiquette or social standing or any other asure of worth, what they were witnessing was undeniable: Master Huo loved his wife. Completely. Obviously. Devotedly.
And in the end, perhaps that mattered more than all the proper manners in the world.
"What do you think? Is it delicious?" Huo Ting Cheng whispered, his thumb gently wiping the corner of Tang Fei’s lips.
"Mmm... really sweet. You picked the best one." She savored the bite, her eyes closing in contentnt.
Before he could respond, footsteps approached. Huo Qi appeared, dragging a suitcase that presumably held their belongings. Beside him walked Huo Shen, his expression apologetic and nervous.
"Master, Minghao has been calling incessantly for the last twenty minutes. You have over a hundred missed calls." Huo Shen shifted uncomfortably. "I didn’t want to disturb you, but I was worried it might be urgent."
He knew the consequences, Huo Ting Cheng had explicitly ordered them never to interrupt during private ti.
Before Huo Ting Cheng could issue a reprimand, Tang Fei waved her hand, beckoning Huo Shen closer.
"That’s probably Minghao. She must be worried, we didn’t tell her where we were going." Guilt flickered across Tang Fei’s face. "We should have called her earlier."
"Already placing the video call now, Madam." Huo Shen tapped the screen, positioned the phone on its stand before them, then retreated to a respectful distance.
The call connected, and Minghao’s face filled the screen.
"Hey, Momma! What are you wearing?" Minghao’s eyes widened at the sight of her mother in a Brazilian-style bikini top, a towel draped loosely over her shoulders, her sun-kissed skin still glistening from the ocean.
The coastal heat was intense, making heavy clothing both unnecessary and uncomfortable.
"Hehe... I just got out of the ocean, and I’m having dinner. What are you doing, baby?" Tang Fei responded with a playful giggle, spearing another piece of seafood with her fork.
"I’m headed ho now, Mommy. I just finished my classes. I’m with Qin Xinyu, say hi!" She tapped her companion’s shoulder and angled the phone so the cara could capture him.
"Ooh, that’s good! Make sure you do your howork and keep your room clean." Tang Fei smiled warmly and waved at Qin Xinyu.
"Momma... when are you planning to co back? I already miss you. I miss your cooking..." Minghao’s voice turned plaintive as she studied her mother through the screen. At least they seed happy and relaxed, nothing serious.
"Coming back? Ask your father..." Tang Fei deflected easily. She had no say in their schedule; Huo Ting Cheng had arranged this entire trip. Besides, it wasn’t easy to get ti alone together, away from the quadruplets.
"What’s the matter?" Huo Ting Cheng’s deep voice cut through the speaker, rough and dismissive. His annoyance was palpable—they were being disturbed on the very first day of their honeymoon.
"Aahh?" Minghao hesitated, clearly recognizing she’d called at the wrong ti. She wasn’t sure whether to continue or retreat.
"Geez!" Tang Fei punched his chest, though it was more of a playful tap. "Minghao, don’t mind your father. He’s always moody, acting like we owe him money. What’s the matter, baby? You can tell ."
She could sense sothing was troubling her daughter.
"Momma... on Saturday I have the Debate Club International Contest, and then on Sunday it’s Parents Day..." Minghao’s voice dropped to barely above a whisper. She figured it was better to tell them now, even though she was certain they wouldn’t be back in ti to attend.
"We’ll be back to attend. Your momma is eating, she’ll call you later." Huo Ting Cheng was already reaching to end the call when Tang Fei caught his hand with a warning glare.
"Mommy, wait! Zhihao, Feihao, and Tinghao just joined the video call..." Minghao spoke quickly before her father could disconnect.
"Hey, Zhihao... Feihao... Tinghao! How are you guys doing?" Tang Fei’s face brightened at the sight of her sons, all three wearing matching black t-shirts and green khaki trousers, lounging on their bunk beds in the military dormitory.
"Hello, Momma... what are you wearing? Aren’t you feeling cold?" Zhihao’s brow furrowed with concern.
"Momma, where are you? Minghao just told us you two traveled!" Feihao’s worried voice echoed through the speaker.
"We’re at the coast. We had so business to handle here, so we ca suddenly." Tang Fei kept her explanation vague. She couldn’t very well tell them she and their father had escaped for a belated honeymoon.
"Ooh... when are you guys coming back? It’s not safe out there." Zhihao’s eyes narrowed as he glared at his father through the screen. Why did he have to drag their mother around like this? What if sothing happened to her?
Tang Fei smiled warmly, though she could feel Zhihao’s stern gaze shooting daggers at his father from behind the screen.
"Aiyoo... why are you boys acting like little old n?" she teased gently. "We’re fine. Your father hired extra security. Nothing will happen to us."
"Extra security or not," Zhihao muttered under his breath, "you should be resting, not running around in the heat wearing... whatever that is."
Before Tang Fei could retort, Huo Ting Cheng leaned closer to the phone, his expression darkening with authority.
"Zhihao."
The boy stiffened imdiately.
"Your mother is safe. I’m here. Stop worrying about things that are not your responsibility."
"But she is my responsibility," Zhihao shot back before he could stop himself. "She’s our mom."
"And my wife," Huo Ting Cheng interrupted, eyes narrowing dangerously. "I know how to take care of what is mine. Don’t tell what to do."
Tang Fei rolled her eyes and nudged him hard with her elbow. "Stop scaring them! They’re just worried. Don’t make it into a power struggle."
Zhihao fell silent, jaw clenched. He wasn’t afraid of his father, he was irritated that.....
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