Huo Shiqian remained silent for a while.
He held her face and said calmly, "I’m here for a task."
Xia Chuyi smiled, "What task?"
Huo Shiqian: "A condolence mission... and, a task concerning a personal lifelong matter."
Xia Chuyi chuckled, "Is that possible?"
Huo Shiqian nodded calmly, "Yes, I’m already at the age suitable for marriage."
Xia Chuyi laughed and thought to herself: Uncle Liberation Army, you’re not just at the suitable age for marriage, you’re an older youth!
But she didn’t dare say this out loud.
After all, she had sobered up a bit, and Uncle Liberation Army was right in front of her, so she decided it was better to behave.
Huo Shiqian’s visit seemed to be really last-minute, as he didn’t stay long before saying goodbye.
Taking the condolence flight, Huo Shiqian arrived like lightning and left just as quickly.
Huo Shiqian followed the senior leader to continue the condolence mission.
"Ahem, young Huo... this last-minute addition to the trip might not look good!" the senior leader said gravely, deliberately turning his back to him.
Huo Shiqian glanced at him, "You agreed to this trip."
Senior Leader: "...I was drunk when I agreed!"
"So, what, you want to punish me?" Huo Shiqian asked calmly.
The leader, with a stern face, said, "A punishment is necessary; I’ll have you fiercely take down all other friendly forces and major military districts in this inter-provincial military competition!"
Huo Shiqian gave him a glance, "Just that? Haven’t my men always won the first prize?"
As if to say, it would be easy.
"Oh, right, I just remembered, I wasn’t in the same military district as you before," Huo Shiqian said calmly, "Your military district has also been taken down by friendly forces that I defeated."
Meanwhile, over at Xia Chuyi’s place.
In Ling County, there’s a custom of visiting the graves on the first day of the New Year.
Thus, early in the morning, Uncle Xia and the others hurried back to their old home.
After placing the offerings on Daddy Xia’s grave, Xia Chuyi asked Xia Chengzong to lead the two youngsters in bowing before Daddy Xia.
She also took the opportunity to convey to Daddy Xia the events of the past year.
To avoid bumping into others, after visiting Daddy Xia’s grave, Xia Chuyi and her group quickly left their old home and returned to Ling County.
Next on the agenda was visiting relatives.
There weren’t many relatives left for the Zhao family by Uncle Xia’s side, mainly just some friends.
As for the Xia Family side, Xia Chuyi didn’t plan to interact with those people, so she stayed at home to help Uncle Xia entertain the guests.
However, on the fifth day, an unexpected guest arrived at their home.
Mother Xia, accompanied by Xia Lan, suddenly arrived in Ling County.
"Sister, why have you come?" Uncle Xia, seeing his sister and Xia Lan by her side, looked quite displeased.
Mother Xia, who was rather slow in these matters, didn’t seem to notice Uncle Xia’s displeasure at all.
"Brother, I didn’t mean to trouble you. It’s just Er Lan. Er Lan hasn’t been back in a long time and wanted to wish you a Happy New Year, but felt awkward coming alone. So, I brought her along," Mother Xia said affectionately, looking at Xia Lan while speaking to her brother.
Meanwhile, Aunt Xia’s expression grew increasingly ugly.
"By the way, how has Chengzong been doing lately?" After talking about Xia Lan, Mother Xia caringly inquired about Xia Chengzong.
Xia Chengzong looked somewhat embarrassed.