The European-style dining table was laden with an array of delicacies. Seated on her small stool, Su Luo felt overwhelmed, unsure where to begin.

"Young Miss, do you not like these dishes?" The butler watched the little girl, his fondness evident.

"If there's anything Young Miss prefers, please tell me. I'll have the kitchen prepare it immediately."

"Thank you, Butler Grandpa. Luoluo likes these very much." The little girl swallowed hard, her mouth watering. She had never seen so many delicious things before; just looking at them made her drool.

"Daddy, can I eat now?" Su Luo lifted her head, gazing beseechingly at the man seated at the head of the table. Though ravenous, she knew she had to wait for Daddy's permission.

"Go ahead." Seeing Su Luo's cautious demeanor, Huo Tingyan's eyes darkened slightly.

With his approval, the little girl cheered and eagerly dug in.

"Mmm, so goood!" Su Luo grabbed a slice of pizza. The rich, savory flavor of cheese exploded on her taste buds with the first bite, instantly filling her with bliss. She couldn't help but squint her eyes like a satisfied kitten.

"Slow down." Huo Tingyan, however, didn't start eating himself. Instead, he focused on attending to the little one.

"Young Master, perhaps I should..." The butler stepped forward, ready to assist, but the man waved him off.

"No need." Huo Tingyan picked up a knife and fork, elegantly slicing the steak into small, bite-sized pieces. Once done, he gently pushed the plate towards the little girl. "Eat."

Huo Tingyan had noticed her repeatedly glancing at the steak but hesitating to touch it. Guessing she might not know how to eat it, he had thoughtfully cut it for her.

Su Luo's eyes instantly lit up. A sweet smile blossomed on her face, revealing two adorable dimples. "Thank you, Daddy! Daddy is the best!"

Under the warm glow of the dining room lights, the stern lines of Huo Tingyan's face seemed to soften. A knowing smile touched the butler's lips as he quietly withdrew, leaving the father and daughter alone.

The little girl ate as if she hadn't eaten in centuries, wolfing down food with gusto.

"Su Luo, slow down. No one is going to take it from you." Huo Tingyan's brow furrowed slightly, his tone firming.

The little girl froze instantly. Slowly, she put down the chicken drumstick in her hand, withdrawing it and sitting perfectly still. Her eyes looked up at him timidly, her voice as faint as a kitten's mewl.

"Daddy, I won't eat anymore. Please don't be angry." She thought he was upset because she was eating too much.   

Huo Tingyan's expression darkened immediately. A surge of frustration mixed with helplessness washed over him. He hadn't even scolded her properly yet! How could she be so timid!

He was about to say something more when he looked up and saw her hanging her head, looking utterly crestfallen. Any lingering irritation instantly dissolved. He couldn't bring himself to be harsh with her now.

Huo Tingyan couldn't help but recall the hardships documented in her file. A sharp pang, like a needle prick, shot through his heart.

"Come here." He sighed almost imperceptibly and beckoned her.

Su Luo immediately walked over obediently. "Daddy?"To her surprise, the man suddenly scooped her up into the air. "Sit still."

Huo Tingyan settled her onto his lap, picked up a bowl of congee from the table, carefully blew on it to cool it down, and then held the spoon to her lips. "Here, open up."

Su Luo's eyes widened into perfect circles, like a startled kitten, looking at him with utter disbelief and a touch of awe.

"What are you staring at? Open your mouth and eat." A flicker of embarrassment crossed the man's face.

"Oh." The little girl blinked, obediently opening her mouth. Yet, a persistent thought buzzed in her mind:

Daddy is acting so strange!