Chapter 173: Chapter 173: She’s Not a Xia
The eldest branch couldn’t help but reveal a smug look on their faces.
Uncle Xia immediately changed his tone and coughed before saying, “Third Uncle’s family, did you see that? We agreed to let our child be adopted by the second branch because the second branch can provide him with a better life; it’s all for the child’s benefit.”
The very image of a caring elder.
“Big brother, don’t make it sound so nice!” Third Uncle Xia snorted coldly, “Isn’t it just about adopting a son to the second branch, where they can offer benefits? When all is said and done, it’s just selling a son.”
Stung by Third Uncle Xia’s accusation, Uncle Xia immediately became agitated and retorted, “What nonsense are you talking about? What do you mean ‘selling a son’? You don’t have a son; you simply don’t understand a parent’s love for their child!”
His words struck straight at Third Uncle Xia’s heart.
“Big brother…” Third Uncle Xia tried to say more.
From the side, Xia Chengzong’s face grew progressively darker.
“Doing it for the son’s best interest?” Xia Chengzong took a quick step forward, entering the inner circle, and said loudly, “Then Dad, I also want to be adopted, let me be adopted by the second branch.”
“Chengzong, when did you come back?” Aunt Xia exclaimed with shock.
She’d already experienced this son’s indifference to kinship and hurriedly said, “Chengzong, this doesn’t concern you, it’s adults’ business.”
He ignored his mother and continued, “Being adopted by Second Aunt, with status and wealth, what a good deal… Grandpa, Grandma, Dad, Mom, adopt me out, let me also enjoy the good life with the second branch.”
He said this deliberately.
The Xia Family were momentarily at a loss for words.
Eldest branch: Adopt the second son? With his attitude, if they adopt him, could they still take advantage of the second branch?
Third branch: Xia Chengzong is just a hoodlum; who would want to adopt him?
It was Mother Xia herself who paused before saying, “Chengzong?”
The person originally agreed upon was from the Cheng Family, however…
“That’s also possible,” said Mother Xia, with a gentle smile.
She just wanted the second branch to have a son, who it was didn’t really matter.
And in terms of appearance and temperament, Chengzong did somewhat resemble his second uncle.
As soon as Mother Xia spoke, everyone else fell silent.
“Since Second Aunt wants to adopt Chengzong, then our third branch will adopt someone from the Cheng Family then,” Third Uncle Xia hurriedly seized the opportunity to say.
After all, the person from the Cheng Family was in junior high school and was bound to be successful, much better than the hoodlum Xia Chengzong.
“Third brother, when did the second son’s family say they wanted to adopt Chengzong? She only said it’s possible…” Aunt Xia quickly retorted.
“Enough!” Standing outside the circle, Xia Chuyi shouted, “Ha, do all you elders thinking of giving the second branch an adopted son ever ask my opinion on this?”
Everyone hastily turned around, only then noticing her at the edge of the circle.
Indeed, since Xia Chengzong had been helping out in her shop and he had returned, she must have as well.
“Chuyi!” Mother Xia’s eyes were full of confusion, “You, why have you come back?”
She knew very clearly that her daughter would never agree to the adoption.
Xia Chuyi didn’t even give her a glance.
Towards this woman who gave her life, she had been disappointed time and again.
“During the last division of the family, I remember, I said that I, representing the second branch, would separate from the Xia Family,” Xia Chuyi walked forward step by step, speaking slowly.
Everyone looked at her, not understanding what she meant.
“Now that everyone has acknowledged that I represent the second branch, how can such a big issue as adoption proceed without asking for my opinion?” Xia Chuyi said, extremely calm and with an expressionless face.
“What are you talking about, you child, with your mom still here, how could it be your turn to call the shots?” Aunt Xia said with a forced smile, trying to smooth things over.
“Heh,” Xia Chuyi sneered, showing no regard for anyone, and said word by word, “My mother, she doesn’t carry the Xia surname; she’s not truly a member of the Xia Family!”
“I am the one who can represent the second branch!”
Her words resonated with a thud.
“What did you say?” Mother Xia’s eyes instantly reddened, she trembled with rage and couldn’t hold back from saying, “You ungrateful child, what nonsense are you spouting? I am not a Xia? You are the one who isn’t…”