The playful quarrel between the brothers finally came to an end when Huo Ma opened the bedroom door with a stern expression.

"It’s the middle of the night, do you plan on letting anyone sleep?" she scolded, glaring at the group.

Huo Jing immediately let go of his sleeves, looking slightly embarrassed as he shifted his gaze away. Huo Yan adjusted his clothes and pretended not to notice Huo Ma's glare, sitting back down as if nothing had happened. Huo Ze picked up the cushion he had dropped earlier, clearing his throat awkwardly.

As for Qin Yao, he had remained seated the entire time, not joining in the ruckus. When Ye Leyao settled back beside him, he reached for a tissue and gently wiped the sweat from Ye Leyao’s forehead.

Ye Leyao, being the only one who dared meet Huo Ma’s gaze directly, smiled sheepishly. Holding onto Qin Yao’s hand, he turned to her and said seriously, "Mom, it's already morning, technically not the middle of the night. Since it's already bright outside, why don’t we skip sleeping for now?"

Huo Ma’s gaze slowly softened as she looked at Ye Leyao, who blinked at her innocently, adding a slightly pitiful expression. 

She could never resist when Ye Leyao looked at her like that. Her heart melted instantly, and despite trying to maintain a stern facade, a smile crept up. "Weren’t you just shouting for help earlier? Now you want to protect them?" she teased.