Foundation.

Leo and Snow wrapped up the day, and Lily went to sleep after she was tired of observing the kitten. Momo was successfully named, and while she had yet to adjust to the name completely, she was not hostile to Lily. 

Leo had already set up the litter box, and the small area for her to sleep. Momo was a nocturne, and Leo and Snow noticed her cautiously peeking around the surroundings and the different rooms while they discussed many things regarding the birthday party. 

Snow said, "I had placed an order for a gift for her, so I will need to rush and collect it in the morning. Also, we need to make the cake. All these years, I have baked a cake at home, so I want to continue that." 

Leo thought about it and said, "I will collect the gift that you mentioned, and also buy some decoration supplies. The forecast says it will be clear and pleasant tomorrow, although the wind has started to get a bit colder, it is not bad when the sun is out. Shall we hold a barbeque?" 

Snow asked, "Won't that be a bit too candid?" 

Leo thought and said, "It is a child's birthday party, so I am guessing there would be a few children coming with the teachers? How about you also invite some people from the old neighborhood as well? It will add on to the atmosphere, and it is a sunday, people won't mind unwinding with meat and beer." 

Snow thought about it and said, "Well, they are not expecting us to host them in a seven star hotel so this makes sense. It is up to you. But we will need Barbeque grills as well." 

Leo nodded and said, "I will get two of them from the super store, also some charcoal to add that smoky flavor, but the grill will be electric. We can't have the neighbors yelling over the pollution." 

Snow nodded, and then she picked up her phone to call various people from the old neighborhood, who have been helpful to her. She invited them over with a bright smile on her face. Leo knew that she was happy, Snow had always been a crowd charmer, and she loved to initiate get togethers from her days in college. It has been years since she got such a chance, so obviously, she was happy. 

Leo picked up his own phone and posted a notice in the community group. This was to inform them about the party at his place and that it might cause some inconvenience as the guests would be coming over, so he asked for a special permission to allow their vehicles to come in and the guards to use the tour carts to drop the people who arrive by cabs. 

The managing secretary of the community initiated a process where he got approval from the immediate neighbors and then informed Leo of the arrangements being processed. 

…

Percie Hibiscal was looking through a few reports and a couple of young men stood across her desk. She raised her head and asked, "Is it true?" 

The two people nodded and said, "The patent was granted very quickly as this is the first machine in the entire nation. Boss, the military wants to discuss the exclusive rights for the chip production." 

The lady furrowed her brows and said, "These bloody uniforms are always thinking of ways to control stuff. I will meet with the boss in the morning, and then discuss it." 

The young men nodded, and one of them said, "Do you think his opinion would matter?" 

Percie raised her gaze to look at the guy and said, "Don't worry, let's see what he has to say. Then I will intervene. I am not losing our golden goose." 

… 

In the morning, Lily woke up with great enthusiasm and dashed to find Momo, but the kitten was sleeping after spending the night roaming around the house. Leo picked up his kitten and took her to the washroom where he helped her brush her teeth and wash her face as he said, "Momo is a kitten, she needs a lot of sleep. If you disturb her too much, she will hide. So, when you see her in the future, act like you are the boss, and she will come to you." 

Lily asked, "Really?" 

Leo nodded and pecked her little nose as he said, "Happy birthday baby." 

Lily smiled and replied to him with a thank you, as she hugged his neck. This was the first time Leo had wished her and thus Lily was very happy. 

'Ping: Host, you have made your daughter realize the warmth of a father on her special day for the first time. You are her knight in the shining armor, who will protect her forever. 

To make sure that you can meet her expectations you are rewarded with a simulation realm where you can undergo martial training to increase your fitness and skills. 

You can use the simulation realm for one hour a day when you sleep. One hour in the real world is ten hours inside the simulation.' 

Leo was surprised by this reward from the system and asked, 'System, why not give me martial skills directly?' 

The system replied, 'Ping: Host, sudden surge of martial knowledge would make you vulnerable as your basic foundation wouldn't be firm. Martial arts is akin to a pagoda tower, you build floors, but also need to pay attention to a better foundation for overall stability.' 

Leo understood and the two of them left the washroom. Then after breakfast, Lily stayed home with Snow to bake the cake while Leo drove out to buy the supplies. He bought two grill machines, several kilograms of chicken tenders, and various sauces and oils along with a small pouch of coal. 

Then he headed straight to the shop where he collected a dress that Snow had selected for Lily. Although Leo had the money that would allow him to buy a better dress, this thing was designed by Snow herself, and it looked like an inverted lily flower. 

Another reason behind him not buying an expensive dress was so that he can teach Lily about gratitude. Sometimes emotions become the foundation of lives, and while money can go away, it is the bond between the people that keeps things strong and tight. 

Leo came back home and found Snow and Lily talking with Percie Hibiscal, who was sitting on the couch. He frowned slightly when Lily hopped over to him and said, "Baba, your friend is here. She got me chocolates." 

Leo smiled and poked the forehead of the little one and said, "Come, I got you Ma's gift. You can see it in a while." 

Lily followed him, and as Leo placed the package of the dress on the table he said, "Miss Hibiscal, you are rather early for the event, I wonder if you have something official to discuss." 

Percie Hibiscal noticed his tone, and instinctively stood up from her spot and said, "Yes, President, I have something to discuss with you. It is rather important, so I came early." 

Leo sighed and said, "Why don't give me a minute with my wife, and I will get back to you." 

Percie nodded, and Leo gestured for Snow to come with him. Lily said, "Can I introduce Momo to Miss Hibi?" 

Leo nodded with a smile and left with Snow, it seemed that the little one could not pronounce the last name with ease. 

In Lily's room, Leo said, "She is the CEO of the company I founded and that's all."

Snow was taken aback and asked, "When did this happen?" 

Leo replied, "A few days ago, the operations began and the first product would be coming out soon. I did not tell you because it was supposed to be a surprise and I thought what's better than this? I have put all the shares under Lily's name and we will be acting Presidents till she comes of age." 

Snow raised her brow and asked, "Did you do this to prevent outsiders from buying shares? This is an effective method." 

Leo nodded and said, "It will keep us under the radar as well." 

Snow nodded thoughtfully and said, "I understand, don't worry." 

Leo nodded, and only let out a breath after looking in Snow's eyes for a few moments. He assured that she was not jealous or hurt by this. The latter smiled and said, "Mister Cardinal, are you thinking I would be jealous of her?" 

Leo almost nodded but then shook his head, because while Percie was a beautiful woman, Snow was even more beautiful than the latter. She just needed to get rid of her stressed appearance. 

Snow chuckled and shook her head as she said, "I am fine, you can go and handle business, the cake will be done in a few minutes, I will have to ice it. I will dress up Lily while you decorate and prepare the garden." 

Leo gave her an okay signal and went out. He had business to deal with. 

...

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