A warm bedside lamp cast a cozy glow over the bedroom.

A small mound burrowed beneath the covers, the little one curled up fast asleep within the warm nest of blankets, breathing softly with her mouth slightly open.

Huo Tingyan walked in silently. Seeing the little girl sleeping soundly under the covers, a touch of warmth softened his deep, dark eyes.

He bent down slightly and gently tucked the corners of the quilt around the child.

"Good night," Huo Tingyan murmured softly, a trace of tenderness flickering across his stern features.

Having done this, the man straightened up and left as quietly as he had arrived.

"Daddy..." Just as Huo Tingyan's hand touched the doorknob, a soft, milky voice suddenly called out.

Su Luo sat up in bed, rubbing her eyes as she sleepily looked at the man standing not far away.

"Daddy, hug," the little girl demanded sweetly, slowly stretching out her arms towards him.

Huo Tingyan watched her silently for a couple of seconds, then sighed softly, seeming to resign himself as he walked over.

"Were you waiting for me?" he asked, referring to the small nightlight still glowing on the bedside table.

"Mm-hmm," the little girl nodded obediently. When the expected hug didn't come immediately, she withdrew her arms, a little pout forming.

"But Luoluo accidentally fell asleep."

Seeing the little one's look of chagrin, a slight smile touched Huo Tingyan's lips, and he felt a pleasant warmth inside.

"What a silly girl, who told you to wait for me?" he said, though a current of warmth flowed through his heart nonetheless.

He couldn't deny that since the little girl's arrival, the house had become much livelier.

The villa had always been cold and quiet before. Whenever Huo Tingyan worked late into the night, he was only ever greeted by emptiness and silence.

This was the first time someone had left a light on for him late at night, clearly struggling to stay awake just to wait for him to come home.

"But Luoluo wanted to wait for Daddy," Su Luo mumbled softly, like an affectionate little kitten.

The corners of Huo Tingyan's mouth lifted slightly, a warm sensation spreading in his chest.  The feeling of having someone waiting for him at home... wasn't bad at all.

"Alright, I'm back now. You can go to sleep," Huo Tingyan said, hesitating for a second before he couldn't resist reaching out to ruffle her little head.

"But Luoluo can't sleep now," the little girl retorted, her eyes darting around mischievously like a cunning little fox, clearly plotting something.

"So what do you want?" Huo Tingyan asked, watching her calmly.

How could the little one's schemes possibly escape his notice? He saw right through her.

"Luoluo wants Daddy to tell a story," the little girl implored, gazing at him with hopeful eyes.

She sensed that Daddy seemed particularly approachable today. If she made her request now, he probably wouldn't refuse, right?

Su Luo blinked. Actually, she wasn't entirely sure.

"All the other kids have their daddies tell bedtime stories," she added, peeking at him from the corner of her eye.

Huo Tingyan couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle.

A little girl who pushed her luck, truly adept at climbing the ladder once it was offered.

Despite his words, under the little girl's hopeful stare, the man found himself unable to refuse her.

Seeing Huo Tingyan nod, the little girl couldn't contain a joyful cheer. "Luoluo knew Daddy is the best Daddy in the whole world," she declared sweetly.

Huo Tingyan smirked, a hint of indulgence unconsciously coloring his handsome features.

This sly little girl only knew how to sweet-talk him.

Su Luo obediently lay back down, pulling her little quilt snugly around her, and looked at him expectantly.

Huo Tingyan casually pulled a fairy tale book from the shelf, cleared his throat, and began to narrate the story of The Little Mermaid.

The man's deep voice was magnetic, rich and smooth like aged wine, making it impossible not to be drawn in.