Jiaxing nodded. "That’s possible, after all, Uncle Guocheng is in the prime of his life, and it wouldn’t do to delay him getting married and having children." As he spoke, Jiaxing’s tone shifted. "However, such matters can’t be one-sided, right? It has to be mutual. Forcing two people who don’t like each other together—that’s just making things difficult, isn’t it?"
"Mr. Gao is right," Zhonghong nodded in agreement, showing some respect for Jiaxing’s opinion.
Soon, Mr. Gao and Guoqing returned home one after another, and everyone was quite surprised to see Jiaxing and Xuegang there.
But once they understood Jiaxing and Xuegang’s intentions, they all agreed—except for Guoqing’s wife. The Gao family genuinely didn’t wish for Guocheng to remain a bachelor for life.
Guoqing’s wife was mainly considering her own interests. The house was only so big; if Guocheng were to get married and have children, it meant that he might end up occupying almost half of it.
Naturally, Guoqing’s wife was not pleased. If Guocheng remained single and took up just one room, it wouldn’t matter.
Of course, she wouldn’t mind if Guocheng married and moved out to build his own home—as long as he didn’t compete with them for the house.
Jiaxing sat at Guoqing’s house for a good while before leaving. Now that things were settled, he could report back to Xia Xiao.
Xia Xiao had thought that Jiaxing would discuss things with Guoqiang and let Guoqiang intervene, but to her surprise, Jiaxing went directly to Guocheng.
However, Jiaxing said, "That Zhonghong, keep an eye on her. Does she have feelings for Uncle Guocheng? We’re discussing private matters, and she, a stranger, is so concerned, frequently interrupting. If I didn’t know she was newly arrived as an ’educated youth,’ I might suspect she has some relation to Uncle Guocheng."
Xia Xiao was startled—Zhonghong and Guocheng? Was that possible? Probably not. Thɪs chapter is updated by novel✶fire.net
Then, Xia Xiao revealed Zhonghong’s identity to Jiaxing, which she had previously hidden, mainly for Yuhua’s sake.
Now realizing that neither Zhonghong nor Yuhua knew, Xia Xiao chose to stay silent. With Zhonghong’s temperament, she might well let the whole production team know, making Yuhua uncomfortable.
"You mean the Suns want to set up Sister-in-law with Zhonghong’s father?" Jiaxing asked.
Xia Xiao nodded, "Yes, once Yuhua asked me to go to their house, and when I went there, I just missed her elder brother. The second time I went back, my second uncle was being framed by Liang Wei and Xia Yan, and my aunt was hospitalized after being pushed down the stairs by Luo Su’e. When I went to the hospital, I happened to meet Yuhua’s elder brother talking to a middle-aged man, and I overheard their conversation."
Jiaxing said, "Don’t let this out."
Xia Xiao nodded, "Don’t worry, I’ve only told you. I did mention it to Yuhua before but didn’t bring up Zhonghong’s identity."
"Keeping it to yourself is right. Less talking, less trouble. You never know what might happen," Jiaxing also hoped for peace at home and didn’t want things stirred up when he wasn’t around.
"I was considering this too, which is why I kept quiet," Xia Xiao replied.
Jiaxing hugged Xia Xiao and kissed her, saying, "I’m not home, so keep an eye on things. Dad’s always busy with the collective farm, and mom can’t sit still, always busy inside and out. She helps at the big mess hall and has to take care of Weilin too. As for elder brother and sister-in-law’s concerns, don’t worry about them; let them be. Don’t stress about sister-in-law either; brother knows his limits."
Xia Xiao nodded, "Don’t worry, I’ll take care of things at home."
"However, about your sister-in-law, don’t just go along with everything she wants. People can take advantage," Jiaxing advised. "If you’re too accommodating with her, you and mom will end up bearing the brunt."
If Yuhua had been more reliable, Jiaxing wouldn’t have had to say this, but knowing her tendency to make troubles, he didn’t want Xia Xiao to suffer.
Xia Xiao smiled, "Alright, I understand. I won’t be overly accommodating to Yuhua."
"And Yuhua is getting more sensible now," Xia Xiao added. "She’s started to help mom with work and is learning to care for Weilin. It’s a good start."
"That’s why you should not be too accommodating or indulgent with her," Jiaxing cautioned.
"Don’t think too much. Yuhua will come around eventually," Xia Xiao reassured, though she felt unsure inside.
If the Suns were to fall on hard times, Yuhua might come to terms with reality, but as long as they were doing well, she wouldn’t be content.
"Let’s not talk about their issues anymore. Let’s rest," Jiaxing patted Xia Xiao’s hair.
Xia Xiao nodded and lay down to sleep with Jiaxing.
Over at the He family, as soon as Xuegang returned, Shengmei immediately asked him how it went.
Xuegang looked at Meihua and asked, "How are things on your end?"
"I was just about to head out when you came back," Meihua replied.
"Don’t go," Xuegang said.
He then told his family, "When I went to see my uncle, I ran into Jiaxing and that matter was settled. Mom, don’t worry anymore. Grandpa and my older uncle both support my younger uncle getting married, so you can set your mind at ease."
He Hongjun nodded in response and told Shengmei, "You should stay out of Guocheng’s affairs."
Shengmei pouted, visibly upset, and turned to Xuegang, "What about your uncle then? What does he think?"
"He didn’t say much," Xuegang replied.
Shengmei unhappily said, "If he didn’t say much, that means he agrees. Did he say if he’s taken a liking to anyone?"
Xuegang shook his head and added, "Mom, what’s the deal with Zhonghong?"
"What about Zhonghong? I arranged for her to go there," Shengmei said.
"You arranged for Zhonghong to go to grandpa’s place?" Xuegang raised an eyebrow.
"Yes," Shengmei continued, "You might not know, but Zhonghong’s father is quite influential. If it weren’t for the lack of space at home, I would have liked to have Zhonghong stay with us."
Shengmei and Xuegang discussed Zhonghong further, not necessarily to befriend her, considering Yang He’s influence was in S City, not here.
Shengmei just didn’t want Zhonghong to stay in the dormitory Xia Xiao used to, becoming too close with Xia Xiao and her group and unable to arrange for her at her own home, so she placed her in her parents’ home.
"That Zhonghong is acting like the lady of the house," Xuegang remarked.
Shengmei laughed, "That’s a good thing. When I arranged for her to go there, I was thinking she and Guangming are about the same age, they might get along well."
With his mother’s intentions clarified, Xuegang nodded in understanding.