Grandma Liu, worried that Grandpa Qin might scare Huo Rou, stepped forward and patted his hand.
"Old Qin, don't look so fierce!"
Her touch softened Grandpa Qin's gaze. He reluctantly shifted his eyes from Qin Ningyi to Liu Yuxiu.
They were already defending her, and he hadn't even said anything yet.
Oh, wait, he had praised the child's music upon entering. Why were they being so protective?
An An, nestled in Su Nianzhu's embrace, secretly glanced over. This great-grandfather didn't seem as terrifying as Grandma and Great-Grandma had described. He was just like Grandpa Jiang, wasn't he...
Out of habit, even though he had just promised Grandma Liu not to be fierce, when he spoke, he still had the air of an interrogator. "You are Huo Rou?"
In the brief moments just passed, she had run through everyone she knew with a similar voice in her mind. Only one person's voice...
But how could it be him?
Huo Rou looked up calmly. Under Grandpa Qin's imposing presence, she nodded without subservience, "Yes, Grandpa, I am Huo Rou."
"You can compose?"
"A little."
Qin Han nodded slightly. "The composition is very good. Where are you from?"
Hearing his question, Su Nianzhu's heart trembled.
This was the same question that had started everything for her when she came to the Qin family.
Later, she gradually understood that the only people Grandpa Qin would ask so many questions to were either serious offenders or important individuals. The way he had asked her back then already indicated his intention to consider her as family.
That was why her relationship with Qin Ningyi's father had progressed smoothly afterward.
Now, with Huo Rou having made a good impression on Grandpa Qin with just one song, the question wasn't as stern.
This question made Huo Rou hesitate.
Everyone present held their breath for her.
Qin Ningyi stood beside her, wanting to answer for her, but Huo Rou gently stopped him.
"I was born in Taichuan City," she said softly. "I can still be considered a person of Taichuan City."
Qin Han had glanced at her information, which was sparse. Apart from being the director of Yuda Security Company, her background was almost undocumented. "Did you study music in college?"
Huo Rou shook her head. "It's a hobby. I studied biology in college."
Qin Han's questions came one after another, and Huo Rou answered them steadily, without the slightest hint of fear or apprehension, as if the interrogation tested her endurance rather than her spirit.
Qin Ningyi tried to interrupt a few times, but Huo Rou pressed his hand down.
She could feel Grandpa Qin's approval. He was simply using this method to understand her, and also to let her understand him.
Of course, another reason she didn't let Qin Ningyi help was that she wanted to hear Grandpa Qin's voice more.
The voice felt somewhat familiar, but it had been too long, and she couldn't be sure.
Grandpa Qin asked for a long time with his hands behind his back, his gaze on Huo Rou growing increasingly satisfied.
Although the girl's voice was soft, her eyes were resolute, and her posture was straight and energetic. She appeared delicate, yet faced his stern expression without fear or trepidation. Her composure was even more commendable.
Through this series of questions, he also sensed Huo Rou's respect for soldiers. His heart began to question her relationship with the Jiang family.
"Are you part of the Jiang family?"
Amidst a string of casual questions, he suddenly asked this unrelated question.
Huo Rou blinked. "No."
She was a long-time friend of Old Master Jiang, so she couldn't claim to be part of the Jiang family. Besides, in terms of allegiance, she belonged to the nation.
When Grandpa Qin asked this question, he fixed his gaze on her eyes. Seeing that her gaze was clear and unwavering, he felt largely reassured.
He had deliberately asked so many casual questions to test her, and Huo Rou's answer was likely true.
Grandma Liu couldn't stand it any longer. Why was he bringing up the Jiang family again? Wasn't he afraid his grandson would get impatient?
"Alright! Old Qin, that's enough interrogating people. This is my home!" Grandma Liu's words carried a hint of playful scolding.
Grandpa Qin had also asked what he most wanted to know. Hearing Grandma Liu's chiding, he chuckled. "Alright, alright, I won't ask anymore!"
Listen to his Ah Xiu, she had already claimed this house as her own. This was a clear threat! If he asked any more, would she kick him out of the house?
Grandpa Qin reached out and held Grandma Liu's hand. "You, you're really protecting your future granddaughter-in-law..."
Huo Rou looked at the dark mole on the joint of his index finger and forgot to breathe.