CHAPTER 320: CHAPTER 322: SON-IN-LAW VISITS

The people on the production team could only sneer when they heard about it. How could a person who had repeatedly beaten his son and abused him fall ill when his son was lost?

Strange indeed.

But no matter what, Ge Liang was gone, a day, two days... and no one saw him again.

Suddenly, such a small child, who was previously adored by everyone, was now deeply missed by all.

At the Gao family, Zheng Xianghong sighed sadly, "That poor child didn’t seem destined for misfortune; how could he just disappear?"

Gao Guoqiang said, "It’s better that he’s gone. Away from such a mother, perhaps some kind-hearted person will adopt him."

That was indeed possible, and it was all Zheng Xianghong could hope for.

Meanwhile, Gao Jiaxing and Xia Xiao had just left the train station and bumped into Xia Chunrong.

"Big brother," Gao Jiaxing called out as soon as he spotted Xia Chunrong. This time, the title was genuinely heartfelt.

Xia Chunrong was not as guarded as before, and instead greeted Gao Jiaxing with a friendly handshake and a smile, "You guys are quick. I just rushed here myself. Let’s go home."

Xia Xiao laughed, "Brother, getting married has really changed you; you seem more mature and stable."

Indeed, Xia Chunrong now appeared even more mature and dependable than before, truly a reliable older brother.

Looking at Xia Xiao, Xia Chunrong said with a sigh, "You’re married too, how could I not step up? I didn’t expect you to marry so quickly. Is our second sister getting married soon too?"

Thinking about Yan Hao traveling from north to south to find Xia Jing, Xia Chunrong felt that this couple’s relationship couldn’t be broken, and he would soon gain another brother-in-law.

"Not so fast; I’ve asked Xiao Jing to date Yan Hao for another two years," Xia Xiao said.

Xia Chunrong breathed a sigh of relief and praised Xia Xiao, "Good, that’s great. I feel relieved with our second sister under your care."

Although Yan Hao’s past, filled with touching romance, moved Xia Chunrong, he was not eager to see his sister rush into marriage.

Xia Xiao asked, "Brother, how’s it going with the Yans?"

Xia Chunrong replied, "What can I say? After receiving the telegram, they looked down on us, neither nose nor eyes are right. Director Li came to our house to make a scene, but Yan Hao’s dad managed to persuade him to go back."

Xia Xiao was relieved to hear that there was no commotion.

She really feared an uncontrollable uproar, but it seemed the Yans still cared about saving face; after all, making a scene would look bad on everyone.

"Brother Gao, let’s go to my house first; later we can go to Grandma’s," Xia Xiao said.

Gao Jiaxing nodded. It didn’t matter which house; they were all Xia Xiao’s relatives.

With that, Gao Jiaxing, Xia Xiao, and Xia Chunrong first went back home. The Xia family’s home was still the same, but now that Xia Xiao, Xia Jing, and Xia Hong were gone, and Xia Chunrong had gotten married and moved to a dormitory with Wu Manni, only Xia Weiguo, Li Wenjuan, Xia Lin, and Xia Hua were living there.

Though living with four people was still cramped, it was much more spacious than when seven or eight people lived there.

Upon arriving home, Xia Xiao immediately brought Wu Manni out, calling, "Sister-in-law."

Gao Jiaxing also called out, "Sister-in-law," having met Wu Manni during his last visit.

Wu Manni laughed, "Finally, we have been waiting for you to come back. Since receiving the telegram, Mom has been looking forward to it, constantly talking about it, and she’s been at it since early this morning."

Xia Xiao laughed and said, "I don’t often come back, how could Mom not miss me? Now with several daughters away from home, Mom really has her hands full."

Director Li was already speaking inside the house, "Yes, how could I not miss you all? Not being able to see you always has me worried, but I don’t have to worry about your brother, your sister-in-law, your younger sister, and your youngest brother."

As she spoke, Director Li smiled at Gao Jiaxing and said, "Jiaxing, come inside and sit."

"The place is small and a bit cramped, don’t mind it," Director Li said as she poured a cup of water for Gao Jiaxing.

Gao Jiaxing had just sat down when he quickly stood up again, taking the cup with both hands, "Thank you, Mom. You don’t need to be so polite, I can manage by myself."

"No need, you all sit. After dinner, you can go over to Grandma’s house. It’s more spacious and can accommodate everyone," Director Li said.

"Mom, where’s Dad? And Xiao Lin and Ah Hua?" Xia Xiao asked, noting that neither Xia Weiguo, Xia Lin, nor Xia Hua were in sight.

"Your dad went to fetch some wine. Your younger sister and Ah Hua went with him," Director Li replied, then turned towards the doorway, "Look, here they come now."

"Big sister," Xia Lin and Xia Hua both called out.

Xia Xiao smiled and greeted them, and Gao Jiaxing also stood up to greet Xia Weiguo, calling out, "Dad."

Xia Weiguo smiled and said, "Take a seat, Jiaxing. Just went to get some wine; we’ll have a few glasses in a bit."

Director Li added, "Your dad’s legs are much better now, he really enjoys his wine."

Xia Xiao said, "A little wine is fine, it’s actually good for the health if you drink a little daily, but Dad, you shouldn’t overdo it."

Xia Xiao didn’t mind people drinking around her, just so long as they didn’t turn into complete alcoholics.

"I won’t drink too much, just a little. But today, since my son-in-law is here, you guys can’t begrudge me a few extra sips," Xia Weiguo said.

"Okay, we’ll let you have a few more, just so you can’t keep saying that I control you too much," Director Li promptly agreed.

Everyone laughed, and it was then Xia Xiao said, "Mom, does anyone at home know how to brew wine? How about we try making some ourselves?"

Xia Xiao hadn’t previously thought about brewing wine, but now, contemplating the spring water in her own space, using it to brew wine might yield excellent results.

Seeing how much Xia Weiguo’s mobility had improved—he could move around without a walking stick—Xia Xiao felt immensely happy.

"It’s simple to brew, but it won’t taste good," Director Li replied, shaking her head.

Gao Jiaxing said, "My mom knows how to do it." After he spoke, he regretted not bringing some from home—they had medicinal wine, snake wine, all sorts at home. It hadn’t crossed his mind to bring some over.

Feeling a bit embarrassed now, he had to say, "Xiaoxiao should learn from my mom, and next time we come, we can bring some wine for Dad."

This suggestion greatly pleased Xia Weiguo. Ever since his accident, he had been quite dejected. Though he seemed fine on the surface, it was different inwardly.

Now that his legs were slowly mending, and his son had married, his eldest daughter was also married, and their household was gradually improving—it seemed they didn’t have much to worry about anymore.

Though currently unemployed, he still managed to entertain himself, learning how to adjust his emotions.

Now that his legs were better, Xia Weiguo really enjoyed his wine and needed a sip every day, sometimes even indulging a bit too much, which Director Li strictly monitored.

Now that his eldest daughter and son-in-law had returned, Xia Weiguo was the happiest. Therefore, seeing that there was hardly any wine left at home, he quickly went to fetch more.

"Now I’ll learn home brewing from my mother-in-law, and next time I’ll bring some back for Dad to try," Xia Xiao said.

Xia Weiguo continuously nodded in agreement, his smile broadening.